Broken Ice, Mended Hearts (Bethesda Barracudas Hockey Book 6) by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood; Narrated by Nick J. Russo

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When narrators are paired perfectly with books you get this. Nick J Russo achieves magic in Broken Ice, Mended Hearts .


From the blurb:

PIERRE (“GAGS”)

My life is complicated.

Hell, I’m complicated.

I don’t know a life beyond how I’m perceived. After a devastating divorce, it looked like I never would.

Can a hockey fight change your life?

I may not understand my attraction to Sven Holmer, but I can tell you my obsession with kissing him started in the middle of a fight. When we met again, the conversation was easy, the banter effortless. Once stolen glances gave way to secret touches, I was more confused than ever. How the hell am I supposed to handle it when everything I’ve always believed about myself no longer fits?

Things are great… until they aren’t.

Our connection deepens with every minute we spend together, but like me, Sven is no stranger to betrayal and heartache. Between my stubbornness, his reservations, and the start of a new season, how can we survive months apart?

When tragedy strikes, all bets are off. I just hope it’s not too late.

Broken Ice, Mended Hearts features two thirty-something hockey players hardened by heartbreak. This compelling, angsty book includes a bisexual awakening, hurt/comfort, found family, first times, high heat, and a hard-earned HEA. Though it is part of the Bethesda Barracudas Hockey series, it can be listened to as a standalone


Molly Otto's review:

Audio update
Well, reading this book was a journey now. Listening to this was a whole new experience. Be ready to feel all the feels and experience all the emotions of this journey. Nick J Russo does an exceptional job of making an already amazing book even better.

Well, when Ryan & Josh say this will be an angsty hard earned hea they aren't joking. What starts with a fight on the ice between two players turns into something so much more. Pip, Gags to everyone else, has never felt that spark of love, so has a hard time really understanding what it is. Enter Sven, who will keep him on his toes and challenge his every step of the way.

These two have so many disagreements just because both don't know how to quite express themselves right. With the encouragement of the Baracudas and their beautiful found family, they finally get it right. When something unimaginable happens that threatens all that is dear to Sven, Pip is able to open up and be real and let his heart not his brain lead the way.

The cameos are all top notch, catching us up with all past couples, including Eckie and Jack (Back to Center, Mohegan U)! These men have all formed an unbreakable bond that even once they move on from hockey, they will always have each other. So yes, it's a rough ride, but it will be worth the tears.


Lesetiger's review:

I loved everything about this audiobook. It starts with the writing style of the two authors. It's easy-going, captivating and very detailed, so I was able to empathize with the characters very well and I could also imagine the locations very well.

There were Sven and Gags, both very likeable hockey players and incredibly cute together. They meet by chance at Gags' agent's house and start spending time together. The characters are created in depth and continue to develop as the story progresses. I found the slowly developing relationship realistically described, especially Gags' struggle with being with a man and what that means to him.

The audiobook captivated me from start to finish and I loved how Sven and Gags' relationship grew and what it means to have friends who are there for you. I also love seeing protagonists from previous volumes again, as is the case here. There were also a few scenes on the ice that were very compellingly written.

As always, the authors have skillfully packed a lot of emotion into the story. There were serious moments as well as funny ones, but there were also heartbreaking moments.
This book is part of a series, but can also be read very well as a standalone.

Nick's narration is outstanding. He brought the story to life by conveying the emotions of the characters brilliantly: be it joy, anger, fun, worry, care or even warmth. Great job! And I love Gags' French accent, very well done! He read vividly and told the story in an entertaining way. It was a pleasure to listen to him!

For me the best book of the series so far because it was very entertaining and exciting and also the first one that was with a bit more angst, which I really like. Highly recommended!


Chaoskay's review:

Sven and Gagne were amazing loved the chemistry and the way they joked with each other and when the worst happened my heart was there with Gagne. One of the best parts was when Sven finally admits why he won’t call Gagne by his nickname Gags although i had an inkling why it didn’t stop my full on belly laugh escaping. Nick J Russo was absolute perfection narrating this the accents were everything especially Gagne’s French accent.


Nedra's review:

As always, Russo kills the narrative and brings Gags to life with such an enormous personality! Sven was an absolute brilliant addition, their chemistry was so intense and electrifying! Plus, it’s always appreciated with the cameos added!


Broken Ice, Mended Hearts is currently available as an audiobook, e-book and paperback, and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription


Tour Details:

Publisher: Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood

Release Date: April 3, 2024

Version: Unabridged Audio

Length: 10 hours and 10 minutes

Heat Level: 3.5 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Hockey, Rivals to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Bi Awakening, Found Family, High Heat, HEA



Amazon BOOK Universal: https://mybook.to/BIMH





About the Authors:

Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood are a dynamic duo crafting contemporary gay romance with heat and heart. Beyond a shared love of travel, Ryan’s devotion to swimming and Josh’s passion for music fuel their creativity. They began writing to celebrate their own romance, and their commitment to sharing authentic love stories about queer men has since captured the hearts of readers around the world.

Ryan and Josh’s books are known for their fascinating blend of fiery romance, heartwarming storytelling, and remarkable characters. Readers and listeners love the Bethesda Barracudas Hockey and Mohegan U Hockey series, and the couple’s recent bestsellers, Swimming Against the Tide, My Perfect Screwup, and Christmas for Keeps, have captivated hearts and minds.

Join Ryan and Josh on their journey as they champion romance and “happily-ever-afters” for all. Love, passion, and adventure await on every page.


Social Media Links

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Joshua Harwood’s Amazon Profile: https://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Harwood/e/B07L2HHG7V?

Ryan Taylor’s BookBub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ryan-taylor

Joshua Harwood’s BookBub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joshua-harwood

Ryan Taylor’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18708062.Ryan_Taylor

Joshua Harwood’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18708074.Joshua_Harwood

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