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The Barracudas #2
The Power of Love
Fake dating your best friend is supposed to be easy...but only if feelings aren’t involved.
Drew Larney lives for the rush on the ice and in the bedroom. As the star center of the Berkeley Shore University hockey team, it’s not in his nature to deny his fans a good time. Scoring hat tricks is his bread and butter, one-night stands are his specialty, and commitment isn’t even in his vocabulary.
Jackson Monroe is the golden boy quarterback with a heart as big as his throwing arm. Where most athletes seek the limelight, Jackson prefers spending time with his friends, working out with his teammates, and staying out of the public eye as much as possible. But being popular comes with a price.
After a Polar Bear Plunge kicks off the new year and sparks new interest into Drew and Jackson’s bromance, the two of them repeatedly deny that they’re anything more than friends. There’s only one problem—once a rumor spreads, there’s little one can do to stop it. So, Drew and Jackson hatch a plan. Fake a relationship until the heat dies down.
What starts as damage control quickly spirals into something more complicated when the Ice Queen begins orchestrating elaborately intimate schemes to test the authenticity of their sudden relationship. As every line drawn becomes blurred, and every moment together pushes them closer than ever before, Drew and Jackson must face the ultimate can they fight the power of love?
Drew Larney lives for the rush on the ice and in the bedroom. As the star center of the Berkeley Shore University hockey team, it’s not in his nature to deny his fans a good time. Scoring hat tricks is his bread and butter, one-night stands are his specialty, and commitment isn’t even in his vocabulary.
Jackson Monroe is the golden boy quarterback with a heart as big as his throwing arm. Where most athletes seek the limelight, Jackson prefers spending time with his friends, working out with his teammates, and staying out of the public eye as much as possible. But being popular comes with a price.
After a Polar Bear Plunge kicks off the new year and sparks new interest into Drew and Jackson’s bromance, the two of them repeatedly deny that they’re anything more than friends. There’s only one problem—once a rumor spreads, there’s little one can do to stop it. So, Drew and Jackson hatch a plan. Fake a relationship until the heat dies down.
What starts as damage control quickly spirals into something more complicated when the Ice Queen begins orchestrating elaborately intimate schemes to test the authenticity of their sudden relationship. As every line drawn becomes blurred, and every moment together pushes them closer than ever before, Drew and Jackson must face the ultimate can they fight the power of love?
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
89 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Christopher J. Brice
5 books93 followersChristopher J. Brice has always loved reading stories and creating his own. After many years of wanting to do so, he finally took the plunge and published a story that had been brewing in his mind for over ten years.
When Christopher is not writing or reading, he’s watching a lot of television and movies, indulging in his favorite foods, and enjoying time with friends, family, and the most adorable cat known to mankind.
When Christopher is not writing or reading, he’s watching a lot of television and movies, indulging in his favorite foods, and enjoying time with friends, family, and the most adorable cat known to mankind.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 19, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
The Power of Love was a great addition to this series. I actually enjoyed it more than the first book. The fake dating and friends-to-lovers worked really well for Drew and Jackson. Their chemistry combined with all of the pining made for some hot moments and a beautiful romance.
There were a couple things I didn’t care for. One being the Ice Queen. She wasn’t as bad as in the first book, but I’m still not a fan. And the other was all of the “events” the guys had to do. They felt a little unrealistic and would’ve been a legal nightmare for a university.
I’m totally looking forward to the next book though. Ryan is my favorite character so it’ll be cool to see his story.
The Power of Love was a great addition to this series. I actually enjoyed it more than the first book. The fake dating and friends-to-lovers worked really well for Drew and Jackson. Their chemistry combined with all of the pining made for some hot moments and a beautiful romance.
There were a couple things I didn’t care for. One being the Ice Queen. She wasn’t as bad as in the first book, but I’m still not a fan. And the other was all of the “events” the guys had to do. They felt a little unrealistic and would’ve been a legal nightmare for a university.
I’m totally looking forward to the next book though. Ryan is my favorite character so it’ll be cool to see his story.
January 31, 2026
This was a lack of communication done well, there was a reason behind them not saying how they felt and it felt genuine.
Drew and Jackson were great characters, they were distinctive and lovely. I enjoyed how they were portrayed to the world and how we saw more of them in different ways when they were together. Drew was boisterous and outgoing but afraid of having a genuine connection with someone. Jackson was the typical, all American football player but was kind, hopeful and grounded. They brought out the best in each other and they made sense together.
However, there was so much unnecessary nudity, like all the time. It got a bit much, particularly the amount of times that Gerard's body was focused on in this book. Also I wasn't as keen on the Ice Queens role here, what was the point in her creating these super sexual activities to 'find them out', honestly it times it just felt a bit objectifying.
Overall though, I liked Drew and Jackson together. I liked their dynamic and the pacing of their relationship and I did like that the book didn't take itself too seriously.
Drew and Jackson were great characters, they were distinctive and lovely. I enjoyed how they were portrayed to the world and how we saw more of them in different ways when they were together. Drew was boisterous and outgoing but afraid of having a genuine connection with someone. Jackson was the typical, all American football player but was kind, hopeful and grounded. They brought out the best in each other and they made sense together.
However, there was so much unnecessary nudity, like all the time. It got a bit much, particularly the amount of times that Gerard's body was focused on in this book. Also I wasn't as keen on the Ice Queens role here, what was the point in her creating these super sexual activities to 'find them out', honestly it times it just felt a bit objectifying.
Overall though, I liked Drew and Jackson together. I liked their dynamic and the pacing of their relationship and I did like that the book didn't take itself too seriously.
January 22, 2026
It felt like a fever dream, like it was so over the top ridiculous I didn’t even know what to think at times. Some parts made me feel like I was in an orgy so much nakedness from literally everyone at anytime.
Drew’s infatuation with coach weirded me out truly, he literally said coach gave him that father figure role but later on he said -while still claiming to be in love with Jackson- if coach asked him to fuck he’d do it but only because it’s a biological response 👁️👄👁️ ..excuse me?
It just wasn’t clicking for me, the humorous scenes in this is funny-I’d hope so- but that’s about all I liked.
Drew’s infatuation with coach weirded me out truly, he literally said coach gave him that father figure role but later on he said -while still claiming to be in love with Jackson- if coach asked him to fuck he’d do it but only because it’s a biological response 👁️👄👁️ ..excuse me?
It just wasn’t clicking for me, the humorous scenes in this is funny-I’d hope so- but that’s about all I liked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
Nothing was more exciting than getting back into the world of the BSU Barracudas. I truly love these characters, and it was easy to dive back in. Both main and side characters have so much personality. This time around, we are following the story of Drew and Jackson. In Icing on the Cake, we got a brief introduction to their chemistry and sexual tension (Halloween iykyk ;)) . This book follows the boys the next semester after book one. The Ice Queen is back, and her new targets are Drew and Jackson, newfound best friends who have feelings they are not ready to face.
I appreciated that the Ice Queen was better presented this time around. My only issue in the first book was how invasive and derogatory her articles came across. Instead of this vulgar stalker, she is presented this time more like a gossip blogger, more a fan than an adversary. She still stirred up drama, but the articles weren't as tasteless, I would say, as they were in the first book. This time around, she was more of what I think she is intended to be, and I liked that we got snippets of her POV. It helps build into the mystery of figuring out who is behind the blog. Getting her POV this time around, I think, also added to the progression of finding out more about her. It sets up the opportunity for her identity to be slowly revealed over time as we continue the series with more hints.
You can totally see the potential relationship pairings, and I am excited for each one. Something tells me the couple I am most excited for (Kyle and Alex) might end up saving the best for last. This series continues to make me laugh out loud every time I sit down for a read. Hopefully, I will be diving into book three soon.
I appreciated that the Ice Queen was better presented this time around. My only issue in the first book was how invasive and derogatory her articles came across. Instead of this vulgar stalker, she is presented this time more like a gossip blogger, more a fan than an adversary. She still stirred up drama, but the articles weren't as tasteless, I would say, as they were in the first book. This time around, she was more of what I think she is intended to be, and I liked that we got snippets of her POV. It helps build into the mystery of figuring out who is behind the blog. Getting her POV this time around, I think, also added to the progression of finding out more about her. It sets up the opportunity for her identity to be slowly revealed over time as we continue the series with more hints.
You can totally see the potential relationship pairings, and I am excited for each one. Something tells me the couple I am most excited for (Kyle and Alex) might end up saving the best for last. This series continues to make me laugh out loud every time I sit down for a read. Hopefully, I will be diving into book three soon.
February 9, 2026
4.5 stars - I have been looking forward to this installment ever since that finger in the mouth scene from Icing on the Cake if you know you know and this book absolutely delivered.
Drew Larney is chaos on skates a star hockey center a commitment phobe and fully aware of his own appeal. Jackson Monroe is the golden boy quarterback with a genuinely big heart who would much rather avoid attention. After a Polar Bear Plunge sparks rumors about their bromance the two decide to fake a relationship until the gossip dies down.
Only it does not especially once campus gossip blogger The Ice Queen gets involved orchestrating drama and some very elaborately intimate situations that blur every line Drew and Jackson thought they had drawn.
I loved seeing all of the characters from the first book fully involved in the story instead of fading into the background and giving The Ice Queen a bigger voice was such a fun chaotic choice. Low angst no third act breakup fake dating done right and a romance that lets love win without unnecessary suffering this series continues to be such a hit for me and I cannot wait for the next one.
#thepoweroflove #christopherjbrice #mmromance #fakedatingromance #sportsromance
Drew Larney is chaos on skates a star hockey center a commitment phobe and fully aware of his own appeal. Jackson Monroe is the golden boy quarterback with a genuinely big heart who would much rather avoid attention. After a Polar Bear Plunge sparks rumors about their bromance the two decide to fake a relationship until the gossip dies down.
Only it does not especially once campus gossip blogger The Ice Queen gets involved orchestrating drama and some very elaborately intimate situations that blur every line Drew and Jackson thought they had drawn.
I loved seeing all of the characters from the first book fully involved in the story instead of fading into the background and giving The Ice Queen a bigger voice was such a fun chaotic choice. Low angst no third act breakup fake dating done right and a romance that lets love win without unnecessary suffering this series continues to be such a hit for me and I cannot wait for the next one.
#thepoweroflove #christopherjbrice #mmromance #fakedatingromance #sportsromance
February 21, 2026
Wow, I loved this book and the playful nature and just joy of life there was in this book that was perfectly personified by Drew and Jackson. We get a glimpse of Drew and Jackson in the last book and how silly they appear to be together, I loved the scene where they act like overprotective parents in the last book! I feel like we get some of that silliness in this book but it's so much more in depth and reflective of Drew and Jackson's experience. We learn more about Drew and Jackson in this book and I truly empathized with both of them about their challenges and eventually what brought them together. I see them becoming more vulnerable with each other and I loved seeing that develop. I enjoyed seeing how Drew has a close relationship with Coach Donovan, which was also there in the previous book and I'm hoping to see each of the character's dynamic with their teammates coach Donovan in the later books. Like the last book, we see the next couple and their interactions with each other and with their teammates and friends. It has made me very eager for the next book in the series as we got a little sneak peak into the next couple. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the rest
January 26, 2026
2,5/5 arredondando mto pra cima.
Sabe qual o problema? Eu gosto dos personagens.
Todos eles têm personalidades marcantes, e é ENGRAÇADO em 10% do tempo.
Mas minha nossa, isso é pornografia gratuita sem qualquer contexto.
Fora que os protagonistas têm OS MESMOS diálogos pelo menos umas 5x, em momentos diferentes.
É como se a cada capítulo eles sofressem amnésia e recomeçassem de novo o mesmo drama do capítulo anterior. Do LIVRO anterior inclusive, porque parece que eles inventam backgrounds que não existiam só pra fazer sentido.
Spoiler: não faz. Nenhum. Incoerência é a chave aqui.
E o que deveria fazer sentido é jogado no lixo no parágrafo seguinte.
Tem UMA coisa problemática aqui, problemática de verdade, mas vou me abster de comentar porque esse livro não se leva a sério. Isso tá descrito no disclaimer. Então vamos seguir em frente com essa comédia pornográfica ridícula.
Próximo livro: Oliver e Ryan. (DO NADA!)
Último? Chuto que seja do Kyle e do Alex.
Todos saindo esse ano (dá pra ver como eles são escritos) e vou ler? Talvez. Quem sabe?
ps.: a capa é bonitinha, mas o contexto da imagem da capa... if you know, you know.
Sabe qual o problema? Eu gosto dos personagens.
Todos eles têm personalidades marcantes, e é ENGRAÇADO em 10% do tempo.
Mas minha nossa, isso é pornografia gratuita sem qualquer contexto.
Fora que os protagonistas têm OS MESMOS diálogos pelo menos umas 5x, em momentos diferentes.
É como se a cada capítulo eles sofressem amnésia e recomeçassem de novo o mesmo drama do capítulo anterior. Do LIVRO anterior inclusive, porque parece que eles inventam backgrounds que não existiam só pra fazer sentido.
Spoiler: não faz. Nenhum. Incoerência é a chave aqui.
E o que deveria fazer sentido é jogado no lixo no parágrafo seguinte.
Tem UMA coisa problemática aqui, problemática de verdade, mas vou me abster de comentar porque esse livro não se leva a sério. Isso tá descrito no disclaimer. Então vamos seguir em frente com essa comédia pornográfica ridícula.
Próximo livro: Oliver e Ryan. (DO NADA!)
Último? Chuto que seja do Kyle e do Alex.
Todos saindo esse ano (dá pra ver como eles são escritos) e vou ler? Talvez. Quem sabe?
ps.: a capa é bonitinha, mas o contexto da imagem da capa... if you know, you know.
January 24, 2026
So i’m not entirely sold on the chemistry and romance between any of these couples yet that i’ve read in this series. With Drew and Jackson specifically I don’t think they had enough alone time or just enough explanation for me to understand their attraction toward each other. I honestly didn’t even find them to be that close of friends lol, all the other characters were much closer. Any of the flashbacks helped me exactly 0% idek .. but
another sweet addition to the series. I like these books they are pretty fun reads , just lacking some chemistry since there’s so much focus on the other friends and characters .. we don’t get enough time with the main characters
I’m still excited for the other couples being teased!! A bit confused now on Oliver tho if he’s supposed to be with Mason or Ryan but idk .. and for sure hope to see Alex and Kyle. I just hope to see some more chemistry and maybe less focus on side characters in the future books?
Wait and also tea on coach and Gerard’s dad omg
another sweet addition to the series. I like these books they are pretty fun reads , just lacking some chemistry since there’s so much focus on the other friends and characters .. we don’t get enough time with the main characters
I’m still excited for the other couples being teased!! A bit confused now on Oliver tho if he’s supposed to be with Mason or Ryan but idk .. and for sure hope to see Alex and Kyle. I just hope to see some more chemistry and maybe less focus on side characters in the future books?
Wait and also tea on coach and Gerard’s dad omg
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
2.5⭐️
yeah i did not vibe with this one which sucks bc i love friends to lovers and fake dating but… just not for me unfortunately. there was so much nakedness from everyone at like all times and just everything was so casually sexualized for no reason. and drew’s views on his coach weirded me the fuck out ngl… he says he likes his fatherly tough love but then also wants to sleep with him (even after he’s acknowledged he’s in love with jackson and they’re fairly deep in the fake dating) but then says he doesn’t have a daddy kink but like dude you definitely have daddy issues.
romance wise once they got their shit together it was cute but before that drew was a total idiot. and again everything was so intensely sexualized. idk i know it’s supposed to be a campy series but it was just feeling uncomfortable :/ not sure if i’ll continue bc i do really love ryan and am curious about his story with oliver but we’ll see how i feel when it comes out.
yeah i did not vibe with this one which sucks bc i love friends to lovers and fake dating but… just not for me unfortunately. there was so much nakedness from everyone at like all times and just everything was so casually sexualized for no reason. and drew’s views on his coach weirded me the fuck out ngl… he says he likes his fatherly tough love but then also wants to sleep with him (even after he’s acknowledged he’s in love with jackson and they’re fairly deep in the fake dating) but then says he doesn’t have a daddy kink but like dude you definitely have daddy issues.
romance wise once they got their shit together it was cute but before that drew was a total idiot. and again everything was so intensely sexualized. idk i know it’s supposed to be a campy series but it was just feeling uncomfortable :/ not sure if i’ll continue bc i do really love ryan and am curious about his story with oliver but we’ll see how i feel when it comes out.
March 8, 2026
First book of the author and I really wanted to fall in love with it.. But I couldn’t get into it.
I felt like most of the book talked about Gs butt
It was kinda annoying.
I did like this couple, although wished it was more of them.
Sounds weird but they talked about each other more than actually being together .. felt like it was too much with the friends.
Also kinda disappointed about the future couples.
I was interested in the hockey guys but didn’t care for their future partners.
I don’t think I can read a book with the way Ryan talks.. sorry.
Also liked Kyle but not Alex..
