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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
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
Protect Hugo Bladen at all costs. That is all.
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the friendship that developed between Torin and Hugo at the beginning of the story. Torin’s anxiety was written with care and authenticity, and I appreciated how Hugo made an effort to avoid triggering it by planning low-key dates and choosing places that wouldn’t overwhelm him. I didn’t quite enjoy how Hugo’s curiosity was treated—especially when he was asking questions as a friend genuinely trying to learn. It felt like his intentions weren’t fully understood.
Overall, this was a sweet and wholesome story about two people supporting each other and slowly falling in love as they worked to heal and build a life together. I loved the use of LGBTQIA+ terminology and the thoughtful representation throughout the book. Hugo’s journey in exploring where he falls on the sexuality spectrum was handled with care and nuance. I didn’t see much point in the amnesia plotline, but at least it didn’t drag on and was wrapped up nicely by the end.
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
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
pleasant low-angst book. until the end. that was... unexpected. unnecessary? a complete shift in tone. the entire book is a sweet rom com then BAM life altering injury. it's only a little one, but still. that was unexpected. not what you'd expect from a romance. and right at the end? was that Reitan's version of a climatic peak? was there no other options? huge TW for this book for that reason. no wonder the start of the book was full of "if you don't like this book, don't review it" disclaimers.
it wasn't as deep character-wise as I would have liked. it kind of came off as though Reitan tried to go for character depth but couldn't figure out how. which is kind of typical of a rom com so it's not a problem, but the circling the point like a dog trying to find a seat, was a bit of a let down.
the story as a rom com is great. I like the "double life" and the fact that Torin legit likes his job as a mascot. that sounds really fun.
it wasn't as deep character-wise as I would have liked. it kind of came off as though Reitan tried to go for character depth but couldn't figure out how. which is kind of typical of a rom com so it's not a problem, but the circling the point like a dog trying to find a seat, was a bit of a let down.
the story as a rom com is great. I like the "double life" and the fact that Torin legit likes his job as a mascot. that sounds really fun.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: For Puck's Sake # 10
Prior reading is not required but is recommended to get the best feels from the side-cast
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Torin and Hugo are dynamic characters. Both try to figure themselves out and find a home in each other. Torin's anxiety was handled with care and was so relatable.
Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. This was a slow-burn romance; however, the slow-burn friendship made this romance even more real.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 1.5/5 • The spice evolved with the characters relationship. Looking at the tropes you know what to expect. There may not have been a lot of spice but the emotional intimacy was 10/10.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 • Torin was such a sweet soul, maybe a bit misunderstood due to his social anxieties. I wasn't sure I would enjoy Hugo because he wasn't my favorite character in Atty and Toby's book ([b:Stick Lessons|212002666|Stick Lessons (For Puck's Sake #7)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1718291787l/212002666._SY75_.jpg|218234818]) but this was a redemption for me. Hugo was such a lovable cuddle bug for me. The care he had for Torin was so heartwarming. I loved this pairing. This is probably my 3rd favorite in the series.
Tropes:
• Hockey Player x Mascot
• Bi-awakening
• Virgin MC
• Social Anxiety Rep
• Demisexual and demiromantic rep
• Slow burn
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Format: E-Book
Series: For Puck's Sake # 10
Prior reading is not required but is recommended to get the best feels from the side-cast
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Torin and Hugo are dynamic characters. Both try to figure themselves out and find a home in each other. Torin's anxiety was handled with care and was so relatable.
Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. This was a slow-burn romance; however, the slow-burn friendship made this romance even more real.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 1.5/5 • The spice evolved with the characters relationship. Looking at the tropes you know what to expect. There may not have been a lot of spice but the emotional intimacy was 10/10.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 • Torin was such a sweet soul, maybe a bit misunderstood due to his social anxieties. I wasn't sure I would enjoy Hugo because he wasn't my favorite character in Atty and Toby's book ([b:Stick Lessons|212002666|Stick Lessons (For Puck's Sake #7)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1718291787l/212002666._SY75_.jpg|218234818]) but this was a redemption for me. Hugo was such a lovable cuddle bug for me. The care he had for Torin was so heartwarming. I loved this pairing. This is probably my 3rd favorite in the series.
Tropes:
• Hockey Player x Mascot
• Bi-awakening
• Virgin MC
• Social Anxiety Rep
• Demisexual and demiromantic rep
• Slow burn
• HEA
Cheating:
Spoiler
NoThird-act breakup:
Spoiler
NoPOV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
funny
lighthearted
fast-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