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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is another one I've already read and apparently didn't log anywhere.
I am very glad I glanced at the reviews before committing to this story, and I would definitely encourage any prospective readers to do so, because
That said - is this an incredible, sweet, sexy, devastating, fantastically written book all the same? YES. Just make sure you're in the right mood for it.
I am very glad I glanced at the reviews before committing to this story, and I would definitely encourage any prospective readers to do so, because
Spoiler
this is NOT a romance with the traditional happily ever after. This a crying-into-your-kleenex ending, even though you know it's coming, even though you've been watching Mike's health decline for half the book. The author mentioned in her notes that she has a brother who suffered from post-concussion syndrome, and she does NOT pull any punches when it comes to Mike's symptoms and how limiting/demoralizing they are for him.That said - is this an incredible, sweet, sexy, devastating, fantastically written book all the same? YES. Just make sure you're in the right mood for it.
emotional
lighthearted
sad
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:
N/A
This book taught me a very valuable lesson, that perhaps I knew, but had not internalized. It taught me the difference between a romance and a love story. This was not a romance. I asked my friend for a romance rec after a rough few days, and he really failed me with this one. The book was good and very touching but it was not a romance, in the light/fluffy way I expected/wanted.
This focuses on the realities of contact sports that nearly all sports romances avoid. It was so incredibly sad, both in content, and what was left unsaid between the characters. I was really impressed with the entirety of the book being in third person, hovering over Mike as it followed his experiences, and then the last chapter going to Liam’s first person POV. It felt like the author really knew their characters. This is a book i will probably think about for awhile.
This focuses on the realities of contact sports that nearly all sports romances avoid. It was so incredibly sad, both in content, and what was left unsaid between the characters. I was really impressed with the entirety of the book being in third person, hovering over Mike as it followed his experiences, and then the last chapter going to Liam’s first person POV. It felt like the author really knew their characters. This is a book i will probably think about for awhile.
I am going to cry myself to sleep now.
If you've read it, you understand.
If you haven't, don't read it unless you're ready to be emotionally wrecked.
If you've read it, you understand.
If you haven't, don't read it unless you're ready to be emotionally wrecked.
5.0 ⭐️
Absolutely blown away. I was drawn in and attached to the MCs and their relationship so much, when the book took a turn I never would have expected. Sweet, funny, honest, gut wrenching…such an all around great read. I don’t think I’ve cried so much over a book since Marley & Me, and I soaked those pages right through.
Absolutely blown away. I was drawn in and attached to the MCs and their relationship so much, when the book took a turn I never would have expected. Sweet, funny, honest, gut wrenching…such an all around great read. I don’t think I’ve cried so much over a book since Marley & Me, and I soaked those pages right through.
This book, this book is GOOD. All the superlatives! Reading Thrown Off The Ice is giving me the same whirlwind of emotions I get from reading well-written, superb m/m manga which is rare. Even exceeds most of it considering I couldn’t stop crying by the end. I don’t typically seek out m/m romance in book form but the reviews for Thrown Off The Ice and the premise itself seemed promising. And boy, did it deliver the goods! This book also made me aware about the plight professional athletes may suffer from sustained injuries while professional sports-ing. In this case, what could happen to hockey players enduring multiple concussions. My heart goes out for IRL people with Post-Concussion Syndome and their carers/loved ones as well. Thrown Off The Ice revitalized my spirit, scratched my itch so to speak, and even went above & beyond that; especially after I had recently did a back-to-back reread of old YA books I’ve read in my adolescence.
At first, the beginning of Thrown Off The Ice has all this heat which serves to amp chemistry between our two teammates, Mike and Liam. Not for prudes, ladies and gents, Thrown Off Ice features sexually explicit scenes and lots of dirty talk. And although the book is written in third person, we are getting what Mike thinks. His worries, his recriminations, his desire, his denial, his guilt. Around chapters 14-15 and especially 16, the book goes beyond the sex and gets meatier as we witness Mike deal with a serious, career-ending injury.
I didn’t where it would go from there (after the big ‘go away’ moment) but where it went – twas alright. More than alright. Mike, to the very end, why do you continue to oh-so stubborn? It was EXHAUSTING and thank goodness you had Liam who with his own brand of stubbornness and tenacity; was a fierce and worthy opponent. Ah, Liam found the word I was puzzling over: Emotional constipation = Mike Brouwer.
The ending, the chapters leading up to the end made me cry, the sap that I am. It is witnessing a once vibrant person deteriorate, how his sustained injuries and illness has impacted his relationship with his lover that gets to me. Such pain. It makes me think of other things, pertaining to myself which just brings about more waterworks.
At first, the beginning of Thrown Off The Ice has all this heat which serves to amp chemistry between our two teammates, Mike and Liam. Not for prudes, ladies and gents, Thrown Off Ice features sexually explicit scenes and lots of dirty talk. And although the book is written in third person, we are getting what Mike thinks. His worries, his recriminations, his desire, his denial, his guilt. Around chapters 14-15 and especially 16, the book goes beyond the sex and gets meatier as we witness Mike deal with a serious, career-ending injury.
I didn’t where it would go from there (after the big ‘go away’ moment) but where it went – twas alright. More than alright. Mike, to the very end, why do you continue to oh-so stubborn? It was EXHAUSTING and thank goodness you had Liam who with his own brand of stubbornness and tenacity; was a fierce and worthy opponent. Ah, Liam found the word I was puzzling over: Emotional constipation = Mike Brouwer.
The ending, the chapters leading up to the end made me cry, the sap that I am. It is witnessing a once vibrant person deteriorate, how his sustained injuries and illness has impacted his relationship with his lover that gets to me. Such pain. It makes me think of other things, pertaining to myself which just brings about more waterworks.
I’m breaking my rule. I usually only give 5 stars to books that I love so much I want to own a hard copy. This book is powerful, impactful, beautiful, heartbreaking, and one I am so grateful to have been able to read. But, I don’t want a hard copy. I own it on my Kindle, but I never want to read this incredible story again. My heart cannot take it and I can give it no more tears. Thank you, for sharing your talent and this story with us.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes