Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Skating to Him
SERIES: Desert Ice Hockey (Book 5)
AUTHOR: Christie Gordon
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 320 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 8, 2025
BLURB:
I’m skating to the NHL while he’s running from his past. When we collide, am I brave enough to take the shot?
Tyler
Hockey is my life. My ticket to the NHL is in sight, and I can’t afford distractions.
Then Coach pairs me with Rowan, the new guy from Boston.
He’s talented, sharp, and annoyingly irresistible.
When he asks to hit the gay bar with me and my friends, I chalk it up to curiosity.
But one too many drinks later, I spill my truth—and suddenly, he’s looking at me like he’s ready to cross a line he’s never touched before.
I’ve been burned by straight guys before, and I’m not about to get hurt again.
Rowan swears he’s different. Can I risk believing him?
Rowan
Leaving Boston was my escape—from my mom’s illness, from the pressure, from myself.
But playing alongside Tyler changes everything. He’s not just the best defenseman I’ve ever met, he’s magnetic and so guarded I ache to know what’s underneath.
I’ve never wanted a man before, but Tyler makes me question everything I knew about myself.
I need him to see I’m not playing games.
This is real. He’s real.
And I won’t stop fighting until he believes it.
Skating to Him is the fifth book in the college hockey series, Desert Ice Hockey, and is the follow up to the Rock U series. It features a D-man burned by a curious straight guy and another having a bisexual awakening, hurt/comfort, and found family among the backdrop of the holidays. Desert Ice Hockey follows a group of queer hockey players, known as the squad, while they each battle for their HEA.
Buy now to explore a world where emotions run as high as the heat and hockey isn’t the only game in town!
REVIEW:
And now we get Tyler, the star D-man from The Squad at ASU’s Hockey Team, story.
Coach is partnering Tyler up with the new guy that transferred in from Boston, Rowan, in hopes of building the best D-line in the NCAA. And they seem to click well together. Actually click a little too well and that has Tyler second guessing everything. He’s been badly burned before, by a straight guy questioning, and it has affected him every since high school. But these feeling won’t go away and Rowan is there for him when he needs it the very most. But can he learn to trust what’s right in front of him offering everything he has ever desired?
As I have stated before, Christie Gordon has converted me to a hockey fan now. How could you not be when you have a group of men that set goals like The Squad did and then supported each other in obtaining those goals on and off the ice. These young men have been supportive of each other clear back when they were in the Juniors together or further. They all made a pact and they are there for each other whether they are still a the house together or living with their one and only.
The dashingly gorgeous Tyler seemed like a flirt but knowing how deeply he was hurt by his very closeted high school boyfriend would indeed make you leery. And keeping his eyes set on his goals were important in this all hockey family. Being known as the best D-man in the NCAA about guarantees him getting into the NHL like his older brother. But having his home team scout him is a dream come true for him. I loved that when Rowan decided to act on his feelings he didn’t do it as an “experiment” but did it because he felt things and needed to know what they were. He was so respectful of Tyler and how he had been hurt before. Rowan never wanted to hurt Tyler and it was obvious that he was sincere. I love how both men supported and included each other in achieving their life goals. And being that true shoulder to lean on when things got tough with each of their Mom’s MS was important.
And soon all The Squad will all be partnered up and living their dreams. Myle’s story is next and it sounds like it’s going to be a ride. Can’t wait!
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