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A review by ladymacbeth2024
Icebound Rivals by Hayden Hall
5.0
5 stars
When you have a bet as a trope, you already know how it all will work out (not a spoiler because it's mentioned in the blurb) and that there will be broken hearts.
But despite I don't like the bet trope, I adored this story because the MCs are so freaking wonderful together!
Avery, from the Arctic Titan, is reserved, detached, focused on school and games and not used to hookups; Grayson, from the Blizzard Breakers, instead, is a flirty playboy. He's always noticed Avery and the bet gives him the excuse tu pursue him.
I loved their interaction because from the very first moments Avery is sincere and candid and Grayson finds himself more and more enthralled by this man and he desperately wants to get to know him. Their text exchange is funny, Grayson said silly things and their banter puts Avery at ease.
Their first date and the following conversation about Avery's sexuality were very well written, I loved how Grayson reacted, how supportive and understanding he was: from that moment, Avery feels that he can trust him completely and their relationship will become more and more romantic and intimate.
Avery was the one who never experienced sexual connection, but I think their first time hit Grayson harder: finally he had someone who didn't pretend but genuinely cared about him.
The revelation part and the days that follow are angsty and awful and I think the author nailed it describing both men's feelings: Avery was devasted to have trusted the wrong person with his body and his dreams; Gray was devasted to have broken the trust of the only man he ever loved.
Everything was just right: their fight, their desperation, the groveling and especially Grayson's speech.
I appreciate Cole's support, but the Arctic guys were just great, all standing up to protect Avery (I actually cried for Beckett simple gesture before the game ans for Sawyer's words to Grayson). I also appreciated how they always were welcoming toward Grayson and never pushed him away for being part of the rival team.
It's been a very emotional read, Hayden Hall delivered another wonderful story and I love every second of it. I can't wait to read more about this guys.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
When you have a bet as a trope, you already know how it all will work out (not a spoiler because it's mentioned in the blurb) and that there will be broken hearts.
But despite I don't like the bet trope, I adored this story because the MCs are so freaking wonderful together!
Avery, from the Arctic Titan, is reserved, detached, focused on school and games and not used to hookups; Grayson, from the Blizzard Breakers, instead, is a flirty playboy. He's always noticed Avery and the bet gives him the excuse tu pursue him.
I loved their interaction because from the very first moments Avery is sincere and candid and Grayson finds himself more and more enthralled by this man and he desperately wants to get to know him. Their text exchange is funny, Grayson said silly things and their banter puts Avery at ease.
Their first date and the following conversation about Avery's sexuality were very well written, I loved how Grayson reacted, how supportive and understanding he was: from that moment, Avery feels that he can trust him completely and their relationship will become more and more romantic and intimate.
Avery was the one who never experienced sexual connection, but I think their first time hit Grayson harder: finally he had someone who didn't pretend but genuinely cared about him.
The revelation part and the days that follow are angsty and awful and I think the author nailed it describing both men's feelings: Avery was devasted to have trusted the wrong person with his body and his dreams; Gray was devasted to have broken the trust of the only man he ever loved.
Everything was just right: their fight, their desperation, the groveling and especially Grayson's speech.
I appreciate Cole's support, but the Arctic guys were just great, all standing up to protect Avery (I actually cried for Beckett simple gesture before the game ans for Sawyer's words to Grayson). I also appreciated how they always were welcoming toward Grayson and never pushed him away for being part of the rival team.
It's been a very emotional read, Hayden Hall delivered another wonderful story and I love every second of it. I can't wait to read more about this guys.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.