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It's a Setup
It's a Commitment
“I love him very very much,” Joey says, then kind of wants to curl into a ball after saying that. “It is embarrassing,” he adds, because obviously.
Words: 81,752 words
Words: 81,752 words
261 pages, ebook
Published January 28, 2023
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18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 26, 2023
This is the tenth work I've read by Taylor Fitzpatrick and only the third to get less than a 5 star rating. (Yes, only nine on GR, one is seeekrit.)
it's a commitment continues the story of Joey (Money) and Scratch from it's a setup only... Well, you see the problem is I didn't feel like there was a story. This entire book felt unnecessary. Fan service. Not in the porny anime way, there's not much in the way of sex in this series, or even hockey. I appreciate how those aspects vary in Fitzpatrick's work. No, this just giving fans who want to see more of these characters additional scenes and events from their lives after it's a setup which settled the relationship quite nicely.
For what it is, this is a much more even book than Thrown Off the Ice, which I 3-starred. Unfortunately, since I didn't write a proper review of No Expectation of Returns and my brain can't be bothered to associate names and titles with stories, without at least a partial reread I can't properly compare it with that one, though from what little I can recall, I think I'd be more likely to reread that one than this.
It's quite odd, and I wonder how much it was planned because there were a couple points along the way where she tosses out a potential problem/crisis/conflict that could have been used as the kernel of a proper plot, but then leaves them all where they lay, abandoned. Honestly, I think I'd have been happier getting these extra Scratch n Money scenes through the POV of one of the other characters, Willy, Owen, Trigger even, in a story of their own, with like tension and a relationship arc.
The reason this is still getting a 4-star rating despite that is that it's really funny and a quick read. Money's a hilarous doofus. Though the Money's a terrible introvert thing near the end came out of the blue and gave me a real wtf moment.
Anyway, more gay hockey is doubtless in my future, once I feel up to picking out which if Fitzpatrick's stories to read next.
it's a commitment continues the story of Joey (Money) and Scratch from it's a setup only... Well, you see the problem is I didn't feel like there was a story. This entire book felt unnecessary. Fan service. Not in the porny anime way, there's not much in the way of sex in this series, or even hockey. I appreciate how those aspects vary in Fitzpatrick's work. No, this just giving fans who want to see more of these characters additional scenes and events from their lives after it's a setup which settled the relationship quite nicely.
For what it is, this is a much more even book than Thrown Off the Ice, which I 3-starred. Unfortunately, since I didn't write a proper review of No Expectation of Returns and my brain can't be bothered to associate names and titles with stories, without at least a partial reread I can't properly compare it with that one, though from what little I can recall, I think I'd be more likely to reread that one than this.
It's quite odd, and I wonder how much it was planned because there were a couple points along the way where she tosses out a potential problem/crisis/conflict that could have been used as the kernel of a proper plot, but then leaves them all where they lay, abandoned. Honestly, I think I'd have been happier getting these extra Scratch n Money scenes through the POV of one of the other characters, Willy, Owen, Trigger even, in a story of their own, with like tension and a relationship arc.
The reason this is still getting a 4-star rating despite that is that it's really funny and a quick read. Money's a hilarous doofus. Though the Money's a terrible introvert thing near the end came out of the blue and gave me a real wtf moment.
Anyway, more gay hockey is doubtless in my future, once I feel up to picking out which if Fitzpatrick's stories to read next.
February 26, 2023
Scratch & Money 4eva!
Sometimes I just pull up ao3 and pick a random chapter. Never disappoints to cheer me up.
Sometimes I just pull up ao3 and pick a random chapter. Never disappoints to cheer me up.
September 16, 2024
Okay, so the wedding scene?
Is hilarious?
So why am I still crying?
There’s such Team in us.
Is hilarious?
So why am I still crying?
There’s such Team in us.
November 24, 2024
Turns out I read this alongside it's a setup without realizing. No wonder I thought the book was REALLY LONG.
No idea where the first stopped and the second began so I'm leaving the same overall rating.
No idea where the first stopped and the second began so I'm leaving the same overall rating.
December 30, 2024
Like part one, this was not my favourite by this author. Very funny, very lovable characters, but somehow even the wedding wasn’t romantic and honestly Money & Scratch have zero chemistry.
March 9, 2023
I'll post a proper review after I've reread the series (ScratchnMoney are definitely reread material), but let it be known that I love these stupid hockey boys with all my heart. I love Playoff Willy, I love Wowen, I love the wedding, I love Little Caesar, I love the therapy sessions - my heart is filled with nothing but peace and purple gobbstoppers.
November 13, 2024
This was the most adorable thing ever - all the warm fuzzies
September 12, 2024
So sad to give a TF book 2 stars, but this was just not my thing. I like Bryce and Jared level fluff, where nothing too bad happens but it feels real, and there is some hardship. This was absurd level fluff, like the story and characters were all just sort of ridiculous. But the biggest problem was just that not once, in all 150,000 words of this two-parter, did I feel the chemistry between Scratch and Joey. Also, I just can't get over that they seriously call each other Scratch and Money?? Like that's just weird?? I think the whole point of this was like it's best bros but if they were actually in love, but it really never felt like anything more than best bros to me, and then it was weird because they would kiss and stuff. For a while I was kind of into seeing what happened with Owen and Willy, but that never really amounted to much either. Idk, sad to say, but mostly I just found this quite boring.
April 18, 2025
This review is for both "books" in the duet (they're on Ao3)--It's a Setup, and It's a Commitment. I repeat/copied it on the first half (It's a Setup) too. Same review:
The best type of best-friends-to-lovers! The kind for me. Many many thanks to @Evelyn Bella for the rec.
The story stars oblivious doofus point-of-view hero Joey/Money and his secretly pining bestie Nick/Scratch...everyone assumes they’re together long before Joey has any clue whatsoever...no OM action at all on page or even mentioned apart from key backstory of Joey’s utter asshole ex and Scratch only dating women in the past...this was perfect for me, and youcouldmakealife strikes again with two of the most adorable co-dependent heroes out there. I could read this author’s laundry list and smile all the way, they’re that great.
It's a hockey teammates romance, told from Joey’s perspective entirely. The hockey included is riveting, like you’re at the games, and for me it never gets old. Joey and Nick/Scratch (imma call him Scratch bc Nick is used infrequently) live in the same building but Scratch is at Joey’s place constantly; the two are in synch to the point of being one person. Where one goes, the other is never far behind. So what finally incites a different dynamic/realization for them?
Joey’s put on the team charity-bachelor-auction block and winds up on a date with a very cute guy, but doesn’t ask for his number at the end of the night. Idiot Scratch encourages him to get the guy’s number and see him again (why he did this is the ONE THING that’s never explained and I really wanted to know! Scratch, why the HELL did you do that???). And Joey forms a big crush and become friends with this guy, Owen, and winds up wanting to date him but knows Owen thinks they’re only friends...anyway, the pining thing is there for a bit, but, guess who points out to Joey that he’s obviously “with” Scratch?! A sentiment that is confirmed by pretty much everyone Joey knows, and Joey is left blinking and going ....but Scratch is straight...isn’t he???
Ha ha ha turns out someone had an epiphany a while ago and never filled in his bestie. And Joey wrapping his head around this and their entire dynamic changing...but really not changing...is SO much fun to read. Their relationship is warmhearted, kind, charmingly funny as they constantly rib each other, eventually a little steamy here and there (a scene or two but more closed door/you know it’s happened...though really, couldn’t we have learned a LITTLE more about their sex life? Do they have penetrative sex, either way? Hella nosy enquiring minds would really like to know...) and this is maybe my favorite friends to lovers out there.
It's actually a long duet (available on Ao3), but just like my sublime absolute favorite, Impaired Judgement, I just wanted it to be longer, longer, longer. Also, it was really fun to read about the Scouts—Joey and Scratch’s team—because I heard all about their winning streak second-hand in Impaired Judgement (those two heroes play for the Flames and the Oilers), so that was fun!
The secondary characters, both their quirky teammates and the heroes’ families, are fantastic and add so much love, joy, hilarity and depth to the story. Oh, and did I mention these two become adoptive pet dads...!
HEA, oblivious friends to lovers, hockey teammates, follows these two during the time they finally get together and then through a few years to marriage. No homophobia from their team, very accepting. Joey was outed online by his asshole ex years ago and still has trauma from that. Joey wants to date Owen for a while but once his eyes are opened, he’s ALL in for Scratch, the man he loves more than any other person in the world. He just never imagined Scratch could feel That Way about him. No others in the book’s timeline, very safe for me even with the initial Owen crush. Pure kind charming hockey player goodness, very immersive in the team dynamic. Well-developed secondary characters in family and teammates. This is a great read. Highly, highly recommended. I can’t even put into words how special it is.
The best type of best-friends-to-lovers! The kind for me. Many many thanks to @Evelyn Bella for the rec.
The story stars oblivious doofus point-of-view hero Joey/Money and his secretly pining bestie Nick/Scratch...everyone assumes they’re together long before Joey has any clue whatsoever...no OM action at all on page or even mentioned apart from key backstory of Joey’s utter asshole ex and Scratch only dating women in the past...this was perfect for me, and youcouldmakealife strikes again with two of the most adorable co-dependent heroes out there. I could read this author’s laundry list and smile all the way, they’re that great.
It's a hockey teammates romance, told from Joey’s perspective entirely. The hockey included is riveting, like you’re at the games, and for me it never gets old. Joey and Nick/Scratch (imma call him Scratch bc Nick is used infrequently) live in the same building but Scratch is at Joey’s place constantly; the two are in synch to the point of being one person. Where one goes, the other is never far behind. So what finally incites a different dynamic/realization for them?
Joey’s put on the team charity-bachelor-auction block and winds up on a date with a very cute guy, but doesn’t ask for his number at the end of the night. Idiot Scratch encourages him to get the guy’s number and see him again (why he did this is the ONE THING that’s never explained and I really wanted to know! Scratch, why the HELL did you do that???). And Joey forms a big crush and become friends with this guy, Owen, and winds up wanting to date him but knows Owen thinks they’re only friends...anyway, the pining thing is there for a bit, but, guess who points out to Joey that he’s obviously “with” Scratch?! A sentiment that is confirmed by pretty much everyone Joey knows, and Joey is left blinking and going ....but Scratch is straight...isn’t he???
Ha ha ha turns out someone had an epiphany a while ago and never filled in his bestie. And Joey wrapping his head around this and their entire dynamic changing...but really not changing...is SO much fun to read. Their relationship is warmhearted, kind, charmingly funny as they constantly rib each other, eventually a little steamy here and there (a scene or two but more closed door/you know it’s happened...though really, couldn’t we have learned a LITTLE more about their sex life? Do they have penetrative sex, either way? Hella nosy enquiring minds would really like to know...) and this is maybe my favorite friends to lovers out there.
It's actually a long duet (available on Ao3), but just like my sublime absolute favorite, Impaired Judgement, I just wanted it to be longer, longer, longer. Also, it was really fun to read about the Scouts—Joey and Scratch’s team—because I heard all about their winning streak second-hand in Impaired Judgement (those two heroes play for the Flames and the Oilers), so that was fun!
The secondary characters, both their quirky teammates and the heroes’ families, are fantastic and add so much love, joy, hilarity and depth to the story. Oh, and did I mention these two become adoptive pet dads...!
HEA, oblivious friends to lovers, hockey teammates, follows these two during the time they finally get together and then through a few years to marriage. No homophobia from their team, very accepting. Joey was outed online by his asshole ex years ago and still has trauma from that. Joey wants to date Owen for a while but once his eyes are opened, he’s ALL in for Scratch, the man he loves more than any other person in the world. He just never imagined Scratch could feel That Way about him. No others in the book’s timeline, very safe for me even with the initial Owen crush. Pure kind charming hockey player goodness, very immersive in the team dynamic. Well-developed secondary characters in family and teammates. This is a great read. Highly, highly recommended. I can’t even put into words how special it is.
October 20, 2025
reading these right after i caught up with always in tandem gave me whiplash btw. the absolute mood shift. probably the funniest ycmal installment, i initially marked all the parts that made me laugh but stopped once it happened like every page. definitely what i needed after the angst fest that were robbie and georgie. there wasn’t much plot going on and it certainly felt more like fanservice than anything else but i had a great time and giggled to myself throughout the whole thing so idc, 5 stars. also joey and scratch give me biggest spongebob and patrick energy in the best way possible. absolutely love them, if i ever want a relationship i want smth like they have.
March 8, 2023
it's a commitment is part two of it's a setup, and you'll find my combined review there.
Spoiler alert: I loved this with all my heart and soul. Scratch-n-Money! Willy! Owen! Trigger! Casey! Laurel and Not Laurel! Bruno! Marshmallow! LITTLE CAESAR!!!! The humor, the heart, the softness, the love.
Happy sigh.
Spoiler alert: I loved this with all my heart and soul. Scratch-n-Money! Willy! Owen! Trigger! Casey! Laurel and Not Laurel! Bruno! Marshmallow! LITTLE CAESAR!!!! The humor, the heart, the softness, the love.
Happy sigh.
July 7, 2024
3.5 stars. And like himbos. In doses. I started to get tired of their shenanigans around the end. There was no plot point, and it got a bit repetitive. It was all still very cute. And the wedding, oh the wedding. It was ScratchnMoney in a nutshell. From Nitch nixing his vows to Money beimg tired of kissing him, to wanting to leave early hahahah.
I think I missed having more secondary characters being relevant in the story. I've been spoiled by Jared. I loved Halla, amd Rafe, and Erin, and Chaz and Ash, and his parents and Elaine omg!!
And Money catching Tate (Willyyyyy I love you, fav side character, he stole the spotlight every time) and Owen FINALLY. I read all the tumblr post for yhis story, but their were defo the best. I can't wait to check the Patreon ones.
I will miss this characters sooo bad. And this hockey universe. The queerest league for sure. That's why I'm crazy rereading Dan and Gabe. I'll cry when I'm done with all the content. God, let David come soon ahhhhh poor Jake!! And poor David.
July 24 reread:
I found them ridilously endearing at this point. Willy has sooooo manu opinioms about the weddding hahahahha
I think I missed having more secondary characters being relevant in the story. I've been spoiled by Jared. I loved Halla, amd Rafe, and Erin, and Chaz and Ash, and his parents and Elaine omg!!
And Money catching Tate (Willyyyyy I love you, fav side character, he stole the spotlight every time) and Owen FINALLY. I read all the tumblr post for yhis story, but their were defo the best. I can't wait to check the Patreon ones.
I will miss this characters sooo bad. And this hockey universe. The queerest league for sure. That's why I'm crazy rereading Dan and Gabe. I'll cry when I'm done with all the content. God, let David come soon ahhhhh poor Jake!! And poor David.
July 24 reread:
I found them ridilously endearing at this point. Willy has sooooo manu opinioms about the weddding hahahahha
May 7, 2024
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews