3.5

This was sweet and I liked it. Although the characters were written to be seniors in high school they seemed so much younger, so innocent. They certainly are not ruled by their hormones. I’m not sure that the maturity and restraint displayed (in sexual situations) is actually realistic, though I’m sure most parents pray it is.

I am not sure how much the author has been around teen boys? I have a teenage boy and teach high school and it’s not been my experience that they have a friend over to critique their date outfit or go out for milkshakes on their “cheat days”, or break into giggling fits... The voice and descriptions felt very feminine. This is not a gay/straight critique. I know the personality traits of both gay and straight teens run the gamut. It just seemed that the author had trouble voicing a male character...

That aside I think that if this is targeted to a younger audience it will be well received. It is a sweet and uplifting story. It doesn’t sugarcoat the fear of coming out even when you have a good family and friend(s). However it may be a bit unrealistic how well almost everyone took the news. I really wish that reaction would be the norm. Dealing with opposing teams’ barbs was glossed over a bit too much as it was thrown in at the 95% mark.

Cute story with cute characters.
It was a quick read thankfully because I just wanted it to end. I don't know if it's the style of writing or the dialogue, but the story just didn't do it for me.

This book was short and sweet. I read it in 2 hours. Ben is so sweet and a great main character, along with his best friend Ryan who is the most supportive and wonderful best friend that he could have. Ben, a star hockey player and captain of his team, is gay and hiding it from everyone except Ryan who has know for quite some time. Rayn is sweetly overprotective of him but also is trying to push Ben a little bit into talking this guy he has had a crush on forever. Slowly, Ben starts to get to know Marcus and they become friends.....which eventually becomes more. Ben's coming out story is really positive, and although he and Marcus both hit some bumps along the way, they manage to forge a relationship accepted by all of their family, close friend and Ben's hockey teammates. I definitely liked this book and loved the story of Ben and Marcus. I would have loved it even more if it had been first person through Ben's eyes at least, if not Marcus's too. Regardless, it is a super sweet quick summer read and if you like hockey, it's perfect! THANKS NETGALLEY for the ARC!!!!