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Blind Side: A Steamy Friends-to-Lovers MM Hockey Romance
A winger who takes care of everyone. A backup goalie who sees everything. And a road trip, one bed, and a trade deadline that's about to blow the lid off years of careful silence.
Jamie Hayes is the Chicago Storm's heart — the man who reads every room, fills every silence, and makes sure nobody on this team is ever alone. He's also been in love with his best friend for years, and he's made his peace with it. No drama, just the quiet discipline of calling it enough and meaning it.
Clay Abbott, the team's backup goalie, has been watching Jamie with the attention of a man who knows exactly what he feels and has filed it under not for me. When a trade offer gives Abbott a shot at everything he's worked for — starter money, a new city, his name on a jersey that matters — a road trip in a shared hotel room strips away the careful distance they've built.
Now they're running out of road and running out of reasons. With a life-changing trade on the table and the walls closing in, the fragile peace between them is about to shatter. Abbott has a shot at the career he’s always wanted. But taking it means walking away from the one man he can't stop watching.
✓ Friends-to-lovers
✓ Years of mutual pining
✓ One bed, road trip
✓ Ticking (trade deadline) clock
✓ Found family under threat
✓ He fell first, he fell harder
Heat Steamy
Achingly patient, devastating tenderness, earned joy
HEA
Chicago Storm Series Book 3 (standalone)
Some things are worth the risk.
Jamie Hayes is the Chicago Storm's heart — the man who reads every room, fills every silence, and makes sure nobody on this team is ever alone. He's also been in love with his best friend for years, and he's made his peace with it. No drama, just the quiet discipline of calling it enough and meaning it.
Clay Abbott, the team's backup goalie, has been watching Jamie with the attention of a man who knows exactly what he feels and has filed it under not for me. When a trade offer gives Abbott a shot at everything he's worked for — starter money, a new city, his name on a jersey that matters — a road trip in a shared hotel room strips away the careful distance they've built.
Now they're running out of road and running out of reasons. With a life-changing trade on the table and the walls closing in, the fragile peace between them is about to shatter. Abbott has a shot at the career he’s always wanted. But taking it means walking away from the one man he can't stop watching.
✓ Friends-to-lovers
✓ Years of mutual pining
✓ One bed, road trip
✓ Ticking (trade deadline) clock
✓ Found family under threat
✓ He fell first, he fell harder
Heat Steamy
Achingly patient, devastating tenderness, earned joy
HEA
Chicago Storm Series Book 3 (standalone)
Some things are worth the risk.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 27, 2026
I say this with love.
Who ever edited this needs to try again.
The story is lovely and the premise is great, but it’s like the chapters got mixed up. I feel like I’m reading the first draft of a good book. The plot and characters and overall vibe is there but it hasn’t been polished at all.
In chapter 13 Kieran asks “What are you waiting for him to do?” But it’s back in chapter 7 where Abbott goes “I thought about Kierans question - what are you waiting for him to do?”
Things are repeated like in chapter 17 “I know which shoulder gets tight after long games” followed by chapter 18 “I know which shoulder gets tight after games”
This kind of thing happens multiple times. The time line is all messed up and information is given at the wrong times and there is A LOT of repetition. I really did enjoy the book but it’s undercooked and obviously annoyed me enough to write this.
Who ever edited this needs to try again.
The story is lovely and the premise is great, but it’s like the chapters got mixed up. I feel like I’m reading the first draft of a good book. The plot and characters and overall vibe is there but it hasn’t been polished at all.
In chapter 13 Kieran asks “What are you waiting for him to do?” But it’s back in chapter 7 where Abbott goes “I thought about Kierans question - what are you waiting for him to do?”
Things are repeated like in chapter 17 “I know which shoulder gets tight after long games” followed by chapter 18 “I know which shoulder gets tight after games”
This kind of thing happens multiple times. The time line is all messed up and information is given at the wrong times and there is A LOT of repetition. I really did enjoy the book but it’s undercooked and obviously annoyed me enough to write this.
