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Atlanta Firebirds #2
Face Off
Two years ago, Nikolai Volkov and Luke Fontenot nearly destroyed each other in a playoff series that ended with an ugly hit and words in the handshake line that neither can take back. Now they're wearing the same jersey for the Atlanta Firebirds, and their captains expect them to play nice. They can't even be in the same room without the temperature dropping ten degrees. Then the team cat has kittens — bonded siblings who scream when separated — and somehow Volkov and Fontenot each end up with one. Same building. Shared elevator. Mandatory kitten visitation schedules. Co-parenting with the man you hate most in professional hockey wasn't in anyone's contract, but neither was discovering that the person who drives you out of your mind on the ice might be the only one who makes sense off it.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2026
73 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 24, 2026
Emotional enemies to lovers story
4.5 stars…Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and I have been wanting to get the story behind Fontenot and Volkov since the prequel novella. I was not disappointed. Once again we get a book with an emotional rollercoaster where the crisis moment was absolutely gutting. More sobbing. (Not as much as in book one but enough that my throat is still sore as I write this!)
The ADHD MC and the stoic MC. That’s a challenge for an author to write and Bauer delivers. I can feel Baz jittering as I read. I can sense Tikh’s silence. Two complete opposites. The device of the bonded kittens is genius. How else do you get two entrenched guys to coexist in close proximity? Cute kittens of course.
The crisis moment is brutal as you can just see the train wreck coming. I love the way the group book chat covers this as they discuss a book! I was a little perturbed with both of them being upset and off kilter and yet not having the wherewithal to deal with it. The resolution when it finally came was heartwrenching. What we do to men in this culture, and particularly to athletes, is just so toxic and unhealthy. One reason I love reading mm romance is to see men being allowed the full range of emotions. The author threads this needle well.
I absolutely ADORE the book chat/tropes device!
I’m looking forward to the next book!
4.5 stars…Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and I have been wanting to get the story behind Fontenot and Volkov since the prequel novella. I was not disappointed. Once again we get a book with an emotional rollercoaster where the crisis moment was absolutely gutting. More sobbing. (Not as much as in book one but enough that my throat is still sore as I write this!)
The ADHD MC and the stoic MC. That’s a challenge for an author to write and Bauer delivers. I can feel Baz jittering as I read. I can sense Tikh’s silence. Two complete opposites. The device of the bonded kittens is genius. How else do you get two entrenched guys to coexist in close proximity? Cute kittens of course.
The crisis moment is brutal as you can just see the train wreck coming. I love the way the group book chat covers this as they discuss a book! I was a little perturbed with both of them being upset and off kilter and yet not having the wherewithal to deal with it. The resolution when it finally came was heartwrenching. What we do to men in this culture, and particularly to athletes, is just so toxic and unhealthy. One reason I love reading mm romance is to see men being allowed the full range of emotions. The author threads this needle well.
I absolutely ADORE the book chat/tropes device!
I’m looking forward to the next book!
March 28, 2026
3.8⭐️ 2🌶️
April 8, 2026
Kittens!
Not quite as good as the first book, but still pretty good. I’m still living for the cats, but this one dug up a lot of emotions, too. Hoping for some better communication in the next book because these guys are stressing me!
Not quite as good as the first book, but still pretty good. I’m still living for the cats, but this one dug up a lot of emotions, too. Hoping for some better communication in the next book because these guys are stressing me!
March 29, 2026
The stream of consciousness writing was kinda hard to follow at points
April 1, 2026
Face Off is an intense, emotionally layered enemies-to-lovers romance that thrives on tension, vulnerability, and unexpected softness. Bastian and Tikhon start as sharp words, colder silences, and a history that refuses to stay buried. Their animosity feels real and earned, making every small shift between them incredibly satisfying.
