AUDIO REVIEW: 'Enforcing Emory' by Mickie B. Ashling
Title: Enforcing Emory
Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Narrator: John Solo
Published: May 27, 2015
Audio: December 15, 2015
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 7 Hours and 4 Minutes/226 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Athlete/Sport: Figure Skater and Hockey; Olympics; First Time; Virgin; Coming Out; Family Drama; OFY; Forbidden Love; HEA; Audiobook; CW: Physical Abuse, Gay Bashing; Off-Page Child Abuse
About Enforcing Emory
Olympic figure skater Emory Lowe falls in lust the moment he lays eyes on his new neighbor, hockey player Nikolai Vetrov. On the surface, Nik is a typical badass enforcer, intimidating and dangerous, on and off the ice. The only son of Ukrainian immigrants, Nik has been groomed from childhood to fulfill his father’s dreams of seeing him in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Igor guides his son toward that goal with a controlling—and abusive—hand, steering him clear of anyone who might ruin his chances.
Although Emory is the US National Figure Skating champion, he’s in-your-face gay, and his audacious persona rubs Nik and his family the wrong way. Raised by supportive and loving parents, Emory is Nik’s polar opposite in every way but one—his desire to succeed. Underneath the fluff and glitter beats the heart of a fierce competitor, and this side of Emory’s personality begins to close the distance between the two athletes.
While the attraction is one-sided in the beginning, Nik finds himself responding to Emory’s flirting. But before the incongruous pair have a chance at any sort of relationship, they must survive the pressures of career, separation, and most importantly, Igor’s ruthless homophobia.
REVIEW:
Mickie B. Ashling always comes up with the most imaginative and interesting plots, and Enforcing Emory is one of her best - add in a little hockey and I’m there!
This is such a creative story with characters who are completely engaging. In addition to the entertaining and well researched passages on both figure skating and hockey, the romance is hot as hell!
I haven’t enjoyed a story this much in a long time and with the Winter Olympics coming up, the timing for me couldn’t be more perfect.
Enforcing Emory is delightful from beginning to end. Between the exciting sports scenes and all the family drama there are several important messages that resonate with me. Like the idea of being true to yourself but maintaining a balance and considering others’, along with tolerance and acceptance of our fellow humans; both ring through loud and clear without being preachy.
Eighteen-year-old US National Figure Skating Champion, Emory Lowe is gearing up for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Irritated because he garners more attention for his over the top outfits and flamboyant moves on the ice than for his skill and talent, Emory balks at suggestions he “tone it down” since the games are being held in Sochi, Russia; where the laws against same sex relationships and blatant homophobia could be dangerous to Emory’s safety as well as overshadow his achievements in figure skating. But Emory can’t let this opportunity to raise awareness of human rights pass him by.
When AHL Enforcer, Nikolai Vetrov moves in across the street, Emory is immediately attracted and as soon as he gets an inkling that Nik returns his interest, the rest is history. Emory’s patient, sweet seduction is hot as hell and he’s determined to show Nik how amazing sex between two guys can be.
The son of Ukrainian immigrants, Nik’s family moved to North America so he could pursue a professional hockey career. Nik has grown up in a homophobic and bigoted household with an alcoholic father who rules with an iron fist, the complete opposite to Emory’s own dad’s unwavering support and acceptance. Both sets of parents have given up so much for their sons’ dreams, and the drama surrounding the families is one of the most interesting parts of this story.
Ashling does intense, low-angst relationships better than anyone I know and this is a sweet and passionate romance that hits all my buttons: first timers, virgin, out for you, and smoking hot sex scenes, what’s not to love! The chemistry between these two is just incredible.
John Solo’s narration always brings Mickie B. Ashling’s characters to life and he digs deep to deliver a stellar performance in Enforcing Emory. Between all the accents, variety in the ages, and challenging female characters, Solo really shows off his incredible talent. This is a very entertaining story made even more enjoyable as an audiobook.
A copy of Enforcing Emory was purchased by Trio at Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter so that we might offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Meet the Author
Reading and traveling are my hobbies, but writing is my life. I was introduced to the world of men who love men around the time I discovered Queer as Folk in 2000. The characters on that show intrigued me, and I began to read everything I could find in the m/m genre. Soon after, I found myself writing the kind of stories that I enjoyed reading.
All of my novels are contemporary, and yes, I admit, filled with angst. Drama and emotional upheaval seem to be the ongoing theme so far; I like hurt/comfort stories where my characters work hard for their happy endings. There are usually graphic sex scenes, so if you are uncomfortable with the concept of men loving men, I suggest you move on.
I've had the good fortune to live in many parts of the world, but right now, home is a suburb outside the Windy City where the long winters are very conducive to writing. I love hearing from my readers so please feel free to leave me a comment.
For more from Mickie be sure and visit her website!
