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Arctic Titans of Northwood U #1
Lame incrociate (Arctic Titans of Northwood U serie Vol. 1)
Quest’anno ho la mia ultima possibilità di portare i Titans alla vittoria. L’anno scorso ci siamo fatti rubare la coppa, ma non commetterò di nuovo lo stesso errore. E sono determinato a passare le selezioni entro la fine della stagione.
Il successo che mi aspetta si basa su tre anni di affilata concentrazione e di un rispetto guadagnato duramente. Per non parlare di quanta vita personale abbia sacrificato per l’hockey. I Titans si fidano della mia guida e io non li tradirò. Niente potrebbe andare storto.
Almeno finché l’ex amore della mia vita e attuale arcinemico, Cameron Martinez, non si ripresenta nella mia vita. La sua sola presenza mi destabilizza. Il suo sguardo intenso e la sua vena aggressiva, dominante e possessiva sono come un lazo che mi attira verso di lui.
Posso sopportare solo qualche doccia condivisa e incontro negli spogliatoi prima di cedere a questa attrazione.
Ma sappiamo entrambi che non c’è un futuro per noi. Le nostre ambizioni hanno sempre lasciato rovina e dolore dietro di esse. Perché dovrebbe essere diverso questa volta?
Soltanto che non riesco a pensare lucidamente quando lui è nei paraggi. E ogni momento privato che condividiamo mi fa dimenticare le mie vere intenzioni.
Il successo che mi aspetta si basa su tre anni di affilata concentrazione e di un rispetto guadagnato duramente. Per non parlare di quanta vita personale abbia sacrificato per l’hockey. I Titans si fidano della mia guida e io non li tradirò. Niente potrebbe andare storto.
Almeno finché l’ex amore della mia vita e attuale arcinemico, Cameron Martinez, non si ripresenta nella mia vita. La sua sola presenza mi destabilizza. Il suo sguardo intenso e la sua vena aggressiva, dominante e possessiva sono come un lazo che mi attira verso di lui.
Posso sopportare solo qualche doccia condivisa e incontro negli spogliatoi prima di cedere a questa attrazione.
Ma sappiamo entrambi che non c’è un futuro per noi. Le nostre ambizioni hanno sempre lasciato rovina e dolore dietro di esse. Perché dovrebbe essere diverso questa volta?
Soltanto che non riesco a pensare lucidamente quando lui è nei paraggi. E ogni momento privato che condividiamo mi fa dimenticare le mie vere intenzioni.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2023
527 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hall
73 books779 followersGay. Sweet. Steamy.
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
January 14, 2024
When I started this book I really didn’t have high hopes for it, but hey! It proved me wrong. I liked both of the characters and I liked how their relationship was built up. Riley and Cameron were lovers and then they became enemies and then I was surprised by how well the author brought them back to being lovers again. The one thing I didn’t like was that they kept referring back to the time they broke up as a memory. But they have more memories then just specifically that one, right? And I wanted to see those more memories, not just the same one. But otherwise I enjoyed this story and it was definitely a pleasant surprise.
December 10, 2023
*3.5*
“Part of me knew that you were what made me feel whole.”
NA College/hockey romance
Second chance
3 year separation (om, not on-page)
Teenage firsts, to enemies, back to lovers
Lite D/s, spanking
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
HEA
I didn’t feel a strong emotional pull for either one of these characters up until the end. Their initial separation and miscommunication really irritated me…but lack of communication always annoys me.
I really love the discussion near the end when they both admit their honest feelings, both past and present. It was what I craved throughout the story, but I was still thankful it arrived before it was too late.
NA College/hockey romance
Second chance
3 year separation (om, not on-page)
Teenage firsts, to enemies, back to lovers
Lite D/s, spanking
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
HEA
I didn’t feel a strong emotional pull for either one of these characters up until the end. Their initial separation and miscommunication really irritated me…but lack of communication always annoys me.
I really love the discussion near the end when they both admit their honest feelings, both past and present. It was what I craved throughout the story, but I was still thankful it arrived before it was too late.
December 29, 2023
⭐︎
3.75 Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
Have to say, overall, this is my least favorite Hayden Hall story so far.
It just didn't quite grab me as all his previous works have done.
Riley and Cameron had decent chemistry. They carried a good portion of this story, ngl.
But they didn't have enough chemistry for me to completely disregard the fairly big lack of plot. I mean, there's some fun animosity towards each other at first. Although Cam kinda confused me at first, which led to him caring so much about Riley later on not completely, 100% believable to me.
See, he eventually gets to the place where he admits how much he cared for Riley back in the day, when they were teenagers fucking for months on end (and it was more, too, obviously), but when we meet him again in present day, he barely seems to give a fuck and he doesn't seem to get Riley still being angry about what happened 3 years previously with him.
I would get if he was *acting* like he didn't give a shit, but internally he had all the feels for Riley that he was trying to suppress, and eventually I got that feeling, I did. But at first it genuinely felt like Cam couldn't give less of a shit about Riley. Like maybe he was suppressing big time in those moments, but idk why the reader couldn't be privy to his inner most thoughts?
I mean, we learn later on that he was actually missing Riley BIG time and felt so lonely and hollow without him and that he jumped at the opportunity to be near Riley again, even knowing Riley would hate him when he did see him.
So color me confused about why Cam seemed confused about Riley hating him at first, and why he seemed so unaffected, even his thoughts. It just was kinda a head scratcher to me. The feeling of longing Cam had for Riley didn't come across until later when they were really getting back into their relationship.
But when Cam literally has thoughts along the lines about how he "used" Riley to make him feel better about his shitty home life and in return he made Riley feel like something when his own family made him feel like nothing, it just felt like...okay where were these buried feelings he had for Riley all this time?
His attitude at the beginning just did not translate well later on when all the sudden Cam had all the feels.
Once we get there, it's good and enjoyable and all that, but still. Big points off for that, for me. I think Cam in the beginning of the book could have been written better.
So while this was, overall, enjoyable, it didn't have the same oompf I've found in his other works. The chemistry was there, but not amazing. Like by the end I found myself wanting to skim their last sex scene and I hate when that happens. I didn't, but the fact that it felt kinda like a chore by that point to get through wasn't good.
And it was slow at times because after they start getting over their animosity, there really isn't much plot. It's very vague about hockey, so this barley even reads like a hockey romance, and not much else happens except these two having a quick break that they get through fairly quickly.
Idk, it just could've been better.
Still liked and enjoyed it, but I didn't love it, unfortunately. Oh well, you can't win them all.
Onto the next!
Have to say, overall, this is my least favorite Hayden Hall story so far.
It just didn't quite grab me as all his previous works have done.
Riley and Cameron had decent chemistry. They carried a good portion of this story, ngl.
But they didn't have enough chemistry for me to completely disregard the fairly big lack of plot. I mean, there's some fun animosity towards each other at first. Although Cam kinda confused me at first, which led to him caring so much about Riley later on not completely, 100% believable to me.
See, he eventually gets to the place where he admits how much he cared for Riley back in the day, when they were teenagers fucking for months on end (and it was more, too, obviously), but when we meet him again in present day, he barely seems to give a fuck and he doesn't seem to get Riley still being angry about what happened 3 years previously with him.
I would get if he was *acting* like he didn't give a shit, but internally he had all the feels for Riley that he was trying to suppress, and eventually I got that feeling, I did. But at first it genuinely felt like Cam couldn't give less of a shit about Riley. Like maybe he was suppressing big time in those moments, but idk why the reader couldn't be privy to his inner most thoughts?
I mean, we learn later on that he was actually missing Riley BIG time and felt so lonely and hollow without him and that he jumped at the opportunity to be near Riley again, even knowing Riley would hate him when he did see him.
So color me confused about why Cam seemed confused about Riley hating him at first, and why he seemed so unaffected, even his thoughts. It just was kinda a head scratcher to me. The feeling of longing Cam had for Riley didn't come across until later when they were really getting back into their relationship.
But when Cam literally has thoughts along the lines about how he "used" Riley to make him feel better about his shitty home life and in return he made Riley feel like something when his own family made him feel like nothing, it just felt like...okay where were these buried feelings he had for Riley all this time?
His attitude at the beginning just did not translate well later on when all the sudden Cam had all the feels.
Once we get there, it's good and enjoyable and all that, but still. Big points off for that, for me. I think Cam in the beginning of the book could have been written better.
So while this was, overall, enjoyable, it didn't have the same oompf I've found in his other works. The chemistry was there, but not amazing. Like by the end I found myself wanting to skim their last sex scene and I hate when that happens. I didn't, but the fact that it felt kinda like a chore by that point to get through wasn't good.
And it was slow at times because after they start getting over their animosity, there really isn't much plot. It's very vague about hockey, so this barley even reads like a hockey romance, and not much else happens except these two having a quick break that they get through fairly quickly.
Idk, it just could've been better.
Still liked and enjoyed it, but I didn't love it, unfortunately. Oh well, you can't win them all.
Onto the next!
September 20, 2024
cannot for the life of me gel with the characters, I wanted to say that apart from the smut and cursing this could’ve been ya because the characters were acting like children but that would’ve been an insult to ya books 🎀
August 20, 2023
"I needed him to drag me back to Earth from the clouds in which my head was lost. I needed him to hold me down and show me what it meant to belong to someone. Even if it was only for a night."
Crossing Blades by Hayden Hall is book 1 in his Arctic Titans of Northwood series of linked standalone MM romance books, set around a college ice-hockey team. This is Riley and Cameron's story.
You're gonna love this one if you're a sucker for:
🌶️Second chance
🌶️College/sports romance
🌶️Best friends to enemies to lovers
🌶️Angsty & emotional
🌶️D/S vibes
🌶️Steamy locker room times
🌶️"It's always been you"
🌶️HEA
I loved it!
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crossing Blades by Hayden Hall is book 1 in his Arctic Titans of Northwood series of linked standalone MM romance books, set around a college ice-hockey team. This is Riley and Cameron's story.
You're gonna love this one if you're a sucker for:
🌶️Second chance
🌶️College/sports romance
🌶️Best friends to enemies to lovers
🌶️Angsty & emotional
🌶️D/S vibes
🌶️Steamy locker room times
🌶️"It's always been you"
🌶️HEA
I loved it!
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
dnf
September 17, 2023dnf @ 60%
November 20, 2023
Pretty good. I liked the MCs, especially Cameron, whose bad boy vibes hide a dominant, yet protecting, view of his addiction Riley. Riley, who is captain of the university hockey team and and all around alpha outside the bedroom, has a spanking kink that only Cameron knows about. There are some hot D/s scenes, although they're fairly tame, and not what I was expecting.
My main quibble with the book, which was otherwise well-written, was the jumping ahead in time near the middle of the book. Once Cameron and Riley got to the point where they were sharing a bed together, the author pretty much just gives a summary of what happens over the course of a few weeks (months?). It wasn't bad and seemed to say that the two were at a status quo, but I would have liked more of how their relationship was changing while keeping the romantic/sexual tension from their teammates.
My main quibble with the book, which was otherwise well-written, was the jumping ahead in time near the middle of the book. Once Cameron and Riley got to the point where they were sharing a bed together, the author pretty much just gives a summary of what happens over the course of a few weeks (months?). It wasn't bad and seemed to say that the two were at a status quo, but I would have liked more of how their relationship was changing while keeping the romantic/sexual tension from their teammates.
July 25, 2024
Those sex positions were HAWT, omfg.
But aside from that, the story was compelling. Cam has self-esteem and abandonment issues, which translates over to his relationship with Riley. Cam basically tosses their relationship in the trash and leaves the state.
3 years later, Riley, never having gotten over Cam, is captain of his college hockey team. And then Cam shows up, more than ready for whatever bitterness Riley wants to throw his way.
But aside from that, the story was compelling. Cam has self-esteem and abandonment issues, which translates over to his relationship with Riley. Cam basically tosses their relationship in the trash and leaves the state.
3 years later, Riley, never having gotten over Cam, is captain of his college hockey team. And then Cam shows up, more than ready for whatever bitterness Riley wants to throw his way.
December 5, 2023
Okay so this was a surprise.
A good surprise.
I may have found a new flavor of the week author. Not sure I'm in love, but definitely want to read more... intrigued! I thought I'd read all the hockey mm romance that one could read in order to not be surprised but here we are in surpriseville.
Also we've got:
🏳️🌈Friends to Enemies
🏳️🌈Enemies to Lovers
🏳️🌈Second chance
🏳️🌈First loves
🏳️🌈Possessive MC (yum)
🏳️🌈HEA
Aaaand just enough surprising kink to keep you like "wtf? Can I have some of that?" Like seriously. None of my Christmases were ever that grand. And now I'm going to be ruined for Christmas mornings forever. gd. GD.
This book was delicious and just what I needed. The two MCs have a dynamic that is just... sinful. The narrators delivery is also five stars. I'm not sure if it's his voice acting or if the writing is just that good, but some of those lines are totally quote worthy. Unfortunately I consumed the AB and not the KU version so I can't easily quote them here, but I may have to dig around and add some of the quotes in if anyone else has highlighted them. DE LISH US.
I will say my only book throwing moment was the fourth quarter break up scene. I was not a happy camper but the book redeemed itself.
Back to the writing for a sec. I've read a lot of enemies to lovers/sports angst books by now and this one flowed the most smoothly and naturally of any I've read so far. I honestly was like "how is he going to get these two together..." and then he DID. So smoothly. So well done. The book flowed so nicely and took some solidly unexpected turns that kept me hooked. The characters didn't turn out to be who I thought they'd be in the story (if that makes sense). I mean sometimes we meet a character and you're like "oh I know you. I know those motivations. I see your backstory.” but then the character sort of blindsides you by turning a corner where you didn't think they would, or showing a hand you didn't think they held. This book was just so well done. I did want to kind of kick Caden in the nuts for setting up their downfall in the last part of the book. The author tried very hard to make it seem like Caden didn't *mean* to break them up but... I totally feel like he did.
If I'm not mistaken book 3 is about him? So maybe I'll see some ulterior motives explored then.
A good surprise.
I may have found a new flavor of the week author. Not sure I'm in love, but definitely want to read more... intrigued! I thought I'd read all the hockey mm romance that one could read in order to not be surprised but here we are in surpriseville.
Also we've got:
🏳️🌈Friends to Enemies
🏳️🌈Enemies to Lovers
🏳️🌈Second chance
🏳️🌈First loves
🏳️🌈Possessive MC (yum)
🏳️🌈HEA
Aaaand just enough surprising kink to keep you like "wtf? Can I have some of that?" Like seriously. None of my Christmases were ever that grand. And now I'm going to be ruined for Christmas mornings forever. gd. GD.
This book was delicious and just what I needed. The two MCs have a dynamic that is just... sinful. The narrators delivery is also five stars. I'm not sure if it's his voice acting or if the writing is just that good, but some of those lines are totally quote worthy. Unfortunately I consumed the AB and not the KU version so I can't easily quote them here, but I may have to dig around and add some of the quotes in if anyone else has highlighted them. DE LISH US.
I will say my only book throwing moment was the fourth quarter break up scene. I was not a happy camper but the book redeemed itself.
Back to the writing for a sec. I've read a lot of enemies to lovers/sports angst books by now and this one flowed the most smoothly and naturally of any I've read so far. I honestly was like "how is he going to get these two together..." and then he DID. So smoothly. So well done. The book flowed so nicely and took some solidly unexpected turns that kept me hooked. The characters didn't turn out to be who I thought they'd be in the story (if that makes sense). I mean sometimes we meet a character and you're like "oh I know you. I know those motivations. I see your backstory.” but then the character sort of blindsides you by turning a corner where you didn't think they would, or showing a hand you didn't think they held. This book was just so well done. I did want to kind of kick Caden in the nuts for setting up their downfall in the last part of the book. The author tried very hard to make it seem like Caden didn't *mean* to break them up but... I totally feel like he did.
If I'm not mistaken book 3 is about him? So maybe I'll see some ulterior motives explored then.
October 28, 2023
It took losing you twice for me to see it.
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ College Hockey
🖤 Second Chance
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Self Discovery
❤️ HEA
You're the piece I was missing.
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
Once again Hayden Hall has produced another masterpiece I fell deeply for! Emotional, realistic and full of delicious spice, Hayden should write more hockey books because it was good!! A second chance romance, we bare witness to the first falling of Cameron and Riley, the decisions that inevitably broke them and several years later, the tense reunion. Despite the pull they feel for one another, they have both been deeply hurt and through many emotional scenes we see them slowly giving in. Full of angst and pain, this book really invoked all the feels in me and not just character based but also plot based lead to a deep story I could not put down! I loved every second and cannot wait for more in the series!
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ College Hockey
🖤 Second Chance
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Self Discovery
❤️ HEA
You're the piece I was missing.
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
Once again Hayden Hall has produced another masterpiece I fell deeply for! Emotional, realistic and full of delicious spice, Hayden should write more hockey books because it was good!! A second chance romance, we bare witness to the first falling of Cameron and Riley, the decisions that inevitably broke them and several years later, the tense reunion. Despite the pull they feel for one another, they have both been deeply hurt and through many emotional scenes we see them slowly giving in. Full of angst and pain, this book really invoked all the feels in me and not just character based but also plot based lead to a deep story I could not put down! I loved every second and cannot wait for more in the series!
August 19, 2023
This is an angsty, emotional, MM college romance with themes of hockey players, enemies, second chances, delicious Dom/Sub (pain kink & bratty undertones). Quite the mix that sucked me in, of course I wanted the #ARC! Devoured in around 5hrs. Adored Riley & Cam!
Eachother's solace, Cam broke Riley's heart by going far away for college. Now in final year, Riley's college hockey captain. Cam has newly transferred, & a teammate. The animosity is expected, but it's hiding so much hurt & loneliness within. Fights, taunt (I found em kinda cute lol). The anger blew up to lust, a truce to play together...but they hadn't had a chance then, will they now? Or will the cycle of betrayal repeat, geography breaking em apart? Always a secret fling?
These 2 are 2 complex boys! Different insecurities hiding. Their kinkiness was a pleasantly hot surprise. Cute moments too. I really wanted more, To see some scenes that are told, but time passed by 🤷. As feelings evolved, fear of future...led to a fun climax! Loved the ending 💕. Teammates are sweet! RTC.
Story ratings:
POV: 1st person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: Fiery, emotional, smirk
3) Story enjoyment: 5/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.3/5
5) World build: 4.3/5
6) Relationship: 4.9/5
7) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
8) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.7/5
Angst: 4/5
Dark: 1.5/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.3/5
10) Grammar: 5/5
Eachother's solace, Cam broke Riley's heart by going far away for college. Now in final year, Riley's college hockey captain. Cam has newly transferred, & a teammate. The animosity is expected, but it's hiding so much hurt & loneliness within. Fights, taunt (I found em kinda cute lol). The anger blew up to lust, a truce to play together...but they hadn't had a chance then, will they now? Or will the cycle of betrayal repeat, geography breaking em apart? Always a secret fling?
These 2 are 2 complex boys! Different insecurities hiding. Their kinkiness was a pleasantly hot surprise. Cute moments too. I really wanted more, To see some scenes that are told, but time passed by 🤷. As feelings evolved, fear of future...led to a fun climax! Loved the ending 💕. Teammates are sweet! RTC.
Story ratings:
POV: 1st person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: Fiery, emotional, smirk
3) Story enjoyment: 5/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.3/5
5) World build: 4.3/5
6) Relationship: 4.9/5
7) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
8) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.7/5
Angst: 4/5
Dark: 1.5/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.3/5
10) Grammar: 5/5
August 13, 2023
- hockey
- friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
- second chance
Riley and Cam, childhood best friends who explored their sexuality together and used each other as escape from their families, part on bad terms when Cam breaks Riley’s heart by telling him he’s going to college on the other side of the country.
Fast forward three years, and Riley is captain of his colleges hockey team, and is instructed to show the new guy the ropes. Expecting a hotshot freshman, Riley gets the shock of his life when the newbie is none other than his old flame.
Seeing Cam again slices open old wounds and there’s tons of animosity and bickering between the two, which soon bleeds over to their performance on the ice and could jeopardize their future if they don’t sort their shit out.
Oh my lanta!
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was so devastatingly angsty and delicious, and I loved every minute of Cam & Riley’s story.
- friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
- second chance
Riley and Cam, childhood best friends who explored their sexuality together and used each other as escape from their families, part on bad terms when Cam breaks Riley’s heart by telling him he’s going to college on the other side of the country.
Fast forward three years, and Riley is captain of his colleges hockey team, and is instructed to show the new guy the ropes. Expecting a hotshot freshman, Riley gets the shock of his life when the newbie is none other than his old flame.
Seeing Cam again slices open old wounds and there’s tons of animosity and bickering between the two, which soon bleeds over to their performance on the ice and could jeopardize their future if they don’t sort their shit out.
Oh my lanta!
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was so devastatingly angsty and delicious, and I loved every minute of Cam & Riley’s story.
Read
January 4, 2024DNF @ 50%
I just cannot with these characters. We're they close friends? Were they just casual friends that included benefits? I have no idea because each MC views their past friendship so drastically different 🤔
Also the melodramatics and bitter feelings are getting really old. Can neither of them move on from a slight incident that happened years ago??
I might pick up another in this series but I don't care anymore about Riley or Cam.... so moving on.
Also hating that my first read of 2024 is a DNF 🤪
I just cannot with these characters. We're they close friends? Were they just casual friends that included benefits? I have no idea because each MC views their past friendship so drastically different 🤔
Also the melodramatics and bitter feelings are getting really old. Can neither of them move on from a slight incident that happened years ago??
I might pick up another in this series but I don't care anymore about Riley or Cam.... so moving on.
Also hating that my first read of 2024 is a DNF 🤪
August 23, 2023
4.5⭐️ This was so good! The tension, the banter, the unexpected mild kink play, all with hockey? Sign me up!
Riley and Cam were high school besties turned more until one day Cam dropped the bomb that he wasn’t going to the same college to play hockey with Riley like they had planned, and instead was moving to California & essentially severing all ties for the subsequent three year period.
Lo and behold Cam shows up at the start of their senior year, back in Michigan, not only to play for Riley’s school’s team but also to live together in the team house! Forced proximity fans rejoice!
This was my first Hayden Hall book and it absolutely will not be my last!
Riley and Cam were high school besties turned more until one day Cam dropped the bomb that he wasn’t going to the same college to play hockey with Riley like they had planned, and instead was moving to California & essentially severing all ties for the subsequent three year period.
Lo and behold Cam shows up at the start of their senior year, back in Michigan, not only to play for Riley’s school’s team but also to live together in the team house! Forced proximity fans rejoice!
This was my first Hayden Hall book and it absolutely will not be my last!
November 15, 2024
Nie było to absolutnie warte mojego czasu i zdecydowanie nie jest warte tego, abym poświęciła jeszcze więcej czasu na pisanie komentarza.
Dno.
Dno.
September 10, 2023
I was buddy reading this with a friend as usual and had to stop and ask if either of us were on Cam's side at all in the first half of the book. Resounding no. I truly do not understand why he was so mad.
These fellas needed to sprinkle some good communication on that paddle before hitting each other with it.
These fellas needed to sprinkle some good communication on that paddle before hitting each other with it.
August 30, 2023
Ew, this was yucky. I admit that I don’t care for enemies to lovers much, but there wasn’t any real connection to these two from the start except kinky sex? They were horrible to each other and then madly in love- with cheesy melodramatic descriptions and all. “My soul” “my love” ugh… didn’t buy it. This just wasn’t for me.
dnf
May 8, 2025dnf @ 35%
idc about anyone or anything; also taking an audiobook break except for rereads
idc about anyone or anything; also taking an audiobook break except for rereads
January 23, 2026
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Riley e Cameron si conoscono (anche in senso Biblico, se proprio vogliamo essere precisi) da un bel pezzo. Sembravano legati da profonda amicizia, ma una scelta di Cameron ha condizionato il loro rapporto in modo irreparabile. Ecco perché quando, tre anni dopo quel giorno, i due si rivedono, le cose cominciano in maniera tutt’altro che idilliaca…
Continua sul nostro blog!
Riley e Cameron si conoscono (anche in senso Biblico, se proprio vogliamo essere precisi) da un bel pezzo. Sembravano legati da profonda amicizia, ma una scelta di Cameron ha condizionato il loro rapporto in modo irreparabile. Ecco perché quando, tre anni dopo quel giorno, i due si rivedono, le cose cominciano in maniera tutt’altro che idilliaca…
Continua sul nostro blog!
Review of advance copy received from Editore
libro davvero molto, molto bello 🥹 hot e dolce allo stesso tempo. 2 ragazzi "senza famiglia", che la trovano uno nelle braccia dell'altro ❤️ consigliatissimo 🥰
August 17, 2023
4 stars
Riley and Cam were friends during high school and in their senior year they start meeting every Sunday at Riley's house. From Riley's pov we know that he's hoping to keep their arrangement through college, where they will play hockey together. But Cam shocks Riley when he brutally drops the news he will attend another one, on the other side of the Country.
They don't have contact for three years until Cam suddenly moves to Riley's college and join his team.
The first half of the story is full of resentment, anger and hurt: Cam is cold, distant, he treats his past with Riley with indifference, he doesn't aknowledge they had feelings for each other back then. Riley is hurt, dumbfounded, he struggles to fulfill his role as Captain of the team because Cam returning into his life brings back too many memories. Riley cannot understand why Cam left and his former friend doesn't bother to explain.
Their animosity influences their performances and they're both on the verge of losing their spots in the team.
Their reconnection is slow and it starts with being physically together again: back then, they had a strong sexual chemistry and it's easy for them to found each other again that way. Their emotional reconnection, though, needs more time and they alternate moments when they feel very close to moments when the resentment is too strong.
The last chapters are very beautiful: in the past Cam had difficulties to open up to Riley and it's still hard for him to do that now; it's the fear of losing Riley again that finally pushes him to be honest about his feelings and to ask for forgiveness. And Cam in love is a wonderful, wonderful man.
"You're the piece I was missing."
What prevented me from giving 5 stars:
First: I get that Cam needed to stay away from his toxic parents and decided to accept a scholarship to another college, but I didn't like how he broke the news to Riley.
And when he came back, why did he treat him with indifference and coldness? He was even cruel sometimes (If I could break you heart so easily at eighteen, what do you think I'm capable of after three years of booze and sex and deprivation?")?
Second: Cam spilled all their history to one of their teammate even before meeting Riley again for the first time, but he didn't know if Riley was out (he wasn't in high school because of his religiuos parents) or if his teammates were homophobes. It was very insensitive from him and it hurt Riley, again ("You just spilled our entire story like it's got nothing to do with you.")
Third. I feel like the story was a little unbalanced: after their reconnection, there's no much left of the book. I wish we had a little more time with them as a couple.
I hope we'll meet them in the following books of the series.
Very recommended.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Riley and Cam were friends during high school and in their senior year they start meeting every Sunday at Riley's house. From Riley's pov we know that he's hoping to keep their arrangement through college, where they will play hockey together. But Cam shocks Riley when he brutally drops the news he will attend another one, on the other side of the Country.
They don't have contact for three years until Cam suddenly moves to Riley's college and join his team.
The first half of the story is full of resentment, anger and hurt: Cam is cold, distant, he treats his past with Riley with indifference, he doesn't aknowledge they had feelings for each other back then. Riley is hurt, dumbfounded, he struggles to fulfill his role as Captain of the team because Cam returning into his life brings back too many memories. Riley cannot understand why Cam left and his former friend doesn't bother to explain.
Their animosity influences their performances and they're both on the verge of losing their spots in the team.
Their reconnection is slow and it starts with being physically together again: back then, they had a strong sexual chemistry and it's easy for them to found each other again that way. Their emotional reconnection, though, needs more time and they alternate moments when they feel very close to moments when the resentment is too strong.
The last chapters are very beautiful: in the past Cam had difficulties to open up to Riley and it's still hard for him to do that now; it's the fear of losing Riley again that finally pushes him to be honest about his feelings and to ask for forgiveness. And Cam in love is a wonderful, wonderful man.
"You're the piece I was missing."
What prevented me from giving 5 stars:
First: I get that Cam needed to stay away from his toxic parents and decided to accept a scholarship to another college, but I didn't like how he broke the news to Riley.
And when he came back, why did he treat him with indifference and coldness? He was even cruel sometimes (If I could break you heart so easily at eighteen, what do you think I'm capable of after three years of booze and sex and deprivation?")?
Second: Cam spilled all their history to one of their teammate even before meeting Riley again for the first time, but he didn't know if Riley was out (he wasn't in high school because of his religiuos parents) or if his teammates were homophobes. It was very insensitive from him and it hurt Riley, again ("You just spilled our entire story like it's got nothing to do with you.")
Third. I feel like the story was a little unbalanced: after their reconnection, there's no much left of the book. I wish we had a little more time with them as a couple.
I hope we'll meet them in the following books of the series.
Very recommended.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
January 31, 2024
“I just wanted a better life. But when I got there, I realized you were the only good thing I had in my world."
It had the potential to be an amazing read but personally, it was pretty average. I liked Riley but found it really hard to even come close to liking Cameron. He was more of an asshole than anything throughout the book. The whole story felt like the stretched out version of the prologue. Mostly because I expected something different this time. It felt all in all the same except the HEA. The most annoying part was when Cameron was angry at Riley or full-on being cocky with him when he should be the one apologizing, begging on his knees because he dumped his best friend. I understand the reasons, it wasn't enough to satisfy me though. Like they could have kept in touch and grown apart? I would have liked that more, to be honest. And then Cameron keeps sweeping back and shitting on Riley whenever he had the goddamn chance like he was at fault here. And the forgiveness was too easily earned. All in all, I wanted Cameron to work for it and angst, a lot more angst than a taste of it. They also fell in a relationship out of nowhere, mostly feeling rushed because they haven't had any weak, sweet, toe-curling moments before and suddenly they are about to get drafted and get together?? Like?? No. Give me a reason to believe yall are dying for each other. Ugh. It was a fine book, I just expected too much of it, I guess. Nonetheless, I will be reading the next book which is Sawyer and Nate hehe 🫶 But sorry not sorry will be skipping the 3rd one because Caden and Beckett??? I am not signing up for that shit show. I don't like Beckett. Who's suprised.
It had the potential to be an amazing read but personally, it was pretty average. I liked Riley but found it really hard to even come close to liking Cameron. He was more of an asshole than anything throughout the book. The whole story felt like the stretched out version of the prologue. Mostly because I expected something different this time. It felt all in all the same except the HEA. The most annoying part was when Cameron was angry at Riley or full-on being cocky with him when he should be the one apologizing, begging on his knees because he dumped his best friend. I understand the reasons, it wasn't enough to satisfy me though. Like they could have kept in touch and grown apart? I would have liked that more, to be honest. And then Cameron keeps sweeping back and shitting on Riley whenever he had the goddamn chance like he was at fault here. And the forgiveness was too easily earned. All in all, I wanted Cameron to work for it and angst, a lot more angst than a taste of it. They also fell in a relationship out of nowhere, mostly feeling rushed because they haven't had any weak, sweet, toe-curling moments before and suddenly they are about to get drafted and get together?? Like?? No. Give me a reason to believe yall are dying for each other. Ugh. It was a fine book, I just expected too much of it, I guess. Nonetheless, I will be reading the next book which is Sawyer and Nate hehe 🫶 But sorry not sorry will be skipping the 3rd one because Caden and Beckett??? I am not signing up for that shit show. I don't like Beckett. Who's suprised.
March 1, 2024
A short and quick read in between my slow-burn romance marathon was exactly what I needed right now.
I liked both characters and that their hatred and anger stemmed from a hurtful past, not a mutual dislike. There isn't much plot, but that was fine as I only came for the romance anyway.
I liked both characters and that their hatred and anger stemmed from a hurtful past, not a mutual dislike. There isn't much plot, but that was fine as I only came for the romance anyway.
March 5, 2024
Book: 5 stars! So fun!
Narration: 3 stars. Fine, but not really suited to this book.
I had a blast with this book! This author is new to me, and after this I’ll have to read more of his stuff! This isn’t a new topic or setting, but he hit a lot of tropes I love and did it in an interesting way. I had so much fun with these characters! No notes, really. Even the third act breakup made sense with some of the earlier events of the book.
My one snag was the narrator. He was completely fine, but I think didn’t bring the intensity this book needed/deserved. Even the high angst scenes sounded fairly sedate. Not bad, but probably not the best person for this.
Riley is a 21 year old college hockey captain. He’s got blonde hair and black eyebrows. He’s cis and gay. His family isn’t supportive and withdrew after he came out to them, and quit asking about his life. He had a friendship and a benefits situation with Cameron in high school, but got his heart broken when Cameron told him last minute he’d changed his mind and didn’t want to go to the same college together, and told Riley their fling meant nothing. Riley took the lesson to heart and didn’t have a serious relationship for the next few years, believing he wasn’t worth sticking around for after his family and Cameron all but left him.
Cameron is also 21 and plays college hockey. He has a family that has a lot of drama with each other and three things and destroyed his stuff to make a point. He felt like he wasn’t worth paying attention to, so when he broke things off with Riley he figured he was doing them both a favor. When they reunite at college they go from rivals to having sex “for the team” so they could let off steam and not kill each other. He still rationalized it was a fling and meant nothing. He doesn’t realize until late than he doesn’t really feel that way and he’ll never get over Riley.
Content warnings and tropes:
—Explicit sexual scenes
—Second chance romance
—High school exes (sort of)
—College
—Sports/Hockey
—Sexual kinks (spanking, paddling, manhandling, d/s; both both enjoy these roles and refer to them as such)
—Homophobic families (both passively and actively)
—Secret dating
—EWB
—FWB
—Slight jealousy
—Some possessiveness (mostly kink during sex, light to medium)
Other:
—Dual first person POV
—No kids
—No cheating or romantic rivals
—Strict sexual roles (Cameron likes to top and be more dominant, Riley likes to bottom and be more submissive)
—Third act breakup
—HEA
Narration: 3 stars. Fine, but not really suited to this book.
I had a blast with this book! This author is new to me, and after this I’ll have to read more of his stuff! This isn’t a new topic or setting, but he hit a lot of tropes I love and did it in an interesting way. I had so much fun with these characters! No notes, really. Even the third act breakup made sense with some of the earlier events of the book.
My one snag was the narrator. He was completely fine, but I think didn’t bring the intensity this book needed/deserved. Even the high angst scenes sounded fairly sedate. Not bad, but probably not the best person for this.
Riley is a 21 year old college hockey captain. He’s got blonde hair and black eyebrows. He’s cis and gay. His family isn’t supportive and withdrew after he came out to them, and quit asking about his life. He had a friendship and a benefits situation with Cameron in high school, but got his heart broken when Cameron told him last minute he’d changed his mind and didn’t want to go to the same college together, and told Riley their fling meant nothing. Riley took the lesson to heart and didn’t have a serious relationship for the next few years, believing he wasn’t worth sticking around for after his family and Cameron all but left him.
Cameron is also 21 and plays college hockey. He has a family that has a lot of drama with each other and three things and destroyed his stuff to make a point. He felt like he wasn’t worth paying attention to, so when he broke things off with Riley he figured he was doing them both a favor. When they reunite at college they go from rivals to having sex “for the team” so they could let off steam and not kill each other. He still rationalized it was a fling and meant nothing. He doesn’t realize until late than he doesn’t really feel that way and he’ll never get over Riley.
Content warnings and tropes:
—Explicit sexual scenes
—Second chance romance
—High school exes (sort of)
—College
—Sports/Hockey
—Sexual kinks (spanking, paddling, manhandling, d/s; both both enjoy these roles and refer to them as such)
—Homophobic families (both passively and actively)
—Secret dating
—EWB
—FWB
—Slight jealousy
—Some possessiveness (mostly kink during sex, light to medium)
Other:
—Dual first person POV
—No kids
—No cheating or romantic rivals
—Strict sexual roles (Cameron likes to top and be more dominant, Riley likes to bottom and be more submissive)
—Third act breakup
—HEA
November 15, 2023
2/5 stars
August 17, 2023
Crossing Blades by Hayed Hall was so freaking good. I loved it!! It was so sad at first Uggg broke my heart that Riley and Cameron just couldn’t figure it out. It was literally making my heart have the fuzzies. I could feel they truly loved each other so much. They, well Cameron couldn’t see it. But holy cow when he finally figured it out. It was truly swoon worthy.
Then the Hockey!! I love hockey mm but the best of the best is when the Mc’s both play. It’s my favorite! (Side note I loved the coach he should get his own story)
Then the sex scenes were 🔥🔥🔥🥵. They were two pieces of a puzzle that fit together. They each others match.
I thought I have read Hayden Hall before when I requested to read it but it turns out this is my first book from them and it certainly won’t be the last. I have heart eyes for this book 😍😍I’m glad this is a series I’m here for it.
