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Quick Info
Off the Ice

• Series: Hat Trick
  book 1
• Genre: Contemporary, Romance
• Diversity: POC (Puerto Rican, Japanese)
• Trigger Warnings: none
• Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb
Off the Ice

Tristan Holt is nothing if not pragmatic. Despite a flourishing career as a defenseman for the Atlanta Venom, Tristan knows he can’t play hockey forever. One day he’ll retire—if an injury doesn’t force him to hang up his skates first. His backup plan? Finishing his business degree. But he doesn’t count on a very inappropriate attraction to his standoffish sociology professor, Sebastian Cruz.

Sebastian is on the bottom rung of the Sociology Department at Georgia State. He has his sights set on tenure, and he can’t afford to be distracted, especially not by a sexy student with a body straight out of Sebastian’s dreams. No matter how much Tristan tempts him, that’s one line Sebastian won’t cross. At least not until summer classes end. After that, everything is fair game.

But Sebastian lives loud and proud, and Tristan is terrified of being the first out player in the NHL. Neither of them can afford to risk their hearts when they can’t imagine a happily ever after. The problem is, unlike hockey, when it comes to love, there are no rules.

The Queer’s Review

Finally I was able to read Off the Ice!

It was recommended to me last year but when I wanted to buy it, it was already taken down. But waiting for it to be republished was totally worth the wait.

Just a few pages in I was like “okay, I’m really liking this?!” and I had to try to make myself read not as fast so that my enjoyment could last longer. Spoiler: I did not manage to not inhale Off the Ice.

Both Tristan and Sebastian are very complex characters and their dynamic just sucks you into the story. They develop a lot through the book, both on their own as well as together. But what I enjoyed the most was the calling out.

People are not perfect and just because you’re in a relationship or friendship with someone does not mean they can’t do wrong. This aspect of human interactions was portrayed greatly and I think quite a lot of couples as well as friends could learn from this.

Also on a side note: bossy top? Oh yeah.

Bookish Thoughts

I can’t wait months for the next book?!  

Disclaimer

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.