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rainjrop's review against another edition
3.0
I would like to say I generally enjoyed this book, but I'm not really sure if that's true. Sure, I laughed at turns and found myself somewhat enthralled at others, but this book didn't capture me fully. I found myself less invested in the main relationship between Seb and Tristan than I've been in the relationships from the Scoring Chances series, as well as disappointed by the lack of hockey. Of course, I knew to expect less hockey from the synopsis and title, but that meant the book was more of a regular romance and not a hockey-focused romance. That's to say I missed the dynamics of the relationship being in the team structure and environment and that's a big part of what I'm reading for. That's exactly why I've enjoyed Scoring Chances so much compared to other gay romance novels.
Since I'm not really into reading about power play, dominant-submissive kinks, and the more physical aspects of BDSM (though this is very, very vanilla), I didn't particularly care for the sex scenes. I also think this was part of the reason I didn't feel as much of a spark between the characters. Power fantasies just aren't interesting to me and I have a harder time understanding and buying into that type of attraction and desire.
Spoiler Alert***
I also wasn't fully on board with the way Seb handled his ultimatum of "come out or it's over." His friend AJ? was right: it's shitty for someone to be given that choice and then be shunted off to make the decision without working toward any kind of compromise. I'm glad other characters in the book took a more nuanced view, but I was annoyed at the whole "this is only his decision" bit. Of course, Seb was going to beg for a chance to compromise if Tristan was going to end it, which helps mitigate his stupid move, but it was a shitty thing to do.
I'd be interested in reading an installment about Ryu. Of course, I think that's what was being set up, either him or the captain or both. Though I wasn't as into this book, I'll probably read the next in the series, whatever that turns out to be.
As always with Avon Gale's work, I was pleased with the effort taken to respect women and have other MEN calling out MEN on their sexism. I also appreciated the mostly clear communication between characters, their ability to have serious adult conversations about their relationship, and the focus on an ethical relationship, i.e. waiting until they weren't teacher and student to start screwing.
Since I'm not really into reading about power play, dominant-submissive kinks, and the more physical aspects of BDSM (though this is very, very vanilla), I didn't particularly care for the sex scenes. I also think this was part of the reason I didn't feel as much of a spark between the characters. Power fantasies just aren't interesting to me and I have a harder time understanding and buying into that type of attraction and desire.
Spoiler Alert***
I also wasn't fully on board with the way Seb handled his ultimatum of "come out or it's over." His friend AJ? was right: it's shitty for someone to be given that choice and then be shunted off to make the decision without working toward any kind of compromise. I'm glad other characters in the book took a more nuanced view, but I was annoyed at the whole "this is only his decision" bit. Of course, Seb was going to beg for a chance to compromise if Tristan was going to end it, which helps mitigate his stupid move, but it was a shitty thing to do.
I'd be interested in reading an installment about Ryu. Of course, I think that's what was being set up, either him or the captain or both. Though I wasn't as into this book, I'll probably read the next in the series, whatever that turns out to be.
As always with Avon Gale's work, I was pleased with the effort taken to respect women and have other MEN calling out MEN on their sexism. I also appreciated the mostly clear communication between characters, their ability to have serious adult conversations about their relationship, and the focus on an ethical relationship, i.e. waiting until they weren't teacher and student to start screwing.
eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
Teacher-student, boss-assistant, these are tropes that I rarely pick up and, even when I do, am wary of, because of the power imbalance of the situation. BDSM is great and all, as long as it stays in the figurative bedroom. For this book, well it has hockey and Avon Gale is one of the authors so of course I was gonna read it.
Tristan is a hockey player. He got recruited into the NHL as a teen so he never got a college degree. It's only been a few years and he's now going to change that. He's going to college, starting with summer classes. Sebastian is his sociology professor for the summer class.
It starts as a simple attraction/appreciation of each other's physical assets. There's really no chance of it going anywhere. Aside from the fact that it would be ethically inappropriate, there's also some bias on Sebastian's part (of the he-looks-like-a-dumb-jock-and-is-probably-just-that variety), and Tristan isn't Out, not even to anyone on his team. Interest slowly develops, though nothing unseemly happens.
It's actually a surprisingly good start to the relationship, even as they're still student and professor. I think it's because of the distance that college gives. Like, if this were set in highschool, it wouldn't have been nearly as okay because there's a lot of interaction between a highschool teacher and the students. But college professors are pretty well removed and things aren't personal. Also, Tristan isn't a normal, broke college student. He's a professional athlete who has confident, competence and independence.
Which is why the interactions between the two never felt like they weren't between equals. It made for an interesting dynamic, without imbalance of power. Then, when the relationship really kicked off, the equal standing of both parties in the relationship was made even clearer. I knew I was reading about a normal couple with normal problems.
I won't go into details about what those problems were because I already think I've said too much, but I can say that I liked, and enjoyed, reading everything part of the book. Sebastian is a little on the stoic and serious side whereas Tristan is a lighter, fresher, younger and more uncertain presence, and they pair well. There was also a BDSM aspect that I've never seen addressed before so that was a definite plus. This was a great book that's definitely worth checking out.
I'm pretty sure there's going to be a sequel following a member of Tristan's team and I'm eager to read that too.
Tristan is a hockey player. He got recruited into the NHL as a teen so he never got a college degree. It's only been a few years and he's now going to change that. He's going to college, starting with summer classes. Sebastian is his sociology professor for the summer class.
It starts as a simple attraction/appreciation of each other's physical assets. There's really no chance of it going anywhere. Aside from the fact that it would be ethically inappropriate, there's also some bias on Sebastian's part (of the he-looks-like-a-dumb-jock-and-is-probably-just-that variety), and Tristan isn't Out, not even to anyone on his team. Interest slowly develops, though nothing unseemly happens.
It's actually a surprisingly good start to the relationship, even as they're still student and professor. I think it's because of the distance that college gives. Like, if this were set in highschool, it wouldn't have been nearly as okay because there's a lot of interaction between a highschool teacher and the students. But college professors are pretty well removed and things aren't personal. Also, Tristan isn't a normal, broke college student. He's a professional athlete who has confident, competence and independence.
Which is why the interactions between the two never felt like they weren't between equals. It made for an interesting dynamic, without imbalance of power. Then, when the relationship really kicked off, the equal standing of both parties in the relationship was made even clearer. I knew I was reading about a normal couple with normal problems.
I won't go into details about what those problems were because I already think I've said too much, but I can say that I liked, and enjoyed, reading everything part of the book. Sebastian is a little on the stoic and serious side whereas Tristan is a lighter, fresher, younger and more uncertain presence, and they pair well. There was also a BDSM aspect that I've never seen addressed before so that was a definite plus. This was a great book that's definitely worth checking out.
I'm pretty sure there's going to be a sequel following a member of Tristan's team and I'm eager to read that too.
zaza_bdp's review against another edition
3.0
☆3.5/5☆
Avon Gale et Piper Vaughn collaborent de nouveau, cette fois pour une série mettant à l'honneur l'univers du hockey. Le couple qui ouvre le bal de cette série, c'est Tristan, un bon p'tit gars du Wisconsin, jeune joueur de l'équipe des Venoms d'Atlanta, et de Sebastian, prof d'origine portoricain.
Tristan, soucieux d'assurer ses arrières au cas où sa carrière de hockeyeur prendrait prématurément fin, mais aussi dans le but de préparer son avenir, suit un cursus à la fac pour obtenir un diplôme. Le roman débute pendant la session d'été, et Tristan se retrouve à suivre un module de socio, dont les cours sont assurés par ... Sebastian !
Ils se tapent mutuellement dans l’œil, mais disons que Sebastian colle à Tristan une étiquette complètement faussée, ce qui va rendre leurs premiers échanges pour le moins piquants ! Sans parler du fait que Sebastian ne voit pas d'un bon œil l'idée d'avoir une relation avec un de ses étudiants.
S'ils ne cèdent pas à leur attirance tout de suite, ils y succomberont tout de même au bout d'un certain temps, et ils vont rapidement découvrir que leurs désirs se complètement mutuellement. Hé oui, Gale et Vaughn nous refont le coup du mec plus âgé qui aime dominer, tant que le plus jeune aime se faire malmener un peu (pour autant, pas de 'daddy kink', ni de bdsm).
Voilà un roman plutôt sympa, qui ne sort cependant pas franchement du lot. La plume des auteurs est très fluide, rendant la lecture agréable, et les personnages sont assez sympathiques. Un des persos secondaires m'a tapé dans l’œil tout de suite et il se pourrait qu'à un moment donné au cours de ma lecture, j'ai été enchantée de la tournure prise par le récit !! Par ailleurs, j'ai apprécié que dans cette histoire, les personnages restent fidèles à leurs valeurs, à ce qu'ils sont réellement, à ce qu'ils prennent certaines décisions, même douloureuses, pour rester en accord avec eux-même.
Une lecture sympathique donc, avec l'univers du hockey présent juste comme il faut, une romance classique mais charmante, et des personnages secondaires qui promettent des tomes sympathiques !
Avon Gale et Piper Vaughn collaborent de nouveau, cette fois pour une série mettant à l'honneur l'univers du hockey. Le couple qui ouvre le bal de cette série, c'est Tristan, un bon p'tit gars du Wisconsin, jeune joueur de l'équipe des Venoms d'Atlanta, et de Sebastian, prof d'origine portoricain.
Tristan, soucieux d'assurer ses arrières au cas où sa carrière de hockeyeur prendrait prématurément fin, mais aussi dans le but de préparer son avenir, suit un cursus à la fac pour obtenir un diplôme. Le roman débute pendant la session d'été, et Tristan se retrouve à suivre un module de socio, dont les cours sont assurés par ... Sebastian !
Ils se tapent mutuellement dans l’œil, mais disons que Sebastian colle à Tristan une étiquette complètement faussée, ce qui va rendre leurs premiers échanges pour le moins piquants ! Sans parler du fait que Sebastian ne voit pas d'un bon œil l'idée d'avoir une relation avec un de ses étudiants.
S'ils ne cèdent pas à leur attirance tout de suite, ils y succomberont tout de même au bout d'un certain temps, et ils vont rapidement découvrir que leurs désirs se complètement mutuellement. Hé oui, Gale et Vaughn nous refont le coup du mec plus âgé qui aime dominer, tant que le plus jeune aime se faire malmener un peu (pour autant, pas de 'daddy kink', ni de bdsm).
Voilà un roman plutôt sympa, qui ne sort cependant pas franchement du lot. La plume des auteurs est très fluide, rendant la lecture agréable, et les personnages sont assez sympathiques. Un des persos secondaires m'a tapé dans l’œil tout de suite et il se pourrait qu'à un moment donné au cours de ma lecture, j'ai été enchantée de la tournure prise par le récit !! Par ailleurs, j'ai apprécié que dans cette histoire, les personnages restent fidèles à leurs valeurs, à ce qu'ils sont réellement, à ce qu'ils prennent certaines décisions, même douloureuses, pour rester en accord avec eux-même.
Une lecture sympathique donc, avec l'univers du hockey présent juste comme il faut, une romance classique mais charmante, et des personnages secondaires qui promettent des tomes sympathiques !
bitchie's review against another edition
3.0
Ok, I'm wavering between 3 and 4 stars here. I really liked both MCs, but I thought Sebastian could have been a bit more patient with Tristan's situation. It's just not at all easy for pro- athlete to come out as gay, and Sebastian shouldn't have gone into things knowing he wouldn't be in the closet. And I don't like how no one ever thought about the whole press idea, and how in the spotlight coming out would have put them both.
But I did love the dynamic between the guys, I loved Seb taking charge and Tristan loving it, although I will never be ok with
Spoiler
face slappingdpit's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heabooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
I devoured OFF THE ICE! Characters can really make or break a romance and in this one, Gale and Vaughn have exceeded all expectations. Tristan was amazing and I loved him from the very beginning. He’s smart, generous, confident, and humble. He’s constantly battling misconceptions about himself because he’s a jock, but I respected the dignity he displayed when handling those issues. He wasn’t afraid to call Sebastian on it when he made the same mistake.
Sebastian was also great in all his gruff and hard-nosed ways. He takes a little bit to warm up to but I never disliked him. He’s concerned with starting something with a student but once classes are over he just can’t stay away from Tristan. I particularly enjoyed watching Sebastian become a hockey fan the more he gets invested in Tristan’s life. He’s proud, determined, and devoted and he's always there for Tristan. These two are easily in my top romance couples list.
Tristan and Sebastian had so much chemistry and I loved every second of their romance. There's minimal angst and what little is present is handled in a mature way. I’m really excited for more in this series, especially with the revelations at the end of the book. The side characters were as much a joy to read and I'm dying for their stories.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
After another beat of silence, Professor Cruz shook his head. “This is extremely inappropriate, Mr. Holt.”
“I don’t think you really want me to be appropriate.”
Sebastian was also great in all his gruff and hard-nosed ways. He takes a little bit to warm up to but I never disliked him. He’s concerned with starting something with a student but once classes are over he just can’t stay away from Tristan. I particularly enjoyed watching Sebastian become a hockey fan the more he gets invested in Tristan’s life. He’s proud, determined, and devoted and he's always there for Tristan. These two are easily in my top romance couples list.
Tristan and Sebastian had so much chemistry and I loved every second of their romance. There's minimal angst and what little is present is handled in a mature way. I’m really excited for more in this series, especially with the revelations at the end of the book. The side characters were as much a joy to read and I'm dying for their stories.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
After another beat of silence, Professor Cruz shook his head. “This is extremely inappropriate, Mr. Holt.”
“I don’t think you really want me to be appropriate.”
bhavyamarya's review against another edition
4.0
I really had a good time reading this. I love that we got both of the MC's POVs. It made the reading experience better. Because when the conflict did come I could see both sides of the issue.
The whole professor student thing was really hot in the begining. The sexual tension just made me feel impatient and excited at the same time.
I liked that the book wasn't just about the romance. It was also about how difficult coming out can be for athletes and that you need to compromise to make a relationship work.
I loved the couple. They were perfect for each other in every way. I liked how invested Sebastian became by the end in hockey and Tristan's career compared to the begining when he hadn't even watched one game of hockey. It showed that he truly cared for Tristan and wanted him to succeed.
I just wish we could've gotten more of an HEA instead of an HFN.
I don't know if I'll read the next one though. Maybe if I'm in the mood to read another hockey M/M romance. *shrugs* But I'll definitely be checking out more of these authors' works.
The whole professor student thing was really hot in the begining. The sexual tension just made me feel impatient and excited at the same time.
I liked that the book wasn't just about the romance. It was also about how difficult coming out can be for athletes and that you need to compromise to make a relationship work.
I loved the couple. They were perfect for each other in every way. I liked how invested Sebastian became by the end in hockey and Tristan's career compared to the begining when he hadn't even watched one game of hockey. It showed that he truly cared for Tristan and wanted him to succeed.
I just wish we could've gotten more of an HEA instead of an HFN.
I don't know if I'll read the next one though. Maybe if I'm in the mood to read another hockey M/M romance. *shrugs* But I'll definitely be checking out more of these authors' works.
laiinny's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
I wanted to like this but it just felt very surface-level and like something was missing. That mixed with the too spot-on dialogue just felt like plugging pieces into a formula without any heart and soul added to it.
trashconnoisseur's review against another edition
4.0
"I doodled your name in the cover," Tristan had joked, grinning.
"With little hearts around it?"
"Nah." Tristan had winked. "Dicks. Not little, though."
★★★★☆ 3,5 stars for this funny and hot story about an ice hockey player and a sociology professor with an angsty bit of real life problems that sadly exist when you don't fit the norm
I got a free ebook version of this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find this review on my blog bookboners.
The story is told in two different POV's. Tristan's, an ice hockey player who goes back to university in his spare time because he wants to have something for when his sports career will end someday. And Sebastian, the hot sociology professor Tristan gets to drool over each class. They'd both like nothing more to get the other nacked and spend some sweaty quality time together. Sebastian's got a policy though. Do not sleep with the students, it's called and Sebastian wants to abide by this rule. Good thing the semester is ending soon.
Overall the book was great, it has quality and charm but I just could't bring myself to care for Sebastian. I don't know why, I just couldn't really give a shit about the guy. Tristan was a cute little muffin though! So that kind of saved the book for me. They were both very well done characters though, complex with backstory and even the side characters didn't feel flat. The story was very focused on their developing relationship and told in a very realistic manner. Also A+ for conversation, something quite a few books fuck up. As well as the writing in general, some scenes were just gold!
Tristan was a professional athlete, and he had no problem sucking Sebastian's cock and jerking himself off at the same time.
Another thing that just wasn't for me was the slight dom/sub, spanking and slight humiliation kink. I just didn't like those scenes. So, usually I would give the book less stars, but those scenes were well done by Gale and Vaughn as well, so I just feel like I have to give stars due to the quality. There are enough people out there who appreciate the kinks in this story and I can definietly rec this story if you like them.
All in all a very well done story and I'll definietly remember the authors and check goodreads for someof their other works because I loved the writing and witty sentences that caugth me off guard quite a few times and had me laugh out loud.
"With little hearts around it?"
"Nah." Tristan had winked. "Dicks. Not little, though."
★★★★☆ 3,5 stars for this funny and hot story about an ice hockey player and a sociology professor with an angsty bit of real life problems that sadly exist when you don't fit the norm
I got a free ebook version of this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find this review on my blog bookboners.
The story is told in two different POV's. Tristan's, an ice hockey player who goes back to university in his spare time because he wants to have something for when his sports career will end someday. And Sebastian, the hot sociology professor Tristan gets to drool over each class. They'd both like nothing more to get the other nacked and spend some sweaty quality time together. Sebastian's got a policy though. Do not sleep with the students, it's called and Sebastian wants to abide by this rule. Good thing the semester is ending soon.
Overall the book was great, it has quality and charm but I just could't bring myself to care for Sebastian. I don't know why, I just couldn't really give a shit about the guy. Tristan was a cute little muffin though! So that kind of saved the book for me. They were both very well done characters though, complex with backstory and even the side characters didn't feel flat. The story was very focused on their developing relationship and told in a very realistic manner. Also A+ for conversation, something quite a few books fuck up. As well as the writing in general, some scenes were just gold!
Tristan was a professional athlete, and he had no problem sucking Sebastian's cock and jerking himself off at the same time.
Another thing that just wasn't for me was the slight dom/sub, spanking and slight humiliation kink. I just didn't like those scenes. So, usually I would give the book less stars, but those scenes were well done by Gale and Vaughn as well, so I just feel like I have to give stars due to the quality. There are enough people out there who appreciate the kinks in this story and I can definietly rec this story if you like them.
All in all a very well done story and I'll definietly remember the authors and check goodreads for someof their other works because I loved the writing and witty sentences that caugth me off guard quite a few times and had me laugh out loud.