Trade Deadlıne

“I don’t really care about what the rest of the world thinks of me, but I want you to see the real me. I did hook up a lot; my headcount is higher than I’d like to admit, but it was more because I didn’t think I was worthy of anything else. You make me want to be better.” “You are worthy, Blaine. You are so worthy.”

I absolutely loved this book 😍😍 After reading so many romances where the leads break up over trivial misunderstandings, this one felt like a breath of fresh air. Instead of unnecessary drama, we get two men who actually communicate and handle their issues with maturity 😎😎

Blaine, a hot-shot hockey star with a notorious playboy reputation, finds himself in trouble after another media scandal. With his team hinting at possible consequences, he knows he needs to change his ways. Then he meets Alex — who shocks him by turning him down despite the obvious spark between them.

“He’s been so attentive since we met. Nothing like the guy that’s plastered over the bunny blogs, labeled a man-whore and selfish. Saving my ass when Jacob was sick, constantly checking in to see how I am, how Jacob is, what he can do for me, inviting us for Christmas—it's like online Blaine Olsen is a mere illusion compared to the person he is in real life.”

Blaine and Alex were such refreshing characters. Blaine wasn’t the careless womanizer the media painted him to be — he was thoughtful, kind, and even a little insecure, wanting nothing more than someone who loved him for himself, not for his fame 🥰🥰 Alex, meanwhile, was steadfast and knew his worth. Despite being a massive fan of the team, he refused to be just another meaningless hookup. He wanted something real and lasting, and that made me adore him from the start ❤️❤️

"I want to make him laugh and smile every day, for all the days I'm on this earth. I want to be the one who makes him smile all the fucking time, and I will do anything to make sure that happens.”

Their relationship built slowly and naturally. They got to know each other before becoming a couple, and whenever insecurities cropped up, they talked about it. No silly third-act breakup, no drama for the sake of it — just two people learning to love each other in the healthiest way 💯💯

This story was sweet, mature, and so satisfying. If you’re looking for romance with grown-up characters who communicate, support each other, and make you smile all the way through, I can’t recommend this book enough 😊😊