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The Last Inch Of Ice: An Enemies to Lovers MM Hockey Romance
Previously published as ‘The Last Inch of Ice’ by Sasha Lewis.
Nazar Rykov has one hate Kaisyn Callahan.
It’s always been easy.
To the world, Callahan is hockey’s prettiest problem—an heir to the league’s empire, a walking scandal wrapped in talent and trouble.
To Nazar, he's the bastard who torpedoed his draft-day dreams.
Being forced onto the same team is its own kind of hell. Their brutal on-ice rivalry bleeds into something too heated to control the moment the gear comes off.
But when one desperate clash goes too far, it's Nazar who slams on the brakes, shattering the moment and sending Kai running. Not just out of the room, but off the team entirely.
Weeks later, he sees the Callahan, wearing the jersey he’s wanted his whole life.
What was a rivalry is now a personal war. Underneath the traded insults and media-fueled hatred, a fierce craving still burns, threatening to consume them both.
Because Nazar has never been merciful about taking what he wants.
A steamy, high-stakes MM hockey romance. This enemies-to-lovers story features hurt/comfort, found family and an unapologetic black cat MC x grumpy MC. STRONG HEA, TWO EPILOGUES. This is the second, expanded edition.
Nazar Rykov has one hate Kaisyn Callahan.
It’s always been easy.
To the world, Callahan is hockey’s prettiest problem—an heir to the league’s empire, a walking scandal wrapped in talent and trouble.
To Nazar, he's the bastard who torpedoed his draft-day dreams.
Being forced onto the same team is its own kind of hell. Their brutal on-ice rivalry bleeds into something too heated to control the moment the gear comes off.
But when one desperate clash goes too far, it's Nazar who slams on the brakes, shattering the moment and sending Kai running. Not just out of the room, but off the team entirely.
Weeks later, he sees the Callahan, wearing the jersey he’s wanted his whole life.
What was a rivalry is now a personal war. Underneath the traded insults and media-fueled hatred, a fierce craving still burns, threatening to consume them both.
Because Nazar has never been merciful about taking what he wants.
A steamy, high-stakes MM hockey romance. This enemies-to-lovers story features hurt/comfort, found family and an unapologetic black cat MC x grumpy MC. STRONG HEA, TWO EPILOGUES. This is the second, expanded edition.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
43 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 18, 2025
This is a beautiful, angsty, slow burn, high payoff story. Nazar has been driven by one thing his entire life, playing hockey. His dream is to join the team that is owned by Doyle Callahan, the man who destroyed his older brother. The only thing standing in his way is Kai, Doyle's son. Most of the world sees him as a hockey nepo baby who never earned his spot. Nazar is forced to play with him, and they reach a truce of sorts, until Kai gets the slot on his father's team that Nazar wanted. There are a lot of stumbles, falls and behind the scenes manipulations that keep this story interesting. I only wish there had been more detail to Doyle's downfall.
November 20, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to make of this at the beginning BUT the more the story progressed the more I become absolutely fascinated with the characters: Bonifazio the cat was hilarious but it was Kai who stole the show. I especially liked the scene with sixth graders showcasing his charisma, magnetic personality and quick witty mind. Like Nazar, I couldn’t tear my eyes from him.
Those two were rather obsessed with each other but took on the angry, hateful approach. They were explosive with each other, pushing and pulling, and it was a very much mutual angst which made all that much more thrilling to read and also madly frustrating as their inability to communicate led to intense misunderstanding and over year long separation filled with aching, raw longing. Often it’s one side dominating the interactions but here it was quite even, you never knew who would take the next step, the next shove, the next kiss. The tension was tantalising, Nazar was falling fast and hard but Kai was close behind too.
I was rather neutral about Nazar, I was curious about his brother’s history though. Whereas Kai picked my interest, he was highly self-destructive, I was itching to know what he was hiding under his mask of blankness and aloofness. His trade left me confused but then it seemed to be it was like self-sabotage and the part about his plot falling apart, losing streak, media scrutiny and his armour being just one more hit ready to collapse, it was a ticking bomb. It was exasperating how they kept coming together and then destroying each tender moment with I guess idiotic pride, ego and immaturity (they are in early 20s), it was a learning curve for them and gosh it dragged on for years, no wonder the book was so darn long.
Kai’s POS father is pure evil and I’m so sick of the rich power hungry sadistic parent trope. I wish authors would drop it, it’s beyond exhausting…
Overall, I was positively surprised, the writing was good, the spice is there a lot but descriptive enough and at times hot in a way that stimulates your imagination (though omg they have such neck fetish), and the hatred between MCs reminded me of my top favourite enemies to lovers M/M novel, this one had similar vibe.
“A man who makes his living on ice, pathologically obsessed with a man made of it.”
“Six years of resentment. A season of raw, unspoken need. All of it compressed into the charged air between them.”
“He bites down. Not hard enough to really hurt, just hard enough to mark. To claim territory he has no right to but claims anyway.”
“The risk is the fuel, a reckless, suicidal high they’re both chasing. Each time, the pattern is the same. Confrontation. Explosion. Frantic physicality.”
“Now everything is complicated. Now there’s this other thing—this want, this need, this connection he doesn’t have words for—that’s hijacked his entire operating system.”
“The inability to act—to take what he wants, to close the distance between wanting and having—is a special kind of torture for a man like him, someone whose entire identity is built on decisive action.”
“I want you fucked every way today.”
“Look at me.” “Please.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Please. Look at me. I’m here.” “I’m right here.”
“I know.”“It’s impossible to get rid of you. Like a fucking curse.”
Damn right.
“The vulnerability of it—of being taken like this, of needing it this badly—leaves him feeling stripped bare in ways that have nothing to do with missing clothes.”
“A soft, gentle press of lips that asks for nothing. No heat, no demand. Just contact. Reassurance. I’m here.”
“In a single silent gesture, he’s taken their ugliest insult and turned it into a symbol of power. Reclaimed the narrative. Made himself untouchable not through denial or deflection, but through complete, fearless ownership.”
“So when it comes to hockey, the first inch of ice is kind of the last inch. The thing everything else is built on.”
“And I’ve loved you for a long time. Because I’m a pathetic, stupid romantic who falls in love with people who hate him.”
“…being good requires effort, requires choosing kindness over rage, requires being strong enough to be gentle.”
Those two were rather obsessed with each other but took on the angry, hateful approach. They were explosive with each other, pushing and pulling, and it was a very much mutual angst which made all that much more thrilling to read and also madly frustrating as their inability to communicate led to intense misunderstanding and over year long separation filled with aching, raw longing. Often it’s one side dominating the interactions but here it was quite even, you never knew who would take the next step, the next shove, the next kiss. The tension was tantalising, Nazar was falling fast and hard but Kai was close behind too.
I was rather neutral about Nazar, I was curious about his brother’s history though. Whereas Kai picked my interest, he was highly self-destructive, I was itching to know what he was hiding under his mask of blankness and aloofness. His trade left me confused but then it seemed to be it was like self-sabotage and the part about his plot falling apart, losing streak, media scrutiny and his armour being just one more hit ready to collapse, it was a ticking bomb. It was exasperating how they kept coming together and then destroying each tender moment with I guess idiotic pride, ego and immaturity (they are in early 20s), it was a learning curve for them and gosh it dragged on for years, no wonder the book was so darn long.
Kai’s POS father is pure evil and I’m so sick of the rich power hungry sadistic parent trope. I wish authors would drop it, it’s beyond exhausting…
Overall, I was positively surprised, the writing was good, the spice is there a lot but descriptive enough and at times hot in a way that stimulates your imagination (though omg they have such neck fetish), and the hatred between MCs reminded me of my top favourite enemies to lovers M/M novel, this one had similar vibe.
“A man who makes his living on ice, pathologically obsessed with a man made of it.”
“Six years of resentment. A season of raw, unspoken need. All of it compressed into the charged air between them.”
“He bites down. Not hard enough to really hurt, just hard enough to mark. To claim territory he has no right to but claims anyway.”
“The risk is the fuel, a reckless, suicidal high they’re both chasing. Each time, the pattern is the same. Confrontation. Explosion. Frantic physicality.”
“Now everything is complicated. Now there’s this other thing—this want, this need, this connection he doesn’t have words for—that’s hijacked his entire operating system.”
“The inability to act—to take what he wants, to close the distance between wanting and having—is a special kind of torture for a man like him, someone whose entire identity is built on decisive action.”
“I want you fucked every way today.”
“Look at me.” “Please.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Please. Look at me. I’m here.” “I’m right here.”
“I know.”“It’s impossible to get rid of you. Like a fucking curse.”
Damn right.
“The vulnerability of it—of being taken like this, of needing it this badly—leaves him feeling stripped bare in ways that have nothing to do with missing clothes.”
“A soft, gentle press of lips that asks for nothing. No heat, no demand. Just contact. Reassurance. I’m here.”
“In a single silent gesture, he’s taken their ugliest insult and turned it into a symbol of power. Reclaimed the narrative. Made himself untouchable not through denial or deflection, but through complete, fearless ownership.”
“So when it comes to hockey, the first inch of ice is kind of the last inch. The thing everything else is built on.”
“And I’ve loved you for a long time. Because I’m a pathetic, stupid romantic who falls in love with people who hate him.”
“…being good requires effort, requires choosing kindness over rage, requires being strong enough to be gentle.”
November 17, 2025
The Last Inch of Ice is an interesting MM hockey romance that actually stands out because of its characters. At the beginning, Nazar and Kai are opponents, who have a disorganized background of resentment and misunderstanding, yet, as the plot progresses, it becomes evident that there is more than meets the eye to it. I was fond of the way the two characters were imperfect and sincere at the same time. It was very gratifying to see them connect once they had cleared their assumptions.
Excessive dependence on miscommunication was the greatest battle that I faced with the book. Plot wise, it is fast but not emotionally as it can be said that they both cannot speak what they think. It is realistic in certain aspects, yet I was at times more frustrated than invested by it. At the end, it was as though the story would end just when the things would have been really good. It gives you a feeling of hope, yet you do not even get to witness their happy ending at all.
Despite that, it was an interesting piece of writing and the chemistry could not be denied. I also liked the interaction between the leads, particularly as they gradually grew to put their guard down. I would certainly read more by Sasha Lewis, and only come to understand going in that this particular one does not bring all the threads together. Even when you like romances that build slow and burn with character centered, with an emotional climax that you will need to fantasize, it is still worth the read.
ARC REVIEW
Excessive dependence on miscommunication was the greatest battle that I faced with the book. Plot wise, it is fast but not emotionally as it can be said that they both cannot speak what they think. It is realistic in certain aspects, yet I was at times more frustrated than invested by it. At the end, it was as though the story would end just when the things would have been really good. It gives you a feeling of hope, yet you do not even get to witness their happy ending at all.
Despite that, it was an interesting piece of writing and the chemistry could not be denied. I also liked the interaction between the leads, particularly as they gradually grew to put their guard down. I would certainly read more by Sasha Lewis, and only come to understand going in that this particular one does not bring all the threads together. Even when you like romances that build slow and burn with character centered, with an emotional climax that you will need to fantasize, it is still worth the read.
ARC REVIEW
November 19, 2025
The Last Inch of Ice is a fierce, fast-paced enemies-to-lovers hockey romance that hooked me from the very first clash. Nazar and Kai are explosive together—volatile, magnetic, and utterly compelling. Their rivalry is sharp enough to cut, fuelled by years of resentment and half-understood history, but what really makes the story shine is how clearly you can feel the longing simmering beneath every insult and collision.
Both men are messy, imperfect, and wonderfully real. Nazar’s grumpy, black-cat intensity pairs beautifully with Kai’s chaotic, wounded bravado, and watching their assumptions slowly crumble is as satisfying as their chemistry is scorching. The hurt/comfort moments hit surprisingly deep, peeling back layers until you realise just how vulnerable they both are beneath the swagger and snark.
Yes, the miscommunication can be frustrating—but in a way that feels true to who these two are: stubborn, guarded, and terrified to admit what they want most. And while the ending leaves threads open, there’s a strong sense of hope that lingers, making you imagine the future they’re clearly racing toward even if it isn’t fully shown on the page.
Intense, emotional, and undeniably steamy, this is a standout hockey romance with unforgettable characters and a rivalry that burns its way straight into your heart.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
Both men are messy, imperfect, and wonderfully real. Nazar’s grumpy, black-cat intensity pairs beautifully with Kai’s chaotic, wounded bravado, and watching their assumptions slowly crumble is as satisfying as their chemistry is scorching. The hurt/comfort moments hit surprisingly deep, peeling back layers until you realise just how vulnerable they both are beneath the swagger and snark.
Yes, the miscommunication can be frustrating—but in a way that feels true to who these two are: stubborn, guarded, and terrified to admit what they want most. And while the ending leaves threads open, there’s a strong sense of hope that lingers, making you imagine the future they’re clearly racing toward even if it isn’t fully shown on the page.
Intense, emotional, and undeniably steamy, this is a standout hockey romance with unforgettable characters and a rivalry that burns its way straight into your heart.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
November 29, 2025
Enemies-to-lovers at its most explosive.
I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but the deeper I got into this story, the more obsessed I became — just like Nazar and Kai are with each other.
Their dynamic? Pure chaos in the best way. They push, shove, kiss, deny, and repeat… for years. The tension is deliciously painful — full of anger, longing, and very questionable communication skills (they’re in their early 20s… it tracks).
✨ Highlights:
• Mutual angst that wrecks you
• Rivals-to-lovers and equally unhinged behavior
• Layered characters with real vulnerability
• Spice that absolutely brings the heat
• Bonifazio the cat, iconic scene stealer
Kai stole the show for me...self-destructive, guarded, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. Nazar’s storyline has intriguing depth too, especially with his brother, but Kai’s unraveling is chef’s kiss compelling.
There is a lot of miscommunication (like… a LOT), and the ending leans more hopeful than fully tied up but the emotional payoff is worth it. The chemistry? Off. The. Charts.
If you love intense rivalry, slow-burn torture, and characters who would rather fight than admit their feelings… this one’s for you.
I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but the deeper I got into this story, the more obsessed I became — just like Nazar and Kai are with each other.
Their dynamic? Pure chaos in the best way. They push, shove, kiss, deny, and repeat… for years. The tension is deliciously painful — full of anger, longing, and very questionable communication skills (they’re in their early 20s… it tracks).
✨ Highlights:
• Mutual angst that wrecks you
• Rivals-to-lovers and equally unhinged behavior
• Layered characters with real vulnerability
• Spice that absolutely brings the heat
• Bonifazio the cat, iconic scene stealer
Kai stole the show for me...self-destructive, guarded, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. Nazar’s storyline has intriguing depth too, especially with his brother, but Kai’s unraveling is chef’s kiss compelling.
There is a lot of miscommunication (like… a LOT), and the ending leans more hopeful than fully tied up but the emotional payoff is worth it. The chemistry? Off. The. Charts.
If you love intense rivalry, slow-burn torture, and characters who would rather fight than admit their feelings… this one’s for you.
November 22, 2025
Nazar Rykov has spent years hating Kaisyn Callahan — the league’s prettiest disaster and the guy who tanked his draft dreams. Their rivalry is legendary, brutal, and basically its own sport.
But when they’re forced onto the same team, all that venom turns molten fast. One heated clash behind closed doors pushes the line too far, Nazar panics, and Kai bolts… straight onto the team Nazar has always wanted.
What starts as a professional rivalry explodes into a personal war full of traded insults, media drama, and a desire neither of them can outrun. Nazar is sharp and merciless, Kai is chaotic and magnetic, and together they are combustible.
What works: The tension is addictive, the chemistry is wildfire, and the hurt/comfort beats hit hard. Nazar and Kai’s dynamic is messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from.
What might not: The rivalry gets intense and the miscommunication emotional spikes may frustrate softer-romance readers.
If you love feral enemies-to-lovers with big feelings, hotter-than-sin chemistry, and a strong HEA with two epilogues? Nazar and Kai absolutely deliver.
But when they’re forced onto the same team, all that venom turns molten fast. One heated clash behind closed doors pushes the line too far, Nazar panics, and Kai bolts… straight onto the team Nazar has always wanted.
What starts as a professional rivalry explodes into a personal war full of traded insults, media drama, and a desire neither of them can outrun. Nazar is sharp and merciless, Kai is chaotic and magnetic, and together they are combustible.
What works: The tension is addictive, the chemistry is wildfire, and the hurt/comfort beats hit hard. Nazar and Kai’s dynamic is messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from.
What might not: The rivalry gets intense and the miscommunication emotional spikes may frustrate softer-romance readers.
If you love feral enemies-to-lovers with big feelings, hotter-than-sin chemistry, and a strong HEA with two epilogues? Nazar and Kai absolutely deliver.
November 18, 2025
I received a free copy of this ebook from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Phew! This was scorching hot for a slow burn. The hate these two players feel for each other is only surpassed by their inability to keep hands to themselves. Theres alot of will they/ wont theys, and even more frustrating misunderstandings. I enjoyed getting to see their inner turmoils and coming to realize their true feelings. I loved most of this book, but there were a few problems that took away the last star for my review. The biggest of which that almost became two stars was the ending. There's no notation that there will be a second book so I can only go by the impression that this is a standalone. There are so many loose ends that this is more of a happy for now than a happily ever after. I sincerely hope there will be a part two. The other issue was more about their intimate times. This is a common problem, not just from this author. Please take the time to do research and make the smut more realistic for two men.
Phew! This was scorching hot for a slow burn. The hate these two players feel for each other is only surpassed by their inability to keep hands to themselves. Theres alot of will they/ wont theys, and even more frustrating misunderstandings. I enjoyed getting to see their inner turmoils and coming to realize their true feelings. I loved most of this book, but there were a few problems that took away the last star for my review. The biggest of which that almost became two stars was the ending. There's no notation that there will be a second book so I can only go by the impression that this is a standalone. There are so many loose ends that this is more of a happy for now than a happily ever after. I sincerely hope there will be a part two. The other issue was more about their intimate times. This is a common problem, not just from this author. Please take the time to do research and make the smut more realistic for two men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
When I tell you I could not tell you what happened in this book… I’m not joking.
One minute they hate each other.
Then I think they’re in love?
Then they hate each other again.
By the end, I genuinely could not tell you if they even liked each other.
And that’s tragic because the potential was there.
Teammates.
Enemies to lovers.
Hockey romance.
Say less, I was SOLD.
But the execution? 😬
Kai ends up on the Toronto team his dad owns, a team he never wanted to join , and I still don’t know why he ended up there. It just… happens.
Meanwhile Nazar desperately wants to be on that same team because he hates the owner?? Like sir… what is the plan?? What are we accomplishing here??
Nothing is explained.
Motivations are unclear.
The romance is confusing.
And the plot holes are LOUD.
I spent most of the book trying to figure out what was going on instead of enjoying the story, and by the end I was just relieved it was over. Enemies to lovers done badly is honestly worse than no romance at all.
Final thoughts:
Great concept.
Messy execution.
So many unanswered questions.
One minute they hate each other.
Then I think they’re in love?
Then they hate each other again.
By the end, I genuinely could not tell you if they even liked each other.
And that’s tragic because the potential was there.
Teammates.
Enemies to lovers.
Hockey romance.
Say less, I was SOLD.
But the execution? 😬
Kai ends up on the Toronto team his dad owns, a team he never wanted to join , and I still don’t know why he ended up there. It just… happens.
Meanwhile Nazar desperately wants to be on that same team because he hates the owner?? Like sir… what is the plan?? What are we accomplishing here??
Nothing is explained.
Motivations are unclear.
The romance is confusing.
And the plot holes are LOUD.
I spent most of the book trying to figure out what was going on instead of enjoying the story, and by the end I was just relieved it was over. Enemies to lovers done badly is honestly worse than no romance at all.
Final thoughts:
Great concept.
Messy execution.
So many unanswered questions.
November 21, 2025
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
3.5⭐️Mixed feelings on this one, it took me a while to get on board with these two. They have loads of vitriol and angry clashes in the early going which was a bit much. I’m glad I stuck with Kai and Nazar though as the author was able to turn that fire into something compelling. Nazar and Kai are not always very likable but, by the end, I believed in their fierce dedication and love for each other. The writing style is unique, a bit clipped feeling at first, but it does have a propulsive energy that I appreciate. I had to see how it ended for these two. The plot has a bunch of stuff I dislike in my reads, like mountains of miscommunication, fake relationships, and evil parents. I believed in the couple though, their connection felt authentic, messy and flawed, but real. The author also finished strong, and I definitely want to read what comes next.
3.5⭐️Mixed feelings on this one, it took me a while to get on board with these two. They have loads of vitriol and angry clashes in the early going which was a bit much. I’m glad I stuck with Kai and Nazar though as the author was able to turn that fire into something compelling. Nazar and Kai are not always very likable but, by the end, I believed in their fierce dedication and love for each other. The writing style is unique, a bit clipped feeling at first, but it does have a propulsive energy that I appreciate. I had to see how it ended for these two. The plot has a bunch of stuff I dislike in my reads, like mountains of miscommunication, fake relationships, and evil parents. I believed in the couple though, their connection felt authentic, messy and flawed, but real. The author also finished strong, and I definitely want to read what comes next.
November 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! It pulled me in from beginning to end and was a fantastic enemies to lovers story! The chemistry and tension is very high between these two and they have a strong rivalry and hate going on due to miscommunications, being rivals, and not seeing/knowing the full picture of what is going on. I did enjoy this story and it is one hot, slow burn. They have to figure out how to deal with the rivalry and all the miscommunications they've had going on. They have to find a way to work through some of their own inner demons in order to find their way. I enjoy the found family that they have and build. This story had a lot of potential and I really did enjoy it. It would have been nice to see a little bit more of Nazar and Kai together and get a little more concrete for their ending but still a read that I liked and an author that I will check out more of.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
dnf
November 19, 2025I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
DNF @ 27%
I try to give every MM hockey romance I come upon a fair chance. It's a saturated subgenre, so I know the territory well, and I understand the familiar swell of tropes serving as jumping off points for authors trying to own their space on the fictional ice.
I was ready for a tough love story with a moody, broody atmosphere, snarling sweaty athletes, snark about silver spoons/nepotism and the push and pull of enemies-to-lovers.
But I could NOT get into this and I had to give up after 9 chapters. I couldn't connect to the narrative style and tone, and there was no one I vibed with enough to root for.
Maybe the ending would have redeemed the way this started, but 1/3 through is enough for me to ascertain that this isn't meant for me.
DNF @ 27%
I try to give every MM hockey romance I come upon a fair chance. It's a saturated subgenre, so I know the territory well, and I understand the familiar swell of tropes serving as jumping off points for authors trying to own their space on the fictional ice.
I was ready for a tough love story with a moody, broody atmosphere, snarling sweaty athletes, snark about silver spoons/nepotism and the push and pull of enemies-to-lovers.
But I could NOT get into this and I had to give up after 9 chapters. I couldn't connect to the narrative style and tone, and there was no one I vibed with enough to root for.
Maybe the ending would have redeemed the way this started, but 1/3 through is enough for me to ascertain that this isn't meant for me.
November 30, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Often, I find that books that are billed as enemies to lovers don’t quite hit the true enemies mark, but Nazar and Kai in The Last Inch of Ice are enemies. They loathe each other with a fierceness that takes over every thought and they can’t even get it together for the good of their team. They have different reasons for hating each other that unwind throughout the story and the fact that they want each other almost more than they hate each other messes with them both in extreme ways.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Often, I find that books that are billed as enemies to lovers don’t quite hit the true enemies mark, but Nazar and Kai in The Last Inch of Ice are enemies. They loathe each other with a fierceness that takes over every thought and they can’t even get it together for the good of their team. They have different reasons for hating each other that unwind throughout the story and the fact that they want each other almost more than they hate each other messes with them both in extreme ways.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
November 27, 2025
This book was really intense. From the first encounter of Kai and Nazar, to their known connection of heat and spice, to the emotional support cat Bonifiazo, to Nazar's lovely grandmother, to Kai's incredibly dreadful father, to finding out about the connection they didn't know they had in Nazar's late brother (and Kai losing his was so sad), it was a lot of intensity. That hate to love vibe was so delicious and spicy, and the real emotion between these guys was so clear. A romantic story, but a lot of obstacles to get to the happy ending.
I received an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review of the story.
I received an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review of the story.
November 18, 2025
This one wasn't too bad but unfortunately it still falls under that every single MM sports book is the same story category.
Kai comes from money and anything he earns for himself is labelled nepotism.
Nazar lost his brother and has a chip on his shoulder.
The story is about miscommunication and assumptions which the author handles well. I could have done without the evil wealthy dad and Nazar becoming the hero of the "people" but until that point the characters had enough chemistry and the story didn't suck too bad.
Kai comes from money and anything he earns for himself is labelled nepotism.
Nazar lost his brother and has a chip on his shoulder.
The story is about miscommunication and assumptions which the author handles well. I could have done without the evil wealthy dad and Nazar becoming the hero of the "people" but until that point the characters had enough chemistry and the story didn't suck too bad.
November 21, 2025
Nazar and Kai are fueled by pure tension that is explosive and intense. Both guarded and quick to anger and aggression toward each other. Their verbal sparring was entertaining and they were most definitely obsessed with one another.
Their lack of communication/misunderstandings were frustrating, but I'll chalk it up to them both being stubborn, young, and inexperienced.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Rivals
Found Family
Explicit
Dual third-person POV
Check TW
Thank you GRR and Sasha Lewis for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Their lack of communication/misunderstandings were frustrating, but I'll chalk it up to them both being stubborn, young, and inexperienced.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Rivals
Found Family
Explicit
Dual third-person POV
Check TW
Thank you GRR and Sasha Lewis for the opportunity to read this eARC.
November 27, 2025
This is one of those stories that if I knew the characters in real life, I'd have to shove them away as too toxic and dramatic, but whose interactions in an enemies to lovers romance novel I can't get enough of. Nazar and Kai are an explosive combination who deep, deep down know what they feel but are carrying around so much baggage and pride that they sabotage themselves at every turn for a good part of the book. It's painful to watch and you grasp for any even minimally positive interaction. Hang in there, though. As a huge epilogue fan, this book was so satisfying.
November 30, 2025
I was unsure about this at the beginning. The writing was a bit different and did not seem to flow well, but I continued on and so glad I did. I really liked these characters and enjoyed this story. This was a good enemies to lovers. I probably would have given this 4 stars if the sex scenes were more explicit. It felt like the author rushed through them. I wanted more details! More talk!
Also, I knocked off a star because of the anal sex scene with no lube. What? Why?
Also, I knocked off a star because of the anal sex scene with no lube. What? Why?
November 25, 2025
3.5
While the story and the characters are intetesting the book does lac a bit of substance, it feels like past-events and big momemts are just rushed over to try and create a meaning for why something is happening rather than incorporating it into the plot. However, it was still an enjoyable read and the story was interesting
While the story and the characters are intetesting the book does lac a bit of substance, it feels like past-events and big momemts are just rushed over to try and create a meaning for why something is happening rather than incorporating it into the plot. However, it was still an enjoyable read and the story was interesting
November 27, 2025
Another enemies to lovers hockey romance I enjoyed. I can never get tired of this trope no matter how often I read it.
Nothing like a hate hookup that just consumes you no matter how much you try to deny it.
Nazar and Kai were imperfect but fit perfectly. Miscommunication was a bit annoying but that just made the story more relatable.
Nothing like a hate hookup that just consumes you no matter how much you try to deny it.
Nazar and Kai were imperfect but fit perfectly. Miscommunication was a bit annoying but that just made the story more relatable.
November 28, 2025
3 Stars ⭐️
For a slow start this book ended up being a solid read. I wasn't too sure about the writing style which for me did take a bit to adjust to. I'd rate this a solid enemies/obsessed read with a fair amount of spice and sweetness.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
For a slow start this book ended up being a solid read. I wasn't too sure about the writing style which for me did take a bit to adjust to. I'd rate this a solid enemies/obsessed read with a fair amount of spice and sweetness.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
November 30, 2025
Oh my! Fanning my blush over here. These boys have CHEMISTRY. It wasn't what I expected, that's for sure but I loved the characters. The animosity was so delicious it turned into a beautiful inferno.
December 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I loved this. Yes it was a little scratchy at time and there were moments where I would have loved more detail or explanation but I was addicted. The heat and longing, the angst & the spice 🤌🏼🤌🏼 So good
February 2, 2026
Oof. So many misunderstandings.
These two characters started their careers with a misunderstanding between them and just continued to have them until they found themselves on the same page. They just had to break our hearts for a while first.
These two characters started their careers with a misunderstanding between them and just continued to have them until they found themselves on the same page. They just had to break our hearts for a while first.
November 18, 2025
I loved this MM hockey romance book. It was well written.
November 21, 2025
Full RTC
November 22, 2025
It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2025
miss sasha may lewis, you have been promoted ! you are now one of my elite employees at the department of angst at Buzzy, Brainrot and Co. !!
December 5, 2025
The hate was real. The chemistry was strong. The miscommunication was abundant. It was overall a good story with more of an HFN feel.
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