I have received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest opinion
Then the Hockey!! I love hockey mm but the best of the best is when the Mc’s both play. It’s my favorite! (Side note I loved the coach he should get his own story)
Then the sex scenes were 🔥🔥🔥🥵. They were two pieces of a puzzle that fit together. They each others match.
I thought I have read Hayden Hall before when I requested to read it but it turns out this is my first book from them and it certainly won’t be the last. I have heart eyes for this book 😍😍I’m glad this is a series I’m here for it.
I have received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest opinion
August 23, 2023
4 ⭐
3 🌶️
🏒 Best friends to enemies to lovers
🌶️ College Hockey
🏒 Second chance
🌶️ So much tension
🏒 Kink play (mild D/S) 🥵
This is book 1 in the Artic Titans of Northwood U series (interconnected standalones MM romance).
It follows the story of Riley and Cameron.
The tension in this book was soooo high that when it exploded, they were fireworks 🎇
I loved this story, and the evolution of the characters relationship.
The spice was 💯, especially the scene on the couch during Christmas break 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I'm eager to discover the other teammates stories and discover who ends up with who 😏
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✧˖°Instagram°˖✧
3 🌶️
🏒 Best friends to enemies to lovers
🌶️ College Hockey
🏒 Second chance
🌶️ So much tension
🏒 Kink play (mild D/S) 🥵
This is book 1 in the Artic Titans of Northwood U series (interconnected standalones MM romance).
It follows the story of Riley and Cameron.
The tension in this book was soooo high that when it exploded, they were fireworks 🎇
I loved this story, and the evolution of the characters relationship.
The spice was 💯, especially the scene on the couch during Christmas break 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I'm eager to discover the other teammates stories and discover who ends up with who 😏
“For you to hurt me, I’d need to give a fuck, Cam. But you’ve taught me how to not care.”
“Good.”
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✧˖°Instagram°˖✧
August 13, 2023
I don’t know what it is about hockey romances that I love so much, but I’ve even started to love watching it in real life (much to my husbands dismay).
Riley and Cameron both come from less than stellar families and sought each other out for comfort prior to going to college as a means to escape. Riley (whose feelings were deeper at the time) thought they were going to attend the same college on a hockey scholarship. Cameron wants to run much farther from home and goes to California instead.
The way the guys split and reunited at college during senior year (specifically Cameron) confused me until I progressed further into the story. Communication is not the strongest between these two which accounts for the majority of their problems. Once Cameron realizes that the thing he was running from was the only thing that can bring him true happiness, he changed his opinions very quickly.
Hayden is one of my favorite authors, and this book is no exception. I’m excited to see where this series goes! This was a great start to a new series with plenty of side characters that could potentially offer their own stories!!
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
Riley and Cameron both come from less than stellar families and sought each other out for comfort prior to going to college as a means to escape. Riley (whose feelings were deeper at the time) thought they were going to attend the same college on a hockey scholarship. Cameron wants to run much farther from home and goes to California instead.
The way the guys split and reunited at college during senior year (specifically Cameron) confused me until I progressed further into the story. Communication is not the strongest between these two which accounts for the majority of their problems. Once Cameron realizes that the thing he was running from was the only thing that can bring him true happiness, he changed his opinions very quickly.
Hayden is one of my favorite authors, and this book is no exception. I’m excited to see where this series goes! This was a great start to a new series with plenty of side characters that could potentially offer their own stories!!
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2023
A story about two friends (with benefits) who turned into enemies and had to work hard to thaw the ice and become friendly again.
Three years ago, on the verge of entering university, Riley had thoughts and hopes for their future, while Cameron had completely different plans. They never crossed paths again, until now.
When Riley, the captain of the Northwood U hockey team, discovers that Cam attended his university, and his team, anger courses through his veins. The feeling is mutual!
The enemies-to-lovers part is well-executed with plenty of intense and angry moments. When they realize they must work together on the ice to have a chance at making it to the NHL, their dynamic begins to shift.
They have a lot to overcome, it’s quite emotional, and the lack of communication didn’t help them.
It was a solid story, with lot of fights and angry arguments, and not just a few pages.
The flow of the story was smooth, the pacing appropriate, and the writing style engaging. The concept and the overall execution of the story are well-done, providing an entertaining read.
Three years ago, on the verge of entering university, Riley had thoughts and hopes for their future, while Cameron had completely different plans. They never crossed paths again, until now.
When Riley, the captain of the Northwood U hockey team, discovers that Cam attended his university, and his team, anger courses through his veins. The feeling is mutual!
The enemies-to-lovers part is well-executed with plenty of intense and angry moments. When they realize they must work together on the ice to have a chance at making it to the NHL, their dynamic begins to shift.
They have a lot to overcome, it’s quite emotional, and the lack of communication didn’t help them.
It was a solid story, with lot of fights and angry arguments, and not just a few pages.
The flow of the story was smooth, the pacing appropriate, and the writing style engaging. The concept and the overall execution of the story are well-done, providing an entertaining read.
December 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Cute story. I'm glad they found each other young, but got to have some life experience before they finally got together so they could be sure. My largest complaint with this book was that the conflict in the beginning felt contrived. The level of animosity felt forced, not that there wouldn't be some bitterness and anger, but it felt OTT from both of them a lot of the time.
Cute story. I'm glad they found each other young, but got to have some life experience before they finally got together so they could be sure. My largest complaint with this book was that the conflict in the beginning felt contrived. The level of animosity felt forced, not that there wouldn't be some bitterness and anger, but it felt OTT from both of them a lot of the time.
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