Cracks in the Ice

De: Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood

Narrado por: Alexander Cendese

How can they trust love not to hurt them again?

Benny

I’ll never fall in love again.

I had my chance, and I was the happiest man you can imagine. One day, it all came to an end. The only thing left was playing hockey, but it wasn’t enough, and I became my own worst enemy.

When my old school offered me a lifeline, I took it. As a coach, I could at least be miserable in a different place.

But when I arrived, there he was—bright and warm, like sunshine. I’d lived in the dark for so long my soul was frozen, but he thawed me out. I started feeling things again, wanting things. For the first time since the dark times began, I wondered if there was a chance. I’d never thought about being with another man, but so what? Could I be lucky enough to find love twice?

Cole

I was done. No. More. Men.

I’d always made the worst possible dating choices, and one guy after another took advantage of me. Invariably, I thought I was falling in love. Once I told them, they’d show their true colors and run.

Worn out and unable to stand another heartbreak, I swore off love. I almost had my master’s degree, and playing the piano was a much safer route to happiness.

No sooner had I made up my mind than there he was—hot as a forest fire, yet very sad. When I found out why, I understood. Someday, he’d love again, but there was no reason I shouldn’t be a friend.

Then he kissed me, and everything turned on a dime. I needed to protect myself from getting pulled in again, but the harder I tried, the more I believed in him. Was I making another horrible mistake? Would this time be different, or was I setting myself up for the biggest letdown of all?

Cracks in the Ice is a gay sports romance featuring hurt/comfort, sensitive men, unexpected connections, first times, an age gap, faculty/student romance, explosive chemistry, hard-earned happiness, and a very satisfying HEA.

Content warnings for partner deaths, traumatic accidents, and alcohol abuse. While these issues happened in the past, they may still be difficult for some.

©2022 Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood (P)2022 Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood

They hit this one out of the park!

I have read all of this at the end of each I finished feeling that something was missing. The dialogue was often weak. The pros a bit stilted. Sometimes, the plot lines just in the flow.

not this time! I have just finished this latest release and I am blown away. Excellent dialogue. Fantastic word craft. And a plot that is absolutely believable. I questioned if I was reading a new release from Saxon James and even family at times. I can’t wait for the next one!

Well done! Truly deserving of the first five star rating I have ever left.duos previous works.

Finding love when life is at a crossroads

I absolutely loved this book and knowing the audiobook was released I knew I had to buy, especially as Alexander Cendese is one of my favourite narrators. There’s a level of instalove like in all of Taylor and Harwood’s previous books but it was angstier than the previous stories we’ve had in this world. It’s still full of lots of heart and steam. It was great to see familiar Bethesda Barracuda faces supporting Benny through a very difficult time in his life. It was a great way to spin-off to a new location within a shared world. I can’t wait to read what comes next and which men find their HEAs. I’m Bert much looking forward to seeing the “bad guy” in this getting a redemption story. TW: recovering alcoholic, death of a spouse (car crash) and stalking. The death happens off page but is described.

Very Good !

the story is very good . Personally, I find it to be a bit too schmoopy but that doesn't mean it's bad. 😉

The narration is perfect

A Fun Listen!

Cracks In the Ice is a great story; I enjoyed this audiobook! Alexander Cendese did a great job bringing this story to life!

Benny & Cole were an amazing match for each other. I have read this book before, but I’m glad to have the audio. I’ll listen to to this book again. I enjoyed the story!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Great Story!!

There is something special in the way that Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood write a romance. There is a sweetness to it. What Benny and Cole find together is so special and they treat it as such. I enjoyed the way the Barracudas came to visit and were visited at their hotel after the game. As emotional as this book was to read, I think even seeing Eckie’s part in the story was important. I hope he comes back, healed, emotionally and mentally, and ready to play hockey. I’m ready for more of Mohegan U and I’m thrilled beyond belief to have started at the beginning of this series this time.

Now to the audio portion of the book! Every time I start a new audiobook, it’s like my first audiobook experience all over again. I have to find the right speed to listen to THAT narrator at, I have to figure out how they sound at particular points, which is my favorite voice of theirs. This was my first book with Alexander Cendese narrating and it took me a hot second to get used to his voice fluctuations. He really does a good job going between Cole and Bennie and keeping his voice moving and exciting like the story. He has a great range as you’ll hear once you start listening as there are so many characters that he voices male and female, young and old. Overall, a good listening experience and I wouldn’t mind hearing him again in another book. 😊