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Cubby Season: An MM college hockey romance

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James
Joining the Boston College Bears to complete my final weeks of Physiotherapy placement might be first in my long list of monumental errors of judgement. Though, on second thought, unknowingly hooking up with their sexy young captain on day one takes the cake, proving the old adage is true—you can’t have it and eat it too.

Cory
Bold. Cocky. An awkward, glasses-wearing, superhero nerd. A fearless leader of men. A fuck boy twink. Only one version of me belongs in the BC Bears locker room. Or so I thought. Turns out all I needed to become the real me—all of them—was a man. A real man. Older. Wiser. Most definitely forbidden.

308 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2026

18 people are currently reading
213 people want to read

About the author

Bindi Kennedy

9 books97 followers
Bindi Kennedy lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, two eternally embarrassed daughters, and the true loves of her life, her fur babies. She loves potatoes, hates balloons, and has an unhealthy obsession with Scottish Highlanders in kilts.

When she’s not adding a heartfelt twist to her fun, flirty and spicy romcoms, Bindi can be found reading, or listening to Taylor Swift...probably while crying.

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5 stars
29 (33%)
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41 (47%)
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11 (12%)
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4 (4%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Cinthya.
68 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2026
2.5⭐️

This was a 50/50 read for me. I really liked the plot, the hockey aspect, and the strong sense of friendship throughout the story. The family dynamics were definitely the best part for me. I had never read anything that included characters on the spectrum, so I wholeheartedly loved how thoughtfully and respectfully it was handled.

I liked both main characters individually, James and Cory. Loved reading about their families and Cory’s relationship with his closest friends on the team.

The one thing I wasn't totally into, that is sadly the most important part, was their relationship. It just came across as too immature and superficial to me. They had a great start and I loved them, great instant attraction and chemistry, but... that's kind of all it was. There was a lot of teasing and sexual talk, but to me it never evolved into anything deeper than just physical attraction and lust. They said they cared for each other and even loved each other at one point, but their actions and even the way they talked to each other still came across as either a crush or simply childish. So it was kind of hard for me to root for them and their relationship...
Profile Image for Ayla Shoulders.
289 reviews41 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
6 freaking ⭐️ Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for an advanced copy of Cubby Season!
This book deserves 6 stars for the humor alone! I seriously laughed out loud through the entire thing. SO FUNNY!

James and Cory were SO FUCKING PERFECT! I could not get enough of them. I wanted to scream and throw my kindle into the fireplace when they started on the “let’s just be friends” thing! Like, NO, you two are destined to make sweet sweet love forever and ever, amen.

James is anti-people. Like, he just plain hates them…. Well, with the exception of Cory aka Cubby aka Cub aka Kid aka TwinkieBearBear aka Mr. Ripley aka young Matt Damon with his slutty little glasses, hockey ass (ahem* Connor Storrie), floppy Dean Winchester hair and nerdy fuckboy attitude. Who wouldn’t love that? Right?
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about our smokin’ hot, furry, tree trunk thighs, Aussie physiotherapist, James! I just love him. I loved everything about their relationship and the family situational trauma bonding. I ATE THIS BOOK UP. The side characters were amazing. Like, all of them. Dylan and Cory’s relationship took my breath away. Cherry and Cory had the best sibling relationship… I could have read an entire book just about the twins. For real! I need more Cory and James, 360 pages wasn’t near enough!! I did feel like the end was a tad bit rushed, but still so satisfying!

Bonus points for the ON POINT Autistic spectrum rep!
Profile Image for Kristie-Lee Rose.
35 reviews
February 2, 2026
Bindi, you did it again!!! Everytime I think you can’t write the next book better - you prove me wrong!

There’s something about Bindi Kennedy’s writing that feels like coming home. Comforting, sharp, funny, and completely immersive. But the real magic? The banter, the inner monologues, and the way the characters connect on and off the page. I’ve loved every book in this series—and this one absolutely wrecked me (in the best way).

James is grumpy, overwhelmed, and barely keeping his life together. Cory is the newly minted ice hockey captain trying to live up to impossible expectations. Throw in a wildly inappropriate hookup, mutual pining, and a whole lot of feelings, and I was done for.

I ate this book UP. The quiet moments, the finger-holding, the way Cory never stopped trying to get Jamie’s attention—even when Jamie was pushing him away—had my whole heart. And the found family? The side characters? I could read an entire book about the twins alone.

This story could’ve been just laughs and spice (and yes, it delivers), but it goes so much deeper—grief, healing, love, and connection. I finished with a full heart, a few tears, and that perfect heart-whoosh feeling. Highly recommend 🥹💙
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,398 reviews208 followers
March 2, 2026
ARC review

OMG, I loved this book so much. The humor, the characters, just all of it was so good.
James had a lot on his plate, caring for a sibling with severe autism, it isn't easy but when you love them you do the best you can. He tried to resist Cory so bad but there was no use. They were each others right person wrong time.
Cory had also a lot in his plate, his family had no money and it wasn't easy, but he did what he could for them. He wanted James so bad and it wasn't easy at all, he kept trying and James kept keeping him at arms length, but for good reasons.
At the end it took some work but they got their HEA
Profile Image for Sarah Lowe.
162 reviews15 followers
February 9, 2026
Cubby Season by Bindi Kennedy
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I just devoured my first Bindi book and I'm still reeling - this MM Hockey Forbidden Romance had me giggling like a lunatic from start to finish!

I was thoroughly entertained by the witty banter, especially Cory's hilarious inner monologue. The everyday realism is ridiculously relatable, and most of the characters are so likable you'll want to hang out with them. Oh and the Spiciness!!🔥🔥

I would like to thank Bindi for this fantastic opportunity. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.💜💜
Profile Image for Theodore.
1,090 reviews18 followers
March 13, 2026
DNF @ 18%

Something about the writing in this book just didn't sit with me. I constantly felt like I was on a different wavelength than the characters because theirs conversations and internal thoughts went in different directions than what I was expecting.

Like in James' first chapter, he says he likes the coach of the team he works for but when they interact, the diction implied that he didn't like him. And the following conversation about James being a goalie and what he expected from the coach was just super odd. Even re-reading it, I have zero clue what the thread of the following dialogue exchange was supposed be:

[James is talking to the coach about how one of their coaches was a goalie whose career ended early]

Coach: "Yeah, it's a shame. He was a rare talent. And weird as fuck. The NHL would've loved him."

[James giggles at the idea despite himself.]

James: "As a former tender myself, I should probably be offended."

(Offended at what? The coach didn't make a joke at the expense of goalies in general, he made a joke about how the kid was weird.)

[James internally prepares himself for how he expects the coach to react with him revealing his hockey history (which the coach doesn' btw]

Coach: "But you can't be, because I'm right. Right?"

(James can't be what? Offended because the coach was right about how the NHL would've loved the weird goalie? Why would James have even feigned offense when the assertion that "The kid's weird but would've been likable" even apply to James in the first place?)

Or the scene where Cory retreats to his bedroom after his family makes lighthearted fun of his size:

Cory: I know they [his family] are joking. But God damnit. I expect this at the rink. Chirping is part of hockey. (Wtf is chirping?) With my contacts in and the cocky attitude on, I can take it on the chin, and bro it up with the best of them--for the most part. Outside of that, I need a break. Luckily, as they did for Clark Kent, my glasses, a backwards cap or hoodie afford me one. It's disturbing how well that works. The same sycophants that hang off me at games and the bar, walk straight by me without so much as a glance. People really do see what they want.

HUH? That paragraph started off with Cory lamenting his family making fun of him, transitions to him saying that he expects that sort of thing in hockey (that's a fine followup) then somehow takes an entirely different turn to talking about how wearing glasses and a hoodie suddenly make him invisible in public. What in the paragraph structure happened there? Why the sudden shift of topics? The paragraph essentially goes: "Man, my family is busting my balls. I can take that from my hockey mates cause I expect it there, but outside of hockey nobody bothers me because they don't recognize me." Two completely separate ideas somehow combined in a paragraph (with misplaced/missing commas and full-stops).

I gave up when Cory both came out to a coach and expressed frustration about his failed hookup with James, which would normally be fine if the convo didn't have more of those weirdass word choice/sentence structure.

Like what does "slow as a wet week" mean? How is a smile both "brilliant and anticlimactic"? Why was the coach's first instinct to tell Cory to slowdown with hookups and go for dates? How did the coach know that Cory liked "comics and fanfic"? Where was that concept even introduced? The "this isn't fiction" warning came from so out of left field since afaik, Cory hadn't been characterized as someone who wanted their reality to match the stories they read (unless I somehow missed that big piece of characterization somewhere).

The confusing writing and lack of proper contextualizing/throughlines made me feel like either the book had big cuts and edits and the writing wasn't changed to accommodate them or the context was left in the author's head as they wrote out scenes expecting us readers to follow along 100%.
Profile Image for Ashley Carrillo.
349 reviews
February 8, 2026
What do you get when, James, an attractive autistic physiotherapist falls for Cory,a beautiful team captain who tends to do casual and hide who he really is, while they have to work alongside each other while James finishes a rotation? A touch of the forbidden.
James is dealing with so much as tragedy strikes his family and he along with his sister, who is also on the spectrum, take guardianship of their young adult nonverbal brother who needs constant care. Plus moving out of his apartment and starting a physiotherapy placement and it feels like the world is on his shoulders. But when he meets a hot guy on a app to blow off steam he thinks he's caught a break until the almost hook up ends abruptly with a misunderstanding and then he later finds out said almost hook up is the team captain of the hockey team he's working with.
Cory is a lot of things. A twink, a bit of a nerd, someone who wears glasses and oh is gay. But no one knows those things about him because he sees them as possible ways for people to judge him and he'd rather blend in that stand out. That is until he meets James and James makes him think differently and gives him the courage to come out and be himself. Too bad they're both down bad for the other and work together. Things can't work out right? Well tell that to their hard to resist chemistry and the way they open up with their vulnerabilities they usually don't share with anyone else and the intimacy that's more than just sex. They just fit and their journey was beautiful even when they got frustrating at times but with the obstacles and their fears it's understandable. They needed to go at their own pace even when the longing was unbearable. This book was so good and hit so close to home as my son is also autistic and nonverbal so best believe there were moments I bawled my eyes out but in a way that made me feel seen and understood. The autism representation is one of the bests I've read and I really appreciated it. I haven't read a book by this author before this one but I'm so happy this is the one I started with.
Profile Image for Kata.
156 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
When I applied to be an ARC reader for this book, I felt that I’d struck gold and picked a damn good read.
And although I haven’t read any other books by Bindi yet, I think this was a great way to start 🥰

Cory’s personality was adorable and ridiculous at the same time—sweet, too—and everything he went through made me want to pull him into a hug.

A character who deserves special mention is Jamie: autism didn’t only affect Dylan in his family, but Jamie himself as well. The contrast between the two of them was portrayed beautifully, as were the difficulties Jamie faced due to the changes in his life—while trying to hold his ground at work and within his family. If anyone truly deserved happiness, it was him.
Despite the three-year age gap between Cory and Jamie, he came across as much older throughout the entire book, especially whenever he kept calling Cory “kid.”

I really loved how hard Cory tried to get Jamie’s attention, even when Jamie was angry with him. And the little finger-holding moments… 🥹 those small, quiet gestures that somehow meant everything. Just as much as I loved how beautifully Cory and Dyl connected almost from the very first moment.
Sam and Lucas… ahh those two boys, my God 🥹 I’ll be honest, I totally ship them (sorry, I’m an MM romance fan—I can ship any boy/boy pairing).

What I did NOT like:
Trent — I don’t think I even need to explain why. Anyone who reads the book will know…
Faith — yes, I know there was truth in what she said, but she crossed a line she had no right to cross, and I couldn’t forgive her for that. And honestly, I don’t even want to 🙄

Overall: I was completely obsessed with this book. Yes, I got a little emotional a few times, but I’m sure I’ll reread it in the future, because I truly loved it.

Bindi, thank you for the ARC—this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kelsbookreads.
148 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 31, 2026
There is something about Bindi's writing that is like coming home; it's comforting, funny, sharp and takes you on a journey from the very first word to the last. But it's when the characters interact, the way they banter and their inner monologues where the magic happens.

Cory is the new captain of the Boston College Bears ice hockey team and is trying to fit in with his team, work out how to fill pretty big shoes and also how to not be wildly attracted to his most recent disaster hookup - who just happens to be a new physiotherapist for the team.

James has to finish his placement, sell his house, work out how to care for his family after the death of his father and sort out his own head... oh, and figure out what to do about the wildly inappropriate crush he has on a cocky student that if anyone found out about their tryst, could end his career.

But boy - it doesn't stop either of them wanting to do wicked things to each other.

Not at all.

And against their better judgement - they fall into something that they really shouldn't...

What I loved about this story is that it could have been about big laughs, stolen moments of pure spice and two men making mistakes and coming together in the end - and although we have those moments - it was so much deeper and thought provoking, leaving the reader with a full heart, a few tears and a heart whoosh moment that is much needed.

If you love:

- grumpy/sunshine
- m/m
- hookup to 'oh no - you're a student and I'm in a senior position.'
- forbidden relationship
- small age gap
- Ice hockey player/physiotherapist
- mutual pining
- height difference
- cameos from book 1 and 2 characters

Then you'll fall into this book (and series). I read this prior to official release date.
Profile Image for Karen Bowness.
196 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2026
I received a free Arc of Cubby Season by Bindi Kennedy (the third entry in her Green Line Ice series) in return for an honest review. It definitely hit all the cozy feelings with spicy romance, messy hockey energy, and some genuinely sweet character growth.

The story follows James, a physio student finishing up at Boston College, who hooks up Cory from a dating app. Soon after he realizes Cory is the captain of the team he is now working for, and then has to figure out how to deal with the fallout (and feelings). Meanwhile Cory is this bold, cocky, awkward, glasses‑wearing nerd who gives off confident exterior, secretly soft heart vibes.

There is a lot of character chemistry in this one with that classic forbidden tension. Both guys are trying (and failing) to stay cool and detached, but find themselves unraveling because of their feelings. I also loved the way family dynamics like autism in James’s brother (and to a lesser extent James himself) get woven in thoughtfully without overwhelming the main romance arc.

This one is a fun blend of sports romance heat + heartfelt contemporary feelings and I think it was my favourite of the series so far. If you liked the vibes of Bunny Season - banter, hockey world quirkiness, and characters who feel real and a little unruly - you’ll probably love this too, especially if MM romance is your thing. It’s just the kind of read that makes you smile on the last page.
Profile Image for Freddy Reads.
136 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2026
All the books in the Green Line Ice series have felt like coming home and Cubby Season was no different.

There’s something so uniquely comforting about Bindi’s writing; the inclusivity, the distinctly Australian voice and the effortless banter that exists not just between the main characters, but throughout the entire cast.
Her characters feel lived-in. Real. Like people you’ve known forever. The cameos from past characters was such a joy and added that layered, familiar warmth that makes this series feel like a true community rather than standalone stories. My heart still beats for sweet, simple Brady <3

This was a cosy MM hockey romance at its core. Gentle, funny, and emotionally safe in that way Bindi does so well.

My only hesitation was with the development of James and Cory’s relationship. While I could see James working through his internal barriers, the turning point itself felt like it happened quietly, almost off-page. I found myself wanting more exploration of that emotional shift, more conversation, more vulnerability, more time inside that decision. So I could fully believe and settle into their relationship alongside them... i am also such a sucker for that long drawn out angst!

Having said that, Bindi remains an auto-read author for me. Her stories consistently offer comfort, representation, and heart. Having loved the previous books in the series, I’m very much looking forward to what comes next!
Profile Image for Manuela Gómez.
76 reviews
February 26, 2026
With this book, I had an issue, I really wanted to like it, but there were so many details (and maybe many of them are non-issues) that made it impossible for me to be anything but desperate it to finish it just so I could move on.

I will start by addressing the elephant in the room: The blurb presented with the idea that this was an age gap romance, another layer to the forbidden aspect of it but as I was reading I realised there was hardly an age gap, the two main characters would have realistically attended high school at the same time, none of them have a fully developed frontal lobe even. So the whole dynamic of "You're so old" and "How do you even know X when you're just a baby?" wasn't really working when they are both planted very firmly in the same generation, and it's not even a huge reach to say that they grew up listening to the same music, watching the same shows, reading the same books.

Their relationship, while I absolutely believe they are incredibly attracted to each other, I can't really buy that they love each other. I could, however, be convinced that they'll get there, eventually. It was hard to root for a relationship when the consequences of them being together were so big, and I couldn't really believe that they had a good reason to cross that bridge and face them.

Overall, the setting is good, and I really liked most of the ensemble characters; it was not by any means a terrible read, just unfortunately not one I could connect to.
Profile Image for Becky.
96 reviews
February 21, 2026
I read this book as an ARC book and I wasn't aware that it was the third and last book of the series but I still really enjoyed reading it even though I haven't read the other two.

This book was really enjoyable to me. There were a lot of things that I loved about Cory and James story. I loved how Cory and James characters were written. Cory was the team captain of his hockey team, but was pretending to be all Mr. tough guy around his team. James who is dealing with a breakup and having to care for his autistic brother. After both agreeing to meet from a dating app and hooking up Cory returns to practice only to find that James his hookup is the teams new physio. This was written with the right amount of humor, but also I felt like didn't take it too far.
I also really love how autism was written into the story. My 7 year old son is autistic, and I really enjoyed seeing how the struggles were written into the story. Then out after everything they were both still able to find a HEA with each other.
I did give this book 4 stars but only because sometime I felt like it was a little obvious about what was about to happen and could really see what was going to happen coming instead of being surprised. I would still recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Lauren Nesic.
936 reviews58 followers
Read
March 10, 2026
read for work = no public rating

james joins the boston college bears for his final physiotherapy placement expecting a straightforward experience, only to realize he has complicated things by hooking up with the team’s confident and charismatic captain on his first day. cory, used to hiding parts of himself behind different personas, begins to question who he truly is as his connection with james deepens. what starts as an unexpected encounter grows into something more meaningful, forcing both men to confront identity, vulnerability, and the risks of wanting someone who may be completely off limits.

i really enjoyed the hockey setting, the strong friendships, and especially the family dynamics, which felt warm and genuine throughout. i also loved the thoughtful autism representation and how naturally it was woven into the story. james and cory were both likable on their own, and i enjoyed their individual journeys, but their romance didn’t fully convince me. the chemistry was there at first, but their relationship felt more surface level and immature than emotionally deep but overall still a solid read with great read and no major complaints.

tropes: mm romance, college sports romance (hockey), grumpy x sunshine
Profile Image for Crystal Reads.
1,051 reviews63 followers
February 4, 2026
I have mixed emotions about this book. I took me a little bit to really get into it, I felt myself putting it down and coming back to it. I loved the concept and the characters, but the relationship to me was a little immature and lacking. I love a good forbidden romance though.

I absolutely loved the family dynamics in this book. They were both so loving and caring, it was handled beautifully.

James was grumpy, overwhelmed and antisocial. At home he had a lot of stuff going on and some trauma and guilt he needed to heal from. Cory is a new hockey captain and trying to live up to all the crazy expectations. I loved his relationship with his sister, she cracked me up. And these two, you’d never expect them together, but after a hookup they couldn’t keep away from one another.

There was a lot of pining between these two, so much push and pull between them. They couldn’t decide if they should be together or not. But they had the cutest little pinky holding that was sweet.

3.75 rounded up
Profile Image for Amanda Winter.
922 reviews22 followers
March 13, 2026
Cubby Season by Bindi Kennedy was such a heartfelt and enjoyable read. If you like MM college hockey romances with strong representation, this one is definitely worth checking out.

The story follows James, a graduate student doing physiotherapy work with the Boston College hockey team, and Cory, the team captain known as Cubby. Their chemistry is obvious from the start, but things get complicated since James is working with the team.

One of the highlights for me was the representation. The book includes autism, queer, and mental health representation, and it felt handled with a lot of care. James has a lot on his plate, caring for his siblings while managing school and his placement, which made his story especially emotional. Cory is also dealing with family struggles and hiding parts of himself from the world.

Even with the heavier themes, the book balances things with humor and great banter. Watching James and Cory slowly open up to each other was really satisfying.

Overall this was a sweet, emotional story with great characters and a well earned HEA.
Profile Image for Anna Beck.
759 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily submitting a review.
Every book has things you like and don’t like about it. So, I’m gonna do this review as a list:
Likes:
-Neurodivergent rep-with an understanding of how ASD presents and is
-family situation for both (not every character has to come from an easy backstory)
-the storyline was fun and the characters all were dynamic in their own way
-the inner monologues of the two MMCs

Dislikes:
-The two MMCs are constantly being called different names, even by each other.
-the ASD rep was wonderful, but the bluntness of many was missing, there wasn’t much in the form of communication on the page

Now, this is a short list, but these were the things that stuck out and I wanted to comment on. Overall, I enjoyed this story and was low key shouting at them to pull their heads out of the holes they were stuck in. I’m so glad they listened 😉.
Profile Image for Hannah Savery19.
161 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2026
I’m so thankful I got given this as an arc, so thankyou to the author 💕

I really enjoyed this book I am in my mm hockey romance era, I really enjoyed James and Corey’s story this is the first book I’ve read from this author I do want to read the second book in this series, hopefully will get to it soon but I really enjoyed James looking after his autistic brother and seeing the autism rep, I loved seeing the lgbtq representation and I really enjoyed the friendship.
This book was also so fast paced I read this book in a day, so if your in a reading slump I highly recommend this series.

I did feel like this relationship didn’t have a lot of depth though it felt quite physical and I would have liked to see more connection and I didn’t feel insanely connected to the main characters but I’m definitely going to read the second book and hopefully the rest that come out of this series and I did enjoy this.
245 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 2, 2026
'I know what I want, and it’s all about the D. And I don’t mean defense.'

THIS BOOK!!!!! This was such a fabulous, fun MM college hockey read. It was a little bit flirty, but a lot more spicier. I really enjoyed so much about this book- the broody and grumpy big boy with a moustache made to ride named Jamie, and then we have Cory aka Cubby- a superhero loving young man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, who is hiding a secret or a secret identity you might say and it captain of the college hockey team.

These 2 characters were written so well, they compliment each other so well, their chemistry is off the charts and left me a little flustered with how forbidden and sweet their relationship became.

There were many powerful messages in this book, that played crucial parts in the storyline. And some cross over with characters from Kitten Season which was a great way to link them.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,592 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2026
Whilst not a huge fan of sports romances I found this to be a warm, funny and unexpectedly moving read.
The author balances humour, longing and emotional depth with ease. James arrives carrying stress and self-doubt, barely holding things together, while Cory is under pressure to be everything at once: leader, captain, role model, without losing himself. Their forbidden connection sparks instantly, but it’s the slow emotional unravelling that makes it shine.

The chemistry is undeniable, yet the quieter moments are just as powerful: shared glances, lingering touches, and the ache of wanting something you shouldn’t reach for. Cory’s determination to be seen for all that he is, and James’s struggle to let himself want more, create a beautifully tender push and pull. Found family, healing and a romance that lingers long after the final page.

I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Anouk.
84 reviews
February 6, 2026
I had a really difficult time getting into this book, but eventually I really started to like it. For me it kinda went like: beginning 📉, middle 📈, third act break-up📉, ending😑.
So like I said, the beginning was difficult for me to get into, but that was because of me. The middle was really good and I enjoyed reading that part. Than came the third act break-up and that was just really unneccesary. I mean they could have worked through it, but noooo, with the slightest set back one of them (I dont't want to spoil) freaks out and that's the end of the relationship. Of course in the end it all works out, but it felt it bit weird for me.
So it was a bit up and down for me.
Oh and also I'm not a fan of third act break-ups, but if you're fine with it you'll probably like it. The characters are really cute together so that's a huge plus.



P.S. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR for the ARC.
Profile Image for Ali Lamb.
87 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review - Cubby Season by @bindikennedyauthor

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Cubby Season and absolutely enjoyed this addition in the Green Line Ice series. It’s a fun, steamy MM college hockey romance that gave me exactly what I was hoping for,the perfect mix of heat, heartfelt moments, and swoony romance.

Cubby Season follows James, who’s in Boston finishing up his physiotherapy placement, and Cory, the hockey captain, they accidentally hook up on day one. What starts as a reckless fling quickly turns into something much deeper. and a little forbidden, as these two navigate attraction, identity, and trust both on and off the ice.

Tropes:
❤️ MM romance
🏒 Collage hokey
☀️ Grumpy sunshine
🥅 Trainer/player (hints of forbidden romance)
⚪️ ASD rep

If you’re into MM romance with lots of heat, fun sports energy, and swoony feels, this is a great one to add to your TBR!
Profile Image for Malia Winger.
713 reviews47 followers
February 9, 2026
Cory is a hockey player on the verge of a great pro career. He is the team captain but his unwillingness to share his authentic self with his team is holding him back. Not only is he closeted but he is keeping up a manly performance for everyone. He decides to blow off some steam before the season starts with a hookup. His hookup is just his type but seems to be married with a family so he leaves in a hurry. But he is shocked at his first practice that his hookup is the new physio for the team. James is recovering from several life blows. His partner left him, his business folded and his father died leaving him and his sister to care for his autistic brother. When the gorgeous man he matched with on the dating app shows up, he knows there is going to be trouble. It was entertaining watching Cory find a way to bring the confidence on the ice with him everywhere and show his team who he really is. And I loved that they fought hard to have their HEA
Profile Image for Magne Einar.
165 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Sonstiges
January 21, 2026
For me, this rounds up to 4 stars. The story wasn’t bad at all and had several moments I genuinely enjoyed. One highlight for me was the autism representation of James’s brother—it felt respectful, thoughtful, and well done. I also really liked the forbidden aspect of the story, especially how the MCs met through a dating/hook-up app and how their relationship developed from there.

That said, I personally had a hard time connecting with the main characters. I couldn’t fully put myself in their shoes, which made it difficult for me to emotionally engage with the story at times. This doesn’t mean the book is bad— it just didn’t completely click for me on that level.

Overall, the book is filled with strong and important representation, and that alone makes it worth reading and supporting. Stories like this matter.
Profile Image for Roxy Vernon.
81 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2026
Cubby Season

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Firstly thank you to Bindi for this opportunity to arc read Cubby Season. This is the third book in the green line ice series.

This was a great read and I absolutely loved Cory and James. The characters were likeable, their challenges were very realistic and heartbreaking all in one. It was a fun MM forbidden hockey romance that just made me giggle like an idiot. Cubby Season definitely hit all the cozy feelings with the spice and sweet character growth. This book has it all from forbidden, banter, character chemistry to character growth, tension and heartfelt feelings.

I definitely enjoyed reading this one and seeing how the story unfolded between Cory and James. These two characters compliment each other very well and their chemistry is off the charts amazing. I loved how sweet their relationship became.
Profile Image for Jess.
571 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
February 3, 2026
I have absolutely loved this series so far and can’t wait for me.
I was confident that with the world the author created and generally really enjoying MM romance that I’d love this addition.
While I certainly enjoyed it, I didn’t devour it like I have the others and I genuinely cannot pinpoint why.
The characters were likeable, their challenges were realistic and heartbreaking, the dynamics between family and friends was really touching, all things I thoroughly enjoy, but I just didn’t have the same “hurry up and finish work so you can keep reading” push I expected.
I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because it was very likely a me issue.
All that to say, it was still a good addition to the series and I’ll definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Dani&#x1f493;.
84 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2026
ARC REVIEW

Cubby season is book 3 in the green line ice series! It follows James an ASD student physio working for the bears hockey team and Corey the captain for the bears.
Firstly I love that the books in the series all represent autism and the struggles that not only they but the family go through whilst navigating everyday life.
This is a MM hockey romance book and although I absolutely love this series there was just something about this book that didn’t quite pull me in like the others. I think it more so had to do with the relationship not built as strong as some of the other characters and felt a little bit rushed per say. Besides that the banter and the found family and friends really made this story come together!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Thankyou bindi for the arc!
14 reviews
February 4, 2026
I was offered an ARC to read and review.

I have not read any of Bindi Kennedy's other books but I am a fan of a cute "rom-com" story. This was definitely humorous without being cringey. The two main characters were sweet and easy to root for. The plot was bit over the top but that's to be expected of something marketed as a rom-com love story - very "if it can go wrong, it will" and hilarity ensues while staying sweet & poignant where necessary.
A few things took me a bit out of the story at times - like the big emphasis on their age differential even though it was only three years (this could be because when I think age gap I think more 10+ yrs).
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a nice feel good vibe read!
Profile Image for Annette✨.
193 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2026
⭐️ 3,5 stars ⭐️

So first off all, let me say I enjoyed this book! It was a fun and cute read. I loved the autism rep, which I found refreshing. The way James and his sister have to take care of their disabled brother. The way Cubby just instantly bonded with him.

But alot of stuff felt immature in my opinion. Cory acting all fuck boyish and hiding his nerdy side. I get that it’s a college setting but still.
And Cory and James acting like their age gap is insanely high even tho it’s just a 3 year or something like that difference? It rubbed me the wrong way lol. It didn’t make sense.

Overall it was a cute read and I recommend anyone who loves a college hockey romance with player x therapist tropes.

I received an ARC copy thanks to GRR and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for alexis.
185 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
4.5 STARS!!

MM, Hockey Romance, with endlessly banter, found family, character development. I absolutely ADORED that both characters weren't written in a stereotypical MM role, they both bought so much to the story separately and together. The hockey was just enough to not overwhelm the story, Loved the found family in this as well, the way people can surprise you and support you unexpectedly.

My only wish was that it was slightly longer with more relationship building, to overcome some of the immaturity in their relationship. However, absolutely freaking loved the playful banter between them both, it was so funny.
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