July 23, 2026
Short. HEA. Not a lot of character development. Or hockey.
October 12, 2026
I'm not going to sugarcoat this review, so buckle up, friends.
Let's start with the positives:
Though they didn't really exist as fully fleshed out people outside of the hockey world, I actually liked both of the MCs. I felt like the author did a good job of showing how they fit into the team dynamic differently but in equal measure, how they fit together as friends on the verge of something more, and their internal struggles - both personal and professional - felt tangible and weighty.
I also liked the overall vibe of the book - even if I feel like using the SEO catchphrase of "Steamy" in the title of a very UN-steamy book in order to sell it felt misleading. I would say that this book was far more on the cozy end of the romance genre in that way that being KNOWN by another person is incredibly romantic and cozy and vital.
But beyond those positives, this book was LAZY. It felt like the author drafted a bunch of scenes, chucked them in a blender, and published them in whatever order they poured out. There were multiple points in the book where the characters referenced conversations that had never happened, only for a few pages or chapters later to have that previously referenced conversation pop up verbatim.
So... I'm not saying that this book was definitely written in part by AI, but this type of mistake just didn't feel like one that an author - who is intimately familiar with their characters and their book - would make (and make MORE THAN ONCE). And, even if it WAS human error, then it is absolutely something that would have or could have gotten caught and fixed during even the most cursory of proofreading sessions.
Not to mention the repetitive sections of the book. I lost count of the number of times that entire sentences were lifted from one part of the book into another (like the author wrote something and thought, "I really cooked with that; let's use it again!"). In other cases, it was just a visual that the author wanted to hit you over the head with. Like, how many times did we need to hear about the damn blue coffee mug with its chipped rim and perfectly angled handle? I get the metaphor, lady! MOVE ON!
I dunno... There were just enough funky things happening in this book to make me distrust its authenticity as a 100% human-made product rather than a person taking a shortcut to publish as much substandard work as quickly as possible, for me to continue reading this author. I also feel like, after reading three of their books, I should have seen more of their skill development as an author and none of that is present here.
I think I will pass on this author going forward.
Let's start with the positives:
Though they didn't really exist as fully fleshed out people outside of the hockey world, I actually liked both of the MCs. I felt like the author did a good job of showing how they fit into the team dynamic differently but in equal measure, how they fit together as friends on the verge of something more, and their internal struggles - both personal and professional - felt tangible and weighty.
I also liked the overall vibe of the book - even if I feel like using the SEO catchphrase of "Steamy" in the title of a very UN-steamy book in order to sell it felt misleading. I would say that this book was far more on the cozy end of the romance genre in that way that being KNOWN by another person is incredibly romantic and cozy and vital.
But beyond those positives, this book was LAZY. It felt like the author drafted a bunch of scenes, chucked them in a blender, and published them in whatever order they poured out. There were multiple points in the book where the characters referenced conversations that had never happened, only for a few pages or chapters later to have that previously referenced conversation pop up verbatim.
So... I'm not saying that this book was definitely written in part by AI, but this type of mistake just didn't feel like one that an author - who is intimately familiar with their characters and their book - would make (and make MORE THAN ONCE). And, even if it WAS human error, then it is absolutely something that would have or could have gotten caught and fixed during even the most cursory of proofreading sessions.
Not to mention the repetitive sections of the book. I lost count of the number of times that entire sentences were lifted from one part of the book into another (like the author wrote something and thought, "I really cooked with that; let's use it again!"). In other cases, it was just a visual that the author wanted to hit you over the head with. Like, how many times did we need to hear about the damn blue coffee mug with its chipped rim and perfectly angled handle? I get the metaphor, lady! MOVE ON!
I dunno... There were just enough funky things happening in this book to make me distrust its authenticity as a 100% human-made product rather than a person taking a shortcut to publish as much substandard work as quickly as possible, for me to continue reading this author. I also feel like, after reading three of their books, I should have seen more of their skill development as an author and none of that is present here.
