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Stick Side #1
On the Ice
For college sophomore Mitch Greyson, determination and persistence are the name of the game if he wants to make it as a professional hockey player. A busy schedule of practices, games, classes, homework, two part-time jobs—and now, working with a tutor to help him pass the class he’s failing so that he can keep his scholarship—shouldn’t leave him with enough time to flirt with the NHL player in town. But that doesn’t stop him.
Placed on the injured reserve list until his broken arm heals, NHL defenseman Alex Dean is using the time off to be with his ailing grandfather and get a head start on the book he’s been commissioned to write. He doesn’t expect to get roped into a tutoring gig, especially not for cocky, smart-ass Mitch.
But Alex soon discovers that there’s more to Mitch than meets the eye...and he really likes what he sees. Only Alex doesn’t dare risk his NHL career by coming out, and a relationship between them would jeopardize Mitch’s chances with the organization too.
It looks impossible. Then again, the best things usually do...
On the Ice is an m/m contemporary romance featuring a flirty college hockey player who meets his match in a demisexual NHL player.
Placed on the injured reserve list until his broken arm heals, NHL defenseman Alex Dean is using the time off to be with his ailing grandfather and get a head start on the book he’s been commissioned to write. He doesn’t expect to get roped into a tutoring gig, especially not for cocky, smart-ass Mitch.
But Alex soon discovers that there’s more to Mitch than meets the eye...and he really likes what he sees. Only Alex doesn’t dare risk his NHL career by coming out, and a relationship between them would jeopardize Mitch’s chances with the organization too.
It looks impossible. Then again, the best things usually do...
On the Ice is an m/m contemporary romance featuring a flirty college hockey player who meets his match in a demisexual NHL player.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2018
About the author
Amy Aislin
30 books835 followersAmy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
November 7, 2022
Alex briefly thanked God and shady mechanics for illegally tinted windows, and leaned over the center console to hold Mitch’s face in his hands. “I love you,” he said firmly. “I love you.” He kissed the corner of Mitch’s mouth. “I love you.” Kissed the other corner.
This had the representation The Dating Disaster thought it delivered but failed miserably.
This was almost a five-star read.
Almost.
There are a lot of things I loved, enjoyed, and appreciated about this. Humorous, realistic, relatable, adorable, and pretty light-hearted, On the Ice is one of my all-time favorite hockey romances. And personally, I believe that says a lot because I don’t read that many hockey romances. They’re always the same, whether through tropes, drama, conflicts, or plot lines, and they never offer anything new. But On the Ice was a breath of fresh air.
I strongly feel Mitch is not and will not be a favorite of many future readers of this story, but based on some reviews I have read, people’s criticisms of him are why I loved him. His bluntness, desire to prove people wrong, need to be seen as valuable, and insecurities hiding through walls made him a vital part of the story. His character is vulnerable yet strong, having a penchant for hiding his weaknesses to make himself appear stronger. While others may not like that, I found it delightful to read because it was not only realistic but was the reason for a lot of character development. Yet, it also wasn’t forced growth, and his growing ability to come off the way he did showed how much he was suffering inside, yet no one saw through him. Until Alex, of course. Mitch is fiercely stubborn, but he also has a natural guiding aura. He hides his true feelings and emotions through thick walls but slowly build up. I loved the confidence Mitch had. Despite how he slowly lets his walls down, he’s strong and admirable, even if he doesn’t see it. Having to follow his dreams of pursuing a degree in kinesiology instead of joining his mother’s company, he hasn’t had it easy. Working three jobs and being a student and hockey player at the school, his life was sometimes messy, disorganized, and chaotic, but Mitch could juggle it all together. He was intense and caring, having a lot of love for those he loves, but also not letting himself be used for the sake of others.
On the other hand, we have Alex Dean, one of the most patient characters I’ve met. He’s the opposite of Mitch, much more relaxed and loose, less blunt, and straightforward. Despite how intimidating he comes across because of his huge body, he has a heart of gold. Alex is the type of person to help you with your homework but not give you the answer. Instead, he’ll hint at them and help you get there. He’s caring, helpful, and reliable. I loved reading about how he would help Mitch bring his walls down but not do it for him. He was honest with his feelings and told Mitch beforehand not to lead him on. He also doesn’t offer Mitch pity for what he’s gone through, but he still takes care of him to show him his love. He’s much more open about himself and keeps to those closest to him. His personality is radiant but calm, offering an even distribution for certain moments. His current goal is to write a book showing the hardships of professional hockey and what hockey players go through.
“I was so lost before I met you.”
“No—”
“I was. I didn’t know who I was or who I wanted to be. Cody said he knew, but I didn’t believe it. And then you came, and you insisted that I be myself if I wanted anything to do with you. I didn’t know how to do that and I was afraid you wouldn’t like me.” Mitch played with Alex’s sleeve. “But you make me feel safe. And just by being you, by being patient and kind and nonjudgmental and basically the most reliable and steady person I’ve ever met, you let me be me. Let me find myself. And it turns out, you do like who I am,” he finished in a whisper.”
The demisexual representation in this was lovely and, hands down, the most realistic demisexual representation I have read. The author herself is demi, according to her author’s note. Still, you can also tell that the representation isn’t written as the only way the sexual orientation is for many people. The author wrote it like an open book, which can be interpreted by many people differently, even if the general idea of what demisexuality means is the same. I appreciated and loved this. It shows how, despite the author's personal connection to it, she didn’t write it to make it seem like her way was the only correct way. Even though Alex and Mitch engage sexually, it isn’t the entire plot and goal of the story. Sex does not take over the romance, and it isn’t what both characters are the most concerned about. This showed how, yes, sex does become something the two characters have because of their close connection, but it does not take away the emotional aspect. It doesn’t change who they are as characters, either.
The story is going to be very low on steam. Don’t be reading this if you’re going to be complaining about exactly that. There is a character who is demisexual, so I don’t know what you expect.
Because Alex is demi, the relationship is prolonged. Our two characters don’t kiss until 67%, but the tension, attraction, and feelings are there. It was beautiful to see the friendship develop into a romantic relationship. Initially, Mitch was a little frustrating because he seemed too pushy, but he toned it down as he learned more about how Alex felt. I also liked how Alex didn’t lead him on and warned him about his feelings and how his brain is wired. The book emphasizes how emotional connections don’t always mean sexual attraction, and it’s great that Alex mentioned that because Mitch needed to be held accountable for his feelings. There was never any moment where Alex felt guilty for how he felt, or Mitch pushed Alex to feel a certain way about him. I also appreciated how Mitch never “changed” Alex. Alex’s sexual orientation is still relevant to the story and his character, and it was never used only as a plot device. He is who he is and is proud to embrace his identity and label.
But when they get together, one word to describe them is adorable. There’s so many moments between them to appreciate. Their skating date. Exploring Oakville together. Mitch in the CN tower. Making Christmas ornaments and crafting together. Talking about nothing but everything. Holding each other during rough moments. Alex loving Mitch talk “nerdy” to him. Mitch tracing every line of Alex. Sleeping together, but not sleeping. Their text messages. Mitch wrapping himself around Alex. Their cuddles. Their kisses. Their confessions. The relationship is full of physical affection, reassurance, commitment, and communication. It was healthy, and I loved that there was no unnecessary third-act conflict. Even when you think something is about to happen between the characters (petty argument, assumptions, conclusions being jumped to, etc.), the author saves you from all that drama and makes her two young men talk.
While I loved the characters and relationship development, I love how naturally the author adds drama into the book, but not the annoying kind. It can be described as trauma but isn’t forced or used to take over the characters. For example, Mitch goes through a lot with his mother, and while we see this and are told about it, it doesn’t override the rest going on and does not take over Mitch’s character. I love the author's approach to Mitch and his mother by not giving her a redeemable role. I’m tired of parents always getting a second chance when they don’t deserve it or giving them some redemption as if they deserved it. Mitch’s mom was not someone worthy of a second chance, and I was glad she wasn’t someone Mitch decided to forgive easily or within the moment. He kept doing what he was doing for himself and not for her, and I loved how he held his ground and stood up against her. Too many characters I read about don’t stand up to their parents despite how they don’t do anything for them. Alex doesn’t have a dad, but his mother is his best friend. He also has his grandpa Forest, who, unfortunately, has little left to live due to his Alzheimers. That said, what Alex has gone through does not take over his character. It adds character traits, but they aren’t forced, and there aren’t moments that feel forced, either.
