Between the Pipes

About This Audiobook

J.J. Mulder’s *Between the Pipes* is a high-energy LGBTQ+ rom-com that slams into your ears with the force of a slapshot—sharp, fast, and impossible to look away from. At the center is Nico Mackenzie, a snarky, outspoken sports journalist who can’t stand hockey (or hockey players) after a brutal interview with Anthony Lawson, the NHL’s most infuriatingly composed goaltender. When Nico’s editor forces him to shadow Lawson for a profile, the two clash like a bad call in overtime, but beneath the bickering, there’s an undeniable spark. Mulder’s writing crackles with wit, and the chemistry between the leads feels like a real-life rivalry turned into something dangerously sweet. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a battle of egos, with a backdrop of locker room banter and the grind of professional sports.

What sets this audiobook apart is the narration, which dives into the story like it’s the third period of a do-or-die game. Liam DiCosimo’s performance as Nico is a masterclass in snark and vulnerability—his timing is impeccable, and his delivery turns every sarcastic jab into a gut punch. Iggy Toma’s Anthony is the perfect foil: smooth, controlled, and just smug enough to make you want to see him lose his cool (which, of course, he does). Together, they sell the push-and-pull of a relationship built on mutual disdain, making the emotional payoff hit harder than a breakaway shot."

"review": "I went into *Between the Pipes* expecting a standard enemies-to-lovers sports romance, but Mulder’s razor-sharp dialogue and unapologetic humor elevated it to something far more addictive. Nico and Anthony’s dynamic is electric—each exchange feels like a volley where neither side gives an inch, and their chemistry is the kind that makes you root for the chaos as much as the kiss. The audiobook’s biggest strength is the narration duo. DiCosimo’s Nico is *funny*—like, laugh-out-loud funny—without ever feeling like a caricature, while Toma’s Anthony walks the line between professional coolness and simmering frustration so well you’ll want to scream at him to just *react* already. The production is crisp, with subtle sound design that places you right in the rink’s locker room or a post-game bar, immersing you in the story’s world.

If I have one critique, it’s that the middle act drags slightly as the conflict gets repetitive, relying a bit too much on forced misunderstandings. And while the ending is satisfying, it wraps up a tad too neatly for my tastes—I wanted Nico and Anthony to grapple with their issues a little longer before the credits rolled. That said, the payoff is worth the investment. The narration sells the emotional beats so well that even the cheesier moments land with a grin. If you love rom-coms where the banter is as important as the feels, this is your next audiobook obsession."

"tags": ["lgbtq romance audiobook