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xanthe87's review
emotional
hopeful
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
**4.5**
Who doesn't love a good redemption story! Those who have read Cracks in the Ice (MU Hockey #1) will have met and disliked Eckie for how he acted, what he said and what he put Cole and Benny through. Now, he's like a whole new man having followed instruction by the university and hockey coaches. His most important factor, though, was the near daily visits by Assistant Coach, Jack Rogan. They've built a strong friendship and it continues on when Jack offers Eckie a place to stay.
It's so heartwarming to read the man that Eckie has become. When you read about his family and home life, you can understand a bit of how he came to be the man he was but he deserves much credit for making the changes in himself for himself. What he now shares with Jack and what grows between them is fun to read as they dance around their attraction for a while. Jack is a stand up guy and doesn't want to impact Eckie's progress but he's also got his own painful history and is nervous about starting something with someone, especially the kind of guy Eckie used to be. However, both show just what can be possible when you find that special someone and things certainly look up for both men. Eckie has his hockey and his little boy, just the cutest thing, and Jack has his coaching and seeing how well Eckie has gotten. It's also touch and go with how things will play out with Benny, Eckie's coach and partner to Cole, both of whom Eckie caused trouble for. I really liked how everything played out for everyone involved and how this is a positive story for self care and mental health.
There are a couple of hard scenes to read when it comes to Eckie's parents, and the mental health problems that both men have experienced. Please be sure to read the content/trigger warnings.
I received an ARC and am happily giving my review.
Who doesn't love a good redemption story! Those who have read Cracks in the Ice (MU Hockey #1) will have met and disliked Eckie for how he acted, what he said and what he put Cole and Benny through. Now, he's like a whole new man having followed instruction by the university and hockey coaches. His most important factor, though, was the near daily visits by Assistant Coach, Jack Rogan. They've built a strong friendship and it continues on when Jack offers Eckie a place to stay.
It's so heartwarming to read the man that Eckie has become. When you read about his family and home life, you can understand a bit of how he came to be the man he was but he deserves much credit for making the changes in himself for himself. What he now shares with Jack and what grows between them is fun to read as they dance around their attraction for a while. Jack is a stand up guy and doesn't want to impact Eckie's progress but he's also got his own painful history and is nervous about starting something with someone, especially the kind of guy Eckie used to be. However, both show just what can be possible when you find that special someone and things certainly look up for both men. Eckie has his hockey and his little boy, just the cutest thing, and Jack has his coaching and seeing how well Eckie has gotten. It's also touch and go with how things will play out with Benny, Eckie's coach and partner to Cole, both of whom Eckie caused trouble for. I really liked how everything played out for everyone involved and how this is a positive story for self care and mental health.
There are a couple of hard scenes to read when it comes to Eckie's parents, and the mental health problems that both men have experienced. Please be sure to read the content/trigger warnings.
I received an ARC and am happily giving my review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Physical abuse
Mental health
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