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Soft Hands
Their Secret Is Coming Out
Chris Knoll is one of the top players for the New York Rangers. Anybody who knows anything about hockey is impressed with his performance – and that includes noted sports journalist Matt Tucker. Trouble is, not everybody in the industry takes Matt too seriously, because he’s openly gay. When he arrives to conduct a profile of Chris for Sports Illustrated, Chris’s homophobic teammates are quick to warn him to be careful.
As the two get to know each other, however, Chris’s guard goes down and his interest kicks in. Despite the backlash against him, Matt is tenacious and bold. He defies all the negative stereotypes Chris has ever had about gay people – and he’s awakening an attraction in Chris that’s never come to the surface before.
But for a top-league sports player at the height of his career, swarmed by girls every time he leaves the house, hooking up with a writer is not really an option. After all, this is the kind of secret you try to hide from journalists. What are you supposed to do when a journalist is the secret? What’s more, how are you supposed to square that with your intensely judgmental best friend?
Only one thing’s for sure. Chris doesn’t have a choice. Whatever happens, he’s just going to have to run with it.
This story was formerly titled On Thin Ice.
Chris Knoll is one of the top players for the New York Rangers. Anybody who knows anything about hockey is impressed with his performance – and that includes noted sports journalist Matt Tucker. Trouble is, not everybody in the industry takes Matt too seriously, because he’s openly gay. When he arrives to conduct a profile of Chris for Sports Illustrated, Chris’s homophobic teammates are quick to warn him to be careful.
As the two get to know each other, however, Chris’s guard goes down and his interest kicks in. Despite the backlash against him, Matt is tenacious and bold. He defies all the negative stereotypes Chris has ever had about gay people – and he’s awakening an attraction in Chris that’s never come to the surface before.
But for a top-league sports player at the height of his career, swarmed by girls every time he leaves the house, hooking up with a writer is not really an option. After all, this is the kind of secret you try to hide from journalists. What are you supposed to do when a journalist is the secret? What’s more, how are you supposed to square that with your intensely judgmental best friend?
Only one thing’s for sure. Chris doesn’t have a choice. Whatever happens, he’s just going to have to run with it.
This story was formerly titled On Thin Ice.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
67 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 8, 2022
3.50 *** 1/2* stars
As I've written previously, the plot was sweet, full of love, humorous and delightfully positive. However, once again editorial and proofreading errors greatly took away from my enjoyment of this book.
Brief synopsis: Rising pro hockey player meets a gay journalist who's sent to write an article about him for Sports Illustrated. Chris, the hockey player, finds himself warily falling for the reporter, Matt, even though Chris always thought of his sexuality as heterosexual. As time passes, he finds himself having stronger feelings for Matt.
When someone captures a photo of the pair holding hands outside Chris's building, all heck breaks loose. Chris's teammates give him the cold shoulder, and his best friend, Darren, berates him until they end up in a physical altercation.
Darren is suspended from the team and Chris must attend anger management classes. But Darren won't let the issue rest and assaults Matt, resulting in Darren being kicked off the team. But while Chris is defending Matt, he realizes that Darren, too, is gay, but still in the closet. His best friend was jealous of Matt and Chris's relationship.
The remainder of the story revolves around Chris and Matt becoming closer, with each teaching the other what it means to be a gay man in a testosterone driven sport, as well as learning about their mutual attraction. In the end, Matt and Chris become symbols for promoting LGBT awareness in all sports, even setting up scholarships for LGBT athletes coming in highschool.
Had it not been for the exceptional number of editorial errors, I would have happily given this book 4 stars. The writing was smooth (when error free), the story interesting and tender and had a HEA.
As I've written previously, the plot was sweet, full of love, humorous and delightfully positive. However, once again editorial and proofreading errors greatly took away from my enjoyment of this book.
Brief synopsis: Rising pro hockey player meets a gay journalist who's sent to write an article about him for Sports Illustrated. Chris, the hockey player, finds himself warily falling for the reporter, Matt, even though Chris always thought of his sexuality as heterosexual. As time passes, he finds himself having stronger feelings for Matt.
When someone captures a photo of the pair holding hands outside Chris's building, all heck breaks loose. Chris's teammates give him the cold shoulder, and his best friend, Darren, berates him until they end up in a physical altercation.
Darren is suspended from the team and Chris must attend anger management classes. But Darren won't let the issue rest and assaults Matt, resulting in Darren being kicked off the team. But while Chris is defending Matt, he realizes that Darren, too, is gay, but still in the closet. His best friend was jealous of Matt and Chris's relationship.
The remainder of the story revolves around Chris and Matt becoming closer, with each teaching the other what it means to be a gay man in a testosterone driven sport, as well as learning about their mutual attraction. In the end, Matt and Chris become symbols for promoting LGBT awareness in all sports, even setting up scholarships for LGBT athletes coming in highschool.
Had it not been for the exceptional number of editorial errors, I would have happily given this book 4 stars. The writing was smooth (when error free), the story interesting and tender and had a HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2018
The book finishes at 8% then there are 31 extra stories after. Nope.
December 6, 2022
Sometimes you have to return to the beginning to find the answers. Trent, just completed his 1st season on the NHL team. He is grateful for the opportunity, but he is aware that he has a secret that can affect his future and it must stay secret at all costs. Eric, is his old mentor and helped him get to the NHL. Trent, felt out of sync and knew who he could ask for help, Eric. Eric, used to dream about going Pro. He had hopes, dreams and aspirations of 'making it'. He thought Trent, would be more appreciative of the help he gave. Trent, is looking to find where his head is at and why he missed what should have been a simple shot. As the men got reacquainted, their perspectives of themselvs and each other changed and grew. Can Eric get Trent into a better headspace? Will Trent get Eric to understand his gratitude and that he did not forget from where he came? Will they explore their sexuality? Will they handle home town obstacles? Good story of self exploration, growth and acceptance. The author takes us through self discovery with grace tact and care. There are a few hickups in the story, but the author has Trent and eric ready. Good story, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2017
On Thin Ice: Gay Sports First Time Romance by Van Cole
This is Matt Tucker and Chris Knoll's story.
Matt is scheduled to do an in depth interview with hockey star Chris Knoll. He has a pretty tough skin. Matt isn't ashamed of his life style choices. Chris is an athletic in shape guy that is a hot hockey star. He isn't really worried about being interviewed by a gay guy. Well, that was true until his hockey buddy kept voicing his concerns. Matt is attracted to Chris but needs this interview for his career. Plus, Chris is straight. As they spend time together Chris finds himself attracted to Matt which is new for him. Will Chris act on his attraction to Matt? It appears Chris has a lot he could lose if he does?
This story has passion and stress but will the passion outweigh the stress? I enjoyed the original story and enjoyed this expanded version. I liked how Matt and Chris stayed strong and supported each other.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is Matt Tucker and Chris Knoll's story.
Matt is scheduled to do an in depth interview with hockey star Chris Knoll. He has a pretty tough skin. Matt isn't ashamed of his life style choices. Chris is an athletic in shape guy that is a hot hockey star. He isn't really worried about being interviewed by a gay guy. Well, that was true until his hockey buddy kept voicing his concerns. Matt is attracted to Chris but needs this interview for his career. Plus, Chris is straight. As they spend time together Chris finds himself attracted to Matt which is new for him. Will Chris act on his attraction to Matt? It appears Chris has a lot he could lose if he does?
This story has passion and stress but will the passion outweigh the stress? I enjoyed the original story and enjoyed this expanded version. I liked how Matt and Chris stayed strong and supported each other.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 7, 2017
4*
A good read from Van Cole
Both Chris and Matt are at the top of their game in their respective fields.
Chris is a top flight hockey play who is to be interviewed by Matt, a free lance sports journalist.
Their initial interview goes really well only for a homophobic team mate to insinuate that Matt is a gay man on the make and that he should stay away from him.
Chris is straight and has previously not felt attracted to males but he starts to question his sexuality after spending time with Matt. He also after much thought ignores what his team mate thinks.
There is a trouble, stress and strife through this book but it's not over angsty.
Chris and Matt along with some direct support from management work their way through the crap to make his life on the team work as seamlessly as possible, which also enables two great, open, kind men to find their HEA.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A good read from Van Cole
Both Chris and Matt are at the top of their game in their respective fields.
Chris is a top flight hockey play who is to be interviewed by Matt, a free lance sports journalist.
Their initial interview goes really well only for a homophobic team mate to insinuate that Matt is a gay man on the make and that he should stay away from him.
Chris is straight and has previously not felt attracted to males but he starts to question his sexuality after spending time with Matt. He also after much thought ignores what his team mate thinks.
There is a trouble, stress and strife through this book but it's not over angsty.
Chris and Matt along with some direct support from management work their way through the crap to make his life on the team work as seamlessly as possible, which also enables two great, open, kind men to find their HEA.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2022
Chris always believed himself to be straight until he met the man interviewing him for an exclusive. Matt has never been ashamed of being gay and will never allow anyone to make him feel that way. When he is scheduled to do an interview with hockey star, Chris Knoll, he didn’t expect the chemistry he would feel to a man who is straight. He can’t risk ruining the interview as he needs it for his career, but the more time he and Chris spend together, the harder it is to keep his thoughts from straying. Chris is stunned to find himself attracted to Matt in a way he never has been before. Will he have the courage to stand up and fight for the man he wants? Or will he allow the pressure of public opinion to cause him to lose the man he is coming to love?
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed the original version of this story with Matt and Chris' easy camaraderie and banter, so I was excited to see this expanded version of the tale. The whole thing came together perfectly and the story flow is even better with the expansion. This romance is about so much more than just two people falling in love. It's about standing up for who you are, regardless of what other's may think, and not letting yourself be a victim to peer pressure and prejudice. I've been reading this author's work for a while now and it's been a pleasure to watch his books evolve and grow. I'll be interested to see what comes next.
June 21, 2017
Sorry this was one offal attempt at writing a book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The title was excitlng and that's were it ends. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The story was so choppy and the scene where Matt a was getting laid
And junior was going for kos 1st. Laid an junior was learning !
It seemed to me either he was getting on with it see!ed as if this was not
his fitst time! ! And t feel 2guyes are a lot more raucous and not so calm
The title was excitlng and that's were it ends. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The story was so choppy and the scene where Matt a was getting laid
And junior was going for kos 1st. Laid an junior was learning !
It seemed to me either he was getting on with it see!ed as if this was not
his fitst time! ! And t feel 2guyes are a lot more raucous and not so calm
April 10, 2018
It was kinda... meh. Not bad, per se, but I felt it went on too smoothly and too fast, without any real development. All of it happens in a week, and the story ends before we learn the backlash of the events in the climax. It was kinda "we'll figure it out because of love". And what about Chris's career? And Matt's article? Plus, they barely know each other! Too many holes and unsolved things for my liking.
April 5, 2018
Overall I found this to be a pretty good read. I liked the characters and storyline. Plus there's the hockey aspect so that right there wins big points. I do think the author missed a big opportunity with Darren. A little more on Chris's awareness of his situation would have given a richer depth to the story.
March 23, 2017
This super fast read is about more than just romance. It's about exploring your feelings in spite of pressure from peers. It was interesting to see how Chris dealt with his feelings and attraction to Matt while also dealing with his friend's opinions on the matter. Overall. the book is well-written and is the perfect length for a lunchtime or before bed read.
August 30, 2020
Potboiler for athletes coming out genre, gay awakening, but under the wish fulfilment aspects a missed story opportunity. It end abfuptly, lots of loose ends and unanswered plot lines. Very much a short story feel rather than novel.
June 17, 2023
I'm not much into sports but some stories, like this one, don't go deeply into the actual sport, it's just part of the background. This is a nice story, a bit angsty and homophobic but with a gentle, long time friendship, will it go deeper though? A nice read.
May 23, 2017
***Review Coming Soon***
July 6, 2017
MM. I greatly enjoyed this expanded story. Matt and Chris face more together and come out as a stronger couple. Explicit. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 21, 2017
Some of the book was alright but I feel like there was something missing I'm not sure what it was but it was an ok read.
March 20, 2020
Cut short
It seems that I'm missing a large portion of my book. I'm a bit disappointed. It was a cute story.
It seems that I'm missing a large portion of my book. I'm a bit disappointed. It was a cute story.
May 22, 2020
Trop facile, trop rapide et trop sucré
February 5, 2021
Loved this book!💙
I love anything Hockey!!
This is a book I could read over and over!!💙
Thanks Van Cole!! More of your books would
Make me very Happy ☺
I love anything Hockey!!
This is a book I could read over and over!!💙
Thanks Van Cole!! More of your books would
Make me very Happy ☺
March 19, 2017
This was a very well written short story. It was sweet.. it was sexy and it was a lot of fun to read. I am glad I got to review it
February 7, 2020
Sweet
I found this a bit of a sweet read. I do love hockey romance and mm so I thought I'd give it a go. It all came pretty easy for the main character and I doubt real life it like that but I don't mind escaping in a fiction book for a while if it is a good read.
I found this a bit of a sweet read. I do love hockey romance and mm so I thought I'd give it a go. It all came pretty easy for the main character and I doubt real life it like that but I don't mind escaping in a fiction book for a while if it is a good read.
January 18, 2020
Good book
Very very good book to read it's really a very hard to put it down once you start reading it kinda draws you in
Very very good book to read it's really a very hard to put it down once you start reading it kinda draws you in
January 10, 2020
I would recommend it to any open minded individual. I loved how real the characters came across throughout the book.This writer makes you feel everything his characters go through.
I wish more writers wrote like this. He truly brings his characters a realistic and human feel. Please keep writing.
I wish more writers wrote like this. He truly brings his characters a realistic and human feel. Please keep writing.
March 15, 2020
Doesn’t understand hockey
Whirl the love story could have been great, the authors lack of knowledge about hockey was a real distraction. He seems to think it was soccer. It’s not a soccer match it a hockey game. And the play on the ice, not on the pitch. I could go on.
Whirl the love story could have been great, the authors lack of knowledge about hockey was a real distraction. He seems to think it was soccer. It’s not a soccer match it a hockey game. And the play on the ice, not on the pitch. I could go on.
April 4, 2020
Cute story but wish it went a little more in depth on certain aspects (namely Chris’s teammates self loathing). Also wish there was a little more to the actual hockey aspect but still was a good read. Very much an insta-love storyline.
July 22, 2022
In the collection "Rebound"
April 8, 2017
MM explicit. Chris is being shadowed by a reporter for a story for several weeks. He says he has not issue that Matt is gay, but his teammates have a completely different take on the situation. They are quick to judge Matt as some type of predator and convince Chris being around Matt will ruin his career. Chris is fighting an attraction to Matt he does not understand and furthers the problems between them. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 8, 2017
I don't normally read many sports related books at all, but this is the second time I've been surprised by one in the last couple of weeks. It was a very fast read for me, but it was a good story, very well written, and I would have enjoyed it if it had been even longer.
Chris Knoll is a star hockey player for the New York Rangers and Matt Tucker is a sports journalist who has been assigned to shadow Chris and write a story about him for his magazine. A lot of the players don't like or trust Matt because he is openly gay. Chris gives him a chance as a professional, without passing judgement, and the more time they spend together, the more they start to fall for each other. They learned that together they were able to face anything. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader's copy of this book.
Chris Knoll is a star hockey player for the New York Rangers and Matt Tucker is a sports journalist who has been assigned to shadow Chris and write a story about him for his magazine. A lot of the players don't like or trust Matt because he is openly gay. Chris gives him a chance as a professional, without passing judgement, and the more time they spend together, the more they start to fall for each other. They learned that together they were able to face anything. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader's copy of this book.
April 15, 2017
3.5 stars. Story was good, but there were a few editing errors and a couple of POV mix-ups. Also, end was unsatisfying. .. a bit too early. And Matt's assignment was oddly unresolved.
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May 7, 2017I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one at this point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews