What do you think?
Rate this book
Thrown Off the Ice
Mike knew he was making a mistake when he let the rookie climb into bed with him. He just didn't know it'd be a mistake that would follow him for the rest of his life.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2018
136 people are currently reading
4299 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Fitzpatrick
6 books787 followersTaylor Fitzpatrick was born in Toronto, Ontario. She declared to her mother at the age of three that she was going to grow up to be an author/illustrator. The illustration thing didn’t really pan out. She is an avid hockey fan, though to her brother’s eternal consternation she did not become one until after he stopped playing competitively. She has an Honours degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. She currently lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,156 reviews
September 1, 2019
5+++ Stars.
One of my favourite books this year
I read a friend's review of this a few days ago and all she wrote were TWO WORDS.....so I waited because I know what she's like.If she rates a book highly she always writes more.But she didn't and after reading this I understand why.
I could try and tell the story but I won't,I couldn't do it justice but this book is the reason I LOVE reading.The reason why I wade through samples,finish a mediocre book I know I'm going to forget.....because every so often you come across something like this.
I'm truly amazed this hasn't had more recognition/got more ratings and reviews.This Author can write.I carried my kindle around like a comfort blanket for 24 hours,I couldn't put it down.I didn't want it to end.I didn't want to say goodbye to Mike and Liam.
I've got under 300 friends on here and honestly only about 20 would get this, so it definitely wouldn't be for everyone but I'm so glad I read it.
The hangover is going to be epic I know.
One of my favourite books this year
I read a friend's review of this a few days ago and all she wrote were TWO WORDS.....so I waited because I know what she's like.If she rates a book highly she always writes more.But she didn't and after reading this I understand why.
I could try and tell the story but I won't,I couldn't do it justice but this book is the reason I LOVE reading.The reason why I wade through samples,finish a mediocre book I know I'm going to forget.....because every so often you come across something like this.
I'm truly amazed this hasn't had more recognition/got more ratings and reviews.This Author can write.I carried my kindle around like a comfort blanket for 24 hours,I couldn't put it down.I didn't want it to end.I didn't want to say goodbye to Mike and Liam.
I've got under 300 friends on here and honestly only about 20 would get this, so it definitely wouldn't be for everyone but I'm so glad I read it.
The hangover is going to be epic I know.
December 24, 2023
I want to write a full review for this, but I feel like there’s not much I can say, and I mean that in a bad way.
If you scroll through the first page of the community reviews for this, you’ll notice there are only 4-5 star ratings/reviews. Not only is the average rating high, but all reviews of this talk about the book being emotionally devastating and one of the best love stories out there.
You tell me emotional and devastating and I’m all yours.
So then I ask, was I supposed to feel something? I had hoped so.
Did I? Besides the painful boredom I felt, no.
I started this book last year (I wanna say December) and every time I picked it up, I put it down.
Going into this book blind is definitely the best choice. The blurb is vague, only telling us that Mike knows letting the new rookie into his bed is a bad idea. I didn’t understand why the blurb was so vague, but now I know: it’s because, for the first half, that’s all the book is.
I'm kinda happy I didn't spoil myself because I do think it would have ruined my non-existent enjoyment even more and made me more grumpy, but to anyone who wants to know how this ended, I added it in a spoiler tag (you can only see it on the desktop version) at the very end. However, if you're on the app, sadly the spoiler isn't hidden.
This has age gap (12 year difference, with Liam being 18 and Mike being 30), hockey, older player x rookie, and grumpy x sunshine. In paper, it sounds like everything I’d love. In reality, it was one of the most painfully boring books I have ever read.
I’m usually one who simply adores characters like Liam. The type who are getting started on life, are loud, can come off as obnoxious, ramble, and never shut up. While others can find them annoying, I simply find comfort in them. I think a reason is because it really shows their character in a realistic matter, showing them act their age without having a care in the world due to the youth they constantly have on display. However, they’re still mature and don’t necessary come off as young. An age gap like this can make people uncomfortable, and I get why, but it works in books. On the other hand, you have the much older and experienced character who finds pleasure and happiness in different things compared to someone like Liam. Their energy levels are vastly different, and one character is nothing but a grump while the other is nothing but sunshine. But here, Liam’s age is, unfortunately, very obvious through his interactions with Mike. He’s immature, childish, and hopeless, unaware of reality. This was a case of the age gap not being in my favor.
To keep it short, most of the relationship between Liam and Mike develops through sex, but the two never really spend time on their own getting to know each other. I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about these characters to save my life. All I’d be able to tell you is that Liam is Canadian and Mike is American. The only common thing they have is that they both play and love hockey. Other than that, these characters had no personality whatsoever.
Most of this, up until around 48% or so, revolves around the two characters having one or two conversations and then sex. Add to that some misunderstandings in between because Liam can’t take no for an answer and follows Mike like a lost, abandoned puppy, and Mike can’t exactly tear himself away from Liam.
They have an exclusive sexual relationship, but it takes YEARS for their romantic relationship to actually start. Some would describe this as slow burn, but since I’m someone who needs more of that emotional connection over the physical feelings they have for each other, if made the relationship less believable simply because it was primarily sexual. The feelings Mike had for Liam came out of nowhere: How did he start seeing him as someone he loves? What became the reason he started falling for Liam? How did he grow feelings for Liam? What changed? It all felt sudden with no development and proper transition. While the entire book is told through Mike’s point of view, his inner thoughts are usually spent telling himself he can’t be playing around with the “kid.” I’ll admit, they started having some domestic scenes later on, but when their entire relationship is primarily sexual for almost half the book (add to that more sex scenes when they did become a “thing”), it’s hard to understand the sudden shift.
Not only did they never spend time together, but every time they did, they fucked or argued. Sometimes both.
Adding on to that, most of the time Liam spends with Mike, he’s whining or they’re having sex. If they’re not having sex, he’s whining. He has a massive crush on Mike and doesn’t hide it, saying he loves him and wants to be with him, claiming their relationship is exclusive. Mike, on the other hand, disagrees and knows he needs to end whatever it is that he has with Liam. As the years pass (2016-2028), there aren't really any intimate scenes between the two that aren’t shared through sex. There is more inner monologue than actual dialogue.
Not to fucking mention the amount of fucking times Mike fucking says the word “fucking” to the fucking point where it’s his fucking personality trait. If he isn’t fucking saying it, he’s fucking thinking it, and since he’s the fucking narrator, we fucking see it every fucking page.
We don’t learn about Mike until the end for reasons. Liam, though? I still wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about him besides the fact that he was a horny 18 year-old when he fell in love with Mike.
There’s no plot for this, which is fine with me, but if you’re not gonna give any type of story, my enjoyment overall will be minimal. So in conclusion, nothing happens. The tragedy that takes place starts hinting itself around 20%, and we slowly see how it grow. Yet, it added nothing to the emotions I was already missing.
As I’ve mentioned before, I cry easily, but I found myself yawning as I was reading this, waiting for it to be over. I didn’t exactly know what was gonna happen in the end when I first started this but since we see it slowly unfold, I called it. This can also be okay and still impact me, mostly because we see the characters for most of the book until tragedy hits. Yet, since I was bored with this from the start and knew how it was gonna end, the tears I expected to flow down my cheeks were non-existent.
I admit that I started this because I heard it was emotional and sad (which I love), so it was disappointing but also laughable how devastating it was in terms of disappointment.
To anyone who is still curious about this, I am proud to say that I am one of the only ones in a sea of glowing 4 and 5-star reviews (not even remotely shocked at this point), so I’d say give it a shot if you’re still curious.
As for the ending:
If you scroll through the first page of the community reviews for this, you’ll notice there are only 4-5 star ratings/reviews. Not only is the average rating high, but all reviews of this talk about the book being emotionally devastating and one of the best love stories out there.
You tell me emotional and devastating and I’m all yours.
So then I ask, was I supposed to feel something? I had hoped so.
Did I? Besides the painful boredom I felt, no.
I started this book last year (I wanna say December) and every time I picked it up, I put it down.
Going into this book blind is definitely the best choice. The blurb is vague, only telling us that Mike knows letting the new rookie into his bed is a bad idea. I didn’t understand why the blurb was so vague, but now I know: it’s because, for the first half, that’s all the book is.
I'm kinda happy I didn't spoil myself because I do think it would have ruined my non-existent enjoyment even more and made me more grumpy, but to anyone who wants to know how this ended, I added it in a spoiler tag (you can only see it on the desktop version) at the very end. However, if you're on the app, sadly the spoiler isn't hidden.
This has age gap (12 year difference, with Liam being 18 and Mike being 30), hockey, older player x rookie, and grumpy x sunshine. In paper, it sounds like everything I’d love. In reality, it was one of the most painfully boring books I have ever read.
I’m usually one who simply adores characters like Liam. The type who are getting started on life, are loud, can come off as obnoxious, ramble, and never shut up. While others can find them annoying, I simply find comfort in them. I think a reason is because it really shows their character in a realistic matter, showing them act their age without having a care in the world due to the youth they constantly have on display. However, they’re still mature and don’t necessary come off as young. An age gap like this can make people uncomfortable, and I get why, but it works in books. On the other hand, you have the much older and experienced character who finds pleasure and happiness in different things compared to someone like Liam. Their energy levels are vastly different, and one character is nothing but a grump while the other is nothing but sunshine. But here, Liam’s age is, unfortunately, very obvious through his interactions with Mike. He’s immature, childish, and hopeless, unaware of reality. This was a case of the age gap not being in my favor.
To keep it short, most of the relationship between Liam and Mike develops through sex, but the two never really spend time on their own getting to know each other. I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about these characters to save my life. All I’d be able to tell you is that Liam is Canadian and Mike is American. The only common thing they have is that they both play and love hockey. Other than that, these characters had no personality whatsoever.
Most of this, up until around 48% or so, revolves around the two characters having one or two conversations and then sex. Add to that some misunderstandings in between because Liam can’t take no for an answer and follows Mike like a lost, abandoned puppy, and Mike can’t exactly tear himself away from Liam.
They have an exclusive sexual relationship, but it takes YEARS for their romantic relationship to actually start. Some would describe this as slow burn, but since I’m someone who needs more of that emotional connection over the physical feelings they have for each other, if made the relationship less believable simply because it was primarily sexual. The feelings Mike had for Liam came out of nowhere: How did he start seeing him as someone he loves? What became the reason he started falling for Liam? How did he grow feelings for Liam? What changed? It all felt sudden with no development and proper transition. While the entire book is told through Mike’s point of view, his inner thoughts are usually spent telling himself he can’t be playing around with the “kid.” I’ll admit, they started having some domestic scenes later on, but when their entire relationship is primarily sexual for almost half the book (add to that more sex scenes when they did become a “thing”), it’s hard to understand the sudden shift.
Not only did they never spend time together, but every time they did, they fucked or argued. Sometimes both.
Adding on to that, most of the time Liam spends with Mike, he’s whining or they’re having sex. If they’re not having sex, he’s whining. He has a massive crush on Mike and doesn’t hide it, saying he loves him and wants to be with him, claiming their relationship is exclusive. Mike, on the other hand, disagrees and knows he needs to end whatever it is that he has with Liam. As the years pass (2016-2028), there aren't really any intimate scenes between the two that aren’t shared through sex. There is more inner monologue than actual dialogue.
Not to fucking mention the amount of fucking times Mike fucking says the word “fucking” to the fucking point where it’s his fucking personality trait. If he isn’t fucking saying it, he’s fucking thinking it, and since he’s the fucking narrator, we fucking see it every fucking page.
We don’t learn about Mike until the end for reasons. Liam, though? I still wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about him besides the fact that he was a horny 18 year-old when he fell in love with Mike.
There’s no plot for this, which is fine with me, but if you’re not gonna give any type of story, my enjoyment overall will be minimal. So in conclusion, nothing happens. The tragedy that takes place starts hinting itself around 20%, and we slowly see how it grow. Yet, it added nothing to the emotions I was already missing.
As I’ve mentioned before, I cry easily, but I found myself yawning as I was reading this, waiting for it to be over. I didn’t exactly know what was gonna happen in the end when I first started this but since we see it slowly unfold, I called it. This can also be okay and still impact me, mostly because we see the characters for most of the book until tragedy hits. Yet, since I was bored with this from the start and knew how it was gonna end, the tears I expected to flow down my cheeks were non-existent.
I admit that I started this because I heard it was emotional and sad (which I love), so it was disappointing but also laughable how devastating it was in terms of disappointment.
To anyone who is still curious about this, I am proud to say that I am one of the only ones in a sea of glowing 4 and 5-star reviews (not even remotely shocked at this point), so I’d say give it a shot if you’re still curious.
As for the ending:
May 4, 2021
Spoilers ahead!! You've been warned.
So, This book!!
Yes, I ugly cried when I finished. I'm not a monster! Even though I read every spoiler imaginable and I knew what was coming, it still made me sob while cooking dinner. It was... a sight.
Still, I agree with the reviewers that say the majority of the book isn't sad, and in fact, I really enjoyed the hockey details and the way these two grew over the years. It reminded me a little bit of Heated Rivalry in some ways.
I also finished it in one sitting, literally in just a few hours, because I didn't want to put it down. It is the kind of book that could keep me reading until late in the night. It had a simple, magnetic quality to the writing.
However, I can't get past the fact that Mike NEVER, and I mean NOT ONCE, said that he loved Liam to Liam's face. I mean, he couldn't admit that even after all of those years?? He never even called them boyfriends. I really struggled with that level of... emotional barrier? Denial? It was hard for me to get past. I couldn't light up that last star because I felt sad for Liam that Mike truly never let him in all the way.
I highly enjoyed the story, and I understand all the hype. I know I'll go to bed thinking about these two, thinking about what could have been. And I truly can't wait to read more from this author. Anyone who can craft characters this special has talent in spades.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
So, This book!!
Yes, I ugly cried when I finished. I'm not a monster! Even though I read every spoiler imaginable and I knew what was coming, it still made me sob while cooking dinner. It was... a sight.
Still, I agree with the reviewers that say the majority of the book isn't sad, and in fact, I really enjoyed the hockey details and the way these two grew over the years. It reminded me a little bit of Heated Rivalry in some ways.
I also finished it in one sitting, literally in just a few hours, because I didn't want to put it down. It is the kind of book that could keep me reading until late in the night. It had a simple, magnetic quality to the writing.
However, I can't get past the fact that Mike NEVER, and I mean NOT ONCE, said that he loved Liam to Liam's face. I mean, he couldn't admit that even after all of those years?? He never even called them boyfriends. I really struggled with that level of... emotional barrier? Denial? It was hard for me to get past. I couldn't light up that last star because I felt sad for Liam that Mike truly never let him in all the way.
I highly enjoyed the story, and I understand all the hype. I know I'll go to bed thinking about these two, thinking about what could have been. And I truly can't wait to read more from this author. Anyone who can craft characters this special has talent in spades.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
April 14, 2024
I know this is surprising, considering I give off such an “outdoorsy” vibe, but I don’t actually know that much about sports. Unfortunately, it’s never really been an interest of mine. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. All I really know about them is that usually an object is supposed to go into a hoop, a goal post, or sometimes even a net. Oh, and also that they replaced my favorite mall with a Hockey stadium (I’m not mad about it). But don't worry, I didn’t let my lack of interest deter me from finding enjoyment in this book! Does it sound like I’m trying to convince myself? Well, I’m a strong believer that anything can be interesting, no matter the subject matter… but I do tend to avoid sports stories more often than not. Mostly so I don’t put too much strain on this theory of mine. Anyway, all this worry that this would be a never-ending circle jerk about sports was for nothing because… would you look at that, this book barely bothered with any sports talk. Yay! In a more literal definition of the phrase, it turns out that the characters were too busy finding ways to get each other off instead. Look, I’m not even one of those, “this-sex-scene-served-no-narrative-purpose” people, but it is a little funny to think that if this book were a movie, about half of the content would probably be delegated to a 5-minute montage. Really though, I thought this book was nice. Well, not nice, because it was pretty sad. But like, good. I thought this book was good. It hits all the correct emotional beats and manages to make people care for a character who isn’t interested in being likable. But I have to admit that I often found myself reading this through a kind of haze (which is also how I wrote this review!), to where even when the book was at its saddest, I didn’t feel as invested in what was happening as I probably should have. Like, my brain knew I was supposed to be feeling all the feels, but I just wasn’t feeling it. And due to this fact, all the sad stuff at the end can be a little out of left field at points. Hey! That’s a sports term, maybe. It was almost like a speed-run of a John Green book. I've read a lot of his books, so I know the drill: bit of story, something snarky, something witty, something snarky, then something really tragic, then queue up The End. This approach really isn't a good or bad thing, it's just… a thing. To reiterate, I think this is a good book, but I’m afraid I’ll sound weirdly clinical when discussing it.
Moving on though, I’ve always been deeply unimpressed with all that “alpha-male” stuff (gym bros, “rise and grind,” "leave feelings at the door" bullshit, etc.), so it really wasn’t a surprise when I found that I wasn’t a huge fan of Mike. Unpleasant nature aside, he'd let some real petty shit ruin his day. Like, I thought I was petty, but this dude takes the cake. I mean, He criticizes the way Liam texts! Talking about how he should write in complete sentences and shit. No offense to people who do, but come on now, nobody texts like that. Mike might as well just write a soul-sucking email to him if it bothers him that much. Normally whenever characters are always complaining about how old they are, they don't actually seem that old... but nah, this guy was a regular old grandpa. Oh, I went off topic, sorry. But just recalling anything about him makes me roll my eyes. Super toxic, grunting, He-Man-types I can deal with, but I draw the line at pedants. Though… you know what? The weirdest thing happened after a while. Mike ended up fitting into the mold of my most hated character archetype so perfectly, that it actually kind of looped around back to me kind of enjoying him as a protagonist. Reading through the pages, the fact that he never once seemed interested in changing as a person became almost as admirable as it was sad. A lack of a character arc can often be just as impactful as someone who goes through a transformative journey. And that's definitely the case here. I’ve been reading a lot of romance recently (and not so recently), and it can sometimes feel like the main romantic pairing is always destined to end up together, no matter how many times the narrative seems to be telling us that they should stay away from each other. It's the How I Met Your Mother syndrome! The happy ending never feels earned, but because these stories are contrived such a particular way, we all know how it'll all end. Regardless of the chemistry. So it was actually a nice change of pace to read a book where the main couple’s standing with each other isn’t clearly defined, to us and the characters, for the bulk of the story. Mike and Liam reminded a little of Jimmy and Kim from Better Call Saul (my favorite show!) in that way; in love, but terribly afraid to say the words aloud. And just like how Jimmy and Kim don’t actually say “I love you” until a very pivotal moment in the show, Mike and Liam have to go through years of pining in order to get to that place of vulnerability and comfort with each other. Thankfully, in this story, it wasn’t too late for them.
Then afterwards we drop into a quiet little place and have a drink or two / And then I go and spoil it all by saying somethin' stupid like, "I love you" (Somethin’ Stupid – Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra).
Moving on though, I’ve always been deeply unimpressed with all that “alpha-male” stuff (gym bros, “rise and grind,” "leave feelings at the door" bullshit, etc.), so it really wasn’t a surprise when I found that I wasn’t a huge fan of Mike. Unpleasant nature aside, he'd let some real petty shit ruin his day. Like, I thought I was petty, but this dude takes the cake. I mean, He criticizes the way Liam texts! Talking about how he should write in complete sentences and shit. No offense to people who do, but come on now, nobody texts like that. Mike might as well just write a soul-sucking email to him if it bothers him that much. Normally whenever characters are always complaining about how old they are, they don't actually seem that old... but nah, this guy was a regular old grandpa. Oh, I went off topic, sorry. But just recalling anything about him makes me roll my eyes. Super toxic, grunting, He-Man-types I can deal with, but I draw the line at pedants. Though… you know what? The weirdest thing happened after a while. Mike ended up fitting into the mold of my most hated character archetype so perfectly, that it actually kind of looped around back to me kind of enjoying him as a protagonist. Reading through the pages, the fact that he never once seemed interested in changing as a person became almost as admirable as it was sad. A lack of a character arc can often be just as impactful as someone who goes through a transformative journey. And that's definitely the case here. I’ve been reading a lot of romance recently (and not so recently), and it can sometimes feel like the main romantic pairing is always destined to end up together, no matter how many times the narrative seems to be telling us that they should stay away from each other. It's the How I Met Your Mother syndrome! The happy ending never feels earned, but because these stories are contrived such a particular way, we all know how it'll all end. Regardless of the chemistry. So it was actually a nice change of pace to read a book where the main couple’s standing with each other isn’t clearly defined, to us and the characters, for the bulk of the story. Mike and Liam reminded a little of Jimmy and Kim from Better Call Saul (my favorite show!) in that way; in love, but terribly afraid to say the words aloud. And just like how Jimmy and Kim don’t actually say “I love you” until a very pivotal moment in the show, Mike and Liam have to go through years of pining in order to get to that place of vulnerability and comfort with each other. Thankfully, in this story, it wasn’t too late for them.
Then afterwards we drop into a quiet little place and have a drink or two / And then I go and spoil it all by saying somethin' stupid like, "I love you" (Somethin’ Stupid – Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra).
September 13, 2019
This is among the best books i have read this year, well that is until something comes along. The reason why i enjoyed this book is because i went in blind and enjoyed the experience.
Please!!! if you are not planning to read this book, KINDLY stop spoiling it for those who are going to read it. Give them a chance to experience this wonderful book on their own.
5++++++++ stars
Once in a while you come across a book like this that leaves you speechless.
Jan said; "Don't ask" she has a point. I am not telling.
Some will get it, some will not.
This is the story of MIKE AND LIAM.
Dear Author, more stories. Please.............
Please!!! if you are not planning to read this book, KINDLY stop spoiling it for those who are going to read it. Give them a chance to experience this wonderful book on their own.
5++++++++ stars
Once in a while you come across a book like this that leaves you speechless.
Jan said; "Don't ask" she has a point. I am not telling.
Some will get it, some will not.
This is the story of MIKE AND LIAM.
Dear Author, more stories. Please.............
November 3, 2019
***** 6 Stars *****
Don't ask.
1st read, 27 August 2019
2nd read, 16 September 2019
3rd read, 03 November 2019
Absolutely epic.
Don't ask.
1st read, 27 August 2019
2nd read, 16 September 2019
3rd read, 03 November 2019
Absolutely epic.
December 16, 2019
I want to save people from having a similar reading experience as me with Thrown Off the Ice which was, in a word, anxious. I had a hard time relaxing due to all the face leaking reviews but I want you to know, this is NOT A SAD BOOK!
It's all, excepting the last chapter, told from Mike's perspective and Mike is HILARIOUS. He deserves the crown of king of the grumps! He's sarcastic, witty, suffers no fools, minces no words and gets turned completely inside out by an impish 18 yr old rookie who is not taking 'no' for an answer.
Liam, I'm pretty sure, is made of teflon. His tenacity where a certain seasoned and MUCH LARGER enforcer is comedy gold.
Mike is both annoyed and charmed by this cheery and energetic noob who is 12 yrs his junior. Needless to say, Liam burrows in much to the chagrin of a certain grouchy bastard. I really think Mike sort of hates himself for getting attached to him, though it doesn't hurt that Liam has an ass that is "truly a work of art".
And, p.s., the sex was stellar. A little bit kinky and a whole lot naughty and delish complete with a virgin deflowering that was spectacular. Is there anything better than a loud bottom that gets wrecked out by a hard and in charge top? <----rhetorical question
Taylor Fitzpatrick took these two characters and fully fleshed them out over the course of 17 yrs. The character development blew me away simply because there's no artifice. They both evolve realistically and wormed their way into my psyche. But here's my disclaimer: I am a squishy marshmallow. Thus, these sorts of stories tend to hit me hard. Always have. Probably always will. But that will not stop me from reading or watching them.
The ending is inevitable and if you're a fan of contact sports, like I imagine the author is, it too is realistic and I applaud her for calling a spade a spade. There are no surprises. You know it's coming and only the last handful of pages tapped my feels.
Frankly, this is one of the best and most memorable love stories I've read in a while, so don't be like me and go into it expecting the worst or filled with anxiety. Enjoy it. Relish it. Savor it. Because stories like this don't come around all that often.
It's all, excepting the last chapter, told from Mike's perspective and Mike is HILARIOUS. He deserves the crown of king of the grumps! He's sarcastic, witty, suffers no fools, minces no words and gets turned completely inside out by an impish 18 yr old rookie who is not taking 'no' for an answer.
Liam, I'm pretty sure, is made of teflon. His tenacity where a certain seasoned and MUCH LARGER enforcer is comedy gold.
Mike is both annoyed and charmed by this cheery and energetic noob who is 12 yrs his junior. Needless to say, Liam burrows in much to the chagrin of a certain grouchy bastard. I really think Mike sort of hates himself for getting attached to him, though it doesn't hurt that Liam has an ass that is "truly a work of art".
And, p.s., the sex was stellar. A little bit kinky and a whole lot naughty and delish complete with a virgin deflowering that was spectacular. Is there anything better than a loud bottom that gets wrecked out by a hard and in charge top? <----rhetorical question
He has Liam, though, and maybe that's not much, maybe that's not enough, but in this moment, it suits him just fine.
Taylor Fitzpatrick took these two characters and fully fleshed them out over the course of 17 yrs. The character development blew me away simply because there's no artifice. They both evolve realistically and wormed their way into my psyche. But here's my disclaimer: I am a squishy marshmallow. Thus, these sorts of stories tend to hit me hard. Always have. Probably always will. But that will not stop me from reading or watching them.
The ending is inevitable and if you're a fan of contact sports, like I imagine the author is, it too is realistic and I applaud her for calling a spade a spade. There are no surprises. You know it's coming and only the last handful of pages tapped my feels.
Frankly, this is one of the best and most memorable love stories I've read in a while, so don't be like me and go into it expecting the worst or filled with anxiety. Enjoy it. Relish it. Savor it. Because stories like this don't come around all that often.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
This was more beautiful, and emotional, than I expected. The story and the writing. Loved it.
Thanks to all my GR friends who made sure this book would pop up on my update feed countless times a day!
Thanks to all my GR friends who made sure this book would pop up on my update feed countless times a day!
September 12, 2025
5 stars**
Re read September 2025
Re read September 2025
October 26, 2023
March 2023: I don't know why I ever expect subsequent reads of this to be less impactful or emotional. They're not.
---------------
I just finished my second read within 2 weeks, and thinking that another read would get this story "out of my system" was just delusional par excellence.
Thrown Off the Ice is unlike anything else, but it's not just its uniqueness that has made it so dear to me. It's an honest and raw love story, with an affective narrative voice and on-point character evolution.
I don't know exactly what I expected from this reread, but what I didn't expect was how unlike the experience would be from the first. Even more impactful (and I wouldn't have said that was possible). The story looks so different from a read-between-the-lines perspective. If that's too vague, I can't even be sorry. I've never felt more strongly that a book should be entered into blindly than I do here.
Mike and Liam, you have a permanent piece of my heart, and I will always come back to visit you.
---------------
First read:
This is one of those. One of those that I'm not capable of reviewing.
---------------
I just finished my second read within 2 weeks, and thinking that another read would get this story "out of my system" was just delusional par excellence.
Thrown Off the Ice is unlike anything else, but it's not just its uniqueness that has made it so dear to me. It's an honest and raw love story, with an affective narrative voice and on-point character evolution.
I don't know exactly what I expected from this reread, but what I didn't expect was how unlike the experience would be from the first. Even more impactful (and I wouldn't have said that was possible). The story looks so different from a read-between-the-lines perspective. If that's too vague, I can't even be sorry. I've never felt more strongly that a book should be entered into blindly than I do here.
Mike and Liam, you have a permanent piece of my heart, and I will always come back to visit you.
---------------
First read:
This is one of those. One of those that I'm not capable of reviewing.
September 15, 2019
It was two sentences that enticed me.
It was two words that sold me.
So I’ll throw my two cents in with two pictures....
Because things started out...with sex. But that was just the beginning.
It may have ignited the fire but love kept the coals burning.
And I held onto every word, every page, every chapter...
begging not to fall.
Wait!!! I lied...I have one more.
Mike. Since he tells us their story...
this is what I see when I think of him.
Is he sweating? Crying? Or melting? You decide....
This is NOT a romance.
But it IS a profoundly touching love story that made me laugh, sweat, cringe and cry.
It was two words that sold me.
So I’ll throw my two cents in with two pictures....
Because things started out...with sex. But that was just the beginning.
It may have ignited the fire but love kept the coals burning.
And I held onto every word, every page, every chapter...
begging not to fall.
Wait!!! I lied...I have one more.
Mike. Since he tells us their story...
this is what I see when I think of him.
Is he sweating? Crying? Or melting? You decide....
This is NOT a romance.
But it IS a profoundly touching love story that made me laugh, sweat, cringe and cry.
November 3, 2019
There are not enough - and more importantly no appropriate - words in this bloody world to describe what this book meant to me, so I won't even try.
One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read, that's for sure.
Thanks to everyone who put this book on my radar and to my BR partners in heartbreak, Nazanin, Christelle and Jan, and to our great supporters Jude and Shile! I couldn't have done this without you! ❤
September 12, 2019
I stayed up late reading this one, and just started an immediate reread. The main character's narrative voice is spot on, and the story rolls along with a glorious inevitability. I was captured, from the moment Mike, big, thirty-year-old defenseman enforcer on the Oilers, thinks "No, bad rookie!" at Liam, eighteen-year-old five-foot-eight talented center who is making it clear that what he wants most off the ice is Mike. There is humor and heat, understated love and pain, from the first meeting of veteran and rookie to the slow, wonderful, bittersweet ending.
Mike knows that Liam isn't right for him - too young, too innocent, too enthusiastic, and too talented to stay for long. Mike shouldn't put his hands on him. But Liam pushes and wheedles and pouts, and Mike doesn't actually want to say no. He's twice Liam's size. If he wanted to make his No stick, he could. Instead, he'll take what he can get, for however long it lasts, but he won't let Liam turn it into more than it is. No more than two guys having a good time together. Even if he hasn't looked at anyone else since the brash rookie walked into his personal space and refused to go.
This book follows these two men over many years, over Mike's fumbling attempts to do the right thing, and the slow build of a relationship that will last. Over Liam's journey from enthusiastic teenager to a strong adult man. Over the highs and lows of a life in professional sports. There are joys, and there is real sadness, all vivid despite (or perhaps because of) Mike's expletive-laden stoic understatement.
And as we reach the end, we're also asked to think about the toll that sports can take on the people who play them for our entertainment. It's not an easy topic to get a grip on, and of course it sits amid a wider topic of what responsibility we have to those who make our lives easier. From the slave and child labor that produces much of our big-brand chocolate, to the boxers whose job it is to entertain us by getting repeated, concussive head injuries, our fun comes on the back of risk and trauma to others.
So how do we mitigate harm? How far should we go? Football players get post-traumatic brain injury disorders at a high rate, with sometimes devastating consequences. We could make football into flag-football and eliminate almost all head trauma, at the price of changing the sport, and probably causing unemployment for 95% of today's players as the talent needed changes. We could outlaw quad jumps in figure skating and significantly reduce compression spinal fractures in male skaters.
Who makes that call? Should the players themselves decide on safety rules? If safety rules change the talent needed to succeed (eg. fast football players instead of big football players) would current players ever vote themselves out of a job? At the pro level, our male major sports stars are well paid for the risks they take - is that enough justification, or does the lure of a lift out of poverty induce kids at the lower levels to take on risks they shouldn't face, grabbing for that gold ring?
You don't have to work through those philosophical issues to enjoy this story. You can just take this slow ride along with Mike, loving the man and the way he faces the good and the bad as it comes to him. You can take the little fist to the heart at the end, and come out saying the love was worth the pain.
But the book ends with that difficult question, and it's worth some thought.
Mike knows that Liam isn't right for him - too young, too innocent, too enthusiastic, and too talented to stay for long. Mike shouldn't put his hands on him. But Liam pushes and wheedles and pouts, and Mike doesn't actually want to say no. He's twice Liam's size. If he wanted to make his No stick, he could. Instead, he'll take what he can get, for however long it lasts, but he won't let Liam turn it into more than it is. No more than two guys having a good time together. Even if he hasn't looked at anyone else since the brash rookie walked into his personal space and refused to go.
This book follows these two men over many years, over Mike's fumbling attempts to do the right thing, and the slow build of a relationship that will last. Over Liam's journey from enthusiastic teenager to a strong adult man. Over the highs and lows of a life in professional sports. There are joys, and there is real sadness, all vivid despite (or perhaps because of) Mike's expletive-laden stoic understatement.
And as we reach the end, we're also asked to think about the toll that sports can take on the people who play them for our entertainment. It's not an easy topic to get a grip on, and of course it sits amid a wider topic of what responsibility we have to those who make our lives easier. From the slave and child labor that produces much of our big-brand chocolate, to the boxers whose job it is to entertain us by getting repeated, concussive head injuries, our fun comes on the back of risk and trauma to others.
So how do we mitigate harm? How far should we go? Football players get post-traumatic brain injury disorders at a high rate, with sometimes devastating consequences. We could make football into flag-football and eliminate almost all head trauma, at the price of changing the sport, and probably causing unemployment for 95% of today's players as the talent needed changes. We could outlaw quad jumps in figure skating and significantly reduce compression spinal fractures in male skaters.
Who makes that call? Should the players themselves decide on safety rules? If safety rules change the talent needed to succeed (eg. fast football players instead of big football players) would current players ever vote themselves out of a job? At the pro level, our male major sports stars are well paid for the risks they take - is that enough justification, or does the lure of a lift out of poverty induce kids at the lower levels to take on risks they shouldn't face, grabbing for that gold ring?
You don't have to work through those philosophical issues to enjoy this story. You can just take this slow ride along with Mike, loving the man and the way he faces the good and the bad as it comes to him. You can take the little fist to the heart at the end, and come out saying the love was worth the pain.
But the book ends with that difficult question, and it's worth some thought.
April 2, 2024
***Possible spoilers ahead***
After, Liam’s sated and wrecked, his skin a map of where Mike’s been, what he’s spent time on, blotchy red from sucking bites and beard burn. He looks like Mike’s. It’ll fade.
I absolutely loved this. My favorite book I’ve read yet this year. The last time I remember crying this much over a book was Wolfsong by TJ Klune. Brash & brutal. Intense. Scorching hot. Honest. The narrator, Mike, wants us to know he’s a bad person. He wouldn’t believe you if you said otherwise. Take him or leave him. Liam, the love interest, is the only one able to break through the well constructed armor Mike has in place. Full of energy. Young. At the start of his hockey career. In Mike’s words, the fucking personification of sunshine. Everything Mike isn’t. He’s stubborn and unwilling to give up on Mike. On them. No matter what.
When you’re standing knee deep in shit, it’s stupid to act like you’re in a field of fucking daisies.
I’ve always been horrified when learning about the damage playing contact sports can do to someone’s brain. Such an important topic and not something discussed nearly enough. The Boston University CTE Center did a study in 2023 declaring that 91.7% of the former NFL players they studied (345 out of 376) have CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy which may occur when someone is subjected to repeated concussions, traumatic brain injuries and repetitive head impacts. 91.7%. How sad. How terrifying that is.
There are so many things he can’t have now, as big as hockey and small as going for a jog. He’d always dislike jogging. Boring low-impact bullshit. He has no fucking idea why he misses it.
This book devastated me completely. What a feat this was to take on and I believe Taylor did it masterfully. I’m so impressed. I’m so sad. I love them. I’m heartbroken. I’m so glad I found this one. What an epic love story. This evoked the feelings in me only my very favorite fan fictions have. Just one more page. Just one more page. Just one more page. Oh. I wish I hadn’t read further. I’m so so so sad. What a perfect book. I cherished every single page. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Mike wants him so much it hurts a little, but then, he always does, so it’s an ache he’s learned to live with.
A song that suits this book - I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers
Romanticize a quiet life / There’s no place like my room / But you had to go / I know, I know, I know / After a while you went quiet and I got mean / I’m always pushing you away from me / But you come back with gravity / And when I call, you come home / A bird in your teeth / So I gotta go / I know, I know, I know / Yeah, I guess the end is here
After, Liam’s sated and wrecked, his skin a map of where Mike’s been, what he’s spent time on, blotchy red from sucking bites and beard burn. He looks like Mike’s. It’ll fade.
I absolutely loved this. My favorite book I’ve read yet this year. The last time I remember crying this much over a book was Wolfsong by TJ Klune. Brash & brutal. Intense. Scorching hot. Honest. The narrator, Mike, wants us to know he’s a bad person. He wouldn’t believe you if you said otherwise. Take him or leave him. Liam, the love interest, is the only one able to break through the well constructed armor Mike has in place. Full of energy. Young. At the start of his hockey career. In Mike’s words, the fucking personification of sunshine. Everything Mike isn’t. He’s stubborn and unwilling to give up on Mike. On them. No matter what.
When you’re standing knee deep in shit, it’s stupid to act like you’re in a field of fucking daisies.
I’ve always been horrified when learning about the damage playing contact sports can do to someone’s brain. Such an important topic and not something discussed nearly enough. The Boston University CTE Center did a study in 2023 declaring that 91.7% of the former NFL players they studied (345 out of 376) have CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy which may occur when someone is subjected to repeated concussions, traumatic brain injuries and repetitive head impacts. 91.7%. How sad. How terrifying that is.
There are so many things he can’t have now, as big as hockey and small as going for a jog. He’d always dislike jogging. Boring low-impact bullshit. He has no fucking idea why he misses it.
This book devastated me completely. What a feat this was to take on and I believe Taylor did it masterfully. I’m so impressed. I’m so sad. I love them. I’m heartbroken. I’m so glad I found this one. What an epic love story. This evoked the feelings in me only my very favorite fan fictions have. Just one more page. Just one more page. Just one more page. Oh. I wish I hadn’t read further. I’m so so so sad. What a perfect book. I cherished every single page. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Mike wants him so much it hurts a little, but then, he always does, so it’s an ache he’s learned to live with.
A song that suits this book - I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers
Romanticize a quiet life / There’s no place like my room / But you had to go / I know, I know, I know / After a while you went quiet and I got mean / I’m always pushing you away from me / But you come back with gravity / And when I call, you come home / A bird in your teeth / So I gotta go / I know, I know, I know / Yeah, I guess the end is here
May 1, 2025
Fuck.
That's it.
***********
From Taylor’s universe
Thrown Off the Ice - 4.5 stars
Impaired Judgement - 4.75 stars
⇢ Fandom:
You Could Make a Life Wiki
That's it.
***********
From Taylor’s universe
Thrown Off the Ice - 4.5 stars
Impaired Judgement - 4.75 stars
⇢ Fandom:
You Could Make a Life Wiki
September 16, 2019
5 Stars
I’m just a girl, sitting in front of a computer, asking y’all to love this story as much as I do.
To all my fellow fluffy-romance readers, take heart: you will not only survive this story, but you will find it lifts you up and fills your heart with sooo much love.
Let Gloria Gaynor’s lyrics carry you forward:
“At first I was afraid, I was petrified…
Do you think I'd crumble…?
Oh no, not I, I will survive…”
I admit it. This story scared me. I am one of the softest, squishiest, gooiest readers. I NEED feel-good stories. Well, this story has some of the cutest feel-good moments I have read. I was smiling in sheer delight watching the large grumpy MC go totally soft for the smol sunshine MC. This is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and it is done to perfection here.
There is no sense in ignoring the Big Issue. Yes, you will probably cry, but as my wise Goodreads pal Annery advised me before diving into this story, “Don’t fear the tears.” This story is so much more than the Big Issue. It is funny, endearing, sexy, romantic, and touching all rolled up in a beautiful package.
Thank you to Optimist ♰King's Wench and Annery for writing such wonderful reviews and encouraging me to read this story. I wouldn’t have done it without your amazing recommendations, and I would have missed out on a remarkable story. This story and these characters will stay close to my heart.
Highly recommend.
I’m just a girl, sitting in front of a computer, asking y’all to love this story as much as I do.
To all my fellow fluffy-romance readers, take heart: you will not only survive this story, but you will find it lifts you up and fills your heart with sooo much love.
Let Gloria Gaynor’s lyrics carry you forward:
“At first I was afraid, I was petrified…
Do you think I'd crumble…?
Oh no, not I, I will survive…”
I admit it. This story scared me. I am one of the softest, squishiest, gooiest readers. I NEED feel-good stories. Well, this story has some of the cutest feel-good moments I have read. I was smiling in sheer delight watching the large grumpy MC go totally soft for the smol sunshine MC. This is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and it is done to perfection here.
There is no sense in ignoring the Big Issue. Yes, you will probably cry, but as my wise Goodreads pal Annery advised me before diving into this story, “Don’t fear the tears.” This story is so much more than the Big Issue. It is funny, endearing, sexy, romantic, and touching all rolled up in a beautiful package.
Thank you to Optimist ♰King's Wench and Annery for writing such wonderful reviews and encouraging me to read this story. I wouldn’t have done it without your amazing recommendations, and I would have missed out on a remarkable story. This story and these characters will stay close to my heart.
Highly recommend.
June 8, 2021
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this, because despite my best efforts to avoid spoilers, my feed was absolutely inundated with updates and reviews. I've never seen anything like it. It was as if this book took over Goodreads for a couple of weeks -- at least my little corner of Goodreads.
So I couldn't help but know this was going to be angstier than my usual jam. Yet between the allure of 1) that cover, 2) hockey players in love, and 3) my friends going absolutely gaga for it, I couldn't resist.
I really thought I had a handle on how the story was going to go, especially once I was a few chapters in. But damn if this book didn't surprise me at every turn. My expectations were repeatedly overturned. Every time I expected a zig I got a zag. Mike and Liam's story went in directions I never could have anticipated. At one point I turned the page and actually gasped out loud at what I found on the next page. What a delight it was to be so thoroughly confounded and upended. This book is very much its own thing, and doesn't follow any formula. And it's full of heart and humor and love. It's moving and memorable. I feel fortunate to have found it.
Four stars instead of five, though, because there's a particular thing I don't like to read about (in any book, not romance-specific), and I balked when it came up, which disengaged me a bit from the story at a crucial time. It's a very personal thing (not even my friends who know my reading preferences are aware of it), and isn't a reflection on the quality of the book.
Ugh, this review feels so inadequate -- please do yourself a favor and read Annery's, which is so much better.
I need to make a special call-out to thank my friend Moony -- she knows what for. 😘
So I couldn't help but know this was going to be angstier than my usual jam. Yet between the allure of 1) that cover, 2) hockey players in love, and 3) my friends going absolutely gaga for it, I couldn't resist.
I really thought I had a handle on how the story was going to go, especially once I was a few chapters in. But damn if this book didn't surprise me at every turn. My expectations were repeatedly overturned. Every time I expected a zig I got a zag. Mike and Liam's story went in directions I never could have anticipated. At one point I turned the page and actually gasped out loud at what I found on the next page. What a delight it was to be so thoroughly confounded and upended. This book is very much its own thing, and doesn't follow any formula. And it's full of heart and humor and love. It's moving and memorable. I feel fortunate to have found it.
Four stars instead of five, though, because there's a particular thing I don't like to read about (in any book, not romance-specific), and I balked when it came up, which disengaged me a bit from the story at a crucial time. It's a very personal thing (not even my friends who know my reading preferences are aware of it), and isn't a reflection on the quality of the book.
Ugh, this review feels so inadequate -- please do yourself a favor and read Annery's, which is so much better.
I need to make a special call-out to thank my friend Moony -- she knows what for. 😘
September 9, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
That hurt like an effing mofo, but I'm so glad Judith and Jan convinced me to read Mike and Liam's story. I loved every single word, even the ones that gutted me. The writing is absolutely superb, the feels, the laughs, the tears, the fantastically rich characters - perfection.
My best read of 2019 and probably will always be in my top 5 reads ...... ever. Simply phenomenal and worth every chuckle and tear, this one is worth more than all the stars.
I wish I could be more eloquent, but the feels (the next day) are still too much, and I'm so happy they got to tell their beautiful love story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
That hurt like an effing mofo, but I'm so glad Judith and Jan convinced me to read Mike and Liam's story. I loved every single word, even the ones that gutted me. The writing is absolutely superb, the feels, the laughs, the tears, the fantastically rich characters - perfection.
My best read of 2019 and probably will always be in my top 5 reads ...... ever. Simply phenomenal and worth every chuckle and tear, this one is worth more than all the stars.
I wish I could be more eloquent, but the feels (the next day) are still too much, and I'm so happy they got to tell their beautiful love story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 17, 2023
My only regret is that I didn’t read this sooner.
An unforgettable story, leaving me speechless and shattered.
I've had quite some time to think about how to give words to my thoughts about this book, and I can't help but feel like I'll have a hard time with that anyway, no matter how long I'll put off this review.
And honestly, reading other reviews, what else can I say that hasn't already been said?
I've had this book on my tbr since it was released in 2018 and tried to find the courage to read it ever since. Because I knew this book didn't end on a happy note. That this book had the potential to shatter me, to break my heart and who could guarantee me it would be put together again after that devastating experience?
I hardly cry at books, it's just something I don't do easily. There's only a hand full of books that have managed to do just that. On the other hand, I do get touched by a book quite often. And it's all the feelings that come with that, that make me love reading so much. I want to feel. I NEED to feel. Even when it's a low angst book I need feelings. It's what makes reading worth while. Characters that hold my attention, story's that are gripping and maybe even grab me by my throat. That's what the real good ones tend to do.
So what if this book would disappoint me in that matter? What if it wouldn't give me all the feelings I was expecting to feel? The longer I waited to read it, the higher my expectations became. And yes, I did read all these raving reviews, read how readers were heartbroken. And I really love Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing. But still...there have been books before that have been rated with many 5 star reviews that I didn't enjoy. I wanted to love this book! Maybe I even needed to love this book. I wanted to be devastated, I wanted to be left feeling like the world had shattered all around me.
So then I finally said to myself that this was the time to kick myself and stop being scared. Just read it already! And so I did.
And it was everything I wanted. It was everything I feared it would be, and at the same time needed it to be so badly. And you know what the weird thing is? I can't even explain why this book worked so well for me. Because I had been warned that Mike was a character that was hard to like and he was. He was grumpy, he wasn't encouraging Liam to even like him, let alone love him. On the contrary, he tried to drive him away multiple times. But while reading, I had a feeling I needed to look passed that. I needed to take the things he said with a grain of salt. Because what came out of his mouth, wasn't what he really wanted to say. So why couldn't he give words to what he felt, just tell Liam what he meant to him. That he didn't want him to go, that he wanted him to move in with him. Oh yes, he made it happen anyway, but every question, every attempt of being nice was always followed up by something insulting or a cover up for his real feelings. Why?
It isn't exactly explained, we don't get to know Mike that well. But there are a few hints. About how his father left him and his family. So maybe that was a reason for him to not believe in love anymore. Maybe it was a reason for him to protect himself, to not be vulnerable by falling in love with someone. I think it's a plausible explanation. He was never looking for love. Sex was all he really wanted. But Liam couldn't just keep away. Liam loved him anyway.
What I found quite surprising in this matter was that first summer they were spending apart from one another. When Mike didn't want to hook up because of Liam, but Liam did. As a reader, you should think it would be the other way around. It's these little things that tell you much more about Mike than whole paragraphs of soul searching could.
And Liam...I was thinking that we all need a Liam in our lives. A fresh breath of air, youthfully energetic, just going after what he wants and accepting the consequences when he does.
I loved how he wasn't afraid to be honest with Mike and still knew he wouldn't really lose him. Yes, they are on and off throughout the story, but I think Liam always knew they would be together again, and that there would come a time where there would be no breaking up again. That they belonged together. Infinity. And I'm sure Mike knew that too.
I felt so much for Mike when he got sick. When his life crumbled into a life he never wanted for himself. When the 4 walls of his home were suffocating him, imprisoning him, and even within these walls he couldn't be how he wanted to be. Everytime a little piece of him is taken away. Everytime he has to accept that the things that gave him joy, were taken away from him. I understand that at this point he didn't want Liam to take care of him. It's a hard thing to process and accept that you eventually will be needing someone's help to get through the day at the age of barely 35. That takes a lot of time. And maybe some people never get there. So it was a good thing Liam was so consistent, so set to be there for Mike, no matter what.
It's specially this last chapter (which is the only chapter we get from Liam's pov) that is heartbreaking. There is so much love there. So much anger too. But it's undoubtedly a love letter to Mike, and it's the most beautiful one.
Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing is different from most authors. There's not a lot of dialogue, but she still manages to write in a very touching way, making me feel so much! There's also some humor, there's the typical hockey banter, likable secondary characters as well. But Mike's and Liam's love story is just written so beautifully, these men got under my skin very deeply and I doubt if they will ever leave. It's been a while since I finished this book and I haven't been able to finish another book since. I don't know if Thrown off the ice is the exact reason for that, but it's certainly something new to me. One thing is certain, and that is that Mike and Liam will always be there in the back of my mind, as will this book. It's unforgettable and as devastating as I might have felt right after finishing it, I can't say I won't be reading it again. I guess pain and heartbreak is something I really need every now and then.
An unforgettable story, leaving me speechless and shattered.
I've had quite some time to think about how to give words to my thoughts about this book, and I can't help but feel like I'll have a hard time with that anyway, no matter how long I'll put off this review.
And honestly, reading other reviews, what else can I say that hasn't already been said?
I've had this book on my tbr since it was released in 2018 and tried to find the courage to read it ever since. Because I knew this book didn't end on a happy note. That this book had the potential to shatter me, to break my heart and who could guarantee me it would be put together again after that devastating experience?
I hardly cry at books, it's just something I don't do easily. There's only a hand full of books that have managed to do just that. On the other hand, I do get touched by a book quite often. And it's all the feelings that come with that, that make me love reading so much. I want to feel. I NEED to feel. Even when it's a low angst book I need feelings. It's what makes reading worth while. Characters that hold my attention, story's that are gripping and maybe even grab me by my throat. That's what the real good ones tend to do.
So what if this book would disappoint me in that matter? What if it wouldn't give me all the feelings I was expecting to feel? The longer I waited to read it, the higher my expectations became. And yes, I did read all these raving reviews, read how readers were heartbroken. And I really love Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing. But still...there have been books before that have been rated with many 5 star reviews that I didn't enjoy. I wanted to love this book! Maybe I even needed to love this book. I wanted to be devastated, I wanted to be left feeling like the world had shattered all around me.
So then I finally said to myself that this was the time to kick myself and stop being scared. Just read it already! And so I did.
And it was everything I wanted. It was everything I feared it would be, and at the same time needed it to be so badly. And you know what the weird thing is? I can't even explain why this book worked so well for me. Because I had been warned that Mike was a character that was hard to like and he was. He was grumpy, he wasn't encouraging Liam to even like him, let alone love him. On the contrary, he tried to drive him away multiple times. But while reading, I had a feeling I needed to look passed that. I needed to take the things he said with a grain of salt. Because what came out of his mouth, wasn't what he really wanted to say. So why couldn't he give words to what he felt, just tell Liam what he meant to him. That he didn't want him to go, that he wanted him to move in with him. Oh yes, he made it happen anyway, but every question, every attempt of being nice was always followed up by something insulting or a cover up for his real feelings. Why?
It isn't exactly explained, we don't get to know Mike that well. But there are a few hints. About how his father left him and his family. So maybe that was a reason for him to not believe in love anymore. Maybe it was a reason for him to protect himself, to not be vulnerable by falling in love with someone. I think it's a plausible explanation. He was never looking for love. Sex was all he really wanted. But Liam couldn't just keep away. Liam loved him anyway.
What I found quite surprising in this matter was that first summer they were spending apart from one another. When Mike didn't want to hook up because of Liam, but Liam did. As a reader, you should think it would be the other way around. It's these little things that tell you much more about Mike than whole paragraphs of soul searching could.
And Liam...I was thinking that we all need a Liam in our lives. A fresh breath of air, youthfully energetic, just going after what he wants and accepting the consequences when he does.
I loved how he wasn't afraid to be honest with Mike and still knew he wouldn't really lose him. Yes, they are on and off throughout the story, but I think Liam always knew they would be together again, and that there would come a time where there would be no breaking up again. That they belonged together. Infinity. And I'm sure Mike knew that too.
I felt so much for Mike when he got sick. When his life crumbled into a life he never wanted for himself. When the 4 walls of his home were suffocating him, imprisoning him, and even within these walls he couldn't be how he wanted to be. Everytime a little piece of him is taken away. Everytime he has to accept that the things that gave him joy, were taken away from him. I understand that at this point he didn't want Liam to take care of him. It's a hard thing to process and accept that you eventually will be needing someone's help to get through the day at the age of barely 35. That takes a lot of time. And maybe some people never get there. So it was a good thing Liam was so consistent, so set to be there for Mike, no matter what.
It's specially this last chapter (which is the only chapter we get from Liam's pov) that is heartbreaking. There is so much love there. So much anger too. But it's undoubtedly a love letter to Mike, and it's the most beautiful one.
Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing is different from most authors. There's not a lot of dialogue, but she still manages to write in a very touching way, making me feel so much! There's also some humor, there's the typical hockey banter, likable secondary characters as well. But Mike's and Liam's love story is just written so beautifully, these men got under my skin very deeply and I doubt if they will ever leave. It's been a while since I finished this book and I haven't been able to finish another book since. I don't know if Thrown off the ice is the exact reason for that, but it's certainly something new to me. One thing is certain, and that is that Mike and Liam will always be there in the back of my mind, as will this book. It's unforgettable and as devastating as I might have felt right after finishing it, I can't say I won't be reading it again. I guess pain and heartbreak is something I really need every now and then.
September 16, 2019
No one grows up dreaming of being an enforcer.
What's this, another m/m hockey romance that gets five stars from me? Am I becoming predictable? Well, no. Because nothing about this book was expected.
"Why can't I just stay with you?"
"Because I'm not a fucking lunatic. And I would become one if I had to deal with you all the fucking time."
"I'm here all the time anyway."
"And I'm already one day away from killing you."
Starting with that summary : short and to the point, right? Sure, but no. But it does set up a certain expectation. The same one I had when I decided to fit in a "novella"-ish length story for the end of my night, not wanting to pick up something full length, something I thought would be happy times, or sexy uncomplicated hockey times, and, hahahahaha. I probably should've known better considering the two GR buddies who had both recently read it, and also rated it five stars, love the stuff that hurts.
Mike can't help but want to shake some of that innocence out of him, knows he's awful because all he wants to do is get Fitzgerald on a bed and make him fucking cry.
And wow did this hurt.
"You remind me of that guy from Twilight."
"You read Twilight, Tom?"
"Don't need to, know all I have to. Old sulky dude obsessed with a teenager and being angsty about it. Sound about right?"
As I write this review I have tears drying on my face and a twisted stomach left over from crying as long as I did. Probably some snot smeared around, too, let's be real. Because for all that the age gap shenanigans between the effervescent rookie and the grumpy, reluctant, veteran enforcer, that made me laugh; for all the non-relationship and romantic angst, and push and pull that hurts, that you ache over; you won't be prepared for where this story goes. And even if you see it coming, I challenge you to not be made a mess by it.
"I'm not tiny. I'm concentrated."
"That's what they’re calling it now?"
This is a book I will absolutely read again, to hell with the heartache, and that is why it gets full stars from me. It's sexy as hell, it's funny, and I loved these frustrating and ridiculous characters. The only thing almost as devastating as parts of this book is knowing this author only has one other book in her backlist. Am I going to be reading it sooner rather than later anyway? Yes.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
What's this, another m/m hockey romance that gets five stars from me? Am I becoming predictable? Well, no. Because nothing about this book was expected.
"Why can't I just stay with you?"
"Because I'm not a fucking lunatic. And I would become one if I had to deal with you all the fucking time."
"I'm here all the time anyway."
"And I'm already one day away from killing you."
Starting with that summary : short and to the point, right? Sure, but no. But it does set up a certain expectation. The same one I had when I decided to fit in a "novella"-ish length story for the end of my night, not wanting to pick up something full length, something I thought would be happy times, or sexy uncomplicated hockey times, and, hahahahaha. I probably should've known better considering the two GR buddies who had both recently read it, and also rated it five stars, love the stuff that hurts.
Mike can't help but want to shake some of that innocence out of him, knows he's awful because all he wants to do is get Fitzgerald on a bed and make him fucking cry.
And wow did this hurt.
"You remind me of that guy from Twilight."
"You read Twilight, Tom?"
"Don't need to, know all I have to. Old sulky dude obsessed with a teenager and being angsty about it. Sound about right?"
As I write this review I have tears drying on my face and a twisted stomach left over from crying as long as I did. Probably some snot smeared around, too, let's be real. Because for all that the age gap shenanigans between the effervescent rookie and the grumpy, reluctant, veteran enforcer, that made me laugh; for all the non-relationship and romantic angst, and push and pull that hurts, that you ache over; you won't be prepared for where this story goes. And even if you see it coming, I challenge you to not be made a mess by it.
"I'm not tiny. I'm concentrated."
"That's what they’re calling it now?"
This is a book I will absolutely read again, to hell with the heartache, and that is why it gets full stars from me. It's sexy as hell, it's funny, and I loved these frustrating and ridiculous characters. The only thing almost as devastating as parts of this book is knowing this author only has one other book in her backlist. Am I going to be reading it sooner rather than later anyway? Yes.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
March 11, 2021
finished this book a few days ago now, and i still keep thinking of random passages or the characters and getting teary eyed.
easily one of the best queer romance books i've ever read.
easily one of the best queer romance books i've ever read.
June 19, 2024
WHAT A STORY!!! WHAT A WRITER!!
OMG!! 😱!! This is me right now after finishing the book: 😭😭😭😭
It was so gloriously alive in the way it was written! The style was quick, slick and to the point. Just like a hockey game. It flowed and then it hit you. The writing left me breathless at times, but never enough to set this book down!! ❤️❤️
This is a story of how one 18 year old rookie and a 31 year old enforcer fall for each other. It’s the story of how Liam refuses to let growly enforcer Mike be. It’s a story of Mike trying to push Liam away, but Liam refusing to be moved.
This is a story of physical pain. Of the pain on the ice. Of the pain between the sheets 🔥🔥🔥! And man are these two hot!! And it’s the story of pain after hockey goes away and the “after” comes and haunts them both.
This story can only end in one way. The guys had their HFN during the course of the story—even if Mike was too stubborn to admit it. But this story ends how it’s supposed to end and there’s nothing to do but cry. CRY FAT UGLY TEARS. And then cry because the story you just finished is so innately real and wonderful and FRESH and you revel in the fact that FINALLY! Finally,I hear a distinct new voice in this genre I love so Much!
And now, all I want to do it read it over again so I can remember and laugh—because did I ever laugh during this book!!
Read it. It’s not to be missed!!!
OMG!! 😱!! This is me right now after finishing the book: 😭😭😭😭
It was so gloriously alive in the way it was written! The style was quick, slick and to the point. Just like a hockey game. It flowed and then it hit you. The writing left me breathless at times, but never enough to set this book down!! ❤️❤️
This is a story of how one 18 year old rookie and a 31 year old enforcer fall for each other. It’s the story of how Liam refuses to let growly enforcer Mike be. It’s a story of Mike trying to push Liam away, but Liam refusing to be moved.
This is a story of physical pain. Of the pain on the ice. Of the pain between the sheets 🔥🔥🔥! And man are these two hot!! And it’s the story of pain after hockey goes away and the “after” comes and haunts them both.
This story can only end in one way. The guys had their HFN during the course of the story—even if Mike was too stubborn to admit it. But this story ends how it’s supposed to end and there’s nothing to do but cry. CRY FAT UGLY TEARS. And then cry because the story you just finished is so innately real and wonderful and FRESH and you revel in the fact that FINALLY! Finally,I hear a distinct new voice in this genre I love so Much!
And now, all I want to do it read it over again so I can remember and laugh—because did I ever laugh during this book!!
Read it. It’s not to be missed!!!
July 23, 2023
There's something about this book... it makes me fall in love with Mike and Liam over and over again. I don't think I'll ever get tired of rereading it.
It's magical, really, how the author captures the essence of Mike. How he thinks, how he talks. What he does vs what he says. Such a MAN.
I wish TF wrote more books like this. SHe's a good writer, but none of her other works compare to this one.
All time favorite sports romance!
UPDATE: 6th read or somesuch:
This is by far my fave hockey romance book of all time, ever and ever, amen.
It's not your typical HEA. I'm not sure you can call it happy at all. But it's soooo real, sooo many feels!!
And in my earlier reviews I said I didn't love Liam as much. I take it back. Only Liam could have loved Mike the way he has. The way Mike deserves. To never give up on Mike no matter how he pushes Liam away (always supposedly for his own good, and bc Mike never feels he deserves Liam).
I even forgive Liam for the summer fling when he was 18/19. Mike didn't commit to anything. He verbalizes nothing, not even "I love you," for the entire 17 years they've known and loved each other. We as readers know how MUCH Mike loves Liam, but he's never said the words, and only someone like Liam, so in tune with Mike, can understand that. Accept that. Not push for more.
Because everything ounce of love Mike has in him to give, he's giving to Liam in his own way. And somehow, Liam being much more patient and psychic than the rest of us, he gets it. He doesn't need the words.
And in a strange way, if this book ended in a HEA like these books typically do, and written in a diff way, maybe with first person dual POV, I don't think it would have been nearly as impactful, left such a big impression.
I love the sort of distanced first but 3rd person POV, because that's how Mike is. He's distanced himself even from his own thoughts and deepest heart's desires. It suits his POV perfectly. I LOVE his POV.
I can keep on gushing... the sex in the first half. Phew! LOVE it! Wish Taylor F would write more of it! But this book is apparently the outlier not the norm, damn it.
I could keep on re-reading this book over the years, I know I'll never tire of it. I love this couple so!
UPDATE: 2nd read:
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK!
It is my fave by this author and my fave hockey book ever. No other book of hers or anyone else's can compare. I've read pretty much all of her other books bc of this book and have been disappointed. The writing and character development are always great, but the other books always lacked romance/ sex.
This book has it all. And my fave fave fave man's man Mike. I love it so much after I read it again in one sitting I went back and read parts of it AGAIN!
I love everything about it. Love Mike POV. How you feel what he feels without anyone, most of all himself, ever talking about those feelings. I'm sad about what happens, and yet so happy that Mike's had true love in his life, the life of a modern day warrior.
It's poignant and real. And I wish this author would write more like this book.
**************************************************************************
First review:
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
And definitely the best hockey book I've read, and I've read many. Very real. Behind the scenes. Not just superficial. This author knows her subject.
And I paid for it. Not cheap for a short <300 pg book either ($5.99+tax). But I still loved it. Totally worth the $. Which is not something you hear often from me.
Some reviews I read made me a little afraid to begin. Sounds like one of the MCs - Mike - won't admit or say he loves the other MC - Liam. Sounded like a high angst, potentially depressing book. And question mark on HEA. All kinds of tear-shedding is what I read. Then I also read about readers saying "no cheating" but that always sounds like there's more context, otherwise why mention to defend? So I was trepeditious. I was expecting something like cheating...
*** SPOILERS AHEAD***
The love story and it IS a love story -- is told in 3rd person present tense, which is rather strange. Not a combo I normally read. It's really told from a first-person perspective pretending to be 3rd person. For all of the book except epilogue, it's really Mike's POV being told.
I LOVE MIKE. Hands down LOVE this guy.
We don't actually know what Mike looks like other than 6'3", 220-250 lbs. Went gray in his 30s at the temples.
My fave type of Hero - few words, brooding, man's man, speaks with actions not so much words, deeply loyal and feeling, vulnerable but pretends to be tough (and he really is, but really he's vulnerable), doesn't think he's good enough for his true love bc when he loves, he wants the BEST for his love, and he doesn't think he's that.
Reminds me of pretty much all my fave heroes in my fave series, in particular GOYA, who doesn't say a single word in the whole book! (as an extreme).
A lot of readers said they were disappointed by ONE thing which is Mike never verbally expresses his love for Liam. But I don't mind AT ALL. See above. The whole point is that Mike is one of those males who expresses through actions. Never, since laying eyes on Liam, has Mike even kissed another person. Not once in all the years, including some they've been apart and also of course when Liam is traveling all the time. He's had opportunity. He had plenty of sex before Liam. NOT ONCE. That's just ONE of the many ways he shows how much he loves Liam. I can go on...
BUT. There is cheating. Let's be clear. My definition of cheating is after the MCs fall in love, what happens. No one has to announce any sort of relationship, but if one or both is in love, then what? With that said, Liam has had 2 bfs in between his bouts with Mike. But the context is that in both cases, Mike did not indicate any sort of relationship and even purposely pushed him away. So, I can't blame Liam and I didn't feel nauseated as I usually do when there's "cheating" involved. It helps that I never read the details of Liam's other brief flings, bc it's from Mike POV, and thankfully, he doesn't have the details. He does KNOW about both of these, and the first one (BJ only, no penetration) really messed him up, not that he allows himself to wallow. But you can FEEL how hurt he is. Because from pretty much 20% in you KNOW how much Mike loves Liam, whether he likes it or not.
And he didn't dwell on the end fling Liam had either. It must be even harder bc he's totally in love by then, his career ended, his health deteriorating, and the love of his life has a new bf... So I can only imagine.
All that is to say, I don't need words from Mike to indicate his love for Liam. And Liam doesn't either, which is most important. Liam knows.
So Liam. I really like him too, even love him, but I love Mike more. I forgive him for the 19 year old BJ BF he had over the summer between Mike, and the second one after Mike firmly pushed him away, but there are aspects of Liam that make me love him less - he's extremely loving and devoted to Mike, but at the same time, Mike is a lot more unselfish. Liam should have known about Mike's health - when Mike pushed him away the 2nd time, it was clear what Mike was suffering even tho he tried to hide it. Liam should have sensed it. He should have put himself in Mike's shoes and tried harder. To "abandon" Mike when he needed Liam the most... and also have a new bf... I just felt like Mike loves him MORE. And I wish Liam would have loved him in the same unselfish devoted way.
That being said, Liam has done A LOT for Mike. And toward the end he put his entire career on the line to do what's right for Mike (or get him to do it) - so that tenacity based on love came through.
I could go on...
But you can prob tell I LOVE THIS STORY!
And I will be reading more by this author for sure. (tho now the bar is set very high...)
Update: the other books are not tempting, damn it! I will have to further investigate...
It's magical, really, how the author captures the essence of Mike. How he thinks, how he talks. What he does vs what he says. Such a MAN.
I wish TF wrote more books like this. SHe's a good writer, but none of her other works compare to this one.
All time favorite sports romance!
UPDATE: 6th read or somesuch:
This is by far my fave hockey romance book of all time, ever and ever, amen.
It's not your typical HEA. I'm not sure you can call it happy at all. But it's soooo real, sooo many feels!!
And in my earlier reviews I said I didn't love Liam as much. I take it back. Only Liam could have loved Mike the way he has. The way Mike deserves. To never give up on Mike no matter how he pushes Liam away (always supposedly for his own good, and bc Mike never feels he deserves Liam).
I even forgive Liam for the summer fling when he was 18/19. Mike didn't commit to anything. He verbalizes nothing, not even "I love you," for the entire 17 years they've known and loved each other. We as readers know how MUCH Mike loves Liam, but he's never said the words, and only someone like Liam, so in tune with Mike, can understand that. Accept that. Not push for more.
Because everything ounce of love Mike has in him to give, he's giving to Liam in his own way. And somehow, Liam being much more patient and psychic than the rest of us, he gets it. He doesn't need the words.
And in a strange way, if this book ended in a HEA like these books typically do, and written in a diff way, maybe with first person dual POV, I don't think it would have been nearly as impactful, left such a big impression.
I love the sort of distanced first but 3rd person POV, because that's how Mike is. He's distanced himself even from his own thoughts and deepest heart's desires. It suits his POV perfectly. I LOVE his POV.
I can keep on gushing... the sex in the first half. Phew! LOVE it! Wish Taylor F would write more of it! But this book is apparently the outlier not the norm, damn it.
I could keep on re-reading this book over the years, I know I'll never tire of it. I love this couple so!
UPDATE: 2nd read:
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK!
It is my fave by this author and my fave hockey book ever. No other book of hers or anyone else's can compare. I've read pretty much all of her other books bc of this book and have been disappointed. The writing and character development are always great, but the other books always lacked romance/ sex.
This book has it all. And my fave fave fave man's man Mike. I love it so much after I read it again in one sitting I went back and read parts of it AGAIN!
I love everything about it. Love Mike POV. How you feel what he feels without anyone, most of all himself, ever talking about those feelings. I'm sad about what happens, and yet so happy that Mike's had true love in his life, the life of a modern day warrior.
It's poignant and real. And I wish this author would write more like this book.
**************************************************************************
First review:
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
And definitely the best hockey book I've read, and I've read many. Very real. Behind the scenes. Not just superficial. This author knows her subject.
And I paid for it. Not cheap for a short <300 pg book either ($5.99+tax). But I still loved it. Totally worth the $. Which is not something you hear often from me.
Some reviews I read made me a little afraid to begin. Sounds like one of the MCs - Mike - won't admit or say he loves the other MC - Liam. Sounded like a high angst, potentially depressing book. And question mark on HEA. All kinds of tear-shedding is what I read. Then I also read about readers saying "no cheating" but that always sounds like there's more context, otherwise why mention to defend? So I was trepeditious. I was expecting something like cheating...
*** SPOILERS AHEAD***
The love story and it IS a love story -- is told in 3rd person present tense, which is rather strange. Not a combo I normally read. It's really told from a first-person perspective pretending to be 3rd person. For all of the book except epilogue, it's really Mike's POV being told.
I LOVE MIKE. Hands down LOVE this guy.
We don't actually know what Mike looks like other than 6'3", 220-250 lbs. Went gray in his 30s at the temples.
My fave type of Hero - few words, brooding, man's man, speaks with actions not so much words, deeply loyal and feeling, vulnerable but pretends to be tough (and he really is, but really he's vulnerable), doesn't think he's good enough for his true love bc when he loves, he wants the BEST for his love, and he doesn't think he's that.
Reminds me of pretty much all my fave heroes in my fave series, in particular GOYA, who doesn't say a single word in the whole book! (as an extreme).
A lot of readers said they were disappointed by ONE thing which is Mike never verbally expresses his love for Liam. But I don't mind AT ALL. See above. The whole point is that Mike is one of those males who expresses through actions. Never, since laying eyes on Liam, has Mike even kissed another person. Not once in all the years, including some they've been apart and also of course when Liam is traveling all the time. He's had opportunity. He had plenty of sex before Liam. NOT ONCE. That's just ONE of the many ways he shows how much he loves Liam. I can go on...
BUT. There is cheating. Let's be clear. My definition of cheating is after the MCs fall in love, what happens. No one has to announce any sort of relationship, but if one or both is in love, then what? With that said, Liam has had 2 bfs in between his bouts with Mike. But the context is that in both cases, Mike did not indicate any sort of relationship and even purposely pushed him away. So, I can't blame Liam and I didn't feel nauseated as I usually do when there's "cheating" involved. It helps that I never read the details of Liam's other brief flings, bc it's from Mike POV, and thankfully, he doesn't have the details. He does KNOW about both of these, and the first one (BJ only, no penetration) really messed him up, not that he allows himself to wallow. But you can FEEL how hurt he is. Because from pretty much 20% in you KNOW how much Mike loves Liam, whether he likes it or not.
And he didn't dwell on the end fling Liam had either. It must be even harder bc he's totally in love by then, his career ended, his health deteriorating, and the love of his life has a new bf... So I can only imagine.
All that is to say, I don't need words from Mike to indicate his love for Liam. And Liam doesn't either, which is most important. Liam knows.
So Liam. I really like him too, even love him, but I love Mike more. I forgive him for the 19 year old BJ BF he had over the summer between Mike, and the second one after Mike firmly pushed him away, but there are aspects of Liam that make me love him less - he's extremely loving and devoted to Mike, but at the same time, Mike is a lot more unselfish. Liam should have known about Mike's health - when Mike pushed him away the 2nd time, it was clear what Mike was suffering even tho he tried to hide it. Liam should have sensed it. He should have put himself in Mike's shoes and tried harder. To "abandon" Mike when he needed Liam the most... and also have a new bf... I just felt like Mike loves him MORE. And I wish Liam would have loved him in the same unselfish devoted way.
That being said, Liam has done A LOT for Mike. And toward the end he put his entire career on the line to do what's right for Mike (or get him to do it) - so that tenacity based on love came through.
I could go on...
But you can prob tell I LOVE THIS STORY!
And I will be reading more by this author for sure. (tho now the bar is set very high...)
Update: the other books are not tempting, damn it! I will have to further investigate...
September 12, 2019
One of the best books I've read in years. Definitely the best book I've read so far this year. It's 5++++ stars from me.
I didn't know anything about it going in & I think that's the best way to read it. You need to experience the wide range of emotions it will bring.
It took me a chapter or two to get used to the writing style (if you read fanfic you won't have an issue). I also wasn't sure about Mike at first. He's a complicated man and it took me longer to warm up to him than Liam. I think it was a great choice though to tell this story from Mike's pov. Liam was a joy from his first scene in the book and every scene after.
The story is funny, adorable, sexy, intense and in places gut wrenching. You will laugh. You will cry. (Probably more than once). This is not a traditional romance but it is an incredibly beautiful love story. I'm SO glad I read this and got to meet Liam and Mike . It was a pleasure to go through their journey with them. I highly recommend this book.
I didn't know anything about it going in & I think that's the best way to read it. You need to experience the wide range of emotions it will bring.
It took me a chapter or two to get used to the writing style (if you read fanfic you won't have an issue). I also wasn't sure about Mike at first. He's a complicated man and it took me longer to warm up to him than Liam. I think it was a great choice though to tell this story from Mike's pov. Liam was a joy from his first scene in the book and every scene after.
The story is funny, adorable, sexy, intense and in places gut wrenching. You will laugh. You will cry. (Probably more than once). This is not a traditional romance but it is an incredibly beautiful love story. I'm SO glad I read this and got to meet Liam and Mike . It was a pleasure to go through their journey with them. I highly recommend this book.
September 26, 2019
First of all I want to thank Laxmama and Jan for digging this book out of whatever hole it was hiding in since it was published almost a year ago. For the past three weeks it had dominated my feed in the likes that I've only seen for The Silver Cord. Then to Moony and Shile for messaging me to drop everything and read it asap.
So I started with high expectations, and boy-oh-boy were my expectations delivered. One of the best books I've read this year.
This is not a hockey MM romance, not some Heated Rivalry cousin, but something more superior. It is the life story of two athletes that fell in love. A story about two stubborn characters, each in his own way, more different than night and day, that somehow found a way to make their relationship work, despite their challenges.
I loved it also because it had a message for all athletes out there.
The writing style felt strange at first, then grew on me until I fell in love with it completely.
These are all the words I have in me at the moment.
Fully recommended!
So I started with high expectations, and boy-oh-boy were my expectations delivered. One of the best books I've read this year.
This is not a hockey MM romance, not some Heated Rivalry cousin, but something more superior. It is the life story of two athletes that fell in love. A story about two stubborn characters, each in his own way, more different than night and day, that somehow found a way to make their relationship work, despite their challenges.
I loved it also because it had a message for all athletes out there.
The writing style felt strange at first, then grew on me until I fell in love with it completely.
These are all the words I have in me at the moment.
Fully recommended!
November 7, 2019
Goddamn this book!
It's one of my favorites now and I'll never forget it... <3
It's one of my favorites now and I'll never forget it... <3
July 2, 2024
Reread: July 2024
My heart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔💔💔
Initial read: November 2020Wow. This book. My heart. So many feelings. I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said without spoiling the book. Don’t read the spoilers. Don’t be afraid.
Liam is 18 when they meet. A sweet happy teenager who falls in love. A super talented rookie, with his whole life and career ahead.
“When I was eighteen years old, I fell in love for the first and only time.”
Mike is a 30 yo enforcer. Already on his way out. A difficult man, sometimes an asshole, sometimes not. He keeps trying to push the rookie away. For his own good.
“Mike beats the shit out of people for a living. And there’s Liam Fitzgerald, flirting with him like it’s a good idea.”
It’s a beautiful love story, that spans over several years. Life is not easy. Neither is this book. But it’s so beautiful.
“I love you so fucking much, he doesn’t say, but he thinks it so goddamn hard he’s pretty sure Liam hears it anyway.”
My heart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔💔💔
Initial read: November 2020Wow. This book. My heart. So many feelings. I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said without spoiling the book. Don’t read the spoilers. Don’t be afraid.
Liam is 18 when they meet. A sweet happy teenager who falls in love. A super talented rookie, with his whole life and career ahead.
“When I was eighteen years old, I fell in love for the first and only time.”
Mike is a 30 yo enforcer. Already on his way out. A difficult man, sometimes an asshole, sometimes not. He keeps trying to push the rookie away. For his own good.
“Mike beats the shit out of people for a living. And there’s Liam Fitzgerald, flirting with him like it’s a good idea.”
It’s a beautiful love story, that spans over several years. Life is not easy. Neither is this book. But it’s so beautiful.
“I love you so fucking much, he doesn’t say, but he thinks it so goddamn hard he’s pretty sure Liam hears it anyway.”
September 20, 2019
A couple of weeks ago I started seeing this book popping up in my feed, all raving stars. Quite frankly I was already a goner for the cover, it has a certain pop art appeal that's unusual in romance. My mistake was starting it late on Friday night. I got a chapter in and knew I was in the hands of an author with heft and an original voice. I also felt an immediate kinship with Mike. What I forgot was that weekends are generally filled with RL activities. I've never hated a weekend so much. Finally this afternoon was all mine and was able to dive in and finish. I'm so glad I read this and yet I wish it would've gone on forever. My bones are still aching from the raw beauty of this story.
The particulars are irrelevant, but if you must know it's about 6'4" Mike Brouwer, professional NHL enforcer, and Liam Fitzgerald, who at 5'8", is one the smallest players in the league. They meet when Mike is 30, on the tail end of his career, and Liam is an 18 y.o. rookie with lots of promise. What follows is a LOVE story in the real sense of the word. One devoid of the usual romance window dressing, sometimes raw, never sugary, but always authentic. Taylor Fitzpatrick refuses to follow genre conventions or follow the beats of generic romance. This is a story that will linger in my veins, and which has had my eyes brimming with tears, even as I write this.
I can honestly recommend it to anyone. Good writing, realistic storytelling, and characters who burrow deep under your skin, it's an embarrassment of riches. Absolutely one of the best romances I've ever read. Full stop.
The particulars are irrelevant, but if you must know it's about 6'4" Mike Brouwer, professional NHL enforcer, and Liam Fitzgerald, who at 5'8", is one the smallest players in the league. They meet when Mike is 30, on the tail end of his career, and Liam is an 18 y.o. rookie with lots of promise. What follows is a LOVE story in the real sense of the word. One devoid of the usual romance window dressing, sometimes raw, never sugary, but always authentic. Taylor Fitzpatrick refuses to follow genre conventions or follow the beats of generic romance. This is a story that will linger in my veins, and which has had my eyes brimming with tears, even as I write this.
I can honestly recommend it to anyone. Good writing, realistic storytelling, and characters who burrow deep under your skin, it's an embarrassment of riches. Absolutely one of the best romances I've ever read. Full stop.
May 18, 2021
I love you so much, he doesn't say, but he thinks it so goddamn hard he's pretty sure Liam hears it anyway.
I honestly don't know what to feel anymore. I don't know how to write this review. I feel like to me there's this heavy thing sitting on my chest right now as I type this review. I knew things are coming when I was reading it and I just thought I was ready for it when in reality I was far from ready. Is this the best mm romance that I have read? Maybe. I don't know. How can I say that this book is my top read when it brought so much pain to me? A 22 year old guy shouldn't be feeling this and yet I'm swimming in it. This is a story about an eighteen year old rookie in a hockey team named Liam who falls hard for his teammate/enforcer, Mike. It was love at first sight for Liam and I thought it was ridiculous in the beginning. Liam is literally Mike's shadow but at the same time he can't shrug him off because according to him he's kinda cute. I love their banter and this push and pull relationship that they have.
Liam's lower lip juts out.
"Are you actually pouting at me?" Mike asks.
He is. He's fucking pouting at him.
"Are you five?" Mike asks.
Liam's pout intensifies.
This book is not for the brave-hearted. Funny how I don't like sports romances but my best reads for this year includes this and Bauer's The Jock. I just want the earth swallow me at this moment. I think I need a break.
December 22, 2020
Just finished and I’m equally awed and gutted. Starting a second read straightaway. This is one of the best and most compelling life stories I have read. Proper review to follow after the reread.
*** Updated on October 19th
It took me a month to reread Taylor Fitzpatrick's Thrown Off the Ice. After rushing through the story the first time around, my second time in the company of Mike Brouwer and Liam Fitzgerald was all about enjoying each line, word and change in the book, already knowing the facts and outcome of their story.
Thrown Off the Ice is not a happy book. Even without giving away details of its plot (and you should really embrace this novel as blind to the story as possible), But, at the same time, Thrown Off the Ice is not a sad book either, for the sheer warmth and humanity of its story and characters will plant a little seed in your heart and mind that will stay there long after reaching the final word in the book.
Mike and Liam meet, play together as teammates, and fall in love (no matter how hard Mike can fight against the notion). What ensues is, to put it simply, life. Good and bad moments, passion and arguments, breakfasts shared together, separations and little moments of domesticity populate the novel's pages to form a tapestry that is even more beautiful for being absolutely real and believable.
Mike is an 'emotionally constipated', stubborn and closed-off hockey enforcer facing the wrong end of his career when his life is taken by storm by the whirlwind of energy, optimism and obstinate commitment that is Liam Fitzgerald - 12 years his junior, still a teenager at the beginning of the novel but so honest and intense that not falling for him is simply impossible.
Mike is the main focus and POV in the novel, and he's definitely one of the most loveable 'unloveable' characters I've ever come across. I just love Mike to bits, I cannot help myself. My second read, however, really made me empathise an awful lot with Liam and his predicament. I just couldn't see the full extent of his heart the first time around. But 'it's a dumb fucking thing to underestimate Liam Fitzgerald' and now I know better than doing just that.
There are novels that touch you not just because they have great characters or because they're written in such a fabulous way that no line and no word are ever wasted (and you can rest assured that Thrown Off the Ice has all those things), but they also have a way to burrow somewhere into your mind and conscience. Perhaps because they call back to some personal experience or some unsaid fear, but once they find their way into you, they just stay there, unshakeable and strong as a hockey enforcer.
For me, this book is just that and I couldn't recommend this remarkable novel highly enough.
***edit*** The Italian edition of the novel, which I’ve had the honour and pleasure to translate, is available with the title In fuorigioco.
*** Updated on October 19th
It took me a month to reread Taylor Fitzpatrick's Thrown Off the Ice. After rushing through the story the first time around, my second time in the company of Mike Brouwer and Liam Fitzgerald was all about enjoying each line, word and change in the book, already knowing the facts and outcome of their story.
Thrown Off the Ice is not a happy book. Even without giving away details of its plot (and you should really embrace this novel as blind to the story as possible), But, at the same time, Thrown Off the Ice is not a sad book either, for the sheer warmth and humanity of its story and characters will plant a little seed in your heart and mind that will stay there long after reaching the final word in the book.
Mike and Liam meet, play together as teammates, and fall in love (no matter how hard Mike can fight against the notion). What ensues is, to put it simply, life. Good and bad moments, passion and arguments, breakfasts shared together, separations and little moments of domesticity populate the novel's pages to form a tapestry that is even more beautiful for being absolutely real and believable.
Mike is an 'emotionally constipated', stubborn and closed-off hockey enforcer facing the wrong end of his career when his life is taken by storm by the whirlwind of energy, optimism and obstinate commitment that is Liam Fitzgerald - 12 years his junior, still a teenager at the beginning of the novel but so honest and intense that not falling for him is simply impossible.
Mike is the main focus and POV in the novel, and he's definitely one of the most loveable 'unloveable' characters I've ever come across. I just love Mike to bits, I cannot help myself. My second read, however, really made me empathise an awful lot with Liam and his predicament. I just couldn't see the full extent of his heart the first time around. But 'it's a dumb fucking thing to underestimate Liam Fitzgerald' and now I know better than doing just that.
There are novels that touch you not just because they have great characters or because they're written in such a fabulous way that no line and no word are ever wasted (and you can rest assured that Thrown Off the Ice has all those things), but they also have a way to burrow somewhere into your mind and conscience. Perhaps because they call back to some personal experience or some unsaid fear, but once they find their way into you, they just stay there, unshakeable and strong as a hockey enforcer.
For me, this book is just that and I couldn't recommend this remarkable novel highly enough.
***edit*** The Italian edition of the novel, which I’ve had the honour and pleasure to translate, is available with the title In fuorigioco.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,156 reviews