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Bethesda Barracudas Hockey #2
Fire in the Ice
What if love threatened to destroy everything you’d worked for?Hockey right winger Tyler Jensen isn’t thrilled to get the news he’s been traded to the Bethesda Barracudas. The team may be red-hot in the rankings, but there’s someone there he’d rather not see every day.Defenseman Kevin Moore is one of the top-rated rookies in the country. He’s living the dream playing for the Barracudas—until he hears his old high-school crush Tyler is joining the team. Ty was once everything Kev wanted, but their age difference got in the way. Tyler decided a three-year gap was too much and left Kevin behind.In Bethesda, it doesn’t take Tyler long to notice that Kevin has grown up into precisely the kind of man he can’t resist—brawny, brainy, and beautiful. Kev feels the pull too, and as the men become closer, they work hard to keep their budding relationship secret. Professional hockey may be welcoming gay players now, but Ty and Kev aren’t sure management would like the idea of two Barracudas taking teamwork to an entirely new level.As the playoffs loom, news of their romance gets out. Ty and Kev, caught in a storm of controversy that threatens to destroy them, need a power play to save their careers. How will they find one before it’s too late?Fire in the Ice delivers on the promise that second chances can work and dreams can come true. If you like exciting hockey, plenty of humor, a beautiful HEA, new adults, young athletes, and enough heat to burn down the house, this book is for you.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2021
170 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 17, 2021
Oh, absolutely not. DNF at 9% because the narrative of this has the same energy as one of those life insurance commercials where people hand each other papers on an office set while murmuring nonsense and then the guy in the suit turns and addresses the camera directly and asks about your "end of life planning." Everyone is blonde and it feels like someone is like, ten seconds from saying the word, "Jinkies" at any given moment. I gotta go.
Read
June 5, 2021DNF. This is a bit of a snooze fest. And just a hint: don't give names to dicks. They are not separate entities.
did-not-finish
October 14, 2021DNF @ 16%
Sorry, but I just don't have it in me to finish this one. The writing style feels like it's somewhere between middlegrade and YA, but the characters are supposed to be grown adults... who are acting like ridiculous children.
Both Kevin and Tyler have massive entitlement issues, though Kevin's are far worse.
It's just too much ridiculous, melodramatic, keep this shit between highschoolers where it makes sense drama. I made it all the way to the point where they were bickering at each other about it, with Kevin acting like the whole world fell apart because his friend he has a crush on doesn't text him every waking hour and Tyler not quite acknowledging that clearly his proposition had caused some damage. Just... stop. Stop it, grow up, act like adults, please.
Perhaps I'd have seen this through out of curiosity, if there were any other redeeming qualities. But honestly, I don't like the writing style. It's too rapid-fire, with random time skips between paragraphs sometimes. Characters are introduced with barely anything to associate them with, so they're impossible to keep track of as individuals. (Granted, I didn't realize I was reading the third book in a series, so maybe there's supposed to be assumed knowledge there?) And both Kevin and Tyler have chapters in their first person POVs - which already makes me grumpy, because I loathe jumping POVs when a story's told in first person - but their voices are so similar, it's almost impossible to tell them apart. Even when they're on the same page together, arguing.
The writing style just isn't for me. I'm not invested enough to make it through the ridiculous drama. However, I might still give the previous two books in the series a shot, if only because my experience has often been that book series get worse with time so there's potentially something good in the backlog.
Sorry, but I just don't have it in me to finish this one. The writing style feels like it's somewhere between middlegrade and YA, but the characters are supposed to be grown adults... who are acting like ridiculous children.
Both Kevin and Tyler have massive entitlement issues, though Kevin's are far worse.
It's just too much ridiculous, melodramatic, keep this shit between highschoolers where it makes sense drama. I made it all the way to the point where they were bickering at each other about it, with Kevin acting like the whole world fell apart because his friend he has a crush on doesn't text him every waking hour and Tyler not quite acknowledging that clearly his proposition had caused some damage. Just... stop. Stop it, grow up, act like adults, please.
Perhaps I'd have seen this through out of curiosity, if there were any other redeeming qualities. But honestly, I don't like the writing style. It's too rapid-fire, with random time skips between paragraphs sometimes. Characters are introduced with barely anything to associate them with, so they're impossible to keep track of as individuals. (Granted, I didn't realize I was reading the third book in a series, so maybe there's supposed to be assumed knowledge there?) And both Kevin and Tyler have chapters in their first person POVs - which already makes me grumpy, because I loathe jumping POVs when a story's told in first person - but their voices are so similar, it's almost impossible to tell them apart. Even when they're on the same page together, arguing.
The writing style just isn't for me. I'm not invested enough to make it through the ridiculous drama. However, I might still give the previous two books in the series a shot, if only because my experience has often been that book series get worse with time so there's potentially something good in the backlog.
August 27, 2021
In more capable hands, I'm sure this would have been a killer story. The potential was there.
