| Title | : | Showstopper (Vino Veritas, #17) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 226 |
| Publication | : | First published August 10, 2021 |
I don’t just want Kolby. I need him. Because I’ve got to pass this theater class--yeah, I said theater--if I’m going to keep my spot on the team. When tutoring sessions turn into dates-not-dates over Shipley Cider at Vino and Veritas, I realize it’s going to be harder than I thought to keep my hands on my stick and off of Kolby. Worse, I think I might be falling for him. But I’m not ready for that. I want to keep this thing between us on the down-low for now.
But Kolby hates secrets. Especially his own . . .
Showstopper (Vino Veritas, #17) Reviews
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2.5 stars⭐️
the potential so many of these books in this series have... then they end up being so goddam lacklustre is unbelievable.
the way i was a lil obsessed with these two in the beginning chapters😌 idk something about their snarky, nervous flirting did it for me.
some might find it boring, but i honestly found it so realistic. they were both reluctantly crushing on each other, wanting to make a move, too scared to, unsure about the other person’s feelings but always desperate to be in the same vicinity of each other.
Adam not knowing whether he wanted to smack or kiss Kolby was honestly delightful to read. their interaction at the bookstore was one of my favourites— Kolby buying Adam that book despite struggling for money and balancing three jobs, and Adam wanting to bundle Kolby up in his coat to protect him🥺 daydreaming about kissing each other while also being standoffish af with each other.
the dichotomy of their feelings was just so fun to explore. although, all that juicy goodness only lasted like the first 20% of the book? possibly a bit longer?
bcos this felt so rushed😒 i was shocked how quickly they started dating then the following chapter, several weeks have gone by of them dating and doing loads of different things— SHOW ME!! and by the end of said chapter... they’re already experiencing relationship issues. it was maddening how off the pacing was. it’s like the author tried to squeeze so much into such a short amount of time that it stifled the impact of the romance bcos the story kept constantly jumping from one thing to another with little (if any) cohesiveness.
so when i hit roughly the 50% mark, i skimmed. a lot. bcos it was all just too much to keep up with while not being fully developed and explored. nothing really lasted too long until the story shifted into the next conflict or drama and it got boring real quick.
like give me romantic development over plot any day of the week. bcos a jumbled, overflowing plot can stifle the romance and that’s what happened here unfortunately— and it also made Kolby and Adam feel underdeveloped and slightly one-dimensional. kinda snuffed out that initial spark i felt when i started reading :////
a lot of the books i have read in this series have been like that. they start off fabulously and im finally like “this one is it!! this is the one im gonna rave over” only to get to a certain point where all that hope just dwindles and eventually dies. Eden Finley’s book is probably the only one i thoroughly and wholeheartedly enjoyed in this series without any qualms or hesitations... which is pretty disappointing😬
i have read ten out of eighteen... and only one i would thoroughly recommend? yikes :/// they’ve all just fallen victim of mediocrity imo, with the authors making most of them way too insta-lovey then the rest of the book dragging out and trying to fill the rest of the book with either unnecessary drama or lacklustre development.
i mean, literally the pacing of this,
Stronghold,
Unforgettable,
Booklover,
Hideaway, and
Heartscape were all so similar and off putting that i couldn’t enjoy any of them to their full potential :/// they all got together in some capacity so quickly that led to the rest of the book just being filler. it seriously ruined a lot of books with amazing potential.
and the whole storyline involving Adam’s ex, Chase, felt super fucking tactless. the author going down the route of using false sexual assault allegations to add drama to the plot was not it :/// it just contributes to the stigma that all victims of assault are liars and shouldn’t be believed. i didn’t like the implications of that message at all. definitely bumped this from a three to a two star read😐 -
*** I received an eArc from Heart Eyes Press in exchange for an honest review.***
I loved this story!!! This story has probably one of the most fun dynamics between the main characters I have read in a long time especially in their Improv classes. I was laughing at the funny scenarios both characters were improving in.
This was a fun installment to Vino & Veritas because it also included elements from Sarina Bowen's Moo U series as well. Kolby and Adam are the main characters who are attending Moo U and they are polar opposites in personality. Adam is a recently transferred closeted bisexual hockey player and Kolby is an out theater performer who is sunshine personified. Kolby and Adam end up attending an improv class and their chemistry and instant connection is clear from their first conversastion.
