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Sharp Edges
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.
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.
- GenresSportsM M RomanceHockey
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
19 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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February 22, 2026
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. 👀
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. 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 ❤️
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 ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
February 19, 2026
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
🌶🌶🌶.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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you L. Eveland for a copy of this book. This review is entirely my own.
There are not enough words to describe this book. It was a mix of angst, spice, pining and two completely opposite people falling in love.
Joel is a figure skater that isn't hiding his sexuality. Red is hockey player that is deep in the closet. When these two meet it is an explosion. Neither know how to handle their feelings but neither do they want to stop. This is years of two men that are each fighting different battles, fighting their feelings and trying to fight fate.
Joel is a vicious thing that can wield words as well as his fists. Red is a small hockey player that goes out on the ice to show that his smaller stature doesn't matter. These two are perfect together.
This book isn't dark but it is full of angst and has moments where it could lead to being dark.
I fell in love with these characters and how hard they fought. I loved the side characters and really hope for books for them.
Can I forget that I read this one just to go back and enjoy it again for the first time?
There are not enough words to describe this book. It was a mix of angst, spice, pining and two completely opposite people falling in love.
Joel is a figure skater that isn't hiding his sexuality. Red is hockey player that is deep in the closet. When these two meet it is an explosion. Neither know how to handle their feelings but neither do they want to stop. This is years of two men that are each fighting different battles, fighting their feelings and trying to fight fate.
Joel is a vicious thing that can wield words as well as his fists. Red is a small hockey player that goes out on the ice to show that his smaller stature doesn't matter. These two are perfect together.
This book isn't dark but it is full of angst and has moments where it could lead to being dark.
I fell in love with these characters and how hard they fought. I loved the side characters and really hope for books for them.
Can I forget that I read this one just to go back and enjoy it again for the first time?
February 19, 2026
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%!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
February 22, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.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.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(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.
February 19, 2026
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.
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.
February 20, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
received a free review copy
Review of advance copy received from Author
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**
"It's for seventeen." 😭🫠🥹
**ARC for honest review**
February 19, 2026
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.
February 19, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
February 19, 2026
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.
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.
February 20, 2026
I did not know what to expect for this one as I’ve read from this author before and it’s usually much darker but I REALLY loved this book. Red and Joel are such amazing characters and fought so hard for their HEA, Red especially. And the darkness dos come through a bit in Joel’s character, so keep an eye on him, he’s definitely a touch him and die kinda guy. Love that for Red. Great new series from this author and I will be continuing!
February 21, 2026
love these two!
Wow - I really enjoyed this one. I wasn’t totally what to expect but I’m a big L Eveland fan.
The pining was intense, as was the passing of time. I really enjoyed that. Seeing them both change and grow was great.
Glad we’ll get JL’s story.
Really really love this series!
Wow - I really enjoyed this one. I wasn’t totally what to expect but I’m a big L Eveland fan.
The pining was intense, as was the passing of time. I really enjoyed that. Seeing them both change and grow was great.
Glad we’ll get JL’s story.
Really really love this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So glad L Eveland wrote a hockey romance! I'd don't usually like secret relationships but this was so good and even hurt a little at times. Joel and Red were not what I was expecting at all and that made it even better. Also Ro deserved better! Can't wait for the next book.
February 20, 2026
AN EMOTIONAL READ THAT TOUCHED MY HEART AND SOUL!
Gah, what a read!! This author creates such characters that are tangible and hold a sway over my heart. An emotionally charged read with two characters that I really really liked. Definitely enjoyed! This is an ARC review.
Gah, what a read!! This author creates such characters that are tangible and hold a sway over my heart. An emotionally charged read with two characters that I really really liked. Definitely enjoyed! This is an ARC review.
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