However, I could never take anything seriously, because the writing was so silly. It was corny as hell, and not only the parts that could have allowed room for that to be the case: no, every single word was a cringefest of corniness.
I get that the authors' idea must have been to create a super positive climate for a context as tricky as homosexuality in sports, but it was all too much. Overkill doesn't begin to cover it.
The pace didn't do the story any favors, it was all happening either too slowly or too damn fast- with the awkward time skip here and there to top it all off. In the end, though, the one who kept skipping was me: I just couldn't handle the ridiculous, over-the-top sex scenes, and the nicknaming of the dicks. Just no.
I considered DNF-ing. More than once. However, I was still curious enough about where it all would lead to keep reading.
In the end, it wasn't worth it.
However, I could never take anything seriously, because the writing was so silly. It was corny as hell, and not only the parts that could have allowed room for that to be the case: no, every single word was a cringefest of corniness.
I get that the authors' idea must have been to create a super positive climate for a context as tricky as homosexuality in sports, but it was all too much. Overkill doesn't begin to cover it.
The pace didn't do the story any favors, it was all happening either too slowly or too damn fast- with the awkward time skip here and there to top it all off. In the end, though, the one who kept skipping was me: I just couldn't handle the ridiculous, over-the-top sex scenes, and the nicknaming of the dicks. Just no.
I considered DNF-ing. More than once. However, I was still curious enough about where it all would lead to keep reading.
In the end, it wasn't worth it.
May 4, 2022
This was painful. I think the only reason I finished was because this was an audiobook, I had a lot of mindless work, and I listened to it on x1.4.
Kevin and Tyler’s relationship read like a high school drama, they were so incredibly childish and ridiculous. It was just a drag. I couldn’t take them seriously at all. Kevin’s resentment of Tyler not wanting to be with him when they were 15 and 18 respectively was unfounded, Tyler was in the right.
Also, after they get together, ugh, the sappiness, the syrupy way they spoke to one another, ugh DONT NAME YOUR partners’ d**k and refer to it as another entity, God, this was just bad.
First and last reading these authors probably.
Kevin and Tyler’s relationship read like a high school drama, they were so incredibly childish and ridiculous. It was just a drag. I couldn’t take them seriously at all. Kevin’s resentment of Tyler not wanting to be with him when they were 15 and 18 respectively was unfounded, Tyler was in the right.
Also, after they get together, ugh, the sappiness, the syrupy way they spoke to one another, ugh DONT NAME YOUR partners’ d**k and refer to it as another entity, God, this was just bad.
First and last reading these authors probably.
May 19, 2021
Awesome, Sweet, hot, book!!!
I've been incredibly lucky lately, picking books where I really live the main characters !
Kevin and Tyler are hockey players who have known each other a Long time, and now play on the same hockey team. Both are great guys - people I'd love to hang out with - and that, for me, really makes a book great!
Excellent collection of supporting characters -- looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of these guys!!!
😎😎😎
I've been incredibly lucky lately, picking books where I really live the main characters !
Kevin and Tyler are hockey players who have known each other a Long time, and now play on the same hockey team. Both are great guys - people I'd love to hang out with - and that, for me, really makes a book great!
Excellent collection of supporting characters -- looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of these guys!!!
😎😎😎
May 17, 2021
Well written but way too corny.
Read
May 27, 2021DNF .. Boring. Very very boring.
January 4, 2026
Tyler and Kevin are super sweet! I liked the history they shared together and how low angst this was. The found family vibes were great and I loved getting to see Nick again.
September 1, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Loved Tyler and Kevin’s book . Lots of passion and chemistry with these two.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read
💋💋
Loved Tyler and Kevin’s book . Lots of passion and chemistry with these two.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read
May 17, 2021
Lovely story
So this is my first read from these authors and I’m impressed. This story was light and had just enough drama. The relationship between Kev and Tyler was beautifully done and I hope to see more of these two in the future! This book had me laughing, shouting and in some places crying both happy and sad tears but in the end this story was beautiful
So this is my first read from these authors and I’m impressed. This story was light and had just enough drama. The relationship between Kev and Tyler was beautifully done and I hope to see more of these two in the future! This book had me laughing, shouting and in some places crying both happy and sad tears but in the end this story was beautiful
May 17, 2021
So when you read a book in one sitting and that sitting keeps you awake until 5am you know it's a good book!! But, to be honest I knew I was going to love this book because I've loved them all. I'm not sure how Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood do it but they write these magnificent books that feel like if I stopped reading them before the end I'd stop breathing and die; they are that good.
Whilst this book is one of an ongoing series, R&J have written all of the books in such a way that they can be read as standalones. There are references that will make you want to go back and read the other books, and you definitely should, but you don't need to in order to enjoy the individual books.
But this book!! OMG! I can't say what I said to the authors as it would never be posted but this book is probably the hottest book I've read from them so far. R&J's ability to write s3xual chemistry and tension, is just phenomenal to the point that you feel it rolling off the screen of the kindle in waves like the sea against the shore. They seem to find exactly the right words and phrases to bring the reader into the scene to feel the emotion, the hurt, the joy, the anger, the passion, the love, the pain, the cold of the ice, the heat of the bedroom. It's all there contained in the clever wordsmithery of these two men.
The main characters of this book have been met before but this story takes place so many years later that you don't need to have read that book necessarily. They are both grown men now and know what they want in spite of past hurts; their lives have come together at the right time in the right place. Their complimentary characters are perfect and they are surrounded by the perfect cast of supporting characters for them, from family to friends and team mates. All of them bring elements of support, laughter and love; you can't even not like the baddies of the piece really.
The bottom line is that Ryan and Josh have written yet another beautiful, sensitive, hot as you like book about a topic close to their hearts and it shines through. It's one of their best and I'm totally recommending it to you for your kindle or book case today, along with the rest of the series, because you will not be disappointed. xx
I received a copy of this book from the authors and provide my honest review voluntarily.
Whilst this book is one of an ongoing series, R&J have written all of the books in such a way that they can be read as standalones. There are references that will make you want to go back and read the other books, and you definitely should, but you don't need to in order to enjoy the individual books.
But this book!! OMG! I can't say what I said to the authors as it would never be posted but this book is probably the hottest book I've read from them so far. R&J's ability to write s3xual chemistry and tension, is just phenomenal to the point that you feel it rolling off the screen of the kindle in waves like the sea against the shore. They seem to find exactly the right words and phrases to bring the reader into the scene to feel the emotion, the hurt, the joy, the anger, the passion, the love, the pain, the cold of the ice, the heat of the bedroom. It's all there contained in the clever wordsmithery of these two men.
The main characters of this book have been met before but this story takes place so many years later that you don't need to have read that book necessarily. They are both grown men now and know what they want in spite of past hurts; their lives have come together at the right time in the right place. Their complimentary characters are perfect and they are surrounded by the perfect cast of supporting characters for them, from family to friends and team mates. All of them bring elements of support, laughter and love; you can't even not like the baddies of the piece really.
The bottom line is that Ryan and Josh have written yet another beautiful, sensitive, hot as you like book about a topic close to their hearts and it shines through. It's one of their best and I'm totally recommending it to you for your kindle or book case today, along with the rest of the series, because you will not be disappointed. xx
I received a copy of this book from the authors and provide my honest review voluntarily.
September 4, 2024
We have met Tyler Jensen and Kevin Moore before in The New Next One, when they were both at college with Nick Johnson.
It has been a while since Tyler and Kev’s paths crossed, but now they play on the same Ice Hockey team. There is an instant connection again, but this time they are older. The chemistry and heat between them is apparent, as feelings start to re surface. Can they whether the media storm that will be heading their way and get their HEA.
This is the third book in Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood’s Bethesda Barracudas series. So far the whole series has been written so well, with such knowledge and descriptions, not just of the hockey but the character development too. These boys can do no wrong in my eyes, and they are my go to authors. I would read the phone book if they wrote it.
While it can be read as a standalone they are best read in order, as Tyler and Kev’s background is explained.
This second chance, hot and steamy book, is an incredible addition to the series.
You must read this series.
“As long as you're beside me, I’ll walk to the end of the earth”.
This is a re-read
It has been a while since Tyler and Kev’s paths crossed, but now they play on the same Ice Hockey team. There is an instant connection again, but this time they are older. The chemistry and heat between them is apparent, as feelings start to re surface. Can they whether the media storm that will be heading their way and get their HEA.
This is the third book in Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood’s Bethesda Barracudas series. So far the whole series has been written so well, with such knowledge and descriptions, not just of the hockey but the character development too. These boys can do no wrong in my eyes, and they are my go to authors. I would read the phone book if they wrote it.
While it can be read as a standalone they are best read in order, as Tyler and Kev’s background is explained.
This second chance, hot and steamy book, is an incredible addition to the series.
You must read this series.
“As long as you're beside me, I’ll walk to the end of the earth”.
This is a re-read
May 15, 2021
5 Stars
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood wrote a book that is beyond phenomenal. Fire in the Ice captivated me right away. I read it within two days. The characters will pull you in instantly, and the writing will have you feeling like you're experiencing it along with them.
Kevin has been in love with Tyler for years. When they are reunited in Bethesda, Washington—to play hockey together—they don't realize sparks of love are about to develop. It was a joy to watch!
I loved the characters in this book and can easily imagine myself befriending them. I cried, laughed, and rooted for them from beginning to end. I cannot recommend this book enough; you need to read it.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood wrote a book that is beyond phenomenal. Fire in the Ice captivated me right away. I read it within two days. The characters will pull you in instantly, and the writing will have you feeling like you're experiencing it along with them.
Kevin has been in love with Tyler for years. When they are reunited in Bethesda, Washington—to play hockey together—they don't realize sparks of love are about to develop. It was a joy to watch!
