A. L. Graziadei

The story of two first years from very different backgrounds playing on the same college hockey team and both vying for the next #1 NHL draft pick. So naturally, they hate each other. Until they…don’t. But can their budding romance survive their passion for the game and the status that comes with being picked first?

I adored this – and the youth are apparently calling it – Boy Love romance. It’s both a feel-good warm-hug read while also tackling issues of depression and anxiety in college-age folks. Definitely recommended, if you like this sort of thing (and why wouldn’t you? It’s lovely.)… (más)

I've read a few ice hockey romances but this one has its own specialness, and is up there with my favourites.

It is about youth depression, taking your own path, finding friendship. The two young men, newly minted men, since they both turn 18 in the novel, find attraction and connection where they least expected it. Jayden is a star on what he has earned himself; Mickey is from hockey royalty. But they've both worked hard - does that explain why they are college freshman at 17? And both hope to be picked for the draft? by year's end. Not that their lives haven't been hockey and only hockey since they could stand on skates.

I found the whole hockey house thing fascinating. And the depression Mickey suffers very realistic, and handled well by the author - I assume there's a story there. Mickey comes off as surly, and unapproachable, yet he craves acceptance. He has zero idea how to get it or what he needs.

Mickey and Jaysen's love story is tender, no macho in sight, though it wasn't clear to me what they do aside from 'making out'. The scenario of Mickey adoring his 5 sisters was heartwarming. I admired Jaysen for being brave enough to close the distance with Mickey.… (más)

Look closely at the cover. If you go a little marshmallowy and say awwwww with heart eyes then you will love this book. The chemistry between Mickey and Jaysen was so well written and swoon-worthy. This YA book was also actually about sports and the play by plays were action packed and entertaining. I don't know if it was a case of 'the right book at the right time' but I honestly loved this. All the other amazing characters made the story rich and meaningful. It dealt with mental health issues in a respectful way. I haven't had this 'squeee' feeling about a YA romance book in a while! Yes it's predictable and hits some standard tropes but it really worked for me and I listened to it in one sitting!

CW: Sexual content but not explicit, depression/mental health, anxiety… (más)