Callous Shot

Cranham Kings #2

by Becca Steele

Daniel Hoyton has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. We play for rival hockey teams. We attend rival universities. Our families are on opposite sides of the law.

I hate him, with his irritatingly smug smile, his arrogance, and his inability to take anything seriously.
I want to wipe that smile from his face with my fist.
…Or my mouth.

I can’t decide if I want to punch him or kiss him, and it’s beginning to be a problem. A problem with big consequences. Not only is he completely wrong for me, but his family and friends are under investigation…and my uncle is in charge of the operation.

I know we’re going to crash and burn.
But I can’t seem to stay away from the flames.

Callous Shot is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series with darker themes. Each book can be read as a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Romance

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2026

About the author

Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another playlist.

Stalker links
http://authorbeccasteele.com/links

Reviews

[Renae Reads]

I could not get enough of this dark, forbidden romance between two rival hockey players who also harbor a deep-seated hatred for one another, rooted in their warring family histories. This story has many layers and exposition, which I appreciated because it clearly set the stage for why Dan and Lincoln are enemies in every sense of the word. Because they play for rival hockey teams, they are regularly at odds not only in life but on the ice as well. Their chemistry is magnetic. I instantly loved how intense and primal their attraction to one another is, and how combative and combustible their eventual falling for one another would be.

Overall, I loved being in this world of crime, danger, forbidden romance, and found family. Lincoln and Dan both have complicated family drama, and seeing how they quickly become one another's confidante and protector was brilliantly executed and made for a very compelling story. The familial dynamics were also well developed, which makes me very curious about the future installments, given how strong and interesting the characters are overall. This story is a whirlwind, and I could not put it down as I anticipated the fallout of Lincoln and Dan's epic story.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Dani]

This was thoroughly entertaining from start to end and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Link or Dan!

I absolutely loved Dan! Great name too 😜😜 although it was also kinda weird because everyone calls me Dan!! I've never seen an MC with my name before so it was strange! Anyway, Dan was hilariously ridiculous but so adorable. I loved how playful and silly he was, but he could also be really serious and emotional too. The way he loves his family and friends made him so endearing and I absolutely loved the scene of him doing Tils hair with braids!!!

These two idiots though!! They were so obsessed with hating each other for their whole lives but they didn't even realise what it actually was that kept drawing them to each other. Dan and Link were the definition of idiots in love, but I also enjoyed their enemies with benefits / fuck foes relationship dynamic too. The way these two are like super magnets around each other was so entertaining and the way they denied their connection to anyone who would listen had me giggling at them frequently. It was really sweet seeing their relationship growing and changing and their talks and cuddles were just the cutest.

The fact that Dan thought they were being subtle had me laughing, but I also cried for Link's childhood and how awful his parents were. I'm so glad he had his uncle and the Hoyton family to love him. I also cried when Dan found the documents!!! Oh my god, the stress these two put me through!

This was just such a fun read and I'm hoping there's going to be a book for Neo and Toby too, but I'm actually really intrigued by Ryker and I think I'd read his story even if it was MF, which I don't read much of these days!

*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review

[Julia (bookish.jka)]

”I eyed him warily. I had an inkling of where he was heading… More than an inkling. More like I was fully on board this incoming train wreck heading for its inevitable conclusion with no way to stop it. “What things?” “You said no one was as good as you with their mouth. Prove it.”

What To Expect:

🖤MM romance
🏒hate to love
🖤dark themes
🏒college hockey
🖤dark academia
🏒mafia vibes
🖤bi-awakening
🏒all the Spice
🖤HEA

I absolutely loved this! Callous Shot is book 2 in Becca Steele’s Cranham Kings series of linked standalones, set in a dark academia, college hockey environment, with some dark secrets and equally shady crime families.

The series is a mix of MF and MM romances and whilst there is an HEA for each couple/book, there is also an overarching story, so I’d suggest you read them in order to appreciate all the cameos.

This is Dan and Lincoln’s story and it’s a dark and dirty, hate to love trope, with off the chart chemistry and a great storyline.

All the things I love!

Highly recommended!

5 stars 🌟

[Becca Steele]

Dan and Lincoln's story.

