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I'm Your Guy (Hockey Guys: a series of MM stand-alone novels) Paperback – October 10, 2023

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,232 ratings

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TOMMASO
The furniture district is my personal hell. I don’t know my ass from an ottoman. But when a hot designer comes to my rescue, I realize my problems are bigger than the house I’m trying to furnish.
A scorching kiss over fabric samples makes me question all my choices. But is it too late to change my entire life to get more of them?

CARTER
I need this gig, but my cocky new client leaves out a couple crucial details:
He doesn’t mention that he's a famous hockey player. And he doesn’t own up to the way he’s always trying to undress me with his dark, broody eyes.
The man throws out more mixed signals than a broken traffic light. I've never been more sexually frustrated in my entire life. I need to back away before I do something stupid, like lose my heart.
Oops. Too late.

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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Wanted: one designer who will shop for furniture
Broody athlete. Accidental kisses. Hockey.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★ Another effortless five star read for me. Sarina Bowen is my queen for a reason - and I'm Your Guy did not disappoint. Bookgasms Book Blog
★★★★★
So good, so real, and so raw. I was caught up in the wondrousness that is Tomasso and Carter. DarG Reads
★★★★★
My heart is full! A swoony, heartfelt strangers-to-lovers MM hockey romance that left me with the biggest grin on my face. Jodi Reads & Listens
★★★★★
I laughed, I swooned, and this is definitely one of my favorite Sarina Bowen books now! Cassie Martin
★★★★★
I love Tommaso and Carter with my whole heart! This book definitely makes my best of 2023 list! Voracious Book Addict
★★★★★
I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. I lost track of the amount of time I laughed out loud. JP Book Life
★★★★★
My heart is so happy after finishing this book. Tomasso and Carter stole my heart. Late Night Luna Reviews

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuxbury Publishing LLC (October 10, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 346 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1950155625
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950155620
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.87 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,232 ratings

About the author

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Sarina Bowen
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Never miss a new book or sale! Subscribe to Sarina's newsletter at: http://geni.us/SBsignup

Sarina Bowen's contemporary and LGBT romance novels have hit the USA Today bestsellers list twenty times. Formerly a Wall Street derivatives trader, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University. She lives in New Hampshire with her family, nine chickens, and far too much hockey gear.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,232 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the story and found it compelling. They appreciated the well-developed characters and their chemistry. The book was described as cute and fun. Readers enjoyed the humor and banter between the characters. They found the writing style natural and realistic. The emotional depth and personal issues felt authentic. The attraction between the main characters was intense and the love story drew them in from page one.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

34 customers mention "Story quality"34 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find the characters compelling and the storylines fresh. The book is a stand-alone novel with epic teasers for the next book in the series.

"...I loved everything about I’m Your Guy. The story is entertaining, touching, and steamy; it’s very well written and the pacing works really well...." Read more

"...Of course, we got some pretty epic teasers for hopefully the next book in this series, and the Colorado Cougars are the gift that keeps on giving...." Read more

"...That being said, OMG! These two books are great! I love the reality of the characters and their insecurities and fears laid out...." Read more

"...I was so right. Yes, it is an escapist romantic roller coaster. The characters are fun and the story worth the read. Light and relaxing." Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters engaging, with well-developed backstories and lovable main characters. The supporting cast is also appreciated.

"...The side characters add so much depth and ambiance to this story and this series...." Read more

"...That being said, OMG! These two books are great! I love the reality of the characters and their insecurities and fears laid out...." Read more

"...Yes, it is an escapist romantic roller coaster. The characters are fun and the story worth the read. Light and relaxing." Read more

"...It’s so sweet and honest, with complex characters our hearts break and root for...." Read more

15 customers mention "Cute"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's cute and fun characters. They appreciate the interior design work by Carter and the millennial pink color. The setting in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado is also liked.

