What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Line Hockey #1
Offside Pass
At one time Devon Canton and his two brothers were the talk of the NHL. Set to become the next superstars of the sport, they had lucrative contracts and numerous endorsements within their reach. Then the bottom fell out of their world and everything changed. Now struggling to make ends meet, they have been reduced to playing in the minor leagues. To make matters worse they all end up playing for the same dead-end team, the Battle Creek Hawks. Not only hasn’t the team won a game in three years, but their arena is falling down around them and in danger of being condemned. Then Devon and his brothers hit a new low when they get thrown out of their first game for getting into a knockdown, drag out brawl…with each other.Battle Creek Times sports reporter, Saul Davis, knows the instant he see the three brothers beating the snot out of each other that he has a story. It only takes a little digging to find out how far the once promising hockey players have fallen. Intrigued, Saul tries to pin down Devon for an interview, only to be rudely rebuked. Unfortunately, for Devon, that only makes Saul more determined to get to the bottom of the story.Then Saul finds out a shocking revelation about the brooding hockey player that could not only destroy the man’s reputation, but also ruin any chance of him ever playing on the professional level again. Saul knows he should go ahead and run the story, but as he finds himself growing closer to Devon, he discovers that his feelings for the other man are too strong to ignore. Then when a rival reporter finds out Devon’s secret, Saul realizes that he may have to make the most painful decision of all—his own journalism career or Devon.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
13 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Stephani Hecht
250 books863 followersStephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 24, 2015
Yikes! Am I becoming a book snob in my advanced age? Because here is another recent re-read where I bumped off a star! I read this (I thought) delightful hockey series by Stephani Hecht over a year ago and remember it being a quick and fulfilling jaunt into the world of hockey and pretty, gay men. Each book short and sweet and quickly forgotten in favor of the next one. Perfect, like Lay's Potato Chips. You can't eat just one! So I thought I'd give this series another go. The first book wasn't at all like I remembered. The sex didn't start until well into the second half and was kinda lukewarm, and there was insta-love and MC Devon actually said, "Mine!" in the throes of passion. Um, this is not a paranormal/shifter book! Unacceptable! *sigh* I guess I've become a bit picky. So, a star knocked off for this book being a bit on the silly side, but I do plan on re-reading the next book in the series. If that one is more of the same, I'll probably stop reading and let my original memories rest in peace. (Sometimes that is just best, ya know?)
I can still recommend this to hockey fans, but I may change my tune, depending on how the rest of the series goes. But for straight M/M romance fans, I'm gonna go with can't recommend. Sad face.
I can still recommend this to hockey fans, but I may change my tune, depending on how the rest of the series goes. But for straight M/M romance fans, I'm gonna go with can't recommend. Sad face.
October 12, 2016
Actually I liked this one!
Devon, Chad and Trey are brothers. They have a secret and they are now living a misery life.
They were too close to be on the NFL, but their lives turn in a very different path and now are starting on their new team. The worst team of the league and they are not very welcome because their reputation was awful.
So, in this environment, we have Devon, the most responsible of the brothers who is making the best to go out from this hell and rise again when Saul, a cute sport journalist appears, very interested in them. He´s attracted to him, but he knows that a journalist could be a very bad idea with their past.
Is simple and not very long, but I think the action is well distributed around the story! I´m going to try the next one!
Devon, Chad and Trey are brothers. They have a secret and they are now living a misery life.
They were too close to be on the NFL, but their lives turn in a very different path and now are starting on their new team. The worst team of the league and they are not very welcome because their reputation was awful.
So, in this environment, we have Devon, the most responsible of the brothers who is making the best to go out from this hell and rise again when Saul, a cute sport journalist appears, very interested in them. He´s attracted to him, but he knows that a journalist could be a very bad idea with their past.
Is simple and not very long, but I think the action is well distributed around the story! I´m going to try the next one!
November 27, 2025
CWs: rape
July 23, 2013
Like everyone else, I think the book should have been longer--I could go for double the size. The plot was great, the brothers were a mess but in a good way--a hot-headed, uber talented mess. Their secret was protected a little thin, to say the least. I mean, if I had been involved in a murder, I would put that secret in a vault with a bomb taped to it, and post two dobermans outside to patrol that vault. You mean anytime Trey gets tipsy, he starts spilling the secret? Saul wasn't even trying particularly hard and he uncovered their secret. So did his hard-nosed reporter friend. So why couldn't anyone else for all the years the brothers had been in the league? Hecht tried to address this briefly--that the interest in their lives had died down, so everyone forgot about them, but I don't buy it. Do you see the public forgetting about 3 professional hockey playing brothers (2 of whom were openly gay) destroying their careers and fighting on the ice? This is America! We follow the train wrecks more so than the successes. :-D
A few things that bothered me:
1. When Devon and Saul finally acknowledged their "like" for one another, it was quickly followed up (within a few pages) with love. It happened so quickly I was dumbfounded. Devon portrayed Saul as spoiled with a charmed life, and never described what else he liked about him other than physical attraction.
2. His hard-nosed reporter friend would have had that story sent to print from her iPhone if she had to. She would not have agreed to sit on the story. Besides the fact that as long as Brock is out there, the story is only a scant $100 bucks away.
3. Saul would never have gotten the job at a newspaper (any newspaper) as a sports writer if he knew NOTHING about the game. Nor am I convinced he could write a good enough article that a player (for whom hockey is his life) would compliment it.
4. This is a small gripe, but it also bothered me that the brothers' last name was Canton, which is a city in Michigan where the story takes place. It was like reading a book about the Long Island family from New York, you know?
All gripes aside, this could have been a great story. But it would need at least another 100 pages to do so.
A few things that bothered me:
1. When Devon and Saul finally acknowledged their "like" for one another, it was quickly followed up (within a few pages) with love. It happened so quickly I was dumbfounded. Devon portrayed Saul as spoiled with a charmed life, and never described what else he liked about him other than physical attraction.
2. His hard-nosed reporter friend would have had that story sent to print from her iPhone if she had to. She would not have agreed to sit on the story. Besides the fact that as long as Brock is out there, the story is only a scant $100 bucks away.
3. Saul would never have gotten the job at a newspaper (any newspaper) as a sports writer if he knew NOTHING about the game. Nor am I convinced he could write a good enough article that a player (for whom hockey is his life) would compliment it.
4. This is a small gripe, but it also bothered me that the brothers' last name was Canton, which is a city in Michigan where the story takes place. It was like reading a book about the Long Island family from New York, you know?
All gripes aside, this could have been a great story. But it would need at least another 100 pages to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2011
I have always been a fan of Stephani Hecht's story; so I might be biased. BUT, I have to say that this is probably one of my favorites of hers. Simply because it has "heart". I have been accustomed to her urban fantasy stories (Drone Vampires, Lost-Shifters) ... the other contemporary series of hers (St. Michaels) is nice but sometime the stories are bit superficial.
Not this one, though. This one focuses on love of family, especially the Canton brothers (Devon, Chad, Trey). The interaction and the built up between Devon and Saul, the reporter, is also done in a perfect pace, that it doesn't feel rushed, and comes exactly at the right moment. The real story of the brothers is heartbreaking; which unfortunately not impossible to happen in any part of the world (yes, domestic violence do happens, sadly) ... and I think what have become of the brothers is a testament of people's strong will.
It's more down-to-earth than her other stories ... and I definitely cannot WAIT to read the next book. Will it be about Trey?
Not this one, though. This one focuses on love of family, especially the Canton brothers (Devon, Chad, Trey). The interaction and the built up between Devon and Saul, the reporter, is also done in a perfect pace, that it doesn't feel rushed, and comes exactly at the right moment. The real story of the brothers is heartbreaking; which unfortunately not impossible to happen in any part of the world (yes, domestic violence do happens, sadly) ... and I think what have become of the brothers is a testament of people's strong will.
It's more down-to-earth than her other stories ... and I definitely cannot WAIT to read the next book. Will it be about Trey?
February 4, 2014
A bit silly, and more than a bit cheesy soap opera story with a relationship that reads like old school het romance morphed into m/m. The love is too instant, and the writing style just didn't work for me. It was a bit too over the top dramatic, and it left me feeling cold instead of connected with the characters, and their plight.
October 3, 2021
This was simple and sweet. There wasn't a lot of space in this one to really expand on the relationship so instead it was very insta-love and everything's fixed without going into details. There's a secret that the brothers have been keeping which of course has been messing with all of their heads. Sure I would have loved a bit more development of the relationship between Damon and Seth, but for a quick read it wasn't bad.
February 2, 2011
Offside Pass is the story of Devon, a hot hockey player who's been relegated to playing in the bottom of the barrel hockey league, and Saul, a sports reporter who knows nothing about sports...
