Getting Off by J.R. Hart

 

Title: Getting Off

Author: J.R. Hart

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: 02/08/2022

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 69300

Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, romance, contemporary, new adult, family-drama, gay, bisexual, demisexual, questioning, college, sports team

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JJ is certain he’s got everything figured out. He’s straight, right? He’s just not into the hookup culture prevalent on his college soccer team. But he’s trying to hide that to avoid getting on his team captain’s bad side.

Kade is anything but straight. Out and proud, he’s curious about how the “other half” lives… even as his best friends remind him there’s more to the LGBTQ+ community than just the “G.” Curious, Kade texts JJ a simple question: do straight guys ever get off together?

When JJ’s reply leads to a head-spinning sexual spark, he starts questioning everything he knows about his sexuality, both in terms of who he’s attracted to, and also why hookups have never been his thing. But when JJ endures trauma that confuses him more, he starts pushing Kade away. Kade has to learn how to be a supportive friend, and more than that, a supportive partner, or risk losing JJ altogether. And JJ? He has to fight for his team to be team players, even when they suspect he’s “playing for the other team.”

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Getting Off is a great romance by JR Hart. 

JJ and Kade's story is so much more than I was expecting. Their story has some tough aspects and triggers, including sexual assault.

Their story includes plenty of homophobia and biphobia, with both men really learning to deal with bisexuality as a concept. The author includes a gay character who's biphobic, which isn't a typical thing to read about. But the author nails it in every way. 

This book is not for everyone. It's definitely heavy on the emotion and not a light hearted tale. 

The writing is well done, with the internal conflicts fully being felt along the way. I definitely enjoyed the way the men dealt with their questioning and doubts. 

Getting Off is a nice read. This JR Hart book is a college romance with plenty of serious aspects and two main characters who deal with the concept of their sexuality. It's a HFN ending, so be aware of that going into it. 

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Getting Off
J.R. Hart © 2022
All Rights Reserved

Kade
I want to believe JJ when he tells me straight guys get off together. And I have no reason not to believe him. But still, the whole situation feels strange to me. Straight guys? Getting off together? Blame it on boredom, blame it on my complete willingness to run into a situation headfirst without knowing what I’m getting myself into, but I plan on going.

Because I want so badly to believe. I don’t know why, other than I’m just so damn curious about the whole situation. Call it anthropological. Or call it my intense need to believe some form of porn is actually true. Hell, blame it on an ill-fated crush on a straight jock I’d never have a chance with.

I’ve still got a seed of doubt.

I mean, the whole question came from a questionable situation in the first place: a hookup with someone who says he’s straight. That isn’t uncommon on hookup apps, the kind of guys who say, “It’s not gay to top,” while actively trying to get in a gay guy’s pants, but I don’t have time to unpack all their internalized homophobia or whatever. I’m not going to sit someone down and tell him, “Hey, bro, maybe you’re not straight if the person you’re topping is also a guy.” But my point stands. I had a hookup, he said he was straight, and he mentioned some offhand comment about how straight guys watch porn together.

Which, whatever. I brushed that off at the time. But now it’s been eating at me and worming its way through the back of my mind, and I’ve got two major questions about what he said.

One, how many of his friends are actually straight versus straight in the way he’s straight, and therefore what they’re doing would be an objectively non-straight activity?

And two, is there a chance there are straight guys in the world who watch porn together? Because I believe there are guys who share porn recommendations. I believe guys tell each other that such-and-such girl in such-and-such video is hot and they should check it out. Recommendations, I find entirely plausible. Watch parties? Not so much.

I’d ask my friends, but let’s be real. None of my friends are straight. A lone gay best friend in a pack of straights is the kind of Hollywood wildness that doesn’t seem to happen in real life. You watch movies, or read books, and you’ll see this one gay best friend in a group of a bunch of straight people and I sit there and think, Where’s the actual representation here? Gays clump together. We can’t help it. So, my friend group? Not a good starting point for finding out what The Straights do in their free time.

I have exactly one straight friend I can ask, outside of my roommate, and I’ve never seen my roommate invite anyone over for any reason, let alone to watch porn with them. Which narrows it down to the one straight friend: JJ. And I feel like I can trust JJ, trust what he’s saying is true, but there’s this part of me doubting the whole thing. I can’t picture the scene: a group of guys, watching porn, hands on their dicks…the whole concept is wild to me. From a sociological perspective, I’m absolutely fascinated.

And maybe I’m just being jerked around by my hookup. If I am, this is good information to have. If he’s lying, okay, maybe it won’t necessarily change my behavior, but it’ll make me feel the tiniest bit more satisfied if I know he was lying all along. And now that I’ve reached out to JJ I’m obsessed with the idea.

The thought of men actually doing this? Come on, that’s just the sort of bad porno aesthetic I’m into. It ranks right up there with, “let’s play strip pool before my mom gets home,” or, “I was out jogging in the woods and this hot guy just happened to catch up with me and offer me a bottle of water, and also his dick.” It makes me wonder, what will happen next? The muscular jock sucks the twink off? I’ve seen it a million times, just not in real life, and never with straight guys who would probably never even touch each other. Still, I want to witness it firsthand, or something. I’m craving confirmation.

Which is why I asked JJ. Because I can trust him, because he’s straight, and because he’s disposable. Which sounds really shitty but hear me out. JJ and I aren’t close. I mean, we’re close in that he hosts a good study group, and it’s nice to have a friend in class, but I don’t know him know him. We aren’t BFFs or anything. If this situation were to go horribly wrong, get super awkward, and he felt bad or weird about it after—not that I think anything is going to happen, but I’m not ruling out the possibility—then we don’t have to talk to each other anymore.

Plus, he lives in my building, and I am a slut for convenience. He’s right here, two floors down, and anyway, he’s hot. I mean, abs for days, long limbs, soccer body… I’m not into sports, but they’d almost be worth watching for the way the players strip their jerseys off after a game, mop the sweat off their brow…fuck. If I’m going to watch this kind of scene—from a purely sociological standpoint, mind you—it helps if the guys involved are, you know, aesthetically appealing.

And I can’t ask a stranger. How would I know if a stranger was bullshitting me? And JJ’s not bullshitting me. I don’t think so, anyway. JJ just gives off one of those vibes. Like, trustworthy. Honest. The kind of guy who tells the truth about everything. He doesn’t seem like someone who would fuck with me, you know? And he’s a throwaway. If he got offended by me asking, well, then I haven’t lost a whole lot. He’s a no-lose option. And besides, he didn’t say no. That gives me the confirmation I need: two straight guys—or rather, one straight guy and one guy who claims he’s straight but is on an app designed for gay hookups—have confirmed this for me now. Apparently, straight guys do jerk off together. And apparently, I’m going to get to witness it firsthand. I can’t say I’m not excited.

But confirmation, the words alone, aren’t enough. Not when he’s already offered to let me witness this ridiculous, beautiful event for myself. And I want to. I want to see it so bad. I’m not expecting personal gratification because these are straight guys and straight guys probably watch straight porn, and I also know to keep my hands to myself. But I’m there for sociological reasons. Or, anthropological ones, maybe. But I know JJ from sociology class, and from a sociological perspective…you know. So, I’m going. Art History be damned, because—this once—I can miss that class.

Which is why on Tuesday at two in the afternoon, I’m standing outside JJ’s dorm, knocking. I’ve been here before a couple of times, mostly for study groups, but this is different. There aren’t any textbooks this time, no crowding around his coffee table made out of splintering pallets and an unfinished sheet of plywood. So, I’m standing here, still knocking, wondering what this is going to be like. I’m not sure what to picture, how many guys might be here, or if I’ll even know what to do with myself. After all, I’m only here to observe, but if they’re all sitting there with their dicks out, I’m going to look like an asshole if I’m not doing the same thing. I’m starting to get cold feet about the whole situation, ready to turn around and leave, because am I really about to sit in on a group of straight guys watching porn? The whole situation screams an opportunity for me to basically get hate crimed, and I’m realizing the potential for this to go wrong…except it’s a little late to back out now the door’s opening, and JJ’s standing there in nothing but his boxers.

Also, he’s alone.

I’m not sure how to take that.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Books2Read

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J R Hart is a queer 30-something novelist passionate about telling romantic and erotic stories about LGBT+ characters. When J R isn’t writing, you can find her at the science museum with her son, cheering for her favorite soccer team, or at The Bean Coffee Co plotting her next work. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram as @jrhartauthor, or on her website at jrhartauthor.com.

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Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski by Ian O'Connor

 

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Goodreads Link

The definitive biography of college basketball’s all-time winningest coach, Mike Krzyzewski
 
Mike Krzyzewski, known worldwide as “Coach K,” is a five-time national champion at Duke, the NCAA's all-time leader in victories with nearly 1,200, and the first man to lead Team USA to three Olympic basketball gold medals. Through unprecedented access to Krzyzewski’s best friends, closest advisers, fiercest adversaries, and generations of his players and assistants, three-time New York Times bestselling author Ian O’Connor takes you behind the Blue Devil curtain with a penetrating examination of the great, but flawed leader as he closes out his iconic career.
 
Krzyzewski  built a staggering basketball empire that has endured for more than four decades, placing him among the all-time titans of American sport, and yet there has never been a defining portrait of the coach and his program. Until now. O’Connor uses scores of interviews with those who know Krzyzewski best  to deliver previously untold stories about the relationships that define the venerable Coach K, including the one with his volcanic mentor, Bob Knight, that died a premature death. Krzyzewski was always driven by an inner rage fueled by his tough Chicago upbringing, and by the blue-collar Polish-American parents who raised him to fight for a better life. As the retiring Coach K makes his final stand, vying for one more ring during the 2021-2022 season before saying goodbye at age 75, O’Connor shows you sides of the man and his methods that will surprise even the most dedicated Duke fan.  

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Ian O'Connor's Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski is a fabulous look into the leader of Duke basketball. 

Having been a fan of Duke basketball and Coach K for most of his time at the elite program, I was thrilled and honored at the chance to review this book. 

This book is an absolute must read for any fans of Duke and Coach K. The author does a wonderful job looking back through the coach's career; thoroughly revisiting many of the important moments of his career. 

As a Duke fan, this book carries me back to the highs and lows of Coach K's time at Duke. I cried many times, as the author brought me fully back to some emotional wins and losses through the years. 

This is a look at many pivotal moments. From the start of his own basketball career, to his time at Army, and his rough start at Duke, this is a fantastic read. Many important games are discussed, many former players and coachs are talked about, as well as the way Coach K had to adapt through the years. 

I love this book. It takes me back to some moments I will never forget. It reminds me of the way the game has changed over the years, with Coach K right there adapting throughout. 

This Coach K book is a great way to honor a legend as he's about to retire. Love him or hate him, he has had an insurmountable impact on the sport over the years. His name will forever be up there as one of the greats. I enjoyed every moment of this look back at his journey. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Writing the Rules (The Dating Playbook #6) by Mariah Dietz

 

WRITING THE RULES (The Dating Playbook #6) by Mariah Dietz

Release Date: April 29th

Genre: New Adult Sports Romance 🏈

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AVAILABLE NOW!!!

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Start binging The Dating Playbook Series: 

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Poppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was … until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he’d forgotten.

 

Paxton Lawson was long ago labeled ‘The Golden Boy.’ Starting quarterback and team captain at Brighton University, his future was brighter than the sun until a short path of indiscretions tarnished his name and potentially his future. When he learns that his sister’s best friend, Poppy, has backed herself into a corner and is facing as many doubts and uncertainties as he is, Paxton suggests the biggest ruse of the year: a fake relationship.

 

Writing the rules was supposed to make things clear, defined, and definite. Only, their relationship becomes increasingly complex as the lines are blurred, days become weeks, and kisses for show begin to feel like confessions.

Can lies lead to truths? And what happens when the rules they wrote begin to expire?

 

One lie,

Two hearts,

And fifteen years of friendship are about to be put to the ultimate test.

 

This is the last book in The Dating Playbook series and can be enjoyed as a complete standalone. 

 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Writing the Rules is a delicious fake boyfriend romance. The sixth book in The Dating Playbook series by Mariah Dietz, it's a great combo of best friend's brother, college sports, and friends to lovers. It's just awesome. 

I adore Paxton and Poppy together. The way they slowly, yet naturally, go from pretending to real feelings, is awesome. 

The complication of Candace and Mike are awesome. Some readers won't like this, but I definitely do. Both are written realistically, although typically annoying, but I like the addition. We all know women who are all about dating the athlete who's expected to get rich.

That said, I definitely wanted to smack some people around, including Hudson. 

And hot damn, the author definitely delivers with the heat!

I love this quote. "Sometimes the goal isn't the dream that's right for us."

Writing the Rules is one of those college romance books I couldn't put down. Everything about this Mariah Dietz read is riveting and enjoyable. This is the kind of book I wish I could read everyday. I absolutely love it.

Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband

and sons in North Carolina.

Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in

the pages of books that she both read and created.

She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate.

She’s also been known to laugh at her own jokes.

Connect w/Mariah: 

Website:www.mariahdietz.com

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fINu6w

Reader Group: https://bit.ly/2UqbizK

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MariahsNewsletter

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3wvZez5

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Halftime (Moo U #6) by Kim Findlay

 

HALFTIME BY KIM FINDLAY

Release Date: April 26, 2021

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/39YYUyC

Purchase: https://geni.us/AmazonHalftime

Audiobook: https://geni.us/AudibleHalftime

Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

There’s no halftime in hockey, but maybe there’s one in love…

Drunk dialing your girlfriend to tell her that you didn’t really cheat is a bad idea--a lesson Seb Hunter learned the hard way. It was no surprise when she cut him completely out of her life. Now he’s finally moved on, and he’s looking forward to sophomore year at Moo U. Until his ex arrives on campus.

For goalie Faith Devereaux, cheating is a hard pass. She grew up knowing all too well how destructive infidelity can be. She’s gotten over Seb and picked the college of her dreams. The fact that he’s a student there will not be a problem. Hockey is her priority. Not guys, not dating, definitely not exes.

But when an exhibition game forces them into close proximity, it isn’t long before their old attraction flares. Regaining trust is hard, though, when the heart plays a good defensive game.

But when the goal is love, one more shot might be all they need.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Halftime is a fabulous second chance romance by Kim Findlay. The sixth book in the multi-author Moo U series, it's a fantastic college sports romance. 

A year after breaking up, Seb finds his ex, Faith, on the his college campus. 

I love this book from the start. There's tension, the continued attraction, and all the ups and downs. It's downright entertaining. 

I appreciate the lack of hatred involved, as this is more about their second chance than their hatred. It's a story of them slowly becoming friends again, then lovers, and dealing with some tough things along the way. 

Oh, and yes, they're super hot together!

I definitely enjoy that not everything is as it appears. I was hesitant to forgive Seb, but the author does a great job helping me to love him. 

Switching things up a little, both Seb and Faith play hockey. This makes for a fun element.

Written in alternating first person pov, I love the way both characters fully come to life. The writing is smooth and easy to read. It kept me intrigued throughout. 

Halftime is everything I love about sports romances. Kim Findlay left me happy with this adorable story and I am thrilled to get a chance to read it. 

I went up to my room, and Coop knocked on the doorframe.

I looked up from my textbook. I wanted to get on top of my reading. I’d told Holly I’d be tied up until after the game. The women’s team was hosting a party after, and I’d promised her we’d go together. Faith was not going to mess with my head anymore.

“Got a minute, Hunter?”

I put my book down. I was on my bed, and he sat on the desk chair.

“What’s up?”

He stared at me for a minute, and I wondered what was wrong.

“Is Faith the one?”

I froze. I couldn’t speak. I wasn’t ready to talk about Faith. How the hell had he worked this out?

“Devereaux. You two obviously know each other, but you pretend you don’t.” I shook my head a bit, and he held up a hand. “She didn’t swear at any of us or call us by our first names.”

At least Faith was the one who’d messed up.

“Plus, you knew she’d done that newbie shoot-out thing before, but then you disappeared. And her name is Faith.”

I’d mentioned her name last year when it had all gone down. I hadn’t said she was a hockey player. I hadn’t said much about her to anyone those first couple of weeks before the big blowup, but I had said her name. I’d hoped no one had remembered.

“She’s from Toronto, and you were playing like someone else while she was in net today.”

Cooper was listing everything off like I was on the stand and he was cross-examining me. Had he switched to a prelaw major? He leaned back, waiting for me to respond. He knew. No way I could deny it. I forced my muscles to relax. I hadn’t committed a crime. It was just embarrassing.

“Yeah, she’s the ex.”

I’d gone out with a couple of girls last year before Holly, but Faith was the ex. The others hadn’t been a big deal. With those girls, we’d gone out and had some fun, but it had never been like with Faith.

“Have you talked to her?”

I’d said her name and almost kissed her back on that first day, but no, we hadn’t talked.

“Only when she called me out on the ice today.”

“That means she doesn’t know what really happened?”

I shook my head.

I’d been so drunk when I talked to her last year that I still didn’t know exactly what I’d told her. I shouldn’t have tried to contact her until I was sober. My teammates had tried to convince me. They’d taken my phone. I’d been petrified she’d find out from someone before I could explain, so I’d found a phone and called her. Whatever I’d told her hadn’t explained it clearly. I’d made it sound like something had happened.

That misunderstanding had been too much for her. She’d never taken another call from me and blocked me on every avenue I could think of to reach out to her. I’d been desperate enough to try a lot. If the team hadn’t stopped me, I’d have driven to Toronto, if I could have found a car.

It had been hard to accept that we were over. It had hurt that she hadn’t thought we were worth enough to at least let me explain. I’d thought we were going to be forever. I’d been wrong. And hell if I wanted to talk about it now, not with Cooper or Faith.

“You should tell her. Let her know what really happened.”

Like she would listen to anything I said. “Why? I’ve moved on, and I’m with Holly now.” I almost flinched. I was with Holly, but it wasn’t like Faith and I had been. To be fair, Holly and I hadn’t been together that long yet. I’d been with Faith for most of two years. Of course, the thing with Faith had been more intense. It had ripped me to shreds when she’d cut things off, so I was okay with things being a little lighter right now.

“Sure about that?”

“What the hell are you talking about? Of course, I’m with Holly.” I wasn’t going to admit I’d just been comparing my feelings for Holly and Faith.

“I mean,” He was speaking slowly, like he thought I was stupid. “Have you really moved on from Faith?”

Fucker. Maybe I hadn’t totally, but I was working on it. “Why wouldn’t I have moved on? It’s been a year.”

“Maybe because she still doesn’t know what really happened, and you two can’t even look at each other?”

“Not your business, Coop.”

He shrugged. “You’re good now, you know you didn’t cheat, and you’ve got another girlfriend. But what about Faith?”

I frowned. “What about her? I don’t know if she’s got a boyfriend, if that’s what you mean.”

He shook his head. “She thinks you cheated on her.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, I’m quite aware of that.”

“How do you think she feels about that?”

“She refused to talk to me, so I’m guessing she isn’t too thrilled.”

He looked at the ceiling. “Can you look at it from her side for a minute? She believes that the first chance that rolled around, you either forgot about her or decided she wasn’t worth it and cheated on her. Fucked someone else. Decided she wasn’t enough.”

The words hit hard. I’d felt this way once when I hit the boards helmet first. Like I was suddenly drifting above my body, not really attached to it anymore. Shit. I hadn’t thought about that part of it. Faith had been so perfect for me that it was hard to think she might have felt she wasn’t good enough. How had I missed that? Because I’d been so hurt myself, I’d felt like I wasn’t good enough. Had she felt that way, too?

Damn Coop. What was I supposed to do with that now? How could I explain what had really happened without sounding like I was just trying to get her back? Especially after that run-in at the arena, the one where I’d almost kissed her. Plus, there was Holly. It wasn’t fair to her, and Faith would think I was two-timing Holly. Why the hell did Coop have to bring this up now?

“She won’t talk to me. It’s just going to upset her if I try to bring it up. It’s better to let it go.”

“Sure about that?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. It’s ancient history now.”

“I hope you can play tonight when she’s in net.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

Cooper stood up. “Okay. I just don’t want to do suicides because you’re wound up about our goalie.”

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Gametime (Moo U #4) by Jami Davenport

 

GAMETIME BY JAMI DAVENPORT

Release Date: April 26, 2021

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2KPbDLO

Purchase here: https://geni.us/AmazonGametime

AudioBook: https://geni.us/AudibleGametime

Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

One drunken night and one case of mistaken identity turn a friendship inside out...

You’ve seen the hockey twins around campus--they look identical, but you can tell them apart by their actions. Patrick is the one who’s busy charming women. Paxton is the one in the library.

Until one night when Paxton parties a little harder than usual. Next thing he knows, he’s waking up naked next to Naomi, the girl of his dreams. He bares his heart before an awful realization sets in. He’s not the twin she thought he was...

Naomi is the only child of a hockey legend. Partying hard is the best way she knows how to rebel against her controlling father. After a particularly crazy night, she realizes her big mistake. Her hookup isn’t the guy she’s been crushing on. It’s Paxton, her friend, the guy who gets her, who she can always count on. The guy she’d never want to hurt. And yet, the sex was good. Better than good.

Now she’s wondering if the wrong twin might be the right one after all . . .

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Gametime is a delicious new adult romance by Jami Davenport. Part of the Moo U multi-author series, this is a fantastic addition to the series. 

First let me admit that I am a college sports romance junkie. I cannot get enough of this type of story. And this book is as fun as it gets.

I absolutely love and adore everything about Paxton and Naomi's story. It all starts off a little iffy for the two though, as Paxton finally gets his dream girl, but she thought he was someone else. Naomi crushed on Patrick for two years, but accidently slept with his twin, her best friend Paxton. Ouch!

Bad, right? Yes, it's definitely bad and a little awkward.

I'm not going to go into the details, but the fact that she thought she slept with Patrick, and that it's Patrick she's been crushing on, leads the story along. 

I enjoy the way things develop for these two and everything they go through to get their happily ever after. They definitely work well together and are easy to root for. 

Their story includes some awkward family dinners, unnecessary criticism, and plenty of verbal abuse. 

Paxon's relationship with his twin is going through a rough patch for sure. It's tough reading all of this aspect. They struggle both on and off the ice. It definitely increases the angst. I admit, I struggle with Patrick myself. I want to sympathize with him a little, but it takes a long time to actually get to that point. 

Not helping the situation is Paxon's father who pits the two against one another. He's a total ass who favors Patrick in every way and never hesitates to let Paxon know. It's sad, yet well illustrated. 

And damn, they two are super hot together. I definitely enjoy the risky sex, and them actually getting caught. Hot!

Gametime is fun and riveting. I love this Jami Davenport read. I enjoy every moment of this created world and this couple. Now onto the next Moo U book!

The hockey house was lit tonight. And I don’t mean by lights.

By drunken hockey players—myself included.

My twin brother, Patrick, had exited long ago with two hotties on his arm. We might be identical twins in appearance, but my brother always got the girls, and I got his leftovers. He was way more gregarious and outgoing. I was the quiet, serious one.

I sat down on one of the worn, beer-stained couches and tried not to think about what else it might be stained with. It’d probably be a petri dish of… Okay, I wasn’t going there.

Being alone on a Saturday night after the first hockey game of the year was bad enough. I was a junior at Burlington University in Vermont, fondly known as Moo U by the locals and pretty much everyone else in the state.

Watching my brother revel in his hockey-team star status after a typically fantastic game brought out the ugly in me. I was jealous of him, and I hated being jealous of my brother. He was the best guy I knew and deserved all the good things in his life. Yet being the one always in his immense shadow proved more and more difficult. I played my supporting role as I always had, bolstering him in any way possible, sending the puck his way, and deflecting defensemen intent on mowing him down. That used to be enough, but this year was different. This was my year to break out. My year to establish myself.

Beer made me sleepy, and apparently, shots of whiskey made me grouchy.

I’d sworn things would be different this season. I’d have more fun, get more involved, shed my role as the smart, nerdy brother, while Patrick was the fun, partying brother.

Did I mention Patrick even had a cool nickname? The team called him Trick because he’d had a hat trick his freshman year, when a hockey player scored three goals in one game. I, on the other hand, was merely known as Pax, short for Paxton. No good story there.

A blonde staggered by and spilled some of her beer on my jeans. I did a double take.

Oh, my God.

Naomi?

I blinked a few times, forcing my eyes to focus and focus they did.

That blonde was Naomi Smith, the unrequited love of my life. Naomi was petite with gray eyes that had a warmth and humor that drew me in. She’d dyed her hair blonde in the past week, rather than the caramel color I’d so loved. I wondered if the change of color had anything to do with my brother, who was currently working his way through the blondes on campus.

She wore a skintight dress showing ample cleavage. The skirt’s hem teased the bottom of her rounded ass. She teetered on these really high heels. The overall look was smoking, but so not her usual style, more the style of the females my brother preferred.

“Oops, sorry,” she said with words as slurred as mine were.

“That’s okay.” I met her gaze, and her eyes widened when she realized it was me. My heart rate sped up as a result. It was no secret that Naomi had a crush on Patrick, but he was oblivious. She and I’d been good friends since our freshman year, and I’d heard all about her pining for my twin.

She dropped down on the couch next to me, sitting way too close for comfort. “What’re you doing sitting here alone?”

“Waiting for you. I’ve been waiting for you for a lifetime.” The mass doses of alcohol I’d consumed made me bold and stupid, but I didn’t have the wherewithal to shut up before I blew my cover, and I’d blown it good this time.

She laughed, and it sounded like a siren’s song reeling me into my fate. I smiled back.

“Your dad’s a piece of work,” she noted. Not that she hadn’t experienced my dad before, but he’d taken it to a whole new level tonight.

“I know.”

“Don’t feel bad. So is my dad. He wishes I’d been born a boy, or at least a female with skating talent. He hates that I have zero athletic ability.”

We exchanged glances. We’d had this talk before, and our mutual problems with our fathers were one of the things that’d bound us together.

She snuggled close to me and leaned her head on my shoulder. While she watched the crowd buzz around us, I contemplated my next move or if there should be one. Taking a chance, I dropped my hand to her bare thigh. She sighed and snuggled closer. I slid my hand higher, and her legs parted while she made a happy little purring sound from deep in her throat.

I turned my head and Naomi lifted hers, regarding me with interest, sexual interest, and my hopes bumped up slightly. I cocked a brow at her. She put her hand over mine and guided it farther upward.