"...I also love the Denver/Boulder/Colorado setting. It gives you the small-town vibes with a side of city living...." Read more

"...book with plenty of banter, nosey teammates, supportive families, interior design, and hockey this book definitely should be on your list to read..." Read more

"...Also, as a millennial I must say that millennial pink IS a great color! I will accept no arguments on this!" Read more

"...In this gorgeous book, Carter, a down-on-his-luck, out&proud, interior designer is stumbled across by an interior-design-challenged, closeted, pro..." Read more

12 customers mention "Humor"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find Carter funny and kind. They appreciate the banter and the family. The meet-cute between the characters is adorable.

"...He is so tenacious and driven. And never ever loses his sense of humor. Carter is so kind and sees the good in people...." Read more

"...I enjoyed how they helped each other and built a friendship. Their attraction was intense, and I loved how they slowly became more than friends...." Read more

"...And then he sees life can be a possibility. Loved carter and his banter. They are so cute together...." Read more

"My favorite line was "I'm sorry" at the end! Hah! Got a great laugh. The whole story was fun and a little heartbreaking, but I loved it...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it well-written, down-to-earth, funny, and realistic. The stories are described as fabulous, especially the hockey ones. Readers also mention that the characters are complex and honest.

"...The story is entertaining, touching, and steamy; it’s very well written and the pacing works really well...." Read more

"...It’s so sweet and honest, with complex characters our hearts break and root for...." Read more

"...but this was the most natural, realistic, and wondrously romantic novel, and perhaps the only one I would consider re..." Read more

"...out loud funny, romantic, the guys were both slightly flawed, down to earth, funny, cute, etc., etc...." Read more

8 customers mention "Emotional depth"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's emotional depth engaging. They say the characters' personal issues seem realistic and powerful. The real-world conflicts feel authentic, with adults dealing with them. The book offers a great mix of struggle and humorous banter, with characters showing their insecurities and fears. The book also explores how the characters help each other in their careers and personal lives.

"...While this book was so funny there were also a lot of emotions...." Read more

"...I love the reality of the characters and their insecurities and fears laid out...." Read more

"...They definitely helped one another in their careers and personal lives. I was really invested in these characters and their story. Loved their story!" Read more

"...And as usual, Bowen delivers the emotional hits I crave, and did not go into excruciating sex scene detail, for which I am always thankful...." Read more

7 customers mention "Attraction"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging from the start. They enjoy the engaging characters and the writing style that draws them in. The story is described as heartwarming, refreshing, and a great escape from daily life.

"...Their attraction was intense, and I loved how they slowly became more than friends...." Read more

"...There is an instant attraction on both sides, but since it is a boss/employee relationship, neither feel like they can act on it...." Read more

"...It was refreshing. Tom & Carter were great and easy to root for. The hockey teammates were entertaining as well...." Read more

"...and Carter are beautifully drawn, 3 dimensional characters who engage you immediately and never let go...." Read more

6 customers mention "Family support"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the supportive families and fun supporting characters. They mention the supportive relationship between T's mom and his teammates.

"...If you like a book with plenty of banter, nosey teammates, supportive families, interior design, and hockey this book definitely should be on your..." Read more

"...That's my favorite. The other characters are great, and T's mom is AWESOME. There's a lot to enjoy in this novel...." Read more

"...They had such a sweet and supportive relationship...." Read more

"...Add in some fun supporting characters, loving family members, and the best co-workers for another heart warming and spicy story by this author...." Read more

Good luck putting this book down!
5 out of 5 stars
Good luck putting this book down!
I’m Your Guy is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I can’t wait for more Hockey Guys shenanigans. You know how it goes… I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved Tommaso and Carter from the very first page, they’re just so great together. I would give this book all the stars in the Colorado sky.I’m Your Guy is book 2 in the Hockey Guys series of M/M hockey romance standalones, so it can be read without reading the first book in the series. It has some of my favorite tropes, like opposites attract, a work relationship, forced proximity—an accidental roommate setup, and the best of them all: grumpy/sunshine.I’m Your Guy has the perfect balance between lighthearted fun, hockey action, spice and steam, and emotional turmoil. There’s also plenty of longing from both guys, some dirty thoughts, and great inner dialogue that makes the tension and chemistry between Tom and Carter rise exponentially while they get to know each other.Tommaso is a successful hockey player, a broody defenseman with a sketchy reputation who mostly keeps to himself and is completely dedicated to hockey. But his mother is coming to visit for Christmas, so he needs to have his new house furnished in, like, no time.And so along comes Carter, the openly gay interior designer Tom runs into accidentally and hires out of desperation. Carter needs the job to save his business from bankruptcy and avoid homelessness. So the desperation goes both ways, but for very different reasons.But the attraction between them also goes both ways, and the higher it builds the harder it is to control and resist. Tommaso and Carter face very different challenges along the story, and the way they face them and deal with their own feelings make this a very compelling story.I loved everything about I’m Your Guy. The story is entertaining, touching, and steamy; it’s very well written and the pacing works really well. I also love the Denver/Boulder/Colorado setting. It gives you the small-town vibes with a side of city living.And last but not least, I love how this new team is taking shape. The side characters add so much depth and ambiance to this story and this series. You have the Brooklyn Bruisers and Bess Beringer as old friends we love to spend time with, and the new guys we’re getting to know who make this team quirky and special.There might be hints at the end about what’s coming next, and even if I’m reading them wrong, I just want them. All of them. All the hockey guys. I honestly can’t wait for more.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    I’m Your Guy is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I can’t wait for more Hockey Guys shenanigans. You know how it goes… I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved Tommaso and Carter from the very first page, they’re just so great together. I would give this book all the stars in the Colorado sky.

    I’m Your Guy is book 2 in the Hockey Guys series of M/M hockey romance standalones, so it can be read without reading the first book in the series. It has some of my favorite tropes, like opposites attract, a work relationship, forced proximity—an accidental roommate setup, and the best of them all: grumpy/sunshine.

    I’m Your Guy has the perfect balance between lighthearted fun, hockey action, spice and steam, and emotional turmoil. There’s also plenty of longing from both guys, some dirty thoughts, and great inner dialogue that makes the tension and chemistry between Tom and Carter rise exponentially while they get to know each other.

    Tommaso is a successful hockey player, a broody defenseman with a sketchy reputation who mostly keeps to himself and is completely dedicated to hockey. But his mother is coming to visit for Christmas, so he needs to have his new house furnished in, like, no time.

    And so along comes Carter, the openly gay interior designer Tom runs into accidentally and hires out of desperation. Carter needs the job to save his business from bankruptcy and avoid homelessness. So the desperation goes both ways, but for very different reasons.

    But the attraction between them also goes both ways, and the higher it builds the harder it is to control and resist. Tommaso and Carter face very different challenges along the story, and the way they face them and deal with their own feelings make this a very compelling story.

    I loved everything about I’m Your Guy. The story is entertaining, touching, and steamy; it’s very well written and the pacing works really well. I also love the Denver/Boulder/Colorado setting. It gives you the small-town vibes with a side of city living.

    And last but not least, I love how this new team is taking shape. The side characters add so much depth and ambiance to this story and this series. You have the Brooklyn Bruisers and Bess Beringer as old friends we love to spend time with, and the new guys we’re getting to know who make this team quirky and special.

    There might be hints at the end about what’s coming next, and even if I’m reading them wrong, I just want them. All of them. All the hockey guys. I honestly can’t wait for more.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good luck putting this book down!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    I’m Your Guy is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I can’t wait for more Hockey Guys shenanigans. You know how it goes… I didn’t want to put this book down, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved Tommaso and Carter from the very first page, they’re just so great together. I would give this book all the stars in the Colorado sky.

    I’m Your Guy is book 2 in the Hockey Guys series of M/M hockey romance standalones, so it can be read without reading the first book in the series. It has some of my favorite tropes, like opposites attract, a work relationship, forced proximity—an accidental roommate setup, and the best of them all: grumpy/sunshine.

    I’m Your Guy has the perfect balance between lighthearted fun, hockey action, spice and steam, and emotional turmoil. There’s also plenty of longing from both guys, some dirty thoughts, and great inner dialogue that makes the tension and chemistry between Tom and Carter rise exponentially while they get to know each other.

    Tommaso is a successful hockey player, a broody defenseman with a sketchy reputation who mostly keeps to himself and is completely dedicated to hockey. But his mother is coming to visit for Christmas, so he needs to have his new house furnished in, like, no time.

    And so along comes Carter, the openly gay interior designer Tom runs into accidentally and hires out of desperation. Carter needs the job to save his business from bankruptcy and avoid homelessness. So the desperation goes both ways, but for very different reasons.

    But the attraction between them also goes both ways, and the higher it builds the harder it is to control and resist. Tommaso and Carter face very different challenges along the story, and the way they face them and deal with their own feelings make this a very compelling story.

    I loved everything about I’m Your Guy. The story is entertaining, touching, and steamy; it’s very well written and the pacing works really well. I also love the Denver/Boulder/Colorado setting. It gives you the small-town vibes with a side of city living.

    And last but not least, I love how this new team is taking shape. The side characters add so much depth and ambiance to this story and this series. You have the Brooklyn Bruisers and Bess Beringer as old friends we love to spend time with, and the new guys we’re getting to know who make this team quirky and special.

    There might be hints at the end about what’s coming next, and even if I’m reading them wrong, I just want them. All of them. All the hockey guys. I honestly can’t wait for more.
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    17 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
    Carter Flynn is a little down on his luck. He is desperately in need of a win in his life. But he doesn’t let much get him down, he keeps on going. He is so tenacious and driven. And never ever loses his sense of humor. Carter is so kind and sees the good in people. Tommaso DiCosta might actually be one of the grumpiest grumpy cinnamon rolls I have had the absolute pleasure of reading. OH MY GOODNESS this man. I immediately loved him. And absolutely love that Bowen gifted us with so many of Tommasso’s thoughts. I wanted to wrap him up in a giant hug and fight anyone that was ever mean to him.
    When Tommaso corners Carter and hires him to decorate his house the banter that ensues was epic! These two were absolutely hilarious. How Carter baits Tommasso and he keeps falling for it. These two made me laugh out loud so much throughout the book. While this book was so funny there were also a lot of emotions. Both characters have overcome a lot in their past, and that impacts the men that they are today. Carter worked so hard to break down the walls that Tommaso has around himself….but he does with so much love and care. Never pushing too hard. Tommaso on the other hand took care of Carter and loved him for who he was, not wanting to change him.
    I will be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, so I just dove in head first and was not at all disappointed. Together these two just work. They bring out the absolute best in one another. While I usually like my books on the spicier end, I would say this one is a slow burn. But it needs to be, and it makes so much sense. These two have some serious emotional and sexual chemistry but it takes time to build something as beautiful as what they have. Of course, we got some pretty epic teasers for hopefully the next book in this series, and the Colorado Cougars are the gift that keeps on giving. If you like a book with plenty of banter, nosey teammates, supportive families, interior design, and hockey this book definitely should be on your list to read this hockey season! I cannot wait for more from this series!
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    But I hope to live in a world where being queer doesn’t make the headlines. Sarina Bowen

    Insta-love is not my favorite trope. This book doesn’t blatantly depict that, but it’s there. There’s also he falls fast, first, and hard. That being said, OMG! These two books are great! I love the reality of the characters and their insecurities and fears laid out. I thought this was gonna have more of a bi-awakening feel to it for a bit at the beginning. Boy was I wrong, in a good way. The dynamics between Tom and Carter are great, Carter showed pride in himself but also a need to feel cared for. Tom showed anxiety and fear for who he truly is, but strength in knowing who he isn’t. They complimented each other so well.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    I read this before book one.
    Months later I read book one and thought it would be fun to read again. I was so right. Yes, it is an escapist romantic roller coaster. The characters are fun and the story worth the read. Light and relaxing.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
    I really loved Carter and Tommy! They met, at a time in their lives, when they are both struggling and working through their own issues. I enjoyed how they helped each other and built a friendship. Their attraction was intense, and I loved how they slowly became more than friends. They definitely helped one another in their careers and personal lives. I was really invested in these characters and their story. Loved their story!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024
    Good, not great. I really liked both MCs, but the plot stuck too closely to Bowen's formula. Wish she would have mixed it up, especially with the predictable third act (sorta) breakup. Also, I appreciate a good slow burn, but waiting 120 pages for the first kiss felt too long in this book. And then another 70 pages go by before they hook up again. Bowen needs to spice things up - both with actual spice and by breaking out of the almost paint-by-numbers plotting of her m/m books.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • S. E. Stewart
    5.0 out of 5 stars hoping for more in the series
    Reviewed in Canada on October 19, 2023
    Read my first two books by Sarina Bowen. Couldn’t put them down and stayed up far too late to finish I’m your guy.

    The series has everything I needed from a MM romance novel. Great story, fun characters (Fingers crossed that some of the teammates and the COACH get their own books!), humour to make me laugh out loud, perfect level of heat and an HEA to swoon for!
  • Ali's Adventures
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous story of love and self-acceptance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2023
    REVIEW
    cw: queerphobia, homelessness, anxiety, debt, SA, mentions of bullying and cancer

    NHL defenseman Tommaso DiCosta is in desperate need of furniture for his house. When he meets down-on-his-luck interior designer, Carter Flynn, they form a tentative friendship. But as they grow closer, Tommaso has to face his past.
    I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to read the follow-up. And, while it follows a similar arc, in that Tommaso also starts the story as closeted, there were also significant differences, and I absolutely ADORED his and Carter's story. Carter was such a cinnamon roll. I loved his sense of humour and his warmth. I also appreciated how careful he was with Tommaso, and their connection was so stinking cute. Their chemistry was palpable throughout, and I loved how their intimacy was balanced with humour and caregiving. I adored the journey Tommaso went on after meeting Carter and how instinctively they looked after each other, especially whenever the other was facing challenges. Tommaso's backstory simultaneously broke my heart while making me so angry, but I loved the resolution.
    But there was also so much humour in this story. Tommaso had the best turn of phrase, and Carter was so funny. I really loved their conversations about furniture, and the bed-shopping videos were genius. The bartender moment in Sportsballs was hilarious, and I loved Carter's conversations with Rigo. Speaking of supporting characters, the moment Rigo reunited with Buck was SO pure. Meanwhile, Emilia was a hoot and so empathic, and I loved Jessie's conversation with Tommaso. Of course, it was fun catching up with the rest of the team, particularly Hudson and Gavin, and I loved the development in their lives. Plus... Actual on-ice hockey in a hockey romance is ALWAYS appreciated. Yay! The final chapters and epilogue were so satisfying and ultimately uplifting.
    A gorgeous story of love and self-acceptance.

    Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
    Emotional Rating: 💓😏💔😒👏🏻💓💔😡💔😏🥰😂💓😊💓😂💓🙈😏😂💔🤬💓😂😊💔😏🙈😬🤬💔🥰😏🥰😢🥰😉💓😏😍💔😊🥰😊💓👏🏻💓😏💓😭😢💓🥰😍😢💓🥰😡💔😬💔😭💓😏😢😊👏🏻🥰😂🥰👏🏻💓🥰👏🏻💓👏🏻💓😍😂👏🏻😂🥰😏🥰🤬👏🏻🥰😍🥰👏🏻😂🥰💓

    Favourite Quotes:

    He looks over his shoulder and once again those dark brown eyes destroy me. “That pillow? Incredible. Can’t believe you made it. I love it. And when I show it to my mom, she’ll flip.”

    His eyes dip. “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but I really like you. A lot. And if circumstances were different, I’d show you just how much.”

    For a moment, I forget to breathe. Nobody says things like that to me.

    I can't get drunk with him. I have the self-control of a pickle, and I don't trust myself.

    The world is full of hot guys. But the hottest thing about Tommaso is the way he listens. When I’m speaking, he fixes those chocolate eyes on mine. He always makes me feel fascinating.

    “Don’t regret me,” I whisper. “Whatever we do here, you can’t tell me tomorrow that it’s a mistake.”

    "...I’d wait for you. As long as it takes.”

    He was brave to be the guy who broke the ice, and I’ll always be grateful. But I hope to live in a world where being queer doesn’t make the headlines
    Customer image
    Ali's Adventures
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous story of love and self-acceptance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2023
    REVIEW
    cw: queerphobia, homelessness, anxiety, debt, SA, mentions of bullying and cancer

    NHL defenseman Tommaso DiCosta is in desperate need of furniture for his house. When he meets down-on-his-luck interior designer, Carter Flynn, they form a tentative friendship. But as they grow closer, Tommaso has to face his past.
    I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to read the follow-up. And, while it follows a similar arc, in that Tommaso also starts the story as closeted, there were also significant differences, and I absolutely ADORED his and Carter's story. Carter was such a cinnamon roll. I loved his sense of humour and his warmth. I also appreciated how careful he was with Tommaso, and their connection was so stinking cute. Their chemistry was palpable throughout, and I loved how their intimacy was balanced with humour and caregiving. I adored the journey Tommaso went on after meeting Carter and how instinctively they looked after each other, especially whenever the other was facing challenges. Tommaso's backstory simultaneously broke my heart while making me so angry, but I loved the resolution.
    But there was also so much humour in this story. Tommaso had the best turn of phrase, and Carter was so funny. I really loved their conversations about furniture, and the bed-shopping videos were genius. The bartender moment in Sportsballs was hilarious, and I loved Carter's conversations with Rigo. Speaking of supporting characters, the moment Rigo reunited with Buck was SO pure. Meanwhile, Emilia was a hoot and so empathic, and I loved Jessie's conversation with Tommaso. Of course, it was fun catching up with the rest of the team, particularly Hudson and Gavin, and I loved the development in their lives. Plus... Actual on-ice hockey in a hockey romance is ALWAYS appreciated. Yay! The final chapters and epilogue were so satisfying and ultimately uplifting.
    A gorgeous story of love and self-acceptance.

    Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
    Emotional Rating: 💓😏💔😒👏🏻💓💔😡💔😏🥰😂💓😊💓😂💓🙈😏😂💔🤬💓😂😊💔😏🙈😬🤬💔🥰😏🥰😢🥰😉💓😏😍💔😊🥰😊💓👏🏻💓😏💓😭😢💓🥰😍😢💓🥰😡💔😬💔😭💓😏😢😊👏🏻🥰😂🥰👏🏻💓🥰👏🏻💓👏🏻💓😍😂👏🏻😂🥰😏🥰🤬👏🏻🥰😍🥰👏🏻😂🥰💓

    Favourite Quotes:

    He looks over his shoulder and once again those dark brown eyes destroy me. “That pillow? Incredible. Can’t believe you made it. I love it. And when I show it to my mom, she’ll flip.”

    His eyes dip. “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but I really like you. A lot. And if circumstances were different, I’d show you just how much.”

    For a moment, I forget to breathe. Nobody says things like that to me.

    I can't get drunk with him. I have the self-control of a pickle, and I don't trust myself.

    The world is full of hot guys. But the hottest thing about Tommaso is the way he listens. When I’m speaking, he fixes those chocolate eyes on mine. He always makes me feel fascinating.

    “Don’t regret me,” I whisper. “Whatever we do here, you can’t tell me tomorrow that it’s a mistake.”

    "...I’d wait for you. As long as it takes.”

    He was brave to be the guy who broke the ice, and I’ll always be grateful. But I hope to live in a world where being queer doesn’t make the headlines
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  • Zaza - Forum Boulevard des Passions
    4.0 out of 5 stars Une romance doudou avec du hockey et de la déco d'intérieur
    Reviewed in France on October 29, 2023
    Je n'avais pas été emballée par le premier tome, que j'avais trouvé mignon, certes, mais surtout fadasse et plat. Là, c'est tout le contraire, je me suis régalée du début à la fin (allez, presque !) et j'ai vraiment passé un super moment.

    Pour faire court, disons que c'est l'histoire d'un hockeyeur de la Côte Est exilé dans le Colorado, un ours solitaire qui finit par acheter une maison et fait appel aux services d'un architecte d'intérieur rencontré par hasard dans un magasin de meubles.

    Le point fort du roman, c'est sans conteste tous les passages qui traitent de l'avancée de la décoration de la maison. En bon professionnel, Carter ne ménage pas ses efforts même s'il doit composer avec un client peu contrariant, certes, mais surtout peu dissert. Pas facile pour lui de décorer la maison en fonction des goûts de son client quand celui-ci est incapable de dire ce qu'il aime ou (et là on ne peut pas lui en vouloir) peine à distinguer les différentes couleurs de peinture sur les nuanciers que Carter lui présente. Si cliché cela puisse t-il être de le dire, ce que j'ai vraiment aimé, c'est qu'avec cet aménagement, ces coussins, toutes ces petites choses, Carter donne un vrai foyer à Tommaso, et c'est quelque chose que j'ai trouvé touchant.

    Si Carter vit librement (et ouvertement) sa sexualité, pour Tommaso, on se rend vite compte qu'il est profondément englué dans le déni et la crainte. Il crève de peur et de solitude et vu le harcèlement qu'il a subi pendant des années, c'est touchant de voir comme la personnalité lumineuse de Carter va l'aider à sortir de tout ça et à vouloir plus. D'ailleurs à ce titre, je trouve la fin vraiment anticlimatique et décevante (comme dans le 1er tome, finalement), c'est là le point faible du roman. Cela dit, l'autrice a inclus une scène que j'avais vraiment envie de lire, et qui permet à Tommaso de faire la paix avec lui-même et de tourner la page, et ça, c'est très bien.

    Voilà donc une belle romance avec des personnages attachants, une ambiance cocooning, un peu de hockey et une ambiance de Fêtes de fin d'année, autrement dit, un joli moment de lecture !
  • Snorkeling
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely lovely
    Reviewed in Germany on October 14, 2023
    Solid 4,5 stars.

    Love love love Tommaso, really love Carter.
    Would love to spend more time with them.
    Looking soooo forward to the next book in the series.
    I hope it'll be about Hale, because: Goalie!!!

    UpdateI've listened to the audiobook again, I liked it even more, so my rating has been updated to 5 stars, because it held up so brilliantly. Great narrators, especially Jacob Morgan for Tommaso (I love both the character and the narrator's voice and style).

    And yes, bingo: Sarina Bowen's next book in the series will be The last Guy on Earth, due to drop March 4th 2025. And Jethro, the Goalie, will be one of the MCs: Yay, happy dance!!!
  • Silvana
    5.0 out of 5 stars You can never go wrong with Sarina!
    Reviewed in Spain on October 11, 2023
    I love all her MM books and this one isn't an exception! Both MCs were adorable and I had fun reading their story. Even though I absolutely adore both books, I think I liked the first one a bit better. This is still amazing. So, are we getting anyone else's story? Please!!!!