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Him #1
Him
ŷ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2015)
They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?
Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.
Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.
Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.
Warning: contains sexual situations, hotties on hockey skates, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.
Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.
Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.
Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.
Warning: contains sexual situations, hotties on hockey skates, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.
360 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2015
3,930 people are currently reading
73.7k people want to read
About the author
Sarina Bowen
99books17.9kfollowers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the series, and the series. She's the co-author of and the with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete of Sarina's books on her website. Or see from Sarina, and so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,765 reviews
August 3, 2015
Fine, I'll admit it: I was wary going in.
Sometimes when a book is so hyped up, it falls short of expectations. Plus, the authors write mainly M/F, and I did not want a Chicks with Dicks repeat.
Thankfully, what I got was Hockey Players with Dicks.
I approve.
Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning are CRAZY HAWT together, and the sex scenes are through the roof scorching.
Jamie figures out he's bi, not just gay for Ryan, which I appreciated (I'm not a fan of GFY, as it mostly strikes me as false).
The alternative first-person POVs worked fairly well. I did not have trouble figuring out who was talking.
Some of the dialogue is a little juvenile, as other reviewers have pointed out, but considering that the MCs are 22 and grew up in locker rooms, I found their sometimes crass way of talking believable.
After all, they are jocks, and this is what (many) jocks are like.
Plus, when the MCs are alone, their friendship transcends pranks and teasing.
I loved the synergy between these two!
I know next to nothing about hockey, but the sports talk didn't overwhelm the story.
Honorable mentions go to:
-Coach Pat
-Jamie's funfuckingtastic family & their FB responses
-Holly for not being a bitch
-Condom sofa
-Awkward yet steamy sex fest in the backseat of a (rather) small car
-Ryan's tattoo (*grabs a tissue*)
-Totes feel-good HEA
Jamie does muse about female anatomy too often at the beginning. I could have done without the many mentions of tits and pussy, fuck you very much.
But I enjoyed this fairly low angst, sexy as hell, and ultimately sweet estranged-BFFs-to-lovers story.
Sometimes when a book is so hyped up, it falls short of expectations. Plus, the authors write mainly M/F, and I did not want a Chicks with Dicks repeat.
Thankfully, what I got was Hockey Players with Dicks.
I approve.
Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning are CRAZY HAWT together, and the sex scenes are through the roof scorching.
Jamie figures out he's bi, not just gay for Ryan, which I appreciated (I'm not a fan of GFY, as it mostly strikes me as false).
The alternative first-person POVs worked fairly well. I did not have trouble figuring out who was talking.
Some of the dialogue is a little juvenile, as other reviewers have pointed out, but considering that the MCs are 22 and grew up in locker rooms, I found their sometimes crass way of talking believable.
After all, they are jocks, and this is what (many) jocks are like.
Plus, when the MCs are alone, their friendship transcends pranks and teasing.
I loved the synergy between these two!
I know next to nothing about hockey, but the sports talk didn't overwhelm the story.
Honorable mentions go to:
-Coach Pat
-Jamie's funfuckingtastic family & their FB responses
-Holly for not being a bitch
-Condom sofa
-Awkward yet steamy sex fest in the backseat of a (rather) small car
-Ryan's tattoo (*grabs a tissue*)
-Totes feel-good HEA
Jamie does muse about female anatomy too often at the beginning. I could have done without the many mentions of tits and pussy, fuck you very much.
But I enjoyed this fairly low angst, sexy as hell, and ultimately sweet estranged-BFFs-to-lovers story.
May 23, 2024
Re-read 2/2017: This was the first MM romance I have ever read and it blew me away. I have read it 7 times so far and I will definitely keep on rereading it.
I absolutely love Wes and Jamie.
Re-read 3/2018
Re-read 1/2020: No matter how many times I reread this, it always gives me the same feelings. One of my favourite books with one of my favourite couples ever.
Re-read 1/2021: Listened to the audiobook. 5 stars
Re-read 3/2022
Re-read 1/2023
Re-read 5/2024: Read the paperback edition
I absolutely love Wes and Jamie.
Re-read 3/2018
Re-read 1/2020: No matter how many times I reread this, it always gives me the same feelings. One of my favourite books with one of my favourite couples ever.
Re-read 1/2021: Listened to the audiobook. 5 stars
Re-read 3/2022
Re-read 1/2023
Re-read 5/2024: Read the paperback edition
June 13, 2016
Him, HIM, HIIIIMMMMMMMM!!!
Easily one of my favorite books from this year. Easily. And raise your hand if you are surprised??
*crickets*
This book was aaaammmmmaaaazzziiiinnnggg!
I started listening to this book on a road trip with one of my friends, and let me tell you, that car got STEAMY. This book is HOT, and when I got home from the trip, I spent the next five hours listening so I could hear how it ended!
The audio for this book was really, really excellent, and a good audiobook always bumps up my rating and improves my feelings about a story. There are two narrators for this story, , who did the voice of Jamie Canning, and , who did the voice of Ryan Wesley. I preferred the narration of for his sexy, understated performance, but both guys did a PHENOMENAL job. There was so much emotion, so much talent in their voices that I KNOW that both of these guys will be on my audiobook radar. Why don't more M/M authors (or M/F, for that matter), use them!? These guys are A-team material!
But the story is what got me. Just right in the feels! I just DIED over it. First of all, I'm a huge fan of sexual discovery stories, as I'll call them, and I LOVED discovering Jamie's bisexuality along with him. And loooord, you guys know I love a . Those sex scenes were SMOKING HOT, with so much sexual tension that I was at the edge of my seat.
I'm not usually one to go gaga for sports romance or big, muscle-men, but I think hockey might be the spot where I make my exception. In fact, I've had a great string of sports romances lately, so maybe I should change my tune. Everything in this book, from the hockey details to the kids they coached to the friends-to-lovers story arc, just hit the right note for me.
This book was veeerrryyy close to making my all-time favorites list, which I'm very exclusive with, and I'm still debating adding this one. It was one of those stories that made me choke up with emotion, and left me feeling raw and happy and overwhelmed. The LOVE is there and so powerful.
Awesome job, and . You both became auto-buy authors for me.
Easily one of my favorite books from this year. Easily. And raise your hand if you are surprised??
*crickets*
This book was aaaammmmmaaaazzziiiinnnggg!
I started listening to this book on a road trip with one of my friends, and let me tell you, that car got STEAMY. This book is HOT, and when I got home from the trip, I spent the next five hours listening so I could hear how it ended!
The audio for this book was really, really excellent, and a good audiobook always bumps up my rating and improves my feelings about a story. There are two narrators for this story, , who did the voice of Jamie Canning, and , who did the voice of Ryan Wesley. I preferred the narration of for his sexy, understated performance, but both guys did a PHENOMENAL job. There was so much emotion, so much talent in their voices that I KNOW that both of these guys will be on my audiobook radar. Why don't more M/M authors (or M/F, for that matter), use them!? These guys are A-team material!
But the story is what got me. Just right in the feels! I just DIED over it. First of all, I'm a huge fan of sexual discovery stories, as I'll call them, and I LOVED discovering Jamie's bisexuality along with him. And loooord, you guys know I love a . Those sex scenes were SMOKING HOT, with so much sexual tension that I was at the edge of my seat.
I'm not usually one to go gaga for sports romance or big, muscle-men, but I think hockey might be the spot where I make my exception. In fact, I've had a great string of sports romances lately, so maybe I should change my tune. Everything in this book, from the hockey details to the kids they coached to the friends-to-lovers story arc, just hit the right note for me.
This book was veeerrryyy close to making my all-time favorites list, which I'm very exclusive with, and I'm still debating adding this one. It was one of those stories that made me choke up with emotion, and left me feeling raw and happy and overwhelmed. The LOVE is there and so powerful.
Awesome job, and . You both became auto-buy authors for me.
February 28, 2023
4.5 stars!
Him is one of those books I waited for FOREVER to read, and now that I have�. I’m over here kicking myself for waiting so long! This one was SO GOOD! I loved Wes and Jamie!!
Wes and Jamie went to the same hockey camp every summer throughout their teenage years. They became best friends and had a great relationship. Something happened Wes’s last year of camp, and the two lost touch. That 'something' being that Wes started to develop feelings for Jamie and it terrified him so he quit talking to him.
Fast forward about 4 years later and Jamie and Wes run into each other during their final year of college when they have a hockey game playing one another. Their friendship is reunited and all those feelings start to come back for Wes. The only problem? Jamie doesn’t play for the same team as Wes�. Or does he? Gah! I loved these two together. Their friendship and the chemistry they both shared. It was all fantastic!
I listened to the audiobook of Him, and let me tell you- Jacob Morgan KILLS it! His narration is complete perfection for Wes! Teddy Hamilton does a great job voicing Jamie as well, but there is something about Wes’s voice! If you haven’t read these definitely pick up the audio, and if you’ve read them and loved them, consider picking up the audio for a re-read. They were that good!
This is a fantastic friends to lovers/mm/sports romance. I adored it and I’m jumping into book 2, US, straight away! And of course I’ll be listening to the audio book!
Him is one of those books I waited for FOREVER to read, and now that I have�. I’m over here kicking myself for waiting so long! This one was SO GOOD! I loved Wes and Jamie!!
Wes and Jamie went to the same hockey camp every summer throughout their teenage years. They became best friends and had a great relationship. Something happened Wes’s last year of camp, and the two lost touch. That 'something' being that Wes started to develop feelings for Jamie and it terrified him so he quit talking to him.
Fast forward about 4 years later and Jamie and Wes run into each other during their final year of college when they have a hockey game playing one another. Their friendship is reunited and all those feelings start to come back for Wes. The only problem? Jamie doesn’t play for the same team as Wes�. Or does he? Gah! I loved these two together. Their friendship and the chemistry they both shared. It was all fantastic!
“Our mouths fit together so perfectly. Every time we kiss, I fall even more in love with him, and it has nothing to do with sex or lust. It's him. His closeness and his scent and the way he soothes me.�
I listened to the audiobook of Him, and let me tell you- Jacob Morgan KILLS it! His narration is complete perfection for Wes! Teddy Hamilton does a great job voicing Jamie as well, but there is something about Wes’s voice! If you haven’t read these definitely pick up the audio, and if you’ve read them and loved them, consider picking up the audio for a re-read. They were that good!
This is a fantastic friends to lovers/mm/sports romance. I adored it and I’m jumping into book 2, US, straight away! And of course I’ll be listening to the audio book!
“Loved you every summer since I was thirteen years old. Love you even more now.�
August 13, 2015
4-4.5 Hot Hockey Stars
Well check you out Elle Kennedy, getting all M/M up in here.
And I have never personally read anything by Sabrina Bowen, but perhaps I shall do so now.
Quite honestly though, if you took Elle Kennedy's , mixed it up with Riley Hart's , gave them some skates, and threw them on a hockey rink, you'd have this book.
Oh get up Self, I'm not complaining.
I.
Totally.
Dug
It.
I lurve sports romance.
I lurve the friends to lovers shtick.
And I LURVE M/M.
So when you put those three things together?
*instant shudder*
And thank Chuck this book delivered.
Wesley and Jamie were to die for.
Seriously, I loved these two.
As athletes.
As friends.
And as lovers.
*
*
*
*
*
Pardon me, I got distracted there for a got second.
Seriously though, Wesley and Jamie's banter was great and I liked how it didn't take forEVER for them to get a little "experimental," if you know what I'm saying.
Seriousy though, sometimes it seems to take over half the book in a GFY for one or both parties to decide to throw caution to the wind and get things started.
But I digress.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this book.
And I can't wait to see more M/M from Elle Kennedy...so fingers crossed.
Well check you out Elle Kennedy, getting all M/M up in here.
And I have never personally read anything by Sabrina Bowen, but perhaps I shall do so now.
Quite honestly though, if you took Elle Kennedy's , mixed it up with Riley Hart's , gave them some skates, and threw them on a hockey rink, you'd have this book.
Oh get up Self, I'm not complaining.
I.
Totally.
Dug
It.
I lurve sports romance.
I lurve the friends to lovers shtick.
And I LURVE M/M.
So when you put those three things together?
*instant shudder*
And thank Chuck this book delivered.
Wesley and Jamie were to die for.
"Here's the thing about family, Ryan...blood doesn't mean shit. You just need to surround yourself with people who do love you, and they become your family."
Seriously, I loved these two.
As athletes.
As friends.
And as lovers.
*
*
*
*
*
Pardon me, I got distracted there for a got second.
Seriously though, Wesley and Jamie's banter was great and I liked how it didn't take forEVER for them to get a little "experimental," if you know what I'm saying.
Seriousy though, sometimes it seems to take over half the book in a GFY for one or both parties to decide to throw caution to the wind and get things started.
But I digress.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this book.
And I can't wait to see more M/M from Elle Kennedy...so fingers crossed.
August 2, 2015
4 Stars!!
This was such an adorable feel good story! “H� was a friends to lovers, GFY story that made me smile or grin more times that I can count. It was sweet, it was sexy, it was simply a fantastic read! Honestly I’m not really a sports romance fan, but I 徱’t care about this aspect in this case since this book it’s written by two authors I really enjoy.
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley used to be best friends. They used to spend together six weeks every summer at a hockey camp on Lake Placid. Until everything changed between them...Something happened that summer that made Wes to end their friendship, leaving Jamie confused. It’s been nearly four years since Jamie had spoken or seen Wes, but he still misses his friend and occasionally thinks about him. While Wes never returned to the hockey camp, Jamie returned every summer as a coach.
Wes gets a second chance to make things right with his former best friend when their college teams set to face off at the national championship. From the moment Wes lays his eyes on Jamie, he knows he still has feelings for him. He accepts to coach alongside Jamie on Lake Placid hockey camp hoping Jamie will forgive him and eventually they will be friends again. What he never expected is for Jamie to accepts so easily that he’s gay and also to discover one thing or two about himself.
“H� was a great, sweet and steamy story with two endearing characters that I loved reading about. I liked both Jamie and Wes and I have to say their romance made my heart melt. They were cute together to say the least and I enjoyed seeing them getting to know each other again as friends and later as lovers. I think they complemented each other really well and that’s why their chemistry was so fantastic. It also was done really well and it was palpable from start to finish.
I enjoyed all kind all m/m romances, but my favorite is GFY m/m novels when one of the characters (or both of them) is (are) struggling to accept the 'new' reality, that he is /they are gay or like in this case bi. While Jamie 徱’t struggle too much with everything like I expected, I think his self-discovery felt natural. I really liked how he handled everything he figured out about himself. There’s no stupid, unnecessary drama, (even if the two guys have to face some obstacles) which I enjoyed.
Like I mentioned above, “H� was a steamy romance. And when I say steamy I mean steamy-steamy. This aspect of the story was fantastically done. The sexy moments between these two were hot, intense and at times even a little emotional. So to say that I enjoyed them a lot, would be an understatement. Loved every single one of them!
This novel had also plenty of funny moments. These guys made me laugh as much as they made me swoon. Their banter was so great and I liked how easily they interacted with each other and how every single one of their interactions felt natural. Nothing between them felt forced. Their bond felt real and even if four years had passed since they saw each other, their connection it’s stronger than ever.
I have to say one more thing about this awesome read. I loved, loved Jamie’s family. I loved how they were with each other and how wonderful and supportive were not only with Jamie, but with Wes as well.They were pure and simple fantastic!
All in all, “H� was a great, sweet and sexy NA m/m romance with likeable main characters, great steam and banter and a tender romance.
This was such an adorable feel good story! “H� was a friends to lovers, GFY story that made me smile or grin more times that I can count. It was sweet, it was sexy, it was simply a fantastic read! Honestly I’m not really a sports romance fan, but I 徱’t care about this aspect in this case since this book it’s written by two authors I really enjoy.
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley used to be best friends. They used to spend together six weeks every summer at a hockey camp on Lake Placid. Until everything changed between them...Something happened that summer that made Wes to end their friendship, leaving Jamie confused. It’s been nearly four years since Jamie had spoken or seen Wes, but he still misses his friend and occasionally thinks about him. While Wes never returned to the hockey camp, Jamie returned every summer as a coach.
Wes gets a second chance to make things right with his former best friend when their college teams set to face off at the national championship. From the moment Wes lays his eyes on Jamie, he knows he still has feelings for him. He accepts to coach alongside Jamie on Lake Placid hockey camp hoping Jamie will forgive him and eventually they will be friends again. What he never expected is for Jamie to accepts so easily that he’s gay and also to discover one thing or two about himself.
“H� was a great, sweet and steamy story with two endearing characters that I loved reading about. I liked both Jamie and Wes and I have to say their romance made my heart melt. They were cute together to say the least and I enjoyed seeing them getting to know each other again as friends and later as lovers. I think they complemented each other really well and that’s why their chemistry was so fantastic. It also was done really well and it was palpable from start to finish.
I enjoyed all kind all m/m romances, but my favorite is GFY m/m novels when one of the characters (or both of them) is (are) struggling to accept the 'new' reality, that he is /they are gay or like in this case bi. While Jamie 徱’t struggle too much with everything like I expected, I think his self-discovery felt natural. I really liked how he handled everything he figured out about himself. There’s no stupid, unnecessary drama, (even if the two guys have to face some obstacles) which I enjoyed.
Like I mentioned above, “H� was a steamy romance. And when I say steamy I mean steamy-steamy. This aspect of the story was fantastically done. The sexy moments between these two were hot, intense and at times even a little emotional. So to say that I enjoyed them a lot, would be an understatement. Loved every single one of them!
This novel had also plenty of funny moments. These guys made me laugh as much as they made me swoon. Their banter was so great and I liked how easily they interacted with each other and how every single one of their interactions felt natural. Nothing between them felt forced. Their bond felt real and even if four years had passed since they saw each other, their connection it’s stronger than ever.
I have to say one more thing about this awesome read. I loved, loved Jamie’s family. I loved how they were with each other and how wonderful and supportive were not only with Jamie, but with Wes as well.They were pure and simple fantastic!
All in all, “H� was a great, sweet and sexy NA m/m romance with likeable main characters, great steam and banter and a tender romance.
August 15, 2017
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed it. No time to write a review.
***
Wes� rating: 4.5 stars
Jamie’s rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
**
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Thanks for fellow buddy-readers on Shh� TopPick, our first official ShhLYT(F)BR; m/m books!
September 4, 2021
� 3 2 “highly unpopular opinion� stars �
Edit: rating adjusted because I keep disliking this more as time passes.
This is one of those classics (of the MM genre, at least) that everyone and their aunties have read by now. So saying it’s beloved by many would be quite an understatement.
With that being said...
This is gonna be me after dropping this3 2 star review.
****
Before everyone goes secure their pitchforks, I must clarify this was shaping up to earn 4 stars for the first two hundred pages or so. I was having a great time, getting a taste of the feels, and progressively falling in love with the main couple. For that section of the story, all the hype seemed completely warranted to me.
But then those last hundred pages or so hit and...
'Twas the mood for me.
In order to be completely fair, I will now divide this review into two sections, acknowledging the parts I enjoyed (no spoilers) and those I clearly 徱’t (spoilers present)
Without further ado...
THE GOOD (And why I can understand the reason so many people adored the book)
� The MC Jaime.
When the story first picks up, we find out that Jaime is still hurting after being abandoned by his once best friend, Wes, for four whole years. His POV allows us to experience firsthand the pain the loss caused him, the grief mingled with confusion at not only the disappearance of someone who meant the world to him, but the lack of closure as well (keeping in mind that Wes, in true dastardly fashion, decided to cut the guy out of his life abruptly and without explication).
For me personally, the fact that Jaime could forgive something like that so easily already transformed him into a better person than I could ever be —Although I did believe Wes should've done at least a little groveling, but I digress.
The truth here was that I did not only appreciate Jaime as a romantic lead, but as the kind of person I would genuinely love to have as a friend or partner (because hey, dreaming is free). I became so attached to the guy by the end of the book, he could have drop-kicked a toddler on-page and my reaction would've been "My god, he's good with kids too 😍"
So to sum up my impressions of the guy...
Anyone: *even looks at Jaime the wrong way*
Me:
Is this foreshadowing for a later part of the review? You'll have to find out.
� Believable friendship dynamic (which was nicely incorporated into the romance)
My god, friends-to-lovers is my crack of choice� so you bet I was eating up the banter and camaraderie as if it was the most savory of banquets. The two MCs had tons of chemistry when it came to the romantic side, but it was those goofy moments that could only come from years of friendship that truly got to me.
An underlying ease between them was a major characteristic for most of the book, the sort which made long stretches of silence comfortable rather than awkward. With inside jokes (I will never be able to look at purple skittles the same) and anecdotes aplenty, these details served to cement just how much of a shared history and connection they had.
If any two characters could start and finish each other's sentences without being cheesy, then Jaime and Wes might very well be one of the examples that come to mind.
Some quotes to point out their charming brand of foolishness:
Did I mention they were idiots too? And goofy as hell? Well, they were. And I absolutely loved that.
Me everytime the Banter� kicked in. They were of the lovable variety though.
Another example of their sage convos:
I mean...
Cold hard facts courtesy of Wes and Jamie.
However, it could also be said that it was that same bond that made the subsequent separation and miscommunication all the harsher. And the choice of a certain MC pulling a Houdini for the second time even more jarring.
(Can you all by now sense I'm pissed off at any one particular character? Whose name might or might not rhyme with Mess?)
Anyway, moving on�
� The take on sports.
As someone with absolutely zero previous knowledge, I was surprised at how palatable I found all the side plots and scenes revolving around hockey. Now, don't go quizzing me on the sport because I would still fail miserably, but the fact that I could muster any kind of interest is probably a testament to how well the topic was handled.
Plus, it was compelling to read about Wes and Jaime's differing views and feelings on the subject. While Wes was immensely passionate and had his eyes firmly set on a professional career, we witness Jaime's heart beginning to stray from his original dreams of athletic stardom. The discovery part of this story, you could say, went vastly beyond just his sexuality.
And it was comments like the ones below which I most appreciated too, giving a nuanced glimpse into the harsh reality of an athlete's life that defied the glamorized image most of us perhaps have:
While realistic in the context, it was still heartbreaking to read.
—Wes' goofiness.
Ok, those of you who are masterful in the art of reading between the lines (because subtlety is my specialty, obvs) have probably realized by now that Wes wasn't exactly my favorite. Yet I couldn’t list the positives of this book and not comment on this man's absurdly entertaining thoughts.
From his terrible puns:
Wes' inner monologue was so ridiculous it was gold.
To this kind of skillful analogies:
Shakespeare could never.
On a real note�
Y'all cannot convince Wes was not the kid laughing whenever the teacher in health class said "penis". It is a fact I simply refuse to be challenged on.
—The refreshing way some side characters were handled.
Namely Jaime’s family and ex-girlfriend Holly. I was surprised by how accepting and understanding they were, and I have to applaud both authors for not taking the easy way out and utilizing them as plot devices for drama, instead portraying a healthy and heartwarming dynamic.
With Holly in particular, getting to witness the transition into a friendship with Jaime was nothing short of extraordinary for me, considering the many evil and cartoonish exes I’ve encountered in my years as a romance reader. And particularly female ones, because this genre sure loves trivializing a women’s role despite a considerable number of the writers being women themselves —but oh well, that’s a discussion for another day�
All I will add is that this really is how some authors end up presenting the entirety of the female gender 🥴
Switching gears now, let me finally elaborate on the juicy part of this review —and the reasons tempting me to buy a fake passport and lay low for a while�
The Not So Great
WARNING: I'll try to keep things mostly vague, but since most of my issues are tied to the ending, spoilers will be discussed.
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� The miscommunication.
What started off as cute and believable for me, since Jaime and Wes were old friends reconnecting after all, grew concerning once I realized I was on page 200 and these two guys hadn't had any real conversation about their feelings.
In fact, said convo only took place about three chapters before the epilogue (and was initiated by Jaime pursuing West to a whole different country, mind you). So not only was this miscommunication, but an acute case of "are you two even speaking the same language?"
Indeed, as much as I originally liked them as a couple and loved their easy camaraderie, there was a point where I just wanted to smack them and tell them�
But then again, we wouldn't have a book if that was the case.
Because seriously, ALL the conflicts in this story ended up being wrapped up with about a page or so worth of dialogues. And, as earnest as I was to finally read their long-awaited heart-to-heart, it was still appalling to realize that the entire book dangled on these two grown men's inability to phrase their feelings.
But speaking of not getting it�
—Wes' pining miserably failing to translate into actions.
(And me addressing my issues with the fella.)
At first, one of my highlights of the story was getting to witness Wes's years-long crush on Jaime coloring his view of the guy. Whenever his beloved popped up, Wes turned into a lovesick puppy and it just made my romantic heart all mushy inside.
It's on his inner thoughts that we get to comprehend his emotions, reading heart-squeezing moments like this:
And then:
You get a sense of the fragility he masks, the depth of his love for Jaime, and how desperate he is for just one extra moment with what he refers to as the love of his life. Or so we are told.
When it comes down to West actually telling Jaime any of that, or making any kind of gesture to give Jaime the impression that he truly cares?
Zero. Zilch. Zip.
So that's what I mean by the pining not translating. Much as I enjoyed getting a peek inside Wes' head and experiencing his adoration that way, it ultimately felt unrewarding.
As in love as he was, it always ended up being Jaime the one who pursued things. It was him who ultimately asked Wes to be together once he moved to Toronto, and even sought a coaching job there after realizing the career path he wanted to take —selecting that specific city to be closer to his best friend and lover, mind you.
Wes' response when the subject was breached? He decided to spinelessly break it all up, cut ties once more, and flee without even bothering with a farewell, because he was too busy presuming Jaime only thought of it all as a "summer fling" and would instantly forget about him and go back to girls.
(but I'll be elaborating on that last bit later.)
In summary, it felt like Jaime kept reaching out, opening up, offering his heart on a silver platter, and Wes was too busy sticking his head up his ass to even acknowledge it.
Because sure, Wes was in love� in his head.
But when you're 220 pages in and the "love of your life" is being abandoned and left to wonder if he ever meant anything at all to you? I don't want that kind of love myself, thank you very much.
And since I'm already talking about the guy, I might as well mention another major pet peeve�
�Wes invalidating Jaime's identity. (And welcome to the hottest of takes, everyone.)
This guy kept insisting again and again that Jaime would either leave him and go back to women or, even in the very last chapter, implying Jaime felt like he was missing out by dating another man. Despite his partner telling him on various occasions that he was in love, enjoyed being together, and was already secure in the fact that he was attracted to both men AND women.
I understood having doubts initially, bearing in mind how Jaime was his first official boyfriend and the only guy Wes ever loved, but past a certain point it started to become a pattern. Wes' fears went beyond just mere insecurities and turned into toxic assumptions, showcasing that not only did he not fully trust his boyfriend, but also thought his sexuality was a passing fancy �Which was especially ironic, considering how Wes' bigoted parents had also hurt him by spewing similar nonsense his way.
(I also get this might not annoy everyone, but for me it was a major turn-off.)
Examples of this behavior from Wes' POV:
(Page 260, by which point Wes had ended things himself and decided to abandon Jaime without any parting words.)
Because bisexuality totally works like that. You get one (1) crush on someone of the same gender and then go back to being straight right the very next second�
By this point and after several of his dismissals of Jaime’s orientation, Wes had begun to get on my nerves.
Yet that's not all, folks.
As 21st-century philosopher DJ Khalef would say, another one:
(Happened on page 285, after Jaime had assured Wes he was interested in both sexes, already gifted him sentimental gifts and even took the man on a whole ass date.)
Truly, all I could do was�
And then the culmination of it all, when the issue was finally breached:
(Page 311, by which point Jaime and Wes had already exchanged I Love You's, were an official couple, and had been living together for months.)
So yeah, perhaps I might be exaggerating, but as someone who shares an identity with Jaime and has heard that kind of talk in plenty of previous relationships? Call it a subjective nitpick or me being overly sensitive, but it personally annoyed the hell out of me and detracted from my enjoyment.
Because it wasn't simply about Wes' fears anymore, about the unloved child of neglectful parents not recognizing affection if it hit him squarely in the face (which was why I let it slide in the beginning), but about his stubborn refusal of embracing Jaime's sexuality and his lingering lack of faith in the guy.
As if just because he was attracted to more than one gender that meant he was more likely to leave him or tire of him� when I need to stress again, Wes had been the person to bail on both their friendship and romantic liaison two times by that point.
So yeah, @ Wes:
****
But listen, even with my slightly rant-ish points, I still don't regret giving this book a try. Although again, I rarely do with books, since I believe that even a bittersweet experience can be enriching. Besides, if I were to erase those issues I had� the book was mostly enjoyable.
And bottom line, I'm pretty sure I will give the sequel a try down the line. If only because I adored Jaime as an MC and look forward to the relationship actually developing on equal terms and with what I hope is a shared sense of trust.
Fingers crossed, folks.
****
Him series by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Him � 3 �
Us � TBR.
Epic � TBR.
Edit: rating adjusted because I keep disliking this more as time passes.
This is one of those classics (of the MM genre, at least) that everyone and their aunties have read by now. So saying it’s beloved by many would be quite an understatement.
With that being said...
This is gonna be me after dropping this
****
Before everyone goes secure their pitchforks, I must clarify this was shaping up to earn 4 stars for the first two hundred pages or so. I was having a great time, getting a taste of the feels, and progressively falling in love with the main couple. For that section of the story, all the hype seemed completely warranted to me.
But then those last hundred pages or so hit and...
'Twas the mood for me.
In order to be completely fair, I will now divide this review into two sections, acknowledging the parts I enjoyed (no spoilers) and those I clearly 徱’t (spoilers present)
Without further ado...
THE GOOD (And why I can understand the reason so many people adored the book)
� The MC Jaime.
When the story first picks up, we find out that Jaime is still hurting after being abandoned by his once best friend, Wes, for four whole years. His POV allows us to experience firsthand the pain the loss caused him, the grief mingled with confusion at not only the disappearance of someone who meant the world to him, but the lack of closure as well (keeping in mind that Wes, in true dastardly fashion, decided to cut the guy out of his life abruptly and without explication).
For me personally, the fact that Jaime could forgive something like that so easily already transformed him into a better person than I could ever be —Although I did believe Wes should've done at least a little groveling, but I digress.
The truth here was that I did not only appreciate Jaime as a romantic lead, but as the kind of person I would genuinely love to have as a friend or partner (because hey, dreaming is free). I became so attached to the guy by the end of the book, he could have drop-kicked a toddler on-page and my reaction would've been "My god, he's good with kids too 😍"
So to sum up my impressions of the guy...
Anyone: *even looks at Jaime the wrong way*
Me:
Is this foreshadowing for a later part of the review? You'll have to find out.
� Believable friendship dynamic (which was nicely incorporated into the romance)
My god, friends-to-lovers is my crack of choice� so you bet I was eating up the banter and camaraderie as if it was the most savory of banquets. The two MCs had tons of chemistry when it came to the romantic side, but it was those goofy moments that could only come from years of friendship that truly got to me.
An underlying ease between them was a major characteristic for most of the book, the sort which made long stretches of silence comfortable rather than awkward. With inside jokes (I will never be able to look at purple skittles the same) and anecdotes aplenty, these details served to cement just how much of a shared history and connection they had.
If any two characters could start and finish each other's sentences without being cheesy, then Jaime and Wes might very well be one of the examples that come to mind.
Some quotes to point out their charming brand of foolishness:
“Wes cackles. “Tell you what—let’s make a deal. It’s been a while since I had a steak dinner. You find me a steak, and I’ll subject myself to this concert.�
“Here, man.� I pretend to unbutton my fly.�
Did I mention they were idiots too? And goofy as hell? Well, they were. And I absolutely loved that.
Me everytime the Banter� kicked in. They were of the lovable variety though.
Another example of their sage convos:
“Yeah? Hit me. What’s good about going gay?� I nudge him back under the table.
“W, dicks,� he says. “O.�
“O.�
I mean...
Cold hard facts courtesy of Wes and Jamie.
However, it could also be said that it was that same bond that made the subsequent separation and miscommunication all the harsher. And the choice of a certain MC pulling a Houdini for the second time even more jarring.
(Can you all by now sense I'm pissed off at any one particular character? Whose name might or might not rhyme with Mess?)
Anyway, moving on�
� The take on sports.
As someone with absolutely zero previous knowledge, I was surprised at how palatable I found all the side plots and scenes revolving around hockey. Now, don't go quizzing me on the sport because I would still fail miserably, but the fact that I could muster any kind of interest is probably a testament to how well the topic was handled.
Plus, it was compelling to read about Wes and Jaime's differing views and feelings on the subject. While Wes was immensely passionate and had his eyes firmly set on a professional career, we witness Jaime's heart beginning to stray from his original dreams of athletic stardom. The discovery part of this story, you could say, went vastly beyond just his sexuality.
And it was comments like the ones below which I most appreciated too, giving a nuanced glimpse into the harsh reality of an athlete's life that defied the glamorized image most of us perhaps have:
“When I was a kid I collected hockey cards. They came in packs of ten with a lousy piece of gum that tasted awful. In every pack there’d be one good player—hopefully not a duplicate of a card I already had—and nine guys you’d never heard of. Those nine went in the bottom of my shoebox, where they waited. Every once in a blue moon one of those guys would rise in the ranks, but usually they 徱’t.
Fast forward ten years. To my agent, I’m one of those cards at the bottom of the shoebox.�
While realistic in the context, it was still heartbreaking to read.
—Wes' goofiness.
Ok, those of you who are masterful in the art of reading between the lines (because subtlety is my specialty, obvs) have probably realized by now that Wes wasn't exactly my favorite. Yet I couldn’t list the positives of this book and not comment on this man's absurdly entertaining thoughts.
From his terrible puns:
“Hell. I was like the serpent shoving the apple at Eve. Or rather the banana...�
Wes' inner monologue was so ridiculous it was gold.
To this kind of skillful analogies:
“Swimming with a hard-on is extremely difficult. But maybe I should be thinking of my stiffy as a floatation device. Or an oar, because God knows it’s long and hard enough to single-handedly propel an entire fucking canoe.�
Shakespeare could never.
On a real note�
Y'all cannot convince Wes was not the kid laughing whenever the teacher in health class said "penis". It is a fact I simply refuse to be challenged on.
—The refreshing way some side characters were handled.
Namely Jaime’s family and ex-girlfriend Holly. I was surprised by how accepting and understanding they were, and I have to applaud both authors for not taking the easy way out and utilizing them as plot devices for drama, instead portraying a healthy and heartwarming dynamic.
With Holly in particular, getting to witness the transition into a friendship with Jaime was nothing short of extraordinary for me, considering the many evil and cartoonish exes I’ve encountered in my years as a romance reader. And particularly female ones, because this genre sure loves trivializing a women’s role despite a considerable number of the writers being women themselves —but oh well, that’s a discussion for another day�
All I will add is that this really is how some authors end up presenting the entirety of the female gender 🥴
Switching gears now, let me finally elaborate on the juicy part of this review —and the reasons tempting me to buy a fake passport and lay low for a while�
The Not So Great
WARNING: I'll try to keep things mostly vague, but since most of my issues are tied to the ending, spoilers will be discussed.
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� The miscommunication.
What started off as cute and believable for me, since Jaime and Wes were old friends reconnecting after all, grew concerning once I realized I was on page 200 and these two guys hadn't had any real conversation about their feelings.
In fact, said convo only took place about three chapters before the epilogue (and was initiated by Jaime pursuing West to a whole different country, mind you). So not only was this miscommunication, but an acute case of "are you two even speaking the same language?"
Indeed, as much as I originally liked them as a couple and loved their easy camaraderie, there was a point where I just wanted to smack them and tell them�
But then again, we wouldn't have a book if that was the case.
Because seriously, ALL the conflicts in this story ended up being wrapped up with about a page or so worth of dialogues. And, as earnest as I was to finally read their long-awaited heart-to-heart, it was still appalling to realize that the entire book dangled on these two grown men's inability to phrase their feelings.
But speaking of not getting it�
—Wes' pining miserably failing to translate into actions.
(And me addressing my issues with the fella.)
At first, one of my highlights of the story was getting to witness Wes's years-long crush on Jaime coloring his view of the guy. Whenever his beloved popped up, Wes turned into a lovesick puppy and it just made my romantic heart all mushy inside.
It's on his inner thoughts that we get to comprehend his emotions, reading heart-squeezing moments like this:
“Now I’m grinning in the dark. I hold him as close as I dare. Even if my entire life goes to shit before breakfast, I’ll always have this night.�
And then:
“Either way, my heart won’t be in it. My heart is back in Lake Placid. Or maybe in California. It goes wherever Jaime Canning goes.�
You get a sense of the fragility he masks, the depth of his love for Jaime, and how desperate he is for just one extra moment with what he refers to as the love of his life. Or so we are told.
When it comes down to West actually telling Jaime any of that, or making any kind of gesture to give Jaime the impression that he truly cares?
Zero. Zilch. Zip.
So that's what I mean by the pining not translating. Much as I enjoyed getting a peek inside Wes' head and experiencing his adoration that way, it ultimately felt unrewarding.
As in love as he was, it always ended up being Jaime the one who pursued things. It was him who ultimately asked Wes to be together once he moved to Toronto, and even sought a coaching job there after realizing the career path he wanted to take —selecting that specific city to be closer to his best friend and lover, mind you.
Wes' response when the subject was breached? He decided to spinelessly break it all up, cut ties once more, and flee without even bothering with a farewell, because he was too busy presuming Jaime only thought of it all as a "summer fling" and would instantly forget about him and go back to girls.
(but I'll be elaborating on that last bit later.)
In summary, it felt like Jaime kept reaching out, opening up, offering his heart on a silver platter, and Wes was too busy sticking his head up his ass to even acknowledge it.
Because sure, Wes was in love� in his head.
But when you're 220 pages in and the "love of your life" is being abandoned and left to wonder if he ever meant anything at all to you? I don't want that kind of love myself, thank you very much.
And since I'm already talking about the guy, I might as well mention another major pet peeve�
�Wes invalidating Jaime's identity. (And welcome to the hottest of takes, everyone.)
This guy kept insisting again and again that Jaime would either leave him and go back to women or, even in the very last chapter, implying Jaime felt like he was missing out by dating another man. Despite his partner telling him on various occasions that he was in love, enjoyed being together, and was already secure in the fact that he was attracted to both men AND women.
I understood having doubts initially, bearing in mind how Jaime was his first official boyfriend and the only guy Wes ever loved, but past a certain point it started to become a pattern. Wes' fears went beyond just mere insecurities and turned into toxic assumptions, showcasing that not only did he not fully trust his boyfriend, but also thought his sexuality was a passing fancy �Which was especially ironic, considering how Wes' bigoted parents had also hurt him by spewing similar nonsense his way.
(I also get this might not annoy everyone, but for me it was a major turn-off.)
Examples of this behavior from Wes' POV:
(Page 260, by which point Wes had ended things himself and decided to abandon Jaime without any parting words.)
“The Hollys of the world are waiting to take him back. Some cute girl will catch his eye before the week is through, and a few months from now, today’s disaster will be just a bad memory.�
Because bisexuality totally works like that. You get one (1) crush on someone of the same gender and then go back to being straight right the very next second�
By this point and after several of his dismissals of Jaime’s orientation, Wes had begun to get on my nerves.
Yet that's not all, folks.
As 21st-century philosopher DJ Khalef would say, another one:
(Happened on page 285, after Jaime had assured Wes he was interested in both sexes, already gifted him sentimental gifts and even took the man on a whole ass date.)
“You think I’m just going to—� He brushes his hands together as if dusting them off. “—go back to girls. Chalk this up as an experiment.�
Yeah, I think that, too.�
Truly, all I could do was�
And then the culmination of it all, when the issue was finally breached:
(Page 311, by which point Jaime and Wes had already exchanged I Love You's, were an official couple, and had been living together for months.)
“He gives me a weak grin. “Sure. But…�
“But what?�
“W, I’ll never be able to give you everything you like.�
So yeah, perhaps I might be exaggerating, but as someone who shares an identity with Jaime and has heard that kind of talk in plenty of previous relationships? Call it a subjective nitpick or me being overly sensitive, but it personally annoyed the hell out of me and detracted from my enjoyment.
Because it wasn't simply about Wes' fears anymore, about the unloved child of neglectful parents not recognizing affection if it hit him squarely in the face (which was why I let it slide in the beginning), but about his stubborn refusal of embracing Jaime's sexuality and his lingering lack of faith in the guy.
As if just because he was attracted to more than one gender that meant he was more likely to leave him or tire of him� when I need to stress again, Wes had been the person to bail on both their friendship and romantic liaison two times by that point.
So yeah, @ Wes:
****
But listen, even with my slightly rant-ish points, I still don't regret giving this book a try. Although again, I rarely do with books, since I believe that even a bittersweet experience can be enriching. Besides, if I were to erase those issues I had� the book was mostly enjoyable.
And bottom line, I'm pretty sure I will give the sequel a try down the line. If only because I adored Jaime as an MC and look forward to the relationship actually developing on equal terms and with what I hope is a shared sense of trust.
Fingers crossed, folks.
****
Him series by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Him � 3 �
Us � TBR.
Epic � TBR.
June 20, 2023
reread: june 2023
i just wanted a sweet yet a lil angsty read and wesmie delivered. 🥺
this will always be such a cute, fun, steamy read to me. while it wasn’t my first mm romance like it has been for some people, Wes pining after Jamie never fails to hit right there. 😭 definitely recommend for anyone who wants pure entertainment and a feel-good romance.
i still 徱’t love Wes� attitude when he thought that Jamie was gonna leave him for a woman just bc he was bi. it felt like he was invalidating Jamie’s sexuality and choices. but oh well. it was just an insecurity of his and i loved that Jamie soothed him, comforted him, always. 🥺 i love them so much, still <3
────── � ⋆⋅☆⋅� � ⋆⋅☆⋅� � ──────
� 4 stars �
this was absolutely the most perfect way to start off 2023! a sweet friends to lovers, steamy, cute, heartwarming, emotional and absolutely beautiful romance. 😭
Wesley and Jamie were so adorable together 🥺💘 they own my heart. their banter, the *ahem* friendship. i mean, the tension?? the vibes and everything were PERFECT. the unrequited (or seemed to be?) pining Wes had for Jamie made my heart flutter. 🦋 like, oh my gosh they're so unmatched -
the sheer chemistry between them?? ladies, gentlemen and non-binary folks, it was stunning. i love them so much.
i just wanted a sweet yet a lil angsty read and wesmie delivered. 🥺
Jamie laughs at me. And then he kisses me. I lock my hands at the nape of his neck and tug him closer. Warm skin slides against mine, and I know I’m home. Because home is with him.
this will always be such a cute, fun, steamy read to me. while it wasn’t my first mm romance like it has been for some people, Wes pining after Jamie never fails to hit right there. 😭 definitely recommend for anyone who wants pure entertainment and a feel-good romance.
I hold him as close as I dare. Even if my entire life goes to shit before breakfast tomorrow, I’ll always have this night.
i still 徱’t love Wes� attitude when he thought that Jamie was gonna leave him for a woman just bc he was bi. it felt like he was invalidating Jamie’s sexuality and choices. but oh well. it was just an insecurity of his and i loved that Jamie soothed him, comforted him, always. 🥺 i love them so much, still <3
────── � ⋆⋅☆⋅� � ⋆⋅☆⋅� � ──────
� 4 stars �
this was absolutely the most perfect way to start off 2023! a sweet friends to lovers, steamy, cute, heartwarming, emotional and absolutely beautiful romance. 😭
“Sorry,� I choke out. “We’re going to have to work something out. I love you, goddamn it.�
His breath hitches. “Yeah?�
“Fuck yeah. And I'm not letting you walk out of here.�
“Ever?� he teases, squeezing my hand. “That’s one way to prevent gossip.�
Wesley and Jamie were so adorable together 🥺💘 they own my heart. their banter, the *ahem* friendship. i mean, the tension?? the vibes and everything were PERFECT. the unrequited (or seemed to be?) pining Wes had for Jamie made my heart flutter. 🦋 like, oh my gosh they're so unmatched -
Wes’s face is still buried in my neck. I like it there. I wish he’d never leave.
the sheer chemistry between them?? ladies, gentlemen and non-binary folks, it was stunning. i love them so much.
November 18, 2016
RE-READ 11/10/2016 ! Audio version.
➦I always suggest this book to those who haven't read any M/M before but I've never even bothered to write a review for this awesome read.
➦I'll be honest, a year ago I was very apprehensive to try M/M myself. But Only 10% into this story I knew I could never go back. When it's done well, like in this book here, it can be oh so thoroughly enjoyable.
➦So I thought a re-read was in order and I'm very pleased to report that the book was just as great for me the second time around. Oh, and the audio version is pretteh steamy.
➦Jamie and Wes... Two teenage hockey players at a hockey camp. One shootout challenge. Prize = blowjob. FUNNY? May be just for one of them. Because for Wes it's not funny at all - it's something he wants desperately because the feelings he harbors for his best friend are very real.
➦But is tricking his best friend into getting blown something that can ruin the friendship? Well, the answer is yes, and it's not really a spoiler because the book picks up years later when the two meet yet again.
➦Both are in college and play for hockey teams and are about to go pro. Will they be able to get their friendship repaired? Oh, just freakin' read the book, would ya? :D
➦If you have never read any M/M this would be the book to test the waters. It is super hot but incredibly sweet at the same time. Don't worry if you aren't into sport romances - the book doesn't concentrate all that much on the actual playing of hockey. The character development is great and you will fall in love with both Wes and Jamie.
➦I always suggest this book to those who haven't read any M/M before but I've never even bothered to write a review for this awesome read.
➦I'll be honest, a year ago I was very apprehensive to try M/M myself. But Only 10% into this story I knew I could never go back. When it's done well, like in this book here, it can be oh so thoroughly enjoyable.
➦So I thought a re-read was in order and I'm very pleased to report that the book was just as great for me the second time around. Oh, and the audio version is pretteh steamy.
➦Jamie and Wes... Two teenage hockey players at a hockey camp. One shootout challenge. Prize = blowjob. FUNNY? May be just for one of them. Because for Wes it's not funny at all - it's something he wants desperately because the feelings he harbors for his best friend are very real.
➦But is tricking his best friend into getting blown something that can ruin the friendship? Well, the answer is yes, and it's not really a spoiler because the book picks up years later when the two meet yet again.
➦Both are in college and play for hockey teams and are about to go pro. Will they be able to get their friendship repaired? Oh, just freakin' read the book, would ya? :D
➦If you have never read any M/M this would be the book to test the waters. It is super hot but incredibly sweet at the same time. Don't worry if you aren't into sport romances - the book doesn't concentrate all that much on the actual playing of hockey. The character development is great and you will fall in love with both Wes and Jamie.
July 28, 2015
4.5 stars!
Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning are best of friends especially during the summer months they spend on Lake Placid where the two of them are enrolled in a summer hockey program. Despite seeing each other for only two months out of the year, they've bonded and considered each other best of friends.
On their last summer there before going off to college, something happened which caused Wes to end their friendship leaving Jamie confused as to why. Fast-forward to four years later and both of their teams are in the Frozen Four Hockey tournament.
By then, Wes is more or less out of the closet and as much as he wants to pursue his feelings for his best friend, he can't because as far as he knows Jamie is straight. An opportunity to coach teen hockey players at the same camp where he and Jamie met gave Wes an opportunity to come out to Jamie do right by their friendship.
Jamie is still trying to understand what happened all those years ago. And learning about Wes sexuality explained a lot of the decisions Wes made but it doesn't explain Jamie's growing attraction to his best friend. It doesn't explain why he's suddenly discovering stuff about himself, about Wes and about the fact that he wants nothing more than to spend time with Wes and explore the growing feelings between them. And holy sweet mother, did they explore.
Him is a great gateway M/M read for romance readers looking to try the m/m category. It has great banter, fantastic chemistry and two very likable leads. I admit that Wes annoyed me, at first. He's cocky and he made an arbitrary decision that hurt his best friend. But very early on, he won me over with his sincerity and depth of feelings for Jamie.
To be honest I was worried with the set-up because Jamie, for all intents and purposes, is straight. But Sarina and Elle did a wonderful job handling that aspect. Jamie self-discovery felt natural. It didn't feel contrived. Both Jamie and Wes have to face obstacles, but when it comes to their feelings for each other, it's clear to me as a reader that they belong together. Their relationship felt raw and sincere, and so, so hot.
A word of advice. Do not, under any circumstances, read this book in public or even semi-public. I'm not a blushing person but I've lost count how many times, Wes and Jamie made me blush and smile like a lunatic. Both authors captured the emotion perfectly and I just couldn't help but fall in love with Wes and Jamie.
I really enjoyed this book. And I think that Elle and Sarina's style blended so well it reads like there's only one person writing this book and not two. The writing was seamless and I can't wait to read more from these two, either individually or together.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
______________________________________________
So this happened.
Of course, I ask myself: Am I going to read it?/
Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning are best of friends especially during the summer months they spend on Lake Placid where the two of them are enrolled in a summer hockey program. Despite seeing each other for only two months out of the year, they've bonded and considered each other best of friends.
On their last summer there before going off to college, something happened which caused Wes to end their friendship leaving Jamie confused as to why. Fast-forward to four years later and both of their teams are in the Frozen Four Hockey tournament.
By then, Wes is more or less out of the closet and as much as he wants to pursue his feelings for his best friend, he can't because as far as he knows Jamie is straight. An opportunity to coach teen hockey players at the same camp where he and Jamie met gave Wes an opportunity to come out to Jamie do right by their friendship.
Jamie is still trying to understand what happened all those years ago. And learning about Wes sexuality explained a lot of the decisions Wes made but it doesn't explain Jamie's growing attraction to his best friend. It doesn't explain why he's suddenly discovering stuff about himself, about Wes and about the fact that he wants nothing more than to spend time with Wes and explore the growing feelings between them. And holy sweet mother, did they explore.
Him is a great gateway M/M read for romance readers looking to try the m/m category. It has great banter, fantastic chemistry and two very likable leads. I admit that Wes annoyed me, at first. He's cocky and he made an arbitrary decision that hurt his best friend. But very early on, he won me over with his sincerity and depth of feelings for Jamie.
To be honest I was worried with the set-up because Jamie, for all intents and purposes, is straight. But Sarina and Elle did a wonderful job handling that aspect. Jamie self-discovery felt natural. It didn't feel contrived. Both Jamie and Wes have to face obstacles, but when it comes to their feelings for each other, it's clear to me as a reader that they belong together. Their relationship felt raw and sincere, and so, so hot.
A word of advice. Do not, under any circumstances, read this book in public or even semi-public. I'm not a blushing person but I've lost count how many times, Wes and Jamie made me blush and smile like a lunatic. Both authors captured the emotion perfectly and I just couldn't help but fall in love with Wes and Jamie.
I really enjoyed this book. And I think that Elle and Sarina's style blended so well it reads like there's only one person writing this book and not two. The writing was seamless and I can't wait to read more from these two, either individually or together.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
______________________________________________
So this happened.
Of course, I ask myself: Am I going to read it?/
August 28, 2021
Yes, I did just read this book for the third time; no, you can't judge me.
Original review:
Here are two things you should know about me: I love hockey and I love a good romance. This book had both of those things. I also love a book that involves romance that is slightly forbidden which this one was. I mean two guys who are both hockey players is controversial for some people and they keep their relationship hidden from people so I would say it's pretty forbidden. This is also my first time reading an LGBT M/M new adult romance and I'm so excited I picked this one to read! I am in love with Ryan Wes and Jamie Canning. They have become two of my all time favorite male characters and I ship them together like the fist of god.
"He grins, and my heart melts in the usual way."
Ryan Wes and Jamie fist met each other in a hockey camp when they were young teenagers, and they go back to that camp every summer. Wes has been in love with Jamie since the very beginning, but Jamie has always been into girls (or at least he thought so). After one awkward summer night together at the camp when they were eighteen, Wes cuts Jamie out of his life and they both move on. But, now four years later, they are both suddenly thrown back into each others lives when they are playing against each other in the same hockey tournament. This book was so addicting, the writing style was great, I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings but I would have read it in one if life didn't get in the way. Jamie and Wes's relationship was so natural and pure and beautiful, I loved watching it unfold. I love that Jamie is so Californian and open minded and positive and optimistic and has a huge family (5 siblings). And Wes is so self conscious and broken and afraid of love and he has tattoos on his arms.
I loved reading about the flashbacks of the summers they were at the camp. The writing style flowed so nicely, and the characters both have a great sense of humor. There is so much humor in this book I laughed out loud many times. I loved watching them be coaches together to a team of teenage boys, and seeing them be role models for the boys. Their relationship is just so fucking cute, I could read about it all day. I'm so happy to know there is a sequel to this book because I love Jamie and Wes so fucking much and I can't wait to read more about them and their lives.
Original review:
Here are two things you should know about me: I love hockey and I love a good romance. This book had both of those things. I also love a book that involves romance that is slightly forbidden which this one was. I mean two guys who are both hockey players is controversial for some people and they keep their relationship hidden from people so I would say it's pretty forbidden. This is also my first time reading an LGBT M/M new adult romance and I'm so excited I picked this one to read! I am in love with Ryan Wes and Jamie Canning. They have become two of my all time favorite male characters and I ship them together like the fist of god.
"He grins, and my heart melts in the usual way."
Ryan Wes and Jamie fist met each other in a hockey camp when they were young teenagers, and they go back to that camp every summer. Wes has been in love with Jamie since the very beginning, but Jamie has always been into girls (or at least he thought so). After one awkward summer night together at the camp when they were eighteen, Wes cuts Jamie out of his life and they both move on. But, now four years later, they are both suddenly thrown back into each others lives when they are playing against each other in the same hockey tournament. This book was so addicting, the writing style was great, I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings but I would have read it in one if life didn't get in the way. Jamie and Wes's relationship was so natural and pure and beautiful, I loved watching it unfold. I love that Jamie is so Californian and open minded and positive and optimistic and has a huge family (5 siblings). And Wes is so self conscious and broken and afraid of love and he has tattoos on his arms.
I loved reading about the flashbacks of the summers they were at the camp. The writing style flowed so nicely, and the characters both have a great sense of humor. There is so much humor in this book I laughed out loud many times. I loved watching them be coaches together to a team of teenage boys, and seeing them be role models for the boys. Their relationship is just so fucking cute, I could read about it all day. I'm so happy to know there is a sequel to this book because I love Jamie and Wes so fucking much and I can't wait to read more about them and their lives.
July 14, 2015
3.75 ~ 4 Stars
”They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?�
I’m a huge fan of Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series as well as Sarina Bowen’s The Ivy Years series and so a collaboration by these two authors made me actually squeal out loud. Now for the iffy area for me is that the genre for this book is mm. The truth is, I have actually only read two others books in this genre. One of them being Sarina Bowen’s The Understatement of the Year which I absolutely loved (felt it clicked all my boxes) however some hardcore mm readers called it mm light. So for me to rate this against others is a bit hard. On the one hand there’s a ton of hot kisses, petting and hot sex scenes. On the other hand, I prefer more drama in my reads but did feel that this one was a good read nonetheless.
This is a second chance love story so to say, as two best friends make a bet as teens at hockey camp the summer before heading to college. Thereafter, strong feelings of guilt/love on Wesley’s part causes him to cut Jamie’s friendship off without a reason.
”He just cut off contact with me after that summer. He stopped responding to my texts. He just � fired me.�
The story is told in alternating povs of two hot hockey players. In their senior year of college their respective hockey teams are in the same big tournament and the two come face to face once again.
”As I watch Jaime Canning stop another dizzying slap shot. As I admire the grace and deadly precision with which he moves. My weakness is him.�
Ryan Wesley finds the guts to apologize to his old friend Jamie and he reveals his sexuality and Jamie is ecstatic to have his best friend back. The two start to replay the events that happened between them as teens. Wesley surprises Jamie by showing up at hockey camp to coach and room with him. The attraction magnifies between the two and confuses Jamie.
”I’m attracted to women, no doubt about it. I’m also attracted to men, apparently. Wonderful. Complicated fellow, my dick.�
The two make a deal that they will end their relationship once they leave camp as Wesley heads for the pros and Jamie waivers on what he wants in his future.
”The question now isn’t whether I want to fool around with this man. The question is how I’m ever going to give it up.�
This story doesn’t have any unnecessary drama and their fall into one another’s arms was well paced and very hot.
Both characters were very likable as were Jamie’s wonderful family. The story has a sweet ending and overall made for a good read.
”You really do love me, huh?�
“Always have.� I swallowed hard. “Always will.�
*ARC generously provided by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy*
”They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?�
I’m a huge fan of Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series as well as Sarina Bowen’s The Ivy Years series and so a collaboration by these two authors made me actually squeal out loud. Now for the iffy area for me is that the genre for this book is mm. The truth is, I have actually only read two others books in this genre. One of them being Sarina Bowen’s The Understatement of the Year which I absolutely loved (felt it clicked all my boxes) however some hardcore mm readers called it mm light. So for me to rate this against others is a bit hard. On the one hand there’s a ton of hot kisses, petting and hot sex scenes. On the other hand, I prefer more drama in my reads but did feel that this one was a good read nonetheless.
This is a second chance love story so to say, as two best friends make a bet as teens at hockey camp the summer before heading to college. Thereafter, strong feelings of guilt/love on Wesley’s part causes him to cut Jamie’s friendship off without a reason.
”He just cut off contact with me after that summer. He stopped responding to my texts. He just � fired me.�
The story is told in alternating povs of two hot hockey players. In their senior year of college their respective hockey teams are in the same big tournament and the two come face to face once again.
”As I watch Jaime Canning stop another dizzying slap shot. As I admire the grace and deadly precision with which he moves. My weakness is him.�
Ryan Wesley finds the guts to apologize to his old friend Jamie and he reveals his sexuality and Jamie is ecstatic to have his best friend back. The two start to replay the events that happened between them as teens. Wesley surprises Jamie by showing up at hockey camp to coach and room with him. The attraction magnifies between the two and confuses Jamie.
”I’m attracted to women, no doubt about it. I’m also attracted to men, apparently. Wonderful. Complicated fellow, my dick.�
The two make a deal that they will end their relationship once they leave camp as Wesley heads for the pros and Jamie waivers on what he wants in his future.
”The question now isn’t whether I want to fool around with this man. The question is how I’m ever going to give it up.�
This story doesn’t have any unnecessary drama and their fall into one another’s arms was well paced and very hot.
Both characters were very likable as were Jamie’s wonderful family. The story has a sweet ending and overall made for a good read.
”You really do love me, huh?�
“Always have.� I swallowed hard. “Always will.�
*ARC generously provided by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy*
August 6, 2016
*** LOVED IT !! ***
WES
JAMIE
Jamie and Wes formed a strong friendship from a young age when they started going to Hockey Camp every summer.
One night when they were 18 they had a bet....
The outcome of the bet was an estranged friendship for 4 years.
They meet again when their teams are playing at a National Hockey Championship...
Wes is gay and while he is not ashamed of his sexuality he doesn't flaunt it.As for Jamie,he is convinced he is straight.
Their reunion is a little strained at first but they both realize how much they have missed their friendship.
They find themselves coaching younger players over the course of the summer for 6 weeks...
Wes has been in love with Jamie for years but is terrified of pushing him away again so tries to hold back.Jamie is confused over the different feelings he now has for Wes.
But,holy hell,when they get together the sex scenes are very erotic.
This is one of the most enjoyable M/M books I've read recently.I loved everything about it.Great characters,humour,low on angst,great sex scenes and a love that was totally believable.I don't often re read books but this is one I definitely will!!
Highly Recommended...
WES
JAMIE
Jamie and Wes formed a strong friendship from a young age when they started going to Hockey Camp every summer.
One night when they were 18 they had a bet....
The outcome of the bet was an estranged friendship for 4 years.
They meet again when their teams are playing at a National Hockey Championship...
Wes is gay and while he is not ashamed of his sexuality he doesn't flaunt it.As for Jamie,he is convinced he is straight.
Their reunion is a little strained at first but they both realize how much they have missed their friendship.
They find themselves coaching younger players over the course of the summer for 6 weeks...
Wes has been in love with Jamie for years but is terrified of pushing him away again so tries to hold back.Jamie is confused over the different feelings he now has for Wes.
But,holy hell,when they get together the sex scenes are very erotic.
This is one of the most enjoyable M/M books I've read recently.I loved everything about it.Great characters,humour,low on angst,great sex scenes and a love that was totally believable.I don't often re read books but this is one I definitely will!!
Highly Recommended...
February 17, 2016
4.5 "Purple Skittles" STARS
Well this was my first full-on foray into M/M. I’d dabbled before with other stories where it was a side story and had liked it. Now I get the allure…there's something that's almost naughty or sinful about it in a delightfully delicious way! And it's scorching HOT!!
I’m a big fan of Elle Kennedy, found and fell for her with her Off Campus series, and have never read a Sarina Bowen book before � I’ll be rectifying that STAT. This was a really great, fast, sexy read and the writing style was easy, engaging and seamless; would never have guessed it was co-authored.
We have two hot college hockey players, Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley (aka Wes), who were best friends throughout their high school years at Hockey summer camp. But they haven't spoken to each other for four years because of what happened their last night together and now they must face each other.
Wes has loved Jamie since he was 13 and while he knows they can't have more because Jamie is straight, Wes misses his friend and wants to make amends.
"Canning can't give me what I want, but I still can't stop myself from wanting it. I want whatever I can get - a conversation, a joke gift, a smile, anything. I might not be able to have the steak, but fuck I, I'm fine with some scraps."
The story moves quickly as these two reconnect, work through their past and also come to realize a few things about each other. While there was a lot of sweet and hot sex scenes,...
there wasn't a lot of angst or drama. There was one little blip but it didn't last for long. I'm not all for dramas sake but would have wanted a bit more of a struggle.
Needless to day, this was a great read and would recommend those who love M/M or either of these authors, or for that matter, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, I say go for it!!
Now that the cherry's been popped...
I'll be looking to expand my horizons and am open to suggestions!!
***An advance reading copy of Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and blog posts.
Well this was my first full-on foray into M/M. I’d dabbled before with other stories where it was a side story and had liked it. Now I get the allure…there's something that's almost naughty or sinful about it in a delightfully delicious way! And it's scorching HOT!!
I’m a big fan of Elle Kennedy, found and fell for her with her Off Campus series, and have never read a Sarina Bowen book before � I’ll be rectifying that STAT. This was a really great, fast, sexy read and the writing style was easy, engaging and seamless; would never have guessed it was co-authored.
We have two hot college hockey players, Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley (aka Wes), who were best friends throughout their high school years at Hockey summer camp. But they haven't spoken to each other for four years because of what happened their last night together and now they must face each other.
Wes has loved Jamie since he was 13 and while he knows they can't have more because Jamie is straight, Wes misses his friend and wants to make amends.
"Canning can't give me what I want, but I still can't stop myself from wanting it. I want whatever I can get - a conversation, a joke gift, a smile, anything. I might not be able to have the steak, but fuck I, I'm fine with some scraps."
The story moves quickly as these two reconnect, work through their past and also come to realize a few things about each other. While there was a lot of sweet and hot sex scenes,...
there wasn't a lot of angst or drama. There was one little blip but it didn't last for long. I'm not all for dramas sake but would have wanted a bit more of a struggle.
Needless to day, this was a great read and would recommend those who love M/M or either of these authors, or for that matter, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, I say go for it!!
Now that the cherry's been popped...
I'll be looking to expand my horizons and am open to suggestions!!
***An advance reading copy of Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and blog posts.
June 23, 2022
“Jamie Canning was my first crush and my first love. But he was never mine to have.�
Be still, my beating heart� It doesn’t happen every day that two authors you love decide to write a book together, so this collaboration had me bouncing off the walls from the moment I got word of it, but this story, this sexy, fun, enchanting story was all I hoped it would be, and so much more. A wonderful testament of both these authors� extraordinary talents, this is a story that pulled me in from the very first page, the flawless prose as captivating as the charismatic characters in it, but it was its heart-warming quality and the sheer emotion driving this love story forward, not to mention the blazing chemistry between the two leading men, that owned me cover to cover.
“I have the same damn weakness I’ve always had� My weakness is him.�
Former best friends, fellow hockey prodigies, Wes and Jamie used to spend every summer together at hockey camp, until a naughty little bet blurred the lines of their friendship, resulting in four years of silence between them. Now in their early twenties, both of them hockey stars in their own right, they unexpectedly find themselves in the same place at the same time, and memories of some of the happiest moments in their young lives start flooding back, every single one of them tied to those summer camps spent as best friends. But only one of them really knows why their friendship ended so suddenly.
“How do you apologize to someone for cutting them out of your life without so much as an explanation?�
As the star player of his college team and with an NHL contract already in the bag, Ryan “Wes� Wesley’s future could not be any brighter, his only regret in life being the loss of his best friend, the only man he’s ever loved, the very reason he was eventually forced to face the truth about his sexuality. His love life now being nothing more than a string of commitment-free hook-ups, Wes enjoys his freedom and ability to focus solely on his hockey career, but seeing his former best friend again stirs up in him feelings he thought were long gone, feelings he’s always known would forever remain unrequited. And memories of a time when those weeks spent together each summer were all he would look forward to all year long.
“My life has been chaotic for as long as I can remember, and I always dealt with it alone. My parents� criticism, my confusion over my sexuality. But for six weeks every summer, I 徱’t have to be alone. I had Jamie, my best friend, my rock.�
Jamie Canning never understood why he had lost his best friend from one day to another, always suspecting that their last wager might have affected them differently, but never accepting in his heart that one night of drunken stupidity could have ended a six-year friendship. So when Wes unexpectedly makes contact with him again, Jamie’s heart offers no resistance, eager to have his friend back and desperate for answers.
“Life is just a little brighter, a little louder wherever Wes is.�
One last summer before their professional careers take off, one last summer camp as roommates, six weeks to relive old memories and make new ones together—Wes and Jamie might be hoping to rekindle an old friendship, but they end up uncovering much deeper feelings for one another, feelings that would change the course of their futures forever. As they explore each other’s bodies and their own hearts in the process, we watch two young men come to terms with a reality that neither of them ever thought possible, their desire for each other only eclipsed by their unwavering determination to put their friendship first. We watch a young man being finally able to express all he’s ever felt for his best friend after a decade of secretly longing for him, and another young man facing a side of himself he never knew was there, a side that equally confuses and excites him, but also a side of himself he refuses to deny—both their journeys being equally compelling and believable.
“Was I hiding something from myself? Or was there nothing to suppress?�
A love story that hooks you in with its simplicity and honesty, I fell in love with every moment of it. It’s a story of two friends becoming lovers, of two men falling for one another and being willing to change their lives in order to put each other first. It is not a story about the struggles of being gay, about coming out to the world or one’s battle with their own sexuality—the focus of the story remains on the irrevocable bond and the sexual attraction between these two men, and the courage it takes to put love first. The perfect blend of sweet and sexy, this tender romance was such a delightful read!
“Loved you every summer since I was thirteen years old. Love you even more now.�
[4.5 STARS]
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Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
Amazon CA:
July 14, 2015
4 Stars
When I found out Elle Kennedy was writing an MM...
She's about the only MF I read these days! And while I was not as familiar with Sarina Bowen (I did read book 1 of the Ivy League series) I knew her stuff wasn't quite as steamy as Elle's. SO...of course I said a little prayer. Please don't be too YA!
And I was worried for nothing! This one had some really nice steam! I read a lot of MM, so I can't say this one wowed me as far as MMs go. To me it read a lot like Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series, only with dudes.
This one was about hockey too. Score!
Friends to lovers. I really liked both Jamie and Ryan. Maybe Jamie a bit more. They meet as kids attending an elite summer soccer program. A bet goes wrong and they part ways. They go on to play hockey for different colleges and meet back up at the National Hockey Championships.
The reason I don't read NA and especially MF is because of the contrived drama. That was my biggest fear with this read. Two people, one who is gay and in love with his former best friend. The other who believes he's straight. Friends with benefits.
However, thankfully the drama wasn't overdone. It wasn't drawn out. It was resolved quickly.
There was some good LOL moments. Nothing new and original with the story line but still a very entertaining, enjoyable, sexy read!
ARC kindly provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
When I found out Elle Kennedy was writing an MM...
She's about the only MF I read these days! And while I was not as familiar with Sarina Bowen (I did read book 1 of the Ivy League series) I knew her stuff wasn't quite as steamy as Elle's. SO...of course I said a little prayer. Please don't be too YA!
And I was worried for nothing! This one had some really nice steam! I read a lot of MM, so I can't say this one wowed me as far as MMs go. To me it read a lot like Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series, only with dudes.
This one was about hockey too. Score!
Friends to lovers. I really liked both Jamie and Ryan. Maybe Jamie a bit more. They meet as kids attending an elite summer soccer program. A bet goes wrong and they part ways. They go on to play hockey for different colleges and meet back up at the National Hockey Championships.
The reason I don't read NA and especially MF is because of the contrived drama. That was my biggest fear with this read. Two people, one who is gay and in love with his former best friend. The other who believes he's straight. Friends with benefits.
However, thankfully the drama wasn't overdone. It wasn't drawn out. It was resolved quickly.
There was some good LOL moments. Nothing new and original with the story line but still a very entertaining, enjoyable, sexy read!
ARC kindly provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
November 8, 2015
Him is nominated for Best Romance in the 2015 GoodReads book awards! Vote here. The only other M/M book nominated is Roan Parrish as best debut author. You can vote of Roan's In the Middle of Somewhere here.
M/M fans REPRESENT!
It is ridiculous, absolutely fucking ridiculous, how much I loved this book. I am a tried and true hockey fan and root for my home team and root for any and all M/M hockey romances. My favorites being Frozen Hearts by , Home Ice by and Winging It by . There is just something about the spike of adrenaline these boys experience on the ice and how they carry that spike over into the bedroom that has my heart leaping and my libido humming. And I can honestly say, even with all the great M/M hockey romances I have read over the years, this one is now my favorite.
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley are two young hockey players on the fact track to the NFL. Both have just graduated from collage and, with their collage hockey careers behind them, Wes will be headed to Canada and Jamie to Detroit in the fall to start in the big leagues. During their summer hiatus, both men work at a hockey camp in Lake Placid teaching the younger generation of greats how to master the game.
Wes and Jamie met at this same hockey camp when they were in junior high and spent every summer together until they graduated from high school. On their last night of camp, right before both leave for collage, Wes challenges Jamie to a shoot-out, but with some pretty high stakes. Whoever loses has to give the other a blow job. Wes has secretly been pining for his best friend for years and has come to the conclusion that he is gay. Wes thinks that setting up this competition is the perfect solution to get into Jamie's pants and see if the feeling is mutual.
So, the blow job ends up happening and both men seems to really enjoy it, but Wes has a last minute feeling of shame that he took advantage of Jamie and tucks his tail and runs away, breaking off any and all contact with Jamie for the next 4 years. Jamie is hurt and bewildered but gets on with his life as a heterosexual male.
Back to the present time, Wes decides he needs to make amends for the uncomfortable, selfish situation he put Jamie in all those years ago and takes a job at the camp as a coach so he can spend one more summer with Jamie. He is still in love with Jamie but he misses his best friend so much that he is willing to put his feelings aside to get that spark back that made their relationship great.
I don't want to give much more away so you can see for yourselves how these two eventually begin a HOTTER THAN HELL sexual relationship and how they handle their feelings, but I want to tell you to watch for the huge differences between the boy's families and how they grew up. (Remember, they only see each other for 6 weeks a year during the summer from junior high to high school.) It makes all the difference when you reach the epilogue, which is mind-blowingly spectacular and also explains the book's title.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I sat down to read it and did not move until I was finished. This is a mature, honest look at discovering one's sexuality with a testosterone fueled hockey backdrop and some of the hottest sex I've read this year.
I can HIGHLY recommended this book to everyone, not just the literary puck bunnies. is enjoyable down to the very last line. Flawless in my opinion. I will be re-reading this when I need a comforting love story that is sure to flood me lots of happy endorphin's.
This review is also posted at
M/M fans REPRESENT!
It is ridiculous, absolutely fucking ridiculous, how much I loved this book. I am a tried and true hockey fan and root for my home team and root for any and all M/M hockey romances. My favorites being Frozen Hearts by , Home Ice by and Winging It by . There is just something about the spike of adrenaline these boys experience on the ice and how they carry that spike over into the bedroom that has my heart leaping and my libido humming. And I can honestly say, even with all the great M/M hockey romances I have read over the years, this one is now my favorite.
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley are two young hockey players on the fact track to the NFL. Both have just graduated from collage and, with their collage hockey careers behind them, Wes will be headed to Canada and Jamie to Detroit in the fall to start in the big leagues. During their summer hiatus, both men work at a hockey camp in Lake Placid teaching the younger generation of greats how to master the game.
Wes and Jamie met at this same hockey camp when they were in junior high and spent every summer together until they graduated from high school. On their last night of camp, right before both leave for collage, Wes challenges Jamie to a shoot-out, but with some pretty high stakes. Whoever loses has to give the other a blow job. Wes has secretly been pining for his best friend for years and has come to the conclusion that he is gay. Wes thinks that setting up this competition is the perfect solution to get into Jamie's pants and see if the feeling is mutual.
So, the blow job ends up happening and both men seems to really enjoy it, but Wes has a last minute feeling of shame that he took advantage of Jamie and tucks his tail and runs away, breaking off any and all contact with Jamie for the next 4 years. Jamie is hurt and bewildered but gets on with his life as a heterosexual male.
Back to the present time, Wes decides he needs to make amends for the uncomfortable, selfish situation he put Jamie in all those years ago and takes a job at the camp as a coach so he can spend one more summer with Jamie. He is still in love with Jamie but he misses his best friend so much that he is willing to put his feelings aside to get that spark back that made their relationship great.
I don't want to give much more away so you can see for yourselves how these two eventually begin a HOTTER THAN HELL sexual relationship and how they handle their feelings, but I want to tell you to watch for the huge differences between the boy's families and how they grew up. (Remember, they only see each other for 6 weeks a year during the summer from junior high to high school.) It makes all the difference when you reach the epilogue, which is mind-blowingly spectacular and also explains the book's title.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I sat down to read it and did not move until I was finished. This is a mature, honest look at discovering one's sexuality with a testosterone fueled hockey backdrop and some of the hottest sex I've read this year.
I can HIGHLY recommended this book to everyone, not just the literary puck bunnies. is enjoyable down to the very last line. Flawless in my opinion. I will be re-reading this when I need a comforting love story that is sure to flood me lots of happy endorphin's.
This review is also posted at
July 25, 2015
5 Stars
So let's see here; we have friends-to-lovers, second chance romance and GFY all mixed in with sizzling chemistry and humor. If that's not enough to justify my 5 star rating, I dunno what is. Maybe I haven't read an MM in a while, maybe I was exactly in the mood for a feel good and sexy MM romance? Whatever the reason may be, I loved this book to pieces. There was not one part of it I read where I didn't either have a goofy grin on my face or felt like I needed to ice my ovaries. It was fabulous!
Ryan "Wes" Wesley and Jamie Canning have been friends for years. Some of their favorite memories came from the time they spent together at hockey camp, until the summer when they were eighteen when one night and one dare changed everything and Wes just disappeared from his life. Jamie never stopped missing his best friend or wondering what he did to push him away.
Wes has been in love with his very straight best friend for years. His mistake those four years ago made him turn away and not look back since. But he's never forgotten Jamie or gotten over his feelings for him. Now chance brings them together again on the ice rink, and Wes will be dammed if he'll just let him walk away from his life again. And if he happens to get his friend to look at him as anything more than just a buddy? Hey, hope springs eternal, right?
I simply loved the interaction between Jamie and Wes. Their bond is so strong even after 4 years without speaking. I command the authors for making the transition to Jamie's true sexuality as natural as it did. It was like the reader was discovering everything along with him and it just made it that much better. As for Wes? Don't even get me started on that man. He was my favorite part about this book. He's a rule breaking wise ass, but beneath the muscles and tattoos is a heart of gold. His feelings for Jamie were so heart melting and heart breaking, I just wanted to reach through my kindle and hug him.
There was so much to love about this book, the biggest being the banter between these two. It was utterly delicious.
And if you're curious about the steam? Well let's just say Him has just the right amount to make this story incredibly sexy on top of entertaining as hell! The sexual chemistry between Ryan and Jamie practically crackled with electricity. And when they finally get together?
Ryan was such a fantastic hero as well. He's such a tender heart, but it totally works for him. Together they just made a certain kind of sense. These are two guys that you'll be rooting for from beginning to finish. I absolutely loved the way that Ryan is with his family and their quirkiness. Considering the cold detachment of Wes's family, it was wonderful to have such a warm family dynamic on the other end.
If you're looking for a fun and sexy NA MM romance, you really should look no further. Sabrina Bowen and Elle Kennedy together are a dynamic powerhouse and I only hope they have more books planned together for the future because I'd read them all without a second thought.
ARC courtesy of authors in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
Jamie Canning was my first crush and my first love. But he was never mine to have.
So let's see here; we have friends-to-lovers, second chance romance and GFY all mixed in with sizzling chemistry and humor. If that's not enough to justify my 5 star rating, I dunno what is. Maybe I haven't read an MM in a while, maybe I was exactly in the mood for a feel good and sexy MM romance? Whatever the reason may be, I loved this book to pieces. There was not one part of it I read where I didn't either have a goofy grin on my face or felt like I needed to ice my ovaries. It was fabulous!
Ryan "Wes" Wesley and Jamie Canning have been friends for years. Some of their favorite memories came from the time they spent together at hockey camp, until the summer when they were eighteen when one night and one dare changed everything and Wes just disappeared from his life. Jamie never stopped missing his best friend or wondering what he did to push him away.
Wes has been in love with his very straight best friend for years. His mistake those four years ago made him turn away and not look back since. But he's never forgotten Jamie or gotten over his feelings for him. Now chance brings them together again on the ice rink, and Wes will be dammed if he'll just let him walk away from his life again. And if he happens to get his friend to look at him as anything more than just a buddy? Hey, hope springs eternal, right?
I simply loved the interaction between Jamie and Wes. Their bond is so strong even after 4 years without speaking. I command the authors for making the transition to Jamie's true sexuality as natural as it did. It was like the reader was discovering everything along with him and it just made it that much better. As for Wes? Don't even get me started on that man. He was my favorite part about this book. He's a rule breaking wise ass, but beneath the muscles and tattoos is a heart of gold. His feelings for Jamie were so heart melting and heart breaking, I just wanted to reach through my kindle and hug him.
There was so much to love about this book, the biggest being the banter between these two. It was utterly delicious.
"You know actual character names from Sex and the City? Shit, if you hadn't told me you were gay, I would've figured it out just now.
And if you're curious about the steam? Well let's just say Him has just the right amount to make this story incredibly sexy on top of entertaining as hell! The sexual chemistry between Ryan and Jamie practically crackled with electricity. And when they finally get together?
Ryan was such a fantastic hero as well. He's such a tender heart, but it totally works for him. Together they just made a certain kind of sense. These are two guys that you'll be rooting for from beginning to finish. I absolutely loved the way that Ryan is with his family and their quirkiness. Considering the cold detachment of Wes's family, it was wonderful to have such a warm family dynamic on the other end.
If you're looking for a fun and sexy NA MM romance, you really should look no further. Sabrina Bowen and Elle Kennedy together are a dynamic powerhouse and I only hope they have more books planned together for the future because I'd read them all without a second thought.
He moves further onto the bed, making room for me. Then he beckons. And there isn't enough money, fame or fortune in the world to keep me from obeying.
ARC courtesy of authors in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
November 28, 2019
I first read this book in 2015...and I was blown away. It was definitely one of the best mm books I read that year, and considering how many times I have re-read this one... it still is.
When I finished it the first time, I wrote a small review for it, but since I have re-read this book multiple times since, ... I figured it deserved more from me. So here goes....
Wes Ryan and Jamie Canning have been best camp buddies for 6 years. Each year, since the age of 12/13 they spend 6 weeks together at "Lake Placid" hockey camp, skating their asses off and getting into all sorts of mischief.
Over the years, Wes' feelings toward Jamie changed though...Instead of just feeling friendly, he started to feel lust and love... On their last day of camp, when they are 18 years old, Wes challenges Jamie to a shoot out. The result of this shoot out leads to the end of their friendship.
Fast forward 4 years and these two former best friends are about to cross paths again, when both their teams have to play in the "frozen four". The minute Wes sees Jamie, he knows that his feelings haven't changed. He also realizes that he missed Jamie's friendship, so he decides to offer an olive branch, and try to make things right between them again. Thankfully, Jamie has missed Wes just as well, and he's just as happy to reconnect with his old best friend.
When Wes decides to join Jaimie at "Lake Placid" once again, this time as coaches, things between them heat up pretty fast.
It doesn't take long for Jamie to come to the conclusion that he is actually bi instead of straight of what's even more surprising is the fact that he's not all that upset about his realization. How could he ever be upset about being attracted to his best friend... who feels the same way about him.
These boys get pretty hot and heavy... and I loved every single second of it !!
But summer is about to come to end and decisions have to be made. Jamie has to choose his career path and Wes is ready to go kick ass in Toronto. But what was supposed to be some "hot" fun between them...has changed to so much more. How will they ever be able to be apart again?
I absolutely loved these two from the moment I started reading. Both characters were awesome, though I have to say that I loved Wes just a tad bit more even though he does make a jerky move towards the end.
I also loved the fact that Jamie accepted his own sexuality the way he did. There wasn't a lot of drama involved. I think this may also have to do with the loving environment Jamie grew up in. Extra points for Jamie's awesome family !!
Now, even though Jamie has never been with another man, I would not classify this book as a GFY. Jamie himself states very clearly that it's not just Wes, who can get him turned on. This is more a case of coming to except that you are bi-sexual....and falling in love with your best friend ;)
“Loved you every summer since I was thirteen years old. Love you even more now.�
So if you are looking for a sweet, very hot, sports-themed "friends to lovers" story ... you should definitely give this one a go. I highly recommend it ... I would also recommend everyone to read book 2 in this series "Us", which is already published as well ;)
January 1, 2023
Now, this was 350 pages of some glorious shit. It’s my new obsession and I did not want it to end.
I fell in love with it pretty quickly. As soon as I started listening to the audiobook I knew I had the possibility of a new favourite in my hands. Ears. And I was right. Everything about this worked for me.
You can’t help but fall in love with Wes and Jamie. Their friendship-turned-more had all the right elements it needed to create a beautiful romance; the pining, the yearning, the angst of having feelings for your absolute best friend, the figuring out of what this means for you both individually and together, wanting to give each other space but unable to do so.
The back and forth had me losing my mind.
Being in their heads was torture, but you get to know them so well that you don’t mind the torture. It’s torture and conflict they feel coming to terms with their sexuality in particular, which wasn’t always 100% clear. Their careers/environment/upbringing 徱’t help make that any easier on them and you as the reader feel it viscerally, you’re on the journey with them. It’s enjoyable. It’s introspective. It’s soothing. It was beautiful and intimate. I felt and fell for them deeply.
Everything about this story sorta stabbed me in the heart and I loved it.
I fell in love with it pretty quickly. As soon as I started listening to the audiobook I knew I had the possibility of a new favourite in my hands. Ears. And I was right. Everything about this worked for me.
You can’t help but fall in love with Wes and Jamie. Their friendship-turned-more had all the right elements it needed to create a beautiful romance; the pining, the yearning, the angst of having feelings for your absolute best friend, the figuring out of what this means for you both individually and together, wanting to give each other space but unable to do so.
The back and forth had me losing my mind.
Being in their heads was torture, but you get to know them so well that you don’t mind the torture. It’s torture and conflict they feel coming to terms with their sexuality in particular, which wasn’t always 100% clear. Their careers/environment/upbringing 徱’t help make that any easier on them and you as the reader feel it viscerally, you’re on the journey with them. It’s enjoyable. It’s introspective. It’s soothing. It was beautiful and intimate. I felt and fell for them deeply.
Everything about this story sorta stabbed me in the heart and I loved it.
September 9, 2022
3.75 stars! Such a cute and spicy mm romance!! I always love books by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy. My only complaint is that the book is a bit wattpady and the book is veryyyy spicy but other than that I loved it.
August 29, 2015
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating Wes ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating Jamie ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars
This is another read that I might have missed out on if I had not read so many of my friends fantastic reviews. THANK YOU MY FRIENDS because I
I loved the story line about two boys who became best friends while at hockey training camp and that one them secretly loved the other. It was a long road before they finally got together and I loved every moment.
I have to say that Jamie was my favorite character. I loved the honesty he had, how he coped with his feelings for Wes. How he let Wes into his heart, STUNNING!
Wes was also an excellent character, how he loved Jamie but was willing to let him go because he thought he was corrupting him.
These two were ABSOLUTLELY BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER. I could feel their attraction at the first heated kiss.
The sex scenes were sensuous and HOT! I loved the trust they gave over to each other sexually as their relationship progressed.
Another thing I loved so much was the way Jamie’s family opened their hearts up to Wes and treated him as part of the family. On the other hand, I HATED Wes’s family, they sucked as parents so I’m so glad he finally got the family he deserved.
For me, this book was
I highly recommend HIM to everyone who has considered reading it.
Hero Rating Wes ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating Jamie ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars
This is another read that I might have missed out on if I had not read so many of my friends fantastic reviews. THANK YOU MY FRIENDS because I
I loved the story line about two boys who became best friends while at hockey training camp and that one them secretly loved the other. It was a long road before they finally got together and I loved every moment.
I have to say that Jamie was my favorite character. I loved the honesty he had, how he coped with his feelings for Wes. How he let Wes into his heart, STUNNING!
Wes was also an excellent character, how he loved Jamie but was willing to let him go because he thought he was corrupting him.
These two were ABSOLUTLELY BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER. I could feel their attraction at the first heated kiss.
The sex scenes were sensuous and HOT! I loved the trust they gave over to each other sexually as their relationship progressed.
Another thing I loved so much was the way Jamie’s family opened their hearts up to Wes and treated him as part of the family. On the other hand, I HATED Wes’s family, they sucked as parents so I’m so glad he finally got the family he deserved.
For me, this book was
I highly recommend HIM to everyone who has considered reading it.
August 3, 2015
"We're all just bags of charged atoms walking around bumping into each other. My electrons went seriously haywire for his tonight, though. Particles collided."
That was just excellent combination of humour, fun, steam, friendship, bromance and love. Did I mention it was hot?
"Hot? Try scorching. Blistering. A goddamn inferno."Damn right it was! Light, sweet, a bit emotional and drama free reading. Perfect book for summer if you enjoy MM romance. Highly recommend!
For real...
cause it was...
Yeah, it was:)))
And those boys, oh my, those boys... Wes and Jamie...
One more thing to add...
April 29, 2021
Forth re-read: 29.04.2021
It's been a while since I've read Jamie and Wes's story. I've missed them, I have. However, I've been struggling with concentration today and my eyes has been hurting me. On top of that, I'm working on my exams and I have no motivation. I thought perhaps J & W could get me up again, but sadly I just couldn't enjoy it as much as they deserve. So because of that, I won't change the rating.
Third re-read: 18.08.2019
Wes and Jamie is just awesome together. I adore their chemistry and their friendship turned relationship. I still clap myself on the shoulder for the fact that I chose this book to be my first M/M two years ago. I needed something to read today, I was still stick so I wasn't in for reading something new where I had to focus, so I decided to re-read this one. It's still quite enjoyable.
Second re-read: 13.02.2018
Yup, I decided to re-read this one again. Why? Because I can't find anything that interest me, so why not read something you know you like? I mean, Ryan ‘Wes� E. Wesley, Jr. and Jamie ‘Jamester� Canning is absolutely adorable. I wish we had gotten more than only two books for these guys. We deserve more. Really.
New Rating - 3.5 stars.
Re-read: 28.08.2017
I still adore this. Wes is cool, but I think I like Jamie the most. He's so open and ready for anything. He realize that he's attracted to men; does he panic? Hell no! He totally goes for it. He nice, sweet, adorable and kind. He's a total role model, so being a coach is kind perfect for him... Together, Wes and Jamie is great. Their chemistry is totally of the charts, simply because they are so open and honest and being best friends just makes it even better. I'm definitely gonna re-read this one again in the future. I'm still so glad that this one was my first EVER M/M book.
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
First read review:
I was pleasantly surprised about this book. I thought it would feel weird reading about two males, all hot and heavy, but it turns out it was quite hot. The sex was streamy, sexy and very much a turn on. And there was a lot of it. Perhaps, a bit too much? I felt like we didn't have/get enough... story... The connection between Jamie Canning (22) and Ryan “Wes� Wesley (22) was terrific, cute and adorable. I love their bantering, their easiness and their chemistry. They worked quite well together. Specially in the bedroom.
Jamie was laid-back, calm, easy going, confused and adorable with his sometime bossy commands. Wes was strong, knew what he wanted career wise, funny, bold, cute and had his alpha male moments. So it's safe to say they were good together. Story wise, there wasn't much of it. I don't think that was the focus for this book. Overall: I'm shocked how much I liked this book, or should I say: how much I liked reading a M/M book. I do believe I'll read more of those... because I want more.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Can't choose, I think I liked both of them equally.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows?
Rating - 3.5 stars.
It's been a while since I've read Jamie and Wes's story. I've missed them, I have. However, I've been struggling with concentration today and my eyes has been hurting me. On top of that, I'm working on my exams and I have no motivation. I thought perhaps J & W could get me up again, but sadly I just couldn't enjoy it as much as they deserve. So because of that, I won't change the rating.
Third re-read: 18.08.2019
Wes and Jamie is just awesome together. I adore their chemistry and their friendship turned relationship. I still clap myself on the shoulder for the fact that I chose this book to be my first M/M two years ago. I needed something to read today, I was still stick so I wasn't in for reading something new where I had to focus, so I decided to re-read this one. It's still quite enjoyable.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*My good decision*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Second re-read: 13.02.2018
Yup, I decided to re-read this one again. Why? Because I can't find anything that interest me, so why not read something you know you like? I mean, Ryan ‘Wes� E. Wesley, Jr. and Jamie ‘Jamester� Canning is absolutely adorable. I wish we had gotten more than only two books for these guys. We deserve more. Really.
New Rating - 3.5 stars.
Re-read: 28.08.2017
I still adore this. Wes is cool, but I think I like Jamie the most. He's so open and ready for anything. He realize that he's attracted to men; does he panic? Hell no! He totally goes for it. He nice, sweet, adorable and kind. He's a total role model, so being a coach is kind perfect for him... Together, Wes and Jamie is great. Their chemistry is totally of the charts, simply because they are so open and honest and being best friends just makes it even better. I'm definitely gonna re-read this one again in the future. I'm still so glad that this one was my first EVER M/M book.
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
First read review:
I was pleasantly surprised about this book. I thought it would feel weird reading about two males, all hot and heavy, but it turns out it was quite hot. The sex was streamy, sexy and very much a turn on. And there was a lot of it. Perhaps, a bit too much? I felt like we didn't have/get enough... story... The connection between Jamie Canning (22) and Ryan “Wes� Wesley (22) was terrific, cute and adorable. I love their bantering, their easiness and their chemistry. They worked quite well together. Specially in the bedroom.
“Jamie Canning was my first crush and my first love. But he was never mine to have.�
Jamie was laid-back, calm, easy going, confused and adorable with his sometime bossy commands. Wes was strong, knew what he wanted career wise, funny, bold, cute and had his alpha male moments. So it's safe to say they were good together. Story wise, there wasn't much of it. I don't think that was the focus for this book. Overall: I'm shocked how much I liked this book, or should I say: how much I liked reading a M/M book. I do believe I'll read more of those... because I want more.
“My weakness is him.�
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Can't choose, I think I liked both of them equally.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows?
Rating - 3.5 stars.
March 8, 2025
|| 4.5 stars ||
�First read: June 2021 | �5.0 stars
�Second read: August 2021 | �5.0 stars
�Third read: October 2021 | �5.0 stars
�Fourth read: January 2024 | �4.5 stars
Wes and Jamie literally own my heart. They are so cute together and Wes' undying love for Jamie had my stomach flutter nearly every damn page. The goofy friendship between these two just felt so organic, and seeing them eventually turn into something more was absolutely lovely.
Their friends-to-lovers relationship and the second-chance trope after a four year fall-out had everything down to a tee with the emotion as well as sheer hotness. I honestly ship them so hard.
There’s just nothing quite like watching someone obsessively pine after their childhood friend, especially if they think it’s entirely unrequited and they think they will never be loved back in that way. Yet, they still can’t help but love and adore that person forever. That’s some deep love. And that is what Wes had for Jamie.
Nonetheless, it does need to be said that this was insanely smutty. I’m usually not much of a fan of that because it feels very superficial and often bores me to tears, but somehow, it 徱’t bother me so much here. I simply can’t deny the fact that the smut was incredibly hot and I still really felt the true love between them. However, I can definitely guarantee I would have loved this book even more if it had less sex scenes and more emotional scenes.
I would have also eaten it up if this book had given us more angst; I got so invested each time these two got jealous or insecure or had a misunderstanding, and I would have loved for those moments to not be resolved so quickly or easily. I was craving the drama so badly!
Jamie was honestly way too mature and forgiving� He had the right to be angry a lot of times, and I needed him to act on that! But nope, Jamie was the absolute sweetest angel, so he let Wes off the hook each time.
So really, if this book had incorporated all of that better then it would have been pretty much perfect. After all, the couple, the setting, the characters, the dynamic and just about everything that had to do with these two was exactly what I wanted it to be otherwise.
All in all, this will forever be one of my favourite couples. It has all my favourite tropes, and the pining just killed me (in the best way possible).
'Him' duology:
1. Him - 4.5 stars
2. Us - 4.5 stars
Novella:
2.5. Epic - 3.5 stars
Spin-off 'WAGs' series:
1. Good Boy - 3.0 stars
Other Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen books:
‘Off-Campus� series - var. ratings
Rookie Move - 1.0 star
‘Briar U� series - var. ratings
Top Secret - 4.0 stars
�First read: June 2021 | �5.0 stars
�Second read: August 2021 | �5.0 stars
�Third read: October 2021 | �5.0 stars
�Fourth read: January 2024 | �4.5 stars
Wes and Jamie literally own my heart. They are so cute together and Wes' undying love for Jamie had my stomach flutter nearly every damn page. The goofy friendship between these two just felt so organic, and seeing them eventually turn into something more was absolutely lovely.
Their friends-to-lovers relationship and the second-chance trope after a four year fall-out had everything down to a tee with the emotion as well as sheer hotness. I honestly ship them so hard.
It’s been years since I was on the ice with Canning. He could have tightened up his game since then. He might not even have those particular weaknesses anymore.
I, on the other hand, do. I have the same damn weakness I’ve always had. It’s still there as I stare up at the big screen. As I watch Jamie Canning stop another dizzying slap shot. As I admire the grace and deadly precision with which he moves.
My weakness is him.
There’s just nothing quite like watching someone obsessively pine after their childhood friend, especially if they think it’s entirely unrequited and they think they will never be loved back in that way. Yet, they still can’t help but love and adore that person forever. That’s some deep love. And that is what Wes had for Jamie.
I’m a selfish bastard. Or maybe I’m a fucking masochist. Canning can’t give me what I want, but I still can’t stop myself from wanting it. I want whatever I can get—a conversation, a joke gift, a smile, anything. I might not be able to get the steak, but fuck it, I’m fine with some scraps.
I just� I just can’t let him go yet.
Nonetheless, it does need to be said that this was insanely smutty. I’m usually not much of a fan of that because it feels very superficial and often bores me to tears, but somehow, it 徱’t bother me so much here. I simply can’t deny the fact that the smut was incredibly hot and I still really felt the true love between them. However, I can definitely guarantee I would have loved this book even more if it had less sex scenes and more emotional scenes.
I would have also eaten it up if this book had given us more angst; I got so invested each time these two got jealous or insecure or had a misunderstanding, and I would have loved for those moments to not be resolved so quickly or easily. I was craving the drama so badly!
Jamie was honestly way too mature and forgiving� He had the right to be angry a lot of times, and I needed him to act on that! But nope, Jamie was the absolute sweetest angel, so he let Wes off the hook each time.
So really, if this book had incorporated all of that better then it would have been pretty much perfect. After all, the couple, the setting, the characters, the dynamic and just about everything that had to do with these two was exactly what I wanted it to be otherwise.
I’ll give him every fucking part of myself, serve it to him like a feast at a banquet.
Jamie Canning has no idea the kind of power he has over me.
All in all, this will forever be one of my favourite couples. It has all my favourite tropes, and the pining just killed me (in the best way possible).
'Him' duology:
1. Him - 4.5 stars
2. Us - 4.5 stars
Novella:
2.5. Epic - 3.5 stars
Spin-off 'WAGs' series:
1. Good Boy - 3.0 stars
Other Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen books:
‘Off-Campus� series - var. ratings
Rookie Move - 1.0 star
‘Briar U� series - var. ratings
Top Secret - 4.0 stars
February 7, 2017
Real que me ha durado 5 horas.
Pensaba tomármelo con calma, tranquilamente, que al menos me durase un par de días. Pero pese la cansancio, la tos, el dolor de garganta y los mocos, aquí estoy, hablándonos de Him aún sin asumir que lo empecé hace unas horas.
Vale, a ver. Tengo varias cosas que comentar. Por un lado hay cosas que me han gustado mucho, como los personajes. Desde el primer momento he sentido una extraña conexión con Wes y Jamie. Y digo extraña porque en apenas un par de capítulos ya sentía conocerlos. Se nos presentan mediante recuerdos y vivencias del presente, y en apenas unas páginas entramos directamente en el conflicto, cuando aún les estamos conociendo, y me parece magistral. De verdad, me he metido en la historia enseguida. Y eso pasa muy pocas veces.
Una de las razones que me llevaron a leer Him fue obviamente Elle Kennedy, cuyas dos primeras entregas de la saga #KissMe me han maravillado. Sin embargo, en este caso no estoy del todo convencido de su estilo. Claro que hay otra autora que entra en juego, pero las escenas de sexo eran quizá demasiado pesadas. Las primeras, al ser diferentes entre ellas, están bastante bien. Pero una vez entramos en una 'rutina', se utilizan las mismas expresiones y frases hechas que al final cansan.
Respecto al estilo de manera más global no tengo queja: es sencillo, cumple su función. No me gusta mucho el tema deporte y se usan tecnicismos, pero bueno, es lo que hay cuando los protagonistas son jugadores profesionales de hockey sobre hielo.
Esta parte quizá contenga spoilers. Tengo otra queja respecto al avance del sexo entre los protagonistas, pero creo que lo comentaré más en el canal. Básicamente es que no entiendo que de no hacer nada con un chico de la noche a la mañana te adaptes tan bien a ello, pero bueno. Fin de los spoilers
La historia comienza realmente bien y tiene un nudo que me ha mantenido en vilo, pero el último cuarto se me ha hecho un poco más pesado. De hecho, no veo necesaria una segunda parte, pues se cierra todo de manera demasiado abrupta. Me gusta el final, sí, pero siento que me falta la profundidad de los personajes que teníamos al principio.
Estoy muy contento con esta lectura. No es un género que suela tocar y no sé por qué. He tenido muchos feels, me he sentido bastante conectado con los protagonistas y he vivido en pocas horas una historia intensa. Advierto de que hay escenas de sexo con palabrotas y demás, por si pensáis que es erótica más suave. No. ¡Os la recomiendo!
Pensaba tomármelo con calma, tranquilamente, que al menos me durase un par de días. Pero pese la cansancio, la tos, el dolor de garganta y los mocos, aquí estoy, hablándonos de Him aún sin asumir que lo empecé hace unas horas.
Vale, a ver. Tengo varias cosas que comentar. Por un lado hay cosas que me han gustado mucho, como los personajes. Desde el primer momento he sentido una extraña conexión con Wes y Jamie. Y digo extraña porque en apenas un par de capítulos ya sentía conocerlos. Se nos presentan mediante recuerdos y vivencias del presente, y en apenas unas páginas entramos directamente en el conflicto, cuando aún les estamos conociendo, y me parece magistral. De verdad, me he metido en la historia enseguida. Y eso pasa muy pocas veces.
Una de las razones que me llevaron a leer Him fue obviamente Elle Kennedy, cuyas dos primeras entregas de la saga #KissMe me han maravillado. Sin embargo, en este caso no estoy del todo convencido de su estilo. Claro que hay otra autora que entra en juego, pero las escenas de sexo eran quizá demasiado pesadas. Las primeras, al ser diferentes entre ellas, están bastante bien. Pero una vez entramos en una 'rutina', se utilizan las mismas expresiones y frases hechas que al final cansan.
Respecto al estilo de manera más global no tengo queja: es sencillo, cumple su función. No me gusta mucho el tema deporte y se usan tecnicismos, pero bueno, es lo que hay cuando los protagonistas son jugadores profesionales de hockey sobre hielo.
Esta parte quizá contenga spoilers. Tengo otra queja respecto al avance del sexo entre los protagonistas, pero creo que lo comentaré más en el canal. Básicamente es que no entiendo que de no hacer nada con un chico de la noche a la mañana te adaptes tan bien a ello, pero bueno. Fin de los spoilers
La historia comienza realmente bien y tiene un nudo que me ha mantenido en vilo, pero el último cuarto se me ha hecho un poco más pesado. De hecho, no veo necesaria una segunda parte, pues se cierra todo de manera demasiado abrupta. Me gusta el final, sí, pero siento que me falta la profundidad de los personajes que teníamos al principio.
Estoy muy contento con esta lectura. No es un género que suela tocar y no sé por qué. He tenido muchos feels, me he sentido bastante conectado con los protagonistas y he vivido en pocas horas una historia intensa. Advierto de que hay escenas de sexo con palabrotas y demás, por si pensáis que es erótica más suave. No. ¡Os la recomiendo!
August 3, 2016
I 徱’t get over it, but I got used to it.
5 #PurpleSkittles and #CuddleWhores STARS
Jamie and Ryan .. �
So this was my first M/M romance novel .. am I ever glad it was this ONE! and have collaborated and created quite the novel. This is my first time reading work by and I am impressed and looking forward to reading more of her work. .. I am not a stranger to this marvelous authors work. What made me want to read this novel SOON was partly because she co-wrote it. I now see what the hype was about this book because it truly was ..no words can suffice to be honest. This is for surely going to be one of my go to re-reads. The chemistry between these two were OFF THE SHEETS (LITERALLY). I know forsure I'll be looking into reading more M/M romance books.
5 #PurpleSkittles and #CuddleWhores STARS
Jamie and Ryan .. �
I just pled guilty to assholery
in the first degree and practically
molestation. And he's worried
about a few texts.
It's too late to get away from it all
I'm done with running so I give in to you ..
You know actual character names
from Sex and the City? Shit,
if you hadn't told me you were gay,
I would've figured it out just now.
So this was my first M/M romance novel .. am I ever glad it was this ONE! and have collaborated and created quite the novel. This is my first time reading work by and I am impressed and looking forward to reading more of her work. .. I am not a stranger to this marvelous authors work. What made me want to read this novel SOON was partly because she co-wrote it. I now see what the hype was about this book because it truly was ..
"I was the one acting like a douchecanoe?"
"Yes. Jesus, dude, the way you treated that guy,
you'd think he was carrying the Ebola virus."
Even if it's moving too fast,
Baby we should take it too far ..
He's silent for a beat.
I can tell he expected me to
go all chick on him and
demand we talk about last night.
February 21, 2019
Re-read audio 12/2/2019: You think this book is hot reading it, listening to the audio is 5x hotter!!
5 Purple Skittles Stars
I . LOVED . THIS . BOOK!!!!
Jamie and Wes met at an ice hockey training camp when they were young teens, both boys lives revolved around hockey. Jamie was the happy go lucky laid back Cali boy, while Wes was the bad boy practical joker. I fell hard for both these boys from the start, their relationship was pure love from the start.
Only Wes had a secret he was keeping from Wes (and himself at times). His gay and has a massive crush on Jamie, he comes up with a plan to see if he can get Jamie to fool around but it doesn't go as planned and it's not Jamie that freaks out and bolts but Wes.
4 years later Jamie and Wes's college teams are in the same tournament, Jamie is pissed as he still doesn't know why Wes has avoided him all this time.
So they slowly reconnect with a bit of drama to keep things interesting. The whole way through you can feel the love these two have for each other even before they come together. BUT OMG when they do get together these two are insanely hot, I'm talking smoking kindle hot!!!
This was a great friends to lovers read, great characters, great plot, some drama and lots of love. I highly recommend it for first time M/M readers or just lovers of M/M. I devoured this book and the only negative I could think of was that I wanted more, I was pissed it ended lol.
5 Purple Skittles Stars
I . LOVED . THIS . BOOK!!!!
Jamie and Wes met at an ice hockey training camp when they were young teens, both boys lives revolved around hockey. Jamie was the happy go lucky laid back Cali boy, while Wes was the bad boy practical joker. I fell hard for both these boys from the start, their relationship was pure love from the start.
Only Wes had a secret he was keeping from Wes (and himself at times). His gay and has a massive crush on Jamie, he comes up with a plan to see if he can get Jamie to fool around but it doesn't go as planned and it's not Jamie that freaks out and bolts but Wes.
4 years later Jamie and Wes's college teams are in the same tournament, Jamie is pissed as he still doesn't know why Wes has avoided him all this time.
So they slowly reconnect with a bit of drama to keep things interesting. The whole way through you can feel the love these two have for each other even before they come together. BUT OMG when they do get together these two are insanely hot, I'm talking smoking kindle hot!!!
This was a great friends to lovers read, great characters, great plot, some drama and lots of love. I highly recommend it for first time M/M readers or just lovers of M/M. I devoured this book and the only negative I could think of was that I wanted more, I was pissed it ended lol.
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January 29, 2021
Him is book one in the Him duet by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. While I have read several books by Elle Kennedy, this is my very first involving Sarina. Why oh why did I wait so long to read this because OH…MY…GOSH!!! I am in love!
Jamie Canning is twenty two years old and is about to graduate from Ranier and Ryan Wesley is about to graduate from Northern Mass. Both are hockey stars for their respective colleges. These two met when they were around twelve years old at an Elite summer Hockey camp. They got to spend the summer together for six years and kept in touch during the months they were apart. They were best friends. But on their last summer, when they were eighteen years old, a silly bet on a shootout match changed everything. Wes ghosted him and they haven’t spoken in four years. But now their teams are both playing in the championship and they find themselves at the same hotel. Wes can finally apologize for his actions.
Jamie is no longer a student at the summer hockey camp but now a coach. But this summer, he’s in for quite a shock when Wes shows up as his new roommate and fellow coach. The summer turns out to be one of life changing revelations for both of these men, both personally and together.
It’s here that I have to say that if I could rate this book on swoons rather than stars, it would get ALL THE SWOONS! Because these two together were EVERYTHING! Hold on to all of your bits because they burned up the pages with their chemistry. But, they also just fit! Wes was a force of nature and Jamie was unflappable. Together, they balanced each other. I also have to mention Jamie’s family! They kind of stole the show! They were hilarious and wonderful and just amazing.
This book is smokin�, swoony, sweet, funny and absolutely wonderful. I couldn’t stop reading. It comes to a satisfying ending if you choose to stop here but I am going right on to the next book, Us! It is a continuation of their story as a couple. I can’t wait to get started.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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