birchbarkhandicrafts's profile picture

birchbarkhandicrafts 's review for:

Jaded by Lex Easton
5.0
funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad 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

“We gravitate towards the darkness reflected inside of us.”

I recently watched a show called Shoresy and Jaded has part of that feel, the hockey underdogs digging deep and making a comback.   This hockey-centric book explores the relationships between Nat and Olli, one plays professional hockey and the other plays in the Ice Out.  
Nat, had a dream, self sabotaged, lost his sense of direction and now lives day to day for his daughter, so she can get out of what he considers a dead end life.   He doesn't always see the friends, family he has and how they are there to support him.
Olli, has a dream, sole focus, wants a hockey family, but due to his darkness he never let's people past his brightside.  He too doesn't realize he has people on his side if he just lets them in.  
These two men develop a fun, banterful, quirky flirty friendship that leads to a beautiful bond in the end.  I really loved the development of their relationship, it was well balanced.  “How do you do that?" 
The representation of mental health and sexuality was explored with deep reflection, growth, healing, and acceptance.  I saw part of myself in Olli, found his inner monolugue cathartic. 
The writing itself was so good, I found myself highlighting so many quotes and passages of imagery.  Nat's relationship with his daughter and her  boyfriend, beautuful.   He constantly sees himself as a less than parent, i saw him as the guy that is always stepping up to do what is needed.  

"Faint motes of dust spin gently in the escaped sunbeams streaking through the bay window onto the lightly scuffed wood floor."

Hockey 🏒 
MM Romance
Grumpy Sunshine
Hurt Comfort
Friends to Lovers
Spicy Slow Burn
Tattooed Single Dad
Outdoorsy 🎶 Demi Rep
Mental Health Rep
Found Family


Thank you Lex Easton for this ARC. 
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.