Depths of Desire: MM College Hockey Romance

The Saints of Westmont U #4

by Hayden Hall

He was my secret crush. My one-night escape. And the mistake I can’t stop wanting.

Lennox

Some guys flirt for fun. I fall too fast.

Oliver Hayworth was my childhood crush, the golden boy who never looked back.

So when I offered him a ride home for the holidays, I didn’t expect a blizzard. Or the cabin. Or the night that would ruin me for anyone else.

Now we’re back at Westmont U, and he’s acting like it never happened. Like I don’t exist. Like he didn’t whisper my name all night long.

But I see through him. I see the pressure, the fear, and the fire he tries to bury under medals and ambition.

And I want him anyway, even if it breaks me.

Oliver

He wants something real. I don’t have that to give.

Lennox Ellery is every dangerous thing I’ve tried to avoid. He’s warm, open, and impossible to ignore.

I told myself it was a mistake. Just one night. A slip in focus.

But I can’t stop thinking about him. About the way he looked at me like I was more than a swimmer chasing gold.

I’ve spent my whole life sacrificing everything for one dream.

I never planned for him.

And now that he’s in my head, in my bed, and in my heart, I don’t know how to let him go.

Depths of Desire is a hockey romance and the fourth book in The Saints of Westmont U series. It follows an ambitious swimmer and a flirtatious hockey jock in a snowed-in cabin, a one-night-stand neither can forget, and a whole lot of pining. While each book can be read on its own, reading in order will be more fun.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Hockey, Forced Proximity, Sports Romance, College

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

Gay. Sweet. Steamy.

Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.

Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.

His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.

You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com

Reviews

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this right up until the conflict. The conflict was, quite literally, one of the most ridiculous arguments I've ever read. I have never seen a book have such a ridiculously over the top conflict leading to a breakup when, very literally, all the two characters had to do was have the simplest of conversations. Here's how this conflict should have been resolved:

Oliver: Hey Lennox, I'm really sorry but Nationals have been rescheduled and are the same weekend we were supposed to go away to the cabin. Is there any chance we could go the next weekend?
Lennox: Of course! I'll call the resort now. I can't wait to cheer you on at Nationals!
Oliver: Thanks baby!

That's it. That's how that entire conflict resolution should have gone.


***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox and Oliver are two athletes with simmering chemistry that, due to their forced proximity, finally lead them to admit their feelings for each other. I enjoyed the journey Lennox and Oliver take in this story. They both care for each other, but their athletic obligations pull them in different directions.

Watching them fall for one another and give in to their desires was very well executed, and it was heartbreaking to see them struggle with trying to follow their hearts without compromising their athletic goals.

Overall, I appreciated the direction and growth these characters experienced in their story. They have incredible chemistry as they learn to find the balance where they don't sacrifice their hearts for their ambitions.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden Hall is maturing in his writing. Everything feels more important perhaps even a little melancholy and deep. The overall effect of the story is pleasing and gave so much hope at the same time feeling like the sky could fall any minute. I loved it.
Lenox and Oliver had a simple story but the intensity of the feelings and the evolution of their relationship was compelling. The problem they faced (because let's face it it was only one problem. They were only ever meant to be with each other) I digress, the problem they faced was a simple one and could have easily never been a a problem if they had just talked about it and eventually supported each other but obviously they had not reached that point in their minds yet. Oliver's undecidedness and Lenox's impulsiveness almost broke them.
A true sports romance with all the feelings written with love.
Hayden Hall did it again. 🥲

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty high rating from me, but this was a beautiful story. Hall's usual stellar writing skills serve him well this time, as he presents a lovely story of two guys who fall in love by accident but have to figure out how to navigate this unexpected occurrence.

I liked both MCs a lot. Oliver was wound so tightly and Lennox had a happy-go-lucky vibe, and the combination is fire once it ignites. The 3rd act breakup wasn't too OTT for me, and it made a lot of sense, because they guys never admitted to each other what they were and how they felt.

One of Hall's best, IMO.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

”It wasn’t just physical. It was gravitational. Every layer gone felt like stripping off the pretense, the distance, the excuses. All that remained was us. Skin. Heat. Breath.”

Depths of Desire is the fourth book in Hayden Hall’s Saints of Westmont U series and I loved this swimmer/hockey jock MM romance. Lennox and Oliver were the perfect match of opposites attract, with just the right blend of angst and spice.

What To Expect:

❤️‍🔥MM sports romance
❤️‍🔥Swimmer/hockey jock
❤️‍🔥Opposites attract
❤️‍🔥Grumpy/sunshine
❤️‍🔥High school crush
❤️‍🔥All the pining
❤️‍🔥All the spice
❤️‍🔥Medium angst
❤️‍🔥HEA

4 stars

[NitaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will review when I’m over flu

[Toni K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, but so, so much continuity problems. Why? Oliver lives in a new building on the 13th floor. In the next chapter, it is an old billing on the 4th floor. In the beginning of the scene, Lennox is in shorts, later in sweats (happens way too often). Last year, Oliver graduated 6th in the Nationals, in the next chapter - 4th. They were apart for one week, one, but at the same time - separated for months. Diminishes everything. Get an editor, or a beta reader, at least.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
4th book in The Saints of Westmont U and my favourite of the series so far.
Lennox is a hockey player while Oliver is a swimmer, training for the Nationals. Both of them come from the same small town but they never really interacted, despite their sisters being best friends.
They actually had a crush on each other but never acted on it and they pretty much avoided each other in college.
Until Oliver is in need of a ride to their hometown during the holidays and they go together. During their travelling, a storm hit and they stop at a cabin to spend the night.

Hayden Hall writes such amazing and romantic physical scenes: every one of them is highly emotional and so very intimate. Not only the MCs have a great sexual connection, but they also open their hearts and aren't scared to show their own insecurities, especially Oliver, who feels pressured to do better after winning "only" the silver medal at the Olympics.
Oliver and Lennox start to hang out, after that, without naming their relationship or setting expectations. But no matter how casual they call their relationship, it's clear that they are very much in love.

What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Like the previous book, I feel like the third time break up was an unnecessary drama: I seriously didn't understand why Oliver chose to not communicate with Lennox.

The heartbreak that follows is very well written, and despite being obviously hard and ugly, it was also necessary for both of them to be honest with each other.
I adored their reconnection.

I read an ARC copy and I hope the author will fix the several inconsistencies present in this story.
I definitely recommend to read this.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Sofi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“One night. One outlet. No stakes. But then he had kissed me like we were falling. And I had kissed him back like I didn’t care if we landed.”

This was cute! Lennox and Oliver’s chemistry was incredible, and they were just so adorable together. I only wish the tension between them had lasted a bit longer before their relationship actually began. In the first chapters, the tension was amazing, but after that, everything seemed to move too quickly. The breakup added some good drama, and their reconciliation was really well done, though the reason behind it felt a little unnecessary. Still, I liked that Lennox acknowledged the situation could have been handled differently. And even though it was bigger than it should have been, the whole “I choose you over my career” aspect made the romance so much more exciting.

“You’re staring,” Lennox murmured as I settled between his thighs.
“I’ll stop when I’ve memorized all of you.”

“Love didn’t feel like fireworks or free fall. It felt like gravity had shifted. Like my center of balance had relocated, just slightly, but permanently, to wherever he happened to be.”

“The medal,” I said, glancing toward the door where it still lay abandoned on the deck. “You really won.”
A bitter laugh escaped him. “Yeah. I won. Set a new meet record and everything. And you know what I felt when they put that thing around my neck?” He looked at me with eyes so raw it hurt to meet them. “Nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing. Because the only person I wanted to share it with was gone.”

Overall, I enjoyed the book and its tropes, but I felt it lacked depth across the board—the plot, characters, and storylines all came across as a bit rushed and superficial. There were also a few details that were described one way at first and then changed by the end. It wasn’t important to the plot, so it wasn’t a big deal, but I did notice it. That said, I absolutely loved how Lennox and Oliver’s relationship started. The “one bed,” forced proximity, snowed-in-a-cabin-with-my-teenage-crush setup was definitely my favorite part of the whole book.

“I love you,” he whispered as if he hadn’t even heard my words. As if they didn’t matter. And those three words hit me like lightning. “I’m in love with you, Lennox. I think I have been since that first night, and I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. I’m sorry I was too scared to admit that you matter more than any race, any medal, any dream I’ve ever had.”

[Laura Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Depths Of Desire is book four in The Saints of Westmont U series. This MM college hockey romance story is about Lennox and Oliver.

Both Lennox and Oliver attend Westmont U. Lennox is warm, charming and full of smiles. He is on the hockey team at Westmont U. Oliver is hyper focused, quiet and has his walls high. He is an Olympic silver medalist and a swimmer at Westmont U. Lennox had a childhood crush on Oliver, but they were never actually friends back then and they are not friends now.

When the school’s winter break hits, Oliver finds out his sister arranged for him to get a ride back home with Lennox. On the drive home, an unexpected blizzard has Lennox and Oliver making the decision to take a detour. They end up staying overnight in a cozy cabin where things certainly get steamy between these two. But once they return to school after break, Oliver acts like their hot one night stand never happened. This doesn’t stop both Oliver and Lennox from constantly thinking about it.

Once they finally give in to each other, it was amazing to see Lennox and Oliver fall for one another. They both could be themselves around each other and finally felt worthy. I loved how Oliver was vulnerable with Lennox and trusted him with parts of himself he didn’t show everyone else.

I do have to say I was not a fan of the drama towards the end of their story. I didn’t understand why Oliver didn’t communicate with Lennox, and why Lennox didn’t hear Oliver out when he confronted him. I expected Lennox to be supportive of Oliver, so I think this conflict could have been handled differently. Although they may not have made the best choices, I am happy Lennox and Oliver were able to work things out. They made each other happy and I am glad they got their HEA.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series, so I assumed this would be a 4 or 5 star read for me. Unfortunately, it feels like this book was pushed to publication too quickly. There were a lot of times where something would be described and then changed a few pages later. It made it feel really confusing as a reader. I did read an early copy of this story, so I'm hoping these edits are corrected prior to publication.

The story was good, but not as strong as the others in the series. It felt like the author struggled to find a good reason for a third act breakup, so their fight just felt juvenile on both sides. I would definitely read another book by this author. I was just a bit disappointed in this one.

[yaishin · Rating 2 out of 5]

i don't understand why Oliver choosing to attend the Nationals meant he didn't value Lennox? that literally made no sense. its not like his choice was made based on career advancement (evidenced by the fact that it wasn't as big of a competition as the Olympics). he needed to compete in the Nationals to put the cracked fragments of his self esteem back together after the last one. how could Lennox ever claim to love Oliver if he put himself over his partner's literal wellbeing?

needless to say i was extremely pissed off over this nonsense turn to a a book that started off perfect.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depths of Desire is the 4th book in The Saints of Westmont U series. As stated by the author "While each book can be read on its own, reading in order will be more fun." This is the story of Lennox a hockey player and Oliver a swimmer. This was a wonderful story of learning to be your true self. I loved the steam and chemistry between these two. This book definitely conveyed all the emotions between the guys. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depths of Desire by Hayden Hall is the 4th book in his The Saints of Westmont U series. This is the story of two college athletes that vaguely knew each other from growing up in the same town, meet while going home together, have an intimate night and then can’t get each other out of their minds when their sports have to come first and the consequences that follow. Oliver Hayworth is a freestyle phenomenon at Westmont U. He came in second at the previous Olympics and should be proud of that but all that plays through his mind was that he wasn’t good enough and this was reinforced when he didn’t place at all at his next big meet. Now all he thinks about is swimming because the familiarity calms him, going to class, and training some more. He allows himself no distractions because he is out to prove that he has what it takes to be the best. The only person who means anything to him is Lena, his younger sister, who is there for him because his parents aren’t and don’t make any effort to see the real person he is. Lennox Ellery is a hockey player who is friendly and well liked. He was aware of Oliver from growing up in Hastings, Nebraska, but they never ran in the same circles. His sister knew Lena so when she called and asked if Lennox could drive Oliver home with him for the holidays he said yes as he was curious about the guy with the singular focus who never smiled or showed any emotions. On the 8 hour drive home he tried to engage Oliver in conversation but nothing came of it. However, a blizzard was heading their way and Lennox knew of a resort that had cabins open in the winter so they stopped there to avoid the storm. One thing led to another and they had a very hot love scene, saying that it would only be this one time. Back at school this didn’t seem to work out as they both had continuous thoughts about each other and what had happened. The more time that went by, the more the attraction for Lennox became almost impossible to ignore for Oliver and the distraction grew and started to affect his swimming. The same was happening with Lennox and it came to a head when Oliver went to a different gym, saw him, and they ended back at Lennox’s dorm room where they had another steamy love scene. They had missed each other and decided to be together when they could, sending texts and keeping in touch, and staying overnight when their schedules allowed it. Both had fallen in love with each other but had not said anything. Lennox made Oliver feel soft and quiet which he needed and Oliver made Lennox feel alive. Things were going great, especially with Oliver’s swimming times, until the Nationals were moved to a date when Lennox had made reservations for them at the resort they first stayed at. Now Oliver had a big dilemma as to what to do. Unfortunately his decision caused them to break up and it was only after seeing that winning was hollow and meant nothing compared to Lennox that he found him and did all he could to get him back because being with him was the best thing that ever happened to him. Both of them had made decisions that affected what happened but they were able to apologize and make up and continued to be together through the next years as Lennox graduated and Oliver continued to train for the next Olympics, both sure of their love and that they would never choose anything over each other again. I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of angst as Oliver had to figure out what he wanted and have his singular focus on swimming change to include Lennox. Both men felt a deep attraction from the first time they were together and realized they could have something more if they worked at it. Lennox was baffled by Oliver yet could see the man he was underneath what he showed outwardly and knew he wanted him and would do all he could to be there for him. They both made poor choices when they broke up, especially with not talking about what happened, but in the end they knew what they wanted and were able to achieve it. Lennox’s hockey team friends and Oliver’s sister also played a big part in the story as they were people who knew them well and could offer help. I recommend this book, especially if you like stories about men who are heavily involved in sports who find what they are missing in that life with each other and this leads to love.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of the books in the series so far and I enjoyed this one, but it isn’t my favorite. There were some great lines, especially from Lennox with his funny comebacks and comments, particularly during the night they stay at the lodge during the snowstorm. I found myself laughing out loud at their interactions, and loved Lennonx’s sense of humor. Oliver’s quiet demeanor is a perfect foil for Lennox.

One difference with this book is that instead of two hockey players in our romance, we have a hockey player and an Olympic medalist swimmer. Both grew up in the same town, were aware of each other, but had few interactions through their high school years. Oliver was aware of Lennox during that time, and Lennox had a crush on Oliver then, unrequited until the night of the blizzard. Both are dedicated to their sport, so agree this is only a one-night thing, until it isn’t. Neither can get the other out of their mind, and one night morphs into many over the following months.

Oliver is happy with Lennox as he feels seen for who he is, not just as a swimmer, (a “failed” one at that who “only” got silver in the Olympics, then didn’t even place weeks later in the Nationals). He is driven to train to the exclusion of almost everything else to “prove” himself at the next Nationals in the summer, but he finds himself calmer and more relaxed overall since being with Lennox, and his swimming is improving significantly, too. Lennox is happier with Oliver, too, focused on his hockey but looking forward to all time spent with Oliver whenever possible.

When scheduling changes impact a special upcoming weekend, Oliver worries over his choice, and Lennox makes his choice, also. Alas, neither communicated very well, and the romance is done. I was disappointed in Lennox, and wonder what he would have done had the situations been reversed. Luckily, although both are agonizing over the breakup, one has the sense to make a move to try to reconcile, leading them to their HEA.

This book had considerably more bedroom scenes than I remember in the others. They were hot, spicy and well-written, but I would have preferred more interaction between Lennox and Oliver getting to know each other more beyond the physical. There were hints of other interactions, but none that really stick out in my mind as ones where they really learned more about each other, family backgrounds, likes and dislikes, dreams, etc. Those were alluded to, but I don’t remember conversation or things like walks or hikes where thoughts were revealed.

The series itself, and each book, deal with realistic and relatable situations with engaging characters that pull the reader in and have them rooting for the HEA to be achieved after the obligatory problem each couple will face. I enjoyed having an athlete other than another hockey player involved, as it does throw a different dynamic in with different practice schedules and competitions which must be navigated if the relationship is to survive. And, that old standby, communication, is usually key to the relationship moving forward. Another interesting and engrossing book from Hayden and his guys from the Saints of Westmont U series. Waiting for Rhett’s book next.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's Hayden Hall's "Depths of Desire." It's the fourth novel in his new Saints of Westmont U series. Also...I guess there was a cover mix-up somewhere. The picture I took for the last book is the cover for this book so...who knows.

["He was my secret crush. My one-night escape. And the mistake I can’t stop wanting.

Lennox
Some guys flirt for fun. I fall too fast.
Oliver Hayworth was my childhood crush, the golden boy who never looked back.
So when I offered him a ride home for the holidays, I didn’t expect a blizzard. Or the cabin. Or the night that would ruin me for anyone else.
Now we’re back at Westmont U, and he’s acting like it never happened. Like I don’t exist. Like he didn’t whisper my name all night long.
But I see through him. I see the pressure, the fear, and the fire he tries to bury under medals and ambition.
And I want him anyway, even if it breaks me.

Oliver
He wants something real. I don’t have that to give.
Lennox Ellery is every dangerous thing I’ve tried to avoid. He’s warm, open, and impossible to ignore.
I told myself it was a mistake. Just one night. A slip in focus.
But I can’t stop thinking about him. About the way he looked at me like I was more than a swimmer chasing gold.
I’ve spent my whole life sacrificing everything for one dream.
I never planned for him.
And now that he’s in my head, in my bed, and in my heart, I don’t know how to let him go."]

I forgot how devastating and beautifully poetic Hayden's work is. And this book was certainly a reminder of that. They wanted each other, needed each other desperately. It was a quick fall into desperation. It threatened everything they both had build, everything they both were fighting for. But love isn't rational, and it doesn't care about timelines or future plans. It comes in like a blizzard, takes over until all you can see is right in front of you, and then leaves you stranded in a different-looking world.

Love could have ruined everything, could have stolen everything. Except love made these two stronger, braver, happier. It made them better athletes, better men.

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[ivanareadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

So most of this installment in the The Saints of Westmont U series was pretty awesome! I really enjoyed Ollie's characterization a lot! As a silver medal winner at the Olympics, his disciplined schedule in both swim training and in life was very on point. Lennox was lovely as well, though not as crisply defined as Ollie was. But the hockey parts to Depths of Desire were very much improved from the last book though, so there's that!

I was really vibing with everything happening throughout legit 70% of this book, because Lennox and Ollie's love affair was like equal parts adorable puppy-love and smokin' hot stuff, and i really LOVED THAT!

But oh my wow did Lennox ever lose his mind when the 3rd act shuffle got going and i was pretty embarrassed for him ngl.

The following is my spoiler-ridden feelings :

Lennox had surprised Ollie with booking their meet-cute log cabin for a vacation a bit before Ollie had to compete in summer Nationals. A week before their romantic getaway, Lennox finds out that Nationals had been moved up and would now be held during their holiday plans. Bro literally had a meltdown in 7 sentences and broke up with AN OLYMPIC SILVER MEDAL WINNING COMPETITVE SWIMMER without even letting Ollie explain why he didn't tell him that the meet moved.

Then the usual lovelorn angst ensued, but the reunion at the end was just straight up ridiculous! Because Ollie was the one who ended up crawling back to Lennox... after winning gold at Nationals of course. And Ollie was the one who had to promise Lennox to never put gold before their relationship!

"You're my new dream now, Lennox."

EXCUSE ME WHATTTT!?!?!?

I wanted to cry for him.

Anyway, i enjoyed Depths of Desire for the most part! And i'm happy that this series is turning out to be OTT enough to make me feel like an indulgent, eye-rolling, big sis who sighs things like, "ahhh young stupid love" while simultaneously being grateful for my gold medal in emotional regulation!

Rhett's up next and i can't wait for the wild and unhinged mayhem that this enemies-to-lovers drama is promising to be in Price of Victory!

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver and Lennox's story effortlessly captivated me. Their journey towards love built in waves, from their first spontaneous coupling to cozy nights spent curled up in each other's arms. Oliver kept himself tightly under control and rigidly focused on success, not even realizing that he was letting life's joys pass him by until Lennox came into his life. Getting to watch him unravel into a looser, happier, settled version of himself was incredible, and it didn't come at the cost of his swimming goals as he'd feared. Lennox was a vibrant, charming guy who handled social interactions with ease. He'd always told himself he wasn't looking for anything serious, but after Oliver made him feel alive like no one else had before, his perspective shifted. Watching the two of them stumble into love made me feel warm through my core. Lennox wore his emotions on his sleeves, but teasing out Oliver's feelings meant paying attention to his subtle cues and internal monologue. Oliver expressed himself through quality time and physical touch, making space for Lennox and putting aside his rigid schedule in favor of getting wrapped up in his lover. It wasn't a surprise to me that the main conflict in their relationship came down to whether Oliver would prioritize love or his swimming career, but I have to admit that their responses felt overblown in the moment. Maybe it's because I was living in both of their heads and I knew how serious each of them was about their relationship, but I didn't want to believe that their foundation could be fractured by something that was inherently fixable. Regardless of my feelings on the matter, I do think that conflict allowed both Oliver and Lennox to come to terms with what was truly most important to them and made their reconciliation feel even sweeter. They're definitely my favorite couple of the series so far, and I adored getting that little glimpse into their life three years down the line.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox and Oliver barely registered with each other in high school, both not yet sure about their sexuality. Now they’re carpooling home for Christmas, and Lennox remembers his crush.

Oliver is focussed, determined, and trying to prove that he’s still worthy as a top swimmer. His Silver Olympic medal was a blow, it wasn’t Gold, but the meet after crushed his confidence when he came in sixth, exhausted from the Olympics.

When a snowstorm makes them stop at a lodge, they feel the electricity and agree to a night of fun. But it’s so much more, they can’t escape their need for each other. They start hooking up, but again, both know their feelings run deep.

They don’t say the words, but are falling in love. Lennox plans a weekend at the cabin where it all started, then Ollie’s meet is moved up. He’s torn, so doesn’t say anything, and when Lennox finds out he’s hurt and they break up.

Both focus on their sport and do amazing work, but both feel empty. Lennox goes to the cabin alone, but soon realizes he can’t get over Oliver, he loves him too much. That’s when Oliver shows up, full of contrition and showing Lennox he’s a shell of himself without him. They promise to always put each other first.

A beautiful romantic story, with passion, care, and despair. I think the resolution of the swim meet choice was a bit off, realistically they would figure things out together, but the feeling of making sure Ollie was trustworthy was important.

Loved the characters, all the swimming descriptions, and Oliver’s smart sister, his support through everything. A great read.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with appreciation.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEPTH OF DESIRE is the fourth installment in the Westmont U series. It can be read as a standalone but reads much better if you read in the order the author intended.

Oliver Hayworth has a plan for his life. Train, train even more and swim the best he can. He isn’t satisfied with winning a silver medal at the Olympics, he needs to push harder to win Nationals. He doesn’t have time for anything else so when Lennox offers him a ride home for the holidays. Getting stuck in a snowstorm and staying together in a cabin wasn’t supposed to happen. Oliver can’t afford to follow what his body wants him to do. He can’t sway from his plan. Until Lennox agrees to one night to give into the passion between them. Now that he’s had him Oliver can’t get Lennox out of his head. He invades his every thought. Can he be the best and have the man that he wants or is he setting himself up for failure?

Lennox Ellery has had a crush on Oliver since he was a child, but Oliver never looked his way until that one offer of a ride home. Lennox and Oliver are polar opposites in personality, but Oliver is everything Lennox wants. But after the one night in the cabin Oliver pretends it never happened when all Lennox can do is think of him. They finally agree that there is more between them Oliver keeps information from Lennox and makes a decision that could ruin them both.

I loved the chemistry between Oliver and Lennox. It was instantly explosive. They were both quick to fall but it fit well within the story. This one isn’t as hockey forward but I still love it. I can’t wait to see if there is more to the series.

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by the author.

[Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEPTHS OF DESIRE - HAYDEN HALL

This book is part of the Saints of Westmont U series, and while it doesn’t have a lot of hockey scenes, we do know the supporting characters that appear from previous titles.

Lennox and Oliver were from the same small town in Nebraska, so they knew of each from high school, but it was their sisters who were friends and the reason Lennox ended up with Oliver as his passenger on the drive home for the holidays. A blizzard detours them to a lodge for the night halfway home and this is when they let their attraction start the base for a relationship that slowly develops into something neither of them were expecting, love.

Oliver is a swimmer, so his focus has been on coming back from a bad experience at the Nationals the prior year after expecting to win a medal since he had placed second at the Olympics and won a silver medal. Unfortunately he has a hard time once he has been with Lennox and finally decides being with him is a necessary part of his life and finds once he lets love grow, his swimming improves enough to send him back to Nationals.

Lennox plays hockey, but has no idea if it will lead to the NHL and is happy to enjoy it for love of the sport. Once he starts spending more time with Oliver he knows he will be a big part of his future!

Their path to being together and having their HEA is filled with challenges and compromise but in the end they find what makes them the most happy is being with each other, and they work out the way to balancing love and careers.

As always, Hayden Hall writes from the heart and realistic characters and if you are looking for a heartwarming storyteller, he is it!

[Tashyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

As high school students who were still unsure of themselves sexually, Lennox and Oliver hardly spoke to each other. As they return home for the holidays, Lennox can't help but think about his crush. Motivated and intent on reestablishing his worth as a top swimmer, Oliver is laser-focused on his goal. Even though he didn't win gold at the Olympics, he was devastated to finish sixth in the subsequent meet and his confidence was shot. They surrender to the electrifying vibes and agree to a night of fun when a snowfall forces them to stop at a lodge. Much more than that, though; they are unable to resist the pull of one another. Now that they're hooking up, they're both aware of how intense their feelings are. Although they remain silent, their love is growing. Lennox arranges to spend the weekend in the cabin, the original setting, while Ollie's meet is postponed. He's embarrassed to talk about how he feels, and when Lennox finds out, they end their relationship. They give their all to their sport and produce incredible results, but it doesn't help them feel fulfilled. Once Lennox gets at the cabin by himself, he finds that his love for Oliver is too strong to overcome. Lennox is reduced to nothingness in Oliver's presence, who arrives at that moment remorseful. Their vow is to prioritize one another at all times. A heartbreaking love story filled with tragedy, caring, and beauty. While I know that they would work things out in the end, I loved how they made it a point to establish Ollie's reliability before the swim match.I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Happiness was a distraction I didn’t deserve."

To say I was blown away by Lennox and Oliver would be putting it mildly.
There isn't enough to explain these two but I will keep it short and sweet.
Two jocks.
One who glides on the surface and one who goes with the flow in its depths.
Hockey Player and Swimmer.
You would never think it would work but these two somehow did.
A chance drive back home turns into something neither saw coming but it would change everything for both of them.

First off, the swimming mentality was spot on! The focus that goes into competing in that sport is grueling but can be rewarding as well at the end of the day. Of course hockey is here too but to me this was more about Oliver.
Their story is full of what could've been and what could be but it's supposed to be just casual, or so they say. The struggles that Oliver goes through were gut wrenching, that possibility is always there. Add in Lennox and it all becomes clear to him, but for Lennox he didn't see it that way.

DoD has the perfect amount of swoon and a touch of angst that makes this one so good. I did not want to put it down and I didn't want it to end.
The support that Hayden is able to portray in his books is one of happiness for all involved in one way or another which is why I love them. Yeah it gets bumpy 😭 but it has to, for both of them to realize what is missing. It hurts but then when it's said and done it will have you smiling so hard.

Last but not least, we love cameos!
Easton, Elio and Patrick are here too along with their guys and we cannot forget about Snips, we love a supportive sister who roots for and encourages when they think of giving up.

I cannot wait for Rhett's book! That is going to be soo good.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: This is the second book in this series that I’ve read. Hayden is bringing different people together, which makes for great stories.

This time, we have Lennox, a hockey player, and Oliver, an Olympic swimmer. I was charmed by both of these men, especially Oliver.

These men are high performers in their respective sports. The book primarily focuses on Oliver, who is intense when it comes to swimming. He won a silver medal, but it wasn’t enough; he had to be better, and that meant there was no room for anything but being the very best. There was no room for relationships, parties, or anything else that a college student might do.

Lennox falls into his life when he gives him a lift home. Getting stuck overnight because of bad weather, they find solace in each other’s arms. It was a one-off fun in the storm, but they got under each other’s skin, they made a difference, and they have to figure out what that means to them. To their future.

I liked both of these MCs a lot; they had their own charm and were free (mostly with their emotions). The premise of some of the story I struggled with, since training had been a part of Oliver’s entire life, giving it up for a man was a bit much. However, overall, I enjoyed the story. Oliver’s battle with himself when it came to realizing that having someone there to lean on and be supported by made him a better person, a better man.

I loved the MCs and always enjoy a book by Hayden Hall. This was a sports romance with not a ton of sports but a lot of figuring out life and love.

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the Westmont U books this is my favorite. And IMO the most romantic of them all, the story held my attention from the start and never let go.

Lennox, hockeyplayer and Oliver, swimmer have always lived in the same small town knowing each other through their sisters who were besties. Unknown to one another they had a crush on each other but never acted upon it thinking the other wasn't interested.

When during a shared ride home arranged by Lennox' sister, a snow storm hits and Oliver and Lennox need to spend a night together in a cabin. They end up spending one wonderful night together and pretend nothing happened the next day. Feelings can't be denied however so they start hooking up and slowly they find themselves growing closer and open up to one another.

Oliver is a very closed off person, not allowing himself to have some fun in his life, always striving to be the best and let nothing dether him from reaching his goals. Lennox on the other hand is serious about his hockey career but also loves to have fun, to go out with his friends and just live. I was wonderful to see how Oliver opened up, started talking about his fears, being able to just be himself and not be judged.

I loved to see the rest of Lennox's team again being all supportive and taking Oliver in as one of their own.

All in all this was another great story with more romance and less darkness as the previous ones. I can't wait to see what the author has in store next for us.

*ARC kindly received from the author via Bookfunnel. I'm leaving an honest review.*

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is a bit of an opposites attract trope. Oliver Hayworth is a star swimmer at Westmont University and a bit of an introvert. He won silver at the last Olympics but is still feels that he should have done better and won the gold medal. He then finished sixth place at the Nationals after the Olympics. He is determined to do better at Nationals this year and is focused on training to the exclusion of anything else in his life. Lennox Ellery is a hockey player at the university who has never met a stranger. Lennox and Oliver both grew up in the same small town, and Lennox had a bit of a crush on Oliver in high school. Their respective siblings back home arrange for Lennox to give Oliver a ride home for the holidays. On the way home, a heavy snowstorm starts and they have to stay the night together. They realize that they are attracted to each other and decide to have a short fling until they can continue their journey. Once they are back at school, they can't stop thinking about each other and start a relationship. Oliver is surprised to see how his times in the pool improve due to not being so obsessed and having a bit of a sport/life balance. I really enjoyed the book but I found it a bit out of character when Lennox became so upset when he realized that the date for Nationals had changed and they wouldn't be able to go on vacation together especially since he knew how important it was to Oliver to do well and sow that his Olympic performance wasn't a fluke. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the resolution to their conflict.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY LENNOX GETS HIS STORY!💕🏒🏊‍♂️

I love this series or any series penned beautifully and emotionally by Hayden Hall!

Finally we get Lennox Ellery the hockey clown who likes to make people laugh, but here we get a more in-depth look into his true character, the one that his long time childhood crush and swim meet superstar Oliver Hayworth saw that one stormy snow blizzard night….

Both characters were drowning in their own way- Sunshiny Lennox trying to be the best hockey player his team needs but still needing something more to ground him…

Stoic Oliver has no time for distractions and only needs to reach his goal- redemption in the Nationals to win the gold medal which requires sharpness, control and discipline until one snowy blizzard night in a cabin with sweet, sunshiny, passionate Lennox…

“Love didn’t feel like fireworks or free fall. It felt like gravity had shifted.”
“Like my center of balance had relocated, just slightly, but permanently, to wherever he happened to be.”

I loved their journey to a sweet, deep and true love that required a lot of sacrifices in making the right choices and compromises but Oliver makes the wrong choice at first which leads them to heartbreak…

A sweet epilogue follows three years later with tearful moments and revelations!

The last book of the series will be Rhett’s book with an enemy transfer teammate…

I honestly can’t choose a favourite character, as they are all special in their own unique way…

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is being submitted voluntarily.

The author shows that he is a master of the genre. He spends a lot of time describing how each MC sees the other, to the point where I can totally picture them in my mind. Both of them share a certain lack of confidence in their relationship. Oliver, an Olympic level swimmer who was disappointed to have only won the silver medal at the Paris games and totally bombed in the Nationals right after. These two events have imbued him with a feeling that forces him to put everything into his training. Lennox is a hockey player who is more of a journeyman than a star. They get snowed in at a resort that has them enjoying their bodies in a way that neither expected but that Oliver was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to avoid. The thinking that the author describes lays out a very detailed look into how they truly feel, not just about each other but about their sports as well. The book relies very heavily on the two main characters with little support from secondary ones, and I believe this is what makes it stand out in the series. We see some of the supporting cast in the story, but the plot relies very much on the interaction between Oliver and Lennox and it’s better for it. The plot itself is fairly straightforward with some angst toward the end. Had I not been aware that the story has a happy ending, I might have been concerned for the couple.

I can’t recommend this book strongly enough.

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read, as always.

Oliver, the swimmer and Lennox the hockey player are from the same small town, but never really interacted. They are now going to the same college, and Oliver is in need of a ride home because he forgot to buy plane tickets (they both did). Lennox rents the car, they run into a snow storm, and they spend the night at a cabin. Their love story starts there. Once back at school after the holidays, they try to stay away from each other, but finally give in. What comes after is a very sweet, mellow love story.

Of course there's the 3rd act breakup, which is brutal. This would have been 5 stars, but it seemed to me that the breakup could have been solved with a little understanding and Oliver just explaining that the date for Nationals had changed. I don't understand why Lennox thought Oliver should have given up his chance to compete at Nationals (something he'd been training for for many months), when they could have just shifted their going-back-to-the-cabin vacation dates by a few days. On the other hand, Oliver didn't explain himself either. What follows is a huge amount of angst.

Of course, it all works out in the end

There's a lot of swimming in this book (Oliver's sport). Not so much hockey. The guys from the other books make only short appearances, and you absolutely do not need to read the other books in order to understand this one.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox forgot to book a flight home on time, so he rented a car to drive all the way. He wasn’t the only one.
Oliver Hayworth will drive with him. Oliver, dang Lennox had a crush on him since childhood.
He’s on the swim team at Westmont U, and Lennox is on the hockey team.

Oliver has one goal, a gold medal, silver was never enough, he failed. Now he’s drilling himself, only training, nothing more. No distractions.
Until Lennox and he had to crash in a cabin because of a blizzard.
A one-bed cabin, no problem, nope no problem.

Gosh, what happened next was so good, I was plastered to the pages.
It is hugely passionate, pure from the very beginning, my heart.

It’s only bodily pleasure… yeah forget it! Their hearts, my goodness, it wasn’t just f*cking it was making love, the best of the best. I saw it from the first minute, and it only intensified.

Oliver can’t give more than a flingy thing. But wait for it ha!. The attraction is just too strong.
Lennox is all in, he would already be happy with anything, but he got way more.

I won’t spoil, but there are some bumps, there’s hurt, but they are honest and mature.
Hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!

The author did such a great job writing all these amazing details it was so super intense and emotional! Just them two!

I loved this story so much, Lennox and Oliver were very lovable guys, their chemistry was off the charts, yes, they were meant for each other, period!