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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I will admit I picked up this story because I am on a MM kick and it takes place in PA where I grew up. I don't find a lot of books set there so whenever I do find one it instantly goes on my to-read list. Now I didn't expect to enjoy this story as much as I did. It was a really great read and I am excited to read more from the series.
Layton is new to the Harrisburg Railers. He is a PR person hired to help deal with the NHL's first out gay player (the character from the first book in the series, which I haven't read and this story worked as a standalone). He is a bit skittish, he had some really bad things happen to him when he was younger that makes him panic in certain situations. He is good at his job and wants to get his job done and maybe find some nice, small, not super muscular guy. That is who he needs.
Alder is new to the Harrisburg Railers also, but he is part of the team. And he has a big mouth and says the first thing he thinks of without a filter. I really loved him. His sections were so much fun as he didn't have a normal upbringing and doesn't really know how to show affection. Or he shows it in ways that others might not realize that is what it is. Because that is how his parents were. When he meets Layton for the first time he is drawn to him, but doesn't make the best first impression. Especially because of why Layton is there and how Alder just runs his mouth trying to be funny.
These two were super sweet together. With Layton's issues it would have been easy for Alder to go too far or do something to upset him, but Alder from the first notices everything. He notices when something is stressing Layton out and subtly fixes it so he can be calm again. Really how Alder was with him was adorable. I loved them together so much. They definitely bring out the best in each other and help whenever needed. It was a great read and I am looking forward to reading more!
Layton is new to the Harrisburg Railers. He is a PR person hired to help deal with the NHL's first out gay player (the character from the first book in the series, which I haven't read and this story worked as a standalone). He is a bit skittish, he had some really bad things happen to him when he was younger that makes him panic in certain situations. He is good at his job and wants to get his job done and maybe find some nice, small, not super muscular guy. That is who he needs.
Alder is new to the Harrisburg Railers also, but he is part of the team. And he has a big mouth and says the first thing he thinks of without a filter. I really loved him. His sections were so much fun as he didn't have a normal upbringing and doesn't really know how to show affection. Or he shows it in ways that others might not realize that is what it is. Because that is how his parents were. When he meets Layton for the first time he is drawn to him, but doesn't make the best first impression. Especially because of why Layton is there and how Alder just runs his mouth trying to be funny.
These two were super sweet together. With Layton's issues it would have been easy for Alder to go too far or do something to upset him, but Alder from the first notices everything. He notices when something is stressing Layton out and subtly fixes it so he can be calm again. Really how Alder was with him was adorable. I loved them together so much. They definitely bring out the best in each other and help whenever needed. It was a great read and I am looking forward to reading more!
challenging
Almost 3.5 stars
I see the same pattern as in the first story, going so much better in the second half.
So much that at some point during the first part,, I thought this book wouldn't go beyond 2 stars.
But then the MCs were gaining depth, controlling his restlessness one, and moderating his inner Irish setter the other, not to mention the welcome interventions of Ryker, Brady and the Railers, especially Stan, who is my favorite character in the series so far.
I see the same pattern as in the first story, going so much better in the second half.
So much that at some point during the first part,
Spoiler
when Layton leads Adler to his office after "the" press conference for their first sizzling interlude. I didn't buy it; the situation seemed implausible in that stage of the story; I felt that the scene was there simply because someone said: "OK gals, it's the hour of putting some sex in the story"But then the MCs were gaining depth, controlling his restlessness one, and moderating his inner Irish setter the other, not to mention the welcome interventions of Ryker, Brady and the Railers, especially Stan, who is my favorite character in the series so far.
A heartwarming love story between two people who were each damaged in their own way. Adler was an adorable impulsive puppy with a heart of gold and Layton couldn't help falling for him despite himself and his traumas. They were really good for each other. Adler learned his worth and that family comes in all kinds of forms and Layton learned to trust again. I also liked the feeling of family among the team and look forward to reading more about them.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
relaxing
emotional
funny
sad
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
I totally fell in love with this pair
Adler and his lack of filter and ability to blurt out the first thing that comes into his head totally stole the show in this second offering from RJ Scott and VL Locey.
He truly was a wonderful character and perfectly suited to be the one who managed to break through Layton's much needed walls. Layton himself, oh how I wanted to hug him, polished and professional on the outside but still suffering from a truly horrific incident in his past.
Together they created a sweet and tender romance which was firmly rooted in emotions as much as it was in getting off. They never progress past frotting and mutual blow jobs and I have to say, I'm glad. Given Layton's past, it would have been a serious case of magic dick and something wholly out of keeping with the narrative.
I do believe they'd eventually get there though, Adler has an innate ability to work through Layton' fears, demonstrating kindness and love.
There's a wee glimpse into Ten and Mads' coming out from the other side and plot bunnies firmly out in place for book three.
Plus we still get on page hockey talk, great in a sports book to actually read some game play, and the cover is fabulous.
Adler and his lack of filter and ability to blurt out the first thing that comes into his head totally stole the show in this second offering from RJ Scott and VL Locey.
He truly was a wonderful character and perfectly suited to be the one who managed to break through Layton's much needed walls. Layton himself, oh how I wanted to hug him, polished and professional on the outside but still suffering from a truly horrific incident in his past.
Together they created a sweet and tender romance which was firmly rooted in emotions as much as it was in getting off. They never progress past frotting and mutual blow jobs and I have to say, I'm glad. Given Layton's past, it would have been a serious case of magic dick and something wholly out of keeping with the narrative.
I do believe they'd eventually get there though, Adler has an innate ability to work through Layton' fears, demonstrating kindness and love.
There's a wee glimpse into Ten and Mads' coming out from the other side and plot bunnies firmly out in place for book three.
Plus we still get on page hockey talk, great in a sports book to actually read some game play, and the cover is fabulous.
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail