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Cocky #1
Cocky
“I’m having a little trouble coming up with the right words here, so I’ll be blunt. I want you to pretend to date me.”
Faking a relationship with an injured hockey player had never been on Eliot’s to-do list, but when he’s sent by his editor to interview the newly-out hockey legend Danny Harper, he gets a little more than he bargained for.
Eliot has been stuck writing a fashion and grooming column that no one reads since he started at Cocky—a men’s lifestyle magazine—a year ago. Desperate to prove himself, he takes the assignment to interview Harper, even though he couldn’t hold a hockey stick the right way up in an emergency.
Danny turns out to be nothing like he expected—a lonely man who’s missed out on a lot by being in the closet, rather than the overconfident jock Eliot expects him to be. As much as he resists it, Eliot finds himself drawn to the other man.
When Danny proposes they fake a relationship to improve his image, Eliot jumps at the chance—not only does he need the money, but his curiosity about Danny demands to be satisfied.
With Danny struggling to get through the season on a busted knee and Eliot digging up the story that could make his own career, can the two of them bring themselves to admit their real feelings and find their happy ending?
Cocky is a standalone gay romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It does, however, contain peppermint lip balm, platonic(ish) bed-sharing, explicit sex scenes, hockey-related injuries, and several five a.m. starts.
Faking a relationship with an injured hockey player had never been on Eliot’s to-do list, but when he’s sent by his editor to interview the newly-out hockey legend Danny Harper, he gets a little more than he bargained for.
Eliot has been stuck writing a fashion and grooming column that no one reads since he started at Cocky—a men’s lifestyle magazine—a year ago. Desperate to prove himself, he takes the assignment to interview Harper, even though he couldn’t hold a hockey stick the right way up in an emergency.
Danny turns out to be nothing like he expected—a lonely man who’s missed out on a lot by being in the closet, rather than the overconfident jock Eliot expects him to be. As much as he resists it, Eliot finds himself drawn to the other man.
When Danny proposes they fake a relationship to improve his image, Eliot jumps at the chance—not only does he need the money, but his curiosity about Danny demands to be satisfied.
With Danny struggling to get through the season on a busted knee and Eliot digging up the story that could make his own career, can the two of them bring themselves to admit their real feelings and find their happy ending?
Cocky is a standalone gay romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It does, however, contain peppermint lip balm, platonic(ish) bed-sharing, explicit sex scenes, hockey-related injuries, and several five a.m. starts.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
194 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Sean Ashcroft
44 books459 followersSean Ashcroft likes rainy days, white hot chocolates (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) and boys kissing in books. He currently resides in Australia, all the way down at the bottom of the mainland in a sleepy little seaside town.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
April 17, 2022
Audiobook - 3 stars
Story - 2.5 stars
There is nothing cocky here.
Story - 2.5 stars
There is nothing cocky here.
November 5, 2017
Fake relationship usually does it for me but this time didn't work at all, not to mention there was no character development
February 18, 2018
I liked this book more than I thought I would. I mean, some of the reviews aren’t very enticing. I fully admit to choosing this book because it fit a challenge and I could get the audiobook free on Hoopla. I had low expectations, but went in knowing that one of my favorite narrators, Joel Leslie was going add depth to the characters. And he did, thank you. Although he couldn’t save the plot.
A favorite trope of mine.....fake boyfriends. What I liked about this one was that there was no insta love. Sure, an attraction was there, but it grew slowly and that was nice to see. Also, the sex took a backseat here. Most of the sex was off the page except for one frotting and one full sex scene.
We got a lot of character here with some depth. A budding journalist wanting to make his mark in LA, and a broken down hockey center who just came out. The two meet for Danny’s official coming out interview. They hit it off, and Danny’s manager suggests hiring someone like Eliot to be his boyfriend to attract new gay-friendly endorsements.
The plot was rather vague and flat. I’m not going to go into detail into what was wrong about it. There’s no point. It was just scenery, in the background, blurred and out of focus so you can keep your eyes on the prize: Danny and Eliot. They were adorable together; specially so when they got all awkward!
This listen was not a waste of my time, but I would not listen to it again. I did find Joel’s Maine accent for Eliot funny, though. And I wondered if Joel had a cold while recording this book. He sounded a bit stuffy.
A favorite trope of mine.....fake boyfriends. What I liked about this one was that there was no insta love. Sure, an attraction was there, but it grew slowly and that was nice to see. Also, the sex took a backseat here. Most of the sex was off the page except for one frotting and one full sex scene.
We got a lot of character here with some depth. A budding journalist wanting to make his mark in LA, and a broken down hockey center who just came out. The two meet for Danny’s official coming out interview. They hit it off, and Danny’s manager suggests hiring someone like Eliot to be his boyfriend to attract new gay-friendly endorsements.
The plot was rather vague and flat. I’m not going to go into detail into what was wrong about it. There’s no point. It was just scenery, in the background, blurred and out of focus so you can keep your eyes on the prize: Danny and Eliot. They were adorable together; specially so when they got all awkward!
This listen was not a waste of my time, but I would not listen to it again. I did find Joel’s Maine accent for Eliot funny, though. And I wondered if Joel had a cold while recording this book. He sounded a bit stuffy.
September 20, 2018
This was really fun and cute. Joel Leslie did a great narration and I can't wait to listen to book 2 (Ballsy). Thankfully this wasn't too heavy on the sports and it focused a lot on Eliot and Danny getting to know each other and becoming a couple. There is no angst in this story, which was good because the story didn't call for any big drama. I was waiting for Danny to be an idiot and I had my eye roll ready, but thankfully I didn't need it. Danny was NOT an idiot and he and Eliot are super happy. Loved the epilogue! I hope we get to see more of them in book 2. :)
4 stars.
4 stars.
April 27, 2017
3.5*
This book has one of my favorite tropes. A fake relationship. I just can't get enough of these types of books and I really liked this one. Loved the title as well. [;
I loved Eliot and Danny together. They were quite the opposites and we all know how that kind is the best kind when it comes to a love connection. I loved how tough Eliot was for him to be a small guy. He was cute with his prim clothes and big glasses. He's very secure in who he is.
Danny on the other hand isn't quite as secure. He has a lot of insecurities especially when it comes to how he feels about Eliot. But with his career in the hockey world coming to an end his manager has been on him to get endorsement deals. But him being newly out most companies don't want to do business with a gay man who isn't in a relationship. Discussing this with his manager the fake relationship idea is brought up. Danny latches on to it and has the perfect guy in mind. Eliot. Danny talks himself into this choice by telling himself it's only because of how comfortable he felt around Eliot and it is not because he feels any kind of attraction to the man. Nope. None. Sure.
Danny and Eliot start off a bit awkward but soon turn into good friends. But soon the attraction is too strong and feelings start coming into play.
These men might have been complete opposites but they were the perfect match for one another. They were really sweet together and had some hot sexy times.
The drama and angst is very low. Just the way I like it with these sweet kind of reads.
Definitely pick this one up if your in the mood for sweet and easy.
Happy reading dolls! xx
This book has one of my favorite tropes. A fake relationship. I just can't get enough of these types of books and I really liked this one. Loved the title as well. [;
I loved Eliot and Danny together. They were quite the opposites and we all know how that kind is the best kind when it comes to a love connection. I loved how tough Eliot was for him to be a small guy. He was cute with his prim clothes and big glasses. He's very secure in who he is.
Danny on the other hand isn't quite as secure. He has a lot of insecurities especially when it comes to how he feels about Eliot. But with his career in the hockey world coming to an end his manager has been on him to get endorsement deals. But him being newly out most companies don't want to do business with a gay man who isn't in a relationship. Discussing this with his manager the fake relationship idea is brought up. Danny latches on to it and has the perfect guy in mind. Eliot. Danny talks himself into this choice by telling himself it's only because of how comfortable he felt around Eliot and it is not because he feels any kind of attraction to the man. Nope. None. Sure.
Danny and Eliot start off a bit awkward but soon turn into good friends. But soon the attraction is too strong and feelings start coming into play.
These men might have been complete opposites but they were the perfect match for one another. They were really sweet together and had some hot sexy times.
The drama and angst is very low. Just the way I like it with these sweet kind of reads.
Definitely pick this one up if your in the mood for sweet and easy.
Happy reading dolls! xx
July 5, 2018
After reading many of the reviews I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. It was a sweet story with little to no conflict. I liked both of the main characters and always enjoy Joel Leslie’s narration.
April 29, 2017
It seemed like the entire story happened off page. Which is fine, I guess, but also... boring? Plus there was that whole "sport" thing.
August 9, 2025
As an avid lover of the fauxmance/fake dating trope, this was a mid rendition of it at best. There was no character development or relationship growth arc. To me this felt like a straight line with no tension or chemistry and that is NOT how a fauxmance is supposed to feel!! Had a few cute moments though, I'll give it that much.
December 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
October 9, 2017
What an unfortunate name for such an adorable book.
Sean Ashcroft writes adorableness. It's like a fuzzy kitten. Even if it does something that slightly annoys you (yet another Bristralian author who just can't quite get the hang of American speech patterns) you can't be mad at it. Because it's so. fucking. cute.
So cute.
Low angst.
High adorableness.
I feel like the last 5 chapters were all the end, though. Like I finished the chapter and was like Ah :D What a great ending. And then there was another chapter. And then, OK, :) that was a good ending. And then there was another chapter. Um.... how many endings are we going to have? I mean, they were good endings and there are plenty of authors who can't manage even one good ending, let alone 5. But at some point it just seems like you're showing off. Leave some good endings for the other authors. Lord knows they need the help.
But if you want light and fluffy and something that will not trigger an existential crisis or a great deal of ranting and raving, Sean Ashcroft is the author, and the books in this series aren't nearly as douchey as the titles make them sound.
Sean Ashcroft writes adorableness. It's like a fuzzy kitten. Even if it does something that slightly annoys you (yet another Bristralian author who just can't quite get the hang of American speech patterns) you can't be mad at it. Because it's so. fucking. cute.
So cute.
Low angst.
High adorableness.
I feel like the last 5 chapters were all the end, though. Like I finished the chapter and was like Ah :D What a great ending. And then there was another chapter. And then, OK, :) that was a good ending. And then there was another chapter. Um.... how many endings are we going to have? I mean, they were good endings and there are plenty of authors who can't manage even one good ending, let alone 5. But at some point it just seems like you're showing off. Leave some good endings for the other authors. Lord knows they need the help.
But if you want light and fluffy and something that will not trigger an existential crisis or a great deal of ranting and raving, Sean Ashcroft is the author, and the books in this series aren't nearly as douchey as the titles make them sound.
February 5, 2019
Literally no build up to anything. It was like a highlight reel. You miss all the in-betweens.
September 10, 2022
2.5 stars
May 14, 2018
This is a new author for me, and I will be checking out more books in the future.
Now, I did not buy this book due to #cockygate, I've had it on my tbr for quite a while, but I admit to pushing it up to the top of the pile due to it. So thank you Faleena Hopkins for leading me towards a very enjoyable read. Much preferred over a TSTL heroine.
The fake boyfriend trope isn't a new idea, but it's a tried and true one. It works well.
One thing that did stand out for me was Danny paid Eliot $500 a month to be his fake boyfriend. I liked that it wasn't some ridiculous amount. You see it often where the fake boyfriend is paid $30,000+ for 6 months. $500 sounds much more realistic.
Very low angst. Sweet read that flows nicely.
It had a nice ending. Although I think the last chapter before the epilogue should be the epilogue, and the actual epilogue cut completely. There was nothing wrong with the epilogue, I just think the ending is stronger without it.
The name comes not from an adjective. It's a noun. The name of the magazine. How anyone could confuse the blurb with anything that Faleena Hopkins would ever produce, is beyond me. But thanks to the controversy I found a very enjoyable read, and a new to me author.
Thank you, and #byefaleena
Now, I did not buy this book due to #cockygate, I've had it on my tbr for quite a while, but I admit to pushing it up to the top of the pile due to it. So thank you Faleena Hopkins for leading me towards a very enjoyable read. Much preferred over a TSTL heroine.
The fake boyfriend trope isn't a new idea, but it's a tried and true one. It works well.
One thing that did stand out for me was Danny paid Eliot $500 a month to be his fake boyfriend. I liked that it wasn't some ridiculous amount. You see it often where the fake boyfriend is paid $30,000+ for 6 months. $500 sounds much more realistic.
Very low angst. Sweet read that flows nicely.
It had a nice ending. Although I think the last chapter before the epilogue should be the epilogue, and the actual epilogue cut completely. There was nothing wrong with the epilogue, I just think the ending is stronger without it.
The name comes not from an adjective. It's a noun. The name of the magazine. How anyone could confuse the blurb with anything that Faleena Hopkins would ever produce, is beyond me. But thanks to the controversy I found a very enjoyable read, and a new to me author.
Thank you, and #byefaleena
May 14, 2017
Cocky? Oh yeah. Stand up and take a bow Mr Ashcroft because this title is perfect. Strut your stuff because this story is charming and endearing and intriguing and hot and intense and just......yes. Elliot is both adorable and tough while Danny turns out to be both tough and vulnerable. They are the perfect yin and yang to each other and this story was a perfect balance of everything. And I can't wait for the next part in this storyline: Ballsy. I'm expecting more of this wonderful. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2017
Never has such a short book, taken quite so long to read...
April 27, 2017
Surprisingly cute...will review later.
April 14, 2017
*ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars
Amazing story !!! I really loved it, it was nice to see how the relationship and chemistry between the MC grows step by step until it flows into a perfect and happy ending. Danny and Eliot are sweet and perfect for each other! This book is one of those written by Sean that I liked most!
4 stars
Amazing story !!! I really loved it, it was nice to see how the relationship and chemistry between the MC grows step by step until it flows into a perfect and happy ending. Danny and Eliot are sweet and perfect for each other! This book is one of those written by Sean that I liked most!
January 5, 2018
Eliot bekommt den Auftrag den Eishockeyspieler Danny Harper zu interviewen. Allerdings ist Sport so gar nicht Eliot's Sache und er hat weder Ahnung von diesem Sport, noch wer Danny Harper überhaupt ist. Doch dann trifft er auf diesen verdammt attraktiven Kerl in seinem lächerlich großen Haus und findet ihn auch noch sympathisch. Doch Eliot hat ja einen Auftrag und der Artikel über Danny fällt auch sehr positiv aus.
Danny ist ziemlich geschmeichelt von dem Artikel. Frisch geoutet und das auch noch vor dem Ende seiner Karriere ist er unsicher und will keinen Fehler machen, der ihn Sympathien kosten und wirtschaftliche Probleme bereiten könnte. Da kommt sein Manager auf die Idee, dass Danny doch daten soll. Nur Danny ist noch nicht so weit und will sich auch nicht verwundbar machen. Also trifft er mit Eliot, der sowieso ständig klamm ist, ein Arrangement. Eliot gibt vor Dannys Freund zu sein und wird im Gegenzug entschädigt. Eine Win-Win-Situation also. Zu dumm nur, dass aus einer flüchtigen Bekanntschaft schnell eine Freundschaft wird, die sich immer weiter vertieft.
Sportlergeschichten sind so eine Sache. Meistens will der Sportler ja nicht geoutet werden. Doch hierbei ist es anders. Danny hat es satt in seinem Schrank zu hocken und will auch nicht erst nach Ende seiner Karriere zu seiner Sexualität stehen. Gut, das Ende seiner Karriere ist in Sicht, denn seine Gesundheit macht nicht mehr mit. Aber das ist egal. Danny wirkt zwar erst wie der selbstbewusste Jock, doch er ist sehr unsicher und verletzlich.
Eliot hingegen ist ziemlich direkt und hält auch nur selten mit seiner Meinung hinter dem Berg. Doch er ist ein ehrlicher Kerl und Falschheit ist ihm fremd. Deswegen nutzt er Dannys Vertrauen auch nicht aus und macht eine Story aus der ganzen Sache. Stattdessen wird er wirklich sein Freund und leitet ihn auch in gewisser Weise an. Danny hat ja keine Ahnung wie er sich als homosexueller Mann benehmen oder zeigen soll.
Mir gefiel dieses gegenseitige Vertrauen ziemlich gut und hat beide Helden sehr sympathisch gemacht. Ein Plus-Punkt ist auch der liebevolle Umgang und der Mangel an konstruiertem Drama. Gegen Ende hin wird es nämlich noch einmal spannend, doch das löst sich ziemlich schnell und auch realistisch auf. Nette Geschichte, die mich gut unterhalten hat.
Danny ist ziemlich geschmeichelt von dem Artikel. Frisch geoutet und das auch noch vor dem Ende seiner Karriere ist er unsicher und will keinen Fehler machen, der ihn Sympathien kosten und wirtschaftliche Probleme bereiten könnte. Da kommt sein Manager auf die Idee, dass Danny doch daten soll. Nur Danny ist noch nicht so weit und will sich auch nicht verwundbar machen. Also trifft er mit Eliot, der sowieso ständig klamm ist, ein Arrangement. Eliot gibt vor Dannys Freund zu sein und wird im Gegenzug entschädigt. Eine Win-Win-Situation also. Zu dumm nur, dass aus einer flüchtigen Bekanntschaft schnell eine Freundschaft wird, die sich immer weiter vertieft.
Sportlergeschichten sind so eine Sache. Meistens will der Sportler ja nicht geoutet werden. Doch hierbei ist es anders. Danny hat es satt in seinem Schrank zu hocken und will auch nicht erst nach Ende seiner Karriere zu seiner Sexualität stehen. Gut, das Ende seiner Karriere ist in Sicht, denn seine Gesundheit macht nicht mehr mit. Aber das ist egal. Danny wirkt zwar erst wie der selbstbewusste Jock, doch er ist sehr unsicher und verletzlich.
Eliot hingegen ist ziemlich direkt und hält auch nur selten mit seiner Meinung hinter dem Berg. Doch er ist ein ehrlicher Kerl und Falschheit ist ihm fremd. Deswegen nutzt er Dannys Vertrauen auch nicht aus und macht eine Story aus der ganzen Sache. Stattdessen wird er wirklich sein Freund und leitet ihn auch in gewisser Weise an. Danny hat ja keine Ahnung wie er sich als homosexueller Mann benehmen oder zeigen soll.
Mir gefiel dieses gegenseitige Vertrauen ziemlich gut und hat beide Helden sehr sympathisch gemacht. Ein Plus-Punkt ist auch der liebevolle Umgang und der Mangel an konstruiertem Drama. Gegen Ende hin wird es nämlich noch einmal spannend, doch das löst sich ziemlich schnell und auch realistisch auf. Nette Geschichte, die mich gut unterhalten hat.
July 19, 2019
It's not that I didn’t have a good time reading this book because I did. That being said, I genuinely couldn’t tell you anything about these characters besides the fact that they were gay and their jobs. There was no substance that made these characters feel real instead of just character tropes. Even though this is true, I still liked them a lot. I really liked Elliot. I thought he was funny and cunning in a way that is often stereotyped in gay characters, but I still liked him.
I dont even know what happened based on plot. There was no climax or rising action. The only thing that could be considered conflict was solved within 2 chapters.
******SPOILERS NOW******
And then they had to go get married at the end which I just found totally off putting. Not because they were gay (I am gay) but because they um just met eachother and now theyre getting married. Can we also talk about that they never discussed Elliot being PAID by Danny to be his boyfriend? When did that transaction stop? That could have been a pivotal moment for them in their relationship that just did not happen. I felt like they just “loved” each other in order to push the nonexistent plot forward.
Also it was the most annoying thing in the entire world that they both kept admitting to the reader that they loved each other but they JuSt DidN’t KnOw If ThE OtHeR PeRsOn FeLt ThE SaMe WaY. Bitch I do NOT care. The whole book felt like a cop out to a real romantic story that could have been very beautiful and moving.
Maybe that wasn’t the point of the book though, right? Maybe it was just supposed to be a smutty romance book right? Well there were like 3 sex scenes and that was it. So that argument is invalid.
I just hated and I mean HATED how incredibly fast their relationship moved. It was an insta-relationship where neither of them openly questioned how absolutely fast they were moving. I just, that is not the mood.
I think I’m done being mean now but I could continue to talk about how bad the writing was. Alas, I will refrain.
I dont even know what happened based on plot. There was no climax or rising action. The only thing that could be considered conflict was solved within 2 chapters.
******SPOILERS NOW******
And then they had to go get married at the end which I just found totally off putting. Not because they were gay (I am gay) but because they um just met eachother and now theyre getting married. Can we also talk about that they never discussed Elliot being PAID by Danny to be his boyfriend? When did that transaction stop? That could have been a pivotal moment for them in their relationship that just did not happen. I felt like they just “loved” each other in order to push the nonexistent plot forward.
Also it was the most annoying thing in the entire world that they both kept admitting to the reader that they loved each other but they JuSt DidN’t KnOw If ThE OtHeR PeRsOn FeLt ThE SaMe WaY. Bitch I do NOT care. The whole book felt like a cop out to a real romantic story that could have been very beautiful and moving.
Maybe that wasn’t the point of the book though, right? Maybe it was just supposed to be a smutty romance book right? Well there were like 3 sex scenes and that was it. So that argument is invalid.
I just hated and I mean HATED how incredibly fast their relationship moved. It was an insta-relationship where neither of them openly questioned how absolutely fast they were moving. I just, that is not the mood.
I think I’m done being mean now but I could continue to talk about how bad the writing was. Alas, I will refrain.
May 12, 2018
Sweet M/M sports romance following hockey player Danny Harper newly ‘out’ as he meets and is interviewed by gay sports reporter Eliot O’Connor. Eliot isn’t in fact a sports reporter, but his editor sent him because he was gay, this did in fact ease Danny’s nerves. Although they hit it off and get along (doing a stellar interview), there is no insta love. They keep in contact and at the recommendation of Danny’s manager they start a fake relationship, during which time their friendship blossoms, and of course turns into something more. An easygoing sweet love story, no angst, a lot of chemistry and a little drama. I love it, and I loved Danny and Eliot. Joel Leslie narrated both parts beautifully.
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April 30, 2019I try not to DNF too much but this book bored me to tears! I only made it to 34% and I had to tap out. There was no character development, no richness to the story and it just fell flat which sucks because I enjoyed Sean Ashcroft's Sanctuary series.
January 15, 2018
I was just bored really.
September 25, 2019
This was the most drama free story I have ever read. And although there were some steamy scenes, the actual sex scenes were kind of glosses over. Which was a shame cuz the lead up was so good. Still, I plan on reading the next book.
April 26, 2017
4.25 Stars!
Charming and sweet with lots of sexy! This book was pure romance. Just what I love in a feel good read!
Charming and sweet with lots of sexy! This book was pure romance. Just what I love in a feel good read!
December 11, 2021
I needed easy.
But I know hockey better.
No plot; some dull sex.
But I know hockey better.
No plot; some dull sex.
February 28, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up because of the audio.
There was nothing cocky about this book 😆
There was nothing cocky about this book 😆
May 17, 2024
This was passably cute. It didn’t need to be fake dating!! Joel Leslie is my absolute fave, but as someone comforted by Maine accents, I still can’t figure out how I feel about Eliot’s accent?? Is it good?? I really cant tell.
August 13, 2018
Book: 3/5
Audiobook: 4/5
Audiobook: 4/5
April 13, 2017
Another great story by Sean Ashcroft. Sweet, romantic and sexy with a dramatic flair. MC's and supporting cast well thought out and written. I would have liked a little more heat thrown in but it was very good as it is now. This is a sweet read that will keep you invested in the story. Looking forward to the next release from this author. I voluntarily read a free Advance Reader Copy for my honest opinion and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews