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Home & Away
Listening Length 12 hours and 12 minutes
You can build a team, but you have to find your home.
Rupert Smythe is fond of many things. Callum Morrison isn’t one of them.
Rupert is a quiet, thoughtful business man and, sadly, a total wimp. Maybe not the ideal candidate to run a professional hockey team, but he signed on to do it anyway. As his life has reminded him on an almost daily basis since, this isn’t the most brilliant idea he’s ever had. And that was before Callum showed up.
Being in the spotlight is just part of being a professional athlete, but Callum needs a break. He arrives in Moncton unannounced, determined to help grow the team he just bought, and under the assumption he’d be welcome. Possibly he should have tried to make a better first impression.
Callum figures he can push through the rest of the summer, never expecting two kids, a host of friends, and his growing feelings for Rupert to derail everything he has ever believed about what he wanted, and what he could have.
You can build a team, but you have to find your home.
Rupert Smythe is fond of many things. Callum Morrison isn’t one of them.
Rupert is a quiet, thoughtful business man and, sadly, a total wimp. Maybe not the ideal candidate to run a professional hockey team, but he signed on to do it anyway. As his life has reminded him on an almost daily basis since, this isn’t the most brilliant idea he’s ever had. And that was before Callum showed up.
Being in the spotlight is just part of being a professional athlete, but Callum needs a break. He arrives in Moncton unannounced, determined to help grow the team he just bought, and under the assumption he’d be welcome. Possibly he should have tried to make a better first impression.
Callum figures he can push through the rest of the summer, never expecting two kids, a host of friends, and his growing feelings for Rupert to derail everything he has ever believed about what he wanted, and what he could have.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 7, 2015
100 people are currently reading
2722 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wayland
24 books696 followersSamantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
October 10, 2021
Forth re-read: 10.10.2021
The found/built family in this book is just so.... adorable. I adore this book ♥
Third re-read: 03.05.2021
This book is just so adorable. I want more. I seriously hope the author gives us more Callum, Rupert, Christian and Oliver. One book truly isn't enough.
Second re-read: 30.06.2020
This book is what I'd describe as cute. It's absolutely adorable. My problem with the book - well it's not really a problem, more like a preference - is that none of the characters are alpha male. And if you know me, you know my heart beats for alpha males. While Callum is stubborn and helpful, he isn't alpha. That is like the only reason why this book doesn't have higher rating. Because the story itself is awesome. I adore it, even after reading it three times. In fact, I want more of this couple, of this family. I sincerely hope Samantha Wayland decides to write a sequel for this book.
The Characters:
The list is long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
Re-read: 19.02.2018
Awwwwwe, this book is so cute and somewhat innocent and adorable. I am quite sure I'll read this one again in the future. The kids are just too adorable and I love how affectionate they both are. I just wish we had gotten more of the future for the family...
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
First read review:
This wonderful book centers around Rupert Douglas Macalister Smythe (35? 36? How old?) and Callum ‘Cal’ William Morrison (late twenties? Early thirties? 39? How old?). Rupert has signed on to run the Ice Cats hockey team. He's a brilliant business man, but a totally wuss when it comes to the team; he's scared of them. To make things worse professional athlete Callum arrives to check up on the team he'd just bought and to give a helping hand. First meeting between the two doesn't end well, however things take a turn when Rupert finds his missing brother and Callum is the one helping him getting him home. After that their lives turns upside down. Is Rupert ready for a life as a father? For not only one, but for two? Is Callum ready to tell the truth about himself? To let himself have what he always wanted?
I adored this book. It was long yes (clearly not long enough though), but damn, I wanted more. The timeline was awesome, the story was beautiful and the characters was fantastic. Oliver ‘Ollie’ Cameron Macalister Smythe (4) and Christian Michael Shaw (12) were the most adore kids and I want more of them as well. I loved the writing and I loved the beautiful moments in the book. There was heartbreak, love, healing, a bit action, a little bit predictable; yet great. I'd describe this book with one word; adorable. It's not the best book I've read, but it's definitely one of the better book this year. If not the best this year. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed though. I so want more and I really, REALLY wish Samantha Wayland will write a sequel for these two. I wanna see more of them, how they are together in the future with the kids. I want more!
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Rupert Smythe.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
Rating - 4 stars.
The found/built family in this book is just so.... adorable. I adore this book ♥
Third re-read: 03.05.2021
This book is just so adorable. I want more. I seriously hope the author gives us more Callum, Rupert, Christian and Oliver. One book truly isn't enough.
Second re-read: 30.06.2020
This book is what I'd describe as cute. It's absolutely adorable. My problem with the book - well it's not really a problem, more like a preference - is that none of the characters are alpha male. And if you know me, you know my heart beats for alpha males. While Callum is stubborn and helpful, he isn't alpha. That is like the only reason why this book doesn't have higher rating. Because the story itself is awesome. I adore it, even after reading it three times. In fact, I want more of this couple, of this family. I sincerely hope Samantha Wayland decides to write a sequel for this book.
Rupert was so confident. Honest. Out.
Callum knew what courage that took. Rupert made it seem easy. He didn’t hesitate. Accepted it as part of who he was, no one’s business but his own, even while he didn’t care who knew and who didn’t. Rupert was afraid of a lot of things, but in spite of that, he was open. He never lied.
And he never once, in spite of Callum’s admittedly confusing assertions that he was gay and yet wasn’t, made Callum feel ashamed. But really, if he wasn’t with anyone, ever, he wasn’t anything. Straight. Gay. It made no difference.
What he was—what he’d always been—was alone.
The Characters:
The list is long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I want more*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 19.02.2018
Awwwwwe, this book is so cute and somewhat innocent and adorable. I am quite sure I'll read this one again in the future. The kids are just too adorable and I love how affectionate they both are. I just wish we had gotten more of the future for the family...
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
First read review:
This wonderful book centers around Rupert Douglas Macalister Smythe (35? 36? How old?) and Callum ‘Cal’ William Morrison (late twenties? Early thirties? 39? How old?). Rupert has signed on to run the Ice Cats hockey team. He's a brilliant business man, but a totally wuss when it comes to the team; he's scared of them. To make things worse professional athlete Callum arrives to check up on the team he'd just bought and to give a helping hand. First meeting between the two doesn't end well, however things take a turn when Rupert finds his missing brother and Callum is the one helping him getting him home. After that their lives turns upside down. Is Rupert ready for a life as a father? For not only one, but for two? Is Callum ready to tell the truth about himself? To let himself have what he always wanted?
“So! You see my point.”
“No, actually, I don’t. Because you didn’t run back to the car. And you did take a job that clearly freaks you out. Courage isn’t about not being afraid. It’s about being scared witless and doing it anyway.”
I adored this book. It was long yes (clearly not long enough though), but damn, I wanted more. The timeline was awesome, the story was beautiful and the characters was fantastic. Oliver ‘Ollie’ Cameron Macalister Smythe (4) and Christian Michael Shaw (12) were the most adore kids and I want more of them as well. I loved the writing and I loved the beautiful moments in the book. There was heartbreak, love, healing, a bit action, a little bit predictable; yet great. I'd describe this book with one word; adorable. It's not the best book I've read, but it's definitely one of the better book this year. If not the best this year. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed though. I so want more and I really, REALLY wish Samantha Wayland will write a sequel for these two. I wanna see more of them, how they are together in the future with the kids. I want more!
“You’ve got a nice family here, Rupert.”
Rupert looked out at the chaos overflowing from every room. Once, this would have been so foreign as to be unrecognizable to him. Now, though, he understood.
He’d made a home.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Rupert Smythe.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
Rating - 4 stars.
January 1, 2016
~4.25~
I’m a goner. Callum and Rupert are swoon-worthy, and I adored this slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story. Even the focus on kids and family didn’t bother me. (Much.)
(Disclaimer for those of you who are not kid people: A 4-year-old and a 12-year-old are given a lot of page time. A LOT. They are good boys and not annoying, but, yeah, I wish Rupert and Callum had more alone ADULT time to do filthy things to each other. Oh, sue me. I know what I like.)
Rupert, a former figure skater with the most incredible ASSets, is so prim and proper, and Callum, who looks like a scary bruiser with his scars and nose that’s been broken one too many times, is just a big ol’ teddy bear (*whispers* and a virgin *ahem*).
These two go at it: fighting, teasing, loving … just being together, and being there for their boys, Oliver (Rupert’s half-brother) and Christian (who has the most loathsome homophobic father).
I didn’t even know Callum and Rupert existed until I read:
I was witness to their perfect happy ending, and I wanted their story. I wanted more.
And I got MORE. More sexy times and tender moments, more snark, and more Alexei & Mike to boot.
I loved the colorful cast of secondary characters here. Can Reese be gay, please? And I also want Jack and Grady’s story. (Yes, I’m a demanding bitch.)
This is a feel-good, steamy, SWEET (gah!) story about making your own family and falling in love with the person who appears all wrong but is really all RIGHT.
HOT virgin-debauching scene(S) included. *fans self* Repeatedly.
Gorgeous HEA, too!
I’m a goner. Callum and Rupert are swoon-worthy, and I adored this slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story. Even the focus on kids and family didn’t bother me. (Much.)
(Disclaimer for those of you who are not kid people: A 4-year-old and a 12-year-old are given a lot of page time. A LOT. They are good boys and not annoying, but, yeah, I wish Rupert and Callum had more alone ADULT time to do filthy things to each other. Oh, sue me. I know what I like.)
Rupert, a former figure skater with the most incredible ASSets, is so prim and proper, and Callum, who looks like a scary bruiser with his scars and nose that’s been broken one too many times, is just a big ol’ teddy bear (*whispers* and a virgin *ahem*).
These two go at it: fighting, teasing, loving … just being together, and being there for their boys, Oliver (Rupert’s half-brother) and Christian (who has the most loathsome homophobic father).
I didn’t even know Callum and Rupert existed until I read:
I was witness to their perfect happy ending, and I wanted their story. I wanted more.
And I got MORE. More sexy times and tender moments, more snark, and more Alexei & Mike to boot.
I loved the colorful cast of secondary characters here. Can Reese be gay, please? And I also want Jack and Grady’s story. (Yes, I’m a demanding bitch.)
This is a feel-good, steamy, SWEET (gah!) story about making your own family and falling in love with the person who appears all wrong but is really all RIGHT.
HOT virgin-debauching scene(S) included. *fans self* Repeatedly.
Gorgeous HEA, too!
August 25, 2017
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time. Since I am suge a huge hocky fan and have also read. I don't really know why it took me so long to read this one....other than the fact that I am an idiot.
This is an enemies to lovers story with a broody hockey player and a hot nerd in the mix....how could I have been so stupid !! It was awesome !!
Anyways... I am glad I fixed my mistake...better late than never, right ;)
Rupert is a prim and proper English man. He is a former figure skater and an Earl to boot. Right now though he is the manager of the Canadian "Ice Cats" hockey team. This isn't the easiest of jobs for him, since his past has made him pretty fearful of big scary dudes....and we all know how big and scary those hockey players can get.
So when Callum, a famous hocky player and partial owner of The Ice Cats, steps up to help manage the team, it's hate at first sight ;)
These two really don't get off on the right foot, but we all know, that what you see is not always how things really are.
So imagine Rupert's surprise, when he gets a phonecall about his missing 4 year old brother, and Callum is the first to step up and help him.
Rupert is out and proud, but Callum, he has been hiding in the closet his whole life. He thinks coming out would ruin his hockey career, he doesn't want to take any chances, so he has been living a very lonely life. Being around Rupert and feeling the attraction towards him, makes him wish for more....
These two can't fight their attraction for very long and when they gave in, it was so HOT but also so very sweet. Callum has never really been in such an intimate relationship and watching him give himself over to Ruper was all kinds of awesome.
Rupert was very understanding about the situation Callum was in. Not once did he demand Callum come out for him, or chose him over his career. He never pushed and he never judged. I admired him for that. He wasn't a doormat, he was just a very understanding and caring man.
Now if you don't like to read about kids in your book, you should skip this one, because kids play a big role in this story. There is Ruperts brother Oliver, but there is also the 12 year old Christian they pull into their fold. I myself loved it, these kids were amazing and the way those two men tried their best to take care of them made my heart melt.
I also loved the part that Alexei and Mike ( Crashing the Net ) played in this one. I remember liking their book but not being really impressed. They sure impressed me in this one though and I will definitely read Checking it Twice next.
So, why not 5 stars ?? Well when I started this book I got a bit confused about all the characters and what role they played. It felt like stepping into a story that was already halfway through.
It got better after the first few chapters and now I also know why it was confusing to me. Seems like all those characters where introduced in the The Hat Trick series, which I had not read. So for those of you who haven't read this one yet, I advice to read "Crashing the Net" and "The Hat Trick" series before starting this one, if you want to know exactly what's going on.
Besides the confusing beginning, I really enjoyed this one and I really hope that there will be a book about Jack. I didn't see it yet, so I can only hope.....and plead and beg, that the author will write his story eventually.
I will leave this review with my favorite quote in this book ... which also happens to be my favorite saying...
"Courage isn't about not being afraid. It's about being scared witless and doing it anyway."
July 8, 2017
4.5 Awesome Stars
Please note - if you're a stickler for reading books in order, then I suggest reading Crashing the Net first, even though this is not billed as part of that series. I also feel it's tantamount to read this before its sequel Checking It Twice, in order to get the full benefit of that story. To make things even more confusing, Wayland's Hat Trick series is also connected as well.
Regardless, I loved this book. This is about star hockey player Callum Morrison, who in an effort to help his friend and sister's love life, takes a more active role in the hockey team he part owns. That role is in direct opposition to stiff upper lip Rupert, who's the savvy manager of the Icecats hockey team. It's hate at first sight, but when Rupert comes across a crisis, Callum is the only one available to help out. Neither ever imagines that such an event would irrevocably bring them together and change them forever.
Basically this centers on Callum, who is deeply in the closet and has hidden his true self away from friends, which has prevented him from having any meaningful relationships. He has focused solely on his career, holding off on having a real life until he retires. What he doesn't realize is how much he isn't living.
Perhaps as a warning, this features kids heavily, and it was sweet and emotional and made me tear up multiple times. Over and over it hit my buttons - vulnerable insecurity, desperate longing, all intermixed with basically a virgin discovering some things.... So many things. Unf.
Highly recommended but please take heed of the above reading suggestions.
Seriously so hot and satisfying on all fronts.
Please note - if you're a stickler for reading books in order, then I suggest reading Crashing the Net first, even though this is not billed as part of that series. I also feel it's tantamount to read this before its sequel Checking It Twice, in order to get the full benefit of that story. To make things even more confusing, Wayland's Hat Trick series is also connected as well.
Regardless, I loved this book. This is about star hockey player Callum Morrison, who in an effort to help his friend and sister's love life, takes a more active role in the hockey team he part owns. That role is in direct opposition to stiff upper lip Rupert, who's the savvy manager of the Icecats hockey team. It's hate at first sight, but when Rupert comes across a crisis, Callum is the only one available to help out. Neither ever imagines that such an event would irrevocably bring them together and change them forever.
Basically this centers on Callum, who is deeply in the closet and has hidden his true self away from friends, which has prevented him from having any meaningful relationships. He has focused solely on his career, holding off on having a real life until he retires. What he doesn't realize is how much he isn't living.
Perhaps as a warning, this features kids heavily, and it was sweet and emotional and made me tear up multiple times. Over and over it hit my buttons - vulnerable insecurity, desperate longing, all intermixed with basically a virgin discovering some things.... So many things. Unf.
Highly recommended but please take heed of the above reading suggestions.
Seriously so hot and satisfying on all fronts.
July 3, 2015
OMG. This book! When I bought it had no idea it was a part of the Crashing the Net universe. I may have gasped when I realized that and also when Alexi and Mike showed up. ( I <3 them so much!!)
I loved it. I read it so fast I'm going to have to re-read it again. I cannot wait for more stories in this world. Reese please! Jack! Grady! Moar!
I loved it. I read it so fast I'm going to have to re-read it again. I cannot wait for more stories in this world. Reese please! Jack! Grady! Moar!
November 20, 2015
Realmente 3.5, pero quiero ser generosa.
Es un libro bien escrito, con personajes muy bien dibujados, principales y secundarios, que caen bien, es dulce y tierno, pero tiene una pega: no pasa nada. La autora nos relata cómo se enamoran un jugador y un manager de hockey y cómo en el camino forman una familia, no esperéis grandes dificultades, impedimentos, al contrario, es como un cuento de hadas con situaciones poco creìbles.
Es una bonita historia que està bien para una tarde de domingo o deseas de desintoxicarte después de leer algo intenso.
Es un libro bien escrito, con personajes muy bien dibujados, principales y secundarios, que caen bien, es dulce y tierno, pero tiene una pega: no pasa nada. La autora nos relata cómo se enamoran un jugador y un manager de hockey y cómo en el camino forman una familia, no esperéis grandes dificultades, impedimentos, al contrario, es como un cuento de hadas con situaciones poco creìbles.
Es una bonita historia que està bien para una tarde de domingo o deseas de desintoxicarte después de leer algo intenso.
Want to read
November 20, 2016Thank you so much for a secret elf for the gift!! I'm so excited to read it!
June 18, 2015
I'm so sad this one didn't work for me. I knew early on I was in trouble but kept going hoping it would pick up. Sadly, for me, it didn't. 2 Stars.
March 21, 2018
What an **adorable** surprise.
On one side, there is the proper British Rupert, never with his hair out of place and wearing suits that compliment his ass. He’s the manager of the Ice Cats, a Canadian Hockey team.
On the other side, there is Callum, a grumpy Teddy Bear, famous goalie for the Denver Hockey Team but also part-owner of the Ice Cats. During the off-season, he decides to spend his time to look over his investment.
In the middle, there are a kid, Oliver, Rupert’s 4-year-old brother and a teenager, Christian.
And around, there are some nice friends. And the building of a family, and not very believable situations, but who cares when the result is a feel-good and adorable romance.
Enemy-to-lover, slow burn, lessons in coming-out, how to raise a kid and in gay sex, snarky exchanges, sexy and tender moments, a satisfying HEA. I succumbed to the sweetness of this romance.
On one side, there is the proper British Rupert, never with his hair out of place and wearing suits that compliment his ass. He’s the manager of the Ice Cats, a Canadian Hockey team.
On the other side, there is Callum, a grumpy Teddy Bear, famous goalie for the Denver Hockey Team but also part-owner of the Ice Cats. During the off-season, he decides to spend his time to look over his investment.
In the middle, there are a kid, Oliver, Rupert’s 4-year-old brother and a teenager, Christian.
And around, there are some nice friends. And the building of a family, and not very believable situations, but who cares when the result is a feel-good and adorable romance.
Enemy-to-lover, slow burn, lessons in coming-out, how to raise a kid and in gay sex, snarky exchanges, sexy and tender moments, a satisfying HEA. I succumbed to the sweetness of this romance.
"You've just become a father...and you're in love..."
"I am"
Reese hugged Rupert. "Does this help ?"
"Help what ?" Rupert mumbled into his shoulder.
"The panic."
"Maybe a little."
September 4, 2019
2.5 stars
I picked this up because I liked Poetry in Motion and I wanted to read Rupert and Callum's story. Sadly, this was a disappointing read for me.
I liked the characters. It was hard not to when everyone was so nice, and good, and kind and caring. All of them were like one big happy family. But everything was too much, too fluffy and way too unrealistic.
I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Some dialogues between characters sounded too forced and immature. There was a lot of repetition and some parts of the story dragged on and on.
The long intimate scene between MCs must be the most boring one I have ever read. I cannot count how many times it was interrupted by inner thoughts of one of the characters, thoughts about completely random things in his life. That's not how you build tension, by ruining the mood every few sentences.
By the time I got to the last 50 pages or so I just wanted the story to end. And that's never a good sign.
I picked this up because I liked Poetry in Motion and I wanted to read Rupert and Callum's story. Sadly, this was a disappointing read for me.
I liked the characters. It was hard not to when everyone was so nice, and good, and kind and caring. All of them were like one big happy family. But everything was too much, too fluffy and way too unrealistic.
I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Some dialogues between characters sounded too forced and immature. There was a lot of repetition and some parts of the story dragged on and on.
The long intimate scene between MCs must be the most boring one I have ever read. I cannot count how many times it was interrupted by inner thoughts of one of the characters, thoughts about completely random things in his life. That's not how you build tension, by ruining the mood every few sentences.
By the time I got to the last 50 pages or so I just wanted the story to end. And that's never a good sign.
July 24, 2015
Loved this!!!!
Every once in a while, I luck out and come across a book like this. You know, that type of book that makes you smile while you read. A book that gives you that little butterfly feeling in your chest because you get pulled into something that lifts you up as you read.
There isn't anything new in this book. I've read about closeted hockey players before. But something about this author's writing and the character dynamic had me hook, line, and sinker. I can't remember the last book that had me NOT wanting my reading % to reach 99 - I didn't want the book to end!
I am definitely jumping on the Samantha Wayland fangirl train.
Every once in a while, I luck out and come across a book like this. You know, that type of book that makes you smile while you read. A book that gives you that little butterfly feeling in your chest because you get pulled into something that lifts you up as you read.
