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A review by divapitbull
Off the Ice by Avon Gale, Piper Vaughn
2.0
Off the Ice seems like it must be a case of it’s me not the book. It’s well written and there’s nothing wrong with it; and yet I was bored and underwhelmed. It was just too nice. Everyone was nice and reasonably mature and well adjusted. Parts of the story read like a pro-LGBTQ after school special with the MC Tristan coming out; and everyone having just the right supportive platitude on offer. Even the eventual conflict wasn’t all that conflictual.
23-year-old NHL defenseman Tristan Holt plays for the Atlanta Venom. He’s not out but he’s comfortable with his sexuality. He very reasonably decides to go back to school to work on completing his BA in business so that he can have a “back up” plan to his hockey career. It’s during his summer sociology class that he meets 30-something -year-old Professor Sebastian Cruz. Sebastian is supposed to be the kind of hero that I love; grumpy and snarky. However, all he really has going for him is resting bitch face and a permanent scowl and eye glare.
At first, Seb’s a little tweaked about getting involved with a student; and a younger one at that; until summer class ends and he realizes; voila – no more student! Then it’s safe for Tris and Seb to give in to their attraction and bond over their love of classic rock. Despite that Tristan is taller and more bulky muscle to Seb’s shorter and wirier runner’s physique; Seb likes to be all Charles In Charge domineering and Tristan likes him to be that way. Good for Tris, because I found Seb kind of annoying. There is something about these two that is so uninspiring, they even manage to make spanking boring.
The conflict when it comes, is of Seb’s making; and while I kinda, sorta get where he is coming from; I also think his Drama Queen presentation was bit over the top, uncalled for and unreasonable. In short, he annoyed me – again. The Venom’s goalie Ryu plays a supporting role which serves to set up his story in the next installment; but I don’t think I can.
23-year-old NHL defenseman Tristan Holt plays for the Atlanta Venom. He’s not out but he’s comfortable with his sexuality. He very reasonably decides to go back to school to work on completing his BA in business so that he can have a “back up” plan to his hockey career. It’s during his summer sociology class that he meets 30-something -year-old Professor Sebastian Cruz. Sebastian is supposed to be the kind of hero that I love; grumpy and snarky. However, all he really has going for him is resting bitch face and a permanent scowl and eye glare.
At first, Seb’s a little tweaked about getting involved with a student; and a younger one at that; until summer class ends and he realizes; voila – no more student! Then it’s safe for Tris and Seb to give in to their attraction and bond over their love of classic rock. Despite that Tristan is taller and more bulky muscle to Seb’s shorter and wirier runner’s physique; Seb likes to be all Charles In Charge domineering and Tristan likes him to be that way. Good for Tris, because I found Seb kind of annoying. There is something about these two that is so uninspiring, they even manage to make spanking boring.
The conflict when it comes, is of Seb’s making; and while I kinda, sorta get where he is coming from; I also think his Drama Queen presentation was bit over the top, uncalled for and unreasonable. In short, he annoyed me – again. The Venom’s goalie Ryu plays a supporting role which serves to set up his story in the next installment; but I don’t think I can.