The Boys of Winter

by Van Cole

Jeremy loved hockey. He had been the captain of the team in college, where he had met the love of his life, Dan. But Dan’s father refused to have a gay son. And he had all of the money to ensure it. Breaking Jeremy’s heart, Dan let his father’s money come between them.

Years later, when they meet again, Jeremy realizes he still has the same feelings for Dan. But does Dan feel the same way? He had gotten married, to a woman. And even if he did, where did that leave Jeremy and his heart? Did he really trust Dan to not break his heart again, after everything he had done in the past? Would Jeremy ever be able to forgive him?

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Sports, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, LGBT

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[The Celtic Rebel (Richard) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to like this and gave it every chance because I really liked the plot premise. But in the end this was just very disappointing. The characters are so one-dimensional and there's never any tension of any kind developed between them at all.

Even the breakup between Dan and his wife, Sarah, was flat. Then Dan goes to this party and meets the former love of his life. All of this should be exciting but it was boring for this reader.

For this type of story there has got to be angst, tension, passion or it doesn't have a chance of succeeding. The concept was great and there was great potential, but I can't recommend this one.

[Ottilee B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this second chance hockey story 4.5*! It was a very good (inspiring?) story that tugged at the heartstrings and made me want to hug each man and sniffle a teary "Aww!" It began with an ex-wife (who was cheating with a ball player: who's the bitch now, lady??) but it really began yrs. earlier with dear ("cough, cough") 'ol dad and his $. It's a toss up who to despise more but then they reconnect, no hard feelings & they grow old together. (While I fantasize about the HUGE, MEGA fisticuffs these two big, brawny hockey aficianados are going to have in their future. YEY!)

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is an okay book. Akthough Dan and Jeremy are cute, and the romance is believable, the events happen way too fast. That, and the sudden hate Sarah develops for Dan, are my only conplaints. It isn't much, and I truly like the way the story unfolded

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was so so

[Kendra T]

Page 1 annoyed me with hockey being played on a “pitch”. Had trouble getting into from there and didn’t finish.

[Kara Covet · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you don't know anything about hockey don't write a hockey romance. How hard is that? There are many many many other sports. The story itself had a few moments here and there that weren't completely terrible but then the absolute lack of hockey knowledge would rear its head and take me right back out of the story.

I second one of the other reviewers: go to Archive of Our Own and read hockey fiction written by hockey fans. (Just to be clear, there is no such thing as a "pitch" in hockey. Literally nowhere in the world is the ice/rink called a "pitch". It's not cricket, people.)

[Nefol_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully told story with believable situations and likable characters that evolve. So much in a short story, yet it didn't feel rushed.
And keep this editor! The POV remained on point, the character names and sexes didn't flip flop, and the sentences flowed; all in all, very well edited.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Life Worth Living:
By Korkoi -
This book is about more than romance. It deals with heartache, family expectations, betrayal, blackmail, personal growth, truth and happiness. It is a book you will definitely enjoy reading and teaches us a lesson about strength and conviction.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two gay hockey players in college, but one has a religious, demanding, and bullying father that forces him to go straight. Years later those two young men meet again and so we get this lovely little tale and they get closure.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple story of a

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Away by Van Cole. Good m/m romance short story!

[Regencyfan93 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time with the POV of this book. I felt like I was listening to a documentary narrator, people and situations described at a distance.

[bonnie_reads_romance]

DNF at 26%

[Marian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should’ve gone through one more editing and proofreading.

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a mess! This story needs a complete re-edit...
Wrong sporting (ice hockey) terminology used - was this sport even researched by the author??
Missed opportunity, as there was the makings of a good story here, especially Dan's college back story involving his homophobic father.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waterdown

Couldn't even get through thus book its that terrible. The charters have no emotion what so ever. They are also one dimensional and stereotypical. Plus there is no sex like any at all Nada, zip,zilch and elementary school kissing will not be reading anymore books by this author

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rating is only for The Boys in Winter by Van Cole, which I enjoyed a lot. For all M/M fans the rest of the book is turning out to be M/F while I also like that genre it annoys me when I'm not aware of what the rest of the bundle entails.

[Lea Blottiaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read

I liked the story about Dan and Jeremy and their journey through life after their breakup in college. A Good read.

[Furio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Potentially interesting but too short and underdeveloped.

[Sunshine]

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