Devon and two of his three brothers are hockey players who are constantly brawling on the ice. Devon's twin brother Chad is straight (and married), and their baby brother Trey is also gay. The fourth brother, Brock, is a drug addict who is estranged from the family. We learn he was also a hockey player until he was injured.
As the story opens, Devon, Chad, and Trey are headed into the arena of the newest team they've just been traded to. The team is last in the league and the arena looks like it hasn't seen maintenance in years. When they started out, the brothers were hockey superstars, but there was an incident that has caused them to spiral downward to where they are now - their last chance.
Saul has just taken a job as a sports reporter for the local newspaper, the only problem is he doesn't know anything about sports! He falls for Devon - hard. Devon is attracted but tries to stay away because Saul is a reporter and he can't risk the family secret getting out. But Saul knows something's not right, does a little investigating, and pieces the story together.
Offside Pass was a quick, sweet read. I'm not used to short stories, so the pacing was a bit fast for me, but within the story the romance between Saul and Devon was tender and simmered through most of the story, culminating in a hot, steamy release. I loved that the big hockey player was so affected by Saul. I also liked Devon's brothers, Trey and Chad, and hope Trey's story is next. The brother's constant brawling was pretty entertaining, and I liked the hockey players as they got used to the brothers and started winning games.
On a side note, this book could have used more editing - there were quite a few typos.
Devon and two of his three brothers are hockey players who are constantly brawling on the ice. Devon's twin brother Chad is straight (and married), and their baby brother Trey is also gay. The fourth brother, Brock, is a drug addict who is estranged from the family. We learn he was also a hockey player until he was injured.
As the story opens, Devon, Chad, and Trey are headed into the arena of the newest team they've just been traded to. The team is last in the league and the arena looks like it hasn't seen maintenance in years. When they started out, the brothers were hockey superstars, but there was an incident that has caused them to spiral downward to where they are now - their last chance.
Saul has just taken a job as a sports reporter for the local newspaper, the only problem is he doesn't know anything about sports! He falls for Devon - hard. Devon is attracted but tries to stay away because Saul is a reporter and he can't risk the family secret getting out. But Saul knows something's not right, does a little investigating, and pieces the story together.
Offside Pass was a quick, sweet read. I'm not used to short stories, so the pacing was a bit fast for me, but within the story the romance between Saul and Devon was tender and simmered through most of the story, culminating in a hot, steamy release. I loved that the big hockey player was so affected by Saul. I also liked Devon's brothers, Trey and Chad, and hope Trey's story is next. The brother's constant brawling was pretty entertaining, and I liked the hockey players as they got used to the brothers and started winning games.
On a side note, this book could have used more editing - there were quite a few typos.
July 20, 2011
2.5 rounded down to a 2. I really, really wanted to love this because I've been looking for some good hockey stories, but it was just a little shy of being good.
I liked the story idea itself--three hockey-playing brothers who have fallen from grace and ended up on a terrible team, etc--but I think it struggled to decide if it was a short story or a novella. It definitely could have been longer--there were a lot of parts that were just glossed over, like the two main characters' feelings for one another. The romance aspect was all far too rushed and superficial for their feelings at the end to be realistic.
There were a number of grammar issues and very significant dialogue tag abuse. There's a lot of beauty in using "said" and "asked" and allowing your dialogue and the characters' actions to tell the story. The dialogue itself was also stilted and unrealistic in a lot of places. There are also some POV issues, including one place where it shifted mid-paragraph.
The secret the brothers are keeping is pretty awful, but by the time we got to it, I was reading with one eye closed so I could enjoy it more, and I think it fell short of being as emotionally charged as it could have been with a bit more attention paid to really fleshing out all of the various relationships in the story.
I don't really recommend it, and I probably would have stopped reading halfway through if it hadn't been so short.
I liked the story idea itself--three hockey-playing brothers who have fallen from grace and ended up on a terrible team, etc--but I think it struggled to decide if it was a short story or a novella. It definitely could have been longer--there were a lot of parts that were just glossed over, like the two main characters' feelings for one another. The romance aspect was all far too rushed and superficial for their feelings at the end to be realistic.
There were a number of grammar issues and very significant dialogue tag abuse. There's a lot of beauty in using "said" and "asked" and allowing your dialogue and the characters' actions to tell the story. The dialogue itself was also stilted and unrealistic in a lot of places. There are also some POV issues, including one place where it shifted mid-paragraph.
The secret the brothers are keeping is pretty awful, but by the time we got to it, I was reading with one eye closed so I could enjoy it more, and I think it fell short of being as emotionally charged as it could have been with a bit more attention paid to really fleshing out all of the various relationships in the story.
I don't really recommend it, and I probably would have stopped reading halfway through if it hadn't been so short.
September 16, 2014
2-1/2
Where do you draw the line with a person's private life and one's need to report the facts? This is the question Saul Davis has to deal with when he realizes that he's falling for Devon Canton, one of three brothers who have a secret they'd rather not share with the world at large.
Though the relationship between the three brothers is quite well drawn, I felt the relationship between Saul and Devon was a tad artificial, but what do I know? Also in the end, the question of Saul having to choose between his relationship with Devon and his job is never really tested. It would have been nice to see what Saul really would have done if the choice and his resolve not to run with the story he knows could make his career as a reporter had been tested.
Where do you draw the line with a person's private life and one's need to report the facts? This is the question Saul Davis has to deal with when he realizes that he's falling for Devon Canton, one of three brothers who have a secret they'd rather not share with the world at large.
Though the relationship between the three brothers is quite well drawn, I felt the relationship between Saul and Devon was a tad artificial, but what do I know? Also in the end, the question of Saul having to choose between his relationship with Devon and his job is never really tested. It would have been nice to see what Saul really would have done if the choice and his resolve not to run with the story he knows could make his career as a reporter had been tested.
March 27, 2012
I thought this story had a great premise/plot but found the execution of it lacking. There were gaping holes in the plot and the HEA at the end was rushed and unbelievable for me.
Some of the issues I had were with Devon's feelings for Saul were rushed and there wasn't enough buildup to them. And the female reporter being an utter bitch/hardass at the end, slapping Saul upside his head for not doing his job in breaking the story on the Canton brothers, to being a sobbing mess when Trey told what happened, made my eyes roll. Overall, there just wasn't enough character development and too many plot holes that needed filled (such as how did Devon know Trey was at Saul's house?) Or how did Trey know what Devon's feelings were for Saul? These, among other things, perplexed me.
Some of the issues I had were with Devon's feelings for Saul were rushed and there wasn't enough buildup to them. And the female reporter being an utter bitch/hardass at the end, slapping Saul upside his head for not doing his job in breaking the story on the Canton brothers, to being a sobbing mess when Trey told what happened, made my eyes roll. Overall, there just wasn't enough character development and too many plot holes that needed filled (such as how did Devon know Trey was at Saul's house?) Or how did Trey know what Devon's feelings were for Saul? These, among other things, perplexed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
My biggest issue is the book was too short. The second was he whole “mine” like it was a pnr book and it’s not. I hate parts of the s secret figured out but not all. But, it was too little too late. That you would let it go that far and to have that done to you child, I can’t even. Anyway, I totally disliked Amy to the bitter end. I will be continuing on though as I did over all enjoy the book.
October 16, 2011
This is the first in the Blue Line Hockey series by Stephani Hecht. This one features four brothers: Brock, the oldest; Devon and Chad, the twins; and Trey, the youngest.
All four have fallen from grace in the hockey world. Devon, Chad and Trey are on their last chance with a hockey team at the bottom of the league.
Saul is a reporter who sees an opportunity to write a great story about the brothers personal life that they are so elusive and secretrive about. Sparks fly from the first moment that Devon and Saul see each other, but when Devon learns that Saul is press, he tells him to stay away, even though neither one of them can stop thinking about the other one.
Saul uses his contacts and tracks down a reliable source to get the families dark secrets. Devon confronts him but Saul confesses his need to protect the brothers' secret and promises not to run the story. When Devon realizes Saul is true to his word, he gives into is feelings for him and they can't resist each other any longer. Things really heat up between them when Saul gives a very drunk (and also gay)Trey a ride home to his house to sleep one too many off after an after-game win celebration. When Devon comes over to pick his brother up, he expresses his jealousy of Saul and Trey together that evening and things get pretty hot from there.
Then another reporter decides that Saul was wrong for not running the story when he had the information so they dug deeper and plan to write a story to tell the world about the brothers' big family secret. So it's up to Saul to convice the report not to ruin his boyfriend and his boyfriend's families lives.