To be honest.. I’m more interested in the coach than any of them.
I love MM and finding new authors but kinda hate the bad boy jock and the soft shy nerd twink.. boring
I felt like most of the book talked about Gs butt
It was kinda annoying.
I did like this couple, although wished it was more of them.
Sounds weird but they talked about each other more than actually being together .. felt like it was too much with the friends.
Also kinda disappointed about the future couples.
I was interested in the hockey guys but didn’t care for their future partners.
I don’t think I can read a book with the way Ryan talks.. sorry.
Also liked Kyle but not Alex..
To be honest.. I’m more interested in the coach than any of them.
I love MM and finding new authors but kinda hate the bad boy jock and the soft shy nerd twink.. boring
January 21, 2026
This was such a well-written book. I loved Drew and Jackson’s dynamic, and it was so great getting to see them slowly realize they wanted to be more than best friends. This book was definitely spicy and I couldn’t get enough of the shenanigans the ice queen put everyone in. If you’re looking for a good time, a story that makes you laugh and wonder WTF in a good way, read this!
February 25, 2026
Here’s the thing, this is not a bad book by any means. It’s a little zany which I think is the point. The characters are fun, the antics over the top. I just think it was a little long. Drew and Jackson have great chemistry. The banters top notch. I could very much leave the Ice Queen out of this tbh.
March 8, 2026
can’t decide if i loved it or hated it truly. genuinely liked drew and jackson BUT why was everyone obsessed with everyone? im a big fan of boys loving their friends, but every single person was lusting over EVERYONE. and it didn’t help that basically every chapter had full nudity. i don’t think i’ve read so much nudity in my life actually.
January 30, 2026
This was supposed to be good but somehow really didn't work for me. The pacing was off. It felt like nothing is happening the entire time. Too many side characters, not enough chemistry between the leads. I'm not sure.
February 4, 2026
So good. Love the vibe of these books so much.
Also the amount of foreplay, longing and pining was glorious.
Jackson and Drew stole the first book with the kitchen scene and it shows in this books.
Loved it.
Also the amount of foreplay, longing and pining was glorious.
Jackson and Drew stole the first book with the kitchen scene and it shows in this books.
Loved it.
February 15, 2026
Fun romp!
Wow, this one is naughty! Naughty hockey players. A lot of fun and debauchery. And sweet sweet love. I want 10 more in this series! The whole hockey team gets boyfriends! I can't wait to see who Nathan ends up with!!!
Wow, this one is naughty! Naughty hockey players. A lot of fun and debauchery. And sweet sweet love. I want 10 more in this series! The whole hockey team gets boyfriends! I can't wait to see who Nathan ends up with!!!
February 25, 2026
aww!
Such a cute, funny romcom. I thought I was gonna die waiting for them to admit their feeling tbh and then bam it happens! Thank goodness.
Also I totally think Alex is Ice Queen.
Such a cute, funny romcom. I thought I was gonna die waiting for them to admit their feeling tbh and then bam it happens! Thank goodness.
Also I totally think Alex is Ice Queen.
February 2, 2026
3.5 stars
February 6, 2026
i don’t read these books because they’re necessarily good. i read them because they’re so bad they’re funny
March 5, 2026
This whole book felt like a bad wattpad novel
March 9, 2026
3.75 stars
March 24, 2026
1.5/5
This was supposed to be a comedy but the comic timing was missing. It dragged on and on.
This is a fairly new writer who's seems to be hiding behind a fake identity. Most aspects of the story and characters felt fake too.
This was supposed to be a comedy but the comic timing was missing. It dragged on and on.
This is a fairly new writer who's seems to be hiding behind a fake identity. Most aspects of the story and characters felt fake too.
February 24, 2026
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
One of my favourite books of the year so far! The friends to lovers trope is done so well and you can't help but route for these boys. One minute I'd be laughing out load and the next I'd be giggling!
Perfect if you want a book that's low angst, interesting, spicy and just overall a great time!
One of my favourite books of the year so far! The friends to lovers trope is done so well and you can't help but route for these boys. One minute I'd be laughing out load and the next I'd be giggling!
Perfect if you want a book that's low angst, interesting, spicy and just overall a great time!
February 23, 2026
I have to say this is my favorite! Cannot wait to read the next book. I've reread his twice now. Would deffinatly recommend! It's so sweet and very good writing.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews