From bestselling romance author Xavier Neal comes another scorching standalone installment in the series that sports romance fans can’t get enough of!Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical.Rightfully, labeled as legends.Affectionately, worshiped in the sheets like rock stars.However, when their glorious reign came … stars.
However, when their glorious reign came crashing to an end, the idols lost much more than their treasured titles.
They became the laughingstock of locker rooms.
Oh, and of course, the punchline to every bad joke on campus.
Puck Bunnies continued hopping into their beds because, well, that’s what Puck Bunnies do.
All hope seemed completely lost until last season when a new head coach emerged to help put them back on their golden thrones.
Problem?
Tucker Gillette, the team’s right winger, is causing so much commotion off the ice — instead of just on — that new rules have to be added to their code of conduct to help ensure another season of victory.
Don’t sleep with other athletes — their coaches hate it.
Don’t drool over the team’s mascot once you realize it’s a fine AF, flexible female instead of a freckled freshman.
And, definitely, don’t try to date said mascot or fall face first in love with her simply so your brother — who is the lead singer in her favorite metal band — can’t.
Will this right wing troublemaker become a champion in the game of romance, or will this be his biggest loss yet?
more
Another awesome addition to the Hockey Gods series, and one you won’t want to miss!
The next teammate to catch the bug is Gillette, and Mo is the woman to catch his eye. Watching these two come together and become a couple is a fun and sexy journey, and one you won’t want to miss! These two characters compliment the other perfectly and seeing their relationship evolve is a ton of fun!
Tucker Gillette is the right winger for the Vlasta Vipers Hockey Team, and he becomes mesmerized when he spots a Goddess, who he discovers is Naomi — aka Mo — who happens to be lead Mascot at the Vlasta Vipers hockey games. Being the playboy that he is, he doesn’t understand his need to win Mo over, but he is continually drawn to her. Mo has absolutely no interest in getting attached to anyone, and so begins the unlikely relationship between the two. Add in that Mo is really into the band, Bloody Pennisz, that Gillette’s brother, Turner, is in, and you see some intense competitiveness between the brothers. At first, I thought Mo was going to be the typical female who always has to be tough, but I soon found out she was much more. This book covers some very deep issues, much more so than either of the first two books in the series. I’d even say she threw some curve balls at me. There are, as always with Ms. Neal’s books, lots of chuckles and intense sexual situations as well as foul language, which is to be expected with college jocks. Lots of enjoyable scenes with characters from the other two books, and Mo’s meeting with Poppy and Tatum are downright hilarious! A totally enjoyable read. It’s a definite must read, but if you haven’t already, you should also go ahead and read books 1 and 2 beforehand so that you’re up-to-date with stories on the other players.
LOVE, LOVE!! Another great addition to the Hockey Gods Series!! Mo and Gillette, are two awesome characters! I love how they are both honest, strong and just great!! Amazing writing like always! Highly recommend!!
Tucker Gillette finds himself in the hot seat with his team because he doesn’t know how to stop dipping his wick into the players on the female teams which caused one girl to get a concussion and the other to possibly be kicked out of school. This prompts a change in the code of conduct to add a no fraternization rule between teams. No sooner does Gillette sign these new rules than does he meet Naomi Troy, the mascot for the hockey team. A girl that he cannot seem to stay away from despite the rules and her obviously pushing him away.
G and Mo were way too much fun. Their verbal sparring is my favorite in this series so far. They were so freaking hilarious. Once again I loved that Mo was not your typical girl but she caught G’s eye and he wasn’t going anywhere after that. I loved that these two had more in common than they ever thought and the more that they opened up to each other, the more that they realized they had in common. I absolutely adored these two and all of the cheesy puns. As much as I loved these two, I was really irked by the ending of this one. A HUGE thing happens that causes the H and h to confront each other after their conflict and this HUGE thing is explained (I uses this word very loosely) in two sentences in the epilogue. And it didn’t sit well with me. I felt like that deserved more than two sentences to wrap up. Also, the H is a winger not a forward so the title rubs me wrong. Aside from the issues I had I still adored this book so much and I would recommend this series. I cannot wait to see where we go from here.
Forward momentum
I don’t know whether to cry happy tears or pout. Binge reading is therapeutic but also traumatic. I got caught up in all the Hockey God awesomeness and am now left hanging.
