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Picks & Pucks
Sometimes you have to go back to move forward.Justin Corrin is going home to train for the upcoming figure skating season. He's determined to put his demons to rest and move forward with his life. Unfortunately his demons follow him home and only increase when he meets CJ Daly, a hockey player with problems of his own. Justin falls hard for CJ, but long hidden fears and dark secrets threaten to derail the relationship before it gets started. As the competition season heats up, Justin is forced to choose between CJ and winning a national championship. The demons threaten to destroy him, but if Justin can put the past behind him, he might have a chance at happiness on and off the ice.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2014
8 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Teegan Loy
21 books85 followersTeegan Loy began writing a long time ago. Notebooks filled with ideas were stacked around the house. One day, she sat down with renewed ambition and something fantastic happened: she completed a story.
Now most of her time is spent writing, but she takes an occasional break to go to the movies, where she imagines her stories on the big screen. She also enjoys watching hockey, filling her IPod with music and driving her daughter around town to various activities.
Now most of her time is spent writing, but she takes an occasional break to go to the movies, where she imagines her stories on the big screen. She also enjoys watching hockey, filling her IPod with music and driving her daughter around town to various activities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 29, 2016
This was an after-school special gone horribly wrong.
The premise is dandy: A rising figure skater falls in love with a hockey star. The figure skater, Justin, left home at 17 following the death of his mom and hasn’t fully reconciled with his family. The hockey player, CJ, departed his former college under mysterious circumstances and is now playing for Justin’s dad, who is a hockey coach at the college where Justin, now 20, is training (why Justin makes this decision when he’s loath to come home is not explained).
The book is told in the first-person, present-tense POV, making the narrative feel jarring and jumpy. Entire events (like the National Figure Skating Championships) are summarized in a paragraph. We are told, never shown.
I like figure skating, but Justin could have competed in any sport. He is so caught up in the drama in his head (letting go of his mom’s death and the resentment he feels toward his dad and older brother) that his training is barely mentioned. You’d never know he was a skating champion, except, of course, he’s the best at everything and so talented he barely has to practice.
Initially, Justin has to get over his first love, Danny, who dumped him unceremoniously rather than come out of the closet. CJ isn’t even introduced as an MC until about 30 percent into the book. The push/pull and ridiculous amounts of angst between Justin and CJ felt manufactured for pure drama. I never understood why CJ hid his past from Justin, except to be stubborn and childish.
This book isn’t focused so much on Justin and CJ as it is on Justin’s “demons,” which are presented literally: Justin sees demons under the bed. They stand in his way. He wrestles them and flips them off. These are bad-ass demons, yo.
Every single character in this book is a stereotype, and the pace of the narrative is weirdly manic. People come and talk and leave and fight, and it all becomes a jumble of words. There were no believable, tangible motivations behind the characters’ actions. The forgiveness between Justin and his family comes too easily, and even Danny, Justin’s sarcastic, closeted ex, is the good guy at the end.
So why 2 stars instead of 1? There were glimmers of sweetness and some sexy times between Justin and CJ. I liked Justin's skating coach (she was a walking stereotype of the Russian Skating Bitch Diva too, but whatever), Justin's BFF Eli, and Eli's tentative coming out and his interactions with his new boyfriend. Oh, and the surface editing was decent with no to few typos.
The premise is dandy: A rising figure skater falls in love with a hockey star. The figure skater, Justin, left home at 17 following the death of his mom and hasn’t fully reconciled with his family. The hockey player, CJ, departed his former college under mysterious circumstances and is now playing for Justin’s dad, who is a hockey coach at the college where Justin, now 20, is training (why Justin makes this decision when he’s loath to come home is not explained).
The book is told in the first-person, present-tense POV, making the narrative feel jarring and jumpy. Entire events (like the National Figure Skating Championships) are summarized in a paragraph. We are told, never shown.
I like figure skating, but Justin could have competed in any sport. He is so caught up in the drama in his head (letting go of his mom’s death and the resentment he feels toward his dad and older brother) that his training is barely mentioned. You’d never know he was a skating champion, except, of course, he’s the best at everything and so talented he barely has to practice.
Initially, Justin has to get over his first love, Danny, who dumped him unceremoniously rather than come out of the closet. CJ isn’t even introduced as an MC until about 30 percent into the book. The push/pull and ridiculous amounts of angst between Justin and CJ felt manufactured for pure drama. I never understood why CJ hid his past from Justin, except to be stubborn and childish.
This book isn’t focused so much on Justin and CJ as it is on Justin’s “demons,” which are presented literally: Justin sees demons under the bed. They stand in his way. He wrestles them and flips them off. These are bad-ass demons, yo.
Every single character in this book is a stereotype, and the pace of the narrative is weirdly manic. People come and talk and leave and fight, and it all becomes a jumble of words. There were no believable, tangible motivations behind the characters’ actions. The forgiveness between Justin and his family comes too easily, and even Danny, Justin’s sarcastic, closeted ex, is the good guy at the end.
So why 2 stars instead of 1? There were glimmers of sweetness and some sexy times between Justin and CJ. I liked Justin's skating coach (she was a walking stereotype of the Russian Skating Bitch Diva too, but whatever), Justin's BFF Eli, and Eli's tentative coming out and his interactions with his new boyfriend. Oh, and the surface editing was decent with no to few typos.
May 4, 2016
It would to fair to say that I love hockey–that I may be a tad bit too in love with it and with its players. Maybe it is the barely contained violence, the sight of men flying on ice and crashing into each other…hell, maybe it is just that it is just so much fun to watch. Either way, I love it. And being as the playoff season has begun (and my lovely Sharks beat the Kings in their first game with beautiful 6-2 final score) I was really excited to read this book. It didn’t hurt that I’ve been known to enjoy (watching) figure skating a time or two, either. When you have hockey and figure skating together in the same book it is going to have my name written all over it.
Justin Corrin fled from his hometown to escape his father’s disapproval, his mother’s death, and the damage her accident had on everyone who loved her. But Justin is back now, trying to find some way to heal the fractures in his life and in his relationship. His whole life growing up was a battle between hockey and figure skating, with more than one fight with his father and siblings devolving into shouting matches over his choice to leave hockey behind in favor of skating. Time seems to have changed everyone, though, much to Justin’s surprise, and he might not be only one trying their damndest to heal the damage they have done to each other over the years.
Things get complicated, though, when the new transfer student-–and hockey player–-starts renting the room next to Justin’s. Especially when he has to contend with hallway meetings that involve little more than a towel and lickable skin. And an ass that makes all sorts of things start thinking perky thoughts. Still-–hockey player. And Justin has been burned, and burned bad, by hockey players in the past…and he has no idea if he can trust that CJ will not just ditch him at the first sign of trouble. ‘Cause if there is one thing that CJ seems to attract (beside incredibly smitten figure skaters) it is trouble.
While there was not nearly enough hockey in this book (is there even such a thing as too much hockey?) I have to say that I really enjoyed this story. The book was not without its faults, but it was a good story, well written, and was just plain fun to read.
This book, at its heart, was about family and about dealing with the demons that haunt us all. Justin’s family has been at odds for many years. Even before Justin’s mother’s death tore the family apart at the seams, there was a lot of problems pulling everyone apart. One major issue was the fact that Justin chose to take up figure skating over hockey. His father, a college hockey coach, had some massive issues with this. Picks or Pucks…that is the choice that Justin has to make. And to almost everyone but himself, he made the wrong one.
I really liked how this book showed how the world does not get frozen in stone when you run away from your problems. While Justin was off trying to hide, or just trying to make a life that doesn’t revolve on a painful past, everyone else had to deal the mess left behind. The way that they did so, the way that they are not perfect, that they still make mistakes, show just how human they are. But I liked that Justin didn’t just come back to everyone still stuck in the same rut as when he left. He wasn’t the catalyst for change in everything, but simply another person trying to heal. These demons that everyone are dealing with have been struggled with for a long time and healing isn’t as simple as one action or a few words.
The whole demon aspect of this book just threw me for a loop though. I mean they are not just figurative demons haunting Justin-–he actually sees demons haunting and taunting him…and that was just odd. I couldn’t decide if this book was trying to be slightly paranormal or if Justin was just shit crazy. If it was the first, than the book did a lousy job of explaining that, explaining a world where people can see their demons. If it was the second, I was wondering why no one thought the guy should be seeking help, because when you start seeing demons gibbering around you, you have gone ‘round the bend and then some. I liked the concept, but in the execution it was just too odd for me. It kept dragging me out of the story.
The various family and friends were great, and I totally called it on Eli. I loved the whole Eli subplot and him and his other were so incredibly cute together. Kept feeling the strange urge to cuddle both of them close and pinch their cheeks, though. And while some parts of his family had clearly been douches in the past, Justin’s family really started to shine in this, by the end. It was not a normal kind of family (at least in comparison to mine) but they were great characters.
And CJ. Oh he of the lustful bum. I really liked him, and how he handled Justin. They were really great together, even with all the shit going down around them. I do wish he would have fessed up sooner though. I know sharing your past (especially one that hurts) is not a lot of fun, but communication would not have killed them. In fact, lack of communication almost did. While they seemed to fall rather quickly, I never had problem believing it. And all those road trips (and sleepless nights) really showed how far they had fallen without really hitting us over the head with the angst. And I may have been a little unsure about the whole inclusion of Danny-–Mr. Closet Case-–and Justin together at the beginning of the story, I like how it set up the situation later with CJ. I get why Justin would be so gun shy of hockey players because I just saw the fall out of what happens when they get confronted with the whole ‘gay’ thing.
Despite my demon issues, I really liked this book. The figure skating aspect was fun, and I only wish I had been actually able to see the routines that Justin performed. Though, I have to say, I’m having a bit of a hard time buying that he would be able to pull all that off while he was as sick as he was when he performed. But the bus ‘hijacking’ was cool, and the whole Justin/CJ love story was just great. This is a good book to read when you want to read about some cool sports, some messed up athletes, and whole lot of demon bashing.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Justin Corrin fled from his hometown to escape his father’s disapproval, his mother’s death, and the damage her accident had on everyone who loved her. But Justin is back now, trying to find some way to heal the fractures in his life and in his relationship. His whole life growing up was a battle between hockey and figure skating, with more than one fight with his father and siblings devolving into shouting matches over his choice to leave hockey behind in favor of skating. Time seems to have changed everyone, though, much to Justin’s surprise, and he might not be only one trying their damndest to heal the damage they have done to each other over the years.
Things get complicated, though, when the new transfer student-–and hockey player–-starts renting the room next to Justin’s. Especially when he has to contend with hallway meetings that involve little more than a towel and lickable skin. And an ass that makes all sorts of things start thinking perky thoughts. Still-–hockey player. And Justin has been burned, and burned bad, by hockey players in the past…and he has no idea if he can trust that CJ will not just ditch him at the first sign of trouble. ‘Cause if there is one thing that CJ seems to attract (beside incredibly smitten figure skaters) it is trouble.
While there was not nearly enough hockey in this book (is there even such a thing as too much hockey?) I have to say that I really enjoyed this story. The book was not without its faults, but it was a good story, well written, and was just plain fun to read.
This book, at its heart, was about family and about dealing with the demons that haunt us all. Justin’s family has been at odds for many years. Even before Justin’s mother’s death tore the family apart at the seams, there was a lot of problems pulling everyone apart. One major issue was the fact that Justin chose to take up figure skating over hockey. His father, a college hockey coach, had some massive issues with this. Picks or Pucks…that is the choice that Justin has to make. And to almost everyone but himself, he made the wrong one.
I really liked how this book showed how the world does not get frozen in stone when you run away from your problems. While Justin was off trying to hide, or just trying to make a life that doesn’t revolve on a painful past, everyone else had to deal the mess left behind. The way that they did so, the way that they are not perfect, that they still make mistakes, show just how human they are. But I liked that Justin didn’t just come back to everyone still stuck in the same rut as when he left. He wasn’t the catalyst for change in everything, but simply another person trying to heal. These demons that everyone are dealing with have been struggled with for a long time and healing isn’t as simple as one action or a few words.
The whole demon aspect of this book just threw me for a loop though. I mean they are not just figurative demons haunting Justin-–he actually sees demons haunting and taunting him…and that was just odd. I couldn’t decide if this book was trying to be slightly paranormal or if Justin was just shit crazy. If it was the first, than the book did a lousy job of explaining that, explaining a world where people can see their demons. If it was the second, I was wondering why no one thought the guy should be seeking help, because when you start seeing demons gibbering around you, you have gone ‘round the bend and then some. I liked the concept, but in the execution it was just too odd for me. It kept dragging me out of the story.
The various family and friends were great, and I totally called it on Eli. I loved the whole Eli subplot and him and his other were so incredibly cute together. Kept feeling the strange urge to cuddle both of them close and pinch their cheeks, though. And while some parts of his family had clearly been douches in the past, Justin’s family really started to shine in this, by the end. It was not a normal kind of family (at least in comparison to mine) but they were great characters.
And CJ. Oh he of the lustful bum. I really liked him, and how he handled Justin. They were really great together, even with all the shit going down around them. I do wish he would have fessed up sooner though. I know sharing your past (especially one that hurts) is not a lot of fun, but communication would not have killed them. In fact, lack of communication almost did. While they seemed to fall rather quickly, I never had problem believing it. And all those road trips (and sleepless nights) really showed how far they had fallen without really hitting us over the head with the angst. And I may have been a little unsure about the whole inclusion of Danny-–Mr. Closet Case-–and Justin together at the beginning of the story, I like how it set up the situation later with CJ. I get why Justin would be so gun shy of hockey players because I just saw the fall out of what happens when they get confronted with the whole ‘gay’ thing.
Despite my demon issues, I really liked this book. The figure skating aspect was fun, and I only wish I had been actually able to see the routines that Justin performed. Though, I have to say, I’m having a bit of a hard time buying that he would be able to pull all that off while he was as sick as he was when he performed. But the bus ‘hijacking’ was cool, and the whole Justin/CJ love story was just great. This is a good book to read when you want to read about some cool sports, some messed up athletes, and whole lot of demon bashing.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
July 18, 2014
3.5 stars actually. I really liked the story and the characters. It was easy to get caught up in the drama and the soap opera-esque feel of the book. BUT, the whole "demons" thing-that was just weird. And it went on for waaaaaaay too long, to the point where I felt like I was getting beat over the head with the whole concept. So, that was distracting.
But on the other hand, the characters themselves more than made up for it. I adored CJ, he stole the whole show for me. And I totally felt like the descriptions of the hockey games and the ice skating were on the money. Overall, a really good read. I enjoyed it.
But on the other hand, the characters themselves more than made up for it. I adored CJ, he stole the whole show for me. And I totally felt like the descriptions of the hockey games and the ice skating were on the money. Overall, a really good read. I enjoyed it.
March 28, 2016
Not much to say about it, just one word: demons! Enough already.
May 3, 2014
Même si mon avis va vous semblez mitigé que cela ne vous empêche pas d'essayer ce tout jeune auteur.
C’est une romance sportive très agréable à lire et que j’ai apprécié malgré un problème de compréhension au sujet des démons de Justin, l’un des deux héros. Le style d’écriture de Teegan Loy est assez particulier ce qui fait que jusqu’à la moitié du récit, je n’étais pas sûre de bien comprendre si l’auteur parlait des démons intérieurs de Justin où que ce n’était que le nom qu’il donnait à ceux qui l’observaient et l’agressent à un moment. Lorsque j’ai enfin compris que ce sont ces propres démons qu’il représentait d’une façon physique et réelle pour lui, j’ai pu profiter de cette histoire même si elle ne m’a pas entièrement convaincue.
Justin est un champion de patinage artistique, il est à la pointe de cette discipline qui lui apporte beaucoup de satisfaction mais toujours teintée de regrets. Son choix pour ce sport a créé un fossé avec sa famille et plus particulièrement son père, en effet celui-ci entraineur de hockey souhaitait que Justin devienne professionnel dans ce sport surtout qu’il montrait toutes les aptitudes pour. Ce fossé n’a fait que s’accentuer depuis la mort de sa mère qui était son plus fervent soutien et servait de tampon entre son père et lui, un accident et ses conséquences n’ont fait qu’empirer les choses. Il est parti très tôt de la maison familiale, mais il est de retour afin de se préparer pour fuir Sa sexualité n’a fait qu’empirer les choses et lorsqu’il rencontre CJ Daly un joueur de hockey et commence une relation avec lui, les ponts entre sa famille et lui semblent s’agrandir.
Ce n’est pas vraiment une relation amoureuse tranquille qui va se nouer, les problèmes de Justin occupent une bonne partie du récit et pèsent terriblement sur l’histoire entre les deux hommes. C’est assez mélodramatique et certains passages forcent trop dans le mélo, cependant l’évolution de la relation entre les deux hommes extrêmement bien construite rattrape l’ensemble. Si parfois j’ai trouvé Justin un peu égoïste, CJ est parfait malgré que lui aussi a quelques soucis avec son passé et que le manque de communication soit une bonne part de leurs difficultés.
C’est une romance sportive très agréable à lire et que j’ai apprécié malgré un problème de compréhension au sujet des démons de Justin, l’un des deux héros. Le style d’écriture de Teegan Loy est assez particulier ce qui fait que jusqu’à la moitié du récit, je n’étais pas sûre de bien comprendre si l’auteur parlait des démons intérieurs de Justin où que ce n’était que le nom qu’il donnait à ceux qui l’observaient et l’agressent à un moment. Lorsque j’ai enfin compris que ce sont ces propres démons qu’il représentait d’une façon physique et réelle pour lui, j’ai pu profiter de cette histoire même si elle ne m’a pas entièrement convaincue.
Justin est un champion de patinage artistique, il est à la pointe de cette discipline qui lui apporte beaucoup de satisfaction mais toujours teintée de regrets. Son choix pour ce sport a créé un fossé avec sa famille et plus particulièrement son père, en effet celui-ci entraineur de hockey souhaitait que Justin devienne professionnel dans ce sport surtout qu’il montrait toutes les aptitudes pour. Ce fossé n’a fait que s’accentuer depuis la mort de sa mère qui était son plus fervent soutien et servait de tampon entre son père et lui, un accident et ses conséquences n’ont fait qu’empirer les choses. Il est parti très tôt de la maison familiale, mais il est de retour afin de se préparer pour fuir Sa sexualité n’a fait qu’empirer les choses et lorsqu’il rencontre CJ Daly un joueur de hockey et commence une relation avec lui, les ponts entre sa famille et lui semblent s’agrandir.
Ce n’est pas vraiment une relation amoureuse tranquille qui va se nouer, les problèmes de Justin occupent une bonne partie du récit et pèsent terriblement sur l’histoire entre les deux hommes. C’est assez mélodramatique et certains passages forcent trop dans le mélo, cependant l’évolution de la relation entre les deux hommes extrêmement bien construite rattrape l’ensemble. Si parfois j’ai trouvé Justin un peu égoïste, CJ est parfait malgré que lui aussi a quelques soucis avec son passé et que le manque de communication soit une bonne part de leurs difficultés.
April 26, 2014
The combination of Ice Hockey and Figure Skating was always going to ensure I liked this book - pure escape into a world of which I know absolutely nothing but have a fierce attraction!
Justin is an up-and-coming figure skating champion but his choice of sport has driven a wedge between his family. His father is a hockey coach and Justin also had the skills to play professionally so his father was disappointed by his choice. The death of his mother, his key supporter, has also haunted him for the last three years. He has LOTS of demons!
A relationship with an closeted ice hockey player - who was happy for the sex but put Justin down in front of the rest of the team - has also soured his opinion of men who play ice hockey.
I actually started reading this book without reading the blurb so the way the story unfolded was a bit of a surprise. A large portion of the beginning of the book is focused on Justin's relationship with Danny (the closeted player) and it is along while before CJ enters the picture and captures Justin's interest. I didn't see it coming and was expecting the relationship with Danny to evolve. Anyway, I liked that the author didn't make Danny the bad guy, he sort of redeemed himself and I ended up liking him.
I enjoyed the characters and the story. There was enough drama but maybe too many demons. I found Justin's demons a little odd and a bit annoying although it was quite a unique take, particularly when they start exploding - that probably makes no sense but will once you read the book!
3.5 stars
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Justin is an up-and-coming figure skating champion but his choice of sport has driven a wedge between his family. His father is a hockey coach and Justin also had the skills to play professionally so his father was disappointed by his choice. The death of his mother, his key supporter, has also haunted him for the last three years. He has LOTS of demons!
A relationship with an closeted ice hockey player - who was happy for the sex but put Justin down in front of the rest of the team - has also soured his opinion of men who play ice hockey.
I actually started reading this book without reading the blurb so the way the story unfolded was a bit of a surprise. A large portion of the beginning of the book is focused on Justin's relationship with Danny (the closeted player) and it is along while before CJ enters the picture and captures Justin's interest. I didn't see it coming and was expecting the relationship with Danny to evolve. Anyway, I liked that the author didn't make Danny the bad guy, he sort of redeemed himself and I ended up liking him.
I enjoyed the characters and the story. There was enough drama but maybe too many demons. I found Justin's demons a little odd and a bit annoying although it was quite a unique take, particularly when they start exploding - that probably makes no sense but will once you read the book!
3.5 stars
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
May 11, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Before I start the review, this story deserves a bit of a preface. Picks & Pucks is more complex than I would have thought, based on the cover or the blurb. I was expecting hot athletes and hotter sex and, although I did get those, I also got a look at the effect that guilt, anger, and unresolved issues have on figure skater Justin Corrin, and how his behavior impacts his family, friends, and lover.
So, let’s talk about Justin. He is surprisingly narrow minded and adjectives like abrasive, unpleasant, and self-centered are good descriptors for him. Justin admits to always thinking the worst of everyone and is selfish, but slowly realizes that everyone, including himself, has their own personal demons to deal with. Justin describes the demons like a physical manifestation, similar to puppies or birds that follow him around, circling and chattering. The demons represent people lost, betrayals, and life events gone wrong. It is a little disconcerting that the damn things talk to him at times, but it is clear that Justin needs to let go of the guilt, resentment, and pain.
Read Jason's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Before I start the review, this story deserves a bit of a preface. Picks & Pucks is more complex than I would have thought, based on the cover or the blurb. I was expecting hot athletes and hotter sex and, although I did get those, I also got a look at the effect that guilt, anger, and unresolved issues have on figure skater Justin Corrin, and how his behavior impacts his family, friends, and lover.
So, let’s talk about Justin. He is surprisingly narrow minded and adjectives like abrasive, unpleasant, and self-centered are good descriptors for him. Justin admits to always thinking the worst of everyone and is selfish, but slowly realizes that everyone, including himself, has their own personal demons to deal with. Justin describes the demons like a physical manifestation, similar to puppies or birds that follow him around, circling and chattering. The demons represent people lost, betrayals, and life events gone wrong. It is a little disconcerting that the damn things talk to him at times, but it is clear that Justin needs to let go of the guilt, resentment, and pain.
Read Jason's review in its entirety here.
July 4, 2017
I almost gave up on this so many times. I suppose I kept reading because I liked CJ, and when Justin wasn't being a pessimistic asshole, I liked their budding relationship. The demons were just too much for me, though. They were a physical manifestation, and I found it really distracting. Seeing visions is a psychiatric condition. Justin needed a therapist and medications. I spent entirely too much of this book rolling my eyes. Besides the oddity of the demons, another thing that got to me in the writing style was that so many things were completely glossed over. Too much telling, not enough showing. A lot of the figure skating, especially the competitions, barely rated a paragraph (basically "I skated well, I got the gold", moving on...). It made the book feel very uneven to me. This isn't to say I wouldn't read other books by this author, but I think I'll be more cautious on picking them in the future.
May 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this author's other story and this one as well. I just connect with her voice. They are young, they are only 20 years old so yes, they act like young kids and you want to smack them upside the head periodically, but I still enjoyed it and I have a bit of a soft spot for kids with damage so that worked. I really liked Justin's best friend Eli and I was in the right frame of mind for this. Enjoyable for me.
August 12, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. The reading style was very different but I loved the book. I am not great with words and therefore my reviews are not the best ;)
May 15, 2014
Full Review on Prism Book Alliance
I like what are the basically four main characters: Justin, Danny, Eli and CJ. Don’t get any idears, there are no threesomes or foursomes. ;) The writing style matches young guys in their early to mid-20’s: blunt, sometimes shy, sometimes sweet, and definitely trying to figure out what the hell is going on with life. They each have their own characteristics that both make it easy to keep track of them all, but more importantly, they’re each given a role to play that adds to the larger theme of the story.
The author must have at least some knowledge of ice skating and hockey. Details are well described without being overdone. Yup, we’re in the land of rink lovers, folks. It’s one I like.
The story itself is a little thin but this shortcoming is more than made up for by the strong characters and their interactions, even if they wander into Miscommunicators Anonymous sometimes. Things are at their best when any combination of these guys are sharing page time. We lose some of that when it’s just Justin in his own head. Which leads me to…
By far the largest distraction is the depiction of Justin’s “demons”, as if they’re actual creatures always (well, nearly always) around him. They’re fully animated: sitting, scowling, cackling, hissing, flying, misting about, and Justin sees them, murmurs at them, curses them. They are mentioned a lot. Either it’s the very obvious meaning behind them – I mean, demons, that’s the word used to describe them – or something that I just did not get at all. I simply couldn’t decide because they are that obvious, that literal in their implementation within the story. Simply an overly eager way of giving representation to Justin’s issues or something so far flung, so far out there, I couldn’t see where the puck landed. Like I said, distracting. It was well into the read before they stopped jerking me out of the story and I simply accepted them and read right over them. Picture gremlins or furbies and you get the idea. Only, ethereal, translucent is how I imagined them.
Once you can get past that, there are some really good things about this book. There are gentle, sweet scenes that were just that and made me sigh in the best way. The sex scenes were well done and unique to each of these guys. Additionally, the conversations between Eli and Justin when Eli is asking how it feels to be with a guy (since he’s been with only women until now) are honest and fun. The writing is good and the first sex scene is hot, tender and unexpected in its implications. This did give me a good idea of what was to come as far as the quality of writing and I enjoyed it.
Will Justin be able to overcome his past? Will CJ? Will Danny be able to get out of his own way and allow himself to be who he really is, to be happy? Will any of them?
We do have family in this story, mostly Justin’s, and they play the sort of typical roles in the book.
Since some of their page time is limited, the overly simplified dialogue and the quick leaps to resolution don’t really add much to the story, not in terms of Justin trying to overcome everything and get to where he wants to be. The only exception may be Justin’s sister and the memory of she and Justin’s mother. Otherwise, the small interactions between Justin and his dad, Justin and his brother, etc., only provide one scene each that truly added emotional heft and importance.
In the end, this story swings wildly from the almost ridiculous to the incredibly sweet and moving. At the literal end of the book, I had tears. That doesn’t happen to me in many stories I read but it did here. I would say this book is in the mixed bag category for me.
I like what are the basically four main characters: Justin, Danny, Eli and CJ. Don’t get any idears, there are no threesomes or foursomes. ;) The writing style matches young guys in their early to mid-20’s: blunt, sometimes shy, sometimes sweet, and definitely trying to figure out what the hell is going on with life. They each have their own characteristics that both make it easy to keep track of them all, but more importantly, they’re each given a role to play that adds to the larger theme of the story.
The author must have at least some knowledge of ice skating and hockey. Details are well described without being overdone. Yup, we’re in the land of rink lovers, folks. It’s one I like.
The story itself is a little thin but this shortcoming is more than made up for by the strong characters and their interactions, even if they wander into Miscommunicators Anonymous sometimes. Things are at their best when any combination of these guys are sharing page time. We lose some of that when it’s just Justin in his own head. Which leads me to…
By far the largest distraction is the depiction of Justin’s “demons”, as if they’re actual creatures always (well, nearly always) around him. They’re fully animated: sitting, scowling, cackling, hissing, flying, misting about, and Justin sees them, murmurs at them, curses them. They are mentioned a lot. Either it’s the very obvious meaning behind them – I mean, demons, that’s the word used to describe them – or something that I just did not get at all. I simply couldn’t decide because they are that obvious, that literal in their implementation within the story. Simply an overly eager way of giving representation to Justin’s issues or something so far flung, so far out there, I couldn’t see where the puck landed. Like I said, distracting. It was well into the read before they stopped jerking me out of the story and I simply accepted them and read right over them. Picture gremlins or furbies and you get the idea. Only, ethereal, translucent is how I imagined them.
Once you can get past that, there are some really good things about this book. There are gentle, sweet scenes that were just that and made me sigh in the best way. The sex scenes were well done and unique to each of these guys. Additionally, the conversations between Eli and Justin when Eli is asking how it feels to be with a guy (since he’s been with only women until now) are honest and fun. The writing is good and the first sex scene is hot, tender and unexpected in its implications. This did give me a good idea of what was to come as far as the quality of writing and I enjoyed it.
Will Justin be able to overcome his past? Will CJ? Will Danny be able to get out of his own way and allow himself to be who he really is, to be happy? Will any of them?
We do have family in this story, mostly Justin’s, and they play the sort of typical roles in the book.
Since some of their page time is limited, the overly simplified dialogue and the quick leaps to resolution don’t really add much to the story, not in terms of Justin trying to overcome everything and get to where he wants to be. The only exception may be Justin’s sister and the memory of she and Justin’s mother. Otherwise, the small interactions between Justin and his dad, Justin and his brother, etc., only provide one scene each that truly added emotional heft and importance.
In the end, this story swings wildly from the almost ridiculous to the incredibly sweet and moving. At the literal end of the book, I had tears. That doesn’t happen to me in many stories I read but it did here. I would say this book is in the mixed bag category for me.
September 24, 2014
What I had here was a story that I wanted very much to enjoy, with a quirk that came a hair’s breadth from causing a DNF in chapter 2.
If I *never* see the word “demon” again, that will be just fine. This book has a lifetime’s supply.
Yes, Justin has some. So do the other characters. Yes, they need to be vanquished. Doing so with subtlety makes for a good story. These demons are personified, given actions and implied dialogue. As seen from the first person POV of Justin, the whiz-bang skater of all styles and sports, they are a huge distancing effect from the emotions of the story. Yes Justin feels their effects, but they’re outside of him. The effect might have been intended to make his feelings concrete, instead, they become a barrier between him and his ownership of his feelings and reactions.
There’s some really good stuff in here, with family coming together, eventually, and in Jack’s case, a little unbelievably, with love and closet-dwelling, with teammates being important beyond the rest of the world and ingrained prejudices, and the slow realization of love with a background of two twenty-year-olds’ assholery, and the physical prowess of the young and highly trained.
They almost, but not quite overshadow some absurd plot points, such as Marina the Russian skating coach’s personal plans, CJ’s unbelievable silence in the face of threat, and an entire group of young men’s inability or unwillingness to use basic internet tools. I don't believe for a minute that a team wouldn't try to find out about the newcomer.
Justin’s family has been torn apart by the death of his mother. He, his brother, sister, and father all have to come to terms with their reactions to and blaming for her death, and watching them heal is one of the strong points of this story. An extraordinarily gifted child such as Justin can be a disruptive force in the family, and this story doesn’t shy away from exposing the cracks in the unity.
The degree of physical dedication to skating at this level was an integral part of the story, but not overwhelming, and made a very rich atmosphere. That CJ is also a highly ranked athlete was great, it gave them balance on the stardom issues. CJ is a hockey star who’s also a whiz in the kitchen, and amazingly well balanced until all of a sudden he needs to be something else, which was a little jarring. Another character, Danny, was an interesting study: he was torn between what he wanted and what he thought he could have, what he wanted to do and what he thought he was expected to do, and his arc may not be quite complete.
This story left me torn, because there are some excellently done aspects mixed in with the less believable and the outright aggravating. I found enough to like in this book that I read past the Chinese water torture of the demon issue, but it was a near thing. After the initial chapters, the framework of the personified demons would fade away for a while and I could sink into the story, until Ack! There they are again! Yanking me out of the story and denying the characters ownership of their emotions.
This author can write, and I would give her work another try, but this book has enough problems that I can’t rate it more than 2.5 marbles.
If I *never* see the word “demon” again, that will be just fine. This book has a lifetime’s supply.
Yes, Justin has some. So do the other characters. Yes, they need to be vanquished. Doing so with subtlety makes for a good story. These demons are personified, given actions and implied dialogue. As seen from the first person POV of Justin, the whiz-bang skater of all styles and sports, they are a huge distancing effect from the emotions of the story. Yes Justin feels their effects, but they’re outside of him. The effect might have been intended to make his feelings concrete, instead, they become a barrier between him and his ownership of his feelings and reactions.
There’s some really good stuff in here, with family coming together, eventually, and in Jack’s case, a little unbelievably, with love and closet-dwelling, with teammates being important beyond the rest of the world and ingrained prejudices, and the slow realization of love with a background of two twenty-year-olds’ assholery, and the physical prowess of the young and highly trained.
They almost, but not quite overshadow some absurd plot points, such as Marina the Russian skating coach’s personal plans, CJ’s unbelievable silence in the face of threat, and an entire group of young men’s inability or unwillingness to use basic internet tools. I don't believe for a minute that a team wouldn't try to find out about the newcomer.
Justin’s family has been torn apart by the death of his mother. He, his brother, sister, and father all have to come to terms with their reactions to and blaming for her death, and watching them heal is one of the strong points of this story. An extraordinarily gifted child such as Justin can be a disruptive force in the family, and this story doesn’t shy away from exposing the cracks in the unity.
The degree of physical dedication to skating at this level was an integral part of the story, but not overwhelming, and made a very rich atmosphere. That CJ is also a highly ranked athlete was great, it gave them balance on the stardom issues. CJ is a hockey star who’s also a whiz in the kitchen, and amazingly well balanced until all of a sudden he needs to be something else, which was a little jarring. Another character, Danny, was an interesting study: he was torn between what he wanted and what he thought he could have, what he wanted to do and what he thought he was expected to do, and his arc may not be quite complete.
This story left me torn, because there are some excellently done aspects mixed in with the less believable and the outright aggravating. I found enough to like in this book that I read past the Chinese water torture of the demon issue, but it was a near thing. After the initial chapters, the framework of the personified demons would fade away for a while and I could sink into the story, until Ack! There they are again! Yanking me out of the story and denying the characters ownership of their emotions.
This author can write, and I would give her work another try, but this book has enough problems that I can’t rate it more than 2.5 marbles.
September 23, 2015
I've read and loved several other books by this author but unfortunately this one fell short for me.
I have to say right off the bat the "demons" were too much for me, they were an MC right from the first page. I'm certain Justin needed a therapist because these "demons" spoke to him, taunted him and even followed other people...if you can kick a "demon" under the bed you should probably seek help immediately (either a therapist or someone who can perform and exorcism??) After finishing the book though, Justin is a drama queen, nothing that hung over him was nearly as bad as he made it seem and quite frankly I think he was the cause of most of the issues, he didn't want to talk about anything, he didn't seem willing to accept he had a part in some of the shitty relationships and he was a dick to those trying to make things better.
The lack of communication between EVERYONE was so frustrating to read, there were all these important conversations that people was start to initiate and they would get interrupted and then pushed aside for months.
I also hadn't re-read the blurb before starting this book (bought it months ago) and I was convinced the MCs were Danny and Justin, when CJ should up about 1/3 of the way through I had to go find out who exactly Justin would end up with.
I do think if something had been handled differently this would have been a great book, the relationship between Justin and CJ could have been so sweet. If the book had focused more on the 2 of them and what they could have been it would have been a 4/5 star rating for me.
While this book didn't work for me, I still highly recommend checking out this author...Love Complicated, Echoes of Us and Frozen Hearts are all tops on my list!
I have to say right off the bat the "demons" were too much for me, they were an MC right from the first page. I'm certain Justin needed a therapist because these "demons" spoke to him, taunted him and even followed other people...if you can kick a "demon" under the bed you should probably seek help immediately (either a therapist or someone who can perform and exorcism??) After finishing the book though, Justin is a drama queen, nothing that hung over him was nearly as bad as he made it seem and quite frankly I think he was the cause of most of the issues, he didn't want to talk about anything, he didn't seem willing to accept he had a part in some of the shitty relationships and he was a dick to those trying to make things better.
The lack of communication between EVERYONE was so frustrating to read, there were all these important conversations that people was start to initiate and they would get interrupted and then pushed aside for months.
I also hadn't re-read the blurb before starting this book (bought it months ago) and I was convinced the MCs were Danny and Justin, when CJ should up about 1/3 of the way through I had to go find out who exactly Justin would end up with.
I do think if something had been handled differently this would have been a great book, the relationship between Justin and CJ could have been so sweet. If the book had focused more on the 2 of them and what they could have been it would have been a 4/5 star rating for me.
While this book didn't work for me, I still highly recommend checking out this author...Love Complicated, Echoes of Us and Frozen Hearts are all tops on my list!
July 18, 2015
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I must be in a figure skater/hockey mood lately. This was another books where I was worried about our MC being with the wrong guy for the whole book but thankfully that didn't happen. And even the initially douchey Danny ended up being a good guy. I never really understood the huge secrecy about CJ's past and the drama it caused seemed unnecessary. This one also didn't follow the super twinkish figure skater trope. Justin was just as good at hockey and didn't come across as flamboyant in any way. And the cuddling. Can we talk about that? It was my favorite part of the book. They just seemed to fit so well together and couldn't get sleep without each other. How sweet! The demons were a bit distracting but overall, a fun read!
February 7, 2017
I might have cried.
It was good.
I liked it.
It was good.
I liked it.
December 18, 2023
2.5 stars
I wanted to love this story. I started out really disliking Justin, he was so self involved and a bit too dramatic for my tastes. Luckily, he grows and changes and I ended up really hoping he'd get his HEA.
Unfortunately the good is outweighed by an overemphasis on the symbolism of the demons; it's just way too heavy handed, it really overpowers the story and the payoff at the end just isn't enough to warrant the excessive use.
I would have preferred more effort went into CJ and Justin sorting out their communication and trust issues, and less demon symbolism.
There are also some really lazy moments of writing, especially a scene between Danny and Justin early in the book that is copied and pasted to become a scene between CJ and Justin later in the book, with very few changes.
I wanted to love this story. I started out really disliking Justin, he was so self involved and a bit too dramatic for my tastes. Luckily, he grows and changes and I ended up really hoping he'd get his HEA.
Unfortunately the good is outweighed by an overemphasis on the symbolism of the demons; it's just way too heavy handed, it really overpowers the story and the payoff at the end just isn't enough to warrant the excessive use.
I would have preferred more effort went into CJ and Justin sorting out their communication and trust issues, and less demon symbolism.
There are also some really lazy moments of writing, especially a scene between Danny and Justin early in the book that is copied and pasted to become a scene between CJ and Justin later in the book, with very few changes.
May 16, 2023
This was an unsatisfying read. Firstly I literally hate a whole “he bullies me cause he’s a closet case who loves me” plot and then to have the MC reward this homophobia by sleeping with said bully is just so unnecessary and gross. Stop please. This is not romantic. Fortunately the bully was not endgame but instead we get another queer hockey player who magically appears in the MC’s house and they start banging straight away and never have a proper conversation about their relationship or either of their trauma (until forced to by circumstances but in really incomplete ways), but they’re also in true love. Just so much dysfunction and unhealthiness all round but the reader is asked to believe this is sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2018
Justin is coming home after being away for a few years to train for the upcoming season as well as to try and get rid of the demons haunting him for the last 3 years. The last thing he needs to do is fall in love with another hockey player, but CJ is hard to resist, until trouble finds them in the form of CJ's demons. Each of them needs to learn to let go of their past and demons in order to have a happy ending.
Both Justin and CJ had some issues and each of them need to learn that things happen for a reason its not always their fault and learn to let go of the past.
Both Justin and CJ had some issues and each of them need to learn that things happen for a reason its not always their fault and learn to let go of the past.
June 18, 2019
This book was a mew concept, i guess.
The demons that Justin sees was a little out-of-the-box. I think you can actually name some of them, like guilt, blames, trust-issues.
And he destroyed them one by one.
This was a good one. And I loved the ending. 😊
Although, the part with CJ is still somewhat unclear to me. I didn't understand exactly what happened.
The demons that Justin sees was a little out-of-the-box. I think you can actually name some of them, like guilt, blames, trust-issues.
And he destroyed them one by one.
This was a good one. And I loved the ending. 😊
Although, the part with CJ is still somewhat unclear to me. I didn't understand exactly what happened.
December 15, 2025
3.25 stars
This is definitely a book written in 2014. I enjoyed the skating and the little bits of hockey here, but these boys...SMH. SO the drama. The missing words and extra quotes when someone wasn't speaking lowered this .25 of a point, so no rounding up. On the other hand, I'm glad I finally finished it and got it off Mount TBR!
This is definitely a book written in 2014. I enjoyed the skating and the little bits of hockey here, but these boys...SMH. SO the drama. The missing words and extra quotes when someone wasn't speaking lowered this .25 of a point, so no rounding up. On the other hand, I'm glad I finally finished it and got it off Mount TBR!
March 14, 2018
A little dramatic, but I still enjoyed it over all.
June 22, 2021
3.5 stars
May 11, 2014
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
This is the second book I've read and enjoyed by this author. I, of course, had to read it the minute I see hockey mentioned in the blurb. Unlike a lot of romance books, this one did have quite a bit of hockey being played. Lots of ice time because the MC, Justin, is a once hockey player turned professional ice skater returning to his home town with some issues to work through. I cringe to say demons because that word was use so frequently in this book. We are talking triple digits total and probably 25 times in the first chapter. Yes, it was distracting and too much IMO, but I suggest you push through that because I thought this was a pretty good book.
I had no idea where we were going when this book started. I expected something really horrific to have happened to Justin for him to be the angry bitter man he comes off as in the beginning. His mother died and it ripped his family apart leaving Justin on the outside alone. He returns to stay with his sister to escape his hectic life and spend his days training for his upcoming competitions. I didn't really understand why it was so important for him to train at his father's college or how that was any less stressful or distracting than what he had going on in California because it was never really explained but I just rolled with it. Seemed like there should have been some explanation given the extreme behavior of Justin to returning to his family under the circumstances.
When he shows up to his sister's place he learns his secret ex lover, Danny, is staying at his sister's, too. I thought this might be the love interest. In fact, despite his ex being a complete ass there was a very powerful moment between them that made me cry. Danny is a total overcompensating closet case prick, who does love Justin but won't come out. Justin thinks he's in love with Danny so their break up scene made me put my hand to my chest because it hurt. This scene gave me flashback to Jake and Adrien, because you can feel how much of himself Danny is crushing down to keep his secret and you can't hate him for it like you want to. The author doesn't let you. This line gutted me! I read it three times. “I love you.” He paused. “No matter where you are or who you are with, never forget that.” Then he leaves! :'( It hurt!
Danny is the main reason for Justin's issues with “hockey boys”. Then a new one transfers onto his dad's team and into the bedroom Danny just abandoned. The new guy named CJ is totally likable and doesn't fit into Justin's stereotype of what a hockey player is. Justin has a very real hang up on hockey despite the fact he used to play. This was explained pretty well as the book goes along. Initially I was like WTF is Justin's problem?!
CJ and Justin have chemistry. There's that “is he gay” moment CJ clears up with a kiss one night. CJ has something serious he's keeping secret from CJ about where he came from. Justin is getting over a break up and training hard. Neither think it's an ideal time to start a relationship but that's what CJ wants. Justin is in denial about his interest in CJ. They just kind of ignore the secrets between them and enjoy each other afraid to burst their little bubble with reality. This became frustrating because you knew it was going to explode at some point. AND it did.
I will say the sex scenes and chemistry were smoking hot in this book. I felt a strong connection between Justin and both the men he's with in this book. I really should have disliked Danny's character but I can't deny there was something there. CJ is the real deal for Justin though. Pretty much everything he wants minus the secrets. CJ even follows and really enjoys figure skating.
The secondary characters in this book were really enjoyable. I didn't have a moment of page time where I whined to myself about wanting the MCs to get back on page because the interactions between the other characters kept me thoroughly entertained.
So, to sum this up. The first chapter was a bit of a struggle for me. The demon thing entire book was annoying but the first chapter was a struggle. The next 2/3 of the book was really good. Then the ending was very angsty and dramatic with an HEA. I did really enjoy this book and I will be looking forward to this author's other books.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
This is the second book I've read and enjoyed by this author. I, of course, had to read it the minute I see hockey mentioned in the blurb. Unlike a lot of romance books, this one did have quite a bit of hockey being played. Lots of ice time because the MC, Justin, is a once hockey player turned professional ice skater returning to his home town with some issues to work through. I cringe to say demons because that word was use so frequently in this book. We are talking triple digits total and probably 25 times in the first chapter. Yes, it was distracting and too much IMO, but I suggest you push through that because I thought this was a pretty good book.
I had no idea where we were going when this book started. I expected something really horrific to have happened to Justin for him to be the angry bitter man he comes off as in the beginning. His mother died and it ripped his family apart leaving Justin on the outside alone. He returns to stay with his sister to escape his hectic life and spend his days training for his upcoming competitions. I didn't really understand why it was so important for him to train at his father's college or how that was any less stressful or distracting than what he had going on in California because it was never really explained but I just rolled with it. Seemed like there should have been some explanation given the extreme behavior of Justin to returning to his family under the circumstances.
When he shows up to his sister's place he learns his secret ex lover, Danny, is staying at his sister's, too. I thought this might be the love interest. In fact, despite his ex being a complete ass there was a very powerful moment between them that made me cry. Danny is a total overcompensating closet case prick, who does love Justin but won't come out. Justin thinks he's in love with Danny so their break up scene made me put my hand to my chest because it hurt. This scene gave me flashback to Jake and Adrien, because you can feel how much of himself Danny is crushing down to keep his secret and you can't hate him for it like you want to. The author doesn't let you. This line gutted me! I read it three times. “I love you.” He paused. “No matter where you are or who you are with, never forget that.” Then he leaves! :'( It hurt!
Danny is the main reason for Justin's issues with “hockey boys”. Then a new one transfers onto his dad's team and into the bedroom Danny just abandoned. The new guy named CJ is totally likable and doesn't fit into Justin's stereotype of what a hockey player is. Justin has a very real hang up on hockey despite the fact he used to play. This was explained pretty well as the book goes along. Initially I was like WTF is Justin's problem?!
CJ and Justin have chemistry. There's that “is he gay” moment CJ clears up with a kiss one night. CJ has something serious he's keeping secret from CJ about where he came from. Justin is getting over a break up and training hard. Neither think it's an ideal time to start a relationship but that's what CJ wants. Justin is in denial about his interest in CJ. They just kind of ignore the secrets between them and enjoy each other afraid to burst their little bubble with reality. This became frustrating because you knew it was going to explode at some point. AND it did.
I will say the sex scenes and chemistry were smoking hot in this book. I felt a strong connection between Justin and both the men he's with in this book. I really should have disliked Danny's character but I can't deny there was something there. CJ is the real deal for Justin though. Pretty much everything he wants minus the secrets. CJ even follows and really enjoys figure skating.
The secondary characters in this book were really enjoyable. I didn't have a moment of page time where I whined to myself about wanting the MCs to get back on page because the interactions between the other characters kept me thoroughly entertained.
So, to sum this up. The first chapter was a bit of a struggle for me. The demon thing entire book was annoying but the first chapter was a struggle. The next 2/3 of the book was really good. Then the ending was very angsty and dramatic with an HEA. I did really enjoy this book and I will be looking forward to this author's other books.
May 25, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
Picks & Pucks is a story of personal demons that follow every single one of us every freaking day. The need to dismiss them, to fight them off or to forget they actually exist is a real need. These are strong distractions which can either haunt us for the rest of our days or be beaten off by something stronger. Love can certainly do that.
Justin is one such young man who is constantly fighting with his personal demons. Traumatized from the loss of a beloved mother, he had left his life from his family and struck off on his own to be the figure ice skater he and his mother envisioned him to be. But in order to beat the demons and to get the strength he needed to get all the way to Nationals and finally, Olympics, he had to go back home.
Seeing his family, friends and former lover, Justin thought he would not survive the hell he thought he was in. Then he runs into CJ, a hockey player who sends Justin's emotions on a spin. It was difficult not to act on their mutual attraction, especially when CJ was staying in the same house Justin was. As their relationship develops into something deeper, both young men begin to realize they may just have a chance for a future. But CJ has his own demons to beat. Is their relationship bound to fail?
I just found something really sexy with this cover image. The all-so-masculine hockey skates right beside the sexy figure skating ones. I so needed a romantic story complete with angst and drama set within the sporting world and this just fulfilled every single need and dream I had. The drama was there and I actually looked forward to these unfolding for these played such important roles to the whole beating-demons process. The love story between Justin and CJ cannot be dismissed as a simple romance for the trials they had to go through, to get to the point where they could be free of all obstacles, it all just beautifully unfolded.
Thank you, Teegan Loy. This was such a great read and despite my own trials these past two days, I found this to be a perfect balm in every way and was more than enough to get me through difficult times. The plot developed so well and it was just written so lovely, it left me smiling and needing to go watch some ice skating to the tunes of the Backstreet Boys.
Picks & Pucks is a story of personal demons that follow every single one of us every freaking day. The need to dismiss them, to fight them off or to forget they actually exist is a real need. These are strong distractions which can either haunt us for the rest of our days or be beaten off by something stronger. Love can certainly do that.
Justin is one such young man who is constantly fighting with his personal demons. Traumatized from the loss of a beloved mother, he had left his life from his family and struck off on his own to be the figure ice skater he and his mother envisioned him to be. But in order to beat the demons and to get the strength he needed to get all the way to Nationals and finally, Olympics, he had to go back home.
Seeing his family, friends and former lover, Justin thought he would not survive the hell he thought he was in. Then he runs into CJ, a hockey player who sends Justin's emotions on a spin. It was difficult not to act on their mutual attraction, especially when CJ was staying in the same house Justin was. As their relationship develops into something deeper, both young men begin to realize they may just have a chance for a future. But CJ has his own demons to beat. Is their relationship bound to fail?
I just found something really sexy with this cover image. The all-so-masculine hockey skates right beside the sexy figure skating ones. I so needed a romantic story complete with angst and drama set within the sporting world and this just fulfilled every single need and dream I had. The drama was there and I actually looked forward to these unfolding for these played such important roles to the whole beating-demons process. The love story between Justin and CJ cannot be dismissed as a simple romance for the trials they had to go through, to get to the point where they could be free of all obstacles, it all just beautifully unfolded.
Thank you, Teegan Loy. This was such a great read and despite my own trials these past two days, I found this to be a perfect balm in every way and was more than enough to get me through difficult times. The plot developed so well and it was just written so lovely, it left me smiling and needing to go watch some ice skating to the tunes of the Backstreet Boys.
November 14, 2014
I get all the hockey books at GLBR, mostly because Nina loves me best. But this book started out as something really different. Several moments I stopped, checked the title, checked my list, and went back to reading.
This is so much more than a hockey book. It’s about coming home, healing, forgiveness and family. The author has a truly unique take on the term ‘fighting ones demons’ and it made what could have been a slow book and propelled it. The way the different characters fought their demons, or didn’t, was fantastic.
Justin made the decision to go home and get rid of the horde of demons clawing at his back and make peace. I love that it was his decision, but he fought it was well. He is a man struggling with forgiveness both for others and for himself. He was complex and beautiful.
CJ is introduced after Justin had already jumped in with both feet into the constant conflict of the story. What I liked about CJ was that all he wants is peace and time to heal. He doesn’t want drama, or a boyfriend. He just wants to play hockey, and go to school. And maybe be able to be safe, warm, and feel loved by a family again.
It’s a beautiful book. I loved the writing and the way we see Justin and all those around him. I loved looking at this family and the two sports through eyes that could give us several different perspectives. And in the end I loved the theme of forgiveness and healing. I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed by Beans
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
This is so much more than a hockey book. It’s about coming home, healing, forgiveness and family. The author has a truly unique take on the term ‘fighting ones demons’ and it made what could have been a slow book and propelled it. The way the different characters fought their demons, or didn’t, was fantastic.
Justin made the decision to go home and get rid of the horde of demons clawing at his back and make peace. I love that it was his decision, but he fought it was well. He is a man struggling with forgiveness both for others and for himself. He was complex and beautiful.
CJ is introduced after Justin had already jumped in with both feet into the constant conflict of the story. What I liked about CJ was that all he wants is peace and time to heal. He doesn’t want drama, or a boyfriend. He just wants to play hockey, and go to school. And maybe be able to be safe, warm, and feel loved by a family again.
It’s a beautiful book. I loved the writing and the way we see Justin and all those around him. I loved looking at this family and the two sports through eyes that could give us several different perspectives. And in the end I loved the theme of forgiveness and healing. I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed by Beans
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
January 19, 2015
No one would disagree that Justin Corrin has a gift with a hockey puck. Justin also has incredible talent with a figure skating pick. His life should have been a dream. Far from it. His older hockey player brother is jealous and his father, a college hockey coach, has a fit when he learns that Justin is taking figure skating classes. Adding to that his hockey player boyfriend insists on staying firmly in the closet. His mother’s death in a car accident is the final blow in destroying Justin’s home life. She was the glue that kept them together. After the funeral he left his fractured family for training in California.
Just missing the podium at Nationals Justin agrees to come home with his demons to face the mess he left behind. Confronting family members it seems that they are trying to make amends while Justin is the one who won’t let the past go.
New skating programs, developing family relations, and a new hockey boyfriend who’s not in the closet. Justin is learning that he makes his own drama and his own demons. It’s up to him to make a life worth cherishing.
Such sorrow and angst in the beginning. The evolution of the main character’s growth in Picks and Pucks is gritty, realistic, and heartwarming. Accepting Justin’s invisible demons may take a moment of adjustment, but they have a place in the skater’s maturity so bear with them. The secondary characters are just as real and intrinsic to the plotline. Picks and Pucks is the story of a family that’s unraveled by anger and death, however time and love is knitting them back together. Cheer them on. I Joyfully recommend Picks and Pucks. Tissue optional.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Just missing the podium at Nationals Justin agrees to come home with his demons to face the mess he left behind. Confronting family members it seems that they are trying to make amends while Justin is the one who won’t let the past go.
New skating programs, developing family relations, and a new hockey boyfriend who’s not in the closet. Justin is learning that he makes his own drama and his own demons. It’s up to him to make a life worth cherishing.
Such sorrow and angst in the beginning. The evolution of the main character’s growth in Picks and Pucks is gritty, realistic, and heartwarming. Accepting Justin’s invisible demons may take a moment of adjustment, but they have a place in the skater’s maturity so bear with them. The secondary characters are just as real and intrinsic to the plotline. Picks and Pucks is the story of a family that’s unraveled by anger and death, however time and love is knitting them back together. Cheer them on. I Joyfully recommend Picks and Pucks. Tissue optional.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
February 9, 2017
3.75*
i do always like a hockey v ice skating story and at first I thought this was going to be only ok but as it went on the story just hooked into me and I really felt for the main characters. I can see where some readers would not be all that into it. However, I did enjoy it, the two themes twisting around each other nicely.
Justin is not an easy character to like but you can feel how his demons have really done a number on him (and like a lot of people the manifestation of them did annoy after a while). Some counselling for the family after his Mum's death would have saved a load of trouble - but no story! She was the glue that held all the rest of them together as they went to achieve their goals. However, I did like that he could out-hockey the hockey guys without even trying and his training regime was brutal, showing all athletes are strong despite what bigots think.
Danny I felt for as he was being forced to someone else to 'fit' into societies norms, so whilst he was not a nice character, he seemed real and I'm glad that ultimately he was there for Justin and wanted to be himself.
I didnt really feel I got to know CJ, a lot of his background was still a mystery even after we learned about it. However, he was a person true to himself although his reluctance to talk to Justin was annoying (but again, no story if he had!)
Eli was the fun element, I enjoyed him and his journey to greatnes!
i do always like a hockey v ice skating story and at first I thought this was going to be only ok but as it went on the story just hooked into me and I really felt for the main characters. I can see where some readers would not be all that into it. However, I did enjoy it, the two themes twisting around each other nicely.
Justin is not an easy character to like but you can feel how his demons have really done a number on him (and like a lot of people the manifestation of them did annoy after a while). Some counselling for the family after his Mum's death would have saved a load of trouble - but no story! She was the glue that held all the rest of them together as they went to achieve their goals. However, I did like that he could out-hockey the hockey guys without even trying and his training regime was brutal, showing all athletes are strong despite what bigots think.
Danny I felt for as he was being forced to someone else to 'fit' into societies norms, so whilst he was not a nice character, he seemed real and I'm glad that ultimately he was there for Justin and wanted to be himself.
I didnt really feel I got to know CJ, a lot of his background was still a mystery even after we learned about it. However, he was a person true to himself although his reluctance to talk to Justin was annoying (but again, no story if he had!)
Eli was the fun element, I enjoyed him and his journey to greatnes!
January 2, 2016
There are two major reasons I absolutely hated this book. The first one is my own fault: I originally read the blurb a few weeks ago but didn't re-read it before actually starting the book. I thus spent the first 30% thinking Danny was the love interest. And let me be clear, I hate Danny. They had a history and the times they spent alone together managed to be both sweet and hot. BUT he was a bully and an asshole. Usually when you read hockey romance, the closeted athlete doesn't stand up to homophobic remarks from his teammates but here, HE incited all the homophobic taunts. I think he really did love Justin but he's unforgivable. Thank goodness CJ arrived on the scene and I no longer had to worry that the author gave me a love interest I couldn't get behind.
The second thing I absolutely loathed was the personification of Justin's "demons". They're almost literal. It annoyed me from the very beginning but I hoped (in vain it turns out) that it wouldn't carry throughout the story. I'm astonished this made it through editing.
This is the second book of Teegan Loy's I've read and I hated it even more than the first (Frozen Hearts). I'll do myself the favour and pass next time.
The second thing I absolutely loathed was the personification of Justin's "demons". They're almost literal. It annoyed me from the very beginning but I hoped (in vain it turns out) that it wouldn't carry throughout the story. I'm astonished this made it through editing.
This is the second book of Teegan Loy's I've read and I hated it even more than the first (Frozen Hearts). I'll do myself the favour and pass next time.
May 9, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=26411
Justin Corrin is a rising star in the men’s figure skating world. He has come home to train for the upcoming season. Justin is also home to face the demons of his past and put them to rest one and for all. Justin’s problems keep mounting the more you get to know him.
CJ Daly is a hockey player on Justin’s father’s team. The attraction that Justin feels for CJ grows with each day. CJ does not go into much detail about his past. It slowly comes to light and some we never really get a full understanding of. The one thing we do know is that CJ is head over heels in love with Justin long before he ever meet him.
The one thing about this book that bugged me was that Justin sees demons. Actual Demons. Nowhere was this explained or acknowledged in any way. It really had no place in the overall story line.
I found this book overall well written with interesting and realistic characters. I loved how the author addressed stereotypes and showed how not to judge others. I read this book in one sitting. I really hope that this book is part of a series or the beginning of a series. Overall, I loved this book a lot.
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=26411
Justin Corrin is a rising star in the men’s figure skating world. He has come home to train for the upcoming season. Justin is also home to face the demons of his past and put them to rest one and for all. Justin’s problems keep mounting the more you get to know him.
CJ Daly is a hockey player on Justin’s father’s team. The attraction that Justin feels for CJ grows with each day. CJ does not go into much detail about his past. It slowly comes to light and some we never really get a full understanding of. The one thing we do know is that CJ is head over heels in love with Justin long before he ever meet him.
The one thing about this book that bugged me was that Justin sees demons. Actual Demons. Nowhere was this explained or acknowledged in any way. It really had no place in the overall story line.
I found this book overall well written with interesting and realistic characters. I loved how the author addressed stereotypes and showed how not to judge others. I read this book in one sitting. I really hope that this book is part of a series or the beginning of a series. Overall, I loved this book a lot.
June 24, 2014
If an ice skater is equally talented as both a hockey player and figure skater, is it less manly to hone his figure skating skills? Teegan Loy's romance lands solidly on the line, declaring that both figure and hockey skating demand strength and precision.
The author also tackles the question of image as figure skater Justin Corrin works to become a member of the United States Olympic team while coming out as a gay man. Justin's been in a closeted relationship with his friend Danny, a hockey player.
Danny's a real piece of work, acting hot and heavy when he's with Justin behind closed doors and making fun of Justin in front of the hockey team.
This all changes when Justin throws over Danny after he meets C. J. Daly, a new hockey player on the team that Justin's father coaches. While Justin and C. J. immediately click, Justin realizes right away that something isn't right with C. J., a fact corroborated by others who know him.
Since Justin hasn't really talked to his father after he reacted badly to Justin's coming out, Justin leaves C. J. alone, not demanding that he talk about his troubled past. Besides, Justin has demons of his own.
Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
The author also tackles the question of image as figure skater Justin Corrin works to become a member of the United States Olympic team while coming out as a gay man. Justin's been in a closeted relationship with his friend Danny, a hockey player.
Danny's a real piece of work, acting hot and heavy when he's with Justin behind closed doors and making fun of Justin in front of the hockey team.
This all changes when Justin throws over Danny after he meets C. J. Daly, a new hockey player on the team that Justin's father coaches. While Justin and C. J. immediately click, Justin realizes right away that something isn't right with C. J., a fact corroborated by others who know him.
Since Justin hasn't really talked to his father after he reacted badly to Justin's coming out, Justin leaves C. J. alone, not demanding that he talk about his troubled past. Besides, Justin has demons of his own.
Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
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