Reviewed by Nikyta
Title: Suckerpunch
Author: Elyse Springer
Series: Hockey Gods and Monsters #1
Heroes: Alex & Sasha
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: 246 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: October 1, 2019
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: A rookie goalie with a secret and a handsome yet hotheaded defenseman clash in the locker room and on the ice—but their shared desire to make the playoffs might help them move from enemies to lovers.
When the goalie for the Seattle Cascades hockey team is injured while drunk driving and Alex Fanning is recruited to take his place, Alex thinks his dream has come true. But to hold on to his hopes, he must keep his vampire heritage secret as the sport moves to ban Paranormals. The sexy but infuriating defenseman Sasha Petrov won’t make that easy. The injured goalie was his best friend, and he resents Alex’s presence—maybe even enough to use his bloodline against him.
Tensions mount, but the realization that there’s more to their feelings than animosity hits both men like a punch to the gut. Alex and Sasha’s newfound friendship promises passion, but a shocking betrayal could cost them all the ground they’ve gained.
Review:
OMFG, this book! I don’t even know what to say because I’m in a daze of happiness and awe and love from this one. First of all, I picked this up because I’ve never read a hockey story with a vampire so I was very intrigued. But once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Alex, the vampire, but also the push/pull relationship with Sasha. I loved the struggle with Sasha, who didn’t want to like Alex because of his loyalty to a friend, and Alex’s urges and concerns being a Para, a vampire. The sexual tension between these two were off the charts but I couldn’t help but feel what these characters felt. They formed such a strong bond starting as enemies and then becoming friends and then lovers that they carved their way into my heart and didn’t let go. It was interesting to see them fight their desires but also to see Alex determined to show Sasha that they could be good together and then Sasha being the one to show Alex they could be amazing together. I just couldn’t get enough of them! I already want to read this one again and sink my teeth (haha) into the story once more because it’s not just the characters but the world this author created that was so intriguing.
While I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS ONE, I would have liked to know what Sasha was saying in Russian. While some of it is reiterated, I wanted to see all of it. A little glossary of what those words/phrases had meant would have been so nice! Because I LOVED when he lapsed into Russian but I wanted to know what he was actually saying and not trying to find out by context clues.
All in all, this was an amazing book. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I was so invested in these characters that I feel a little lost of what to read next because nothing seems appealing. What does seem good? Re-reading this one… or reading the second book in the series (that’s not even out yet LOL) but just something to keep this high I have going. I adored Sasha and Alex as characters but really loved their journey to getting where they ended. If you’re looking for a great sports novel with a ton of sexual tension and some paranormal, definitely give this a go!
Overall Impression: I loved it!!!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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