Script

L.A. Storm #1

by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

Hollywood A-lister Finn might be Canadian, but he needs Cameron to show him how to hockey.

Actor Finn Kerrigan is at a crossroads. After growing up a soap star, then starring in a hugely successful trilogy of action movies, he's finally given the chance to read a heartfelt and passionate script that could change his life forever. The role would be enough for people to see him as a serious actor, and maybe even win him an award or two (and no, a golden raspberry award for his action movies doesn't count). Once established as a serious actor he’s sure he can come out of the closet and finally live his truth. When he lies to get the part of a hockey player on a struggling team, he suddenly has nowhere to hide. He might be Canadian, but the last time he skated he was ten, and no, he doesn't have hockey in his blood. With only a month until filming starts, he about to be exposed, but partnered with a player who’s supposed to be giving him tips, he doesn’t realize how many of his secrets will come to light. Falling in lust, one heated kiss at a time, is inevitable, but giving Cameron up at the end of the shoot could break his heart.

Cameron Chavkin is the face of the LA Storm. And the body, and the hair, and the smile. He’s at the prime of his career, men and women want to be with him, and he’s skating better than he ever has before. His house sits next to a famous rock star's mansion, his garage is filled with expensive cars, and he’s even been asked to mentor a once-famous actor in a new hockey movie. Life is pretty sweet. Until the bad boy of hockey meets Finn, a man on the edge with more secrets than Cameron has endorsements. Knowing better than to get involved, Cameron is swept up despite himself, and when it's time to say goodbye to the Storm’s most eligible bachelor is finding it hard to follow the script.

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2023

About the author

RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Script is book one in the L.A. Storm series by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey. I first noticed the cover of this book and then when I read the blurb I knew I needed to read it.

Finn Kerrigan started out acting when he was ten years old. He became well known in a soap opera and then became world famous after starring in a successful action trilogy of films. But he wants to be known for something more, for true acting and he has just the film. The character he would be playing is a hockey star but there is one problem. He can’t skate. Or hasn’t since he was a child. So Finn hires one of the players of the L.A. Storm to teach him and get him ready for the start of filming which is only five weeks away. No problem, right?! But Finn is also hiding a huge secret. One he is convinced he can finally make public if this movie is a success. He’s gay. Only, he hadn’t counted on the electric chemistry between he and his new hockey tutor.

Cameron Chavkin’s life is hockey, his dream is to finally win the cup. But after a disappointing end to the season, he receives the offer to tutor a huge Hollywood star, to teach him how to skate to prepare him for a movie part. Add in the fact that he’s absolutely gorgeous and he’s in! Cam is out and proud as bi-sexual. He enjoys a life of someone new in his bed whenever he wants. He’s never been in a relationship. But a funny thing happens after he and Finn start lessons. Suddenly no one else appeals to him. All he sees is Finn’s face.

These two together were so cute. Finn is a mess and he’s adorable. He so badly wants to live his true life and this movie is the step he’s sure he needs to get there. Cam has no idea what to do with all of his feelings. You can’t help but to cheer them on as they find their way. I loved the hard time Finn’s agent, Atlas, gave him. And Cam’s rock star neighbor, Rottie, was hilarious. This had a sweet ending and there is a little novella you can download that gives you a peek into their HEA. The next book in the series focuses on another of the players on the team and is called, Second!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super cute and Finn is like the biggest puppy on the planet.

I felt for him as he dealt with the pressures of wanting to come out, the critics who believe he isn't a good enough actor to make it outside of the action hero type roles, and his own doubts that he can't function properly because of his ADHD.

Cameron was the perfect foil for him. He's famous enough in his own right, he's had his own press issues because of his adventurous sex life and he's in a slump having just lost the Stanley Cup again to the Boston Rebels (yes this series is set in RJ & Vicki's ice hockey universe) when their paths meet.

There's lots of laughs as Finn collars Cameron to get him to give him a refresher course in ice skating for a role he wants to play in a new film that could see him gain the respect he wants as an actor.

They have an obvious instant attraction from the start, and it morphs very quickly into smoking hot sexy times with an unfortunate side order of, first friendship, and then something that feels a lot like it might be love.

Seeing them bumble into a relationship without realising it is ridiculously sweet, Cameron's not sure what's hit him but he knows he doesn't want anyone else but Finn.

I will say I did have a bit of a moment at the start of the book where I hadn't got a clue who they were talking about when referencing an actor who'd recently been outed and had fled to his home down and fallen in love with a potter. Then I realised it was referencing Vicki's latest book, Where The Pines Kiss The Sky which I haven't read.

So, apart from that, this was just a delightful read, with lots of potential future stories to come, I believe next up is one of Cameron's teammates and I'm looking forward to that.

#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Start To a New Series.

What a great read. It's
wonderfully well written, with a story line that had me engaged from the start. Ms' Locey and Scott have a gift for creating entertaining characters, intriguing storylines, sweet romance and hot hotness 🥵🤯 I already can't wait to read the next installment.

Finn especially grasped my heart. What a doll! You expect a tough guy, what you get is someone full of hang ups and vulnerability, I reckon he's one of the sweetest characters I've ever read. The descriptions of Finn's ADHD actually made me feel some anxiety whilst reading, so I guess it was realistically written. He's such a mess, weighed down by anxiety, misjudgement, communication difficulties and being stereotyped, he finds life lonely and difficult. Along comes Cam, a top hockey player, planning on teaching Finn to skate, he certainly gets more than he bargains for and falls madly in love. I adored how protective he is of Finn. I loved the well fleshed out secondary characters and found them crazy, but believable. They're so supportive of Cam, and also accept Finn with open arms, as does Cam's crazy, but likeable family. There's a bit of drama, a great deal of funny and a lot of romance, along with wonderful world building. Rottie the rock star (and his pet camel!) came out of this as one of my favourites, I do hope he's going to get his own story. Can't wait to read what the authors follow up with.

I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly a great book. Not only we get a sweet story with an actor in a way we haven't seen before. Said actor (Finn, cutiepie extraordinaire), is an ADHD adult. And as an adult with AuDHD (autism and ADHD as roommates in my head), it is wildly relatable in the way his thoughts run like speeding trains in risk of derailing. RJ and VL have a wonderful way of treating mental and physical disabilities, it feels both realitsic, respectful and in a way matter of fact? Like, "yes, he's ADHD, and that's important, but he's also clumsy, which is also important". They don't dismiss them, but also don't glorify and romanticize them, which is refreshing.
And as a bonus, we get name drops of both characters from the RJ/VL hockey expanded universe, but also from the VL book where the pines kiss the sky! And I honestly love that. Do you need to read the other books to read this one? No. Would it be cool because they're good? yes.

[San · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall intriguing set up with a movie star and a hockey player! I liked how there was lots of banter. But unfortunately I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. The plot was a bit too thin for me and it all just happened quickly and too easily. That is also the case for the first meeting and love confession, two of my favorite parts of a romance book. I just didn't *feel* it. It might the way emotions were described; there was a lot of telling vs showing. I don't want descriptions of what happened, I want to be in that moment *with* them, feeling what they feel. Also sidenote: this book had lot of names to keep track off. And that got a bit confusing as well. If you have read previous books by these two authors the names may be fun little easter eggs.

[Megan Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A++++++++++++++! Such a delight to read. I knew I was hooked 5 pages in! Loved both MCs- they had fantastic chemistry and were so funny I couldn’t read in bed because my smothered, but still body-shaking, late night laughter kept waking my boyfriend. The plot felt fresh- which stands out to me for the sheer volume of MM romances I’ve read this past year. Sooooo cute! 🥰

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

It was a real joy to get to know Finn and Cameron. They were both such sweet guys and they fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

I liked Cam, but I absolutely adored Finn, and the fact that he had practically no filter between what was in his head and what came out of his mouth, well, that kept me chuckling throughout the majority of the story.

But my heart also broke for him at times, because he was so petrified of losing everything if anyone were to find out he was gay.

I loved how Cam knew just what to do and say to keep him calm. He knew when to push, but also, when to give Finn space.

I adored watching Cam attempt to teach Finn to skate, poor Finn! These guys had amazing chemistry and were super hot together.

They also had a great support system once the crap began to hit the fan. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by Finn’s agent. He was actually on Finn’s side and supported him, something that’s rare in these types of stories.

This was a well-written and enjoyable read, that I’d definitely have no issues recommending. It’s a great start to the new series, and I’m looking forward to book two later this year!

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I like the set-up: an in-the-closet action movie star accepts a coveted role in a hockey biopic movie, but doesn't know hockey and hasn't skated since he was a kid. What else to do then but hire a really hot pro hockey player who's quietly bisexual because there's no way anything untoward could ever happen that'd have the potential to blow up both their lives. Like having lots of hot and steamy sexy times, and very inconveniently falling in love.

I liked the banter and dialogue the most, but ultimately found the plot unpolished, didn't like the time jumps, thought there's too much tell and not enough show for me, and found myself on more than one occasion fighting the urge to skim.

2.5 stars rounded up for the steamy scenes and the dialogue.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book because of the rating and reviews on Goodreads, but this was a letdown. It started off pretty well, but then went downhill. First there were a lot of inconsistencies. At 20% Finn thought about how he since he was 10 and had a bad experience that he wasn’t going to be fooled into agreeing into something he hadn’t even heard but just earlier in the book he wasn’t listening and agreed with Atlas (about pulling out of the movie but then said no he wouldn’t do that after Atlas repeated himself). Finn was 27 at one part of the book then 30 at another. Charlie and Michael (Zeetoo) are stepbrothers in one spot and adopted brothers later on. Also not really related to this book, I thought those two would have a book together but seems like no based on the summary for book 2 (Second) included at the end of this book which mentioned Bryce.

The authors even got confused about who the chapter POV was from. Like it was Finn’s chapter and he says something and then it was supposed to say “Cameron directed me” or “he corrected me”, but it says “I corrected” instead. I saw that kind of thing multiple times throughout the book. The whole purpose of the book was for Cameron to train Finn but there were only maybe 2 scenes where they trained together. There was another scene where Finn trained alone then had one of Cameron’s teammates show up.

I was kind of surprised we didn’t have more of Cameron’s family, or Finn’s, for that matter. They were basically nonexistent in the book which seems like a common theme with this duo of authors based on the other hockey series I read. Only really see the main characters and not much else. We didn’t see Finn interact with any friends or family, just his agent. He tried getting ahold of Luca (his psychic sidekick from Rapid movies), but Luca never got back to him except through his agent to say he’d “reach out after he was done traveling” or whatever.

The first we heard about Cameron’s Mexican heritage was at 71% in the book. Then he started speaking Spanish for like one sentence and talking about Latino men in his family taking a while to accept his sexuality (bisexual) at 81%. That just seemed gimmicky to me. I would have thought it would be mentioned earlier like another book I’d read (Across the Pond in the Arizona Raptors) and been a bigger focus. I wanted to like both these characters. Finn because he was neurodivergent (ADHD) and Cameron because he seemed sweet at times, but I just didn’t like this. The relationship felt off and also like it was a bit instalove given neither had a serious boyfriend before. I’m thinking 1.5 out of 5 stars, but I think I’ll round down.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed every part of this book.
Finn and Cameron are a perfect fit!
Their attraction to each other, sexy times, deep connection and support of each other was beautiful to see.
They have friends and family who have their backs and fully support them.
Cameron's family members are funny, loving and amazing.
I could not read this fast enough.
So much going on that the reader needs to discover by themselves, however I will say I too love The Flintstones and seriously want a camel now.
if you want a book with hot, sexy men who discover love is amazing and scary, a book with lots of kisses and hot times, quirky friends and family you have found it.
So read and enjoy!!
These two authors always write an amazing story with a few surprises thrown in.
Looking forward to the next book in this series!

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 51%. Super cheesy, too simple, predictable, and they even got Finn's last name wrong at one point. Even though it's the first in a series, it reads like its way down deep in the universe and it turns out it's like book 20something. No thanks.

[Penumbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Script is the first book in the L.A. Storm series. It stars actor Finn Kerrigan, and Cameron Chavkin, star hockey player. This is told in first person from Finn and Cameron’s povs.

The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t go over that much. This is an instant lust, coming out, story. It’s about Finn getting the courage to come out because he wants to be seen with Cameron and he’s also tired of hiding. Cameron isn’t keen on keeping their relationship secret, but he does because he wants to continue seeing Finn. The plot was simple, but kept my interest. My favorite scene was where Finn tracked down Cameron at the club and was honest and straight forward about the reasons, he wanted to hire him.

There was an aspect of the plot that didn’t work for me. At the club, Cameron suspected that Finn might not be straight, he had to be at least bi the way Finn made comments about noticing attractive men and didn’t seem to have a problem with commenting about them or being in a club that was known for attracting LGBTQ+. However, later as Cameron is becoming more and more attracted to Finn, he keeps telling himself that Finn is straight numerous times. I really dislike when authors have characters backtrack like this in order to create drama or tension. Cameron was already positive Finn was at least bi at the club. I got whiplash when Cameron changed his mind so many times and I found it annoying when he did that.

Both Finn and Cameron have distinct voices and it was easy to tell from the start that Finn likely had ADHD, which was later confirmed. However, there was one thing I didn’t like about the way Finn was written. Finn is thirty-one years old or there-abouts, yet he acted like a teenager or someone in his early twenties. He came across as either extremely naïve or because the way he was written, as mentally slow. And that bothered me. Someone who has ADHD isn’t dumb or socially unaware. For example, the bar scene where Finn meets Cameron, something is flung at Finn and he brings it home, later telling his agent he doesn’t know what to do with it. Finn is thirty-one! Why did the authors write him so dumb as not to leave the object at the club? Why do authors do this to characters? It only conveys authors’ preconceived biases towards certain groups of people. ADHD doesn’t equal slowness or lack of common sense, especially if someone is in their thirties. I think the way Finn was written as mentally disabled just because he had ADHD bothered me most about this book.

Another aspect of Finn that I felt the authors weren’t consistent with, was his inner voice. At the start of the book, it was clear he had ADHD. Also, when Finn interacted with people, most of the time he also exhibited signs of ADHD. But his inner voice fluctuated, sometimes losing the ADHD characteristics, and presenting a voice almost like Cameron’s. Keeping Finn in character wasn’t always successful. Cameron was consistent. I liked the way he was portrayed as moving from a player into a monogamous relationship.

I enjoyed the plot of Script, and Cameron the most, although his contradictory thinking about Finn being straight at the beginning of the story was very annoying. I didn’t like the way Finn was portrayed because he came across as dumb instead of naïve making him sound much, much younger than his thirty plus years of age. That bothered me enough so that I can only give this book, 3 Stars.

I received an ARC from the authors. I am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[EQUUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

And here's another good read from this author team! It's actually a start of a new series in their hockey world.- I wouldn't even call it a spinoff - but some characters from their previous books are mentioned. This can be totally read as a standalone, but the mentions might ignite your interest. In the case you're new to their hockey books I'd suggest that you start with their Harrisburg Railers series. That's where I started and couldn't stop.
Cameron is a star hockey player, he's out as bi, and he never even considered serious relationship. He doesn't even think that's something that's missing in his life until he meets Finn - a child TV star, a block buster action series hero, who's anything but in real life. Finn has to keep his orintentation in the closet for the sakes of his Hollywood carrer. He knows he's capable of more in serious movie roles and he's determined to prove it. But can he come out and keep his career? Actually he's a hot mess, with ADHD, indecisive, scared, until he meets Cameron and gets support of someone totally unexpected. The heat between the two is there from the beginning, but what they are willing to sacrifice to make it work, that's even if they are willing to acknowledge that's something more between them. Each are battling their own inner struggles.
Well I just realized that this sounds way too serious. So add a ton of hilarious scenes and banter, not to mention some of the support characters that definitely deserve stories of their own and you get a prefect one sitting read.
Zeetoo's story is next but I really wouldn't mind Rottie' story. He stood out as a very strong and hilarious character.

[Hellsbells · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book, great storyline, low drama and reads so easily.

This book has some great world building (perfect for the 1st book in a new series) with fantastic main and secondary characters. I'm very much hoping we'll see more of certain in future books.
The leads males, Finn and Cameron, fit perfectly as a couple and tho I like both of them Finn stile my heart. He added humour in the book that I just loved.

This book was a lovely Sunday afternoon read that left me with that warm comfy feeling that you get when you finish a good book for the first time knowing you'll definitely read it again.

[deborah lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of a new series is always a surprise, and I’m thrilled to say this was a good one. There were so many laugh out loud moments and quality cross-overs. It’s fun to imagine what celebrities are like in real life, and what a crossover between Hollywood and professional sports would look like, and this one was so much fun. I always want more hockey in my romances, but this story will help hold me over until October.

[Rachel Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Film star and hockey player romance is a great storyline.
Finn the film star is just such a lovable character. Cameron is OK, also sweet man but Finn is who made this book for me. Good story, interesting side characters that I hope are getting their own books. HEA. Thoroughly recommend. Great start to a new series.

[Tracy Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe, this was a very good read, I really enjoyed the book. I loved Finn and Cam. The book gives you all the feels and you’d want to squish Finn when his mouth gets going or he’s distracted, he a sweetheart and I just smile. Cameron is awesome and who knew he could fall in love and settle down, so proud of him. Such a wonderful story, loved it! Looking forward to next book!

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
This was okay, not great. Lots of inconsistencies and small errors that niggled. Most of the book was about what the mcs were thinking, not much actually happening.

[Capreacula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read, but uneven in details.

Finn is a former child actor turned action hero who craves showing that he has got more than superficial acting chops by taking over the role of a hockey player. Finn is Canadian but that hasn't been on skates since he was 10. So he desperately needs a coach to train him, preferably a real hockey player.
Ah, and Finn is also deeply in the closet and hopes to be able to come out after he established himself as a serious actor.
Why then his criteria for choosing a potential coach/player is the hotness factor should not be looked at too closely. Also, if he tries desperately to stay in the closet this is not the right approach, neither is the fact, that the player he focuses on is know for his sexual appetite towards both genders...
Finn also has ADHD, hence his spiraling thought processes and meandering expressions. Well, I really don't know much about ADHD, but that's how it's presented her.
It might also be the reason why Finn comes across - to me at least - as a twinky very young guy and not the cut hulk of a man. I also know nil about acting and how much time it takes to shoot a film, but Finn could have collected more life experience and knowledge along the way in his 30 years and only 4 films (3 action movies, one children's flick, on top of his child-actor years in a daytime soap).

Well, Cameron has just lost in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but he's up for the role of coach seeing that Finn is cute and Cam has got time on his hands in the off season.
He'r rather instantly interested in the guy Finn who seems to be straight. Which becomes clear rather soon that he isn't. A bit too easily for someone who tries to stay in the closet...
Well, the bit that would have interested me A LOT, namely the part about learning how to skate, how to do hockey etc, is not elaborated on. it just works - suspension of disbelief... The Canadian in him must be strong nevertheless.
In these weeks on the ice (and rather soon doing different stuff off the ice) they both fall in love with each other. It takes a bit of separation (not the dreaded break up due to stupid misunderstandings, but simply Cam's short visit at his parents) to make them both realize how deep their feelings run.
Connection, strong relationship through adversity (Finn comes out earlier than planned), HEA.

They were charming, Cam especially had a strong voice which indeed resembled that of a hockey guy.
Finn was charming in his own way - not as consistent, but a lovely personality.
Cam's colleagues make appearances that hint strongly of them getting their own titles eventually (book 2 about Zeetoo is already announced) - too strongly imo. Some authors manage to make former or future characters pop up without it being too obvious, or maybe I'm just too used to this being the case here.

However:
Authors, please take more time to keep details consistent:
How old is Finn actually? 27 or 30?
Does Cam have a twin brother or not? Lyle seems to be the older brother and looks differently to Cam which could be because of them being not identical twins, but it needs mentioning... Also they would be closer than they are imo.
What about Finn's beard, i.d. the actress who's supposedly his gf? She was mentioned once, but never again.
Cam's Latino heritage is mentioned later on, but we never get a hint beforehand.
Why is Philippe, the goalie, coming to Finn's solo training? Just to warn Finn not to hurt Cam emotionally?
What reason is there to mentioned/described Zeetoo in so much detail unless to set up his solo book?
And why oh why do we not get more hockey/skate training?
Finn only has about a month to become profiscient in skating and hockey - i'm really not sure this would work, given that he spends his first day learning how to fall and stand on skates. And given how sore he was afterwards, you should expect him to need days off.
Also some scenes were kind of icky and could be defined as dub-con.
Plus I feel not that enthusiastic if the sex drive is that strong as if men and esp. gay men are just powered by wanting to f*ck all the time. Sexualize much?
I guess I ought to read about asexual characters rather sooner than later as a palate cleanser.
But here, the action is hinted more than shown in too much detail after the initial getting togehter.
So in retrospect there's much to frown upon, but still the reading experience was nice (it distracted me well enough from a looong train ride), so I stick with the 3 stars.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out our full post for SCRIPT on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
SCRIPT is the first book in the L.A. Storm series.

Cameron Chavkin is the face of the L.A. Storm. He may be known as the heart of the team, and women and men would both kill for a night with him. When Finn Kerrigan sits down next to him and asks him to teach him to skate for a movie. Cameron is caught off guard with how attractive Finn is but can't find a way to say no to the man. Cameron is instantly protective of Finn and wants to go out of his way to help him.

Actor Finn Kerrigan has so many secrets and he's so tired of hiding. When a role completely different than he's used to comes up, he knows he has to take it even if he can't ice skate. He eventually wants to come out, but he doesn't think he can as an action hero. But finding a character with more depth will allow his fans to see he's more than just that one character. And asking the sexy hockey player for help on the ice may not be the best idea to keep all his secrets hidden.

I love the start of this new series. I adored the relationship between Cam and Finn. They were so sweet. Cam was so patient with Finn with his anxiety over his ADHD, he was everything that Finn needed. They were so adorable and the chemistry was instant between them.

I can't wait for what's next!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series by the talented duo of Scott and Locey – and fans of their works will recognise some old friends popping up in conversation, and possibly on the ice!

L.A. Storm have just lost their chance at the Stanley Cup and Cam is both furious and disappointed – so when an actor asks him to teach him to skate and learn about the world of the NHL for a film role, he is not really interested. Their relationship is definitely rather shaky to begin with, however, with time and pushing Finn's buttons, Cam finds the man behind the character is rather delicious.

This is a great mix of the crazy of the NHL and of Hollywood drama. Finn and Cam are both good people, but Finn in particular has to learn how to trust – himself and others – and discovers how a 'normal' family life can mean a degree of crazy, but also wonderful connections.

I am already looking forward to the next installment!

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a huge step up in terms of writing quality compared to the last book I read by R.J. Scott. I loved Finn. He had a huge puppy personality and the authors did a great job of displaying his ADHD brain. I also liked that both the MCs were playboys, because usually one is a playboy and one is virginal, and I like it better when the characters are on equal footing. Speaking of, when the characters move in together, Finn pays 50% of the price to Cameron so they can be equal owners. I love financially equal partners! And I loved that one of the MCs was a POC! Yay for diversity! That being said, there were still plenty of things I had issues with.

For one, Cameron originally thinks that Finn is straight, but decides that he wants him and will convince him to have sex anyways. This is hugely fucked up, and is why gay men get negatively stereotyped. Respect people’s sexualities and don’t pursue someone who isn’t into you. That’s sexual harassment.

The book also makes light of the Me Too movement, talking about the fear that men feel about being accused of making inappropriate advances. Talking about the abusers like they’re the victims is an absolutely ridiculous narrative. The book also talks about how if is someone is physically strong enough to fight off an attack, they aren’t being forced into anything, as if physical strength is the only factor in sexual assault.

There’s also a statement by one character that the “American dream is alive and well” because a second generation immigrant character is financially well off. It’s bold to make that kind of statement about a fictional situation given the way real life immigrants are treated in the United States, and needless to say, I don’t agree.

Finn is also a bit of a stalker, and follows Cameron in his car multiple times. I don’t like creepy behaviors in my romance books.

There’s also a scene where Cameron’s ex-hook up and current neighbor shows up outside his patio. Cameron opens the door naked, gets flashed by his neighbor (who is wearing only a kilt), and then casually puts on underwear after a while. The neighbor kisses him on the mouth on the way out. I consider that to be cheating but the author just acts like it’s a normal day. Like what the fuck?

Aside from all that, the book was just really short and only had two sex scenes. The book goes into what feels like an extended epilogue pretty much right after the characters finally admit their feelings for each other and decide to be committed (as opposed to FWB). I was just left feeling pretty unsatisfied. I wanted more.

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve come to really enjoy the collaboration between RJ Scott & V.L. Locey and the stories they come up with! This one certainly did not disappoint me. I really enjoy the mash-up between an actor and a hockey superstar in this one. This is the first book in the “LA Storm” series. LA Storm is the fictional Pro Hockey team in the NHL. Such a great reading!

The story focuses on Finn, the movie star who wanted the role of a hockey player in a new movie that was in the pre-production stage. He would do anything for that Oscar-worthy role despise the fact that he has never ice-skated, much less played hockey! To be able to nab that role, he knew he had to find a hockey player who’d teach him a thing or two about hockey and be gay too! He had googled all hockey players who are gay and came up with a list. The first two names didn’t seem feasible. The next one was Cameron, the hockey player who was the “face” of the LA Storm. He devised a plan to get it into motion. I’ll stop right there and have you pick up the book and read to find out whether Finn’s plan worked out, whether he was able to nab the role and whether he learned how to skate! Happy reading!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to more

4.5 stars…I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new series from a pair of authors whose work I have always liked. I appreciate that the sports romance contains actual sport, though most of it is this book is of the teaching variety. I was most impressed by the excellent job the authors did with conveying the anxiety and ADHD one of the MCs deals with. It was so well written that I could feel the anxiety myself as I read those scenes.

There are some very touching moments and some moments when you really want to be mad at the world. The various parts of the story from Cam dealing with the big loss at the start of the book to Finn’s worries about career issues and wanting to be his authentic self are all written with a finesse that let’s you feel each character’s emotions and worries.

There are some interesting secondary characters and I could definitely see how any of them could end up being an MC in a future book in the series. I also loved the little Easter eggs where characters from other books by these authors are mentioned.

I’m looking forward to more books in this series and more from these authors.

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 25%

Finn's ADHD chapters were too chaotic for me to enjoy. The lack of focus (even if justified by his ADHD) just didn't land well with me. I can only read "people are talking but I'm in my own world so they snap me back to reality and ask if I was listening" so many times before it gets repetitive.

Cameron was borderline icky too. Wanting to get into Finn's pants despite believing that Finn was straight ("how to get a supposed straight man to try the peen") did not sit well with me. Plus I found myself skimming his chapter, particularly when he started going into each and every team member and what they were doing because of their loss. Too many names + not enough relevance to the romance.

In general actually, I found that there was a bit too much expo dumping. Finn thinking about his movies + acting to himself. Cameron with the paragraphs on his teammates.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first hockey book I have read by these authors and I loved it and can’t wait for the next one. I am definitely going to go and check out the other series they have.

I loved Finn and his high energy running thoughts. It was so fun to read. Yes he had ADHD and he was wonderful. Just wanting to advance his acting.

Cameron was such a sweetheart and so supportive of Finn from teaching him “how to hockey” to Finn’s coming out.

This was a sweet, funny, low angst, perfect steam story!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always happy to see a new hockey series start from this author duo. I love how they come up with interesting ways to make a romantic pairing. Cam and Finn had an interesting start to their relationship and then watching them unfold into a couple was what I read romance books for.

All the great components were here from great banter, obvious chemistry that turns into satisfying heat, some funny side characters, and then of course great storytelling. Can’t wait for more books from the LA Storm players!

[mspotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read. It was mostly lighthearted until the final 80% when some painful real life drama takes place, but I would still consider this sweet romance.

Romance is between an action movie star and a pro hockey player, but there's not much hockey involved since the romance takes place during the off season.

Both main characters were lovely and sweet and had a really great connection, which included some lush impromptu smutty scenes. Would defo recommend.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Low angst romance between a Hollywood actor and a professional hockey player. Cam is teaching Finn how to skate because of an upcoming movie. Finn will be playing the role of a professional hockey player. I was hoping for a bit more on the hockey aspect. I loved both of the characters, especially Cam and all of the hockey players. Rottie, the rock star neighbor was funny, I'd read his book.

[Pennylin · Rating 1 out of 5]

-This writing style is unique but cringey.
-Kinda dumb anti force
-"“Can a queer actor carry an action franchise? No. Not right now. If you sign on the dotted line, they’ll screw you on the morality clause if you so much as step out of line. One innocent kiss caught on camera, and they’ll label you as wrong. You come out as gay, or bi, or pan,"
---This is preposterous. What century is this????
-They move in after a month??

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cinderfella Moment.

MM, Bi, Contemporary, Sports, Romance. Easy to read page-turner with a fast paced enjoyable plot and great characters. With angst, self doubt, steam, wit and humour a plenty, I LOL at "What Harry?"... unexpectedly simple but I think it's my favourite line. A great read with a guaranteed HEA.