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Crashing #1
Crashing the Net
Mike comes to Moncton wanting nothing more than to play for the Ice Cats and finally live on his own terms. He’s broke, bruised, and covered from head to toe in cheap lube, but he isn’t going to let that stop him. All he needs is a place to live and some time to figure out how to reconcile who he really is with who everyone wants him to be.
Dumping three gallons of lube on the new kid is just another day at the office for Alexei. He knows exactly who he is: a goalie on the ice, a prankster in the locker room, and a man who knows better than to share his private life with anyone. He’s let people in before and it’s taught him that if he can’t have what he really wants, it’s better to be alone.
Despite their apparent differences, an unlikely friendship grows. Neither of them could ever have guessed how much they really have in common.
Dumping three gallons of lube on the new kid is just another day at the office for Alexei. He knows exactly who he is: a goalie on the ice, a prankster in the locker room, and a man who knows better than to share his private life with anyone. He’s let people in before and it’s taught him that if he can’t have what he really wants, it’s better to be alone.
Despite their apparent differences, an unlikely friendship grows. Neither of them could ever have guessed how much they really have in common.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2014
62 people are currently reading
2214 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wayland
24 books694 followersSamantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
July 31, 2022
Gay Canadian hockey players
That is all.
Okay, fine:
Athletes, age gap, best friends to lovers, mild angst/family drama (I cheered when Michael finally stood up to his parents!).
PLUS: lots of steamy, rough sex; butt-sex virgins; BITING and rimming included.
Oh, so many FEELS!
And one of the MCs is named Alexei.
I rest my case.
Thoroughly enjoyable, fun, and HAWT.
That is all.
Okay, fine:
Athletes, age gap, best friends to lovers, mild angst/family drama (I cheered when Michael finally stood up to his parents!).
PLUS: lots of steamy, rough sex; butt-sex virgins; BITING and rimming included.
Oh, so many FEELS!
And one of the MCs is named Alexei.
I rest my case.
Thoroughly enjoyable, fun, and HAWT.
September 12, 2019
It's hockey, baby!
Yes, I have a thing for hockey romances, and though Crashing the Net isn't my favorite hockey romance ever, it was a damn good one.
What really tipped this story over the edge for me from good to great was the hot, hot sex. Everyone who reads my reviews knows I love a male virgin, and one who knows what he wants and how to get it is *right* up my alley.
The story is a short friends-to-lovers with a slightly kinky twist. There was some very nice dirty talk (always a win for me) and some domination happening that really worked for me.
It was a quick read of a book I've owned for years, and I'm so happy I finally dug it out of my Kindle and gave it a chance. I'll be looking for more from this author in the future.
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August 15, 2014
4--Coming Out--Stars!!
Considering this was a novella, I thought this was a really solid read.
Mike is new to the Ice Cats hockey team. He's in the closet but feels a lot of pressure from his parents...
They keep trying to set him up with the local women. Too bad Mike is gay. He's just too afraid to come out to his parents.
Alexei is also on the Ice Cats team. He and Mike become close friends. Neither one knows the other is gay.
Even though this was a novella, I didn't feel like it was insta-love between Alexei and Mike. The progression of their relationship from friends to more felt real. It wasn't until Mike confesses to being attacked after being seen kissing a man that the truth comes out.
Alexei has some specific tastes when it comes to the bedroom. He likes things rough.
Most guys aren't okay with Alexei's need to be in control in the bedroom. And with Mike's virgin ways, Alexei fears he'll feel the same way.
This was really an easy read. Very little drama, plenty of steam. I really liked both Mike and Alexei. The ending was a bit aburpt I guess. I would have liked to see . But overall, a good solid read. I'll be checking out this author's other work!
Considering this was a novella, I thought this was a really solid read.
Mike is new to the Ice Cats hockey team. He's in the closet but feels a lot of pressure from his parents...
They keep trying to set him up with the local women. Too bad Mike is gay. He's just too afraid to come out to his parents.
Alexei is also on the Ice Cats team. He and Mike become close friends. Neither one knows the other is gay.
Even though this was a novella, I didn't feel like it was insta-love between Alexei and Mike. The progression of their relationship from friends to more felt real. It wasn't until Mike confesses to being attacked after being seen kissing a man that the truth comes out.
Alexei has some specific tastes when it comes to the bedroom. He likes things rough.
Most guys aren't okay with Alexei's need to be in control in the bedroom. And with Mike's virgin ways, Alexei fears he'll feel the same way.
This was really an easy read. Very little drama, plenty of steam. I really liked both Mike and Alexei. The ending was a bit aburpt I guess. I would have liked to see . But overall, a good solid read. I'll be checking out this author's other work!
December 8, 2015
sweetly adorable, but completely absurd.
superficial in every regard—from the prose to the themes. not much of a story, and a lot of artificial conflict that read more like melodrama than drama.
the bones are good. the skeleton of the thing, i mean. i was immediately drawn into it, but then little things started making me crazy.
the game play scenes were wildly inaccurate, in the sense that no goalie on earth can afford to take his eye off the play or lose his focus for even a split second.
which, okay. former goalie and inveterate hockey nerd, sue me.
but it just seemed like a sportsy coat hanger for a typically screechy homoromanze kimono.
yeah.
you think about that for a second.
anyway!
best enjoyed if you don't actually know anything about hockey. or real estate.
or gay men.
superficial in every regard—from the prose to the themes. not much of a story, and a lot of artificial conflict that read more like melodrama than drama.
the bones are good. the skeleton of the thing, i mean. i was immediately drawn into it, but then little things started making me crazy.
the game play scenes were wildly inaccurate, in the sense that no goalie on earth can afford to take his eye off the play or lose his focus for even a split second.
which, okay. former goalie and inveterate hockey nerd, sue me.
but it just seemed like a sportsy coat hanger for a typically screechy homoromanze kimono.
yeah.
you think about that for a second.
anyway!
best enjoyed if you don't actually know anything about hockey. or real estate.
or gay men.
January 16, 2016
Re-read December 2015 Loved it all over again! Now on to the sequel...
Oh, this one is delicious! Shy, virgin hockey boy befriends big, buff, experienced hockey goalie for best-bud status that eventually turns into hot-as-fuck BDSM style sex bed buddies. Fuck yeah baby! This is all kinds of good, with a bonus HEA that includes my favorite "L" word. Recommended!
Oh, this one is delicious! Shy, virgin hockey boy befriends big, buff, experienced hockey goalie for best-bud status that eventually turns into hot-as-fuck BDSM style sex bed buddies. Fuck yeah baby! This is all kinds of good, with a bonus HEA that includes my favorite "L" word. Recommended!
August 25, 2017
This was a nice short "friends to lovers" story. I just wished there would have been more about their actual friendship in the book. The book starts out with them being teammates and then skips a few months, in which they apparently built a built a strong friendship.
Not only are they teammates and friends, they are also neighbours now. Both are attracted to one another and both have no clue that the other is gay.
Eventually they confess to each other, which leads to steamy hot and rough sex !!
There is some background story about Mike's parents and I liked the scene were he came out to them. I was just a bit confused when I turned the page and there was nothing left. The book just ended...no epilogue...just nothing...
I also figured there would be a bit more sports in this book. I think there was one scene where Alexei actually crashed in the net....maybe that's where the title came from, because there wasn't a whole lot of hockey going on. There was one teammate mentioned and that's it. I wouldn't call this a sports themed book....
Still it was an enjoyable read and the steamy man on man loving was good !!
3 stars from me :)
Not only are they teammates and friends, they are also neighbours now. Both are attracted to one another and both have no clue that the other is gay.
Eventually they confess to each other, which leads to steamy hot and rough sex !!
There is some background story about Mike's parents and I liked the scene were he came out to them. I was just a bit confused when I turned the page and there was nothing left. The book just ended...no epilogue...just nothing...
I also figured there would be a bit more sports in this book. I think there was one scene where Alexei actually crashed in the net....maybe that's where the title came from, because there wasn't a whole lot of hockey going on. There was one teammate mentioned and that's it. I wouldn't call this a sports themed book....
Still it was an enjoyable read and the steamy man on man loving was good !!
3 stars from me :)
December 15, 2016
This reminded me a lot of Kim Dare's writing-sweet and little kinky.
I would've liked to have better understood what the deal was with the money and Mike's parents but every single time I would start to think about it another sex scene would happen and
The whole
But your ass is like 2 cherries I wanna sink my teeth into.
But I'm so bad wrong because I like to do the shilly shally extra kinkily and by "extra kinkily" I mean biting *insert side eyes* and NO ONE could ever be able to handle that plus my being hard and in charge!
Alexei seriously needs to work on his observational skillz. If it begs, follows orders to a T and squeals like he's riding the Titan atSex Six Flags when the pounding happens, THEN IT'S A GREEN LIGHT! GREEN MEANS ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO! #protip #freeofcharge
Still, I found myself chuckling thinking both these knuckleheads would get their act together between all the boning. I get it, it's hard to think straight when you're getting fucked six ways to Sunday. Not enough oxygen and blood flow to the brain and all that. #boningscience
It's still really cute and who doesn't need some escapism every so often? I'd give it 3.5 stars and rec to those who like their kink sugary and without a lot of hockey.
Thanks Santa's Helper! Happy holidays to you! <3
I would've liked to have better understood what the deal was with the money and Mike's parents but every single time I would start to think about it another sex scene would happen and
The whole
But your ass is like 2 cherries I wanna sink my teeth into.
But I'm so bad wrong because I like to do the shilly shally extra kinkily and by "extra kinkily" I mean biting *insert side eyes* and NO ONE could ever be able to handle that plus my being hard and in charge!
Alexei seriously needs to work on his observational skillz. If it begs, follows orders to a T and squeals like he's riding the Titan at
Still, I found myself chuckling thinking both these knuckleheads would get their act together between all the boning. I get it, it's hard to think straight when you're getting fucked six ways to Sunday. Not enough oxygen and blood flow to the brain and all that. #boningscience
It's still really cute and who doesn't need some escapism every so often? I'd give it 3.5 stars and rec to those who like their kink sugary and without a lot of hockey.
Thanks Santa's Helper! Happy holidays to you! <3
December 17, 2016
****4 Stars****
I loved this one.
It had a bit of everything I like in little doses: consistent build up, slow burning, delicious chemistry, the right dose of angst AND two hot hockey players.
What’s not to like?
Relationship wise it could have been undeveloped considering how short it was, but no, the outcome was brilliant. There was no instalove.
The end was abrupt though. I wish there was more to the story.
On to the next!
I loved this one.
It had a bit of everything I like in little doses: consistent build up, slow burning, delicious chemistry, the right dose of angst AND two hot hockey players.
What’s not to like?
Relationship wise it could have been undeveloped considering how short it was, but no, the outcome was brilliant. There was no instalove.
The end was abrupt though. I wish there was more to the story.
On to the next!
July 3, 2015
Oh I liked this one...a lot! Whew. I loved the story and the friendship between the two men, if I had a complaint it would be that this was too short, I could have happily read much more of these characters. Much more.
Mike is a new player on the hockey team the Ice Cats (not an actual team) and his first meeting with the team's goalie, Alexei is a locker room prank that doesn't end well for Mike. After this rough start Alexei takes Mike under his wing and the two become good friends.
There's a lot of UST happening but the men only get physical until after their friendship has been firmly established. The sex? Off the charts smoking hot with definite BDSM overtones. I loved it and I loved these guys. Looking for more from this author because I liked the style, the flow and the glorious, glorious sexing. Sorry to see this come to an end!
Mike is a new player on the hockey team the Ice Cats (not an actual team) and his first meeting with the team's goalie, Alexei is a locker room prank that doesn't end well for Mike. After this rough start Alexei takes Mike under his wing and the two become good friends.
There's a lot of UST happening but the men only get physical until after their friendship has been firmly established. The sex? Off the charts smoking hot with definite BDSM overtones. I loved it and I loved these guys. Looking for more from this author because I liked the style, the flow and the glorious, glorious sexing. Sorry to see this come to an end!
November 2, 2024
4 Stars
That hit the spot!
This story had so many things working for it, including (but not limited to):
- ice hockey playing dudes
- best-friends-to-lovers
- a gay virgin
- a dominant goalie
- delicious angst
- lots and lots of super sexy times
- SIZE KINK!
Yep, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
That hit the spot!
This story had so many things working for it, including (but not limited to):
- ice hockey playing dudes
- best-friends-to-lovers
- a gay virgin
- a dominant goalie
- delicious angst
- lots and lots of super sexy times
- SIZE KINK!
Yep, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
November 3, 2024
2,5 stars.
Sadly disappointing...
I didn't get and didn't feel the connection and growing attraction between the MCs. We were told the reasons why Alexei and Mike fell in love, for example that they both enjoyed their intense discussions about politics, sports and other topics, but the author didn't bother to write even one of these discussions? It was all tell, no show. The only things they seemed to talk about were sex-related..
There was no mention in the blurb that the sex scenes were (all of them) rough and painful. I get that it was consensual and both MCs wanted/needed sex to be experienced that way, but I would have appreciated a heads up (so I would not have bought this book).
Sadly disappointing...
I didn't get and didn't feel the connection and growing attraction between the MCs. We were told the reasons why Alexei and Mike fell in love, for example that they both enjoyed their intense discussions about politics, sports and other topics, but the author didn't bother to write even one of these discussions? It was all tell, no show. The only things they seemed to talk about were sex-related..
There was no mention in the blurb that the sex scenes were (all of them) rough and painful. I get that it was consensual and both MCs wanted/needed sex to be experienced that way, but I would have appreciated a heads up (so I would not have bought this book).
August 21, 2014
BR WITH MY CREW* <3
Crashing the Net, was short, light, andincredibly hot sweet.
I read it in about 4 hours or so.
The romance with Alexei was smokin'.
I couldn't believe Mike's parents - throughout the entire book.
I was so happy when he finally told them this is who I am, this is how things are going to be. And if you don't like that, I don't care.
Okay, so not those exact words, but you know what I mean.
I also didn't like the fact that Alexei kept comparing Mike to guys he dated in the past.
He never asked, he just assumed Mike didn't like the same things he did.
I was so happy when they finally opened up to one another and sorted out everything.
I recommend if you're looking for a short, but appetizing read.
Crashing the Net, was short, light, and
I read it in about 4 hours or so.
The romance with Alexei was smokin'.
I couldn't believe Mike's parents - throughout the entire book.
I was so happy when he finally told them this is who I am, this is how things are going to be. And if you don't like that, I don't care.
Okay, so not those exact words, but you know what I mean.
I also didn't like the fact that Alexei kept comparing Mike to guys he dated in the past.
He never asked, he just assumed Mike didn't like the same things he did.
I was so happy when they finally opened up to one another and sorted out everything.
I recommend if you're looking for a short, but appetizing read.
December 20, 2015
I know that sometimes I whine about too much sex in a story – and I do prefer story about ‘romance’ rather than story about ‘erotica’. BUT, it doesn’t mean that I cannot appreciate a good, light, mild on drama llama, and good-time smutty stories as well!! Not when they are written well and the characters are likeable.
This was what "Crashing the Net" offered... and I was smiling happily because of it.
It opened with a slightly gross scene, when Mike Erdo, 22-year-old new hockey player for Moncton Ice Cats was doused with lube as part of locker-room-welcoming pranks, organized by goalie Alexei Belov. I mean, ewwww, imagining all those lubes all over him, on his nose, gah, so disgusting man!
But afterwards, it was wonderful easy breezy story – as Mike (he’s a virgin!!!) found friendship with Alexei, as the Russian took him under his wing. There was a mild unresolved-tension that happened because they didn’t announce to each other about their attraction. Mike was pretty much in the closet, as he didn’t think there were any hockey players who were gay, while Alexei didn’t want to probe. Plus there was that age-gap thing, and Alexei’s tendency to be dominant in bed.
So yes, there was chemistry, there were good banters and totally enjoyable friendship before they were finally acting on their attraction. And it was SMOKIN’ HOT, PEOPLE!! I loved the D/s overtone, lots of teeth involved (but sexy!), but again, HOT HOT HOT! I loved that it was the fun kind of sex, you know? Yes, Alexei was slightly dominant, but clearly they both enjoyed the sex – it wasn’t the kind of humiliating or strong dominance on bed kind of stuffs either. Which was totally good for me
.
Another plus point of this story was Mike’s determination NOT to let Alexei get away with the “I’m not good for you, you’re a virgin, I’m more dominant in bed, you should find more experience with others” crap. Oh, no, siree. Mike knew what he wanted and he wouldn’t let Alexei give up on what they couldn’t have. I loved him for it.
There was a mini drama involving Mike’s parents – who had this idea of Mike owing them and not happy about his lifestyle. But nobody was being disowned or being thrown out. In fact, there was a quite supportive sister and Mike did stand up to his parents.
So it was an enjoyable story with HEA involving gay hockey players. Duly noted that the hockey action was minimum, but still, yummm. The writing was good too. I guess, what I am trying to say is this story makes me a very happy girl. I hope it will make you feel the same way, if you ever give this a try.
PS: Unfortunately, the other stories from this author seem to be either M/F or M/M/F, which is NOT exactly what I was looking for. Me = sad.
This was what "Crashing the Net" offered... and I was smiling happily because of it.
It opened with a slightly gross scene, when Mike Erdo, 22-year-old new hockey player for Moncton Ice Cats was doused with lube as part of locker-room-welcoming pranks, organized by goalie Alexei Belov. I mean, ewwww, imagining all those lubes all over him, on his nose, gah, so disgusting man!
But afterwards, it was wonderful easy breezy story – as Mike (he’s a virgin!!!) found friendship with Alexei, as the Russian took him under his wing. There was a mild unresolved-tension that happened because they didn’t announce to each other about their attraction. Mike was pretty much in the closet, as he didn’t think there were any hockey players who were gay, while Alexei didn’t want to probe. Plus there was that age-gap thing, and Alexei’s tendency to be dominant in bed.
So yes, there was chemistry, there were good banters and totally enjoyable friendship before they were finally acting on their attraction. And it was SMOKIN’ HOT, PEOPLE!! I loved the D/s overtone, lots of teeth involved (but sexy!), but again, HOT HOT HOT! I loved that it was the fun kind of sex, you know? Yes, Alexei was slightly dominant, but clearly they both enjoyed the sex – it wasn’t the kind of humiliating or strong dominance on bed kind of stuffs either. Which was totally good for me
.Another plus point of this story was Mike’s determination NOT to let Alexei get away with the “I’m not good for you, you’re a virgin, I’m more dominant in bed, you should find more experience with others” crap. Oh, no, siree. Mike knew what he wanted and he wouldn’t let Alexei give up on what they couldn’t have. I loved him for it.
There was a mini drama involving Mike’s parents – who had this idea of Mike owing them and not happy about his lifestyle. But nobody was being disowned or being thrown out. In fact, there was a quite supportive sister and Mike did stand up to his parents.
So it was an enjoyable story with HEA involving gay hockey players. Duly noted that the hockey action was minimum, but still, yummm. The writing was good too. I guess, what I am trying to say is this story makes me a very happy girl. I hope it will make you feel the same way, if you ever give this a try.
PS: Unfortunately, the other stories from this author seem to be either M/F or M/M/F, which is NOT exactly what I was looking for. Me = sad.
February 1, 2017
BR with Elsbeth and Julie
What I was expecting from this book:
Hot ice hockey players
Some ice hockey
I thought we would gome friendly banter. And hopefully a whole lot of sexy times.
But what we got was a whole lot of
We did get the ice hockey players. That was a plus!
But we did not get the ice hockey. These men could have easily been janitors.
And the banter or friendship development? This book has a serious case of too much tell and not enough show. It is described that Mike and Alexei develop a friendship. But I never really felt it.
This book did pick up somewhere around 75%, so that is why it was still an enjoyable read.
And the sexy times… that was what made this book 3 stars for me. The sex was hot! There was a very light Dominant/submissive thing going on in the bedroom that I really liked.
Other than that.. it was an okay read. But the writing could have been better.
What I was expecting from this book:
Hot ice hockey players
Some ice hockey
I thought we would gome friendly banter. And hopefully a whole lot of sexy times.
But what we got was a whole lot of
We did get the ice hockey players. That was a plus!
But we did not get the ice hockey. These men could have easily been janitors.
And the banter or friendship development? This book has a serious case of too much tell and not enough show. It is described that Mike and Alexei develop a friendship. But I never really felt it.
This book did pick up somewhere around 75%, so that is why it was still an enjoyable read.
And the sexy times… that was what made this book 3 stars for me. The sex was hot! There was a very light Dominant/submissive thing going on in the bedroom that I really liked.
Other than that.. it was an okay read. But the writing could have been better.
June 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
This was quick and easy and portrayed what I like best in my romantic conflicts. The feeling of want and doubt and jealousy and thinking one's not good enough and it would never work because they couldn't possibly meet each other's needs and they should really walk away but the desire is too strong to resist and there's no use fighting even if it's a bad idea. Yeah that's what I'm talking about. What do you call that kind of angst?? Anyone??? Whatever it is, I like it!!
Some small caveats - this story ended a bit too abruptly for my taste (I'm a sucker for an epilogue) and good gawd - Mike's parents were off the charts annoying. Overall this had great heat with a touch of pain kink, plus that always appreciated HEA!
This was quick and easy and portrayed what I like best in my romantic conflicts. The feeling of want and doubt and jealousy and thinking one's not good enough and it would never work because they couldn't possibly meet each other's needs and they should really walk away but the desire is too strong to resist and there's no use fighting even if it's a bad idea. Yeah that's what I'm talking about. What do you call that kind of angst?? Anyone??? Whatever it is, I like it!!
Some small caveats - this story ended a bit too abruptly for my taste (I'm a sucker for an epilogue) and good gawd - Mike's parents were off the charts annoying. Overall this had great heat with a touch of pain kink, plus that always appreciated HEA!
August 19, 2014
Very nice. This walked the line of my comfort zone but all the sweet, funny and romantic moments kept me on the right side of the line. Not to mention when it got to where I thought it was going to be too much it ended up being the opposite and it really did work for me. Canadian Hockey Players ya'll. These boys were burning up the sheets for sure.
I have no idea who read with me but thanks for the Buddy Read guys!
Read.
Buddy read with my
I have no idea who read with me but thanks for the Buddy Read guys!
Read.
Buddy read with my
August 18, 2014
I usually steer clear of hockey settings because I'm a huge fan and I'll get ridiculously nitpicky about details and be mean to the book when it isn't the book's fault, it's all me. That being said, this one wasn't bad with the details and I loved the characters so - WIN!
Alexei and Mike are really good together, especially when Alexei pulls his head out of his ass. I also loved it when he called Mike, "Michael" only during sexy times.
The end left some big things kind of hanging out there. It was kind of like, here's the big reveal, buuuuuuuut no time for reactions as it was just over. The important HEA happens but all of the untold things could have an affect on the HEA making it not as strong as I wanted it.
Alexei and Mike are really good together, especially when Alexei pulls his head out of his ass. I also loved it when he called Mike, "Michael" only during sexy times.
The end left some big things kind of hanging out there. It was kind of like, here's the big reveal, buuuuuuuut no time for reactions as it was just over. The important HEA happens but all of the untold things could have an affect on the HEA making it not as strong as I wanted it.
September 8, 2014
Two very sexy hockey players HOT for each other? Um…Hell yeah. Count me in!
Crashing the Net by Samantha Wayland is my surprise GR gem of the summer. I fully expected smut. And don’t get me wrong…I LOVE my smutty reads. But this was so much more too. We get...
Mike and Alexei….
Mike, a rookie on the team, goes head to head with the veteran practical joker with a fierce private side. I love how Ms. Wayland allows time for their friendship to build on the page and in my heart. The humor and protectiveness simmer and change and spark into such heat and need. From chess to confessions of the heart, both Mike and Alexei find just what they need in each other on the ice and in the bedroom.
Humor…
“Every horror movie Mike had ever watched replayed in his head. It was surely a coincidence that the psycho killer in those Halloween movies wore a goalie mask, right?”
And a big bite of sexy…
This story is filled with sprawled out, demanding, commanding, spanking need. Deep driven desire that brings you to your knees! Pumping and sucking and kissing and licking! Oh, it’s sexy as all hell!
Plus! A hilarious slip & slide opening and perfect just enough ending. Throw in one very deep, sexy Russian accent and I am putty in your hands! There is so much to love here.
This friends-to-lovers tale has everything I like—sweetness, sexy fun, and sports! What else do you need?
I will be on the lookout for more from Samantha Wayland for sure.
Recommended read.
July 17, 2015
This is probably closer to 3 stars, but I'm bumping it up to 4. Because it's set in Canada, one of the MCs is Canadian, and he's a hockey player, so.....yeah, I'm biased.
In this book you'll find two in-the-closet professional hockey players who become best friends (and eventually lovers), some D/s action, some kinky rough sex (which was hot), and an overall fairly light and quick read. Though there is some drama with one of the MC's parents.
The end seemed a bit rushed and left quite a few loose ends, so a sequel would be great. Bonus points if the author can work in a threesome with Sidney Crosby. ;D
Just look at him. I'd tap that. Repeatedly.
That is all.
In this book you'll find two in-the-closet professional hockey players who become best friends (and eventually lovers), some D/s action, some kinky rough sex (which was hot), and an overall fairly light and quick read. Though there is some drama with one of the MC's parents.
The end seemed a bit rushed and left quite a few loose ends, so a sequel would be great. Bonus points if the author can work in a threesome with Sidney Crosby. ;D
Just look at him. I'd tap that. Repeatedly.
That is all.
December 30, 2024
Really good, with one minor quibble
After reading a short by this author, I dove right into this one, and I really enjoyed it. Both characters were lovable, and they were very compatible both in and out of the bedroom (rough sex for the win!).
Now for my quibble - reading this book was like shifting gears without the clutch. It kept jumping from one POV to another or from the bedroom to the middle of a game with no transition or indicator at all. This is something that could have been solved just by formatting - I’ve seen several authors use a few asterisks or plus signs or other symbols as a way to let the reader know the POV or scene is changing, and that would have worked well here.
Still, I quite enjoyed it overall, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
After reading a short by this author, I dove right into this one, and I really enjoyed it. Both characters were lovable, and they were very compatible both in and out of the bedroom (rough sex for the win!).
Now for my quibble - reading this book was like shifting gears without the clutch. It kept jumping from one POV to another or from the bedroom to the middle of a game with no transition or indicator at all. This is something that could have been solved just by formatting - I’ve seen several authors use a few asterisks or plus signs or other symbols as a way to let the reader know the POV or scene is changing, and that would have worked well here.
Still, I quite enjoyed it overall, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 31, 2020
Reread - July 2020
4.25 stars
4.25 stars
October 10, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Looking forward to next one*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Well this was cute! I liked it - I didn't love it - but I did like it. It was short; I think I spent almost three hour to read it (which is not that bad, I think) and I'm so damn glad that Samantha Wayland has written another book for defenseman for Ice Cats Michael ‘Mike’ Erdo (22) and goalie Alexei Belov (32). I liked how they were friends first, before anything else; which means no insta-love.
“Moi milyy.” The words rumbled from him, helplessly fond and possessive and incredibly stupid.
However, I didn't like the time jumping. I felt like we missed the beginning of the friendship, you see, and we should've gotten that to build a stronger bond/connection between character and reader. Overall, I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series, with commanding/controlling Alexei in bed (I do love a dominant man) and Mike letting himself grow. Also, why is this book tagged as bdsm genre? It was only a bit spanking and biting after all...
Oh, fuck it. Alexei was weak. Fallible. Only human in the face of being offered what he wanted. So. Damn. Much.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult?) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Michael ‘Mike’ Erdo.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows...
Rating - 3(.5?) stars.
November 28, 2016
This was fun, light, hockey-flavored goodness, with a BDSM twist to it. I liked both the main characters, particularly Alexei - I'd have loved to know a bit more about his background. The guys were a bit clueless, as they moved very slowly from friends to lovers, but there was sweetness to it too.
At times the plot felt a bit like a vehicle for the sex. Mike's mom was a bit OTT. This one is fairly light on actual hockey action. A few sports and team things were kind of brushed past. The ending was happy and solid, although with a couple of big pieces left hanging. But the mix of sports background and hot sex and growing romance was a fun ride.
At times the plot felt a bit like a vehicle for the sex. Mike's mom was a bit OTT. This one is fairly light on actual hockey action. A few sports and team things were kind of brushed past. The ending was happy and solid, although with a couple of big pieces left hanging. But the mix of sports background and hot sex and growing romance was a fun ride.
December 6, 2016
Estos jugadores de hockey son tiernos? Sí. Pero la historia es también rayando lo absurdo y muy superficial. Un jugador de hockey profesional que no puede pagar el alquiler, vengaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Leer si tienes un rato en el que quieres leer algo light pero con buenas escenas de sexo.
Leer si tienes un rato en el que quieres leer algo light pero con buenas escenas de sexo.
January 20, 2020
Mike & Alexei
I wasn't a fan of the writing style. I didn't like how the POV just switched over without warning. You would be in one characters head than suddenly in the other. I didn't really like the flow of the book and for a book called crashing the net there was very little hockey in it. Still going to read the other books because they were a gift 😆 🤷🏽♀️
I wasn't a fan of the writing style. I didn't like how the POV just switched over without warning. You would be in one characters head than suddenly in the other. I didn't really like the flow of the book and for a book called crashing the net there was very little hockey in it. Still going to read the other books because they were a gift 😆 🤷🏽♀️
November 20, 2014
- BR, October 15th with Julie and Susan.There’s not much I can say about this book. I was a bit disappointed..
All ingredients were present.
Two hot hockey players:
Mike
Alexei
I love sports stories… But there wasn’t much of
The sex was hot.
But Mike and Alexei just fell too conviently in the submissive and dom roles.....
I was just not feeling it between these guys….
So, this was okay… I guess....
review Susan
review Julie
October 22, 2015
Full reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
Mike is newly arrived to the team, The Ice Cats, and Alexei has been around for a while as the goalie. They don’t have much in common, that they’re yet to find out, except for hockey and their talent in playing it well. Let’s see where this takes us, shall we?
It happens, that experience of insta-friendship. There’s no predicting or explaining it, the future becoming the only possible explanation. I can’t fault this story for making this the case between Mike and Alexei, as I’ve experienced it myself.
Due to the length of this story, I’m guessing anyway, time jumps are used to create built-in history. Thankfully, they’re clearly explained and usually only a few months each time. They do, however, at least in the beginning, work to somewhat undermine the connection that is clearly growing between Mike and Alexei.
Mike is struggling with coming out to everyone who knows him, especially his parents. The author does well in portraying the uncertainty, fear, and confusion that battle for attention and top spot in Mike’s heart. I felt them all.
It doesn’t take long for that connection to reveal the true chemistry these two share. It smolders, especially since they aren’t rushing into anything. They both treasure this friendship they’ve built and, in their own ways and for their own reasons, are reluctant to alter it.
Mike is inexperienced in some ways, but he knows himself and, when he gets his first taste of some of those things, he becomes even more certain and confident about those wants. A sexually submissive person isn’t clueless or helpless. They know what they want and how to communicate that.
Alexei has been around the block, as he describes himself, but his experience in long-term relationship land is a mixed bag. Is Mike to be his first? And if so, will Alexei allow himself to be a part of it? A dominant isn’t a brainless uncaring brute. They too know what they want and how to communicate that.
Neither Mike nor Alexei are cookie cutter characters, both fully formed and, despite the shorter length of this book, are more or less given the opportunity to explore, learn about themselves, and how to share it all with each other.
There are a few clichéd and unrealistic moments that take place and, frankly, they took me out of the story. It disappointed me because things were going along so well each time it happened. Thankfully the story recovered, mostly due to these characters. Additionally, a couple of overused mythical descriptions are included and had the same effect.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It’s well written, the characters and their dialogue felt natural, and Mike and Alexei in particular made it fun in sharing some time with them. They have their fair share of fun, too. ;)
Mike is newly arrived to the team, The Ice Cats, and Alexei has been around for a while as the goalie. They don’t have much in common, that they’re yet to find out, except for hockey and their talent in playing it well. Let’s see where this takes us, shall we?
It happens, that experience of insta-friendship. There’s no predicting or explaining it, the future becoming the only possible explanation. I can’t fault this story for making this the case between Mike and Alexei, as I’ve experienced it myself.
Due to the length of this story, I’m guessing anyway, time jumps are used to create built-in history. Thankfully, they’re clearly explained and usually only a few months each time. They do, however, at least in the beginning, work to somewhat undermine the connection that is clearly growing between Mike and Alexei.
Mike is struggling with coming out to everyone who knows him, especially his parents. The author does well in portraying the uncertainty, fear, and confusion that battle for attention and top spot in Mike’s heart. I felt them all.
It doesn’t take long for that connection to reveal the true chemistry these two share. It smolders, especially since they aren’t rushing into anything. They both treasure this friendship they’ve built and, in their own ways and for their own reasons, are reluctant to alter it.
Mike is inexperienced in some ways, but he knows himself and, when he gets his first taste of some of those things, he becomes even more certain and confident about those wants. A sexually submissive person isn’t clueless or helpless. They know what they want and how to communicate that.
Alexei has been around the block, as he describes himself, but his experience in long-term relationship land is a mixed bag. Is Mike to be his first? And if so, will Alexei allow himself to be a part of it? A dominant isn’t a brainless uncaring brute. They too know what they want and how to communicate that.
Neither Mike nor Alexei are cookie cutter characters, both fully formed and, despite the shorter length of this book, are more or less given the opportunity to explore, learn about themselves, and how to share it all with each other.
There are a few clichéd and unrealistic moments that take place and, frankly, they took me out of the story. It disappointed me because things were going along so well each time it happened. Thankfully the story recovered, mostly due to these characters. Additionally, a couple of overused mythical descriptions are included and had the same effect.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It’s well written, the characters and their dialogue felt natural, and Mike and Alexei in particular made it fun in sharing some time with them. They have their fair share of fun, too. ;)
January 5, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this! Loved the characters and I really loved the progression of hazing to friendship and then to romance between Mike and Alexei. I guess the two things I'll say are: 1. I wish there had been an epilogue to really give it a sense of closure, and 2. I wish that some of the plot elements had been delved into a bit deeper rather than just skimming the surface and summarizing. Like with Mike's family, and especially with them being on a hockey team together. I wish there had been a bit more of that, especially since they discussed what might happen if one of them was traded. Anyway, this was super sexy, loved the characters and their relationship, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
ETA: Reading this 6 years later and it's still so, so good. Had to refresh my mind since a third book just came out this week!
ETA: Reading this 6 years later and it's still so, so good. Had to refresh my mind since a third book just came out this week!
September 15, 2019
3.5 stars
Because of the hot hockey men, specially domineering Alexi, but the plot's a bit sketchy and under developed with regards to Mike's family dynamics.
It's well written though, no annoying typos or grammatical errors of shoddy typesetting and it's got a lovely slow burn romance between the two MCs, there's attraction from the off but no instant love.
I also felt their love was believable and well developed, they were friends before they became lovers.
The ending was a bit abrupt but I suspect that's because there is a sequel.
Because of the hot hockey men, specially domineering Alexi, but the plot's a bit sketchy and under developed with regards to Mike's family dynamics.
It's well written though, no annoying typos or grammatical errors of shoddy typesetting and it's got a lovely slow burn romance between the two MCs, there's attraction from the off but no instant love.
I also felt their love was believable and well developed, they were friends before they became lovers.
The ending was a bit abrupt but I suspect that's because there is a sequel.
August 21, 2014
For a good review, see Heller's.
*wiping brow* This one hit my hot and sexy buttons, and I adored Mike and Alexi.
*wiping brow* This one hit my hot and sexy buttons, and I adored Mike and Alexi.
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