It's a sweet story. The guys are all likeable and loveable. The family secret is pretty horrible and it's pretty sad as they tell it. It's an engaging story and I definitely want to read more about the brothers to find out more about what happens to them. There is one big error that I found that the betas/editor should have caught that as soon as I read it, the tires were screaching, alarm bells were ringing and I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed. . I thought that was pretty glaring and my only hang up with the story. I'm sorry, I'm a stickler for facts being straight, I can't help it. I'm a beta and editor myself so it's in my nature. Otherwise, it's a great story.
All four have fallen from grace in the hockey world. Devon, Chad and Trey are on their last chance with a hockey team at the bottom of the league.
Saul is a reporter who sees an opportunity to write a great story about the brothers personal life that they are so elusive and secretrive about. Sparks fly from the first moment that Devon and Saul see each other, but when Devon learns that Saul is press, he tells him to stay away, even though neither one of them can stop thinking about the other one.
Saul uses his contacts and tracks down a reliable source to get the families dark secrets. Devon confronts him but Saul confesses his need to protect the brothers' secret and promises not to run the story. When Devon realizes Saul is true to his word, he gives into is feelings for him and they can't resist each other any longer. Things really heat up between them when Saul gives a very drunk (and also gay)Trey a ride home to his house to sleep one too many off after an after-game win celebration. When Devon comes over to pick his brother up, he expresses his jealousy of Saul and Trey together that evening and things get pretty hot from there.
Then another reporter decides that Saul was wrong for not running the story when he had the information so they dug deeper and plan to write a story to tell the world about the brothers' big family secret. So it's up to Saul to convice the report not to ruin his boyfriend and his boyfriend's families lives.
It's a sweet story. The guys are all likeable and loveable. The family secret is pretty horrible and it's pretty sad as they tell it. It's an engaging story and I definitely want to read more about the brothers to find out more about what happens to them. There is one big error that I found that the betas/editor should have caught that as soon as I read it, the tires were screaching, alarm bells were ringing and I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed. . I thought that was pretty glaring and my only hang up with the story. I'm sorry, I'm a stickler for facts being straight, I can't help it. I'm a beta and editor myself so it's in my nature. Otherwise, it's a great story.
March 24, 2012
Awesome story and very promising beginning of the series. I loved how gritty it started only to end by a sweet and heartwarming hea :) Brothers are all great characters ans Saul's nice and adorable. He and Davon are just perfect for each other.
But I hated Amy with passion, especially her blackmail in the end, when she demanded the brothers came and told their story! Damn, I wanted to punch her so bad! We supposed to think, she's so kind and understanding and whatnot, just because she decided not to write the story about someone's family drama? But not before she demanded for these people to tell her about their most tragic and embarrassing experience ever? She didn't have any right to do so and I hated her character.
But I hated Amy with passion, especially her blackmail in the end, when she demanded the brothers came and told their story! Damn, I wanted to punch her so bad! We supposed to think, she's so kind and understanding and whatnot, just because she decided not to write the story about someone's family drama? But not before she demanded for these people to tell her about their most tragic and embarrassing experience ever? She didn't have any right to do so and I hated her character.
March 28, 2012
While I liked this book, I would have enjoyed it more if it were longer, if the reveal of the brothers' past had been slower and more suspenseful, if the build up of Saul and Devon's relationship had been mostly shown rather than told. I liked the brothers and their story, but I didn't have enough time to get to know them or connect in any way with them. I should have been in tears with the big reveal, but I wasn't beyond the normal sympathy and horror any person would feel seeing such a story on the news. And Saul was even less developed.
The writing was tight with great dialogue and it was entertaining. It was a sweet story and it had the potential to be a five star read if the plot and relationship had unfolded at a slower pace.
The writing was tight with great dialogue and it was entertaining. It was a sweet story and it had the potential to be a five star read if the plot and relationship had unfolded at a slower pace.
Read
January 24, 2023This book was a nice introduction to the series. The series features hockey players (I know nothing about hockey but that doesn't matter). This book introduces the Canton brothers, the bad boys of hockey, who are relegated to playing low grade due to their bad behaviour.
The romance in this story is between Devon and Saul. Saul is a local sports reporter who starts to investigate the background of the brothers and the mystery surrounding their upbringing and what ultimately lead to their downfall from the NHL. Devon, tries to avoid Saul for fear of family secrets being revealed.
Not too heavy with nice characters. 3.5 stars
The romance in this story is between Devon and Saul. Saul is a local sports reporter who starts to investigate the background of the brothers and the mystery surrounding their upbringing and what ultimately lead to their downfall from the NHL. Devon, tries to avoid Saul for fear of family secrets being revealed.
Not too heavy with nice characters. 3.5 stars
July 30, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Stephani Hecht and it was just an okay read. I'm not big on sports but this one seemed more focused on hockey and less on the romance. Wait, what romance? There wasn't any romance here. Devon and Saul never dated. They had a couple of conversations spread out over weeks and then they end up in love. Yeah whatever.
The brothers have this big secret to hide and yet Trey gives it up so easily once he got drunk. And when the other reporter Amy threatens to run the story the guys just confess everything to her. It wasn't believable to me that she'd protect the brothers when she had a career boosting story.
Would I want to continue with this series? Nope.
The brothers have this big secret to hide and yet Trey gives it up so easily once he got drunk. And when the other reporter Amy threatens to run the story the guys just confess everything to her. It wasn't believable to me that she'd protect the brothers when she had a career boosting story.
Would I want to continue with this series? Nope.
July 26, 2018
Rating: 2.5 stars
I took a chance on this book even though I’m not big on hockey. Funny enough the hockey part was the best part of the book. I usually don’t care about the believability of a story, but this one was just too much for me. I didn’t buy into Devon and Saul’s relationship at all. They didn’t even get together until 80% into the story and when they did I didn’t feel the chemistry at all. The back story with the brothers was interesting, but then there was the ending. It was too convenient and not at all believable. So while the story kept me interested enough to finish it, it wasn’t that great.
I took a chance on this book even though I’m not big on hockey. Funny enough the hockey part was the best part of the book. I usually don’t care about the believability of a story, but this one was just too much for me. I didn’t buy into Devon and Saul’s relationship at all. They didn’t even get together until 80% into the story and when they did I didn’t feel the chemistry at all. The back story with the brothers was interesting, but then there was the ending. It was too convenient and not at all believable. So while the story kept me interested enough to finish it, it wasn’t that great.
April 3, 2019
I didn't liked it.
Nothing is really wrong. Just, the story is umbelivable, they start falling for each other without knowing the other, we have the "I've fallen for you" the first time they are together and this is not a slow burn at all. I really like the loyalty and love between the brother but the story is idiotic. They didn't have to hide at all. I don't get it and frankly the reporter angle doesn't make sense either.
Nothing is really wrong. Just, the story is umbelivable, they start falling for each other without knowing the other, we have the "I've fallen for you" the first time they are together and this is not a slow burn at all. I really like the loyalty and love between the brother but the story is idiotic. They didn't have to hide at all. I don't get it and frankly the reporter angle doesn't make sense either.
January 5, 2011
I really enjoyed this first book in her new series! Great characters, and it's great to see something like hockey as the sport rather than football or baseball like I've read about several times before. Can't wait to read the next one!
April 6, 2011
This was a sad, sweet story. The brothers have had some hard times and are trying to come out the other side. It's too short, but well written. That is has a hockey theme is just a bonus for a die-hard fan like myself!
January 3, 2011
Good m/m romance about a newbie sports reporter trying to figure out the dark secret in the past of three brawling hockey brothers, one of whom he finds very attractive.
August 18, 2013
4 stars
May 14, 2019
3.5 necesito mas
March 20, 2020
2.5 stars.
March 20, 2020
Fantastic
I loved this book. I didn't put it down once I started reading it. I will be reading many more from this author.
I loved this book. I didn't put it down once I started reading it. I will be reading many more from this author.
May 4, 2016
The three Canton brothers are a menace. On the ice, off the ice, it really doesn’t matter. For all their talent they lack discipline, and this time their antics have finally come back to haunt them. With only one team even willing to consider them, the Canton boys are shipped to play for the Battle Creek Hawks. A team that hasn’t even won a game in three years. And even if all common sense says that things couldn’t get worse for the Hawks…well, then the Canton brothers are there to show them different. By starting a brawl. With each other. On ice.
Devon is used to protecting his brothers, and his family, but even he has to admit that they are probably taking more damage from themselves, than other people. Still, when Saul Davis, sports reporter, starting sticking his cute nose in where it don’t belong, Devon once again takes on the role of protector. Trouble is, that this time he is rather attracted to the enemy, and the enemy is more than attracted to him. With a whole army of skeletons in his closet, Devon can’t dare let Saul close, even if he really really wants to.
When I heard that this month’s theme was going to be sports, there really was no doubt what I would be reading about. I love hockey and I love any reason to read about hockey, so this gave me a perfect excuse to start a series I have been circling around for some time.
I really liked all three of the Canton brothers. They were fun characters and I could tell that reading about them wasn’t going to be a burden at all. And Saul was pretty great as well. I like the idea that this man went into reporting sports with hardly any knowledge, but was more than willing to learn. Plus, Devon and Saul had all types of good I-hate-you/I-want-to-bang-the-ever-loving-shit-out-of-you chemistry going on.
Mostly this book suffered from a lack of pages. It was an interesting story, with good characters and situations, but it felt way to fast to me. The first half of the story was build up to the big reveal, and then the last half just zoomed by without pausing to take a breath. Devon went from not trusting Saul, to trusting him, to loving him, in like a snap of the fingers. I had a real hard buying that. And yes, short stories do move at a quicker pace sometimes, but there was not a big enough foundation for me to believe everything that happened at the end of the story.
Especially with the other reporter. That was just…unbelievable, really. I’m not saying that all reporters are evil and can’t wait to destroy people’s lives, but to just…. Yeah. I didn’t buy it at all.
But I did enjoy most of it. It may have had it flaws, but for a quick read, it wasn’t half bad. And I’ll probably even pick up the later book in the series at some point. I just may have to dial down my expectations a little bit in order to really enjoy them. Worth a look though, if you have a couple hours to spare and want to get a quick hockey fix.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Devon is used to protecting his brothers, and his family, but even he has to admit that they are probably taking more damage from themselves, than other people. Still, when Saul Davis, sports reporter, starting sticking his cute nose in where it don’t belong, Devon once again takes on the role of protector. Trouble is, that this time he is rather attracted to the enemy, and the enemy is more than attracted to him. With a whole army of skeletons in his closet, Devon can’t dare let Saul close, even if he really really wants to.
When I heard that this month’s theme was going to be sports, there really was no doubt what I would be reading about. I love hockey and I love any reason to read about hockey, so this gave me a perfect excuse to start a series I have been circling around for some time.
I really liked all three of the Canton brothers. They were fun characters and I could tell that reading about them wasn’t going to be a burden at all. And Saul was pretty great as well. I like the idea that this man went into reporting sports with hardly any knowledge, but was more than willing to learn. Plus, Devon and Saul had all types of good I-hate-you/I-want-to-bang-the-ever-loving-shit-out-of-you chemistry going on.
Mostly this book suffered from a lack of pages. It was an interesting story, with good characters and situations, but it felt way to fast to me. The first half of the story was build up to the big reveal, and then the last half just zoomed by without pausing to take a breath. Devon went from not trusting Saul, to trusting him, to loving him, in like a snap of the fingers. I had a real hard buying that. And yes, short stories do move at a quicker pace sometimes, but there was not a big enough foundation for me to believe everything that happened at the end of the story.
Especially with the other reporter. That was just…unbelievable, really. I’m not saying that all reporters are evil and can’t wait to destroy people’s lives, but to just…. Yeah. I didn’t buy it at all.
But I did enjoy most of it. It may have had it flaws, but for a quick read, it wasn’t half bad. And I’ll probably even pick up the later book in the series at some point. I just may have to dial down my expectations a little bit in order to really enjoy them. Worth a look though, if you have a couple hours to spare and want to get a quick hockey fix.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 5, 2013
3 Stars
When Devon and his brothers pull up to the run down arena that is the home of their latest hockey team, the Battle Creek Hawks, they know it’s their last opportunity to keep doing the only thing they know how to do – play hockey. The brothers had been poised on the brink of sports superstardom but with the death of, first their father five years previously, and then their mother a year ago, their antics and on ice brawling landed them in the bottom of the barrel minor league team that hadn’t won a game in three years. And no wonder with a team that was more interested in playing as individuals and an ineffectual and apathetic coach who had lost all control of his team.
Devon, as the oldest of the three brothers (even if it was only by nine minutes), tries to reign in his twin, Chad, and youngest brother, Trey, but more often than not ended up joining in. When they start brawling with each at their very first game, before banding together against a member of the opposing team when he makes homophobic slurs towards the gay brothers, Devon and Trey, you just know these boys are going to be trouble with a capital T! Saul is the new sports reporter for the local newspaper. A job he lied his way into knowing nothing at all about sport, but when he lays eyes on Devon, his interest, amongst other things, definitely perks up. Devon feels the same intense attraction, but he’s wary of reporters. Very wary. With Devon’s strong rebuff, Saul’s reporter senses tell him the brothers are hiding something and he’s determined to find out what it is....
Read BookSmitten's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
When Devon and his brothers pull up to the run down arena that is the home of their latest hockey team, the Battle Creek Hawks, they know it’s their last opportunity to keep doing the only thing they know how to do – play hockey. The brothers had been poised on the brink of sports superstardom but with the death of, first their father five years previously, and then their mother a year ago, their antics and on ice brawling landed them in the bottom of the barrel minor league team that hadn’t won a game in three years. And no wonder with a team that was more interested in playing as individuals and an ineffectual and apathetic coach who had lost all control of his team.
Devon, as the oldest of the three brothers (even if it was only by nine minutes), tries to reign in his twin, Chad, and youngest brother, Trey, but more often than not ended up joining in. When they start brawling with each at their very first game, before banding together against a member of the opposing team when he makes homophobic slurs towards the gay brothers, Devon and Trey, you just know these boys are going to be trouble with a capital T! Saul is the new sports reporter for the local newspaper. A job he lied his way into knowing nothing at all about sport, but when he lays eyes on Devon, his interest, amongst other things, definitely perks up. Devon feels the same intense attraction, but he’s wary of reporters. Very wary. With Devon’s strong rebuff, Saul’s reporter senses tell him the brothers are hiding something and he’s determined to find out what it is....
Read BookSmitten's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
May 5, 2013
2.75 stars
When Devon and his brothers pull up to the run down arena that is the home of their latest hockey team, the Battle Creek Hawks, they know it’s their last opportunity to keep doing the only thing they know how to do – play hockey. The brothers had been poised on the brink of sports superstardom but with the death of, first their father five years previously, and then their mother a year ago, their antics and on ice brawling landed them in the bottom of the barrel minor league team that hadn’t won a game in three years. And no wonder with a team that was more interested in playing as individuals and an ineffectual and apathetic coach who had lost all control of his team.
I really liked the banter between Devon and Saul in their first couple of encounters. There was some good humour in the beginning that promised to make for an entertaining read. I loved the premise and the chemistry of the MCs, unfortunately what could have been a great story didn’t end up realising its full potential and fell short of the mark. It was too short, leaving both the plot and the characters underdeveloped. Most of the problems could have been sorted with some good editing.
Read my full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
When Devon and his brothers pull up to the run down arena that is the home of their latest hockey team, the Battle Creek Hawks, they know it’s their last opportunity to keep doing the only thing they know how to do – play hockey. The brothers had been poised on the brink of sports superstardom but with the death of, first their father five years previously, and then their mother a year ago, their antics and on ice brawling landed them in the bottom of the barrel minor league team that hadn’t won a game in three years. And no wonder with a team that was more interested in playing as individuals and an ineffectual and apathetic coach who had lost all control of his team.
I really liked the banter between Devon and Saul in their first couple of encounters. There was some good humour in the beginning that promised to make for an entertaining read. I loved the premise and the chemistry of the MCs, unfortunately what could have been a great story didn’t end up realising its full potential and fell short of the mark. It was too short, leaving both the plot and the characters underdeveloped. Most of the problems could have been sorted with some good editing.
Read my full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
November 17, 2011
Saul just talked himself into the job as sports reporter for a small newspaper and is covering the local hockey team. The talk of the town are three brothers who have managed to get themselves kicked out of the NHL due to their behaviour and are now at the bottom of the barrel. Saul is determined to find out what the real story is behind their decline and targets Devon, one of the openly gay brothers. Thanks to the press contributing to their downfall, Devon is hostile to say the least, however Saul perseveres. He even tracks down their older meth addict brother and gets the real story about their family, but by then he likes Devon so much he refuses to reveal it. His ambitious colleague is not so upstanding and Saul has to convince her to keep it quiet. There aren't many hockey stories out there, so this was a nice change and I liked Saul and Devon together. My only thought was that Saul didn't really "know" Devon when he made the decision to protect him, but on the whole I enjoyed this fun read and my heart broke for poor younger brother Trey when the truth came out. Hopefully he'll get his HEA soon. Another nice story that especially fans of the author and hockey will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews