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readfrenzy 's review for:
The Understatement of the Year
by Sarina Bowen
4.5 stars
Go ahead and place another tick mark in Sarina Bowen’s “winner” column. If you’ve ever been curious about reading M/M romance, The Understatement of the Year makes an excellent introduction to the genre. It’s a college sports romance that focuses predominately on relationships and emotional intimacy rather than overly explicit sexual activity. It’s more like M/M light, if you will.
Rikker is an out and proud college hockey player who transfers to Graham’s college. Graham is decidedly less than happy to have Rikker as his new teammate. The two former best friends share a complicated past that Graham is determined to keep secret from the other players on the team.
Rikker is having a hard time fitting in, and Graham isn’t making the situation any easier. He is so deeply closeted, afraid, and in denial of his sexual orientation that he repeatedly hurts Rikker by shunning him. Basically, Graham is a selfish coward—something he himself admits. His treatment of Rikker was difficult to swallow.
I just wanted to hug Rikker throughout the book. His kindness, understanding, and strength in the face of bigotry and betrayal make him a model for other gay youths. Graham’s behavior and Rikker’s life experiences may be painful, but they are what make the story so real. Coming out to your friends and family as a teenager or young adult can be terrifying. Understanding the cost made me appreciate their journey even more.
I really enjoyed this absorbing story as well as the diverse cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading all the stories in the Ivy Years series.
Recommended for fans of:
M/M romance
Hockey
College life
Go ahead and place another tick mark in Sarina Bowen’s “winner” column. If you’ve ever been curious about reading M/M romance, The Understatement of the Year makes an excellent introduction to the genre. It’s a college sports romance that focuses predominately on relationships and emotional intimacy rather than overly explicit sexual activity. It’s more like M/M light, if you will.
Rikker is an out and proud college hockey player who transfers to Graham’s college. Graham is decidedly less than happy to have Rikker as his new teammate. The two former best friends share a complicated past that Graham is determined to keep secret from the other players on the team.
Rikker is having a hard time fitting in, and Graham isn’t making the situation any easier. He is so deeply closeted, afraid, and in denial of his sexual orientation that he repeatedly hurts Rikker by shunning him. Basically, Graham is a selfish coward—something he himself admits. His treatment of Rikker was difficult to swallow.
I just wanted to hug Rikker throughout the book. His kindness, understanding, and strength in the face of bigotry and betrayal make him a model for other gay youths. Graham’s behavior and Rikker’s life experiences may be painful, but they are what make the story so real. Coming out to your friends and family as a teenager or young adult can be terrifying. Understanding the cost made me appreciate their journey even more.
I really enjoyed this absorbing story as well as the diverse cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading all the stories in the Ivy Years series.
Recommended for fans of:
M/M romance
Hockey
College life