Another thing I noticed is also how, although Alex is gay, the author doesn’t use both sexual orientations as one. I love this because it doesn’t put sexual orientations together; it makes them all individual, showing how people can be more than one, but also simply individualizing them. They weren’t categorized and grouped. Alex being demi does not make him gay, and being gay does not make him demi. While he is both, they are different.
Overall, On the Ice will be in my heart for a long time, and I will miss these two a lot. They have quickly become one of my favorite book couples. Thank you, Amy Aislin, for giving me hope.
“Tilting his head back, Mitch sighed softly and clamped his legs around Alex’s hips. “I’ve missed you too. Being here is…”
Alex kissed him gently. “It makes us feel more real.”
“Yeah.” Mitch’s eyebrows pulled together in that way he had that told Alex he was surprised Alex understood him so easily. “I don’t know why, though.”
“Maybe because,” Alex said, kissing the fingertips of one hand, “it’s just us here. No parents, no roommates. And we can just…”
“Be.”
“Yeah.” Alex brushed his thumb over Mitch’s lips. “We can just be.”
May 14, 2018
I love hockey books and I love books with MCs all over the queer spectrum, so a book where the MC is a hockey-playing demisexual should have been right up my alley. Sadly, this book felt like pieces of a puzzle that didn't quite fit together.
It seems like ALL of my friends love this one, so maybe it was just my mood, but I found the book to be strangely written. Mitch, in particular, didn't work for me. He was supposed to be this closeted guy who was very closed off to others, but then he would blatantly flirt and be very obvious in public. His family dynamics were also all over the map, and I didn't buy that his dad didn't know what was happening with Mitch and his mom to the extent that it was shown. Then there was that strange situation with his brother that no one but Mitch seemed to address. It was just... odd.
There was also a lot of explaining in the book, which always bothers me. I hate when things feel inorganic, and the way that a lot of things were explained (like demisexuality) were very dry and unnatural-feeling.
The relationship between the two MCs was awkward as well. I didn't feel much, if any, chemistry. There were also a few too many "coincidences" in the story: Mitch needing a tutor (ps, what pro hockey player would tutor in his spare time??), Mitch working where Alex's grandfather was placed (who didn't see that coming?!), and just other strange coincidences like that. It gave the story a forced feel that I didn't care for.
I don't know, with the plethora of amazing hockey romances out there, this one didn't stand out, at least not for the right reasons.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
It seems like ALL of my friends love this one, so maybe it was just my mood, but I found the book to be strangely written. Mitch, in particular, didn't work for me. He was supposed to be this closeted guy who was very closed off to others, but then he would blatantly flirt and be very obvious in public. His family dynamics were also all over the map, and I didn't buy that his dad didn't know what was happening with Mitch and his mom to the extent that it was shown. Then there was that strange situation with his brother that no one but Mitch seemed to address. It was just... odd.
There was also a lot of explaining in the book, which always bothers me. I hate when things feel inorganic, and the way that a lot of things were explained (like demisexuality) were very dry and unnatural-feeling.
The relationship between the two MCs was awkward as well. I didn't feel much, if any, chemistry. There were also a few too many "coincidences" in the story: Mitch needing a tutor (ps, what pro hockey player would tutor in his spare time??), Mitch working where Alex's grandfather was placed (who didn't see that coming?!), and just other strange coincidences like that. It gave the story a forced feel that I didn't care for.
I don't know, with the plethora of amazing hockey romances out there, this one didn't stand out, at least not for the right reasons.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
October 26, 2021
Throwing his head back, Alex laughed long and loud, the sound reaching into Mitch and settling in the vicinity of his heart. He, Mitch, had done that—made Alex laugh so hard he almost fell off the car.
Amy Aislin always hits for me. i don’t know how she does it, honestly. i couldn’t not give this five stars just bcos there isn’t anything i can think of that bothered me or i wished had been done differently. i just had an all around fun, sweet and soft time reading this :) ...even if i completely botched the reading order. oops.
was this a little slow? yes.
but did i mind? no i absolutely did not😌
bcos i was super attached to the characters pretty early on, especially Mitch. the Greyson brothers seriously have me in a chokehold— they’re both written so well and that’s why i love this author.
you get a fleshed out exploration of her characters’ insecurities, traumas, goals, desires. Mitch and Alex were no different. i was definitely attached and more curious about Mitch— his exhaustion, his fears, his trauma, were all really well executed without bogging down the plot for drama’s sake. i just really connected and empathised with Mitch (and him reminiscing about missing Dan had me like 🥺🥺 and has resulted in me now wanting to reread Dan and Ash’s book).
she dribbles and bleeds trauma and the results of it throughout the narrative. it’s just subtle and in doing so, incredibly effective bcos you’re not bogged down by info-dumping. Roman in book 3, Rory in book 5 and Dan in book 2 were all written in a similar way— subtle but so effective. that’s why im so attached to those three bcos of how amazingly their development was executed.
so simultaneously, the romance was slow but in such a satisfying and sweet way (and it made sense for the story since Alex is demisexual). and it made everything that much sweeter. like low-key wanted to sob at Alex suggesting they make Christmas decorations with arts and crafts bcos Mitch’s mother wouldn’t even let him touch the tree as a kid, never mind decorate it with his homemade crafts🥺 all the soft moments had me simping so hard, eurgh.
With arts and crafts supplies still scattered on the table and the Christmas tree lights shining cheerily, they fell asleep curled into each other and only woke briefly in the middle of the night to crawl into Alex’s bed, where they promptly went back to sleep with Mitch in Alex’s arms.
they both helped and guided each other through their pain, the shitty times and ultimately the good. building one another up... again, it’s one of my favourite things about this author. she really does write my ideal romance— heavy on character development, slowburn or semi-slowburn romance, no OTT drama, realistic and mundane conflicts that pack a punch. she just hits the mark every single time for me.
like their “i love you” declarations kinda took my breath away🤗 i just thought they were so pure, soft and real. i don’t think ive ever read a romance author who’s as consistent as Amy— each couple just knocks me sideways.
He’d joked with himself that he’d miss Alex like a limb. Truth was, Alex had stolen a piece of his heart that he didn’t want back. It was Alex’s, for better or worse.
also the demisexual rep was on point, as usual. Cody’s demisexuality in book 3 was just as good when i read it back in January. so if you’re looking for some really good ace rep, try this book or both 3!! (or both😉) ive read some before where the pacing felt extremely off or the portrayal just didn’t sit right with me (Friendly Fire comes to mind).
while in both books, the growth from friendship, to comfortable causal intimacy, to romance to sexual intimacy was just impeccable in my opinion— and i loved how Mitch respected the fuck out of Alex’s need for such a slow build up, as well as accepting the possibility that Alex may never develop a romantic nor sexual connection with him.
Now, two days after Mitch’s arrival, Alex wanted. He didn’t want sex with Mitch, not really. Not yet. But he wanted to kiss Mitch’s lips, to trace his eyebrows, run his thumbs over Mitch’s cheekbones, caress his skin, lave his nipples, bury his face in Mitch’s neck and inhale his scent, his taste. He wanted to hold Mitch in his arms and dance with him, sleep curled around him, hold his hand, cuddle with him, spend hours talking to him late into the night, play hockey with him.
also shoutout to the fact there’s no last minute breakup to cause conflict! when it’s not needed, don’t add it😭 so i love when authors don’t adhere to it if the story doesn’t call for it— N. R. Walker is another author who doesn’t give into the trap and it’s a reason her books always hit for me too.
and Ash mentioning his summer with Dan, all wistful and soft... Jesus i have to go reread my fave second chance romance, don’t i?? it would be barbaric of me if i didn’t, honestly.
i just can’t recommend this series enough!! it’s definitely a comfort read for sure🤩
March 4, 2023
|| 3.5 stars ||
This was pretty good! I especially loved the slow and thoughtful development of the relationship.
The book is about Mitch and Alex.
After being abandoned by most of the people who were supposed to love him, Mitch has been guarding his heart and refuses to show his real self to people. However, when he meets Alex, he is immediately enamoured and desperately wants him. But then he finds out that Alex is demisexual and if Mitch wants a chance with Alex he will have to let go of his hang-ups and let Alex get to know the real him. If he won’t, Alex will never give him the time of day, and Mitch is sure that Alex is worth it to put himself out there again.
The relationship truly is very sweet.
Mitch really wants a shot with Alex, and since Alex is demisexual that means that these two actually work on forming a very strong bond. They become close friends and start caring deeply for each other.
It is only until much much later that Alex finally starts to feel the attraction, which means that there is also very little steam in this book. The story really focuses on the connection these two build and I loved that.
Both characters are very likable and kind, and they worked super well as a couple. It was easy to enjoy seeing them be together so naturally, even if I do have to admit that the book could feel a little dry or even boring from time to time.
Nonetheless, I liked this book and I plan on continuing the series even if I hate Dan at the moment.
This was pretty good! I especially loved the slow and thoughtful development of the relationship.
The book is about Mitch and Alex.
After being abandoned by most of the people who were supposed to love him, Mitch has been guarding his heart and refuses to show his real self to people. However, when he meets Alex, he is immediately enamoured and desperately wants him. But then he finds out that Alex is demisexual and if Mitch wants a chance with Alex he will have to let go of his hang-ups and let Alex get to know the real him. If he won’t, Alex will never give him the time of day, and Mitch is sure that Alex is worth it to put himself out there again.
The relationship truly is very sweet.
Mitch really wants a shot with Alex, and since Alex is demisexual that means that these two actually work on forming a very strong bond. They become close friends and start caring deeply for each other.
It is only until much much later that Alex finally starts to feel the attraction, which means that there is also very little steam in this book. The story really focuses on the connection these two build and I loved that.
Both characters are very likable and kind, and they worked super well as a couple. It was easy to enjoy seeing them be together so naturally, even if I do have to admit that the book could feel a little dry or even boring from time to time.
Nonetheless, I liked this book and I plan on continuing the series even if I hate Dan at the moment.
April 20, 2018
Well this was an utter surprise and a very pleasant one. I've never read Amy Aislin before but I shall definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this series.
I absolutely adored it. This is slow burn but with a difference because NHL defensive lineman Alex is demisexual and he needs to be emotionally connected to someone before he even thinks about having feelings of sexual attraction.
Mitch, on the other hand, is younger and, on the face of it, way more confident. He's bold and brash but hiding a lot of hurt and loss underneath his veneer of self-assurance. He's been putting a brave face on for so long, he's lost the ability to be himself. But, if he wants Alex, that's what he's got to be.
The slow, slow burn in this is beautifully written. Alex is repulsed at first by Mitch's open come ons and he doesn't want to get involved. But once he sees that the visible Mitch isn't the real one, he's intrigued and, as he begins to tutor him for a class he can't afford to fail while out on an injury leave, Alex starts to to get that emotional connection.
I have to say, the only aspect of this one that didn't quite work for me was the background to why Mitch was on his own and struggling so much and, while it was thoroughly explained and was a perfectly reasonable reason, I think I needed maybe a tiny bit more interaction with his mother for it to be sold perfectly. Especially the bits with his brother.
There's a great bunch of secondary characters in this one and a very visual setting which was well described and I'm hoping there's going to be more involving the guys from Mitch's college team and some of Alex's Tampa teammates.
I loved that there was a long time period over which this story was told as well, running from 2008 through to 2015 and the final chapter/epilogue was so ridiculously sweet it had me tearing up - which doesn't happen often!
Sports romances are one of my favourite tropes because they provide me with hope that, eventually, the toxic masculinity present in so many of the "big name" games will fade away and it won't matter about someone's sexuality - just how well they can play.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I absolutely adored it. This is slow burn but with a difference because NHL defensive lineman Alex is demisexual and he needs to be emotionally connected to someone before he even thinks about having feelings of sexual attraction.
Mitch, on the other hand, is younger and, on the face of it, way more confident. He's bold and brash but hiding a lot of hurt and loss underneath his veneer of self-assurance. He's been putting a brave face on for so long, he's lost the ability to be himself. But, if he wants Alex, that's what he's got to be.
The slow, slow burn in this is beautifully written. Alex is repulsed at first by Mitch's open come ons and he doesn't want to get involved. But once he sees that the visible Mitch isn't the real one, he's intrigued and, as he begins to tutor him for a class he can't afford to fail while out on an injury leave, Alex starts to to get that emotional connection.
I have to say, the only aspect of this one that didn't quite work for me was the background to why Mitch was on his own and struggling so much and, while it was thoroughly explained and was a perfectly reasonable reason, I think I needed maybe a tiny bit more interaction with his mother for it to be sold perfectly. Especially the bits with his brother.
There's a great bunch of secondary characters in this one and a very visual setting which was well described and I'm hoping there's going to be more involving the guys from Mitch's college team and some of Alex's Tampa teammates.
I loved that there was a long time period over which this story was told as well, running from 2008 through to 2015 and the final chapter/epilogue was so ridiculously sweet it had me tearing up - which doesn't happen often!
Sports romances are one of my favourite tropes because they provide me with hope that, eventually, the toxic masculinity present in so many of the "big name" games will fade away and it won't matter about someone's sexuality - just how well they can play.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
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December 5, 2022
“But you make me feel safe. And just by being you, by being patient and kind and nonjudgemental and basically the most reliable and steady person I’ve ever met, you let me be me. Let me find myself. And it turns out, you do like who I am,” he finished in a whisper.
“I love who you are,” Alex grasped Mitch’s chin and forced him to look at him. Alex’s gaze was a combination of fierce and gentle, and his eyes begged Mitch to take him at his word.
the lil intimate moments between Alex and Mitch had me sobbing fr and the way their relationship developed naturally felt so authentic and real?? i loved them so much. 🥺🫶🏼
“I love who you are,” Alex grasped Mitch’s chin and forced him to look at him. Alex’s gaze was a combination of fierce and gentle, and his eyes begged Mitch to take him at his word.
the lil intimate moments between Alex and Mitch had me sobbing fr and the way their relationship developed naturally felt so authentic and real?? i loved them so much. 🥺🫶🏼
Read
April 16, 2020Time of death 38%.
I will put this on hold for now, maybe i will be back one day, or not. I am just not feeling it.
I feel like i have been reading this for 5 days and i am only at 38%.
I will put this on hold for now, maybe i will be back one day, or not. I am just not feeling it.
I feel like i have been reading this for 5 days and i am only at 38%.
June 25, 2018
I don't really know what to do with this one.
There were some true WTF-moments that had me considering a DNF or a lower rating, but then it turned around again so it wasn't a complete disaster, making this a mixed bag of tricks.
Negatives:
- The amount of times that demisexual was explained. When we got to the third time, I decided there would be a test at the end of this, why else would it be repeated again and again?
But I can totally ace it now; it means that they only like short people, right?!? (That's a joke, from the book!)
- Mitch's parents; and I'm TOTALLY including his father in this! Why that fucktard would stay with the abusive bitch and in the end claim ignorance to everything, had me believeing he was a special sort of father. The sort that was blind, inattentive and generally just not that observant of his own children.
Also the crap that they had been on the brink of divorce for years, meant that he knew something was rotten, but didn't do anything about it... "Just lovely!".
-Mitch's brother Dan and the forgiveness of his shitty behaviour... Just stop it! I don't like insta-love, and I don't like insta-forgiveness. This was just so... Misplaced and glossed over, it was... It fell flat for me.
- How these two donuts managed to keep their relationship a secret!
I mean between them and their big mouths and their public flirting and their public canoodling it is a wonder that they are not outed.
And to be honest, I didn't buy it, which is why it's also in the negatives. It was just, completely unrealistic, and at one point I asked myself if we're really that stupid, and maybe we are, I just didn't find them discreet and thus I didn't buy that part of the story.
Now for the positives:
- The humour. At times I found it fun and lighthearted, which I needed when I read it.
- The romance. I loved their relationship, when they got to it. I thought the slow-burn was delicious, and it worked well for this story and the demisexuality meant that there was no cheating (also a joke from the book).
- The friends. They were supportive and fun and I liked them quite a bit. I am especially interested in Cody's story, which I'm hoping will be the next one?
I think it was hinted that he identified as demi as well, which would hopefully make his story a slow-burn as well.
But yeah, this was a mixture and it wasn't all bad, but it didn't blow my socks off either.
There were some true WTF-moments that had me considering a DNF or a lower rating, but then it turned around again so it wasn't a complete disaster, making this a mixed bag of tricks.
Negatives:
- The amount of times that demisexual was explained. When we got to the third time, I decided there would be a test at the end of this, why else would it be repeated again and again?
But I can totally ace it now; it means that they only like short people, right?!? (That's a joke, from the book!)
- Mitch's parents; and I'm TOTALLY including his father in this! Why that fucktard would stay with the abusive bitch and in the end claim ignorance to everything, had me believeing he was a special sort of father. The sort that was blind, inattentive and generally just not that observant of his own children.
Also the crap that they had been on the brink of divorce for years, meant that he knew something was rotten, but didn't do anything about it... "Just lovely!".
-Mitch's brother Dan and the forgiveness of his shitty behaviour... Just stop it! I don't like insta-love, and I don't like insta-forgiveness. This was just so... Misplaced and glossed over, it was... It fell flat for me.
- How these two donuts managed to keep their relationship a secret!
I mean between them and their big mouths and their public flirting and their public canoodling it is a wonder that they are not outed.
And to be honest, I didn't buy it, which is why it's also in the negatives. It was just, completely unrealistic, and at one point I asked myself if we're really that stupid, and maybe we are, I just didn't find them discreet and thus I didn't buy that part of the story.
Now for the positives:
- The humour. At times I found it fun and lighthearted, which I needed when I read it.
- The romance. I loved their relationship, when they got to it. I thought the slow-burn was delicious, and it worked well for this story and the demisexuality meant that there was no cheating (also a joke from the book).
- The friends. They were supportive and fun and I liked them quite a bit. I am especially interested in Cody's story, which I'm hoping will be the next one?
I think it was hinted that he identified as demi as well, which would hopefully make his story a slow-burn as well.
But yeah, this was a mixture and it wasn't all bad, but it didn't blow my socks off either.
December 9, 2022
This has been in my kindle for months. Years, maybe. I couldn’t even remember if I had tried reading it at some point. I love hockey. I love MM romance. I LOVE hockey MM romance. So why wasn’t I reading this? I don’t know. 🤷♀️
But guess what? I loved it! Mitch was really cute, and Alex was really sweet.
It wasn’t perfect. The whole mom and brother story was a little weird. Mitch’s character was all over the place at first. But it was really fun and so so sweet.
But guess what? I loved it! Mitch was really cute, and Alex was really sweet.
It wasn’t perfect. The whole mom and brother story was a little weird. Mitch’s character was all over the place at first. But it was really fun and so so sweet.
September 15, 2022
Mitch grabbed Alex’s wrist. ❝You didn’t tell me you’re friends with pro players.❞
Alex peered at Mitch in confusion. ❝Honey, I am a pro player.❞
oh mitch, never change please 🫶
Everything about On the Ice worked for me. Mitch, Alex, the delicious slow-burn, the authentic feeling demi rep, the family drama, Cody, the CN tower scene, making ornaments together, etc etc.
I can sense that the Stick Side series is about to become a personal favorite of mine. I am live-laugh-loving the way Amy Aislin writes slow-burn.
July 21, 2018
At the start of On the Ice, which spans seven years, Mitch Greyson is nineteen, brilliant, broke, and running himself ragged trying to attain his goals. Alex Dean, is twenty-four, has a broken arm, and being on the NHL's injured player list, time to return to old stomping grounds in Glen Hill, Vermont so he can heal, visit with his grandfather, and catch up with his college buddies. One of those friends is a TA for the one class that Mitch just can't quite pass and, through a series of events, Alex ends up tutoring Mitch.
Mitch rubs Alex the wrong way from the start - he's too cocky, too smart for his own good, and Alex doesn't like the facade Mitch puts on for the world. Alex at twenty-four years old can count on one finger the number of times he’d been sexually attracted to someone. He's not interested in hook ups, or kissing, or messing around.
Mitch, hiding his heart away, keeps to hook ups only to prevent his already battered heart from being hurt even more. But Alex is different, and Mitch recognizes how special he is, and is willing to be friends first and hope attraction eventually follows.
Alex, it turns out, is demisexual, and while I cheer for any inclusivity of the asexual spectrum, and was really happy with the portrayal of Alex and Mitch getting to know one another and eventually fall for each other without sex being the end-all-be-all, the reader is hammered with the definition and repetition of demisexual to a point where it became a bit annoying. Thankfully the characters are well written and when the reader isn't being told once again that Alex is demi, or having demi defined again, there's a really sweet, slow burn romance that has a fantastic HEA ending.
I'm a sucker for a sports romance, especially centered around hockey. I quite simply loved this. While it wasn't perfect and it had some niggles, it was a light, fun, dual POV, slow burn read that I gobbled up in a few hours.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Galley copy of On the Ice provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Mitch rubs Alex the wrong way from the start - he's too cocky, too smart for his own good, and Alex doesn't like the facade Mitch puts on for the world. Alex at twenty-four years old can count on one finger the number of times he’d been sexually attracted to someone. He's not interested in hook ups, or kissing, or messing around.
Mitch, hiding his heart away, keeps to hook ups only to prevent his already battered heart from being hurt even more. But Alex is different, and Mitch recognizes how special he is, and is willing to be friends first and hope attraction eventually follows.
Alex, it turns out, is demisexual, and while I cheer for any inclusivity of the asexual spectrum, and was really happy with the portrayal of Alex and Mitch getting to know one another and eventually fall for each other without sex being the end-all-be-all, the reader is hammered with the definition and repetition of demisexual to a point where it became a bit annoying. Thankfully the characters are well written and when the reader isn't being told once again that Alex is demi, or having demi defined again, there's a really sweet, slow burn romance that has a fantastic HEA ending.
I'm a sucker for a sports romance, especially centered around hockey. I quite simply loved this. While it wasn't perfect and it had some niggles, it was a light, fun, dual POV, slow burn read that I gobbled up in a few hours.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Galley copy of On the Ice provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 11, 2019
3.5 stars - I really liked it
I tend to enjoy hockey themed romance and the writing and editing flowed seemlessly. It was easy to read. It was also a lovely romance. But the plot could have used some smoothing. There were several things that stretched believability. Not enough to turn me away from the story, but enough to make me stop and shrug before continuing.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
I tend to enjoy hockey themed romance and the writing and editing flowed seemlessly. It was easy to read. It was also a lovely romance. But the plot could have used some smoothing. There were several things that stretched believability. Not enough to turn me away from the story, but enough to make me stop and shrug before continuing.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
December 23, 2022
I love this book.
Going into this story, all I knew was that it’s an ice hockey themed m/m romance. I was hoping for a cute couple, a little smut, and a fun and light-hearted story.
This book was so much more!🥹
Some small spoilers ahead..
While Mitch avoids personal connections and likes to keep his sex life purely platonic, Alex is demisexual and isn't attracted to people because of their looks, but has to get to know them to find out if the attraction is there.
Despite seeming polar opposites, a friendship grows and I love how their relationship develops naturally.❤️
I also love how Alex gave Mitch a chance, when he had his walls up and wasn’t being authentic.
I love how Mitch gave this situation with Alex a chance, not knowing if he would ever see him as more than a friend.
I love how they were there for each other when things weren’t easy.
I love how we get to know them both better by learning about their upbringing and family.
I love that it’s a slow burn romance and we get to chance to fall for them ourselves.
I love that the smut is freaking hot. 🌶🥵
I love them as a couple and the way they treat each other.
So yes, I love this book, and I hate that it’s over.
I’m definitely going to read the rest of this series! 💕
Going into this story, all I knew was that it’s an ice hockey themed m/m romance. I was hoping for a cute couple, a little smut, and a fun and light-hearted story.
This book was so much more!🥹
Some small spoilers ahead..
While Mitch avoids personal connections and likes to keep his sex life purely platonic, Alex is demisexual and isn't attracted to people because of their looks, but has to get to know them to find out if the attraction is there.
Despite seeming polar opposites, a friendship grows and I love how their relationship develops naturally.❤️
I also love how Alex gave Mitch a chance, when he had his walls up and wasn’t being authentic.
I love how Mitch gave this situation with Alex a chance, not knowing if he would ever see him as more than a friend.
I love how they were there for each other when things weren’t easy.
I love how we get to know them both better by learning about their upbringing and family.
I love that it’s a slow burn romance and we get to chance to fall for them ourselves.
I love that the smut is freaking hot. 🌶🥵
I love them as a couple and the way they treat each other.
So yes, I love this book, and I hate that it’s over.
I’m definitely going to read the rest of this series! 💕
May 21, 2022
Def a slowburn ( they kiss after more than half the book).
The story came so natural and interesting it got me whipped even if the romance was flowing literally slow. I love both the characters that have problems with their pasts and I think I am going to read the second one (which is probably related)
The story came so natural and interesting it got me whipped even if the romance was flowing literally slow. I love both the characters that have problems with their pasts and I think I am going to read the second one (which is probably related)
December 6, 2022
I swear, this was the slowest of slow burn romances ever.
I’m not new to hockey romances, and I love nerdy characters, but smh I couldn’t really connect with Mitch and Alex.
Mitch is a scholarship college student, very smart, very good at hockey, working 2 jobs to be able to pursue his dream to become an NHL hockey player (and as a plan b, he studied kinesiology to help injured athletes). He’s gay, but not out because he doesn’t want to risk his future career in the NHL.
Alex is a few years older, NHL player and a demisexual virgin. Long story short: Mitch hits on Alex, Alex rejects him and they decide to get to know each other as friends first, and to give Alex a chance to develop feelings for Mitch.
He does, but SO SLOWLY. I know he’s supposed to be demisexual, but somehow I didn’t get the feeling that there’s more than friendship between Mitch and Alex. The 2 sex scenes very late in the book felt a bit awkward (do people really wear gloves when getting their partner lubed up? First time I read about that).
Then there’s the Evil Witch aka Mitch’s mother who tries to manipulate her children to do her bidding. I truly can’t understand how Mitch’s father, who seemed to be a decent guy, didn’t put his foot down earlier, and how he didn’t get suspicious when Mitch’s brother started to shut Mitch out. So many things just didn’t add up there.
At least Alex’ mother was sweet, and I loved how she “adopted” Mitch.
Anyway. It wasn’t bad, but I skimmed quite a bit.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I’m happy that they finally got their HEA.
I’m not new to hockey romances, and I love nerdy characters, but smh I couldn’t really connect with Mitch and Alex.
Mitch is a scholarship college student, very smart, very good at hockey, working 2 jobs to be able to pursue his dream to become an NHL hockey player (and as a plan b, he studied kinesiology to help injured athletes). He’s gay, but not out because he doesn’t want to risk his future career in the NHL.
Alex is a few years older, NHL player and a demisexual virgin. Long story short: Mitch hits on Alex, Alex rejects him and they decide to get to know each other as friends first, and to give Alex a chance to develop feelings for Mitch.
He does, but SO SLOWLY. I know he’s supposed to be demisexual, but somehow I didn’t get the feeling that there’s more than friendship between Mitch and Alex. The 2 sex scenes very late in the book felt a bit awkward (do people really wear gloves when getting their partner lubed up? First time I read about that).
Then there’s the Evil Witch aka Mitch’s mother who tries to manipulate her children to do her bidding. I truly can’t understand how Mitch’s father, who seemed to be a decent guy, didn’t put his foot down earlier, and how he didn’t get suspicious when Mitch’s brother started to shut Mitch out. So many things just didn’t add up there.
At least Alex’ mother was sweet, and I loved how she “adopted” Mitch.
Anyway. It wasn’t bad, but I skimmed quite a bit.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I’m happy that they finally got their HEA.
April 12, 2022
The way Mitch focused all of his attention on Alex when they were together made Alex feel like he was the center of Mitch’s universe. Mitch had a way of making the world seem brighter, less intense.
3.5 stars ✨✨✨ Mates, I really REALLY liked this book.
But damn, this book couldn't be more: NOT written for Mariam kinda book.
This book is for the people who love
💓 Very veryyyyy Slow burn 💓
💗 Strangers to friendsssssssssss to lovers 💗
🤡 Little to no spice 🤡
💗 Tender moments 💗
🥺 Watching someone very slowly unravel and burn down their walls 🥺
❤️ Gentle caresses ❤️
✨ Smiles that conveyed more words than their talk ✨
Like wow, aren't y'all surprised Mariam read a book where two characters didn't bang 20% in the book? I know cus I felt hollow too 🤡🤡🤡
Well, strangers to friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes but when there is an added layer of slowburn and NOT ENOUGH SPICE to counteract the snail ass pace.... *walks away*
To be fair, there was no wrongs with the pacing. I liked it. This book is a true love story to the people who love slow burn. Am I one of those people? Hell no 😩
This book also included
❤️ College hockey player and NFL defenseman ❤️
😩 An even more added of slow burn bc of long fucking distance 😩
🌈 Demisexual main character 🌈
And
😱 This book is set during 2008 😱
It made the presence of Alex's sexuality interesting because I only expanded my knowledge on the different gray areas of sexuality within these last 3 years, but damn, 2008? Wow, it's a whirlwind to think off.
“I’m not laughing at him,” Cody finally calmed enough to say. “I’m laughing at you.”
Mitch threw a pillow at his so-called best friend. “Why?”
“Alex is demi.” Cody grinned and placed the pillow behind his head. “That’s fucking perfect. Means you can’t be anything but real with him, otherwise he won’t give you the time of day. It’s so completely opposite to your usual screw ‘em and leave ‘em routine. Man, he’s going to be so good for you. He’s going to turn you inside out and upside down. I can’t wait to see it.”
But what's more beguiling is that this book was, gay athletes during 2008.
I shudder at the thought.
Jesus, it was only last year, in 2021 when NHL announced one of their athletes were gay.
I guess... improvement. At least Mitch and Alex were right maybe things would be different ten years down the road, but still, ten long damn years just because of an athlete's sexuality.
In conclusion, this was a damn good book, I think one of my friends Elena would love this book. I kept thinking about her reactions because I know she's a sucker for slow burn lol. So if you're reading this, Ele, you should read this book.
“I didn’t make the best first impression—” or second or third, “—but for some reason, he still wanted to be friends.”
“Sounds like a smart guy,” his dad said. “Knows to look past the surface to who a person really is underneath.”Mitch didn’t look too thrilled at the idea. “I’m not much of a winger.”
“You’re a left winger.”
“Oh my God.” Mitch buried his face in his hands. “That was so bad.”
Mildly insulted, Alex said, “What? No, that was clever. Laugh, damn it. It was funny.”
Mitch laughed, but Alex had a feeling it was at him and not at his joke. Still, the sense of rightness that hit Alex at making Mitch laugh made him feel like a fucking superhero.
Lame, but true.“I try and record the important stuff, so I never forget, but also the mundane to remind me that life isn’t always about ups and downs. Sometimes it’s just a steady journey, and that’s okay too.”
January 29, 2022
DNF at 13%
Mitch is such a dipshit. The classic thinks-he’s-smart college kid, asking real stupid questions under the guise of being clever and edgy. He also had that super cringe immature crude humor thing going “lol i asked panelists about sex as exercise I’m so clever." die
I don’t know why we needed descriptions of every single character - I do not care what they all look like, especially in such detail. Mostly this made Mitch come off as super thirsty for every dude around him….which I guess he was. For someone who’s supposedly hiding his sexuality, he is incredibly blatant about hitting on all dudes ever. Especially with Alex - you can’t say you’re staying secret and then openly hit on a guy who isn’t even out, in front of a crowd like that. It doesn’t work. Mitch felt creepy and sleazy.
His motivations and actions didn’t make sense either. He went to a party he didn’t want to be at, to think for paragraphs about the homework he has to do (god stfu), solely because he is thirsty for the NHL player, who is not out or has given any level of interest for him, and why would the NHL player attend a random college party at a …pizza joint? Bar? What was that? And it was the night before some early morning travel for hockey game. How irresponsible. This does not fit with the gushing the coach had “oh wow so good”, no it’s “oh wow so fool”.
Alex is …well, I didn’t get far enough to get a bead on him. His internal monologue was a lengthy, dry infodump on demisexuality. Boring. The idea that a writing agent wanted an autobiography from some 24 year old hockey player? Ludicrous. No one cares. He couldn’t possibly have done anything interesting at that age.
I don’t know why Alex kept saying “who was this guy” in relation to Mitch. He wasn’t that interesting. Nothing to the point where I stopped suggested Mitch was anything but a standard immature college hockey player who likes math(?).
I do not believe in the slightest Mitch’s situation. He’s a D1 hockey player…how is he not on some level of scholarship for that? How would he have time to work two jobs on top of school and hockey? Also not possible. If he’s so good at school, why not more scholarship? He simply does not have time for all of this shit. It’s so egregiously over the top I sprained my eyes rolling them.
Overall, this was colossally stupid.
Mitch is such a dipshit. The classic thinks-he’s-smart college kid, asking real stupid questions under the guise of being clever and edgy. He also had that super cringe immature crude humor thing going “lol i asked panelists about sex as exercise I’m so clever." die
I don’t know why we needed descriptions of every single character - I do not care what they all look like, especially in such detail. Mostly this made Mitch come off as super thirsty for every dude around him….which I guess he was. For someone who’s supposedly hiding his sexuality, he is incredibly blatant about hitting on all dudes ever. Especially with Alex - you can’t say you’re staying secret and then openly hit on a guy who isn’t even out, in front of a crowd like that. It doesn’t work. Mitch felt creepy and sleazy.
His motivations and actions didn’t make sense either. He went to a party he didn’t want to be at, to think for paragraphs about the homework he has to do (god stfu), solely because he is thirsty for the NHL player, who is not out or has given any level of interest for him, and why would the NHL player attend a random college party at a …pizza joint? Bar? What was that? And it was the night before some early morning travel for hockey game. How irresponsible. This does not fit with the gushing the coach had “oh wow so good”, no it’s “oh wow so fool”.
Alex is …well, I didn’t get far enough to get a bead on him. His internal monologue was a lengthy, dry infodump on demisexuality. Boring. The idea that a writing agent wanted an autobiography from some 24 year old hockey player? Ludicrous. No one cares. He couldn’t possibly have done anything interesting at that age.
I don’t know why Alex kept saying “who was this guy” in relation to Mitch. He wasn’t that interesting. Nothing to the point where I stopped suggested Mitch was anything but a standard immature college hockey player who likes math(?).
I do not believe in the slightest Mitch’s situation. He’s a D1 hockey player…how is he not on some level of scholarship for that? How would he have time to work two jobs on top of school and hockey? Also not possible. If he’s so good at school, why not more scholarship? He simply does not have time for all of this shit. It’s so egregiously over the top I sprained my eyes rolling them.
Overall, this was colossally stupid.
August 1, 2022
reread: this is a slow burn and I didn’t remember. love this for me.
———————————————-
I stayed up all night to finish this book. cute and funny
———————————————-
I stayed up all night to finish this book. cute and funny
June 23, 2023
3.5⭐️
Gah, these two got so sweet after how they began.
Gah, these two got so sweet after how they began.
January 19, 2023
“Mitch pointed at the jersey number on the back, 25. “It has your number.”
“Yup. You haven’t been shy about telling me you want to sleep with me, so I figure now—“ Alex stole the bear out of Mitch‘s hands, and bopped Mitch on the nose with it. “You can.”
Swiping his bear back, Mitch laughed and fell backward onto the rear windshield. “I see. This is your way of getting out of sex with me.”
What a great start to a hockey romance series! I loved the demisexual representation in this slow burn, friends-to-lovers story. Even better, it features polar opposites. Mitch is a cocky hockey player on a partial college scholarship who works two jobs to pay his way through school, while Alex is an injured NHL player who is temporarily back in his hometown to spend time with his sick grandfather. Although Mitch hits hard on Alex from their very first meeting, Alex isn’t interested because he needs to have an emotional connection before experiencing attraction—something which is impossible until Mitch is willing to drop his player facade and show his true self. A beautiful friendship begins as their relationship gradually develops. It’s a sweet, slightly angsty romance with some great side characters.
“Yup. You haven’t been shy about telling me you want to sleep with me, so I figure now—“ Alex stole the bear out of Mitch‘s hands, and bopped Mitch on the nose with it. “You can.”
Swiping his bear back, Mitch laughed and fell backward onto the rear windshield. “I see. This is your way of getting out of sex with me.”
What a great start to a hockey romance series! I loved the demisexual representation in this slow burn, friends-to-lovers story. Even better, it features polar opposites. Mitch is a cocky hockey player on a partial college scholarship who works two jobs to pay his way through school, while Alex is an injured NHL player who is temporarily back in his hometown to spend time with his sick grandfather. Although Mitch hits hard on Alex from their very first meeting, Alex isn’t interested because he needs to have an emotional connection before experiencing attraction—something which is impossible until Mitch is willing to drop his player facade and show his true self. A beautiful friendship begins as their relationship gradually develops. It’s a sweet, slightly angsty romance with some great side characters.
June 21, 2020
"Life isn’t always about ups and downs. Sometimes it’s just a steady journey, and that’s okay too.”
Characters
Alex (24, pro hockey player- defenseman)
Something to know about Alex:
- Alex is currently on the injured list, so he is using this down time to write a book about the cost of hockey (what players have to give up or sacrifice to achieve a successful hockey career)
The following words/phrases were used to describe Alex: commanding presence, charming, confident, observant, laid-back, easygoing, competitive, unrufflable, comfortable in who he is and his place in the world, patient, kind, nonjudgmental
Mitch (20, college sophomore with dreams of being a professional hockey player someday)
Something to know about Mitch:
- Mitch has a plan for after he retires from hockey.... “However, when Mitch graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a speciality in kinesiology, he’d be set to work with athletes, keeping him in the sport long after he’d retired from active play.”
The following words/phrases were used to describe Mitch: arrogant, loud, wears a mask, math genius, super talented hockey player, determined, lonely, ambitious, smart, considerate, sweet, sensible, hardworking, sensitive, caring, a planner
The Story:
Mitch, college sophomore, is killing himself to get through college so that someday he can be a pro hockey player. ”He’s doing a kinesiology degree, so most of his classes have labs once a week on top of lectures. He has a key to this place and comes in to skate and shoot the puck on mornings we don’t have practice.” Bedley crossed his arms over his chest. “And I get the feeling he doesn’t get a lot of support at home. The kid kills himself working two jobs on top of classes, practice, and games, never mind the amount of homework that comes with a science degree.”
Alex, already a pro hockey player, has an injury that has taken him off the ice so he heads back to his old stomping grounds to spend time with his grandpa.
Alex and Mitch meet and Mitch is instantly attracted. Alex, on the other hand, takes much longer to warm up to the idea of any type of relationship with Mitch.
My Thoughts:
The following are my thoughts about this book:
- Mitch....the confident, smirky guy was sexy and won me over from the very start. But Mitch.....the vulnerable guy...OMG, downright swoon-worthy!! ❤️
- I liked that Alex immediately addressed Mitch's fakeness. He was able to see glimpses of the real Mitch rather than the fake Mitch and he called him out on it.
- Alex brought definite maturity to the story and I loved his character.
- Demisexual-i learned a new word. 👍
- Mitch’s best friend and his dad were awesome secondary characters. Each scene they had with Mitch just melted my heart a little bit more because you could see how much they loved Mitch and supported his choices.
- Mitch...his hard work was impressive. Dang!!
- A character with Alzheimer’s is always so heartbreaking. 💔😢 “What must it be like to so completely look up to someone, only to have that person forget everything you’d gone through together, everything you’d talked about, everything you’d done and seen, everything you’d meant to each other?”
- My heart broke for Mitch and his lost relationship with his brother. Mitch loved him so much and it was heartbreaking to see his brother's rejection. 💔
- When Alex pulled out the craft box so that Mitch could make a beloved handmade ornament....be still my heart. A truly swoon-worthy Alex moment 💞
- Really slow burn
- The story mostly takes place off the ice, so if you are hoping for hockey action you will be disappointed
- Low angst
- I was a little disappointed in the way they just accepted they wouldn’t have a pro hockey career if they came out of the closet. I would have liked to see them fight that prejudice rather than just accept it and stay hidden in the closet.
Overall:
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: M/M, athlete,
- Alex likable? Yes
- Mitch likable? Yes
- virgin? Yes. Alex is a virgin
- First time they kiss: 67%
- First time they sleep together: 83%
- steamy? not a ton. The story is more about their emotional connection than their sexual connection.
- OW/OM drama? No
- cheating? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? they won’t bring their relationship out of the closet, so from that aspect they are keeping a secret from everyone outside of their close circle of friends/family
- Did I cry? No. although there were a couple heart tugging moments
- Did I laugh? I chuckled in a few spots
- Cliffhanger? no
- Epilogue? 5 years later
- Recommend? yes. It held my interest
Quotes
”Mitch hated parties. So much, in fact, that he’d rather work at a bee farm surrounded by hundreds of bees plotting his death, one bee sting at a time.”
“Alex made himself a mental promise to tread carefully where Mitch was concerned. The kid came across as invincible and confident, but Alex suspected there was a very fragile soul underneath the layer of impenetrability Mitch had created around himself.”
“I was attracted to you for, like, five minutes.” Mitch said. “Before I realized you could eat me for breakfast.”
“Mitch made him feel special in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The way Mitch focused all of his attention on Alex when they were together made Alex feel like he was the center of Mitch’s universe. Mitch had a way of making the world seem brighter, less intense.”
“Mitch was both annoyed and grateful. He was annoyful.”
“Underneath Mitch’s cultivated veneer of assertiveness and arrogance was a nice guy who just wanted to play hockey and be surrounded by the people he loved.”
Characters
Alex (24, pro hockey player- defenseman)
Something to know about Alex:
- Alex is currently on the injured list, so he is using this down time to write a book about the cost of hockey (what players have to give up or sacrifice to achieve a successful hockey career)
The following words/phrases were used to describe Alex: commanding presence, charming, confident, observant, laid-back, easygoing, competitive, unrufflable, comfortable in who he is and his place in the world, patient, kind, nonjudgmental
Mitch (20, college sophomore with dreams of being a professional hockey player someday)
Something to know about Mitch:
- Mitch has a plan for after he retires from hockey.... “However, when Mitch graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a speciality in kinesiology, he’d be set to work with athletes, keeping him in the sport long after he’d retired from active play.”
The following words/phrases were used to describe Mitch: arrogant, loud, wears a mask, math genius, super talented hockey player, determined, lonely, ambitious, smart, considerate, sweet, sensible, hardworking, sensitive, caring, a planner
The Story:
Mitch, college sophomore, is killing himself to get through college so that someday he can be a pro hockey player. ”He’s doing a kinesiology degree, so most of his classes have labs once a week on top of lectures. He has a key to this place and comes in to skate and shoot the puck on mornings we don’t have practice.” Bedley crossed his arms over his chest. “And I get the feeling he doesn’t get a lot of support at home. The kid kills himself working two jobs on top of classes, practice, and games, never mind the amount of homework that comes with a science degree.”
Alex, already a pro hockey player, has an injury that has taken him off the ice so he heads back to his old stomping grounds to spend time with his grandpa.
Alex and Mitch meet and Mitch is instantly attracted. Alex, on the other hand, takes much longer to warm up to the idea of any type of relationship with Mitch.
My Thoughts:
The following are my thoughts about this book:
- Mitch....the confident, smirky guy was sexy and won me over from the very start. But Mitch.....the vulnerable guy...OMG, downright swoon-worthy!! ❤️
- I liked that Alex immediately addressed Mitch's fakeness. He was able to see glimpses of the real Mitch rather than the fake Mitch and he called him out on it.
- Alex brought definite maturity to the story and I loved his character.
- Demisexual-i learned a new word. 👍
- Mitch’s best friend and his dad were awesome secondary characters. Each scene they had with Mitch just melted my heart a little bit more because you could see how much they loved Mitch and supported his choices.
- Mitch...his hard work was impressive. Dang!!
- A character with Alzheimer’s is always so heartbreaking. 💔😢 “What must it be like to so completely look up to someone, only to have that person forget everything you’d gone through together, everything you’d talked about, everything you’d done and seen, everything you’d meant to each other?”
- My heart broke for Mitch and his lost relationship with his brother. Mitch loved him so much and it was heartbreaking to see his brother's rejection. 💔
- When Alex pulled out the craft box so that Mitch could make a beloved handmade ornament....be still my heart. A truly swoon-worthy Alex moment 💞
- Really slow burn
- The story mostly takes place off the ice, so if you are hoping for hockey action you will be disappointed
- Low angst
- I was a little disappointed in the way they just accepted they wouldn’t have a pro hockey career if they came out of the closet. I would have liked to see them fight that prejudice rather than just accept it and stay hidden in the closet.
Overall:
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: M/M, athlete,
- Alex likable? Yes
- Mitch likable? Yes
- virgin? Yes. Alex is a virgin
- First time they kiss: 67%
- First time they sleep together: 83%
- steamy? not a ton. The story is more about their emotional connection than their sexual connection.
- OW/OM drama? No
- cheating? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? they won’t bring their relationship out of the closet, so from that aspect they are keeping a secret from everyone outside of their close circle of friends/family
- Did I cry? No. although there were a couple heart tugging moments
- Did I laugh? I chuckled in a few spots
- Cliffhanger? no
- Epilogue? 5 years later
- Recommend? yes. It held my interest
Quotes
”Mitch hated parties. So much, in fact, that he’d rather work at a bee farm surrounded by hundreds of bees plotting his death, one bee sting at a time.”
“Alex made himself a mental promise to tread carefully where Mitch was concerned. The kid came across as invincible and confident, but Alex suspected there was a very fragile soul underneath the layer of impenetrability Mitch had created around himself.”
“I was attracted to you for, like, five minutes.” Mitch said. “Before I realized you could eat me for breakfast.”
“Mitch made him feel special in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The way Mitch focused all of his attention on Alex when they were together made Alex feel like he was the center of Mitch’s universe. Mitch had a way of making the world seem brighter, less intense.”
“Mitch was both annoyed and grateful. He was annoyful.”
“Underneath Mitch’s cultivated veneer of assertiveness and arrogance was a nice guy who just wanted to play hockey and be surrounded by the people he loved.”
January 14, 2023
Really enjoyed this! I love a slow burn story, especially when it's a demisexual or asexual character. You get to know the characters so much more and connect with them, which is my favourite part of reading - if I can't connect to a character or feel what they're going through, it ruins the reading experience for me.
The only thing I can complain about is the end felt a little rushed. I'd have liked a longer epilogue or just a bit more story after the hospital/loss before the epilogue. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, though!
The only thing I can complain about is the end felt a little rushed. I'd have liked a longer epilogue or just a bit more story after the hospital/loss before the epilogue. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, though!
January 28, 2024
it was nice. i have seen this book going around quite a lot, and i finally got to read it.
i was pleasantly surprised to see one of the main characters being demisexual. as every experience is different and every identity unique i still got to (kinda) relate to him and his demisexuality.
the romance was cute and nice. it's a slow built but built on friendship and trust first. and i appreciate that. hence why i think he is also demiromantique.
the hockey aspect was cool. i don't know much about it, and i don't think i have learned anything, but still, it was cool.
20240128 (4am) update :
I LOVED IT ???? EVEN MORE THAN THE FIRST READ !? she deserves a raise. 4.5 sounds fair !!
Alex's demisexuality is amazing, and i could 200% relate to him.
Mitch and Alex's relationship is gold, and seeing foetus Dan, Yager, and Cody made me tear up. i can't wait to (re)read their stories !!
i was pleasantly surprised to see one of the main characters being demisexual. as every experience is different and every identity unique i still got to (kinda) relate to him and his demisexuality.
the romance was cute and nice. it's a slow built but built on friendship and trust first. and i appreciate that. hence why i think he is also demiromantique.
the hockey aspect was cool. i don't know much about it, and i don't think i have learned anything, but still, it was cool.
20240128 (4am) update :
I LOVED IT ???? EVEN MORE THAN THE FIRST READ !? she deserves a raise. 4.5 sounds fair !!
Alex's demisexuality is amazing, and i could 200% relate to him.
Mitch and Alex's relationship is gold, and seeing foetus Dan, Yager, and Cody made me tear up. i can't wait to (re)read their stories !!
![Profile Image for Rαιɳ [hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645722226i/143942464._UY200_CR17,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 9, 2023
3.5⭐️
my rating is this only because I feel like something was missing I don't know why and I don't know what but I feel this way👩🏼🦯, however it was a really good read, I will definitely continue this series sooner or later.
my rating is this only because I feel like something was missing I don't know why and I don't know what but I feel this way👩🏼🦯, however it was a really good read, I will definitely continue this series sooner or later.
May 10, 2018
On the Ice is a really sweet story that revolves around two hockey players. Mitch is a college player who is not only dedicated to the sport but also a total math and science geek. Mitch is a total slut and was hitting on Alex at first sight. After being rejected, his ego was bruised, but his passion for sport and studies manages to attract Alex to befriend him.
Alex is only 24, but he feels much older to me, due to his highly responsible personality and maturity. When he decided to help tutor Mitch, they started to become friends and he gets to see the real and vulnerable Mitch behind the devil-may-care-attitude.
This story feels a bit YA-ish because Alex is a demisexual and the couple didn't have any sexual relationship until way past 60%. In the romance world, Alex is a rare unicorn. Is refreshing to read about characters that actually takes time to know and develop feelings for each other before things progress to the bedroom. The slow burn is so worth it. I enjoyed the friendship and the bond they formed, how they act as a moral support for each other and even sustaining a long distance relationship.
The supporting cast was great too, especially Mitch's bff, Cody, Mitch's dad and some of the teammates. Mitch and Alex are not out athletes, but their team isn't homophobic. It seems like they keep their relationship in a down low and realistic way. There isn't much drama in the story, just plenty of sweet moments and love.
Alex is only 24, but he feels much older to me, due to his highly responsible personality and maturity. When he decided to help tutor Mitch, they started to become friends and he gets to see the real and vulnerable Mitch behind the devil-may-care-attitude.
This story feels a bit YA-ish because Alex is a demisexual and the couple didn't have any sexual relationship until way past 60%. In the romance world, Alex is a rare unicorn. Is refreshing to read about characters that actually takes time to know and develop feelings for each other before things progress to the bedroom. The slow burn is so worth it. I enjoyed the friendship and the bond they formed, how they act as a moral support for each other and even sustaining a long distance relationship.
The supporting cast was great too, especially Mitch's bff, Cody, Mitch's dad and some of the teammates. Mitch and Alex are not out athletes, but their team isn't homophobic. It seems like they keep their relationship in a down low and realistic way. There isn't much drama in the story, just plenty of sweet moments and love.
October 22, 2021
Originally this was a DNF for me but I picked it back up today and devoured it 😭 It was perfect and everything I wanted and Mitch and Alex are so precious
May 9, 2018
5 Stars
Mitch is a college sophomore, trying to juggle school and hockey along with two jobs. Cut off by his mother after he refuses to attend business school and prepare to join the family business, Mitch is just trying to survive. He meets pro-hockey player, Alex when Alex sits on a panel at his school. Mitch is instantly attracted to Alex and tries to turn on the charm, but Alex is demisexual, so it doesn’t work, but while he may not be sexually attracted to Mitch, something about him draws Alex in, but Alex wants, no, needs, to get to know the real Mitch, not the arrogant, obnoxious flirt Mitch puts out there for everyone else.
I wasn’t too sure about Mitch at first. He was a bit, well okay, a lot obnoxious and pushy, something I can’t stand, but when you peel away the layers, and really get to know Mitch, his situation is heartbreaking. I was exhausted just reading his routine of practice, school and work, then to try to fit in a relationship, well, I just wasn’t sure where he’d find another spare second.
I loved Alex, as well. He was sweet, caring and confident. I loved that he was so comfortable in who he was. I didn’t know a lot about demisexuals before this story. I’d only read a couple of books featuring a demisexual, but I found Alex’s story to be very informative, without being boringly educational, I learned a lot reading it and I think I understand it much more now.
The story was well-written and while it maybe dragged just a bit in the middle, I was never bored and I ate up the pages of this book. I wanted a conclusion, and while I got an amazing ending, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Mitch and Alex. They had awesome chemistry and I loved the slow progression of their relationship, it was very natural. It definitely wasn’t rushed and not only did they get to know each other, but they were well-developed, so I got to know them, too.
There were some great secondary characters as well. A few of Alex and Mitch’s teammates were awesome and I absolutely adored Mitch’s best friend and roommate, Cody and am really hoping his story is next. I also loved Alex’s mom, she was such an amazing woman and a great support system for both Alex and Mitch.
This was an enjoyable story and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Very recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher for my reading pleasure, a review was not a requirement*
May 8, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
2 stars
Sports and athletes of all kinds can sell me on a book just like that. There then needs to be something else to hook me in and this book did not do the best job with that. To start, the author’s note states that Mitch and Alex were introduced in a previously published novella as side characters where they had already been married for six years. On the Ice then takes us back to when they met and right off, that set up didn’t interest me.
Mitch is confident and smart and knows exactly what he wants in the way of a career. When Alex is part of a guest panel in one of his classes, he has a list of questions and the flirting is just a bonus. But, there was that something about Mitch that was off, like terms he used such as “holy jumping hockey sticks.” Also, in describing the side characters, the author would have Mitch run through their characteristics in his head. Like when Mitch saw his best friend and roommate, Cody, that he had known since first grade, or his teammates, his mind made a list of what these people looked like and it was not natural and came off as clunky.
Then, there was Alex. Alex is demisexual and has never really been attracted to anyone. He doesn’t like Mitch at first, finds him too overwhelming, and it’s a gradual process for them to become friends, and then move on to a relationship. More than once, when Alex being demisexual was discussed, he would launch into a definition of what it was. While the author does note at the end of the book that since the book takes place in 2008/2009, an explanation was needed as demisexual was not as commonly known during that time, the repeated textbook definition was not natural to the flow of conversation.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2 stars
Sports and athletes of all kinds can sell me on a book just like that. There then needs to be something else to hook me in and this book did not do the best job with that. To start, the author’s note states that Mitch and Alex were introduced in a previously published novella as side characters where they had already been married for six years. On the Ice then takes us back to when they met and right off, that set up didn’t interest me.
Mitch is confident and smart and knows exactly what he wants in the way of a career. When Alex is part of a guest panel in one of his classes, he has a list of questions and the flirting is just a bonus. But, there was that something about Mitch that was off, like terms he used such as “holy jumping hockey sticks.” Also, in describing the side characters, the author would have Mitch run through their characteristics in his head. Like when Mitch saw his best friend and roommate, Cody, that he had known since first grade, or his teammates, his mind made a list of what these people looked like and it was not natural and came off as clunky.
Then, there was Alex. Alex is demisexual and has never really been attracted to anyone. He doesn’t like Mitch at first, finds him too overwhelming, and it’s a gradual process for them to become friends, and then move on to a relationship. More than once, when Alex being demisexual was discussed, he would launch into a definition of what it was. While the author does note at the end of the book that since the book takes place in 2008/2009, an explanation was needed as demisexual was not as commonly known during that time, the repeated textbook definition was not natural to the flow of conversation.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
May 5, 2018
There were so many things I loved about this book. I loved the characters. I loved their romance. I loved how their relationship built from awkwardness to friendship to lovers. I am always glad to see demisexuality portrayed so well in a book.
However, and this will probably not bother most readers but it really bothered me. The author made a big deal in her acknowledgements that she worked with someone else for the hockey stuff. She obviously didn't choose a person who knew about college hockey very well. Oh, there were several key words, picking a conference that actually exists, naming schools. Hockey schedules aren't like basketball schedules. College hockey is almost exclusively played as Friday-Saturday series at one site, with a few Thursday or Sunday games and maybe a home and home. It isn't random Wednesday night games. It's not often televised. The draft happens when players are 17-20, with most players being 18 when they're drafted. It's again not like basketball where you get drafted after college. And there is this whole pesky NCAA involvement where there is no way that a former player would ever And knowing all of this it drove me completely crazy.
It was the fact that it felt like the author did no real research about the subject that dropped this probably otherwise a 4.5-5 star read down to a 3 star read to me. Some of this is real quick type into Google research. Some of it is me getting a bit nitpicky and I know this, but college hockey is something I love and follow avidly, and the author didn't know her subject at all.
However, and this will probably not bother most readers but it really bothered me. The author made a big deal in her acknowledgements that she worked with someone else for the hockey stuff. She obviously didn't choose a person who knew about college hockey very well. Oh, there were several key words, picking a conference that actually exists, naming schools. Hockey schedules aren't like basketball schedules. College hockey is almost exclusively played as Friday-Saturday series at one site, with a few Thursday or Sunday games and maybe a home and home. It isn't random Wednesday night games. It's not often televised. The draft happens when players are 17-20, with most players being 18 when they're drafted. It's again not like basketball where you get drafted after college. And there is this whole pesky NCAA involvement where there is no way that a former player would ever And knowing all of this it drove me completely crazy.
It was the fact that it felt like the author did no real research about the subject that dropped this probably otherwise a 4.5-5 star read down to a 3 star read to me. Some of this is real quick type into Google research. Some of it is me getting a bit nitpicky and I know this, but college hockey is something I love and follow avidly, and the author didn't know her subject at all.
July 14, 2018
3.5 Stars.
I loved the romance at the center of the book between Mitch and Alex. Mitch's first cocky bold approach and then Alex demanding he be real.
As Alex is demisexual, we get a slow burn romance which creates lots of space for emotionial connection.
Alex is just a solidly great guy and so comfortable in his own skin.
Mitch is really wonderful too and the dates and falling in love as they handle a long distance relationship is well done.
Outside the romance, there needs to be better work with the other issues. Mitch's hardworking exhaustion is done well as his Alex's family and they both have good friends. However, Mitch's mom is drawn as a villain too simply and his dad's cluelessness as well as the length of his brother's reaction to something that happen makes little sense.
Good overall! I look forward to Cody or Yeager's story.
I loved the romance at the center of the book between Mitch and Alex. Mitch's first cocky bold approach and then Alex demanding he be real.
As Alex is demisexual, we get a slow burn romance which creates lots of space for emotionial connection.
Alex is just a solidly great guy and so comfortable in his own skin.
Mitch is really wonderful too and the dates and falling in love as they handle a long distance relationship is well done.
Outside the romance, there needs to be better work with the other issues. Mitch's hardworking exhaustion is done well as his Alex's family and they both have good friends. However, Mitch's mom is drawn as a villain too simply and his dad's cluelessness as well as the length of his brother's reaction to something that happen makes little sense.
Good overall! I look forward to Cody or Yeager's story.
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