I loved the characters in this book and can easily imagine myself befriending them. I cried, laughed, and rooted for them from beginning to end. I cannot recommend this book enough; you need to read it.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
May 19, 2021
Fire in the Ice is a wonderful story with well developed characters. You can tell the authors put their heart and soul into this book. The story is full of emotion I found myself laughing, crying, feeling anger towards certain characters and finally overwhelming joy at the end. Thanks to the book being centered around a hockey team and learning hockey references, I am finding myself watching hockey games and being able to understand and enjoy the sport. Thank you to Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood for giving me the knowledge to enjoy a new hobby and for continuing to write amazing stories. I cannot wait to see what they have in store for their readers next.
July 24, 2024
I kept trying to like this book, but it’s just so shallow, juvenile, and pedantic. The characters lack depth and speak like 12 year olds. They usually do The Right Thing™️, following a script of perfect understanding and sensitivity. Occasionally they make mistakes but they learn a valuable lesson. It’s like watching an after school special with sex scenes that would have been hot if they didn’t do things like talk about their penises in the third person. I cringed a lot.
June 10, 2021
Minimal angst. Predictable. Lots of hockey. Easy read. Found myself skimming lots of text as it just didn’t grab me. Referrals to cocks as Apollo and Hercules got very tiresome after awhile.
Read
July 12, 2021Couldn’t get into it. Maybe will try again later
March 22, 2022
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After recently listening to the audiobook "Nice Catching You" by these two authors and being completely enthralled, I was very happy to hear that another audiobook by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood has been released.
I love their writing style because it is heartwarming. The story hooked me from the beginning, it's emotionally written, has ups and downs and great characters.
It's not hard to fall in love with Kevin and Tyler. They were drawn very vividly, so as a listener I really enjoyed following them on their journey. Of course, Nick J. Russo, who brilliantly voiced Kevin and Tyler's story, also contributed to this. I absolutely loved the game in the stadium when the Barracudas were playing for a spot in the PlayOffs. It was almost as if you were there yourself. Magnificent.
Kevin and Tyler have known each other for a long time, their paths have crossed every now and then and then lost each other again. Now they play on the same hockey team and you can feel the attraction and the sparks that fly between them. Kevin and Tyler are very likeable and captured my heart in an instant. But how do the two of them handle it when the press suddenly makes a huge fuss about their relationship? Tyler and Kevin have to deal with difficulties that were portrayed very realistically, there is some drama but there is also a lot of support.
I was very happy to meet again some characters from the previous book. However, you can read "Fire in the Ice" independently and as a standalone. But for me, it added to the fun of reading that I already knew the backstories of the secondary characters.
This book is another intriguing, entertaining, and diverting story from the pens of two very talented authors.
Nick J. Russo did a terrific job of capturing the characters. I love the way he brought the story to life. He is very good at portraying the emotions of the protagonists and he has a pleasant voice that pulled me along as a listener. As always, it was a pleasure to listen to Nick J. Russo with his great, talented voice and pleasant storytelling pace.
Highly recommended!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After recently listening to the audiobook "Nice Catching You" by these two authors and being completely enthralled, I was very happy to hear that another audiobook by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood has been released.
I love their writing style because it is heartwarming. The story hooked me from the beginning, it's emotionally written, has ups and downs and great characters.
It's not hard to fall in love with Kevin and Tyler. They were drawn very vividly, so as a listener I really enjoyed following them on their journey. Of course, Nick J. Russo, who brilliantly voiced Kevin and Tyler's story, also contributed to this. I absolutely loved the game in the stadium when the Barracudas were playing for a spot in the PlayOffs. It was almost as if you were there yourself. Magnificent.
Kevin and Tyler have known each other for a long time, their paths have crossed every now and then and then lost each other again. Now they play on the same hockey team and you can feel the attraction and the sparks that fly between them. Kevin and Tyler are very likeable and captured my heart in an instant. But how do the two of them handle it when the press suddenly makes a huge fuss about their relationship? Tyler and Kevin have to deal with difficulties that were portrayed very realistically, there is some drama but there is also a lot of support.
I was very happy to meet again some characters from the previous book. However, you can read "Fire in the Ice" independently and as a standalone. But for me, it added to the fun of reading that I already knew the backstories of the secondary characters.
This book is another intriguing, entertaining, and diverting story from the pens of two very talented authors.
Nick J. Russo did a terrific job of capturing the characters. I love the way he brought the story to life. He is very good at portraying the emotions of the protagonists and he has a pleasant voice that pulled me along as a listener. As always, it was a pleasure to listen to Nick J. Russo with his great, talented voice and pleasant storytelling pace.
Highly recommended!
February 12, 2022
🏳️🌈📚 Fire In The Ice by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
{{Must read Nice Catching You & The New Next One to really understand the baseline of Kevin and Tyler's story}}
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
Synopsis:
What happens when your high school crush is traded to your team?
7/8 years later, you find out, and along with it, you get enough tension between the two of you; you could start a fire 🔥🔥🔥
After a little bit of work, Tyler and Kevin settle the disagreements between them and become a power couple!! I loved being able to see Kevin get the one man he's always ever wanted while Tyler sees Kevin for the man he's become and not the freshman crush that might've been! After an unfortunate "scandal," Kevin and Tyler are outed as couple and thrown into a harsh reality of bigotry! Can they withstand what's being thrown at them, or will everything they have worked so hard for come crashing down?!?!?
READ AND FIND OUT 🖤🖤🖤🖤 I 💯💯💯 PERCENT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!! Trust me, you WILL NOT be disappointed!!!!
Also, if you love hockey, then this book is where it's at! Not only a story following the relationship of these men, but you also get some real hockey focal points 🖤🖤
I honestly feel like Ryan and Josh outdid themselves with this one‼️‼️‼️‼️ I've been a fan from book one, and my love for their work just continues to grow!!!!❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
#mmromance #gayromance #hockeyromance #bookrecommendations #bookreview #loverofbooks #bookblogger #bookreviewer #booksofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookshelf #booklover #readthis #readersofinstagram #kindleunlimited #kindlebooks #fireintheice #romancereader #booknerd #sportsromance
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
{{Must read Nice Catching You & The New Next One to really understand the baseline of Kevin and Tyler's story}}
▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
Synopsis:
What happens when your high school crush is traded to your team?
7/8 years later, you find out, and along with it, you get enough tension between the two of you; you could start a fire 🔥🔥🔥
After a little bit of work, Tyler and Kevin settle the disagreements between them and become a power couple!! I loved being able to see Kevin get the one man he's always ever wanted while Tyler sees Kevin for the man he's become and not the freshman crush that might've been! After an unfortunate "scandal," Kevin and Tyler are outed as couple and thrown into a harsh reality of bigotry! Can they withstand what's being thrown at them, or will everything they have worked so hard for come crashing down?!?!?
READ AND FIND OUT 🖤🖤🖤🖤 I 💯💯💯 PERCENT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!! Trust me, you WILL NOT be disappointed!!!!
Also, if you love hockey, then this book is where it's at! Not only a story following the relationship of these men, but you also get some real hockey focal points 🖤🖤
I honestly feel like Ryan and Josh outdid themselves with this one‼️‼️‼️‼️ I've been a fan from book one, and my love for their work just continues to grow!!!!❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
#mmromance #gayromance #hockeyromance #bookrecommendations #bookreview #loverofbooks #bookblogger #bookreviewer #booksofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookshelf #booklover #readthis #readersofinstagram #kindleunlimited #kindlebooks #fireintheice #romancereader #booknerd #sportsromance
March 20, 2022
⏤ 5 Maple Leaf ALC Review ⏤
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑳𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐, 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚! 𝑨𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉."
Kevin and Tyler knew each other at prep school but things ended out of nowhere. Now years later, they are on the same hockey team, older, and still have lingering feelings for each other. When a media controversy threatens to destroy them, they will need to survive the shootout to survive.
An entertaining and emotionally heartfelt story. I laughed out loud, had tears in my eyes and my heart was so full by the end of the book. Kevin and Tyler are adorable and have undeniably hot chemistry. I loved the banter and connections between all of the characters and can not wait for the next player to get their book.
Nick J. Russo has done another phenomenal job narrating and making a single narration seem like a duet. He nailed the voices of Kevin and Tyler perfectly and brought the story to life.
Fire in the Ice by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood is an mm, sports (hockey), friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, teammates-to-lovers, second chance romance told in the dual first-person point-of-view.
*advanced copy kindly provided and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑳𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐, 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚! 𝑨𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉."
Kevin and Tyler knew each other at prep school but things ended out of nowhere. Now years later, they are on the same hockey team, older, and still have lingering feelings for each other. When a media controversy threatens to destroy them, they will need to survive the shootout to survive.
An entertaining and emotionally heartfelt story. I laughed out loud, had tears in my eyes and my heart was so full by the end of the book. Kevin and Tyler are adorable and have undeniably hot chemistry. I loved the banter and connections between all of the characters and can not wait for the next player to get their book.
Nick J. Russo has done another phenomenal job narrating and making a single narration seem like a duet. He nailed the voices of Kevin and Tyler perfectly and brought the story to life.
Fire in the Ice by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood is an mm, sports (hockey), friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, teammates-to-lovers, second chance romance told in the dual first-person point-of-view.
*advanced copy kindly provided and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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October 25, 2022
Better than book 1…
Praise the Hockey Gods for fewer bathroom references. Seriously, that was what stood out from book 1.
Written in dual first person POV. Good amount of M/M sexy times. There was some snarky humor but I wanted the pranks that hockey players (or professional athletes in general) are known for. Just like in book 1, there was anatomy naming that was overused. Has a HEA but the epilogue didn’t do much beyond introduce a new guy that is NOT one of the main characters of book 4.
It is not necessary to read books one and two first but it was helpful. Book 1 is about Nick (Barracudas captain) and Jacob (law student) and takes place while Nick is finishing undergrad and Jacob is finishing law school. Book 2 is entirely from Nick’s POV and takes place during the last couple of months of high school when he first starts dating Tyler and Kev is just starting high school. There is a 3 year age difference.
After reading books 1 and 2, the blurb for book 3 didn’t make sense. Ty was 18 and in a relationship with Nick. Kev was only 15 and those 3 years are a huge difference. Ty didn’t decide that the age difference should keep him and Kev apart. Instead, it was Ty’s relationship with Nick and the fact that they were going to college and Kev would be left behind.
I’m also not a fan of book blurbs (or even titles) that spoil something that happens later in the book. Book 1 is part of the Barracudas series but that team isn’t even mentioned until the last couple pages of the book - totally spoiling Nick’s decision. The relationship in this book isn’t “outed” until after 60%.
Praise the Hockey Gods for fewer bathroom references. Seriously, that was what stood out from book 1.
Written in dual first person POV. Good amount of M/M sexy times. There was some snarky humor but I wanted the pranks that hockey players (or professional athletes in general) are known for. Just like in book 1, there was anatomy naming that was overused. Has a HEA but the epilogue didn’t do much beyond introduce a new guy that is NOT one of the main characters of book 4.
It is not necessary to read books one and two first but it was helpful. Book 1 is about Nick (Barracudas captain) and Jacob (law student) and takes place while Nick is finishing undergrad and Jacob is finishing law school. Book 2 is entirely from Nick’s POV and takes place during the last couple of months of high school when he first starts dating Tyler and Kev is just starting high school. There is a 3 year age difference.
After reading books 1 and 2, the blurb for book 3 didn’t make sense. Ty was 18 and in a relationship with Nick. Kev was only 15 and those 3 years are a huge difference. Ty didn’t decide that the age difference should keep him and Kev apart. Instead, it was Ty’s relationship with Nick and the fact that they were going to college and Kev would be left behind.
I’m also not a fan of book blurbs (or even titles) that spoil something that happens later in the book. Book 1 is part of the Barracudas series but that team isn’t even mentioned until the last couple pages of the book - totally spoiling Nick’s decision. The relationship in this book isn’t “outed” until after 60%.
April 2, 2022
This was a sweet, low angst read that I really enjoyed. I haven't read the first in this series but will be going back to remedy that to see how Nick and Jacob get together.
In Fire in the Ice we get Kevin and Tyler's story, they knew each other in school and stayed in touch for years, Kev always had a huge crush on Tyler, but Tyler thought he was too you, and he was in love with NIck anyway. (Tyler and Nick's story is in a novella which I haven't read either).
When this story starts Tyler has been traded to the Bethesda Barracudas, Kevin and Nick's team and while Nick is happy to be able to play with Tyler again, Kev is not. Their friendship was seen by both very differently and Tyler's decision to not keep up the communication between them has led to Kev feeling pretty hurt.
After the initial passive/aggressive behaviour from Kevin, the two eventually sit down and communicate and from then on love is on the cards. I loved that they communicated how they felt, that they weren't afraid to show each other how they felt and that because of their past history they were comfortable with each other and pet names came easily (I can't say I really liked the whole giving their dicks a name, but each to their own).
The sad part about their blossoming relationship was that they had to keep it a secret from their friends and teammates. The NHL and its fans have become more tolerant of LGBT+ players, but it seems two players on the same team being in a relationship might be too much. There was plenty of secrecy, drama and worry about being found out and then when they are found out, everything comes to a head.
I liked that the majority of their team and the hierarchy were supportive of their relationship, some of the behaviours, well, one in particular shocked me, but mostly everyone was great. I'm not sure how true to life this is in the hockey (or sports) world, but I like that in fiction it can play out the way I wish it would in the real world.
I enjoyed the guys' parents hitting it off the way they did, there were some amusing scenes with Tyler's dad and Kev's mum. I also loved how supportive they all were of each other, just how a family should be.
I'm looking forward to reading Ice Angles because one of my favourite characters was Cleevs and he gets his story in this one.
In Fire in the Ice we get Kevin and Tyler's story, they knew each other in school and stayed in touch for years, Kev always had a huge crush on Tyler, but Tyler thought he was too you, and he was in love with NIck anyway. (Tyler and Nick's story is in a novella which I haven't read either).
When this story starts Tyler has been traded to the Bethesda Barracudas, Kevin and Nick's team and while Nick is happy to be able to play with Tyler again, Kev is not. Their friendship was seen by both very differently and Tyler's decision to not keep up the communication between them has led to Kev feeling pretty hurt.
After the initial passive/aggressive behaviour from Kevin, the two eventually sit down and communicate and from then on love is on the cards. I loved that they communicated how they felt, that they weren't afraid to show each other how they felt and that because of their past history they were comfortable with each other and pet names came easily (I can't say I really liked the whole giving their dicks a name, but each to their own).
The sad part about their blossoming relationship was that they had to keep it a secret from their friends and teammates. The NHL and its fans have become more tolerant of LGBT+ players, but it seems two players on the same team being in a relationship might be too much. There was plenty of secrecy, drama and worry about being found out and then when they are found out, everything comes to a head.
I liked that the majority of their team and the hierarchy were supportive of their relationship, some of the behaviours, well, one in particular shocked me, but mostly everyone was great. I'm not sure how true to life this is in the hockey (or sports) world, but I like that in fiction it can play out the way I wish it would in the real world.
I enjoyed the guys' parents hitting it off the way they did, there were some amusing scenes with Tyler's dad and Kev's mum. I also loved how supportive they all were of each other, just how a family should be.
I'm looking forward to reading Ice Angles because one of my favourite characters was Cleevs and he gets his story in this one.
May 17, 2021
Fire, Ice and a Beautiful Love
This was a beautiful love story that endured years even though Tyler and Kevin had plenty of obstacles to overcome before they got their second chance at a HEA. Kevin was only 15 years old when they first met and played hockey together and Tyler at 18 thought of him as a kid, but a special one and he was drawn to him. Kevin fell in love with him from the off and continued to reach out to Tyler over the years even as Tyler got on with his life and withdrew. When Tyler found himself drafted to Kevin’s team Kevin treated him with contempt and avoided him when he could but with forgiveness came a beautiful love.
This book covered the difficulties gay athletes face and how important it is to have a strong support system, when your teammates and management stand strong beside you it makes it all more bearable.
There are lots of wonderful characters in this book helping to take you on Tyler and Kevin’s journey and it was brought to a heartwarming close that brought tears to my eyes.
I really enjoy Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood’s style of writing, it’s very descriptive and draws you in so you feel an affinity with the characters.
This was a beautiful love story that endured years even though Tyler and Kevin had plenty of obstacles to overcome before they got their second chance at a HEA. Kevin was only 15 years old when they first met and played hockey together and Tyler at 18 thought of him as a kid, but a special one and he was drawn to him. Kevin fell in love with him from the off and continued to reach out to Tyler over the years even as Tyler got on with his life and withdrew. When Tyler found himself drafted to Kevin’s team Kevin treated him with contempt and avoided him when he could but with forgiveness came a beautiful love.
This book covered the difficulties gay athletes face and how important it is to have a strong support system, when your teammates and management stand strong beside you it makes it all more bearable.
There are lots of wonderful characters in this book helping to take you on Tyler and Kevin’s journey and it was brought to a heartwarming close that brought tears to my eyes.
I really enjoy Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood’s style of writing, it’s very descriptive and draws you in so you feel an affinity with the characters.
May 15, 2021
I love everything Ryan and Joshua write, and I think they are getting better every time. If you are a hockey fan, this is definitely a book for you! I learned so much about the game and the team culture from their descriptions and the conversations between the two MCs, their teammates, and the team staff. Tyler and Kevin are not new characters in the Ryan/Joshua universe. We met them in The New Next One, where Tyler is the first love of Nick from Nice Catching You and Kevin is the younger tagalong friend.
You can certainly read this as a standalone book, but I'm betting that you're going to want the back story. I personally would read them in the order written - Nice Catching You, The New Next One, and the Fire in the Ice - or you can read the chronologically - TNNO, NCY, and then FITI... just be sure the read this one, because it looks forward to a day we hope will come sooner rather than later - when people just get to play a sport because they are good at it, and where no one will care who they love. Good job, guys! It's definitely a keeper...
You can certainly read this as a standalone book, but I'm betting that you're going to want the back story. I personally would read them in the order written - Nice Catching You, The New Next One, and the Fire in the Ice - or you can read the chronologically - TNNO, NCY, and then FITI... just be sure the read this one, because it looks forward to a day we hope will come sooner rather than later - when people just get to play a sport because they are good at it, and where no one will care who they love. Good job, guys! It's definitely a keeper...
February 6, 2023
This is my favorite book in the series
4⭐/ 2🌶️
Hockey Romance ✔
Forced Proximity ✔
Friends to Lovers ✔
Enemies to Lovers ✔
The Bethesda Barracuda’s Hockey Team stole a bit of my heart. I literally couldn’t review them individually because I binged them back/back/back.
The first two books, Nice Catching You and The New Next One read younger than the last 3 in the series. I’m not sure if it was an intentional choice by the authors because the characters were teenagers/young adults during the period these books took place or if the authors themselves matured in their writing.
I’m not sure what it is about hockey romances but they are the best. I especially love this series because of the bonds the characters have with each other and with the other members of the league. It’s these connections which give the series so much heart. Nick Johnson is the heart of this series and it is his story which inspires the rest. Although Nick is integral, he was not my favorite in the series. My favorite was Kevvy & Tyler’s story. I’m not usually a fan of second chance stories, but honestly this only qualifies in name only. Their relationship was more friends to lovers than second chance.
As far as I’m aware this series may be complete but there is still one story I hope gets told. I’m looking at you Gags.
4⭐/ 2🌶️
Hockey Romance ✔
Forced Proximity ✔
Friends to Lovers ✔
Enemies to Lovers ✔
The Bethesda Barracuda’s Hockey Team stole a bit of my heart. I literally couldn’t review them individually because I binged them back/back/back.
The first two books, Nice Catching You and The New Next One read younger than the last 3 in the series. I’m not sure if it was an intentional choice by the authors because the characters were teenagers/young adults during the period these books took place or if the authors themselves matured in their writing.
I’m not sure what it is about hockey romances but they are the best. I especially love this series because of the bonds the characters have with each other and with the other members of the league. It’s these connections which give the series so much heart. Nick Johnson is the heart of this series and it is his story which inspires the rest. Although Nick is integral, he was not my favorite in the series. My favorite was Kevvy & Tyler’s story. I’m not usually a fan of second chance stories, but honestly this only qualifies in name only. Their relationship was more friends to lovers than second chance.
As far as I’m aware this series may be complete but there is still one story I hope gets told. I’m looking at you Gags.
May 12, 2022
New writers to me
I've never been into Ice Hockey, and it's not really that big in the UK, so I usually pass by books about it. However, I am part of Ryan and Joshua's Facebook group, and when I saw this book was on audio, I gave it a try, and yes, I'm now converted.
I love their style of writing. The characters had a great backstory and were well rounded. I loved that the two main characters had some history but not as lovers.
All in all, I would recommend this book and will look for more audibles by this couple.
The narration by Nick J Russo was on point. He got excited at the right spots and let me feel like I was actually at the game. I sped up the narration to 1.50 on Audible, which is my norm.
Fire in the Ice
By: Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.50 speed on Audible
I've never been into Ice Hockey, and it's not really that big in the UK, so I usually pass by books about it. However, I am part of Ryan and Joshua's Facebook group, and when I saw this book was on audio, I gave it a try, and yes, I'm now converted.
I love their style of writing. The characters had a great backstory and were well rounded. I loved that the two main characters had some history but not as lovers.
All in all, I would recommend this book and will look for more audibles by this couple.
The narration by Nick J Russo was on point. He got excited at the right spots and let me feel like I was actually at the game. I sped up the narration to 1.50 on Audible, which is my norm.
Fire in the Ice
By: Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.50 speed on Audible
Read
June 16, 2021DNF - this book is just not for me. These guys were all over the place emotionally, and I had whiplash before I was even 1/4 of the way in. I didn’t like the petty grudges that were built up into hard lines only to be discarded after too soft and swift resolutions.
Overall I like the premise - mm hockey romance is
definitely something I love reading in all its forms and many tropes. Three former teammates reunited after a blockbuster trade should have paid off huge in the entertainment and wow factor, but instead I felt like I didn’t get to know Nick, Tyler and Kevin or their friendships/relationships to any degree. Definitely not in the way that would have me riveted to the page and hanging on every word. In the end I didn’t feel the connection and I couldn’t tolerate the emotional immaturity.
Overall I like the premise - mm hockey romance is
definitely something I love reading in all its forms and many tropes. Three former teammates reunited after a blockbuster trade should have paid off huge in the entertainment and wow factor, but instead I felt like I didn’t get to know Nick, Tyler and Kevin or their friendships/relationships to any degree. Definitely not in the way that would have me riveted to the page and hanging on every word. In the end I didn’t feel the connection and I couldn’t tolerate the emotional immaturity.
November 24, 2021
This is a friends/crushes to sort-of-enemies to lovers hockey romance. Kev and Tyler knew each other in prep school but there were too many factors that made them getting together not a good idea. Years later they are now on the same pro hockey team, but one of them is harboring a bit of a grudge. But the one thing I have found with these authors is that once the guys start acting on what they want they tend to go all in and there is not a whole lot of unnecessary recurring relationship angst and the problems are more about external factors. This deals with gay players in the world of hockey, privacy, coming out, and pushing boundaries. It shows how important it is to have the support of friends and the team. I really liked Kev and Tyler together and the fact that they were not afraid to show emotion and be vulnerable.
May 15, 2021
This wasn’t just a book, but more so a beautiful and soulful journey. Tyler and Kevin have scorching hot chemistry starting on the first page, but this book goes much deeper. They learn that their love can endure the toughest of trials as long as they face them together. This book made me laugh, cry and weak in the knees. We also get to see some old friends while meeting a host of fun new characters.
I would be seriously remiss if I did not acknowledge that this is a book that will make a difference in lives. There are so many athletes who are forced to live in the shadows in order to play the sport they love. This book and these authors are giving them a voice and hope.
The only bad part about this book was that it ended! If I could give it more than five stars, I would!
I would be seriously remiss if I did not acknowledge that this is a book that will make a difference in lives. There are so many athletes who are forced to live in the shadows in order to play the sport they love. This book and these authors are giving them a voice and hope.
The only bad part about this book was that it ended! If I could give it more than five stars, I would!
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