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Offsides #2
Square to the Puck: Offsides, Book 2
Corwin Sanhover could almost convince himself that the night six years ago didn't happen. But when Nigel St. James is traded to South Carolina, it becomes a lot harder to keep their history in the past.
Nigel St. James can't imagine a team he'd like to play for less than South Carolina, and he knows Corwin probably feels the same. But when things between them become friendly, it's clear that they both still want each other now, just as they did back then.
Is it possible to start fresh and build a relationship, or are some things—and people—better left in the past?
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Nigel St. James can't imagine a team he'd like to play for less than South Carolina, and he knows Corwin probably feels the same. But when things between them become friendly, it's clear that they both still want each other now, just as they did back then.
Is it possible to start fresh and build a relationship, or are some things—and people—better left in the past?
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
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Published November 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
April 2, 2024
I detest time jumps where the relationship progression happens off page! What is the point?? I just can't get invested in characters when they do all their growing and problem solving off page. What am I supposed to connect with, empathise with or feel emotional about?
Again there are loose ends and plot points that go nowhere. The unresolved plot points from book one weren't even mentioned and now there's even more left unfinished.
Why make such a big deal about Corwin's parents and have them randomly turn up if nothing comes from it... It could easily have been a conversation between the two instead without having to subject the MC to more abuse and attempted coercion, and the impact would have been more emotional. The way it was briefly discussed after and then completely forgotten left me so confused.
Why angst over Nigel's future so much when it's resolved instantly in a conversation that lasts a fraction of the time a sex scene does?
I really hate when so much time is given to sex scenes and then the emotional and logistical parts of a relationship are just mentioned in passing. There just wasn't anywhere near enough balance between the sexual side of the relationship and the emotional side for me.
I really want to like these books because the characters are interesting, but I just don't like the way time skips, the loose ends, and the lack of growth in the characters 😤
Again there are loose ends and plot points that go nowhere. The unresolved plot points from book one weren't even mentioned and now there's even more left unfinished.
Why make such a big deal about Corwin's parents and have them randomly turn up if nothing comes from it... It could easily have been a conversation between the two instead without having to subject the MC to more abuse and attempted coercion, and the impact would have been more emotional. The way it was briefly discussed after and then completely forgotten left me so confused.
Why angst over Nigel's future so much when it's resolved instantly in a conversation that lasts a fraction of the time a sex scene does?
I really hate when so much time is given to sex scenes and then the emotional and logistical parts of a relationship are just mentioned in passing. There just wasn't anywhere near enough balance between the sexual side of the relationship and the emotional side for me.
I really want to like these books because the characters are interesting, but I just don't like the way time skips, the loose ends, and the lack of growth in the characters 😤
January 27, 2024
Similar issues to the first book in the series, strong main characters but they got together quite quickly and there wasn’t much else to the story to make it last that long.
For an ice hockey romance between two NHL players there wasn’t a lot of ice hockey. The implication that Nigel had potentially another 5 years left to play at 34??
At one point Nigel is described as having brown skin, at other points it’s olive and he’s Canadian and speaks French but we don’t know where abouts he’s from or what his ethnicity is. I think if you’re going to attempt to write bipoc character it shouldn’t be this vague.
The sex scenes were ok but the progression of their sex life was odd to say the least.
Dialogue in this book still wasn’t correctly punctuated like book 1 which just ruined the flow. Story would be been better with more editing and some actual obstacles to overcome.
For an ice hockey romance between two NHL players there wasn’t a lot of ice hockey. The implication that Nigel had potentially another 5 years left to play at 34??
At one point Nigel is described as having brown skin, at other points it’s olive and he’s Canadian and speaks French but we don’t know where abouts he’s from or what his ethnicity is. I think if you’re going to attempt to write bipoc character it shouldn’t be this vague.
The sex scenes were ok but the progression of their sex life was odd to say the least.
Dialogue in this book still wasn’t correctly punctuated like book 1 which just ruined the flow. Story would be been better with more editing and some actual obstacles to overcome.
dnf
March 16, 2025time of death: first chapter
I wanted to read this in order, but I can’t stand age gaps when one of the main characters is less than twenty one/ twenty two years old. In this book, you start following a hockey player who is twenty-eight, who finds the new player hot, even though he really doesn’t want to because the kid is eighteen. I get that the story is going to take place six years after ‘that night’, when they’ll be 24 and 34, but I’m really awful at separating fiction from reality when it comes to age gaps.
↬Offsides:
1. Changing the Game: 2 stars
2. Square the Puck: dnf
3. Between the Pipes: not read
4. From coast to coast: 2.5 stars
↬ SCU Hockey series:
1. Shots on Net: 4.25 stars
2. Save the Game: 3.5 stars
I wanted to read this in order, but I can’t stand age gaps when one of the main characters is less than twenty one/ twenty two years old. In this book, you start following a hockey player who is twenty-eight, who finds the new player hot, even though he really doesn’t want to because the kid is eighteen. I get that the story is going to take place six years after ‘that night’, when they’ll be 24 and 34, but I’m really awful at separating fiction from reality when it comes to age gaps.
↬Offsides:
1. Changing the Game: 2 stars
2. Square the Puck: dnf
3. Between the Pipes: not read
4. From coast to coast: 2.5 stars
↬ SCU Hockey series:
1. Shots on Net: 4.25 stars
2. Save the Game: 3.5 stars
February 16, 2024
All I did was root for these two. They are perfect. Nigel was so intuitive when it came to Corwin and that was so attractive.
Corwin made me melt for him over and over, and Nigel, that man 🥵 It’s been some time since I’ve crushed so hard on two characters.
”Corwin Sanhover is a national fucking treasure.”
He truly is.
This was so much better than the first book. Read when you need no angst. Moving on to Lawson’s book.
4.5 stars
Corwin made me melt for him over and over, and Nigel, that man 🥵 It’s been some time since I’ve crushed so hard on two characters.
”Corwin Sanhover is a national fucking treasure.”
He truly is.
This was so much better than the first book. Read when you need no angst. Moving on to Lawson’s book.
4.5 stars
January 21, 2025
I’m annoyed about the flaws in this book because the characters are just so good.
However, there’s still plot lines left unfinished ontop of plot lines left unfinished from book one. Plots are introduced and never used. The sex progression for a virgin character was…a choice. The age gap was an ick.
What do these people even look like? So many descriptors without actually describing the characters. A ton of the relationship development happens off page…why? What’s the point?
The resolutions to certain “issues” were glossed over or rushed, with characters making big decisions they never even thought about before.
I think it is obvious this is a novice writer with great ideas and fantastic characters, but the stories need some work.
However, there’s still plot lines left unfinished ontop of plot lines left unfinished from book one. Plots are introduced and never used. The sex progression for a virgin character was…a choice. The age gap was an ick.
What do these people even look like? So many descriptors without actually describing the characters. A ton of the relationship development happens off page…why? What’s the point?
The resolutions to certain “issues” were glossed over or rushed, with characters making big decisions they never even thought about before.
I think it is obvious this is a novice writer with great ideas and fantastic characters, but the stories need some work.
January 7, 2026
It was a bit better than the previous one. However, the author still keeps making the same mistakes; there are so many random time jumps, somehow the relationship between the MCs grows, but we barely see it, some weird plot points are introduced, and nothing happens.
Still, I want to read Lawson’s book, so I guess that’s on me for continuing.
Still, I want to read Lawson’s book, so I guess that’s on me for continuing.
March 17, 2025
4.5⭐️
I loved this one much better than the first book. It was sweet and angsty, just how I like them! Corwin really touched my heart and Saint was the perfect supportive partner he could find. They fit so well together. I really enjoyed their story.
And I loved that we got a sneak peek of Tony and Coach Mackenzie at the end!! I’m so excited to read their story, it sounds so fun already!!
I loved this one much better than the first book. It was sweet and angsty, just how I like them! Corwin really touched my heart and Saint was the perfect supportive partner he could find. They fit so well together. I really enjoyed their story.
And I loved that we got a sneak peek of Tony and Coach Mackenzie at the end!! I’m so excited to read their story, it sounds so fun already!!
November 9, 2024
Było lepiej niż w tomie 1 - chłopaki były wciąż słodkie i urocze, ale coś się działo. Może nie jakoś specjalnie, ale jednak coś 😁
Jednak autor/autorka (nie wiem, przepraszam 😞) ma spory problem z rozpoczynaniem jakiegoś wątku i nie kończeniem go. Tutaj chociażby z ojcem Corwina. Wiemy, że to kawał przemocowego i homofobicznego palanta, że Corwin nie potrafi mu się przeciwstawić, choć stara się go unikać ze wszystkich sił. Przez niego boi się jakiegokolwiek związku, emocji, bliskości, nawet dotyku. Jednak w pewnym momencie ojciec po prostu jakby wyparował - Corwin robi to, co mu serducho dyktuje, już się nie boi. Nie ma żadnej reakcji ojca, żadnej konfrontacji, nic. Po prostu jakby sprawy nie było. W 1 tomie też się tak było.
Poza tym świat jest tam bardzo prosty - problem bądź jego zalążek najczęściej rozwiązuje jedna rozmowa, bohaterowie podejmują jakąś decyzję dotyczącą ich życia uczuciowego i praktycznie natychmiast wcielają ją w życie - z pozytywnym oczywiście skutkiem 💪
Dodatkowo zakończenia - jakby czegoś brakowało, jakby się urywało. Zaś epilogi są zupełnie niesatysfakcjonujące, bo tak naprawdę nie dotyczą bohaterów, tylko tego, co ma się wydarzyć w tomie następnym.
Ale przyznaję, że ten tom czytało mi się lepiej.
