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Hockey Gods #4
Defenseman No. 9
A New Adult Romantic Comedy.
Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical.
Back then, they were the undefeated conquerors of the rink.
Coveted prizes for Puck Bunnies.
Their reputation was ironclad until the wrong skates landed on the wrong feet.
Wanted titles suddenly became dreams instead of reality, while the spotlight only seemed to capture their continued failures.
Puck Bunnies...well, they never stopped treasuring that particular stick no matter what the rankings were.
It took several years, a new no nonsense head coach, and a group of players willing to work harder than they could even comprehend to grab back the notoriety.
But they did.
And just because it's summer doesn't mean the city is done watching or caring about them.
Hugo Rhinehart, the team's most famous defenseman - due to his enormous size and impressively stoic nature - is very aware of this, thanks to tickets to see him play in the volunteer league being repeatedly sold out.
As long as the attention is focused on his performance and not who he's sleeping with, he'll be fine.
As long as the crowd is more concerned about his hockey crew's off-season shenanigans and not about the overdramatic ones of his best friend-turned boyfriend, he'll cope.
As long as the gossip is about who he physically hurt in his jersey and not who's emotionally hurting him, he'll survive.
Will this big burly defenseman be able to defend his hard-earned position in both sports and romance, or will he have to give up the love of the game to keep the love of his life?
*Each can be read as a standalone, however, they are more enjoyable when read in order
Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical.
Back then, they were the undefeated conquerors of the rink.
Coveted prizes for Puck Bunnies.
Their reputation was ironclad until the wrong skates landed on the wrong feet.
Wanted titles suddenly became dreams instead of reality, while the spotlight only seemed to capture their continued failures.
Puck Bunnies...well, they never stopped treasuring that particular stick no matter what the rankings were.
It took several years, a new no nonsense head coach, and a group of players willing to work harder than they could even comprehend to grab back the notoriety.
But they did.
And just because it's summer doesn't mean the city is done watching or caring about them.
Hugo Rhinehart, the team's most famous defenseman - due to his enormous size and impressively stoic nature - is very aware of this, thanks to tickets to see him play in the volunteer league being repeatedly sold out.
As long as the attention is focused on his performance and not who he's sleeping with, he'll be fine.
As long as the crowd is more concerned about his hockey crew's off-season shenanigans and not about the overdramatic ones of his best friend-turned boyfriend, he'll cope.
As long as the gossip is about who he physically hurt in his jersey and not who's emotionally hurting him, he'll survive.
Will this big burly defenseman be able to defend his hard-earned position in both sports and romance, or will he have to give up the love of the game to keep the love of his life?
*Each can be read as a standalone, however, they are more enjoyable when read in order
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2020
125 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Neal
132 books2,255 followersI'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.
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Adrenaline Series - https://amzn.to/2MAo669
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
November 26, 2020
Best friends since childhood, Cash is a dancer, a brilliantly talented one at that, who has always been openly gay. He’s flashy and LOVES high heels! Hugo is a big burly man who plays defenseman for the Vlasta University where the Hockey players are Gods! He loves poetry and he’s bisexual, but isn’t flashy with his sexuality. He doesn’t hide who he is, he just doesn’t sing it to the world. He has been in love with Crash since childhood but never wanted to ruin his friendship. One weekend changes everything!!!
I fell absolutely in love with Crash and Hugo!! I’m a huge lover of M/M romance! This book touches on many issues such as physical abuse, insecurity because of abuse and jerks-who-treat-others-different-because-of-their-sexuality-disease. I found myself very upset in parts of this book yet blushing and cheesing in others. I don’t know if Xavier Neal researched some of the things she wrote or not but I was seriously writing down inspirational quotes and thinking of changing my diet! She really has a way with the words! Obviously! And some very good relationship advice that everyone could learn from. I loved this book and I’m very excited to read her next one!
I fell absolutely in love with Crash and Hugo!! I’m a huge lover of M/M romance! This book touches on many issues such as physical abuse, insecurity because of abuse and jerks-who-treat-others-different-because-of-their-sexuality-disease. I found myself very upset in parts of this book yet blushing and cheesing in others. I don’t know if Xavier Neal researched some of the things she wrote or not but I was seriously writing down inspirational quotes and thinking of changing my diet! She really has a way with the words! Obviously! And some very good relationship advice that everyone could learn from. I loved this book and I’m very excited to read her next one!
December 3, 2020
daaaaaaaaaaammit
, I hate that I started this series with the fourth book! I hate that I didn’t have the history behind some of the team. HATE. Yeah, this is me, telling you, that you would enjoy reading the series from the start and in order. I’m not going to list the reasons why. Just #trust But let’s move on from this erroneous mishap on my part (this rarely happens to me so I’m still #twitchy cuz it did) and talk about Hugo and Crash!
I wasn’t wow’d by this story, but I liked it and I liked it enough to be sure to download the first three books in the series. I know, that’s weird right? Yeah, a little but it’s how I feel LOL I like my MM to be a bit more on the gritty side and this was more on the not gritty side and I’m also the biggest non-fan of miscommunication conflicts in adult stories. However, I loved the friendship growth and also the individual growth in the story. That was perfectly unfolded in my opinion and it gave the story the realism it needed for me. I appreciated that the story wasn’t all happy go lucky because although I am reading a fictional story, these situations are rarely that. I like my fiction relatable and real and Defenseman No. 9 was both those things in spades.
I wasn’t wow’d by this story, but I liked it and I liked it enough to be sure to download the first three books in the series. I know, that’s weird right? Yeah, a little but it’s how I feel LOL I like my MM to be a bit more on the gritty side and this was more on the not gritty side and I’m also the biggest non-fan of miscommunication conflicts in adult stories. However, I loved the friendship growth and also the individual growth in the story. That was perfectly unfolded in my opinion and it gave the story the realism it needed for me. I appreciated that the story wasn’t all happy go lucky because although I am reading a fictional story, these situations are rarely that. I like my fiction relatable and real and Defenseman No. 9 was both those things in spades.
November 27, 2020
One weekend get-a-way will change the lives of two best friends', and they could never have imagined it coming or how it would turn out. I really enjoyed reading about Rhinehart. Good character and story development in the fourth installment of The Hockey God series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for an honest review
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for an honest review
November 30, 2020
Love love love this serues
All the feels.
Heart stopping intense amazing love story of Crash and Hugo
Ready for more
All the feels.
Heart stopping intense amazing love story of Crash and Hugo
Ready for more
December 2, 2020
3.5⭐️
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest opinion!🖤
Favorite part about this book: Hugo Rhinehart
Least favorite part about this book: Crash
I hate to say it, but I was not rooting for their relationship. At all. Ever. And I know it may seem weird for me to be rating it what I am considering I didn’t actually like the idea of the couple, but I definitely have my reasons why I still enjoyed this.
What I loved:
Rhinehart is probably one of my absolute favorite characters of all time. He is someone I connect to on a deeper emotional level. The role he has in life as the “defender” and essentially protector of the people he cares for and loves, is the same one I’ve taken on in my life. I related to so many of his tendencies to give up what he wants for other people, his insecurities, the difficulty he has expressing any feelings about being used that could end up potentially harming the friendship/relationship. It hit me deep. Everything he went through in this book hit on a different level than probably 90% of the books I read. The emotional attachment I had to Rhinehart was unexpected. The struggles he went through to express the deepest longing he had which is what I struggle with constantly is: When you’re so used to fighting for other people, you just want people to fight for you back. It’s not about appreciation for what we “give up.” It’s about becoming more self aware to not take advantage of those people that give so selflessly and lovingly and rarely ask for anything in return. I really hope this book opens people’s eyes to how they treat people and how they are treated. And knowing that being selfless and a protector are wonderful things, but so easily and willingly taken advantage of which isn’t what they deserve. My heart went out to Rhinehart in every single page he was in. The amount of tears I cried on his behalf and with him in the book was insane. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever felt more for another character in a book before. He exuded so much strength, discipline, patience, and love and it was so inspiring. He is such an incredible character that everyone deserves to read about.
