Deep Edge by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

Title: Deep Edge

Series: Harrisberg Railers 03

Author: R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novel (194pgs)

ISBN: 9781785640933

Publisher: Love Lane Books (1st December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: One man’s passion, another man’s lies. Can love fix even the darkest of hearts?

Trent Hanson is a figure skating phenom adored by millions around the world. His whole life has been dedicated to the sport he loves even when the sport – and his own family – have turned against him. From the playground to the Olympics to his parent’s living room, Trent has fought against bullies and homophobes to be the out and proud gay man he is. But the constant fighting has left Trent tired, lonely, and skittish. All those fears will have to be shelved though when he’s hired to spend the summer working with the Harrisburg Railers ice hockey team. Who would have guessed that the man fate has decided to pair him off with is Dieter Lehmann, all-around sex god and a man who seems to have everything to prove and doesn’t care who he hurts to get what he wants.

Dieter has spent too many years languishing in the minors and a secret addiction to prescription painkillers means his career is in a downward spiral. His ex is blackmailing him and he’s close to walking away from it all. But when he’s called up in the run for the Stanley Cup to cover injuries he has a taste of what it’s like playing in the NHL and he realizes that a place on the Railers roster is what he wants more than anything. More than listening to his heart, and even more than caring for the infuriating figure skater who gets under his skin. When he crosses the line to get what he wants, he knows he has lost his way. He has to change, but is it too late for both his career and any chance he might have at love?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Trent was left nearly destitute when his step-father spent nearly all of Trent’s hard earned money on gambling, women and booze, now Trent is having to help a bunch of hockey players the finer art of skating in a bid to save his skating rink and his mother’s home.

Dieter is loving playing for the Harrisberg Railers and is very happy with the contract they’ve just offered him, but Dieter has a couple of secrets and one of them could destroy his career forever.

This is a brilliant addition to the Harrisberg Railers series, hot hockey players discovering love when they least expect it… wonderful.

Trent is a bit of a diva, he’s been dragged down by his step-father but he refuses to stay down, but really training hockey players is the last thing that his fabulous self wants to be doing. Setting eyes on the sexy Dieter sends Trent into raptures, he’d like nothing better than to climb Dieter like a tree and when Dieter returns his interest Trent thinks he’s found a man worth keeping.

Dieter has his whole career in front of him now he’s got a contract with the NHL, but his own bad habits could pull everything from out under him. Meeting Trent has Dieter fascinated with the sexy man but Dieter has a lot to think about, between the blackmail and his nasty pain pill habit the future is no longer looking rosy.  

I enjoyed this story for the most part, Trent’s and Dieter’s relationship is one that isn’t built on clouds, it’s built on hard work and understanding. Their passion for each other sets the pages on fire, even with just a meeting of the eyes across a room. They talk and support each other helping each other as they struggle with their own demons. They really are perfect for each other.

The part I hated was Trent’s mother’s forgiveness of Trent’s step-father and her trying to get Trent to forgive him. It really stuck in my craw her crying out ‘but I love him’, ‘he’s a changed man’ and trying to make Trent feel guilty for not instantly forgiving the man. Seriously this man bullied Trent all his life, he’s homophobic, he stole all of Trent’s money, cheated on Trent’s mother and now he wants forgiveness because he’s in prison and is being treated for his addictions. Oh hell no, if someone did that to my son and myself I wouldn’t give a damn if he was an alcoholic, sex addicted, gambler who had suddenly found remorse and been blessed by God himself, he was still a homophobic prick who had bullied a young boy. There’s no forgiveness for that.

Other than that little part of the story this is a really enjoyable story with great characters and a wonderful love story.

I recommend this story to those who love men on ice, sexy times, dealing with addiction, finding love, support and understanding, and a very happy ending.