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“I don’t want to be the poster boy.”
Kevin Shaw isn’t about to come out. He’s only got a year to prove himself in the major leagues of hockey. He has to train hard, get his big break, and ignore everything he wants to do in the showers to his new teammate, Matty.
Matty O'Brien is secretly terrified he won't hack it after being called up to the team. He’s perpetually single and feeling the ache of always being the wingman and never the boyfriend. But the way Kevin watches him makes him feel like a star for the first time.
One spontaneous kiss sends them both scurrying for shelter. Locker room gossip could be enough to end their careers. In a choice between their passions for the game and each other, there’s no winning… unless they find a way to have both.
Slam is the fifth book in The Riley Brothers, a low-angst series filled with brotherly banter and small-town smiles. This steamy, standalone gay romance novel can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after ending.
Kevin Shaw isn’t about to come out. He’s only got a year to prove himself in the major leagues of hockey. He has to train hard, get his big break, and ignore everything he wants to do in the showers to his new teammate, Matty.
Matty O'Brien is secretly terrified he won't hack it after being called up to the team. He’s perpetually single and feeling the ache of always being the wingman and never the boyfriend. But the way Kevin watches him makes him feel like a star for the first time.
One spontaneous kiss sends them both scurrying for shelter. Locker room gossip could be enough to end their careers. In a choice between their passions for the game and each other, there’s no winning… unless they find a way to have both.
Slam is the fifth book in The Riley Brothers, a low-angst series filled with brotherly banter and small-town smiles. This steamy, standalone gay romance novel can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after ending.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2016
53 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books728 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 17, 2016
*** Matty and Kevin are hockey players, training together. ***
Blonde, brown-eyed Matty,
and blue-eyed Kevin are brought into each others lives
through prep exercises, and each man is dedicated, fit, and competitive. This is a well written journey of growth for Kevin and Matty, as hockey players and men.
They juggle their lives and hopes, the families and friends, and their deep desires for each other.
We get conversations of pertinent issues, tentative attempts at physical contact, while staying under the radar, as the emotions escalate. We do most certainly get hot sexy times ! It's a sure thing that these handsome men want to be together. There is a weasel, Hans in the hockey ranks causing problems. We watch them grow, love, and get stronger.
This is a truly connecting story in this series ! ENJOY !
================================
Blonde, brown-eyed Matty,
and blue-eyed Kevin are brought into each others lives
through prep exercises, and each man is dedicated, fit, and competitive. This is a well written journey of growth for Kevin and Matty, as hockey players and men.
They juggle their lives and hopes, the families and friends, and their deep desires for each other.
We get conversations of pertinent issues, tentative attempts at physical contact, while staying under the radar, as the emotions escalate. We do most certainly get hot sexy times ! It's a sure thing that these handsome men want to be together. There is a weasel, Hans in the hockey ranks causing problems. We watch them grow, love, and get stronger.
This is a truly connecting story in this series ! ENJOY !
================================
July 26, 2016
Tonssss of sugar!!!!! And HOCKEY!!!! I liked this one!!! 3.5*
The two MCS are awesome! Lovely!! Cinnamon rolls!!!
KEVIN is new at Toronto team, he needs to prove himself so he works REALLY HARD 24/7 to continue on the team. Also, his friend Cam advised him to get his head low about his sexuality to avoid the fuss at in this first stage.
BUT he meets MATTY. Another team player.
Matty was Cam's best friend in the past so he easily goes to speak to Kevin and found they have a lot things in common… including their mutual interest.
Slowww Burn , simple and sweet story <3
September 19, 2020
The series is so good loved this latest instalment. Each book is very different but with the same cast in it . I highly recommend it
July 31, 2020
My favorite! So sweet.
A little too many dude bro's though.
A little too many dude bro's though.
March 4, 2021
These books just keep getting better. I loved Marty and Kevin. This was pure romance with a sweet slow burn. Add in some hockey and a bunch of “bros” and you find a near perfect story.
July 3, 2016
I bought this because I was familiar with the setting and some of the characters. This one is not nearly as exciting or interesting as book one. Here, you have two hockey players who possibly? probably? definitely! are attracted to each other. The entire book deals with their reluctance to become a couple because of fear of what others will think. It gets boring after a while.
Also, as with the first book, I had trouble following some of the narrative and dialogue, as if chunks were missing or wrong names were used.
Also, as with the first book, I had trouble following some of the narrative and dialogue, as if chunks were missing or wrong names were used.
March 20, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially because of the BTS look at hockey and also how well-developed the characters of Matty and Kevin are! A great read and now on to book six in the series!
May 5, 2021
Sex, Hockey, Sex, Sex, Hockey, Sex... yep, E. Davies has officially run out of plots for this series - and there's still one more to go. Seriously, Davies does write good erotica, and a good hockey scene.
March 26, 2020
I liked this one, but it just abruptly ended. I feel like the story was missing the major conflict/resolution and end. Maybe it will be wrapped up by the last book in the series?
January 23, 2024
It's always nice to return to this series, even though none of them have ever really blown me away. This time there's a change of pace and change of scenery, as we're following a couple friends of the brothers, two hockey players training for the upcoming season. As always, a lot of the sports stuff flew over my head, but it was still mostly just training and working out and a lot of preparation, and not a lot of actual hockey. This has a slower pace than the other books, as neither Matty nor Kevin are out to each other or their friends on the team, and neither of them want to be the first out player. They have a tentative courtship that's really cute, with a lot of starts and stops. I really liked the scenes where they trained together, and just the laidback, friends to lovers feel of it all. It's just as low angst as the rest of the series, with a little subplot about someone potentially trying to sabotage them.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean, which was as enjoyable as always. This was slightly forgettable, to be honest, but really very sweet, and I had a good time while reading it.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean, which was as enjoyable as always. This was slightly forgettable, to be honest, but really very sweet, and I had a good time while reading it.
September 21, 2016
Sweet story of two hockey players. While there was definitely attraction groom the start, I'm glad they became friends first.
April 4, 2019
Athletes: check
Hockey players: double check
both MC's are hockey players: triple check
Riley Brothers series: oh yeah.
I have loved this whole series, and I am so glad there is another one, especially one that is focused on my favorite sport/sub-genre: hockey. Kevin and Matty are both trying to play hockey in the big leagues, and that doesn't really allow for a relationship, let alone a truly out one. They form a friendship before considering attraction which made their chemistry even stronger. All of Matty's friends were awesome, and the drama that did occur wasn't overdone or too angst worthy. This is more of an HFN because the story ended before everything was figured out, but I am hopeful that I will see their how their HEA is working for them when we get the next book (which I am THRILLED to know there is another coming).
The story takes place in Toronto, so we don't get a lot of interaction from the characters from the first 4 books, but they do make an appearance which made me happy. This story could be read as a standalone, but the other 4 were so wonderful that they should be read anyway. :-)
Edited to add
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and Michael Pauley has a voice like liquid gold. He did these characters so well, and I loved them in this version even more than on paper. Highly recommend the audio version of this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Hockey players: double check
both MC's are hockey players: triple check
Riley Brothers series: oh yeah.
I have loved this whole series, and I am so glad there is another one, especially one that is focused on my favorite sport/sub-genre: hockey. Kevin and Matty are both trying to play hockey in the big leagues, and that doesn't really allow for a relationship, let alone a truly out one. They form a friendship before considering attraction which made their chemistry even stronger. All of Matty's friends were awesome, and the drama that did occur wasn't overdone or too angst worthy. This is more of an HFN because the story ended before everything was figured out, but I am hopeful that I will see their how their HEA is working for them when we get the next book (which I am THRILLED to know there is another coming).
The story takes place in Toronto, so we don't get a lot of interaction from the characters from the first 4 books, but they do make an appearance which made me happy. This story could be read as a standalone, but the other 4 were so wonderful that they should be read anyway. :-)
Edited to add
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and Michael Pauley has a voice like liquid gold. He did these characters so well, and I loved them in this version even more than on paper. Highly recommend the audio version of this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
June 28, 2016
So, it's fluff, but it's cute fluff that makes me happy and I enjoy it!! It's a quick, pleasant, easy read. Very low angst. No need to actually like hockey... it's my favorite in the series since the first. :) Also not a big need to read the others in the series either. It adds to it some, but it would be fine alone as well.
But, as much as I enjoyed reading this, and like fluff... I just wish this series had more substance to it. I read someone else's fluff and it's still sweet and low-angst, but there's more depth and I have to appreciate that...
But, as much as I enjoyed reading this, and like fluff... I just wish this series had more substance to it. I read someone else's fluff and it's still sweet and low-angst, but there's more depth and I have to appreciate that...
April 19, 2016
Just not for me
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but the others have just missed the mark for me. And maybe it's just me. All the interactions, conversations, behavior and bros in this book made me just think of a group of 14/15 year olds. The dialogue seemed so immature. I read up to about the halfway point and just skimmed the rest.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but the others have just missed the mark for me. And maybe it's just me. All the interactions, conversations, behavior and bros in this book made me just think of a group of 14/15 year olds. The dialogue seemed so immature. I read up to about the halfway point and just skimmed the rest.
January 4, 2020
* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *
Another good story about love and family
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good storyline that progresses nicely to a happy ending
Familiar characters that are developed in to realistic personalities
Sweet love story.
Narrator:
Clear pronunciation and read with feelings
Another good story about love and family
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good storyline that progresses nicely to a happy ending
Familiar characters that are developed in to realistic personalities
Sweet love story.
Narrator:
Clear pronunciation and read with feelings
April 20, 2016
The ending was too rushed. Not bad, but not great either. I liked the MCs, so I'm giving it 3 stars. I still think the first two books in the series were the best. The rest haven't been able to reach the same level.
May 23, 2016
This book was okay, I guess a standard romance read, but nothing really great. I never really connected with Matty or Kevin, and I somehow kept comparing this to book 1 and 2 and found it lacking.
I'd rather re-read books 1 and 2 again.
I'd rather re-read books 1 and 2 again.
August 12, 2016
Best one yet, my first 5* one in this series. I just absolutely fell in love with Kevin and Matty.
December 28, 2025
More development at the start of the relationship, but no follow-through
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 5/10
PROS:
- With every volume in this series, I’ve been craving some development of the relationship before the guys sleep together. I finally saw it in this installment.
- I don’t typically love sports stories, but the hockey training gives this one a bit more interest than the past few in the series have had. At least the practices and workouts give the two guys an opportunity to spend time together when they’re not in bed or on a date; they form a believable friendship before going to the next level.
CON:
- The lack of development has been my main criticism of this whole series, and it’s frustratingly lacking here too. The initial friendship is more fleshed out in this installment, but then the story stops abruptly just when the guys’ relationship is getting established. So much is made of both men’s reluctance to come out as (semi)pro athletes that I was left with a big “...AND?...” at the end. We don’t get to see them navigate any of the difficulties that are obviously headed their way? How am I supposed to believe in the relationship, then?
Overall comments: I got the feeling here that this author has a target word count that he tries to hit with each novella, and once he reaches it, the story is over (whether or not it’s actually resolved). The start of this is pretty promising, but it ends before I got the slightest hint of a HEA.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 5/10
PROS:
- With every volume in this series, I’ve been craving some development of the relationship before the guys sleep together. I finally saw it in this installment.
- I don’t typically love sports stories, but the hockey training gives this one a bit more interest than the past few in the series have had. At least the practices and workouts give the two guys an opportunity to spend time together when they’re not in bed or on a date; they form a believable friendship before going to the next level.
CON:
- The lack of development has been my main criticism of this whole series, and it’s frustratingly lacking here too. The initial friendship is more fleshed out in this installment, but then the story stops abruptly just when the guys’ relationship is getting established. So much is made of both men’s reluctance to come out as (semi)pro athletes that I was left with a big “...AND?...” at the end. We don’t get to see them navigate any of the difficulties that are obviously headed their way? How am I supposed to believe in the relationship, then?
Overall comments: I got the feeling here that this author has a target word count that he tries to hit with each novella, and once he reaches it, the story is over (whether or not it’s actually resolved). The start of this is pretty promising, but it ends before I got the slightest hint of a HEA.
December 9, 2020
I've been loving the Riley Brothers series, and this sports-themed romance was another hit! Despite how heavily dominated this story was by practices, training, and all things athletic, Kevin and Matty's growing relationship was undoubtedly in the spotlight from start to finish. I loved the concept of a rookie/veteran player romance and thought it was nicely executed in this story. I'll admit that I was a bit baffled about the way these guys casually kept kissing in public but claiming they wanted to stay closeted, but it was pretty cute to think that they just couldn't resist each other. While the romance in this story had a fully fleshed out and satisfying plotline, I do wish there had been a little more closure on the hockey side of things. This story leaves off before either of their seasons has started, and I was disappointed that I didn't get the chance to see how Kevin and Matty made their relationship work while balancing a full atheletic play schedule. Even without getting those answers, this was still a great story with two really awesome main characters. Michael Dean has been an excellent narrator for this entire series, and this book was no exception!
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 15, 2019
This is the first book in this series that isn't actually about one of the Riley Brothers but the MCs are both friends of Cam's so there is a tie there. Kevin and Matty are extremely cute in their interactions with one another and their journey to a relationship is sort of slow because they aren't sure how to handle their careers. The story is very sweet with very little angst making it an enjoyable listen for an easy afternoon. I really enjoyed the story of these two getting to know each other, hanging out, and letting the relationship grow. Matty's friends are awesome with how they handle everything and it was very heartwarming to see them so ready to defend Kevin and include him as if he had always been a part of their inner circle. It was awesome getting to hear from the Riley brothers as well and I loved the ending! There was never any doubt that Michael Pauley would do an excellent job with the narration so no surprise there.
December 8, 2020
Overall: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
As professional hockey player Matty and new sort-of-teammate Kevin are paired as training partners and quickly become friends, their mutual attraction only grows but is complicated because both are publicly closeted. Unable to deny their feelings, stolen kisses lead to a secret relationship until rumors lead to being outed by a teammate. Even with that source of angst, this is still a largely fluffy story with sweet MCs.
The Riley brothers themselves feature less in this story than the previous books, though they do appear when Kevin visits home. There's also a fair bit of actual sport (hockey, in this case) featured in the story, which can be rare in a sports romance. Narrator Michael Dean delivers another solid performance in the series. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
As professional hockey player Matty and new sort-of-teammate Kevin are paired as training partners and quickly become friends, their mutual attraction only grows but is complicated because both are publicly closeted. Unable to deny their feelings, stolen kisses lead to a secret relationship until rumors lead to being outed by a teammate. Even with that source of angst, this is still a largely fluffy story with sweet MCs.
The Riley brothers themselves feature less in this story than the previous books, though they do appear when Kevin visits home. There's also a fair bit of actual sport (hockey, in this case) featured in the story, which can be rare in a sports romance. Narrator Michael Dean delivers another solid performance in the series. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
December 11, 2020
Slam is a story about two hockey players that are attracted to one another, but do not want to become the first publicly out players in the league. I love hockey stories, especially when both MCs are players. They are not exactly teammates, but are training together in the off-season. I would call this a sports romance since there is a fair amount of hockey bits in the story.
I liked it ok, but the slow burn was really, really slow and I was wanting things to move along a bit more quickly. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie of Maddy's roommates and the typical chirping among fellow players.
I listened to this book and felt the narration was good and I think listening to the story was a plus. I also think Slam may be better suited to readers/listeners that like the really slow-burn kind of romance. (3.5 stars)
I liked it ok, but the slow burn was really, really slow and I was wanting things to move along a bit more quickly. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie of Maddy's roommates and the typical chirping among fellow players.
I listened to this book and felt the narration was good and I think listening to the story was a plus. I also think Slam may be better suited to readers/listeners that like the really slow-burn kind of romance. (3.5 stars)
July 31, 2023
This, by far, is the best in the series. Matty & Kevin are friends with Cam (one of the OG MCs in this series from book #1). It's a slow burn with plenty of spice. Matty & Kevin are all around nice guys and you can't help but root for their relationship. The tension comes from their reluctance to be the first out gay hockey players and a jealous antagonist.
I loved the fact that the book ends with a (non-cliffhanger) HFN instead of HEA wrapped up with a pretty bow. I don't need every MM romance to end in marriage for it to be satisfying! This is my favorite Riley Brothers book so far. 4.5 stars!
I loved the fact that the book ends with a (non-cliffhanger) HFN instead of HEA wrapped up with a pretty bow. I don't need every MM romance to end in marriage for it to be satisfying! This is my favorite Riley Brothers book so far. 4.5 stars!
December 10, 2017
Kevin and Matty are hard workers trying to get ahead in each of their hockey leagues. Their attraction is guarded because they don't want to deal with the media frenzy.
It causes some confusion in their relationship, but it makes the pace of it more gradual. I love all their connections to characters from the previous books. Less sex scenes, but lots of sweet interactions.
Only one more to read in this series, great fun.
KU
It causes some confusion in their relationship, but it makes the pace of it more gradual. I love all their connections to characters from the previous books. Less sex scenes, but lots of sweet interactions.
Only one more to read in this series, great fun.
KU
March 19, 2019
Love this story of Matty and Kevin. Their chemistry and connection are very strong. I love watching their relationship grow even throughout all of the tentativeness. They are a great couple who stand strong together and have a great support system with their true friends who can battle and stand against anyone who wants to ruin them. The narrator is absolutely incredible with this story and really with the entire series. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
Read
June 16, 2020Kevin from Fredericton has been selected for junior hockey tryouts in Toronto and meets Matty from northern Ontario who has been selected for a second year on the Toronto team. They agree to do summer workouts together, having the same coach. Most of the story takes place in the gym and the pool as they are both afraid of being outed and possibly sabotaging a hockey career. Well written with likable characters.
October 15, 2017
3.5 Stars
This is a really sweet romance with lots of hockey and wonderful friendship that builds between Matty and Kevin. We get to see all the crew from the Riley Brothers Series so that is a bonus.
There is good chemistry and kindness here as well as a thoughtful discussion of being the first to come out in a sport.
Low drama and lots of good solid romance.
This is a really sweet romance with lots of hockey and wonderful friendship that builds between Matty and Kevin. We get to see all the crew from the Riley Brothers Series so that is a bonus.
There is good chemistry and kindness here as well as a thoughtful discussion of being the first to come out in a sport.
Low drama and lots of good solid romance.
March 17, 2019
Another great add to the series. Kevin and Matty is just another story to love, hot hockey players are a must. These two are adorable and sweet with each other which pulled me in. I love this type of feel good story, seeing two people grow closer together. Narration by Michael Pauley once again is incredible and flow well with these two bringing them to live. Can't wait for the next.
March 24, 2019
I loved this sweet love story!
Matty and Kevin are hockey players, training together. They are part of the Riley Brothers series, as they're both friends with Cam (Riley Brothers book 1).
I loved how sweet and awkward they both are in approaching their phisical and emotional relationship...
Plus... Hockey! I love hockey love stories and this has all the Ed Davies flare to boot!
Matty and Kevin are hockey players, training together. They are part of the Riley Brothers series, as they're both friends with Cam (Riley Brothers book 1).
I loved how sweet and awkward they both are in approaching their phisical and emotional relationship...
Plus... Hockey! I love hockey love stories and this has all the Ed Davies flare to boot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews