Find Me on the Ice: Hockey Romance (Nighthawks Book 2)

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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. 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. 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.

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.

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 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.

Maybe because,” Alex said, kissing the fingertips of one hand, “it’s just us here. No parents, no roommates. And we can just…” 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.

Download Method Find Me on the Ice by Pru Schuyler

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. 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. 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. 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.