A great first novel from an author I hope to see more of
As a queer person, I read a lot of LGBTQ+ romance, and as a hockey lover, I am always on the lookout for a good queer hockey romance. This checked all my boxes.
It is a first novel so there are inevitably some areas that just don't read smoothly, but the plot is solid, the characters are loveable except when they're not (as good characters should be), and the romance is on point. She didn't rush through the relationship, so it builds naturally in a way that is lovely to read. She didn't fall into the trap so many authors do where they feel the need for something super dramatic to happen in the third act to move the plot. There's still act 3 drama, but it's makes sense in the plot. The book is over 430 pages and I read it in two days because it was just that good.
I am seriously hoping that there will be a sequel with Kayden and Em, because there are serious vibes there. Also I want more of this team and these characters. This might have been the quickest I hit the follow button for an author. If you're on the fence, please give it a chance it is absolutely worth it.
Q
Queen.of.the.pages
September 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
I adored this story
It’s crazy that your really don’t see a lot of LGBTQ stories like this one.
The book was so well done.
The characters were phenomenal.
The story really kept you engaged and interested.
The pace of story was great. The emotionality was great. The tension was great. The approach of certain topics were great. The steam was great.
This book really surprised.
Even when I thought it was long at times
I still loved every minute of it.
Started off really strong, a little too sarcastic for my tastes but I was enjoying the dynamics between the two. I find surgery to be something of a cop-out in these kinds of trans/cis love stories, because it eliminates a lot of story conflict. Maybe that's the point and I just wasn't the intended audience. But be aware, if you have a fear or are upset by gender confirmation surgery like I am.
Slow burn romance that's worth the wait
Home Ice is, at its core, a love story between a man and a woman. Lily has returned to her hometown after her father passes away and has to confront not just people who have hurt her, but her own traumas as well. Brant is the confident but endearing goalie of the local hockey team, and for him, it's love at first sight when he sees his new neighbor Lily.
It's sweet and romantic, but also full of sarcasm and witty banter. I loved the humor between Lily and Brant and their dynamic. The characters feel fully formed, and you really get to know them and what drives them to do what they do.
While I can never fully appreciate the trans experience, since this book was written by an author who is a trans woman, I feel like I can understand more than I had before. While Lily being a trans woman is a big part of the story in a way, it's also not, because Brant just looks at Lily like a woman, which is what she is. And that's all anyone wants, no matter what form you're in, is to just feel like yourself, be comfortable in your own skin, and be treated with kindness and respect, especially by those you love.
Definitely looking forward to book 2!
R
Renee Yaro-Parry
January 9, 2025
Verified Purchase
This was a really good read! I absolutely loved this storyline! Excellent read just for the story alone,but also for the tran community plot!
