What do you think?
Rate this book
Love & Other Inconveniences
Morgan Boyle wants two things in life: to play hockey and to be left alone.
Noah Andersson is loud, outgoing and probably hasn’t stopped talking since he learned how to say words. When Morgan ends up on a team with Noah at the Olympics, they get closer than either of them expected, and even when they’ve returned home Morgan still finds himself drawn to Noah.
Confused by his feelings for him, Morgan might have to figure out himself before he figures out his relationship with Noah.
Noah Andersson is loud, outgoing and probably hasn’t stopped talking since he learned how to say words. When Morgan ends up on a team with Noah at the Olympics, they get closer than either of them expected, and even when they’ve returned home Morgan still finds himself drawn to Noah.
Confused by his feelings for him, Morgan might have to figure out himself before he figures out his relationship with Noah.
251 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2020
45 people are currently reading
2142 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cloud
6 books266 followersCatherine Cloud writes queer sports fiction with a lot of kissing and Golden Retrievers. Yes, there's actual hockey in the books. And, yes, all those Golden Retrievers are totally necessary.
Free stories and extras are available via Tumblr (thesameoldstreets.tumblr.com)
Impressum: https://linktr.ee/thesameoldstreets
Free stories and extras are available via Tumblr (thesameoldstreets.tumblr.com)
Impressum: https://linktr.ee/thesameoldstreets
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
March 24, 2024
I really liked this story, even loved some parts.
Morgan can be frustrating at times, but I understood why he struggled so much and I really felt for him. I loved Noah. He is incredible, so patient and understanding. The best boyfriend ever.
The relationship development is really slow, with so much kissing and cuddling and I loved that. They were so sweet and adorable together.
My only niggle is that sometimes it felt like there was no progression to the story and I wish there was a bit more character development for Morgan, especially towards the end.
The side characters were also amazing. Especially Morgan's teammates and some of Noah's friends. I loved how they always tried to include Morgan in their activities and showed that they'd always be there for him. And I loved Bear.
******
Re-read 3/2024
Morgan can be frustrating at times, but I understood why he struggled so much and I really felt for him. I loved Noah. He is incredible, so patient and understanding. The best boyfriend ever.
The relationship development is really slow, with so much kissing and cuddling and I loved that. They were so sweet and adorable together.
My only niggle is that sometimes it felt like there was no progression to the story and I wish there was a bit more character development for Morgan, especially towards the end.
The side characters were also amazing. Especially Morgan's teammates and some of Noah's friends. I loved how they always tried to include Morgan in their activities and showed that they'd always be there for him. And I loved Bear.
******
Re-read 3/2024
January 6, 2025
This book was stupid.
The characters were stupid.
The angst was stupid.
The relationship was stupid.
I was also stupid for thinking I was gonna love this. How funny. I wish I could go back to that time of pure bliss and joy, hope and confidence, where I had such optimism.
In conclusion: stupid.
Okay, I have more to say I guess.
I see everyone else loved this, so it comes to no surprise to me that this story was absurdly boring, incredibly underwhelming, and inherently stupid (sorry, can’t stop repeating myself) for me. Shocker! I know! But I cannot bring myself to lie and say I cared about these characters or the relationship when I couldn’t bring myself to bring a single ounce of care and sympathy for literally anyone.
I would think this story would work for me considering how it starts off. While Noah and Morgan start off having physical intimacy, there are elements of it that I adore, such as their cuddling, kissing, and consensual given moments, but nothing after that stood out to me. I began to realize the story was only getting worse and worse, and while they had their cute moments here and there, there was never a point where a light bulb lit up in my head and made me go “Aha! This is love!” Instead I was dreading their moments, ungodly bored, and feeling stupid for having some sort of hope for these two. I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about them besides the basic facts: Morgan is an all-star hockey player who comes from an abusive family; Noah is a sunshine who loves to yap but hides his heart under his sleeve. There is hardly anything about them to root for, and both of them felt useless in pretty much all they did that was unrelated to hockey. In a way, it reminded me of Thrown Off the Ice (which I also absolutely hated and found so stupid) minus the fact that that one is focused entirely on their lust and sexual relationship, while this had more kissing and cuddling. And if y’all know anything about me is that I am a vanilla reader through and through, so I adore those domestic, cute, soft moments, but damn these two bored me to death.
Morgan’s deep rooted internalized homophobia eats him alive throughout most of the novel. And while it makes sense considering his toxic childhood and abusive, dysfunctional, homophobic family, it was an agonizing journey to witness him continuously blow off Noah, feel unable to express his emotions, and not be able to talk about his feelings. I do not understand how anyone could think he had character development considering he struggled with his feelings until literally the very end. The two have trust issues throughout pretty much the entire novel, all due to the fact that Morgan is struggling with himself and is unable to be honest. Chapter fifteen we see this lovely confession from Noah to Morgan:
“The thing is… I don’t know how you really feel about me and it drives me crazy sometimes. Because I love you, but I have no idea where you’re at in this relationship.”
I mean, seriously? You’re that far into the story and Noah is still unsure how Morgan feels, unsure where he stands, unsure if there can be anything fully developed between them. Where is the trust? Where is the hope? 400+ pages for a useless segment at the end. I understand the beginning, I understand Morgan’s hidden identity and fear in the beginning and Noah’s frustration, but keeping it as an issue throughout 80% of the story is lousy and pitiful. Due to this, Morgan’s character development feels outlandish and complicated instead of straight forward and hopeful.
Noah deserved better. Morgan felt like he just wasn’t emotionally ready to be in a relationship with him. Noah was patient, understanding, and kind of way too good for Morgan. Morgan kept blowing him off, giving him mixed signals, and making him confused on where they stood. And again, some of it is understandable, but it doesn’t excuse his shitty behavior. I’m tired of constantly excusing people for how they act because of their childhood or because of how they grew up. I understand to an extent, but there comes a time when people need to live up to their mistakes. To me, it felt like Morgan was simply emotionally unavailable. He needed to work on himself, his identity, and his feelings. He definitely needs to go to therapy because he was struggling from beginning to end. Not to mention, I understand 0% why Noah was so fixated and interested in Morgan. Morgan couldn’t bring himself to even say the word “gay,” kept denying he was gay or even remotely close despite his attraction to Noah and clear indication of where he wanted things to do, and offered absolutely nothing in his life for Noah. If I got a dollar for every time Morgan said “sorry” or “I–,” and was unable to finish his sentence or thought, I’d have enough dollars to be able to buy my groceries without financially worrying.
This is the type of couple that I genuinely do not think would last in the long run. Like, if we had an epilogue of them getting married, I would not doubt their divorce happening within a few months. They’re the type of couple who have their good, honeymoon-type, happy moments before, but throughout time, they start losing trust and love with each other. These two are the type of couple that make me NOT wanna get married, NOT believe in love, and NOT believe in the concept of soulmates. Because, in all honesty, these two had NO soulmates vibe to it. They were insanely bland, a weak match made anywhere else but in heaven, and had no emotional connection despite all the intimacy they had. You can kiss and cuddle and hang out all you want, but if there is no other substance to it then I will not be rooting for your relationship.
Adding on to that, both characters are bland. Neither of them felt like they had a personality, had no creativity to who they were. We have the jaded, grumpy, sad and lonely Morgan, and then we have the sunshine, bright, happy and upbeat Noah. You would think I would be delighted to read about these two, but unfortunately they brought nothing but misery to me. Morgan is a monotonous character and narrator, offering no personality trait besides being traumatized, and has no way to stand up for himself. The word “sorry” is the only word in his vocabulary. Noah is a little bit of a doormat, considering he lets Morgan blow him off not only once or twice but multiple times and keeps going back to Morgan or lets Morgan come back to him. He’s useless, not apprehensive at all, and offers way too much kindness to someone who doesn’t deserve it. His life is relatively boring and has nothing much to offer, either.
Overall, I was not a fan at all. This felt absolutely no emotional connection to these two due to the issues with Morgan. I’m all for relationship angst and characters struggling with their identity/sexuality, but I’m not for characters who struggle the entire way and never really make an attempt to get out of their comfort zone, and that is how Morgan came off to me. Had he attempted, had he tried to do something, had he done more than just say “sorry” every time Noah called him out or showed he was upset, I would have been able to understand him more and forgive him. But all Morgan could do was say sorry, sorry, sorry, and more sorry, and sometimes cry, because he couldn’t bring himself to publicly be with Noah, or show him love, or accept how he was feeling.
I didn’t care for the ending. It’s abrupt, underdeveloped, and completely rushed, but since I didn’t care about the characters or story, the ending didn’t really do much to disappoint me more than I already was.
Definitely don’t recommend, but don’t listen to me considering the wonderful, brilliant high ratings this story has. 🤪
The characters were stupid.
The angst was stupid.
The relationship was stupid.
I was also stupid for thinking I was gonna love this. How funny. I wish I could go back to that time of pure bliss and joy, hope and confidence, where I had such optimism.
In conclusion: stupid.
Okay, I have more to say I guess.
I see everyone else loved this, so it comes to no surprise to me that this story was absurdly boring, incredibly underwhelming, and inherently stupid (sorry, can’t stop repeating myself) for me. Shocker! I know! But I cannot bring myself to lie and say I cared about these characters or the relationship when I couldn’t bring myself to bring a single ounce of care and sympathy for literally anyone.
I would think this story would work for me considering how it starts off. While Noah and Morgan start off having physical intimacy, there are elements of it that I adore, such as their cuddling, kissing, and consensual given moments, but nothing after that stood out to me. I began to realize the story was only getting worse and worse, and while they had their cute moments here and there, there was never a point where a light bulb lit up in my head and made me go “Aha! This is love!” Instead I was dreading their moments, ungodly bored, and feeling stupid for having some sort of hope for these two. I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about them besides the basic facts: Morgan is an all-star hockey player who comes from an abusive family; Noah is a sunshine who loves to yap but hides his heart under his sleeve. There is hardly anything about them to root for, and both of them felt useless in pretty much all they did that was unrelated to hockey. In a way, it reminded me of Thrown Off the Ice (which I also absolutely hated and found so stupid) minus the fact that that one is focused entirely on their lust and sexual relationship, while this had more kissing and cuddling. And if y’all know anything about me is that I am a vanilla reader through and through, so I adore those domestic, cute, soft moments, but damn these two bored me to death.
Morgan’s deep rooted internalized homophobia eats him alive throughout most of the novel. And while it makes sense considering his toxic childhood and abusive, dysfunctional, homophobic family, it was an agonizing journey to witness him continuously blow off Noah, feel unable to express his emotions, and not be able to talk about his feelings. I do not understand how anyone could think he had character development considering he struggled with his feelings until literally the very end. The two have trust issues throughout pretty much the entire novel, all due to the fact that Morgan is struggling with himself and is unable to be honest. Chapter fifteen we see this lovely confession from Noah to Morgan:
“The thing is… I don’t know how you really feel about me and it drives me crazy sometimes. Because I love you, but I have no idea where you’re at in this relationship.”
I mean, seriously? You’re that far into the story and Noah is still unsure how Morgan feels, unsure where he stands, unsure if there can be anything fully developed between them. Where is the trust? Where is the hope? 400+ pages for a useless segment at the end. I understand the beginning, I understand Morgan’s hidden identity and fear in the beginning and Noah’s frustration, but keeping it as an issue throughout 80% of the story is lousy and pitiful. Due to this, Morgan’s character development feels outlandish and complicated instead of straight forward and hopeful.
Noah deserved better. Morgan felt like he just wasn’t emotionally ready to be in a relationship with him. Noah was patient, understanding, and kind of way too good for Morgan. Morgan kept blowing him off, giving him mixed signals, and making him confused on where they stood. And again, some of it is understandable, but it doesn’t excuse his shitty behavior. I’m tired of constantly excusing people for how they act because of their childhood or because of how they grew up. I understand to an extent, but there comes a time when people need to live up to their mistakes. To me, it felt like Morgan was simply emotionally unavailable. He needed to work on himself, his identity, and his feelings. He definitely needs to go to therapy because he was struggling from beginning to end. Not to mention, I understand 0% why Noah was so fixated and interested in Morgan. Morgan couldn’t bring himself to even say the word “gay,” kept denying he was gay or even remotely close despite his attraction to Noah and clear indication of where he wanted things to do, and offered absolutely nothing in his life for Noah. If I got a dollar for every time Morgan said “sorry” or “I–,” and was unable to finish his sentence or thought, I’d have enough dollars to be able to buy my groceries without financially worrying.
This is the type of couple that I genuinely do not think would last in the long run. Like, if we had an epilogue of them getting married, I would not doubt their divorce happening within a few months. They’re the type of couple who have their good, honeymoon-type, happy moments before, but throughout time, they start losing trust and love with each other. These two are the type of couple that make me NOT wanna get married, NOT believe in love, and NOT believe in the concept of soulmates. Because, in all honesty, these two had NO soulmates vibe to it. They were insanely bland, a weak match made anywhere else but in heaven, and had no emotional connection despite all the intimacy they had. You can kiss and cuddle and hang out all you want, but if there is no other substance to it then I will not be rooting for your relationship.
Adding on to that, both characters are bland. Neither of them felt like they had a personality, had no creativity to who they were. We have the jaded, grumpy, sad and lonely Morgan, and then we have the sunshine, bright, happy and upbeat Noah. You would think I would be delighted to read about these two, but unfortunately they brought nothing but misery to me. Morgan is a monotonous character and narrator, offering no personality trait besides being traumatized, and has no way to stand up for himself. The word “sorry” is the only word in his vocabulary. Noah is a little bit of a doormat, considering he lets Morgan blow him off not only once or twice but multiple times and keeps going back to Morgan or lets Morgan come back to him. He’s useless, not apprehensive at all, and offers way too much kindness to someone who doesn’t deserve it. His life is relatively boring and has nothing much to offer, either.
Overall, I was not a fan at all. This felt absolutely no emotional connection to these two due to the issues with Morgan. I’m all for relationship angst and characters struggling with their identity/sexuality, but I’m not for characters who struggle the entire way and never really make an attempt to get out of their comfort zone, and that is how Morgan came off to me. Had he attempted, had he tried to do something, had he done more than just say “sorry” every time Noah called him out or showed he was upset, I would have been able to understand him more and forgive him. But all Morgan could do was say sorry, sorry, sorry, and more sorry, and sometimes cry, because he couldn’t bring himself to publicly be with Noah, or show him love, or accept how he was feeling.
I didn’t care for the ending. It’s abrupt, underdeveloped, and completely rushed, but since I didn’t care about the characters or story, the ending didn’t really do much to disappoint me more than I already was.
Definitely don’t recommend, but don’t listen to me considering the wonderful, brilliant high ratings this story has. 🤪
July 6, 2023
I do not know how I am supposed to function after reading this book. There is a serious, deep void in my heart. I haven’t dreaded the ending of a book like this in a long time. I felt like I was constantly fighting the urge to devour this story, but no matter how much I tried to savour the pages, it was never enough. Love & Other Inconveniences was touching, tender, and so peaceful. I read this book last year and I still cannot think about it without getting emotional. I have since read the author’s other novels, which were great, but this one is special. Even though it has been a while since I read it, I wanted to write a review and share my thoughts with everyone because this book deserves so many readers.
Love & Other Inconveniences was both painful and wonderful. I adore stories that unravel slowly, with characters that develop at an equal pace. This book was all about the characters. They are emotionally vibrant and stand on their own.
Morgan is estranged from the world in every possibly way. He does not talk to his family, he has no friends, and does not have a great relationship with his teammates. Morgan was the most isolated and lonely character I’ve ever experienced. Deeply misunderstood, he navigates the world with an immense amount of grief, shame, and pain. Morgan is an eloquent portrayal of what it is like to be ashamed of your own queerness, of what it is like to be taught to be ashamed. Morgan is haunted by his childhood. The shame he felt as a kid controls his interactions with other adults.
Enter Noah, who like a bright ray of light, bursts through Morgan’s shell and pulls out all the good, all his quirks, and all the love he has to give. Noah is perfect for Morgan. He is patient, supportive, and knows how to quietly encourage Morgan. Through his initial friendship with Noah, we grow to understand Morgan. We realise that he is soft, quiet, and thoughtful. We realise that he is someone who loves deeply, who feels emotions strongly. Morgan learns a lot about himself, too. He realises that there are other ways of living your life and that he doesn’t have to be alone. It’s okay to love, and significantly, it’s okay to love Noah. That epiphany hits him like a truck, and the author is so good at making you feel those emotions with him. Morgan doesn’t have an easy time, and the world is not always kind, but watching him learn to fight for his own happiness, to push aside the unhealthy voices in his head, was so rewarding.
Noah and Morgan’s grumpy x sunshine dynamic was perfection. Their relationship progresses slowly, right up until the final chapter. The build was exquisite because it made perfect sense for Morgan’s character. Nothing happened between them until Morgan was completely ready. This was honestly one of the healthiest relationships I’ve ever read. Noah was phenomenal at communicating with Morgan, which was exactly what he needed as someone who overthinks and has low self-esteem. The GROWTH! Morgan was so much healthier as a person by the end of the novel. He had much better coping mechanisms and learned to be open about his feelings. Their relationship became something so wonderful and so domestic. Watching them cohabit and entwine their lives together was bliss. There were several scenes that I can only describe as peaceful.
If you love soft, slow-burn romances where the characters start out as tentative friends, Love & Other Inconveniences is the book for you. I hope some of you will give this book a chance. It’s a self-pub book that has a lot of charm and has stuck with me all this time.
You can follow me on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
Love & Other Inconveniences was both painful and wonderful. I adore stories that unravel slowly, with characters that develop at an equal pace. This book was all about the characters. They are emotionally vibrant and stand on their own.
Morgan is estranged from the world in every possibly way. He does not talk to his family, he has no friends, and does not have a great relationship with his teammates. Morgan was the most isolated and lonely character I’ve ever experienced. Deeply misunderstood, he navigates the world with an immense amount of grief, shame, and pain. Morgan is an eloquent portrayal of what it is like to be ashamed of your own queerness, of what it is like to be taught to be ashamed. Morgan is haunted by his childhood. The shame he felt as a kid controls his interactions with other adults.
Enter Noah, who like a bright ray of light, bursts through Morgan’s shell and pulls out all the good, all his quirks, and all the love he has to give. Noah is perfect for Morgan. He is patient, supportive, and knows how to quietly encourage Morgan. Through his initial friendship with Noah, we grow to understand Morgan. We realise that he is soft, quiet, and thoughtful. We realise that he is someone who loves deeply, who feels emotions strongly. Morgan learns a lot about himself, too. He realises that there are other ways of living your life and that he doesn’t have to be alone. It’s okay to love, and significantly, it’s okay to love Noah. That epiphany hits him like a truck, and the author is so good at making you feel those emotions with him. Morgan doesn’t have an easy time, and the world is not always kind, but watching him learn to fight for his own happiness, to push aside the unhealthy voices in his head, was so rewarding.
Noah and Morgan’s grumpy x sunshine dynamic was perfection. Their relationship progresses slowly, right up until the final chapter. The build was exquisite because it made perfect sense for Morgan’s character. Nothing happened between them until Morgan was completely ready. This was honestly one of the healthiest relationships I’ve ever read. Noah was phenomenal at communicating with Morgan, which was exactly what he needed as someone who overthinks and has low self-esteem. The GROWTH! Morgan was so much healthier as a person by the end of the novel. He had much better coping mechanisms and learned to be open about his feelings. Their relationship became something so wonderful and so domestic. Watching them cohabit and entwine their lives together was bliss. There were several scenes that I can only describe as peaceful.
If you love soft, slow-burn romances where the characters start out as tentative friends, Love & Other Inconveniences is the book for you. I hope some of you will give this book a chance. It’s a self-pub book that has a lot of charm and has stuck with me all this time.
You can follow me on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
December 25, 2025
Reread 12/2025
All the stars, all time favourite comfort read.
I don't know how Catherine Cloud does it, but she touches me with her writing like few others do.
I just love Morgan and Noah so much.
They still have a long way to go (especially Morgan) but I love how far they already got, despite Morgan's upbringing and fears, and I know they are going to get their hea.
I'll jump directly to their kinda- epilogue "Snowed In" in Another Point Of View, because how could I not.
--------------
Reread 06/2025
Love Morgan so, so much. And Noah. Morgan.. getting all the hugs from Noah.
Yeah still love them both.
--------------
Reread 11/2024
All the stars (again an again).
My heart is so full of love for Morgan and Noah. Morgan especially.. but Noah, too, equally. I know I don't make sense but I'm not making the rules, Catherine Cloud did, and I'm just happy to read and love whatever she writes.
This is my favorite mm hockey romance.
The hugs deserve to be mentioned, I never read a book where the MCs hugging made me feel so much 🥹 .
I recommend to read this after "Three is the luckiest number".
Plus there's a novella that feels like the perfect epilogue to Love & other Inconveniences in "A different point of view" from Noah's pov.
---------------
reread 03/2023.
My favorite mm hockey romance.
I love Morgan and Noah so, so much.
Morgan is special. So deserving of love, yet so afraid to accept himself. And Noah is awesome, patient and supporting, even when Morgan's inability/reluctance to let Noah in hurts Noah.
Every time Noah hugs Morgan, and Morgan can just be and let himself being held, I melt again.
So so beautiful.
ps in the author's new book "A different point of view" there's a short story "Snowed in" that feels like the perfect epilogue to Morgan and Noah's book!
A 28 pages epilogue (where we even learn that Morgan is going to therapy... love it) ❤️
("A different point of view" is a collection of chapters of the author's books and new short stories connected to the author's books, told from different pov's, it got released. just recently, in march 2024)
-------
reread 10/2023
Reread this because I challenged Nicole to read it, and obviously I had to check beforehand I still felt as enamoured with it as I had reading it the first time.
Still 5 stars, still an all time favorite.
Still love this so so much.
Both Morgan and Noah are amazing characters, each in their own way.
Everything I felt reading this the first time, I felt rereading.
It's a calm, quiet story that nevertheless evokes deep feelings (in me, at least).
I just wish more people would read and enjoy this.
----------
original review 08/2023
Another amazing and heartbreaking book by Catherine Cloud!
I had loved Caught Off Guard and decided afterwards to read the author's other books, but started chronologically.
I'm glad I did, because I got to know Noah in Three Is The Luckiest Number, and in Love And Other Inconveniences he is one of the MCs, although the entire story is told in Morgan's pov.
I love books told in just one pov, because I have to keep closer attention, and the author (if it's done right) gets me much much more connected to the narrating MC then in books with alternating povs.
Since Catherine Cloud is an amazing writer, I felt deeply with Morgan. He is a phantastic hockey player, and the opposite of every cocky jock cliché, he is quiet and unsure how to act in social situations.
He is just very slowly accepting that he isn't straight, and doesn't allow himself for a long time to act on it. He has a hard time seeing that Noah cares for him. I love Morgan so, so much. He is special and deserving of love and acceptance. The way the author shows him craving and cherishing Noah's hugs is heart gripping.