To idę dalej zobaczyć, czy kolejna historia też jest taka 😉
Jednak autor/autorka (nie wiem, przepraszam 😞) ma spory problem z rozpoczynaniem jakiegoś wątku i nie kończeniem go. Tutaj chociażby z ojcem Corwina. Wiemy, że to kawał przemocowego i homofobicznego palanta, że Corwin nie potrafi mu się przeciwstawić, choć stara się go unikać ze wszystkich sił. Przez niego boi się jakiegokolwiek związku, emocji, bliskości, nawet dotyku. Jednak w pewnym momencie ojciec po prostu jakby wyparował - Corwin robi to, co mu serducho dyktuje, już się nie boi. Nie ma żadnej reakcji ojca, żadnej konfrontacji, nic. Po prostu jakby sprawy nie było. W 1 tomie też się tak było.
Poza tym świat jest tam bardzo prosty - problem bądź jego zalążek najczęściej rozwiązuje jedna rozmowa, bohaterowie podejmują jakąś decyzję dotyczącą ich życia uczuciowego i praktycznie natychmiast wcielają ją w życie - z pozytywnym oczywiście skutkiem 💪
Dodatkowo zakończenia - jakby czegoś brakowało, jakby się urywało. Zaś epilogi są zupełnie niesatysfakcjonujące, bo tak naprawdę nie dotyczą bohaterów, tylko tego, co ma się wydarzyć w tomie następnym.
Ale przyznaję, że ten tom czytało mi się lepiej.
To idę dalej zobaczyć, czy kolejna historia też jest taka 😉
September 17, 2024
3.5 stars.
You know that feeling when you start to like a story more and more and then comes the ending and it leaves you feeling disappointed? That's me with this book.
Everything till the ending was working so well for me,Nigel and Corwin were the most healthy and balanced couple I've read in a long time and I adored that they talked every time a problem come up instead of letting them pile up.
The progress of their relationship was slow paced enough for me to really feel the connection and chemistry between them and I loved that they started the relationship with feelings first and that sex was not the most important thing for them.
But when they finally did have sex the scenes were so vanilla and romantic that you could feel the love and respect between them.
Nigel was a character that really surprised me,he was so patient and so understanding of Corwin and I really grew to like him a lot more than I anticipated.
I just wish we spent a little more time developing his past and him as a character,at times it felt like the book was only about Corwin.
Corwin was such a soft guy,I loved his journey in learning to finally accept himself and to stop caring what other people think about him,his development throughout the book was really done well(he had such a horrible family).
The friendships in this were more developed and we really get to see the bond between Corwin,Anthony and Troy,it was such a beautiful one.
Found family trope done right.
And now we get to the ending....I didn't like how Nigel had to give up his dream for love.
I think it was very unrealistic since they didn't know each other all that well and their relationship was still new,they could have at least tried long distance relationship first before thinking of trying something else.
It just rubbed me the wrong way for him to just kick his career that he worked his whole life to the curb just for a relationship that was so very new.
In the end this book was definitely better than the first one but the ending was very rushed and unrealistic in a story that was till then realistic enough.
On to the next book .
You know that feeling when you start to like a story more and more and then comes the ending and it leaves you feeling disappointed? That's me with this book.
Everything till the ending was working so well for me,Nigel and Corwin were the most healthy and balanced couple I've read in a long time and I adored that they talked every time a problem come up instead of letting them pile up.
The progress of their relationship was slow paced enough for me to really feel the connection and chemistry between them and I loved that they started the relationship with feelings first and that sex was not the most important thing for them.
But when they finally did have sex the scenes were so vanilla and romantic that you could feel the love and respect between them.
Nigel was a character that really surprised me,he was so patient and so understanding of Corwin and I really grew to like him a lot more than I anticipated.
I just wish we spent a little more time developing his past and him as a character,at times it felt like the book was only about Corwin.
Corwin was such a soft guy,I loved his journey in learning to finally accept himself and to stop caring what other people think about him,his development throughout the book was really done well(he had such a horrible family).
The friendships in this were more developed and we really get to see the bond between Corwin,Anthony and Troy,it was such a beautiful one.
Found family trope done right.
And now we get to the ending....I didn't like how Nigel had to give up his dream for love.
I think it was very unrealistic since they didn't know each other all that well and their relationship was still new,they could have at least tried long distance relationship first before thinking of trying something else.
It just rubbed me the wrong way for him to just kick his career that he worked his whole life to the curb just for a relationship that was so very new.
In the end this book was definitely better than the first one but the ending was very rushed and unrealistic in a story that was till then realistic enough.
On to the next book .
July 28, 2025
I thought Troy was a sweetheart, but damn, Corwin really stole my heart 😩💕
September 7, 2024
4.5
I absolutely adored this book. My favourite J.J. Mulder romance to date!
Nigel and Corwin stole my whole freaking heart. Both of them are fantastic MCs: I wanted to jump into the book to wrap Corwin up in blankets, and I also wanted to jump into the book to climb Nigel like a tree. That man is a freaking dreamboat: protective, devoted, funny, respectful... WHERE DO I SIGN UP.
I loved them so so so much together. Their relationship had the most perfect slow-burn arc, and I adored how good they were at communicating (well, Nigel was! Corwin was a bit of an insecure mess, but we love him for that too 🩷)
The only thing I was missing was a bit of closure when it came to their future, and also Cor's dad. I wanted some comeuppance 😡
But yeah, apart from that...
I adored the group interactions, and I cannot wait to dive into Nico and Anthony's novel.
I'm diving into it ASAP.
TWs/CWs: physical abuse, emotional abuse.
I absolutely adored this book. My favourite J.J. Mulder romance to date!
Nigel and Corwin stole my whole freaking heart. Both of them are fantastic MCs: I wanted to jump into the book to wrap Corwin up in blankets, and I also wanted to jump into the book to climb Nigel like a tree. That man is a freaking dreamboat: protective, devoted, funny, respectful... WHERE DO I SIGN UP.
I loved them so so so much together. Their relationship had the most perfect slow-burn arc, and I adored how good they were at communicating (well, Nigel was! Corwin was a bit of an insecure mess, but we love him for that too 🩷)
The only thing I was missing was a bit of closure when it came to their future, and also Cor's dad. I wanted some comeuppance 😡
But yeah, apart from that...
I adored the group interactions, and I cannot wait to dive into Nico and Anthony's novel.
I'm diving into it ASAP.
TWs/CWs: physical abuse, emotional abuse.
March 6, 2024
4.5/5. This was so fun and so sweet! I'm blown away by how much I loved this book. Corwin is a delight. I couldn't be more obsessed with him. He's so sweet and innocent and kind and charming. He's always putting others first. And his family? I could murder them. No one mistreats my sweet Corwin!! And Nigel? Talk about a redemption. I adore him. He just jumps all in even though Corwin is so hesitant and I love him for it. He never pushes too far and his main goal is keep Corwin comfortable and happy. They are perfect together. It was so fun to watch Corwin slowly open up, try new things, and let Nigel in. I loved seeing Troy, Sam, and Lawson, too. The issues with Corwin's family added some extra conflict, which kept me unable to put down the book. The only thing missing is a little more of an ending. I suspect I'll get some more Corwin and Nigel content in the next book, but I'm curious if they ever come out or date publicly. Also I just want more! 3/5 spice levels.
Notes: virgin MC, teammates, second chance, villain redemption, found family, family issues, family trauma, simply the sweetest shit known to man
Notes: virgin MC, teammates, second chance, villain redemption, found family, family issues, family trauma, simply the sweetest shit known to man
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June 8, 2024okay idk what to rate it because i DNFed it at like 12%.
TW: sexual assault (SA)
i just want to emphasize that i almost NEVER DNF books. i am part of the /push myself until i make it/ club, as unhealthy as that is. and normally when i do stop reading at 10%, it's bc i'm not in the mood and i keep the book on hand so i can come back to it later.
this wasn't a case of mood.
i really liked the previous book. the characters were adorable.
but here —
i just HATED how the SA was handled here. within the first 10 pages of the book!
first thing that made me super uncomfortable: Nigel jumping on an 18-y teenager while being almost 30 himself. i didn't like the implication that just bc Corwin *technically* wasn't a minor (he just turned 18) it was okay for Nigel — who was almost 30yo?!! — to pounce on him, KNOWING he's just 18. it vaguely grossed me out. i don't mind a big age gap romance (tho i don't prefer it) but at least make them BOTH actual adults.
and second, the way Corwin's SA was glossed over —. i didn't know the definition of SA is so subjective? the way Nigel actually couldn't "hear" Corwin's MULTIPLE NOs "over his pounding heart" while they were making out until Corwin had to force him away? that's SA. doesn't matter why Corwin was saying NO. Nigel didn't know the reason, and he didn't need to in order to stop. i felt SO icked out during the scene.
BUT Nigel actually realized his mistake immediately and regretted assualting Corwin and there was some miscommunication there blah blah and he apologized for it (as he should) but then...Corwin just brushed off his apology like nothing happened?? and that's where my problem lies. i am all for characters growing and being given second chances (that's why second chance romances are my favorite) but in this, the fact that SA was actually glossed over by Corwin himself without getting the kind of importance and acknowledgement or conversation it should be getting seemed to be completely invalidating the very REAL experiences of people who've faced this exact situation and considered that assualt. bc it IS. if someone tells you NO multiple times and you keep kissing them until they finally have to push you away forcefully....what else do you call it?
the way the assualt was okayed perpetuates SUCH a harmful notion. and again, i liked Nigel for realizing that he did assualt him and regretting it but my issue was with Corwin being so dismissive about it. the author being so dismissive about it in general.
and okay, sure let's go with Corwin didn't think it was SA, so it wasn't SA. but then...why portray it as an SA in the first place?? why would you INCLUDE a graphic SA scene?? what PURPOSE does a GRAPHIC SA scene serve in this plot?? just to show why they needed the second-chance trope? that's extremely not okay imo. there was literally NO need to detail the scene in such a triggering, assualting way, because you are risking the emotional safety of your readers by doing this.
and there was NO need to portray that scene as an SA and portray Nigel as an assualter and then have him end up as the HERO of the story with the person he assualted. yes, i love growth in a character...but...god, the thought of someone ending up with their assualter physically makes me want to barf. it's just one step away from a rapist marrying the person they raped. it sets a dangerous precedent imo.
i honestly did not expect this dealt in this way and i didn't read until the end to find out if they have any more conversations about it in the future. but someone told me they didn't, so yeah. this was just badly handled.
TW: sexual assault (SA)
i just want to emphasize that i almost NEVER DNF books. i am part of the /push myself until i make it/ club, as unhealthy as that is. and normally when i do stop reading at 10%, it's bc i'm not in the mood and i keep the book on hand so i can come back to it later.
this wasn't a case of mood.
i really liked the previous book. the characters were adorable.
but here —
i just HATED how the SA was handled here. within the first 10 pages of the book!
first thing that made me super uncomfortable: Nigel jumping on an 18-y teenager while being almost 30 himself. i didn't like the implication that just bc Corwin *technically* wasn't a minor (he just turned 18) it was okay for Nigel — who was almost 30yo?!! — to pounce on him, KNOWING he's just 18. it vaguely grossed me out. i don't mind a big age gap romance (tho i don't prefer it) but at least make them BOTH actual adults.
and second, the way Corwin's SA was glossed over —. i didn't know the definition of SA is so subjective? the way Nigel actually couldn't "hear" Corwin's MULTIPLE NOs "over his pounding heart" while they were making out until Corwin had to force him away? that's SA. doesn't matter why Corwin was saying NO. Nigel didn't know the reason, and he didn't need to in order to stop. i felt SO icked out during the scene.
BUT Nigel actually realized his mistake immediately and regretted assualting Corwin and there was some miscommunication there blah blah and he apologized for it (as he should) but then...Corwin just brushed off his apology like nothing happened?? and that's where my problem lies. i am all for characters growing and being given second chances (that's why second chance romances are my favorite) but in this, the fact that SA was actually glossed over by Corwin himself without getting the kind of importance and acknowledgement or conversation it should be getting seemed to be completely invalidating the very REAL experiences of people who've faced this exact situation and considered that assualt. bc it IS. if someone tells you NO multiple times and you keep kissing them until they finally have to push you away forcefully....what else do you call it?
the way the assualt was okayed perpetuates SUCH a harmful notion. and again, i liked Nigel for realizing that he did assualt him and regretting it but my issue was with Corwin being so dismissive about it. the author being so dismissive about it in general.
and okay, sure let's go with Corwin didn't think it was SA, so it wasn't SA. but then...why portray it as an SA in the first place?? why would you INCLUDE a graphic SA scene?? what PURPOSE does a GRAPHIC SA scene serve in this plot?? just to show why they needed the second-chance trope? that's extremely not okay imo. there was literally NO need to detail the scene in such a triggering, assualting way, because you are risking the emotional safety of your readers by doing this.
and there was NO need to portray that scene as an SA and portray Nigel as an assualter and then have him end up as the HERO of the story with the person he assualted. yes, i love growth in a character...but...god, the thought of someone ending up with their assualter physically makes me want to barf. it's just one step away from a rapist marrying the person they raped. it sets a dangerous precedent imo.
i honestly did not expect this dealt in this way and i didn't read until the end to find out if they have any more conversations about it in the future. but someone told me they didn't, so yeah. this was just badly handled.
January 5, 2026
like idk i’m just kinda bored?? Cor’s backstory was sad and yk empathy for the guy but these just aren’t DOING IT for me ugh
February 29, 2024
Uggghhhh
This author creates great characters and then doesn't expand on them. They create great words, but don't create deeper plots. The great characters are why I wanted to read about Corwin and why I'll read about Lawson next unfortunately. I imagine I'll still be left unsatisfied like did from the first book; that these great characters who hint at beautiful depths are just left stunted. Don't get me started on the stupid time jump at 92%! Arrrrrgh once again we'll just let shit dangle in the dark 🤦♀️ It's infuriating! No dad closure either. It's so fucking stupid and the next book will be the same, but I have to witness Lawson's bi awakening. I'm an idiot.
This author creates great characters and then doesn't expand on them. They create great words, but don't create deeper plots. The great characters are why I wanted to read about Corwin and why I'll read about Lawson next unfortunately. I imagine I'll still be left unsatisfied like did from the first book; that these great characters who hint at beautiful depths are just left stunted. Don't get me started on the stupid time jump at 92%! Arrrrrgh once again we'll just let shit dangle in the dark 🤦♀️ It's infuriating! No dad closure either. It's so fucking stupid and the next book will be the same, but I have to witness Lawson's bi awakening. I'm an idiot.
August 28, 2024
This book felt incomplete and unbalanced. Issues that were deemed important, were suddenly...not. Sleeping fully clothed was much more important to many other issues and it all fizzled out in the end. I've read this storyline before and this instalment did not measure up.
November 14, 2025
The way I love Nigel and Corwin (QUEER RECOGNIZES QUEER BABY) should be studied. These two are perfect and I’ll hear no slander on their names.
November 3, 2024
I looooved both Nigel and Corwin but there were a few inconsistencies with the plot and I couldn’t look past them.
Their relationship and love was adorable but all of the “angsty” problems either got resolved within seconds or were not resolved at all. Nigel decided to retire in 0.2 seconds even though he loved hockey? He was also described as having brown skin and then olive skin so I had a hard time picturing him.
Corwin was so cute. He seemed very serious in the previous books so it was nice to see him being playful and carefree!
Also the ending fell flat for me. The story didn’t seem quite finished. I would have liked to see Corwin deal with his parents in some way.
I’m salivating for Tony and Nico tho😌
Their relationship and love was adorable but all of the “angsty” problems either got resolved within seconds or were not resolved at all. Nigel decided to retire in 0.2 seconds even though he loved hockey? He was also described as having brown skin and then olive skin so I had a hard time picturing him.
Corwin was so cute. He seemed very serious in the previous books so it was nice to see him being playful and carefree!
Also the ending fell flat for me. The story didn’t seem quite finished. I would have liked to see Corwin deal with his parents in some way.
I’m salivating for Tony and Nico tho😌
January 7, 2026
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this more than the first.
Loved the characters and their sweet relationship.
I hate confusing time skips. No indication that time has passed except a random sentence like “it’s been a few months of us doing this”. Like wow ok I had no clue it had been several months lol.
Also the end was so abrupt. So many plot lines that are dropped and never mentioned again? The epilogue is more about the couple for book 3. I feel like my book is missing the final chapter lol.
Still planning to continue this series and perhaps the SCU series.
I enjoyed this more than the first.
Loved the characters and their sweet relationship.
I hate confusing time skips. No indication that time has passed except a random sentence like “it’s been a few months of us doing this”. Like wow ok I had no clue it had been several months lol.
Also the end was so abrupt. So many plot lines that are dropped and never mentioned again? The epilogue is more about the couple for book 3. I feel like my book is missing the final chapter lol.
Still planning to continue this series and perhaps the SCU series.
Read
December 6, 2025Mmmm como que me caen los dos muy bien pero me han dado nada 🥲
Aunque Cor le amo, quiero que me cocine.
Aunque Cor le amo, quiero que me cocine.
December 19, 2025
4.5/10
How did an enemies to lovers get fumbled this bad??
Okay, maybe it wasn’t enemies to lovers, but there was surely supposed to be tension. I noted a whisper of tension that lasted a handful of chapters but then poof- all happy! I want them to yearnnnn and be desperate!!! And maybe a little miserable, too.
I enjoyed the dynamic that Nigel & Corwin had at the start- the tension / anxiety / weirdness that lingered after their last encounter was interesting. I also think it could have been stretched out more- lean into corwin’s reluctance and Nigel’s fear of hurting him / making the same mistake again.
Plot of corwin’s parents was so minimally explored it felt almost pointless to include.
Ending pissed me off if I’m being honest. I liked that Nigel didn’t get an offer from South Carolina but I did not like that he chose to retire. Here’s what I think should have happened: bump this whole part further up into the book by cutting out some of the middle plot that occurs. Nigel takes the offer from LA and moves there. Him and Corwin do long distance but it’s hard and messy and they end up breaking up halfway through the season. They’re both miserable and we see this. After being broken up for 6ish months Nigel makes the choice that this simply isn’t worth it and he would way rather end his career than continue living without Corwin. THEN he retires and moves back to South Carolina and starts coaching. Same end point just more tension, angst, and yearning to get there. Also feels less like Nigel is just giving up on himself for his boyfriend of 6 months.
Another thing I’ll say about these books is the passage of time makes no sense to me. At one point they were like “yeah it’s been months” and I was like I would have guessed 17 days max.
I liked that Corwin was a clueless virgin. Fun!
How did an enemies to lovers get fumbled this bad??
Okay, maybe it wasn’t enemies to lovers, but there was surely supposed to be tension. I noted a whisper of tension that lasted a handful of chapters but then poof- all happy! I want them to yearnnnn and be desperate!!! And maybe a little miserable, too.
I enjoyed the dynamic that Nigel & Corwin had at the start- the tension / anxiety / weirdness that lingered after their last encounter was interesting. I also think it could have been stretched out more- lean into corwin’s reluctance and Nigel’s fear of hurting him / making the same mistake again.
Plot of corwin’s parents was so minimally explored it felt almost pointless to include.
Ending pissed me off if I’m being honest. I liked that Nigel didn’t get an offer from South Carolina but I did not like that he chose to retire. Here’s what I think should have happened: bump this whole part further up into the book by cutting out some of the middle plot that occurs. Nigel takes the offer from LA and moves there. Him and Corwin do long distance but it’s hard and messy and they end up breaking up halfway through the season. They’re both miserable and we see this. After being broken up for 6ish months Nigel makes the choice that this simply isn’t worth it and he would way rather end his career than continue living without Corwin. THEN he retires and moves back to South Carolina and starts coaching. Same end point just more tension, angst, and yearning to get there. Also feels less like Nigel is just giving up on himself for his boyfriend of 6 months.
Another thing I’ll say about these books is the passage of time makes no sense to me. At one point they were like “yeah it’s been months” and I was like I would have guessed 17 days max.
I liked that Corwin was a clueless virgin. Fun!
January 10, 2024
4.5 I think this book is even better than the first one. There is some blunt writing about the effects of domestic abuse on children and how it can continue into adulthood. I had wondered in the first book why Corwin was so self contained with barely shown emotion. The sad reason is revealed in a very well written book. I liked it from the start when it began with Saint meeting a young Corwin in a locker room and having an instant and visceral attraction to him. An attraction he tried to fight with some excellent interior thoughts and a brief physical scene between them, all in the course of just a few hours. I was pleased with such a good start to the story. The plot line jumps to six years later and the momentum did not let up. I was worried that Corwin was ace or had a hangup about physical touch as I wanted these two to be able to get together in a way that was good for both of them. Corwin was almost rigid in his reactions to Saint, whom he calls Nigel.
Saint was so perceptive about following Corwin’s lead and his tentative touches. This is a theme in all their interactions, Saint checking in with Corwin.
It was sad to see Corwin not even knowing how to hug. His parents were the worst and when they came on scene it was chilling to see his reaction to the father. Saint and Lawson were stand up guys for Corwin in that scene.
Saint/Nigel and Corwin were both written with depth, humanity, and humor. Their first sex scene and first time sex for Corwin was so tender and beautifully detailed.
I enjoyed the secret relationship building and the scenes where Corwin told his friends about himself and Nigel. The angst was manageable for me to read and I was surprised when the story ended with such a quick resolution. There is an epilogue, but it mostly sets up the next book, which I will be reading.
*I’m taking off 1/2 star for the spelling mistakes in this and the last book and I think there might have been more than one instance of the wrong name being used.
I cringed at ‘per say’ instead of ‘per se’ being used more than once.
Saint was so perceptive about following Corwin’s lead and his tentative touches. This is a theme in all their interactions, Saint checking in with Corwin.
It was sad to see Corwin not even knowing how to hug. His parents were the worst and when they came on scene it was chilling to see his reaction to the father. Saint and Lawson were stand up guys for Corwin in that scene.
Saint/Nigel and Corwin were both written with depth, humanity, and humor. Their first sex scene and first time sex for Corwin was so tender and beautifully detailed.
I enjoyed the secret relationship building and the scenes where Corwin told his friends about himself and Nigel. The angst was manageable for me to read and I was surprised when the story ended with such a quick resolution. There is an epilogue, but it mostly sets up the next book, which I will be reading.
*I’m taking off 1/2 star for the spelling mistakes in this and the last book and I think there might have been more than one instance of the wrong name being used.
I cringed at ‘per say’ instead of ‘per se’ being used more than once.
June 1, 2024
screaming, crying, throwing up
This book made me insane I don’t even have the words, it hit all my favorite tropes: age gap, hockey players, inexperienced/experienced
It truly was such a tender and soft love story, I loved Corwin from book 1 but now to get in his head and see what he’s been through???? god this boy needed the biggest hug in the world and his dad deserved one million bad things to happen to him.
Nigel was actually the perfect man. He was so kind and so sweet and reassuring to all of Corwin many insecurities. Truly like I could not believe how perfect he was for Corwin and how much Corwin deserved to have someone like that on his side.
“I came into this relationship wanting nothing more than you, however I could have you. The only thing that would make me unhappy in bed is if you weren’t in it.”
^^pls he’s so perfect I can’t
The story itself was just so sweet like there wasn’t a lot of drama is was just two guys falling in love and being there for one another and sometimes that’s exactly the kind of story I need. This series has been very good for my brain and I love this whole world JJ has created !
January 14, 2024
I absolutely adored Corwin and Nigel 😍. They were the sweetest and I loved them together. The way they grew close and fell in love was beautiful.
The only thing bothering me is Corwin’s dad/parents. There is no satisfactory karma. I would have loved some confrontation and Nigel (or more team members) standing up to his father and give him hell and send him away with his tail between his legs. I needed some justice.
I am also not a fan of the epilogue being maily about the next couple. I would have loved some more Corwin&Nigel.
The only thing bothering me is Corwin’s dad/parents. There is no satisfactory karma. I would have loved some confrontation and Nigel (or more team members) standing up to his father and give him hell and send him away with his tail between his legs. I needed some justice.
I am also not a fan of the epilogue being maily about the next couple. I would have loved some more Corwin&Nigel.
January 27, 2024
I think Square To The Puck definitely had a better pace to it than it’s predecessor Changing The Game, and I did enjoy the personalities of Corwin and Nigel more than Sam in the previous book, I think mainly because there was far more exposition in how they felt about one another. A wholesome easy read, and I did enjoy the teaser for Lawson’s eventual story.
January 11, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ rounded down
this couple was mostly vibes and the vibes were immaculate. slight age gap? ✅ v babygirl sad boi? ✅ protective only slightly Quebecois consent king? ✅ slight family drama but it doesn’t infect the plot w silliness? ✅
this couple was mostly vibes and the vibes were immaculate. slight age gap? ✅ v babygirl sad boi? ✅ protective only slightly Quebecois consent king? ✅ slight family drama but it doesn’t infect the plot w silliness? ✅
January 2, 2026
Corwin Sanhover could almost convince himself that the night six years ago didn’t happen. But when Nigel St. James is traded to South Carolina, it becomes a lot harder to keep their history in the past.
Nigel St. James can’t imagine a team he’d like to play for less than South Carolina, and he knows Corwin probably feels the same. But when things between them become friendly, it’s clear that they both still want each other now, the same as they did back then. Is it possible to start fresh and build a relationship, or are some things—and people—better left in the past?
review : I love Corwin and Nigel their relationship is so sweet .
Corwin and Nigel met when Corwin was 18 but Nigel kissed him but freaked out
now they are on the same team
Nigel ends up apologizing for that night
him and Corwin get close and Nigel wants to date Corwin and he tells him that
they go slow but I love how respectful Nigel was since Corwin was a virgin
Corwin family are actually abusive and awful and I felt so bad for him .
Corwin and Nigel hook up and Lawson ends up showing up and Corwin comes out to him and then he wants Nigel to move in so he tells Troy he takes it a little harder cause Troy is gay also .
Nigel doesnt think hes gonna be resigned to south Carolina
Troy and Corwin talk and Troy is gonna ask sam to marry him
Nigel doesnt get resigned and he wants to retire cause if not that would mean leaving Corwin and moving to LA he wants to be a coach .
Nigel St. James can’t imagine a team he’d like to play for less than South Carolina, and he knows Corwin probably feels the same. But when things between them become friendly, it’s clear that they both still want each other now, the same as they did back then. Is it possible to start fresh and build a relationship, or are some things—and people—better left in the past?
review : I love Corwin and Nigel their relationship is so sweet .
Corwin and Nigel met when Corwin was 18 but Nigel kissed him but freaked out
now they are on the same team
Nigel ends up apologizing for that night
him and Corwin get close and Nigel wants to date Corwin and he tells him that
they go slow but I love how respectful Nigel was since Corwin was a virgin
Corwin family are actually abusive and awful and I felt so bad for him .
Corwin and Nigel hook up and Lawson ends up showing up and Corwin comes out to him and then he wants Nigel to move in so he tells Troy he takes it a little harder cause Troy is gay also .
Nigel doesnt think hes gonna be resigned to south Carolina
Troy and Corwin talk and Troy is gonna ask sam to marry him
Nigel doesnt get resigned and he wants to retire cause if not that would mean leaving Corwin and moving to LA he wants to be a coach .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
Everytime I look over at him, I find him already staring at me. "Is there something on my face?" I ask. "No, it's perfect."
Too little drama and low angst for my masochistic heart.
Nigel and Corwin were super cute and sweet but I lost interest and investment early on.
The heart wants what it wants and apparently mine wants my ship to suffer and pine for each other for a little more before the happy ending.
Too little drama and low angst for my masochistic heart.
Nigel and Corwin were super cute and sweet but I lost interest and investment early on.
The heart wants what it wants and apparently mine wants my ship to suffer and pine for each other for a little more before the happy ending.
June 9, 2025
I loved changing the game and I didn't think anyone would replace Troy and Sam but in walked Corwin and Nigel.
JJ Mulder just knows how to write beautiful, wholesome stories and even more beautiful characters. One of my favourite writers Ive come across.
Please if you like ice hockey romance and love MM stories then check out JJ Mulder
Between the pipes is on my kindle and will probably devour that in a day as well 🧡
JJ Mulder just knows how to write beautiful, wholesome stories and even more beautiful characters. One of my favourite writers Ive come across.
Please if you like ice hockey romance and love MM stories then check out JJ Mulder
Between the pipes is on my kindle and will probably devour that in a day as well 🧡
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