Skating to Him

A Teammates to Lovers Hockey MM Romance (Desert Ice Hockey, Book 5)

By: Christie Gordon

Narrated by: Finnley Cole

I’m skating to the NHL while he’s running from his past. When we collide, am I brave enough to take the shot?

Tyler

Hockey is my life. My ticket to the NHL is in sight, and I can’t afford distractions.

Then Coach pairs me with Rowan, the new guy from Boston.

He’s talented, sharp, and annoyingly irresistible.

When he asks to hit the gay bar with me and my friends, I chalk it up to curiosity.

But one too many drinks later, I spill my truth—and suddenly, he’s looking at me like he’s ready to cross a line he’s never touched before.

I’ve been burned by straight guys before, and I’m not about to get hurt again.

Rowan swears he’s different. Can I risk believing him?

Rowan

Leaving Boston was my escape—from my mom’s illness, from the pressure, from myself.

But playing alongside Tyler changes everything. He’s not just the best defenseman I’ve ever met, he’s magnetic and so guarded I ache to know what’s underneath.

I’ve never wanted a man before, but Tyler makes me question everything I knew about myself.

I need him to see I’m not playing games.

This is real. He’s real.

And I won’t stop fighting until he believes it.

Skating to Him is the fifth book in the college hockey series, Desert Ice Hockey, and is the follow up to the Rock U series. It features a D-man burned by a curious straight guy and another having a bisexual awakening, hurt/comfort, and found family among the backdrop of the holidays. Desert Ice Hockey follows a group of queer hockey players, known as the squad, while they each battle for their HEA.

Buy now to explore a world where emotions run as high as the heat and hockey isn’t the only game in town!

©2025 Christie Gordon (P)2025 Christie Gordon

Dedication and Distraction!

I actually respected Tyler's dedication to hockey. That being said, I enjoyed even more Rowan distracting him from it! This story definitely had a more real feel to it with how things were not immediate and were not just announced all over. They were loyal to each other while still putting family first. I definitely think Finnley Cole's narration attached me more to these two guys and their personalities!

The one who will not let you down

Tyler, known for his hockey family tis and working hard to make it to the NHL just like his brother is teamed up with new transfer Rowan. Rowan, transferred to ASU to focus more in his hockey career and to hopefully worry less of his mom’s illness. As Rowan and Tyler work well with one another they become an unstoppable force on and off the ice. I enjoyed the sorry of Rowan finding his one true love and Tyler finding the one who wouldn’t let him down. Finnley Cole was truly amazing as narrator.

The lowest angst hockey romance

This book was a great balm for my heart at a pretty rough time in the world. There was little to no angst in the romance, and sometimes that's all you really need. We are back at ASU with the group of hockey players known as The Squad. Living life out and proud with their partners. This time around we get to focus on Tyler and Rowan. Rowan is a transfer player working to finish his senior year good enough to get scouted to the NHL. Tyler is the son and brother of NHL players and a prospect for the Blackhawks. They are partner D-men and roommates on the road. Rowan has always considered himself straight but an ally. But Rowan is unprepared for the overwhelming and almost instant feelings he has for his defensive line partner. Tyler is just trying to reel in his feelings before he's stung again by a curious guy not willing to commit.

There's no miscommunication or third act break up. The two MCs are supportive and loving to each other through the whole book and that was just perfect for my mood. And it's hot as hell. The book universe that Christie Gordon has created around Tempe is really great. I always enjoy the stories and how the different series intertwine and intersect. I really recommend this book.

Wonderful story.

I absolutely loved this story. I have loved all of the different couples coming together in this series but I truly love how well Tyler and Rowen fit together. They are made for each other and really work so well together. These two guys have had their own unique past Rowen’s mom finds out she has MS and he has a hard time dealing with it so Tyler tells him his mom has MS and has for about 10 years so he knows what it feels like. They grow to love each other in this short period which is truly wonderful and they finally have each other, Rowen didn’t know he was bi until he met and started playing on the same hockey team with Tyler, he didn’t have any self doubts but many others (including his father) did question him. Together they are a force to be reckoned with and by them doing so well together they both were offered and accepted positions on the Blackhawk’s team. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm sports romance stories. Especially when they are in audio form and the narrator grabs you and carries you through the adventure together.

Amazing!

So I've already read this book some months ago. This is my review from then.

My heart! Christie Gordon knows how to write a true love story! Tyler and Rowen are perfection. I love how Rowen was so ready to accept his new self, with or without Tyler. I did have questions about Knight. What happened to him????? Did he get his Karma????? I need to know!


Now that I've listen to the audiobook, I would recommend listening as well. Finnley Cole is amazing! He has a way of drawing me in. I cant wait to hear more from him.