Hot Off the Ice Book 4: Boy Next Door by A.E. Wasp

Hot Off the Ice Book 4

This is a story about losing the path and finding yourself. It contains kissing, yelling, spanking, and carb-loaded family interventions.

Hockey superstar Joey Luciano has always been good at being whatever people needed him to be. The fans want a good-looking fast-living party boy? Enter ‘the Looch,’ Joey’s carefully created public persona. But the cracks in his mask are starting to show, and he’s begun to lose touch with who he really is. It’s going to take someone who’s been there from the very beginning, to help him find his way home.

Coach Liam O’Reilly always had a very clear picture of what his life should look like. Falling in love with the infuriating, passionate, stubborn, and endlessly fascinating boy next door was not part of the plan. But when Liam’s carefully constructed life fell apart one Christmas Eve, Joey Luciano was there to pick up the pieces. Now Liam can't stop wanting him.

The passion blazing between them on the ice and behind closed doors could leave both of them badly burned. But through the smoke, Liam can see glimpses of a future brighter than any he’d imagined, a future worth risking his career and reputation for, if only he is brave enough to reach for it.

But Joey’s got a secret he’s keeping from everyone. If it gets out, it could be the end of everything.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41967497-boy-next-door

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Now for the full story! We met Joey and Liam in the Christmas novella, but now we get to see how their relationship plays out after that unforgettable Christmas. Since then Joey and Liam haven't really talked or moved past the awkward what comes next stage? But after a bit of Luciano and O'Reilly families intervention the two of them are forced to talk and learn that the spark between wasn't a fluke. There is something there and worth exploring. And when Joey is traded to Liam's team, well now they'll have to put this new relationship to the test. But it won't be easy. Especially when Joey has been keeping a huge secret from everyone. Liam isn't blind, he knows something is off with Joey, as does the rest of their families, but getting Joey to tell them isn't easy. Joey is used to the mask he donned so long ago and doesn't know how to completely let it go. It's easier around Liam, he's the only one he feels he can be himself with, but with his new team he is starting to feel at home. They'll face some challenges and some nosy family members, but it comes down to the two of them knowing that they were always gonna end up together. I loved their story! Their families are a hoot and Liam and Joey just fit. I have one more book left in this series and I'm definitely looking forward to it!