What I didn’t like:
Crash. Don’t get me wrong. His spunky attitude and the way he exuded positivity and happiness was sorta fun to read and contagious in a way that made me grin. BUT. The way Crash treated Rhinehart... It was manipulative, selfish, and insanely one-sided. Rhinehart deserved so much better. Sooooo much better. I don’t care if any characters have been best friends since childhood. If one of them is taking advantage and manipulating situations *constantly* to fit their needs over their partner, that needs to be shut. The. Fuck. Down. I’ve been in too many friendships where I’ve been used because I’m too caring and too passive and too quiet. And yet I would never say no. Why? Because I loved them. Because I cared for them deeply and wanted to be there for them in any aspect that I could. When that gets used against someone over and over and over again, it fucking hurts. To feel like the only reason I’m kept around, is when they need me to show up for them when they never show up for me. That fucking hurts and it’s not fucking okay. To see that in a character that’s a love interest is what made me beg for someone else to come along and replace him as Rhinehart’s boyfriend. Hell I wanted Gillette and him to go for it.😂 While I always believe in forgiveness, the way Crash treated Rhinehart is a situation where I wouldn’t have been to able to go back to him no matter what my feelings for him were. That shit is a fucking deal breaker for me. I can handle a lot of things. But emotional manipulation and selfishness, and disregard for your partner’s life and feelings to elevate your own wishes and wants will never fucking be tolerated. Crash frustrated me beyond words (and I obviously have a ton of them to go around in his review) and his lack of self awareness and lack of consideration for someone he claimed to love. I know he went through the ringer in his past relationships, but that doesn’t excuse this type of behavior in my opinion. Especially for someone he considered his *best friend!!!!!!* Even before they actually started officially dating, this behavior was consistent to where he had never even been to one of Hugo’s hockey games???? I just can’t fathom that type of disrespect for someone who’s supposed to be so important in your life. That’s what made me become filled with so much anger and resentment for his character. Don’t even get me started on the chapter where he made a huge scene and publicly humiliated and “outed” Rhinehart in front of an audience without his permission. That’s a big fat NO from me.
Again. My love for Rhinehart’s character is the true reason I rated this book the way I did. ALSO their crew. Because I fucking LOVE all those characters together and the way they support one another and care for one another. Don’t even get me started on how soft I got when the guys of the groups took turns taking care of the girls in the group when they went out shopping and on outings. My heart fucking burst let me tell ya. The found family aspect is so beautiful and something I always love reading about so much! And now I can’t wait for Peck’s story because he better be getting one. 😍
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest opinion!🖤
Favorite part about this book: Hugo Rhinehart
Least favorite part about this book: Crash
I hate to say it, but I was not rooting for their relationship. At all. Ever. And I know it may seem weird for me to be rating it what I am considering I didn’t actually like the idea of the couple, but I definitely have my reasons why I still enjoyed this.
What I loved:
Rhinehart is probably one of my absolute favorite characters of all time. He is someone I connect to on a deeper emotional level. The role he has in life as the “defender” and essentially protector of the people he cares for and loves, is the same one I’ve taken on in my life. I related to so many of his tendencies to give up what he wants for other people, his insecurities, the difficulty he has expressing any feelings about being used that could end up potentially harming the friendship/relationship. It hit me deep. Everything he went through in this book hit on a different level than probably 90% of the books I read. The emotional attachment I had to Rhinehart was unexpected. The struggles he went through to express the deepest longing he had which is what I struggle with constantly is: When you’re so used to fighting for other people, you just want people to fight for you back. It’s not about appreciation for what we “give up.” It’s about becoming more self aware to not take advantage of those people that give so selflessly and lovingly and rarely ask for anything in return. I really hope this book opens people’s eyes to how they treat people and how they are treated. And knowing that being selfless and a protector are wonderful things, but so easily and willingly taken advantage of which isn’t what they deserve. My heart went out to Rhinehart in every single page he was in. The amount of tears I cried on his behalf and with him in the book was insane. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever felt more for another character in a book before. He exuded so much strength, discipline, patience, and love and it was so inspiring. He is such an incredible character that everyone deserves to read about.
What I didn’t like:
Crash. Don’t get me wrong. His spunky attitude and the way he exuded positivity and happiness was sorta fun to read and contagious in a way that made me grin. BUT. The way Crash treated Rhinehart... It was manipulative, selfish, and insanely one-sided. Rhinehart deserved so much better. Sooooo much better. I don’t care if any characters have been best friends since childhood. If one of them is taking advantage and manipulating situations *constantly* to fit their needs over their partner, that needs to be shut. The. Fuck. Down. I’ve been in too many friendships where I’ve been used because I’m too caring and too passive and too quiet. And yet I would never say no. Why? Because I loved them. Because I cared for them deeply and wanted to be there for them in any aspect that I could. When that gets used against someone over and over and over again, it fucking hurts. To feel like the only reason I’m kept around, is when they need me to show up for them when they never show up for me. That fucking hurts and it’s not fucking okay. To see that in a character that’s a love interest is what made me beg for someone else to come along and replace him as Rhinehart’s boyfriend. Hell I wanted Gillette and him to go for it.😂 While I always believe in forgiveness, the way Crash treated Rhinehart is a situation where I wouldn’t have been to able to go back to him no matter what my feelings for him were. That shit is a fucking deal breaker for me. I can handle a lot of things. But emotional manipulation and selfishness, and disregard for your partner’s life and feelings to elevate your own wishes and wants will never fucking be tolerated. Crash frustrated me beyond words (and I obviously have a ton of them to go around in his review) and his lack of self awareness and lack of consideration for someone he claimed to love. I know he went through the ringer in his past relationships, but that doesn’t excuse this type of behavior in my opinion. Especially for someone he considered his *best friend!!!!!!* Even before they actually started officially dating, this behavior was consistent to where he had never even been to one of Hugo’s hockey games???? I just can’t fathom that type of disrespect for someone who’s supposed to be so important in your life. That’s what made me become filled with so much anger and resentment for his character. Don’t even get me started on the chapter where he made a huge scene and publicly humiliated and “outed” Rhinehart in front of an audience without his permission. That’s a big fat NO from me.
Again. My love for Rhinehart’s character is the true reason I rated this book the way I did. ALSO their crew. Because I fucking LOVE all those characters together and the way they support one another and care for one another. Don’t even get me started on how soft I got when the guys of the groups took turns taking care of the girls in the group when they went out shopping and on outings. My heart fucking burst let me tell ya. The found family aspect is so beautiful and something I always love reading about so much! And now I can’t wait for Peck’s story because he better be getting one. 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2020
Hugo and Crash have been best friends since the age of 10. Hugo looks out for everyone... that’s what a good defenseman does. But there’s one person that is always in his sight... Crash. Crash is the guy that everyone keeps in their closet... never to have his love shared outside of it. When Hugo finally shares his feelings for his person Crash has to learn how to love and be loved.
Hugo is not your typical jock who just wants to have a good time. He cares about food, he cares about others so intensely it almost seems too much. Crash is dedicated to dancing and to himself. I had a hard time liking Crash. He was so self absorbed that my heart broke for Hugo. Hugo finally found his backbone at 75% but I wanted more from him.
I loved how supportive their family and friends were from the beginning.
Hugo is not your typical jock who just wants to have a good time. He cares about food, he cares about others so intensely it almost seems too much. Crash is dedicated to dancing and to himself. I had a hard time liking Crash. He was so self absorbed that my heart broke for Hugo. Hugo finally found his backbone at 75% but I wanted more from him.
I loved how supportive their family and friends were from the beginning.
December 3, 2020
Please note: This is a MM Romance story.
OMG OMG OMG!!! Look, it's no secret I have come to love the writings of Xavier Neal and it's also no secret that the Vlasta Hockey team is my favorite. Each book in this series is so special and I love the characters so much. Speaking of characters, while all of these books could be read as standalones, it's the continuity of characters that makes it an epic series. The supporting cast is just that, full of support. They give you comic relief when it's needed and they give you the feels when you least expect it. For example, Shout out to Mo and Rutledge for the fabulous Silence of the Lambs reference that brought me so much joy! This book is not just a romance book but a lesson in communication and what it truly means to support the people in your life, whether that means your team, your friends, your family, whatever, all relationships need support and communication.
Anyhow, Hugo is everything you need him to be. He's a big tall silent guy that speaks volumes with his actions, not just his words. Crash is the most delightful hot mess ever. Together they are something special, they complement each other in ways they didn't know they were missing. that doesn't mean it's all sunshine and rainbows, there's some real emotional stuff to deal with on this one but I wouldn't change it for a single moment.
What a ride!! Love it from start to finish and I'm already ready for the next tale to be told.
Well done Xavier!!!
OMG OMG OMG!!! Look, it's no secret I have come to love the writings of Xavier Neal and it's also no secret that the Vlasta Hockey team is my favorite. Each book in this series is so special and I love the characters so much. Speaking of characters, while all of these books could be read as standalones, it's the continuity of characters that makes it an epic series. The supporting cast is just that, full of support. They give you comic relief when it's needed and they give you the feels when you least expect it. For example, Shout out to Mo and Rutledge for the fabulous Silence of the Lambs reference that brought me so much joy! This book is not just a romance book but a lesson in communication and what it truly means to support the people in your life, whether that means your team, your friends, your family, whatever, all relationships need support and communication.
Anyhow, Hugo is everything you need him to be. He's a big tall silent guy that speaks volumes with his actions, not just his words. Crash is the most delightful hot mess ever. Together they are something special, they complement each other in ways they didn't know they were missing. that doesn't mean it's all sunshine and rainbows, there's some real emotional stuff to deal with on this one but I wouldn't change it for a single moment.
What a ride!! Love it from start to finish and I'm already ready for the next tale to be told.
Well done Xavier!!!
November 28, 2020
3.5⭐️
This was my first book by this author and for the majority, I did enjoy this story.
I connected more with Crash than I did with Hugo in the beginning. I loved his flamboyance, his need to be himself and not care what others think, and his want to help others in dance. But he is more of an extroverted introvert. He still has low self esteem and still needs reassurance that he is good enough. And in those times he heads to his best friend Hugo.
Hugo has been in love with Crash forever. But Hugo is the strong silent type and doesn’t believe that he is what Crash is looking for. Add in his own self esteem issues because he is so tall and he really doesn’t like drawing anymore attention to himself by talking. He does, however, have really strong protective instincts for his teammates and Crash.
When these 2 finally get together it takes a lot for Hugo to finally open up with his needs and for Crash to realise the damage his previous hookups have done to him.
These two had a lot of emotional growing up to do and I think Xavier did a really good job of showing that across the story.
I really liked soo many elements of this story but I did have a few issues too. There were a couple of parts where I felt left out of the joke. I think it was something that had been carried over from the other books in the series but since this was my first, I didn’t get it, and that kinda ruined a whole scene and took me a bit to catch up on. There were also a couple of things mentioned within the story that didn’t eventuate and I wondered if that event had occurred in the other stories instead of this one.
Overall, I was left on an emotional high. The inevitable heartbreak, reconciliation and epilogue were perfectly written. And the other characters have left me curious as to the rest of the series.
ARC received for an honest review.
This was my first book by this author and for the majority, I did enjoy this story.
I connected more with Crash than I did with Hugo in the beginning. I loved his flamboyance, his need to be himself and not care what others think, and his want to help others in dance. But he is more of an extroverted introvert. He still has low self esteem and still needs reassurance that he is good enough. And in those times he heads to his best friend Hugo.
Hugo has been in love with Crash forever. But Hugo is the strong silent type and doesn’t believe that he is what Crash is looking for. Add in his own self esteem issues because he is so tall and he really doesn’t like drawing anymore attention to himself by talking. He does, however, have really strong protective instincts for his teammates and Crash.
When these 2 finally get together it takes a lot for Hugo to finally open up with his needs and for Crash to realise the damage his previous hookups have done to him.
These two had a lot of emotional growing up to do and I think Xavier did a really good job of showing that across the story.
I really liked soo many elements of this story but I did have a few issues too. There were a couple of parts where I felt left out of the joke. I think it was something that had been carried over from the other books in the series but since this was my first, I didn’t get it, and that kinda ruined a whole scene and took me a bit to catch up on. There were also a couple of things mentioned within the story that didn’t eventuate and I wondered if that event had occurred in the other stories instead of this one.
Overall, I was left on an emotional high. The inevitable heartbreak, reconciliation and epilogue were perfectly written. And the other characters have left me curious as to the rest of the series.
ARC received for an honest review.
November 27, 2020
Hugo Rhinehart is the silent, watchful and protective defenseman who has been in love with his best friend, Crash, since they were kids. He has kept his feelings hidden because he is afraid to lose Crash more than he wants to be with him. Rhinehart isn't afraid of sexuality and his parents accept and support him 100% but he is afraid of losing Crash. So he has watched Crash be used and abused for years while he is there to be his safe harbor when needed. Until one weekend at the beach changes everything and Rhinehart has all of his fantasies come true with Crash.
Crash has been everyone's dirty little secret his whole life so he has major self esteem issues even though he puts on a good front for everyone. This made my heart hurt for him but when Crash and Rhinehart start a relationship up his insecurities get in the way of everything. Rhinehart has always been there and does everything for Crash - bending over backwards and foregoing his wants to make Crash happy. This makes Rhinehart series book boyfriend goals but it really made me upset with Crash. I was annoyed that he couldn't see how great Rhinehart is, couldn't see everything that he was doing for him - he just took advantage of him. I struggled to like him. But Rhinehart is amazing. He was so caring, giving, loving and devoted. And not just Crash, but to his team and his family. I adored every single thing about him. The relationship that he has with is parents was seriously amazing - I loved how he could talk to them about anything and everything - that when he was hurting and needed advice that was who he would turn to. And of course we cannot forget about the gang - they were all there in full force too. Their comedy and support helped round out this book so much! Despite my issues with Crash I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for Peck's book.
Crash has been everyone's dirty little secret his whole life so he has major self esteem issues even though he puts on a good front for everyone. This made my heart hurt for him but when Crash and Rhinehart start a relationship up his insecurities get in the way of everything. Rhinehart has always been there and does everything for Crash - bending over backwards and foregoing his wants to make Crash happy. This makes Rhinehart series book boyfriend goals but it really made me upset with Crash. I was annoyed that he couldn't see how great Rhinehart is, couldn't see everything that he was doing for him - he just took advantage of him. I struggled to like him. But Rhinehart is amazing. He was so caring, giving, loving and devoted. And not just Crash, but to his team and his family. I adored every single thing about him. The relationship that he has with is parents was seriously amazing - I loved how he could talk to them about anything and everything - that when he was hurting and needed advice that was who he would turn to. And of course we cannot forget about the gang - they were all there in full force too. Their comedy and support helped round out this book so much! Despite my issues with Crash I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for Peck's book.
November 27, 2020
Defenseman N.9 is Book 4 of Xavier Neal’s The Hockey Gods Series and is a:
🏒 Delicious Hockey
🌈 Hot MM
🩰 Friends to Lovers romance.
Hugo and Crash are as different as night and day.
Hugo is a sexy, tall glass of hockey playing love. He is a dedicated friend and teammate and is always looking out for the people he cares about. Not only is he a talented athlete, he is also a gifted student. Hugo is equally attracted to both women and men and has been madly in love with his childhood best friend since forever.
Crash is a dancing, high heel, makeup wearing, ball of explosive energy. His life evolves around his passion for dancing and his flair for fashion, and he lives for the spotlight. On the downside, Crash has the worst taste in men and allows himself to be treated badly by the partners he chooses to be with. Like Hugo, Crash has also been crushing on his protective and loving best friend.
The thing I loved most about this book was hands down Hugo. He is an incredible human being. Oh he’s not perfect, but he is certainly relatable and with his big heart and caring ways. He is the complete and total opposite of Crash. Seeing the world from his eyes was oftentimes confusing and sad and it made me want to throttle someone. That someone, for the vast majority of the book was Crash. Full Disclosure, I did not warm up to him. He was self centered and egotistical and to my mind not good enough or deserving of Hugo. Towards the end of the book I started to slightly warm up to him but only because he redeemed himself at the very last second and their happily ever after made me smile.
If you are a fan of either sports, MM or friends to lovers romances than Defenseman N.9 is the perfect book for you. TBR and Enjoy.
🏒 Delicious Hockey
🌈 Hot MM
🩰 Friends to Lovers romance.
Hugo and Crash are as different as night and day.
Hugo is a sexy, tall glass of hockey playing love. He is a dedicated friend and teammate and is always looking out for the people he cares about. Not only is he a talented athlete, he is also a gifted student. Hugo is equally attracted to both women and men and has been madly in love with his childhood best friend since forever.
Crash is a dancing, high heel, makeup wearing, ball of explosive energy. His life evolves around his passion for dancing and his flair for fashion, and he lives for the spotlight. On the downside, Crash has the worst taste in men and allows himself to be treated badly by the partners he chooses to be with. Like Hugo, Crash has also been crushing on his protective and loving best friend.
The thing I loved most about this book was hands down Hugo. He is an incredible human being. Oh he’s not perfect, but he is certainly relatable and with his big heart and caring ways. He is the complete and total opposite of Crash. Seeing the world from his eyes was oftentimes confusing and sad and it made me want to throttle someone. That someone, for the vast majority of the book was Crash. Full Disclosure, I did not warm up to him. He was self centered and egotistical and to my mind not good enough or deserving of Hugo. Towards the end of the book I started to slightly warm up to him but only because he redeemed himself at the very last second and their happily ever after made me smile.
If you are a fan of either sports, MM or friends to lovers romances than Defenseman N.9 is the perfect book for you. TBR and Enjoy.
November 30, 2020
4,5☆
This was my first from the author, and I think this is the author's first m/m (correct me if I'm wrong).
Hockey and sport romances aren't my first choice and I hardly read them, but I never say no to them.
Defenseman is the 4th book in this series but totally can read as standalone - I haven't read the earlier books and I still understand everything.
It was a cute book, Hugo and Crash were great characters and I loved reading about their relationship. Hugo was my favorite and I hurt for him when Crash was blind for their love and how a relationship works.
I loved when they first got together, their kiss and chemistry was off the chart hot, and I couldn't wait for more. It was good to see the other guys in their life (I think they are the MC of the earlier books), but sometimes I think it was more than enough. There were some boring scenes and some really long sentences/monologues - I skipped them.
The romance and the emotions was well written, Crash and Hugo's characters were well written too and the emotional arc was really good.
Loved reading this book, but I think the epiolgue was too much. Not everyone and not every book needs this kind of ending. It doesn't fit the book at all. I would be happy without that too.
+ it was frustrating that I didn't know their age! Somebody please tell me how old they were. (18 -20? or older, or younger?!)
This was my first from the author, and I think this is the author's first m/m (correct me if I'm wrong).
Hockey and sport romances aren't my first choice and I hardly read them, but I never say no to them.
Defenseman is the 4th book in this series but totally can read as standalone - I haven't read the earlier books and I still understand everything.
It was a cute book, Hugo and Crash were great characters and I loved reading about their relationship. Hugo was my favorite and I hurt for him when Crash was blind for their love and how a relationship works.
I loved when they first got together, their kiss and chemistry was off the chart hot, and I couldn't wait for more. It was good to see the other guys in their life (I think they are the MC of the earlier books), but sometimes I think it was more than enough. There were some boring scenes and some really long sentences/monologues - I skipped them.
The romance and the emotions was well written, Crash and Hugo's characters were well written too and the emotional arc was really good.
Loved reading this book, but I think the epiolgue was too much. Not everyone and not every book needs this kind of ending. It doesn't fit the book at all. I would be happy without that too.
+ it was frustrating that I didn't know their age! Somebody please tell me how old they were. (18 -20? or older, or younger?!)
December 2, 2020
Defenseman number 9 by Xavier Neal
This is a lovely friends to lovers m/m story .
Hugo a successful defenseman for the Vlasta University
When you have been in love with your best friend for years at one point in time you have to open up ..
This is what Hugo a successful defenseman for the Vlasta University did it was a weekend to remember..
Hugo has a caring nature doesn't want to spoil their friendship .
As a very talented dancer Cash holds onto his feelings for his best friend ,(in life we do that keep feelings bottled up ….)
Thee guys are complete opposites it was good to see how they worked around their new found love they find who they really are then to act on it ..
This was a new author to me , a solid read written well with great characters that left a lasting impression .
This is a lovely friends to lovers m/m story .
Hugo a successful defenseman for the Vlasta University
When you have been in love with your best friend for years at one point in time you have to open up ..
This is what Hugo a successful defenseman for the Vlasta University did it was a weekend to remember..
Hugo has a caring nature doesn't want to spoil their friendship .
As a very talented dancer Cash holds onto his feelings for his best friend ,(in life we do that keep feelings bottled up ….)
Thee guys are complete opposites it was good to see how they worked around their new found love they find who they really are then to act on it ..
This was a new author to me , a solid read written well with great characters that left a lasting impression .
December 3, 2020
I enjoyed the book even though it took me a bit to get into at first.
What can I say - I love Hugo. He gives me all the feels. Crash on the other hand had me one moment loving him while in another one I wanted to strangle him. You have to read the book for yourself to understand why.
Their love story has been simmering since they were kids. And it’s a rollercoaster of emotions encompassing love, tenderness, lust, and heartbreak.
This is my first book by the author and it looks like this book is part of series that I will need to check out since characters from other books make appearances.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
What can I say - I love Hugo. He gives me all the feels. Crash on the other hand had me one moment loving him while in another one I wanted to strangle him. You have to read the book for yourself to understand why.
Their love story has been simmering since they were kids. And it’s a rollercoaster of emotions encompassing love, tenderness, lust, and heartbreak.
This is my first book by the author and it looks like this book is part of series that I will need to check out since characters from other books make appearances.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
⭐I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.⭐
So this was officially my first MM book, and I was actually so surprised in a good way!
Hugo Rhinehart is a Hulk sized Teddy bear who loves Hockey, his team, his friends and most importantly Crash, who he has been in love with since forever!
Hugo and Crash have been best friends since they were 10 and the feelings had become almost impossible to ignore.
Crash really has self sabotaging tendencies and is a sassy smart talking glittery dancer. I so adored him!
The side Character's were really funny and so supportive of Hugo and Crash and the pet names used in this book were seriously amusing, i just had to mention those!!
I also have to say I didn't read the previous books in this series first and I'm actually glad I didn't. I will read them but I'm glad I started here!
I really enjoyed this book and im sure other's will also.
So this was officially my first MM book, and I was actually so surprised in a good way!
Hugo Rhinehart is a Hulk sized Teddy bear who loves Hockey, his team, his friends and most importantly Crash, who he has been in love with since forever!
Hugo and Crash have been best friends since they were 10 and the feelings had become almost impossible to ignore.
Crash really has self sabotaging tendencies and is a sassy smart talking glittery dancer. I so adored him!
The side Character's were really funny and so supportive of Hugo and Crash and the pet names used in this book were seriously amusing, i just had to mention those!!
I also have to say I didn't read the previous books in this series first and I'm actually glad I didn't. I will read them but I'm glad I started here!
I really enjoyed this book and im sure other's will also.
December 2, 2020
This was my first book by this author, and I am impressed. I don’t read very many college-age romances, but this one sucked me right into the story. It is written in first person from a dual POV.
One of the things I love about hockey romance is the camaraderie between the players on the team. This book definitely has that, and I can promise you that I will be going back and reading the previous books in this series. The humor and goofiness among the players are hilarious. The respect they have for each other and their love of the game ties them tightly together like a family. The support they offer Hugo when it is obvious how hard he has fallen for Crash is perfect. I love that their friendship is never in question and that his relationship has zero effect on the core of his team. Both Hugo and Crash’s parents are both so supportive of the choices their sons make and I loved that they both had such an incredible support system.
