Suckerpunch by Elyse Springer

A rookie goalie with a secret and a handsome yet hotheaded defenseman clash in the locker room and on the ice—but their shared desire to make the playoffs might help them move from enemies to lovers.

When the goalie for the Seattle Cascades hockey team is injured while drunk driving and Alex Fanning is recruited to take his place, Alex thinks his dream has come true. But to hold on to his hopes, he must keep his vampire heritage secret as the sport moves to ban Paranormals. The sexy but infuriating defenseman Sasha Petrov won’t make that easy. The injured goalie was his best friend, and he resents Alex’s presence—maybe even enough to use his bloodline against him.

Tensions mount, but the realization that there’s more to their feelings than animosity hits both men like a punch to the gut. Alex and Sasha’s newfound friendship promises passion, but a shocking betrayal could cost them all the ground they’ve gained.

Book 1
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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Spoiler-Free Review

Suckerpunch is the first installment in the Hockey Gods and Monsters series. Elyse Springer is a new-to-me author.

I need to be honest, I struggled at the start of the novel, simply because the writing style wasn't to my reading tastes, as well as the sheer amount of characters dropped in such a short amount of time. But I just rolled with it because the novel has so many of my favorite tropes, and I'm sure glad I did.

Alex is moving up to the NHL, so there's tons of angst and insecurity, worrying whether or not he's good enough to play with the professionals, fearing he'll hurt the team's win record. But that isn't the only thing Alex is afraid to have revealed... not only is he gay in a macho male-dominated sport, where he fears being outed, but he's also Para (half vampire) in a league that is contemplating genetic testing.

Sasha is a Russian. Why do I bring that up? Because no matter what, I read his narration in a Russian accent. No joke, I couldn't stop myself. First it was distracting, then it was annoying, then I just found it amusing, all of this directed at myself for continuously reading in a cheesy Russian accent, making Sasha sound like Vlad the Impaler (extra irony, Sasha is human).

Enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, fated mates (without the insta-love but a heavy dose of lust that is ignored). Sasha 'hates' Alex for taking his BFF/Mentor's position on the team, while Ed is healing from a car accident. The biggest problem, Ed is pushing Sasha to lie, to say it wasn't a DUI, his second DUI, and that he doesn't have an addiction problem.

Sasha and Alex butt heads, with a whole lot of tasty angst. Sasha is afraid to upset Ed by enjoying Alex's company. Alex is afraid to come out in all ways, because his lifelong dream was finally realized. Not only fearful, but how sneaky he has to be in order to 'eat.' Then eating becomes a real issue, and boy does the angst flow then.

Awesome story, even with the difficult start and my incessant need to create Russian accents in my head. The only other issue I had was the ending. It just ended. I actually turned forward and back twice to see if I was missing pages. It just ended, without a sense of an ending. Not a cliffhanger per se.

I look forward to more in this series, and highly recommend to those who enjoy the tropes I listed above, combined with sports elements.

ELYSE SPRINGER is an author and world traveler whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. Her asexual F/F romance Thaw was an Amazon #1 Bestseller. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, Elyse spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

Connect with Elyse

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Suckerpunch (Hockey Gods and Monsters #1) by Elyse Springer to read and review.

Changing Colors by Elyse Springer

Tony Quinn has a knack for figuring people out. He likes labels, likes to be able to put everyone and everything in tidy boxes. As a theater director, it allows him to run a production without too much drama. But when he meets Gentry—“call me Gee”—in a bar one night, he discovers that some people aren’t so easily defined.

Gee Parnell is unlike anyone Tony has ever met before. He refuses to conform—to Tony’s expectations, or to society’s gender roles. He’s sexy and flirtatious, unapologetic and unashamed. And Tony isn’t sure he’s okay with that. So he breaks things off and escapes back into his well-ordered life.

But then an attack leaves Gee bloody and bruised, and Tony realizes that he isn’t ready to lose him. Not only is the passion between them off the charts, but Gee shows him a different way of understanding people. However, an exciting new job opportunity means that Tony has to decide between hiding his sexuality and his relationship with Gee, and his newfound appreciation for the color and beauty Gee brings to his life.

A standalone novel in the Seasons of Love universe.

Book 4
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Riptide Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is one in a series, but can be read as a standalone. I read Thaw a little while ago, so it was good to catch up with that couple at a party.

I found this to be a thoughtful and thought-provoking read. Most people have been conditioned to consider certain things to be absolutely unacceptable, and even when it is blatantly wrong, it is difficult to not react. Tony has definitely been subjected to that from childhood, and at least in his mind, it is still affecting his thinking. I felt that his mother dying when he was a child was a significant factor in that inability. It is frustrating, but actually I think it is really well written and addresses a real issue in a refreshing, even if painful, way.

Gee is a wonderful character, determined to break rules he considers to be ridiculous – and his argument is difficult to fault. And Tony is well aware of that, he just isn't sure how to sort all the strands of his life. Watching them come to terms with each other, and seeing how their passion transcended the issues, was fascinating and highly engaging.

Another excellent installment, thank you Ms. Springer.

Also Available in the Seasons of Love Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Riptide Publishing

For reviews & more info, check out our Whiteout post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Riptide Publishing

For reviews & more info, check out our Thaw post.

Elyse is an author and world-traveler, whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories that she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, El spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

She’s always happy to chat with other readers, and you can find her online.

Connect with Elyse

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Changing Colors (Seasons of Love #4) by Elyse Springer to read and review.

Heels Over Head by Elyse Springer

Jeremy Reeve is one of the best divers in the world, and he’s worked hard to get where he is. He intends to keep pushing himself with one very clear goal in mind: winning gold at the summer Olympics in two years. That medal might be the only way to earn his father’s respect as an athlete.

Brandon Evans is everything Jeremy isn’t: carefree, outgoing, and openly gay. With his bright-blue eyes and dramatic tattoos, he’s a temptation that Jeremy refuses to acknowledge. But Jeremy can’t ignore how talented Brandon is—or that Brandon has no interest in using his diving skills to compete.

They’re opposites who are forced to work together as teammates, but Jeremy’s fear of his own sexuality and Brandon’s disinterest in anything “not fun” may end their partnership before it begins. Until a single moment changes everything, and they help each other discover that “team” can also mean family and love.

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Riptide Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I really loved the complex characters and the diving in this book. I found the details of Jeremy’s Olympic training regime fascinating and I loved the relationships between the three divers.

Jeremy is a very difficult character to like. His discipline and drive make him a world class athlete, but he comes across as cold and robotic for much of the story. In contrast, Brandon’s friendly and playful personality masks difficult secrets.

The relationship between Jeremy and Brandon builds painfully slowly. It takes Brandon an achingly long time to even build a friendship with Jeremy. This is a low heat romance that focuses more on Brandon, Jeremy, and Valerie’s personal and Olympic journeys than on the relationship that develops between Brandon and Jeremy.

Valerie, the third character in this story, is also wonderful. She has a twisted, complicated relationship with her parents and the sport they want her to excel at. I really enjoyed her journey in this story and I loved the positive portrayal of her as an Ace character.

With so much careful character development in this book, I hated the way Jeremy’s family is reduced to easy stereotypes. I also struggled with the pacing of this book. It covers a very long period of time in the lead up to the Olympics and there a few times that the story really dragged. I wanted more focus on competitions and more romance. The events near the end of the book as the Olympics drew near were exciting, but more of the book was spent detailing increasingly monotonous daily training sessions at the start.

These characters are brilliant and I loved the way the author immersed me in the world of competitive diving. I can’t imagine how much research was done for this story, but I really appreciated the details.

Elyse is an author and world-traveler, whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories that she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, El spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

She’s always happy to chat with other readers, and you can find her online.

Connect with Elyse

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Heels Over Head by Elyse Springer to read and review.

Thaw by Elyse Springer

Abigail is content with her quiet life as a librarian. But when she’s invited to a high-profile charity auction, she finds herself dancing with one of the most beautiful women she’s ever met. Abby’s sure she’ll never see her again, but then Gabrielle calls and asks her on a date. And soon after, another.

Supermodel Gabrielle Levesque has a reputation as the Ice Queen—cold and untouchable—except she warms up whenever she’s with Abby. Only Abby isn’t interested in the heat between them; she’s asexual, and she’s worried that admitting as much to Gabrielle might spell the end of their blooming romance.

They’re two different women from two very different worlds, but Abby knows she can love Gabrielle. Her passion for books, travel, and theater prove there’s more to the Ice Queen than meets the eye. But they’ll have to overcome Abby’s fears—and Gabrielle’s own threatening secrets—in order to find their way to love.

Book 2
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Riptide Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series and the blurb states that it does not matter the order of reading; however, some big hints are made about the previous couple twist, so I would advise reading in order if you can. That this works as a standalone is definitely true too.

I found this to be a very enjoyable read, which had a good plot, twists, and some super, friends moments. It considers an issue which is rarely discussed, certainly not often in romance novels, and it does so very effectively I think. Both Abby and Gabrielle are interesting people, with very different career paths, but as they discover, many similar likes and concerns. They both do something very caring for each other with no expectation of thanks or recompense, which seals the deal.

Lovely story, great outcome; thank you, Ms. Springer.

Also Available in the Seasons of Love Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Riptide Publishing

For reviews & more info, check out our Whiteout post.

Elyse is an author and world-traveler, whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories that she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, El spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

She’s always happy to chat with other readers, and you can find her online.

Connect with Elyse

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Thaw (Seasons of Love #2) by Elyse Springer to read and review.

Whiteout by Elyse Springer

Noah Landers wakes up one day with a headache and no memory of where—or who—he is. Jason, the man taking care of him, tries to fill in some of the blanks: they’re in a cabin in Colorado on vacation, and Noah slipped on ice and hit his head. But even with amnesia, Noah knows Jason is leaving out something important.

Jason O’Reilly is sexy as hell, treats Noah like he’s precious, and seems determined to make this the romantic getaway they’d apparently dreamed of together. But Noah’s more concerned that he’s trapped alone with Jason in the middle of a blizzard while his slowly-returning memories bring hints of secrets and betrayal.

Noah’s not sure what’s the truth and what’s a lie. But as he learns who he is—and who Jason is to him—he’s forced to reevaluate everything he believes about himself, about loyalty... and about love.

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Riptide Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this! A man wakes with amnesia from a head injury. He’s in a blizzard, in a cabin with another man and somehow, he knows that something isn’t quite right about the situation…

The plot is perfectly controlled in this story. As Noah first questions and then remembers more about himself and his relationship with Jason, the man whose cabin he is in, readers share Noah’s disjointed and confusing memories. I loved his conflict emotions as the Jason in the present doesn’t resemble the Jason in his erratic memories. And the moment he starts to question his own identity is truly chilling.

Because this story starts with Noah’s amnesia, it is difficult to review this story without giving too much away. I have to say again that I loved it. The characters are deliciously layered and complex – no one is as they first seem and truth has many shades of grey in this book.

I don’t want to give anything away, but I do want to recommend this highly. The start is chilling, but there are moments of joy, of love, and wonderful moments of self-discovery.


Angie – ☆☆☆
When I opened my copy to start reading and saw there was a part one and a part two, I was already off to a bad start. I don’t really enjoy that in a book, it just seems like two separate stories and by the end of part one, sometimes I really don’t want to go to part two because I wasn’t that impressed. I think another big point for me was I couldn’t connect with the characters at all, especially since it was in Noah’s point of view and I felt like I didn’t really know Jason at all. I put the book down several times because it just wasn’t holding my interest but I wanted to finish. The ending was nice, but this book just didn’t work for me, and since the next book is a F/F, I am not sure I will be reading more of the series.

Characters: Couldn’t connect
Sex: Yes
Religious: No
Would I recommend to others: Yes
More than one book in the series: Yes
Genre: M/M
Would I read more by this author: Yes

Elyse is an author and world-traveler, whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories that she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, El spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

She’s always happy to chat with other readers, and you can find her online.

Connect with Elyse

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Whiteout (Seasons of Love #1) by Elyse Springer to read and review.