Two-Man Team by Amy Aislin Release Blitz

One wrongful arrest ruined Kris Xappa’s image—and made his NHL team look bad. Now, with orders to keep his head down, the last thing he needs is to develop feelings for his younger teammate—and best friend’s brother. The fact that he can’t stop thinking about their one illicit kiss doesn’t mean anything.

Rory Stanton is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and doesn’t need his brother’s best friend keeping an eye on him. Sure, he likes having Kris’s attention, but he’d rather have it for entirely different reasons. Too bad that one kiss they shared wasn’t enough to convince Kris to take a chance on him.

When an injury lands Rory in Kris’s care, will these teammates be able to see past the obstacles to become a two-man team?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Stick Side series!
For book one, On the Ice, click HERE.
For book two, The Nature of the Game, click HERE.
For book three, Shots on Goal, click HERE.
For book four, Risking the Shot, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5
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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

At some point while Kris had been occupied—or possibly when he’d been sitting here feeling sorry for himself—Rory had brought a bowl of grapes and blueberries to the table, as well as two sets of cutlery, two tall glasses of water, three different types of jam from the fridge, and two empty mugs. The smell of percolating coffee hit and Kris almost wept.

Rory was surely here because Emery had asked him to come, but Kris didn’t give two shits about his motivations. As long as Rory fed him, the man could come by anytime he wanted.

“You look like you need this.” Rory set Kris’s plate at his elbow. “And about twelve hours of sleep.”

“You’re not wrong. Thanks for this.” Closing the laptop, Kris shoved it aside and brought his food closer.

“Maybe stay away from fast food breakfast sandwiches in the future.” Rory wrinkled his nose. “That thing looked like poison.”

Kris chuckled and shoved half a toast in his mouth, not bothering with jam.

Rory Stanton was one of those cute as button types. High forehead, small nose, big brown eyes. In Rory’s downtime, those big eyes were usually covered with glasses. Today, he wore his contacts, which meant he’d been outdoors. He’d complained, more than once, about the annoyance of changing from prescription glasses to prescription sunglasses and back whenever he went from indoors to outdoors to indoors again. He always seemed to smell like sunshine and grass, and his dark brown hair was constantly in a state of dishevelment.

“You got a bit of a burn on your nose,” Kris said, pointing his fork at him.

“Damn.” Rory’s eyes crossed. “I do? Didn’t think I’d need sunscreen for an hour of street hockey this late in September. Ah well.” Unconcerned, he dug into his meal.

Kris stood, retrieved the ketchup from the fridge, and proceeded to smother his eggs in it.

Rory stared at him. “God, you’re disgusting.”

“Ketchup brings me joy.”

For some reason, Rory thought that was hysterical and he dissolved into snorted, hiccupy giggles. The same kind that had left Rory a snorting, laughing mess at last year’s Christmas party.

The same night he’d kissed Kris.

If Kris had thought about that sloppy, back-of-an-Uber kiss more than once in the intervening months, well... it wasn’t Kris’s fault. Despite tasting like a barroom floor, that kiss had awoken something in him. Not feelings. More of an awareness of Rory as something other than Kris’s best friend’s little brother. An awareness of Rory as a fully grown man.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series. I would recommend that you read them in order, because they are all very good, but in some ways, I do think you could read this one and then go back and catch up on the goodness of the previous couplings.

Kris is readying his post-retirement life plans for the end of the season. He and two of his closest friends are setting up a not-for-profit, but some bad publicity starts to seriously damage his reputation. It is incredibly frustrating and causes ridiculous and unwanted attention from the media. It worries investors, and also affects his game. Although his coming to the aid of his best friend's younger brother, Rory, causes even more confusion and distraction... which is a surprise, possibly even a pleasant one!

Rory is now playing hockey with Kris, his long, long-time crush. Always unattainable, and sort out of bounds, the interest has never dimmed. So, when Kris offers him a place to recover after he breaks his leg, Rory has to accept, but knows every day will be a challenge.

There is so much to enjoy in this story, from the sexy men who try and resist the temptation literally in front of them, and the hilarity of Rory's love of waffles, and the excitement of the game. The author has done a great job of putting these two men in a position that they need to navigate to find a way forward together. It is really great to catch up with the team and how their life plans are progressing along with their blossoming relationships.

