How can they get past old wounds to find their perfect happy ending?
When winger Blake Conti signs with the national champion Bethesda Barracudas, he isn’t looking to get involved with anyone. Still bruised from an old relationship, his focus is on playing hockey. But when one of his new teammates turns out to be the hottest man he’s ever met, Blake wonders if he should reconsider his aversion to romance.
Mark Sakamoto—Sako—one of the Barracudas’ rising young stars, is immediately smitten with Blake. Deeply closeted because he fears revealing his sexuality to his family, Sako resists his attraction by using scorn and insults to push Blake away. Hurt by Sako’s behavior, Blake reacts in kind, and the two men are soon at war.
Just as their fighting threatens to disrupt the team, the unexpected happens, and Sako and Blake bond over a silly prank. Their newfound camaraderie soon develops into a relationship, and the men become inseparable. With “ice in public, heat in private” as their motto, they keep things secret, but as they fall for each other, Sako knows he has to tell his family the truth. He dreads their reaction, but it’s the only way he and Blake can live happily ever after.
Ice Devils is an enemies-to-lovers romance featuring scorching athletes, light-hearted comedy, riveting hockey, sweet-steamy romance, and a beautiful HEA.
I'm not gonna give this a proper review because I only read until 14% of the book.
But I will say this:
If you say that this story is enemies to lovers, how come you don't show why they hate each other? It only makes them look like idiots! Also, how come you make them kiss at 14% of the freaking book?!!!!! The author threw out the window what made this book promising AT 14%. WTF!!!
Enemies-to-lovers isn’t usually one of my favorite romance tropes but I really loved this book. All of the ice hockey books by this writing pair are connected but also can be read as complete standalones. Characters cross over from book-to-book but you won’t feel lost if you haven’t read the others. TBH it’s a bit puzzling to me that they haven’t linked them into a series as purists might want to read them in order.
The above information notwithstanding, I loved reading Blake and Sako’s story. Playing for the same team, they begin as adversaries sniping at each other every chance they get. After bonding over a prank, they become co-conspirators pulling more pranks on their teammates. Agreeing to be “ice in public, heat in private,” their behavior confuses many of their teammates; others suspect that there is more to their relationship than that of adversaries.
They take things pretty slow, trying not to let their nearly uncontrollable attraction to each other escalate their relationship too quickly. Most of this story is fairly angst free and there are several light-hearted moments. But conflict is often needed to keep readers interested and there are a couple of great scenes where their relationship nearly blows up. I really felt the connection between these two MCs, as well as the connection all of their teammates had to each other.
One of my favorite parts of this story, and one that made my eyes leak way too much, was when Sako came out to his family. If a writer can get me emotionally invested in a book (e.g., bring me to tears 😊) then it’s nearly a sure bet that I am loving everything about it; that definitely applied to this story.
I’m pretty sure the authors were dangling carrots at us for who the next story will be about and I can’t wait to read it.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Generally anything hockey-related and M/M is totally in my wheelhouse .... but I'm not a huge fan of "Ice Devils." Granted I have not read anything else in the hockey universe created by Taylor and Harwood and found it a bit frustrating that other Bethesda Barracudas players and their partners (who apparently each have a book about their own relationship) are all over the place and are very lightly explained. But that's on me, not the authors. (However, the authors explain on their website that all their books are written to be stand-alones.)
Where this didn't work for me was the enemies to lovers premise, which moves from two guys who hate each other's guts (okay, it was funny how Blake refers to Mark Sakamoto as "Sakashit") to almost instant relationship, love and lots and lots of calling each other "babe." As Mark and Blake are in their early 20's, they pull some terrible juvenile hockey pranks on their teammates, and in this sense they seem young and unaware of consequences. But, in matters of their budding relationship, they are very introspective and measured, as if they were working out of some "relationship bootcamp" manual.
There is a HEA, and relatively low angst romance (outside of a huge "miscommunication / misunderstanding / just TALK to each other, dammit!" situation), so this may be a case of "it's not you, it's me" and I plan to read a few more books in the series to get a better sense of the authors' universe. 3 stars.
Awww, I absolutely adored Ice Devils! While it's not quite part of a series, I recommend reading Nice Catching You since it's where Blake appeared first.
I loved Blake from the moment he showed up in NCY, he's so sweet, good-natured, and charismatic. He also has a naughtier side, loving to play pranks on his teammates, which is what makes him and Mark Sakamoto move past their prior animosity into a tentative friendship that quickly turns into more, but not before Sako messed things between them a few times. I liked Mark, even if it took me a while to get there. He did a few things that didn't endear him to me, but by the end, I was very invested in Blake and Mark getting their HEA (which was well worth the wait, btw).
Blake and Sako were great together, had amazing chemistry and I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship from enemies to friends to lovers.
I think one of my favorite parts of the book was a conversation Mark had with his parents. I found myself tearing up at the poignant scene. And like I've said before, one of the things I've liked the most about these books is the hockey action, Taylor and Harwood do a great job at making it relatable and fun to this hockey newbie.
Overall, this was a great read, fun and sweet and hot. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Another great hockey romance, full of heat, snark, and laughter. Ice Devils is a fun, but emotional read that will wind you up, and leave you spinning as Blake and Sako navigate through the ups and downs of their relationship. Catch up with old friends, and spend some time with a few new ones. Don't miss this incredibly well written romance.
I love enemies to lovers trope and fell in love with Sako and Blake’s story. The interactions and chemistry between them was so much fun. I loved how Sako and Blake teamed up together in doing the pranks. I think doing the pranks together helped them to drops their guards down and really get to know each other.
I loved the hockey game scenes. I could feel the excitement and frustrations of the games. When the guys were out with their teammates the conversations and the craziness felt real.
The cover is fantastic. I purchased both the paperback and the ebook. The paperback is a beautiful book and the quality is amazing. Another beautiful story of love and one that is a must read.
Another great installment in this series. I absolutely enjoyed Blake and Marc’s journey from enemies to lovers. The “Ice Devils” is a definitely a thing - spoilers aside there’s some hilarious antics brewing here. And the banter between these two as teammates made me laugh throughout the book.
Good times here. A little OD on the sex but that’s to be expected. And quite a few couples have emerged in this universe. It looks like another one could be brewing so I definitely look forward to the next story!
This is the first book I've read by these authors and I'm in love. Although part of a series, Ice Devils can be read as a standalone and you can bet that I'm going to pick up the other ones.
I adored the protagonists, Sako and Blake. I liked the contrasts in them personality-wise, and the authors did a great job of gradually building their backstories and showing their connection. Their antagonisms was entertaining, they had fun, bantering and laughing, which I found appealing, and I was delighted that it continued throughout the story. I enjoyed watching both evolve, as they realistically moved from enemies to casual allies, to friends and then lovers.
With a coming out trope added to the mix of hockey life, Ice Devils was a really fun, moving and well written romance that definitely establishes the authors as ones I'll definitely watch for in the future.
* Arc provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Add in two sexy, dominant athletes with a tender side and you have me hooked! This book had it all— intense passion, exciting hockey and some laugh out loud locker room pranks. One of the things I like most about the way these authors write is that their couples face whatever adversity there is, together. There are no contrived breakups or major miscommunications. Ice Devils is a romp but it is also a peek inside the minds and motivations of competitive professional athletes.These authors have grown with each book they’ve written and this , their tenth, is fantastic. I highly recommend this to everyone.
Every book gets better... I love that this hockey universe keeps expanding. This story is great on it's own, but you'll enjoy it even more if you follow the whole series. Thanks to the authors for imagining a world where all of these players can be who they are and find true love in unexpected places!
Ice Devils has so many elements that I love in a book. It has snarky humor, hockey, and sweet and sexy characters. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this book did not disappoint. Blake and Sako are such fun and likable characters and the banter between them had me laughing out loud. If I could give it more than five stars I would. I highly recommend this book.
Mark and Blake seemed to hate each other things had been heated since Blake was drafted the year before . When he finds out Sako is the one behind all the pranks he thinks if you can’t beat them join them and so the Ice Devils are born . Really enjoyed the push and pull between Sako and Conti and it really was a fine line between love and hate .
Struggled with this one, Blake and Mark don’t have the best chemistry to my mind, I didn’t understand their draw to each other. The book felt as if it were rushed and bits missing . Shame because it could have been better I felt. Entertaining non the less.
I’m so impressed by these characters and their ability to be a part of this community that is so passionate about their lives and how they’re able to make a difference for others. I can’t wait for more
Who would of thought Blake and Sako would make a great pair? Loved this story of the theme of Enemies to Lovers...looking forward to more from Ryan and Josh - could there be any more? Great work guys, loving your work.
Awww, I absolutely adored Ice Devils! While it's not quite part of a series, I recommend reading Nice Catching You since it's where Blake appeared first.
I loved Blake from the moment he showed up in NCY, he's so sweet, good-natured, and charismatic. He also has a naughtier side, loving to play pranks on his teammates, which is what makes him and Mark Sakamoto move past their prior animosity into a tentative friendship that quickly turns into more, but not before Sako messed things between them a few times. I liked Mark, even if it took me a while to get there. He did a few things that didn't endear him to me, but by the end, I was very invested in Blake and Mark getting their HEA (which was well worth the wait, btw).
Blake and Sako were great together, had amazing chemistry and I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship from enemies to friends to lovers.
I think one of my favorite parts of the book was a conversation Mark had with his parents. I found myself tearing up at the poignant scene. And like I've said before, one of the things I've liked the most about these books is the hockey action, Taylor and Harwood do a great job at making it relatable and fun to this hockey newbie.
You simply can't go wrong with a Nick J. Russo narration. His voice is youthful and he has this amazing and very pleasant timbre and wide range of different voices, not to mention fantastic comedic timing, which made listening to Ice Devils and Mark and Blake's story and their antics a great experience.
Overall, this was a great audiobook to listen to, fun and sweet and hot. Very recommendable!
Another sweet and full of good-feels romance from the married duo of Taylor and Harwood. They write down-to-earth stories centered around the theme of men finding their soul mates, and tons of ice hockey. You don’t need to enjoy the sport of hockey to appreciate their work but you must be a fan of a good HEA. The story is low in angst but full of love.
Blake has just signed on to the Barracudas and has found himself with a very obnoxious teammate. Mark better known as Sako just knows how to push his buttons with a constant stream of put-downs and insults. Blake gives as good as he gets, and the pair are openly hostile towards each other.
Yeah—you guessed it! Underneath the fury lies a whole ton of desire. The two men eventually join forces, and play some pretty hysterical pranks on their teammates. Soon they find their dislike fading, with it being replaced with attraction and respect. In private, they could melt the ice they skate on. In public, however, they keep up the pretense of disgust and anger. Sako is fearful he might lose his parents if he comes out, and Blake understands. The men soon realize staying secret isn’t an option the longer they are together. I ached for Sako as to how much he hated being a disappointment to his family.
Ironically I am not the least bit interested in hockey but I found myself really enjoying the tournament scenes. I highly urge you to read this tender story of finding happiness when you least expect it. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * * *
This book! Okay, I don’t know who started that rumor that men can’t write romance, because they obviously never read a Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood book. This is my second book by the R & J duo and it did not disappoint. NOT AT ALL. Seriously, they do enemies to lovers really well. They also write such sweet romantic scenes between Blake and Mark. I loved how once they became friends, Blake showed so much support and understanding for Mark and his feelings.
I’m a straight middle aged woman, I can not begin to understand the struggle that anyone who is gay must feel when trying to tell their families and friends. Reading a book like Ice Devils, feeling that fear come off the page, feeling the relief that Mark then felt. That’s descriptive writing at its best. I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Mark and his Mom and Dad too. I wanted to be a part of that celebration too.
This book had sweet, it had spicy, it had hockey moments. Basically, it had it all. I tend to get all caught up in the emotional moments, because again that’s my jam folks. If you haven’t read an R & J book before, GIVE THEM A TRY!! You won’t regret it. I’m including their book list as their characters tend to make reappearances in future books. I started with Ice Angels and still have to go back to the beginning with Nice Catching You. 😊
Blake Conti and Mark (Sako) Sakamoto play for the same ice hockey team, but don't always get on. They snipe at each other and are snarky when in each other’s presence. One day they pull a prank on their teammates and bond over the stunt. The prank is so successful they concoct even more.. The more and more time they spend together the more they realise they actually like each other, all while pranking their teammates. The chemistry between these to is so obvious, and perfect. They progress from somewhat enemies to friends to lovers.
Sako is not out to his family but with the support and love from Blake he finds the courage to do so.
This is yet another first class gook from Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood in their Bethesda Barracudas series. Like with the others this is wonderfully written and makes me connect with the story and characters. This is a re-raad for me and, once again it is better the second time around.
I love Blake and Mark's story. This is book #5 of the Bethesda Barracudas Hockey series by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood. It has been written to be read as a stand-alone, even though it's part of a series.
The author duo always writes real, authentically written stories of gay men falling in love and finding their own Happily Ever After (AKA HEA).
In this book, the "ice devils" Blake and Sako, pull various pranks on their teammates, who all take everything in stride.
If you have not read this book yet, I highly recommend you do.
What a wonderful story. Blake and Mark are so right for each other and fit together perfectly. The Authors, Joshua Harwood and Ryan Taylor did an exceptional job with these two. Love is Love and not everyone is going to understand but these two sure do and there hasn’t been a book yet that they haven’t written that I dislike. What a treat in this series and their other books. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a fun beautiful brilliant book. Ryan and Josh as their best. The book was fun, entertaining, it made me laugh and gasp from the sexiness of it. Continue and Sako were absolutely stunning and perfect for each other. The HEA was simply amazing and breathtaking.
Absolutely loved this whole series. Every character was truly unique. This book had everything, including the humour. I was laughing out loud reading about the pranks pulled on their fellow players - the taped skates and green goo was so funny. Hope there are going to be more books on these players.
Ah... I'm sad this is the final book in the series. At least I assume it is since it's been over a year and a half since this ones release. There are a few players I'd like to read with their own story. Especially Gags. I enjoyed Blake and Mark's journey. Their banter was great.
This is one of the best hockey stories. Their antics are fun and the love that developed between them was perfect. Great story. Fun to read. Another great book by great authors. Keep up the good work
This book is outstanding. About a third of the way in I did not want to stop reading. I had to read on to see what happened next. The characters are well developed. I laughed over their antics and and cried with their pain.
Loved all 1 - 5 books! I don't write spoilers. Laugh, cry, felt like I was at a fight and a hockey game broke out! Lol! Grew up outside of Detroit, RED WINGS! KUDOS! THANK YOU!