I think I will pass on this author going forward.
September 18, 2026
Un historia de amor entre dos amigos de varios años que comparten equipo y forman parte de un familia encontrada. El libro es un ida y vuelta, hasta el final y puede volverse cansador.
El libro se siente mal editado, ya que se repiten diálogos y hay capítulos que se sienten fuera de orden. En un capítulo se hace referencia a un diálogo que pasa capítulos después (y no como flashback). Se siente como estar leyendo un borrador y no un libro corregido y editado.
El libro se siente mal editado, ya que se repiten diálogos y hay capítulos que se sienten fuera de orden. En un capítulo se hace referencia a un diálogo que pasa capítulos después (y no como flashback). Se siente como estar leyendo un borrador y no un libro corregido y editado.
June 11, 2026
Kind of disjointed
There are some scenes and conversations that seem out of order, or repeated, or like they're referenced as memories before they happen, or things that happen more than once two different ways, which can cause some lowkey confusion. Other than that it's a sweet story.
There are some scenes and conversations that seem out of order, or repeated, or like they're referenced as memories before they happen, or things that happen more than once two different ways, which can cause some lowkey confusion. Other than that it's a sweet story.
June 10, 2026
Solid story. Not as loud as the other books… this one was circumspect.
August 4, 2026
Wish is was longer
This series has been like dessert at the end of the work day. Little snippets I to this team and their love. One night of reading! I hope we get to read all the stories of the seeds that were planted at the end. Great book. Great couple!
This series has been like dessert at the end of the work day. Little snippets I to this team and their love. One night of reading! I hope we get to read all the stories of the seeds that were planted at the end. Great book. Great couple!
September 14, 2026
A very sweet bestie-teammates to lovers story, featuring two pro hockey players.
I enjoyed the writing voice a lot, as well as both MCs, they’re kind and supportive and good to each other. They’re one of those couples everyone knows is together…everyone but them. No one wants to rock the boat, and both are pining.
Note: There’s no info at all on whether they’re dating/seeing/hooking up with other people all that time they’re friends but not together. So we’ll let that sleeping dog lie. It’s up to you.
They have a lovely affinity/rhythm together, and I enjoyed every scene.
My only complaint is…they don’t seem to have a world outside of the team and each other. I don’t remember family situations, but we don’t meet anyone else, and these two seem to have landed, fully formed, as teammates turned best friends. I kept waiting to learn more, see more, get a wider perspective, and…nothing.
I don’t know why Jamie won’t ask for anything at all, ever, from anyone. I don’t know why Abbott (Clay) decides to leave rather than tell Jamie how he feels. The lack of insight was too bad, but, I still quite loved seeing them together, so…🤷♀️
Abbott’s actions did strike me as unprofessional, and I’m not sure why it wasn’t a problem with his current team as well as his reputation with the other team/industry, but, I don’t know the hockey world, so, maybe that happens. It did feel like a weird and controlling ultimatum. Oh well.
HEA, friends to lovers. Hockey players. No OM action/drama/info at all. Safe for me. (Though suspiciously so?! 😂). Recommended.
I enjoyed the writing voice a lot, as well as both MCs, they’re kind and supportive and good to each other. They’re one of those couples everyone knows is together…everyone but them. No one wants to rock the boat, and both are pining.
Note: There’s no info at all on whether they’re dating/seeing/hooking up with other people all that time they’re friends but not together. So we’ll let that sleeping dog lie. It’s up to you.
They have a lovely affinity/rhythm together, and I enjoyed every scene.
My only complaint is…they don’t seem to have a world outside of the team and each other. I don’t remember family situations, but we don’t meet anyone else, and these two seem to have landed, fully formed, as teammates turned best friends. I kept waiting to learn more, see more, get a wider perspective, and…nothing.
I don’t know why Jamie won’t ask for anything at all, ever, from anyone. I don’t know why Abbott (Clay) decides to leave rather than tell Jamie how he feels. The lack of insight was too bad, but, I still quite loved seeing them together, so…🤷♀️
Abbott’s actions did strike me as unprofessional, and I’m not sure why it wasn’t a problem with his current team as well as his reputation with the other team/industry, but, I don’t know the hockey world, so, maybe that happens. It did feel like a weird and controlling ultimatum. Oh well.
HEA, friends to lovers. Hockey players. No OM action/drama/info at all. Safe for me. (Though suspiciously so?! 😂). Recommended.
September 30, 2026
MY RATING: ⭐⭐
SPICE LEVEL: 0🌶
POV: multiple his/his
TROPE: Friends to lovers,hockey brothers
ENDING: HEA
MY THOUGHTS 💭:
I am sorry, but this was a really painful read. I understand what the author wanted to do with creating angst and longing for one another, but it was way too much. It was way too repetitive, and the story was told from a person's view, as if they were standing in a room watching those two characters interact with one another, rather than from the characters' perspectives. Also, the dialogue could have been better. Some things are repeated more than once in the book, maybe to create an understanding that they have been wanting this for years, but that did not land well.
Hear down below are some examples of that:
He walked away and I watched him go. I thought about Denver.
"That," I said against his skin. "Tell me what else." "Jamie." He breathed my name, rough and stripped of every defense. "Everything. All of it."
He knew where to touch me because he'd been paying attention.
DO I RECOMMEND ☕️ : unfortunately no
SPICE LEVEL: 0🌶
POV: multiple his/his
TROPE: Friends to lovers,hockey brothers
ENDING: HEA
MY THOUGHTS 💭:
I am sorry, but this was a really painful read. I understand what the author wanted to do with creating angst and longing for one another, but it was way too much. It was way too repetitive, and the story was told from a person's view, as if they were standing in a room watching those two characters interact with one another, rather than from the characters' perspectives. Also, the dialogue could have been better. Some things are repeated more than once in the book, maybe to create an understanding that they have been wanting this for years, but that did not land well.
Hear down below are some examples of that:
He walked away and I watched him go. I thought about Denver.
"That," I said against his skin. "Tell me what else." "Jamie." He breathed my name, rough and stripped of every defense. "Everything. All of it."
He knew where to touch me because he'd been paying attention.
DO I RECOMMEND ☕️ : unfortunately no
May 27, 2026
Wow. Another big hitter from Cross.
This book contained big emotions compacted in a small space and it truly gave me all the slow burn I was looking for.
Clay is a stoic quiet backup goalie who is paired with an extroverted sunshine - Jamie. Their journey was so sweet and all the small things really added up (bawling my eyes out now!!). I love stories where it’s all about the quiet moments that make up the big moments and this was portrayed very well here.
I don’t get why Jamie is the way he is or why he can’t ask (sometimes people are just who they are I guess) and we don’t hear much about Clay’s family or his life. I think it would’ve been nice to see them further in the future and going steady. But also, I guess that is what they have been all along.
There were some repetitive phrases and inconsistencies with some scenes but overall an incredible story. Can’t wait for the rest of the “seeds”
This book contained big emotions compacted in a small space and it truly gave me all the slow burn I was looking for.
Clay is a stoic quiet backup goalie who is paired with an extroverted sunshine - Jamie. Their journey was so sweet and all the small things really added up (bawling my eyes out now!!). I love stories where it’s all about the quiet moments that make up the big moments and this was portrayed very well here.
I don’t get why Jamie is the way he is or why he can’t ask (sometimes people are just who they are I guess) and we don’t hear much about Clay’s family or his life. I think it would’ve been nice to see them further in the future and going steady. But also, I guess that is what they have been all along.
There were some repetitive phrases and inconsistencies with some scenes but overall an incredible story. Can’t wait for the rest of the “seeds”
July 12, 2026
Not spicy
KU Read on the Kindle
132 Pages
MM Hockey Romance
Friends To Lovers
Teammates
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Closed Door Spice
I keep reading this series in the hopes that the next one has 'more'. I have seen writers improve and elaborate book after book to build a series, and I hope this one does too as there is clearly scope for more HEA's. I can't say for certain that I will continue this series as it is written but who knows, when the next one comes out I might pick it up.
This is not a steamy book tho so if you are reading for spice it is all closed door and I feel like I spent the majority of the story waiting for the pair to even acknowledge each other properly, let alone have a deep conversation. There is a lot of technical hockey talk and not enough romantic interaction.
KU Read on the Kindle
132 Pages
MM Hockey Romance
Friends To Lovers
Teammates
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Closed Door Spice
I keep reading this series in the hopes that the next one has 'more'. I have seen writers improve and elaborate book after book to build a series, and I hope this one does too as there is clearly scope for more HEA's. I can't say for certain that I will continue this series as it is written but who knows, when the next one comes out I might pick it up.
This is not a steamy book tho so if you are reading for spice it is all closed door and I feel like I spent the majority of the story waiting for the pair to even acknowledge each other properly, let alone have a deep conversation. There is a lot of technical hockey talk and not enough romantic interaction.
July 20, 2026
4.7
Clay and Jamie are hockey professionals who almost crash their deep friendship and unspoken feelings of love on the rocky shore of a lucrative offer from another team. This is not helped by a long time refusal to acknowledge what is really going on.
I like Piper’s writing. It is clean, perceptive and focused on a team that is a family as well as a successful organization. The book is short but tight, and the interior examination of where players really are is thoroughly fascinating.
The inclusion of exciting hockey playing is wonderful, with great descriptions of goalie playing and the art involved in that position.
Clay and Jamie are hockey professionals who almost crash their deep friendship and unspoken feelings of love on the rocky shore of a lucrative offer from another team. This is not helped by a long time refusal to acknowledge what is really going on.
I like Piper’s writing. It is clean, perceptive and focused on a team that is a family as well as a successful organization. The book is short but tight, and the interior examination of where players really are is thoroughly fascinating.
The inclusion of exciting hockey playing is wonderful, with great descriptions of goalie playing and the art involved in that position.
October 8, 2026
extremely passive main characters
They lack courage and ambition, but somehow both made it to the NHL? They finally get together when SPOILER
one of them walks away from a once-in a-lifetime opportunity to be a starter, not a backup, at a massive increase in pay, for an excellent team? A decent partner would never want to be the reason the guy he loves sticks with a dissatisfying, underpaid role when given the opportunity to truly thrive in a better role. And never mind that they were both at an age when they had a handful of years left in pro hockey so walking away from tens of millions of dollars would be a permanent financial hit. Just, no.
They lack courage and ambition, but somehow both made it to the NHL? They finally get together when SPOILER
one of them walks away from a once-in a-lifetime opportunity to be a starter, not a backup, at a massive increase in pay, for an excellent team? A decent partner would never want to be the reason the guy he loves sticks with a dissatisfying, underpaid role when given the opportunity to truly thrive in a better role. And never mind that they were both at an age when they had a handful of years left in pro hockey so walking away from tens of millions of dollars would be a permanent financial hit. Just, no.
July 31, 2026
I don't know how they can call this steamy, when ...nothing happened? Maybe we have very different definitions, but this was basically fade-to-black?
And it was increadible repetitive. If i don't read about a "blue mug with the handle facing out" again, it will be too soon..
It was only 132 pages, but felt like a lot more with how tidious it was to read the repetative language and how nothing happened in the plot. It also lacked consistency; they would say things and then suddenly not know it a couple pages later?
Really disappointed, since the previous book was pretty good.
And it was increadible repetitive. If i don't read about a "blue mug with the handle facing out" again, it will be too soon..
It was only 132 pages, but felt like a lot more with how tidious it was to read the repetative language and how nothing happened in the plot. It also lacked consistency; they would say things and then suddenly not know it a couple pages later?
Really disappointed, since the previous book was pretty good.
June 9, 2026
There’s a lot to unpack with this series. The characters and the plots are great but they need more depth. The writing of the books are getting better as the series goes on but the writing is confusing at times and repetitive. It’s hard to work out who’s actually talking. This book needs to be about 100 pages longer and these characters deserved better so much happens off page that the reader really needs to read and I don’t read for spice but these books are advertised as steamy and spicy and they are barely PG
July 25, 2026
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not to the standard of the others in the series. The others felt like forced proximity, admitting feelings and making it work. This one where they only admit feelings after one decides to leave the team for an opportunity that is incredible for them then they stay in the less great place. It feels like the start of resentment and the beginning of the end rather than the start of a beautiful relationship.
Not to the standard of the others in the series. The others felt like forced proximity, admitting feelings and making it work. This one where they only admit feelings after one decides to leave the team for an opportunity that is incredible for them then they stay in the less great place. It feels like the start of resentment and the beginning of the end rather than the start of a beautiful relationship.
October 7, 2026
Having the word "steamy" in the description is misleading - No spice or even steam. Hard to even finish because the repetitiveness is so awful, but also pretty sure some chapters are out of order? The development of their relationship was just off.
And just being petty now but like...the "hotel booking error" that gave them 1 bed somehow persisted for 3 different cities? 3 different hotels make the same error?
And just being petty now but like...the "hotel booking error" that gave them 1 bed somehow persisted for 3 different cities? 3 different hotels make the same error?
June 1, 2026
something was missing
I loved the second book of this series but this book was underwhelming at best. It felt very repetitive and the characters felt like they didn’t really have a good development. Definitely think it needed more time and attention to details. Wanted to like it but yeah it’s a no from me.
I loved the second book of this series but this book was underwhelming at best. It felt very repetitive and the characters felt like they didn’t really have a good development. Definitely think it needed more time and attention to details. Wanted to like it but yeah it’s a no from me.
June 20, 2026
Great read
I love this series and especially this book. Jamie and Clay are so scared of change, it broke my heart. Chicago Storm has the best cast of characters that turn into a huge chosen family with all the angst you would expect. Please read all these books! They are quick reads and you will not be disappointed!
I love this series and especially this book. Jamie and Clay are so scared of change, it broke my heart. Chicago Storm has the best cast of characters that turn into a huge chosen family with all the angst you would expect. Please read all these books! They are quick reads and you will not be disappointed!
June 12, 2026
— Te miro porque vale la pena mirarte ❤️🩹
Una persona que amaba a alguien quería cosas buenas para ese alguien. Así era como funcionaba el amor. Le mantenías la puerta abierta a esa persona incluso cuando, al cruzarla, se estaba alejando de ti.
Una persona que amaba a alguien quería cosas buenas para ese alguien. Así era como funcionaba el amor. Le mantenías la puerta abierta a esa persona incluso cuando, al cruzarla, se estaba alejando de ti.
June 20, 2026
sweet romance
These two have known each other for years. One had a crush, and although it took some years and growing, a pretty solid set they made.
These two have known each other for years. One had a crush, and although it took some years and growing, a pretty solid set they made.
June 28, 2026
Everything about this was terrible
August 17, 2026
Narración muy rara, mas no mala. Amé.
Read
September 25, 2026The hockey stuff is funny- the pros didn’t know they were going on a 10 day road trip until 2 days before 😂
July 11, 2026
4,8 ⭐️ me encanta como nace el romance en estos libros, es tan único que te atrapa desde el principio, si bien no tiene la misma fuerza de los anteriores, la historia es maravillosa, solo que mi favorito es Theo y Luca.
August 3, 2026
More AI slop from this ‘author’.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews