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rellimreads's review
4.0
KU. I didn’t have high hopes for this as I’m usually disappointed by “recovering addict” stories. They generally *end* with a “and then he went to rehab” with an epilogue thrown in about how they’re totally cured and all is well.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that Dieter’s admission of a problem, his treatment, and his relationship with Trent during that time were actually a large chunk of the story. As with the previous books ~ I like that the “angst” in these stories is mostly external factors. Any internal angst is handled with maturity and respect.
Trent is unabashedly flamboyant and Dieter is equally unabashed in his appreciation of Trent in that. My biggest complaint is that we learn so much about Trent: history, family, career, dress, passions, food, etc that Dieter feels significantly underdeveloped in contrast.
I liked that not everything was wrapped up in a neat/perfect bow. The “resolution” with Trent’s stepfather and his feelings about Dieter’s Dad’s reactions felt authentic.
Again, the disproportionate number of gay/bi players in a single team continues to chip away at believability.
Adler makes a few appearances and I hope he continues to do so. His adorkable-ness would be sorely missed otherwise.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that Dieter’s admission of a problem, his treatment, and his relationship with Trent during that time were actually a large chunk of the story. As with the previous books ~ I like that the “angst” in these stories is mostly external factors. Any internal angst is handled with maturity and respect.
Trent is unabashedly flamboyant and Dieter is equally unabashed in his appreciation of Trent in that. My biggest complaint is that we learn so much about Trent: history, family, career, dress, passions, food, etc that Dieter feels significantly underdeveloped in contrast.
I liked that not everything was wrapped up in a neat/perfect bow. The “resolution” with Trent’s stepfather and his feelings about Dieter’s Dad’s reactions felt authentic.
Again, the disproportionate number of gay/bi players in a single team continues to chip away at believability.
Adler makes a few appearances and I hope he continues to do so. His adorkable-ness would be sorely missed otherwise.
bookswithjen's review
4.0
Halfway through this series. This story actually made me cry i felt for dietre and trent they have an amazing chemistry however. My thing is that the program wasnt really followed, like addiction wise. It wouldve have more angst and depth to it if it did but regardless i loved this book. Honestly how this team has so many queer players and only the team knows is insane but im loving it so far
nalia_danger's review
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
tankytoon's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book went from 0 to 180 in a matter of seconds.
Flaming ice queen Trent meets hulking hockey goon Dieter and they make out twice and fooled around once and they're suddenly boyfriends.
Both of the MCs have their flaws and redeeming moments.
Dieter was an asshole in the beginning when he snapped at everyone who called out his substance abuse, like his former manager. But later he did go to rehab after just one word from Trent. (Amazeballs but hardly believable).
For his part, Trent was a poor boy struggling with making ends meet after his step-dad fleeced them out. We learn that he also had a backstory dealing with a past partner with addiction.
I'm not sure I buy the insta-love story between Trent and Dieter because their affections were mostly based on sexual attraction. There's no depth to their feelings that justifies their forever-ever-after story, but hey who I am to judge how people get together.
Anyway, the speed at which the issues were resolved, did not lend me anytime to feel attachment to the narrative.
There are a few instances though which made me smile: the adorable Lola who fiercely loves her grandson and the Flyers; Stan the bumbling Russian; and how Trent, despite his hoity-toity attitude towards hockey players, is wonderful around the Rainbow kids.
Flaming ice queen Trent meets hulking hockey goon Dieter and they make out twice and fooled around once and they're suddenly boyfriends.
Both of the MCs have their flaws and redeeming moments.
Dieter was an asshole in the beginning when he snapped at everyone who called out his substance abuse, like his former manager. But later he did go to rehab after just one word from Trent. (Amazeballs but hardly believable).
For his part, Trent was a poor boy struggling with making ends meet after his step-dad fleeced them out. We learn that he also had a backstory dealing with a past partner with addiction.
I'm not sure I buy the insta-love story between Trent and Dieter because their affections were mostly based on sexual attraction. There's no depth to their feelings that justifies their forever-ever-after story, but hey who I am to judge how people get together.
Anyway, the speed at which the issues were resolved, did not lend me anytime to feel attachment to the narrative.
There are a few instances though which made me smile: the adorable Lola who fiercely loves her grandson and the Flyers; Stan the bumbling Russian; and how Trent, despite his hoity-toity attitude towards hockey players, is wonderful around the Rainbow kids.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Drug abuse
Moderate: Gaslighting, Transphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Vomit
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review
4.0
When figure skater Trent agrees to a reality show to get out of his financial struggles the last thing he thinks will happen is that he falls for one of the "Brute" hockey players. Dieter has his own skeletons from his past that come back to haunt him while he fights to remain on the team. Can both men who are so different from each other find the common ground needed to finding true love? Or will addictions and lies stop the romance in it's tracks? This book was at times hard to read as the anxiety and addiction were so honest and true it felt like the reader was watching it happen in real life. I love this series and cannot wait to read more.
lalauren04's review
4.0
4 stars - This is the third novel in the Harrisburg Railers series... I enjoyed this one and found it to be a good addition to the series. If I’m completely honest it’s not my favourite of the three, but that’s maybe because I really loved book two and I’m not sure anything could top that one, but having said that it’s still a nice read.
The main characters were both likeable and their romance was nice to read. Dieter especially was a great main character and I really liked him, I felt that he was a decent guy and although he had his issues he was a genuine, loving and honest person who deserved happiness.
There was some angst and hurt/comfort here which I’ve always enjoyed. It was nice to see Trent supporting Dieter through his struggles, and in turn Dieter was also very supportive of Trent when he needed it too.
I can’t say I enjoyed the storyline about his stepdad... I didn’t like that Trent was being made to forgive Clay’s actions, because I don’t think Clay deserved it. He wasn’t a good man and it broke my heart to see Trent’s mum sort of forcing Trent to forgive the man who lied and cheated and stole from him. How could she expect that from Trent? How could she stand by Clay and then ask her own son to stand by him too after all he had put them through?
Stan is still a favourite of mine in this series and I loved seeing him here. He is so deserving of his own story and his own happily ever after! I just adore him!
Overall a good read. A bit less hockey in this one, a bit more angsty than I had expected, but still a solid read. Looking forward to book four ;)
The main characters were both likeable and their romance was nice to read. Dieter especially was a great main character and I really liked him, I felt that he was a decent guy and although he had his issues he was a genuine, loving and honest person who deserved happiness.
There was some angst and hurt/comfort here which I’ve always enjoyed. It was nice to see Trent supporting Dieter through his struggles, and in turn Dieter was also very supportive of Trent when he needed it too.
I can’t say I enjoyed the storyline about his stepdad... I didn’t like that Trent was being made to forgive Clay’s actions, because I don’t think Clay deserved it. He wasn’t a good man and it broke my heart to see Trent’s mum sort of forcing Trent to forgive the man who lied and cheated and stole from him. How could she expect that from Trent? How could she stand by Clay and then ask her own son to stand by him too after all he had put them through?
Stan is still a favourite of mine in this series and I loved seeing him here. He is so deserving of his own story and his own happily ever after! I just adore him!
Overall a good read. A bit less hockey in this one, a bit more angsty than I had expected, but still a solid read. Looking forward to book four ;)
robazizo's review
3.0
3.5 stars. A lovely story with great chemistry, but also dealing with some serious issues. Dieter was cute and Trent was flamboyantly amazing. The story tapered off a bit at the end, hence 3.5 instead of 4 stars. Stan stole my heart in the last three books, so I'm very curious about his story. His behaviour at the end of this one implies something's up.
claire_melanie's review
2.0
Loved these characters and they had so much potential but the story was seriously underbaked.
avsfan08's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5