Frat Wars : King of Thieves by Saxon James
Title: Ice Angels
Author: Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood
Publisher: Wainscott Press
Release Date: 10/29/2021
Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 200
Genre: Romance, Gay hockey romance, Gay holiday romance
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Synopsis
Drew and Cleevs love hockey, but they love each other more. How can the men find a way to save what matters most?
Todd Cleever and Drew Simon are crazy about each other. They started dating three years ago when “Cleevs” was a rookie defenseman for the Chicago Ice. Drew, the team’s captain, was a few years older than Cleevs. Both men were deep in the closet, but it didn’t take long for them to fall in love.
Cleevs was traded to the Bethesda Barracudas a year later, causing a heartbreaking separation. Ever since, they’ve skated around the problem with occasional stolen nights together and brief vacations under the guise of “friends,” but two years of living apart have taken their toll.
As the holiday approaches, Drew and Cleevs decide things have to change. Still, with their careers and two professional hockey teams in the way, how can they score the game-winning goal and save everything they cherish most?
If you like fierce love, a smallish age gap, exciting hockey, and a steely determination to make things work—not to mention enough steam to fog up all your windows and a fantastic HEA—this is the book for you. The novella contains about 43,000 words of sparkling holiday romance.
Excerpt
I arrived at the Hilton about three o’clock. Todd wasn’t due for another couple of hours, so I took a shower and dressed in jeans and an Ice T-shirt. Afterward, I switched on the TV but was too excited to be still, and I must have walked back and forth to the window a hundred times. When the news came on, I settled into a chair to watch. Someone knocked on the door a few minutes later.
Running over, I pulled it open, and there he was. Wearing a gray peacoat and matching beanie, with a messenger bag slung over his shoulder, Todd looked like a Hollywood heartthrob. He broke into a crooked grin.
“Hey.” My breath had caught in my throat, and I couldn’t get anything else out. “Hey.”
My pulse raced as my sight and hearing went into overdrive. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.
“Drew? You think I could come in?”
“Oh yeah.” I grinned and stepped aside. “Please.”
He rolled his suitcase in and set it and his messenger bag beside the dresser while I made sure the door was locked. When I turned, he placed a finger on the tip of my nose and traced it down to my lips. “You get more beautiful every time I see you.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
He reached for me, and I relaxed into the safety of his arms. The relief of being held was profound. As a hockey player and captain of all my teams since high school, I’d always had to be strong. Before I met Todd, as a closeted gay man, I rarely had hookups because there was too much risk of being recognized. When I occasionally met up with someone, what we did wasn’t about affection or support; it was about getting off.
“Love you, Drew.
“Oh, Todd.” I nibbled his lip, and when he hugged me tighter and kissed me, the heavy burden of my loneliness fell away. I relaxed for the first time in a while.
“I’m happy you could come and spend the night,” he whispered between kisses. I leaned back to look at him. His face was flushed, and his eyes were already dark with arousal. Sliding a hand up his back, I cupped his head. His mouth twitched as I moved in, and he moaned softly when our lips touched. I pressed against him, not ready for the moment to end but needing more.
Slowly, he glided his hands down my back to my butt, and we teased each other. When he licked my lips and probed softly, I opened for him. His tongue reassured me somehow, and I sucked it while my senses did somersaults. Hints of cedarwood and iris, mixed with his soft musk, surrounded me. We were both hard, and a thrill flickered up my spine as we rubbed our cocks together. Tiny, needy sounds filled the air while we enjoyed a taste of what was to come. I pulled away, took his hand, and started toward the bed. “Come with me.” He didn’t move, and I turned to look at him.
“I should shower. It’s been a long day, and I’m not at my freshest.”
Taking a step forward, I gave him another kiss and whispered, “I like you this way, remember? My sweaty D-man.”
He gulped a breath. “Lead on, then.”
We took our time undressing each other. When I removed Todd’s shirt, I gaped at his impressive physique as always: brawny arms, massive pecs, and a rippling six-pack. A large tattoo, a beautiful depiction of a wolf in the forest, ran from the nape of his neck to the middle of his back. Todd said it symbolized loyalty and family, as well as a willingness to become ferocious to protect what was dear to him. He’d told me he wanted to have one about us done on his chest—over his heart—and we’d design it together when our relationship was no longer a secret.
ICE ANGELS Copyright © 2021 Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood. All Rights Reserved.
Purchase at Amazon or BookBub
Ice Angels by Ryan Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Drew wants something to change. He loves Todd but he cannot be with him. It is driving him crazy. There must be a way out of this.
