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Enforcing Emory
Olympic figure skater Emory Lowe falls in lust the moment he lays eyes on his new neighbor, hockey player Nikolai Vetrov. On the surface, Nik is a typical badass enforcer, intimidating and dangerous, on and off the ice. The only son of Ukrainian immigrants, Nik has been groomed from childhood to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing him in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Igor guides his son toward that goal with a controlling—and oftentimes abusive—hand, steering him clear of anyone who might ruin his chances. Although Emory is the US National Figure Skating champion, he’s in-your-face gay, and his audacious persona rubs Nik and his family the wrong way. Raised by supporting and loving parents, Emory is Nik’s polar opposite in every way but one—his desire to succeed. Underneath the feather boa, glitter, and makeup beats the heart of a fierce competitor, and this side of Emory’s personality begins to close the distance between the two athletes. While the attraction is one-sided in the beginning, Nik finds himself responding to Emory’s flirting. But before the incongruous pair have a chance at any sort of relationship, they must survive the pressure of career, separation, and most importantly, Igor’s ruthless homophobia.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2015
19 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 31, 2015
The idea of a flamboyant figure skater and badass enforcer hockey player getting it on makes me all kinds of hot under the (metaphorical) collar.
Throw in a Slavic MC, and I'm pretty much ringing that bell!
The opposites attract theme worked well here, and there was enough steam (gay first-timer + two butt-sex virgins = FUCK YES!) to make me happy.
Enforcing Emory is YA/NA (lots of parental involvement, and Emory lives with his family), but contains adult themes.
Nik drove me crazy with his SUCK-MY-DICK-BUT-I'M-NOT-GAY denial. I get that he was deeply in the closet and scared of his own shadow since his dad is a crazy Ukrainian homophobe. Even so, I felt like he was using Emory (not that Emory was complaining).
Let me insert this public service announcement: Not all Slavs are homophobes, people.
But Nik's dad is one of a kind, and the homophobia in this book is melodrama central.
And then there's Emory's dad, the kind racist who hates "foreigners," calls Russians (BTW, Ukrainians are NOT Russians!) "commies," and thinks all jobs should go to good ol' Americans, etc.
But he's a nice guy who supports his gay son and finally takes Nik under his wing. Give the man a cigar.
I enjoyed the second part of the book (minus the cray-cray that was Nik's dad, of course) better than the first. Once Nik stopped pushing Emory away, they were damn cute and sexy together
Even though the beginning dragged and there were a few WTH? moments, I felt the HEA.
Throw in a Slavic MC, and I'm pretty much ringing that bell!
The opposites attract theme worked well here, and there was enough steam (gay first-timer + two butt-sex virgins = FUCK YES!) to make me happy.
Enforcing Emory is YA/NA (lots of parental involvement, and Emory lives with his family), but contains adult themes.
Nik drove me crazy with his SUCK-MY-DICK-BUT-I'M-NOT-GAY denial. I get that he was deeply in the closet and scared of his own shadow since his dad is a crazy Ukrainian homophobe. Even so, I felt like he was using Emory (not that Emory was complaining).
Let me insert this public service announcement: Not all Slavs are homophobes, people.
But Nik's dad is one of a kind, and the homophobia in this book is melodrama central.
And then there's Emory's dad, the kind racist who hates "foreigners," calls Russians (BTW, Ukrainians are NOT Russians!) "commies," and thinks all jobs should go to good ol' Americans, etc.
But he's a nice guy who supports his gay son and finally takes Nik under his wing. Give the man a cigar.
I enjoyed the second part of the book (minus the cray-cray that was Nik's dad, of course) better than the first. Once Nik stopped pushing Emory away, they were damn cute and sexy together
Even though the beginning dragged and there were a few WTH? moments, I felt the HEA.
July 27, 2015
4.5
Delicious.
This was a lovely little sports romance, very Cutting Edge with a figure skater and a hockey player. I will say that it got off to a rough start for me but action ramped up quite quickly and I loved it.
Emory is cheeky and I loved his bold love of life and dedication to his sport. He exasperates his father but there's a solid foundation of support and love there. This is in direct contrast to Nik's upbringing. He's drowning under the expectations and abuse his father puts on him. It was lovely to see him spread his wings a bit once he was on his own and away from his family. I enjoyed reading how Emory's family basically just adopted him. Very sweet.
There was an interesting dynamic between Nik and Emory's father Tom. The relationship which started out rough developed into a protective father/son one that I really enjoyed reading. Nik deserved that support from Emory's family.
There's a lot of back and forth between Emory and Nik. Great chemistry both on and off the ice and I liked that there were hints of both sports but the story wasn't dominated by them. At its core it's about these young men being influenced by each other, grounding each other...growing and changing and falling in love. Love is hard work but they're athletes and that's second nature to them.
The story gets very intense when Nik's father Igor finds out his son is gay. Scary intense. Maybe a bit over the top but I ate it up with a spoon. This read had a great story with strong personalities both the main and secondary characters. The build-up of the relationship is tense and funny and sexy. I had a blast with this read and I'm going to go look for more from this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Delicious.
This was a lovely little sports romance, very Cutting Edge with a figure skater and a hockey player. I will say that it got off to a rough start for me but action ramped up quite quickly and I loved it.
Emory is cheeky and I loved his bold love of life and dedication to his sport. He exasperates his father but there's a solid foundation of support and love there. This is in direct contrast to Nik's upbringing. He's drowning under the expectations and abuse his father puts on him. It was lovely to see him spread his wings a bit once he was on his own and away from his family. I enjoyed reading how Emory's family basically just adopted him. Very sweet.
There was an interesting dynamic between Nik and Emory's father Tom. The relationship which started out rough developed into a protective father/son one that I really enjoyed reading. Nik deserved that support from Emory's family.
There's a lot of back and forth between Emory and Nik. Great chemistry both on and off the ice and I liked that there were hints of both sports but the story wasn't dominated by them. At its core it's about these young men being influenced by each other, grounding each other...growing and changing and falling in love. Love is hard work but they're athletes and that's second nature to them.
The story gets very intense when Nik's father Igor finds out his son is gay. Scary intense. Maybe a bit over the top but I ate it up with a spoon. This read had a great story with strong personalities both the main and secondary characters. The build-up of the relationship is tense and funny and sexy. I had a blast with this read and I'm going to go look for more from this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Read
September 21, 2016I 'm not going to rate this, I think it would be unfair since after 40% of the book I kept skimming and skimming. And skimming.
I had many issues with this story. Now that I think about it everything in it was an issue.
-Homophobia is number one excuse for angst in MM, I agree. But man...it was just too much. Nik's family, gay rights and homophobia in Russia, gay bashing, unfair figure-skating judging ...And on top of all this, there is racism of all kinds.
"If ya gotta be gay, pick some white boy to do the nasty with.”
“He’s white.”
“I meant American!”
Say what?
- The fathers.
Emory's dad, the "gay- friendly bigot" as Emory calls him. I'm sure he is supposed to be the nice guy here, protective of Emory and in the end supportive of Nik. I still didn't like him.
As for Nik's dad, I can't decide if he's just an abusive, bigoted asshole or a psychopath. I'm leaning towards the second. So yeah, the dads pissed me off. And I certainly didn't need their POV!
-I could maybe overlook all the above if the romance was at least something to write home about. It wasn't. Emory's insistence to have sex with Nik even when he knew Nik was in a relationship grated on my nerves. The "I love you" came out of nowhere and generally I felt zero connection between them.
So yeah, no rating:(
June 19, 2015
DNF 73%
This nothing more than a thinly veiled hate-fest directed at Russians. No thank you. If the author had kept it directed at Russian leadership and not dragged it into the ridiculous, it might have worked for me.
EDIT: I returned the book to the online retailer as I refuse to support the author.
This nothing more than a thinly veiled hate-fest directed at Russians. No thank you. If the author had kept it directed at Russian leadership and not dragged it into the ridiculous, it might have worked for me.
EDIT: I returned the book to the online retailer as I refuse to support the author.
Read
June 16, 2015Didn't like the writing style or the characters. I DNFed early on.
January 13, 2016
2.3 stars. I was surprised that this book didn't work for me. I like insta-love, gay-for-you or coming-out-for-you, MCs that are hockey players or figure skaters, bratty, self-confident bottoms... But I did not like Nik, and it's always a problem when you don't care for one of the MCs. I liked Emory, but I didn't love him, which I guess wasn't enough to offset my dislike of Nik. And I did not feel the heat between the two. I also felt like the sex was written by someone who did not have a good grasp of how to write sex scenes between men. Finally, except for Zack, Nik's coach, and Emory's siblings, the secondary characters were meh.
June 27, 2015
“If I’m a fruit loop, Nik Vetrov, then you’re the cream that could keep me afloat. We’re a good fit, you and I, and might have a nice life together if you’d just pull up your big-boy pants."
June 7, 2015
Ms Ashling scores on and off the ice with this complex story. Emory and Nik are wonderful. The dichotomy between their families is a sad statement but acceptance is constantly improving. Well written and neatly paced, this story is Ms Ashling at the top of her game.
Want to read
May 3, 2015Blurb = :)
Cover = :/
Cover = :/
February 15, 2018
Mickie B. Ashling always comes up with the most imaginative and interesting plots, and Enforcing Emory is one of her best - add in a little hockey and I’m there! This is such a creative story with characters who are completely engaging. In addition to the entertaining and well researched passages on both figure skating and hockey, the romance is hot as hell! I haven’t enjoyed a story this much in a long time and with the Winter Olympics coming up, the timing for me couldn’t be more perfect.
Enforcing Emory is delightful from beginning to end. Between the exciting sports scenes and all the family drama there are several important messages that resonate with me. Like the idea of being true to yourself but maintaining a balance and considering others’, along with tolerance and acceptance of our fellow humans; both ring through loud and clear without being preachy.
Eighteen-year-old US National Figure Skating Champion, Emory Lowe is gearing up for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Irritated because he garners more attention for his over the top outfits and flamboyant moves on the ice than for his skill and talent, Emory balks at suggestions he “tone it down” since the games are being held in Sochi, Russia; where the laws against same sex relationships and blatant homophobia could be dangerous to Emory’s safety as well as overshadow his achievements in figure skating. But Emory can’t let this opportunity to raise awareness of human rights pass him by.
When AHL Enforcer, Nikolai Vetrov moves in across the street, Emory is immediately attracted and as soon as he gets an inkling that Nik returns his interest, the rest is history. Emory’s patient, sweet seduction is hot as hell and he’s determined to show Nik how amazing sex between two guys can be.
The son of Ukrainian immigrants, Nik’s family moved to North America so he could pursue a professional hockey career. Nik has grown up in a homophobic and bigoted household with an alcoholic father who rules with an iron fist, the complete opposite to Emory’s own dad’s unwavering support and acceptance. Both sets of parents have given up so much for their sons’ dreams, and the drama surrounding the families is one of the most interesting parts of this story.
Ashling does intense, low-angst relationships better than anyone I know and this is a sweet and passionate romance that hits all my buttons: first timers, virgin, out for you, and smoking hot sex scenes, what’s not to love! The chemistry between these two is just incredible.
John Solo’s narration always brings Mickie B. Ashling’s characters to life and he digs deep to deliver a stellar performance in Enforcing Emory. Between all the accents, variety in the ages, and challenging female characters, Solo really shows off his incredible talent. This is a very entertaining story made even more enjoyable as an audiobook.
Enforcing Emory is delightful from beginning to end. Between the exciting sports scenes and all the family drama there are several important messages that resonate with me. Like the idea of being true to yourself but maintaining a balance and considering others’, along with tolerance and acceptance of our fellow humans; both ring through loud and clear without being preachy.
Eighteen-year-old US National Figure Skating Champion, Emory Lowe is gearing up for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Irritated because he garners more attention for his over the top outfits and flamboyant moves on the ice than for his skill and talent, Emory balks at suggestions he “tone it down” since the games are being held in Sochi, Russia; where the laws against same sex relationships and blatant homophobia could be dangerous to Emory’s safety as well as overshadow his achievements in figure skating. But Emory can’t let this opportunity to raise awareness of human rights pass him by.
When AHL Enforcer, Nikolai Vetrov moves in across the street, Emory is immediately attracted and as soon as he gets an inkling that Nik returns his interest, the rest is history. Emory’s patient, sweet seduction is hot as hell and he’s determined to show Nik how amazing sex between two guys can be.
The son of Ukrainian immigrants, Nik’s family moved to North America so he could pursue a professional hockey career. Nik has grown up in a homophobic and bigoted household with an alcoholic father who rules with an iron fist, the complete opposite to Emory’s own dad’s unwavering support and acceptance. Both sets of parents have given up so much for their sons’ dreams, and the drama surrounding the families is one of the most interesting parts of this story.
Ashling does intense, low-angst relationships better than anyone I know and this is a sweet and passionate romance that hits all my buttons: first timers, virgin, out for you, and smoking hot sex scenes, what’s not to love! The chemistry between these two is just incredible.
John Solo’s narration always brings Mickie B. Ashling’s characters to life and he digs deep to deliver a stellar performance in Enforcing Emory. Between all the accents, variety in the ages, and challenging female characters, Solo really shows off his incredible talent. This is a very entertaining story made even more enjoyable as an audiobook.
June 9, 2015
To celebrate the release of Enforcing Emory Mickie B. Ashling stopped by On Top Down Under Book Reviews with a great excerpt!
Full review can be found at -
This is a nice opposites attract story. Emory is a flamboyant figure skater who will soon be competing in the Olympics in Sochi. Nik is a Ukrainian up-and-coming hockey player who just accepted a position on a team in Chicago. When Nik moves in across the street from Emory's family, there's instant lust for Emory, but Nik is straight, right? Well, maybe not.
There is quite a bit of homophobia and family drama in this story. While I found parts to be a bit over the top, it was still an entertaining read. It takes a little while for Nik to finally come to terms with his feelings for another man. He's been groomed his entire life to do everything according to his father and his father's ways. Falling in love with Emory - who is in the public eye - could hurt Nik, not only if his hockey team isn't gay friendly, but it could also hurt him (in more ways than one) with his family.
Overall, a nice read. I loved Emory from the start, though he did have a few moments that had me shaking my head. As for Nik, it took a little while to warm up to him but when I did, I ended up really liking him.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review can be found at -
This is a nice opposites attract story. Emory is a flamboyant figure skater who will soon be competing in the Olympics in Sochi. Nik is a Ukrainian up-and-coming hockey player who just accepted a position on a team in Chicago. When Nik moves in across the street from Emory's family, there's instant lust for Emory, but Nik is straight, right? Well, maybe not.
There is quite a bit of homophobia and family drama in this story. While I found parts to be a bit over the top, it was still an entertaining read. It takes a little while for Nik to finally come to terms with his feelings for another man. He's been groomed his entire life to do everything according to his father and his father's ways. Falling in love with Emory - who is in the public eye - could hurt Nik, not only if his hockey team isn't gay friendly, but it could also hurt him (in more ways than one) with his family.
Overall, a nice read. I loved Emory from the start, though he did have a few moments that had me shaking my head. As for Nik, it took a little while to warm up to him but when I did, I ended up really liking him.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 27, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Emory Lowe is such a soft and beautiful person from the very beginning of this story that you cannot help but fall for him. Out and proud, his family are his biggest supporters and he has never felt the need to hide who he is or tone down his flamboyance as he has never seen the ugly side of homophobia or had it directed at him. That ugliness arrives on his doorstep as new neighbours move in across the street.
It’s heart-breaking to watch Emory have to discover and acknowledge that such hatred exists.
Thankfully Igor won’t be living across the street from Emory and his family, he is only there to drop his son, Nik, who is an ice hockey player off in his new home. He will then take himself back to Canada but not before trying to threaten his son into submission.
Nik is only 20 years old but his entire life has been planned with military precision by his father since the moment of his birth. His father’s ways and ideas are non-negotiable and if he ever voices his opinion he is quickly met with violence. Living on his own for the first time, able to start making decisions for himself brings a massive change to Nik, and although terrified for his own safety and of those who are around him, he slowly starts to find out who he really is.
Nik isn’t gay. Nik can’t be gay. Nik even thinking he may be gay is enough to get him killed. So why is he so taken with Emory? What is it about his neighbour that makes his pulse beat faster? That makes him smile? For all these facts Nik and Emory fall into a pretty easy relationship but there is always a dark cloud hanging over them in the form of Igor and his threats.
For all the darkness and brutality that Igor’s character brings to the story Emory’s father Tom brings the exact opposite. He is fun, loving and supportive and although there is a reason from his past that might make him act the way he does, he is inherently a good person and he showers his son, and later Nik, with acceptance and love. He was the perfect counterpart to Igor giving both the boys strength and solid advice. He is a true champion in Emory’s life.
This story has some pretty bleak moments, it doesn’t skate over the very real damage that homophobia presents or the damage it can cause. It’s a story of first love, of finding out about who you really are and the importance of controlling your own life and loving who you want instead of who you should.
Emory Lowe is such a soft and beautiful person from the very beginning of this story that you cannot help but fall for him. Out and proud, his family are his biggest supporters and he has never felt the need to hide who he is or tone down his flamboyance as he has never seen the ugly side of homophobia or had it directed at him. That ugliness arrives on his doorstep as new neighbours move in across the street.
It’s heart-breaking to watch Emory have to discover and acknowledge that such hatred exists.
Thankfully Igor won’t be living across the street from Emory and his family, he is only there to drop his son, Nik, who is an ice hockey player off in his new home. He will then take himself back to Canada but not before trying to threaten his son into submission.
Nik is only 20 years old but his entire life has been planned with military precision by his father since the moment of his birth. His father’s ways and ideas are non-negotiable and if he ever voices his opinion he is quickly met with violence. Living on his own for the first time, able to start making decisions for himself brings a massive change to Nik, and although terrified for his own safety and of those who are around him, he slowly starts to find out who he really is.
Nik isn’t gay. Nik can’t be gay. Nik even thinking he may be gay is enough to get him killed. So why is he so taken with Emory? What is it about his neighbour that makes his pulse beat faster? That makes him smile? For all these facts Nik and Emory fall into a pretty easy relationship but there is always a dark cloud hanging over them in the form of Igor and his threats.
For all the darkness and brutality that Igor’s character brings to the story Emory’s father Tom brings the exact opposite. He is fun, loving and supportive and although there is a reason from his past that might make him act the way he does, he is inherently a good person and he showers his son, and later Nik, with acceptance and love. He was the perfect counterpart to Igor giving both the boys strength and solid advice. He is a true champion in Emory’s life.
This story has some pretty bleak moments, it doesn’t skate over the very real damage that homophobia presents or the damage it can cause. It’s a story of first love, of finding out about who you really are and the importance of controlling your own life and loving who you want instead of who you should.
Want to read
May 29, 2015Stop by for the blog tour excerpt and giveaway May 29th - June 10th, 2015 http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
November 19, 2021
4 for more ! Stars!
I have been needing this.. a good hockey romance even if its got a little instalove and some improbability. Set around the 2008 Sochi Olympics, Emory is going as the American rep in Men's Ice Skating. Flamboyant isn't the word to describe his style.. more peacock than swan.
Nik is a new addition to the the AHL hockey team called the Wolves as an enforcer. From the Ukraine, he comes from the Canadian teams & trying for the NHL. He moves in across the street from Emory and his family and meets him the first day.
The problem is Nik's dad is a major homophobe and does some evil stuff...
I really enjoyed this book and it will go down as a fave in the MM Hockey genre for me.
I have been needing this.. a good hockey romance even if its got a little instalove and some improbability. Set around the 2008 Sochi Olympics, Emory is going as the American rep in Men's Ice Skating. Flamboyant isn't the word to describe his style.. more peacock than swan.
Nik is a new addition to the the AHL hockey team called the Wolves as an enforcer. From the Ukraine, he comes from the Canadian teams & trying for the NHL. He moves in across the street from Emory and his family and meets him the first day.
The problem is Nik's dad is a major homophobe and does some evil stuff...
I really enjoyed this book and it will go down as a fave in the MM Hockey genre for me.
June 5, 2015
I can’t seem to wipe the smile from my lips as I write this review on Mickie B. Ashling’s latest, ‘Enforcing Emory’. I adored this tension-ridden story of romance between two top-league ice skaters from different sides of the skating rink. Threaded with wonderful details of the competitive worlds of figure skating and hockey, this real-time romance is packed with hotness. The visceral heat of sublime sex as the two young men carefully explore their budding attraction, and the fire of fury as the rising stars courageously confront the challenges of old world bigotry and modern prejudice. Great pacing, excellent descriptive writing, and sweet and stark climatic moments made for an exhilarating story that had me cheering these two lovers on…and smiling…still smiling.
Graceful, surefooted ice dancer Emory Lowe is on the fast track to Olympic gold when Ukrainian hockey player Nikolai moves in next door. Openly gay and known for his flamboyant skating style, Emory is immediately attracted to his hot neighbor, but a sociable visit reveals that not only is Nikolai straight, he’s firmly under the thumb of his homophobic father. Disappointed, Emory tries to accept that friendship may be all he can expect from his new neighbor, but a few more visits with the gorgeous Ukrainian has Emory certain sparks of interest are shooting from hockey player’s smoldering blue eyes. Is it possible that Nikolai is gay?
After settling their son in his new apartment, Nikolai’s family returns to Canada but not before Nik’s father repeatedly warns him to stay away from the “poofter” next door. Alone and worried about his new job as the enforcer for the Chicago Wolves, the barely twenty-year-old Nik finds the Lowe family’s warm invitations to join them for dinner difficult to resist…and Emory’s captivating charm even more so. Initially Nikolai chalks up his response to Emory’s open flirtations to missing his longtime fiancée, but soon he can’t deny that what he feels for Emory goes far beyond admiration for the plucky figure skater’s dynamic skating skills.
I found much to love about this story and its charismatic lead characters. Emory made for one cute but determined figure skating champ. This character was an excellent portrayal of how inner strength coupled with genuine support can produce spectacular drive, confidence, and self-reliance in an individual. Emory’s ability to keep his focus on his sport despite all the distractions thrown his way added to the realism of this story and shed a bright light on what it takes to truly be a champion. While Emory wouldn’t let Nikolai ignore their attraction, he did not smother him either, which made Emory even more lovable to me. Nikolai, I believe, is responsible for my biggest smile. His ordeal through the story was truly heartwrenching, but the courage he displayed when he confronted his sexuality and chose to come out despite the possible loss of his family was truly inspiring.
This is why I love Mickie B. Ashling’s works; I can’t help but feel deeply for her characters and come away inspired. Also—I’ve said this before and I’ll repeat it here—this author has a winning way of weaving information on her subject,in this case the figure skating, hockey and bigotry, in a manner that it adds to the story and enhances the romance between its characters. To my mind, her works also encourage the reader to recognize that the LGBTQ community has come far in its struggle for equality, but the struggle is not over…or perhaps that with compassion and support we can all transcend the challenges we face in our daily lives. All that inspiration and a helluva romance story make for another captivating winner!
Thank you, Mickie B. Ashling, keep ‘em coming, please.
“Ice-melting Heat & Heart-melting Courage = Inspiring Romance!”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Graceful, surefooted ice dancer Emory Lowe is on the fast track to Olympic gold when Ukrainian hockey player Nikolai moves in next door. Openly gay and known for his flamboyant skating style, Emory is immediately attracted to his hot neighbor, but a sociable visit reveals that not only is Nikolai straight, he’s firmly under the thumb of his homophobic father. Disappointed, Emory tries to accept that friendship may be all he can expect from his new neighbor, but a few more visits with the gorgeous Ukrainian has Emory certain sparks of interest are shooting from hockey player’s smoldering blue eyes. Is it possible that Nikolai is gay?
After settling their son in his new apartment, Nikolai’s family returns to Canada but not before Nik’s father repeatedly warns him to stay away from the “poofter” next door. Alone and worried about his new job as the enforcer for the Chicago Wolves, the barely twenty-year-old Nik finds the Lowe family’s warm invitations to join them for dinner difficult to resist…and Emory’s captivating charm even more so. Initially Nikolai chalks up his response to Emory’s open flirtations to missing his longtime fiancée, but soon he can’t deny that what he feels for Emory goes far beyond admiration for the plucky figure skater’s dynamic skating skills.
I found much to love about this story and its charismatic lead characters. Emory made for one cute but determined figure skating champ. This character was an excellent portrayal of how inner strength coupled with genuine support can produce spectacular drive, confidence, and self-reliance in an individual. Emory’s ability to keep his focus on his sport despite all the distractions thrown his way added to the realism of this story and shed a bright light on what it takes to truly be a champion. While Emory wouldn’t let Nikolai ignore their attraction, he did not smother him either, which made Emory even more lovable to me. Nikolai, I believe, is responsible for my biggest smile. His ordeal through the story was truly heartwrenching, but the courage he displayed when he confronted his sexuality and chose to come out despite the possible loss of his family was truly inspiring.
This is why I love Mickie B. Ashling’s works; I can’t help but feel deeply for her characters and come away inspired. Also—I’ve said this before and I’ll repeat it here—this author has a winning way of weaving information on her subject,in this case the figure skating, hockey and bigotry, in a manner that it adds to the story and enhances the romance between its characters. To my mind, her works also encourage the reader to recognize that the LGBTQ community has come far in its struggle for equality, but the struggle is not over…or perhaps that with compassion and support we can all transcend the challenges we face in our daily lives. All that inspiration and a helluva romance story make for another captivating winner!
Thank you, Mickie B. Ashling, keep ‘em coming, please.
“Ice-melting Heat & Heart-melting Courage = Inspiring Romance!”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 7, 2015
3.5 Stars rounded up because it's HOCKEY!
I really, really, really wanted to love this book. It had so much going for it...
* Written by one of my favorite Authors - CHECK
* Story about a Pro Hockey Player - CHECK
* Story about a Pro Figure Skater - CHECK
* M/M Romance - CHECK
As I get started into the book, I have a squee moment...one of MC's a Pro Hockey player who has just joined the Chicago Wolves mid-season. OMG! This is a real AHL pro hockey team (not a fictitiously named team). This team is my hometown team's I-90 Rival. Big Time. LOL. I could have written this story. (no not really, as I leave that to the professionals) (FYI...hometown team - Rockford IceHogs)
Anyway...I digress with my hockey fan-girl moment...the other MC is a top winning Figure Skater who is proudly out. I could just picture him flying across the ice in the routines Ms. Ashling describes in the book. I love that his family is such a great source of love & support for him.
So...We have 2 MC's that are quite believable in my mind...yet the instant love factor was a bit unbelievable for me. Perhaps it was that Emory was so young. But, it's fiction, so anything can happen.
Over all this book is a sweet light read. Even with the bit of drama, it didn't go all angsty on me. I almost didn't think that Ms. Ashling wrote it, as it's so different from her previous books.
I really, really, really wanted to love this book. It had so much going for it...
* Written by one of my favorite Authors - CHECK
* Story about a Pro Hockey Player - CHECK
* Story about a Pro Figure Skater - CHECK
* M/M Romance - CHECK
As I get started into the book, I have a squee moment...one of MC's a Pro Hockey player who has just joined the Chicago Wolves mid-season. OMG! This is a real AHL pro hockey team (not a fictitiously named team). This team is my hometown team's I-90 Rival. Big Time. LOL. I could have written this story. (no not really, as I leave that to the professionals) (FYI...hometown team - Rockford IceHogs)
Anyway...I digress with my hockey fan-girl moment...the other MC is a top winning Figure Skater who is proudly out. I could just picture him flying across the ice in the routines Ms. Ashling describes in the book. I love that his family is such a great source of love & support for him.
So...We have 2 MC's that are quite believable in my mind...yet the instant love factor was a bit unbelievable for me. Perhaps it was that Emory was so young. But, it's fiction, so anything can happen.
Over all this book is a sweet light read. Even with the bit of drama, it didn't go all angsty on me. I almost didn't think that Ms. Ashling wrote it, as it's so different from her previous books.
August 8, 2015
I liked this one alot. Emory was a funny saucey little diva that didn't get on my nerves. I loved his long suffering dad trying to protect him in spite of his in your face attitude. Nik was an interest foil for Emory being a little bit more serious and a little bit confused about what Emory is doing to his emotions. I also liked the difference between their two sports and how they viewed them. I did feel Nik's dad was a little cliche for a villain but the rest of the book was so good I didn't mind.
July 6, 2025
Solid 3⭐️ read for me
I think the only reason I finished it was that I read 4 books full of torture and torment before that. Usually I can’t deal with so much fluff.
This is a simple and easy read. A bit shallow. But enjoyable if you’re in a mood for something light and uncomplicated.
I think the only reason I finished it was that I read 4 books full of torture and torment before that. Usually I can’t deal with so much fluff.
This is a simple and easy read. A bit shallow. But enjoyable if you’re in a mood for something light and uncomplicated.
February 7, 2020
Fun on the ice
I really really enjoyed this. An out and proud figure skater and an unaware hockey player, a match made on the ice!
I really really enjoyed this. An out and proud figure skater and an unaware hockey player, a match made on the ice!
May 31, 2015
Emory and Nik meet when Nik moves into the neighborhood. Emory is a teenager living at home and training for the Olympics. Nik is a professional hockey player in the minor leagues (or whatever word they use in hockey).
Emory is 18 and Nik 20. Both still live with their parents. Both fathers are bigoted – though Emory’s dad gets over it and Nik’s dad is psychotic. Nik is engaged to a woman and in denial of his sexuality (and a gay-virgin!) and Emory is super-flamboyant to the extreme and NOT a virgin.
The boys feel instant attraction and though it is fairly dangerous for Nik , they begin a relationship. There is a lot of drama about the families and their approval. Danger surrounding Emory’s Olympic games and his risk as a homosexual in a homophobic country. Danger surrounding Nik’s career (hockey) and his coming out to his father. Lots of steamy sex. Some very sweet and tender moments between the boys. And a nice if unrealistic ending that will make you smile.
The storyline of this novel is unique in that the relationship develops fairly quickly so most of the struggle is the couple working out how they can be together given the obstacles they face.
I enjoyed Nik and Emory but the fathers felt a little too much like caricatures to feel real. Though I enjoyed the resolution it felt a bit rushed at the end and a little too “easy”.
All in all it was a good book and I enjoyed it.
Emory is 18 and Nik 20. Both still live with their parents. Both fathers are bigoted – though Emory’s dad gets over it and Nik’s dad is psychotic. Nik is engaged to a woman and in denial of his sexuality (and a gay-virgin!) and Emory is super-flamboyant to the extreme and NOT a virgin.
The boys feel instant attraction and though it is fairly dangerous for Nik , they begin a relationship. There is a lot of drama about the families and their approval. Danger surrounding Emory’s Olympic games and his risk as a homosexual in a homophobic country. Danger surrounding Nik’s career (hockey) and his coming out to his father. Lots of steamy sex. Some very sweet and tender moments between the boys. And a nice if unrealistic ending that will make you smile.
The storyline of this novel is unique in that the relationship develops fairly quickly so most of the struggle is the couple working out how they can be together given the obstacles they face.
I enjoyed Nik and Emory but the fathers felt a little too much like caricatures to feel real. Though I enjoyed the resolution it felt a bit rushed at the end and a little too “easy”.
All in all it was a good book and I enjoyed it.
May 30, 2015
3.5 stars
Emory is such a fantastic character. Flamboyant, talented and proud, I loved him. And his family. Especially his dad.
Nik didn’t fully come to life for me, but I liked and respected him by the end.
I wasn’t as thrilled with the rest of the story. Nik’s father, Igor, was never allowed to become more than a static plot device. His actions were way too over-the-top, and what could have been a sweet love story between two boys from different worlds spiraled into a story of organised Russian crime hits and union retaliation.
Ukrainian Igor’s Russian connections didn’t even make sense to me as I seem to remember Russia invading the Ukraine during Sochi. Ultimately, I found the stereotyping of Nik’s Ukrainian family and the racial slurs Tom threw at them really difficult to read.
So - read the story for Emory. His courage and grace is beautiful. His relationship with his family is fantastic. His relationship with Nik is pretty sweet at times too.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
Emory is such a fantastic character. Flamboyant, talented and proud, I loved him. And his family. Especially his dad.
Nik didn’t fully come to life for me, but I liked and respected him by the end.
I wasn’t as thrilled with the rest of the story. Nik’s father, Igor, was never allowed to become more than a static plot device. His actions were way too over-the-top, and what could have been a sweet love story between two boys from different worlds spiraled into a story of organised Russian crime hits and union retaliation.
Ukrainian Igor’s Russian connections didn’t even make sense to me as I seem to remember Russia invading the Ukraine during Sochi. Ultimately, I found the stereotyping of Nik’s Ukrainian family and the racial slurs Tom threw at them really difficult to read.
So - read the story for Emory. His courage and grace is beautiful. His relationship with his family is fantastic. His relationship with Nik is pretty sweet at times too.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
May 27, 2015
3.5 stars
I'm not sure what my feelings are regarding this book. On one side,I read it in one sitting,I was glad that Nick and Emory got their HEA,but on the other..the characters are very poorly written - everything we know about them is in the context of the story,which is not necessarily a bad thing,don't get me wrong,but here,I wanted little more from Nick and Emory. And I was not exactly blown away by the writing itself - sometimes it was like reading a transcript,and,although most of the readers are not fans of telling (as opposed to showing) you got to have that in the story too.
Although I had to suspend my disbelief several times throughout the story, I liked it enough,and in the end,it left me satisfied...
I'm not sure what my feelings are regarding this book. On one side,I read it in one sitting,I was glad that Nick and Emory got their HEA,but on the other..the characters are very poorly written - everything we know about them is in the context of the story,which is not necessarily a bad thing,don't get me wrong,but here,I wanted little more from Nick and Emory. And I was not exactly blown away by the writing itself - sometimes it was like reading a transcript,and,although most of the readers are not fans of telling (as opposed to showing) you got to have that in the story too.
Although I had to suspend my disbelief several times throughout the story, I liked it enough,and in the end,it left me satisfied...
July 15, 2015
I don't know that I've hated a character as much as Nik's dad in quite a while. That being said, he did make the story that much more interesting. And kind of scary. I was always waiting for him to attack. Anyways, here we have Emory, a flamboyant figure skater and Nik, a macho hockey player. Nik moves across the street from Emory and things just click from the very beginning. Emory's dad is the greatest guy ever and his union buddies were fantastic! Way to condone violence...I totally condone this particular violence. All in all it was a really sweet love story. The sex could have been quite a bit hotter, the potential was there but at least we got some. :)
July 14, 2018
I had to check the copyright date on this book 3 times as I was reading. Yes, it was still published in 2015. There were so many parts of Emory that reminded me of a RL figure skater that has recently garnered so much attention. This was a great story! Nik was so sweet, and he and Emory played off each other so well.
May 28, 2015
My two favorite sports with two amazing guys!! Loved it.
August 1, 2015
Just not for me. Didn't enjoy the characters at all. World building required too much suspension of belief and ott drama. Not my cuppa tea.
January 9, 2021
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this. I really liked the romance between Emory and Nick. Even though the character development was sometimes a little too fast to be believable, they were pretty cute together. The writing in general was also good, the story flowed and kept my attention. I was invested in the characters and wanted them to find their HEA.
But ... the obvious xenophobia of Emory's dad and how it was described made me angry. He was portrayed as a loving father who was supporting his gay son unequivocally. And it was suggested that therefore his contemptuous remarks about Russians were okay. But they were not. He called Nick derogatory names and said some other really small-minded things. And Nick wasn't even Russian but Ukrainian. But when he was told, he just said something in terms of "doesn't matter, they're all the same". Strangely, it was never explained where his disparaging opinion came from. The homophobia of Nick's dad was at least called what it was. He was never portrayed as anything but a bully and a control freak and completely unable or unwilling to accept his son's orientation. But nobody ever addressed Emory's dads behavior. Maybe we were supposed to realize that he didn't really mean it, because he was described as a gruff man but with a good heart. And after a while he began treating Nick with more respect and ultimately came to love him like a second son. But IMHO an apology to Nick for his despicable behavior at the beginning would have been necessary.
And let me be clear. It's totally okay to portray a flawed character in a book. But if you sell this character as a good person, either let them grow to overcome their prejudices and see the error of their ways or refrain from painting them as good people.
What also made me pause, were all the little things about figure skating and hockey that didn't add up, e.g.:
It was never explained how Emory's parent's were able to afford his very costly sport. They were middle-class, had five children and didn't seem rich or anything.
It was said that Emory should have won Olympic gold because he was the best when it came to the technical elements. The points for program components were never mentioned. I was sad that the artistry that is such a big part of figure skating was never addressed.
During Emory's hockey training with Nick, they would transition to figure skating and it was never mentioned that they changed their skates. Figure skates will hinder you in hockey due to the toe picks and hockey skates will make it harder to do some figure skating elements.
It was laughable that Emory would be able to score several times on an AHL goalie when he hadn't played hockey since he was a kid.
There were lots of other things that seemed pretty unrealistic to me, but these are the ones that I remember of the top of my head.
Anyway, I have to say that overall I enjoyed the book and I was rooting pretty hard for the boys. I loved Emory! He was flamboyant, funny, confident, brave and an unapologetic little shit. I also felt for Nick, who was confused about his orientation and slowly finding himself. He was earnest and hardworking and despite his fierce performance as an enforcer he was actually really sweet.
If it weren't for the above mentioned problems I had with the story, this would have been at least a 4 star book for me.
I have mixed feelings about this. I really liked the romance between Emory and Nick. Even though the character development was sometimes a little too fast to be believable, they were pretty cute together. The writing in general was also good, the story flowed and kept my attention. I was invested in the characters and wanted them to find their HEA.
But ... the obvious xenophobia of Emory's dad and how it was described made me angry. He was portrayed as a loving father who was supporting his gay son unequivocally. And it was suggested that therefore his contemptuous remarks about Russians were okay. But they were not. He called Nick derogatory names and said some other really small-minded things. And Nick wasn't even Russian but Ukrainian. But when he was told, he just said something in terms of "doesn't matter, they're all the same". Strangely, it was never explained where his disparaging opinion came from. The homophobia of Nick's dad was at least called what it was. He was never portrayed as anything but a bully and a control freak and completely unable or unwilling to accept his son's orientation. But nobody ever addressed Emory's dads behavior. Maybe we were supposed to realize that he didn't really mean it, because he was described as a gruff man but with a good heart. And after a while he began treating Nick with more respect and ultimately came to love him like a second son. But IMHO an apology to Nick for his despicable behavior at the beginning would have been necessary.
And let me be clear. It's totally okay to portray a flawed character in a book. But if you sell this character as a good person, either let them grow to overcome their prejudices and see the error of their ways or refrain from painting them as good people.
What also made me pause, were all the little things about figure skating and hockey that didn't add up, e.g.:
It was never explained how Emory's parent's were able to afford his very costly sport. They were middle-class, had five children and didn't seem rich or anything.
It was said that Emory should have won Olympic gold because he was the best when it came to the technical elements. The points for program components were never mentioned. I was sad that the artistry that is such a big part of figure skating was never addressed.
During Emory's hockey training with Nick, they would transition to figure skating and it was never mentioned that they changed their skates. Figure skates will hinder you in hockey due to the toe picks and hockey skates will make it harder to do some figure skating elements.
It was laughable that Emory would be able to score several times on an AHL goalie when he hadn't played hockey since he was a kid.
There were lots of other things that seemed pretty unrealistic to me, but these are the ones that I remember of the top of my head.
Anyway, I have to say that overall I enjoyed the book and I was rooting pretty hard for the boys. I loved Emory! He was flamboyant, funny, confident, brave and an unapologetic little shit. I also felt for Nick, who was confused about his orientation and slowly finding himself. He was earnest and hardworking and despite his fierce performance as an enforcer he was actually really sweet.
If it weren't for the above mentioned problems I had with the story, this would have been at least a 4 star book for me.
June 6, 2015
Duo Review by Carissa and Dani
Carissa's Review:
Emory is an out-and-proud figure skater, Nikolai is a determined-to-be-straight hockey player. Both men are looking to be the best on ice. With Emory making it into the Olympics, his life is already full of practices and, well, more practices. He doesn’t really have time for much else. That is until Nikolai moves in across the street and he finds himself drawn to the standoffish man. Which certainly complicates matters in both of their lives because Nik’s father is the homophobe’s homophobe–with a dash of violent abuser thrown into the mix for fun. Not that Em’s dad is a paradigm of virtue and hippy values–but at least he doesn’t care about Em being gay.
So with family issues on both side, work commitments all round, and a hockey player determined to not fall in love with any man–especially a skating celebrity–life couldn’t be less perfect for a new relationship to grow. But then again, love does seem to come at the most inconvenient of times.
*glares at computer screen* *types sentence* *erases sentence* *glares at computer screen*
I’m having a bit of an issue writing this review. It’s an issue that I usually have with books that I find hit a very middle ground with me. I can’t honestly say that this book was a joy to read, and yet it wasn’t the most horrible thing I’ve read either. It just was…not my cup of tea. For several reasons.
There were some good points. Hockey. Mostly anything with hockey in it is going to a automatic read (especially right now, when we are at the tail end of the playoff season and it looks hopeful that the team I’m cheering for this year might actually make it to the finals). Plus the fact that the author seemed to genuinely get hockey was a plus. Though there was certainly not enough ice time to really fulfill me–but that is pretty much a given since you had to actually tell a story. I was a little unsure if I would care for Nik because I have some pretty firm feelings about enforcers and their use in the game, but I actually like him. After a bit. He does, I admit, take a bit of time to warm up to. Let’s just say that first impressions are important, and this dude’s first impression was a prime example of an asshole (though, to be fair, there were assholes a plenty at that first meeting).
I also liked some of the reality that was thrown (bashed) into this story. Neither Em’s or Nik’s family were leave-it-to-beaver. Em’s dad is a nationalistic prick. Yet he does love and support his son. He is afraid that being gay is going to get his son dead, but he doesn’t make Em feel any less for just being who he is. I like that. I like the reality that this brings to the story, because families are rarely ever just ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Most times it is a mix of both and just because some judgments are bad, it doesn’t make them completely evil.
But then we come to the other side of the road. And, well, to be frank this book slowly slid from ‘Afternoon School Special’ into ‘Soap Opera Extravaganza’ and that, in my opinion, was not a good thing. Most of the ideas behind the actions of certain characters were good. Just, the execution was a bit too heavy handed for my taste. Nik’s dad was too much like a cartoon villain, and by the end he wasn’t so much scary as he was ridiculous. I’m surprised he didn’t have a mustache to twirl evilly while he cackled.
Also, Em’s whole “I can be a hockey player because I was one when I was like five and I’m a good figure skater, so I am clearly superior all the men and women who spend almost every day of their lives practicing the sport” idea was just plain stupid–and a little too much like a Disney Movie. I know other characters bring up the idiocy of Em’s thinking, and I liked that, but after this point Em became nothing more than stereotypical airhead to me and I don’t have time for people like that. I just stopped caring.
Between Nik’s dad, and Em himself, I just got to about the 3/4 mark and decided I didn’t care anymore. In fact, I would have happily DNF’d the book if I wasn’t obligated to write this review. I don’t have the tolerance for clichés that I used to, and this one was a cliché factory.
Even if I really really hate giving hockey books low ratings, because they are something I am automatically drawn to, and I hate the thought that people might write fewer of them, I can’t in good conscience let that hold sway over the fact that I just didn’t enjoy this book. Which makes me sad, but there’s nothing I can really do about it. You might have a different reaction to this story, if you are not so quiet done with over-the-top villains and the weird-ass schemes, but just be warned that they are there.
Carissa's Rating: 2.5 Hearts
Dani's Review:
First let me say I have been a fan of Miss Ashling’s writing from the first moment I picked up one of her books. Whether it’s in the Horizon series (re-released a little while ago and so worth the read!) or if it’s in her Bay Area universe to name two examples, they fascinate me and are an auto-buy for me.
The author’s style is unique, very entertaining and enthralling and it draws me in and keeps me interested for the complete story. She manages to makes me want to keep reading a book and has the ability to change the course of a story with a few simple sentences.
When I found out this book was releasing I was excited. I mean who doesn’t like a nice athlete/sport story? After reading this book it left me with mixed feelings. I was drawn to the story like I was with the other books but it felt different. I cannot exactly pinpoint what it was but I felt I was missing something. If I need to name a specific thing it would be the missing of the intimate sexual connection/situations between Em and Nik.
Although I liked them as a couple it felt off in a way, perhaps because of the heavy subject. I do send kudo’s to the author for broaching this subject and keeping it close to “home” mentioning Sochi.
The family bonding between Emory, his dad and family and how they take in Nik within their lives is beautiful but the family of Nik horrified me and made me scared of what can happen and what perhaps is happening in the world.
Like I said kudo’s for the author for engaging this subject and having me worried while reading and even after that.
In the beginning of the story we can see Nik fighting hard to not acknowledge the attraction he feels towards Emory to a somewhat frustrating level but when they are finally there they are in it all the way, despite Nik struggling when something unexpected happens.
The support of the team is cool but I really would have liked to have seen certain things been explored more and this is one of those things.
Overall I can honestly say I was fascinated by this story and the characters involved and it definitely kept me reading wanting to know where it would end.
PS: I would have given anything to see Em performing that olympic routine on Lady Gaga and to see the charity event with the hockey players!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Carissa's Review:
Emory is an out-and-proud figure skater, Nikolai is a determined-to-be-straight hockey player. Both men are looking to be the best on ice. With Emory making it into the Olympics, his life is already full of practices and, well, more practices. He doesn’t really have time for much else. That is until Nikolai moves in across the street and he finds himself drawn to the standoffish man. Which certainly complicates matters in both of their lives because Nik’s father is the homophobe’s homophobe–with a dash of violent abuser thrown into the mix for fun. Not that Em’s dad is a paradigm of virtue and hippy values–but at least he doesn’t care about Em being gay.
So with family issues on both side, work commitments all round, and a hockey player determined to not fall in love with any man–especially a skating celebrity–life couldn’t be less perfect for a new relationship to grow. But then again, love does seem to come at the most inconvenient of times.
*glares at computer screen* *types sentence* *erases sentence* *glares at computer screen*
I’m having a bit of an issue writing this review. It’s an issue that I usually have with books that I find hit a very middle ground with me. I can’t honestly say that this book was a joy to read, and yet it wasn’t the most horrible thing I’ve read either. It just was…not my cup of tea. For several reasons.
There were some good points. Hockey. Mostly anything with hockey in it is going to a automatic read (especially right now, when we are at the tail end of the playoff season and it looks hopeful that the team I’m cheering for this year might actually make it to the finals). Plus the fact that the author seemed to genuinely get hockey was a plus. Though there was certainly not enough ice time to really fulfill me–but that is pretty much a given since you had to actually tell a story. I was a little unsure if I would care for Nik because I have some pretty firm feelings about enforcers and their use in the game, but I actually like him. After a bit. He does, I admit, take a bit of time to warm up to. Let’s just say that first impressions are important, and this dude’s first impression was a prime example of an asshole (though, to be fair, there were assholes a plenty at that first meeting).
I also liked some of the reality that was thrown (bashed) into this story. Neither Em’s or Nik’s family were leave-it-to-beaver. Em’s dad is a nationalistic prick. Yet he does love and support his son. He is afraid that being gay is going to get his son dead, but he doesn’t make Em feel any less for just being who he is. I like that. I like the reality that this brings to the story, because families are rarely ever just ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Most times it is a mix of both and just because some judgments are bad, it doesn’t make them completely evil.
But then we come to the other side of the road. And, well, to be frank this book slowly slid from ‘Afternoon School Special’ into ‘Soap Opera Extravaganza’ and that, in my opinion, was not a good thing. Most of the ideas behind the actions of certain characters were good. Just, the execution was a bit too heavy handed for my taste. Nik’s dad was too much like a cartoon villain, and by the end he wasn’t so much scary as he was ridiculous. I’m surprised he didn’t have a mustache to twirl evilly while he cackled.
Also, Em’s whole “I can be a hockey player because I was one when I was like five and I’m a good figure skater, so I am clearly superior all the men and women who spend almost every day of their lives practicing the sport” idea was just plain stupid–and a little too much like a Disney Movie. I know other characters bring up the idiocy of Em’s thinking, and I liked that, but after this point Em became nothing more than stereotypical airhead to me and I don’t have time for people like that. I just stopped caring.
Between Nik’s dad, and Em himself, I just got to about the 3/4 mark and decided I didn’t care anymore. In fact, I would have happily DNF’d the book if I wasn’t obligated to write this review. I don’t have the tolerance for clichés that I used to, and this one was a cliché factory.
Even if I really really hate giving hockey books low ratings, because they are something I am automatically drawn to, and I hate the thought that people might write fewer of them, I can’t in good conscience let that hold sway over the fact that I just didn’t enjoy this book. Which makes me sad, but there’s nothing I can really do about it. You might have a different reaction to this story, if you are not so quiet done with over-the-top villains and the weird-ass schemes, but just be warned that they are there.
Carissa's Rating: 2.5 Hearts
Dani's Review:
First let me say I have been a fan of Miss Ashling’s writing from the first moment I picked up one of her books. Whether it’s in the Horizon series (re-released a little while ago and so worth the read!) or if it’s in her Bay Area universe to name two examples, they fascinate me and are an auto-buy for me.
The author’s style is unique, very entertaining and enthralling and it draws me in and keeps me interested for the complete story. She manages to makes me want to keep reading a book and has the ability to change the course of a story with a few simple sentences.
When I found out this book was releasing I was excited. I mean who doesn’t like a nice athlete/sport story? After reading this book it left me with mixed feelings. I was drawn to the story like I was with the other books but it felt different. I cannot exactly pinpoint what it was but I felt I was missing something. If I need to name a specific thing it would be the missing of the intimate sexual connection/situations between Em and Nik.
Although I liked them as a couple it felt off in a way, perhaps because of the heavy subject. I do send kudo’s to the author for broaching this subject and keeping it close to “home” mentioning Sochi.
The family bonding between Emory, his dad and family and how they take in Nik within their lives is beautiful but the family of Nik horrified me and made me scared of what can happen and what perhaps is happening in the world.
Like I said kudo’s for the author for engaging this subject and having me worried while reading and even after that.
In the beginning of the story we can see Nik fighting hard to not acknowledge the attraction he feels towards Emory to a somewhat frustrating level but when they are finally there they are in it all the way, despite Nik struggling when something unexpected happens.
The support of the team is cool but I really would have liked to have seen certain things been explored more and this is one of those things.
Overall I can honestly say I was fascinated by this story and the characters involved and it definitely kept me reading wanting to know where it would end.
PS: I would have given anything to see Em performing that olympic routine on Lady Gaga and to see the charity event with the hockey players!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
sorry-did-not-finish
August 14, 2024No rating cause DNF and planning on not finishing ever, I kept skimming from chapter 3, the part where I still cannot get over is this:
“I have a girlfriend.”
“She’s not here,” Emory said softly. “But I am.”
“Guys fool around all the time, Nik. This is just sex, a pleasant
interlude to relieve some tension, not a commitment ceremony.”
Love the implied drama but damn I don't fuck with cheaters/cheating stories especially not ones that like to force and normalize these behaviors sorry.
Also the constant reference to a country is strong in this book. I literally rolled my eyes so many times on the Russia, Ukraine and American callbacks. I know its important backstory of the characters but maybe we should tone it down a bit because it didn't effect the story that much. This should have focused more on developing the characters personality than about trying to create a fake ass stereotype of people from Ukraine, Russia and America.
Those moments almost made me forget that this is suppose to be a "what if" scenario between a hockey player and a figure skater. Turns out its more of a what if a Ukrainian and American became a gay couple but one is internally homophobic and the other internally xenophobic (with sports).
“I have a girlfriend.”
“She’s not here,” Emory said softly. “But I am.”
“Guys fool around all the time, Nik. This is just sex, a pleasant
interlude to relieve some tension, not a commitment ceremony.”
Love the implied drama but damn I don't fuck with cheaters/cheating stories especially not ones that like to force and normalize these behaviors sorry.
Also the constant reference to a country is strong in this book. I literally rolled my eyes so many times on the Russia, Ukraine and American callbacks. I know its important backstory of the characters but maybe we should tone it down a bit because it didn't effect the story that much. This should have focused more on developing the characters personality than about trying to create a fake ass stereotype of people from Ukraine, Russia and America.
Those moments almost made me forget that this is suppose to be a "what if" scenario between a hockey player and a figure skater. Turns out its more of a what if a Ukrainian and American became a gay couple but one is internally homophobic and the other internally xenophobic (with sports).
Read
November 19, 2023DNF.
I didn’t even make it past the first chapter - normally I wouldn’t bother writing a review in that case but I’d read a lot of reviews elsewhere saying how great Emory is and I’m an absolute sucker for a hockey romance of any kind. Also it’s been three days and I’m still annoyed about it.
I’m aware that Nik’s father is supposed to be the problematic character, but I didn’t get as far as his introduction because what in the unrealistic over the top xenophobic world is going on with Emory’s dad? Who is supposed to be the ‘good guy’?! I’m not a stranger to reading about awful, unpalatable human beings when it’s relevant to the plot - but this felt out dated (I know this is an older book, but 80’s outdated, not less than 10yrs ago outdated) and lazy.
I didn’t even make it past the first chapter - normally I wouldn’t bother writing a review in that case but I’d read a lot of reviews elsewhere saying how great Emory is and I’m an absolute sucker for a hockey romance of any kind. Also it’s been three days and I’m still annoyed about it.
I’m aware that Nik’s father is supposed to be the problematic character, but I didn’t get as far as his introduction because what in the unrealistic over the top xenophobic world is going on with Emory’s dad? Who is supposed to be the ‘good guy’?! I’m not a stranger to reading about awful, unpalatable human beings when it’s relevant to the plot - but this felt out dated (I know this is an older book, but 80’s outdated, not less than 10yrs ago outdated) and lazy.
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