Noah on the other hand is outgoing, liked by everyone and much more settled in who he is and knows what he wants.
Their story is one of the most beautiful mm hockey romances I've read.
I'm going to reread it again and again in the future.
5 stars.
All the stars, all time favourite comfort read.
I don't know how Catherine Cloud does it, but she touches me with her writing like few others do.
I just love Morgan and Noah so much.
They still have a long way to go (especially Morgan) but I love how far they already got, despite Morgan's upbringing and fears, and I know they are going to get their hea.
I'll jump directly to their kinda- epilogue "Snowed In" in Another Point Of View, because how could I not.
--------------
Reread 06/2025
Love Morgan so, so much. And Noah. Morgan.. getting all the hugs from Noah.
Yeah still love them both.
--------------
Reread 11/2024
All the stars (again an again).
My heart is so full of love for Morgan and Noah. Morgan especially.. but Noah, too, equally. I know I don't make sense but I'm not making the rules, Catherine Cloud did, and I'm just happy to read and love whatever she writes.
This is my favorite mm hockey romance.
The hugs deserve to be mentioned, I never read a book where the MCs hugging made me feel so much 🥹 .
I recommend to read this after "Three is the luckiest number".
Plus there's a novella that feels like the perfect epilogue to Love & other Inconveniences in "A different point of view" from Noah's pov.
---------------
reread 03/2023.
My favorite mm hockey romance.
I love Morgan and Noah so, so much.
Morgan is special. So deserving of love, yet so afraid to accept himself. And Noah is awesome, patient and supporting, even when Morgan's inability/reluctance to let Noah in hurts Noah.
Every time Noah hugs Morgan, and Morgan can just be and let himself being held, I melt again.
So so beautiful.
ps in the author's new book "A different point of view" there's a short story "Snowed in" that feels like the perfect epilogue to Morgan and Noah's book!
A 28 pages epilogue (where we even learn that Morgan is going to therapy... love it) ❤️
("A different point of view" is a collection of chapters of the author's books and new short stories connected to the author's books, told from different pov's, it got released. just recently, in march 2024)
-------
reread 10/2023
Reread this because I challenged Nicole to read it, and obviously I had to check beforehand I still felt as enamoured with it as I had reading it the first time.
Still 5 stars, still an all time favorite.
Still love this so so much.
Both Morgan and Noah are amazing characters, each in their own way.
Everything I felt reading this the first time, I felt rereading.
It's a calm, quiet story that nevertheless evokes deep feelings (in me, at least).
I just wish more people would read and enjoy this.
----------
original review 08/2023
Another amazing and heartbreaking book by Catherine Cloud!
I had loved Caught Off Guard and decided afterwards to read the author's other books, but started chronologically.
I'm glad I did, because I got to know Noah in Three Is The Luckiest Number, and in Love And Other Inconveniences he is one of the MCs, although the entire story is told in Morgan's pov.
I love books told in just one pov, because I have to keep closer attention, and the author (if it's done right) gets me much much more connected to the narrating MC then in books with alternating povs.
Since Catherine Cloud is an amazing writer, I felt deeply with Morgan. He is a phantastic hockey player, and the opposite of every cocky jock cliché, he is quiet and unsure how to act in social situations.
He is just very slowly accepting that he isn't straight, and doesn't allow himself for a long time to act on it. He has a hard time seeing that Noah cares for him. I love Morgan so, so much. He is special and deserving of love and acceptance. The way the author shows him craving and cherishing Noah's hugs is heart gripping.
Noah on the other hand is outgoing, liked by everyone and much more settled in who he is and knows what he wants.
Their story is one of the most beautiful mm hockey romances I've read.
I'm going to reread it again and again in the future.
5 stars.
January 11, 2026
Once in a while I try out a purely romance book, and most of the time it doesn‘t work out for me. Love and Other Inconveniences is one of those cases, unfortunately.
An MM hockey romance, with Morgan struggling with internalized homophobia and social anxiety, and Noah being a motormouth social butterfly, is something I thought I would love. I actually enjoyed the first quarter of the story, loving Morgan and enjoying the dynamic between the characters. The writing immediately gave me fanfic vibe, which evoked familiarity, even though it has a tendency to throw you among the characters as if you’re already supposed to know them. There was a bit more telling than showing, often with unclear passage of time, but I didn’t mind that much. The story is focused less on hockey and more on intimacy and growing relationship between Morgan and Noah – so it really depends on your preference.
I also loved Bear and Moose, the dogs! 🥹 Such adorable good boys, the best ones, they brightened the pages. And the toxic family dynamic was a great addition, I love to hate on shitty relatives 😏
What actually worked for me at first, was Morgan, because most of his issues were all too relatable. Funnily enough, it’s also why I got so frustrated with him quite early on. His hot and cold attitude towards Noah, the constant push and pull, got repetitive at around 30%, and I knew I’m in trouble. And yes, it’s actually written very realistically that way! But I guess I can’t be patient with a character having my issues that I hate about myself, so that was a new thing to understand lol 🙈
I think my main problem was how unfair the relationship in this book was to Noah. He was basically an angel, pushed Morgan only a few times when it was very much needed, otherwise they wouldn’t get anywhere. Actually…it read a little bit like an introvert’s self-insert romance – Noah was a dream come true for people with social anxiety who still crave finding someone who understands without words, doesn’t mind awkward silences, and basically does all the ground work when it comes to communication.
The progress was…way too one-sided, to the point I started to genuinely pity Noah. I didn’t like that Morgan wasn’t willing to be a little more proactive in giving Noah some ground, an olive branch, instead of rebuking almost every single conversation, with his constant „Okay“ and „I’m sorry“. It got to a point where it seemed to me as if Morgan was taking advantage of Noah’s patience and was all too content to keep things as they were, even though he knew very well Noah wants him to open up.
It’s funny how I found Morgan to be so relatable, but still ended up feeling more protective of Noah (because he was very obviously written to suit Morgan’s needs and that…didn’t sit right with me for some reason).
I also would’ve appreciated better fleshed out side characters, because I feel like this could’ve had some awesome friendship and found family vibes if CC took the time with them. Morgan’s character honestly needed something like that more before trying to keep up with a secret relationship.
I would love to say that the boys are good for each other but that’s still in the air for me. The ending was abrupt, and when looking back, I actually DO have to admit Morgan did have some character development, but most of it didn’t come from him. I’m not saying he didn’t try, but…he seriously needs to step his game up. Because Noah is great for Morgan, no doubt about that. Is Morgan good for Noah? Right now, not really. And I don’t mean good enough (that would be harsh), just…not good in general, not if Noah doesn’t want to spend the rest of his life fighting for every scrap of ground given. No person is saintly enough to not get frustrated in time, and they shouldn’t be.
Morgan, my dear sweet boy… I know it’s hard, but when there are feelings of someone you care about involved, you simply need to try more. Be okay with yourself first so you can actually be there for other people if you want to.
(@Drache told me he actually does find a good therapist so thank you for that tidbit, it actually makes me hopeful for their future! Shame there’s no epilogue.)
I know I probably took this story more seriously than I was supposed to but…some issues hit too close to home to avoid projecting.
I won’t be picking up TITLN by CC, not even for Noah – the second-chance romance coupled with an actual OP drama/action is a lethal combo that would lead to a swift DNF, and that’s just not fair to the book.
An MM hockey romance, with Morgan struggling with internalized homophobia and social anxiety, and Noah being a motormouth social butterfly, is something I thought I would love. I actually enjoyed the first quarter of the story, loving Morgan and enjoying the dynamic between the characters. The writing immediately gave me fanfic vibe, which evoked familiarity, even though it has a tendency to throw you among the characters as if you’re already supposed to know them. There was a bit more telling than showing, often with unclear passage of time, but I didn’t mind that much. The story is focused less on hockey and more on intimacy and growing relationship between Morgan and Noah – so it really depends on your preference.
I also loved Bear and Moose, the dogs! 🥹 Such adorable good boys, the best ones, they brightened the pages. And the toxic family dynamic was a great addition, I love to hate on shitty relatives 😏
What actually worked for me at first, was Morgan, because most of his issues were all too relatable. Funnily enough, it’s also why I got so frustrated with him quite early on. His hot and cold attitude towards Noah, the constant push and pull, got repetitive at around 30%, and I knew I’m in trouble. And yes, it’s actually written very realistically that way! But I guess I can’t be patient with a character having my issues that I hate about myself, so that was a new thing to understand lol 🙈
I think my main problem was how unfair the relationship in this book was to Noah. He was basically an angel, pushed Morgan only a few times when it was very much needed, otherwise they wouldn’t get anywhere. Actually…it read a little bit like an introvert’s self-insert romance – Noah was a dream come true for people with social anxiety who still crave finding someone who understands without words, doesn’t mind awkward silences, and basically does all the ground work when it comes to communication.
The progress was…way too one-sided, to the point I started to genuinely pity Noah. I didn’t like that Morgan wasn’t willing to be a little more proactive in giving Noah some ground, an olive branch, instead of rebuking almost every single conversation, with his constant „Okay“ and „I’m sorry“. It got to a point where it seemed to me as if Morgan was taking advantage of Noah’s patience and was all too content to keep things as they were, even though he knew very well Noah wants him to open up.
It’s funny how I found Morgan to be so relatable, but still ended up feeling more protective of Noah (because he was very obviously written to suit Morgan’s needs and that…didn’t sit right with me for some reason).
I also would’ve appreciated better fleshed out side characters, because I feel like this could’ve had some awesome friendship and found family vibes if CC took the time with them. Morgan’s character honestly needed something like that more before trying to keep up with a secret relationship.
I would love to say that the boys are good for each other but that’s still in the air for me. The ending was abrupt, and when looking back, I actually DO have to admit Morgan did have some character development, but most of it didn’t come from him. I’m not saying he didn’t try, but…he seriously needs to step his game up. Because Noah is great for Morgan, no doubt about that. Is Morgan good for Noah? Right now, not really. And I don’t mean good enough (that would be harsh), just…not good in general, not if Noah doesn’t want to spend the rest of his life fighting for every scrap of ground given. No person is saintly enough to not get frustrated in time, and they shouldn’t be.
Morgan, my dear sweet boy… I know it’s hard, but when there are feelings of someone you care about involved, you simply need to try more. Be okay with yourself first so you can actually be there for other people if you want to.
(@Drache told me he actually does find a good therapist so thank you for that tidbit, it actually makes me hopeful for their future! Shame there’s no epilogue.)
I know I probably took this story more seriously than I was supposed to but…some issues hit too close to home to avoid projecting.
I won’t be picking up TITLN by CC, not even for Noah – the second-chance romance coupled with an actual OP drama/action is a lethal combo that would lead to a swift DNF, and that’s just not fair to the book.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 23, 2024
4.5 stars ☆
PLS. i was so close coming to work sobbing bc of this book. 😭😭😭 i literally couldn’t put it down and i had to force myself bc of work lol. but i adored Morgan and Noah so so much. 🥺
PLS. i was so close coming to work sobbing bc of this book. 😭😭😭 i literally couldn’t put it down and i had to force myself bc of work lol. but i adored Morgan and Noah so so much. 🥺
November 6, 2023
First of all this is not your typical MM romance so the romance lover in me is howling and whining for that horrible lack of closed HEA. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive the author for the abrupt ending yet I can’t really say it didn’t have a good, satisfying ending especially if we take into consideration where Morgan was at the beginning of the book.
Having said that let me say something I didn’t really think I’d say : I LOVED THIS BOOK ! So so so so so freaking much. It’s nothing special yet it’s such a beautiful ,soft, life-like romance. Gah, the tenderness and the quiet beauty of it all. I confess that there were moments when Morgan depressed me and in those moments I would fervently declare “Noah deserves better !” only for me to melt in a puddle of goo a few pages later when Morgan shows in his stunted way how much he loves Noah, how hard he tries and how he slowly lets himself be vulnerable . Sometimes I still think Noah deserves better but then I think that Morgan deserves good things too, deserves Noah’s love, NEEDS Noah’s love (gah I feel like crying now) . I loved Morgan but Noah, Noah was something else. I don’t know where did he get all that patience, all that kindness and understanding. He was a knight. Morgan’s knight.
I think this book is so underrated and it’s a shame because the writing is beautiful, the characters amazing, the sports world realistic and it’s full of emotions and feelings . Sadness, fear, hopefulness, love, care, tenderness,kindness, loneliness..they’re all here. I think the author really made an error when it didn’t give this book the classic HEA every romance reader expects instead of the HFN . The book would have been way more popular, just like it deserves.
PS . Drache , chapeau!
Having said that let me say something I didn’t really think I’d say : I LOVED THIS BOOK ! So so so so so freaking much. It’s nothing special yet it’s such a beautiful ,soft, life-like romance. Gah, the tenderness and the quiet beauty of it all. I confess that there were moments when Morgan depressed me and in those moments I would fervently declare “Noah deserves better !” only for me to melt in a puddle of goo a few pages later when Morgan shows in his stunted way how much he loves Noah, how hard he tries and how he slowly lets himself be vulnerable . Sometimes I still think Noah deserves better but then I think that Morgan deserves good things too, deserves Noah’s love, NEEDS Noah’s love (gah I feel like crying now) . I loved Morgan but Noah, Noah was something else. I don’t know where did he get all that patience, all that kindness and understanding. He was a knight. Morgan’s knight.
I think this book is so underrated and it’s a shame because the writing is beautiful, the characters amazing, the sports world realistic and it’s full of emotions and feelings . Sadness, fear, hopefulness, love, care, tenderness,kindness, loneliness..they’re all here. I think the author really made an error when it didn’t give this book the classic HEA every romance reader expects instead of the HFN . The book would have been way more popular, just like it deserves.
PS . Drache , chapeau!
December 28, 2024
I don't think I have ever encountered a desire so strong for a character have a loving support network and lots of therapy than I found reading about Morgan. Bear and Moose are a good start, but give that poor man every puppy he could want.
I found myself swinging between being deeply empathetic to Morgans journey whilst trying to navigate his sexuality and trauma, but also frustrated at the constant push/pull he put poor Noah through. I could feel the emotional toil it must have been having on Noah and if we had his POV I'm sure it would torn my heart out.
I loved Noah as a character in 'Threes the Luckiest Number' and I am pleased that he has found love and is happy, but I do wish he had an easier time of it and that it was a HEA because I can't help but feel that this felt more HFN, although I suppose that's life isn't it? and things are rarely resolved in a tidy manner with a bow on top.
I wonder a little if this book has a bit of an identity crisis issue? cause I can't help but feel that despite the romance being front and centre, and this being marketed as a hockey romance story, that the romance is almost beside the point, and that this is more a story of coming to terms with yourself, difficult family dynamics and childhood trauma. Although it almost doesn't lean into those elements enough to really provide a satisfying resolution either.
Cloud is working her way onto an author-auto-buy list for me. Her writing is so engaging and the way she lays out her characters and stories sucks in my brain and my heart.
I know this is a lot of people's favourite of Clouds couples but Blake and Elliott are still on top for me (sorry).
I found myself swinging between being deeply empathetic to Morgans journey whilst trying to navigate his sexuality and trauma, but also frustrated at the constant push/pull he put poor Noah through. I could feel the emotional toil it must have been having on Noah and if we had his POV I'm sure it would torn my heart out.
I loved Noah as a character in 'Threes the Luckiest Number' and I am pleased that he has found love and is happy, but I do wish he had an easier time of it and that it was a HEA because I can't help but feel that this felt more HFN, although I suppose that's life isn't it? and things are rarely resolved in a tidy manner with a bow on top.
I wonder a little if this book has a bit of an identity crisis issue? cause I can't help but feel that despite the romance being front and centre, and this being marketed as a hockey romance story, that the romance is almost beside the point, and that this is more a story of coming to terms with yourself, difficult family dynamics and childhood trauma. Although it almost doesn't lean into those elements enough to really provide a satisfying resolution either.
Cloud is working her way onto an author-auto-buy list for me. Her writing is so engaging and the way she lays out her characters and stories sucks in my brain and my heart.
I know this is a lot of people's favourite of Clouds couples but Blake and Elliott are still on top for me (sorry).
November 7, 2023
I will be forever grateful to the friend who brought this author to my attention. This book and the previous one in the series will both be on my best of 2020 list. The author is a fantastic writer. These books are so filled with emotion and authenticity. She also comes across as someone who knows hockey and loves it, not someone just using it as a random background. As someone who also loves hockey that really works for me.
This story is told from Morgan's pov. He is a great hockey player but struggles with his social skills and is a bit of an outcast from the rest of his team. He doesn't have any real friends and is estranged from his family. He's never really dated and while being attracted to men he's absolutely sure he can't be gay. During the off season when Morgan is playing at the Olympics he meets Noah who is another NHL player. Noah is everything Morgan is not. He's outgoing, friendly and confident. Much to Morgan's chagrin, Noah takes a liking to him. What starts as extreme annoyance turns in to curiosity, then friendship, then more.
The story unfolds in a realistic way. These two have some ups and some downs as Morgan really struggles to accept who he is and what that means for a professional hockey player. A part of me wanted to be frustrated with Morgan a few times but he is hurting so much my heart just broke for him. His pain is so raw and feels so real as he works through his coming out and some unresolved childhood issues. Noah is endlessly patient and such a good guy. I really loved reading about a guy who isn't macho or alpha or whatever other stereotype we get in a lot of romance books. He's just a great guy who genuinely cares about the people in his life and he tries really hard to be there for them. Everyone should have their own Noah.
One of my favorite things about this series is how the author doesn't shy away from the hardship playing professional hockey is on relationships. Especially when you're gay and both of you play. She shows the fatigue of the schedules, the struggle to set up visits, the weight of the secrets etc. There's a bit of bittersweet in this but for me it beats the over the top, grand coming out to the world gestures that are so often seen in hockey romance books. (It's unfortunate that it's not realistic but that's where the world is right now and those "you'll come out if you love me" books are sewage imo.)
These guys are going to struggle in a lot of ways and they really have to love each other and be committed to their relationships to persevere.
I don't want to sound like the book is all serious because it's not. There are some very funny moments and some silly ones and some adorably sweet and romantic ones. You'll go through all the feelz in this.
While this is the second book in the series this can be read as a standalone. Noah has a prominent role in the first book but there are no major spoilers in this one. I recommend you read the first book too though cuz it was also wonderful,
This story is told from Morgan's pov. He is a great hockey player but struggles with his social skills and is a bit of an outcast from the rest of his team. He doesn't have any real friends and is estranged from his family. He's never really dated and while being attracted to men he's absolutely sure he can't be gay. During the off season when Morgan is playing at the Olympics he meets Noah who is another NHL player. Noah is everything Morgan is not. He's outgoing, friendly and confident. Much to Morgan's chagrin, Noah takes a liking to him. What starts as extreme annoyance turns in to curiosity, then friendship, then more.
The story unfolds in a realistic way. These two have some ups and some downs as Morgan really struggles to accept who he is and what that means for a professional hockey player. A part of me wanted to be frustrated with Morgan a few times but he is hurting so much my heart just broke for him. His pain is so raw and feels so real as he works through his coming out and some unresolved childhood issues. Noah is endlessly patient and such a good guy. I really loved reading about a guy who isn't macho or alpha or whatever other stereotype we get in a lot of romance books. He's just a great guy who genuinely cares about the people in his life and he tries really hard to be there for them. Everyone should have their own Noah.
One of my favorite things about this series is how the author doesn't shy away from the hardship playing professional hockey is on relationships. Especially when you're gay and both of you play. She shows the fatigue of the schedules, the struggle to set up visits, the weight of the secrets etc. There's a bit of bittersweet in this but for me it beats the over the top, grand coming out to the world gestures that are so often seen in hockey romance books. (It's unfortunate that it's not realistic but that's where the world is right now and those "you'll come out if you love me" books are sewage imo.)
These guys are going to struggle in a lot of ways and they really have to love each other and be committed to their relationships to persevere.
I don't want to sound like the book is all serious because it's not. There are some very funny moments and some silly ones and some adorably sweet and romantic ones. You'll go through all the feelz in this.
While this is the second book in the series this can be read as a standalone. Noah has a prominent role in the first book but there are no major spoilers in this one. I recommend you read the first book too though cuz it was also wonderful,
February 22, 2025
Man, this book made me emotional. 🥹
This was my first book by Catherine Cloud (thank you Angelika for loving her so fiercely and putting her on my radar ♥️) and I fell in love. The writing was so soft, touching, intimate. The two MCs she created multidimensional, flawed but utterly lovable.
We have Morgan who wants to be invisible, struggles heavily with his sexuality, is traumatised by his abusive, bigoted parents. Is estranged from his brothers, has severe difficulties expressing himself and doesn’t make friends easily at all.
Morgan, who just wants someone who’ll let him be quiet and isn’t that the most beautiful and heartbreaking thing you’ve ever heard?
In comes Noah: pure sunshine, always talking, laughing, smiling but also hurt. Lonely. Grieving.
Together, they were magic.
I wanted to shake Morgan, then hug him fiercely and tell him he’ll be okay. I wanted to kiss Noah on the forehead and thank him for his kindness, bravery and patience. I wanted to punch everyone who ever hurt these lovely, lonely men.
But most of all I wanted to cry at all the beautiful tenderness in this book.
And while I adored the book overall, I did have a few issues with the ending. It dragged a bit and I wished for more closure, especially regarding Morgan truly coming to terms with who he is, what he wants and talking about it.
After all the struggles, carefulness and the very slow progression in the character and relationship department, I just needed a full on HEA 😩
Can’t wait to explore Cloud‘s other works though, her writing was impeccable 💕
This was my first book by Catherine Cloud (thank you Angelika for loving her so fiercely and putting her on my radar ♥️) and I fell in love. The writing was so soft, touching, intimate. The two MCs she created multidimensional, flawed but utterly lovable.
We have Morgan who wants to be invisible, struggles heavily with his sexuality, is traumatised by his abusive, bigoted parents. Is estranged from his brothers, has severe difficulties expressing himself and doesn’t make friends easily at all.
Morgan, who just wants someone who’ll let him be quiet and isn’t that the most beautiful and heartbreaking thing you’ve ever heard?
In comes Noah: pure sunshine, always talking, laughing, smiling but also hurt. Lonely. Grieving.
Together, they were magic.
I wanted to shake Morgan, then hug him fiercely and tell him he’ll be okay. I wanted to kiss Noah on the forehead and thank him for his kindness, bravery and patience. I wanted to punch everyone who ever hurt these lovely, lonely men.
But most of all I wanted to cry at all the beautiful tenderness in this book.
And while I adored the book overall, I did have a few issues with the ending. It dragged a bit and I wished for more closure, especially regarding Morgan truly coming to terms with who he is, what he wants and talking about it.
After all the struggles, carefulness and the very slow progression in the character and relationship department, I just needed a full on HEA 😩
Can’t wait to explore Cloud‘s other works though, her writing was impeccable 💕
July 23, 2021
4.00 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had a hard time deciding on a rating for this book. I'm conflicted because while I enjoyed a lot of it, I'm also frustrated, but then I wonder if I have a right to be.
The story kicks off at the Sochi Olympics with Morgan and Noah meeting as part of the USA Hockey team. Noah is full of life, never stops talking, and makes friends with everyone he meets. Morgan is the complete opposite - extremely introverted, unapproachable, and avidly avoids human interactions at all cost. Needless to say Morgan is not a fan of Noah, but his curiosity get's the better of him and so kicks off their situationship.
I'm not going to lie, this story was not what I initially expected. It's not all warm and fuzzies, even though there are touching moments throughout. I'd categorize this as a more realistic representation of what someone goes through who is deeply in the closet riddled with fear and denial over their sexuality. Morgan carries so much pain and shame over who he is that I hurt for him pretty much the entirety of the book. Noah is easily categorized as the most understanding, supportive, patient, and loving partner someone could hope to have. Their bond was really beautiful to watch unfold and progress, but there was an undercurrent of sadness there too. Sadness in how much Morgan struggled within himself for what he wanted and needed, versus what he thought he should be.
The progression of this story is very slow moving, and like I said above, a lot more based in reality for someone in Morgan's shoes. Honestly when the book ends it feels like you just reached the precipice and there is so much more to be uncovered. Should the author ever want to, there could definitely be a continuation.
So what frustrated me? Honestly at times this book can be hard to read, both because of the story itself and how it was written structurally. The writing is very staccato and it took me a minute to get on board with it. The narrative progression is very, very slow. We all read a lot of MM romances where an MC is in the closet and then they find love and say f-ck it and live their truth. This book is not like that at all. When I mentioned this story could have a continuation it's because there is a lot of unresolved plot in my opinion. Anyway, it's hard for me to determine if my criticisms are fair because looking at the story holistically it fits, even if I personally hoped for something a bit different.
Overall this book is beautiful in it's own right, and a solid 4 stars. Will I ever re-read? No. But I will be the first to pick up a part 2, should one ever exist.
I had a hard time deciding on a rating for this book. I'm conflicted because while I enjoyed a lot of it, I'm also frustrated, but then I wonder if I have a right to be.
The story kicks off at the Sochi Olympics with Morgan and Noah meeting as part of the USA Hockey team. Noah is full of life, never stops talking, and makes friends with everyone he meets. Morgan is the complete opposite - extremely introverted, unapproachable, and avidly avoids human interactions at all cost. Needless to say Morgan is not a fan of Noah, but his curiosity get's the better of him and so kicks off their situationship.
I'm not going to lie, this story was not what I initially expected. It's not all warm and fuzzies, even though there are touching moments throughout. I'd categorize this as a more realistic representation of what someone goes through who is deeply in the closet riddled with fear and denial over their sexuality. Morgan carries so much pain and shame over who he is that I hurt for him pretty much the entirety of the book. Noah is easily categorized as the most understanding, supportive, patient, and loving partner someone could hope to have. Their bond was really beautiful to watch unfold and progress, but there was an undercurrent of sadness there too. Sadness in how much Morgan struggled within himself for what he wanted and needed, versus what he thought he should be.
The progression of this story is very slow moving, and like I said above, a lot more based in reality for someone in Morgan's shoes. Honestly when the book ends it feels like you just reached the precipice and there is so much more to be uncovered. Should the author ever want to, there could definitely be a continuation.
So what frustrated me? Honestly at times this book can be hard to read, both because of the story itself and how it was written structurally. The writing is very staccato and it took me a minute to get on board with it. The narrative progression is very, very slow. We all read a lot of MM romances where an MC is in the closet and then they find love and say f-ck it and live their truth. This book is not like that at all. When I mentioned this story could have a continuation it's because there is a lot of unresolved plot in my opinion. Anyway, it's hard for me to determine if my criticisms are fair because looking at the story holistically it fits, even if I personally hoped for something a bit different.
Overall this book is beautiful in it's own right, and a solid 4 stars. Will I ever re-read? No. But I will be the first to pick up a part 2, should one ever exist.
December 21, 2024
So, I guess I said it before, but I'll say it again anyway: Catherine Cloud is an author I just recently discovered and I'm so happy I did!! I love her writing, it's so wholesome, it's beautiful and soft and tender and her characters are so real and lovable. Once you get to know them, you can't forget about them, they just find their way to your heart and will silently take their space and never leave.
There was much about this book that grabbed me. I loved Noah's character, how confident he was and how happy he felt in his own skin. How he wasn't ashamed of being gay without shouting it from the rooftops, but there still was some sort of pride in how he carried himself and his sexuality. He was patient and understanding, he was the rock Morgan could count on and lean on, even when at times he didn't want to or didn't allow himself to. But I believe Noah was exactly what Morgan needed in order to find acceptance.
I felt a lot for Morgan. He reminded me so much of myself and I understood every part of him. I can imagine some readers must find him frustrating, as he doesn't seem to change or grow as a character, but having been there myself, I understand him. I understand it doesn't just happen when you find the right person, there is too much damage inside, and it's not up to one person to heal all that. Sure, it helps a lot, but it's only a beginning. And I do see Morgan grow. Towards the end I see him challenge himself, I see him doing and saying things he didn't at first. Trust doesn't come easily when you have been betrayed by your own parents, the only people in the whole world who should love you without prejudice. And when they don't, it does a lot of damage to everything you are and will become. Frankly, I believe there's only one way to overcome something like that and that's find the right therapist.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I saw Morgan, I saw his struggles, I understood why he couldn't use the words to say what he was thinking, I got why he couldn't say "I love you too" when Noah said it to him. It takes so much courage, so much trust and self worth to speak those words out loud, and it got me all warm and teary eyed when Morgan finally managed. I just wanted to hug him all the time!
Oh, and no judgement for not going to his father's funeral. Like, at all. I completely understood where Morgan stood and I only love this author even more for not coming up with some sort of stupid miracle healing that would seem forced and unreal. That's not how life works in real either.
So, yes, I loved this book, and I see a re-read in the future too. Still secretly hoping that she will eventually release her books on audio as well (with a great narrator, of course!) because I so much need to enjoy these books in every way possible!
I'm highly recommending her books when you enjoy a well written MM hockey romance, where the romance and the hockey are very well balanced. I'm still working my way through her backlist, but so far I have loved each book I read.
There was much about this book that grabbed me. I loved Noah's character, how confident he was and how happy he felt in his own skin. How he wasn't ashamed of being gay without shouting it from the rooftops, but there still was some sort of pride in how he carried himself and his sexuality. He was patient and understanding, he was the rock Morgan could count on and lean on, even when at times he didn't want to or didn't allow himself to. But I believe Noah was exactly what Morgan needed in order to find acceptance.
I felt a lot for Morgan. He reminded me so much of myself and I understood every part of him. I can imagine some readers must find him frustrating, as he doesn't seem to change or grow as a character, but having been there myself, I understand him. I understand it doesn't just happen when you find the right person, there is too much damage inside, and it's not up to one person to heal all that. Sure, it helps a lot, but it's only a beginning. And I do see Morgan grow. Towards the end I see him challenge himself, I see him doing and saying things he didn't at first. Trust doesn't come easily when you have been betrayed by your own parents, the only people in the whole world who should love you without prejudice. And when they don't, it does a lot of damage to everything you are and will become. Frankly, I believe there's only one way to overcome something like that and that's find the right therapist.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I saw Morgan, I saw his struggles, I understood why he couldn't use the words to say what he was thinking, I got why he couldn't say "I love you too" when Noah said it to him. It takes so much courage, so much trust and self worth to speak those words out loud, and it got me all warm and teary eyed when Morgan finally managed. I just wanted to hug him all the time!
Oh, and no judgement for not going to his father's funeral. Like, at all. I completely understood where Morgan stood and I only love this author even more for not coming up with some sort of stupid miracle healing that would seem forced and unreal. That's not how life works in real either.
So, yes, I loved this book, and I see a re-read in the future too. Still secretly hoping that she will eventually release her books on audio as well (with a great narrator, of course!) because I so much need to enjoy these books in every way possible!
I'm highly recommending her books when you enjoy a well written MM hockey romance, where the romance and the hockey are very well balanced. I'm still working my way through her backlist, but so far I have loved each book I read.
December 15, 2020
4.5 Stars
Love & Other Inconveniences ticked all the boxes for me. Loves, laughs, hockey, and cuddles. Don’t let them fool you. These guys are cuddle-ers! :)
“Speaking of that…I thought we wouldn’t.”
“What?”
“Cuddle?”
“We’re not,” Noah says. “You’re lying on my arm.”
Meet Morgan Boyle and Noah Andersson. Hockey players through and through, but very different men. Morgan just wants to play hockey and go home. Small talk and socializing are not for him. Noah, on the other hand, is charming, cocky, and talkative. Everyone likes Noah. After meeting at the Olympic Games, Morgan can’t stop thinking, wondering, and dreaming about Noah. He can’t figure out why though. Noah annoys him. He winks for goodness sakes! Plus “the abs and the hair and the face”! Damn….Morgan can’t look away.
“Noah looks over at him and the smile on his face is one Morgan hasn’t seen before. It’s small and soft and unguarded and Morgan wants to kiss him even more now, wants to kiss that smile and see what it feels like against his lips.”
What struck me most about this book was the life perfectly caught in the lines and pages. Both men live for and around hockey, so their days are full of team practices, training, road trips, wins, losses, injuries, and more. It’s hockey, hockey, hockey. But there are bits away from the game too. Little day to day joys—like pets (I love Bear!), food, and soft blankets--share the spotlight. And I love when they begin to share those little pieces with each other. Morgan sending pictures of his dog doing cute things and faces. Noah wrapping them up in a cocoon of ugly, orange blankets. Staying at each other’s places and introducing them to their favorite foods. And more! There is so much more to share. Morgan and Noah slowly become part of each other’s lives and mine. The slow getting-to-know-each-other stage between these guys felt special to me. It was a time to enjoy and feel rather than race through to get to the sexy parts. Btw…The sex was all off page for the most part. But I didn’t mind. Their attraction and connection held a power all its own. A power I could feel in the smiles and kisses and hugs. A power that just kept building and building!
This is all new to Morgan though. He’s not ready to talk or think too hard about his sexuality. He just knows he misses Noah when they’re apart. Morgan guides us through this journey, so we never truly hear Noah’s side, frustration, and hurt. This book definitely softens a couple of blows. And maybe that’s the word that comes to mind the most for me when I try to describe this book—soft. The soft hum of a reply, the soft brush of lips, and fingers slipping into soft hair. It all felt so intimate and slow and…yes, I’m going to say it again--soft. That’s not a complaint. This book is a comfort read. A warm blanket. A book I’ll be going back to again and again. I don’t know about you, but I need a hug right now. Lots of them actually!
Hope you decide to meet Morgan and Noah. I’m off to check out more from Catherine Cloud.
Highly recommended.
Favorite quote—
June 4, 2023
I was drawn in by the title and then by the opening, which is simple and direct and drew me into Morgan's feeling-world pretty much instantly.
Morgan's whole MO is to keep himself locked down emotionally, even from himself; as quickly becomes apparent, he has good reason what with his extensive childhood experience of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of his alcoholic parents. It's striking, though the author doesn't dwell on it, that Morgan plays a sport as violent as hockey but doesn't seem to brawl. Ever. He doesn't drink, either, and one reason he keeps his distance from his teammates is that he's been given a hard time for abstaining. Also, he flat-out has no clue how to engage with people socially. All his tenderness is directed to his sweetheart of a dog, Bear.
For all his social difficulties, Morgan's a superb hockey player, so he's on the US Olympic team at Sochi (this dates the start of the book to 2014), and what do you know, so is a certain obnoxiously friendly, talkative guy named Noah Andersson, who is not only hereditary hockey royalty but also has a tiny tattoo on his lower back that's driving Morgan crazy because he can't see it well enough to know what. it. is. of., dammit. Noah catches Morgan staring and we're off to the races.
I think how you respond to this book might depend (largely? somewhat? entirely?) on how you feel about the point of view. The whole story is told from Morgan's perspective, so we're privy to every twitch of dismay and fear as his relationship with Noah grows; not gonna lie, it's exasperating at times, but also -- unlike a lot of internalized homophobia in contemporary romances -- it struck me as earned, in that he grew up in a context that was not only queerphobic in general but just about guaranteed to leave him with difficulties connecting with other people. Which is to say that until Noah barges into his life Morgan doesn't have much in the way of countervailing input to help him out. It's illogical that he's not queerphobic w/r/t other people, but then it's not unusual, is it, for people who've been badly hurt to be less generous to themselves than they are to others.
Noah is, it has to be said, almost preternaturally patient with Morgan. The narrative does supply enough clues to what Noah is seeing in Morgan's behavior that, for me at least, his affection for Morgan passes the threshold of credibility. Maybe only just, or maybe I was just so much in sympathy with Morgan's pain -- no, let's just go with "Morgan's agony" -- that Noah was like my wish fulfillment for Morgan. Early on, Morgan dumps Noah over the phone and then, having hung up, breaks down crying and can't stop; so we know how unhappy he's just made himself, but of course Noah can't see it, and that brings on maybe the least credible scene in the book, their reunion. Noah's awfully quick to forgive.
I'm of two minds about whether Cloud would've been well served by including Noah's POV. On the one hand, that would've made it more clear what Noah saw in Morgan when Morgan was at his most inarticulate and distancing. On the other hand, it might have weakened the sense of Morgan's loneliness and isolation, of how hard he has to struggle to know his own feelings and to express them. (To be fair, we do see him becoming more and more physically affectionate toward Noah -- simply affectionate, not just horny-touchy.)
And on the other other hand, I'm not sure we get a strong enough sense of Noah's inner life. He's a light-hearted guy -- kind, though, and not at all shallow -- but we get touches of how, let's say, unpleasant his hockey-star father is toward him and how much that's hurt him. I could have used more.
You know what, though? I was so moved by Morgan's struggle. He tries, he really effing tries, and in the end he manages to do something -- well, sort of a combination of somethings -- that for me, considering where he started from, felt really heroic.
Also, he has a terrific dog.
Morgan's whole MO is to keep himself locked down emotionally, even from himself; as quickly becomes apparent, he has good reason what with his extensive childhood experience of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of his alcoholic parents. It's striking, though the author doesn't dwell on it, that Morgan plays a sport as violent as hockey but doesn't seem to brawl. Ever. He doesn't drink, either, and one reason he keeps his distance from his teammates is that he's been given a hard time for abstaining. Also, he flat-out has no clue how to engage with people socially. All his tenderness is directed to his sweetheart of a dog, Bear.
For all his social difficulties, Morgan's a superb hockey player, so he's on the US Olympic team at Sochi (this dates the start of the book to 2014), and what do you know, so is a certain obnoxiously friendly, talkative guy named Noah Andersson, who is not only hereditary hockey royalty but also has a tiny tattoo on his lower back that's driving Morgan crazy because he can't see it well enough to know what. it. is. of., dammit. Noah catches Morgan staring and we're off to the races.
I think how you respond to this book might depend (largely? somewhat? entirely?) on how you feel about the point of view. The whole story is told from Morgan's perspective, so we're privy to every twitch of dismay and fear as his relationship with Noah grows; not gonna lie, it's exasperating at times, but also -- unlike a lot of internalized homophobia in contemporary romances -- it struck me as earned, in that he grew up in a context that was not only queerphobic in general but just about guaranteed to leave him with difficulties connecting with other people. Which is to say that until Noah barges into his life Morgan doesn't have much in the way of countervailing input to help him out. It's illogical that he's not queerphobic w/r/t other people, but then it's not unusual, is it, for people who've been badly hurt to be less generous to themselves than they are to others.
Noah is, it has to be said, almost preternaturally patient with Morgan. The narrative does supply enough clues to what Noah is seeing in Morgan's behavior that, for me at least, his affection for Morgan passes the threshold of credibility. Maybe only just, or maybe I was just so much in sympathy with Morgan's pain -- no, let's just go with "Morgan's agony" -- that Noah was like my wish fulfillment for Morgan. Early on, Morgan dumps Noah over the phone and then, having hung up, breaks down crying and can't stop; so we know how unhappy he's just made himself, but of course Noah can't see it, and that brings on maybe the least credible scene in the book, their reunion. Noah's awfully quick to forgive.
I'm of two minds about whether Cloud would've been well served by including Noah's POV. On the one hand, that would've made it more clear what Noah saw in Morgan when Morgan was at his most inarticulate and distancing. On the other hand, it might have weakened the sense of Morgan's loneliness and isolation, of how hard he has to struggle to know his own feelings and to express them. (To be fair, we do see him becoming more and more physically affectionate toward Noah -- simply affectionate, not just horny-touchy.)
And on the other other hand, I'm not sure we get a strong enough sense of Noah's inner life. He's a light-hearted guy -- kind, though, and not at all shallow -- but we get touches of how, let's say, unpleasant his hockey-star father is toward him and how much that's hurt him. I could have used more.
You know what, though? I was so moved by Morgan's struggle. He tries, he really effing tries, and in the end he manages to do something -- well, sort of a combination of somethings -- that for me, considering where he started from, felt really heroic.
Also, he has a terrific dog.
December 18, 2024
I wanted to like this more than I did.
But it's a little formulaic. Hockey romance gets that way after a while and it takes an exceptional book to really move you.
You have an MC who wears their heart on their sleeve and another who's dealing with internalized homophobia so strong you worry they'll never break through.
You have one trying so hard, so much, and you have the other who sometimes feels like they're not trying hard enough fast enough (not because you don't see their struggles but because it's sad to see the other doing the heavy lifting alone all the time).
You have the injury that happens to the open one which spurs the closed off one to open his eyes to what he might lose. Cue the declarations. I'm tired of MCs needing something horrific to happen to the other in order to finally realize they need to say something.
I want to tell you that you've not read 54 variations of this book already. Sadly, I can not.
And as a standalone, honestly this book is fine. But in the universe of all the other hockey romances you've probably read, this book doesn't stand out.
It doesn't help that the ending is so abrupt and there's no epilogue. What happens to these two? Do they do more of the same for the next decade until they retire? Does Noah have to keep swallowing down the things he wants because Morgan isn't (and may never be) ready for them? Do they see each other only 4/5 times per hockey season for months?
Because if the answer to all these is yes, and realistically it may be, then maybe it was the right choice not to include an epilogue, or an ending really.
A lot was left unexplored though. Noah's starting to show strain with the status quo. He's no longer happy to just order in every single time. He's no longer okay with Morgan's vehement reluctance to talk about anything to do with them(can reluctance be vehement?)
Honestly if Noah let him get away with it, these two would just have physical intimacy and never discuss anything whatsoever.
Do these two even make it? I'm unconvinced.
But it's a little formulaic. Hockey romance gets that way after a while and it takes an exceptional book to really move you.
You have an MC who wears their heart on their sleeve and another who's dealing with internalized homophobia so strong you worry they'll never break through.
You have one trying so hard, so much, and you have the other who sometimes feels like they're not trying hard enough fast enough (not because you don't see their struggles but because it's sad to see the other doing the heavy lifting alone all the time).
You have the injury that happens to the open one which spurs the closed off one to open his eyes to what he might lose. Cue the declarations. I'm tired of MCs needing something horrific to happen to the other in order to finally realize they need to say something.
I want to tell you that you've not read 54 variations of this book already. Sadly, I can not.
And as a standalone, honestly this book is fine. But in the universe of all the other hockey romances you've probably read, this book doesn't stand out.
It doesn't help that the ending is so abrupt and there's no epilogue. What happens to these two? Do they do more of the same for the next decade until they retire? Does Noah have to keep swallowing down the things he wants because Morgan isn't (and may never be) ready for them? Do they see each other only 4/5 times per hockey season for months?
Because if the answer to all these is yes, and realistically it may be, then maybe it was the right choice not to include an epilogue, or an ending really.
A lot was left unexplored though. Noah's starting to show strain with the status quo. He's no longer happy to just order in every single time. He's no longer okay with Morgan's vehement reluctance to talk about anything to do with them(can reluctance be vehement?)
Honestly if Noah let him get away with it, these two would just have physical intimacy and never discuss anything whatsoever.
Do these two even make it? I'm unconvinced.
November 2, 2025
4.25 stars ⭐️
I’ve delved DEEP into Catherine Cloud’s back catalogue and Ao3 archive over the last week and I’ve lost count of how many times she’s made me cry (happy and sad tears). Most of her stories are connected, in one way or another, and I’m so invested in it all that I’ve actually edited a copy of the character chart she has available on her Tumblr account — I’m that gone 😂🥹💕. Gosh, she’s clever.
I loved reading this piece of the puzzle, and am going to re-read Three is the Luckiest Number really soon so I can relive a little of this book from Noah’s perspective. I’m probably not capable of giving a terribly objective review of this book, as I can’t really tell the trees from the forest at this point, but I wanted to post something to encourage anyone who hasn’t already discovered her Ao3 archive (the same old streets) to check it out. It’s a treasure trove, and makes reading her published books satisfying in a whole new way ❤️.
I’ve delved DEEP into Catherine Cloud’s back catalogue and Ao3 archive over the last week and I’ve lost count of how many times she’s made me cry (happy and sad tears). Most of her stories are connected, in one way or another, and I’m so invested in it all that I’ve actually edited a copy of the character chart she has available on her Tumblr account — I’m that gone 😂🥹💕. Gosh, she’s clever.
I loved reading this piece of the puzzle, and am going to re-read Three is the Luckiest Number really soon so I can relive a little of this book from Noah’s perspective. I’m probably not capable of giving a terribly objective review of this book, as I can’t really tell the trees from the forest at this point, but I wanted to post something to encourage anyone who hasn’t already discovered her Ao3 archive (the same old streets) to check it out. It’s a treasure trove, and makes reading her published books satisfying in a whole new way ❤️.
February 7, 2022
This book reminded me strongly of Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing voice - enough that I wondered if it was intended as homage. But the story quickly captured me, with its two wonderful closeted hockey player main characters.
Morgan is a young NHL player deeply shaped, and damaged, by his youth with an alcoholic, abusive father, and alcoholic and passive mother, and a fractured family life with three brothers, in a neighborhood where "gay" was always an insult. He's not interested in women, but he has never let himself think about what that means. He tries to play hockey, keep to himself, to pat (but not hug) his dog, and not make mistakes. Which means almost never interacting with anyone, because if he does, mistakes are inevitable.
Noah is his teammate at the Olympics, and drives Morgan crazy by being friendly, outgoing, hot, kind, and apparently not put off by Morgan's coldness however much he tries to ice Noah out of his life. In a moment of insanity, Morgan kisses Noah. And that tiny crack in the wall Morgan has built around his heart will change both their lives. Slowly. Eventually. When Morgan gets up the courage, or the clarity, or whatever it's going to take.
