4 stars, full Review on my blog!

Dark hockey romance, yes yes yes!!!

“I the torment because it means I’m still capable of feeling. Until it fades away and a quiet numbness takes over.”

I was completely captivated from beginning to end. This first installment of the duet concludes with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Zoe's life hasn't been the best, constantly being reminded by her parents that she's worthless and won't amount to anything. The only aspect she feels she can manage is the selection of men she allows into her life. When the chance arises to explore her deepest desires with a stranger, she seizes it eagerly. It fulfills her expectations in every way, except for one crucial detail—she never sees his face or learns his real name. Nevertheless, she's learned to always exit before emotions get involved, ensuring she controls her heart.

Dominik, Zoe's brother's best friend since high school. He's dark, possessive, edgy, and sure he has flaws, but he's the perfect book boyfriend!!

We get the typical, "my sister is off-limits" trope, and yeah, despite being warned to never pursue her romantically, Dominik respects this boundary....kinda.  While at a BDSM masquerade ball one night, Dominik instantly recognizes Zoe. Unable to resist this magnetic pull toward her has towards her, he convinces himself it's just a one-night indulgence to quell his desires. Little does he know, his attraction for Zoe only intensifies with time. he is OBSESSED, in a good way.

Can we talk about that CLIFFHANGER, I don't want to give anything away but holy shit when she realizes... I felt so sad for her! 

One issue, which honestly does not make sense to me, is how does she not recognize him at the BDSM party? As only half his face was covered. He’s literally her brother's best friend since HS, also his voice?? surely she’d recognize it? It's just slightly unrealistic. 

“…his intricate, black Victorian mask back in place, covering half his beautiful face…”

But overall, I LOVED THIS!! It was soo heartwrenchingly good I need more! I loved their chemistry and their budding romance. I'm obsessed with these two!

If you love,

?Fake dating
?Brothers best friend
?Pro hockey player
?Primal play
?BDSM
?Forced proximity
?Forbidden romance
?SPICY!!!

then you should read this!!

Thank you for the ARC, Tina<3

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Blog ? StoryGraph ? Instagram ? Twitter ? Facebook2024 4-stars adult ...more57 s2 comments Krysta ?436 65

“ a wildfire, she blazes through me, destroying every ounce of willpower I have remaining.”

i’ve never read a dark hockey romance before, so this book immediately caught my attention. i was wary of the fact that this had dub-con, cause that’s a trigger/trope that i hate. but despite the darker topics and situations in here, i loved this book and it’s characters— the tension between Zoe and Dominik was beyond palpable and the bits of spice that were given did not disappoint. i thought this would just be a steamy book with no substance, but i ended up being pleasantly surprised that i was kinda wrong. the cliffhanger ending is criminal btw.. i need the next book NOWWWW!

“I the torment because it means I’m still capable of feeling. Until it fades away and a quiet numbness takes over.”

? Zoe - i have never related to a character more and she’s the main reason for the high rating. the way she processes her familial trauma and intrusive thoughts had me in my feels.. maybe it’s because of my current headspace, but something about reading from her perspective felt so therapeutic for me. i also just think she’s funny af and i loved how willing she was to help Dominik and the way she cared so much for her brother— she holds no resentment and came across as a very strong person in search of her place in life.

“You think you’re not scared of me. Until I decide to hunt you down and take what’s mine. I play dirty when provoked. And you’re fucking provoking me.”

? Dominik - he’s the literal definition of a man obsessed. he does questionable things that are 100% red flags but they look green to me with the way he worships the ground Zoe walks on. i loved how he empowered Zoe to voice her desires and made her feel comfortable at every moment— whether she knew it directly or not. the fact that he’s hot is just icing on the cake lol. i thought his internal struggle to do right by his bestfriend while also caring for Zoe so deeply from afar was admirable in a sense, he’s really nothing what i originally expected.

”She thinks people don’t see the way she hides, and maybe she’s right, maybe people don’t notice, but I do. I’ve always noticed.”

so.. was this the best written book ever? no. was there some corny phrases? yes. did any of that bother me? not at all. the one thing i did want more of was actual hockey scenes with Dominik on the ice, but im hoping that’ll be in the next book. all my favorite tropes were in here too: brothers best friend, forced proximity and fake dating, so i can’t really complain too much.

”These walls will never witness anything more beautiful than Zoe Jackson. She is the most priceless piece of art there is.”

? Dominik’s physical description - 6’5, neck and upper body tattoos, shaggy black hair with one blue eye and one hazel eye.. (you’re welcome, im deceased and goodnight).dont-own e-books favorites ...more53 s36 comments Kirsten | Bookish.kir413 217

I am actually a bit surprised at how let down I am by this one. I don’t know if I just set my expectations too high or if it was just because I was in a bit of a slump or what, but ultimately I was a little bored and it took me a while to get into this one. I will say I did quite enjoy the flashbacks to the primal play masquerade scene, but other than that literally nothing happened until roughly 60% into the book. That cliffhanger though…OUCH! I have a feeling part two is going to be much more entertaining and I cannot wait to find out.

Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5?? rounded up
1.5
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