rlzirkle 's review for:

Neutral Zone Trap by Crea Reitan

5.0

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I feel like with each book we go deeper into Crea’s world, and I fall deeper in love with Crea’s men. These two were no exception. We’ve met Hugo in previous books… Everyone always wants to cover his mouth before he sticks his foot in it. He’s sweet even as he unwittingly says the wrong thing without meaning to (with no malicious intent). Torin hasn’t been featured, though he’s the hockey team’s mascot. He’s portrayed so beautifully here, I’m glad we got the chance to see him. His issues with social anxiety and the way the club worked with him in his career to support him really showed the care they had for him as a person not just as an employee. Events that transpire also really showed how many others care for him which moved me. I loved that Torin had a crush on sweet Hugo, and Hugo makes Torin feel seen without making him feel exposed. They sort of naturally gravitated to each other even if there is a funny side quest their virtual selves go on. I love that IRL they start their relationship as friends. Hugo is lonely. The cuddling and the way they act together—I was invested in every moment of the time they spent on these hangouts, whether alone or with friends. These two had me fully invested, and by the time we got to their HEA I was sad to say goodbye.