RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
This third book about a Railers player gives us Dieter, who was brought up from the AHL to the NHL before the start of the previous playoffs. He's got a shot at a spot on the team next year, which is his lifelong dream. But a past indiscretion, and an addiction to painkillers, could bring it all crashing down.
In an attempt to keep busy and not think about his problems, he signs on to do a summer reality TV show where some of the team will learn skating skills from a flamboyant figure skater. With Ten and Jared out of the closet, the team effort is also intended to lend support to a skating program for LGBTQ kids. Dieter is bi, and has no problem with that goal, but he doesn't want focused attention. He has too much he needs to hide. Then he meets figure skater Trent, and suddenly he has a new obsession with slim strength and eyeliner, lip gloss and snark. That attraction may make hiding difficult.
Trent was aimed at his third Olympic medal before his stepfather gambled through all his endorsement money. Broke and trying to keep afloat both his rink and junior skating program, and his mother's house and his own rent, Trent is in no headspace to compete. When his agent lines up the reality show deal, he's not thrilled at working with the kind of team-sports gorillas who made his teens so rough. But the good money could save a lot of other people from hardship, so he signs on.
Trent wasn't expecting to actually like the apes in hockey sweaters, but they're turning out to be a good bunch. And he's intrigued by Dieter, with his intent gaze and the hints of darkness in his eyes. A little hot sex with a big muscly guy might be just what Trent needs to chase away the blues. He doesn't plan to let it get beyond that point, but Dieter's open admiration, paired with the glimpses of pain, are a heady mix and Trent finds himself pulled in more than he ever meant to be.
Trent is supported by his Lola, whose Pilipino cooking and warm hugs and love for the Flyers (not the Railers) add fun to the story. His mom is a woman caught between her love of the her very fallible husband in prison, and her pain over what he did to her son. Both women support Trent's flamboyant outness, though, and Dieter's family knows that he's bi and has had boyfriends, so, refreshingly, familiar rejection doesn't come into the mix except where the already-loathed stepfather is concerned.
There is plenty else here that could be angsty, including addiction, injury, and closeted athletes. But the determined flair of Trent's POV and the matter-of-factness of Dieter's kept it from being deeply emotional. I was sorry to see the coming out issue almost totally diffused into "Ten and Jared are already out" and to not see much of that ongoing in this story. I think, as the Michael Sam story among others showed us, the first out hockey player(s) are going to face more fan reaction and subtle discrimination than we see with this series. But I enjoyed this romance of opposites, and the progression of several realistic issues, which are not just solved by the magic touch of love. Another good entry in this ongoing series, and the hint of the next book to come has me intrigued to see more of Stan, already a crowd favorite.
4.5 shining stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
This one was like scoring a hat trick...
‘Deep Edge’ is the third book in the ‘Harrisburg Railer’s’ series by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey and while I have very much enjoyed the first two books, ‘Deep Edge’ has definitely become my favorite book so far.
Trent Hanson may be a skating phenom adored by millions but that hasn’t kept disaster from dogging his heels nor has it kept the two things he loves the most from turning on him. It’s when his family has betrayed him and the sport he’s dedicated his life to has turned on him that Trent finds himself faced with the dilemma of a life time…do a reality show that will pay him enough to resolve the financial difficulties that he’s facing while leaving him in the company of members of the ‘Harrisburg Railers’ while filming a reality television series…Trent doesn’t do jocks…not football, baseball or hockey…ever! But when faced with the alternatives that his current financial state will result in. Trent decides it’s time to put on his big boy pants and do what needs to be done…after all it’s just 6 weeks…he can do this, right?
Dieter has spent years in the minors waiting for his chance to show that he’s got what it takes to play in the pros. When he gets called up during the Railers run for the Stanley Cup, Dieter knows this is his chance and he wants it. He’s determined not to let anything get in his way…not an injured knee that leads him to become addicted to prescription painkillers, not a personal scandal that threatens to splash his name across the cover of every tabloid in North America and certainly not the infuriating figure skater whose gotten under his skin while adding so much color and life to his world.
I loved Trent…he was unrepentantly Trent. His motto in life was ‘name it and claim it’. Trent was out and proud unashamed to show the world the beauty that was Trent Hanson. But for all his sparkle and flash he had a heart of gold. His passion for skating includes his Rainbow arena where he creates a safe environment for LGBTQ kids to take lessons and skate in a safe and bully free environment. He helps take care of his mom and his very feisty grandmother whom he calls Lola. Sadly Trent’s not a stranger to the world of addiction having been in one relationship with someone who was addicted to prescription drugs he recognizes the warning signs in Dieter.
While Dieter was a little harder character to warm up to in the end he won my heart. Initially he wasn’t willing to face the truth’s of his circumstances in the end he faced up to things and got the help he needed for both his addiction and the injury that led to it. What really won me over with Dieter was that when it came to Trent, he wanted Trent as he was. There was never any expectation on Dieter’s part that Trent would change in any way because Dieter wanted the color and flare that Trent brought into his life.
Just like in the first two books we were given a wonderful cast of secondary characters including the MCs from ‘Changing Lines’ and ‘First Season’ and Trent’s mother and his Lola, there’s Trent’s agent who ultimately takes on Dieter as a client as well and Dieter’s parents…I really loved Dieter’s parents they were wonder, loving and supportive parents…even if his dad is a Vancouver Canucks fan…there’s just no accounting for taste…kidding.
I loved Trent and Dieter’s story and as a couple they worked really, really well for me and while I know that the next book’s a new pairing…it’s Stan the big, adorable, teddy bear Russian Goalie for the Railers and I’m totally on board for Stan’s story and yes, I do have my fingers crossed for a peek or two at Trent and Dieter…these two worked hard for their HEA and I’d love to see more of these two.
This series just keeps getting better and better for me and I’m definitely looking forward to whatever comes next for the men of the Harrrisburg Railers and their partners…now, if I could just get my hands on a Railer’s hockey jersey…Go Railers!!!
************************* An ARC of 'Deep Edge' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Trent has just become my favorite character of the series so far! Trent is a figure-skating diva, flamboyant and fierce, occasionally referring to himself in third person, with a caring streak a mile wide. He’s Pilipino-American, adored by his feisty grandmother, his Lola, with a hard-working mother and a worthless stepfather in jail. Filming a reality show, training Railers on new skills, is his only chance to restore his financial stability, keep his Rainbow Skate rink open, and help his young LGBTQ students. Dieter is finally reaching his dream of playing in the NHL and a knee injury and blackmail about his bisexuality, aren’t going to hold him back.
Insta-lust strikes both and not even Trent’s apprehension about oversized jocks keeps them from naughty locker room antics. Dieter’s attitude about his addiction and his volatile reactions felt quite realistic and ditto, Trent’s refusal to stick around for it. But much like book one, the assumption they were in a relationship, quickly turning to love, came out of nowhere. Aside from two brief encounters there was no substantial build-up, either told or shown, to make it entirely believable. Trent however, carried the book for me, although I did like Dieter’s eventual redemption and their dynamic as a couple once Dieter straightened out (so to speak). He was shortchanged in the narrative in my view, given insufficient page time to click with other team members, with too much internal dialogue.
It had an engaging storyline, particularly Trent’s purpose with his skating rink. His Lola, a die-hard Flyers fan, was a hoot and Trent was witty, humorous and rendered quite human when facing his stepfather. I liked Dieter as a decent guy, just misguided and addicted, nothing like the ruthless player implied in the blurb. There’s a strong HFN and I can recommend it highly, with more serious subjects featured, a departure from the coming out conflicts of the previous two books. Definitely a series I’ll continue.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
I like hockey series and this one started good and then not that great. This installment was better than the second, but still quite mehh. Now that the first player is out, the whole team is LGBTQ. Not even comparable to Avon Gale’s Scoring Chances, which for me is the standard against which I compare all the other mm hockey stories out there. Not sure I’ll read book 4... not even for the Russian goalie...
Hmph ... while I really enjoyed the first two books (and the latest) in this series, this third book just isn't working for me. Don't get me wrong, I love the universe of the Harrisburg Railers and I'm really looking forward to Stan's story, but Dieter's story wasn't as "can't-put-down-the-darn-book" as Ten and Mads story. I wanted more character development of Dieter, similar to what we got with Trent, who is completely fabulous. 3.25 stars for this one.
I have grow to love this Harrisburg Railer series. Love catching up with the previous couples, especially my favorite ones, Adler and Layton. In Deep Edge, we are back with Railers and this time we focus on Dieter. Dieter is an unassuming player, not flashy like Ten and not weird like Stan. But he had his demon of his own in terms of battling his opiate addiction. His scheming ex is trying to blackmail him as well, but that drama was resolved quite easily.
We were also introduced to a new character, who is a figure skater, Trent. Trent is flamboyant and a total diva. He is having a major career crisis and worried about losing his own skating rink. He ended up whoring himself for a reality TV show with the Railers. Trent is a definitely a drama queen, but I really like his personality.
Trent and Dieter as heroes are totally likable, and I really appreciate their journey and character growth, especially Dieter. But in terms of sexual chemistry, I find it lacking. In the beginning, there are plenty of eye fucking each other, but they start getting hot and heavy without much conversation. When Trent found out about Dieter issue, which understandably Trent find it hard to cope. I don't see why Trent have to stay because it isn't that they have become soulmates all of a sudden. If they actually developed a solid friendship before all this drama happened, maybe it will be more relatable and believable.
I like this series but I had two issues with this one that just kept me from giving it a 4 star review
The first is that I never really understood/believed the skating world would turn on Trent for some things his father did. It really only effected Trent and his family and nothing to do with his skating. So Trent not being able to skate anymore just didn't jive for me.
The second and by far the bigger issue I had was Trent being expected to forgive his step father once he started dating a guy with addiction issues. There really was no comparison for the two situations. His boyfriend was injured and got addicted to pain medication. His step father was addicted to gambling - stole his money, left the family in dire financial problems and some of the money was even used for him to cheat on Trent's mother. Not to mention that he was homophobic and treated Trent badly. Being an addicted gambler has nothing to do with the way he treated Trent and I just got so frustrated with the expectation that Trent should understand it was "because of his addiction" and that he should forgive his step-father.
I also felt like we spent a lot of time on Trent and his issues and less time really getting to know Dieter so when it was all done I never felt like there was a lot of character depth for him. Overall I still enjoyed this story and I'm liking this series so I will continue.
I really think I need to give up on this author. I didn't like this one at all. Or maybe it was that I absolutely loathed Trent. He just rubbed me wrong from the very first chapter. I also struggled with how a community wouldn't gather around someone that was abused/taken advantage of by their step father just didn't make sense.
The first two in this series were rough for me as well. I think maybe I just need to walk away at this point.
Deep Edge was the third book in the Harrison Raiders series by RJ Scott.
Trent Hanson was a former olympic figure skater. He won two silver medals and was contemplating training again for a gold; however, his step father stole his earnings and Trent was now scrounging around trying to make a living. As a result, he agreed to a reality show which had him working with some of the Railers NHL players on improving agility and speed.
Dieter Lehmann was an up and coming NHL player that was called up from the AHL during the Stanley Cup run and was finally getting his shot. He was one of the players on the reality show and the sparks flew immediately between Trent and Dieter. Unfortunately Dieter had his own flurry of problems.
Scott took us through the introductions, the chemistry and the impact of both of their baggage on a potential relationship. It was heart warming and emotional at times. Thankfully the drama was fairly low key. In the end, it was well written, enjoyable and a quick read. Next up is the goalie, Stan, in Poke Check.
I have really been enjoying this series. While it is definitely centered around hockey, with the MCs all being a part of the Harrisburg Railers, it is not overloaded with hockey. Not that I would mind if it was, but for those who aren’t extremely well versed in the sport, this is a great series to whet your whistle. It picks up pretty much where the last book left off, though it could probably be read on its own. I definitely recommend reading the prior books though, to get you up to speed on the various characters and get to know the makeup of the team as well.
After Ten and Jared came out in the last book, the team is just at the start of the off season, with many of them being encouraged to take part in a reality tv series that will double as a summer conditioning camp. The main players all decide to participate and take the chance to learn something, hone their skating skills and hopefully gain an edge that will get them closer to their goal of winning the Stanley Cup. Olympic figure skater, Trent, is the one chosen to lead them on this challenge.
Trent is a bit down on his luck after his stepfather ran off with all of this money. He runs a skating rink that caters to LGBTQ youth giving them a safe haven and a place to be themselves and sparkle as much as they want. After all, who better to show them that it’s ok then the fabulous and glittering Trent? He has never let anyone dull his shine, and even though he is pretty low on happy at the moment, he doesn’t compromise on that part of himself. He’s reluctant to accept his role on the series, big jock hockey players being nothing he wants any part of, but the money is too much to pass on.
Dieter is one of the Railers who was called up to cover injuries. He has just been offered a one-year contract, but he has some issues. Namely, he has his own injury, which initially led to an opiate addiction. He about had it kicked, but it resurfaced again. He hits it off with Trent, but Trent recognizes right away that Dieter has a problem, having faced an addicted boyfriend and the issues with his stepfather. He is reluctant to get involved, but Dieter gets a hold of things pretty quickly and sets things right with Trent.
These guys were really sweet together. Dieter loved everything about Trent and in fact encouraged him to always go full out with his style. And Dieter showed Trent that big hockey players weren’t all bullying jocks. Throughout the taping of the show, the team all showed Trent a new side of things, which started from the get go when they all pretty much embraced him and took his abilities seriously. I loved watching them all interact, and it made me love this rag tag team even more.
The big Russian goalie, Stan, has been one of my favorites from the start, always making sure everyone ate properly, taking Ten’s side and joining in the Pokemon games, etc. I am a huge goalie fan as well, so I was super excited to see he is the star of the next book, which I cannot wait to get my hands on! If you are a hockey fan of any level, you should definitely check this series out!
"Profonde differenze" è il terzo libro della serie sportiva "Harrisburg Railers" dedicata ai giocatori di hockey e a questo sport avvincente. I precedenti libri mi sono piaciuti molto per diverse ragioni: sono storie d'amore condite di dolcezza e ironia, lo sport nelle sue specifiche è molto presente e appassionante e i protagonisti sono fantastici e ben caratterizzati. Questa volta invece qualcosa per me non ha funzionato benissimo. Ma andiamo per ordine. Dieter è una riserva alla ricerca di un contratto stabile; i Rilers sono la sua opportunità e impegnato a dimostrare il suo valore e le sue capacità e a nascondere i suoi segreti è disposto a rischiare tutto per raggiungere i suoi obiettivi. La sua dipendenza da antidolorifici e i forti dolori al ginocchio potrebbero fare precipitare la sua carriera. Trent è un pattinatore artistico olimpico che sta passando il periodo peggiore della sua vita: il patrigno gli ha rubato tutti i soldi e ora per salvare la nonna e la mamma dallo sfratto e il suo palazzetto del ghiaccio deve vendere la sua dignità di pattinatore gay anti-atleti bulli e accettare di fare un reality show con la squadra di hockey dei Rilers. Trent è eccentrico, colorato, orgogliosamente eccessivo e sarcastico, esile e luminoso. Dieter è ombroso e misterioso, un uomo sexy e gigantesco che non sorride mai. Sono due ragazzi agli opposti, totalmente differenti ma entrambi incasinati e inesorabilmente attratti l'uno dall'altro. Un colpo di fulmine diventa una passione bruciante incontrollabile, ma quando i segreti di Dieter vengono a galla e devono essere affrontati tutto si complica. Trent è il meglio caratterizzato tra i due, anche se a volte credo sia stata calcata un po' la mano nel renderlo eccessivo e sarcastico. Importante è il messaggio che dà contro il bullismo e l'importanza di essere se stessi e valorizzare la propria arte, quello che fa per l'inclusione dei ragazzi lgbtq attraverso i corsi di pattinaggio nell'ambiente sicuro del suo palazzetto del ghiaccio. Dieter purtroppo, nonostante le premesse è poco approfondito, relegato quasi in ombra rispetto a Trent. Questa storia è un insta-love, non c'è una vera evoluzione romantica e conoscenza reciproca, tutto corre velocemente verso il finale tanto dolce e romantico. I tanti temi importanti trattati, le problematiche relative al background dei protagonisti durante la narrazione perdono quasi di importanza o si risolvono velocemente quasi con superficialità. Tuttavia è una storia carina e piacevole, leggera e frizzante; una storia d'amore tra opposti che si attraggono, sulle seconde possibilità della vita, condita da ironia irriverente.
Deep Edge is the third in the Harrisburg Railers series, which focuses on a professional hockey association and the men who call the team home. I look forward to the books in this series because they consistently provide good romance, engaging characters, and hockey references that even a sports moron like myself can enjoy it. Deep Edge has some issues, but let’s start with the good stuff. Dieter and Trent are both well-rounded characters with a lot of depth and the authors have done a good job building them up beyond stereotypical caricatures. Each man’s past serves as a burden, but these challenges are believable and realistic. Their romance moves a little quickly, but the authors don’t try to create an insta-love scenario. Instead, it’s very much a case of lust followed by love, which feels more grounded. The situation of Dieter’s drug addiction is handled well and while we aren’t given a lot of insight into his time in rehab, neither is the problem brushed off or pushed aside.
Trent (who is referred to as Trent Hanson but later called Trent Hanson Lawrence, so take your pick) is something of a jock hater and, as a result, he doesn’t come off as particularly likeable at first. He grew on me, but jock hating is something of a trend in this series. And while there are always reasons to explain these feelings, it would be nice to move away from this as the books move forward. Trent very occasionally comes off as whiny and self-centered. This is a rare occurrence, but it did add to my slower acceptance of his character. The premise for Deep Edge is a bit silly and that may just be because I think the concept of reality television is pretty ridiculous as a whole. The show in Deep Edge does feel a lot like a set up to bring our characters together. Which I realize is the point of a plot, but here it reads as a bit it affected.
I love this hockey series and then we have a figure skater added into the mix and I’m so right there. Dieter has a lot of issues in this story and at the beginning he’s a hot mess. Multiple people try to get him to face his issues but he’s just not ready to admit defeat quite yet. Bring in Trent and that man does not hold back the punches. He’s had his own tough situations and he doesn’t have time for people wasting his care or messing with his emotions. Been there, done that! I loved how fiercely Trent cares for people, especially his students. He’s a protector and so brave. I felt like he was a great match for Dieter and able to push him past his comfort zone. And Trent’s grandma? So funny…I love that she is a hockey fan…of the Flyers. This was a great continuation of the series.
Wow, Deep Edge is the third book in this amazing hockey series and it is just as awesome as the first 2. Everyone needs to read this series you won’t be disappointed. In Deep Edge you get to know Dieter better and you get to meet Trent. Everyone needs a Dieter and Trent in their lives. This book gives you everything you could possibly want or need in a story.
Listen, this series is getting worse, not better :-/! How I 4-starred the 4th book is beyond me o__O! I'll need to reevaluate! On that note however, note that I read book 4 first and then read 1, 2, and now 3! This will be the last book I read in this series ... I'm done :-/!!
Not sure if Scott's writing is just REALLY off in this series or if this duo is just NOT a good thing, or maybe it's a combination of both! Either way, UGH!! #MoneyWasted.
If you love sport romances, especially hockey with all those hot, enormous, sexy men – and if you haven’t started VL Locey’s and RJ Scott’s fantastic series Harrisburg Railer Hockey – then you really need to do yourself a favour. And if haven’t read the rest of the series, the main romance is can be read as a standalone. However, there is a lot of overarching plot from the previous two books and it would probably be wise to go back. If for nothing else than to read two other fantastic books. For those familiar with Avon Gale’s hockey series, Scoring Chances, then I highly recommend this series too. Seriously, this series is nothing short of awesome.
Ok, that’s the formalities out of the way. Deep Edge is the third installment of the Harrisburg Railers Hockey Series and moves onto Railers player Dieter Lehmann and newcomer, Olympic figure skater who is contracted to show the Railers a thing or two about finesse and movement, Trent Hanson. Dieter’s story was teased a little in book 2 – which saw the Railers get a new social media spin doctor, Layton Foxx, who ultimately found love with Railers winger Adler Lockhart. The Railers are involved in a reality TV show and specifically want out and proud Trent Hanson to teach these massive jocks a thing or two when it comes to skating, and hopefully improving the team’s speed and cohesiveness.
Dieter has a lot of problems and while he slowly goes closer to the edge, it is Trent who is there to help him. Dieter has a bung knee, an addiction to pain meds which he has now relapsed and a crazy ex-girlfriend out for money threatening to out his sexuality. Because if Dieter will even get a chance to be with the prickly Trent, who hates hockey players and shy to commit to someone with an addiction, he needs to fix a lot in his career. Luckily for Dieter, the Harrisburg Railers are a team that fosters diversity and not punishing their players when they really need help.
Side note, it is impossible not to love fall in love with the players of the Harrisburg Railers. I’ve been loving the gentle giant, Russian player (with very little English), Stanislav, Stan for short. I was so excited to find out in the preview for book 4 that the next story is his story. No words can say how much I love Stan, which sounds weird for a fictional character. I’ve become invested in all the guys, but something about Stan really connects with me (must be that whole living away from home thing, I don’t know, or the fact he’s a sexy Russian). The other thing I love about this series is the little things dropped into the text for nerds like me who get a thrill out of the odd Doctor Who, Harry Potter or Star Trek reference. I’m in love with the entirety of a fictional NHL team and I’m not ashamed to admit it. O-M-G, I want to squeal like a kid and jump up and down like a fan girl.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Oh, my word. This is such a fabulous book. I loved it. I was so looking forward to Deep Edge, and it was everything I hoped for. Trent and Dieter are just the most perfect, adorable couple ever. Figure skater Trent is not a fan of hockey players, but a well-paying reality show with said hockey players is too good to turn down. He needs the money to keep his mother’s house and his ice rink from foreclosing. And then he meets Dieter. Trent is not prone to falling, but for Dieter, he is willing to make the exception. And Dieter wouldn’t have believed that he would be smitten with a lip-glossed, purple-haired bossy figure skater. From the moment, they meet the ice is melting under their skates. It is not only the physical chemistry that is off the charts their banter and conversations are sparkling as well. I don’t know which man I loved the most, Trent or Dieter. Bratty, sassy, snarky, flamboyant. That is what he shows the world, but inside him there is so much more. He has a loving and caring heart as wide as the ocean. He stands with Dieter all the way. Dieter is an addict, and he acknowledges it. That takes guts. It is obvious he adores Trent, makeup and all, and he makes no excuses for him. Super. The writing is as smooth and flowing as ever. What awed me the most, however, was that both Trent as Dieter had their distinctive voices. I didn’t have to read the name above the chapter to know who was talking or thinking. It shined through in every line. The vibrancy of Trent and the more calmer Dieter. I was going from emotion to emotion. From laughing to crying and then through my tears I was laughing again. The characters came to life on the pages. And the secondary cast was also to die for. Feisty Lola, who can’t be anyone else than Trent’s grandmother. A Phillies fan to the bone. Goalie Stan, with his garbled English, who looks out for everyone to eat. He must have his own story soon, please. And all the other hockey players who stand by Dieter as one team. This story is set up somewhat different than other stories in the genre. Most of the times, the MC’s deal with their struggles on their own. Not in this story, though. I loved that Trent and Dieter were side by side each step of the way, and in the process, I was there with them. The issues they have are solved quickly, but that doesn’t mean they are glossed over or that this is a sappy story. It is the way Dieter and Trent deal with them that is very satisfying and realistic. It is delightful, funny, sexy and emotional. Highly recommended.
Storyline: 5 Angst: 4 Tissue: 1 Value: 5 Panty Scorching: 4 Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Robin
Dieter Lehmann has been struggling with a pill addiction, blackmailing ex and an injury that may hurt his new contract with the Harrisburg Railers. All that seems to be coming his way is stress and pain. When he meets Trent Hanson, a former Olympic ice skater, he doesn’t know quite what to think but the attraction is there. But Trent has been burnt in the past and he doesn’t quite trust what Dieter is offering. He’s been lied to, used and left in ruins. Will Dieter be able to convince Trent that he’s worth the fight?
“Brave? Not hardly. My mind pulled up an image of Dieter. Now that was bravery. And courage. And passionate kisses and gruff snorts of laughter. How had I fallen so deeply so fast? And what was I going to do about it?”
I love this hockey series and then we have a figure skater added into the mix and I’m so right there. Dieter has a lot of issues in this story and at the beginning he’s a hot mess. Multiple people try to get him to face his issues but he’s just not ready to admit defeat quite yet. Bring in Trent and that man does not hold back the punches. He’s had his own tough situations and he doesn’t have time for people wasting his care or messing with his emotions. Been there, done that! I loved how fiercely Trent cares for people, especially his students. He’s a protector and so brave. I felt like he was a great match for Dieter and able to push him past his comfort zone. And Trent’s grandma? So funny…I love that she is a hockey fan…of the Flyers. This was a great continuation of the series.
Stan is getting a book!!! Stan is getting a book!!! I’m sing songing this because Stan is one of my favorite characters. He’s a caretaker in his awkward language challenged goalie way. I want to find out what his obsession is with everyone eating right and getting proper nutrition.
This is book 3 in the Harrisburg Railers series. I would advise to read these books in order, if for no other reason, than it's a terrific series with characters you'll enjoy! I will always have a special place in my heart for Layton from book 2, but Trent is now my favorite character from this series. Trent is an Olympic Silver Medalist figure skater who is dealing with being on the brink of losing his beloved rink and his mother's home after his step-father/manager has embezzled all his money. Trent is a HUGE diva and the snark is flying!! I really enjoy well-written snark and this story has it in spades. Dieter is being called up to the Railers and offered his first major contract. Unfortunately, injuries have left Dieter with a dependence on pain-killers. Trent is offered the chance to revive his struggling finances by doing a reality TV show, the problem is he will have to participate with some of the Railers. Suffice it to say that being an out gay man since he was very young, Trent has had his share of run-ins with jocks that make him less than ecstatic about the situation, but when you're back's against the wall and you're thrown a life-line, you grab on. Trent and Dieter seem to have an instant attraction and the sparks fly. Both men have to deal with their issues and while there are lots of laughs, there are also some tears. Also, there is a new secondary character that had me howling and also wishing for a hug... Lola, Trent's Grandmother! Now there's a reality TV show in the making... LOL! Looking forward to more from these two terrific authors! Recommended!
Another solid instalment in the Harrisburg Railers series.
His father's betrayal has left Trent without money, friends and work - but then he catches a break, he's contracted to spend the summer honing the Railers team's skating skills, all the while being filmed for a reality show.
Dieter finally gets his chance to play in the majors with the Railers and he's determined not to ruin it. But he has problems of his own, a blackmailing ex and an addiction to painkillers keeping him on the edge constantly.
There are sparks the moment these two meet but neither is good at sharing their secrets so it soon seems like whatever they might have had is over before it even properly began. It takes a serious wake up call for them to realise that this thing between them is too good to waste and it's only when both men commit to their relationship that things get better.
This was a difficult book, maybe my least favourite in the series so far. Not because it's a bad book, quite the contrary - just that I don't deal too good with this level of angst and uncertainty. I enjoyed the romance of this story very much but between Trent's insecurities and Dieter's self-esteem issues as well as the addiction - not so much. I felt that there was not enough of the hockey in this instalment, compared to the first two books certainly. But still, solid enough addition to warrant 4 stars.
I think I have a soft spot for sassy, flamboyant men. Trent was awesome! I love him so much. His lines were just so sassy that I wish I had just half his sass!
Anyways, while the romance was solid, the plot line had great potential! But kinda missed the mark. I mean, Dieter had so much sh*t going on that it could have been one very crazy sh*tfesh. But alas, the author decided to be nice on him and had him tackling one issue at a time. Ehh... kinda boring in my opinion.
You know how in some movies when it’s like 10 bad guys fighting the one good guy and they all seem to take turns so that he can hand them their asses one at a time? It always looks ridiculous to me. Well, Dieter’s issues were sort of like that. They were so nice they each took a number and waited him out and then let him tie them up in cute little bows to be sent off.
Sorry, I’m a little snarky. Guess I was channeling my inner Trent 😬 So it’s not that bad. I just wanted to see the hot mess and then the resolution of the entire hot mess. It was just too clean and neat.
But Trent! Trent was definitely the highlight here. Although, I have to say, Filipinos (spelled with an F, if I remember correctly) speak Tagalog. Just sayin’
Not sure how to start this review. So much going on in this book. Everything that Trent went through with his step dad, Dieter with what he is going through with the blackmail and something else that you will have to read and find out about..I like to tease, kept me glued to my kindle from word one. These two men meet and fall for each other. But in all fantastic love stories there is always a bumpy road. Some bumpier than others. The side character of Trent's grandma is a hoot and a half and I seriously want to meet her! The support of the team and getting to visit with the MC's from the previous books is something I always look forward to. This is a must read to those who are hooked on not only this series but on the authors who co wrote it. For those of you who this book interests, do yourself a huge favor and buy this book. You will be taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Once the ride is done, you'll be eager to jump back on and have another go. I have yet another pair in my heart now with Trent and Dieter. I am looking forward to reading Stan and Erik's story next...but I get ahead of myself as usual. **I was given a free ARC for my honest review.
Dieter is a pro hockey player with a few scandals going on he needs to straighten out. Last thing he wants to do is be on a reality show
Trent is an olympic figure skater who has lost everything, he needs money to keep his mom's house and his rink afloat. The last thing he wants to do is a reality show with hockey players, he doesn't like hockey players
When they see each other there is a spark but can the trials and tribulations of their pasts work?
This was the perfect mix of gut-wrenching, romantic and utterly hilarious. It was my least favourite of the series, for now, but I still loved Trent and his over-the-top, endearingly flamboyant personality and Dieter, with his demons and his quiet courage, so damn much. The Harrisburg Railers team have me all in a chokehold: the found family vibes are TOP NOTCH, and I cannot wait to finally read Stan's story.
Even with a subject as heavy as addiction, this story had a lot of humor injected into it that had me laughing throughout the second half of the book.
Trent was an admirable character. I think his work with his rink is something that more people in the world need to do. Even with him being a diva, he wasn’t one to give up, and I loved that.
Dieter was a sweet character who had a rough time after an injury, but in meeting Trent, he finally woke up to the realization that he was struggling and avoiding admitting he had a problem.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Trent and Dieter, sigh, I love sports romance and this series just gets better and better.
Here we have two athletes, one from hockey and one from Olympics level figure skating. They both have been dedicated to their fields since they were childern.
Trent has lost all his money.... because...can't tell you. But as he provide supports for his mother, grandmother, and an LGBTQA youth center, things suck.
He meets Dieter when agrees to a reality show that will follow him cross training hockey players.
Dieter is a mess. He has a pain killer addiction going on and is in and out of denial. We get a realistic look at the think of an addict and an arc into recovery. In Trent's step father and mother, we get to see the chaos addiction (though of another kind) plays on a family.
This isn't an easy love story but Trent is amazingly well drawn and Dieter really because a wonderful partner during the course of the book.
The secondary characters and families are wonderful and we even get Filipino food through Trent's wonderful quirky grandmother.
This was a great story that will make you believe that love is the strongest thing you can have. Trent and Dieter will draw you into their world and make you believe that love will overcome everything.
The writing was great, the characters likeable, and the plot interesting. This was a very good take on struggles and finding the way from a dark path. This book will make you think about life and choices. These two characters feed off each other and throughout the book its gets a little bit deeper.
I would so recommend this book if you are new to M/M or looking for something a little different this is the story. This is a great book and these authors did a great job with the characters and the plot of this story.
** -Diane, 3.5 stars
Love and secrets collide…
Oh what a tangled web was Trent and Dieter’s story! Full of all the good and bad that love can bring, the ups and downs were indeed a roller coaster ride…
Dieter’s secret was threatening his career and had him doing things totally out of character. He was a good guy, with a strong exterior that hid so much. His choices were going to tear his life, and a possible new love, completely apart…
Trent’s up-front and honest approach to his life was definitely at odds with Dieter’s. Trent was honest and flamboyant, not afraid to be open about his life and fight back against those that tried to grind him down. It was a long, hard battle, one never completely done, so at the heart of love had to be respect…
Their story had a different, though no less emotional, feel than those that came before it in this hockey-focussed series. What would you do to ensure your goals, your dreams, came true? Would hurting someone stop you? A tale of love and morality, about the choices we make and the toll it takes on ourselves and those we love…
If I didn’t connect with the characters the way I wanted it certainly wasn’t because they were lacking in spirit or charm. Perhaps an off reading day, but whatever the reason I’m still in love with these Railer boys. Keep them coming!