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Vino & Veritas #17
Showstopper
I swore I wouldn’t do this again. Mix sports, school, and sex. But right now the only thing standing between me and the NHL is six feet of frenemy packed into a pair of form-fitting jeans that have me thinking all kinds of things I shouldn’t. Mostly how to get him out of them.
I don’t just want Kolby. I need him. Because I’ve got to pass this theater class--yeah, I said theater--if I’m going to keep my spot on the team. When tutoring sessions turn into dates-not-dates over Shipley Cider at Vino and Veritas, I realize it’s going to be harder than I thought to keep my hands on my stick and off of Kolby. Worse, I think I might be falling for him. But I’m not ready for that. I want to keep this thing between us on the down-low for now.
But Kolby hates secrets. Especially his own . . .
I don’t just want Kolby. I need him. Because I’ve got to pass this theater class--yeah, I said theater--if I’m going to keep my spot on the team. When tutoring sessions turn into dates-not-dates over Shipley Cider at Vino and Veritas, I realize it’s going to be harder than I thought to keep my hands on my stick and off of Kolby. Worse, I think I might be falling for him. But I’m not ready for that. I want to keep this thing between us on the down-low for now.
But Kolby hates secrets. Especially his own . . .
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2021
About the author
Regina Kyle
48 books675 followersRegina Kyle knew she was destined to be an author when she won a writing contest at age ten with a touching tale about a squirrel and a nut pie. By day, she writes dry legal briefs, representing the state in criminal appeals. At night, she writes steamy romance with heart and humor.
A lover of all things theatrical, Regina lives on the Connecticut coast with her husband, teenaged daughter and two melodramatic cats. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely singing, reading, cooking or watching bad reality television.
A lover of all things theatrical, Regina lives on the Connecticut coast with her husband, teenaged daughter and two melodramatic cats. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely singing, reading, cooking or watching bad reality television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
July 15, 2021
*** I received an eArc from Heart Eyes Press in exchange for an honest review.***
I loved this story!!! This story has probably one of the most fun dynamics between the main characters I have read in a long time especially in their Improv classes. I was laughing at the funny scenarios both characters were improving in.
This was a fun installment to Vino & Veritas because it also included elements from Sarina Bowen's Moo U series as well. Kolby and Adam are the main characters who are attending Moo U and they are polar opposites in personality. Adam is a recently transferred closeted bisexual hockey player and Kolby is an out theater performer who is sunshine personified. Kolby and Adam end up attending an improv class and their chemistry and instant connection is clear from their first conversastion.
Both Adam and Kolby are surprised at how taken they are with each other, which leads to a great foundation for a relationship, but their feelings come along with many risks as well. I loved the setting for this story, it was a great way to bridge both worlds of V&V and Moo U.
My favorite scene is a hilarious improv skit towards the end and it entails "Circus Clowns," this scene had me bursting with laughter while smiling because of the undeniable connection on display between Adam and Kolby.
This is a fantastic story that I cannot recommend highly enough.
I loved this story!!! This story has probably one of the most fun dynamics between the main characters I have read in a long time especially in their Improv classes. I was laughing at the funny scenarios both characters were improving in.
This was a fun installment to Vino & Veritas because it also included elements from Sarina Bowen's Moo U series as well. Kolby and Adam are the main characters who are attending Moo U and they are polar opposites in personality. Adam is a recently transferred closeted bisexual hockey player and Kolby is an out theater performer who is sunshine personified. Kolby and Adam end up attending an improv class and their chemistry and instant connection is clear from their first conversastion.
Both Adam and Kolby are surprised at how taken they are with each other, which leads to a great foundation for a relationship, but their feelings come along with many risks as well. I loved the setting for this story, it was a great way to bridge both worlds of V&V and Moo U.
My favorite scene is a hilarious improv skit towards the end and it entails "Circus Clowns," this scene had me bursting with laughter while smiling because of the undeniable connection on display between Adam and Kolby.
This is a fantastic story that I cannot recommend highly enough.
July 14, 2021
Back on the 5* trail! Definitely one of my favourites in the series and jam packed with loads of my go to tropes.
Regina Kyle pretty much hit everything I love about college sports romances and opposites' attract tropes in this book.
I adored both Adam and Kolby but Adam absolutely stole my heart, he is just a giant teddy bear of a young man who has a heart of gold.
Kolby is a bit prickly, understandably so given his background, but I liked that he was unashamedly himself, he doesn't hide his sexuality, but he does hide his vulnerability.
Together they're just incredibly sweet and seriously sexy.
Adam's had a bit of a traumatic time at his previous school, so he's wary of exposing his bisexuality, again something the narrative plays out well.
But as he spends more time with Kolby, it becomes clear that he doesn't want to hide the connection they've found.
They connect on all levels, not only are they sexually attracted to each other, but they also have mutual likes and interests and they're both determined to look out for the other, which makes not only for some really lovely conversations, but also hot times between the sheets!
A couple of outside events add tension to the plot, there's the odd lack of communication elements but they're not the type which has me eye-rolling in annoyance.
Both of these men are young and relatively inexperienced and they've both been burned before.
I didn't feel it was out of place they'd both blow up at times and then find it difficult to make the first move to reconnect.
There's some great grovelling too, on both sides, and a fabulous secondary cast of characters not only from the Vino & Veritas world, but also pulling in from the Moo U series too.
Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this one.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
Regina Kyle pretty much hit everything I love about college sports romances and opposites' attract tropes in this book.
I adored both Adam and Kolby but Adam absolutely stole my heart, he is just a giant teddy bear of a young man who has a heart of gold.
Kolby is a bit prickly, understandably so given his background, but I liked that he was unashamedly himself, he doesn't hide his sexuality, but he does hide his vulnerability.
Together they're just incredibly sweet and seriously sexy.
Adam's had a bit of a traumatic time at his previous school, so he's wary of exposing his bisexuality, again something the narrative plays out well.
But as he spends more time with Kolby, it becomes clear that he doesn't want to hide the connection they've found.
They connect on all levels, not only are they sexually attracted to each other, but they also have mutual likes and interests and they're both determined to look out for the other, which makes not only for some really lovely conversations, but also hot times between the sheets!
A couple of outside events add tension to the plot, there's the odd lack of communication elements but they're not the type which has me eye-rolling in annoyance.
Both of these men are young and relatively inexperienced and they've both been burned before.
I didn't feel it was out of place they'd both blow up at times and then find it difficult to make the first move to reconnect.
There's some great grovelling too, on both sides, and a fabulous secondary cast of characters not only from the Vino & Veritas world, but also pulling in from the Moo U series too.
Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this one.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 20, 2021
Kolby + Adam
Adam just transferred to Moo U. He's a hockey player and he was in a little bit of a scandal at his last school. So that means only hockey and studying this year! No guys or girls!
Kolby is a out and proud gay guy who dreams of being an actor in New York. He 'escaped' his über religious mormon family a few years back and is now happily living his best gay and theater life in Burlington. And now he has to tutor this hot jock!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
═════════════════
Adorable!
I really enjoyed reading this. Kolby and Adam are so cute! Both have their hopes and dreams and plans for the future and those did not include falling in love right now. Especially for Adam, who has to really concentrate on school and hockey this year.
This was a really sweet sports and acting love story. I adored those two guys!
And as I mentioned in every one of my World of True North reviews - I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
SHOWSTOPPER was such a sweet + funny + sporty + theatery M/M love story! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Kolby + Adam - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
September 16, 2021
College in Burlington, Vermont is where Adam is a rising hockey star. He had a bumpy ride to get here.
Kolby is the vibrant, sassy theatre student who will be tutoring Adam in Improvisation Class.
Adam is a blonde hottie, muscled, with an 8-pack,
strong athlete and isn't all the way out yet, except to his loving family.
Kolby is happy, struggling and lively,
a tall and lean, pierced, rusty brown shaggy haired guy, who juggles three jobs to make his plan work. He was tossed aside by his religious Mormon family for being gay.
Adam and Kolby grate on each other at first because of misconceptions, but the spark of attraction is there. Little by little they learn about each other, except for the home situation that Kolby doesn't reveal. Their sexy times are scorching the sheets and very satisfying.
When Kolby's younger sister, Hannah shows up, she spills his secret, and Adam feels left out, but recovers quickly. He's out to the team now, and he understands when the whole tale is told.
I like these two men, who truly have a real relationship blooming. The Improv Class is meaningful and fun. The guys feel so comfy together, and they have a deal. Loved their time with Adam's family, too.
Hannah is my least favorite character, because she was immature and unappreciative, but she is Kolby's sis, so...
I loved Adam and Kolby's willingness to talk things through. It's a terrific tale of young love, finding a place in the world, openness, and tasting true love.
Simply fantastic!
ENJOY !
======
Kolby is the vibrant, sassy theatre student who will be tutoring Adam in Improvisation Class.
Adam is a blonde hottie, muscled, with an 8-pack,
strong athlete and isn't all the way out yet, except to his loving family.
Kolby is happy, struggling and lively,
a tall and lean, pierced, rusty brown shaggy haired guy, who juggles three jobs to make his plan work. He was tossed aside by his religious Mormon family for being gay.
Adam and Kolby grate on each other at first because of misconceptions, but the spark of attraction is there. Little by little they learn about each other, except for the home situation that Kolby doesn't reveal. Their sexy times are scorching the sheets and very satisfying.
When Kolby's younger sister, Hannah shows up, she spills his secret, and Adam feels left out, but recovers quickly. He's out to the team now, and he understands when the whole tale is told.
I like these two men, who truly have a real relationship blooming. The Improv Class is meaningful and fun. The guys feel so comfy together, and they have a deal. Loved their time with Adam's family, too.
Hannah is my least favorite character, because she was immature and unappreciative, but she is Kolby's sis, so...
I loved Adam and Kolby's willingness to talk things through. It's a terrific tale of young love, finding a place in the world, openness, and tasting true love.
Simply fantastic!
ENJOY !
======
January 8, 2022
No, no, no, no. The first half was okay but the second half had so many half-assed angst scenes I was almost tempted to pull my hair out😬.
August 26, 2022
The book started as a positive surprise. A bi hockey player with a bad relationship experience his past as MC1, an theater student with a bad relationship and a mormon family who kicked his gay arse to the curb as MC2. They start of with a bit of antagonism. They don't want to fall in love for fear of repeating their past mistakes - but they can't help it.
It started really promising. I liked the MCs, I liked them pining for each other but then they got together and from that moment on the story fell apart. There came all those cliché things, misunderstandings, not talking about things, unnecessary secrets, not letting the other person explain himself and a super-annoying sister who really fucked up big time and never even really said sorry to the guy whose future she almost wrecked (but instead kept glaring at him as if he was faulty party).
Also I prefer my hockey romances to actually have a bit of hockey in them not just saying "Hockey was his life" and a couple of conversations with the team.
On top of that something was wrong with the sex in this book. We get a bj as first sexual encounter and then an incredible "three weeks later after we had sex repeatedly" and then yes a sex scene that was all telling and no showing. Somehow the sex scenes felt forced like the author thought they couldn't possibly write a book without them but clearly didn't feel it.
Overall despite the promising beginning this book disappointed me.
It started really promising. I liked the MCs, I liked them pining for each other but then they got together and from that moment on the story fell apart. There came all those cliché things, misunderstandings, not talking about things, unnecessary secrets, not letting the other person explain himself and a super-annoying sister who really fucked up big time and never even really said sorry to the guy whose future she almost wrecked (but instead kept glaring at him as if he was faulty party).
Also I prefer my hockey romances to actually have a bit of hockey in them not just saying "Hockey was his life" and a couple of conversations with the team.
On top of that something was wrong with the sex in this book. We get a bj as first sexual encounter and then an incredible "three weeks later after we had sex repeatedly" and then yes a sex scene that was all telling and no showing. Somehow the sex scenes felt forced like the author thought they couldn't possibly write a book without them but clearly didn't feel it.
Overall despite the promising beginning this book disappointed me.
August 22, 2021
Talking about secrets that are not yours and that are significant that freely and then the person you did it to ends up being the one who has to grovel? Adam was totally justified in his reaction. Even Kolby telling his sister something that major was a serious faux pas. And when it all happened so offhandedly and they were just chatting about it so freely? That's how Kolby supports his significant other? I'm not saying that the thing Kolby and/or Hannah did was unforgivable, but the fact that it was twisted around into Adam, the person this was all done to, being in the wrong? Hannah just coming to the guy she has seriously wronged all angry like an avenging fury and he was the one to beg and grovel? That made me mad and triggered a pet peeve. Hannah's lack of apology and Adam having to do a big public apology? That entire situation was severe, it's not like Kolby and Hannah did something minor that Adam overreacted to. They could have seriously ruined his entire future. Man, I'm not sorry for giving it a two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2021
Adam is a transferred hockey player at Moo U, Kolby is a theater student at the same college, they attend the same improv class. Though at first glance they seem very different they share a very strong attraction and they both hide their pasts. Will they trust each other or will their failed past relationships sabotage their future together?
I've enjoyed to follow Adam and Kolby’s journey, it was fun and emotional, you can easily notice how these two guys are a match made in heaven.
They are still young and their story is not steady, there will be some misunderstandings and grand gestures but they will learn from their mistakes.
If you like Opposites Attract trope Showstopper is the right book for you.
August 14, 2021
Shenanigans for the #win!!
What ridiculous fun this story turned out to be. It wasn’t just the storyline itself that was fun but so were Kolby and Adam! This was a genius set-up that I could have read for a long while! The improv class alone entertained me to no end! Shenanigans!! *sigh* This binge-read I did with the last 5 stories in this series was truly epic and Showstopper added the best comic relief I’ve read in a while! This is one story I wish were longer and longer for that alone! That’s not to take away from all the other goodies this story had to offer, though. It was well written with no plot points just hanging there or dramatic events milling around just for drama’s sake. This was a total #funfest I would highly rec to every reader out there!
Sidebar: I love the fact that the story has a thin attachment to Moo U hockey which highlights it's versatility in The World of True North! So props for that :)
Sidebar: I love the fact that the story has a thin attachment to Moo U hockey which highlights it's versatility in The World of True North! So props for that :)
October 27, 2021
I liked this much more than I thought I would. Sports romances are always a bit tricky for me. Especially one's with one of the MC's being in the closet. No need to worry though, Adam didn't stay in the closet for very long. I really liked how well the story was floating and the way Adam and Colby interacted with each other. If it wasn't for the big old miscommunication thing happening this would've been a five star read for me. I will for sure keeps my eyes open for more books from this author.
July 28, 2021
3,5 stars. Showstopper is another enjoyable addition to the Vino & Veritas series. It's no secret I am enjoying this series quite a lot, mostly because of the high level of writing, but also because of the setting in Vermont and the fact that there are cameos in every book from characters from previous books. It's like meeting with old acquaintances over and over again!
In this series the books are written by a variety of authors, of which some authors have written their first mm romance, as was the fact with Regina Kyle. It never ceases to amaze me how well all these authors must have communicated, 'borrowing' each other's main characters and writing them in a way that suits them.
In Showstopper we meet Kolby and Adam, two college students who don't start off really well, but once they are kind of forced to get to know each other better, start to develop feelings. Both have been hurt in the past, and are careful when it comes to falling in love, but it still happens. That's what love does, doesn't it?
Anyway, a lot of things happen, they both get hurt unintentionally. But it wouldn't be an mm romance if it didn't have a happy ending!
There was humor in this well written story, as well as likable characters with chemistry and some steamy first times.
If you enjoy this series, this is another book you wouldn't want to miss!
I kindly received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review
In this series the books are written by a variety of authors, of which some authors have written their first mm romance, as was the fact with Regina Kyle. It never ceases to amaze me how well all these authors must have communicated, 'borrowing' each other's main characters and writing them in a way that suits them.
In Showstopper we meet Kolby and Adam, two college students who don't start off really well, but once they are kind of forced to get to know each other better, start to develop feelings. Both have been hurt in the past, and are careful when it comes to falling in love, but it still happens. That's what love does, doesn't it?
Anyway, a lot of things happen, they both get hurt unintentionally. But it wouldn't be an mm romance if it didn't have a happy ending!
There was humor in this well written story, as well as likable characters with chemistry and some steamy first times.
If you enjoy this series, this is another book you wouldn't want to miss!
I kindly received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review
August 3, 2022
Odd man out here for sure. I found this underwhelming, formulaic, and boring. Weirdly paced with the MCs slogging through three or four separate breakups or near breakups, mostly due to a lack of communication or simple immaturity. Lots of eye-rolling moments. Also, The Princess Bride is not a chick flick, it's a revered classic, and is it really possible to be a 20yo and not know what improv is? Not the worst of the worst but so much bugged me and had I not racked up so many DNFs of late already, I def would’ve bailed on this.
May 2, 2026
Showstopper by Regina Kyle
Vino & Veritas series #17. M-M sports romance. Alternating 1st POV. Part of Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. Can be read as a standalone.
Hockey, college requirements, tutoring, lust, in/out of the closet and secrets.
Emotional and hot.
Vino & Veritas series #17. M-M sports romance. Alternating 1st POV. Part of Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. Can be read as a standalone.
Hockey, college requirements, tutoring, lust, in/out of the closet and secrets.
Emotional and hot.
October 15, 2021
Adam esta llegando de traslado a la Universidad de Burlington (Moo U) despues de una desagradable experiencia en el equipo de Hockey de su anterior universidad, y lo unico que quiere es poder mantener sus estudios y seguir jugando Hockey, el problema es que como llega de traslado no tuvo muchas opciones a la hora de escoger sus clases y quedo atascado en la clase de Improvisacion, junto a uno de los chicos que mas le ha atraido desde que su ex le hizo la jugarreta. El problema es que quiere primero que su equipo lo acepte como el buen jugador que es y no es por sus preferencias de pareja, y por eso no quiere comenzar una relacion con nadie.
Kolby esta ya en el 3er año de sus estudios de teatro en la Moo U, y no tiene tiempo para relaciones y menos para alguien que esta en el closet. Pero su atraccion por Adam es fuerte, y cuando este le dice que el va a salir del closet en un par de meses, no puede evitar caer por el agujero de conejo. Cuando las cosas entre ellos se complican Kolby debera aceptar mas de una disculpa de Adam y hacerle entender que su relacion debe ser totalmente abierta si realmente quiere estar con el.
El libro es demasiado descriptivo para mi gusto, tanto que tiene a ser aburrido, los prota tenian tanto potencial y siento como si los dejaron a mitad de camino, al igual que muchos de los secundarios. Sin embargo, me gusto mucho que aparecieran varios de los personajes de libros anteriores, aunque sus intereacciones eran cortas, se agradece que el autor quisiera mantener el ambiente de "familia" con los empleados de Vino & Veritas.
Para ser un libro romantico, las relaciones entre los prota eran casi todas sexuales, no hubo momentos ni paseos ni "enamoramiento", que quizas hubiera ayudado a encariñarse con los prota. Ademas, en algun momento en el transcurso de la lectura hubiera jurado que habia leido un libro muy parecido a este, la trama casi la misma (con algunas diferencias, por supuesto), pero eso tambien hizo que perdiera la emocion sobre lo que estaba leyendo.
Ahora, casi terminando la serie, puedo decir que muchos de los autores que he descubierto aqui van a ingresar en mi lista de "tengo-q-leer", pero este no va a ser uno de ellos.
Kolby esta ya en el 3er año de sus estudios de teatro en la Moo U, y no tiene tiempo para relaciones y menos para alguien que esta en el closet. Pero su atraccion por Adam es fuerte, y cuando este le dice que el va a salir del closet en un par de meses, no puede evitar caer por el agujero de conejo. Cuando las cosas entre ellos se complican Kolby debera aceptar mas de una disculpa de Adam y hacerle entender que su relacion debe ser totalmente abierta si realmente quiere estar con el.
El libro es demasiado descriptivo para mi gusto, tanto que tiene a ser aburrido, los prota tenian tanto potencial y siento como si los dejaron a mitad de camino, al igual que muchos de los secundarios. Sin embargo, me gusto mucho que aparecieran varios de los personajes de libros anteriores, aunque sus intereacciones eran cortas, se agradece que el autor quisiera mantener el ambiente de "familia" con los empleados de Vino & Veritas.
Para ser un libro romantico, las relaciones entre los prota eran casi todas sexuales, no hubo momentos ni paseos ni "enamoramiento", que quizas hubiera ayudado a encariñarse con los prota. Ademas, en algun momento en el transcurso de la lectura hubiera jurado que habia leido un libro muy parecido a este, la trama casi la misma (con algunas diferencias, por supuesto), pero eso tambien hizo que perdiera la emocion sobre lo que estaba leyendo.
Ahora, casi terminando la serie, puedo decir que muchos de los autores que he descubierto aqui van a ingresar en mi lista de "tengo-q-leer", pero este no va a ser uno de ellos.
May 30, 2022
Audio 5 stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
August 27, 2023
This series has been such a pleasure to read and to listen to. Different authors for each one and all that I have listened to, have been brought to life by some of the best narrators anyone could ever wish to hear. These two guys were simply wonderful. The story centers around Kolby and Adam, who were a great couple that I knew I was going to like from their first run-in where they clashed a little bit but were also still both super attracted to one another. They were both in awkward situations where they weren’t at their best. Kolby on the ice doing lessons and Adam in improv class which he thought he was going to hate...but turned out he didn't, and it was mostly because of Kolby. Still, it made them a little more vulnerable. Once Adam's team found out about the two of them, all but one member immediately became super supportive to Adam. That’s what we need more of in this world. Those Moo U boys really are unparalleled. Things weren't always a bed of roses for them...they had a big break-up and a bigger getting back together. Why can’t these characters just stop and talk things out? I guess that's what makes the getting back together so much better, and I guess it would make the story much shorter:) Overall, it was a good story...great characters and a happy ending.
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Did Not Finish
August 29, 2023Dnf@40%
I enjoy the small town this series is set it, but this story didn't work for me. I liked the personlities of the two college aged MCs, but eventually got bored with them mainly thinking about how hot the other one was. A reminder to myself that I prefer slow-burn to insta-lust every day of the week. Not a bad book, just not a good match for me.
I enjoy the small town this series is set it, but this story didn't work for me. I liked the personlities of the two college aged MCs, but eventually got bored with them mainly thinking about how hot the other one was. A reminder to myself that I prefer slow-burn to insta-lust every day of the week. Not a bad book, just not a good match for me.
July 21, 2021
What lesson we learned here, boyz and girlz: grand gestures didn’t always work!! 😆
Another winning installment from the V&V universe. Love the unusual plot too - not too angsty not too steamy and a generous dollop of wit and humour thrown in. Adam and Kolby fit together beautifully with their opposing traits and backgrounds. The coming together of the two leading characters over fortuitous circumstances felt genuine and natural, as did the developing connection between them.
And the story being told alternately in first person’s from both men’s POVs lent us into their secrets and the pain they still healing from. To add to the story were the secondary characters in all their variegation; some veering close to cliche territory (from my perspective) yet (fortunately) didn’t dwell too much into it. While I enjoyed grand gestures in a story now and then, I loved how Adam and Kolby addressing the issue (that sometimes it could backfire when done too frequently).
As an enemies to friends to lovers romance, SHOWSTOPPER is touching, entertaining, and a tad bittersweet. It’s my first Regina Kyle’s book and I found the writing to flow smoothly and easy to follow. All in all the experience left me wanting more, I might go and check out the author’s backlist titles.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another winning installment from the V&V universe. Love the unusual plot too - not too angsty not too steamy and a generous dollop of wit and humour thrown in. Adam and Kolby fit together beautifully with their opposing traits and backgrounds. The coming together of the two leading characters over fortuitous circumstances felt genuine and natural, as did the developing connection between them.
And the story being told alternately in first person’s from both men’s POVs lent us into their secrets and the pain they still healing from. To add to the story were the secondary characters in all their variegation; some veering close to cliche territory (from my perspective) yet (fortunately) didn’t dwell too much into it. While I enjoyed grand gestures in a story now and then, I loved how Adam and Kolby addressing the issue (that sometimes it could backfire when done too frequently).
As an enemies to friends to lovers romance, SHOWSTOPPER is touching, entertaining, and a tad bittersweet. It’s my first Regina Kyle’s book and I found the writing to flow smoothly and easy to follow. All in all the experience left me wanting more, I might go and check out the author’s backlist titles.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
Like a lot of books in the Vino & Veritas series, this was alright but not great. I liked Adam but had a harder time connecting with Kolby. The ending of this book fell really flat for me since I didn't like how the final conflict played out, and at the 80% mark I started to skim a bit. Improv comedy is something that makes me cringe really easily, so this book didn't work for me in that regard. I also felt pretty iffy about having false sexual allegation as a plot point, it's an important and serious issue that wasn't treated with much care or nuance.
January 17, 2023
This one was hands down my favorite of this series. I just miss hockey romance and need to find some new ones that give me the feels like this one did. This gave me Top Secret and Him/Us vibes which is a hell of combination. I thought about not finishing this series, 18 books is wicked long, but I’m glad I did just to get to this one! I just might have to check out more books by Regina! That’s what’s so fantastic about these series set in different author’s worlds, you discover so many fantastic new authors.
January 27, 2025
4.5 stars. Another one in this series done and it was one I really enjoyed! This is my first time reading this author and I’d absolutely read more by them in the future. I listened to the audio and the narrators were fantastic!
I really liked Kolby and Adam and how this book kind of connected Vino & Veritas with the Moo U series. I haven’t read that one but it did get me intrigued! I also really liked how the theatre and the improv skits were used for the story. It was hilarious in some parts! Also the made up swear words were awesome.
This is definitely one I recommend from the series and can’t wait to continue on and read more!
I really liked Kolby and Adam and how this book kind of connected Vino & Veritas with the Moo U series. I haven’t read that one but it did get me intrigued! I also really liked how the theatre and the improv skits were used for the story. It was hilarious in some parts! Also the made up swear words were awesome.
This is definitely one I recommend from the series and can’t wait to continue on and read more!
July 18, 2021
A total treat of a book, clever and witty, and I was grinning the whole time I read it. I pretty much thought it was a perfect romance book. I just really and truly loved Adam and Kolby and I want everyone to read this book.
August 13, 2021
Hunky hockey player - check
Laid back drama student - check
Student who needs a tutor - check!
Adam has to change colleges to continue playing hockey, and has plans of going pro. Once there, he meets Kolby- a drama student who has no problems balancing performance and his off-campus jobs (three of them)! Adam needs help - he's stuck with a late registration after transfer, and ends up in an theater class where he's required to do some improv. Something he is dreading. Enter Kolby. He's dealing with is own drama from his past, and doesn't need a relationship to get in the way of finishing his goals. One of them is learning to skate for an audition.
Can you see where this is going?
These two have dealt with past breakups, yet cannot fight their feelings for each other. Their backstories will tear at your heart strings, and have you rooting for them both!
Laid back drama student - check
Student who needs a tutor - check!
Adam has to change colleges to continue playing hockey, and has plans of going pro. Once there, he meets Kolby- a drama student who has no problems balancing performance and his off-campus jobs (three of them)! Adam needs help - he's stuck with a late registration after transfer, and ends up in an theater class where he's required to do some improv. Something he is dreading. Enter Kolby. He's dealing with is own drama from his past, and doesn't need a relationship to get in the way of finishing his goals. One of them is learning to skate for an audition.
Can you see where this is going?
These two have dealt with past breakups, yet cannot fight their feelings for each other. Their backstories will tear at your heart strings, and have you rooting for them both!
August 21, 2021
**2.5 stars
This was just an okay read for me. It started out strong and I was totally invested, but I felt like there needed to be more development between Adam and Kolby before Adam decided to take a chance after what he endured with his past. There were a lot of behind the scenes action that I wish we would have been a part of to help develop their connection. Both Adam and Kolby had interesting backgrounds, but it wasn’t explored throughly and they both felt one dimensional to me.
As I continued to read I kept asking myself if I wanted to finish. The first road block in their relationship happened-predictably- and was cleared up in a cute bow. The second was, to me, a bigger deal and I felt like Adam should not have been the one to feel he needed to apologize. Kolby messed up in a big way and a few texts and phone calls being ignored is not you trying. I felt Kolby should have been the one to grovel to Adam, not Adam attempting a grand gesture. That really bothered me.
In the end, I don’t really feel much for these characters. The story was okay, but it left me feeling meh.
This was just an okay read for me. It started out strong and I was totally invested, but I felt like there needed to be more development between Adam and Kolby before Adam decided to take a chance after what he endured with his past. There were a lot of behind the scenes action that I wish we would have been a part of to help develop their connection. Both Adam and Kolby had interesting backgrounds, but it wasn’t explored throughly and they both felt one dimensional to me.
As I continued to read I kept asking myself if I wanted to finish. The first road block in their relationship happened-predictably- and was cleared up in a cute bow. The second was, to me, a bigger deal and I felt like Adam should not have been the one to feel he needed to apologize. Kolby messed up in a big way and a few texts and phone calls being ignored is not you trying. I felt Kolby should have been the one to grovel to Adam, not Adam attempting a grand gesture. That really bothered me.
In the end, I don’t really feel much for these characters. The story was okay, but it left me feeling meh.
December 17, 2022
2 stars
I'm quite disappointed in this book, I gave it 2 stars just because in the first part I really liked Adam and Kolby.
This story couldn't be more unbelievable, I should have skipped this book.
Definitely not my cup of tea.
I'm sorry for potential grammar mistakes, I'm not a native english speaker.
I'm quite disappointed in this book, I gave it 2 stars just because in the first part I really liked Adam and Kolby.
This story couldn't be more unbelievable, I should have skipped this book.
Definitely not my cup of tea.
I'm sorry for potential grammar mistakes, I'm not a native english speaker.
August 16, 2021
Engaging
Of the five additions to Vino and Veritas, 3 of them were kind of duds for me, but thankfully Showstopper brought it back and ended on a high note. I really enjoyed the personalities and dynamics of Adam and Kolby with interesting backstories.
But it is kind of a gray area to include a false sexual assault accusation as part of the plot, especially when we emphasize believing victims. Maybe then consent between Adam and Kolby could have been emphasized strongly and emphatically to balance out. Certainly there’s never a hint of non-consent, but it wouldn’t have been out of line to include a discussion of consent either. Overall that aspect of the story could have been handled differently.
Of the five additions to Vino and Veritas, 3 of them were kind of duds for me, but thankfully Showstopper brought it back and ended on a high note. I really enjoyed the personalities and dynamics of Adam and Kolby with interesting backstories.
But it is kind of a gray area to include a false sexual assault accusation as part of the plot, especially when we emphasize believing victims. Maybe then consent between Adam and Kolby could have been emphasized strongly and emphatically to balance out. Certainly there’s never a hint of non-consent, but it wouldn’t have been out of line to include a discussion of consent either. Overall that aspect of the story could have been handled differently.
July 5, 2022
I've given this an A- for narration and a C for content at AudioGals.
Regina Kyle’s Showstopper is the – I’ve honestly lost count – book in the Vino and Veritas** series, but fortunately, all the books are standalones with the odd cameo appearance by characters from some of the other books, so you can absolutely listen to them in any order. This one is a fairly run-of-the-mill New Adult/Contemporary Romance between two students at Moo U in Burlington, one of them a recent arrival and star hockey player, the other a hard-working, happy-go-lucky drama student. The narration by Cooper North and Iggy Toma was the big draw for me (surprise!) and they do a great job, but even they can’t disguise the fact that the story is a bit over-long or make up for a crass plot-point in the second half.
Adam has recently transferred to Moo U (for reasons he wants to keep under wraps) but because his transfer happened so late, most of the classes he wanted to take are full and he’s ended up having to take Improvisation. Desperate to swap it for something else, he goes to the registrar’s office to arrange it, but is annoyed when the cute guy he speaks to – whom Adam mentally labels “Hot Work-Study Guy” – refuses to make the change. HWSG explains that it’s not that he doesn’t want to help, there just isn’t any other option, but Adam doesn’t believe him, thinking it’s some kind of passive-aggressive way of making life difficult because HWSG doesn’t like jocks.
Hot Work-Study Guy, or Kolby – a drama major whose Mormon family kicked him out when he came out – has to work three jobs in order to make ends meet, and does, in fact, think Adam is an entitled jock. But he was telling the truth about there not being any other classes with space and, entitled or not, he can’t help flirting with Adam just a little bit, or deny he liked pushing the gorgeous hockey player’s buttons.
There’s a bit of a frenemies vibe to the meet-cute, and Adam and Kolby don’t see each other again for a couple of weeks, during which Adam has ducked out of the class while still trying to get out of it for good. He can’t, so he has to suck it up and go – and of course, Kolby is there, too. Adam is really nervous, and is grateful when Kolby offers to talk him through what’s going on; and he does okay on the first task, although he’s more than a little distracted by Kolby’s stunning smile and cute dimple. Adam realises his first impressions of Kolby were wrong, and that he wouldn’t mind spending more time with him; fortunately, he already has the perfect excuse as the drama professor has designated Kolby to help him catch up on what was covered in the classes he missed.
Kolby is a bit smitten with Adam, too, but is sure he’s straight – most hockey players are (or pretend to be) – despite the fact that a couple of his friends insist that Adam is definitely into him. Then he learns that a local band who has made the big-time is coming to Burlington to shoot a new music video and that there will be auditions for roles and extras – it’s the sort of opportunity that doesn’t come along often in a place like Burlington and he’s definitely going to try out for one of the two main roles. There’s just one snag – he needs to be able to skate. He can skate – just about – but he knows just the guy who can help him improve.
The first part of the story zips along nicely with lots of chemistry and snarky but nervous flirting. It’s cute, how Adam and Kolby are both reluctantly crushing on each other but unsure about making a move yet also desperate to be around each other as often as possible. Kolby’s friends aren’t wrong about Adam being into him; Adam is bisexual and is out to his family and close friends, but has chosen not to advertise it at his new school, particularly after the incident which led to his transfer. (See spoiler, below).
Kolby’s parents washed their hands of him and have forbidden his younger siblings to have anything to do with him; the only one he’s in touch with his his sister Hannah, who manages to occasionally sneak him the odd phone call or text. He’s an interesting study in contrasts; out, proud and flirty on one hand, reserved and a bit insecure on the other, but determined to live his life on his own terms.
The friendship that develops between Adam and Kolby is nicely done as they discover mutual interests, and Kolby (who works at the bookshop side of Vino and Veritas) introduces Adam to the delights of romance novels – keen-eared listeners will spot the references to Conventionally Yours, Boyfriend Material and Red, White & Royal Blue. I enjoyed this getting-to-know-you phase, but not long after this – by which time Adam and Kolby have become a couple – things start to go downhill. There are a couple of fairly small conflicts of the sort you might expect, which are dealt with quickly, but I didn’t understand why Adam was so annoyed that Kolby didn’t tell him about his family situation. I mean, it’s not the sort of thing you tell someone the minute you meet them, and I could understand it being too hurtful for Kolby to want to dredge it up. But the wheels really come off the wagon with the insensitive plotline around allegations of sexual assault.
Cooper North and Iggy Toma are two of my all-time favourite narrators, so naturally, I jumped at the chance to listen to them in the same book! Mr. North reads the chapters from Adam’s PoV, Mr. Toma those from Kolby’s, and they deliver expressive, strongly characterised and clearly differentiated performances that fit the story well. They skilfully convey the intensity of the connection between Adam and Kolby, together with the vulnerabilities below the surface they work hard to hide; the portrayals of the secondary characters are a good fit, and while there aren’t many female characters in the story, they’re voiced well, without falsetto or affectation. I suspect that had I read the book I might have abandoned it when the pacing flagged or when I got to the *spoilers* – but the narrators add so much depth and emotion to the story, they kept me going.
Showstopper would have got a higher grade for the story, but the tactless inclusion of the sexual assault plotline really tanked the last quarter or so of the book. If you know what you’re in for, and aren’t averse to an excellently narrated piece of (mostly) low-angst fluff, you might consider picking it up, but I can’t give it a wholehearted recommendation.
**Goodreads lists it as #17
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
Regina Kyle’s Showstopper is the – I’ve honestly lost count – book in the Vino and Veritas** series, but fortunately, all the books are standalones with the odd cameo appearance by characters from some of the other books, so you can absolutely listen to them in any order. This one is a fairly run-of-the-mill New Adult/Contemporary Romance between two students at Moo U in Burlington, one of them a recent arrival and star hockey player, the other a hard-working, happy-go-lucky drama student. The narration by Cooper North and Iggy Toma was the big draw for me (surprise!) and they do a great job, but even they can’t disguise the fact that the story is a bit over-long or make up for a crass plot-point in the second half.
Adam has recently transferred to Moo U (for reasons he wants to keep under wraps) but because his transfer happened so late, most of the classes he wanted to take are full and he’s ended up having to take Improvisation. Desperate to swap it for something else, he goes to the registrar’s office to arrange it, but is annoyed when the cute guy he speaks to – whom Adam mentally labels “Hot Work-Study Guy” – refuses to make the change. HWSG explains that it’s not that he doesn’t want to help, there just isn’t any other option, but Adam doesn’t believe him, thinking it’s some kind of passive-aggressive way of making life difficult because HWSG doesn’t like jocks.
Hot Work-Study Guy, or Kolby – a drama major whose Mormon family kicked him out when he came out – has to work three jobs in order to make ends meet, and does, in fact, think Adam is an entitled jock. But he was telling the truth about there not being any other classes with space and, entitled or not, he can’t help flirting with Adam just a little bit, or deny he liked pushing the gorgeous hockey player’s buttons.
There’s a bit of a frenemies vibe to the meet-cute, and Adam and Kolby don’t see each other again for a couple of weeks, during which Adam has ducked out of the class while still trying to get out of it for good. He can’t, so he has to suck it up and go – and of course, Kolby is there, too. Adam is really nervous, and is grateful when Kolby offers to talk him through what’s going on; and he does okay on the first task, although he’s more than a little distracted by Kolby’s stunning smile and cute dimple. Adam realises his first impressions of Kolby were wrong, and that he wouldn’t mind spending more time with him; fortunately, he already has the perfect excuse as the drama professor has designated Kolby to help him catch up on what was covered in the classes he missed.
Kolby is a bit smitten with Adam, too, but is sure he’s straight – most hockey players are (or pretend to be) – despite the fact that a couple of his friends insist that Adam is definitely into him. Then he learns that a local band who has made the big-time is coming to Burlington to shoot a new music video and that there will be auditions for roles and extras – it’s the sort of opportunity that doesn’t come along often in a place like Burlington and he’s definitely going to try out for one of the two main roles. There’s just one snag – he needs to be able to skate. He can skate – just about – but he knows just the guy who can help him improve.
The first part of the story zips along nicely with lots of chemistry and snarky but nervous flirting. It’s cute, how Adam and Kolby are both reluctantly crushing on each other but unsure about making a move yet also desperate to be around each other as often as possible. Kolby’s friends aren’t wrong about Adam being into him; Adam is bisexual and is out to his family and close friends, but has chosen not to advertise it at his new school, particularly after the incident which led to his transfer. (See spoiler, below).
Kolby’s parents washed their hands of him and have forbidden his younger siblings to have anything to do with him; the only one he’s in touch with his his sister Hannah, who manages to occasionally sneak him the odd phone call or text. He’s an interesting study in contrasts; out, proud and flirty on one hand, reserved and a bit insecure on the other, but determined to live his life on his own terms.
The friendship that develops between Adam and Kolby is nicely done as they discover mutual interests, and Kolby (who works at the bookshop side of Vino and Veritas) introduces Adam to the delights of romance novels – keen-eared listeners will spot the references to Conventionally Yours, Boyfriend Material and Red, White & Royal Blue. I enjoyed this getting-to-know-you phase, but not long after this – by which time Adam and Kolby have become a couple – things start to go downhill. There are a couple of fairly small conflicts of the sort you might expect, which are dealt with quickly, but I didn’t understand why Adam was so annoyed that Kolby didn’t tell him about his family situation. I mean, it’s not the sort of thing you tell someone the minute you meet them, and I could understand it being too hurtful for Kolby to want to dredge it up. But the wheels really come off the wagon with the insensitive plotline around allegations of sexual assault.
Cooper North and Iggy Toma are two of my all-time favourite narrators, so naturally, I jumped at the chance to listen to them in the same book! Mr. North reads the chapters from Adam’s PoV, Mr. Toma those from Kolby’s, and they deliver expressive, strongly characterised and clearly differentiated performances that fit the story well. They skilfully convey the intensity of the connection between Adam and Kolby, together with the vulnerabilities below the surface they work hard to hide; the portrayals of the secondary characters are a good fit, and while there aren’t many female characters in the story, they’re voiced well, without falsetto or affectation. I suspect that had I read the book I might have abandoned it when the pacing flagged or when I got to the *spoilers* – but the narrators add so much depth and emotion to the story, they kept me going.
Showstopper would have got a higher grade for the story, but the tactless inclusion of the sexual assault plotline really tanked the last quarter or so of the book. If you know what you’re in for, and aren’t averse to an excellently narrated piece of (mostly) low-angst fluff, you might consider picking it up, but I can’t give it a wholehearted recommendation.
**Goodreads lists it as #17
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
August 18, 2021
I did not expect to be back at Moo U for this book and was so excited when that was the case! I can't even tell you how many times at this point I have googled Burlington and surrounding areas so that I can some time take a trip over there and pretend like I could go to all of these places in real life (especially Vino & Veritas).
Kolby and Adam were a great couple that I knew I was going to like from their first run-in where they clashed a little bit (while also still both being super attracted to one another LOL). I love that they both were put in situations around the other where they weren't at their top form (Kolby on the ice doing lessons and Adam in improv class) because I feel like that made them a little more vulnerable. I loved how once the team found out about the two, all but Slags immediately were super supportive to Adam. That's what we need more of in this world. Those Moo U boys really are unparalleled.
Also, and I feel like this isn't a HUGE spoiler since most romances have one side of the couple doing some kind of grand gesture at the end to make up for whatever they messed up, but I was super glad that Kolby just wasn't having it and walked out. Sometimes I come to hate that formula. Why do they always need to do some big huge thing to be forgiven? Why can't they just talk things out in a small and normal way? That's what happened here and I felt like it fit perfectly and I wouldn't have wanted to change one thing about it.
Finally, Regina Kyle, I love you. You added some really great pop culture references that I was obsessed with and even just a mention of a TV show and a book I love made me enjoy this book that much more. I'm a simple gal, what can I say? lol
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Kolby and Adam were a great couple that I knew I was going to like from their first run-in where they clashed a little bit (while also still both being super attracted to one another LOL). I love that they both were put in situations around the other where they weren't at their top form (Kolby on the ice doing lessons and Adam in improv class) because I feel like that made them a little more vulnerable. I loved how once the team found out about the two, all but Slags immediately were super supportive to Adam. That's what we need more of in this world. Those Moo U boys really are unparalleled.
Also, and I feel like this isn't a HUGE spoiler since most romances have one side of the couple doing some kind of grand gesture at the end to make up for whatever they messed up, but I was super glad that Kolby just wasn't having it and walked out. Sometimes I come to hate that formula. Why do they always need to do some big huge thing to be forgiven? Why can't they just talk things out in a small and normal way? That's what happened here and I felt like it fit perfectly and I wouldn't have wanted to change one thing about it.
Finally, Regina Kyle, I love you. You added some really great pop culture references that I was obsessed with and even just a mention of a TV show and a book I love made me enjoy this book that much more. I'm a simple gal, what can I say? lol
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
August 14, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I liked the vibe of this book from the start as Adam and Kolby meet and clash as Adam is trying to change his improv class. Kolby works in the school office that Adam visits and the while the men are eyeing each other, the rest of their meeting doesn’t go so well. Adam is a transfer student and a hockey player and he didn’t want to start over, but trusting the wrong person put his entire life in jeopardy. Adam’s family knows he’s bisexual, but in the world of hockey, he knows it’s better to keep it quiet.
The path to the end of book didn’t keep the momentum going as much for me with gossip and secrets being exposed and the addition of Kolby’s sister didn’t quite fit in for me, but the guys are college age trying to navigate a lot. The final scenes pull together again, making their journey a worthwhile one to read about and it would be great to see these guys again in the future.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I liked the vibe of this book from the start as Adam and Kolby meet and clash as Adam is trying to change his improv class. Kolby works in the school office that Adam visits and the while the men are eyeing each other, the rest of their meeting doesn’t go so well. Adam is a transfer student and a hockey player and he didn’t want to start over, but trusting the wrong person put his entire life in jeopardy. Adam’s family knows he’s bisexual, but in the world of hockey, he knows it’s better to keep it quiet.
The path to the end of book didn’t keep the momentum going as much for me with gossip and secrets being exposed and the addition of Kolby’s sister didn’t quite fit in for me, but the guys are college age trying to navigate a lot. The final scenes pull together again, making their journey a worthwhile one to read about and it would be great to see these guys again in the future.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
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