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amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I loved both lead characters and their relationship. While he never actually labels himself this way, Landon's explanation of how he experiences attraction sounded demisexual to me. Casey was an amazing golden retriever type who was so patient with Landon, never pressuring him and always checking in with him to see if he was good with what was happening. I think this is the first romance I've read where one of the characters isn't into a common sex act, and their partner is absolutely fine with never doing that act with anyone ever again. That was so refreshing to see depicted.
I was initially frustrated with the third-act conflict because I thought Landon gave up on the relationship too quickly, but then I realized this was a case of "I'm in this photo, and I don't like it." As someone who also struggles with low self-worth making them give up on relationships too easily, Landon's actions made sense to me.
The development of this relationship felt realistic, and I found myself really cheering for the characters in a way I don't often do when reading romance novels.
I was initially frustrated with the third-act conflict because I thought Landon gave up on the relationship too quickly, but then I realized this was a case of "I'm in this photo, and I don't like it." As someone who also struggles with low self-worth making them give up on relationships too easily, Landon's actions made sense to me.
The development of this relationship felt realistic, and I found myself really cheering for the characters in a way I don't often do when reading romance novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence
takarakei's review against another edition
funny
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
4.5
- hockey romance
- teammates
- forced proximity
- queer discovery
- opposites attract
Casey is the most golden retriever character I've read. But also, a bi-king! Landon's journey was also so heartwarming to read, he is definitely on the ACE spectrum of sexuality. Holiday romance, but not centered on the holidays (more-so hockey season). Just a really wonderful queer romance!
🌶️4/5
🌶️4/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident
rdebner's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This story was so sweet!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Car accident
dododenise's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.5
Such a cute book! This gave me everything I wanted! Landon and Casey have amazing chemistry. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a delight to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Car accident
wilybooklover's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
What lovely, cosy Christmassy vibes this book had! So fluffy and festive.
I absolutely adored these two characters; sweet, outgoing himbo Casey and reserved, awkward loner Landon were complete opposites yet balanced each other out beautifully. I really loved how they appreciated each other for who they were. You could see how much better they made each other with the more time they spent together. Landon being flustered by Casey's constant praise was so cute, and Landon telling Casey he wasn't stupid just warmed my heart. These two deserved everything!!
Another thing I loved was how the sex scenes played out. They were slow and exploratorywith the focus completely away from penetrative sex. I loved how sex-positive and focused on consent Casey was — he really just wants everyone to have a good time. The perfect pairing for Landon, who was a virgin who'd barely been kissed before.
The side characters were all fantastic here as well, from their families to their teammates and even Casey's one-night stands (Zach flirting with Landon the morning after was hilarious!). Seeing Landon start to heal his relationship with his parents was so heartwarming and the Christmas scenes in the 'cabin' were so fun! I'm not a big sports fan but the sports aspects were well-integrated into the story too, and never took away from the romance.
This whole book was just so soft and tender and I loved it. The perfect Christmas book.
I absolutely adored these two characters; sweet, outgoing himbo Casey and reserved, awkward loner Landon were complete opposites yet balanced each other out beautifully. I really loved how they appreciated each other for who they were. You could see how much better they made each other with the more time they spent together. Landon being flustered by Casey's constant praise was so cute, and Landon telling Casey he wasn't stupid just warmed my heart. These two deserved everything!!
Another thing I loved was how the sex scenes played out. They were slow and exploratory
The side characters were all fantastic here as well, from their families to their teammates and even Casey's one-night stands (Zach flirting with Landon the morning after was hilarious!). Seeing Landon start to heal his relationship with his parents was so heartwarming and the Christmas scenes in the 'cabin' were so fun! I'm not a big sports fan but the sports aspects were well-integrated into the story too, and never took away from the romance.
This whole book was just so soft and tender and I loved it. The perfect Christmas book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Drug use, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Violence and Car accident
ghost_rider's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A cute romance. I really liked the demisexual representation, even if it wasn’t explicitly stated as such.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Grief and Car accident
daniellesharp's review against another edition
5.0
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sortof 3rd act breakup
Dual POV
Casey/Landon
OH MY GOD. I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. This was so cute! I was just smiling and "aw"ing most of the book. I really loved it.
The spice isn't, like, really kinky or anything, but very detailed/explicit, lol.
Casey and Landon are both so insanely awkward, and I love it.
Landon definitely reads as demisexual/on the asexual spectrum.
I absolutely loved this. 10/10.
Sortof 3rd act breakup
Dual POV
Casey/Landon
OH MY GOD. I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. This was so cute! I was just smiling and "aw"ing most of the book. I really loved it.
The spice isn't, like, really kinky or anything, but very detailed/explicit, lol.
Casey and Landon are both so insanely awkward, and I love it.
Landon definitely reads as demisexual/on the asexual spectrum.
I absolutely loved this. 10/10.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Minor: Car accident
wildatheart1339's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Alcohol
Minor: Death, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
shaunashares's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Car accident
jennp28's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
Loved this sweet hockey romance. A little less spicy than the Game Changers series but still swoony! Landon seems to maybe be demi (it’s never labelled) which is nice to see represented in a romance like this. It’s also nice to see a character presented as really good at their sport but not a typical manly dudebro jock. Also Eastern Passage represent! Love the idea of an NHL player jogging around my neighbourhood.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Grief
Minor: Car accident and Injury/Injury detail