Power Play Clash: An Enemies to Lovers Hockey MM Romance

by Christie Gordon

Sharing a hotel room with the owner’s son is a mistake. Hooking up with him? Worse. Falling for him in secret? Game over.Alex
As captain of an NHL team, I can’t afford distractions.
Not when the season is starting.
Not when everyone is counting on me.
And definitely not when the distraction is Julian Mercer—our owner’s spoiled, sharp-tongued son, who walks into the rink knowing nothing about hockey and somehow gets under my skin anyway.
He’s reckless, infuriating, too pretty for his own good… and impossible to stay away from.
He’s supposed to be off-limits.
Instead, he’s in my bed.
What starts as tension turns into late nights, stolen touches, and something I can’t shut off.
But I’m not out, and if his father finds out, I could lose everything I’ve worked for.
Including him.

Julian
I took this job to prove I’m more than Grant Mercer’s son.
I didn’t come here to embarrass myself in front of the team captain, or end up craving every heated glance, every secret touch, every stolen night with him.
He’s controlled, guarded, and impossible to read.
Until we’re alone.
Because behind closed doors, he gives me everything, except a future.
And the longer we stay in the shadows, the more I realize…
If Alex makes me choose between walking away and fighting for him, I won’t go down without a clash.

Power Play Clash is book 2 in the Desert Elite Hockey series. It features a closeted captain, the owner’s son, secret hookups, forced proximity, emotional tension, and a high-stakes MM romance where one choice could cost them everything.

Buy now and fall for the men who refuse to play it safe.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Christie Gordon is the author of steamy, heartfelt gay romance novels that explore the emotional journey of men discovering themselves and finding love. It all started when she stumbled upon MM fanfiction by accident—and let's just say, it was love at first read. Inspired by the genre's mix of passion and complexity, Christie transitioned from reading about men in love to writing her own stories. After taking fiction writing classes at a local community college, she published her first MM romance novel in 2009 with a small press, and she’s never looked back.
When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).
She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.

For information about her and her work, please visit her website at: www.christiegordon.com
Sign up for her Newsletter for free reads, updates and give aways: https:www.ChristieGordon.com/newsletter
Join her Reader’s Group for exclusive content: Christie’s Cocktale Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chris...

To friend or follow:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieGord...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/chris...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiegor...

Reviews

[Sarah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I really enjoyed this book Julian is a very interesting character and at the start you think he’s an annoying twink and Alex is a lovely guy who has been denying his sexuality for so long it smacks him in the face when he looks at Julian as more than an enemy or even a friend
It’s sweet to see how they slowly fall in love but so sad to see how many obstacles they have in their way but that makes it all the more satisfying when they overcome their obstacles and get the ending they deserve worth a read well written story with beautiful characters

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Alex (Alexey) is the captain and first-line centre for the Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL. He with his two wings, Mason and Jett (married to each other), are out for drinks to discuss the upcoming season after wining the Stanley Cup the year before. While there, two guys – Julian and Chad – come in and Julian propositions Alex in the washroom. Julian, the son of the owner of the Coyotes, doesn’t recognize the three top stars on the team, despite being about to start working for it as an Assistant Hockey Operations Coach in two days and he knows nothing about hockey. Of course, they recognize each other and Alex is assigned to mentor Julian. One can imagine that it doesn’t go well, and the entire team finds out about what happened two days earlier (except the proposition part). After training camp, their first exhibition game is on the road, and someone forgot to reserve Julian’s room at the hotel. Alex offers to have him stay in his room after he is offered a suite and they end up fooling around. This gives rise to two problems: 1) team policy states that players are strictly forbidden from fraternizing with coaches, and 2) Alex is not out publicly, especially not to his homophobic parents.

One of the things I really like when it comes to the author’s books is that she a step further than others by not even changing the name of the team for whom the MCs play, let alone the other NHL teams. This removes a thin layer of artificiality one finds elsewhere. Another thing that makes sense is the policy of non-fraternization, since coaches have a lot of power over players. While not obvious at the outset, the two MCs really complement each other. Neither can say no to their exes nor see where the exes coming from. They are certainly compatible in bed, though it’s hard to imagine that they could successfully sneak around in the hotels while they’re on the road without anyone on the team finding out. However, since it is a major plot element, I can accept it. As well, it’s clear that they prove that opposites attract. They are well assisted by the may queer players, particularly husbands Mason and Jett, as well as each of the MCs’ sisters. At one point, things get complicated, but the author easily maintains control so that everything gets resolved.

I truly loved this book, and I enjoy seeing how she’ll make the link from one series to another.

[Gus T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

MM hockey romances are my favorite genre to read. I was so excited to read this book, and I wanted to like it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. It is not terrible, but I could not get invested in the characters and I did not believe they fell in love. Honestly, I found some of the plot points and many of the characters annoying. I kept hoping I would be surprised and get the feels, but sadly, it never happened.

This is an off-limits romance with a bit of enemies to lovers and the forced proximity/sharing one bed to round it out. Alex is the NHL star and captain of his team who is in the closet due to his family dynamics. Julian is the bratty son of the team owner who has sworn off love due to broken heart. Then it is more insta-love because just after a few times together and not really hanging out to develop feelings and insight into the other person, they are in love.

They both have unhealthy relationships with their exes who are both irritating. Alex is too nice and Julian must be a masochist for keeping in close contact with them.

Alex comes across as one dimensional. He is just nice. He seems like a sidekick in his own story whereas Julian has too many dimensions and is hard to get a read on. Julian was adamant that he would never fall in love again then he just does without much ado and Alex doesn’t really seem closeted until he has to tell his parents. I am all for low-angst, but this just fell flat.

The book is fine, but I would not recommend it when there are so many other books to read. I finished reading this book only because I am completionist and I committed to writing this review.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has done what he can to bury his sexuality. His team may open considering the amount of them are in relationships with men, but for Alex it isn’t just his team he is worried about. It’s his family. But he also has the biggest distraction when it comes to his hockey career. He can worry about love and relationships later. That is, until he meets Julian Mercer. The GM’s son. He knows he is in trouble when he first meets Julian. But he is even more in trouble when he learns that Julian will be working with the team. Though, from what he can tell, Julian doesn’t have any hockey knowledge. And it soon becomes Alex’s responsibility to help him out when he can. Being near the guy that he can’t stop thinking bout though is its own challenge. Julian is clueless when it comes to hockey. But he is determined to make his dad proud and show he can learn. And he is even more determined to show Alex he has what it takes. Julian thought he closed his heart off long ago, so why does being around Alex feel so different? Their brains tell them they can’t be together, but try telling their hearts. A really enjoyed getting to know Alex and Julian. It was sweet to watch them go from sort of enemies to more as they got to know one another. They were exactly what the other needed. It was also nice to see some familiar faces as well! These guys always have one another’s backs and they proved it with Alex and Julian. Fun story all around, looking forward to the next one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tanya Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this author is new to me, I have been going through a bunch of MM sports romance lately so thought I would grab it as a stand alone. After the first few pages and meeting Mason and Jett I immediately put this book down and popped over to the previous hockey series, found their book and devoured that before jumping right back into this one...it was so good I love them😍

Firstly this is quite light for and enemies to lovers and is a refreshing read without much angst which we all need sometimes, especially after some of the dark stuff I read. There is a trigger warning in the front of the book...now the word daddy isn't an official trigger but it is not for me, so when it was used in the first chapter I was like oh no I'm going to have to DNF. However I hit that search function and found it was hardly used again. So I wiped the sweat off my brow and reinvested.

I loved Alexey and grew quite fond of Julian over the book, he had me a bit worried at the beginning. The story itself was light with enough there to keep the reader engaged, some great side characters (whose books I will no be reading), some sweet moments, some spice everything you could want from an mm sports romance really.

Am definitely going to read the rest of these books and have a look at the previous series as well, adding to my never ending tbr list

[Brandolynn Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power Play Clash was so good. Alex and Julian hit it off at first, seeing as how Julian tried to put the moves on him at a bar. Hehe! But turns out, they will be soon working together. Julian knows nothing about Hockey, so he is paired with the team captain. Little did he know, it would be Daddy Alex! The both of them try not to feel something for the other, but one night sharing a hotel room and things will get heated. That point forward, the two were always together. So much so, that exes try to win them back not knowing about their secret relationship. When their relationship gets revealed Grant Mercer is on the hunt. For them to have kept this secret for as long as they did, coming out to who they felt would support them, Julian and Alex dealt with a lot. From teammates, to exes, to parents. But to have their HEA was great!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Djw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy forbidden love story

Alex is a star player for the Coyotes. Julian is the owner's son. Alex is not out. Julian is a playboy. Their first chance encounter doesn't go well. The tensions are high when they are told they have to work together for the team. One night, one room, one bed, and things begin to change.

Alex and Julian continue to struggle throughout their story with problems from ex's, family, and stress on their forbidden romance. The struggles they face only make their relationship stronger.

When everything goes wrong and forces try to keep them apart, they get help from their meddling, well meaning friends and teammates to reach their HEA.

It was fun to see Mason's meddling and others from within the series and world in the books as well. Plus lots of spice! Another great book by Christie Gordon that shows communication is key to relationships.

I received an advance copy of this book. Nothing was given in exchange for the review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Julian had the chemistry part down, it was all the rest of it that was a mess. Book 2 of the Desert Elite Hockey series, doesn’t disappoint. Alex is not only the captain of the team but he’s been keeping a secret. Julian is the owners son and trying to earn the respect of the team, he will someday take over. The characters are well written and easy to connect with. The team is really a supportive family on and off the ice. I loved how Julian and Alex’s relationship developed. And Margo, well, she was exactly what I expected her to be. This was a fantastic addition to an amazing series and I can’t wait for book 3.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the relationship between Julian and Alex. They knew pretty easily that each other was it for them. They supported each other through obstacles with family and exes, while not losing sight of what they ultimately wanted with each other. I was happy that they stood up to Julian's father, and how teammates surprised them by lending support to them in that fight.

As with all of Christie Gordon's books, this one did not disappoint and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received this book directly from the author in return for an honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian is out and proud. He’s also a bit spoiled and knows nothing about hockey despite his dad owning an NHL team. His dad assigns him to assist the coaching staff as a way to get him a crash course. Enter Alex the closested Russian forward. He knows his teammates would accept him because of Jett and Mason but his parents would not. Due to a hotel mix up Alex and Julian end up having to share a room. The kicker? There’s only one bed. Secret forbidden relationships and jealous exes means it’s just a matter of time before it implodes.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written book with beautiful, sweet, wonderful characters, with more depth than one might initially think. It just goes to show that a first impression is often not entirely correct.

The book evokes emotions, and I struggled to say goodbye to it at the end.
These MCs will be staying in my life for a little while longer.

💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖

[Andrea Smedley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable if you want a light read, without too many plot points to get your head around. Julian and Alex dislike each other at first, but when they are thrown into close proximity their relationship changes. They both have nightmare exes, and there's a forbidden romance element due to their workplace relationship. I prefer a bit more depth to a book, but I liked it.

I received an ARC

[Jess Macker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Watching Julian and Alex come to terms with each other while Alex came to terms with his sexuality and Julian came to terms with hockey was very entertaining. A great story with enough spice to make it interesting!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Julian are so stinking adorable and perfect for each other.
The snark and sass from Julian compliments Alex's sweet and caring side, and Alex brings out the hidden love that Julian longs to find.

[Kim Rexroat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christie Gordon excels with Power Play Clash. What happens when the Captain of the Arizona Coyotes is forced to mentor the Owner's hot shot son who knows little to nothing about Hockey? Sparks fly in more ways than one.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

POWER PLAY CLASH di Christie Gordon

Recensione in arrivo...