There isn't anything new in this book. I've read about closeted hockey players before. But something about this author's writing and the character dynamic had me hook, line, and sinker. I can't remember the last book that had me NOT wanting my reading % to reach 99 - I didn't want the book to end!
I am definitely jumping on the Samantha Wayland fangirl train.
August 18, 2019
4.5 sweet slow-burn stars!
June 9, 2016
4.5 Stars
Samantha Wayland officially has a new fan in me. I came to this story having previously enjoyed the books in the Crashing the Net series, but I fadoodling loved this one!
Using a fun backdrop of professional ice hockey, Wayland has created a really great cast of loveable characters, across all of the books within this interlinking series - and don't try to sell this to me as a standalone, because I'm having none of that! This story, along with Crashing the Net, the books in the Fair Play trilogy and the recently released Out of Her League, are basically one big series! Sure, they can probably be read as standalones, but I would have been going off my rocker had I read this story without already being aware of all the stories behind the secondary characters. So, do yourselves a favour and read them in chronological order of release.
This story is funny, heartwarming, romantic and hot as hell! With a wonderful family theme and a cast of fantastic male characters (grown men and children alike), this story was the perfect weekend m/m read, making me laugh one minute and turning me into a puddle of goo the next.
Hopefully we will get many more great reads out of these characters, with potential stories focusing on reclusive Reese and his assistant Matilda, or even sexy Jack and Canadian Mountie Grady! Not to mention, I'm always down for more of the same with Callum and Rupert or Alexei and Mike - I'd never turn these men away! Just saying!
Thanks for the impromptu buddy read, Val!!
Samantha Wayland officially has a new fan in me. I came to this story having previously enjoyed the books in the Crashing the Net series, but I fadoodling loved this one!
Using a fun backdrop of professional ice hockey, Wayland has created a really great cast of loveable characters, across all of the books within this interlinking series - and don't try to sell this to me as a standalone, because I'm having none of that! This story, along with Crashing the Net, the books in the Fair Play trilogy and the recently released Out of Her League, are basically one big series! Sure, they can probably be read as standalones, but I would have been going off my rocker had I read this story without already being aware of all the stories behind the secondary characters. So, do yourselves a favour and read them in chronological order of release.
This story is funny, heartwarming, romantic and hot as hell! With a wonderful family theme and a cast of fantastic male characters (grown men and children alike), this story was the perfect weekend m/m read, making me laugh one minute and turning me into a puddle of goo the next.
Hopefully we will get many more great reads out of these characters, with potential stories focusing on reclusive Reese and his assistant Matilda, or even sexy Jack and Canadian Mountie Grady! Not to mention, I'm always down for more of the same with Callum and Rupert or Alexei and Mike - I'd never turn these men away! Just saying!
Thanks for the impromptu buddy read, Val!!
November 10, 2015
Review shortly.
October 22, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read! I liked it for what it was and especially because of the interactions with the kids. I also liked the making of a family process for these two lonely guys. It doesn’t get all that deep or anything and there really isn’t much of a conflict, so it’s great for those of you that like the lighter reads. The ending was pretty frustrating for me in how abrupt it was and how little closure there was…but overall it was enjoyable!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rupert and Callum’s story. As co-owner of a professional hockey team, Callum has to step in to help the manager, Rupert, over the summer while one of the other owners is away. They butt heads at first but after Rupert has some big life changing events thrown at him, Callum steps in to help in a big way. They become inseparable along with two kids that have them both feeling like they belong in a way they’ve never felt before. There’s some drama, some sexy times, and some sweet moments…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Rupert and Callum in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Rupert. I liked him. I liked how he was take charge of any situation even when scared.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Callum. I liked him. I appreciated how protective and caring he was even though he struggled with his identity.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends waaaay too abruptly for me! I would call it a HFN ending (even though it was a sweet ending) .
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read! I liked it for what it was and especially because of the interactions with the kids. I also liked the making of a family process for these two lonely guys. It doesn’t get all that deep or anything and there really isn’t much of a conflict, so it’s great for those of you that like the lighter reads. The ending was pretty frustrating for me in how abrupt it was and how little closure there was…but overall it was enjoyable!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rupert and Callum’s story. As co-owner of a professional hockey team, Callum has to step in to help the manager, Rupert, over the summer while one of the other owners is away. They butt heads at first but after Rupert has some big life changing events thrown at him, Callum steps in to help in a big way. They become inseparable along with two kids that have them both feeling like they belong in a way they’ve never felt before. There’s some drama, some sexy times, and some sweet moments…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Rupert and Callum in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Rupert. I liked him. I liked how he was take charge of any situation even when scared.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Callum. I liked him. I appreciated how protective and caring he was even though he struggled with his identity.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends waaaay too abruptly for me! I would call it a HFN ending (even though it was a sweet ending) .
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
October 11, 2015
I did enjoy it at least partially, BUT... Things I didn't like about it:
1. That Callum called Rupert "duchess" as a derogatory term. I found it very insulting, not only to Rupert, but also to all women and duchesses. Just not cool. And since he started with it when he wasn't on good terms with Rupert, it didn't come across like an endearment at all.
2. Rupert was a damsel in distress in many scenes. Example: his very skinny four-year-old nephew climbs him to be held and carried. He staggers and Callum has to steady him. I am 5'3'' and weigh 110 pounds. I don't stagger when my very sturdy and big-for-his-age four-year-old nephew wants to be carried around. I cannot imagine how an athletically built man who is 6'2'' could. So this makes Rupert look like a total wimp. Also the crying and his flustered behaviour.
3. The way even straight guys were instantly attracted to Rupert, when he was scating - sorry, just not believable in any way. A straight guy saying about figure-scating guy "he is the most beautiful thing I ever saw"? Nope. This whole bubble butt thing? Totally not my cup of tea.
4. The fairy-tale quality to the story. When Rupert and Callum meet at first, they don't get along well. So when Rupert needs to pick up his four-year-old brother in London, Callum just spontaneously decides to accompany him to support him. That's so far away from anything even imaginable in real life. And that's just one example.
5. The incredible sappiness. Rotting teeth everywhere. So so OTT.
6. The "family is the priority" feel it gave. This story was not so much about a budding romance/love. It was mainly about the family, meaning the kids. This also relates to the fairy-tale point, where magically another child will be added nearly magically and with no bureaucratic hassle at all.
1. That Callum called Rupert "duchess" as a derogatory term. I found it very insulting, not only to Rupert, but also to all women and duchesses. Just not cool. And since he started with it when he wasn't on good terms with Rupert, it didn't come across like an endearment at all.
2. Rupert was a damsel in distress in many scenes. Example: his very skinny four-year-old nephew climbs him to be held and carried. He staggers and Callum has to steady him. I am 5'3'' and weigh 110 pounds. I don't stagger when my very sturdy and big-for-his-age four-year-old nephew wants to be carried around. I cannot imagine how an athletically built man who is 6'2'' could. So this makes Rupert look like a total wimp. Also the crying and his flustered behaviour.
3. The way even straight guys were instantly attracted to Rupert, when he was scating - sorry, just not believable in any way. A straight guy saying about figure-scating guy "he is the most beautiful thing I ever saw"? Nope. This whole bubble butt thing? Totally not my cup of tea.
4. The fairy-tale quality to the story. When Rupert and Callum meet at first, they don't get along well. So when Rupert needs to pick up his four-year-old brother in London, Callum just spontaneously decides to accompany him to support him. That's so far away from anything even imaginable in real life. And that's just one example.
5. The incredible sappiness. Rotting teeth everywhere. So so OTT.
6. The "family is the priority" feel it gave. This story was not so much about a budding romance/love. It was mainly about the family, meaning the kids. This also relates to the fairy-tale point, where magically another child will be added nearly magically and with no bureaucratic hassle at all.
December 24, 2022
***2021. I did get the audio of this, but couldn't stand listening to Michael Ferraiuolo mangling Rupert's English accent any longer so returned it. Adding an 'r' to everything doesn't make it English I'm afraid, so 'lorst' instead of lost, 'orfice' instead of office, and just generally speaking as though Rupert is a member of the Royal Family didn’t work at all for me.***
4.5 stars from me for this slow starter (may be it's cos it was late at night when I started it), which definitely picked up for me around the 10% mark when Oliver entered the story. Please don't pick this book up expecting ice hockey...you won't get any BUT what you WILL get is a wonderfully hesitant love story between Rupert and Callum, abandoned kids, abused kids, players in closets, great friends and families and most of all, lots of love and more from Alexei and Mike (Crashing the Net). Woot!!
4.5 stars from me for this slow starter (may be it's cos it was late at night when I started it), which definitely picked up for me around the 10% mark when Oliver entered the story. Please don't pick this book up expecting ice hockey...you won't get any BUT what you WILL get is a wonderfully hesitant love story between Rupert and Callum, abandoned kids, abused kids, players in closets, great friends and families and most of all, lots of love and more from Alexei and Mike (Crashing the Net). Woot!!
June 10, 2016
This was very good. Though the kids are super cute, they didn't take over the book. I also really loved seeing more of Mike and Alexei. I would love to see more.
Though she left me in the dust, buddy read with Meags ;0)
Though she left me in the dust, buddy read with Meags ;0)
February 26, 2016
This book was really long, but it didn't FEEL really long. A lot was going on at once, especially in the first half, so it kept me totally interested, once I finally started reading. I loved Callum and Rupert and the family that they made. My only real issue with this book is that it's set in the same world as some of this author's other series, so there were a LOT of people and relationships that I was unaware of, who went with who, that sort of thing. Not enough for me to feel totally lost in the main story, but enough that I wish I had a sort of familial cheat sheet, to know who was dating/screwing/married to whom.
April 4, 2017
6 stars
Amazing pretty much. And coming from me, who hates most books with kids, that's a huge endorsement. I'm pretty bumped to see that all others books of Ms Wayland (except Crashing the Net which I've also read and loved) are either fm or mmf, which leaves me without a reading list to check out. Hoping she writes a new mm soon...
About this one... it was sweet, almost too sweet at times, but Callum's closet status and impeding return to practice managed to add the necessary feeling of dread needed to keep this from sugarland. Besides that, the dialogues as well as the exquisite humor coming from my dearests Alexei and Mike mostly, were what moved this from 5 stars to 6 in my shelves. Highly recommended.
Amazing pretty much. And coming from me, who hates most books with kids, that's a huge endorsement. I'm pretty bumped to see that all others books of Ms Wayland (except Crashing the Net which I've also read and loved) are either fm or mmf, which leaves me without a reading list to check out. Hoping she writes a new mm soon...
About this one... it was sweet, almost too sweet at times, but Callum's closet status and impeding return to practice managed to add the necessary feeling of dread needed to keep this from sugarland. Besides that, the dialogues as well as the exquisite humor coming from my dearests Alexei and Mike mostly, were what moved this from 5 stars to 6 in my shelves. Highly recommended.
June 13, 2015
3.75 stars. I enjoyed this more than I thought since I found it via an amazon recommendation. Fairly clichéd and the editing could be better. It's loosely part of a series of m/m and m/m/f stories and I was wondering at the beginning about all the secondary characters because it's not listed as a series on Goodreads. But it had plenty of positives for me too. Enemies to Lovers is one of my favourite tropes. The characters were very appealing. I love that flamboyant/gruff jock combination. There are cute kids. And it's a long story (thankyou author!).
Oh... and Hockey!
Oh... and Hockey!
September 23, 2019
I'm giving this 5 Stars and maybe putting it on my favourites shelf !!!
August 12, 2016
1 = did not like it
No quiero decir que el libro sea malo, sólo que A MÍ no me ha gustado, debí hacer DNF la primera vez que estuve tentada.
Definitivamente me ha matado el estilo, y los personajes, y tanta vuelta y revuelta sobre lo mismo, y el culo de Rupert y que Gayville esté en Mocton (y yo sin saberlo xD)...
Como siempre digo, esta es mi sensación, desde mis tripas, las reseñas, en general, son buenísimas, por lo que no me hagáis ni caso y si os apetece, ¡a leer!
No quiero decir que el libro sea malo, sólo que A MÍ no me ha gustado, debí hacer DNF la primera vez que estuve tentada.
Definitivamente me ha matado el estilo, y los personajes, y tanta vuelta y revuelta sobre lo mismo, y el culo de Rupert y que Gayville esté en Mocton (y yo sin saberlo xD)...
Como siempre digo, esta es mi sensación, desde mis tripas, las reseñas, en general, son buenísimas, por lo que no me hagáis ni caso y si os apetece, ¡a leer!
March 19, 2021
4 stars audio
3 fluffy stars story. The ending was just,,,,,
3 fluffy stars story. The ending was just,,,,,
March 27, 2021
Although I'm giving this 4 stars, I really liked it. But in fairness I can't give it 5 stars bc:
1) BAD editing. Lots of typos, annoying! 😡
2) there's a logical hole in the plot. As follows:
The whole premise is that Callum is in the closet. He's celibate bc he's sick of meaningless sex and he's never had a relationship (he's 30 smth and HOT). He's a famous hockey player, so I get the need for discretion, BUT, the hole comes in bc Callum has a very large, loving family. Who are extremely open-minded and supportive. So I have a really hard time buying such a well-adjusted, loving man, who is also loved by his family and friends, would have SUCH a hard time finding someone who loves him back the way he needs and be patient for him to be "ready" for whatever he's ready for, giving his career, etc.
This plot hole is what makes me not able to give this book 5 stars. The typos I could have just taken 0.25 off, as copious as they were.
That aside, it was a good book. Enjoyed both MCs and of course Ollie. Christian was a bit too much I felt like. In terms of adding drama to add drama. Didn't need to draw it out so much. Ollie alone was plenty.
I will be checking out more of this author's work. Could have used more sexy times, but😋 maybe there's more in other books
1) BAD editing. Lots of typos, annoying! 😡
2) there's a logical hole in the plot. As follows:
The whole premise is that Callum is in the closet. He's celibate bc he's sick of meaningless sex and he's never had a relationship (he's 30 smth and HOT). He's a famous hockey player, so I get the need for discretion, BUT, the hole comes in bc Callum has a very large, loving family. Who are extremely open-minded and supportive. So I have a really hard time buying such a well-adjusted, loving man, who is also loved by his family and friends, would have SUCH a hard time finding someone who loves him back the way he needs and be patient for him to be "ready" for whatever he's ready for, giving his career, etc.
This plot hole is what makes me not able to give this book 5 stars. The typos I could have just taken 0.25 off, as copious as they were.
That aside, it was a good book. Enjoyed both MCs and of course Ollie. Christian was a bit too much I felt like. In terms of adding drama to add drama. Didn't need to draw it out so much. Ollie alone was plenty.
I will be checking out more of this author's work. Could have used more sexy times, but😋 maybe there's more in other books
January 3, 2018
Omg this book!! This book you guys!!!! *dancing and flailing book around*
This. Was. Awesome. So so so so good!!
Stayed up stupidly late to finish it when I gave to get up hella early for work but I just couldn't put it down. Will flesh this review put a bit later.
Still hugging the book!!
Reread 1/2/18 -- This book is still everything I remember and more. All the feels. All the tender loving sexy times. Even the kids who are so perfectly well... perfect. Callum and Rupert remain two of my favorite MCs and their story will be one I go back to again and again, along with the rest of the Morrison family. In fact I feel another re-read coming on... ;) If you've been waiting to pick this one up, do it! You won't be sorry!
This. Was. Awesome. So so so so good!!
Stayed up stupidly late to finish it when I gave to get up hella early for work but I just couldn't put it down. Will flesh this review put a bit later.
Still hugging the book!!
Reread 1/2/18 -- This book is still everything I remember and more. All the feels. All the tender loving sexy times. Even the kids who are so perfectly well... perfect. Callum and Rupert remain two of my favorite MCs and their story will be one I go back to again and again, along with the rest of the Morrison family. In fact I feel another re-read coming on... ;) If you've been waiting to pick this one up, do it! You won't be sorry!
November 3, 2020
Amaxing
Loved every second of this! If only it was longer. Why do I have to add ten more stupid words?
Loved every second of this! If only it was longer. Why do I have to add ten more stupid words?
February 20, 2018
Reviewed in English and Spanish:
Rupert and Callum! What a couple! Loved the two of them and how they are so different yet complete each other. Love the little family they make and their well deserved HEA.
Good cherry-popping, good sex though not a lot. The fact that they have kids and are busy with everything else going on puts sex on the back burner for these two more often than not. From the very beginning they are like a married couple in more than one sense :)
Great secondary characters.
Rupert
Cal
[image error]
Highly recommend
******************************************************************
Me encantó la pareja que hacen Rupert y Callum! Ambos personajes son súper queribles y se complementan a pesar de ser tan diferentes. Forman una familia hermosa y consiguen un muy merecido final feliz.
Buen debut de Callum, buen sexo en general pero no mucho. El hecho de que tienen niños y están ocupados con todo el resto que está ocurriendo en sus vidas hace que el sexo pase a segundo plano. Por esta y otras razones, estos dos parecen un matrimonio desde el principio ;)
Los personajes secundarios son muy buenos.
Altamente recomendable
Rupert and Callum! What a couple! Loved the two of them and how they are so different yet complete each other. Love the little family they make and their well deserved HEA.
Good cherry-popping, good sex though not a lot. The fact that they have kids and are busy with everything else going on puts sex on the back burner for these two more often than not. From the very beginning they are like a married couple in more than one sense :)
Great secondary characters.
Rupert
Cal
[image error]
Highly recommend
******************************************************************
Me encantó la pareja que hacen Rupert y Callum! Ambos personajes son súper queribles y se complementan a pesar de ser tan diferentes. Forman una familia hermosa y consiguen un muy merecido final feliz.
Buen debut de Callum, buen sexo en general pero no mucho. El hecho de que tienen niños y están ocupados con todo el resto que está ocurriendo en sus vidas hace que el sexo pase a segundo plano. Por esta y otras razones, estos dos parecen un matrimonio desde el principio ;)
Los personajes secundarios son muy buenos.
Altamente recomendable
January 25, 2016
4 stars
If I was rating for the romance alone, I would have bumped it up to five stars. The romance between Rupert and Callum was just about perfect. I loved the melding of the staid Englishman with the more brutish hockey player. And one of them is, for all intents and purposes, a virgin. So, yes, it hit all the sexy buttons. And then there's the family they create. Lots of feel goodedness.
It's just that ...
I read this book right after finishing an amazingly good book that was so much like real life. And this book just ... wasn't. Callum's not just an NHL player, he's one of the best goalies in the league. I mean he won an award last season. His "girlfriend" is a gorgeous heiress. And then there's Rupert's backstory. Finally, there's Oliver's mother. Just so over the top horrific.
Anyhow, I completely get why this has such a high rating. It's a great romance, I just wish it was a little more believable.
If I was rating for the romance alone, I would have bumped it up to five stars. The romance between Rupert and Callum was just about perfect. I loved the melding of the staid Englishman with the more brutish hockey player. And one of them is, for all intents and purposes, a virgin. So, yes, it hit all the sexy buttons. And then there's the family they create. Lots of feel goodedness.
It's just that ...
I read this book right after finishing an amazingly good book that was so much like real life. And this book just ... wasn't. Callum's not just an NHL player, he's one of the best goalies in the league. I mean he won an award last season. His "girlfriend" is a gorgeous heiress. And then there's Rupert's backstory. Finally, there's Oliver's mother. Just so over the top horrific.
Anyhow, I completely get why this has such a high rating. It's a great romance, I just wish it was a little more believable.
January 8, 2016
"Callum"
...
"What exactly did you do this summer?"
...
"I fell in love"
This part just broke my heart so much. I just wanna cry so hard after reading this part. I really had to gather myself cause it just so hard. I loved the book so much. I really enjoyed reading new characters that started with Alexei and Mike.
I loved everything with this book. The introduction of new people in their lives like Oliver, Christian, everyone. The banter between the two were enjoyable and fun to read. I loved books that feature building family like this one. I love the idea of people being so domestic.
The main characters' story of falling on love were actually so believable for me. With Callum being in the closet and playing for Denver, it was really hard for them to start their relationship and make it work. Also, Callum's departure looming over them, I admire how the author with he story.
Some parts just really broke my heart. I love this book. And I hope that Miss Samantha plans to write stories for other characters introduced in this book. PLEASE!
...
"What exactly did you do this summer?"
...
"I fell in love"
This part just broke my heart so much. I just wanna cry so hard after reading this part. I really had to gather myself cause it just so hard. I loved the book so much. I really enjoyed reading new characters that started with Alexei and Mike.
I loved everything with this book. The introduction of new people in their lives like Oliver, Christian, everyone. The banter between the two were enjoyable and fun to read. I loved books that feature building family like this one. I love the idea of people being so domestic.
The main characters' story of falling on love were actually so believable for me. With Callum being in the closet and playing for Denver, it was really hard for them to start their relationship and make it work. Also, Callum's departure looming over them, I admire how the author with he story.
Some parts just really broke my heart. I love this book. And I hope that Miss Samantha plans to write stories for other characters introduced in this book. PLEASE!
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