Read on ebook and paperback

- M/M standalone
- Rival hockey teams
- Enemies to lovers
- Crime boss son x lawyer's son
- Obsessed with each other
- College romance
- Mafia-esque romance

[AnnaKitt]

Well, I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised because I really REALLY enjoyed this 💙

Surprised because for some reason I thought this would be a light spicy read, while it turned out to have a solid plot, great side characters, and writing that was absolutely flowing 💙
That said, the spice was just!!! 🥵🤌 Hate sex in it's very best!

Dan and Link are such a perfectly adorable pair of “enemies” - more like idiots, honestly 😄 - to lovers 😻
Their dynamics was fire from the very beginning and all the way to the end ❤‍🔥 I properly enjoyed all those “I hate you's" and I’d say they are probably one of my favourite couples now! The way they both fell so naturally into their feelings was amazing - zero unnecessary overthinking or complications. And Dan asking his female friend for advice was hilarious 😄

The dramatic turnaround also made total sense given their backstory, so it didn’t annoy me at all, and I genuinely ached for both of them 🥺

And while my heart absolutely broke for Link, I appreciated that his trauma was never constantly pushed to the forefront, so the story wasn’t emotionally exhausting to read (until the end, obviously 🙃).

I am very thankful for this ARC, and I honestly had such a great time with this one 💙

[-`♡´-]

This was my first time reading Becca Steele. Till about 20% in I thought this was going to end up being a DNF but Steele said Uno Reverse and I got sucked in. I ended up enjoying this quite a bit. Plus, I love a ginger MC.

Now I'm intrigued and curious to try out more of Steele's work.

[Christina Sturgill]

Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Daniel and Lincoln

RTC

[Maxie]

ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*

This was my introduction to the Cranham Kings universe, and even though I haven’t read the first book, there was enough context to help me follow the story, and I still have a great time with it.

The privileged-youth setting is packed with rivalries, bruised egos, and spectacularly bad decisions. Pairing all of that with hockey gives the tension a physical edge which makes it more entertaining.

What kept me hooked, though, was the sense that beneath all the drama, these boys are constantly testing each other’s limits, waiting to see who will crack first. Their push-and-pull dynamic is intense and frustrating, but also super entertaining because every sharp exchange feels loaded with something neither of them is quite ready to admit.

The author does a great job of making Dan and Linc deeply flawed without making them unbearable. They can be reckless, stubborn, and terrible at communicating, but there is enough vulnerability beneath their bravado to make you understand them. You root for them even when you’re rolling your eyes at some of their choices.

The pacing is fast, almost reckless at times, but that energy suits the story. It mirrors the way Dan and Linc keep charging into conflict without stopping to think about the fallout, which makes the softer moments between them stand out even more.

If I had one complaint, it’s that a few emotional beats could have used more breathing room. Some moments land and then move on before they can fully sink in. Still, that breathless, messy energy is part of the book’s charm.

Callous Shot is dramatic and spicy, driven by two gloriously unhinged boys with insane chemistry, and tons of unresolved tension. I fully recommend it. To all my enemies/rivals to lovers’ enthusiasts out there, this one is a treat.

[VicReads]

𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚝

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

4.5/5 ⭐️

↓↓
OOOOOOHHHH weeeee, lawwwwwd, the tension was THICK with these two for so much of the first part of the book.

Dan and Link had this hatred and animosity towards each other. I'm talking physical fights and all. Now as the reader I could just tell there was something more brewing between them but these two were so oblivious towards their actual feelings. Everyone saw it but them.

I really enjoyed watching these two go from enemies to lovers. They seemed to always have this deep rooted connection they mistook for something it wasn't but once they realized what they were feeling, it was like something clicked between them and just just fit together so perfectly.

They fought hard for their love and relationship. There was so many things stacked against them, most of all their understanding of their feelings, but over time their love and connection prevailed.

They were both equally obsessed and I loved that.

I think the thing that irked me the most was Link kept everything to himself. Now before you come at me, I know it was most likely for the plot and climax buuuuuuuut he could have easily told Mike about his dad's threats and blackmail and still had the same events unfold, just would have had some help.

That 3rd act breakup broke my heart.

I really love the friend group of Dan's. They are like a little family. They support each other no matter what and are there when needed, no questions asked. Ryker is so intriguing and I need Ryker and Ghost!!

𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
💙MM standalone
💙College romance
💙Rival hockey teams
💙Enemies to lovers
💙Crime boss son x lawyer's son
💙Morally grey
💙Obsessed with each other
💙Unhinged behaviour
💙Bi-awakening

[Sim-fully Ever After]

5🌟 | 3🌶️

The tension between these two was honestly ridiculous in the best way.

They spent years convinced they hated each other, while everyone around them could see there was clearly something else going on. Dan and Lincoln had insane chemistry, and watching all that fighting, denial, and attraction slowly turn into something real was so much fun.

Dan was such a chaotic little menace, but he was also incredibly sweet, especially when it came to his friends and family. Lincoln had a much heavier side to his story, and I felt for him so much. I loved seeing these two go from constantly trying to get under each other’s skin to becoming each other’s person. Their obsession, possessiveness, and ridiculous “fuck foes” situation had me laughing, while their softer moments completely got me.

I also liked that there was more going on beyond the romance with the family drama, crime, and secrets, but the relationship always stayed at the centre for me. The whole thing was messy, spicy, emotional, and so easy to get sucked into.

I had way too much fun with these two and was absolutely not ready to leave them behind.

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Becca Steele and The Author Agency for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨

[Jessica Swan]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Another masterpiece by Becca Steele! I love all of her MM books and this one was no exception. The tension between the characters, especially in the first half of the book, was unmatched. The romance that developed felt so raw and real. The trauma and third act breakup broke my heart. The HEA was well earned and beautifully done.

[Reading With April]

ARC Review of Callous Shot by Becca Steele releasing on 9.24.26

Daniel & Lincoln whew!
Their story had me completely in a chokehold in the best way. Their story is dark, hate to lovers (was it really hate though?), obsessive (both MMC's), tension filled, with a ton of physical and emotional chemistry and the spice between them whew!
Daniel was chaotic in the best way, the stuff that came out of his mouth had me cracking up and I love how hard he loves his family and friends, but he also has a serious emotional side which I loved just as much as his silly fun side; he was honestly the perfect balance.
Lincoln my poor Lincoln, he had a rough childhood (his parents can get f*cked), but he didn't let that break him. I enjoyed seeing his bossy/dominant side when it came to Daniel and the way he kept calling Daniel "baby" had me kicking my feet especially when their "f*ck foes" storyline was starting.
I love how they were both unhinged with their possessive and obsessive behavior over each other, it was very entertaining with their back and forth with having to "mark" each other.
Now there is a good part of their storyline that is more emotional; after Daniel found some stuff and the moments after had me shedding a few tears. Having to read his heartbreak and him wondering why "it hurts so bad" then the realization that it's because he's in love oh my heart and the way Lincoln tried to find him and explain oh the tension and yearning that follows was perfectly written.
These two fought hard against each other in more ways then one and then they fought hard to be together through everything.
There is also a continuing storyline that starts with book #1, but you can still read this one and be okay; there is a back story of the good guys vs the bad guys, but who is really good and who is really bad? I guess you'll have to read it to find out.
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

[Eva]

4.75 rounded up!

Daniel and Lincoln were everything I needed and more. Their love was hard-fought; they fought against it and then for it…I love how this series is shaping up, and I can’t wait for all these characters to find their HEAs.

I've been feral for these two. Their chemistry was palpable even from book one, and I've been pinning for their story. The plot was even trickier than I expected. I liked that we went deeper into the mafia aspect of things and got more info on Ryker and Daniel's family.

Daniel was a bratty king. He was tough, loyal, and in denial, but possessive and obsessed with Lincoln to a dangerous degree. The stalking, constantly bringing him up and posting just for him? I loved every bit of their obsession. His dramatics were just another reason he was so amazing. Also, I loved how good of a friend he was; he would have done anything for them, and seeing him bring Lincoln into the fold made it so much sweeter.

And Lincoln? He had an unexpectedly bossy side, but it was only logical, seeing as Daniel turned into 'baby girl' around him. The way this man taunted and prodded at Dan only to get a reaction, then followed him and protected him because he was worried about him...I was so devastated by his circumstances. He deserved all the light and good emotions that Daniel brought him.

I truly have so many pairings already made up in my head about the possible couples; I cannot wait for this series to continue. I expect I'll be rereading this one soon.

Thank you so much to TAA and Becca; this book was so good; it was truly a gift to get this as an ARC.

[MM Bookwrecked]

All in all I really enjoyed this, the romance felt raw and real, and their HEA was well deserved. Lincoln and Daniel had such a fun dynamic, and their tension in the first half of the book was delicious. The trauma and third act drama broke my heart but it ended really well. The plot itself around Hoyton Firm and Link's dad was also quite engaging. I wished we saw more hockey though but that wasn't the main focus. And I loved seeing some of Becca's past characters mentioned!

Now this was actually quite different to Becca's other books I found, and it took me a bit longer to get into it, but overall it was a very solid read. Mainly I wasn't a big fan of the OW action at the party towards the beginning, even if it made sense for the storyline, I would have preferred IDK just like kisses max lol. Probably a me thing, I just wasn't expecting it, but at least it wasn't too descriptive.


*Safety info (potential spoilers)*

OP drama: Dan gets a BJ (half off page) from Maisie and gives her head back (half off page) and Link gets a BJ (on page) and has sex (off page) with Kimberly at the aforementioned party, then at the fight Kimberly kisses Link but he didn't actually want it (she thought they were something more), finally at the charity event Link dances with Kimberly platonically but it sets Dan off and he tries to make Link jealous by going in to kiss Liana's neck (they are just friends). However once they properly start hooking up there is no-one else for either of them.
Third act breakup: Yes, a few weeks.
HEA (epilogue 5 years later)

[Amanda Walker]

I love Becca's MM books and this was no different. I was hooked right from the get go, if you're looking for a real enemies to lovers book, then this is what you're looking for.

Daniel and Lincoln absolutely detest one another, the hated is palpable and felt through the pages, however it quickly turns into more than a hatred as they give into their desires. These two will forever now have a special place in my heart, I loved watching them navigate their feelings especially as we moved from hate to love, that hate sex...Omg!!! Their chemistry was electric and I believed every moment of them being together.

It was a really interesting blend of organised crime/police investigations/hockey. Not a combination that I thought would have worked but it really does here especially with both characters being on opposing sides within the crime and legal world but then opposing side on the ice. I liked the side characters in the book and intrigued to see if we get anymore of their stories.

This was a genuinely enjoyable read that drew me from start to finish (something I have become accustomed to with Becca's books). I will definitely be re-visiting for another read.

[Mandy]

Loved this book! Becca did it again! What a great college hockey/ rivals to lovers/ mafia romance! This one had a little bit of everything!
I love Daniel! He was just amazing! I love how he's supposed to be the criminal, and he really does think of himself as a bad person, but he's just a big ol' softie. I mean, he eats red gummy bears before every game. He is such a sweetheart! I love how he thinks he hates Lincoln, but he's actually just obsessed with him. :D The chemistry between these two is off the charts and the evolution of their relationship felt so real. The banter left me chuckling and the spice made me blush. The whole mystery intwined into the story was great and made for some delicious tension and action-packed scenes. I felt for Lincoln and was so glad he opened up to Dan so that Dan could be what he needed. The way their family lives juxtaposed with supposed "good guy" and "bad guy" was so well done and really got me right in the feels. I love Dan's friend group and can't wait to learn more about all of those guys. I want more of this world!

[Tiffany]

Becca did it AGAIN!

I had no doubt going into this that I would enjoy this book...I was blown away.

Daniel and Lincoln were true enemies to lovers and I was drooling over their story.

First off Lincoln is my sweet baby boy, he had a terrible f*cking life and I wanted to k*ll everyone that hurt him 😞

The angst, the tension, the feelings and the SPICE...top notch, this is a DEFINITE re-read for me.

You are crazy if you don't pick this up and devour it 🖤

[Jen]

Damn, I loved the way his brain worked. And his beautiful face. And…alright, I loved every part of him. I was completely head over heels for my little demon, and now he was back where he belonged. With me.
****
The way I devoured this book!! Lincoln and Dan, just wow! These two had the fine line between love and hate down to a science. Both from powerful families caught in a rivalry filled with secrets and lies. The obsession these two had for each other is known with friends and teammates. It was only a matter of time before they took their anger out in the spiciest way possible.
Daniel is possessive, sarcastic, loyal to his family and friends and his infatuation with Lincoln was a conversation on the daily - how he thought NO ONE could possibly know he was into Lincoln, still cracks me up.
Lincoln is also possessive, loyal to Uncle Mike and Tilly and will destroy anyone who even thinks about touching Dan. He has zero respect for his dad but still falls under his control. He also pretends he is not as infatuated with Dan as Dan is with him.
This story touches a lot of triggering subjects it is so well written especially when you dive deeper into the nightmare of Lincoln's life, which is heartbreaking. The way these two open up to each other is so sweet, even when they try to hate each other they are drawn together. I absolutely loved every second of this book.

[Gem McGuire]

Arc Review.

• College romance
• Rival hockey teams
• Enemies to lovers
• Bi-awakening
• Black cat/ Unhinged Golden retriever

This is the second book in the Cranham Kings series; however, it doesn’t necessarily need to be read in order. I hadn’t read the first book before I read this one, and I wasn’t lost or confused in any way. I also haven’t read any of her books prior to this one, but I have to say I will definitely be reading more by her.

This book is a case study in the fine line between love and hate and how quickly they can blur. This was steamy before it was spicy, and several scenes stick out to me. There is a LOT of neck biting and hickeys in this, and I REALLY liked it. I read this book in 2 days and need to stop reading it at work, or I am going to need to get some sort of note to give my boss explaining why I can’t come back from lunch break until I have finished the book.

The chemistry between Link and Dan was amazing, and I hope that Dan and his family can fix Link's trauma. Every part of me wanted to hurt Lincoln's parents. The love Dan shows Lincoln, even when he is hurt, by still protecting him from Ryker was just so sweet. Also, should I be worried about how much I deeply love unhinged golden retrievers?

[Ronnie]

4⭐️ ✨ARC✨
RTC

[Zephyr]

Mafia mixed with hockey always makes for a fun time. Becca Steele always does such an amazing job at mixing the two together, and Callous Shot was no different! Not only are Dan and Link rivals on the ice, their family is a deep history of being on opposite sides of the law. It created such a twisted and intriguing story that left me guessing!
Thank you, TAA, for the ARC!

[QueerPageTurner]

4.5/5 stars

The hatred, the loathing, the intensity between Dan and Lincoln was intoxicating and explosive. I felt my lip curling, my own teeth wanting to be bared a few times in response to their energy. My body responded viscerally, wanting in on the action, to feel the pain and then the surge of adrenaline when a fist connects with your face. How in that moment you feel alive from the rage that floods your system. The physical response I had to their dynamic lit me up - I had a moment where I thought "now THIS is what I wanted from this story".

When, inevitably, D and L turn that intensity on each other's bodies, drawing blood and moans... *groans* I was all in, fully committed, let's ride this wave and see where it takes us.

Which of course, is into something far more meaningful as they slowly de-armor, as they begin to actually talk, discovering more about themselves and each other. Despite being lifelong enemies whose families are on opposite sides of the law, Dan and Link begin to foster something beautiful that invites in their humanity and their truth. But I never relaxed, even in moments when they started to soften, when their precious laughs felt hard earned and like something to savor. Because it's clear with every choice they make that the stakes are high and external players are moving pieces bigger than these two boys. Steele strikes a careful balance between young love and intergenerational grudges.

I'll admit, when I initially started this book, I almost DNF'd it (a rarity for me), but I'm so glad I persisted. The writing in the prologue and the first few chapters was weak for me but once the initial groundwork for the story was laid, the writing improved significantly and then the magic really started to happen.

There are many moments that reveal the men they are beneath their family narrative of law abiding versus criminal: Dan braiding Tilly's hair, Link's protectiveness that puts him in harm's way, Dan taking a risk to try to protect his friend Jay... layers upon layers of character development and relational depth brought their world to life.

I also appreciated the family dynamics and how Dan's family compared to Link's family complicate common narratives of good guys versus bad. (No spoilers, so no specifics.)

The spice did not disappoint. A solid 3-3.5 peppers out of 5.

The 3rd act rupture hurt. Steele powerfully captured the pain of a broken heart, the devastation that makes even the simplest things feel impossible. Their suffering hit deep and I white-knuckled my way through several chapters, desperate for them to find a way forward.

Ultimately, despite a rocky start, I ended up really loving Callous Shot. Dan and Link are memorable characters and the story became an embodied, somatic experience that moved out of my imagination and into my muscles and bones because of how intensely I reacted to their energy. I will definitely recommend this book to folks who love intense, high-stakes MM romance reads.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance)]

A lawyer's son and a criminals son falling for one another - Daniel "Arson" Hoyton and Lincoln Bellingham were oil and water that brought obsession to a whole new level.🥵 Nemesis' basically from birth, these two foes were filled with raging heat, want, desire, and rage from the start until the very end.🔥 But, man what a finsh it was!!

Callous Shot is intense to put it mildly. Daniel and Lincoln's heated chemistry, their intense loathing for one another never let off the gas, even in their steamiest moments. However, they wanted to give in to their emotions, boy, did they...but they couldn't because of their families, their teammates, and their university rivalry. Everything seemed to be stacked against them, except for their need for one another, this desire that neither of them understood, but couldn't shake or douse except when they were in the vicinity of one another. Their story was explosive and their intense passion was ready to burn them down together.

These two men were from opposite worlds with everything stacked against them, but when they were alone, wrapped in their bubble, Daniel and Lincoln are more than foes, more than the nemesis they've grown up knowing, they are everything to each other. ❤️ So when it has the potential to come crashing down, because it's got to...the stakes were just too high...I couldn't look away...the intense emotions and heat was going to hurt. I just knew it. Lincoln and Daniel burned too hot for one another and they didn't look at what was happening around them. It's intense, and sometimes heartbreaking, but nothing worth having isn't worth fighting for. ❤️ Right!

[ErikaWasReading]

I don’t even know how to start my review because my brain is just like, “oh my gosh, this book is absolutely perfect, and i love everything about it.”

Daniel “Arson” Hoyton is a member of the Crantham Kings hockey team who is obsessed with- I mean, absolutely hates- Lincoln Bellingham. These two are rivals on the ice and, thanks to the dark, intertwined history of their families, enemies off the ice.

Despite being giant hockey players, Lincoln and Daniel were sweet babies who were so adorable together, and their “I hate you. I hate you more. I hate you so much. I wanna give you this hickey” was so adorkable in a really sweet way, and I just loved them. Their chemistry is off the charts from the first page and keeps growing with each interaction.

The novel picks up the storyline from book one, this time focusing on the Hoyton Firm rather than the Thorpe or Volkov family. While Daniel and Lincoln explore their feelings through hate sex, the dark undercurrents of their worlds swirl around them, further complicating their situation.

Totally a side note, I loved Daniel’s mom! Given what we knew about the Thorpes and Volkovs, it was neat to see a family where the women had power and were treated like equals. Plus, I love that she teases Daniel about how he constantly brings up Lincoln.

I devoured Callous Shot in one sitting and cannot wait for the next book!

---
I received an advance copy of this book from The Author Agency at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Erin]

Yes, another hockey book. But this one is set in England and although the rivalry between 2 colleges is prominent, I don't think hockey takes the front seat. What does is the weird rivalry between the son/nephew in a crime family and the son/nephew of another crime family's lawyer and the detective who is investigating them. I
Honestly, it took me a while to get into this book. I just didn't understand the "I hate  you/No I hate you" stuff. Which lasted a LONG TIME. And it was over and over and over again. Like, ok. We get it. You hate each other. Even when you are having sex you hate each other. Got it. And the last names. Even outside of hockey why do guys call each other by their last names? 
Once they finally got over that, the book got better AND there was more plot. Dan and Link both have legacies to live up to. Unfortunately, Link's father is pretty horrible. A do this or else kind of guy. Dan doesn't seem to have the outward pressure that Link does, but in his head he does. Because he is next in line to take over. 
The kind of convoluted storyline with Link's father wanting Dan's family investigated finally makes sense at the end. But it's a bit of a meandering road. One that causes the 3rd act break up before they inevitably get back together.
It was ok. I certainly didn't love it. There was a lot that could have been cut. I normally like this author, but this one was a bit of a miss.

[Courtney]

Oh what I did get myself into!?!? And I mean that in the best of ways!!

Ok, first off, definitely read these books in order. I, sadly, did not read the first book, and I will say that I was bit overwhelmed with all the characters in the beginning and how they were all connected. So, I feel like having read the first one would have made that part of the story a bit easier to comprehend, but it did not deter from my overall love of this story. I will add the author does do a decent job of summarizing the connection without rehashing probably alot of the first book in regards to the character connections.

Ok - now onto the book!! Dan and Lincoln - talk about enemies-to-lovers. WOW!! These two have always held a hatred and loathing for one another due to their family's feud and they always try to outdo the other when it comes to getting under the other's skin.

These two have their own faults and Becca does a great job of showing that without making them too annoying about it. As a reader, we get a better understanding of who they are deep down and I feel that allows us to see more than what they show each other.

Becca paced this story perfectly and I love how things just unfold as naturally as they can between Dan and Lincoln. This story is filled with lots of tension, chemistry (both physical and emotional) and lots of spice!! PHEW!

I absolutely loved this one and now I am going back and reading the first one.

[Nathália Rocha]

4,75 ⭐️

Damn, this was a delicious enemies to lovers. The amount of times those two just made the most amazing descriptions just to casually ignore what they just perceived..... I was giggling and kicking my feet. This book has a lot of funny phrases, just saying!

Man, this book starts with a banger! The prologue got me hooked. I haven't read the first book on this series, but I can say all the plot was well explained, I didn't feel missing any context or explanation. I also got a pretty neat roundabout of the major points of book 1.

From the get-go, Daniel internal monolog had me cracking. He is so damn funny. And so precious ugh 🥺🥺 Characters like these ALWAYS snuggle my heart!! And I think he might be my favorite protagonist of Steele to this date.

The romance was soo good. I loved the development of Dan's and Lincoln's relationship and how they went from swearing they hated each other to realizing that their mutual obsession was for another reason *giggles*.

This was one of the hottest books from Steele, damn! 👀 (I've read all of her queer releases, so that's what I'm comparing with)

I'm super intrigued to see where is series to going next! I have a few suspicious about possible future couples and really want to see if I get any guess right!

Thank you so much Becca and The Author Agency for this ARC!

[Hannah]

💙ARC REVIEW💙

I had the amazing opportunity to read Becca Steele's new MM Dark romance Callous Shot and I was instantly captivated by Dan and Lincoln's story.

Becca Steele crafts and intense world that both Dan and Lincoln are caught up in. They sit on opposite sides of the law yet are completely infatuated with each other without really understanding this obsession they both have. Its funny how the line between hate and love can so easily be crossed when you let those emotions run free.

There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration into both their lives and the family dynamics and past trauma that make Dan and Lincoln question what it is they both want in life. This is especially prominent for Lincoln who seemingly has a 'perfect' family. What is under the surface is anything but perfection and his loyalties are tested to the max.

This book ticks the boxes of Sports Romance with dark romance vibes as the world of crime intermixes with the rivalry created bewteen these two 'nemises'. If you want a hot, spicy, intense read with two boys who just can't keep their hands off each other then this book needs to be added to your TBR now!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

[Heather]

What a fabulous book! I’ve never read any of Becca Steele’s books before, but I’m definitely going to check them out now.

If I’m being absolutely honest, at first I didn’t think this book was for me. Dan and Lincoln seemed to be absolutely polar opposites and separated by too much adversity, and I just couldn’t imagine a way in which they could realistically end up together. But then the shift started to happen. Becca Steele is the absolute champion of writing the transition from enemies-with-benefits, to (sort of) friends-with-benefits, to lovers, to more. The language the author uses in the dialogue and the characters’ internal thoughts morphed so slowly and perfectly that the changes in feelings seemed natural.

And then there were the spicy scenes. Holy hell, the spicy scenes. Not only did the intimacy mirror the change in relationship status, but the scenes were so HOT. I think I’m still sweating a bit.

There were also heartbreaking scenes, scenes that had me feeling pain in my chest in sympathy for the characters. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but be prepared to feel all the things while reading this book. It’s worth the ride to read Dan and Lincoln’s story.

Thank you to The Author Agency for providing me with an ARC to read.

[michaela]

ARC review!💙🏒

“link… you mean everything to me too. you’re the most important person in the world to me, and i want you to be mine. i’m choosing you. you’re my first and only choice.”

i’m OBSESSED!!

callous shot is the second book in the cranham kings series and if follows hockey rivals lincoln (link) and daniel (dan). these two aren’t only rivals on the ice, but also off the ice. their families work on different sides of the law and because of that, they were pit against each other from the very start.

link & dan has the HOTTEST tension and angst 🥵 all of their fighting (both verbally and physically) led to them absolutely IGNITING and it was incredible. not only that, but eventually link & dan let their walls down around each other and the care they had for one another was absolutely EVERYTHING. link made sure to let dan know that he was so good and not this bad person others made him out to be, and dan let link know he was SO worthy of love regardless of how his parents made him feel.

these two we’re just amazing. it was an enemies to lovers done in the best way! i loved them and their friend group so much i can’t wait to read more of them!