Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen
Him is the story of two hockey players, both on the verge of graduating from college and entering the adult work force for the first time in their lives. They both believe they are destined for hockey greatness, but as they reconnect, dreams and destinies start to change a bit.
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley were best friends all throughout their summers at hockey camp. They did everything together, including numerous hijinks and practical jokes. They also did EVERYTHING in the bedroom, or at least, started to. And that is what ends their friendship, though Jamie does not understand it at all. He just knows that his best friend stopped talking to him cold turkey, with no real reason that he can tell. When they meet again at the hockey national championships in college, they reconcile, a bit anyway. Ryan (aka “Wes”) wants one more chance to reconnect with Jamie before he is off to Canada and his first chance as a NHL player. Back to camp he goes and soon, sexual feelings are growing again between these two.
The feeling of leaving a book completely satisfied and happy for the characters is increasingly rare for me. But Him does it completely. This is the best kind of m/m romance. MUCH hot sex but strong character development too. I loved the dual point of view, hearing from both Jamie and Wes about the complications in their relationships, and the feelings they inspire in each other.
I also really, really liked the setting. Lake Placid and their hockey camp was just a lot of fun to read about. It was very inspiring seeing these two talented men inspire and work with teen boys to build their skills. The hockey knowledge of the authors is impressive and truly built a detailed setting in my head as I was reading. I’d love to visit the Lake Placid area some day now. The local tourist bureau should hire Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy to do some promo for them because I’d visit if I could see hot hockey players!
Wes and Jamie are the stars of this book and it shows as their characters develop throughout the story. Jamie is incredibly confused about his sexuality because to say he likes being with Wes is an understatement. Jamie also acknowledges that breasts still work for him though. There are numerous reviews of this book on Goodreads gushing about the characters and I honestly agree. Jamie and Wes are just great. They both still have their fuck-up moments but I truly feel like they grew with each other during their time at camp. Wes in particular is sometimes a cocky guy about his talents but around Jamie, the image that Wes was forced to project could be wiped away and he could just be himself, safe with his best friend and lover. It was really comfortable for them together.
Him proved to be everything I craved and needed in a m/m romance with a hockey backdrop. Vulnerability, joy, strength, intense sex, and blazing emotions. Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy got it exactly right in this book. This is a collaboration that works on every level and the reader is the true winner here because we get to enjoy an outstanding story.
Him is available tomorrow, July 28, at all e-retailers. I’ve got my finished copy pre-ordered and can’t wait to read it again.
ARC provided by authors for review.
Other reviews of Him:
Will Read for Feels reviews Him
Three Girls & A Book Obsession reviews Him
Tagged: Elle Kennedy, hockey romance, Sarina Bowen
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