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Surprising Love! #2
The Cherry on Top
Ryan
This is our year, I can feel it! The year we take home the Cup. Playing for the Hunters since finishing college has been a dream come true. But this is the year we go all the way and bring it home. The only issue with being a hockey superstar is that my love life has taken a few hits. The only people who have been interested recently were either in it for the wrong reasons, or there was no chemistry in sight. My best friend Leon finding the love of his life hasn’t helped. While I’m happy for him, I can’t help feeling a bit jealous. Is it too much to ask for a spark?
Matty
I’ve just decided to take a break from dating to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a professional dancer, and I’m throwing everything I have into my career. Working harder, practicing for long hours, going to more auditions, but it’s always the same. I’m more committed than ever to staying single so I can focus on my goals. Seems this is the moment the Goddess decides to send the perfect man my way. Karma really is a cruel mistress. I try to ignore the attraction that’s blooming between us, but Ryan makes it harder and harder with how thoughtful and attentive he is. Can I really keep fighting before the flame swallows me whole?
The Cherry on Top is a 72,000-word MM romance with a HEA between Ryan and Matty. After their meet-cute, the connection between them is instant, but limitations and old beliefs stand in the way of them being together. This is the second novel in the Surprising Love! series, but can be read as a standalone. While this is a contemporary romance and all efforts have been made to accurately reflect how hockey is played in real life, the playoffs structure has been modified to fit the story. Please take into account that this is a work of fiction.
This is our year, I can feel it! The year we take home the Cup. Playing for the Hunters since finishing college has been a dream come true. But this is the year we go all the way and bring it home. The only issue with being a hockey superstar is that my love life has taken a few hits. The only people who have been interested recently were either in it for the wrong reasons, or there was no chemistry in sight. My best friend Leon finding the love of his life hasn’t helped. While I’m happy for him, I can’t help feeling a bit jealous. Is it too much to ask for a spark?
Matty
I’ve just decided to take a break from dating to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a professional dancer, and I’m throwing everything I have into my career. Working harder, practicing for long hours, going to more auditions, but it’s always the same. I’m more committed than ever to staying single so I can focus on my goals. Seems this is the moment the Goddess decides to send the perfect man my way. Karma really is a cruel mistress. I try to ignore the attraction that’s blooming between us, but Ryan makes it harder and harder with how thoughtful and attentive he is. Can I really keep fighting before the flame swallows me whole?
The Cherry on Top is a 72,000-word MM romance with a HEA between Ryan and Matty. After their meet-cute, the connection between them is instant, but limitations and old beliefs stand in the way of them being together. This is the second novel in the Surprising Love! series, but can be read as a standalone. While this is a contemporary romance and all efforts have been made to accurately reflect how hockey is played in real life, the playoffs structure has been modified to fit the story. Please take into account that this is a work of fiction.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 18, 2026
When Ryan sees Matty it’s an instant crush.
He doesn’t care that Matty is a man. Matty will be his.
And from there the feelings just grow stronger and stronger.
He is so smitten, there is no reality where Matty is not in his life and he doesn’t care in which capacity. He will take as little or much as Matty is ready to give him.
Matty swore he will take a break from dating and focus on his career… famous last words because of course that’s the moment the goddess introduces him to the perfect man.
Ryan is gorgeous and kindhearted and attentive.
Their story is lovely (& yes spice included) story.
When it’s meant to be it just works out perfectly.
What I love in Emilia’s book is how her characters are not going through an identity crisis. It just highlights the fact love and attraction are just a natural and chemistry element in our life.
He doesn’t care that Matty is a man. Matty will be his.
And from there the feelings just grow stronger and stronger.
He is so smitten, there is no reality where Matty is not in his life and he doesn’t care in which capacity. He will take as little or much as Matty is ready to give him.
Matty swore he will take a break from dating and focus on his career… famous last words because of course that’s the moment the goddess introduces him to the perfect man.
Ryan is gorgeous and kindhearted and attentive.
Their story is lovely (& yes spice included) story.
When it’s meant to be it just works out perfectly.
What I love in Emilia’s book is how her characters are not going through an identity crisis. It just highlights the fact love and attraction are just a natural and chemistry element in our life.
September 21, 2026
This was cute but I personally found it quite slow at times. In my opinion this would have worked better as a novella. However I did like Ryan, the big green flag, and Matty, the sasspot. They worked well together and if you're in the mood for something low angst then this might be for you.
*Safety info (potential spoilers)*
- OP drama: Ryan has a situationship with a woman called Rebecca but they haven't seen each other in weeks and he breaks it off before anything really happens between him and Matty. It does cause jealousy though.
- Not a breakup since they aren't together yet but they do have a third act fight (they make up beautifully though the next day).
- HEA/HFN
*Safety info (potential spoilers)*
- OP drama: Ryan has a situationship with a woman called Rebecca but they haven't seen each other in weeks and he breaks it off before anything really happens between him and Matty. It does cause jealousy though.
- Not a breakup since they aren't together yet but they do have a third act fight (they make up beautifully though the next day).
- HEA/HFN
September 18, 2026
A golden hearted hockey player meets a sassy dancer! A gorgeous low angst read. Funny moments and cuteness that will make your heart melt. Ryan is so smitten straight away and I love him and Matty so much! Can’t wait for more from this series! Size difference, meet cute and a quick read!
September 21, 2026
After reading The Mix-up, I couldn't wait to read Ryan's story. Surprisingly, I enjoyed Matty's chapters more, because his internal struggles were a bit more relatable to me.
The story is cute, easy to follow and left me craving cherry deserts... 🍒
The story is cute, easy to follow and left me craving cherry deserts... 🍒
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews