Reviewed by Susan65
Title: Ryker
Authors: R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey
Series: Owatanna U Hockey #1
Heroes: Ryker/Jacob
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 181 Pages
Publisher: Love Lane Books
Release Date: September 26, 2018
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: This New Adult book is the first in the Owatonna U Series, a spin off from the best selling Harrisburg Railers Hockey Series.
Ryker is hockey royalty, Jacob is a poor country boy. Can two vastly different people find common ground and become the men they want to be?
Ryker comes from a long line of championship-winning hockey players. Playing college hockey to develop his game is his only focus, and nothing will stand in the way of him working to become the best player. He has no room for relationships, people that point out his flaws, or anyone who calls him on his dreams. He certainly has no place for love, and meeting Jacob is nothing but a useful distraction on the side. After all trying to get his Owatonna Eagles teammate into bed is less work and more play. When tragedy rocks his family, his charmed life crumbles, and the only person he can turn to is the same one who claims to hate him.
Jacob Benson has only known hard work and stifling conservative values his whole life. Born and raised in the small rural community of Eden Crossing, Minnesota, he’s the only son of a hard-working but struggling dairy farming family. Jacob is using his skills in hockey to finance his way to an agricultural science degree. These four years at Owatonna U. will probably be the only time he has to enjoy life, gain acceptance about his sexuality, and live openly before his inevitable return to the farm. Running into a pretty rich boy like Ryker Madsen is putting a damper on his enjoyment of life away from home. Ryker’s flip, conceited, carefree attitude grates on Jacob’s every nerve. So why, if Ryker is everything he dislikes, does he want nothing more than to explore the sinful dreams that his annoying teammate stars in every night?
Review:
I was such a fan of hockey player’s, Jared and Ten, that I knew I would like the story of Jared’s son, Ryker. What I didn’t expect was the amount of face time we got with Jared and Ten, and the tragedy that befell the little family. Harsh, dear author, harsh. But at the same time, I am now fully invested in both the second book for this series, and the follow up to Jared and Ten’s story. I know, I know, this is the first book in a series, and I am talking in riddles, but trust me, they go hand in hand. You must read Changing Lines (Harrisburg Railers #1) before you read this book.
Ryker and his bf and fellow hockey player, Jacob, are college students, whereas the Harrisburg Railers are older, NHL players. Both couples and series are good in their own right, and though I prefer my men older, these guys were old enough that I didn’t get all icky. As a matter of fact, their sexy times were kind of funny and authentic. But before they get that far, Jacob needs to get over the fact that Ryker is wealthy, since his father and step-father are famous NHL players, and give Ryker a chance. I was a little annoyed at Jacob because he couldn’t see past his own class-ism to give Ryker a real chance. However, once he gets out of his own way, they really clicked.
One of the parts that I really enjoyed was the family dynamic on Jacob’s farm. I was totally expecting to dislike his father, but he surprised me, pleasantly so. Of course, the family drama on Ryker’s side left me foaming at the mouth for more. I need to know how that turns out. So, if you like sports and big hockey boys ramming each other into walls in the rink and in the bedroom, then may I suggest you give this series a try. I think you will love it, too.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
*I received a copy of this book from the authors in return for a fair and honest review.*
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