Hugo and Crash are both written as complex characters. I love that they have been best friends since childhood despite their differences. Hugo embodies one of my favorite types of hero. He is a big, big guy with a soft heart and an accepting spirit. I love that he is fully masculine yet loves poetry. I love that he is a protector by nature and looks out for Crash when he fails to look out for himself. I love his willingness to be vulnerable to Crash both physically and emotionally. I love his desire to work for their relationship and his recognition that a successful relationship takes work. I love when he stands up for his needs and learns to voice them in their relationship.
Crash is a character unlike any I have ever read. He has been abused, broken, used, and discarded to the point that he no longer sees himself as worthy of more. On the outside he exudes a sassy confidence that is not completely authentic. He has so much growing and healing to do for his relationship with Hugo to succeed. I love that he is unapologetically feminine at times. I love that he embraces his sense of style and his fabulous shoe collection. I love when he finally embraces the acceptance and love Hugo offers him. More than anything, I love when he finally shows up for Hugo the Hugo has always shown up for him. He grows so much over the course of the book. It was a real joy to read about his evolution over the course of their story.
There is a lot of heat in the physical scenes between Hugo and Crash. However, what I loved was the love between them that is so obviously portrayed through the physical element. The vulnerability they show each other in the bedroom felt real and it was heart melting. The epilogue shows their relationship 8 years later, and it is the perfect wrap up to their story with an incredibly sweet, hard-earned HEA. This may be one of my favorite M/M romances ever. I highly recommend.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance review copy.
One of the things I love about hockey romance is the camaraderie between the players on the team. This book definitely has that, and I can promise you that I will be going back and reading the previous books in this series. The humor and goofiness among the players are hilarious. The respect they have for each other and their love of the game ties them tightly together like a family. The support they offer Hugo when it is obvious how hard he has fallen for Crash is perfect. I love that their friendship is never in question and that his relationship has zero effect on the core of his team. Both Hugo and Crash’s parents are both so supportive of the choices their sons make and I loved that they both had such an incredible support system.
Hugo and Crash are both written as complex characters. I love that they have been best friends since childhood despite their differences. Hugo embodies one of my favorite types of hero. He is a big, big guy with a soft heart and an accepting spirit. I love that he is fully masculine yet loves poetry. I love that he is a protector by nature and looks out for Crash when he fails to look out for himself. I love his willingness to be vulnerable to Crash both physically and emotionally. I love his desire to work for their relationship and his recognition that a successful relationship takes work. I love when he stands up for his needs and learns to voice them in their relationship.
Crash is a character unlike any I have ever read. He has been abused, broken, used, and discarded to the point that he no longer sees himself as worthy of more. On the outside he exudes a sassy confidence that is not completely authentic. He has so much growing and healing to do for his relationship with Hugo to succeed. I love that he is unapologetically feminine at times. I love that he embraces his sense of style and his fabulous shoe collection. I love when he finally embraces the acceptance and love Hugo offers him. More than anything, I love when he finally shows up for Hugo the Hugo has always shown up for him. He grows so much over the course of the book. It was a real joy to read about his evolution over the course of their story.
There is a lot of heat in the physical scenes between Hugo and Crash. However, what I loved was the love between them that is so obviously portrayed through the physical element. The vulnerability they show each other in the bedroom felt real and it was heart melting. The epilogue shows their relationship 8 years later, and it is the perfect wrap up to their story with an incredibly sweet, hard-earned HEA. This may be one of my favorite M/M romances ever. I highly recommend.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance review copy.
December 1, 2020
This is a truly incredible read that stole my heart and engaged my emotions. It is the fourth book in The Hockey Gods series and is a MM romance. You can easily enjoy this book as a standalone if you wanted to and I almost dare you to try because I truly don't believe that once you enter this world and meet these characters that only one book will ever be enough! Just in case you are wondering, each of the other three books all feature MF couples.
This book had me fully invested practically from the start and by the time I was at chapter three I had already chuckled, felt my heart begin to ache and wanted to give out a few kicks to those that deserved them. Hugo and Crash's story will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride. I adored Hugo. He was a perfect combination of growly, stoic, sweet, protective, loving, self-sacrificing and valiant. Big in stature and bigger in heart, Hugo had my heart melted and left me swooning. I so desperately wanted to give him the care and protection that he felt was his job to provide to his family and friends. Crash kind of had my feelings going haywire. I did end up liking him but if I'm honest, for me personally it was a long journey with many stumbling blocks and I truly think that is what the author intended. He was fierce and flamboyant on the outside but inside he had major emotional scars and his own set of insecurities that all too often lead him to selfish and very often his own worst enemy.
Together, I thought these two were pure magic and I totally felt they were meant to be. The struggle to get that HEA is painful but in the end worth every tear that is shed along the way. Raw emotions, a lifetime friendship, unspoken feelings, painful baggage, angst, drama, heat, and flawed characters make for a enticing, powerful and moving read that you just do not want to miss out on. This is my sincere, independent review.
This book had me fully invested practically from the start and by the time I was at chapter three I had already chuckled, felt my heart begin to ache and wanted to give out a few kicks to those that deserved them. Hugo and Crash's story will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride. I adored Hugo. He was a perfect combination of growly, stoic, sweet, protective, loving, self-sacrificing and valiant. Big in stature and bigger in heart, Hugo had my heart melted and left me swooning. I so desperately wanted to give him the care and protection that he felt was his job to provide to his family and friends. Crash kind of had my feelings going haywire. I did end up liking him but if I'm honest, for me personally it was a long journey with many stumbling blocks and I truly think that is what the author intended. He was fierce and flamboyant on the outside but inside he had major emotional scars and his own set of insecurities that all too often lead him to selfish and very often his own worst enemy.
Together, I thought these two were pure magic and I totally felt they were meant to be. The struggle to get that HEA is painful but in the end worth every tear that is shed along the way. Raw emotions, a lifetime friendship, unspoken feelings, painful baggage, angst, drama, heat, and flawed characters make for a enticing, powerful and moving read that you just do not want to miss out on. This is my sincere, independent review.
December 1, 2020
Wow. Just wow! I had to spend a little time to gather my thoughts on this book that I loved oh so much! The characters are perfection because they aren't perfect. Hugo is darn close though! He's a gentle giant, protective of those close to him and fiercely loyal. He and Crash have been best friends since they were young and their connection can be intense, so deep that it squeezed my heart. Crash is fun, yet dealing with his own demons, struggling in his own way. The story is amazing, with so many emotions. Sweet, hot, rage, tears, anything and everything in between. There's a flow, an openness and growth that pulled me in completely. I have loved this series from the start and I am more in love with it now. An absolute must!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 29, 2020
4.25 Stars
I LOVED this. I'm kicking myself for just finding this new to me author, but what a way to start my Xavier Neal journey. This is a very touching, very deep, friends to lovers story with Defenseman Hugo who is the textbook definition of stoic cinnamon roll and his lifelong friend and crush Crash, a dancer and someone who doesn't see his own worth. But Hugo does, he's always seeing Crash and looking out for him. It broke my heart what both of them had to go through and sometimes I really did wanna shake Crash, but MAN I had tears in my eyes an awful lot with this one. I'm obsessed and now I wanna binge everything. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
I LOVED this. I'm kicking myself for just finding this new to me author, but what a way to start my Xavier Neal journey. This is a very touching, very deep, friends to lovers story with Defenseman Hugo who is the textbook definition of stoic cinnamon roll and his lifelong friend and crush Crash, a dancer and someone who doesn't see his own worth. But Hugo does, he's always seeing Crash and looking out for him. It broke my heart what both of them had to go through and sometimes I really did wanna shake Crash, but MAN I had tears in my eyes an awful lot with this one. I'm obsessed and now I wanna binge everything. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2020
I have loved every single book from Xavier that I’ve read and this one is no exception! I am not usually one that reads MM stories but I knew if there was one to pick, this one would be a great one to start with. Hugo is a defenseman for the Vlasta hockey team and is known for protecting those he loves. Crash has been in Hugo’s life since they were kids and he has always loved him and always protected him. When they go away with the rest of the crew for a weekend, things take a turn into something more. The love they have between them is so beautiful and just perfect! Absolutely loved this story!!!
November 25, 2020
Crash and Hugo are as inevitable as Crash’s name. This is one of the sweetest MM friends to lovers books I’ve read in recent memory. Crash is a that brash, fun loving, life of the party guy. Hugo is the reliable, got-your-back friend you can always count on. Crash leans on Hugo far more than he would be comfortable admitting. When a weekend together opens up new possibilities in their relationship, it’s going to open their eyes to what’s been right in front of them. To really make this work long term though? That might mean reopening some old wounds...
December 1, 2020
Hugo and Cash!!!! OH MY GOSH!!!! I FLOVE THEM SO HARDCORE!!!!! This M/M romance was one of the best I HAVE EVER READ, DID YOU HEAR ME BACK THERE?!? BEST. I. EVER. READ!!! NO. JOKE!!
Xavier Neal gutted me, then she made me feel tons better!!!! This book puts you through it, y’all!!! You will come out the other side a better person for it!!!! This is why I love Xavier and her writing so damn much!!! She is absolutely PHENOMENAL inside and out, and has a talent that not many have!!!
Xavier Neal gutted me, then she made me feel tons better!!!! This book puts you through it, y’all!!! You will come out the other side a better person for it!!!! This is why I love Xavier and her writing so damn much!!! She is absolutely PHENOMENAL inside and out, and has a talent that not many have!!!
December 3, 2020
Love has no Boundaries
Hugo and Crash has been friends since thier childhood.
Hugo is the quite, protective one of the Hockey God's. He cares for those that close to him by supporting them and making sure that they lives are comfortable.
Reinhardt is that true friend that everyone wants in thier life. He is smart, compassionate.
What I loved about Hugo is his huge heart. He is not a perfect person, but his on drying loyalty to those in circle is truly spectacular.
Then there is Crash.
Reinhardt and Crash has been have been childhood friends live forever.. The chemistry between those two are off the chart hot.
You can feel the vibes that these two brings to the story. But it was not all roses for Reinhardt to get close to his one true obsession.
So my Boy set on the sidelines and watched his Love be destroyed over and over again by his self-destructive love life with the wrong guys..
Then one weekend changed everything, and Rhinehart's Fantasy ( Like Mariah Carey Song) came to life.
Crash is everyone's dirty little secret his whole life. He has self-destructive and self esteem issues. All Crush does it smile on the outside, even through his inside is in pain.
I felt so type of way when Crash ex was abusive. He only wanted to someone to be there for him, and to love him for him.
In Reinhardt Crash found that and more.
The ability to be himself. To love himself and others without thinking they wanted something back.
I love how Xavier continues to shine and Evolve with her writing.
Lord I can't wait to read Pucks story.....
Merged review:
Hugo and Crash has been friends since thier childhood.
Hugo is the quite, protective one of the Hockey God's. He cares for those that close to him by supporting them and making sure that they lives are comfortable.
Reinhardt is that true friend that everyone wants in thier life. He is smart, compassionate.
What I loved about Hugo is his huge heart. He is not a perfect person, but his on drying loyalty to those in circle is truly spectacular.
Then there is Crash.
Reinhardt and Crash has been have been childhood friends live forever.. The chemistry between those two are off the chart hot.
You can feel the vibes that these two brings to the story. But it was not all roses for Reinhardt to get close to his one true obsession.
So my Boy set on the sidelines and watched his Love be destroyed over and over again by his self-destructive love life with the wrong guys..
Then one weekend changed everything, and Rhinehart's Fantasy ( Like Mariah Carey Song) came to life.
Crash is everyone's dirty little secret his whole life. He has self-destructive and self esteem issues. All Crush does it smile on the outside, even through his inside is in pain.
I felt so type of way when Crash ex was abusive. He only wanted to someone to be there for him, and to love him for him.
In Reinhardt Crash found that and more.
The ability to be himself. To love himself and others without thinking they wanted something back.
I love how Xavier continues to shine and Evolve with her writing.
Lord I can't wait to read Pucks story.....
Hugo and Crash has been friends since thier childhood.
Hugo is the quite, protective one of the Hockey God's. He cares for those that close to him by supporting them and making sure that they lives are comfortable.
Reinhardt is that true friend that everyone wants in thier life. He is smart, compassionate.
What I loved about Hugo is his huge heart. He is not a perfect person, but his on drying loyalty to those in circle is truly spectacular.
Then there is Crash.
Reinhardt and Crash has been have been childhood friends live forever.. The chemistry between those two are off the chart hot.
You can feel the vibes that these two brings to the story. But it was not all roses for Reinhardt to get close to his one true obsession.
So my Boy set on the sidelines and watched his Love be destroyed over and over again by his self-destructive love life with the wrong guys..
Then one weekend changed everything, and Rhinehart's Fantasy ( Like Mariah Carey Song) came to life.
Crash is everyone's dirty little secret his whole life. He has self-destructive and self esteem issues. All Crush does it smile on the outside, even through his inside is in pain.
I felt so type of way when Crash ex was abusive. He only wanted to someone to be there for him, and to love him for him.
In Reinhardt Crash found that and more.
The ability to be himself. To love himself and others without thinking they wanted something back.
I love how Xavier continues to shine and Evolve with her writing.
Lord I can't wait to read Pucks story.....
Merged review:
Hugo and Crash has been friends since thier childhood.
Hugo is the quite, protective one of the Hockey God's. He cares for those that close to him by supporting them and making sure that they lives are comfortable.
Reinhardt is that true friend that everyone wants in thier life. He is smart, compassionate.
What I loved about Hugo is his huge heart. He is not a perfect person, but his on drying loyalty to those in circle is truly spectacular.
Then there is Crash.
Reinhardt and Crash has been have been childhood friends live forever.. The chemistry between those two are off the chart hot.
You can feel the vibes that these two brings to the story. But it was not all roses for Reinhardt to get close to his one true obsession.
So my Boy set on the sidelines and watched his Love be destroyed over and over again by his self-destructive love life with the wrong guys..
Then one weekend changed everything, and Rhinehart's Fantasy ( Like Mariah Carey Song) came to life.
Crash is everyone's dirty little secret his whole life. He has self-destructive and self esteem issues. All Crush does it smile on the outside, even through his inside is in pain.
I felt so type of way when Crash ex was abusive. He only wanted to someone to be there for him, and to love him for him.
In Reinhardt Crash found that and more.
The ability to be himself. To love himself and others without thinking they wanted something back.
I love how Xavier continues to shine and Evolve with her writing.
Lord I can't wait to read Pucks story.....
November 27, 2020
Hugo and Crash what can I say I loved Hugo right from the start he’s loving and caring and protective he wants to make sure everyone is taken care of because that’s what a good defensemen does right! Honestly I don’t know if I ever really like Crash he is so into himself and cares o lot for himself that I couldn’t understand why Hugo would want him. Broke my heart for him. This book was a little slow moving for me I think I just needed more it took too long for everyone’s feeling to come to light and finally get on the same page and once that happened it felt like the story ended. Overall is a a nice read and I would recommend it. I’m looking forward to more from this author.
November 25, 2020
I received a copy of this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
This book is a sports MM, its a friends to loves type romance, it starts off slow.
Hugo is a dependable guy who will always be there for his friends no matter what.
Crash is definitely the person who can light up a room whether its theatrics or sass it's he is never a dull moment
When one of the Hugo's teammates invite him as a plus one for a weekend get away things take a turn.... when unresovled feelings and new possiblities arise will they be able to move from friend zone to love zone??? Well you'll just have to read to find out.
This book is a sports MM, its a friends to loves type romance, it starts off slow.
Hugo is a dependable guy who will always be there for his friends no matter what.
Crash is definitely the person who can light up a room whether its theatrics or sass it's he is never a dull moment
When one of the Hugo's teammates invite him as a plus one for a weekend get away things take a turn.... when unresovled feelings and new possiblities arise will they be able to move from friend zone to love zone??? Well you'll just have to read to find out.
November 27, 2020
This NA college romance between life-long best friend's Crash and Hugo was entertaining. The antics between The Crew and their significant others was lively and fun. Crash and Hugo had a huge barrier to get over going from friends to lovers along with all the other college stuff that could interfere with life. While this is a stand alone, I would recommend reading the first three books in the series to get the full experience of The Crew and this world.
December 5, 2020
A Beautiful Heart-Wrenching Childhood Best-friends To Lovers MM Story❤.
I was Fully Immersed in it & DEVOURED this Story in 7hrs!
#My 1st By Xavier and I'M SO GOING FOR MORE! I loved Hugo's Friends/teammates, I'm so Curious about their Stories, Gonna read them ASAP.
Hugo, Most famous Hockey Defenseman Of Vlasta University, is Smart, Strong, Sexy, Silent. He's a Poetry Lover, Protector to the Core and Have some Speech Impediment that I found Adorable. His struggles are so Real, My heart goes to him.
He & Crash have been Friends Since they were 10..
Crash, A Dancer + Also goes to Vlasta University, is Openly Gay, Fun Loving, Self-centered Guy Who Loves High Heels!
"Distance has always been the saving grace of my embarrassment in this aspect of our friendship. From a distance, my unedited feelings are less difficult to deal with." ~Hugo
There's always been a hint of Something MORE b/w them, and finally on a Weekend Getaway with Friends, they take the leap of Desire.
~Banters, Fun, Hooking up & Talks, A Chance & A date, Sexy HOT times, Days pass, studies, Practice & Games, Jealousy, Dinner, Fucks, Gifts..
The thing to take notice is, in these two's relation, Hugo Sacrifices a lot. His main focus is Always on Crash. While Crash's isn't on him much (Until Later). But Whenever he shows his Caring Side, I could see why Hugo Love him, 'Cause I loved him too! Though Crash's Insecurities + Doing-without-Thinking Nature caused a lot of Problems.
"I’ve always been treated like the toy everyone’s happy to have in private, yet is ashamed to even speak of in public. So…to wrap my head around the idea that I’m anything…special…is a mind fuck." ~Crash
My heart Ached for Crash here. And Hugo by Little & Big Gestures throughout the book shows him that He's Special, that Hugo Loves HIM, Always HAVE, Always WILL. *Swoon*
I loved how Supporting Their parents & Friends are Throughout the story, they're the BEST!
But.. Crash's Fears (Due to that Abusive Ex!!) & Selfishness Hurted..
Towards the end, Him Outting Hugo to the Whole College Without Consent.. It hurted. But Hugo finally Fully Stood up for Himself & that was beautiful.
~He wasn't Keeping Crash a Secret, not at all, not to Their Close ones. But he knew how Jocks are with Gay Men (Though, Hugo's Bi).
And isn't that Fucking sad? To not be able to Express Ourselves Fully? My tears were flowing freely for Hugo.
I absolutely loved how His Friends & Coach Stiles took no shit from the Homophobic Bastards!!
Crash knows he Fucked up Badly, Has he lost his chance with Hugo, The one he loves, Who accepts & Loves him Fully?
Cue Sad times..Then, Friends Intervention! *Yay!*
Hugo Really is the best.. Anger, Talk, Forgiveness.. I really like how here onwards, Crash Will be There for Hugo Too. That this Relation won't be one-Sided anymore, But a Together-Effort.
Cue HEA! The Epilogue was So Swoony & Gorgeous!! #Family #Kids
I love MM books AND Overall, this Story was a WINNER! Full of Feels & Swoons😍.
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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I was Fully Immersed in it & DEVOURED this Story in 7hrs!
#My 1st By Xavier and I'M SO GOING FOR MORE! I loved Hugo's Friends/teammates, I'm so Curious about their Stories, Gonna read them ASAP.
Hugo, Most famous Hockey Defenseman Of Vlasta University, is Smart, Strong, Sexy, Silent. He's a Poetry Lover, Protector to the Core and Have some Speech Impediment that I found Adorable. His struggles are so Real, My heart goes to him.
He & Crash have been Friends Since they were 10..
Crash, A Dancer + Also goes to Vlasta University, is Openly Gay, Fun Loving, Self-centered Guy Who Loves High Heels!
"Distance has always been the saving grace of my embarrassment in this aspect of our friendship. From a distance, my unedited feelings are less difficult to deal with." ~Hugo
There's always been a hint of Something MORE b/w them, and finally on a Weekend Getaway with Friends, they take the leap of Desire.
~Banters, Fun, Hooking up & Talks, A Chance & A date, Sexy HOT times, Days pass, studies, Practice & Games, Jealousy, Dinner, Fucks, Gifts..
The thing to take notice is, in these two's relation, Hugo Sacrifices a lot. His main focus is Always on Crash. While Crash's isn't on him much (Until Later). But Whenever he shows his Caring Side, I could see why Hugo Love him, 'Cause I loved him too! Though Crash's Insecurities + Doing-without-Thinking Nature caused a lot of Problems.
"I’ve always been treated like the toy everyone’s happy to have in private, yet is ashamed to even speak of in public. So…to wrap my head around the idea that I’m anything…special…is a mind fuck." ~Crash
My heart Ached for Crash here. And Hugo by Little & Big Gestures throughout the book shows him that He's Special, that Hugo Loves HIM, Always HAVE, Always WILL. *Swoon*
I loved how Supporting Their parents & Friends are Throughout the story, they're the BEST!
But.. Crash's Fears (Due to that Abusive Ex!!) & Selfishness Hurted..
Towards the end, Him Outting Hugo to the Whole College Without Consent.. It hurted. But Hugo finally Fully Stood up for Himself & that was beautiful.
~He wasn't Keeping Crash a Secret, not at all, not to Their Close ones. But he knew how Jocks are with Gay Men (Though, Hugo's Bi).
And isn't that Fucking sad? To not be able to Express Ourselves Fully? My tears were flowing freely for Hugo.
I absolutely loved how His Friends & Coach Stiles took no shit from the Homophobic Bastards!!
Crash knows he Fucked up Badly, Has he lost his chance with Hugo, The one he loves, Who accepts & Loves him Fully?
Cue Sad times..Then, Friends Intervention! *Yay!*
Hugo Really is the best.. Anger, Talk, Forgiveness.. I really like how here onwards, Crash Will be There for Hugo Too. That this Relation won't be one-Sided anymore, But a Together-Effort.
Cue HEA! The Epilogue was So Swoony & Gorgeous!! #Family #Kids
I love MM books AND Overall, this Story was a WINNER! Full of Feels & Swoons😍.
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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December 6, 2020This had all the makings of what should have been a solid story for me - best friends to lovers, the gruff and super-fit hockey defense man with the flirty and fun dancer, sports romance and possibly coming out to the team. But I really struggled with this story, you guys, and when I look at the reviews I'm literally like - did I read a different story than everyone else?! I will try to explain what did not work for me.
I have never read a story from this author before, so I don't know if this is just how she writes and her readers enjoy this format, but this story is structured in a very odd way - there would be anywhere from 3-10 single line sentences, and then a paragraph that was ONE LONG paragraph for multiple pages of my kindle. There is also a LOT of telling - not showing - what is happening between the characters. We are told about one fight that Crash and Hugo have, but we never read about it?
This story is also filled with mis-communication, a lot of self-doubt, and jumping to conclusions and NOT TALKING TO EACH OTHER (which are seriously all my biggest pet peeves in romance). And honestly, at a couple parts of the story, I really did think that maybe Crash wasn't good enough to deserve an honest, caring, loving man like Hugo. Crash seriously had a couple near-unredeemable moments in this, and there wasn't enough to show me what Hugo saw in Crash to make him forgive those moments. But then Hugo would say something dumb and I just had to chalk it up to them both being young, dumb kids in college?
Being the 4th book in a series, there are so many other people that I didn't know who they were or what relation and importance they had to either Crash or Hugo. It was definitely like being thrown into a movie 30 minutes late.
For fans of hockey romance that are looking for some MM romance, I have plenty I can recommend; this book, I am sad to say is not one I would recommend.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read a story from this author before, so I don't know if this is just how she writes and her readers enjoy this format, but this story is structured in a very odd way - there would be anywhere from 3-10 single line sentences, and then a paragraph that was ONE LONG paragraph for multiple pages of my kindle. There is also a LOT of telling - not showing - what is happening between the characters. We are told about one fight that Crash and Hugo have, but we never read about it?
This story is also filled with mis-communication, a lot of self-doubt, and jumping to conclusions and NOT TALKING TO EACH OTHER (which are seriously all my biggest pet peeves in romance). And honestly, at a couple parts of the story, I really did think that maybe Crash wasn't good enough to deserve an honest, caring, loving man like Hugo. Crash seriously had a couple near-unredeemable moments in this, and there wasn't enough to show me what Hugo saw in Crash to make him forgive those moments. But then Hugo would say something dumb and I just had to chalk it up to them both being young, dumb kids in college?
Being the 4th book in a series, there are so many other people that I didn't know who they were or what relation and importance they had to either Crash or Hugo. It was definitely like being thrown into a movie 30 minutes late.
For fans of hockey romance that are looking for some MM romance, I have plenty I can recommend; this book, I am sad to say is not one I would recommend.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2020
5 Beautiful, Breath-taking, Swooning Hot Stars!!!
I was given this book in turn for an honest review.
Move over Vlasta Vipers hockey gods, the sweetest, strongest and sexiest member has arrived, and I absolutely love and adore Rhinehart, he blew me away, I love, love, love him! All of him! There is so much to him, that the other books in this series have not revealed about him, he is fiercely loyal, protective, caring, understanding, non-judgemental and when he loves, he loves hard and with everything he has.
Xavier Neal truly puts you through the wringer with this story, it is not so much about the push and pull between two characters fighting their feelings, so much as finally going for what, and more importantly, WHO they wanted. They may have forgotten to explain their intentions at the start, that this was not some fling, it was the REAL thing, and here in lies their greatest issue, communication! I think we can all be guilty of this and this story pushes home how important communication is for every relationship!
The relationship between Rhinehart and Cash was intense in so many ways. Emotionally, sexually, their whole relationship is a strong, beautiful, breath-taking, swoon worthy, HOT powerful beauty, that I honestly could not get enough of. When they were on the same page, working together, not letting those outside voices try and weasel their way in, your heart swells with so much passion, it feels like it might burst with the overwhelming feeling of the love they share.
If you love MM Romance’s and enjoy a story that builds up your heart, close to bursting, to then rip it apart and then carefully, heartbreakingly, build it back up again, this story is for YOU!
Although Defenseman No.9 is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I was given this book in turn for an honest review.
Move over Vlasta Vipers hockey gods, the sweetest, strongest and sexiest member has arrived, and I absolutely love and adore Rhinehart, he blew me away, I love, love, love him! All of him! There is so much to him, that the other books in this series have not revealed about him, he is fiercely loyal, protective, caring, understanding, non-judgemental and when he loves, he loves hard and with everything he has.
Xavier Neal truly puts you through the wringer with this story, it is not so much about the push and pull between two characters fighting their feelings, so much as finally going for what, and more importantly, WHO they wanted. They may have forgotten to explain their intentions at the start, that this was not some fling, it was the REAL thing, and here in lies their greatest issue, communication! I think we can all be guilty of this and this story pushes home how important communication is for every relationship!
The relationship between Rhinehart and Cash was intense in so many ways. Emotionally, sexually, their whole relationship is a strong, beautiful, breath-taking, swoon worthy, HOT powerful beauty, that I honestly could not get enough of. When they were on the same page, working together, not letting those outside voices try and weasel their way in, your heart swells with so much passion, it feels like it might burst with the overwhelming feeling of the love they share.
If you love MM Romance’s and enjoy a story that builds up your heart, close to bursting, to then rip it apart and then carefully, heartbreakingly, build it back up again, this story is for YOU!
Although Defenseman No.9 is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
December 1, 2020
The defenseman review
Consent to love
Xavier Neal once again takes me on a journey that is familiar but completely unique as the people she creates.
I have enjoyed every Hockey God's story in this series but this one hits harder and I loved it. I am not a fan of MM. This one is different because their is a complete history and family and friends that make it so wonderful. The support of his true teammates and friends are amazing. Poppy, Tatum and Mo are the breath of fresh air and the smack of truth when it's needed.
The pure acceptance of each other off of the ice is what makes this series so wonderful. Rhinehart and Crash are magnificent. They fit together like love is supposed to. You will go through a range of emotions reading this story. I screamed in my head, growled, cried, cheered and even wanted to drop ax kick someone in this story. You will figure out once you read this.
I was blessed to receive an arc copy but I will still purchase this book. It's that good.
Warning:
If MM couples are not your thing that is fine but don't purchase or borrow this book and then give a bad review because you didn't agree with the sexuality. No author wants to be down graded for that. Poor storytelling and grammar errors fine, content to degree fine. But do not bring closed minded comments here. If you just don't like it, fine. Be respectful when reviewing someone's hard work. It is personal.
Consent to love
Xavier Neal once again takes me on a journey that is familiar but completely unique as the people she creates.
I have enjoyed every Hockey God's story in this series but this one hits harder and I loved it. I am not a fan of MM. This one is different because their is a complete history and family and friends that make it so wonderful. The support of his true teammates and friends are amazing. Poppy, Tatum and Mo are the breath of fresh air and the smack of truth when it's needed.
The pure acceptance of each other off of the ice is what makes this series so wonderful. Rhinehart and Crash are magnificent. They fit together like love is supposed to. You will go through a range of emotions reading this story. I screamed in my head, growled, cried, cheered and even wanted to drop ax kick someone in this story. You will figure out once you read this.
I was blessed to receive an arc copy but I will still purchase this book. It's that good.
Warning:
If MM couples are not your thing that is fine but don't purchase or borrow this book and then give a bad review because you didn't agree with the sexuality. No author wants to be down graded for that. Poor storytelling and grammar errors fine, content to degree fine. But do not bring closed minded comments here. If you just don't like it, fine. Be respectful when reviewing someone's hard work. It is personal.
December 3, 2020
Defenseman No. 9 is a m/m friends to lovers romance that is a great addition to the Hockey Gods Series. Hugo Rhinehart is a defenseman on the Vlasta University hockey team. He is extremely protective of his teammates and those he cares about. He has a secret though. One that could change everything. So he thinks.
Crash, a dancer, knows exactly who he is. There is no hiding it. Except he hides his true feelings for his best friend. Crash seems to get hurt by those around him because of his self destructive love like behavior. Hugo can’t stand to see it happen time and time again. Until one weekend changed everything between them.
Hugo and Crash are an amazing couple. They’ve been friends since they were kids but never more. Both felt that it could ruin their friendship. Their chemistry is spot on for maintaining the perfection relationship. The jock and the dancer have the moves create the perfect life long love story. Defenseman No. 9 is a m/m, friends-to-lovers sports romance that will dance its way through the iciest of hearts.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were not influenced by the author or her promotional team.
Crash, a dancer, knows exactly who he is. There is no hiding it. Except he hides his true feelings for his best friend. Crash seems to get hurt by those around him because of his self destructive love like behavior. Hugo can’t stand to see it happen time and time again. Until one weekend changed everything between them.
Hugo and Crash are an amazing couple. They’ve been friends since they were kids but never more. Both felt that it could ruin their friendship. Their chemistry is spot on for maintaining the perfection relationship. The jock and the dancer have the moves create the perfect life long love story. Defenseman No. 9 is a m/m, friends-to-lovers sports romance that will dance its way through the iciest of hearts.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were not influenced by the author or her promotional team.
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