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On the Board #2
Scoreless Game
At nearly thirty-one years old, Pittsburgh Griffins captain Elias Karlsson’s hockey years are numbered. Everything is changing around him, including his eleven-year friendship with Nikolai Sidorov. Elias would give anything for Nisha to be a permanent part of his life, but their once bedrock-strong bond has broken into a million pieces, and Elias doesn’t know why. More than anything, Elias wants his friend back, but if that isn’t an option, maybe it’s time for him to look outside of hockey for someone to be there with him when hockey isn’t an option anymore.
Nisha’s world is splintering apart. He’s been in love with his two best friends for years, but now one of them has someone. The other, Elias, is searching for everything Nisha wishes he could give him… but he’s looking for it in anyone but Nisha. The farther his friends slip away, the deeper the loneliness sinks in and the bleaker his empty future looks. What can he do but numb the pain in the only ways he knows how?
On the eve of the season opener, Nisha’s unexplained absence threatens the cohesion of the team and puts him and Elias on a collision course of strong wills, broken hearts, and shattered trust. In the end, they may lose the very thing that matters most to them both: each other.
Scoreless Game is approximately 180,000 words, including a bonus short story. This asexual-pansexual romance is book 2 in the On the Board series.
CW: on-page struggles with alcoholism and binge-drinking, suicidal ideation, toxic family dynamics, acephobia
Nisha’s world is splintering apart. He’s been in love with his two best friends for years, but now one of them has someone. The other, Elias, is searching for everything Nisha wishes he could give him… but he’s looking for it in anyone but Nisha. The farther his friends slip away, the deeper the loneliness sinks in and the bleaker his empty future looks. What can he do but numb the pain in the only ways he knows how?
On the eve of the season opener, Nisha’s unexplained absence threatens the cohesion of the team and puts him and Elias on a collision course of strong wills, broken hearts, and shattered trust. In the end, they may lose the very thing that matters most to them both: each other.
Scoreless Game is approximately 180,000 words, including a bonus short story. This asexual-pansexual romance is book 2 in the On the Board series.
CW: on-page struggles with alcoholism and binge-drinking, suicidal ideation, toxic family dynamics, acephobia
ebook
First published March 1, 2023
117 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Anna Zabo
25 books707 followersAnna Zabo (they/them) writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.
Anna is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns and prefers Mx. Zabo as an honorific.
Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. They can be easily plied with coffee.
Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
Anna is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns and prefers Mx. Zabo as an honorific.
Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. They can be easily plied with coffee.
Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
February 4, 2023
This was freaking marvellous. Absolutely gorgeous.
I feel like I need a week, or maybe a whole month, to recover from the absolute wringer Anna Zabo and L.A. Witt have put me through.
I'm a big fan of angst okay? But "Scoreless Game" brought the angst to a whole new level, one where my literal soul was breaking apart.
"Rookie Mistake" was one of my favourite books of last year, and I have been (not so) quietly and (not very) patiently waiting for this second installment since then, by religiously reading each and every single tidbit the authors would give out and re-reading some of my favourite Julien and Isaac moments, and in general, freaking out and screaming and contemplating selling my soul for this release to arrive sooner.
And, unsurprisingly, after finishing this, I'm already pretty sure "Scoreless Game" will be one of my favourite reads of this year. Because, ohmygod, this book was precisely what I expected, and hoped for, for Nisha and Elias' story.
This book is the ultimate friends-to-lovers (or more like, precious-oblivious-dumbass-friends-to-lovers), with a hefty, hefty dose of second chances, hurt/comfort and supreme, gorgeous pining, and I inhaled it, start to finish.
Like its predecessor, "Scoreless Game" is a very chunky book and deals with a truckload of heavy, complex themes; unlike its predecessor, it's the slowest (but still wonderfully satisfying) romance to ever burn, and I spent the whole time, alternatively, sobbing my eyes out, screaming in frustration, and swooning. Because, oh god, Elias and Nisha had me in a complete chokehold from the very start.
Actually, scratch that, they had me in a chokehold since Isaac and Julien's book, and I can't tell you how lovely it was to finally witness and (re)discover their dynamic and relationship from inside their heads.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and the first half of it pretty much felt like watching a trainwreck in slow motion: brace yourself, because there will be angst and there will be heartbreak.
However, in between all that pain and confusion and miscommunication, Witt and Zabo managed to depict the most wonderful and heart-stopping romance, and I can't tell you how many times I teared up, from happiness and joy.
Elias and Nisha are seriously devoted to one another, and their friendship, even more than their romance, was literally the most precious thing ever: they love each other so freaking much and that love and affection is so, so palpable. They went through so damn much during this novel, and seeing them finally reach their HEA was beyond satisfying.
Individually, I loved them both to bits, but Elias was my absolute favourite. I'd lay down my life for him: he's just the most precious and perfect man ever. So obviously, I was pretty much ready to jump into the book, take up arms in his name, and protect him from the world (and yes, also from his self-destructive best friend).
I loved Nisha too, of course, even though he seriously messes things up, big time. I felt for him so, so much though, and despite all the pain he inadvertently causes Elias and their friends, I totally understood where he was coming from, because whew, he's gone through a lot.
And seeing their mutual love progress and change and grow, despite all the hurt and pain, all the hidden truths and all that damned pining, was an absolute treat.
“Because I fucked everything up, and you hate me.”
“Right now? Yeah. A little,” I admitted. “But it won’t last. I love you too much to hate you for too long.”
This was a very Nisha-centric book, so it made sense that most of the conflict and plot revolved around him (a bit like with Julien during "Rookie Mistake"), BUT, despite how much I loved Elias' steadfast protectiveness and devotion, I would have loved to see a bit of role reversal, with Nisha being protective and, in general, being there for Elias in some important way. This was a very minor niggle I had, and it's mainly coming from my Elias-obsessed heart; plus I REALLY wanted to see Nisha break a certain someone's nose: he would have totally deserved it.
Both of them were unforgettable protagonists though, and around them there was an equally unforgettable cast of side characters. Isaac and Julien have a big role in this book, obviously, and I think I managed to fall in love with Isaac even more this time around: he's so good and so sweet, and also, despite his age, the most mature and competent man ever. Julien is a very lucky man *sighs*
The whole Griffin team was fantastic too (I want to be adopted by them) and I'm very, very, very curious to discover more about a certain, new Griffin: I seriously can't wait.
This book was packed with everything I look for in my romances: angst and drama, soulmate romance and steam, camaraderie and all-encompassing friendship, banter and humour and found family. And of course, fabulous queer rep and wonderful prose. This writing duo has managed to create another masterpiece and I'm already unbelievably excited for their next work together. I already know it's going to hurt, but in the best way possible.
TWs: alcoholism, suicide ideation, acephobia, hospitalisation and rehab, childhood and emotional abuse, sexual abuse (mentioned) (and others; there are detailed content warnings at the beginning of the book).
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like I need a week, or maybe a whole month, to recover from the absolute wringer Anna Zabo and L.A. Witt have put me through.
I'm a big fan of angst okay? But "Scoreless Game" brought the angst to a whole new level, one where my literal soul was breaking apart.
"Rookie Mistake" was one of my favourite books of last year, and I have been (not so) quietly and (not very) patiently waiting for this second installment since then, by religiously reading each and every single tidbit the authors would give out and re-reading some of my favourite Julien and Isaac moments, and in general, freaking out and screaming and contemplating selling my soul for this release to arrive sooner.
And, unsurprisingly, after finishing this, I'm already pretty sure "Scoreless Game" will be one of my favourite reads of this year. Because, ohmygod, this book was precisely what I expected, and hoped for, for Nisha and Elias' story.
This book is the ultimate friends-to-lovers (or more like, precious-oblivious-dumbass-friends-to-lovers), with a hefty, hefty dose of second chances, hurt/comfort and supreme, gorgeous pining, and I inhaled it, start to finish.
Like its predecessor, "Scoreless Game" is a very chunky book and deals with a truckload of heavy, complex themes; unlike its predecessor, it's the slowest (but still wonderfully satisfying) romance to ever burn, and I spent the whole time, alternatively, sobbing my eyes out, screaming in frustration, and swooning. Because, oh god, Elias and Nisha had me in a complete chokehold from the very start.
Actually, scratch that, they had me in a chokehold since Isaac and Julien's book, and I can't tell you how lovely it was to finally witness and (re)discover their dynamic and relationship from inside their heads.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and the first half of it pretty much felt like watching a trainwreck in slow motion: brace yourself, because there will be angst and there will be heartbreak.
However, in between all that pain and confusion and miscommunication, Witt and Zabo managed to depict the most wonderful and heart-stopping romance, and I can't tell you how many times I teared up, from happiness and joy.
Elias and Nisha are seriously devoted to one another, and their friendship, even more than their romance, was literally the most precious thing ever: they love each other so freaking much and that love and affection is so, so palpable. They went through so damn much during this novel, and seeing them finally reach their HEA was beyond satisfying.
Individually, I loved them both to bits, but Elias was my absolute favourite. I'd lay down my life for him: he's just the most precious and perfect man ever. So obviously, I was pretty much ready to jump into the book, take up arms in his name, and protect him from the world (and yes, also from his self-destructive best friend).
I loved Nisha too, of course, even though he seriously messes things up, big time. I felt for him so, so much though, and despite all the pain he inadvertently causes Elias and their friends, I totally understood where he was coming from, because whew, he's gone through a lot.
And seeing their mutual love progress and change and grow, despite all the hurt and pain, all the hidden truths and all that damned pining, was an absolute treat.
“Because I fucked everything up, and you hate me.”
“Right now? Yeah. A little,” I admitted. “But it won’t last. I love you too much to hate you for too long.”
This was a very Nisha-centric book, so it made sense that most of the conflict and plot revolved around him (a bit like with Julien during "Rookie Mistake"), BUT, despite how much I loved Elias' steadfast protectiveness and devotion, I would have loved to see a bit of role reversal, with Nisha being protective and, in general, being there for Elias in some important way. This was a very minor niggle I had, and it's mainly coming from my Elias-obsessed heart; plus I REALLY wanted to see Nisha break a certain someone's nose: he would have totally deserved it.
Both of them were unforgettable protagonists though, and around them there was an equally unforgettable cast of side characters. Isaac and Julien have a big role in this book, obviously, and I think I managed to fall in love with Isaac even more this time around: he's so good and so sweet, and also, despite his age, the most mature and competent man ever. Julien is a very lucky man *sighs*
The whole Griffin team was fantastic too (I want to be adopted by them) and I'm very, very, very curious to discover more about a certain, new Griffin: I seriously can't wait.
This book was packed with everything I look for in my romances: angst and drama, soulmate romance and steam, camaraderie and all-encompassing friendship, banter and humour and found family. And of course, fabulous queer rep and wonderful prose. This writing duo has managed to create another masterpiece and I'm already unbelievably excited for their next work together. I already know it's going to hurt, but in the best way possible.
TWs: alcoholism, suicide ideation, acephobia, hospitalisation and rehab, childhood and emotional abuse, sexual abuse (mentioned) (and others; there are detailed content warnings at the beginning of the book).
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
not-for-me
March 5, 2023DNFing at 2% which is disappointing but the book opens with our lead characters angsting hard about each other and their lives - ‘icy ball of shame’ type angst from page one.
I like hockey romance because of the jokey, found family feeling of the teams, the deep professional competence of the players and the competitive excitement of the hockey season. Two men being all miserable and angsty like ingrown toenails for 600 pages is not fun for me.
Lastly, the book is written in first person from each of the two characters. One is Russian and the other Swedish. But both are written by American authors. Aside from brief references to home countries, both characters seem American. I don’t understand why authors who clearly don’t have Russian or Swedish cultural backgrounds would attempt to write these characters. Why not just make them American? Perhaps neither author has lived abroad for long so they don’t understand how differently people from other countries view life and the world?
I like hockey romance because of the jokey, found family feeling of the teams, the deep professional competence of the players and the competitive excitement of the hockey season. Two men being all miserable and angsty like ingrown toenails for 600 pages is not fun for me.
Lastly, the book is written in first person from each of the two characters. One is Russian and the other Swedish. But both are written by American authors. Aside from brief references to home countries, both characters seem American. I don’t understand why authors who clearly don’t have Russian or Swedish cultural backgrounds would attempt to write these characters. Why not just make them American? Perhaps neither author has lived abroad for long so they don’t understand how differently people from other countries view life and the world?
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June 18, 2025
god this one HURT 😭😭😭
March 12, 2023
Oookay. Where do I start with this one? How about with the positive: I did resonate heartily with both of these characters. Specifically with Elias. There is great representation here with him as a sex positive ace --which is a label I've pondered for myself (I'm sticking with pansexual, for the record. It's what I've been for over a decade). His reasons for not telling people are similar to my sticking with Pan; except without the drama.
Like with the previous novel, there was a lot of drama for drama's sake. Absolutely nothing happens to progress the novel because of the internal monologue-ing. The lack of communication between the characters at the necessary times was...maddening. It took 418 pages for the characters to KISS. I don't mind a "slow burn", but they've been burning for a *decade*. I got bored because it ended up just being the same stuff over and over and over...
I also got annoyed with the nicknames and foreign word use. I would really, really like the foreign words to be italicized or something. They are so jarring to parse out for me when I don't have that little identifier to help my brain. With the nicknames (and I do understand Russian Diminutive culture; I had to research it for my own novel), everyone had like six and it was just...a lot. The book was SO LONG and I was having to keep so much in my head, that adding all of those was so annoying.
The worst part for me is: this could have been a legitimately amazing book with some additional work. Cutting all the of the unnecessary angsty bullshit, adding in some heart-to-heart conversations and understanding. And the authors just...fucked it up. These characters deserved better storytellers.
An example of this: Nisha asks Elias to explain being ace to him. There is SO MUCH stressful emotional tension in that --which made no sense to me. They are deeply in love and have been for ages. He wants to understand. That's not a stressful situation? That is a valid conversation to have, to get onto the same page and to figure out *together* how, if they have a sexual relationship, that is going to work.
Am I still going to read the next book? Probably. If I get another free 30 days of KU (or other really good deal on it...because I'm a librarian and an author myself. I hate KU on a matter of principal, but I needed access to more comp reads). I think Sean's story could legit amazing --but I am sure that these two will find a way to fuck it up.
As usual, my full commentary is available in my notes. I also made a post-finish TikTok if anyone wants a first impression review in 10 Minute rant form.
Like with the previous novel, there was a lot of drama for drama's sake. Absolutely nothing happens to progress the novel because of the internal monologue-ing. The lack of communication between the characters at the necessary times was...maddening. It took 418 pages for the characters to KISS. I don't mind a "slow burn", but they've been burning for a *decade*. I got bored because it ended up just being the same stuff over and over and over...
I also got annoyed with the nicknames and foreign word use. I would really, really like the foreign words to be italicized or something. They are so jarring to parse out for me when I don't have that little identifier to help my brain. With the nicknames (and I do understand Russian Diminutive culture; I had to research it for my own novel), everyone had like six and it was just...a lot. The book was SO LONG and I was having to keep so much in my head, that adding all of those was so annoying.
The worst part for me is: this could have been a legitimately amazing book with some additional work. Cutting all the of the unnecessary angsty bullshit, adding in some heart-to-heart conversations and understanding. And the authors just...fucked it up. These characters deserved better storytellers.
An example of this: Nisha asks Elias to explain being ace to him. There is SO MUCH stressful emotional tension in that --which made no sense to me. They are deeply in love and have been for ages. He wants to understand. That's not a stressful situation? That is a valid conversation to have, to get onto the same page and to figure out *together* how, if they have a sexual relationship, that is going to work.
Am I still going to read the next book? Probably. If I get another free 30 days of KU (or other really good deal on it...because I'm a librarian and an author myself. I hate KU on a matter of principal, but I needed access to more comp reads). I think Sean's story could legit amazing --but I am sure that these two will find a way to fuck it up.
As usual, my full commentary is available in my notes. I also made a post-finish TikTok if anyone wants a first impression review in 10 Minute rant form.
April 17, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this one that stopped me being able to 5 star it, even though it hit all my emotional buttons, which usually guarantees 5 stars from me.
I'm a massive fan of overly long books and a lot of internal monologuing because I like to get to know a character and get inside their head, feel their emotions etc.
This book was definitely on the longer side, but it really could have been a lot shorter. By the time I got to 40 percent, I'd been reading for hours and still had 5-6 hours left - I'm a fast reader too!
What bothered me was that by the time I got to that point, the story had just been going in circles and repeating the same thing. Nisha loves Elias but thinks he's straight so will never have a relationship with him, he drinks to numb his feelings and refuses to talk about his issues. Elias loves Nisha but thinks he isn't interested in him or relationships because he just does hookups. At no point do they ever talk about anything and they've been best friends for 11 YEARS!!! It's not like they don't have that close bond so this was really frustrating.
By the 500th time (or what felt like it) that these issues were raised I considered not finishing because the story was going nowhere! I slept on it then finished the next day, but my god it was hard to get through.
The essence of the story was actually great and I loved the characters and plot (although the visit from Nisha's parents was also dragged out far too much), I just think the execution wasn't the best. I shouldn't be thinking 'how much longer', especially when this had the potential to be a 5 star.
It's definitely emotional and ticked all my boxes but the unnecessary length, extremely slow resolutions and continuous repetition made me begrudge giving so much time to reading this - I don't know if that makes sense but it's how I feel!
I'm a massive fan of overly long books and a lot of internal monologuing because I like to get to know a character and get inside their head, feel their emotions etc.
This book was definitely on the longer side, but it really could have been a lot shorter. By the time I got to 40 percent, I'd been reading for hours and still had 5-6 hours left - I'm a fast reader too!
What bothered me was that by the time I got to that point, the story had just been going in circles and repeating the same thing. Nisha loves Elias but thinks he's straight so will never have a relationship with him, he drinks to numb his feelings and refuses to talk about his issues. Elias loves Nisha but thinks he isn't interested in him or relationships because he just does hookups. At no point do they ever talk about anything and they've been best friends for 11 YEARS!!! It's not like they don't have that close bond so this was really frustrating.
By the 500th time (or what felt like it) that these issues were raised I considered not finishing because the story was going nowhere! I slept on it then finished the next day, but my god it was hard to get through.
The essence of the story was actually great and I loved the characters and plot (although the visit from Nisha's parents was also dragged out far too much), I just think the execution wasn't the best. I shouldn't be thinking 'how much longer', especially when this had the potential to be a 5 star.
It's definitely emotional and ticked all my boxes but the unnecessary length, extremely slow resolutions and continuous repetition made me begrudge giving so much time to reading this - I don't know if that makes sense but it's how I feel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
Way too long and repetitive, and it didn't feel like they really even knew each other, let alone were BFFs for 10+ years.
Read
January 2, 2023Co-written with LA Witt
Out March 1, 2023. m/m. Rep: pansexual x asexual panromantic (who doesn't mind sex). Genderfluid minor character.
Content notes under spoiler tag (and updated as I think about/edit the book).
As always, feel free to ask any questions you have about the content notes/warnings, but please use spoiler tags!
Out March 1, 2023. m/m. Rep: pansexual x asexual panromantic (who doesn't mind sex). Genderfluid minor character.
Content notes under spoiler tag (and updated as I think about/edit the book).
As always, feel free to ask any questions you have about the content notes/warnings, but please use spoiler tags!
June 10, 2023
I'm on the struggle bus and I am sad about it.
The best moments included Paxy and Isaac/Julien. I would give my left arm for a polyam Paxy book
I knew this was gonna be rough for me cause I was not absolutely in love with their dynamic in the first place and friends-to-lovers is not my thing. I am in love with the ace rep and this team which were my favourite moments; the rest fell flat ultimately.
1. this did not need to be this long because I honestly think the book a) started in the wrong place b) was overly repetitive and c) was trying to have a climactic moment for the first 100 pages when it's just not there yet.
2. the catfishing. Thank god it was not dragged out but I feel there was a more obvious subplot to go for and, again, I just don't like this trope.
3. Nisha's chapters are so. very. melodramatic. I was really not vibing with Witt's writing style here and it aggravated me.
The best moments included Paxy and Isaac/Julien. I would give my left arm for a polyam Paxy book
I knew this was gonna be rough for me cause I was not absolutely in love with their dynamic in the first place and friends-to-lovers is not my thing. I am in love with the ace rep and this team which were my favourite moments; the rest fell flat ultimately.
1. this did not need to be this long because I honestly think the book a) started in the wrong place b) was overly repetitive and c) was trying to have a climactic moment for the first 100 pages when it's just not there yet.
2. the catfishing. Thank god it was not dragged out but I feel there was a more obvious subplot to go for and, again, I just don't like this trope.
3. Nisha's chapters are so. very. melodramatic. I was really not vibing with Witt's writing style here and it aggravated me.
October 4, 2024
May I interest you in:
🧡 MM sports romance
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 teammates romance
🧡 slow burn
🧡 TW: alcohol abuse; emotional abuse; acephobia
🧡 Rep: queer, ace
🧡 Double POV
In general, quite enjoyable but a bit too long.
🧡 MM sports romance
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 teammates romance
🧡 slow burn
🧡 TW: alcohol abuse; emotional abuse; acephobia
🧡 Rep: queer, ace
🧡 Double POV
In general, quite enjoyable but a bit too long.
May 9, 2023
What a slog. I wanted to enjoy this mm friends to lovers romance more than I did, especially since I loved the first book in this series. The pacing felt really off to me.
The protags are best friends and teammates. They’ve been secretly in love with each other for almost a decade but neither thinks the other is interested. And one also has a serious problem with alcohol that he’s kept hidden.
The first half of the book was rough reading - so much angst, pining and hidden despair. Once the alcohol abuse was out in the open and everyone started getting help and actually communicating, I started to enjoy the story more, but the pacing still dragged. And while I enjoyed the romance in the second half, the angst was still too much for me. It shifts from secret addiction to horrible parents but it doesn't exactly let up.
I’m not a big fan of romances where the main conflict could be resolved with a conversation and it took them so, so long to just talk to each other. There was also a catfishing side plot that seemed unnecessary to me.
The protags are best friends and teammates. They’ve been secretly in love with each other for almost a decade but neither thinks the other is interested. And one also has a serious problem with alcohol that he’s kept hidden.
The first half of the book was rough reading - so much angst, pining and hidden despair. Once the alcohol abuse was out in the open and everyone started getting help and actually communicating, I started to enjoy the story more, but the pacing still dragged. And while I enjoyed the romance in the second half, the angst was still too much for me. It shifts from secret addiction to horrible parents but it doesn't exactly let up.
I’m not a big fan of romances where the main conflict could be resolved with a conversation and it took them so, so long to just talk to each other. There was also a catfishing side plot that seemed unnecessary to me.
Read
January 1, 2023Coming March 1st.
Includes bonus short story, Full Strength.
Includes bonus short story, Full Strength.
March 11, 2023
I went into this book with very high expectations. Rookie Mistake is one of my favortie books from last year. And we had met the characters of Scoreless Game. So I was already invested before the first page.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of moments that had me laughing and tearing up. There was a POV that felt stronger to me, wich wasn't the case in Rookie Mistake.
Elias is an excellent character, a great friend, a leader in his team, someone who takes a lot on his shoulders and it's easy to love him, to feel for him. He gives so much and he deserves for people to be there for him.
"But not everything has a solution. And you—personally—can’t fix everything.”
Nisha is a mess, a very understandable mess. But there were moments at first where I just wanted to shake him and stop him from doing hurtful things. Once we reach breaking point, we get a lot more of his background and it's heavy.
“Oh good. That was the worst fucking birthday I’ve ever had.”
The moment things turn around really had me by the feels. Elias handles things the best way he can, Nisha believes he can't be forgiven. Friends are there for them. It's a lot, but it had to happen for things to move forward.
“I’m not hiding. I’m ace regardless of whether I tell people. And, for the most part, there was no reason for anyone to know.”
Some things didn't completely work for me in this book. The start was very repetitive. They both have the same toughts over and over, they keep appologizing bu nothing changes. it's this cycle that didn't need to go on for so long.
Futher along we get some therapy and it was weirdly perfect, good advice from therapists, much progress, everything goes too well. I needed some struggle, some setbacks, not therapists feeding them all the answers and solutions.
Nisha's relationship with his parents is so toxic. And it had such a huge impact on him. I just wish we had more page time to see what happens after the moment where it's adressed and less page time of them being horrible. I also wanted some page time with Elias' family. (for a 600 pages book, a lot felt like it was missing. rookie mistake gave me the complete package of relationship, family, team, healing that maybe my expectations were unrealistic)
We get a bonus short story after the epilogue, and tbh, it should have been included chronologicaly in the book. By the Epilogue, I was kinda frustrated that this was hinted at so much as something that Nisha wanted to do, and it thew me off that it was handed as a one line thing after everything. The first part of the Epilogue is a ''told not shown'' kinda segment wich I didn't enjoy. And the rest of it was a good moment that went full circle from the moment they came out.
" I doubted we were done fooling around today, but that wasn’t what this was about, and I marveled at it. At being touched, held, kissed without any expectations of more. "
It was delightful to be back with Julien and Isaac, but the way both Nisha and Elias saw them as the perfect couple was a bit too much. I didn't need to be told everytime they were on page that they were so in love. The rest of the team was a joy to see again. (Paxy is top bro, i love him)
we won't talk about the catfishing thing. I didn't like it. I just wanted it to be over.
TOP MOMENTS INCLUDE : Every single Fika. Russian cookies. Elias yelling. Someone picking up clothes from the floor. All the vegas elopment jokes. The swedes groupchat. The team bets.
CW : provided by the authors at the start of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of moments that had me laughing and tearing up. There was a POV that felt stronger to me, wich wasn't the case in Rookie Mistake.
Elias is an excellent character, a great friend, a leader in his team, someone who takes a lot on his shoulders and it's easy to love him, to feel for him. He gives so much and he deserves for people to be there for him.
"But not everything has a solution. And you—personally—can’t fix everything.”
Nisha is a mess, a very understandable mess. But there were moments at first where I just wanted to shake him and stop him from doing hurtful things. Once we reach breaking point, we get a lot more of his background and it's heavy.
“Oh good. That was the worst fucking birthday I’ve ever had.”
The moment things turn around really had me by the feels. Elias handles things the best way he can, Nisha believes he can't be forgiven. Friends are there for them. It's a lot, but it had to happen for things to move forward.
“I’m not hiding. I’m ace regardless of whether I tell people. And, for the most part, there was no reason for anyone to know.”
Some things didn't completely work for me in this book. The start was very repetitive. They both have the same toughts over and over, they keep appologizing bu nothing changes. it's this cycle that didn't need to go on for so long.
Futher along we get some therapy and it was weirdly perfect, good advice from therapists, much progress, everything goes too well. I needed some struggle, some setbacks, not therapists feeding them all the answers and solutions.
Nisha's relationship with his parents is so toxic. And it had such a huge impact on him. I just wish we had more page time to see what happens after the moment where it's adressed and less page time of them being horrible. I also wanted some page time with Elias' family. (for a 600 pages book, a lot felt like it was missing. rookie mistake gave me the complete package of relationship, family, team, healing that maybe my expectations were unrealistic)
We get a bonus short story after the epilogue, and tbh, it should have been included chronologicaly in the book. By the Epilogue, I was kinda frustrated that this was hinted at so much as something that Nisha wanted to do, and it thew me off that it was handed as a one line thing after everything. The first part of the Epilogue is a ''told not shown'' kinda segment wich I didn't enjoy. And the rest of it was a good moment that went full circle from the moment they came out.
" I doubted we were done fooling around today, but that wasn’t what this was about, and I marveled at it. At being touched, held, kissed without any expectations of more. "
It was delightful to be back with Julien and Isaac, but the way both Nisha and Elias saw them as the perfect couple was a bit too much. I didn't need to be told everytime they were on page that they were so in love. The rest of the team was a joy to see again. (Paxy is top bro, i love him)
we won't talk about the catfishing thing. I didn't like it. I just wanted it to be over.
TOP MOMENTS INCLUDE : Every single Fika. Russian cookies. Elias yelling. Someone picking up clothes from the floor. All the vegas elopment jokes. The swedes groupchat. The team bets.
CW : provided by the authors at the start of the book.
September 8, 2023
4.5
Absolutely adored the MCs and their heart-achy journey. Pining best friends, what’s not to love? Beautiful ace representation. Lots of healing and recovery throughout, and the authors really shined a light on taking charge of your mental health. Took off half a star because of the length of the book. Overall, really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to book 3!
Absolutely adored the MCs and their heart-achy journey. Pining best friends, what’s not to love? Beautiful ace representation. Lots of healing and recovery throughout, and the authors really shined a light on taking charge of your mental health. Took off half a star because of the length of the book. Overall, really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to book 3!
March 31, 2023
Read the content warnings. Especially around addiction.
TLDR: it gets good about 30% in.
This book deals with the fall-out and changes from book 1 on the other players. It is insanely overwrought, angsty and melodramatic.
Like the first book, this book has duel first person points of view. Unlike the first book, the two MCs are narrating their feelings at the reader. At length. No showing here, folks, all the telling! Yet somehow the MCs are crap at communicating with each other.
While epically failing to communicate basic facts to each other, the two MCs still carry on like co-dependent mothers and daughters Talking about their feelings/Asking about their feelings...except not , you know, the important stuff about themselves? And being moany to themselves (and the poor long suffering reader) about "no one loving them for themselves but just because they are insanely hot elite athletes". Just like every other 31 year old NHL top draft pick.
If you can get past the setting-the-scene stuff at the beginning (and all their crapping on about their feelings at you) the book improves. It gets very intense. Then more intense, then....
It gets good after they clear that stuff up. And that's only about 30? 40? percent into the book.
I will say that the authors did a great job of depicting an asexual character. I appreciated that they weren't a virgin/puritan/magic elf.
I also liked, in this book and the previous one, that much of the story is about the guys working out how to be together.
The score is sort of an average between the beginning, two stars and the endy bits, 4 stars.
The feels guys!
TLDR: it gets good about 30% in.
This book deals with the fall-out and changes from book 1 on the other players. It is insanely overwrought, angsty and melodramatic.
Like the first book, this book has duel first person points of view. Unlike the first book, the two MCs are narrating their feelings at the reader. At length. No showing here, folks, all the telling! Yet somehow the MCs are crap at communicating with each other.
While epically failing to communicate basic facts to each other, the two MCs still carry on like co-dependent mothers and daughters Talking about their feelings/Asking about their feelings...except not , you know, the important stuff about themselves? And being moany to themselves (and the poor long suffering reader) about "no one loving them for themselves but just because they are insanely hot elite athletes". Just like every other 31 year old NHL top draft pick.
If you can get past the setting-the-scene stuff at the beginning (and all their crapping on about their feelings at you) the book improves. It gets very intense. Then more intense, then....
It gets good after they clear that stuff up. And that's only about 30? 40? percent into the book.
I will say that the authors did a great job of depicting an asexual character. I appreciated that they weren't a virgin/puritan/magic elf.
I also liked, in this book and the previous one, that much of the story is about the guys working out how to be together.
The score is sort of an average between the beginning, two stars and the endy bits, 4 stars.
The feels guys!
March 28, 2023
3.5 rounded down.
Why was this so long?
Great characters, super reps,
but repetitious.
(AF)
Why was this so long?
Great characters, super reps,
but repetitious.
(AF)
January 2, 2024
Oh GOD, that was one boring, drawn-out mess. The story was so repetitive I thought I was going to go crazy. The first half was just the same thing over and over. Nisha being in love with his two friends, him being sad over Julien having a boyfriend, sad over Elias, then angry, then drunk, rince and repeat. Elias was very very soft, but his POV was just the same thing again and again as well. I wanted to like this!
The fact that these two men have supposedly been best friends for ELEVEN years and still don't know how to have proper conversations is insane, the fact the the whole plot could have been solved with one conversation? Maddening. Miscommunication trope at its very worst.
The one plus side for me is the side cast, the team is lovely and I will be tuning in for the next book, hoping it will be less drawn out and stretched thin than the two first books (I have very little hope, but I get attached to characters to fast, damn it!)
The fact that these two men have supposedly been best friends for ELEVEN years and still don't know how to have proper conversations is insane, the fact the the whole plot could have been solved with one conversation? Maddening. Miscommunication trope at its very worst.
The one plus side for me is the side cast, the team is lovely and I will be tuning in for the next book, hoping it will be less drawn out and stretched thin than the two first books (I have very little hope, but I get attached to characters to fast, damn it!)
March 12, 2023
2.5 stars rounded down.
I don't really know where to start with this book.
There's slow burn and then there's this. The book has good bones, but it was unnecessarily long. It would have really benefitted from an editor going through and removing the many unnecessary and repetitive parts. Unfortunately it was a drag to read, despite the storyline itself not being bad.
I will say that I did appreciate the sex-positive ace representation. Although not a prominent part of the story, the recognition that kinky ace people exist was also nice to see.
Overall I'm just disappointed at what this could have been versus what it was. Sometimes less is more.
I don't really know where to start with this book.
There's slow burn and then there's this. The book has good bones, but it was unnecessarily long. It would have really benefitted from an editor going through and removing the many unnecessary and repetitive parts. Unfortunately it was a drag to read, despite the storyline itself not being bad.
I will say that I did appreciate the sex-positive ace representation. Although not a prominent part of the story, the recognition that kinky ace people exist was also nice to see.
Overall I'm just disappointed at what this could have been versus what it was. Sometimes less is more.
May 14, 2023
4 Stars
Although I absolutely loved Elias and Nisha, and have been looking forward to their story, this was a daunting book to get through. The first half was heavy and frankly, too long and drawn out. The inner monologues from both men repeated themselves over and over and over.
Nisha and Elias both love one another, but neither knows the other loves them and so they are completely miserable and angry. I wanted to knock their heads together and maybe pull some of my own hair out!!
Thankfully by the 40% mark, their feelings are finally brought to light, and things, while not immediately great, begin to move forward. I was finally able to sink my teeth in and enjoy the story. Nisha and Elias had great chemistry and once they got together they shared so much passion and were sweet and sexy together.
I loved getting to catch up with Julien, Issac, and the rest of the Griffins, as well as getting to know a new player or two. Speaking of meeting people, I was thrilled to say goodbye to Nisha’s parents who were not just awful parents, but awful people in general!
While this book, in my opinion, was too long, it was still a journey I didn’t want to miss out on. The ending was especially swoon-worthy and I’m looking forward to more in this series in the future!
Although I absolutely loved Elias and Nisha, and have been looking forward to their story, this was a daunting book to get through. The first half was heavy and frankly, too long and drawn out. The inner monologues from both men repeated themselves over and over and over.
Nisha and Elias both love one another, but neither knows the other loves them and so they are completely miserable and angry. I wanted to knock their heads together and maybe pull some of my own hair out!!
Thankfully by the 40% mark, their feelings are finally brought to light, and things, while not immediately great, begin to move forward. I was finally able to sink my teeth in and enjoy the story. Nisha and Elias had great chemistry and once they got together they shared so much passion and were sweet and sexy together.
I loved getting to catch up with Julien, Issac, and the rest of the Griffins, as well as getting to know a new player or two. Speaking of meeting people, I was thrilled to say goodbye to Nisha’s parents who were not just awful parents, but awful people in general!
While this book, in my opinion, was too long, it was still a journey I didn’t want to miss out on. The ending was especially swoon-worthy and I’m looking forward to more in this series in the future!
November 2, 2025
“I don’t deserve you.” Before I could counter that, he stole a kiss. “I don’t. But I’m going to work every day for the rest of our lives to make up for that.”
4.25 ⭐
Scoreless Game is the second book in the On the Board series, and I read the first one a long time ago. Going into this, I kind of forgot what the first book was about, but after reading a few pages, I was brought right back to the characters and everything that had gone down.
In this book, we dive into another friends-to-lovers story — the genre I can’t get enough of. Nisha and Elias are two stubborn souls who don’t communicate and don’t see what’s right in front of them. They do stupid things that hurt one another, and it’s a long-ass book that really takes you through it all.
To be honest, it probably could’ve worked as two books — a before and an after — but I’m not complaining. Unlike a lot of people, I don’t give a single fuck if a romance book is over 300 pages. I’ve got the time and the patience to read it. So I did, and I thought it was tragically beautiful, sad, and kind of annoying — all wrapped into one, which made me feel a myriad of emotions just the way I like it.
Both Nisha and Elias are flawed as hell, but you love them anyway, especially if you’ve read the first book in the series. We get to explore their romance, their sexuality, and of course, hockey — and it’s an emotional ride that I think is absolutely worth picking up. It hits even harder if you actually read the series in order.
4.25 ⭐
Scoreless Game is the second book in the On the Board series, and I read the first one a long time ago. Going into this, I kind of forgot what the first book was about, but after reading a few pages, I was brought right back to the characters and everything that had gone down.
In this book, we dive into another friends-to-lovers story — the genre I can’t get enough of. Nisha and Elias are two stubborn souls who don’t communicate and don’t see what’s right in front of them. They do stupid things that hurt one another, and it’s a long-ass book that really takes you through it all.
To be honest, it probably could’ve worked as two books — a before and an after — but I’m not complaining. Unlike a lot of people, I don’t give a single fuck if a romance book is over 300 pages. I’ve got the time and the patience to read it. So I did, and I thought it was tragically beautiful, sad, and kind of annoying — all wrapped into one, which made me feel a myriad of emotions just the way I like it.
Both Nisha and Elias are flawed as hell, but you love them anyway, especially if you’ve read the first book in the series. We get to explore their romance, their sexuality, and of course, hockey — and it’s an emotional ride that I think is absolutely worth picking up. It hits even harder if you actually read the series in order.
March 16, 2023
I'm a sucker for these slow burns. Was it perfect? No, it wasn't and some character decisions were really weird. It did drag a bit at times but I think the aim was for the readers to connect with the characters. I know people's sexuality is very personal and that Elias had been hurt for revealing it before but Nisha not having the slightest idea why Elias didn't seem to be having sex with anyone was a bit off considering that they were 'best friends' and knew each other for 10+ years. But the character growth was done well and I liked that there was no immediate solution for their issues and they had to work to become better people for themselves first. Bring on the next one!
May 17, 2023
I think I enjoyed Rookie Mistake more because it’s shorter and less angsty, but this was still really enjoyable. The pining and miscommunication is brutal in the beginning, but it definitely pays off later. Also some of the best Asexual rep I’ve seen!
3/5 spice
3/5 spice
August 5, 2023
Trigger warnings: alcohol abuse, hospitalisation, mental health, outing by an intimate partner, aphobia, toxic parenting, bullying
Did I enjoy this? Yes. The dynamic between the two leads is, ultimately, lovely and I enjoyed them both as characters. Did this need to be 630 pages? ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT. The first half of the book, in which the protagonists argued over nothing time and time again and then sulked off to their respective corners to mope about how the other one doesn't like them any more frankly drove me up the wall and it absolutely didn't need to go on for as long as it did.
That aside, I did enjoy this. The discussion of asexuality and sex positivity as part of asexuality was great, and I loved the way the two of them talked through things in an attempt to get a better understanding of how they each feel about sex and relationships.
The ending was a TAD twee, and I did wish that Nikolai's parents had been...less present in the second half of the book than they were. But on the whole I had fun reading this and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Did I enjoy this? Yes. The dynamic between the two leads is, ultimately, lovely and I enjoyed them both as characters. Did this need to be 630 pages? ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT. The first half of the book, in which the protagonists argued over nothing time and time again and then sulked off to their respective corners to mope about how the other one doesn't like them any more frankly drove me up the wall and it absolutely didn't need to go on for as long as it did.
That aside, I did enjoy this. The discussion of asexuality and sex positivity as part of asexuality was great, and I loved the way the two of them talked through things in an attempt to get a better understanding of how they each feel about sex and relationships.
The ending was a TAD twee, and I did wish that Nikolai's parents had been...less present in the second half of the book than they were. But on the whole I had fun reading this and I'm looking forward to the next one!
October 3, 2023
Here for the Ace rep 👏👏👏
February 11, 2023
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed this book so much. This book is a beast at over 170k words but I finished it in about 26 hours. It’s a slow burn in the best way. Elias and Nisha really work for that happily ever after but it’s so sweet when it happens.
Mind the content warnings.
I enjoyed this book so much. This book is a beast at over 170k words but I finished it in about 26 hours. It’s a slow burn in the best way. Elias and Nisha really work for that happily ever after but it’s so sweet when it happens.
Mind the content warnings.
March 9, 2023
Not what was anticipated
I liked Rookie Mistake (On the Board Book 1), and I really loved the chemistry between Elias and Nisha in book 1. So, of course, I thought their story, Scoreless Game, would be a great read. I was very wrong. There were so many things in this book that seemed so absolutely ridiculous to me. Elias and Nisha were perfect for each other in book 1, so why did their story have to be so disappointing? Very unhappy with this book, and it's so very sad that two wonderful characters had to have such a blah story. Just my opinion, of course.
I liked Rookie Mistake (On the Board Book 1), and I really loved the chemistry between Elias and Nisha in book 1. So, of course, I thought their story, Scoreless Game, would be a great read. I was very wrong. There were so many things in this book that seemed so absolutely ridiculous to me. Elias and Nisha were perfect for each other in book 1, so why did their story have to be so disappointing? Very unhappy with this book, and it's so very sad that two wonderful characters had to have such a blah story. Just my opinion, of course.
August 24, 2023
2.5 stars, rounding up. This book would have been a lot better if it had been shorter. It just had no business being 600+ pages.
March 6, 2023
3.5 stars.
This is a tough one for me. I love love love Elias & Nisha, however, it was just way too long for me. I was struggling to get through the first 3/4 of the book. If you want the slowest burn of all time then this one is for you. It was also pretty heavy. My heart broke for Nisha and even with the things he did, I was still rooting for him the entire time.
Once they got there it was a good read. They are absolutely adorable together. I just wish it didn't take so long for us to get to that part.
I also would have preferred the whole Nisha also being in love with Julien part left out. For me, it took away a bit from his feelings for Elias. It kind of felt like since Julien is off the table now I will go for my other friend who I am also in love with. I know he said his feelings for Elias were heads above his for Julien but IMO I would have liked that to not be a thing.
Highlights:
Thanksgiving
Kolya
Vegas
The bonus story
“I’d move mountains for this man. Walk through fire for him. I loved him more than life itself. Every cliché in the book, that was me when it came to him.”
This is a tough one for me. I love love love Elias & Nisha, however, it was just way too long for me. I was struggling to get through the first 3/4 of the book. If you want the slowest burn of all time then this one is for you. It was also pretty heavy. My heart broke for Nisha and even with the things he did, I was still rooting for him the entire time.
Once they got there it was a good read. They are absolutely adorable together. I just wish it didn't take so long for us to get to that part.
I also would have preferred the whole Nisha also being in love with Julien part left out. For me, it took away a bit from his feelings for Elias. It kind of felt like since Julien is off the table now I will go for my other friend who I am also in love with. I know he said his feelings for Elias were heads above his for Julien but IMO I would have liked that to not be a thing.
Highlights:
Thanksgiving
Kolya
Vegas
The bonus story
“I’d move mountains for this man. Walk through fire for him. I loved him more than life itself. Every cliché in the book, that was me when it came to him.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
I find this book amazing because even though it goes deep into topics I usually shy away from (see content notes) I was with the story every step of the way. I love the relationship these four teammates have forged together, how we watch that relationship change over time, and where everyone has ended up.
While these two books make a satisfying duology there's a way for the authors to continue on in the series, and I hope they do.
Content notes are listed in the book and on the authors' websites, and include:
I find this book amazing because even though it goes deep into topics I usually shy away from (see content notes) I was with the story every step of the way. I love the relationship these four teammates have forged together, how we watch that relationship change over time, and where everyone has ended up.
While these two books make a satisfying duology there's a way for the authors to continue on in the series, and I hope they do.
Content notes are listed in the book and on the authors' websites, and include:
April 13, 2023
⭐3,5⭐
Este libro tuvo 2 grandes problemas: la extensión y la repetición. Creo que de las 631 páginas que lo componen, solo unas 200 valen la pena leer, y son las que hicieron que le ponga 3,5 estrellas y no menos. Les juro que cuando leí los cuatro primero capítulos y lo único que los cuatro decían era "Lo amo pero el no me ama" sin fundamento, sin sentido y simplemente por el hecho de ser pesados, y no de una buena manera, estuve a punto de dejar de leer el libro. Cuando llegue al 30% y todavía no había pasado absolutamente nada, más que perder mi paciencia con los personajes y querer tirar algo contra la pared, pensé de vuelta en dejar el libro, seguí leyendo solo porque tenía curiosidad de saber como terminaba y porque era tan largo.
La cantidad de frases y escenarios que se repiten a lo largo del libro es increíble. Había veces que no entendía si yo me había imaginado algo parecido o si de verdad era posible que se estuviera repitiendo lo mismo. Me sacaba, porque el único propósito que cumplían esas repeticiones era el de rellenar la historia y hacer el libro más largo. Si lo hubieran acortado, si hubieran sacado todo ese relleno el libro sería de 250 o 300 páginas, no sé si seria mejor pero al menos no me daría tanta bronca darle 3,5 estrellas. Además, siento que esas repetición hicieran que no les crea en sus sentimientos, como que en realidad no estaban enamorados o no estaban tan mal, porque lo repetían tanto que era como si se estuvieran convenciendo a sí mismos de esos sentimientos.
Otra cosa que me enojo mucho fueron Isaac y, en especial, Julien... se supone que eran los mejores amigos de Nisha y Elias, que estaban ahí siempre, y en este libro solo los vemos interactuar cuando las cosas ya se resuelven, no entiendo como no eran capaces de estar ahí para los protagonistas, de al menos mandarles mensajes o algo....
También me molesto el hecho de que nadie haga algo hasta que ya es muy tarde, en especial con el alcoholismo de Nisha o los padres de él. Entiendo que había cosas que él solo se tenia que dar cuenta y hacer algo, pero esa filosofía de "No le digo nada hasta que él no venga" me daba ganas de arrancarme los pelos. No te digo que le hablen o que lo arrastren a terapia, pero que le griten, que le hablen, que lo obliguen a entrar en razón. Sentí que no servía de nada el que fueran amigos desde hace tiempo. Pero a lo mejor eso es porque yo siento que si ves a alguien que esta mal tenés que hacer algo, al menos mandarle un puto mensaje o mandarlo a la mierda.
Y sé lo que están pensando, ¿Si odiaste tanto el libro por qué le pusiste 3,5 estrellas? Sinceramente por Nisha (también un poco porque me niego a ponerle menos estrellas que al primero, que tampoco me gusto). Creo que la única razón por la cual lo quise tanto fue porque era el único personaje complejo de la historia, el único que se veía que tenía un cambio, un crecimiento. A Elias quise quererlo, de verdad lo intenté, pero no llegue a conectar con él, más allá de compartir la misma sexualidad y de tener puntos de vista parecidos en cuanto a eso, pero el resto de las cosas que hacía me daban un poco igual.
Es muy triste pero la única parte que me gusto y que hizo que le ponga tan alta nota fue el medio, fue cuando todo se desbordó y se empezaron a pelear, cuando Nisha por fin le dijo lo que sentía y empezó a cambiar. También me gusto la escena extra, cuando conoció a sus hermanos. Pero el principio y el final me aburrieron, me parecieron un embole. En especial el final, cuando después de tanto líos de pronto todo estaba bien y todos estaban bien.
Siento que el libro fue una pérdida muy grande de tiempo, que tenía mucho potencial ya que Nisha y Elias fueron lo mejor del libro anterior y el angst y recuperación siempre son tramas interesantes, pero que las autoras no supieron armarlo bien.
Este libro tuvo 2 grandes problemas: la extensión y la repetición. Creo que de las 631 páginas que lo componen, solo unas 200 valen la pena leer, y son las que hicieron que le ponga 3,5 estrellas y no menos. Les juro que cuando leí los cuatro primero capítulos y lo único que los cuatro decían era "Lo amo pero el no me ama" sin fundamento, sin sentido y simplemente por el hecho de ser pesados, y no de una buena manera, estuve a punto de dejar de leer el libro. Cuando llegue al 30% y todavía no había pasado absolutamente nada, más que perder mi paciencia con los personajes y querer tirar algo contra la pared, pensé de vuelta en dejar el libro, seguí leyendo solo porque tenía curiosidad de saber como terminaba y porque era tan largo.
La cantidad de frases y escenarios que se repiten a lo largo del libro es increíble. Había veces que no entendía si yo me había imaginado algo parecido o si de verdad era posible que se estuviera repitiendo lo mismo. Me sacaba, porque el único propósito que cumplían esas repeticiones era el de rellenar la historia y hacer el libro más largo. Si lo hubieran acortado, si hubieran sacado todo ese relleno el libro sería de 250 o 300 páginas, no sé si seria mejor pero al menos no me daría tanta bronca darle 3,5 estrellas. Además, siento que esas repetición hicieran que no les crea en sus sentimientos, como que en realidad no estaban enamorados o no estaban tan mal, porque lo repetían tanto que era como si se estuvieran convenciendo a sí mismos de esos sentimientos.
Otra cosa que me enojo mucho fueron Isaac y, en especial, Julien... se supone que eran los mejores amigos de Nisha y Elias, que estaban ahí siempre, y en este libro solo los vemos interactuar cuando las cosas ya se resuelven, no entiendo como no eran capaces de estar ahí para los protagonistas, de al menos mandarles mensajes o algo....
También me molesto el hecho de que nadie haga algo hasta que ya es muy tarde, en especial con el alcoholismo de Nisha o los padres de él. Entiendo que había cosas que él solo se tenia que dar cuenta y hacer algo, pero esa filosofía de "No le digo nada hasta que él no venga" me daba ganas de arrancarme los pelos. No te digo que le hablen o que lo arrastren a terapia, pero que le griten, que le hablen, que lo obliguen a entrar en razón. Sentí que no servía de nada el que fueran amigos desde hace tiempo. Pero a lo mejor eso es porque yo siento que si ves a alguien que esta mal tenés que hacer algo, al menos mandarle un puto mensaje o mandarlo a la mierda.
Y sé lo que están pensando, ¿Si odiaste tanto el libro por qué le pusiste 3,5 estrellas? Sinceramente por Nisha (también un poco porque me niego a ponerle menos estrellas que al primero, que tampoco me gusto). Creo que la única razón por la cual lo quise tanto fue porque era el único personaje complejo de la historia, el único que se veía que tenía un cambio, un crecimiento. A Elias quise quererlo, de verdad lo intenté, pero no llegue a conectar con él, más allá de compartir la misma sexualidad y de tener puntos de vista parecidos en cuanto a eso, pero el resto de las cosas que hacía me daban un poco igual.
Es muy triste pero la única parte que me gusto y que hizo que le ponga tan alta nota fue el medio, fue cuando todo se desbordó y se empezaron a pelear, cuando Nisha por fin le dijo lo que sentía y empezó a cambiar. También me gusto la escena extra, cuando conoció a sus hermanos. Pero el principio y el final me aburrieron, me parecieron un embole. En especial el final, cuando después de tanto líos de pronto todo estaba bien y todos estaban bien.
Siento que el libro fue una pérdida muy grande de tiempo, que tenía mucho potencial ya que Nisha y Elias fueron lo mejor del libro anterior y el angst y recuperación siempre son tramas interesantes, pero que las autoras no supieron armarlo bien.
August 25, 2023
This book could have been, and indeed should have been 300 pages shorter. After reading and enjoying the first book, I was also very intrigued by Elias and Nikolai's relationship and excited to read this book. But what was a very interesting premise turned into something long, boring and overly emotional.
Nisha and Elias clearly have feelings for each other, and are both secretly pining for the other, but somehow they never connect the dots. The first half of the book deals with Nisha going more and more off the rails because of how he feels about Elias. And Elias trying to date while being firmly asexual. Some really dumb stuff happens and Nisha hits rock bottom, then the second half of the book deals with his healing and acceptance of Elias's love. That didn't need 600 pages. I found the writing to be very repetitive and circular. And yes, I understand that that's how trauma is sometimes, the same shit circling your head until you learn to deal with it, but I think we are smart enough as readers to not have to be spoon-fed this by literally repeating the same tired self-loathing arguments again and again. Both of these characters felt emotionally quite immature to me, despite being grown ass men. Thank god they both end up going to therapy.
I also found the handling of Elias's asexuality to be a bit didactic, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it came off as kind of soapboxy here. Elias's inability to understand that people have sex with random people for fun made him seem extremely naive. There's also a big chunk of the book dedicated to Nisha's cartoon-villain parents that was really frustrating because he literally had zero reasons not tell them to fuck off, but he just sat there and took it.
Obviously, everything works out wonderfully in the end. It was actually pretty corny if I'm being honest. I'm sure that with tighter editing this book could have been amazing, but as it was, I just needed to be finished.
Nisha and Elias clearly have feelings for each other, and are both secretly pining for the other, but somehow they never connect the dots. The first half of the book deals with Nisha going more and more off the rails because of how he feels about Elias. And Elias trying to date while being firmly asexual. Some really dumb stuff happens and Nisha hits rock bottom, then the second half of the book deals with his healing and acceptance of Elias's love. That didn't need 600 pages. I found the writing to be very repetitive and circular. And yes, I understand that that's how trauma is sometimes, the same shit circling your head until you learn to deal with it, but I think we are smart enough as readers to not have to be spoon-fed this by literally repeating the same tired self-loathing arguments again and again. Both of these characters felt emotionally quite immature to me, despite being grown ass men. Thank god they both end up going to therapy.
I also found the handling of Elias's asexuality to be a bit didactic, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it came off as kind of soapboxy here. Elias's inability to understand that people have sex with random people for fun made him seem extremely naive. There's also a big chunk of the book dedicated to Nisha's cartoon-villain parents that was really frustrating because he literally had zero reasons not tell them to fuck off, but he just sat there and took it.
Obviously, everything works out wonderfully in the end. It was actually pretty corny if I'm being honest. I'm sure that with tighter editing this book could have been amazing, but as it was, I just needed to be finished.
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