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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
another great book from J.J. Mulder! This is one of my favorite series and this book didn't disappoint!
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
No
I love the SCU Hockey boys and I was so excited to finally read Marcos story! With him being Max’s best friend we also got soo much Maxy and Luke in this book, which was an extra plus!
Nate and Marcos meet at a party. And while Nate is instantly taken by Marcos and even gets him to have a little fun with him, Marcos is on the fence. With to much going on in his life and no way to deal with everything he and Max have been through, he can’t stand for people to touch him and he can’t imagine what someone like Nate could want from him. But while complementing might not be Nate’s strong suit, being persistent and going after what he wants is.
This was such a lovely story! I enjoyed Marcos and Nate so much. Nate is such a good guy and he took such good care of Marcos. Marcos works so hard on himself throughout this book and i just wanted to hug him the whole time. Such an amazing edition to this series!!
Nate and Marcos meet at a party. And while Nate is instantly taken by Marcos and even gets him to have a little fun with him, Marcos is on the fence. With to much going on in his life and no way to deal with everything he and Max have been through, he can’t stand for people to touch him and he can’t imagine what someone like Nate could want from him. But while complementing might not be Nate’s strong suit, being persistent and going after what he wants is.
This was such a lovely story! I enjoyed Marcos and Nate so much. Nate is such a good guy and he took such good care of Marcos. Marcos works so hard on himself throughout this book and i just wanted to hug him the whole time. Such an amazing edition to this series!!
funny
hopeful
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
I really enjoyed Nate and Marcos’ story! And I loved seeing so much of Max, Luke, and Vas as well! This was a cute strangers to FWB (kinda) to lovers. I do wish we had gotten more of Marcos’ mental health journey, but overall I really enjoyed the growth both of the characters had throughout the years. And Tuna was just the greatest! Read if you like sports romances, horses, and found family. Excited to see what’s next for this universe!
*****
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
*****
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
“Any horniness on my part is completely your fault,” I tell him around a mouthful of crab rangoon.
“What did I do?”
“Exist.”
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 2.5/5 (this isn't bad, like the ACE rep book, this made sense and didn't detract)
Characters: 5/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
I did not think it was possible to like a pair more than Max and Luke, and while I'm not really sure that I do, Marcos and Nate are so damn close to them. These 4 are my babies. I love them. I will protect them.
First, as someone who grew up around horses (jumpers mostly, thought I was around a lot of barrel racers surprisingly) the horse parts of the book felt spot on and it felt so good for someone to get things right. Especially the thing with Annabelle. You have no idea how many times-Sorry, ranting about people buying the wrong horse for their kids is a hot button issue
Anyway, JJ Mulder has this way of writing trauma that I just love. The development of that and really showing how it affected the characters. The self doubt on both sides that comes from that. I was so impressed (not that I expected them to write about it poorly) but, just like with Max, we really got a sense of the anguish it caused. Not just the immediate pain but the long lasting after effects. The questions that never get a good answer. The ways that you don't expect it to manifest, and how, as a partner, you work through that.
I know in the past I've complained about how JJ Mulder doesn't wrap up stories in a way that leaves me feeling satisfied, needing to know where the characters go. This one felt much better at the end. I still am not ready to be done with them, but this time the story felt like it ended at a point that I felt good about.
In the end, I loved this. I will scream about this book to anyone that listens.
Spice: 2.5/5 (this isn't bad, like the ACE rep book, this made sense and didn't detract)
Characters: 5/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
I did not think it was possible to like a pair more than Max and Luke, and while I'm not really sure that I do, Marcos and Nate are so damn close to them. These 4 are my babies. I love them. I will protect them.
First, as someone who grew up around horses (jumpers mostly, thought I was around a lot of barrel racers surprisingly) the horse parts of the book felt spot on and it felt so good for someone to get things right. Especially the thing with Annabelle. You have no idea how many times-Sorry, ranting about people buying the wrong horse for their kids is a hot button issue
Anyway, JJ Mulder has this way of writing trauma that I just love. The development of that and really showing how it affected the characters. The self doubt on both sides that comes from that. I was so impressed (not that I expected them to write about it poorly) but, just like with Max, we really got a sense of the anguish it caused. Not just the immediate pain but the long lasting after effects. The questions that never get a good answer. The ways that you don't expect it to manifest, and how, as a partner, you work through that.
I know in the past I've complained about how JJ Mulder doesn't wrap up stories in a way that leaves me feeling satisfied, needing to know where the characters go. This one felt much better at the end. I still am not ready to be done with them, but this time the story felt like it ended at a point that I felt good about.
In the end, I loved this. I will scream about this book to anyone that listens.
I’ll sleep in a damn hazmat suit if that’s what it takes to keep him next to me.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I could not put this down and finished in a day. I cannot wait to read it again.
Ever since I finished Max and Luke's story, I was hoping that we would get to see Marcos get his happily ever after. Friends, I could not have imagined a better happy ending for Marcos; he and Nate were perfect. This was exactly the kind of soft, loving ending that I could never have imagined for him when we met him.
Getting to know Nate in On The Edge and having their story span both Max/Luke's story as well as Vas/Atlas was the perfect slide into love especially since Marcos had so many of his own demons to face. While I cannot wait for the next book, I have a feeling that this one may go down as my absolute favorite.
Ever since I finished Max and Luke's story, I was hoping that we would get to see Marcos get his happily ever after. Friends, I could not have imagined a better happy ending for Marcos; he and Nate were perfect. This was exactly the kind of soft, loving ending that I could never have imagined for him when we met him.
Getting to know Nate in On The Edge and having their story span both Max/Luke's story as well as Vas/Atlas was the perfect slide into love especially since Marcos had so many of his own demons to face. While I cannot wait for the next book, I have a feeling that this one may go down as my absolute favorite.
I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked how it connects to the second book in the series through Max and Marcos’ friendship. It was such a nice touch that Max and Luke also made a small appearance—it felt good to see their happily ever after continuing.
Nate is a popular hockey player—outgoing, warm, and full of energy. Originally from Wyoming, he spends his summers at his uncle’s ranch in Montana. What really stood out to me was how thoughtful and respectful he is. He never crosses Marcos’ boundaries or tries to push him, and he’s also a great friend to Micky. Their interactions were heartwarming, and I appreciated that the quieter, more introverted hockey player was never left out or overlooked. Nate is simply a sunny presence who thrives on the little things.
Marcos, on the other hand, comes across as distant and guarded at first—he scowls a lot and tends to keep to himself. But underneath that is someone who’s dealing with self-doubt and past trauma. He’s deeply responsible and caring, especially toward Max and later Nate. His protective nature stems from something he went through in the past. As the story unfolds, he begins to let his guard down and shows more of his softer, kind-hearted side. He initially believes he’s not good enough for Nate, but he slowly realizes that his struggles don’t make him any less lovable or deserving.
I also really enjoyed the moments where Marcos spoke Spanish. Since it wasn’t translated, I was thrilled that I could understand it all—and it added something special to his personality and charm. It gave a deeper layer to his character and made his voice feel more personal.
Aside from the lovely character development, I really enjoyed the parts set on the ranch. The horses were adorable, and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside added so much to the story. I could vividly picture the river, the wide open meadows, and the summer air. It made me wish I could visit a place like that myself.
I recommend this book to fans of hockey romance, grumpy–sunshine dynamics, and hurt–comfort stories.
9.5 out of 10
Nate is a popular hockey player—outgoing, warm, and full of energy. Originally from Wyoming, he spends his summers at his uncle’s ranch in Montana. What really stood out to me was how thoughtful and respectful he is. He never crosses Marcos’ boundaries or tries to push him, and he’s also a great friend to Micky. Their interactions were heartwarming, and I appreciated that the quieter, more introverted hockey player was never left out or overlooked. Nate is simply a sunny presence who thrives on the little things.
Marcos, on the other hand, comes across as distant and guarded at first—he scowls a lot and tends to keep to himself. But underneath that is someone who’s dealing with self-doubt and past trauma. He’s deeply responsible and caring, especially toward Max and later Nate. His protective nature stems from something he went through in the past. As the story unfolds, he begins to let his guard down and shows more of his softer, kind-hearted side. He initially believes he’s not good enough for Nate, but he slowly realizes that his struggles don’t make him any less lovable or deserving.
I also really enjoyed the moments where Marcos spoke Spanish. Since it wasn’t translated, I was thrilled that I could understand it all—and it added something special to his personality and charm. It gave a deeper layer to his character and made his voice feel more personal.
Aside from the lovely character development, I really enjoyed the parts set on the ranch. The horses were adorable, and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside added so much to the story. I could vividly picture the river, the wide open meadows, and the summer air. It made me wish I could visit a place like that myself.
I recommend this book to fans of hockey romance, grumpy–sunshine dynamics, and hurt–comfort stories.
9.5 out of 10
This series is one of my all-time favourites, I would literally give my life for these boys. I’ve been waiting for Marcos’s story and I’m so happy he ended up with Nate. Nate is such a sweetheart!
Marcos is still traumatized by what happened to Max (Save the Game) and the guilt is eating him alive. He needs help to move on and accept that it wasn’t his fault. He’s such a good friend and deserves all the love and care in the world.
This book hit even harder because I’ve read Max’s story, so I already knew how much the assault affected him and changed his friendship with Marcos. Now, seeing it from Marcos’s POV, it shattered me. He’s so weighed down by guilt and trauma and it affects his ability to connect with others. He needed someone steady and kind and Nate was exactly that.
I adore Nate and Marcos. I LOVE THEM. Like, they fully own my heart and are living rent-free in my head forever.
Nate reminded me so much of Luke. He’s patient, gentle, understanding. Even while discovering new parts of his sexuality, he never pressured Marcos, he let him go at his own pace. He helped Marcos smile again, laugh again and slowly feel okay. The love between them is healing.
I deeply appreciate JJ Mulder’s approach to intimacy in all her books. It’s never just about sex. It’s about trust, consent, little gestures and communication. She writes intimacy in such a tender, grounded way. I love when MM romance isn’t centered around anal sex. Not every queer man has it and this idea that it’s the “ultimate goal” is such a heteronormative mindset. In this book, we have two queer men sharing beautiful, affirming intimacy through frotting, caresses, blowjobs, but more than anything, through connection. It’s so refreshing. JJ Mulder is not only my favourite author for ace rep, she’s becoming my favourite author for writing intimacy, period.
Another thing I loved was how the story explored Marcos and Max’s friendship. It’s strong, deep, almost codependent. It was definitely affected by Max’s assault but their bond is still so full of love and unspoken understanding. And the fact that both found amazing boyfriends who are just as sweet and who became besties themselves is adorable.
The way mental illness and trauma are portrayed here is also incredibly well done. Marcos wasn’t the direct victim that night, but he still suffered. He felt responsible. He was broken, couldn’t stand being touched anymore and felt like a failure as a friend. Even though he was seeing a therapist, what really helped him heal was Nate, and the ranch, the horses, the quiet peace of that life. The way animals, especially horses, can support healing was beautifully shown and it made such a difference for Marcos.
This book is yet another amazing installment in a series that has completely stolen my heart. JJ Mulder writes romance and characters with so much care and emotional depth. I can’t recommend this book enough but please read the earlier books first, especially Max and Luke’s story.
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I love this book and this whole series! Definitely read this in order (or at least Save the Game) because there's a lot of stuff that happened in previous books that's mentioned and is actually important to the plot.
I've been hoping Marcos could have some happiness since reading Max's book. What happened clearly affected him too and this book addresses that perfectly. I love the way J.J. Mulder carefully and respectfully addresses difficult issues - serious, traumatic events aren't just brushed aside for the sake of plot.
I've been hoping Marcos could have some happiness since reading Max's book. What happened clearly affected him too and this book addresses that perfectly. I love the way J.J. Mulder carefully and respectfully addresses difficult issues - serious, traumatic events aren't just brushed aside for the sake of plot.
emotional
hopeful
If 17 minutes is all I am getting, I am going to make it count and boy did Nate, Tuna definitely didn't hurt though.
Book 4 in the SCU series is Marcos and Nate's story. Marcos, who we've previously met is Max's best friend and I truly love how all of these books have recurring roles of previous main characters. If you've read the other books, as you should, we hear about Max, Luke, Coach Mackenzie, Anthony, Nigel, Vas, Atlas and my heart, Carter Morgan.
Throughout this story, Marcos comes to terms with his past traumas, from his own upbringing to the struggles he still faces with what happened to Maxy. Nate, always positive and understanding of Marcos' aversions fell fast and hard for him and did everything he could, to woo his way into Marcos' heart.
We also find out more about the shared childhoods between Max and Marcos and get a better understanding of why his guilt and fears have been able to dominate and change their relationship.
Nate is like a breathe of fresh air, literally. He loves playing hockey but he loves the farm, even more. We get to see a little bit of farm life and get to live through his excitement of having Marcos experience it, as well.
A little nugget in this story is we get to see a little bit more into Coach Mackenzie's personal life and I couldn't be happier, for that.
Book 4 in the SCU series is Marcos and Nate's story. Marcos, who we've previously met is Max's best friend and I truly love how all of these books have recurring roles of previous main characters. If you've read the other books, as you should, we hear about Max, Luke, Coach Mackenzie, Anthony, Nigel, Vas, Atlas and my heart, Carter Morgan.
Throughout this story, Marcos comes to terms with his past traumas, from his own upbringing to the struggles he still faces with what happened to Maxy. Nate, always positive and understanding of Marcos' aversions fell fast and hard for him and did everything he could, to woo his way into Marcos' heart.
We also find out more about the shared childhoods between Max and Marcos and get a better understanding of why his guilt and fears have been able to dominate and change their relationship.
Nate is like a breathe of fresh air, literally. He loves playing hockey but he loves the farm, even more. We get to see a little bit of farm life and get to live through his excitement of having Marcos experience it, as well.
A little nugget in this story is we get to see a little bit more into Coach Mackenzie's personal life and I couldn't be happier, for that.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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