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Chicago Storm #1
Body Check: Uno spicy hockey romance MM (Chicago Storm (Una serie Hockey Romance MM) Vol. 1)
Chicago Storm captain Luca Moretti may be the NHL’s golden boy, but off the ice, he’s living a lie.
Disciplined, stoic, and fiercely private, he's spent sixteen years building a fortress around his life to protect his legacy and his father’s approval. He has one rule. Never let the world see who he really is. The last thing he expects is for his carefully constructed defenses to be shattered by a rookie with a sunny smile and zero filter.
Rookie winger Theo Callahan lives his life out loud.
He’s everything Luca isn't—bold, open, and dangerously charming. He knows he should be intimidated by his grumpy captain, but he can’t stop looking for the man beneath the armor. He hasn't forgotten the electricity that sparked between them in the locker room, and the forbidden chemistry simmering during early-morning practices is becoming impossible to ignore.
Theo is more than happy to show Luca what life looks like without the mask.
Between stolen touches in equipment rooms and quiet moments away from the cameras, Luca is feeling a freedom he hasn’t experienced in a long time. But maintaining his perfect image has taken its toll on his soul, and a future with Theo may mean burning down the very legacy he spent a lifetime building.
Disciplined, stoic, and fiercely private, he's spent sixteen years building a fortress around his life to protect his legacy and his father’s approval. He has one rule. Never let the world see who he really is. The last thing he expects is for his carefully constructed defenses to be shattered by a rookie with a sunny smile and zero filter.
Rookie winger Theo Callahan lives his life out loud.
He’s everything Luca isn't—bold, open, and dangerously charming. He knows he should be intimidated by his grumpy captain, but he can’t stop looking for the man beneath the armor. He hasn't forgotten the electricity that sparked between them in the locker room, and the forbidden chemistry simmering during early-morning practices is becoming impossible to ignore.
Theo is more than happy to show Luca what life looks like without the mask.
Between stolen touches in equipment rooms and quiet moments away from the cameras, Luca is feeling a freedom he hasn’t experienced in a long time. But maintaining his perfect image has taken its toll on his soul, and a future with Theo may mean burning down the very legacy he spent a lifetime building.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2026
90 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 30, 2026
Basic errors that even the most cursory of edits should have caught, the most egregious being that they play the conference semifinals, then the finals, then the semifinals again. Plus things like the hockey season only being a couple months long (if I counted the weeks right), flip flopping between Luca being closeted for 10 and 16 years, Theo being out for a minimum of six weeks with an injury then playing one handed maybe two weeks later, etc.
Strongly suspect AI was used.
Strongly suspect AI was used.
February 2, 2026
I don't even know where to start.
On the first few pages I had hope, it seemed like a great light hearted romance, it took a turn pretty quickly though.
I had so many issues with this book.
So many contradictions.
The writing was not great. The sentences were short, which made it quick to read but it was so repetitive and weird.
Sometimes it felt like both povs got written by different people, that didn't talk to each other.
It was very shallow.
There really wasn't any relationship or longing, there was some tension and then they were together 3 weeks off page.
We just don't see their relationship because it was just some angsty book about a captain that "can't" come out, even though everyone is very queer positive. The reason why is revealed way later and it's okay, what ever, I get it.
It didn't feel emotional to me. It just annoyed me.
Theo was a sweetheart that didn't deserve how Luca treated him.
The timing doesn't add up at all! The hockey season was like 3 months and off season 2 months? That's not how a year works.
Maybe I'm wrong but the injuries didn't seem researched at all. I don't think you can play hockey again in week after getting a concussion. And a separated shoulder doesn't seem like something that can heal in 6 weeks. But then he played games after a while and THEN it was mentioned months later that he is now cleared for contact again? What?
His coming out, puh-lease.
'I smiled back. On the ice. In front of eighteen thousand people and a dozen cameras. I don't care anymore.'
I smiled back? Congratulations on your courage? Didn't know it's gay when two men smile at each other.
His captains speech.
'"This championship doesn't belong to me," I continued. "It belongs to all of us"'
Uhm duh. Yes my dude, it's a teamsport. There is no I in team.
I guess it's a debut novel. Sometimes they feel like babies, like the author wrote them for a long time, till they finally got released. This one does not. It feels rushed and could definitely used an editor. I read a few reviews saying it feels like AI and I agree. Or I guess I agree, never read ai and don't want to but this book feels weird. It could have been a good book, it just needed more depths.
On the first few pages I had hope, it seemed like a great light hearted romance, it took a turn pretty quickly though.
I had so many issues with this book.
So many contradictions.
The writing was not great. The sentences were short, which made it quick to read but it was so repetitive and weird.
Sometimes it felt like both povs got written by different people, that didn't talk to each other.
It was very shallow.
There really wasn't any relationship or longing, there was some tension and then they were together 3 weeks off page.
We just don't see their relationship because it was just some angsty book about a captain that "can't" come out, even though everyone is very queer positive. The reason why is revealed way later and it's okay, what ever, I get it.
It didn't feel emotional to me. It just annoyed me.
Theo was a sweetheart that didn't deserve how Luca treated him.
The timing doesn't add up at all! The hockey season was like 3 months and off season 2 months? That's not how a year works.
Maybe I'm wrong but the injuries didn't seem researched at all. I don't think you can play hockey again in week after getting a concussion. And a separated shoulder doesn't seem like something that can heal in 6 weeks. But then he played games after a while and THEN it was mentioned months later that he is now cleared for contact again? What?
His coming out, puh-lease.
'I smiled back. On the ice. In front of eighteen thousand people and a dozen cameras. I don't care anymore.'
I smiled back? Congratulations on your courage? Didn't know it's gay when two men smile at each other.
His captains speech.
'"This championship doesn't belong to me," I continued. "It belongs to all of us"'
Uhm duh. Yes my dude, it's a teamsport. There is no I in team.
I guess it's a debut novel. Sometimes they feel like babies, like the author wrote them for a long time, till they finally got released. This one does not. It feels rushed and could definitely used an editor. I read a few reviews saying it feels like AI and I agree. Or I guess I agree, never read ai and don't want to but this book feels weird. It could have been a good book, it just needed more depths.
February 24, 2026
Théo (22) et Luca (30) avec un Culomètre à 👨❤️💋👨🍆
- Une bonne surprise. J'avais peur que ce soit une daube, mais à part quelques problèmes de traduction entre le vous/tu, cela reste une romance assez basique dans le monde du hockey.
- On a tous les codes d'un homme gay et sportif dans le placard, qui va devoir faire un choix quand la nouvelle recrue arrive et chamboule tout ce qu'il a construit durant des années.
- Il a des mots assez durs avec le jeune homme, ça m'a fait beaucoup de peine de le voir choisir la raison et de se renfermer dans la peur.
- Par contre, c'est fou comme Théo se blesse hyper souvent dans le récit, le pauvre homme !
- Si vous aimez ce genre de romance sportive, ce premier tome sera fait pour vous !
- Une bonne surprise. J'avais peur que ce soit une daube, mais à part quelques problèmes de traduction entre le vous/tu, cela reste une romance assez basique dans le monde du hockey.
- On a tous les codes d'un homme gay et sportif dans le placard, qui va devoir faire un choix quand la nouvelle recrue arrive et chamboule tout ce qu'il a construit durant des années.
- Il a des mots assez durs avec le jeune homme, ça m'a fait beaucoup de peine de le voir choisir la raison et de se renfermer dans la peur.
- Par contre, c'est fou comme Théo se blesse hyper souvent dans le récit, le pauvre homme !
- Si vous aimez ce genre de romance sportive, ce premier tome sera fait pour vous !
March 17, 2026
Quick Read
Kindle EBook Read
151 Pages
MM Hockey Romance
Grumpy Sunshine
Forbidden
Age Gap (8 Years)
Forced Proximity
Teammates (Captain x Rookie)
Closeted MMC
Hurt/Comfort
Low Spice (Fade to black mostly)
This read more like a novella but was still short and fun. It addressed a lot of the same issues present today and represented in similar Hockey books. It was clearly written and the characters were likable but the book wasn't that deep that i was emotionally invested. Not a bad read.
Kindle EBook Read
151 Pages
MM Hockey Romance
Grumpy Sunshine
Forbidden
Age Gap (8 Years)
Forced Proximity
Teammates (Captain x Rookie)
Closeted MMC
Hurt/Comfort
Low Spice (Fade to black mostly)
This read more like a novella but was still short and fun. It addressed a lot of the same issues present today and represented in similar Hockey books. It was clearly written and the characters were likable but the book wasn't that deep that i was emotionally invested. Not a bad read.
March 29, 2026
AI slop. Don’t even bother.
February 3, 2026
This was a solid hockey romance with a strong emotional core, but some elements held it back from being a higher rating for me.
Luca’s internal struggle is clearly the heart of the story, and while I appreciated the depth of his conflict, there was quite a bit of repetition surrounding what he can’t and won’t do. At times, it felt like his actions were constantly circling the same fears, which slowed the pacing and made certain moments feel drawn out.
Theo is such a lovable character—his sunshine energy and genuine care for Luca really shine—but I didn’t feel like he was as fully developed as he could’ve been. I found myself wishing we had more of his point of view to better understand his motivations and inner world beyond how he shows up for Luca.
That said, I genuinely enjoyed Luca and Theo together. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the quiet, stolen moments between them were some of my favorite parts of the book. The themes of identity, legacy, and choosing happiness over expectation are meaningful and thoughtfully explored.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with characters I cared about, even if it didn’t completely hit the emotional depth I was hoping for. Fans of hockey romance and grumpy/sunshine dynamics will still find plenty to like here.
Luca’s internal struggle is clearly the heart of the story, and while I appreciated the depth of his conflict, there was quite a bit of repetition surrounding what he can’t and won’t do. At times, it felt like his actions were constantly circling the same fears, which slowed the pacing and made certain moments feel drawn out.
Theo is such a lovable character—his sunshine energy and genuine care for Luca really shine—but I didn’t feel like he was as fully developed as he could’ve been. I found myself wishing we had more of his point of view to better understand his motivations and inner world beyond how he shows up for Luca.
That said, I genuinely enjoyed Luca and Theo together. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the quiet, stolen moments between them were some of my favorite parts of the book. The themes of identity, legacy, and choosing happiness over expectation are meaningful and thoughtfully explored.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with characters I cared about, even if it didn’t completely hit the emotional depth I was hoping for. Fans of hockey romance and grumpy/sunshine dynamics will still find plenty to like here.
January 28, 2026
dual pov angsty romance
This is a different book than what I had anticipated. A lot repetition on “cants” and “wonts” behind Luca’s actions. Doesn’t seem to jive with the immediate inclusivity of the entire team, team organization, NHL, etc. at the end of the story. While Theo is one of the main characters, he most definitely less developed of the two. Mainly closed door romance.
This is a different book than what I had anticipated. A lot repetition on “cants” and “wonts” behind Luca’s actions. Doesn’t seem to jive with the immediate inclusivity of the entire team, team organization, NHL, etc. at the end of the story. While Theo is one of the main characters, he most definitely less developed of the two. Mainly closed door romance.
April 1, 2026
Body Check mi ha fatto arrabbiare. È uno di quei libri che ti mandano fuori di testa perché da una parte hai scene emotivamente altissime, dall’altra refusi, errori e dettagli che non tornano e ti buttano fuori dalla storia proprio quando dovrebbe tenerti stretta. E la cosa peggiore è che non si compensano: più il libro riesce a colpirti, più diventa impossibile ignorare tutto il resto, perché è evidente che sarebbe bastato davvero poco, uno sguardo in più, un editing più attento, anche solo un beta reader, per trasformarlo in qualcosa di memorabile.
Luca Moretti è il capitano degli Chicago Storm, chiuso dentro una versione di sé costruita mattone su mattone nel corso di sedici anni: controllato, intoccabile, convinto che la vulnerabilità sia una debolezza che non può permettersi. Theo Callahan è il suo opposto in tutto… rookie, apertamente bisex, solare, capace di leggere Luca come fosse un libro scritto solo per lui, senza che Luca possa fare nulla per impedirlo. Ed è proprio questo riconoscimento silenzioso il cuore della storia: essere visti da qualcuno quando hai fatto di tutto per renderti invisibile è la cosa più terrificante e liberatoria che possa capitare.
Piper Cross costruisce l'arco emotivo di Luca con una mano sorprendentemente sicura. La sua paura non viene semplificata né giustificata, ma mostrata in tutta la sua complessità, con radici precise che affondano nell'adolescenza e nel peso di un padre che gli ha insegnato che nascondersi era l'unico modo per sopravvivere. E Theo paga il prezzo di quella paura in modo credibile e doloroso… ci sono momenti in cui lo senti vacillare, avvicinarsi pericolosamente all'idea di adottare la stessa bugia come strategia di sopravvivenza, e quei momenti fanno malissimo.
Il coming out nello spogliatoio, la conferenza stampa, il messaggio al padre bloccato subito dopo, la proposta sul ghiaccio dove è iniziato tutto… quando questo libro colpisce, colpisce davvero. ✨ Ed è proprio per questo che il resto fa così male.
Il tabellone dei playoff è un mistero quantistico: partite che esistono e non esistono, serie che non avanzano, gare che si moltiplicano… una stagione intera brucia in poche settimane, una scena cruciale appare duplicata come se due bozze fossero finite in stampa insieme, i tempi narrativi si riavvolgono senza preavviso e una spalla lussata con rischio chirurgico guarisce in tempo per la Stanley Cup. Piper Cross scrive con il cuore e con un orologio rotto. 😄
Il materiale emotivo era lì, solido e vero, e meritava una cura che non ha ricevuto. È la frustrazione di chi ha visto qualcosa di bellissimo trattato con troppa leggerezza.
Voto: 3,5 stelle. Più di una lettura semplicemente piacevole, ma con troppi inciampi per arrivare dove avrebbe meritato. 💞
Luca Moretti è il capitano degli Chicago Storm, chiuso dentro una versione di sé costruita mattone su mattone nel corso di sedici anni: controllato, intoccabile, convinto che la vulnerabilità sia una debolezza che non può permettersi. Theo Callahan è il suo opposto in tutto… rookie, apertamente bisex, solare, capace di leggere Luca come fosse un libro scritto solo per lui, senza che Luca possa fare nulla per impedirlo. Ed è proprio questo riconoscimento silenzioso il cuore della storia: essere visti da qualcuno quando hai fatto di tutto per renderti invisibile è la cosa più terrificante e liberatoria che possa capitare.
Piper Cross costruisce l'arco emotivo di Luca con una mano sorprendentemente sicura. La sua paura non viene semplificata né giustificata, ma mostrata in tutta la sua complessità, con radici precise che affondano nell'adolescenza e nel peso di un padre che gli ha insegnato che nascondersi era l'unico modo per sopravvivere. E Theo paga il prezzo di quella paura in modo credibile e doloroso… ci sono momenti in cui lo senti vacillare, avvicinarsi pericolosamente all'idea di adottare la stessa bugia come strategia di sopravvivenza, e quei momenti fanno malissimo.
Il coming out nello spogliatoio, la conferenza stampa, il messaggio al padre bloccato subito dopo, la proposta sul ghiaccio dove è iniziato tutto… quando questo libro colpisce, colpisce davvero. ✨ Ed è proprio per questo che il resto fa così male.
Il tabellone dei playoff è un mistero quantistico: partite che esistono e non esistono, serie che non avanzano, gare che si moltiplicano… una stagione intera brucia in poche settimane, una scena cruciale appare duplicata come se due bozze fossero finite in stampa insieme, i tempi narrativi si riavvolgono senza preavviso e una spalla lussata con rischio chirurgico guarisce in tempo per la Stanley Cup. Piper Cross scrive con il cuore e con un orologio rotto. 😄
Il materiale emotivo era lì, solido e vero, e meritava una cura che non ha ricevuto. È la frustrazione di chi ha visto qualcosa di bellissimo trattato con troppa leggerezza.
Voto: 3,5 stelle. Più di una lettura semplicemente piacevole, ma con troppi inciampi per arrivare dove avrebbe meritato. 💞
February 6, 2026
Amazing!
God!! This book! I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. And I smiled my arse off at the end. Piper Cross is wonderful at telling this genre of story. I am definitely adding Piper to my search settings.
Theo and Luca are so beautiful together. They were meant to be with each other. “The fates” caused Theo to, literally, run into Luca. The part about being scared to death over people finding out is written so honestly that my heart clenched every time Luca let his fears win. It’s real and scary as feck. You wonder if anyone will still be there when all is said and done. My father is exactly the same as Luca’s. Poor guy. 🫤
I hope that Luca & Theo appear in book number two as supporting characters. Maybe one of the team gets up to something at their wedding and that’s where the story for book two gets started. 🤞
I enjoyed this so much that I sincerely hope that this becomes a 3 or 4! (or more!!) book series about The Chicago Storm.
God!! This book! I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. And I smiled my arse off at the end. Piper Cross is wonderful at telling this genre of story. I am definitely adding Piper to my search settings.
Theo and Luca are so beautiful together. They were meant to be with each other. “The fates” caused Theo to, literally, run into Luca. The part about being scared to death over people finding out is written so honestly that my heart clenched every time Luca let his fears win. It’s real and scary as feck. You wonder if anyone will still be there when all is said and done. My father is exactly the same as Luca’s. Poor guy. 🫤
I hope that Luca & Theo appear in book number two as supporting characters. Maybe one of the team gets up to something at their wedding and that’s where the story for book two gets started. 🤞
I enjoyed this so much that I sincerely hope that this becomes a 3 or 4! (or more!!) book series about The Chicago Storm.
March 18, 2026
This story follows a hockey captain, Luca, and a rookie, Theo, he's assigned to mentor. Theo is a bundle of sunshine who refuses to hide who he is from anyone, whereas Luca is his polar opposite. Closed off, single minded, and so deep in the closet one might wonder if he even knows who he is anymore. Luca feels an intense draw to the rookie, but fights it tooth and nail, until he finally snaps and gives into the temptation. There was a lot of drama and intensity in this book. Piper Cross does a good job of showing how much hiding can impact someone. Living authentically can be so hard, especially if your authentic self could jeopardize a career that you worked so hard to achieve. I was heartbroken for these two men. Luca had a growth arc to be proud of, and Theo showed what it really meant to forgive.
March 30, 2026
Tal vez 2.5⭐
Me entretuvo, y está bien para pasar el rato, aunque realmente faltó desarrollo en trama y personajes. En momentos, no creía la historia ni el "amor" que se profesaban los personajes. Todo sucedió muy rápido.
Otro punto es que a mí en lo personal no me gusta el insta love, y eso fue lo que sucedió aquí. Aún así, el libro es atrapante y se leé en una sentada. Una de los cosas buenas que podría resaltar; logra reflejar bien el miedo que muchas personas de la comunidad sentimos al "salir del closet" , también las dudas y ese constante pensar al "que dirán"
Es un libro para pasar el rato, con todo y sus fallos en la traducción. Me atrapó y se me hizo interesante, pero hasta ahí.
Por cierto, una escena más picante no hubiese estado mal JSJSJSJ
PD: hay partes que parecen hechas por IA
Me entretuvo, y está bien para pasar el rato, aunque realmente faltó desarrollo en trama y personajes. En momentos, no creía la historia ni el "amor" que se profesaban los personajes. Todo sucedió muy rápido.
Otro punto es que a mí en lo personal no me gusta el insta love, y eso fue lo que sucedió aquí. Aún así, el libro es atrapante y se leé en una sentada. Una de los cosas buenas que podría resaltar; logra reflejar bien el miedo que muchas personas de la comunidad sentimos al "salir del closet" , también las dudas y ese constante pensar al "que dirán"
Es un libro para pasar el rato, con todo y sus fallos en la traducción. Me atrapó y se me hizo interesante, pero hasta ahí.
Por cierto, una escena más picante no hubiese estado mal JSJSJSJ
PD: hay partes que parecen hechas por IA
March 13, 2026
Delightful Read
The story of this book is beautiful. It shows the struggle of how society puts pressure on people who are different and the strength it takes to overcome fear. I did feel the timeline was off,. As a hockey fan, the amount of time from the start of training camp to the championship game for the cup, was too short. There were some inconsistencies with how events occurred and I felt lost and confused as a result. I feel the author writes beautifully and can keep the reader entertained. If you are looking for a quick read, I recommend this standalone.
The story of this book is beautiful. It shows the struggle of how society puts pressure on people who are different and the strength it takes to overcome fear. I did feel the timeline was off,. As a hockey fan, the amount of time from the start of training camp to the championship game for the cup, was too short. There were some inconsistencies with how events occurred and I felt lost and confused as a result. I feel the author writes beautifully and can keep the reader entertained. If you are looking for a quick read, I recommend this standalone.
February 16, 2026
this book just felt rushed tbh (it was only 150pages) but like it was just too rushed and felt everything happened to quickly. like it would of been way better longer and actually building up that connection and relationship.
it was annoying how theo kept bringing up how he was just a secret hookup all the time (after there problems were worked out) and luca would say sorry then theo would be like noo it's fine... well maybe stop bringing it up then??
it was annoying how theo kept bringing up how he was just a secret hookup all the time (after there problems were worked out) and luca would say sorry then theo would be like noo it's fine... well maybe stop bringing it up then??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
Hi everyone. I'm from Australia, and - 1. we don't have ice hockey, and 2. we don't have ice (like at all), and 3. I think we would outlaw the game anyway.
So I read this love story without the "ice hockey technicalities" and - instead, concentrated on the characters, which I thought well-developed, and realistic IMHO. Love works in strange ways, and this story did resonate with me. Congratulations Piper. Looking for more on Luca and Theo's journey.
So I read this love story without the "ice hockey technicalities" and - instead, concentrated on the characters, which I thought well-developed, and realistic IMHO. Love works in strange ways, and this story did resonate with me. Congratulations Piper. Looking for more on Luca and Theo's journey.
Read
March 5, 2026Cute Short Story
Even though this books was less than 200 pages it was a fully realized story beautifully written. There were parts that I thought were rushed a little bit that had me wishing it was longer, but for the most part I do not feel like I missed out on anything. This was definitely more of a fade to black story which honestly I didn't mind. Definitely a good quick cute book to read
Even though this books was less than 200 pages it was a fully realized story beautifully written. There were parts that I thought were rushed a little bit that had me wishing it was longer, but for the most part I do not feel like I missed out on anything. This was definitely more of a fade to black story which honestly I didn't mind. Definitely a good quick cute book to read
February 4, 2026
Body Check has SUCH good bones for what I believe is Piper’s debut! it’s missing some of the meat of the story like more details on the mmc’s time together and more looks into their lives off the ice and friendships with their teammates. Overall I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see more from Piper!
February 6, 2026
Short novel so a bit fast pace but not rushed.
Theo came into Luca’s life and turned it upside down.
The 3rd act breakup hurts (bc Theo is precious and deserves everything) and still gets to you even though it is again a fast pace book.
My favorite moment?
Lucas saying to his teammates « if He will forgive me » & Theo is actually standing behind him answering « He will forgive you ».
Theo came into Luca’s life and turned it upside down.
The 3rd act breakup hurts (bc Theo is precious and deserves everything) and still gets to you even though it is again a fast pace book.
My favorite moment?
Lucas saying to his teammates « if He will forgive me » & Theo is actually standing behind him answering « He will forgive you ».
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
wish there was more depth in the storyline, characters and plot. this book has so much potential for that, but it felt rushed and things were skipped/missed and not explored properly. otherwise it was a good quick book to read.
February 11, 2026
I don’t know. It was okay but it really just felt like a mix of a Game Changer & Heated Rivalry rip off.
March 28, 2026
This is such a cute, heartfelt MM romance.
March 30, 2026
AI slop. The cover even shows the signs. Avoid
April 2, 2026
No encontre por ningun lado el spicy que prometía en la descripción.
March 31, 2026
Una historia bonita pero es IA...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews