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Hot Ice #5
High-Sticked
Dating Todd “Pretty” Carty was a trailblazing, headline-grabbing ride that shocked and divided a team, a sport and a nation. While controversy ruled, our feelings exploded and we couldn’t deny the desire that sizzled between us. Nothing, however, was easy outside the bedroom. Not when my world-class, fearless athlete wanted to shout from Everest that he was in love with another man.
But laying my heart on the line and having my picture dominating the papers was worth it. Everything about Todd turned me on. His bold hockey skills, his courageous attitude and the way he melted in my arms when I kissed him. I melted too, because he knew how to press my buttons, remind me of the man I used to be and take me to those places where ecstasy ruled.
The world might have trouble accepting us, but we’d committed to each other, mind, body and soul, and nothing could change that.
But laying my heart on the line and having my picture dominating the papers was worth it. Everything about Todd turned me on. His bold hockey skills, his courageous attitude and the way he melted in my arms when I kissed him. I melted too, because he knew how to press my buttons, remind me of the man I used to be and take me to those places where ecstasy ruled.
The world might have trouble accepting us, but we’d committed to each other, mind, body and soul, and nothing could change that.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2013
82 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Lily Harlem
249 books686 followersMeet your next sexy as f*ck book boyfriend!
You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)
And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com
You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)
And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 1, 2015
3.5 Stars!
A bit on the sappy side.....and definitely a case of INSTA love.
But perfect if you're looking for something fluffy, with a good bit of steam and low angst.
A bit on the sappy side.....and definitely a case of INSTA love.
But perfect if you're looking for something fluffy, with a good bit of steam and low angst.
August 1, 2015
3.5 Stars
March 14, 2015
I will admit it, when I was approached to review High-Sticked, I didn’t hold out a lot of hope for a quality M/M romance. I had no doubt that Ms. Harlem was a quality writer, but I have often found that main-stream authors just don’t switch over to M/M very well (the term “chicks with dicks” comes to mind to describe many of their attempts at Gay relationships). I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by High-Sticked. It is the 5th book in Harlem’s Hot Ice series; the first 4 of which are M/F pairings (with the forth being MFM). She assured me that I could read High-Sticked as a stand-alone. She wasn’t wrong
Well, I already told you that this book was a pleasant surprise, but I am sure oyu are wondering WHY I hold said opinion. Well that is a little more difficult to put into words. I know, I know that is my job to put my thoughts into words. Okay, I will try. Matthew and Todd meet when Matt is contracted to take some promotional photos of NYC’s hottest new athlete, Todd. They form a fast friendship, that eventually blossoms to more. A fairly typical gay for you trope, but done quite well. The story is written in first person, for which you know I have a soft spot, but not from the perspective of someone trying to come to terms with their sexuality. It is written from Matt’s point of view. He has had his heart trampled and has only recently put it back together. He knows he is attracted to Todd, but is scared that Todd isn’t committed to being with him. Due to the POV, you don’t spend the entire book listening to Todd argue with himself. As much as I love the GFY/OFY trope, it does get a little tired at times.
Todd owns his sexuality, and, once he makes a decision, he is balls to the wall. Matt is more concerned for Todd than Todd is for himself. Even though Matt is “scared shitless”, he doesn’t let that stop him from moving forward. Another aspect I appreciated is the fact that the conflict was entirely external in High-Sticked. This is actually one of my favorite aspects of M/M, the recognition that for some couples, the hardest thing they face is everyone else. I loved that even together, Todd and Matt were individuals. I loved that Matt respected that Todd could be having a bit of an issue with a change in his entire view of himself. I loved that Todd recognized Matt’s insecurities and worked to soothe them without seeing them as a negative.
So I guess the moral of the story (well of the review) is if you are looking for a new author, but don’t want the girly bits, check out High-Sticked. If you don’t mind the girly bits, read the first 4 books as well (heck even I ALMOST wanted to go back and read book 4, which is where Todd is introduced). If you have read the first 4 and aren’t sure you want to pick up this one because it is M/M, well I will ALWAYS tell you to go for it (what else did you expect?). The sex is HOT, but if you are not completely comfortable with M/M pairing you will still most likely enjoy this book.
Review written for Prism Book Alliance
Well, I already told you that this book was a pleasant surprise, but I am sure oyu are wondering WHY I hold said opinion. Well that is a little more difficult to put into words. I know, I know that is my job to put my thoughts into words. Okay, I will try. Matthew and Todd meet when Matt is contracted to take some promotional photos of NYC’s hottest new athlete, Todd. They form a fast friendship, that eventually blossoms to more. A fairly typical gay for you trope, but done quite well. The story is written in first person, for which you know I have a soft spot, but not from the perspective of someone trying to come to terms with their sexuality. It is written from Matt’s point of view. He has had his heart trampled and has only recently put it back together. He knows he is attracted to Todd, but is scared that Todd isn’t committed to being with him. Due to the POV, you don’t spend the entire book listening to Todd argue with himself. As much as I love the GFY/OFY trope, it does get a little tired at times.
Todd owns his sexuality, and, once he makes a decision, he is balls to the wall. Matt is more concerned for Todd than Todd is for himself. Even though Matt is “scared shitless”, he doesn’t let that stop him from moving forward. Another aspect I appreciated is the fact that the conflict was entirely external in High-Sticked. This is actually one of my favorite aspects of M/M, the recognition that for some couples, the hardest thing they face is everyone else. I loved that even together, Todd and Matt were individuals. I loved that Matt respected that Todd could be having a bit of an issue with a change in his entire view of himself. I loved that Todd recognized Matt’s insecurities and worked to soothe them without seeing them as a negative.
So I guess the moral of the story (well of the review) is if you are looking for a new author, but don’t want the girly bits, check out High-Sticked. If you don’t mind the girly bits, read the first 4 books as well (heck even I ALMOST wanted to go back and read book 4, which is where Todd is introduced). If you have read the first 4 and aren’t sure you want to pick up this one because it is M/M, well I will ALWAYS tell you to go for it (what else did you expect?). The sex is HOT, but if you are not completely comfortable with M/M pairing you will still most likely enjoy this book.
Review written for Prism Book Alliance
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February 6, 2017Annnnd, I'm done. Quitting at 31%. With all of the high ratings and glowing reviews I'll assume this is a case of me, not the book.
I really wanted to like this one. I love MM Hockey romances and I'm running out of options but this one just wasn't working at all.
First issue, is Matthew British or American? The dialogue is back and forth and it was ditracting. Also, to be a sports themed novel the language is very flowery. One minute Matthew is saying he was rough and taking what he wanted and the next he's talking about "two doves sitting on the building opposite, sharing a crust." WTF is that? It's read something like this: I rammed my dick down his throat, taking what I wanted....oh look two doves sharing a crust. LOL
The sex scene (blowjob) was awkward and stilted and just didn't ring true to me. Here's a sample
I have no desire to continue so I'm calling it quits.
I really wanted to like this one. I love MM Hockey romances and I'm running out of options but this one just wasn't working at all.
First issue, is Matthew British or American? The dialogue is back and forth and it was ditracting. Also, to be a sports themed novel the language is very flowery. One minute Matthew is saying he was rough and taking what he wanted and the next he's talking about "two doves sitting on the building opposite, sharing a crust." WTF is that? It's read something like this: I rammed my dick down his throat, taking what I wanted....oh look two doves sharing a crust. LOL
The sex scene (blowjob) was awkward and stilted and just didn't ring true to me. Here's a sample
I have no desire to continue so I'm calling it quits.
July 25, 2013
“I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review”
High Sticked is book 5 in the Hot Ice Series by Lily Harlem.
HOLY HELL I really loved this book.
Todd “Pretty” Carty is back and finding a love of his own finally! He is used to having one night stands but he finally finds the one for him in the most unexpected way… He always knew something was off and he always wanted to try something but he was always afraid. Oh Lily does know how to write one fantastic book! She even brought back Raven and Fiona back in this one to meet his significant other. Let’s just say they were a little shocked but it all ends well. This is a must read series. It helps to read them in order but they don’t necessarily need to be...
High Sticked is book 5 in the Hot Ice Series by Lily Harlem.
HOLY HELL I really loved this book.
Todd “Pretty” Carty is back and finding a love of his own finally! He is used to having one night stands but he finally finds the one for him in the most unexpected way… He always knew something was off and he always wanted to try something but he was always afraid. Oh Lily does know how to write one fantastic book! She even brought back Raven and Fiona back in this one to meet his significant other. Let’s just say they were a little shocked but it all ends well. This is a must read series. It helps to read them in order but they don’t necessarily need to be...
April 16, 2015
I know I said in the review for Book 4 that these boys get better and better - but they really do.
High-Sticked is my absolute favourite, so far. The action moves from Florida to New York as we follow Todd Carty to his new team.
Always out with a different woman but never satisfied. Always feeling something is missing, until he meets Matthew. Can Matthew really be what was missing? Determined to find out, Todd sets about breaking the mould and changing everyone's perception of him.
The writing in this book is superb as per usual. Lily has a knack of putting you right there in the scene be it in Todd's apartment or on the ice.
Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
High-Sticked is my absolute favourite, so far. The action moves from Florida to New York as we follow Todd Carty to his new team.
Always out with a different woman but never satisfied. Always feeling something is missing, until he meets Matthew. Can Matthew really be what was missing? Determined to find out, Todd sets about breaking the mould and changing everyone's perception of him.
The writing in this book is superb as per usual. Lily has a knack of putting you right there in the scene be it in Todd's apartment or on the ice.
Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2018
3.5 came so close to a four, I just felt that a lot was missed by not having Todd's narration as well and the hockey itself was kind of skated over, focusing more on the drama side of it, just would have liked more game time.
September 11, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋💋
A very emotional and breathtaking book ,
M/M story of Mathew and Todd
Mathew is a gay photographer , Todd who we met in the last book is a Hockey player extraordinaire who hasn’t managed to find what he wants in a partner.
The two find love sparking between them , a shock at first for Todd .
What the two deal with to be together, what they have to endure and risk is unimaginable, most wouldn’t risk their lives , careers, family and friends.
They do
It’s inspiring to read .
My first romance that’s two men and I was swept away by the emotional content and my feelings of love for the two .
A great book Lily Harlem , Awesome
💋💋💋💋
A very emotional and breathtaking book ,
M/M story of Mathew and Todd
Mathew is a gay photographer , Todd who we met in the last book is a Hockey player extraordinaire who hasn’t managed to find what he wants in a partner.
The two find love sparking between them , a shock at first for Todd .
What the two deal with to be together, what they have to endure and risk is unimaginable, most wouldn’t risk their lives , careers, family and friends.
They do
It’s inspiring to read .
My first romance that’s two men and I was swept away by the emotional content and my feelings of love for the two .
A great book Lily Harlem , Awesome
June 25, 2013
High-Sticked is book five in Lily Harlem’s Hot Ice series, about hockey players. It’s also her first m/m title.
This is the story of Todd ‘Pretty’ Carty, who we’ve heard a little about in Teamwork, the previous book in this series. He’s moved to New York City and a new hockey team, and things are going great. He’s doing a shoot for Armani to help promote their latest fragrance for men, and he’s working with a top-notch photographer.
That photographer is British-born Matthew Foster, a gay man who’s fancied Todd since he first laid eyes on him. But he doesn’t think any more of it. Todd’s a notorious womaniser, so he certainly wouldn’t look at another guy… or would he? The story that follows is about how the two men eventually come together, and how that impacts them, their lives, their friends and family, and, inevitably, the media. It’s a really hard time for Todd, who’s coming to terms with his sexuality and his feelings for Matthew all at once.
Although this book, and all the others in the Hot Ice series are stand-alones, in my opinion, it’s much better if you read them all in order. As well as Todd, other characters from Teamwork appear in High-Sticked and you’ll have much more context and a richer experience if you know the full story. Plus if you adore the characters as much as I do, you’ll be really pleased to see them again and see what’s happened to them since the last book.
To me, it didn’t make the slightest difference that this is the first m/m in the series. I love Lily Harlem’s storytelling, the way she develops her characters, her plots, her writing style and her incredibly hot sex scenes. This was another excellent book in a fantastic series, and I can’t wait to see which character from this “world” that she’s going to write about next. Highly recommended.
This is the story of Todd ‘Pretty’ Carty, who we’ve heard a little about in Teamwork, the previous book in this series. He’s moved to New York City and a new hockey team, and things are going great. He’s doing a shoot for Armani to help promote their latest fragrance for men, and he’s working with a top-notch photographer.
That photographer is British-born Matthew Foster, a gay man who’s fancied Todd since he first laid eyes on him. But he doesn’t think any more of it. Todd’s a notorious womaniser, so he certainly wouldn’t look at another guy… or would he? The story that follows is about how the two men eventually come together, and how that impacts them, their lives, their friends and family, and, inevitably, the media. It’s a really hard time for Todd, who’s coming to terms with his sexuality and his feelings for Matthew all at once.
Although this book, and all the others in the Hot Ice series are stand-alones, in my opinion, it’s much better if you read them all in order. As well as Todd, other characters from Teamwork appear in High-Sticked and you’ll have much more context and a richer experience if you know the full story. Plus if you adore the characters as much as I do, you’ll be really pleased to see them again and see what’s happened to them since the last book.
To me, it didn’t make the slightest difference that this is the first m/m in the series. I love Lily Harlem’s storytelling, the way she develops her characters, her plots, her writing style and her incredibly hot sex scenes. This was another excellent book in a fantastic series, and I can’t wait to see which character from this “world” that she’s going to write about next. Highly recommended.
July 29, 2015
Oh, how I love these delicious M/M hockey romances! This one was a touch on the cheesy side (Matthew was a bit of a whiner) but the sex was red-hot and Todd was swoon-worthy.
Recommended!
Recommended!
September 1, 2015
10/13/13 - LOVED this book! Going straight to my favorites shelf.
9/1/15 - 2nd read just as good as the first. LOVE this book! Wish the author wrote more m/m. I think this is her only one. *cries*
9/1/15 - 2nd read just as good as the first. LOVE this book! Wish the author wrote more m/m. I think this is her only one. *cries*
March 5, 2022
It was a struggle to get through this one. The concept was good, but the writing style just wasn't for me. There was an odd mix of spicy, flowery, and downright silly prose and dialogue. (Todd, please find another word besides "awesome" to describe sex and everything else under the sun.)
Discussions that normally happen in MM books were either glossed over or didn't happen at all.
Incoming spoilers...
I'm honestly not sure what the point of this book was because there really wasn't any conflict. They met and basically insta fell in love. There were some minor insecurities from Matthew because of past relationship trauma, but it didn't amount to anything. Todd had no real emotional struggles with coming out. He just met Matthew and kinda Kool-Aid manned out of the closet. No big deal. One guy on Todd's team did call him names but got shut down quickly, and Todd had one fight on the ice with another player who taunted him with an insult that sounded more like a six-year-old on a playground than a grown man. That guy got in trouble with the league (rightfully so) but it was all very tidy and surface level. It reminded me of the Southpark Underpants Gnomes...Phase 1: Problem. Phase 2: *shrug* Phase 3: Perfect Happy Solution.
Don't get me wrong. I don't need characters to be emotionally tortured in order to enjoy a book. I love a sweet love story with little to no drama. There's nothing better than swooning over two people falling madly in love, but this didn't feel like that. It felt like a lot of missed opportunities for a deeper, richer story slathered with oddly worded sex scenes.
I dunno. My overall feeling is just...why??
Discussions that normally happen in MM books were either glossed over or didn't happen at all.
Incoming spoilers...
I'm honestly not sure what the point of this book was because there really wasn't any conflict. They met and basically insta fell in love. There were some minor insecurities from Matthew because of past relationship trauma, but it didn't amount to anything. Todd had no real emotional struggles with coming out. He just met Matthew and kinda Kool-Aid manned out of the closet. No big deal. One guy on Todd's team did call him names but got shut down quickly, and Todd had one fight on the ice with another player who taunted him with an insult that sounded more like a six-year-old on a playground than a grown man. That guy got in trouble with the league (rightfully so) but it was all very tidy and surface level. It reminded me of the Southpark Underpants Gnomes...Phase 1: Problem. Phase 2: *shrug* Phase 3: Perfect Happy Solution.
Don't get me wrong. I don't need characters to be emotionally tortured in order to enjoy a book. I love a sweet love story with little to no drama. There's nothing better than swooning over two people falling madly in love, but this didn't feel like that. It felt like a lot of missed opportunities for a deeper, richer story slathered with oddly worded sex scenes.
I dunno. My overall feeling is just...why??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2018
Loved it
We first met Todd in the last book of the series "Teamwork" but now he's playing for the Rangers and has met Matthew the Photographer who is shooting the photos for the ad campaign that he is working on. Todd has been attracted to both men and women his entire life and he is sick of fighting the attraction, Matthew is gay and he is attracted to him and he is going to act on it. It is going to cause all kinds of waves when it comes out that he is gay but he doesn't care, someone has to be the first openly gay professional athlete so it might as well be him, it only watters what he does on the ice, what he does off the ice is nobody's business. But everyone is not as accepting as he hoped
We first met Todd in the last book of the series "Teamwork" but now he's playing for the Rangers and has met Matthew the Photographer who is shooting the photos for the ad campaign that he is working on. Todd has been attracted to both men and women his entire life and he is sick of fighting the attraction, Matthew is gay and he is attracted to him and he is going to act on it. It is going to cause all kinds of waves when it comes out that he is gay but he doesn't care, someone has to be the first openly gay professional athlete so it might as well be him, it only watters what he does on the ice, what he does off the ice is nobody's business. But everyone is not as accepting as he hoped
March 29, 2018
This was a bit of an instalove story, but those happen in the real world sometimes. I love a good hockey story, and this is definitely a great one. Todd is a hot, “it” hockey player for the NY Rangers who meets Matthew, a photographer on an Armani ad photo shoot. Heat flares, and a friendship begins. Matthew is out, Todd is confused, having only ever had crushes on guys. The relationship develops and hot sexy times ignite.
I really enjoyed this book, I would have loved it if we had heard from both MC’s POV. Todd’s POV would have added a nice second dimension to the story. I hope to see other mm hockey stories from this author!
I really enjoyed this book, I would have loved it if we had heard from both MC’s POV. Todd’s POV would have added a nice second dimension to the story. I hope to see other mm hockey stories from this author!
November 10, 2019
This was a mess and that's all there is to it. Everything, including feelings, emotions and anticlimatic declarations felt rushed and unrealistic. The whole damn story read like a bad Cinder-fella novel complete with corny dialogue and eye roll worthy sex talk. Ugh...it's a definite no from me.
The End.
The End.
October 20, 2024
So good
I love these two. I love they were able to find each other and know from the start they were meant to be even if there was a bit of resistance from a previous relationship for Matthew. Todd knew from the start that Matthew Matthew was his one. He had no problem with not hiding it even if he didn't sing it from the rooftop.
I love these two. I love they were able to find each other and know from the start they were meant to be even if there was a bit of resistance from a previous relationship for Matthew. Todd knew from the start that Matthew Matthew was his one. He had no problem with not hiding it even if he didn't sing it from the rooftop.
October 8, 2025
Sports romance/ friends to lovers/ MM/ reformed playboy/ HEA
Trigger warning: trust issues/ homophobia/ hate speech/ violence
This was cute but I wish one of the MMCs didn’t sleep with someone else in an attempt to figure out his feelings. It feels gross.
Trigger warning: trust issues/ homophobia/ hate speech/ violence
This was cute but I wish one of the MMCs didn’t sleep with someone else in an attempt to figure out his feelings. It feels gross.
August 3, 2023
Es cortito, zafa para salir del paso.
September 27, 2023
Love this.
MM isn't my go-to in this genre, but this is engaging, heartwarming, and sexy. The sensitivity and honesty revolving around highly public figures "coming out" is very well handled.
MM isn't my go-to in this genre, but this is engaging, heartwarming, and sexy. The sensitivity and honesty revolving around highly public figures "coming out" is very well handled.
August 25, 2024
Easy Read
This book was an easy and enjoyable read. This is my first Lily Harlem book and it won't be my last
This book was an easy and enjoyable read. This is my first Lily Harlem book and it won't be my last
Read
July 21, 2025Rok
July 29, 2022
This book is number 5 in a MF series so I wasn't sure what to expect from this MM installment. It was pretty good, but nothing that blew me away. It's a fast read and definitely sweet but the instalove just felt crazy off to me. This hockey player is going to risk everything for a guy he just met because it felt "right" even though they barely knew each other and were hardly dating. I don't know. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop but it's romance so the HEA came without much really happening. I love hockey MM romance but this one underdelivered.
August 31, 2015
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Matthew is a photographer who knows his ideal companion is supposed to be rough and masculine rather than petite and feminine. That’s why he feels an instant attraction to NHL player, Todd “Pretty” Carty, never believing that his feelings could be reciprocated.
In this installment of Lily Harlem’s Hot Ice series, High-Sticked, Matthew and Todd explore the possibilities of a relationship amid a very public backdrop. While Matthew is perfectly comfortable with his lifestyle, the path to realization isn’t as smooth for Todd. The story line focuses sharply on Todd’s struggle to accept his sexuality.
There’s nothing typical about the two main characters. The writer uses an uber-masculine setting in the form of the world of hockey to prove that love can happen to anyone.
I found myself rooting for the characters as they faced the various challenges that accompany the professional athlete lifestyle. The book is packed with emotion, going beyond the surface to really explore what it is like to be a gay athlete.
As an experienced reader of erotica, this was my first official foray into the world of m/m literature. Although I have never experienced any emotional turmoil regarding my sexuality, I found it easy to identify with the characters because love is a universal language.
The photo shoot at the beginning of the story sets the tone for an attraction that is steaming hot. When the sparks of desire turn into a fiery inferno, there is no doubt that Lily Harlem has the ingredients for a truly satisfying read.
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Matthew is a photographer who knows his ideal companion is supposed to be rough and masculine rather than petite and feminine. That’s why he feels an instant attraction to NHL player, Todd “Pretty” Carty, never believing that his feelings could be reciprocated.
In this installment of Lily Harlem’s Hot Ice series, High-Sticked, Matthew and Todd explore the possibilities of a relationship amid a very public backdrop. While Matthew is perfectly comfortable with his lifestyle, the path to realization isn’t as smooth for Todd. The story line focuses sharply on Todd’s struggle to accept his sexuality.
There’s nothing typical about the two main characters. The writer uses an uber-masculine setting in the form of the world of hockey to prove that love can happen to anyone.
I found myself rooting for the characters as they faced the various challenges that accompany the professional athlete lifestyle. The book is packed with emotion, going beyond the surface to really explore what it is like to be a gay athlete.
As an experienced reader of erotica, this was my first official foray into the world of m/m literature. Although I have never experienced any emotional turmoil regarding my sexuality, I found it easy to identify with the characters because love is a universal language.
The photo shoot at the beginning of the story sets the tone for an attraction that is steaming hot. When the sparks of desire turn into a fiery inferno, there is no doubt that Lily Harlem has the ingredients for a truly satisfying read.
September 10, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review and did not receive any compensation.
The first time I saw the cover of High-Sticked by Lily Harlem, I had to read it as soon as possible despite the fact that it's book 5 of her Hot Ice series about hockey players. I'm a huge fan of m/m stories and was happy to learn that I could read this as a standalone. I'm so glad I did because I just loved the relationship between Todd and Matthew and how they took the time to get to know each other before taking it to the next level. I liked that they were able to tell one another about their past relationships and express their feelings without fear of judgment. Don't get me wrong, they did indulge in some foreplay which was just as sexy and a turn-on. I enjoyed how tender and caring Matthew was with Todd when they finally had sex because it was Todd's first time having intercourse with another man. What made it even more special was that their relationship was based on friendship. They looked out for one another when the truth about them exploded on and off the ice. Matthew also had some hang-ups about being left behind but Todd was able to reassure him that he was in this relationship for the long haul. Friends from Todd's sexual past also appeared in this story and now I'm looking forward to reading their history as well as all the other books in this series. The author did a great job writing this story and making me love and care about these characters.
The first time I saw the cover of High-Sticked by Lily Harlem, I had to read it as soon as possible despite the fact that it's book 5 of her Hot Ice series about hockey players. I'm a huge fan of m/m stories and was happy to learn that I could read this as a standalone. I'm so glad I did because I just loved the relationship between Todd and Matthew and how they took the time to get to know each other before taking it to the next level. I liked that they were able to tell one another about their past relationships and express their feelings without fear of judgment. Don't get me wrong, they did indulge in some foreplay which was just as sexy and a turn-on. I enjoyed how tender and caring Matthew was with Todd when they finally had sex because it was Todd's first time having intercourse with another man. What made it even more special was that their relationship was based on friendship. They looked out for one another when the truth about them exploded on and off the ice. Matthew also had some hang-ups about being left behind but Todd was able to reassure him that he was in this relationship for the long haul. Friends from Todd's sexual past also appeared in this story and now I'm looking forward to reading their history as well as all the other books in this series. The author did a great job writing this story and making me love and care about these characters.
January 15, 2014
This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews.
2.75 stars
To be perfectly honest, I had a really hard time getting into this one. There were a few little things that put me off right at the beginning and had the rest of the story been great, I might have overcome them, but instead there was absolutely nothing here to draw me in and I just ended up having a really tough time taking anything about this book seriously. It is unfortunate because the premise is one that would have really worked for me if not for all the other issues here.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
To be perfectly honest, I had a really hard time getting into this one. There were a few little things that put me off right at the beginning and had the rest of the story been great, I might have overcome them, but instead there was absolutely nothing here to draw me in and I just ended up having a really tough time taking anything about this book seriously. It is unfortunate because the premise is one that would have really worked for me if not for all the other issues here.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
January 28, 2015
Was kindly gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Fifth book in the hot ice series and omg is the ice hot.
For me, this is the hottest book in the seires. I'm kind of new to m/m romance, only having read a few before which were also written by Lily. Do you see a pattern emerging lol. I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop. Chemistry is off the pages. I felt pride when they both overcame the obstacles their relationship face. Lily teases readers more this time round. You think they are going to take the next step and they don't. Just some very hot intense foreplay (not that I'm complaining). Lily is a very versatile author. A definite must read
Wow. Fifth book in the hot ice series and omg is the ice hot.
For me, this is the hottest book in the seires. I'm kind of new to m/m romance, only having read a few before which were also written by Lily. Do you see a pattern emerging lol. I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop. Chemistry is off the pages. I felt pride when they both overcame the obstacles their relationship face. Lily teases readers more this time round. You think they are going to take the next step and they don't. Just some very hot intense foreplay (not that I'm complaining). Lily is a very versatile author. A definite must read
October 16, 2016
Wow .. Not sure where to begin with this one
Todd is a hot hockey player who loves women (so he says). Matthew is gorgeous photographer shooting Todd for the Armani campaign and who happens to be 100% gay (as he says).. There are sparks but could the NHL world handle an openly gay player
This story goes well beyond a relationship between two people. It delves into acceptance and the fact you can't help who you love..
Kudos to Lily for tackling such a topic in such an amazing way..
Todd is a hot hockey player who loves women (so he says). Matthew is gorgeous photographer shooting Todd for the Armani campaign and who happens to be 100% gay (as he says).. There are sparks but could the NHL world handle an openly gay player
This story goes well beyond a relationship between two people. It delves into acceptance and the fact you can't help who you love..
Kudos to Lily for tackling such a topic in such an amazing way..
October 20, 2014
This book was so hot!!! I finally read my first m/m book, tho it was a short story and was hooked! A friend loaned me this telling me to give it a try and I absolutely loved it!!! Can't wait to read more of Lily's books!!!
January 14, 2015
3.5 stars
April 17, 2017
Cant do it...
I can handle the threesome a but I just don't care for same sex relationships. I only downloaded it because it was a part of this series that I was enjoying.
I can handle the threesome a but I just don't care for same sex relationships. I only downloaded it because it was a part of this series that I was enjoying.
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