This book is very slow burn. I felt bad for Noah, who clearly was falling for Morgan and yet who was met by back-pedaling and silence at every turn. And yet, it's impossible not to also feel bad for Morgan, whose internalized fears keep him from ever admitting who he is, what he needs, or who he loves.
The ending is positive and warm and HFN, solidly so and yet... and yet, I really wish we got to follow these two a bit further down the line. Morgan still has a long road to travel, to be comfortable in his own skin. I had faith he would get there, but would have loved to see more of it. Still a five-star favorite will-reread story.
Morgan is a young NHL player deeply shaped, and damaged, by his youth with an alcoholic, abusive father, and alcoholic and passive mother, and a fractured family life with three brothers, in a neighborhood where "gay" was always an insult. He's not interested in women, but he has never let himself think about what that means. He tries to play hockey, keep to himself, to pat (but not hug) his dog, and not make mistakes. Which means almost never interacting with anyone, because if he does, mistakes are inevitable.
Noah is his teammate at the Olympics, and drives Morgan crazy by being friendly, outgoing, hot, kind, and apparently not put off by Morgan's coldness however much he tries to ice Noah out of his life. In a moment of insanity, Morgan kisses Noah. And that tiny crack in the wall Morgan has built around his heart will change both their lives. Slowly. Eventually. When Morgan gets up the courage, or the clarity, or whatever it's going to take.
This book is very slow burn. I felt bad for Noah, who clearly was falling for Morgan and yet who was met by back-pedaling and silence at every turn. And yet, it's impossible not to also feel bad for Morgan, whose internalized fears keep him from ever admitting who he is, what he needs, or who he loves.
The ending is positive and warm and HFN, solidly so and yet... and yet, I really wish we got to follow these two a bit further down the line. Morgan still has a long road to travel, to be comfortable in his own skin. I had faith he would get there, but would have loved to see more of it. Still a five-star favorite will-reread story.
December 9, 2023
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to reading Noah’s story after meeting him in Three is the Luckiest Number, but alas it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I realize that this is largely my fault because of the high hopes I had for how the other MC and their relationship would be. Unfortunately, Morgan has a lot of internalized homophobia and ends up jerking Noah around, not necessarily on purpose but because he is confused about his own sexual identity and his feelings for Noah. His wishy-washyness really drove me crazy because Noah is such a sweet and supportive guy. Remember how Noah also got the short end of the stick in Three is the Luckiest Number? He was f*ck buddies with Blake and ended up falling in love with him even though Blake was emotionally unavailable. So I was really hoping that Noah would find a guy who would cherish him and treat him like a king. But instead he ends up doing all the emotional support work in this relationship and that just rubbed me the wrong way. I’m a fan of angst in romance, but I wasn’t feeling it this time around.
I was really looking forward to reading Noah’s story after meeting him in Three is the Luckiest Number, but alas it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I realize that this is largely my fault because of the high hopes I had for how the other MC and their relationship would be. Unfortunately, Morgan has a lot of internalized homophobia and ends up jerking Noah around, not necessarily on purpose but because he is confused about his own sexual identity and his feelings for Noah. His wishy-washyness really drove me crazy because Noah is such a sweet and supportive guy. Remember how Noah also got the short end of the stick in Three is the Luckiest Number? He was f*ck buddies with Blake and ended up falling in love with him even though Blake was emotionally unavailable. So I was really hoping that Noah would find a guy who would cherish him and treat him like a king. But instead he ends up doing all the emotional support work in this relationship and that just rubbed me the wrong way. I’m a fan of angst in romance, but I wasn’t feeling it this time around.
June 2, 2023
Best to read Three is the Luckiest Number before this one.
Morgan and Noah gave me all the feels. So much kissing and talking and cuddling. I seriously leave every Cloud book attached to the characters.
That’s what these books are, character driven, real life, swoony. With lots of hockey!
And now I’ve finished all of Catherine Cloud’s books and I don’t know what to do with myself next.
Morgan and Noah gave me all the feels. So much kissing and talking and cuddling. I seriously leave every Cloud book attached to the characters.
That’s what these books are, character driven, real life, swoony. With lots of hockey!
And now I’ve finished all of Catherine Cloud’s books and I don’t know what to do with myself next.
January 8, 2025
5 stars
I’ve read this so many times and love it each time! It’s my #1 comfort read.
I’ve read this so many times and love it each time! It’s my #1 comfort read.
June 6, 2023
Exactly what I was looking for.
September 22, 2021
3.5 stars
The author’s writing style reminds me a lot Taylor Fitzpatrick, and I wondered if she could have been her writing partner from some of Fitzpatrick’s early works on AO3.
In general, I enjoyed this story, but I did wonder why Noah would keep on with Morgan through all his emotional constipation and very very slow emotional growth. Noah could have had anyone and because we only had Morgan’s POV it was hard to know what it was about Morgan that kept Noah coming back and giving him multiple second chances.
In the end it scratched my hockey itch while I wait for more published stories from Taylor Fitzpatrick and updates to her youcouldmakealife stories on AO3.
The author’s writing style reminds me a lot Taylor Fitzpatrick, and I wondered if she could have been her writing partner from some of Fitzpatrick’s early works on AO3.
In general, I enjoyed this story, but I did wonder why Noah would keep on with Morgan through all his emotional constipation and very very slow emotional growth. Noah could have had anyone and because we only had Morgan’s POV it was hard to know what it was about Morgan that kept Noah coming back and giving him multiple second chances.
In the end it scratched my hockey itch while I wait for more published stories from Taylor Fitzpatrick and updates to her youcouldmakealife stories on AO3.
February 10, 2024
I got caught up in this, stayed up until I finished it!
Think a lot of that I liked will put some readers off though.
Morgan (pov character) - is messed up. Toxic family, introvert. He's an awkward, dog loving mess.
Noah - in comparison is a bright happy figure who should be nominated for sainthood. But that's surface; he mentions loneliness, he has father issues. While the hook doesn't delve into his psyche there's more to him.
The relationship isn't an easy one. Don't pick this hoping for quick fixes or smut.
There's hockey and distance.
I think Noah needs someone who really sees and wants him, but there's a lot of frustration along with an amazing level of understanding.
Morgan, every phone call, every tiny advance, this man deserves a house full of dogs and their uncomplicated love. Though Bear is one super Good, good boy.
Bear = All the sparkly stars. An important doggo. I love dogs, I love that Bear was never forgotten for a minute. Even when rushing off, it's home first to see to Bear.
It's slow, understanding is hard fought. It's not a book with big resolutions; problems don't vanish, words don't flow. I can see some readers feeling there's not enough here and wanting a faster pace, more resolutions, more talking.
Honestly for me it felt real. There's hope in some directions, others may always be strained. Little gestures mean a lot. You'll get there Boo!
Relationship wise, it's a HEA that will still need work, but they're strong together and definitely together.
There's some good friends, but this is Morgan's pov and he's guarded. I liked that you felt their presence and friendship but it's a little muted, not invasive loud chirps.
The ending was very abrupt. Think a mini epilogue, just a few paragraphs would have balanced the feels better. Would like just a little more.
(But I really don't like the cover!)
There's a short extra available via author's Instagram 'Snowed In' (set own price) it's the epilogue the book needs. Noah's pov, very cute. Do go grab that.
Think a lot of that I liked will put some readers off though.
Morgan (pov character) - is messed up. Toxic family, introvert. He's an awkward, dog loving mess.
Noah - in comparison is a bright happy figure who should be nominated for sainthood. But that's surface; he mentions loneliness, he has father issues. While the hook doesn't delve into his psyche there's more to him.
The relationship isn't an easy one. Don't pick this hoping for quick fixes or smut.
There's hockey and distance.
I think Noah needs someone who really sees and wants him, but there's a lot of frustration along with an amazing level of understanding.
Morgan, every phone call, every tiny advance, this man deserves a house full of dogs and their uncomplicated love. Though Bear is one super Good, good boy.
Bear = All the sparkly stars. An important doggo. I love dogs, I love that Bear was never forgotten for a minute. Even when rushing off, it's home first to see to Bear.
It's slow, understanding is hard fought. It's not a book with big resolutions; problems don't vanish, words don't flow. I can see some readers feeling there's not enough here and wanting a faster pace, more resolutions, more talking.
Honestly for me it felt real. There's hope in some directions, others may always be strained. Little gestures mean a lot. You'll get there Boo!
Relationship wise, it's a HEA that will still need work, but they're strong together and definitely together.
There's some good friends, but this is Morgan's pov and he's guarded. I liked that you felt their presence and friendship but it's a little muted, not invasive loud chirps.
The ending was very abrupt. Think a mini epilogue, just a few paragraphs would have balanced the feels better. Would like just a little more.
(But I really don't like the cover!)
There's a short extra available via author's Instagram 'Snowed In' (set own price) it's the epilogue the book needs. Noah's pov, very cute. Do go grab that.
September 29, 2021
3.5 Stars
Possible triggers for potential readers: there’s mention of a sibling’s passing, I believe by suicide; mention of alcoholic, abusive and homophobic parents, and mention of the death of a parent. This was a weird read for me. I was somehow engaged and removed from the story at the same time. I loved Morgan and Noah and appreciated each of their struggles. I also loved the supporting characters, both MC’s had such a supportive base around them, it just sucks that one of them could never see it.
The romance was slow and relatively low on angst. I think this style allowed us to experience the growth/development of the relationship, but sometimes I felt a little removed from the story. Maybe it was because of the time jumps? It’s the only thing I can think of though I wasn’t necessarily bothered by them either. So maybe just something about the author’s writing style?
Despite feeling somewhat removed from the story, I might still have given this book 4 stars were it not for the end which left me wondering, “is that it?” It felt like there was still so much left to be discovered and not in the way a good piece of media wraps things up yet still manages to leave you with the knowledge that life goes on. It felt as though there should have been more chapters to the book. While I do think that final statement was momentous and an amazing sign of groth for one of the MC’s, I do feel like ther could/should have been more.
Despite my complaints, I did still enjoy this book for the complicated family dynamics it displayed, the fluffy pets, and the cuddly and supportive MCs.
Possible triggers for potential readers: there’s mention of a sibling’s passing, I believe by suicide; mention of alcoholic, abusive and homophobic parents, and mention of the death of a parent. This was a weird read for me. I was somehow engaged and removed from the story at the same time. I loved Morgan and Noah and appreciated each of their struggles. I also loved the supporting characters, both MC’s had such a supportive base around them, it just sucks that one of them could never see it.
The romance was slow and relatively low on angst. I think this style allowed us to experience the growth/development of the relationship, but sometimes I felt a little removed from the story. Maybe it was because of the time jumps? It’s the only thing I can think of though I wasn’t necessarily bothered by them either. So maybe just something about the author’s writing style?
Despite feeling somewhat removed from the story, I might still have given this book 4 stars were it not for the end which left me wondering, “is that it?” It felt like there was still so much left to be discovered and not in the way a good piece of media wraps things up yet still manages to leave you with the knowledge that life goes on. It felt as though there should have been more chapters to the book. While I do think that final statement was momentous and an amazing sign of groth for one of the MC’s, I do feel like ther could/should have been more.
Despite my complaints, I did still enjoy this book for the complicated family dynamics it displayed, the fluffy pets, and the cuddly and supportive MCs.
December 26, 2024
4⭐️
Ahhh Noah and Morgan. I really loved Noah in Three is the Luckiest Number. He felt like a truly kind free spirit, and while he did still have his moments here in this book I almost felt bad because it’s clear that while he and Morgan do pair well and clearly are obsessed with each other, Morgan and his inability to address his deeply ingrained traumas leaves Noah out in the cold. Morgan deserves to figure his shit out and he deserves to be loved. But so does my boy Noah and I felt like his light was dimmed quite a bit during this book. It’s nice they kind of figured stuff out in the end and Morgan started coming around but it kinda bummed me out a bit in the process. Big highlights are Bear and Moose. Those love muffins are just delightful and I want them to keep me company when I’m lonely too
Ahhh Noah and Morgan. I really loved Noah in Three is the Luckiest Number. He felt like a truly kind free spirit, and while he did still have his moments here in this book I almost felt bad because it’s clear that while he and Morgan do pair well and clearly are obsessed with each other, Morgan and his inability to address his deeply ingrained traumas leaves Noah out in the cold. Morgan deserves to figure his shit out and he deserves to be loved. But so does my boy Noah and I felt like his light was dimmed quite a bit during this book. It’s nice they kind of figured stuff out in the end and Morgan started coming around but it kinda bummed me out a bit in the process. Big highlights are Bear and Moose. Those love muffins are just delightful and I want them to keep me company when I’m lonely too
July 24, 2021
4.75 stars
GAHHHH I LOVED IT. I literally read it all in one go I couldn't get enough. It's adorable and sweet and Morgan makes my heart melt and Noah took the fucking crown for the Best Boyfriend of the Year. And BEAR IS THE BEST BOY EVER.
Morgan is emotionally constipated character, I never quiet read about a character that made talking seem like the worst thing next to guilded death, as as we read on we understand that Morgan's inability to hold a simple conversation and social anxiety stems greatly from his not-so-slightly fucked up childhood.
It wasn't always easy, especiallywhen Noah is the most extroverted talkative character ever. Those two are on the extreme opposite side of the spectrum, yet they somehow made it work.
My one and only issue with the book is that we didn't see enough of a character development. Actually we hardly saw any improvment with Morgan's social anxiety, with acceptiong his sexuality, or with his family. His only major breakthrough was the last chapter but I still have a hard time believing a relationship can work when one partner refuses to discuss basic things but also refuses therapy or talking to a third party.
That chriped away the last 0.25 stars but the book wholeheartly deserved the other 4.75 ones.
GAHHHH I LOVED IT. I literally read it all in one go I couldn't get enough. It's adorable and sweet and Morgan makes my heart melt and Noah took the fucking crown for the Best Boyfriend of the Year. And BEAR IS THE BEST BOY EVER.
Morgan is emotionally constipated character, I never quiet read about a character that made talking seem like the worst thing next to guilded death, as as we read on we understand that Morgan's inability to hold a simple conversation and social anxiety stems greatly from his not-so-slightly fucked up childhood.
It wasn't always easy, especiallywhen Noah is the most extroverted talkative character ever. Those two are on the extreme opposite side of the spectrum, yet they somehow made it work.
My one and only issue with the book is that we didn't see enough of a character development. Actually we hardly saw any improvment with Morgan's social anxiety, with acceptiong his sexuality, or with his family. His only major breakthrough was the last chapter but I still have a hard time believing a relationship can work when one partner refuses to discuss basic things but also refuses therapy or talking to a third party.
That chriped away the last 0.25 stars but the book wholeheartly deserved the other 4.75 ones.
January 22, 2023
TW: internalised homophobia, religious background, abusive parent, alcoholic parent, homophobic parents/ family
Rep: MM romance, gay MCs
This book.
I can’t even express how much I loved it and how (sadly) relatable it was.
Morgan experienced the most horrible childhood, he is estranged from his parents and kind of quiet and alone.
Until he meets Noah.
Noah who is so nice to him. Noah who just won’t leave him alone, even though he is totally annoyed by him. Noah with the strange tattoo on his butt that Morgan only glances respectfully at to figure out what it is. Ofc.
This is a very beautiful story about learning to trust someone, learning to let somebody love you and learning to be okay with loving a man. Learning that somebody will stay with you even when you share your darkest secrets, your best kept fears and your most horrible thoughts.
Noah is a ray of sunshine, the most genuine and patient person on this planet. A golden retriever kind of person. I absolutely loved him and he was everything Morgan deserved.
This was kind of an opposites attract romance, Morgan finds it very hard to talk about anything, but especially about his feelings. Noah can’t shut up and it’s easy for him to talk about literally anything.
I’m so glad Noah took a chance on Morgan and stuck with him through everything.
I love them your honour.
I loved to see a character who actually doesn’t stick with their family, “because they’re family” “they’re your parents”, but just cut them out of his life.
Because it was better from him and his mental health.
I hated to see Morgan struggle with this stuff alone and I was glad that he had Noah and started to make friends.
I was glad that therapy was suggested several times in this. I can totally relate that it’s not easy to talk about these experiences. You may not want to talk to just anybody about his and sometimes it takes a lot of trust. Sometimes it’s easier talking to someone you do trust, if you struggle to trust anyone, even if it’s not a professional.
Sometimes it’s not the right time. Sometimes it’s never the right time.
Sometimes therapy is not the best solution for yourself.
I don’t know if it’s the right thing or the right time for Morgan, it’s left open and I didn’t mind one bit.
On a happier note: There’s dogs! The style of writing was insanely beautiful!
I loved to see Morgan’s development and him learning to open up.
I loved everything about this.
The ending was kind of aprupt. I know that in the end it showed how Morgan got where he needed to be, but still.
I would have loved an epilogue.
I will search the internet if there is more!!!
Rep: MM romance, gay MCs
This book.
I can’t even express how much I loved it and how (sadly) relatable it was.
Morgan experienced the most horrible childhood, he is estranged from his parents and kind of quiet and alone.
Until he meets Noah.
Noah who is so nice to him. Noah who just won’t leave him alone, even though he is totally annoyed by him. Noah with the strange tattoo on his butt that Morgan only glances respectfully at to figure out what it is. Ofc.
This is a very beautiful story about learning to trust someone, learning to let somebody love you and learning to be okay with loving a man. Learning that somebody will stay with you even when you share your darkest secrets, your best kept fears and your most horrible thoughts.
Noah is a ray of sunshine, the most genuine and patient person on this planet. A golden retriever kind of person. I absolutely loved him and he was everything Morgan deserved.
This was kind of an opposites attract romance, Morgan finds it very hard to talk about anything, but especially about his feelings. Noah can’t shut up and it’s easy for him to talk about literally anything.
I’m so glad Noah took a chance on Morgan and stuck with him through everything.
I love them your honour.
I loved to see a character who actually doesn’t stick with their family, “because they’re family” “they’re your parents”, but just cut them out of his life.
Because it was better from him and his mental health.
I hated to see Morgan struggle with this stuff alone and I was glad that he had Noah and started to make friends.
I was glad that therapy was suggested several times in this. I can totally relate that it’s not easy to talk about these experiences. You may not want to talk to just anybody about his and sometimes it takes a lot of trust. Sometimes it’s easier talking to someone you do trust, if you struggle to trust anyone, even if it’s not a professional.
Sometimes it’s not the right time. Sometimes it’s never the right time.
Sometimes therapy is not the best solution for yourself.
I don’t know if it’s the right thing or the right time for Morgan, it’s left open and I didn’t mind one bit.
On a happier note: There’s dogs! The style of writing was insanely beautiful!
I loved to see Morgan’s development and him learning to open up.
I loved everything about this.
The ending was kind of aprupt. I know that in the end it showed how Morgan got where he needed to be, but still.
I would have loved an epilogue.
I will search the internet if there is more!!!
May 5, 2025
Listen friends. If you want a truly amazing, incredibly underrated hockey romance - Love & Other Inconveniences is IT. This book is character-driven and low plot, but the VIBES! OMG, I couldn't get enough. Tons of hurt comfort, emotional subtly (think... lots of pinky touches, hand holding, longing glances), and just the perfect opposites attract pairing. OH, and if you love dogs in books, this one has the best, most goodest boy (a perfect mirror to the most golden retriever-y MMC). A MUST READ!
I already loved Noah going into Love & Other Inconveniences. He's a side character in Catherine Cloud's first book, Three is the Luckiest Number, and despite being an ex love interest he's just so inherently likeable. And y'all, in this one?! His crush on quiet and closed off Morgan is so obvious and so cute. He falls HARD, and he's willing to do literally anything Morgan wants just to be in his orbit. This guy is a consent KING - he's so incredibly patient and understanding (though he does understandably break a few times). And for a book that's largely based on Morgan's extreme difficulty communicating, they somehow manage to have better communication than the majority of books I read.
Morgan's backstory is incredibly hard to read, as is his current situation. Just thinking about some of the things he went through has me tearing up right now. Honestly, he NEEDED someone like Noah to help him find himself, and I love that he was (eventually) open to that. All that said, I love that when he finally does decide he's all in for Noah, he really tries to put himself out there to give back some of the fierce love and devotion that Noah has for him. Despite all the obstacles keeping them apart, I can see them being willing to do the work to be together.
So, just as a heads up, this one is not on KU. And I know what you are going to say - what if I buy it and I don't like it? Friend, if you are a devourer of hockey romance, you're going to like this book. I can vouch for it. Take the risk, it's so worth it for this hockey romance GOLD.
I already loved Noah going into Love & Other Inconveniences. He's a side character in Catherine Cloud's first book, Three is the Luckiest Number, and despite being an ex love interest he's just so inherently likeable. And y'all, in this one?! His crush on quiet and closed off Morgan is so obvious and so cute. He falls HARD, and he's willing to do literally anything Morgan wants just to be in his orbit. This guy is a consent KING - he's so incredibly patient and understanding (though he does understandably break a few times). And for a book that's largely based on Morgan's extreme difficulty communicating, they somehow manage to have better communication than the majority of books I read.
Morgan's backstory is incredibly hard to read, as is his current situation. Just thinking about some of the things he went through has me tearing up right now. Honestly, he NEEDED someone like Noah to help him find himself, and I love that he was (eventually) open to that. All that said, I love that when he finally does decide he's all in for Noah, he really tries to put himself out there to give back some of the fierce love and devotion that Noah has for him. Despite all the obstacles keeping them apart, I can see them being willing to do the work to be together.
So, just as a heads up, this one is not on KU. And I know what you are going to say - what if I buy it and I don't like it? Friend, if you are a devourer of hockey romance, you're going to like this book. I can vouch for it. Take the risk, it's so worth it for this hockey romance GOLD.
September 17, 2022
2.5 Aargh! This book!
The good: The story and characters were lovely and engaging and I had trouble putting it down. Should be a slam-dunk, right?
The bad: The story is entirely narrated by a man who has very limited emotional intelligence because of childhood abuse. He doesn't know what he's feeling and he doesn't want to know what he's feeling. He can only describe what's happening to him in very limited terms; the reader has to fill in the blanks. Now, this is an audacious (because difficult and tricky) thing for an author to take on; my hat is off to her, because she makes it work. To a degree. But the reader is left with a narrative told in shades of gray. I found this very frustrating.
The good: The story and characters were lovely and engaging and I had trouble putting it down. Should be a slam-dunk, right?
The bad: The story is entirely narrated by a man who has very limited emotional intelligence because of childhood abuse. He doesn't know what he's feeling and he doesn't want to know what he's feeling. He can only describe what's happening to him in very limited terms; the reader has to fill in the blanks. Now, this is an audacious (because difficult and tricky) thing for an author to take on; my hat is off to her, because she makes it work. To a degree. But the reader is left with a narrative told in shades of gray. I found this very frustrating.
October 3, 2023
Melancholy boy
hates being gay, falls in love
with sweet hockey prince.
hates being gay, falls in love
with sweet hockey prince.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews