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ninajustlovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jg1987's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
The story was cute as hell and the narrators nailed it. I would have liked a bit more spice though. The fade to black stuff is weak. It was kinda disappointing since this author is usually stronger in that department. But this was still a pretty solid hockey hottie romance. I will always read this author’s MM stuff.
The story was cute as hell and the narrators nailed it. I would have liked a bit more spice though. The fade to black stuff is weak. It was kinda disappointing since this author is usually stronger in that department. But this was still a pretty solid hockey hottie romance. I will always read this author’s MM stuff.
anne_razz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aredheadwithbedhead's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really cute MM romance hockey story that was funny and endearing! Carter and Tommaso’s friendship/relationship felt realistic and charming, from the awkward first feelings to the steamy moments they shared. I found myself laughing out-loud more than once listening to the audiobook. This is definitely a slow-burn and doesn’t go too explicitly into the sex scenes, but the book focuses more on the emotional development of their relationships and it did a great job. The only tweak I would have made was to reverse the male narrators to better suit the characters (at least how I pictured them in my head), but that’s only for the audiobook. All in all, another fun easy read from Sarina Bowen! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
bridget101's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lmrivas54's review against another edition
5.0
Once again, Sarina Bowen gives us a beautiful drama of a hockey player who faces his demons and accepts his sexuality, not without some initial struggles. Tommaso DiCosta has been trying to ignore his urges for years, including a failed marriage. His uncle and cousin in New Jersey picked up on it and abused him terribly until a fight during a hockey play ensued, Tommaso was depicted as a violent person, his reputation took a dive, and he was traded to the Colorado Cougars.
His new team is full of great people, including Hudson Newgate, who is bisexual and happily living with his boyfriend and daughter, right across the street to Tommaso’s new townhouse. Now Tommaso needs furniture for his completely empty house, and this is how he meets Carter, interior designer, very openly gay, almost bankrupt at the moment. Tommaso needs his house to be perfect for when his mother comes to visit in December and Carter promises. And a very strong attraction begins! Tommaso fell for Carter’s Hollywood face and Carter fell for Tommaso’s “abs of glory”.
I loved this story because the author did such a good job of presenting Tommaso’s struggles and how Carter helped him through it. In a sport where men are typically seen as very manly, coming out gay requires a ton of courage. At the moment, Tommaso is not being brave. It takes falling in love and fear of losing his happiness to push him over the barrier. The story is truly fascinating because both characters are so beautifully human, tender and loving, and superbly considerate of the other. Hudson and Gavin, as neighbors, are an example of marriage bliss between two men. The teammates are funny, playful, and good friends. I had a great time as Carter purchases and decorates Tommaso’s house, and makes his house so homey. It’s a total feel-good story, lighthearted and steamy, heartfelt and heartwarming, and left me feeling happy. Loved these characters!
His new team is full of great people, including Hudson Newgate, who is bisexual and happily living with his boyfriend and daughter, right across the street to Tommaso’s new townhouse. Now Tommaso needs furniture for his completely empty house, and this is how he meets Carter, interior designer, very openly gay, almost bankrupt at the moment. Tommaso needs his house to be perfect for when his mother comes to visit in December and Carter promises. And a very strong attraction begins! Tommaso fell for Carter’s Hollywood face and Carter fell for Tommaso’s “abs of glory”.
I loved this story because the author did such a good job of presenting Tommaso’s struggles and how Carter helped him through it. In a sport where men are typically seen as very manly, coming out gay requires a ton of courage. At the moment, Tommaso is not being brave. It takes falling in love and fear of losing his happiness to push him over the barrier. The story is truly fascinating because both characters are so beautifully human, tender and loving, and superbly considerate of the other. Hudson and Gavin, as neighbors, are an example of marriage bliss between two men. The teammates are funny, playful, and good friends. I had a great time as Carter purchases and decorates Tommaso’s house, and makes his house so homey. It’s a total feel-good story, lighthearted and steamy, heartfelt and heartwarming, and left me feeling happy. Loved these characters!
k8ecallahan's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tmeehan7's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0