Sharp Edges

Between the Lines

by L. Eveland

JOEL
I don't skate for beauty. I skate to win.
I learned young how to control everything—my body, my career, how to hurt people who deserve it. Nothing gets through unless I let it.
Then a red-haired hockey player walks into my rink, and I want to take him apart.
He's closeted. Careful. Thinks he's hiding what he wants.
He's not.
I should leave him alone. He can never be seen with me, will never introduce me to anyone who matters.
I keep putting my hands on him anyway. Some things are worth ruining yourself for.

RED
I've spent my whole life being told I'm too small.
Too small for the NHL. Too small to hit back. Too small to want things that would swallow me whole.
Then I meet Joel Coffey, and I stop being careful.
He's out. Untouchable. When he looks at me, I forget every rule I made to survive.
For years, we find each other in borrowed beds and cities where no one knows my name. He chases gold. I claw my way through the league. We leave marks on each other that I check for long after they've faded.
It was never supposed to last. We keep choosing it anyway.

Sharp Edges is a spicy MM sports romance featuring a figure skater with a brutal streak, an undersized hockey player who's never let himself want, and years of reaching for something that was never supposed to be theirs.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Hockey, Spicy, Emotional

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

Reviews

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ☆

When we finally pulled apart, Red was smiling.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” He brushed his thumb across my cheekbone. “I just like you.”
It was such a simple thing to say, and yet no one had ever said it to me before.
“I like you too,” I said.
Red’s smile widened. Then he dunked me under the water and swam away laughing, and I came up sputtering and chased him across the pool, and for a little while we were just two people in the water. ~ 🥺😭

sooo i was an emotional wreck by the end of this book lol 🫠🫠🫠 i was laughing and feeling giddy one moment and sobbing my eyes out the next. the whiplash it made me feel- 😭 while Joel had me frustrated at times, i loved both him and Red (individually and together). their backstories made me feel for them so much omg. must protect them at all costs. also, the banters and lil moments they had!! 😭 there were even a few scenes where they were just staring at each other and i was just holding my breath bc the tensionnn (i hate eye contact irl, but i love it in fictional romances for some reason 🤣).

this is only my second L. Eveland book but i’m definitely looking out for more (i loved Ace of Spades, but Sharp Edges might be my favorite so far)! JL’s book being next based on the author’s note at the end?? I’M SO IN. 👀

[Kayla (anxietea-reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I am very much an enjoyer of L Eveland’s works. This one was one I’ve been excited about since they announced it. It delivered and then some. 

This one, right here, such a freaking rollercoaster. It's so emotional. Watching the MCs deal with the shit that went down in this, my heart. Between the family issues, the looming nature of coming out in an environment that doesn't cultivate inclusiveness, the want to be loved but the inability to let someone in, I was all over the place and I had to finish this almost immediately after I started it.

This entire book, I wanted to hug both MCs. These two are such real feeling characters. You can tell both were written with care and love behind them. They both have their demons and their issues but deep down all they want is for someone to see them and believe in them. Long distance is never easy and when you have the schedules that these two have, well that and their inability to allow themselves to actually admit what it is they are feeling, it's the perfect grounds for a lot of angst and yearning. Boy do I love some yearning, angst not so much but I digress. This HEA is hard earned and at points, you want to grab these two by the back of their necks and force them to sit down and talk, make a plan or something but in the end, they get there. 

I cannot wait to see what else Eveland cooks up in this universe because I am already so intrigued by the next MC. Thank you to L for the ARC copy to read 📚

Blank statement for any book I rec, is to make sure you check the TW and take care of yourself when you decide what to read ❤️

[Lyn Solomon-Linville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp Edges was a perfect name for this book. The edges came in Joel's cutting words, in what Joel had to do to take care of his mother, in how Joel's father was so demanding, in what Joel had to present to the world to compete, in what Lewey Body dementia did to Red's father and in what it took for Red to just exist in safety in the hockey world. And honestly, still irl in hockey.
I cried a lot with this one, especially starting with the last text exchanges in the end of the book. I laughed too like in the scene in the hospital when Red talked about Joel being a " mean angel"
I feel like I went on this journey with them and I am a better person for it, even though I feel wrung out and hung up on the line. I would do it a million times again. I love that L. Eveland went in this direction with their writing, which is always filled with their knowledge of the world and the MCs that inhabit their universes. This is an ARC read for me and except for "mean angel" these are all my own words

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a love story that will shatter your heart but by the end their love picks up the pieces and returns it back to its former state, only filled with more love for them.

This is story that spands years, that shows the struggles that Red and Joel faced that should never have to be in a fair world. But above all shows the strength of love, and with your true love by your side no storm of adversity can tear your world apart that was built together.

If ever there was a couple that emphatically deserved thier HEA it was Red and Joel. They made me smile they made me cry but in the end they gave hope.

I can not recommend this book enough as i belive not only is thier story touching but i believe truly shows some of the struggles that are put on the lgbtq+ community.

I look forward to a future where you can hold the hand of the one you love with out fear where a smile is givin without worry and where who you love is not questioned.


❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[hananreads📚💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything & more. The push and pull between the mmc’s, the years of wanting each other & that silent love they had yeah I ate it up 🤏🏾

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Great series starter. Not as dark as some of their other books but was angsty. It's a hard fought HEA for Red and Joel but worth it in the end, even though I was frustrated with them at times. Can't wait to see what comes next. I received an ARC copy of this book and this review was done voluntarily.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop I loved that. First time reading this author and her writing was amazing! The book was so easy to get into, making it that much easier to bond with the MMCs. The author may or may not have taken inspiration from heated rivalry, but either way, the book was special on its own. And I for sure had my fair share of tears… at least 5 instances. I liked how we get to see Red and Joel’s lives outside of their relationship, how it impacted them as individuals, and ultimately how it impacted their relationship throughout the years. Reading about Red and his dad made me emotional because of the similar experiences I’ve dealt with in my life. It’s hard having your own life when it’s spent taking care of someone you love, but Red was still able to live his dreams and play hockey because he knew that’s what his dad would’ve wanted for him 🥺

Joel was a special guy. He had been raised with rules and high expectations, making him feel like he had to do everything on his own. Asking for help or letting someone in equaled weakness in his eyes. When he met Red, those things slowly started to fade as he learned that he felt comfortable around him. That he could be himself and not be judged for it. Throughout the 6 years of their relationship there was a lot of push and pull, not only because of their schedules, but of the feelings that Joel was trying to avoid, and the major component of Red feeling afraid to come out. It was as if neither of them had never had anything JUST for themselves and it had always felt impossible.

Eventually, Joel just knew that he wouldn’t want anyone but Red even if he had to wait a little longer (crying). That he wanted more than just days here and there, that he wanted to never let go again. When Red won the Stanley Cup and came out shortly thereafter, it was everything for both of them. Red finally said fuck it to the world and was done letting it stop him for being who he was out in public. He was more than just his sexuality and the work he put in proved it. He wanted to hold hands with his boyfriend and just be allowed to touch him without worrying about people looking. And as for Joel, he was finally able to live the way he never thought he could live, both personally and professionally (fuck his dad fr). He was finally allowed to just to let himself want.

I was definitely emotional when Joel sent a text saying how proud he was of him after the first game post coming out(sobbing). Cried a little more when Joel said he’d loved Red for so long and that he thought he knew 😭 It was amazing for them both to just be together and not caring what anyone thought. That they could finally support each other in their careers and love out loud. 6 years it took them to REALLY be together. But they made it. They didn’t think they were going to, but they did and it was all that mattered. I loved the end where both of them just got to skate normally at rink together, not as hockey player and figure skater, just them 🥹

— quotes

“But the hockey player kept surfacing. I kept seeing the scar on his chin, the freckles scattered across his nose, the way his mouth had fallen open when I landed that triple. He'd looked at me like I'd done something miraculous instead of something I'd done ten thousand times before.”

“You looked at me yesterday,” — “Like you wanted something.” — “Do you still want it?” — “Yeah,” I said. “I still want it.”

“You came to my rink,” he said, and each word was punctuated by a thrust. “Every morning. For weeks. Waiting for me.” — “Yes.” — “You fought a man twice your size because you were angry at me.”— “Yes.” — “All because you couldn’t stop thinking about the way I kiss you. The way I fuck you. Because you’re obsessed with me, Red. And that’s hot as fuck.”

“What’s your favorite color?” — “Red. I closed my eyes and bit my lip to keep from blurting it out. Red was the color of blood. Of his jersey. Of the freckles on his shoulders, of his stupid hair. But if I told him that, I’d never survive what followed.”

“You're the only thing I've wanted for three months. I just didn't think I was allowed to have it.” (Post ex-bf slapping him and showing up at Red’s door and i wanted to cry)

“We were face to face now, his eyes on mine, and there was nowhere to hide. Every other time I'd done this, I'd made sure not to look. Easier that way. But Red was watching me like he wanted to see everything, and I couldn't make myself look away.”

“I wanted him to see it tomorrow and remember this, remember me, remember what it was like when I let myself be something other than sharp edges and control.”

“Say it,” — “Say what?” — “That you're mine.” — “I've been yours since you showed up at my truck after that first game.”

“I’m not a medal, Joel. I'm not something you earn. I'm not a prize for landing your jumps.” — “I'm here because I want to be. Not because you won.” — “I'd be here even if you fell on every jump.” (🥹)

“Joel: youll be great — Red: you dont know that — Joel: i do — Red: how — Joel: I believe in you Red”

“You always have a choice.” “You just keep choosing me.” — "Yeah," he said quietly. “I keep doing that.”

“”When we finally pulled apart, Red was smiling. “What?”” — “”Nothing.” He brushed his thumb across my cheekbone. “I just like you.””— “It was such a simple thing to say, and yet no one had ever said it to me before. "I like you too," I said.”

“I've never done this before,” — “Done what?” — “Wanted something I couldn't train for.”

“”I want more than one day,” he said. His voice was quiet and almost angry.”— “I want more than a week. I want… I want more than this, Red.” (Yeah i was crying)

“I want to tell everyone about you. — “Not your name. But I want to tell them. I want to say, there's this guy, and he's beautiful, and he's mean, and I love him. I love him so much.”(Groggy Red in the hospital 😭😭)

“You make me want to be brave. You make me want to be a lot of things.”

“You looked pretty happy on TV. Lifting that Cup. Smiling for the cameras.” — “I was thinking about you.” — “The whole time. When they handed it to me, I—“ — “was thinking about you.”

“So what are we doing?” — “I don't know,” — “But I'm tired of being without you.”

“Red: I scored the game winner — Red: wish you were here too I stared at the screen for a moment, then added one more. — Red: I love you”

““I've loved you for years,” he said, muffled behind his palm. “I thought you knew.”” — “I didn't know if I was allowed to say it.” — “You're always allowed.” (Yeah sobbing)

“We almost didn't make it.” — “I know.” — “But we did.”

“Six years ago, we'd shared a rink in Rio Rancho. Red had stood in sneakers on my ice, smirking at me before sunrise. Now he was skating beside me, matching my pace.”

“I'm glad you're here. I'm glad we're doing this.” — “I stepped into his space. The sun was warm on my back, his name warm across my shoulders.” — “”Me too," I said, and kissed him.”

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp Edges absolutely shattered my heart… and then carefully stitched it back together again.

Red and Joel’s story spans years, and it doesn’t shy away from the reality of what they face—career pressure, family expectations, the weight placed on LGBTQ+ athletes, and the brutal physical demands of their sports. It’s not always easy to read, but it’s honest. And through it all, their love refuses to fade.

Joel is controlled, focused, already out, but carrying the burden of a family that takes more than it gives. Red is living day to day, balancing hockey, caring for his dad, and scraping together whatever he can for himself. They’re so different, yet the pull between them is undeniable. The pining, the stolen moments, the late-night messages, the chemistry—it’s all exquisitely done.

This is a slow-burn, multi-year journey filled with ache, resilience, loneliness, and fire. They don’t always make the best choices, but their motivations are clear and deeply human. I loved the found family woven throughout, and the unique storytelling touches—texts, clippings, small moments that carried huge emotional weight.

They truly put themselves (and us) through the wringer before earning their HEA, but if ever a couple deserved one, it’s Red and Joel. Emotional, immersive, and beautifully written.

If you want a sports romance where a hockey player steps onto a figure skater’s ice and sparks a complicated, heart-wrenching love story—this is it.

[Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharp Edges is a slowburn between Joel (Ice Skater) and Red (Hockey Player). While these two love each other they face the obstacle of having different sport schedules. Most of all though is that Joel is openly gay while Red is in the closet. This story is a perfect example of how much pressure there is in being out in proud when in sports. But we also get to see the two different spectrums of parents and how that has contributed to actions they make as adults. While this book is a slowburn and takes over the course of years it didn't feel slow. I think what helped was that we get to see how Red progresses into an established hockey player with endorsements when at first he was just barely surviving at the start. Joel in my opinion stayed mostly the same which is something that I wished was changed. While I do see how he has become more free I wished we had seen more of him and his parents relationship and whether they had full, partial or no contact. Red on the other hand went through a whole journey with advancing in his career, coming to terms with his dad's condition and coming out. By the end I was left happy that these two where able to love in public and not in secret. And I give a props to Ro who was my favorite side character. Ro was a true friend protecting Red on the ice and in showing Red what is important in life.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Red/Robert steps on to the ice for practise, he never expected to be sharing the space with a figure skater. Fascinated with the spinny moves, he vows to keep returning. But Joel has things he wants, he his openly gay and looks like he has the life that Red wants, but is it all for show.
Red was a character that I warmed to straight away, small in stature but has a big presence on the ice. Trying to have an AHL hockey career, being closeted gay and main carer for his dad, definitely plays a toll on him and all I wanted to do is wrap him into a big hug and give him my support.
Joel took a chapter or so to like, my first introduction to him, had me feeling he was a bit aloof and a snob, but as more is revealed of his life, I was back with my hugs.
I loved being there whilst they tried to navigate their relationship, reading their texts, the hopes and dreams, the frustration and tears when it does not go to plan.
The scene by scene descriptions of the figure skating and Hockey added to the story and as I had to watched nearly all of the Winter Olympics I loved every minute.
There are highs and lows through their relationship and I felt that I was on an emotional journey following these two brave men.
I am excited to see where this series goes and will be looking forward to reading it.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally gobsmacked. What an awesome story. The slow burn, the pining, the hard unbending life and soft edges to rest in, the adrenaline and glory, the loneliness and despair, the ache, blood, sweat, tears, the fire, the chemistry, the pull…. Utterly sublime.

Joel, at the peak of his career meets then AHL player living day to day hour to hour. Joel is all control, single focused, out. Family that’s just using him. Red is… juggling but he is all in living life as best he can. Hockey and his dad’s care leave little resources for himself. The sheer grit of the athletic asks on the body were visceral and immersive, showing the soul of resilience these two characters exhibit. I absolutely loved the way Eveland chose to tell this story, it’s emotion dripping off the pages telling tales even when it’s shirt text exchanges and newspaper clippings.

Red has to come to terms with what we all have to come to terms with.. you can’t have it all but if you’re lucky you can get what you want. Ah these two had a tough road, not always making the best choices but their motivations were always clear. I also loved the side characters, lovely found family.

Fantastic sports romance between a hockey player and a figure skater.

Cannot recommend it enough.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The push and pull between the MC's is so intense. Stolen nights, different cities, long stretches of distance—it’s full of yearning and frustration. More than once I wanted to sit them down and demand they just talk to each other. But their hesitation feels earned. Between family baggage, career pressure, and the very real risk that comes with being out in professional sport, their fear makes sense.Joel and Red are sharp, complicated men who circle each other for years, never quite brave enough or safe enough to claim what’s between them. Joel’s edge is real; he’s controlled, cutting, and unapologetically out in a world that doesn’t always reward that kind of honesty. Red, meanwhile, lives in survival mode. Closeted, underestimated, constantly fighting to prove he belongs, he wants Joel in a way that terrifies him.

What stood out most is how human they feel. Neither is perfect. They make selfish choices. They hurt each other. Yet underneath all that is this desperate need to be seen and chosen. When the emotional payoff finally comes, it feels hard won and deeply satisfying.

Angsty, passionate, and razor-sharp, this is a sports romance that doesn’t pull its punches and I loved every messy second of it.

I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Ashley Dead.inside_but_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is not dark but definitely heavy on the emotions and angst so check the CWs before heading into this one. The HEA is absolutely heard earned here.

🌶🌶🌶.5

Obtuse Spoiler free review incoming...
This story follows Joel who is a figure skater and Red who is a hockey player. They both have struggles in their fields that they are trying to overcome but there is just barrier after barrier in the way.
I wouldn't say Joel and Red are broken boys but they are definitely both banged up a bit and in need of someone who will see them really see them and love all the bits there. Both these guys go through it and this is one of those books that has the not quite miscommunication but lack of communication and you just want to shake them and scream JUST TALK TO HIM.
What a way to start off this series!! I have followed L. Eveland through vigilante families and monsters and even a secret society of assassins this one was so different and yet amazing just the same! Highly recommend it if your looking to feel all the feels!

[tobifun.pp · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
feelings: 🥰😱🥵😍🫠😡😄😭

I thought this would be a hokey romance like all the others I had read before. I was so wrong! As always, L. Eveland has added a touch of darkness.

Joel and Red's story goes on for several years. They have to fight incredibly hard for their HEA! Unlike other books, there aren't any openly gay NHL players in this one, which makes it particularly difficult for Red to publicly admit his feelings for Joel.

Red won me over immediately, but it took me a while to open my heart to Joel. Don't get me wrong, he is a very intriguing character from the start, but the emotional connection only came with the revelation about his life circumstances and his past.

I love the style of the book. Some parts are just described as chat communication between the characters, while others are presented as newspaper articles. Once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading until I turned the last page. What an epic love story! As always, L. Eveland has met my high expectations 100%!

[AroundtheBookBend · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional ride this was! This very quickly became a top L Eveland read before I even realized it. The tension between Joel and Red sizzled before exploding. But it was more than that.

These two understood each other in a way no one else could. Different yet similar in ways they didn’t want to admit. They had their ups and downs, but the connection between them was undeniable.

Red honestly broke my heart a few times. His life isn’t easy, and hasn’t been for a while. It takes a toll on him and it shows, even though he’s able to hide it from most. I took a surprisingly instant liking to the prickly Joel. He was mean and rude at times, but he was so real too.

The side characters were just as likable as the mains. Red’s brother just stole my heart, along with Ro and Murph. I hope we see more of them.

I’m so excited for the next book.

I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.

[Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in tears!

My heart broke for Red and Joel. This hockey romance is much different than what L usually writes, but it hurt so good.

Red is a beautiful, tiny hockey player who carries a lot of guilt because of his father.
Joel is a beautiful world champion figure skater who has issues with his own father.

Six years of their relationship were wasted because they had to keep a secret. Life events together were missed because of Red's legitimate fear that their secret would be found out. Their lives are separate except for a few stolen moments that were months apart.

Joel is an out gay man, but essentially had to go back in the closet because that is where Red was.

I cried so many times for them and their situation because I know that this is a real-life scenario for many gay men.

The ending is hard-won, and I would love another book about them.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel and Red really put us(and themselves) through the wringer until they finally got their happily ever after. Their story was a journey through stolen moments, late night messages and hot encounters.
This book was emotional and I had tears in my eyes multiple times. My heart went out to both of them, but they had to be brave for themselves and confront their feelings. I loved the emotions this brought out of me, and it also felt realistic with all the back and forth. I loved how they couldn't let got of each other and how they were there for each other in their own ways.

This was less dark and more emotional than the authors other books, but it was a great read and I'm excited to read more books in this series.
If you want to read about a hockey player walk unto a figure skater's ice and them starting a twisty multi year romance then this is the book for you.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Figure skater/hockey player, slow-burn

Joel is an out figure skater who exerts control over everything and everyone in his life in order to feel safe.
Red is a closeted hockey player who's life is absolutely falling apart at the seams with health issues of his own while he watches dementia slowly steal his father away.
These two are complete opposites and yet so similar.
I really had lots of frustration watching them dance around one another for years.
The pace didn't feel dragged out, it was actually very realistic.
I really wish they would have just talked to one another worked things out sooner.
Their road to a HEA was definitely hard fought for and absolutely worth it.

[jaz! · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)

I devoured this book. It is such a different book from the other books that ive read from this author but it still manages to bring out the same amount of love and emotion from me than all the other ones do. I am a sucker for a figure skater x hockey player book and this one did not disapoint in the slightest. Joel and Red completely took over my mind and heart. Their happy ending was so desreved but also so hard-fought. There were many times in this book where i wanted to jump into the book and yell at these too to just talk to to eachother but i loved every bit of it. This book made me laugh, cry, blush and all of the other things and i can not wait for the next one.

[Hali Pinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost all of L Eveland's work and I am never disappointed.
The flip of figure skater as the bigger, more dominant, harder character while the hockey player was the smaller, more submissive, though not necessarily softer character was a fun twist. I enjoyed both MMCs though it did take me longer to warm up to Joel.
The use of texts and news articles to push the emotional narrative of them being apart was absolutely my favorite thing about the entire story. The side characters were kind of flat but I do look forward to seeing more stories from this world as I'd love to know more about JL and Vega especially.

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel is a competitive figure skater, has mommy and daddy issues, plus so many insecurities. Robert/Red is a hockey player, his mom left and his father has dementia along with insecurities, plus secrets. They meet at an ice rink that overbooked their practices in New Mexico, and did not hit it off, but couldn’t stop thinking of each other. Their story crosses the country, with each game or competition and they have a different style relationship. This goes on for six years and they slowly become closer. I have to say I really liked this book. The getting to know each other and having each other’s back so to speak. It is romantic, dramatic, spicy and everything you look for is a good book.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
4.5⭐️This was really charming, Heath and Parker are lovely together. This was pretty straightforward, which I actually enjoyed - no needless personal drama. I especially loved that these two do spend the book running from each other, their excitement over simply being together and sharing easy chemistry was super appealing. I also loved getting to spend such a significant amount of time on Red and Joel’s personal growth an relationship evolution. It’s a satisfying journey, maybe lost a bit of steam the last 20 percent with some drawn out drama. But, an excellent start to this new series.

[Danni Crass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, but I always enjoy a good L Eveland book. It was very well done and really hits you in the feels. I really wanted to smack them especially Red, but I get it. Society sucks and it still sucks even in the 21st century. They struggled and it was a hard earned HEA, but they made it. I really enjoyed the interludes with the snippets and texts. It really gave more in depth sight of the characters and hit you harder with the feels. It was heartbreaking and I was so happy to see them finally get their conclusion. I can't wait for the next book.

[Brit ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body Count was the very first dark romance I ever read and I knew immediately that anything L Eveland released, I would read. So when Sharp Edges was announced, I was so excited...L Eveland and hockey??? Sign me up ASAP!!

This book was so good! I don't know what I expected going into it but I loved it. I did get frustrated with both Joel and Red but they were also doing their best. There was so much yearning and the book spans several years. My heart hurt for Ro & I would kill for a book or even novella about him and Chase.

I can't wait for Jean-Luc's story!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp Edges is the first book in the Between the Lines series. This is the story of Joel a figure skater and Red a hockey player. This was such a good story but what else would you expect from L Eveland. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions that made me want to hug both guys. Both Joel and Red had some hard things to work through to be together. I loved the whole story and can't wait for the next book in the series. Any book that can make me laugh and cry is one I would recommend and this one did both so I would definitely recommend it.
received a free review copy

[A reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added to my top reads of the year list! Reminded me of the movie The Cutting Edge even though the only similarity is that it's a romance between a figure skater and hockey player 🙃 Joel and Red are really fleshed out with depth and complexity. Realistic read. Perfect blend of plot with a lot of heart and heat 🥵 Made me so emo! Might have teared up a few times 🥲 This is a swerve away from dark romance but it's still just as intense and fervid.

"It's for seventeen." 😭🫠🥹

**ARC for honest review**

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated meeting Joel our figure skater. This felt like such a real take on how competitive you have to be in this sport. There is so much more push than just the skating talent itself. Definitely my first read about a smaller in size guy playing hockey. I had so much respect for Red and how he kept on trying. He was a caregiver on top of it all. There was definitely a lot of angst and frustration for these two given their personal lives and careers. I wanted to tell them to sit still and talk but I still understood the pressures outside of their romance.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel, a gay figure skater and Red, a hockey player met on the ice. Both have so many problems and insecurities but their attraction is so strong, they can't fight it. So begins a secret relationship that lasts years, off and on again through competitions, injuries and deaths. Much like a hit show on TV, the two gave to hide because hockey is non-supportive until Red can stand up and be himself. Joel has unfinished problems with his parents and tries to self sacrifice for Red but love will find a way.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp Edges, by L. Eveland, is different from her usual offerings, but just as enjoyable. It’s a delightful story of a prolonged “warming up” of a relationship between a world-class figure skater and a hockey player who goes from unknown to renowned. The pace of the budding affair is perfect; the reader never feels rushed or that it’s dragging along. I’m ready for the next story, and hope there will be many more. DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Finally

Dee’s Grade: A

Joel and Red start off as these two lonely souls who just need someone to accept them as they are. They are complicated and it makes their love affair complicated. They run from each other and push each away. They also can’t stay away from each other.

This HEA is definitely hard won. It also leaves us wanting more. Hopefully we get to see more of them in book two.