Overall I liked the contrasts shown between the two characters, who are portrayed as fundamentally different in their personalities as they are in game play. The way his dialogue is written doesn’t detract from the story, it adds to it. Ovechkin is Russian, and while he has learned English, he speaks it like a non native speaker and his dialogue is written that way. I also enjoyed the little details like how the patterns of speech were written. There were strong friendships and family relationships throughout that each character was able to rely upon when needed. I liked the misunderstandings, the little hints of jealousy as feelings were realized, the sportsmanship involved with two rivals on opposite teams challenging and helping each other to elevate their level of play on and off the ice. There were so many little things I enjoy in any story that were included here besides the rivals falling for one another and opposites attract angle. Both are also considered to be the public faces of hockey.

However because they both entered the league at the same time they are often pitted against one another as rivals by the media and, sometimes even, the league. Both are absolutely enjoyable to watch but they have very different styles of play so it’s hard to really compare them and call one the better player (unless, of course, you are a Capitals or Penguins fan). The other is a dynamic, passionate, hard playing, fun loving player from Russia who has not yet achieved the Cup or a gold medal. One is a traditional, hard working, dedicated and driven player from Canada who has a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal. If you are unfamiliar with hockey, both players came into the league at the same time, on separate teams, and both are a joy to watch. I think I was hooked by the idea of the two “rivals” falling for one another.

As I finished I almost wished it was a story I hadn’t read yet so I could have the joy of rediscovering it all over again. Once I started reading, I found that I couldn’t put this story down in fact I stayed up until 4 AM just to finish it in one go. This is the first hockey RPF I ever read, and I fear I’ve been spoiled as this will be the story by which all others will be judged. But he never expected anything like this. Sid had realized very early on that for better or worse, he would be linked to Alexander Ovechkin for the rest of his life. Warnings: Dub-con (Sex as result of a lost bet) Pairing: Sidney Crosby/Alexander Ovechkin

Heart in Hand by salifiable