47 reviews for:

Stick By Me

Christie Gordon

3.58 AVERAGE


I didn't hate the book, it just felt cheesier than I was expecting and the sort of insta-love that didn't feel real. I normally eat up a bi-awakening, but it didn't feel like one, for a number of reasons. This hockey romance series will not be one I continue more of. 

This is the first book a of new series from this authors, that is a kind of spin-off of her previous series that I haven't read yet but probably will. I had just read the free prequel of this series, that I have to admit left me very frustrated as it introduced Archer without giving him his HEA.... but now we have Archer full love story and I loved it.
What I particularly enjoyed in this book is the open communication between both MC, no third act breakup, the steam, and both MC who are endearing.
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-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

This book was just so sweet — nothing but serotonin through and through. I feel like the author was looking to add depth to the guys but it was lacking. Where this book could have really dived into some relevant topics regarding their sexualities and the hardships they are likely to encounter, it felt like this fell short. This was definitely a good fluffy read and I loved the boys so so much and loved the side characters just as much, I feel like we could have gotten just some more depth to the main characters. 

Spice was 10/10 too.

Stick by Me by  Christie Gordon is the first novel in the Desert Hockey Series. In this story  Archer, a hockey player from ASU, and Leo, a planner at a semiconductor company, meet while volunteering at the humane society and hit it off immediately. What started it as friendship quickly turned into a love story that was fraught with small land mines when Leo wasn’t ready to be out yet to his friends  and family. But when Archer has a family crisis. Leo steps up and is there for Archer in the best possible ways. I really loved this story. Archer and Leo were so sweet together but so supportive and loving. Christie is wonderful with creating the scenery to this wonderful story. You feel you could find your way around Tempe even if you’ve never been there. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.

Audio review
Stick by Me by Christie Gordon Archer, a hockey player from ASU, and Leo, a planner at a semiconductor company, meet while volunteering at the humane society and hit it off immediately. Leo has trouble coming out to his family as he keeps feeling like he has to be straight since his brother is gay.
When Archer has a family crisis. Leo steps up and is there for Archer in the best possible ways. I really loved this story. Leo had to learn that being his true self is so much better than being what he thinks his parents want him to be. Archer and Leo were so sweet together I really love both of them. Christie is wonderful with creating the scenery to this wonderful story. You feel you could find your way around Tempe even if you’ve never been there.
Finney Cole was a delightful narrator


‘Stick By Me’ by Christie Gordon marks the first installment in her College Hockey Series. This book represents a new venture for Gordon, yet it retains the comforting familiarity that fans have come to cherish from her previous works. As the third book by Christie Gordon that I have had the pleasure of reviewing, following the engaging Rock U Series, ‘Stick By Me’ continues to exhibit her signature ability to weave intricate narratives with relatable and evolving characters.

The book kicks off, the College Hockey series with a compelling narrative centered around the blossoming relationship between two college students, Leo and Archer while interlinking them with familiar faces from the Rock U Series. This seamless transition creates a sense of continuity that is both comforting and exciting for returning readers. ‘Stick By Me,’ is evident that Christie Gordon’s storytelling prowess remains undiminished. The first installment in the College Hockey Series is a testament to her skill and passion as an author, promising a series that will undoubtedly captivate and inspire.

The book places significant, emphasis on the sexual exploration between Leo and Archer. Though well-written, and emotionally, resonant, which, while crucial for their character development and relationship dynamics, sometimes overshadow other elements. A notable aspect that could have been enhanced particularly is the background information on the character, Leo. A little less emphasis on the sexual exploration and a more detailed depiction of Leo’s day-to-day work life could have added depth to his character, allowing readers to connect with him on a more, personal level.

Despite these minor shortcomings, “Stick By Me” is a strong start to the College Hockey Series, offering a blend of romance, character development, and sportsmanship. The book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a great addition to the genre. Readers are left feeling warm and satisfied, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
medium-paced
emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Yes
emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing fast-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

 When I read this book I had not read Archer's interaction with Milo in Milo's story More than a Spark, now I have, I can understand Archer more when he says, all that he wants is a boyfriend and whilst after I read this story I thought he was patient, now after I listened to it, I am in awe with how patient he was with Leo.
I loved Finnley Coles narration of both Archer and Leo and there was no confusion who's POV we were listening to. I liked that Leo had an older voice emphasising their age gap. I could feel the emotion from Archer at some difficult times in the book.
With all the secondary characters having their own voices, there was a lot of them to come up with and again there was no confusion who was speaking to them,
I am looking forward to listening to more of this series