Both Adam and Kolby are surprised at how taken they are with each other, which leads to a great foundation for a relationship, but their feelings come along with many risks as well. I loved the setting for this story, it was a great way to bridge both worlds of V&V and Moo U.
My favorite scene is a hilarious improv skit towards the end and it entails "Circus Clowns," this scene had me bursting with laughter while smiling because of the undeniable connection on display between Adam and Kolby.
This is a fantastic story that I cannot recommend highly enough. -
Back on the 5* trail! Definitely one of my favourites in the series and jam packed with loads of my go to tropes.
Regina Kyle pretty much hit everything I love about college sports romances and opposites' attract tropes in this book.
I adored both Adam and Kolby but Adam absolutely stole my heart, he is just a giant teddy bear of a young man who has a heart of gold.
Kolby is a bit prickly, understandably so given his background, but I liked that he was unashamedly himself, he doesn't hide his sexuality, but he does hide his vulnerability.
Together they're just incredibly sweet and seriously sexy.
Adam's had a bit of a traumatic time at his previous school, so he's wary of exposing his bisexuality, again something the narrative plays out well.
But as he spends more time with Kolby, it becomes clear that he doesn't want to hide the connection they've found.
They connect on all levels, not only are they sexually attracted to each other, but they also have mutual likes and interests and they're both determined to look out for the other, which makes not only for some really lovely conversations, but also hot times between the sheets!
A couple of outside events add tension to the plot, there's the odd lack of communication elements but they're not the type which has me eye-rolling in annoyance.
Both of these men are young and relatively inexperienced and they've both been burned before.
I didn't feel it was out of place they'd both blow up at times and then find it difficult to make the first move to reconnect.
There's some great grovelling too, on both sides, and a fabulous secondary cast of characters not only from the Vino & Veritas world, but also pulling in from the Moo U series too.
Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this one.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review -
Kolby + Adam
Adam just transferred to Moo U. He's a hockey player and he was in a little bit of a scandal at his last school. So that means only hockey and studying this year! No guys or girls!
Kolby is a out and proud gay guy who dreams of being an actor in New York. He 'escaped' his über religious mormon family a few years back and is now happily living his best gay and theater life in Burlington. And now he has to tutor this hot jock!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
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Adorable!
I really enjoyed reading this. Kolby and Adam are so cute! Both have their hopes and dreams and plans for the future and those did not include falling in love right now. Especially for Adam, who has to really concentrate on school and hockey this year.
This was a really sweet sports and acting love story. I adored those two guys!
And as I mentioned in every one of my World of True North reviews - I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
SHOWSTOPPER was such a sweet + funny + sporty + theatery M/M love story! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Kolby + Adam - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
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College in Burlington, Vermont is where Adam is a rising hockey star. He had a bumpy ride to get here.
Kolby is the vibrant, sassy theatre student who will be tutoring Adam in Improvisation Class.
Adam is a blonde hottie, muscled, with an 8-pack,
strong athlete and isn't all the way out yet, except to his loving family.
Kolby is happy, struggling and lively,
a tall and lean, pierced, rusty brown shaggy haired guy, who juggles three jobs to make his plan work. He was tossed aside by his religious Mormon family for being gay.
Adam and Kolby grate on each other at first because of misconceptions, but the spark of attraction is there. Little by little they learn about each other, except for the home situation that Kolby doesn't reveal. Their sexy times are scorching the sheets and very satisfying.
When Kolby's younger sister, Hannah shows up, she spills his secret, and Adam feels left out, but recovers quickly. He's out to the team now, and he understands when the whole tale is told.
I like these two men, who truly have a real relationship blooming. The Improv Class is meaningful and fun. The guys feel so comfy together, and they have a deal. Loved their time with Adam's family, too.
Hannah is my least favorite character, because she was immature and unappreciative, but she is Kolby's sis, so...
I loved Adam and Kolby's willingness to talk things through. It's a terrific tale of young love, finding a place in the world, openness, and tasting true love.
Simply fantastic!
ENJOY !
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Adam is a transferred hockey player at Moo U, Kolby is a theater student at the same college, they attend the same improv class. Though at first glance they seem very different they share a very strong attraction and they both hide their pasts. Will they trust each other or will their failed past relationships sabotage their future together?
I've enjoyed to follow Adam and Kolby’s journey, it was fun and emotional, you can easily notice how these two guys are a match made in heaven.
They are still young and their story is not steady, there will be some misunderstandings and grand gestures but they will learn from their mistakes.
If you like Opposites Attract trope Showstopper is the right book for you.
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No, no, no, no. The first half was okay but the second half had so many half-assed angst scenes I was almost tempted to pull my hair out😬.
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Shenanigans for the #win!! What ridiculous fun this story turned out to be. It wasn’t just the storyline itself that was fun but so were Kolby and Adam! This was a genius set-up that I could have read for a long while! The improv class alone entertained me to no end! Shenanigans!! *sigh* This binge-read I did with the last 5 stories in this series was truly epic and Showstopper added the best comic relief I’ve read in a while! This is one story I wish were longer and longer for that alone! That’s not to take away from all the other goodies this story had to offer, though. It was well written with no plot points just hanging there or dramatic events milling around just for drama’s sake. This was a total #funfest I would highly rec to every reader out there!
Sidebar: I love the fact that the story has a thin attachment to Moo U hockey which highlights it's versatility in The World of True North! So props for that :) -
I liked this much more than I thought I would. Sports romances are always a bit tricky for me. Especially one's with one of the MC's being in the closet. No need to worry though, Adam didn't stay in the closet for very long. I really liked how well the story was floating and the way Adam and Colby interacted with each other. If it wasn't for the big old miscommunication thing happening this would've been a five star read for me. I will for sure keeps my eyes open for more books from this author.
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3,5 stars. Showstopper is another enjoyable addition to the Vino & Veritas series. It's no secret I am enjoying this series quite a lot, mostly because of the high level of writing, but also because of the setting in Vermont and the fact that there are cameos in every book from characters from previous books. It's like meeting with old acquaintances over and over again!
In this series the books are written by a variety of authors, of which some authors have written their first mm romance, as was the fact with Regina Kyle. It never ceases to amaze me how well all these authors must have communicated, 'borrowing' each other's main characters and writing them in a way that suits them.
In Showstopper we meet Kolby and Adam, two college students who don't start off really well, but once they are kind of forced to get to know each other better, start to develop feelings. Both have been hurt in the past, and are careful when it comes to falling in love, but it still happens. That's what love does, doesn't it?
Anyway, a lot of things happen, they both get hurt unintentionally. But it wouldn't be an mm romance if it didn't have a happy ending!
There was humor in this well written story, as well as likable characters with chemistry and some steamy first times.
If you enjoy this series, this is another book you wouldn't want to miss!
I kindly received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review -
The book started as a positive surprise. A bi hockey player with a bad relationship experience his past as MC1, an theater student with a bad relationship and a mormon family who kicked his gay arse to the curb as MC2. They start of with a bit of antagonism. They don't want to fall in love for fear of repeating their past mistakes - but they can't help it.
It started really promising. I liked the MCs, I liked them pining for each other but then they got together and from that moment on the story fell apart. There came all those cliché things, misunderstandings, not talking about things, unnecessary secrets, not letting the other person explain himself and a super-annoying sister who really fucked up big time and never even really said sorry to the guy whose future she almost wrecked (but instead kept glaring at him as if he was faulty party).
Also I prefer my hockey romances to actually have a bit of hockey in them not just saying "Hockey was his life" and a couple of conversations with the team.
On top of that something was wrong with the sex in this book. We get a bj as first sexual encounter and then an incredible "three weeks later after we had sex repeatedly" and then yes a sex scene that was all telling and no showing. Somehow the sex scenes felt forced like the author thought they couldn't possibly write a book without them but clearly didn't feel it.
Overall despite the promising beginning this book disappointed me. -
Audio 5 stars
Story - 3.5 Stars -
Adam esta llegando de traslado a la Universidad de Burlington (Moo U) despues de una desagradable experiencia en el equipo de Hockey de su anterior universidad, y lo unico que quiere es poder mantener sus estudios y seguir jugando Hockey, el problema es que como llega de traslado no tuvo muchas opciones a la hora de escoger sus clases y quedo atascado en la clase de Improvisacion, junto a uno de los chicos que mas le ha atraido desde que su ex le hizo la jugarreta. El problema es que quiere primero que su equipo lo acepte como el buen jugador que es y no es por sus preferencias de pareja, y por eso no quiere comenzar una relacion con nadie.
Kolby esta ya en el 3er año de sus estudios de teatro en la Moo U, y no tiene tiempo para relaciones y menos para alguien que esta en el closet. Pero su atraccion por Adam es fuerte, y cuando este le dice que el va a salir del closet en un par de meses, no puede evitar caer por el agujero de conejo. Cuando las cosas entre ellos se complican Kolby debera aceptar mas de una disculpa de Adam y hacerle entender que su relacion debe ser totalmente abierta si realmente quiere estar con el.
El libro es demasiado descriptivo para mi gusto, tanto que tiene a ser aburrido, los prota tenian tanto potencial y siento como si los dejaron a mitad de camino, al igual que muchos de los secundarios. Sin embargo, me gusto mucho que aparecieran varios de los personajes de libros anteriores, aunque sus intereacciones eran cortas, se agradece que el autor quisiera mantener el ambiente de "familia" con los empleados de Vino & Veritas.
Para ser un libro romantico, las relaciones entre los prota eran casi todas sexuales, no hubo momentos ni paseos ni "enamoramiento", que quizas hubiera ayudado a encariñarse con los prota. Ademas, en algun momento en el transcurso de la lectura hubiera jurado que habia leido un libro muy parecido a este, la trama casi la misma (con algunas diferencias, por supuesto), pero eso tambien hizo que perdiera la emocion sobre lo que estaba leyendo.
Ahora, casi terminando la serie, puedo decir que muchos de los autores que he descubierto aqui van a ingresar en mi lista de "tengo-q-leer", pero este no va a ser uno de ellos. -
What lesson we learned here, boyz and girlz: grand gestures didn’t always work!! 😆
Another winning installment from the V&V universe. Love the unusual plot too - not too angsty not too steamy and a generous dollop of wit and humour thrown in. Adam and Kolby fit together beautifully with their opposing traits and backgrounds. The coming together of the two leading characters over fortuitous circumstances felt genuine and natural, as did the developing connection between them.
And the story being told alternately in first person’s from both men’s POVs lent us into their secrets and the pain they still healing from. To add to the story were the secondary characters in all their variegation; some veering close to cliche territory (from my perspective) yet (fortunately) didn’t dwell too much into it. While I enjoyed grand gestures in a story now and then, I loved how Adam and Kolby addressing the issue (that sometimes it could backfire when done too frequently).
As an enemies to friends to lovers romance, SHOWSTOPPER is touching, entertaining, and a tad bittersweet. It’s my first Regina Kyle’s book and I found the writing to flow smoothly and easy to follow. All in all the experience left me wanting more, I might go and check out the author’s backlist titles.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. -
Talking about secrets that are not yours and that are significant that freely and then the person you did it to ends up being the one who has to grovel? Adam was totally justified in his reaction. Even Kolby telling his sister something that major was a serious faux pas. And when it all happened so offhandedly and they were just chatting about it so freely? That's how Kolby supports his significant other? I'm not saying that the thing Kolby and/or Hannah did was unforgivable, but the fact that it was twisted around into Adam, the person this was all done to, being in the wrong? Hannah just coming to the guy she has seriously wronged all angry like an avenging fury and he was the one to beg and grovel? That made me mad and triggered a pet peeve. Hannah's lack of apology and Adam having to do a big public apology? That entire situation was severe, it's not like Kolby and Hannah did something minor that Adam overreacted to. They could have seriously ruined his entire future. Man, I'm not sorry for giving it a two.
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This one was hands down my favorite of this series. I just miss hockey romance and need to find some new ones that give me the feels like this one did. This gave me Top Secret and Him/Us vibes which is a hell of combination. I thought about not finishing this series, 18 books is wicked long, but I’m glad I did just to get to this one! I just might have to check out more books by Regina! That’s what’s so fantastic about these series set in different author’s worlds, you discover so many fantastic new authors.
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A total treat of a book, clever and witty, and I was grinning the whole time I read it. I pretty much thought it was a perfect romance book. I just really and truly loved Adam and Kolby and I want everyone to read this book.
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Hunky hockey player - check
Laid back drama student - check
Student who needs a tutor - check!
Adam has to change colleges to continue playing hockey, and has plans of going pro. Once there, he meets Kolby- a drama student who has no problems balancing performance and his off-campus jobs (three of them)! Adam needs help - he's stuck with a late registration after transfer, and ends up in an theater class where he's required to do some improv. Something he is dreading. Enter Kolby. He's dealing with is own drama from his past, and doesn't need a relationship to get in the way of finishing his goals. One of them is learning to skate for an audition.
Can you see where this is going?
These two have dealt with past breakups, yet cannot fight their feelings for each other. Their backstories will tear at your heart strings, and have you rooting for them both! -
Engaging
Of the five additions to Vino and Veritas, 3 of them were kind of duds for me, but thankfully Showstopper brought it back and ended on a high note. I really enjoyed the personalities and dynamics of Adam and Kolby with interesting backstories.
But it is kind of a gray area to include a false sexual assault accusation as part of the plot, especially when we emphasize believing victims. Maybe then consent between Adam and Kolby could have been emphasized strongly and emphatically to balance out. Certainly there’s never a hint of non-consent, but it wouldn’t have been out of line to include a discussion of consent either. Overall that aspect of the story could have been handled differently. -
Odd man out here for sure. I found this underwhelming, formulaic, and boring. Weirdly paced with the MCs slogging through three or four separate breakups or near breakups, mostly due to a lack of communication or simple immaturity. Lots of eye-rolling moments. Also, The Princess Bride is not a chick flick, it's a revered classic, and is it really possible to be a 20yo and not know what improv is? Not the worst of the worst but so much bugged me and had I not racked up so many DNFs of late already, I def would’ve bailed on this.
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I did not expect to be back at Moo U for this book and was so excited when that was the case! I can't even tell you how many times at this point I have googled Burlington and surrounding areas so that I can some time take a trip over there and pretend like I could go to all of these places in real life (especially Vino & Veritas).
Kolby and Adam were a great couple that I knew I was going to like from their first run-in where they clashed a little bit (while also still both being super attracted to one another LOL). I love that they both were put in situations around the other where they weren't at their top form (Kolby on the ice doing lessons and Adam in improv class) because I feel like that made them a little more vulnerable. I loved how once the team found out about the two, all but Slags immediately were super supportive to Adam. That's what we need more of in this world. Those Moo U boys really are unparalleled.
Also, and I feel like this isn't a HUGE spoiler since most romances have one side of the couple doing some kind of grand gesture at the end to make up for whatever they messed up, but I was super glad that Kolby just wasn't having it and walked out. Sometimes I come to hate that formula. Why do they always need to do some big huge thing to be forgiven? Why can't they just talk things out in a small and normal way? That's what happened here and I felt like it fit perfectly and I wouldn't have wanted to change one thing about it.
Finally, Regina Kyle, I love you. You added some really great pop culture references that I was obsessed with and even just a mention of a TV show and a book I love made me enjoy this book that much more. I'm a simple gal, what can I say? lol
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
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I adored this story! Especially that it was not only a Vino & Veritas novel but it crossed over to the Moo U Hockey series. Best of both worlds. This story hooked me right from the beginning. Kolby and Adam are such fantastic characters. After transferring to Moo U after an incident at his last school that was better off left behind, Adam just wants to focus on school and hockey. He is being recruited to play for the NHL and he won't jeopardize his chance. Unfortunately for him being a transfer isn't always the best when it comes to academics. Being last to pick classes means getting stuck with some pretty unappealing classes and for Adam that's Improv. A theater class that makes him want to run and hide. It's one thing to play hockey in front of everyone but to act on stage? No thanks. But it isn't totally awful when Adam shares a class with Kolby, the guy who couldn't change his schedule but is actually in Adam's class and a theater major. Oh, did Adam mention how hot Kolby is? Adam knows he shouldn't be looking for relationships so he tries to squash down his feelings for Kolby, not that Kolby makes it possible. Kolby works 3 jobs to attend Moo U. His parents basically disowned him when he came out to them so he moved to Vermont is doing everything he can to stay and graduate. When Kolby meets Adam he doesn't expect the force that pulls to him toward Adam. He's different than what he expected. And when Kolby needs to learn to skate for a future audition, he takes the chance to spend more time with Adam. And it isn't long until these two give into their feelings. But there are some complications that threaten to break them apart. Like Adam's reluctance to tell the world he is bi. He isn't hiding it, but he wants to establish his rep with hockey first then there is the reason he moved to Moo U in the first place. And as for Kolby, he's had his heart broken before and his family situation isn't exactly great. He's not so sure he ready to put it all out there. It'll take a little of bit of bravery for the two of them to find a way to be together.
I absolutely loved this story. Like I said earlier, the great crossover of series, hockey, and Kolby and Adam. Their chemistry was great. There were so many threads to this story I loved. Their personal stories and their journeys to overcome it. Just when you think everything is okay, there is a new twist. Their falling in love story. The hilarious banter between them and the entire improv class thread. So hilarious! The unpredictability of it all. I couldn't put the book down. A really great addition to both of these series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
A
Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I liked the vibe of this book from the start as Adam and Kolby meet and clash as Adam is trying to change his improv class. Kolby works in the school office that Adam visits and the while the men are eyeing each other, the rest of their meeting doesn’t go so well. Adam is a transfer student and a hockey player and he didn’t want to start over, but trusting the wrong person put his entire life in jeopardy. Adam’s family knows he’s bisexual, but in the world of hockey, he knows it’s better to keep it quiet.
The path to the end of book didn’t keep the momentum going as much for me with gossip and secrets being exposed and the addition of Kolby’s sister didn’t quite fit in for me, but the guys are college age trying to navigate a lot. The final scenes pull together again, making their journey a worthwhile one to read about and it would be great to see these guys again in the future.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety
here. -
I loved it!
Showstopper is the first book I’ve read by Regina Kyle and I loved it. I’m a sucker for a good New Adult story and when it includes coming out and opposites attract, I’m in heaven.
This story wasn’t overly angsty but there were a couple of peaks and valleys in the story and each time my emotions were all involved and a few tears were shed.
Kolby was burned before when he dated a guy who was in the closet. Adam is bi-sexual but he’s not ready to be out to his new college team. Both of them have secrets that they aren’t ready to tell but things have a way of coming out…
I got so involved emotionally while reading this and that’s exactly how I like a book to affect me. Kolby and Adam are young but both of them have had some hard knocks that caused them to grow up quickly. There were many tension-relieving light hearted moments in this book which I enjoyed. I especially loved how Kolby doesn’t swear but instead has some really creative substitute words and phrases.
The sexy time moments were really hot. Oh, to be so young again with such quick recovery times. 😊 This really was a great story. In the backmatter of the book Regina Kyle says that this is only her second male-male romance. I need to check out her other one and I also hopes she writes more MM stories.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** -
Showstopper is a fabulous college sports romance by Regina Kyle. The seventeenth book in the multi-author Vino & Veritas series, this one is easily read as a standalone.
I adore this book. Adam and Kolby are a delightful mix of opposites attract, sports, and theater. I love it all. I adore the way things progress for the men and the connection between them.
And omg, this one has all the feels when it comes to their theater class. Just swoon! Of course, I also laughed out loud at one scene too.
Adam's background is wonderfully multi-layered, creating a character who's easy to love. He's a closeted, bisexual hockey player. But there's a secret in his past that he's keeping closely guarded.
And then there's Kolby. Wow, there's a lot more going on in his life than I anticipated. The boy just needs some love and support.
The teammates make a great group of friends. I love stories with a lot of secondary characters like this one.
Showstopper is one of my favorites from this series. Regina Kyle had me invested from the start and I couldn't get enough of this couple. -
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/22/2022)! 🎁
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I read this one in the summer but for got to review/read. This was cute. I love the books in this series and how seamlessly they seem to connect even when written by different authors. Also loved the audiobook. Definitely recommend!
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**2.5 stars
This was just an okay read for me. It started out strong and I was totally invested, but I felt like there needed to be more development between Adam and Kolby before Adam decided to take a chance after what he endured with his past. There were a lot of behind the scenes action that I wish we would have been a part of to help develop their connection. Both Adam and Kolby had interesting backgrounds, but it wasn’t explored throughly and they both felt one dimensional to me.
As I continued to read I kept asking myself if I wanted to finish. The first road block in their relationship happened-predictably- and was cleared up in a cute bow. The second was, to me, a bigger deal and I felt like Adam should not have been the one to feel he needed to apologize. Kolby messed up in a big way and a few texts and phone calls being ignored is not you trying. I felt Kolby should have been the one to grovel to Adam, not Adam attempting a grand gesture. That really bothered me.
In the end, I don’t really feel much for these characters. The story was okay, but it left me feeling meh. -
3.5 ⭐
Avec "Showstopper", on est dans une romance universitaire typique, avec la fameuse paire jock VS le mec plus ... littéraire. Le jock, est Adam, hockeyeur bi fraîchement arrivé à Moo U après des déboires dans sa précédente fac. L'intello (pour caricaturer), c'est Kolby, le théâtreux de service, qui multiplie les petits boulots pour s'en sortir et se passionne pour la scène.
La scène, c'est justement ce qui va les réunir, (après des débuts plutôt orageux) ou plus exactement, les cours d'impro. Ce qui fait le délice de Kolby est une véritable épreuve pour Adam, et ces cours seront un moyen pour eux de communiquer. Certaines scènes sont très drôles, notamment celle du lavomatic (rien que d'y repenser, je ris encore !).
Les deux héros ont un parcours de vie intéressant, en tout cas celui de Kolby est peu banal, j'aurais d'ailleurs aimé que l'autrice développe davantage, mais en même temps, ça aurait enlevé de la légèreté à ce roman.
Pour les traditionnels épreuves à surmonter, on reste dans les classiques de la romance et du NA, rien de novateur ou de surprenant, mais ça fonctionne (même si c'est toujours vraiment rageant de devoir se fader le cap maudit des 80% ...). C'est typiquement le genre de bouquin qui fait passer un moment, avec des personnages sympas et attachants, une romance sexy, et un univers plutôt cool.
D'ailleurs, en parlant d'univers, c'est marrant, parce que dans d'autres livres de cette série, j'avais vraiment l'impression que Burlington était une toute petite ville, genre Hallmark, et en fait, là, je n'ai vraiment pas retrouvé cette ambiance de small town romance, et je me suis souvenue que ce n'était pas si petit que ça, puisqu'il y a une grande fac dans cette ville. Bref, c'est un petit détail, mais disons que cette fois le côté "cocon" de cette ville n'est pour moi pas présent.
Cela dit, j'ai pris plaisir à lire cette histoire, à passer en compagnie de ce couple, à retrouver quelques scènes de hockey et croiser quelques têtes connues. Kolby et Adam forment un chouette couple, leur relation se joue à plusieurs niveaux, et c'est sympa de les voir partager d'autres choses que du simple sexe. J'ai aimé aussi les easters eggs avec des romans M/M dont on peut reconnaître le pitch, mais dont ni les titres ni les auteurs ne sont cités. Cette petite irruption de réalité est amusante, et c'est un joli clin d'oeil pour les lecteurs (et les auteurs concernés).
Un bon cru pour cette série Vino & Veritas donc ! -
Adam just transferred to Moo U and for this new school year all he has time for are hockey and classes. After the disaster from his old school, he wants nothing to do with any boy or girl. Kolby's a theater major, he's out and proud and he works at the bookstore part of Vino & Veritas. Adam and Kolby end up having an improv class together and Kolby's his new tutor because he missed some classes. I liked Kolby, he was confident in who he was and didn't want to be put in any box. Adam was bi, and he wasn't ashamed of it but he wanted to be discreet if he was to be with Kolby. What happened at Adam's old school scarred him and he didn't want a repeat of it and he wanted his teammates to get to know him first before he told them he was bi. Adam and Kolby were great together, they opened up to one another and tried to make things work. Kolby went through a lot before coming to Vermont, he ran away from a religious cult and made a life for himself in Burlington with the V&V family and friends he's made at Moo U. Adam still had some hang-ups and pushed Kolby away a few times but in the end he was able to come to terms with himself and get Kolby back. I loved that the team didn't even bat an eye when Adam finally told them about his sexuality and they pushed him to get Kolby back. I loved that Kolby made Adam work for his forgiveness and didn't just let him off the hook too easily. I really enjoyed this book.