Bastian’s loud, chaotic energy paired with his quiet self-discovery adds depth to his character, while Tikhon’s controlled, guarded nature hides a loneliness that slowly unravels. What makes their story so interesting is that neither of them are ready for what happens. The progression from forced proximity to reluctant connection feels natural, with each shared moment, whether it’s a tense elevator ride or a quiet night on the couch, building something that can't ignore.
And then there are the kittens. What could have been a simple trope becomes the emotional heart of the story, softening edges and forcing connection in a way that feels both charming and symbolic. Their co-parenting dynamic adds warmth and humour, balancing the heavier themes of identity and belonging.
With a strong found family backdrop and simmering chemistry, Face Off delivers
Bastian’s loud, chaotic energy paired with his quiet self-discovery adds depth to his character, while Tikhon’s controlled, guarded nature hides a loneliness that slowly unravels. What makes their story so interesting is that neither of them are ready for what happens. The progression from forced proximity to reluctant connection feels natural, with each shared moment, whether it’s a tense elevator ride or a quiet night on the couch, building something that can't ignore.
And then there are the kittens. What could have been a simple trope becomes the emotional heart of the story, softening edges and forcing connection in a way that feels both charming and symbolic. Their co-parenting dynamic adds warmth and humour, balancing the heavier themes of identity and belonging.
With a strong found family backdrop and simmering chemistry, Face Off delivers
March 25, 2026
Good!
This authors writing style is unique. I noticed it in the first book. Not a bad writing style but very stylized and internal to each character. Sometimes when I come across styles similar to this I have a hard time recognizing each character’s “voice” but so far that has not been an issue. I was very excited about this story from the way these two behaved in Ash and Avi’s book. This underlying anger and seeming hatred in the background … however, while I truly enjoyed this book, that fire that was seen from the perspective of the first two in the first book was not really there. The explanation for the anger felt a bit weak in my opinion. I expected based on the previous book there to be something bigger to cause all the issues between these two characters and it just wasn’t there but I did still enjoy their story there was just more buildup and not much explosiveness (if that makes sense).
This authors writing style is unique. I noticed it in the first book. Not a bad writing style but very stylized and internal to each character. Sometimes when I come across styles similar to this I have a hard time recognizing each character’s “voice” but so far that has not been an issue. I was very excited about this story from the way these two behaved in Ash and Avi’s book. This underlying anger and seeming hatred in the background … however, while I truly enjoyed this book, that fire that was seen from the perspective of the first two in the first book was not really there. The explanation for the anger felt a bit weak in my opinion. I expected based on the previous book there to be something bigger to cause all the issues between these two characters and it just wasn’t there but I did still enjoy their story there was just more buildup and not much explosiveness (if that makes sense).
April 26, 2026
This was a quick easy read.
Bastian and Tikhon were good together but I didn’t really feel a lot. It was good to see them slowly start getting a long and how they kept using the cats as an excuse was funny. But I wish as a reader we got more of them in a way? It just fell really flat and I think it was the writing that made it seem that way as once again this book had a lot of telling and not enough showing. I also wish we got a more of a closed off ending because to me it was as if it just ended randomly, I even wanted to see the teams reaction to finding out as most of them already knew lol but i’m assuming that’ll be in one of the previous books.
I did love the team moments, and ai loved having chapters of the team group chats and also how they first started suspecting the two of them.
Bastian and Tikhon were good together but I didn’t really feel a lot. It was good to see them slowly start getting a long and how they kept using the cats as an excuse was funny. But I wish as a reader we got more of them in a way? It just fell really flat and I think it was the writing that made it seem that way as once again this book had a lot of telling and not enough showing. I also wish we got a more of a closed off ending because to me it was as if it just ended randomly, I even wanted to see the teams reaction to finding out as most of them already knew lol but i’m assuming that’ll be in one of the previous books.
I did love the team moments, and ai loved having chapters of the team group chats and also how they first started suspecting the two of them.
May 9, 2026
🐈KITTEN ALERT📢 PEOPLE! THIS HAS KITTENS!🐈📢
This is a strange one. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, just as I'm loving the series so far. It was just...loudly quiet. So many silences making the description poetic. I waited for them to realize what they became to each other. Waited for them to discuss.. anything. A true slow burn. Bastian and Tishka took forever to talk it out and even then it was laced in nuance. Misunderstandings kept for so long tend to take on a life of their own and fester.
*A hockey romance for sure.
*FIVE HOLE FICTION #2 chapter is a freaking CHEF'S KISS 💋 💋 💋 🤣😉😎 Inspired writing as comedic relief 🏆
*I think it had repetition, perhaps an oversight, perhaps writer's allowance, but it was visible not annoying.
This is a strange one. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, just as I'm loving the series so far. It was just...loudly quiet. So many silences making the description poetic. I waited for them to realize what they became to each other. Waited for them to discuss.. anything. A true slow burn. Bastian and Tishka took forever to talk it out and even then it was laced in nuance. Misunderstandings kept for so long tend to take on a life of their own and fester.
*A hockey romance for sure.
*FIVE HOLE FICTION #2 chapter is a freaking CHEF'S KISS 💋 💋 💋 🤣😉😎 Inspired writing as comedic relief 🏆
*I think it had repetition, perhaps an oversight, perhaps writer's allowance, but it was visible not annoying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I do enjoy a gay ice hockey romance and they seem to be currently having a moment. In this enemies to lovers romance 2 people who seem to hate each other finally start to realise there might be more there. I loved Volkov, who is a really thoughtful and sensitive guy, hiding behind a stern Russian exterior because he's sick of getting constantly traded. He put in so much effort for Sebastian. I spent a good chunk of the book thinking Sebastian really didn't deserve him but fortunately he comes good in the end. Look forward to more in this series.
March 21, 2026
Face Off is the second book in the Atlanta Firebirds series and I think it helps to read the series in order. This is a hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers read about Volkov and Fontenot. When I read the first book it got me intrigued about what went on between these two and I was so happy to see this as the next book, now I am just waiting for the next one. I am so here for this series, love these guys.
May 4, 2026
It’s ok. It was longer than it needed to be.
The writing style, while not inherently bad, often makes it difficult to track which character is speaking. There’s not a lot of tone or character specific pattern of speech. Same issue felt with book one - a lot of repetitive phrases that fill pages but don’t move things forward.
The names and nicknames and so many players also makes it challenging sometimes. And the hockey is DENSE.
The writing style, while not inherently bad, often makes it difficult to track which character is speaking. There’s not a lot of tone or character specific pattern of speech. Same issue felt with book one - a lot of repetitive phrases that fill pages but don’t move things forward.
The names and nicknames and so many players also makes it challenging sometimes. And the hockey is DENSE.
May 7, 2026
4.7
Baez and Tikh, Cajun and Russian, are very complex characters and Bauer does his best to make sense of them, not easy, as one has ADHD and the one is intensely contained. It seems that taking care of two bonded arena kittens together breaks the ice, but it takes a long, long time for it to melt. The saga of the team kittens is great, but the pain of these two characters is stark and the positive ending does not wholly relieve my concern. Well worth reading.
Baez and Tikh, Cajun and Russian, are very complex characters and Bauer does his best to make sense of them, not easy, as one has ADHD and the one is intensely contained. It seems that taking care of two bonded arena kittens together breaks the ice, but it takes a long, long time for it to melt. The saga of the team kittens is great, but the pain of these two characters is stark and the positive ending does not wholly relieve my concern. Well worth reading.
May 11, 2026
Looooooved it!
As a huge hockey fan, I sometimes hate reading the game portions in books. They can feel too confusing, too long, and boring. But this one? I actually love it. It gets me excited as if I’m watching the games and plays unfold in real time. Credit to the author for writing the hockey scenes so well.
Also, want to be in the book club even more.
Also also, I’m mesmerized by how the cats are such catalysts for the romance in these books.
As a huge hockey fan, I sometimes hate reading the game portions in books. They can feel too confusing, too long, and boring. But this one? I actually love it. It gets me excited as if I’m watching the games and plays unfold in real time. Credit to the author for writing the hockey scenes so well.
Also, want to be in the book club even more.
Also also, I’m mesmerized by how the cats are such catalysts for the romance in these books.
April 20, 2026
I picked up the first book in this series by accident. It has the same name as another book that was rec'd to me. Gotta say I'm disappointed nobody has rec'd this series to me. The romance is sweet and angsty. I love the other players, especially the book club boys and their spicy takes on hockey romance. Looking forward to Marchetti's book and please can his nonna make an appearance?!
April 29, 2026
This book. My GOD THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! The writing, the pacing, the character framing and reflection. I have read 128 MM hockey books in the last year, and this is my favorite by miles. It even tops The Game Changers series for me. Thank you, Riley Bauer, for introducing us to the firebirds and this amazing love story. Ash and Avi? Amazing. Fontenot and Volkov? Unparalleled!
May 8, 2026
3 stars
This was a good story- book itself could have used a bit more editing. Could have easily been 4+ stars from me if the writing was tightened up a bit. (And I am not super picky on prose if the story/characters are good, but it was getting in the way a bit)
I will def be reading the rest of the series tho!
This was a good story- book itself could have used a bit more editing. Could have easily been 4+ stars from me if the writing was tightened up a bit. (And I am not super picky on prose if the story/characters are good, but it was getting in the way a bit)
I will def be reading the rest of the series tho!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I like the concept of the book. I just couldn’t get into it with all the miscommunication, I did like the concept of the kittens and taking care of them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
Second book as good as the first
I enjoyed the book. The characters were relatable, It definitely held your interest, And I cannot wait for the next one . I would definitely recommend this book the series and this author to anyone who enjoys MM hockey romances.
I enjoyed the book. The characters were relatable, It definitely held your interest, And I cannot wait for the next one . I would definitely recommend this book the series and this author to anyone who enjoys MM hockey romances.
April 29, 2026
Truly absurd (grown men/hockey players sharing custody of bonded kittens at the expense of their own mental sanity), but whatever it was fun. If you read one of the books in this series you get the general shape of them, so nothing unexpected here. Idk sometimes I just wanna coast on vibes.
April 29, 2026
3.5
There was a peek at their complex relationship in the first book. The kittens push the men together. What I couldn’t understand is the “all of the sudden” aspect to the beginning of their relationship. Like the first book, it feels like it ends abruptly.
There was a peek at their complex relationship in the first book. The kittens push the men together. What I couldn’t understand is the “all of the sudden” aspect to the beginning of their relationship. Like the first book, it feels like it ends abruptly.
May 2, 2026
3.5. I think I found a couple of editing misses. The group chats provide some lightheartedness. I wish communication was better. The reason Baz said what he said in the handshake line didn’t really make sense to me.
March 21, 2026
This was so good!
Come on guys, enemies to lovers, 2 cute kittens, closed proximity, and the team is absoutely delicious!!! I laughed too hard at their antiques.
Come on guys, enemies to lovers, 2 cute kittens, closed proximity, and the team is absoutely delicious!!! I laughed too hard at their antiques.
April 2, 2026
This missed being a five star because Bastian is a bonehead.
April 12, 2026
I was so happy this couple was next. I don't think I could have handled another book of 'they either need to f*** or fight'.
The book club and the kittens are worth the read alone.
The book club and the kittens are worth the read alone.
April 16, 2026
It felt i was reading the 1st book all over again.
April 18, 2026
she did good
April 24, 2026
3.5 stars: I really enjoyed this book once I was able to swallow the ridiculousness that was the original setup with the cats.
May 3, 2026
3.75 stars
May 10, 2026
Less hockey in this one than the first one. I liked it but sometimes I was a little lost about Bastian and Volkov’s relationship.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews