SCU Hockey Book 5: The Last Buzzer by JJ Mulder

SCU Hockey Book 5

In the time it takes to answer a phone call, Desmond’s life changes. Suddenly, he’s a single parent to his nephew, living in South Carolina, and the assistant coach for the university hockey team. Life might not be great right now, but he’s handling it. And things can’t possibly get worse, right?

Jack— the survivor of a horrific childhood— knows that things can always get worse. And right now, for him, worse is hockey. He loves the game, and loves the friendships he’s cultivated with his teammates, but that’s where the good ends and the bad begins. Every time his skates touch the ice, he feels worse and worse, eaten alive by anxiety and stress.

Desmond’s arrival becomes a bright spot for Jack, in the otherwise bleak nightmare hockey has become for him. There is more than the surface-level attraction, though. Soon, their friendship begins to move beyond the sport that brought them together. Before they know it, Desmond and Jack’s lives become intertwined in a way that neither could have expected.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228566380-the-last-buzzer

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

One phone call changes everything for Desmond. Not only does he learn that his sister and her husband have died in a car accident, but he is now the guardian of their nine-year-old son, Parker. In a blink of an eye he moves from Australia to the US, finds an apartment for the two of them, and gets a job as an assistant coach at SCU’s hockey team. It’s a lot. But he is learning that he has some pretty great new people in his corner. Including Jack. Jack is one of the goalie’s for SCU. He doesn’t have the best childhood and his anxiety has left him in pretty rough shape. But his best friend, Nate, never lets him down. He may turn as red as his hair every time someone speaks to him and might be a little afraid of his stern looking coach, but he tries harder than anyone. And Jack knows he is in some trouble when he meets their new coach. Instant crush that only gets worse the more time he spends with Desmond and Desmond’s nephew. But being around them? He actually feels safe. He likes them and wants to be in their company. It’s a feeling that doesn’t happen often. The romance between these two is slow and building with some obstacles in their way. I absolutely adored these two. They find such sweet comfort with one another and respecting one another’s boundaries. Desmond is gay and asexual and many partners in the past never seem to fully understand that. And Nate is gay but has really no experience dating and his anxiety makes it hard for him to get out of his own head and be comfortable around people. They find what works for them and never rush one another. I loved watching these two fall for one another bit by bit as they found happiness together. They totally deserve it! This seems to be our last book of the series which makes me so sad! But this was definitely a favorite series of man filled with characters I simply adore! You don’t want to miss any of it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Far From Series Book 2: Far From Camelot by River Hale

 

Far From Book 2

Merlin

The Kingdom of Camelot did not fall with the death of King Arthur. But I did. I fled to another world because I couldn’t face the shame of my failure, of letting Mordred le Fay kill his own father. Even now, after a thousand years, I hate him.

When he shows back up in my life after all this time, that hatred is rekindled. He thinks my hatred equals obsession, but he’s wrong.

Then one premonition brings me to my knees, and I think he might’ve been right all along.

Mordred

I murdered my own father, but I have no regrets. If I regret anything, it’s letting my witch of a mother steal the throne of Camelot when it was meant to be mine. But can I even regret that when it’s what brought me to Merlin?

He may have misplaced his magic, but I’ll help him find it again. His passionate hatred is what I thrive on. His rough touch, his eager submission.

I don’t want to let him go, but I know I have to. It’s Merlin’s destiny to return to Camelot.

The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216980701-far-from-camelot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The day Merlin failed to save his king and watch as his son, Mordred, be the one to aim the killing blow, was the day Merlin fled from Camelot to a different realm. A thousand years have passed and Merlin still feels the guilt and sadness. But then his anger and hatred is reignited when Mordred enters the bar he is at very much alive. Their connection to one another is obsession, possession, and hatred and yet they can’t keep their hands off one another. Merlin says he can’t forget the past, Mordred says he doesn’t regret what he did, but there is still more underneath all of that. As they figure out what they mean to one another, Mordred tells Merlin he is meant to return to Camelot. A great enemies to lovers with these two! While they think they know one another, there is a lot they don’t. I loved how these two slowly turned their hate into love. It’s a long process, but with everything these two have been through, they deserve their happy ending together. Another great story in this series. I’m officially caught up and I can’t wait to see what other stories we will get!

Available Now

HIDDEN PLAYS

Desert Football #1

by Christie Gordon

Release Blitz

Release Date: September 16, 2025

Genre: M/M Sports Romance Standalone
Tropes: Rivals to lovers, bi-awakening, first time with a man, driven athlete, fallen golden boy, secret relationship, fake dating, hurt/comfort, bedroom toys, some angst

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Synopsis

Sharing a locker room with my high school rival is bad enough. Pretending to date him? A terrible idea. Trying not to fall for him? Hopeless.

JJ

Football is everything—my escape, my future, my one shot to prove I’m not my father’s disappointment.

Then Holden Cox appears. The golden boy who stole my MVP and made me doubt myself.

Now he’s my student trainer, living under my skin, touching me like he owns me.

And to prove a point, I challenge him to fake-date me.

It’s the only way my friends will shut up about my last boyfriend.

One lie. One kiss. One mistake waiting to happen.

Holden

I’m in college to rebuild my future in football, not to be tangled with JJ Matthews.

I told myself I’d never fall for him. I’m not even sure I like guys.

But JJ is different. Always has been.

Now I’m faking kisses that feel too real and wanting things I don’t know how to name.

Keeping this secret could save us both or break me in ways my busted knee never did.

Hidden Plays is a college football romance featuring rivals who can’t keep their hands off each other, a fake boyfriend scheme that feels all too real, a bisexual awakening that changes everything, and found-family teammates cheering for their happily ever after.

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Add to your TBR List!

GOODREADS LINK

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Purchase Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/HiddenPlaysPL

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Giveaway

$15 Amazon Gift Card

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About the Author

Christie Gordon is the author of steamy, heartfelt gay romance novels that explore the emotional journey of men discovering themselves and finding love. It all started when she stumbled upon MM fanfiction by accident—and let's just say, it was love at first read. Inspired by the genre's mix of passion and complexity, Christie transitioned from reading about men in love to writing her own stories. After taking fiction writing classes at a local community college, she published her first MM romance novel in 2009 with a small press, and she’s never looked back.

When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).

She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.

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Connect with Christie

Website: https://www.christiegordon.com

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Far From Series Book 1: Far From Neverland by River Hale

Far From Book 1

Peter Pan left Neverland and grew up. Now I want him back.

It’s been fourteen years since he left, since Neverland’s star died out, since a blanket of frost fell over the island. Despite the Jolly Roger being anchored in a layer of ice, I’m not yet willing to give up this perfect, Peter Panless Neverland.

Well, it’s not completely perfect. A threat looms here, a shadow devouring the island. I don’t wantPan back, but he’s the only one who can stop it. However, when I find him, there are two problems.

One, Peter Pan has no memory of who he really is.

Two, I can’t seem to resist him.

Making him remember isn’t going to be easy, and not just because I hate him like sin, just like all the sinful thoughts he inspires. I can’t allow him to distract me. The fate of Neverland hangs in the balance.

The old Peter Pan has died, and a new one’s risen from his ashes. He’s a star—Neverland’s sun—and I don’t care if I get burned.

The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217194468-far-from-neverland

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Peter Pan left Neverland, Hook couldn’t have been happier. But over the years Neverland has fallen into an icy wasteland with a shadow covering more of it as the days go by. Neverland is dying and it’s time Hook admits he can’t save it. But Peter Pan can. Which means finding him. It’s been a long time since he has entered this other world and a lot has changed. But what he doesn’t expect is for how Peter Pan has truly grown up. No longer a child but a man. A man that Hook can’t resist. But the other problem? Pan has no memories of Neverland. And if Hook plans to save his home, he’ll have to make Pan remember. Peter has always felt like something has been missing since he moved in with the Darlings 14 years ago. But he’s made a life for himself despite it. Then Hook comes crashing into his life and saying all these things about where he is from and even though Peter should be afraid, he is also attracted to Hook in a way he has never been before. And it’s only a matter of time until they give into this connection, until Peter’s memories come back, and until they must leave for Neverland. But who would have thought their hearts would be on the line too? I really enjoyed this dark romance fairy tale retelling! It’s such an interesting concept of throwing these characters into the modern world while they remember where they come from but also throw in the dark romance twist. Naturally, I devoured this story as I watched these two connect and fall for one another. Really enjoying this series and I’m on to the next one!

Far From Series Book 3: Far From Sherwood Forest by River Hale

Far From Book 3

Robin

My time as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest was meant to end the day I chose to lay down the hood. Instead, it was ripped away from me as Little John and I were hurled into an unfamiliar world. Together, we adapted and built new lives.

Five years later, the past finds me again. Henry, the Sheriff I once fought and then abandoned, is back, and his hatred burns even hotter than before.

Beneath it, I feel the spark of something more dangerous. The fire between us was once rivalry. Now, it’s desire. I can’t fight it, so I guess I’ll let it burn me alive.

Henry

For years, I hunted Robin Hood. He was a thief and my obsession, the thorn in my side. Then the world shifted beneath us, and I was alone. No crown to serve. No purpose. That loneliness hollowed me out until nothing remained, not even the Sheriff.

After five years, hatred should have been enough. Revenge should have been sweet. But with every taste of his defiance, his smile, the way he dares me without fear, it all starts to feel like a lie.

Hatred drove me to find him. Desire lured me deeper. I don’t know which one will destroy me first.

The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232551945-far-from-sherwood-forest

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Chasing Robin Hood and his Merry Men through Sherwood Forest isn’t anything new for the Sheriff. But when Henry, Robin, and Little John find themselves literally thrown in a new world, none are prepared for it. And neither is Henry when he wakes finding Robin and John left him behind. Now years later, Henry has finally tracked down Robin for revenge. Revenge of their past and revenge for leaving him completely alone. But destroying Robin begins to slowly shift when this connection between them shifts to something unexpected. Now Henry can’t decide if he wants to kill him or make Robin his. Robin doesn’t understand what happened to them exactly and why they are in this new world, but him and John have done their best to adapt. And then Henry comes back into their lives and Robin learns just how badly he messed up by leaving Henry alone. It doesn’t take him long to realize he wants Henry to be his. But with so much push and pull, there is only so much hope Robin can hold on to. I really loved this story! It was so different than what I was expecting. These fairy tales characters are literally thrown out of their own world into just modern day. They have learned to adapt but they haven’t forgotten where they came from. I also loved Henry and Robin’s relationship as it developed throughout the story. There was always something there but now they have a chance to explore it. Their pasts are painful and you can’t help but hurt for them and want them to be happy. Especially Henry! Overall, great story and now I’m definitely going to check out the other books in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Scoring Chances Book 3: Slew Foot by Brigham Vaughn

Scoring Chances Book 3

The last thing Rafael Moon needs is to fall in love with another teammate ...

Following a painful breakup, Rafe is looking forward to a fresh start in Boston, and he’s thrilled when he immediately clicks with his new D-partner, Mickey Krause.

Mickey’s smart, talented, and loves telling Rafe what to do. It feels good to have some structure and, finally, Rafe’s life is coming together on and off the ice.

As their friendship deepens, Rafe slowly realizes he’s falling for Mickey. Too bad he’s been down this road before. He knows exactly how badly it could end.

Roles are defined and tension smolders, but neither of them can stop their out-of-control feelings.

An independent perfectionist, Mickey’s had a rough season so far and he’s immediately smitten with Rafe’s sweet, earnest vibes.

Finally having someone who works well with him in the bedroom and beside him in a game has him hitting all his goals.

But when Mickey’s world is turned upside down following an altercation with Rafe’s ex, he’ll have to learn to let go and let someone else lead for once.

Their relationship and the team depend on it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234933024-slew-foot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

After a bad break up with his teammate, Rafe does the only thing he can. He gets himself traded to a new team. New team, new start. And he is determined to not to make the same mistakes he made. So no dating teammates. Mickey knows he is in trouble the moment Rafe steps into the room. His attraction to Rafe is instant and with them being D partners, it means they’ll be spending a lot of time together. And the more time they spend together on and off the ice, the more trouble Mickey seems to find himself. Because he is falling for sweet Rafe more and more every day. And when Rafe ends up being another roommate of him?Poor Mickey just can’t find a way to stop this crush. Especially when he knows Rafe doesn’t want to date a teammate again. But things start to change bit by bit as time goes on. And when Rafe finally acknowledges he has his own feelings for Mickey? Well, it’s only a matter of time before they finally do something about it. I adored this story! It was so fun and sweet. Mickey and Rafe were just so cute together. I loved their dynamic on and off the ice. And even when Mickey ends up going through something later on in the story, Rafe doesn’t leave his side. They were just so great together and I loved watching them fall harder for one another. Definitely another great story to this series! And it looks like we have some potential other couples on the horizon! I can’t wait to see who’s story we get next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shadowhunters Chronicles: Better in Black by Cassandra Clare

 Ten original love stories by the reigning queen of romantasy, featuring fan-favorite couples from her #1 New York Times bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles—one of the most popular series of all time, with more than 50 million copies in print worldwide!

Ten couples. United by love. Divided by danger.

Jace and Clary, seeking out an exiled Shadowhunter and learning that love can save the world—or destroy it. Will and Tessa, honeymooning in Paris when a séance sends them down an unexpected path. Simon and Izzy, observing increased demonic activity around New York, on a hilarious urban romp.

These are just a few of the beloved couples whose romantic escapades will have you on the edge of your seat across time and storylines from Cassandra Clare’s expansive Shadowhunters series. Don’t miss a chance to reunite with:

Anna and Ari

Emma and Julian

Kieran, Mark, and Cristina

James and Cordelia

Thomas and Alastair

Sebastian and the Seelie Queen

Jocelyn and Luke

A love letter to every fan of The Shadowhunter Chronicles, this riveting story collection also includes a sneak peek at The Wicked Powers, the majestic trilogy that will be the grand finale of the entire series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231677821-better-in-black

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love diving back into the Shadowhunters world. The moment I do, I am reminded of how much I love that world and all the characters. This book was especially fun! Ten short stories filled with our favorite couples. We get a story we didn’t know about them and some even hinting at what is to come in the future with the final series. I really adored all of these stories. Each had me hooked in a different way and I am just that more excited when the newest book finally comes out! You definitely don’t want to miss this collection if you too love this world.