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On Ice
Elise Connors just moved across the country to start her dream job with her favorite hockey team. It should be amazing, except she has a big problem to deal with. That problem is the grumpy and grief-stricken team captain, Liam Wilkes.
Liam has been through hell. Tragedy struck, and his world fell apart. When the new public relations manager starts with the team, he is reluctant to change. However, little by little, Elise works to break through his tough exterior and help him heal.
Liam has been through hell. Tragedy struck, and his world fell apart. When the new public relations manager starts with the team, he is reluctant to change. However, little by little, Elise works to break through his tough exterior and help him heal.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2023
45 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Kate Komula
2 books29 followersKate was born and raised in Columbus Ohio, but home is where ever her family is. She spent weeks of her childhood on her grandparents dairy farm in Western New York where her grandma taught her every creative hobby under the sun.
During the pandemic she dusted off an old project and her debut Romance Novel was born! She independently published on March 7th 2023.
When she’s not writing or reading you can find Kate with her family. While she loves being an author, her favorite title is “Auntie Tate”.
During the pandemic she dusted off an old project and her debut Romance Novel was born! She independently published on March 7th 2023.
When she’s not writing or reading you can find Kate with her family. While she loves being an author, her favorite title is “Auntie Tate”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 20, 2024
On Ice by Kate Komula is an adult romance between a PR manager and hockey player. Elise is basically a glorified baby sitter for Liam, who tragically lost his fiancée and unborn child in a car accident. But Elise, who’s had her fair share of loss understands what he must be going through. But that doesn’t give him the right to be a complete…. How does Komula word it…. Just a complete tiny jock brain asshole. Elise is a strong independent woman. She doesn’t take his shit and sure puts him in his place.
Elise and Liam are the epitome of what working hard in a relationship means. The mental health component is so prominent and normalized in this story. They suffer adversity in their relationship. It’s nice to see a “real” relationship and not the typical “meet cutes”. I loved seeing their relationship pan out and can’t wait to see what Komula does with the other characters.
Elise and Liam are the epitome of what working hard in a relationship means. The mental health component is so prominent and normalized in this story. They suffer adversity in their relationship. It’s nice to see a “real” relationship and not the typical “meet cutes”. I loved seeing their relationship pan out and can’t wait to see what Komula does with the other characters.
May 23, 2024
The story line was pretty good. There were moments I was tearing up for sure. I will say one of the disappointments was some of the grammatical errors in the book or how there seemed to be a lot of jumping forward in the timeline, especially spots I craved more details.
Overall though I think this was a great beginner novel for this author.
Overall though I think this was a great beginner novel for this author.
November 17, 2024
Elise Connors : FMC, new public relations expert for the Comets hockey team
Liam :MMC
Will: the brother to Liam’s dead fiance
Whenever I leave reviews in goodreads they are really like my annotated description of the book but also a review so this is a SPOILER OF SPOILERS. I’m struggling to write this review. I think this author is such a sweetheart and I’ve met her but this book just wasn’t for me. It had the perfect plot points just a lot of things fell flat for me. I wanted to love it. I know it’s her first book so I would like to give her second one a chance. We get a glimpse of Will and Lilith at the end and I want to see if the writing style improves and the plot line is good. So now to me telling you about the entire book and breaking down what I didn’t like.
The book starts where we are introduced and she is starting a new job to work for the Comets hockey team. She’s there to help with their outreach and public relations in general. Some of their players can be troublemakers. The coach tells her “Well, not hiding. Wilkes, as you seem to already know–He’s a private person. There was a lot of debate about his private life. Even his sexuality was a mystery until he proposed to his longtime girlfriend. Then when she was six months pregnant, she died in an accident. That was this past winter… Drunk driver.”
Liam was instantly drawn to Elise but his grumpy self pushes her away because of his trauma from losing his fiance and child. He has done nothing to help with this. He gets angry and lashes out at anything and everyone. Elise wants to break through that and help better the team. Will tells Liam that Elise reminds him of Kay. He feels like he needs to take care of her in a brotherly way that she’s been through shit too. Will had asked Elise on a date but they had both realized they were better as friends and has trauma dumped on each other a little and this is when Elise found out that Will was the brother to the women Liam lost. Liam lashes out at Elise the one day about what she does to be able to afford to live in a hotel for 2 months across from their stadium. She tells him My mom died when I was in middle school, and my dad invested the life insurance money so I could go to college without being in major debt afterward. However, as you damn well know, I had a full ride. So guess where that money sat for another seven years growing interest.” Will appologizes to Elise that ok that day it was kaylees birthday is why Liam was such an ass. Will, Liam and Elise had went out drinking and Liam ended up taking Elise home so she could sleep at his place. He had a vivid dream of them together and that’s one of the first times he’s dreamed of something besides kaylees accident. And him not being able to get there in time. They all go out again. Liam is chasing guys off of Elise and she thinks maybe that means something. And then he dances with her. She goes to the bathroom and hears girls talking shit about her being fat and how they’d take Liam from her. And then she walks out to see Liam kissing one of those girls and tells Will she’s ready to go home.
He can turn away a guy that I was just flirting with for the sport of it, flirt with me, and then turn around and make out with the same girl that was talking shit about me. “I’m leaving.”Tears for the girls’ words, tears for Liam, and for me thinking that he might like me enough to not make out with the first pair of size four legs that walked his way.
When Liam figures out what happens he comes to her house. He tells her that that girl threw herself on him and he was trying to not cause a PR nightmare by throwing her across the room. He tells her “That I what? Didn’t like you? Damn it, woman, I’ve been fighting it since the beginning! I freaking like you!”
She tells him he can sleep with her in bed. He ends up waking up from one of his nightmares. He tells Elise about it. “I have a recurring dream of that night, when Kaylee died. Running into the hospital, but I never get there in time to do anything.” “Recurring? As in, how often?” “It used to be every night,” I confess, “now at least weekly.” And then she tells him today was the day her mom died.
They end up agreeing to do some secret dating thing. They can’t tell the team or she could get in trouble with her job. So they have to try their best to hide it. Right off the rip he’s pulling her to the side to hold her. “You ground me, Elise. I don’t know how else to explain it right now. Please, just a moment longer,”His lips press firmly against mine; this is the moment I’ve dreamt about for a while now. So to my knowledge this is the first time that they kiss.
Elise: “You know how I mentioned that I could have been in the Olympics with you when we were skating that day?” He nods and waits. “I didn’t go because that’s when my dad got sick. Cancer. It was too quick, barely a year. It’s equally terrible watching someone you love wither away slowly, unable to help as it is for them to be torn away unexpectedly.”
So a month later they are sharing Thanksgiving and Sarah is trying to set Elise up with someone even though she politely declines. So we basically flashed through a month. Like we don’t really see much of their first month together. Other than then almost getting caught by Will and what not. We know she created a friendship with Sarah who is one of the teams wives.
“Well, I just—” I’m cut off by Liam and the deep kiss that he plants on my lips. In front of everyone. “She’s taken,” Liam gives it away when he does this.
Liam’s dream changes to The dream had changed; instead of chasing after Kaylee, instead of not being able to save her, it’s Elise. I can’t lose Elise. I can’t go through that again. So I remind myself again that she is lying next to me. I can see her. I hear her breathing. I can touch her. She is here. She is safe.
Okay so this is where one of my big problems is.
Even after being with him several times, I’m not quite ready for how full I feel with him.
Where were the several times. Why did we skip over all their firsts and all the details and now after being with him several times? What the heck.!
Liam takes her home for Christmas. His parents seem welcoming. His sister lilith is stand offish at first. But this Christmas they should have been celebrating a new baby not meeting a new girlfriend so Elise understands it can be hard for everyone.
Because before she walked into my life like a force to be reckoned with, I was a mess. I suppose that I still am a mess, but it’s better now, I think. Better because of her.
I really could love this woman.
But we know Elise thinks I know I love him more than I have ever loved anyone.
So then after one of Liam’s games he shows up and out of the blue says
“This isn’t going to work. I can’t… I can’t see myself loving anyone like I did Kaylee, and I can’t even imagine kids without her…” He won’t look at me, in fact he’s looking everywhere other than in my eyes.
And she says “You told me that you were serious about this. That I didn’t have to worry… How the hell did I fall for that? I fucking loved you. I was falling in love with you.”
Losing him on top of Liam and his whole family will truly destroy me. I break down as sobs rack my body, praying that this is a terrible dream, that the life I had let myself dream of again was just fine. Who am I kidding? I just lost everyone in one fell swoop.
This whole breakup was so weird because we also have been getting Liam’s pov but for some reason we don’t get any insight on this we are just blindsighted that he’s decided he can’t do this anymore when last we knew he thought he could love her. So like fuck Liam.
And then the book flashes to 5 months later. Liam sees Elise and realizes she’s pregnant. And unless she cheated then it has to be his for how far along she looks. He’s upset that she didn’t tell him and she says “Oh, you’re mad at me? You’re mad at me for not telling you about a child you literally said you would never want.”“You said that you would never be able to love anyone like you did Kaylee and that you would never want children if they weren’t with her. You broke me and took away what family I had made since coming here. So, I’m so sorry for not wanting to burden you with the idea that I was having your kid. But I was not going to let you make me feel bad for keeping what family I could have.”
fact I know that she has a picture of the ultrasound on her fridge. “I’m kind of surprised she didn’t say anything to you. And I tried telling you. You didn’t answer your phone.”
“Yeah them, twins. Hence why I look like a house already at five months.”
“They need a family,” he says firmly, like getting married will fix everything. “I will not marry a man that doesn’t love me.” I look him dead in the eye, unwavering. “I loved you, no matter what that meant to you. Whether you ever felt the same way or not, Elise. I loved you… I still do really, and I care about you regardless of how I hurt you.”
Will: “Yes, I knew. You would have too if you would have answered her calls,” Will comments, matching his anger.
Okay so here’s another one of my problems. She tells him he took away the family she was starting to have. But Will knew and was supportive and Liam’s freaking mom knew and had the ultrasound on the fridge so how did he take away her family? But also how did his mom literally not tell him. Like that just all seems bazarre to me.
I wouldn’t lose someone else that I loved. Yes, I can admit that I love her, but the last woman I felt this way about was ripped from my life and left me more broken than I had ever thought possible. I can’t go through that again. I wouldn’t survive.
“If I didn’t have to think about them now, I would have ran into his arms as soon as possible. But it’s not that simple… I love him, Sarah, but I love them more.”
“Liam, it’s not going to be that easy, I want you to be in their lives, but I can’t let you back into mine that easy.”
At one of Liam’s games Elise has some issues and Sarah takes her to the hospital and Liam is terrified. “I was just telling Elise that right now her numbers are a bit high. We’re going to give some IV meds and keep the fetal monitor on. The doctor then strongly suggests bed rest. Liam ends up moving in with her so he can help take care of her and watch over her.
Liam does just that, kneeling in front of me, both hands on my stomach, talking to me and the babies. I can almost pretend there was never a time when we weren’t together, where we weren’t on the right track. For just a little while, I’m going to pretend.
Sarah and Liam trick Elise into a baby shower.
Liam does just that, kneeling in front of me, both hands on my stomach, talking to me and the babies. I can almost pretend there was never a time when we weren’t together, where we weren’t on the right track. For just a little while, I’m going to pretend.
Not letting her worry that she is alone. She isn’t. She never will be again. I will always be here. She is mine, and I will make sure that she knows that every single day. She is the only one for me.
He said that after she had yelled for him that something was wrong and he took her to the hospital. They’re going to deliver the babies early.
They name them Elowen Amelia.” “And this is Finn Archer.”
3 months since having the babies they’re going out. After the dinner Elise tells Liam “Liam, I love the man you are becoming. And I have no doubt you’re going to be someone our kids look up to. I love you.”
“Elise, this is just the beginning. I will always be here. I won’t ever leave you again. It nearly broke me in ways I didn’t know were possible after Kaylee. I was in love with her, but you, you are my future. You’re my whole life.”
They go to his house and have sex and then go back to her house to relieve Lilith of the twins.
And then 4 months later.
“This was my grandma’s,” he holds up a gorgeous Art Deco style ring, emerald cut diamonds on a gold band. “I would like very much for you to wear it and even more for you to be my wife. I love you, and I want this to be official. Please, Elise, will you marry me?” She says yes and then they walk in on Will and Lilith looking cozy. So that leads us into their book being next.
“It’s really happening. We just had to place our love on ice for a little bit in the middle there.” So this is where the on ice line comes from which is clever. So to break down some more of my problems. I feel like this book was rushed. Like it mentioned things we should know about that we never got to see. Also some things just seemed way out of pocket. I didn’t like Liam. He was not a likable character so it made it hard to care. And I honestly didn’t have much attachment to Elise either. The character development just didn’t have me getting attached or caring about these characters to the point that the story fell flat for me. I want to give Will and Lilith a chance because I’m intrigued and would like to see if Kate’s style may have improved past her first book. This book had a good plot line and what it could take to be amazing it just fell flat for me and I really hate to say that.
Liam :MMC
Will: the brother to Liam’s dead fiance
Whenever I leave reviews in goodreads they are really like my annotated description of the book but also a review so this is a SPOILER OF SPOILERS. I’m struggling to write this review. I think this author is such a sweetheart and I’ve met her but this book just wasn’t for me. It had the perfect plot points just a lot of things fell flat for me. I wanted to love it. I know it’s her first book so I would like to give her second one a chance. We get a glimpse of Will and Lilith at the end and I want to see if the writing style improves and the plot line is good. So now to me telling you about the entire book and breaking down what I didn’t like.
The book starts where we are introduced and she is starting a new job to work for the Comets hockey team. She’s there to help with their outreach and public relations in general. Some of their players can be troublemakers. The coach tells her “Well, not hiding. Wilkes, as you seem to already know–He’s a private person. There was a lot of debate about his private life. Even his sexuality was a mystery until he proposed to his longtime girlfriend. Then when she was six months pregnant, she died in an accident. That was this past winter… Drunk driver.”
Liam was instantly drawn to Elise but his grumpy self pushes her away because of his trauma from losing his fiance and child. He has done nothing to help with this. He gets angry and lashes out at anything and everyone. Elise wants to break through that and help better the team. Will tells Liam that Elise reminds him of Kay. He feels like he needs to take care of her in a brotherly way that she’s been through shit too. Will had asked Elise on a date but they had both realized they were better as friends and has trauma dumped on each other a little and this is when Elise found out that Will was the brother to the women Liam lost. Liam lashes out at Elise the one day about what she does to be able to afford to live in a hotel for 2 months across from their stadium. She tells him My mom died when I was in middle school, and my dad invested the life insurance money so I could go to college without being in major debt afterward. However, as you damn well know, I had a full ride. So guess where that money sat for another seven years growing interest.” Will appologizes to Elise that ok that day it was kaylees birthday is why Liam was such an ass. Will, Liam and Elise had went out drinking and Liam ended up taking Elise home so she could sleep at his place. He had a vivid dream of them together and that’s one of the first times he’s dreamed of something besides kaylees accident. And him not being able to get there in time. They all go out again. Liam is chasing guys off of Elise and she thinks maybe that means something. And then he dances with her. She goes to the bathroom and hears girls talking shit about her being fat and how they’d take Liam from her. And then she walks out to see Liam kissing one of those girls and tells Will she’s ready to go home.
He can turn away a guy that I was just flirting with for the sport of it, flirt with me, and then turn around and make out with the same girl that was talking shit about me. “I’m leaving.”Tears for the girls’ words, tears for Liam, and for me thinking that he might like me enough to not make out with the first pair of size four legs that walked his way.
When Liam figures out what happens he comes to her house. He tells her that that girl threw herself on him and he was trying to not cause a PR nightmare by throwing her across the room. He tells her “That I what? Didn’t like you? Damn it, woman, I’ve been fighting it since the beginning! I freaking like you!”
She tells him he can sleep with her in bed. He ends up waking up from one of his nightmares. He tells Elise about it. “I have a recurring dream of that night, when Kaylee died. Running into the hospital, but I never get there in time to do anything.” “Recurring? As in, how often?” “It used to be every night,” I confess, “now at least weekly.” And then she tells him today was the day her mom died.
They end up agreeing to do some secret dating thing. They can’t tell the team or she could get in trouble with her job. So they have to try their best to hide it. Right off the rip he’s pulling her to the side to hold her. “You ground me, Elise. I don’t know how else to explain it right now. Please, just a moment longer,”His lips press firmly against mine; this is the moment I’ve dreamt about for a while now. So to my knowledge this is the first time that they kiss.
Elise: “You know how I mentioned that I could have been in the Olympics with you when we were skating that day?” He nods and waits. “I didn’t go because that’s when my dad got sick. Cancer. It was too quick, barely a year. It’s equally terrible watching someone you love wither away slowly, unable to help as it is for them to be torn away unexpectedly.”
So a month later they are sharing Thanksgiving and Sarah is trying to set Elise up with someone even though she politely declines. So we basically flashed through a month. Like we don’t really see much of their first month together. Other than then almost getting caught by Will and what not. We know she created a friendship with Sarah who is one of the teams wives.
“Well, I just—” I’m cut off by Liam and the deep kiss that he plants on my lips. In front of everyone. “She’s taken,” Liam gives it away when he does this.
Liam’s dream changes to The dream had changed; instead of chasing after Kaylee, instead of not being able to save her, it’s Elise. I can’t lose Elise. I can’t go through that again. So I remind myself again that she is lying next to me. I can see her. I hear her breathing. I can touch her. She is here. She is safe.
Okay so this is where one of my big problems is.
Even after being with him several times, I’m not quite ready for how full I feel with him.
Where were the several times. Why did we skip over all their firsts and all the details and now after being with him several times? What the heck.!
Liam takes her home for Christmas. His parents seem welcoming. His sister lilith is stand offish at first. But this Christmas they should have been celebrating a new baby not meeting a new girlfriend so Elise understands it can be hard for everyone.
Because before she walked into my life like a force to be reckoned with, I was a mess. I suppose that I still am a mess, but it’s better now, I think. Better because of her.
I really could love this woman.
But we know Elise thinks I know I love him more than I have ever loved anyone.
So then after one of Liam’s games he shows up and out of the blue says
“This isn’t going to work. I can’t… I can’t see myself loving anyone like I did Kaylee, and I can’t even imagine kids without her…” He won’t look at me, in fact he’s looking everywhere other than in my eyes.
And she says “You told me that you were serious about this. That I didn’t have to worry… How the hell did I fall for that? I fucking loved you. I was falling in love with you.”
Losing him on top of Liam and his whole family will truly destroy me. I break down as sobs rack my body, praying that this is a terrible dream, that the life I had let myself dream of again was just fine. Who am I kidding? I just lost everyone in one fell swoop.
This whole breakup was so weird because we also have been getting Liam’s pov but for some reason we don’t get any insight on this we are just blindsighted that he’s decided he can’t do this anymore when last we knew he thought he could love her. So like fuck Liam.
And then the book flashes to 5 months later. Liam sees Elise and realizes she’s pregnant. And unless she cheated then it has to be his for how far along she looks. He’s upset that she didn’t tell him and she says “Oh, you’re mad at me? You’re mad at me for not telling you about a child you literally said you would never want.”“You said that you would never be able to love anyone like you did Kaylee and that you would never want children if they weren’t with her. You broke me and took away what family I had made since coming here. So, I’m so sorry for not wanting to burden you with the idea that I was having your kid. But I was not going to let you make me feel bad for keeping what family I could have.”
fact I know that she has a picture of the ultrasound on her fridge. “I’m kind of surprised she didn’t say anything to you. And I tried telling you. You didn’t answer your phone.”
“Yeah them, twins. Hence why I look like a house already at five months.”
“They need a family,” he says firmly, like getting married will fix everything. “I will not marry a man that doesn’t love me.” I look him dead in the eye, unwavering. “I loved you, no matter what that meant to you. Whether you ever felt the same way or not, Elise. I loved you… I still do really, and I care about you regardless of how I hurt you.”
Will: “Yes, I knew. You would have too if you would have answered her calls,” Will comments, matching his anger.
Okay so here’s another one of my problems. She tells him he took away the family she was starting to have. But Will knew and was supportive and Liam’s freaking mom knew and had the ultrasound on the fridge so how did he take away her family? But also how did his mom literally not tell him. Like that just all seems bazarre to me.
I wouldn’t lose someone else that I loved. Yes, I can admit that I love her, but the last woman I felt this way about was ripped from my life and left me more broken than I had ever thought possible. I can’t go through that again. I wouldn’t survive.
“If I didn’t have to think about them now, I would have ran into his arms as soon as possible. But it’s not that simple… I love him, Sarah, but I love them more.”
“Liam, it’s not going to be that easy, I want you to be in their lives, but I can’t let you back into mine that easy.”
At one of Liam’s games Elise has some issues and Sarah takes her to the hospital and Liam is terrified. “I was just telling Elise that right now her numbers are a bit high. We’re going to give some IV meds and keep the fetal monitor on. The doctor then strongly suggests bed rest. Liam ends up moving in with her so he can help take care of her and watch over her.
Liam does just that, kneeling in front of me, both hands on my stomach, talking to me and the babies. I can almost pretend there was never a time when we weren’t together, where we weren’t on the right track. For just a little while, I’m going to pretend.
Sarah and Liam trick Elise into a baby shower.
Liam does just that, kneeling in front of me, both hands on my stomach, talking to me and the babies. I can almost pretend there was never a time when we weren’t together, where we weren’t on the right track. For just a little while, I’m going to pretend.
Not letting her worry that she is alone. She isn’t. She never will be again. I will always be here. She is mine, and I will make sure that she knows that every single day. She is the only one for me.
He said that after she had yelled for him that something was wrong and he took her to the hospital. They’re going to deliver the babies early.
They name them Elowen Amelia.” “And this is Finn Archer.”
3 months since having the babies they’re going out. After the dinner Elise tells Liam “Liam, I love the man you are becoming. And I have no doubt you’re going to be someone our kids look up to. I love you.”
“Elise, this is just the beginning. I will always be here. I won’t ever leave you again. It nearly broke me in ways I didn’t know were possible after Kaylee. I was in love with her, but you, you are my future. You’re my whole life.”
They go to his house and have sex and then go back to her house to relieve Lilith of the twins.
And then 4 months later.
“This was my grandma’s,” he holds up a gorgeous Art Deco style ring, emerald cut diamonds on a gold band. “I would like very much for you to wear it and even more for you to be my wife. I love you, and I want this to be official. Please, Elise, will you marry me?” She says yes and then they walk in on Will and Lilith looking cozy. So that leads us into their book being next.
“It’s really happening. We just had to place our love on ice for a little bit in the middle there.” So this is where the on ice line comes from which is clever. So to break down some more of my problems. I feel like this book was rushed. Like it mentioned things we should know about that we never got to see. Also some things just seemed way out of pocket. I didn’t like Liam. He was not a likable character so it made it hard to care. And I honestly didn’t have much attachment to Elise either. The character development just didn’t have me getting attached or caring about these characters to the point that the story fell flat for me. I want to give Will and Lilith a chance because I’m intrigued and would like to see if Kate’s style may have improved past her first book. This book had a good plot line and what it could take to be amazing it just fell flat for me and I really hate to say that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
Skipped all the smut on principle, so I’m not sure if I can/should recommend it to others, HOWEVER everything else was great! I see a lot of reviews on here that say it could use a round of editing for grammar/typos (which is admittedly true) but DO NOT let that stop you from enjoying a good plot!
Ever since Kate contacted me to design the cover for her I knew I wanted to support her writing, one indie author to another, and read the book as soon as it came out. And it was worth the wait! I was blown out of the water with the quality of the writing. The style is very promising and witty at times, and her writing “voice” is so fun to listen to. She really knows how to tell a story. The visuals were so real, I could picture the characters and settings as if I was there (and yes, I totally fell for Liam. How can you not?)
I must admit, this is not the kind of book I normally pick up, but it was great to see a different perspective. I’ve never read a hockey romance before, but I’ll have to start! The author didn’t overexplain as if I’d never heard of hockey before, but it wasn’t so filled with jargon I was lost.
I also loved Elise as a character. She’s so different from the typical white, stick-thin, “not like other girls” characters so often found in the romance genre- she actually has a brain. She’s smart, confident, comfortable in her own skin, and more than competent at her job. She’s on the bigger side too, which is something I’ve hardly ever seen represented in books, let alone as the main character and love interest. Even better, it’s not her whole personality. It addresses the fact it’s been an insecurity for her particularly in the past, and leaves it at that. She’s such a fun character, she’s a little sassy, and she’s beautiful without being brainless or self-absorbed. Liam loves her for who she is, and I do to
Ever since Kate contacted me to design the cover for her I knew I wanted to support her writing, one indie author to another, and read the book as soon as it came out. And it was worth the wait! I was blown out of the water with the quality of the writing. The style is very promising and witty at times, and her writing “voice” is so fun to listen to. She really knows how to tell a story. The visuals were so real, I could picture the characters and settings as if I was there (and yes, I totally fell for Liam. How can you not?)
I must admit, this is not the kind of book I normally pick up, but it was great to see a different perspective. I’ve never read a hockey romance before, but I’ll have to start! The author didn’t overexplain as if I’d never heard of hockey before, but it wasn’t so filled with jargon I was lost.
I also loved Elise as a character. She’s so different from the typical white, stick-thin, “not like other girls” characters so often found in the romance genre- she actually has a brain. She’s smart, confident, comfortable in her own skin, and more than competent at her job. She’s on the bigger side too, which is something I’ve hardly ever seen represented in books, let alone as the main character and love interest. Even better, it’s not her whole personality. It addresses the fact it’s been an insecurity for her particularly in the past, and leaves it at that. She’s such a fun character, she’s a little sassy, and she’s beautiful without being brainless or self-absorbed. Liam loves her for who she is, and I do to
May 19, 2024
Listen. She’s short, sweet, fast paced, and kept you on your toes. I had this book in my hands any time I could until it was finished.. my sink is still full of dishes from getting so sucked in. This was another interactive read with my live react DMs going straight to the author as I went. I am absolutely loving these reading experiences!
Liam Wilkes is a black cat with a gooey center. Elise Connors is the tomboy hired to work for the team whom she spent her childhood as a devoted superfan. They both have an airline’s worth of baggage and the way they battle their demons for each other is swoon worthy. Their relationships outside of each other are so genuine and I cannot wait to get more of their stories! I hear book 2 is coming soon!
Liam Wilkes is a black cat with a gooey center. Elise Connors is the tomboy hired to work for the team whom she spent her childhood as a devoted superfan. They both have an airline’s worth of baggage and the way they battle their demons for each other is swoon worthy. Their relationships outside of each other are so genuine and I cannot wait to get more of their stories! I hear book 2 is coming soon!
December 9, 2023
Hockey, romance, and a little spicy! I enjoyed this book. I picked it out at the Cozy and bookish event. The author was super sweet and I enjoyed meeting her. It was a quick, easy, light hearted read. I don't typically read a lot of romance books but I do enjoy them occasionally. The story line is fun and kept me smiling so I do recommend giving it a chance. Also maybe there will be a second book about Will's love story ❤️
December 29, 2023
Hockey Lovers
Elise was moving cross country to work for her favorite hockey team. This was the most exciting time of her life. Expect she had one issue, Liam. Unfortunately Liam had recently gone through some personal trauma and was taking it out on everyone, in private and public. Which is why she was there. To get Liam under control and make sure the season went perfect.
Only she had no idea she would be the one to slowly help Liam get in control of his life. And let’s just say the rest of the season was a shock too 😉
Elise was moving cross country to work for her favorite hockey team. This was the most exciting time of her life. Expect she had one issue, Liam. Unfortunately Liam had recently gone through some personal trauma and was taking it out on everyone, in private and public. Which is why she was there. To get Liam under control and make sure the season went perfect.
Only she had no idea she would be the one to slowly help Liam get in control of his life. And let’s just say the rest of the season was a shock too 😉
July 10, 2024
This was such a good short read, I’m so glad I picked it up.
It follows Elise in her new Job as a PR agent working for her all time favorite hockey team. Her first issue is Liam, a hockey player with a shitty attitude towards life right now after a major tragedy. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two of them very much and the chemistry that was built. I also appreciate that it’s made clear that the relationship between them is very untraditional and timed differently than a usual relationship.
Besides the few grammatical errors and the pacing of the story, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to people who are just starting their reading journey. I loved the little plot twists throughout the book and how things ended for Elise and Liam. I’m excited to read the next book from Kate, I know she’s worked so hard and deserves the praise <3
It follows Elise in her new Job as a PR agent working for her all time favorite hockey team. Her first issue is Liam, a hockey player with a shitty attitude towards life right now after a major tragedy. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two of them very much and the chemistry that was built. I also appreciate that it’s made clear that the relationship between them is very untraditional and timed differently than a usual relationship.
Besides the few grammatical errors and the pacing of the story, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to people who are just starting their reading journey. I loved the little plot twists throughout the book and how things ended for Elise and Liam. I’m excited to read the next book from Kate, I know she’s worked so hard and deserves the praise <3
September 14, 2024
the perfect balance
This book found the perfect balance between the HEA and spice of a romance novel while also leading the characters through many real life struggles.
This book found the perfect balance between the HEA and spice of a romance novel while also leading the characters through many real life struggles.
January 5, 2024
As others have said, there were some editing issues, but I enjoyed the book. I met Kate at a book event in my town, which was a lot of fun. Thanks, Kate!
March 14, 2023
SPICY!! Authors first published book I think, so there are a few mistakes like double printing on sentences. But still a very good read!
January 21, 2025
Author’s first book!
This was a short & sweet read. The plot and character growth were very fast pace which made part of the plot fall flat for me. There could have been more details that build up the characters, experiences and world a little more but overall, the plot had a good premise and shows potential. There were a few times when lines were repeated or would be re-worded that made it sound redundant.
I was actually shocked by the mid-point climax, I wasn’t expecting it after a *SPOILERRRRRRR* major (& random- which was quite an eye roll) breakup.
Overall, 3.25 because it has potential and a strong premise, just needs a few mistakes tweaked out. It’s a nice read after a heavy book or for a mood read.
This was a short & sweet read. The plot and character growth were very fast pace which made part of the plot fall flat for me. There could have been more details that build up the characters, experiences and world a little more but overall, the plot had a good premise and shows potential. There were a few times when lines were repeated or would be re-worded that made it sound redundant.
I was actually shocked by the mid-point climax, I wasn’t expecting it after a *SPOILERRRRRRR* major (& random- which was quite an eye roll) breakup.
Overall, 3.25 because it has potential and a strong premise, just needs a few mistakes tweaked out. It’s a nice read after a heavy book or for a mood read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
The idea is there, and the story is cute. HOWEVER the editing is terrible.
November 9, 2024
I just melt for stories of how in love people are and how protective they can be! Also banter! But don't let that fool you..be prepared to cry lol Did not make it through unscathed of feelings 😂
I believe this is her first book, so could use some tweaking, but not a lack of story and good writing! I've noticed as I'm reading more that some books reiterate thoughts a bit too repeatedly for my liking, in this case, not enough to take away from the story or have it drug out an extra hundred or so pages just for length. Just a couple sentences here and there.
Keep writing! It was great getting to meet you a few weeks ago!
I believe this is her first book, so could use some tweaking, but not a lack of story and good writing! I've noticed as I'm reading more that some books reiterate thoughts a bit too repeatedly for my liking, in this case, not enough to take away from the story or have it drug out an extra hundred or so pages just for length. Just a couple sentences here and there.
Keep writing! It was great getting to meet you a few weeks ago!
March 5, 2025
Needed a pallet cleanser honestly. The editing wasn’t good? The same paragraph was in it twice? But the story was cute.
June 19, 2023
Very cute.
May 23, 2024
I was fortunate enough to meet the author at a local book fest. She was so sweet and bubbly I couldn’t help pick up her book. The book itself was very good. It was fast paced and an excellent in between series read. I loved Elise’s and Liam’s love story. While some of the story I saw coming there were other parts I couldn’t help but tear up at. There were definitely some editing issues but nothing major that would stop the enjoyment of the book.
I do wish we got a little bit more story in between some of the major plot points. That maybe more because I really feel in love with the characters though. I’ll be honest when I first started On Ice I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it. It’s definitely a very different feel than books I usually go for. It took a few chapters to get a hang of the switching perspectives back and forth so often. I will say though that once I got more into the book I was pleasantly surprised. By the end I couldn’t put the book down! I can’t wait to see what Kate writes next! It will definitely be an instant buy for me.
I do wish we got a little bit more story in between some of the major plot points. That maybe more because I really feel in love with the characters though. I’ll be honest when I first started On Ice I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it. It’s definitely a very different feel than books I usually go for. It took a few chapters to get a hang of the switching perspectives back and forth so often. I will say though that once I got more into the book I was pleasantly surprised. By the end I couldn’t put the book down! I can’t wait to see what Kate writes next! It will definitely be an instant buy for me.
February 10, 2025
Absolutely loved reading On Ice by @author.k.komula
I had a hard time putting this down because I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next..
Elise and Liam’s story had me laughing and tearing up sad and happy tears. The spice in this book started out gradually and spiced up more throughout the their story.
I had a hard time putting this down because I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next..
Elise and Liam’s story had me laughing and tearing up sad and happy tears. The spice in this book started out gradually and spiced up more throughout the their story.
April 8, 2025
This book had me going through all the emotions. I also think I lost a part of my soul when I read a certain part (iykyk).
Overall I loved this book, Elise and Liam story is one that had me laughing, crying and screaming. There is healing from past trauma which I loved more than anything. And of course we love a good hockey romance. 💙
Overall I loved this book, Elise and Liam story is one that had me laughing, crying and screaming. There is healing from past trauma which I loved more than anything. And of course we love a good hockey romance. 💙
March 13, 2024
A Hockey Romance with some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️. I enjoyed the story and felt there were a few unpredictable moments and storylines that impressed me because I typically feel like romance novels can be pretty predictable! I loved the characters! An impressive debut novel!
August 23, 2024
I'm so sorry but when the mmc and the fmc call eachother "hot" withing the first 10 pages, I dip out. He's suppose to be brooding and like, broken cuz of his freaking fiance and kid dying but instead he's saying she has a nice ass and tits. Absolutely not, dnf.
January 3, 2024
the cutest romance novel
May 27, 2024
Fun story to read!
September 3, 2023
🌟- 3.5 / 🌶- 2
🇵🇱🇴🇹 & 🇷🇪🇻🇮🇪🇼
Elise is the PR girl for her favorite hockey team and her number one PR disaster on the team is the grieving Liam, who lost his wife and unborn child six months prior to the book starting in a car accident. Liam and Elise quickly fall for each other and soon their lives are both once again turned upside down. For being the author's first book, it was not bad. The first half of the book was very good. The plot was compelling and the characters all had a great vibe. I loved seeing the feelings develop between Elise and Liam. I loved when he took her home for Christmas and how accepting Liam’s family was of Elise after the death of his fiancée.
The second half of the book really threw me for a loop when all of a sudden Liam was ending things and, on the next page, Elise was heavily pregnant. So much was lost with the abrupt plot change that it really seemed like it didn’t fit with the story. Personally, I was hoping to see more development with Liam healing from the trauma of losing his wife and baby instead of finding out he was getting two new ones. Maybe I’m just not a sucker for a pregnancy trope, but it just felt so out of place compared to the first half of the book, which did such a wonderful job setting up these relationships and dynamics between the characters.
Seeing female athletes' representation and mental health representation both in the story really did make me happy. As did the lack of slut shaming you get in so many sports romances. If you like a quick love story or pregnancy trope, this is a great book to read. Hats off to you Kate for a successful first book!
-----
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
✸ Workplace
✸ Pro Hockey
✸ Found Family
✸ Surprise Pregnancy
🇹🇷🇮🇬🇬🇪🇷🇸
✸ Death of a parent (cancer)
✸ Death of a partner (car accident)
✸ Pregnancy loss & pregnancy complications
🇵🇱🇴🇹 & 🇷🇪🇻🇮🇪🇼
Elise is the PR girl for her favorite hockey team and her number one PR disaster on the team is the grieving Liam, who lost his wife and unborn child six months prior to the book starting in a car accident. Liam and Elise quickly fall for each other and soon their lives are both once again turned upside down. For being the author's first book, it was not bad. The first half of the book was very good. The plot was compelling and the characters all had a great vibe. I loved seeing the feelings develop between Elise and Liam. I loved when he took her home for Christmas and how accepting Liam’s family was of Elise after the death of his fiancée.
The second half of the book really threw me for a loop when all of a sudden Liam was ending things and, on the next page, Elise was heavily pregnant. So much was lost with the abrupt plot change that it really seemed like it didn’t fit with the story. Personally, I was hoping to see more development with Liam healing from the trauma of losing his wife and baby instead of finding out he was getting two new ones. Maybe I’m just not a sucker for a pregnancy trope, but it just felt so out of place compared to the first half of the book, which did such a wonderful job setting up these relationships and dynamics between the characters.
Seeing female athletes' representation and mental health representation both in the story really did make me happy. As did the lack of slut shaming you get in so many sports romances. If you like a quick love story or pregnancy trope, this is a great book to read. Hats off to you Kate for a successful first book!
-----
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
✸ Workplace
✸ Pro Hockey
✸ Found Family
✸ Surprise Pregnancy
🇹🇷🇮🇬🇬🇪🇷🇸
✸ Death of a parent (cancer)
✸ Death of a partner (car accident)
✸ Pregnancy loss & pregnancy complications
July 18, 2024
2.5 Stars rounded up to 3!
Pros:
- Not a rail thin main chick
- Surprise pregnancy (LOVE THIS)
- Hot hockey player
- Spicy
- I love Will (supporting character) and would absolutely read his story
- Hockey…need I say more?
- Good ideas and writing (for the most part, see cons)
Cons:
- Some contradicting information. Liam is heartbroken after losing his fiancé and unborn child just months before meeting Elsie but immediately likes her and her personality despite even knowing her personality as is stated in the next paragraph of the book…
- The coach tells Elsie that Liam was a mystery and even his sexuality was a mystery until he was engaged and expecting a baby with his “long-term girlfriend” ..I mean, seems pretty straight????
- Why would his hockey teammate ask his permission to call dibs on Elise? Says “I know she is your type” but how would that be true if he had a long-term girlfriend (and fiancé) that didn’t look like Elise AND he is only months past her death???????
- Grammatical, and punctuation errors throughout the book
- Silly paragraphs that don’t make sense like this one… “Physically? I feel weird as hell like my body isn’t my own anymore. You know how awful I am at taking care of myself.” “That makes sense…you always sucked at taking care of yourself” “I can take care of myself just fine, thank you!”
- You’re telling me Liam’s mom knew and didn’t tell him….
- Parts and conversations are pretty cliché
It seems like a lot of cons but I really did like this book, I just had to vent my frustrations because this could have been rated so much higher!
Pros:
- Not a rail thin main chick
- Surprise pregnancy (LOVE THIS)
- Hot hockey player
- Spicy
- I love Will (supporting character) and would absolutely read his story
- Hockey…need I say more?
- Good ideas and writing (for the most part, see cons)
Cons:
- Some contradicting information. Liam is heartbroken after losing his fiancé and unborn child just months before meeting Elsie but immediately likes her and her personality despite even knowing her personality as is stated in the next paragraph of the book…
- The coach tells Elsie that Liam was a mystery and even his sexuality was a mystery until he was engaged and expecting a baby with his “long-term girlfriend” ..I mean, seems pretty straight????
- Why would his hockey teammate ask his permission to call dibs on Elise? Says “I know she is your type” but how would that be true if he had a long-term girlfriend (and fiancé) that didn’t look like Elise AND he is only months past her death???????
- Grammatical, and punctuation errors throughout the book
- Silly paragraphs that don’t make sense like this one… “Physically? I feel weird as hell like my body isn’t my own anymore. You know how awful I am at taking care of myself.” “That makes sense…you always sucked at taking care of yourself” “I can take care of myself just fine, thank you!”
- You’re telling me Liam’s mom knew and didn’t tell him….
- Parts and conversations are pretty cliché
It seems like a lot of cons but I really did like this book, I just had to vent my frustrations because this could have been rated so much higher!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
3.5 stars for this debut by the loveliest indie author I recently had the pleasure to meet at a bookish event.
Loved the dual POV, mental health rep, found family, and grief rep. Very genuine and Elise's sass has me laughing out loud several times. While the pregnancy trope is not my favorite, I was still able to enjoy the last half of the book. Oh and the last line of the epilogue was such a sweet ending:
"It's really happening. We just had to put our love on ice for a little bit in the middle there."
Loved the dual POV, mental health rep, found family, and grief rep. Very genuine and Elise's sass has me laughing out loud several times. While the pregnancy trope is not my favorite, I was still able to enjoy the last half of the book. Oh and the last line of the epilogue was such a sweet ending:
"It's really happening. We just had to put our love on ice for a little bit in the middle there."
January 9, 2025
$20 this was originally on wattpad
January 21, 2025
0.5 ☆
September 4, 2025
2 ⭐️ and 4🌶️
I almost DNFed this book at 50%. I just hated it after this point, even though there was a HEA.
There are 2 things I am going to say about this book, I am not giving it a thorough review.
1) I got a little ick at the beginning because you could tell he wasn’t over/hadn’t dealt with the death of his fiancé and child. Despite this they get into a relationship
2) What she did after the 50% point was all so weird…there is a 5 month gap in there and it just didn’t make any sense.
It was a fast read and that is why i finished it (on kindle) but I really wish I could have stopped at the 50% point.
I almost DNFed this book at 50%. I just hated it after this point, even though there was a HEA.
There are 2 things I am going to say about this book, I am not giving it a thorough review.
1) I got a little ick at the beginning because you could tell he wasn’t over/hadn’t dealt with the death of his fiancé and child. Despite this they get into a relationship
2) What she did after the 50% point was all so weird…there is a 5 month gap in there and it just didn’t make any sense.
It was a fast read and that is why i finished it (on kindle) but I really wish I could have stopped at the 50% point.
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