I’m going to need to find a Galleria, some poutine, and try terrible sounding fireball and whipped cream shots! Xavier Neal. What have you done to me!?!
Sigh. There is so much baggage to unpack in this book. So much hurt, history, and love that it’s impossible bot to be sucked in. As a hot mess of all the above myself, I really clicked with G and Mo. Their hate banter and competitiveness are an ember that makes their world catch on fire. With enough air and fuel, they will consume everything.
The Forward Must Cry is a tense and still very sexy read. The on edge emotions, the push and pull make it an “edge of your seat, hold the arm rest, someone is going to screw up soon, how do we prepare” read.
This team will have your back, your front, and your wings- just don’t steal the poutine!
The Forward Must Cry is my favorite book out of this series! Gillette is a hockey God that is cocky, full of himself, and has one liners that left me giggling. Mo is a little firecracker that will tell you how it is. There ain’t no shame in her game what so ever! She is probably one of my favorite female characters that Xavier has given us! She not a sappy girlie girl. She more of a GI Jane and I love it! Gillette and Mo’s journey was so fun to read. The sex was off the charts, there banter between each other was unreal! Learning to trust one another, and having each other’s back was a strong suit in this story. They are amazing and compliment each other so well. When one falls the other is there to pick them up. This book is going to grab you by the heart strings, and leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the boys have for us!
Gillette and Mo take you on a very interesting read that will pull you right in and dibt let go till the very end. These two keep you on the edge of your seat will their banter, emotional moments, it’s sweet, has highs and some lows and a bunch of twist and that will make you cry and smile. When a situation calls for them to make a decision for themselves will they be able to come to right one? Mistakes are made, feelings are and when it all said and done will they be able to trust what they have or lose it? Another amazing feat by this author that had me wanting more and more can’t wait to read what she next.
Mo!!! Mother-freakin-Mo!! Ok, I know I was supposed to swoon over Gillette and on a level I do, but it’s Mo that I love. I love her character development, how she’s a total badass, self-reliant, take-no prisoners kinda gal but has to learn that it’s also ok to be a girly girl who relies on another, who can be vulnerable and still be totally badass! I truly adore her!
Book 3 is awesome, picks up in the story just at the right time, stays on course and flows naturally. Has a great tie-in to the characters we already know and love and keeps it all connected while also focusing on Gillette and Mo and their path. These two characters are so perfectly matched and I love that too.
Such a great story, love every minute of it!
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
The Forward Must Cry by Xavier Neal is book three in the Hockey Gods series. Each Hockey God book just keeps getting better and better. But there is something about this one that is different from the rest.
We have two very strong main characters. Don’t get me wrong, they both have their own hang-ups, but the resilience of them both is amazing and put them together is unstoppable. But what drew me into this story was not only the connection between characters but the easiness of them two together, which didn’t happen overnight. I enjoyed reading the playfulness and things reserved for them type situations was very refreshing. It was very well written and with of course your side of drama to go along with it.
To me, this story isn’t terribly long but seems short in the fact that I zipped right through the pages.
Gillette is one of the Gods of Hockey on campus. Living the life and all the fame of a hockey star has to offer. But when the coach lays down the law, things don’t seem to be going in the right direction for Gillette.
Mo wants to keep her head down and do her thing on campus and keep moving forward. But when Gillette sets his sights on Mo and their paths just keep crossing, who is going to break and who is going to keep strong and keep their hands to themselves?
Can’t wait to see who the next Hockey God is going to fall next!!
oh my this book is amazing …love Gilette and Mo they are amazing together nd they have a amazing and blazing chemistry ,,Gilette past make him insecure in is relationship with Mo and Mo use to go with the flow and go go as she please…has that her past bring that in her. Will Gilette insecurity break this relationship or will he be able to to get over it …..this is a must read book ..hurry this a must read.. i hope we get to read more of these character i love them
This was a funny, wonderful read about Tucker and Naomi. Loved their interaction and banter. It was great reading how Naomi made Tucker work for their relationship, she didn’t make it easy on him. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t stop reading until I finished this beautiful, hilarious, all the feels, great love story. This was an awesome addition to this incredible series. I can’t wait to read more by Xavier Neal.
Book Review: The Forward Must Cry
Author: Xavier Neal
FIVE STARS
This whole series has been fun and all consuming. Xavier Neal has a way with throwing us into the whole College Hockey scene and making us fall in love with some really not so nice priviledge rich boy players. The male main characters are really jerks and need knocked down a step or two and Ms. Neal has found the PERFECT female main character to do just that for each of the males so far. She has also allow the males to explore other sides to themselves rather than just the althletic side.
The stories are very well written and draw you in to where you feel you know the characters and every time you open on you are welcomed home to the Village.
A strong diverse series, Ms. Neal write about interracial relationships and just like real life there are many obsticals to overcome.
LOVE her stories. All books can be read as stand alones but I reccommend reading them in order, you will get much more out of them if you do.
KLH
Oh my Gillette you are so amazing! I have read the other two books in the series and keep thinking that I cannot possibly love one book more than the next. But so far that has not held true. Naomi and Gillette are just to freaking awesome. Nerdy, punk, sporty sexy this book has all the feels in it. You will laugh and root for both characters equally which is sometimes hard to do. I was sad when it ended but so glad to be able to enjoy a piece of joy.
Gillette and Mo, what can I say about them? So many good things! This book is on it from the get go. We are back in Vlasta World where the boys skate hard and play harder. Our resident playboy falls for girl who may as well be his opposite. But we all know, opposites attract. Follow them as they both go into new territory with each other while other players try to score. This book touches on hard and heartbreaking topics. Have some tissues nearby because you will need them. As always, we get to see cameos from our other favorites. While there may be tears, get ready for some laughs. This book has some amazing zingers. Gillette is by far my favorite Vlasta player so far. Being from Wisconsin, the details that go into this world makes it seem like I am back home. I can’t wait to read what Xavier does next!
The forward must cry is the third of the Hockey Gods series.
What can I say… these books just keep getting better.
Loved the chemistry between Mo and Gillette.
Mo is such a strong sassy character. I love her confidence.
Gillette is our resident playboy, who no one can resist.
Together they are on fire.
Such an amazing read
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
This one is my favorite of the Hockey Gods series! They can all be trad as a stand alone but I suggest you read the whole series!
The banter and fine between Gillette and Mo is amazing! I laughed out loud so many times!
I think you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did!
4 Star Review The Forward Must Cry (Hockey Gods #3) by Xavier Neal
Xavier Neal is a relatively new author to me. This is Tucker and Mo’s story and I found it to be well written and entertaining.
Tucker is a right winger for the the Vlasta Vipers hockey team who lands himself in a whole heap of trouble on and off the ice. Mo, is the woman who manages to tame and calm the bad boy of hocked down. I really liked Mo, she is not afraid to call a spade a spade and was sassy. There were times that Tucker seemed too arrogant to be likeable, too much of a jerk, but thanks to Mo, who drew out another side to him, it made it easier to relate to him.
The banter between them was great and I found myself laughing at loud on numerous occasions as their relationship developed. This was at times an emotional read that I had trouble putting down.
Xavier Neal is relatively new to me but with each book I pick up I find myself wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now and I find myself hoping I find some time to play catch up with her books. The Forward Must Cry is book 3 in the Hockey Gods Series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone, this is Tucker and Mo’s story and it’s story that will appeal to all hockey lovers.
Tucker plays for the Vlasta Vipers hockey team, he is a player on and off the ice and that gets him in all sorts of trouble can Mo be the calming influence this player needs, can she tame the bad boy of hockey and will Tucker trust her enough to show her he can be vulnerable as well as cocky ……
This is a book with a lot going for it, I laughed, I smiled and I sighed as I got to know this couple. It’s a well written entertaining read that I recommend to all sports romance lovers as well as hockey romance lovers. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author
Another hockey God to adore!…every time I think Xavier can’t possibly top the previous Hockey God she goes and proves me wrong. G and Mo are great, they are strong characters and really work well together, it’s not an easy road but they managed it. So far I have really enjoyed all of the Hockey Gods series and each book can be read as a stand-alone too.
Gillette and Mo’s story was amazing. Their competitive nature showed their compassion while their issues with trust showed vulnerability. I love the nicknames and how the characters are so real you could be friends with them or know someone like them. Loved it, a great compliment to the series.