Todd is feeling very similar to Drew. He is in love with him, but they work for different teams and not together when they have time off, even when they are "together." Something has to give or he will go insane.
This story was sweet, and had a great pace to it. I love hockey, so the jump right into the game sucked me right in from page one. These characters were easy to root for. I found myself eagerly turning the pages to get more of the book. I hope we see them again.
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
View all my reviews
Meet the Authors
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood met in law school and were married in 2017. They live in a suburb of Washington, DC and share their home with a big, cuddly German shepherd. Ryan and Josh enjoy travel, friends, and advocating for causes dear to their hearts. Ryan also loves to swim, and Josh likes to putter in the garden whenever he can. The romance they were so lucky to find with each other inspires their stories about love between out and proud men.
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Fake Boyfriend series, book #1
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Bailey is warned about the rival fraternity and its prankster, Chad. The heart wants what the heart wants. Is there anything they can do more than just sneak around and hope to not be caught?
Lots of funny in this fast paced and full of action book. There was lots of heat and lots of pranks. I laughed my way through and loved every page. I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This early copy was given exclusively to be reviewed with honesty.
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Todd is feeling very similar to Drew. He is in love with him, but they work for different teams and not together when they have time off, even when they are "together." Something has to give or he will go insane.
This story was sweet, and had a great pace to it. I love hockey, so the jump right into the game sucked me right in from page one. These characters were easy to root for. I found myself eagerly turning the pages to get more of the book. I hope we see them again. I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
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The Pittsburgh Titans organization suffered a devastating loss when their team plane crashed, killing all forty-one passengers aboard. This January, the team gets one step closer to getting back on the ice when Baden Oulett joins the coaching staff.
The Pittsburgh Titans series will bring the same hot hockey hunks and strong heroines that readers expect from Sawyer Bennett but will turn up the feelings and emotions.
● Baden: A new city, a second chance.
● Stone: A minor league player whose big break comes after his younger brother died in the crash.
● Gage: A player at the end of his career who struggles to bring the team together.
● Coen: A broken man spiraling out of control with survivor’s guilt.
● Drake: The goalie who walked away from the league after they turned their backs on him.
The first FIVE books are all plotted and ready to go, and you can preorder the first THREE now! Get full series details: https://sawyerbennett.com/bookstore/the-pittsburgh-titans-series
#preorder/add to your TBR now:
Baden – January 11, 2022
After suffering a horrific injury that threatens to end his career, Baden Oulett is about to learn that sometimes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered.
I worked my whole life to achieve one goal—play professional hockey. As part of the defending Cup champion Arizona Vengeance, I was living my dream until one split second decision destroyed it all. Instead of lacing up my skates and hitting the ice, I’ve spent my days in rehab and physical therapy just so I could walk again. When a coaching opportunity with the Pittsburgh Titans is presented to me, I find myself with a career I had never considered but which allows me to continue being part of the sport that I love. While my injuries are physical, the same can’t be said for the woman I rescued. Suffering from wounds that can’t be seen, Sophie Winters has withdrawn from the world in fear and guilt. I didn’t know Sophie before that fateful night and have only met her once since, but I refuse to let her face her demons alone. Determined to be a friend, I support Sophie in the only way I know how… by simply being there. Through our shared trauma, Sophie and I begin to find peace within one another. As we grow closer, what started as friendship becomes more intimate until our broken pieces become one. But can a love born of anguish endure, or will the pain of our past prove too much to overcome?
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Goodreads Stone – March 1, 2022
Minor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down. Now the team has offered him the opportunity of a lifetime, but is his big break worth the price?
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Goodreads Gage – July 26, 2022
Veteran player Gage Heyward retired from the league three years ago following a very successful career. Now the Titans need him, but does he have what it takes to get back on the ice and pull this team together?
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Goodreads Coen – December 20, 2022
Coen Highsmith was a league star, but he lost more than his team the day the Titans’ plane crashed. Can he be saved from his downward spiral of guilt and regret to become the man he once was?
Goodreads Drake – March 28, 2023
Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey and settled into life as a single dad of three after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?
Goodreads About the Author:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs. If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
Connect with Sawyer:
✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB
✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP
✦ Twitter: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_TW
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB
✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup
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Aiden has grown up with Cole, though he has family problems of his own. Making a name for himself by going out on his own with his bar - he takes chances others won't. Then one night he takes the riskiest change yet.
These men are so good together it is almost too sweet for words. I love the comraderies and friendships that bring humor, love, and joy in this story. The heat is also turned all the way up as the unexpected sparks and keeps the fire burning bright. Could not finish this one fast enough. I give this a 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
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Frankie is just baking as usual when she feels tired and woozy. Next thing she knows she is face to face with a blast from the past she did not want to see. Rescuing her was nice, but coming back for more is just wrong.
Gage wants to move on from the past. He comes back to his hometown with his daughter to start over. Seeing Frankie puts him on alert. Seeing her all the time gets his heart racing. Can they get along long enough to work things out?
This story moved at such a quick pace. The characters are strong with the heated backstory that sets the book on sizzle right from chapter one. Sexy and smart, this was an enjoyable and relaxing read. I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
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Jason is much older than Kate that he is concerned if he starts something with her, it will actually take something from her future. In the meantime they are somewhat friends. Ranching as a priority, when the relationship heads south - can they choose each other?
I love this author's book and was thrilled to be able to read this one. Old fashioned in style, the story reads as romance with a dashing hero and young maiden. Has a terrific set pace, and the read does not disappoint. Had trouble putting it down! I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
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Maddie got a first impression of the new neighbor. Hint: It was not a good one. He was flat out rude. He was also hot as hell. If she can get her mind of that magnificent tattooed bod, thinks may start looking up.
Adam misses his old life. Moving to make a change, he left behind parents, career and everything that was familiar. Now he has a neighbor with a dog who won't leave him alone. Would be easier if he could ignore them both.
Between fighting the attraction and fighting one another, the sparks just literally continue to fly. The heat is raring hot and the characters are intriguing. I liked the pace and the story was a great read. I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
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Known as the team loner, Riggs Nadeau gives his all on the ice, but nothing extra off it. A beautiful stranger is about to cause chaos in his very structured world.
As a professional hockey player, people think I live a charmed life. On the surface, I do. But they don’t know the horrors of my childhood, or the real reason that I have custody of my seventeen - year - old sister, Janelle. And that’s exactly the way I like it. They may think I’m a prick because I don’t like to share, but that’s fine. They don’t know me, and they don’t need to.
In an effort to help Janelle get settled in Phoenix and stay out of trouble at school, I set her up with a job at Clarke’s Corner, the local bookstore owned by the girlfriend of a teammate. It’s there that she makes friends with Veronica Woodley, the extremely annoying, arrogant, money - hungry divorcee who I don’t want anywhere near my sister. Janelle insists I’m completely wrong about Veronica, but I refuse to accept that. I have to keep reminding mysel f that that the gorgeous blond with legs for days is off limits.
Through a series of events, I start to see Veronica for what she really is — an amazing woman who has survived her own hell to come out even stronger. I have to admit, we’re more alik e than not and the attraction between us burns hot.
Maybe I was all wrong about my ability to love and commit, but when the past comes back to haunt me, can I be the man that Veronica, and Janelle, deserve?
Download Riggs (Arizona Ven geance, Book #11): Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Print
Riggs by Sawyer Bennett
Audible (narrated by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood): https://adbl.co/2WWrA8S
About the Author:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. F rom contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, ma id, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full - time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs. If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
Connect with Sawyer:
✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB
✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP
✦ Twitter: http://bit .ly/Sawyer_TW
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB
✦ Newsletter: https://sawyerbennett.com/signup
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Griffin was thrilled to find a welcoming woman, but he timing could have been better. Once he finds out her brother works with him there is possible repercussions. Should they take a chance on what they may have found?
While I found the pace quick, and the story rather fascinating, I was generally annoyed by the accent from Griffin being overly much. I know the author was trying to set a tone, but it really turned me off. The characters, however, are a joy to read and the fireworks were poppin'! I give this book a 3/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
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Riggs is just trying to right by his kid sister. The situation is rocky, as she is adjusting to living with him and a new location. Only with his career, he is not often home. Add to this his burning attraction to the woman so generous with her time and he is slowly going crazy.
Veronica has enjoyed training the new hire to work at her best friend's bookstore. What she did not count on was being attracted to her older brother. He is such a typical hot jock. Well a hot jock who sets her on fire.
This story was such a delight to read. While I absorbed the book almost whole, I found the characters were exciting and had so much depth to them. The pace moved along well, and the heat between the main characters was off the charts. This is a great addition to the series. Cannot wait for the next installment to come out! I give this a 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
***This ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.
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Zach is enjoying the life the bet he can. So what if they keep turning him down for the most important thing he wants? He is on top of the world. Or is he?
These close friends have to navigate falling for one another amid the crazy life of the music biz. Being best friends is great, but sometimes you want more. When they reach for each other it seems to soothe the aches. But sometimes.... you have to rock the boat. These boys are turning to men and it is a wild ride! I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!
**This ARC was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and its publishers.
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