Looking for a Quick Hockey Romance Fix?
As someone who loves a good novella series, the North Shore Titans books were such a fun surprise.
This LGBTQ+ hockey romance series is made up of five novellas, plus a holiday novella that lets readers catch up with one of the couples as their families finally meet. Every book follows a different couple, and one of my favorite things about the series is how much variety there is. Whether you enjoy enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, age gaps, fake dating, opposites attract, unrequited love, rivals, bully turned nice guy, step-siblings, or grumpy meets sunshine, there's a little something for every spicy romance reader.
Meet the Couple
Eli (MMC): A college student attending school on an art scholarship. He's cheerful, bubbly, endlessly optimistic, and the definition of sunshine. Even when people test his patience, Eli isn't afraid to stand up for himself.
Alexei (MMC): The Titans' star defenseman. He's quiet, intimidating, broody, and gives off serious "touch him and die" energy. At first glance he comes across as cold and downright mean, but it's obvious there's much more hiding beneath the surface.
What I Loved
Eli and Alexei couldn't be more different, and that's exactly what makes their relationship so entertaining. Their first meeting is... less than ideal.
After Eli accidentally bumps into Alexei while rushing to class, he thinks the tall, handsome hockey player is about to help him pick up his books. Instead, Alexei throws one of them down the hallway and tells him to watch where he's going before walking away.
Needless to say, Eli is not impressed.
The best part is that Eli doesn't just take the bullying. When he discovers the only empty seat in class is right next to Alexei, he sits down, calls him an asshole, and immediately starts poking the bear. Their constant back-and-forth had me smiling because Eli refuses to let Alexei intimidate him.
Things only get more chaotic from there.
Alexei becomes so determined to get under Eli's skin that he actually throws a drink all over him at a party, hoping it'll start a fight. Instead, the confrontation takes a completely unexpected turn, leading to a heated argument... and one very memorable kiss.
That kiss changes everything.
Watching Alexei navigate his bi-awakening was one of my favorite parts of the story. E.V. Olsen does a great job balancing the emotional side of his self-discovery with the growing attraction between him and Eli. Even though this is a novella, their relationship never felt rushed to me. The chemistry is there from the very beginning, and once the walls start coming down, it's hard not to root for them.
ο»ΏOf course, this wouldn't be a spicy hockey romance without plenty of steam. The romance is hot, emotional, and leaves these two complete opposites with a well-earned happily ever after.
The Verdict
If you're looking for a quick hockey romance with fantastic chemistry, plenty of laughs, a lovable sunshine hero, one seriously grumpy hockey player, and a satisfying bi-awakening romance, I definitely recommend Savage Titan.
This novella was the perfect introduction to the North Shore Titans series. It left me excited to meet the rest of the team, and I couldn't wait to jump into the next book.
Happy reading, and remember my fellow spicy book dragons, before starting a book please check the tropes, and always check for trigger warnings. Nobody likes an unfinished book because the tropes aren't your cup of tea or having a bad reading experience because of unexpected trigger warnings.
