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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
120 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Christopher J. Brice
6 books111 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 - 30 of 36 reviews
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.
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.
March 27, 2026
So I've read through many of the other reviews. A lot of people are downrating saying it's not a realistic perspective. Too over the top, people don't talk that way, too much nakedness.
Part of the enjoyment of reading fiction is to being transported from one realm to another. We read for enjoyment. So, if you liked this novel, then great, if not, that is also fine. But what I find troubling is people are looking to this particular novel and series as some sort of realistic series and the writing to be on par with William Faulkner or George Steinbeck.
Folks, let's be real. This isn't a novel that you will study in a literature class. The characters aren't that realistic. The prose isn't overly eloquent and thought provoking. The concept and the characters are most certainly meant to demonstrate hyperbole. The situations and interactions and such are way over the top, deliberately, if I had to guess.
So why read it? Because it's fun. It's enjoyable. It's light hearted with some occasional deep moments. The dialogue is snarky and snippy and whimsical at times. The characters and their interactions are funny. I found myself chuckling frequently throughout the book - which is why I rated it as I did. With a lot of fiction you simply have to engage that willing suspension of disbelief concept. Do that, and you'll probably enjoy this.
I wanted something light and funny to distract me from the real life events around us right now. This book did just that. It accomplished what many books are meant to do....entertain. But high literature it isn't. Set your expectations appropriately.
Part of the enjoyment of reading fiction is to being transported from one realm to another. We read for enjoyment. So, if you liked this novel, then great, if not, that is also fine. But what I find troubling is people are looking to this particular novel and series as some sort of realistic series and the writing to be on par with William Faulkner or George Steinbeck.
Folks, let's be real. This isn't a novel that you will study in a literature class. The characters aren't that realistic. The prose isn't overly eloquent and thought provoking. The concept and the characters are most certainly meant to demonstrate hyperbole. The situations and interactions and such are way over the top, deliberately, if I had to guess.
So why read it? Because it's fun. It's enjoyable. It's light hearted with some occasional deep moments. The dialogue is snarky and snippy and whimsical at times. The characters and their interactions are funny. I found myself chuckling frequently throughout the book - which is why I rated it as I did. With a lot of fiction you simply have to engage that willing suspension of disbelief concept. Do that, and you'll probably enjoy this.
I wanted something light and funny to distract me from the real life events around us right now. This book did just that. It accomplished what many books are meant to do....entertain. But high literature it isn't. Set your expectations appropriately.
Read
April 23, 2026Right from the Prologue, I did not get on with this one. Drew comes off like a parody of a college dude-bro jock.
May 4, 2026
Some of us had a buddy read of this book, but sadly it turned out to be an utter slog. The story was messily incoherent almost throughout, and the plot totally shafted the romance between the leads. The irony was that Drew and Jackson were actually much better suited to each other than either of the other couples in the series. Yes, an opposites-attract, "shy bookish nerd and a athletic jock falling in love" is often a favored trope - but predictable drama aside, some degree of common interests and pursuits (like Jackson and Drew did here), would be more conducive to a real-feeling love story, than the more trope-y pairings of Gerard-Elliott and Oliver-Ryan.
Take for instance, Jackson and Drew's corresponding and symmetrical roles in the sports they respectively play. Drew is the star center of the Barracudas - a forward position primarily responsible for patrolling the middle of the ice, taking faceoffs, and acting as a two-way playmaker who supports both offense and defense. Very much matching Jackson in his role in the College Football team - as Quarterback, Jackson would be the leader of the offensive team, calling signals, executing plays, managing the game clock, reading defenses, and making split-second decisions. He's as prominent in his team as Drew is in the hockey team.
Basically, this could have been a romance between two leading athletes, both with strengths and personalities which dovetailed well together. And yet...and yet....this book somehow contrived to squander every single opportunity of making good on what could have been a memorable love story. First of all, this supposed track of "falling in love with your best friend" seemed wildly inapposite. Drew and Jackson were decidedly not "best friends" despite that word being kept thrown around in the characters' monologues/inner thoughts (especially Drew's). The whole "best friend" bit was way more of 'tell' rather than 'show' - because the two of them never really came across behaving like "best friends".
They were acquaintances who became friends because their respective friends groups merged (when Elliott and Gerard started dating), and they were obviously very, very attracted to each other. About their friendship, though, it never came across as being this ultra-close bromance (aside from the overdone sexual tension)- because the author never really showed us a deep friendship between them, just 'told' us over and over that it was so.
I mean.....they couldn’t even fathom being honest and open with each other, and they didn’t have a clue what the other was really thinking or feeling. They are unable to really understand each other's feelings and thoughts right until the very end, and they don’t ever check in with each other. Frankly, it started feeling like manufactured, reality TV angst that does not work with anything else we are shown about the characters. It was believable for the characters to be feeling some conflicted/anxious emotions at times. But instead of portraying these with nuance and empathy, everything was dialled up melodramatically to full throttle ad nauseam. Until it just became so extremely exhausting and repetitive, we were being 'told' the same things over and over again.
But you know what? This could still have been bearable if the core love story had been handled in a tender manner, portraying all the sensuality, eroticism and romance which could have done it justice. The pity is, the book sacrifices all that for a heavy overdose of sleaze; and fetishization and objectification which goes to such ridiculous lengths it becomes crass. It devolves very much into the malaise of stereotyping queer male characters rather than actually writing them in an identifiable manner.
Take for example Drew's portrayal. Showing him as a rakish Lothario with a penchant for casual hookups; who cloaks his deep-seated abandonment issues by never letting himself be emotionally available/vulnerable, was one thing. But keeping on showing him behaving in a lecherous manner became way too OTT and landed up making him look quite sleazy. His consistent lusting after Coach Donovan being a case in point.
The fact that Drew had a crush on the Coach in his Freshman year is understandable - despite Drew's protestations to the contrary, he certainly seems to have very deep-seated daddy issues. But what devolves into prurient territory is the way he keeps ogling Coach and nursing thoughts about having sex with him, even after he's come to realize the strength of his feelings for Jackson. For crying out loud, there's a nauseating scene where Coach is comforting Drew after a hard loss; and Drew is simultaneously telling Coach that he's in love with Jackson while also getting erect as he ogles the way Coach's fitted tee highlights his physique. There's also another scene where Drew thinks to himself that he'd be ready to have sex with Coach Donovan if he showed him the slightest interest - this after Drew's already realized that he feels much more for Jackson than friendship.
Hey, no judgement here - maybe there's an audience for Coach-Athlete type of erotica. I'm not part of that audience, but anyway, with all due respect to the author, that kink belonged in a different book, with a different plot and character portrayal underlying it. All it did here was to make Drew seem more than a bit lecherous, and call into question the real strength of his emotions for Jackson.
Also scene after scene after scene of the entire hockey team (plus on occasion the football team, rugby team, volleyball team etc etc) being almost fully nude, and seemingly every guy ogling and getting turned on by the surfeit of nudity surrounding them. It was all so ridiculously objectified it became off putting; and I couldn't help but recall this apt quote - "Too much of anything becomes good for nothing".
I will say this - when Jackson and Drew finally stop behaving like utter idiots and get together, their physical chemistry is scorching. There are spicy sex scenes towards the end, and them being vers was also a nice touch. But sadly, that payoff just didn't make up for all the aggravation reaching till that point. My immense disappointment about this stems from the fact that at its core, this could have been a terrific story. It could have been as heart-melting as it was briefs-melting. But all that was squandered through mind-numbingly baseless histrionics and melodrama; and a massive overdose of fetishization/objectification/hypersexualization.
Also wanted to add, I read an earlier review stating that people "might be getting disappointed because they felt the plot wasn't realistic" and suggesting that they shouldn't expect the "writing to be on par with William Faulkner or George Steinbeck". There was this suggestion that "With a lot of fiction you simply have to engage that willing suspension of disbelief concept. Do that, and you'll probably enjoy this."
In my view, this defense of the book completely misses the point. Literally nobody expects this genre to be very realistic, and most of us are perfectly willing and able to suspend disbelief if the story is really appealing. Faulkner and Steinbeck aren't the reference points for comparison in this genre, and neither should they be. All that readers of a good MM college/athlete sports romance expect is good-natured fun & mischief, and a love story that combines sensual erotica and depth/nuance of emotion. I'd say a series which has excelled at this is Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey's "Amazing Alpha Tau" - especially "The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-Improvement Project", and its sequel "Romancing Dalton Beauregard". I'd encourage readers who haven't yet read that to give it a go and see how leagues ahead it is of this book. There really is no comparison.
Take for instance, Jackson and Drew's corresponding and symmetrical roles in the sports they respectively play. Drew is the star center of the Barracudas - a forward position primarily responsible for patrolling the middle of the ice, taking faceoffs, and acting as a two-way playmaker who supports both offense and defense. Very much matching Jackson in his role in the College Football team - as Quarterback, Jackson would be the leader of the offensive team, calling signals, executing plays, managing the game clock, reading defenses, and making split-second decisions. He's as prominent in his team as Drew is in the hockey team.
Basically, this could have been a romance between two leading athletes, both with strengths and personalities which dovetailed well together. And yet...and yet....this book somehow contrived to squander every single opportunity of making good on what could have been a memorable love story. First of all, this supposed track of "falling in love with your best friend" seemed wildly inapposite. Drew and Jackson were decidedly not "best friends" despite that word being kept thrown around in the characters' monologues/inner thoughts (especially Drew's). The whole "best friend" bit was way more of 'tell' rather than 'show' - because the two of them never really came across behaving like "best friends".
They were acquaintances who became friends because their respective friends groups merged (when Elliott and Gerard started dating), and they were obviously very, very attracted to each other. About their friendship, though, it never came across as being this ultra-close bromance (aside from the overdone sexual tension)- because the author never really showed us a deep friendship between them, just 'told' us over and over that it was so.
I mean.....they couldn’t even fathom being honest and open with each other, and they didn’t have a clue what the other was really thinking or feeling. They are unable to really understand each other's feelings and thoughts right until the very end, and they don’t ever check in with each other. Frankly, it started feeling like manufactured, reality TV angst that does not work with anything else we are shown about the characters. It was believable for the characters to be feeling some conflicted/anxious emotions at times. But instead of portraying these with nuance and empathy, everything was dialled up melodramatically to full throttle ad nauseam. Until it just became so extremely exhausting and repetitive, we were being 'told' the same things over and over again.
But you know what? This could still have been bearable if the core love story had been handled in a tender manner, portraying all the sensuality, eroticism and romance which could have done it justice. The pity is, the book sacrifices all that for a heavy overdose of sleaze; and fetishization and objectification which goes to such ridiculous lengths it becomes crass. It devolves very much into the malaise of stereotyping queer male characters rather than actually writing them in an identifiable manner.
Take for example Drew's portrayal. Showing him as a rakish Lothario with a penchant for casual hookups; who cloaks his deep-seated abandonment issues by never letting himself be emotionally available/vulnerable, was one thing. But keeping on showing him behaving in a lecherous manner became way too OTT and landed up making him look quite sleazy. His consistent lusting after Coach Donovan being a case in point.
The fact that Drew had a crush on the Coach in his Freshman year is understandable - despite Drew's protestations to the contrary, he certainly seems to have very deep-seated daddy issues. But what devolves into prurient territory is the way he keeps ogling Coach and nursing thoughts about having sex with him, even after he's come to realize the strength of his feelings for Jackson. For crying out loud, there's a nauseating scene where Coach is comforting Drew after a hard loss; and Drew is simultaneously telling Coach that he's in love with Jackson while also getting erect as he ogles the way Coach's fitted tee highlights his physique. There's also another scene where Drew thinks to himself that he'd be ready to have sex with Coach Donovan if he showed him the slightest interest - this after Drew's already realized that he feels much more for Jackson than friendship.
Hey, no judgement here - maybe there's an audience for Coach-Athlete type of erotica. I'm not part of that audience, but anyway, with all due respect to the author, that kink belonged in a different book, with a different plot and character portrayal underlying it. All it did here was to make Drew seem more than a bit lecherous, and call into question the real strength of his emotions for Jackson.
Also scene after scene after scene of the entire hockey team (plus on occasion the football team, rugby team, volleyball team etc etc) being almost fully nude, and seemingly every guy ogling and getting turned on by the surfeit of nudity surrounding them. It was all so ridiculously objectified it became off putting; and I couldn't help but recall this apt quote - "Too much of anything becomes good for nothing".
I will say this - when Jackson and Drew finally stop behaving like utter idiots and get together, their physical chemistry is scorching. There are spicy sex scenes towards the end, and them being vers was also a nice touch. But sadly, that payoff just didn't make up for all the aggravation reaching till that point. My immense disappointment about this stems from the fact that at its core, this could have been a terrific story. It could have been as heart-melting as it was briefs-melting. But all that was squandered through mind-numbingly baseless histrionics and melodrama; and a massive overdose of fetishization/objectification/hypersexualization.
Also wanted to add, I read an earlier review stating that people "might be getting disappointed because they felt the plot wasn't realistic" and suggesting that they shouldn't expect the "writing to be on par with William Faulkner or George Steinbeck". There was this suggestion that "With a lot of fiction you simply have to engage that willing suspension of disbelief concept. Do that, and you'll probably enjoy this."
In my view, this defense of the book completely misses the point. Literally nobody expects this genre to be very realistic, and most of us are perfectly willing and able to suspend disbelief if the story is really appealing. Faulkner and Steinbeck aren't the reference points for comparison in this genre, and neither should they be. All that readers of a good MM college/athlete sports romance expect is good-natured fun & mischief, and a love story that combines sensual erotica and depth/nuance of emotion. I'd say a series which has excelled at this is Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey's "Amazing Alpha Tau" - especially "The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-Improvement Project", and its sequel "Romancing Dalton Beauregard". I'd encourage readers who haven't yet read that to give it a go and see how leagues ahead it is of this book. There really is no comparison.
May 2, 2026
Gosh, what an utter disappointment this book was! Jackson and Drew were characters with a lot of potential, and their love story definitely could have been portrayed in a memorable and engrossing way. Instead, we got pages after pages of the most rampant fetishization, objectification and hypersexualization possible.
The scenes and plot flow lurched from one hackneyed, overdone trope to another; and never once allowed the "best friends to lovers" arc between Drew and Jackson, the space to breathe and grow and get some genuine depth to it. Page after page was devoted to borderline-sleazy objectification - not just of Drew & Jackson, but also of Drew's hockey teammates. It seemed like a non-stop carousel of all these characters being either completely nude or mostly so; and everyone seemed to be ogling and perving on each other.
And....what on earth was this never-ending track of referring to Drew's liaisons and desires for other people? Yes, yes, we get it - he's been an inveterate playboy who hooks up left, right and centre - but where the book overdoes it is by repeating these scenes over and over again.
For one thing, we get a lengthy scene where Drew has a run in with Trevor Banks - the Academic Advisor with whom he had a torrid hookup 2 years ago. For another, we get far too many scenes where Drew is ogling and getting aroused by hockey coach Donovan! So yeah, it's understandable the way he explains how he had a giant, hero-worshipping crush on the coach in his Freshman year. But even when he says that those feelings have now matured into a deep appreciation and admiration for a father-figure of sorts, Drew is shown still cheapening that sentiment (and his love for Jackson) by constantly perving on the coach even later on.
There are two scenes showing Drew's interactions with Coach Donovan which came across as very sleazy and sordid, and showed Drew (and his love for Jackson) in rather poor light. In one, Drew already realized that his feelings for Jackson transcend being just best of friends, but he still thinks to himself that if Coach Donovan showed the slightest of interest in him, he'd definitely jump at the opportunity to have sex with the Coach! 🤦🏽♂️
The other scene comes still later, after Drew and Jackson have pretty much dry-humped each other in a mutual frot session. While Drew hasn't confessed his feelings openly yet, he's already well aware ( or so he says) that he's completely in love with Jackson. Even at this juncture, when Coach comes to speak to him after a tough loss in a hockey game - once again, Drew ogles him and gets aroused when Coach sits in close proximity to him.
Frankly, Drew's interactions with Coach Donovan seem unhealthy and compulsive - and ideally he should be getting some much-needed therapy to address his evident daddy issues. The most ironic part is that of the three couples covered so far in this series, Jacson and Drew seemed to be the best matched, to have the potential to have the most 'in tune with each other' chemistry. Sadly, though - this book does an extremely poor job of actually portraying and developing that chemistry. And it squanders any opportunity to give their story some emotional depth and nuance; in favor of repeatedly pushing mind-numbingly sordid scenes instead.
The scenes and plot flow lurched from one hackneyed, overdone trope to another; and never once allowed the "best friends to lovers" arc between Drew and Jackson, the space to breathe and grow and get some genuine depth to it. Page after page was devoted to borderline-sleazy objectification - not just of Drew & Jackson, but also of Drew's hockey teammates. It seemed like a non-stop carousel of all these characters being either completely nude or mostly so; and everyone seemed to be ogling and perving on each other.
And....what on earth was this never-ending track of referring to Drew's liaisons and desires for other people? Yes, yes, we get it - he's been an inveterate playboy who hooks up left, right and centre - but where the book overdoes it is by repeating these scenes over and over again.
For one thing, we get a lengthy scene where Drew has a run in with Trevor Banks - the Academic Advisor with whom he had a torrid hookup 2 years ago. For another, we get far too many scenes where Drew is ogling and getting aroused by hockey coach Donovan! So yeah, it's understandable the way he explains how he had a giant, hero-worshipping crush on the coach in his Freshman year. But even when he says that those feelings have now matured into a deep appreciation and admiration for a father-figure of sorts, Drew is shown still cheapening that sentiment (and his love for Jackson) by constantly perving on the coach even later on.
There are two scenes showing Drew's interactions with Coach Donovan which came across as very sleazy and sordid, and showed Drew (and his love for Jackson) in rather poor light. In one, Drew already realized that his feelings for Jackson transcend being just best of friends, but he still thinks to himself that if Coach Donovan showed the slightest of interest in him, he'd definitely jump at the opportunity to have sex with the Coach! 🤦🏽♂️
The other scene comes still later, after Drew and Jackson have pretty much dry-humped each other in a mutual frot session. While Drew hasn't confessed his feelings openly yet, he's already well aware ( or so he says) that he's completely in love with Jackson. Even at this juncture, when Coach comes to speak to him after a tough loss in a hockey game - once again, Drew ogles him and gets aroused when Coach sits in close proximity to him.
Frankly, Drew's interactions with Coach Donovan seem unhealthy and compulsive - and ideally he should be getting some much-needed therapy to address his evident daddy issues. The most ironic part is that of the three couples covered so far in this series, Jacson and Drew seemed to be the best matched, to have the potential to have the most 'in tune with each other' chemistry. Sadly, though - this book does an extremely poor job of actually portraying and developing that chemistry. And it squanders any opportunity to give their story some emotional depth and nuance; in favor of repeatedly pushing mind-numbingly sordid scenes instead.
April 29, 2026
The Power of Love
I actually liked this book more than Icing on the Cake. The chemistry between Jackson and Drew absolutely flew off the page. I’m always a sucker for pining—especially when it’s happening on both sides—and this book really delivered on that. The tension and longing between them were done so well.
I’m still not the biggest fan of the whole Ice Queen thing. I think it goes a little overboard at times. It can be entertaining, but the fake dating setup just to prove her wrong felt a bit ridiculous to me. Then again, fake dating has never really been one of my favorite tropes, so that might just be personal preference.
One thing that surprised me in this book was how different some of the characters felt compared to the first one. Gerard, in particular, seemed almost like a completely different person. In Icing on the Cake he came across confident and charming, but here he mostly just wandered around naked talking about how great his body was. It made him feel a bit shallow and goofy, and honestly it kind of took away from the character I liked in the first book.
On the other hand, I loved Ryan in this one, and I’ve been a low-key Oliver fan since book one. I’m really excited to read their story next. I’m curious whether Mason will end up playing into that at all, since it seems like he and Oliver might still have something unresolved. Ryan is clearly pining for Oliver, and I’m hoping that feeling goes both ways—but we’ll see.
It looks like book four might be the final book, which I’m guessing will be Alex and Kyle. But after all the mentions of Nathan in this book, I kind of hope he gets a story too.
One thing I couldn’t help noticing throughout the book was just how… naked everyone seemed to be all the time. Seriously—does anyone at this university ever wear clothes? I’m not sure how they’re getting away with that. It also felt like Sarah and the Ice Queen were basically the only women on campus. I do appreciate that there’s no homophobia in this world, but at times it almost feels like every guy at the school is either gay or bi.
Spice 🌶️
The spice was definitely better in this book than in Icing on the Cake. It’s a bit of a slow burn because of all the pining between Jackson and Drew, but once things finally start happening… it gets pretty hot. 🥵 The buildup made those moments hit even harder.
I actually liked this book more than Icing on the Cake. The chemistry between Jackson and Drew absolutely flew off the page. I’m always a sucker for pining—especially when it’s happening on both sides—and this book really delivered on that. The tension and longing between them were done so well.
I’m still not the biggest fan of the whole Ice Queen thing. I think it goes a little overboard at times. It can be entertaining, but the fake dating setup just to prove her wrong felt a bit ridiculous to me. Then again, fake dating has never really been one of my favorite tropes, so that might just be personal preference.
One thing that surprised me in this book was how different some of the characters felt compared to the first one. Gerard, in particular, seemed almost like a completely different person. In Icing on the Cake he came across confident and charming, but here he mostly just wandered around naked talking about how great his body was. It made him feel a bit shallow and goofy, and honestly it kind of took away from the character I liked in the first book.
On the other hand, I loved Ryan in this one, and I’ve been a low-key Oliver fan since book one. I’m really excited to read their story next. I’m curious whether Mason will end up playing into that at all, since it seems like he and Oliver might still have something unresolved. Ryan is clearly pining for Oliver, and I’m hoping that feeling goes both ways—but we’ll see.
It looks like book four might be the final book, which I’m guessing will be Alex and Kyle. But after all the mentions of Nathan in this book, I kind of hope he gets a story too.
One thing I couldn’t help noticing throughout the book was just how… naked everyone seemed to be all the time. Seriously—does anyone at this university ever wear clothes? I’m not sure how they’re getting away with that. It also felt like Sarah and the Ice Queen were basically the only women on campus. I do appreciate that there’s no homophobia in this world, but at times it almost feels like every guy at the school is either gay or bi.
Spice 🌶️
The spice was definitely better in this book than in Icing on the Cake. It’s a bit of a slow burn because of all the pining between Jackson and Drew, but once things finally start happening… it gets pretty hot. 🥵 The buildup made those moments hit even harder.
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.
April 4, 2026
“The Power of Love” is an absolute delight to read! This was my first book from the author, and I swear to God, it’s just so cute and adorable, and they’re both such idiots, and they’re in love and totally BLIND to each other! I LOVE IT! This is how you do the fake relationship right! No plan whatsoever, Drew and Jackson are just thrown into what others think is a relationship, and they eventually get tired of fighting it off so they just accept that they are together. But the more they now try to convince people that they are together, the more the Ice Queen suspects they are all but an act. Which they started as, since they tried to tell everyone they were not together!
Drew and Jackson are both so adorable, the little challenges are so cute, and they have amazing chemistry together. The more they try to fight their attraction, the worst it gets for them, because they can no longer ignore their feelings. And they try! God, do they try to ignore what their heart desires. This is how you do these tropes.
“The Power of Love” it’s fun, it’s silly, it has so many butts, it’s really queer, but it’s also about insecurities and how sometimes we are our worst enemies when it comes to our own happiness.
Drew and Jackson are both so adorable, the little challenges are so cute, and they have amazing chemistry together. The more they try to fight their attraction, the worst it gets for them, because they can no longer ignore their feelings. And they try! God, do they try to ignore what their heart desires. This is how you do these tropes.
“The Power of Love” it’s fun, it’s silly, it has so many butts, it’s really queer, but it’s also about insecurities and how sometimes we are our worst enemies when it comes to our own happiness.
April 30, 2026
Ridiculous, larger than life personalities and even more ridiculous situations are the daily nutritional intake for this second entry in the lives of the Barracudas Hockey Team. I laughed pretty darn hard through a good deal of this book thanks to the author’s ear for character, timing and the absurd.
This time out it’s the team’s happy-go-lucky, bisexual Lothario, center Drew Larney, and Elliott’s best friend from book 1, quarterback Jackson Monroe. Details emerge about why Drew is the way he is even as Jackson, who from all appearances is straight, is left to confront his more-than-simple-attraction for Drew. What ensues is made sharper and perhaps more difficult by The Ice Queen, Berkeley Shore University’s version of Lady Whistledown, whose pointed barbs on her online blog lead to Drew and Jackson’s fake dating and forced proximity.
If I’d known the title of this book referred to the Huey Lewis song - and worse, how many 80’s references there’d be - I might have reconsidered reading it. Unfortunately, the author gives his college students an itch for 80’s music, so I’ll just live with the trauma now that I’ve read it. Everything else about the book is good fun interspersed with some heartfelt moments.
This time out it’s the team’s happy-go-lucky, bisexual Lothario, center Drew Larney, and Elliott’s best friend from book 1, quarterback Jackson Monroe. Details emerge about why Drew is the way he is even as Jackson, who from all appearances is straight, is left to confront his more-than-simple-attraction for Drew. What ensues is made sharper and perhaps more difficult by The Ice Queen, Berkeley Shore University’s version of Lady Whistledown, whose pointed barbs on her online blog lead to Drew and Jackson’s fake dating and forced proximity.
If I’d known the title of this book referred to the Huey Lewis song - and worse, how many 80’s references there’d be - I might have reconsidered reading it. Unfortunately, the author gives his college students an itch for 80’s music, so I’ll just live with the trauma now that I’ve read it. Everything else about the book is good fun interspersed with some heartfelt moments.
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
April 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Drew and Jackson had me laughing out loud trying on spandex leggings! Slow burn/pining was the name of the game in this book. They both wanted each other, but didn’t know how to say it. While I thought the Ice Queen was fun in book 1, it seemed a bit too much in this book. The fact that Jackson wasn’t properly out (best way I know to describe it) and that character (not entirely sure if female) took it upon themselves to relay the restaurant conversation. It hurt my heart. While they eventually talked to each other about their personal wants (which had me saying about time!), there were lots of comical mishaps throughout this book. I enjoyed it from cover to cover. And I’m excited for Oliver and Ryan’s story next.
Drew and Jackson had me laughing out loud trying on spandex leggings! Slow burn/pining was the name of the game in this book. They both wanted each other, but didn’t know how to say it. While I thought the Ice Queen was fun in book 1, it seemed a bit too much in this book. The fact that Jackson wasn’t properly out (best way I know to describe it) and that character (not entirely sure if female) took it upon themselves to relay the restaurant conversation. It hurt my heart. While they eventually talked to each other about their personal wants (which had me saying about time!), there were lots of comical mishaps throughout this book. I enjoyed it from cover to cover. And I’m excited for Oliver and Ryan’s story next.
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.
May 2, 2026
hilarious
I absolutely adored this friends to lovers romance. Fake dating, gossip girl and hilarious challenges. Easily one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. 6 star read
I absolutely adored this friends to lovers romance. Fake dating, gossip girl and hilarious challenges. Easily one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. 6 star read
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
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