Hell or High Water

Toronto Thunder, Book 3

By: Beth Bolden

Narrated by: Darcy Stark

Come hell or high water, Nate’s gonna be Ramsey’s perfect (fake) boyfriend . . .

The night Nate Bishop met Ramsey Andresen, he didn’t know who he was.

Didn’t know he was a hockey player. Didn’t know he’d be sticking around in Toronto. Most definitely didn’t know they’d hook up and Ramsey would walk right out of his life. Leaving him aching for more and hating that he can’t forget him.

They meet again at a Thunder team party and Nate’s not only shocked by Ramsey’s presence, but the way he acts like he belongs. He’s gorgeous and perfect and unobtainable, his existence rubbing Nate’s face into everything he can’t have.

He knows his teammates aren’t happy they don’t get along. But the last thing Nate expects is for Ramsey to suggest a plan to get them off their backs.

Not a fake friendship, but a fake situationship.

As they spend more time together—at first a necessity because of the charade, and then because they can’t stay away from each other—Nate starts to learn more about Ramsey’s secrets.

And each shadowy corner that Nate shines light into makes him like Ramsey even more. Until like slides easily into love, and fake becomes something real. Something precious. When they shatter the illusion, can they face the reality that they want each other, completely and forever after playing pretend for so long?

©2026 Earl Gray Publishing LLC (P)2026 Earl Gray Publishing LLC

Ramsey & Nate

Darcy Stark narrated this audiobook and brought each character to life with their own unique personality and voice, and those visiting from past stories were remembered quite well by him. After reading the book, the journey Nate and Ramsey took to their HEA was enhanced so much more by hearing the emotions and feeling their love and happiness through the wonderful talents of Beth Bolden’s written words and Darcy Stark’s amazing voice.

Excellent listen!

This is a fantastic storyline and the narration is spot on. I had been waiting for for these two to finally get their act together and it came together pretty good! One of may favorite parts is near the end while talking to Barty.

Wrong voice

For me, Nate’s voice was all wrong. Not deep enough. Ramsey’s worked out okay.

As for the book overall, I liked it better the second time. I accepted that it’s Nate’s story, not Ramsey’s. As long as I remember that, I liked it so much more.

Two complicated guys find their perfect match in each other. Plus, all of the other Thunder updates. Loved it!

Beth Bolden creates fun worlds. I enjoy them all.

Ramsey (&Nate) Gets His HEA!

If you’re a fan of Beth’s books and have read her Portland Evergreens series then I’m sure you’ve been looking forward to Ramsey’s book as much as I was! (This was right up there with Breakaway goals for me, anticipation wise.)

When Nate and Ramsey first meet, Nate knows better than to fall for his charms. He can see he’s a playboy but Nate doesn’t listen to that inner voice. Nate can tell Ramsey is a “hit it and quit it guy” and who doesn’t love a bad boy falling hard?

Nate eventually sees the man behind the mask and when Ramsey finally lets go of his fear of his feelings it was everything I’d hoped for and more. Add in my favourite trope, fake dating…yes please!!! I also really liked the hockey/football player combo.

As usual, Darcy does a phenomenal job bringing these characters to life. He's one of my favourite narrators!

Highly recommend!

I adore Nate and Ramsey´s romance

I really enjoyed this romance between Nate and Ramsey. It starts as a fake relationship so their friends will leave them alone, but it turns into something more. Ramsey grows a lot as a character, evolving from someone who’s always on the defensive to someone who opens up to Nate.

Darcy Star’s narration is excellent; you can really feel the passion he puts into it, which makes you care deeply about the characters.