*3,5⭐️

My favorite still has to be Save of the Game, but this is a close second. I just happen to be, much like everyone, a huge sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope.

3.5 I really enjoyed this, but I craved just 100 more pages to get a little deeper at the characters and development.

Technically second in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. Two hockey players competing for the starting spot is going to be a disaster right? Except the mutual attraction proves to be too much for both and friends with benefits begins. I loved how two people who are so very different can become so important to each other and eventually fall in love even though they are still competing against each other. The additional aspects of two people of color playing a sport known for being so white being addressed head on but not as the focus of the story was also a delight. The authors managed to create two characters who represent the less focused on parts of the sports stars. Add in showcasing their lives and families outside of sports created a powerful narrative that was a joy to read.

2.5 rounded down

It's been *years* since I read the first book, which I generally really enjoyed, but after seeing a lot of mixed reviews for this one, it sort of fell to the back burner. And, unfortunately, after giving it a read, I was pretty underwhelmed. Honestly I would have DNF'd this halfway through, but I had a headache through the first half and thought maybe that was affecting my feels so I decided to stick the rest of the book out, but no, I just didn't vibe with this one.

There's a *lot* of hockey in the one, significantly more than I remember from book 1, which isn't a problem for me at all, just something to mention. I really liked that both of the characters are POC, which is particularly rare in hockey, and something that's addressed decently well within the narrative. It's an enemies to lovers romance that actually delivers on the enemies bit if that's your jam, and it is for me, but I'm super picky, and I didn't totally love it here.

Honestly, I just didn't totally buy their chemistry. The sex was hot, but I didn't actually *feel* the attraction, and then when ~feelings~ happen, I didn't feel it either--lots of telling and not showing. I also generally thought some of the relationship pacing in general is off here. The move from fuck buddies to boyfriends happens pretty quick IMO, and then

Spoiler

after the requisite breakup, one of the characters tells Emmitt some hard truths that basically say "go tell your man you want to talk about things after the Stanley Cup" and then Emmitt... doesn't do it? Instead he drops by for a "no strings attached" fuck, even though they are in love and know they are in love?? and there is no conversation, and then a month later they are back together, also with no conversation??? The entire ending from the break-up on was SO fucking odd with no actual communication and yet somehow they're both fine and happy and the things that broke them up in the first place aren't an issue anymore even though they've not talked about it at all? I was annoyed

IDK, something about this never clicked for me. There were some good bones, but the characters and relationship never gelled, and the climactic relationship stuff was weird.

Merged review:

2.5 rounded down

It's been *years* since I read the first book, which I generally really enjoyed, but after seeing a lot of mixed reviews for this one, it sort of fell to the back burner. And, unfortunately, after giving it a read, I was pretty underwhelmed. Honestly I would have DNF'd this halfway through, but I had a headache through the first half and thought maybe that was affecting my feels so I decided to stick the rest of the book out, but no, I just didn't vibe with this one.

There's a *lot* of hockey in the one, significantly more than I remember from book 1, which isn't a problem for me at all, just something to mention. I really liked that both of the characters are POC, which is particularly rare in hockey, and something that's addressed decently well within the narrative. It's an enemies to lovers romance that actually delivers on the enemies bit if that's your jam, and it is for me, but I'm super picky, and I didn't totally love it here.

Honestly, I just didn't totally buy their chemistry. The sex was hot, but I didn't actually *feel* the attraction, and then when ~feelings~ happen, I didn't feel it either--lots of telling and not showing. I also generally thought some of the relationship pacing in general is off here. The move from fuck buddies to boyfriends happens pretty quick IMO, and then

Spoiler

after the requisite breakup, one of the characters tells Emmitt some hard truths that basically say "go tell your man you want to talk about things after the Stanley Cup" and then Emmitt... doesn't do it? Instead he drops by for a "no strings attached" fuck, even though they are in love and know they are in love?? and there is no conversation, and then a month later they are back together, also with no conversation??? The entire ending from the break-up on was SO fucking odd with no actual communication and yet somehow they're both fine and happy and the things that broke them up in the first place aren't an issue anymore even though they've not talked about it at all? I was annoyed

IDK, something about this never clicked for me. There were some good bones, but the characters and relationship never gelled, and the climactic relationship stuff was weird.