I am already looking forward to the next installment – hint, hint!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is another sweet and sexy addition to a great series. Completely devoted to his charity work, Kris is devastated when tabloid gossip threatens his reputation and his plans for his life after retirement. His life is further complicated when his teammate (and his best friend’s younger brother) is injured and needs Kris’ care.

If it weren’t for his uncanny ability to get himself into the news for the wrong reason, Kris would almost be too saintly to be fun. He’s a little bit too perfect – but the fact that the world thinks he’s a drunk and a thug almost makes up for it. Rory is a fabulous counterpoint to Kris. He’s a series of contrasts. After years of bullying, Rory lacks the confidence the public expects from a young rising hockey star.

This is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance. The angst in both men’s lives is personal, there is very little friction or miscommunication between the two. The friendship that builds while Rory stays with Kris builds slowly into something that gives them both strength. This is a gentle, heartwarming read, and I enjoyed it very much.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
There was so much I loved about this story. I’ll start with the romance between Kris and Rory. Rory breaks his leg and moves in with Kris while he is healing. We already know that Rory has feelings for Kris, but Kris’ feelings start to change the more they spend time together. While there are definitely a few hot and sexy parts in this story, it was their emotional connection and the way the men supported each other that I really loved. I was so wrapped up in their love story that at one point where Kris inadvertently hurts Rory’s feelings, I was devastated and grumpy for half the day.

There is more to this story than the romance. Kris is arrested when he steps in to stop a fight in a bar. The media reporting and fallout cause problems with Kris’ plans to launch a non-profit to help kids and teens. And the scrutiny from the media and bloggers doesn’t stop and it made me so mad. It had me thinking about how this happens in real life and how hard it must be to be in the public eye.

As for Rory, at 23 years old he is still dealing with the emotional fallout of having been bullied in school. This was something I could totally relate to and seeing Rory confront his issues and deal with them was comforting.

I was completely enamored with Rory and Kris. Kris has such a big heart and Rory is completely adorable. This story was wonderful and by the end I was so happy for Kris and Rory and everything they overcame together to get to a happy place together.

 

 

 

AMY AISLIN has lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter HERE.

Connect with Amy

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Amy Aislin’s Readers

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Two-Man Team (Stick Side #5) by Amy Aislin to read and review for this tour.

Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin Instagram Tour

Time for distractions? Hardly.

A chance at making the playoffs? It’s a dream for NHL forward Taylor Cunningham that just might come true. If he can keep his eyes on the ball—ahem, puck. And study for midterms. Dakota Cotton, eleven years his senior, isn’t just a distraction, though—he’s everything Tay’s ever wanted.

Dakota has no interest in introducing someone who might not stick around to his four-year-old son. Been there, done that, with the divorce to prove it. But there’s something about Tay that hits all of the right buttons and has him wanting to take a chance.

As things heat up between them, and the pressure to succeed hits an all-time high, will they risk a shot at happiness or choke?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Stick Side series:
For book one, On the Ice, click HERE.
For book two, The Nature of the Game, click HERE.
For book three, Shots on Goal, click HERE.
Shots on Goal is on sale for 99¢ through September 17th.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

 

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as they are all really good. You could, however, enjoy this as a standalone too.

Tay is 23, enjoying his success in the NHL, and studying a four-year Para-medicine degree. He has a couple of much older sisters who are successful and feels obliged to do the studying, even though it is really not what he wants to do. He loves his family, but has always felt left out, and the unsuccessful baby of the family. Part of this story looks at just how much he needs to break out of this mindset – and I think it does a really good job of making him think about how to move forward.

Dakota works for a charity because it enables him to be a good, single dad. He would love to run a bakery with his best friend, but right now this is the best for his family. He is very reluctant to enter the dating game, as his ex-wife left due to not wanting to be a mum, and he cannot risk his son, Andy, being hurt again. So his unexpected attraction to Tay is not only a problem because Tay is not out, but also because it breaks his rules.

As the men get to know each other better, and Tay clearly is prepared to be involved in family times as well as being interested in Dakota as a partner. Timing may be bad, but there is definitely something worth fighting for between these two. I loved seeing the compromises they were prepared to make, as they acknowledged how important their growing friendship and family times were. The 3d puzzle time between Andy and Tay was really cute.

Another good addition to this very readable series. Thank you, Amy Aislin, I am looking forward to the next one already!


Veronica – ☆☆☆
The first scene between Tay and Dakota showed the couple had great chemistry and it was steaming hot without there being even so much as a kiss. From there, I expected this book to be one with lots of sexy scenes but that wasn’t really where the story went. The scenes where Tay and Dakota get to know each other are hot and fun but it is also about two guys getting to know each other and learning about each other's lives and I quite like the normalcy of it.

This is a hockey romance and while that is part of Tay’s life and this story, it isn’t everything. It really is only one part of Tay’s life. This guy has so much on his plate. His career, he is studying to be paramedic, he is creating a comic, he has family commitments, and now he has added romance with Dakota to his life. I really connected with Tay as he struggled with his competing priorities, probably because I experience similar issues in my life. I liked seeing Tay work out what was important and where his priorities really lie. Dakota is an essential part of that and not just because of their romance but because he helps Tay see things differently. Dakota is really good for Tay.

I really enjoyed Risking the Shot. It was easy to read and it combined fun, light elements with the responsibilities of life to make a good story. A note – make sure you read all of the epilogue because the article at the end is fantastic and a unique way to finish the story.

 

 

 

 

Amy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter HERE.

Connect with Amy

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Amy Aislin’s Readers Facebook Group

 

 

Check us out on Instagram to enter the #RiskingTheShotTour for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Risking the Shot.

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Risking the Shot (Stick Side #4) by Amy Aislin to read and review for this tour.

Shots on Goal by Amy Aislin Instagram Tour

Recently traded to the newly formed Vermont Trailblazers, professional hockey player Roman Kinsey needs to focus on helping the team win games and filling the stands, not on the blond, bespectacled part-timer who works at the library he volunteers at. He knows all too well that outing himself equals heartache and ridicule… or worse.

Cody Evans, psych major and grad school hopeful, notices everything and thinks too much. But he doesn’t know what to think when he sees Roman reading to kids. The rugged hockey player just doesn’t look like the type. But it stirs something in him, something he’s never felt before.

When the library is threatened with closure, Cody enlists Roman’s help. As they get to know each other better...much, much better...they realize that they have more in common than books. But Roman’s keeping a big part of himself from his team, and giving in to his feelings for Cody might be more than he’s willing to risk.

Book 3
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Was he ready for another potential rejection? Not that Cody seemed like the rejection type—after all, Cody was the one who’d invited him tonight—but neither had Kas. Nobody was only what they appeared to be on the surface. Kas had hid a homophobic prick under that happy-go-lucky charm. Cody could be concealing a machete-wielding assassin-for-hire under that good ol’ boy, support-your-local-library exterior.

Opening his text messaging app, he sent a message to Cody: Do you own a machete?

As Roman watched him, Cody, still leaning against the building, jolted. Most likely his phone vibrating in his pocket, an assumption that was confirmed a second later when Cody pulled a phone from somewhere and removed a glove, presumably to answer Roman’s text.

Second assumption confirmed—Roman’s phone buzzed.

A machete? Um, no? Where would I buy one? Is that something you can get at the hardware store?

He didn’t know Cody that well yet, but he had a feeling that was a pretty typical Cody response. His phone buzzed again.

Do you need one? said Cody’s next message. I can ask around and see if someone I know has one you can borrow.

Well, that was... awfully sweet.

Yet another text made his phone vibrate.

What do you need it for? Is it to chop someone’s head off like they do in the movies? If so, I can think of less messy ways to commit murder.

What the hell kind of movies was Cody watching?

Surprised into laughter, Roman opened the door, stepped out, and headed across the parking lot. Cody looked up then, and the smile that pulled his lips upward made Roman’s steps falter and his chest tingle.

When was the last time someone had been happy to see him?

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series. We first met Roman Kinsey as the unpopular loner who ate everything he could in book two. He has now been traded to a newly formed team and is once again feeling unsettled and temporary. In book two I liked that Dan was not so swift to judge Kinsey as the team, but little did I think that his backstory would be so moving.

Kinsey is so careful of not relying or trusting others that even though he is offered a new chance, and reminded by his coach of the importance of team spirit, he just can't break his old habits. But over time and thanks to the friendship of Cody, we get to appreciate the man that he really is, and the reasons for his behaviour patterns.

That this book spends a goodly amount of time in a library, as well as the hockey stadium, is a very welcome bonus. Cody is a student finishing off his studies and working in the local library too – which is where he meets Kinsey as he does community outreach reading to children. As you may have guessed, not a natural fit for this loner... but with Cody's help, and the children, he definitely improves and even grows to enjoy it!

I love that there are multiple strands, that there are lovely redeeming qualities to Kinsey; that there is patience, faith and love coming into his life; that his values are challenged; that his ability to change and grow and commit have not been destroyed by what happened to him – and that he is an amazing cook, much to his teammates’ delight.

I really enjoyed this book, possibly the most of all – although all three have been excellent, unique stories.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Roman Kinsey made my heart ache. His backstory made me angry. I cried for Roman when I saw how hard it was for him six years later to trust people, to even make basic friendships. Cody, a psychology major, could tell that Roman’s standoffish behaviour was just a front and I loved that he was so giving and patient with Roman. But Cody isn’t perfect and has his own issues.

While this story is set around the world of hockey, I loved the everyday normalcy of much of it. Making friends, teamwork, potluck dinners, and taking care of others is a regular part of many people’s lives. This is such a romantic story without a hint of sappiness or gushiness to be found. It also isn’t full of descriptive or filler sex. This is about the men and their story, and it is so well done. I loved seeing Roman and Cody learn about themselves on their journey and seeing them trying to improve themselves and their lives. Shots on Goal is a great story whether you’re a hockey fan or not.

Also Available in the Stick Side Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the On the Ice Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our The Nature of the Game post.

Amy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter HERE.

Connect with Amy

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Amy Aislin’s Readers Facebook Group

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And check us out on Instagram to enter the #ShotsOnGoalTour for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Shots on Goal (Stick Side #3) by Amy Aislin to read and review for this tour.

The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin

Six years ago, an ultimatum forced Dan Greyson to make a choice that cost him everything he loved most. One of those things? His boyfriend, hockey player Ashton Yager. Now that they’ve crossed paths again, Dan isn’t about to let the opportunity slip away. Ash’s reappearance in his life is just the catalyst Dan needs to escape the rut he’s fallen into… and win back Ash’s trust and love.

Ashton Yager, once burned and now a little bit shy, didn’t mean to publicly come out as bisexual. But now that he has, he’s got to deal with the consequences, including the fact that it might’ve cost him his NHL contract. With his job on the line, he needs to keep his head down, work hard, and play the best hockey of his life. Rekindling things with Dan? That’s not exactly keeping a low profile. It’s also never going to happen, not after Dan walked away once without an explanation.

When a hurricane forces Ash to seek shelter out-of-state, he and Dan find themselves in the same B&B, where old feelings resurface. But with everything Ash has on the line, does he dare play with fire again?

Book 2
Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
This is a wonderful second-chance romance. I felt comfortable with the characters right from the very beginning. That actually surprised me because in the first book in this series, Dan isn’t shown in the best light. so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about him. Turns out he is a really good guy who made a bad decision which only led to heartbreak.

The story stitches between the present day to six years in the past when Dan and Ash first met. At first, I didn’t want the story to go back to the past, but I quickly changed my mind. It was fun being with Ash and Dan as they met. They are so comfortable with each other and it was a pleasure to see them fall in love. This is a couple I loved being with, even during the bad times.

The crux of this story is whether a couple can take second chance and move on after a betrayal and a broken heart. Sometimes a happily ever after is all the sweeter if the couple has had to fight for it. The Nature of the Game is a great story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and follows on from book #1 where Alex and Mitch got their happily ever after. As the story unfolds, we learn just how they tie in with both Ash and Dan. As these two get their second chance at love, we discover just how poorly Dan has been treated by his mother. It is rare for a book to have such an unjust woman at the head of a family, but wow, is it done with style – move over Miranda Priestly!

As Ash has to deal with his sexuality becoming public knowledge, he also has to come to terms with his life being intrinsically linked with his first love – even though Dan seems to be repentant, how can one forgive someone for disappearing without trace? But he has to admit that Dan is certainly not a happy man, and that he is finally explaining why and what will change in the future. I loved that although it took time for them to communicate, they did finally take the time and the effort to get over the past and consider a new and happy relationship.

I found the hints about Kinsey rather intriguing and am very happy that I have the next installment waiting for me on my Kindle!

Also Available in the Stick Side Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the On the Ice Blog Tour.

Amy started writing on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class was forced to stay inside for recess. Tales of adventures with her classmates quickly morphed into tales of adventures with the characters in her head. Based in the suburbs of Toronto, Amy is a marketer/fundraiser at a large environmental non-profit in Toronto by day, and a writer by night. Book enthusiast, animal lover and (very) amateur photographer, her interests are many and varied, including travelling, astronomy, ecology, and baking. She binge watches too much anime, and loves musical theater, Julie Andrews, the Backstreet Boys, and her hometown of Oakville, Ontario.

Connect with Amy

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Amy Aislin’s Readers Facebook Group


Brought to you by

Veronica & Ruthie reviewed their personal copies of The Nature of the Game (Stick Side #2) by Amy Aislin for this post.

On the Ice by Amy Aislin Blog Tour

For college sophomore Mitch Greyson, determination and persistence are the name of the game if he wants to make it as a professional hockey player. A busy schedule of practices, games, classes, homework, two part-time jobs—and now, working with a tutor to help him pass the class he’s failing so that he can keep his scholarship—shouldn’t leave him with enough time to flirt with the NHL player in town. But that doesn’t stop him.

Placed on the injured reserve list until his broken arm heals, NHL defenseman Alex Dean is using the time off to be with his ailing grandfather and get a head start on the book he’s been commissioned to write. He doesn’t expect to get roped into a tutoring gig, especially not for cocky, smart-ass Mitch.

But Alex soon discovers that there’s more to Mitch than meets the eye... and he really likes what he sees. Only Alex doesn’t dare risk his NHL career by coming out, and a relationship between them would jeopardize Mitch’s chances with the organization too.

It looks impossible. Then again, the best things usually do...

Author’s Note: On the Ice is an m/m contemporary romance featuring a flirty college hockey player who meets his match in a demisexual NHL player.

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

“Good game against Colgate,” Alex said, pocketing his phone.

The mask slipped off Mitch’s face. “You were there?”

Alex shook his head. “Watched it on TV.”

Holy crap! An NHL player—Mitch’s hockey crush, no less—had watched his game. At a loss for words, Mitch stood there blinking at Alex like a putz.

“You’ve got impressive foot work,” Alex said.

Mitch continued to blink at him.

“You skated circles around Colgate and that goal in the third?” Alex smiled wide. “You broke Colgate’s end as if the defensemen were pylons. It was beautiful.”

“I—” Mitch cleared his throat. “Well, McCall passed me the puck at just the right time, so… I mean, I did figure skating for years and…” He had no idea what he was trying to say.

“Huh. I know a couple of guys who did some figure skating after their game slipped and it helped them rebound. It’s something I’ve been considering to improve my foot speed.” Alex leaned a shoulder against the wall and crossed his arms, but his cast got in the way so he ended up shoving one hand in his pocket and letting the casted one dangle. “Your training shows in your footwork. How else has it helped your game?”

In total disbelief that an NHL player was asking him for advice, Mitch said, “Figure skating is about using edges and your body to change direction on the ice. It’s about learning to cut a corner or to pivot the right way while maintaining your speed. It made me a better skater.”

“It shows.”

God, the compliments were going to go to Mitch’s head.

“What made you decide to stick with hockey instead of figure skating?”

Mitch shrugged and told the truth. “I liked hockey better.”

“Could you do a triple axel in full hockey gear?” Alex asked, a teasing grin on his face.

Mitch had to laugh. “I’ve never tried.” But now he was itching to.

“No? What about a—” Alex held his index finger up and moved it in small circles, “—with the leg out in front?”

“A sit spin?” Mitch scratched his head. “I actually think that one might be harder than the triple axel in full hockey gear.”

They stood there smiling at each other for a moment, Alex’s eyes the color of the Green Mountains in summer. The man was too gorgeous for words and he was nice to boot. Mitch couldn’t help staring at Alex’s mouth, red and surprisingly soft in an otherwise rugged face.

Alex cleared his throat and edged around Mitch. “I’ve got to get back to my friend.”

“Wait, I—” The hallway was empty so Mitch plastered his sex smile back on his face, walked right into Alex’s personal space, and put a hand on Alex’s hip. “Why don’t you come over tonight and we’ll—”

Alex palmed Mitch’s shoulders and pushed him away. “Look, kid—”

“I’m not a kid.”

“Mitch.” Alex held him at arm’s length. “Whatever it is you’re trying to do here, it’s not going to happen. I don’t even know you.”

“What difference does that make?”

Alex dropped his arms. “I don’t jump into bed with people I don’t know. Hell, I don’t even jump into bed with people I do know.”

Alex wasn’t saying I’m not gay, but it did sound like he was saying I’m asexual or something similar, which left Mitch exactly nowhere.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
What a brilliant story! Alternately funny, sweet, and sexy, this hockey romance has surprisingly complex characters and wonderful emotional resonance. I was expecting entertaining fluff and while this is very entertaining, it is also a satisfying and beautifully crafted romance.

Mitch is the heart of this book. The college hockey star and maths genius is working two jobs to cover his tuition. Estranged from his mother and brother, he’s emotionally vulnerable and socially awkward. Mitch flirts to cover his vulnerability and to get his own way. At first, he doesn’t quite know what to do when Alex refuses to respond to his overtures.

Alex is almost Mitch’s opposite. The NHL player is older. He is calm and sure of himself – but he is also grieving the loss of his grandfather to Alzheimer's. Alex is also demisexual and he challenges Mitch to be real with him, so they can build a genuine emotional bond.

I loved Alex and Mitch together. They seem to make each other better. The romance is slow to build as Alex is almost more Ace than Demi at the start but the friendship they build is really special. In some ways, this is as much a coming of age story for Mitch as it is a romance. I loved watching him grow into himself, stand up to his mother, and build relationships to carry him into adult life.

There isn’t much hockey action in this hockey romance. I loved the camaraderie between teammates and the banter between the players is good fun. I really enjoyed the contrast between Mitch’s college career and Alex’s NHL experience.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Alex is a pro hockey player, a patient, laid back, really good guy. Alex is also demisexual, so Mitch repeatedly hitting on him when they barely know each other doesn’t get him anywhere. The two men keep up ending up in each other’s paths and when Alex unknowingly agrees to tutor Mitch, they finally start to get to become friends.

For me, it was Mitch that won my heart. He has a partial scholarship playing hockey at college, is studying kinesiology, and works two jobs to pay the rest of his tuition and living expenses. He is driven and has a plan for how his life is going to go. But Mitch has a disapproving mother and a brother who cut him out of his life and it has left him with deep scars. On the outside, Mitch is confident, but on the inside, he has a fragile heart and I just fell so in love with him.

This is such a wonderful romance. A story where we truly get to know the characters and their lives, see them meet, become friends, and fall in love. With every page I was pulled deeper into their story and any time anything remotely emotional happened, I had tears in my eyes I was so invested in their story. This is a slow burn romance and it is so worth it because Alex and Mitch together are just magical. Five stars from me.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, but there isn't any excessive world building. A large part of the book is set in 2008/09.

Mitch is a young, ambitious college hockey player, who is working like crazy to prove to his rich but harsh mother that he can have a good career in the sport. He has no family support and works extra hard at everything. And whilst he is geeky at times, he comes over as a really good guy. He has the most supportive best friend in Cody that anyone could ever want.

Alex is a pro hockey player, benched due to a broken arm, and in town to visit his grandpa, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. By a couple of strange coincidences, he ends up tutoring Mitch, and dealing with Mitch's strong come-ons. They both want to keep their private life out of the papers, for obvious reasons, but for Alex there are also other issues in play. He needs a real emotional connection before he feels any sexual attraction – and he doesn't think he will be in town long enough for that to possibly happen, even if he finds Mitch interesting.

As Mitch slowly reveals more of the private man he has hidden away under protective layers of bluster, and Alex's stay is extended, they spend more time together, becoming close. It is beautifully written and truly engaging. I loved how the romance developed, alongside a genuine friendship, from the figure skating sessions to the cross-country Christmas escape. The epilogue is delicious.

I look forward to seeing who gets his story told next!

Amy started writing on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class was forced to stay inside for recess. Tales of adventures with her classmates quickly morphed into tales of adventures with the characters in her head. Based in the suburbs of Toronto, Amy is a marketer/fundraiser at a large environmental non-profit in Toronto by day, and a writer by night. Book enthusiast, animal lover and (very) amateur photographer, her interests are many and varied, including travelling, astronomy, ecology, and baking. She binge watches too much anime, and loves musical theater, Julie Andrews, the Backstreet Boys, and her hometown of Oakville, Ontario.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of On the Ice (Stick Side #1) by Amy Aislin to read and review for this tour.