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Boston Rebels #1
Top Shelf
Acting on the attraction to his best friend’s brother has always been off the table for Xander until a passionate hookup with Mason at a beach resort begins a love affair that burns long after summer ends.
Mason specializes in assisting same-sex couples on their journey to becoming parents and fighting every rule that blocks his way in the stuck-in-the-past agency that hired him. Living in his brother’s pool house is rent-free, and every cent he earns he saves for his dream—that one day he’d have his own company helping others. The downside is that he has to see his annoying brother every day, the upside is that his brother’s teammates from the Boston Rebels make regular visits. The eye candy that passes Mason’s window is almost enough to make him consider dating a hockey player, but not just any player though. Ever since Xander—his brother’s childhood friend—came out as gay at a press conference, Mason’s puppy love has turned into a burning attraction he can no longer ignore.
Hockey has been one of Xander’s main focuses since he was old enough to balance on skates. Well, hockey and Mason Kingsley, but Mason was always unattainable. Now that he’s about to see thirty candles on his birthday cake and is no longer hiding the fact he’s gay, he’s ready to find a soul mate to make his life complete. A summer vacation is just what he needs to have time to think, but when the Boston Rebels arriving in paradise with Mason in tow, thinking is the last thing he needs. One torrid night under a balmy moon and rules about not messing with his best friend’s brother vanish on a warm, tropical breeze.
Summer romances don’t generally last past Labor Day, but with the new season about to begin Xander and Mason are going to have to face the world and decide if their love is real enough to withstand everything.
Mason specializes in assisting same-sex couples on their journey to becoming parents and fighting every rule that blocks his way in the stuck-in-the-past agency that hired him. Living in his brother’s pool house is rent-free, and every cent he earns he saves for his dream—that one day he’d have his own company helping others. The downside is that he has to see his annoying brother every day, the upside is that his brother’s teammates from the Boston Rebels make regular visits. The eye candy that passes Mason’s window is almost enough to make him consider dating a hockey player, but not just any player though. Ever since Xander—his brother’s childhood friend—came out as gay at a press conference, Mason’s puppy love has turned into a burning attraction he can no longer ignore.
Hockey has been one of Xander’s main focuses since he was old enough to balance on skates. Well, hockey and Mason Kingsley, but Mason was always unattainable. Now that he’s about to see thirty candles on his birthday cake and is no longer hiding the fact he’s gay, he’s ready to find a soul mate to make his life complete. A summer vacation is just what he needs to have time to think, but when the Boston Rebels arriving in paradise with Mason in tow, thinking is the last thing he needs. One torrid night under a balmy moon and rules about not messing with his best friend’s brother vanish on a warm, tropical breeze.
Summer romances don’t generally last past Labor Day, but with the new season about to begin Xander and Mason are going to have to face the world and decide if their love is real enough to withstand everything.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2021
188 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
306 books2,707 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 8, 2021
3.5*
This is the first in a new ice hockey series from RJ and V.L. looking at the Boston team that Ten's brother Brady is the Captain at.
It's a good intro, following on from a short freebie that has been serialised in RJ's newsletter, to the series and establishes all the LGBTQ+ characters that I suspect we'll be getting novels about at some point in the future.
The main focus of the book is Xander and Mason's relationship and it's a really lovely romance with absolutely zero angst or drama really outside of the wider implications of Xander's coming out as a bisexual ice hockey player.
Both have been in love with the other for years, they've essentially grown up together as Mason's older brother Eli took care of him after their parent's death and Xander's family were neighbours. Eli and Xander are best friends, heading off to join the NHL together playing for the Boston Rebels.
Apart from Eli's original reaction when he discovers they're together, there's pretty much no tension involved in their relationship which makes it a nice easy read, but also means there's not really much changes in the pacing either.
The couple of smexy times we get in detail are really sweet and loving, Mason and Xander respect each other and they work at making the other happy, they're passionate and talk a lot about their future and what they hope for.
My main reason for not giving it a higher rating is that it seemed to end really abruptly without one of the plot threads which had been ongoing throughout being concluded. That's not to say it's a cliffhanger, it isn't, the plotline is only a side one involving the ice hockey team and nothing to do with Xander and Mason's relationship.
But it just sort of stopped after a big discussion about it. I am assuming it will be a plotline that's picked up in future books in the series but it did leave me shaking my head a bit.
There's a great bunch of secondary characters and we get a brief catch up with Ten and the other Rowe brother Jamie which ties back in to the https://www.goodreads.com/series/1978... series.
I'm hopeful this is going to be another cracking entry to RJ and V.L.'s lexicon of interrelated ice hockey romances.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
This is the first in a new ice hockey series from RJ and V.L. looking at the Boston team that Ten's brother Brady is the Captain at.
It's a good intro, following on from a short freebie that has been serialised in RJ's newsletter, to the series and establishes all the LGBTQ+ characters that I suspect we'll be getting novels about at some point in the future.
The main focus of the book is Xander and Mason's relationship and it's a really lovely romance with absolutely zero angst or drama really outside of the wider implications of Xander's coming out as a bisexual ice hockey player.
Both have been in love with the other for years, they've essentially grown up together as Mason's older brother Eli took care of him after their parent's death and Xander's family were neighbours. Eli and Xander are best friends, heading off to join the NHL together playing for the Boston Rebels.
Apart from Eli's original reaction when he discovers they're together, there's pretty much no tension involved in their relationship which makes it a nice easy read, but also means there's not really much changes in the pacing either.
The couple of smexy times we get in detail are really sweet and loving, Mason and Xander respect each other and they work at making the other happy, they're passionate and talk a lot about their future and what they hope for.
My main reason for not giving it a higher rating is that it seemed to end really abruptly without one of the plot threads which had been ongoing throughout being concluded. That's not to say it's a cliffhanger, it isn't, the plotline is only a side one involving the ice hockey team and nothing to do with Xander and Mason's relationship.
But it just sort of stopped after a big discussion about it. I am assuming it will be a plotline that's picked up in future books in the series but it did leave me shaking my head a bit.
There's a great bunch of secondary characters and we get a brief catch up with Ten and the other Rowe brother Jamie which ties back in to the https://www.goodreads.com/series/1978... series.
I'm hopeful this is going to be another cracking entry to RJ and V.L.'s lexicon of interrelated ice hockey romances.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 14, 2023
This one felt really rushed and unfinished.
I thought there would be more conflict and suspense in the build up to them getting together, but they were declaring their love before the 50% mark and planning their lives together?? Then the rest of the book nothing really happens and the story just fizzled out. I didn't feel any connection to either character because we don't really get to know them individually before they become a couple, and the times they're together it's all sex or complaining/worrying!
It felt like false advertising. There was no drama about being the best friends little brother/brothers best friend - Eli barely batted an eyelid. The only mention of any issues was when Mason was packing up to move out and Eli was angry or upset? BUT there was nothing to indicate why or what had happened, or even that any time had passed since arriving home. I didn't understand why there was suddenly a problem, but again it was resolved within a couple of sentences.
Also will Aarni please fuck all the way off, I swear he's such an overused plot device in this series, it just felt forced and like he was being mentioned as a way to sympathise with Mason's character. He got his comeuppance, move on already!
I'm also getting fed up with all the negativity of being gay/bi/pan and a hockey player - stating Xander won't be made captain because of it, and that Ten isn't captain either, is just making this series feel backwards instead of progressive. Like it must have been almost ten years now since the Jared and Ten book, there are loads of out players and yet nothing has changed in people's perceptions? It honestly feels like reinforcing the pandering to the bigoted minority.
I'm getting a gut feeling that the Boston part of the series will be my least favourite. None of the characters stand out as interesting so far, and Austin's novella was so syrupy sweet that I feel like he's too nice for this team!
I thought there would be more conflict and suspense in the build up to them getting together, but they were declaring their love before the 50% mark and planning their lives together?? Then the rest of the book nothing really happens and the story just fizzled out. I didn't feel any connection to either character because we don't really get to know them individually before they become a couple, and the times they're together it's all sex or complaining/worrying!
It felt like false advertising. There was no drama about being the best friends little brother/brothers best friend - Eli barely batted an eyelid. The only mention of any issues was when Mason was packing up to move out and Eli was angry or upset? BUT there was nothing to indicate why or what had happened, or even that any time had passed since arriving home. I didn't understand why there was suddenly a problem, but again it was resolved within a couple of sentences.
Also will Aarni please fuck all the way off, I swear he's such an overused plot device in this series, it just felt forced and like he was being mentioned as a way to sympathise with Mason's character. He got his comeuppance, move on already!
I'm also getting fed up with all the negativity of being gay/bi/pan and a hockey player - stating Xander won't be made captain because of it, and that Ten isn't captain either, is just making this series feel backwards instead of progressive. Like it must have been almost ten years now since the Jared and Ten book, there are loads of out players and yet nothing has changed in people's perceptions? It honestly feels like reinforcing the pandering to the bigoted minority.
I'm getting a gut feeling that the Boston part of the series will be my least favourite. None of the characters stand out as interesting so far, and Austin's novella was so syrupy sweet that I feel like he's too nice for this team!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
This wasn't a hit for me. I felt like the story moved at an odd pace and I didn't like how many plot threads were left unfinished or were abandoned. It ends so abruptly without answering any of the questions that I had.
I felt like it never truly focused and I wanted to like it, but in the end it just felt like it was missing about six chapters.
2.5 stars
I felt like it never truly focused and I wanted to like it, but in the end it just felt like it was missing about six chapters.
2.5 stars
July 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It’s funny that I’ve grown to love sports books when I’ve never enjoyed sports. This is a very sweet low angst book.
June 26, 2021
Top Shelf is a good start for a new series, and it didn't disappoint me. RJ has always giving me comfort reads since the beginning.
This was fun, sexy and enjoyable romance.
I couldn't ask for more when I needed a comfort read. This one is adorable, as always 😍
This was fun, sexy and enjoyable romance.
I couldn't ask for more when I needed a comfort read. This one is adorable, as always 😍
July 5, 2021
Yay! New hockey from Scott and Locey!
The first episode of the Boston Rebels is sweet, hot, and fluffy. There's very little angst in this brother’s best friend tale, and it's a quick read. You don't have to read the previous books by the authors, but there are a few references that may not be totally clear to those who have not read them.
I loved Mason and Xander, and getting to visit with the Rowes!
The first episode of the Boston Rebels is sweet, hot, and fluffy. There's very little angst in this brother’s best friend tale, and it's a quick read. You don't have to read the previous books by the authors, but there are a few references that may not be totally clear to those who have not read them.
I loved Mason and Xander, and getting to visit with the Rowes!
January 30, 2022
DNF at 33%
I’m a sucker for a hockey romance, so of course I was going to try this book, and new-to-me authors. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me.
1. Lack of emotional depth and attraction
One of the things I hate relentlessly is instalust, and I would classify this as instalust. But Kevin, they’ve been in love with each other for years, how could it be instalust!? Well, I don’t feel a connection to support anything else. There’s no emotional depth between them, we’re just told about the relentless pining or “love”. It doesn’t seem to have affected either of them very much in the intervening years, and they don’t seem to interact much in the first place.
This “love” is communicated to the reader via these two men acting like teenagers with their first crush - aka inability to talk, avoiding, awkwardness, etc (I get that people get nervous around their crushes, but this was childish), and by uncontrollable boners. There’s far better ways to communicate attraction and chemistry than having the characters try to talk their rogue dicks down every other page. It’s also certainly not demonstrating any sort of love or deeper emotion between them.
We entirely skipped the interesting parts with a dual pining plot…you know, the pining??!!? Since we don’t see any of that, and it’s not worked into the present, their first encounter (which happens pretty fast) doesn’t feel like anything other than a simple hookup, and further emotional depth isn’t supported in text.
2. The pacing was strange, between actual plot and internal monologuing
This book felt very jerky in its pacing, like a rickety old rollercoaster. There’d be little snippets of plot that happen very rapidly, and then we’d coast for pages on repetitive, boring internal monologuing. It was not balanced well, and relentless internal monologuing is an absolute brain killer. Especially when it's combined with too much inconsequential detail, like how bellhops walk and the plants in the hallway.
3. Confusing tonal shift by characters
At the resort, Xander goes barging into Mason’s room to have an existential crisis or something. It is completely out of the blue, and there is no reason I can come up with for them to have a connection enough to support this dramatic shift. In fact, I don’t get the feeling they were ever even close friends from this book, or friends at all. Man, there is just no connection between these two morons.
4. Mason is a selfish dick
A side note - Mason’s reaction to Xander coming out is all about himself, and no concern or thought about Xander and why he had to come out. Eli is hurt and mad Xander didn’t tell him before the press conference, but he comes around and gets it once he learns about the blackmail. Mason…does not.
Overall, since I like emotional depth and connection between my characters, I will be passing on this one. I also don’t know if the hockey will come back, though other reviews suggest it doesn’t and that’s boring.
I’m a sucker for a hockey romance, so of course I was going to try this book, and new-to-me authors. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me.
1. Lack of emotional depth and attraction
One of the things I hate relentlessly is instalust, and I would classify this as instalust. But Kevin, they’ve been in love with each other for years, how could it be instalust!? Well, I don’t feel a connection to support anything else. There’s no emotional depth between them, we’re just told about the relentless pining or “love”. It doesn’t seem to have affected either of them very much in the intervening years, and they don’t seem to interact much in the first place.
This “love” is communicated to the reader via these two men acting like teenagers with their first crush - aka inability to talk, avoiding, awkwardness, etc (I get that people get nervous around their crushes, but this was childish), and by uncontrollable boners. There’s far better ways to communicate attraction and chemistry than having the characters try to talk their rogue dicks down every other page. It’s also certainly not demonstrating any sort of love or deeper emotion between them.
We entirely skipped the interesting parts with a dual pining plot…you know, the pining??!!? Since we don’t see any of that, and it’s not worked into the present, their first encounter (which happens pretty fast) doesn’t feel like anything other than a simple hookup, and further emotional depth isn’t supported in text.
2. The pacing was strange, between actual plot and internal monologuing
This book felt very jerky in its pacing, like a rickety old rollercoaster. There’d be little snippets of plot that happen very rapidly, and then we’d coast for pages on repetitive, boring internal monologuing. It was not balanced well, and relentless internal monologuing is an absolute brain killer. Especially when it's combined with too much inconsequential detail, like how bellhops walk and the plants in the hallway.
3. Confusing tonal shift by characters
At the resort, Xander goes barging into Mason’s room to have an existential crisis or something. It is completely out of the blue, and there is no reason I can come up with for them to have a connection enough to support this dramatic shift. In fact, I don’t get the feeling they were ever even close friends from this book, or friends at all. Man, there is just no connection between these two morons.
4. Mason is a selfish dick
A side note - Mason’s reaction to Xander coming out is all about himself, and no concern or thought about Xander and why he had to come out. Eli is hurt and mad Xander didn’t tell him before the press conference, but he comes around and gets it once he learns about the blackmail. Mason…does not.
Overall, since I like emotional depth and connection between my characters, I will be passing on this one. I also don’t know if the hockey will come back, though other reviews suggest it doesn’t and that’s boring.
August 24, 2021
DNF at 37%. The premise of this actually seems fun, but it was impossible to get into. I just think there are better ways of describing someone's attraction than giving them an uncontrollable erection on an ATV.
October 27, 2024
Reread 2024
good
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this one.
I will admit that I found Xander a little annoying at the start with his back and forth, but when he committed he went all in and that’s when it picked up for me and I was enjoying his character. He really struggled with trying to be himself. I felt sorry for the way he was forced to come out, no one should have their choice taken from them. At least he had the support of his family,
Mason was also a good character and I enjoyed his relationship with his brother. Eli could have turned it into a big thing and I’m glad the authors chose not to do that here.
I love all the secondary characters and can’t wait to see what happens in their stories. Nick the owner is a bit of a jerk and I’d like to see him get his comeuppance.
It was nice to see what exactly went down with the Brady situation as it was only mentioned in the other series.
Looking forward to continuing
good
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this one.
I will admit that I found Xander a little annoying at the start with his back and forth, but when he committed he went all in and that’s when it picked up for me and I was enjoying his character. He really struggled with trying to be himself. I felt sorry for the way he was forced to come out, no one should have their choice taken from them. At least he had the support of his family,
Mason was also a good character and I enjoyed his relationship with his brother. Eli could have turned it into a big thing and I’m glad the authors chose not to do that here.
I love all the secondary characters and can’t wait to see what happens in their stories. Nick the owner is a bit of a jerk and I’d like to see him get his comeuppance.
It was nice to see what exactly went down with the Brady situation as it was only mentioned in the other series.
Looking forward to continuing
June 24, 2021
Top Shelf is the story between Xander, defenseman for the Boston Rebels hockey team under the captaincy of Brady Rowe, and Mason, little brother to Xander's best friend Eli, also a member of the hockey team. This is essentially a friends-to-lovers/my best friend's brother trope. The two men have known each other almost all their lives. Heck, Xander and Eli used to pick on Mason when he was a little kid. When Xander is forced to come out as bi when he is blackmailed by a one night stand, his announcement shocks both Eli and Mason. Especially Mason, who has crushed on Xander since he was a teenager.
A birthday trip for Xander's 30th to Aruba finds the two men pushed together and finally opening up. Of course, things aren't smooth sailing. They still have to face the rest of the team and their friends, all while Mason is attempting to start a new business with his best friend Becca.
I enjoyed Xander's snarkiness the most, you could hear the New England Punk Kid come through in his voice. His snark often had me laughing out loud. He was definitely the funnier of the two main characters. Eli (best friend/older brother) was poised as a sounding board for both MCs, which was a pleasant reprieve from characters being all up in their heads.
Overall, this was an enjoyable break away from the Railers and Raptors, but I enjoyed hearing their names mentioned and revisiting with Ten and his brothers.
An ARC was received from the author in return for an honest review.
A birthday trip for Xander's 30th to Aruba finds the two men pushed together and finally opening up. Of course, things aren't smooth sailing. They still have to face the rest of the team and their friends, all while Mason is attempting to start a new business with his best friend Becca.
I enjoyed Xander's snarkiness the most, you could hear the New England Punk Kid come through in his voice. His snark often had me laughing out loud. He was definitely the funnier of the two main characters. Eli (best friend/older brother) was poised as a sounding board for both MCs, which was a pleasant reprieve from characters being all up in their heads.
Overall, this was an enjoyable break away from the Railers and Raptors, but I enjoyed hearing their names mentioned and revisiting with Ten and his brothers.
An ARC was received from the author in return for an honest review.
June 10, 2021
My heart is so full! I loved this amazing story!! Xander, professional hockey player holds a press conference to reveal he is Bi. This is a huge surprise to everyone. Mason Clarke has been in love with Xander for years, never did he think Xander would be obtainable, but he has to give it a shot now!
For Xander’s 30th birthday, a celebration trip to Aruba is planned but not everything goes as planned and in this case it’s a very good thing. I loved how sweet this book was, very little if any angst really. It’s about stepping out, learning to be yourself, falling in love and getting the man you want, family, friends, life changes and the hotness between the sheets 🔥🔥 is drool worthy!! You want a great read that will make you laugh and sigh, this is it!! 5 stars plus!!
For Xander’s 30th birthday, a celebration trip to Aruba is planned but not everything goes as planned and in this case it’s a very good thing. I loved how sweet this book was, very little if any angst really. It’s about stepping out, learning to be yourself, falling in love and getting the man you want, family, friends, life changes and the hotness between the sheets 🔥🔥 is drool worthy!! You want a great read that will make you laugh and sigh, this is it!! 5 stars plus!!
June 25, 2021
Once again, this author duo gives us an amazing book with terrific characters! This is the first book in a new MM Hockey series. Mason and Xander are adorable as the MCs, Eli is another hockey player and Mason's older brother. All of the secondary characters were well-drawn and added to the wonderful story. This is definitely a low-angst read and there were plenty of laughs and smiles. I'm looking forward to see what comes next and to continue this series!
PS: the quick peeks at established characters from earlier series was fun and definitely were not any distraction from the main plot line :-)
***RECOMMENDED***
PS: the quick peeks at established characters from earlier series was fun and definitely were not any distraction from the main plot line :-)
***RECOMMENDED***
September 1, 2022
Brothers best friend
This story made me happy because it was different then what usually happens. Now don’t get me wrong I live for the traditional drama that happens in books where you are in a relationship that people would be against. Rather it’s family drama, work drama, school drama, media drama. I’m down for it. This one didn’t have any of that. Choices were made that stopped that drama. Which was actually refreshing. I still love my drama but it’s nice to have times when folks take the drama in their own hands and squash it before it becomes a thing. The writing was great, the smexy was nice, and the side characters were fun.
This story made me happy because it was different then what usually happens. Now don’t get me wrong I live for the traditional drama that happens in books where you are in a relationship that people would be against. Rather it’s family drama, work drama, school drama, media drama. I’m down for it. This one didn’t have any of that. Choices were made that stopped that drama. Which was actually refreshing. I still love my drama but it’s nice to have times when folks take the drama in their own hands and squash it before it becomes a thing. The writing was great, the smexy was nice, and the side characters were fun.
June 25, 2021
I feel for the way Xander 'had' to come out but we can almost feel the relief he feels at being free to love whomever he wants, and he wants his best friends little brother Mason.
This is a heartwarming story of the love between Mason and Xander thats hmm been brewing for years, with Xander scared and Mason resigned to never getting his man.
I enjoyed this sports based romance that wasnt full on sports, we saw the lives and trust between team mates and friends.
Excited to see where this series takes us next.
This is a heartwarming story of the love between Mason and Xander thats hmm been brewing for years, with Xander scared and Mason resigned to never getting his man.
I enjoyed this sports based romance that wasnt full on sports, we saw the lives and trust between team mates and friends.
Excited to see where this series takes us next.
June 25, 2021
Loved it!!
This was such a great start to a new series by my favorite author duo. Mason and Xander are great together. They have been secretly in love with each other for years and finally do something about it during a surprise birthday party getaway. This book will make you swoon one second and laugh the in the next second. This book exceeded my expectations for it and I can't wait to see what comes next.
This was such a great start to a new series by my favorite author duo. Mason and Xander are great together. They have been secretly in love with each other for years and finally do something about it during a surprise birthday party getaway. This book will make you swoon one second and laugh the in the next second. This book exceeded my expectations for it and I can't wait to see what comes next.
June 17, 2021
Sweet low angst hockey story. Mason knows what he wants and he's determined to get it. Xander is one of my favourite types of character, a big man with an even bigger heart that he's been hiding, scared to be true to himself.
* sports
* big D man (defence you filthy people)
* best friend's brother
* mutual pining
And the next book sounds brilliant.
* sports
* big D man (defence you filthy people)
* best friend's brother
* mutual pining
And the next book sounds brilliant.
June 13, 2021
Our hockey royals have blessed us with a new series, and I'm stoked about this! Especially how this first one played out. It is sweet as an be, with both main characters falling for each other in a way that just pulls on the heart the just right.
I'm pretty excited to see what book two brings.
I'm pretty excited to see what book two brings.
August 7, 2021
I liked it. The first half was kind of different from books I've been reading and I was looking forward to the rest but eventually it got back on the mushy lovey stuff and I just wanted to get it over with.
Read
June 25, 2021Top Shelf (Boston Rebels 1) OUT NOW - Get it here
July 26, 2023
I wanted to enjoy this one because I liked Mason’s character in the beginning and Xander seemed okay too, but it had basically no romance. There was a good portion of the book where Xander was thinking he couldn’t do anything with Mason, then when they got together Mason was busy working a majority of the time because of his new business. They barely did anything as a couple, and we didn’t really see that much of either of their careers either.
The romance didn’t feel super believable either. I get they’ve known each other forever, but they went from being friends to having a few kissed and saying ‘I love you’? There were also some moments where it seemed as if the authors forgot what happened. At the end of one chapter these two said ‘I love you’ and then in the opening of the next chapter Mason was worried about Xander not having reciprocal feelings…when he literally just said he did like two pages earlier.
Xander had been hiding half of himself for 30 years, so embracing the other half of his bisexualness and loving a man was difficult for him. Besides him mentioning he flew out to tell his parents before the press conference, we didn’t see his family at all. We saw a bit of the hockey players, but neither of these two had friends really besides Mason’s coworker. This was even less entertaining than other hockey series by this duo of authors. I enjoyed the prequel, but this was just disappointing. Maybe 2 out of 5 stars?
The romance didn’t feel super believable either. I get they’ve known each other forever, but they went from being friends to having a few kissed and saying ‘I love you’? There were also some moments where it seemed as if the authors forgot what happened. At the end of one chapter these two said ‘I love you’ and then in the opening of the next chapter Mason was worried about Xander not having reciprocal feelings…when he literally just said he did like two pages earlier.
Xander had been hiding half of himself for 30 years, so embracing the other half of his bisexualness and loving a man was difficult for him. Besides him mentioning he flew out to tell his parents before the press conference, we didn’t see his family at all. We saw a bit of the hockey players, but neither of these two had friends really besides Mason’s coworker. This was even less entertaining than other hockey series by this duo of authors. I enjoyed the prequel, but this was just disappointing. Maybe 2 out of 5 stars?
June 26, 2021
Sweet Xander!
The way Xan was forced to share himself with the world was awful! Although it did force him to admit to himself how much Mason actually means to him which he decides is a positive out of the horrible situation. Mason has always been in love with his brothers best friend but thought he was straight. Now that the truth is out they finally make a connection while the group of hockey players celebrate Xanders birthday with a surprise trip to Aruba. Both men have big hearts that love their friends and each other fiercely. This is a sweet love story between two men who have known each other their entire lives. It also shows how the sports world can still be very narrow minded. Reminds me of how the LV Raiders DE Carl Nassib came out this past week. He is a fantastic player!
The way Xan was forced to share himself with the world was awful! Although it did force him to admit to himself how much Mason actually means to him which he decides is a positive out of the horrible situation. Mason has always been in love with his brothers best friend but thought he was straight. Now that the truth is out they finally make a connection while the group of hockey players celebrate Xanders birthday with a surprise trip to Aruba. Both men have big hearts that love their friends and each other fiercely. This is a sweet love story between two men who have known each other their entire lives. It also shows how the sports world can still be very narrow minded. Reminds me of how the LV Raiders DE Carl Nassib came out this past week. He is a fantastic player!
June 27, 2021
Love it
Oh, just brilliant! Great bi sexual coming out story, best friends little brother. Add in an NHL hockey team. Sizzling ! Determined to ignore the pull of Mason, Xander buried his head in the sand. A small team getaway for his 30th birthday has him changing his mind, when Mason is the one organising it all!
Oh, just brilliant! Great bi sexual coming out story, best friends little brother. Add in an NHL hockey team. Sizzling ! Determined to ignore the pull of Mason, Xander buried his head in the sand. A small team getaway for his 30th birthday has him changing his mind, when Mason is the one organising it all!
June 27, 2021
The “Queens” of hockey romance have done it again. Another great read and an excellent start to a new series. It’s full of exciting new characters and story lines. Xander and Mason are so sweet and adorable. Looking forward to what happens next and revisiting some characters/couples.
did-not-finish
May 23, 2023Dnf@ 65%. They’re together and have openly said that they’re in love and come out to family and such so…. Everything has resolved and I don’t need to keep reading.
June 29, 2021
I was so excited to get the chance to read the ARC of RJ Scott and VL Locey's latest ice-hockey series.
For those of us who are fan's of the dynamic duo's other ice-hockey series - Harrisburg Railers, Arizona Raptors and Owatanna U Hockey - this is the first instalment of another hockey team embraces their LGBTQI2+ players. Other fans of MM ice hockey romances will also be excited for this book - I don't think that you have to have read any of Scott's and Locey's previous books, though a number of characters pop up and some events from previous books are mentioned.
There are numerous reasons why I was excited, besides the authors and their previous books in this particular NHL universe. When the book starts, we meet up with the captain of the team (Brady Rowe), who is the big brother of the much beloved Tennant Rowe from the Harrisburg Railers. Even though Brady is not a main character (and straight and married) I was really keen to see more of the guy. And to be honest, he was a bit of a starting point for me, because he is the team's diversity rep as well as being the team captain. It was also pretty cool to see Brady and his brothers, Jamie and Tennant, pop up as minor characters, talking up a big game and imparting wisdom that comes with experience. If I wasn't lazy I would look up what team Jamie comes from, because now I want to get a bit more of Jamie Rowe in my life and I wonder if or how that could happen.
The book introduces us to Xander and his best friend Eli. They grew up together, went to school together, the works. And now by both play for the same NHL team - the Boston Rebels. When the story opens, Xander finds himself forced to tell the world that he is bisexual, something that Eli doesn't even know despite Xander having seen Eli's brother, Mason, come out of the closet as gay. And this is where life gets tricky for Xander, he may be embracing living as an out and proud bisexual person, he also has to once again face up to the fact he is attracted to his best friends little brother.
Mason has had a crush on Xander forever. Xander and ice hockey has always been apart of his life. He may pine for his brother's best friend, but he has a life that he loves. He has a great best friend and he loves his job, helping same sex couples become parents. He still lives with his brother, but he has ambitions that require him to save a lot of money. Mason knows he is lucky to have such a supportive big brother, but as the attraction between he and Xander becomes something a lot more real, life doesn't seem to be quite so easy.
The world seems to be throwing Xander and Mason together, and both men feel the trepidation of starting a relationship. However, the one thing that is strong is the passion and the spark between the them. The characters have been written to perfectly compliment each other and that has the reading cheering on this couple as they navigate their feelings.
There are going to be six book in the Boston series and with this introduction into the team, I can't wait to meet more of the guys and see them get their happily ever after. By the end of the book we know that there are going to be more big changes happen to the Rebels and I am interested to see where this brings the team. They have started a new season of hockey, and are ready to work their butts off to win the Stanley Cup. Also, I find myself wondering more about the dynamics between the teams the Rebels, Railers and the Raptors - particularly with such major personal ties between the teams.
Fantastic book, can't wait for more!
For those of us who are fan's of the dynamic duo's other ice-hockey series - Harrisburg Railers, Arizona Raptors and Owatanna U Hockey - this is the first instalment of another hockey team embraces their LGBTQI2+ players. Other fans of MM ice hockey romances will also be excited for this book - I don't think that you have to have read any of Scott's and Locey's previous books, though a number of characters pop up and some events from previous books are mentioned.
There are numerous reasons why I was excited, besides the authors and their previous books in this particular NHL universe. When the book starts, we meet up with the captain of the team (Brady Rowe), who is the big brother of the much beloved Tennant Rowe from the Harrisburg Railers. Even though Brady is not a main character (and straight and married) I was really keen to see more of the guy. And to be honest, he was a bit of a starting point for me, because he is the team's diversity rep as well as being the team captain. It was also pretty cool to see Brady and his brothers, Jamie and Tennant, pop up as minor characters, talking up a big game and imparting wisdom that comes with experience. If I wasn't lazy I would look up what team Jamie comes from, because now I want to get a bit more of Jamie Rowe in my life and I wonder if or how that could happen.
The book introduces us to Xander and his best friend Eli. They grew up together, went to school together, the works. And now by both play for the same NHL team - the Boston Rebels. When the story opens, Xander finds himself forced to tell the world that he is bisexual, something that Eli doesn't even know despite Xander having seen Eli's brother, Mason, come out of the closet as gay. And this is where life gets tricky for Xander, he may be embracing living as an out and proud bisexual person, he also has to once again face up to the fact he is attracted to his best friends little brother.
Mason has had a crush on Xander forever. Xander and ice hockey has always been apart of his life. He may pine for his brother's best friend, but he has a life that he loves. He has a great best friend and he loves his job, helping same sex couples become parents. He still lives with his brother, but he has ambitions that require him to save a lot of money. Mason knows he is lucky to have such a supportive big brother, but as the attraction between he and Xander becomes something a lot more real, life doesn't seem to be quite so easy.
The world seems to be throwing Xander and Mason together, and both men feel the trepidation of starting a relationship. However, the one thing that is strong is the passion and the spark between the them. The characters have been written to perfectly compliment each other and that has the reading cheering on this couple as they navigate their feelings.
There are going to be six book in the Boston series and with this introduction into the team, I can't wait to meet more of the guys and see them get their happily ever after. By the end of the book we know that there are going to be more big changes happen to the Rebels and I am interested to see where this brings the team. They have started a new season of hockey, and are ready to work their butts off to win the Stanley Cup. Also, I find myself wondering more about the dynamics between the teams the Rebels, Railers and the Raptors - particularly with such major personal ties between the teams.
Fantastic book, can't wait for more!
June 25, 2021
A great start to a new hockey romance series!
RJ Scott and V.L. Locey are a fantastic writing duo who have penned many, many male/male hockey romances together. I’m not really a fan of any sports but I am a fan of the books they’ve written individually and together. Everything I know about hockey I’ve learned from reading their stories. 😊
Top Shelf is a great beginning to the Boston Rebels series. It introduces readers to a whole new group of characters and there are appearances by other fan favorites. It’s a great brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers story. It’s also a bit of a slow burn with a nice build up to some sexy time at about 45% into the story.
Mason is the younger brother of Eli, a Boston Rebels hockey star. Eli stepped in and took care of Mason after their parents died when Mason was only 16. Xander and Eli have been best friends almost from the cradle. Their parents lived next door to each other before they were born. When Mason came along, he tagged along after them. Mason has had a crush on Xander forever but it’s only recently that Xander has seen Mason in a different light but there’s no way he can go after his best friend’s little brother, right?
This book has everything I’ve come to expect from a story by this writing pair. There are great characters, humor as well as serious stuff, and lots and lots of feels. It just wouldn’t be an RJ/V.L. book if it didn’t bring me to tears at least once. 😊 💗
For me, this was a fairly low angst book, with no really big “gotcha” and that’s fine with me. I like just about any kind of romance and this really is a great one. It held my interest right from the start and I couldn’t put it down.
Congrats to RJ and V.L. for the launch of another exciting series of books. Here’s what they have planned:
1. Top Shelf (Boston Rebels 1) - out now
2. Back Check (Boston Rebels 2) - 31 August 2021
3. Snowed (Boston Rebels 3) - 3 December 2021
4. Royal Lines (Boston Rebels 4) - Coming 2022
5. Bar Down (Boston Rebels 5) - Coming 2022
6. Snipe (Boston Rebels 6) - Coming 2022
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the authors.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
RJ Scott and V.L. Locey are a fantastic writing duo who have penned many, many male/male hockey romances together. I’m not really a fan of any sports but I am a fan of the books they’ve written individually and together. Everything I know about hockey I’ve learned from reading their stories. 😊
Top Shelf is a great beginning to the Boston Rebels series. It introduces readers to a whole new group of characters and there are appearances by other fan favorites. It’s a great brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers story. It’s also a bit of a slow burn with a nice build up to some sexy time at about 45% into the story.
Mason is the younger brother of Eli, a Boston Rebels hockey star. Eli stepped in and took care of Mason after their parents died when Mason was only 16. Xander and Eli have been best friends almost from the cradle. Their parents lived next door to each other before they were born. When Mason came along, he tagged along after them. Mason has had a crush on Xander forever but it’s only recently that Xander has seen Mason in a different light but there’s no way he can go after his best friend’s little brother, right?
This book has everything I’ve come to expect from a story by this writing pair. There are great characters, humor as well as serious stuff, and lots and lots of feels. It just wouldn’t be an RJ/V.L. book if it didn’t bring me to tears at least once. 😊 💗
For me, this was a fairly low angst book, with no really big “gotcha” and that’s fine with me. I like just about any kind of romance and this really is a great one. It held my interest right from the start and I couldn’t put it down.
Congrats to RJ and V.L. for the launch of another exciting series of books. Here’s what they have planned:
1. Top Shelf (Boston Rebels 1) - out now
2. Back Check (Boston Rebels 2) - 31 August 2021
3. Snowed (Boston Rebels 3) - 3 December 2021
4. Royal Lines (Boston Rebels 4) - Coming 2022
5. Bar Down (Boston Rebels 5) - Coming 2022
6. Snipe (Boston Rebels 6) - Coming 2022
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the authors.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
June 28, 2021
4 – 4.5 Stars
It’s so good to be back in the R.J. Scott/V.L. Locey hockey world and this was a great, feel good romance. I really loved Xander and Mason, along with the new crew of hockey players. This isn’t an angsty read, more of a story of two people finally finding the love that they deserve!
Xander is a hockey player who has decided to come out after a hookup tries to blackmail him. He’s never told anyone he is bi-sexual, not his best friend and teammate Eli, or Eli’s younger brother Mason. It’s bit of a shocking announcement to those around him, but at the same time Xander is ready to be open about who is and who he loves. Mason has been in love with Xander for pretty much his whole life, but he knew it would never go anywhere, always thinking Xander was straight. Once Xander comes out, Mason’s feelings are stronger than ever. And now, once the hockey season is over, the plan is to surprise Xander with an island getaway for his birthday. Two weeks of sand, sun, celebration and a whole lot of sexual tension.
During their vacation, despite some initial hesitation from Xander, he and Mason come together pretty naturally. The chemistry between these two is definitely there, as is the deep connection since they’ve been a part of each other’s lives for so long. It’s really about how these two open up to each other and allow their love to develop and grow. They are so sweet and wonderful together, it’s really a heartwarming journey. I loved how supportive and caring Mason is and it gives Xander the confidence to finally embrace the life he wants. A fun, sweet, caring read that just made me happy, there are also great supporting characters and I’m excited for more of this series!
It’s so good to be back in the R.J. Scott/V.L. Locey hockey world and this was a great, feel good romance. I really loved Xander and Mason, along with the new crew of hockey players. This isn’t an angsty read, more of a story of two people finally finding the love that they deserve!
Xander is a hockey player who has decided to come out after a hookup tries to blackmail him. He’s never told anyone he is bi-sexual, not his best friend and teammate Eli, or Eli’s younger brother Mason. It’s bit of a shocking announcement to those around him, but at the same time Xander is ready to be open about who is and who he loves. Mason has been in love with Xander for pretty much his whole life, but he knew it would never go anywhere, always thinking Xander was straight. Once Xander comes out, Mason’s feelings are stronger than ever. And now, once the hockey season is over, the plan is to surprise Xander with an island getaway for his birthday. Two weeks of sand, sun, celebration and a whole lot of sexual tension.
During their vacation, despite some initial hesitation from Xander, he and Mason come together pretty naturally. The chemistry between these two is definitely there, as is the deep connection since they’ve been a part of each other’s lives for so long. It’s really about how these two open up to each other and allow their love to develop and grow. They are so sweet and wonderful together, it’s really a heartwarming journey. I loved how supportive and caring Mason is and it gives Xander the confidence to finally embrace the life he wants. A fun, sweet, caring read that just made me happy, there are also great supporting characters and I’m excited for more of this series!
June 16, 2021
Scott and Locey launch another hockey series, the Boston Rebels, with Top Shelf (Book #1), a fantastic brother’s-best-friend, feelings-long-denied tale. (There’s also a prequel, which was available in serial form to newsletter subscribers). As can be expected from these collaborators, there are lots of grin-causing sibling interactions (“Do not grammar me right now!” being one of my favourites); fun times catching up with characters from previous series’ (the Rowe brothers are all at least tangentially involved); as well as adding fuel to the fire of my Aarni hatred.
Readers may be curious if they could start this series without reading the Railers, Eagles or Raptors books. In my opinion, the story is strong enough to stand on its own . . . but I always say, the best experience is to read them all. I maintain that Scott and Locey are at the top of the sports romance game, so why miss anything crafted by these gifted authors?
Xander and Mason are a great pairing, with an insta-love feel due to long-suppressed crushes. They compliment each other marvellously and their relationship is so sweetly solid. I love the line, “His laughter fell over me like a soft summer sheet fresh from the line.” as it encapsulates the safety and security these men find in each other. It’s also the way I feel, wrapping myself in the comfort of this beloved world, grateful to the authors for one more inter-connected series.
Readers may be curious if they could start this series without reading the Railers, Eagles or Raptors books. In my opinion, the story is strong enough to stand on its own . . . but I always say, the best experience is to read them all. I maintain that Scott and Locey are at the top of the sports romance game, so why miss anything crafted by these gifted authors?
Xander and Mason are a great pairing, with an insta-love feel due to long-suppressed crushes. They compliment each other marvellously and their relationship is so sweetly solid. I love the line, “His laughter fell over me like a soft summer sheet fresh from the line.” as it encapsulates the safety and security these men find in each other. It’s also the way I feel, wrapping myself in the comfort of this beloved world, grateful to the authors for one more inter-connected series.
June 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
If you're looking for an easy and nearly angst free story, this first book in a new hockey spin-off is perfect for you. As always, Scott and Locey have given us wonderful characters and a sweet friends-to-lovers, best friend's little brother, hockey romance.
I was a little disappointed that things went as smoothly as they did, but that's on me. I don't crave problems or angst, but there was a lot of potential for things to have gone differently and ended with a happily ever after as well. But, the authors have spoken, and the story was a decent read.
There is some obvious foreshadowing about books for characters that may be coming up in the series. However, I'm hoping the next book follows closely with a subplot that was dipped into several times, but especially toward the end.
Overall, the book is a nice intro to the new series. The only part of the story that did cause some stress was a bit of a reunion and a first meeting. I think that might have been my favorite part of the book. With an easy happily ever after for Mason and Xander, whether you have been following the set of series or not, you will enjoy the story. I was glad to have read the previous books because we got to see a few characters from the other teams.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC from the authors through BookFunnel, and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
If you're looking for an easy and nearly angst free story, this first book in a new hockey spin-off is perfect for you. As always, Scott and Locey have given us wonderful characters and a sweet friends-to-lovers, best friend's little brother, hockey romance.
I was a little disappointed that things went as smoothly as they did, but that's on me. I don't crave problems or angst, but there was a lot of potential for things to have gone differently and ended with a happily ever after as well. But, the authors have spoken, and the story was a decent read.
There is some obvious foreshadowing about books for characters that may be coming up in the series. However, I'm hoping the next book follows closely with a subplot that was dipped into several times, but especially toward the end.
Overall, the book is a nice intro to the new series. The only part of the story that did cause some stress was a bit of a reunion and a first meeting. I think that might have been my favorite part of the book. With an easy happily ever after for Mason and Xander, whether you have been following the set of series or not, you will enjoy the story. I was glad to have read the previous books because we got to see a few characters from the other teams.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC from the authors through BookFunnel, and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
June 13, 2021
ARC received for an honest review.
Xander has been best friends with Eli since they were little kids. When they graduated high school they went straight to playing hockey together. Now Xander is almost 30 and he's thinking about what he wants most in life, which is Mason, Eli's little brother. Can a friendship last when one of them is dating the other's brother?
Mason is starting a new business with his best friend and still mooning over Xander. It seems like he's always loved Xander and now that Xander is out maybe he has his chance. Will a trip to Aruba be the thing that pulls them together or pulls them apart?
This is a well written book without any noted errors in punctuation, grammar or spelling. The 2 MCs have really good chemistry and their relationship is believable. This is a low angst romance and refreshing to read. There was a couple of places I teared up and felt like I was losing an old friend (sorry no spoilers). There was one mention of llamas that had me LOL. I absolutely loved this book. Rj and Vicki write seamlessly together. I never feel like there's 2 different people writing. I highly recommend this book for those that like low angst MM romance. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Xander has been best friends with Eli since they were little kids. When they graduated high school they went straight to playing hockey together. Now Xander is almost 30 and he's thinking about what he wants most in life, which is Mason, Eli's little brother. Can a friendship last when one of them is dating the other's brother?
Mason is starting a new business with his best friend and still mooning over Xander. It seems like he's always loved Xander and now that Xander is out maybe he has his chance. Will a trip to Aruba be the thing that pulls them together or pulls them apart?
This is a well written book without any noted errors in punctuation, grammar or spelling. The 2 MCs have really good chemistry and their relationship is believable. This is a low angst romance and refreshing to read. There was a couple of places I teared up and felt like I was losing an old friend (sorry no spoilers). There was one mention of llamas that had me LOL. I absolutely loved this book. Rj and Vicki write seamlessly together. I never feel like there's 2 different people writing. I highly recommend this book for those that like low angst MM romance. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
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