Cold as Ice

Playing for Keeps #5

by Nichole Rose

Captain of the team? He's not giving up until he's Captain of her heart.

Kris
When you're the Captain, you get what you want.
Until the one thing you want refuses to cooperate.
I've been chasing Kelsey, our feisty publicist, for years.
She won't give me the time of day.
I know she wants me too.
I see it in her eyes every time she looks at me.
But she runs as soon as I get close.
I've let her get away with it until now.
But the day she tries to quit without notice?
All bets are off. I'm claiming this curvy queen, no matter what.

Kelsey
Trying to keep this hockey team in line is exhausting.
It's like herding feral cats with a penchant for scandal.
They never do what I say. Except for Kris.
He's the only one who ever listens.
I've been in love with him for years.
But he doesn't know that I've been sick most of my life.
I've tried to protect him, but the truth is out now.
And I can't hide anymore.
But letting this man love me is the most terrifying thing I've ever done.
Am I strong enough, or are we on the fast track to heartbreak?

Warning
When the team captain makes a play for the publicist, he won't back down until he's Captain of her heart. If you enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy, steamy romance, over-the-top hockey players, and sassy heroines, you'll love Kris and Kelsey's emotional story. As always, Nichole Rose titles come with a sugary-sweet and guaranteed HEA.

This book deals with chronic illness and infertility.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Novella, Hockey Romance, He Falls First

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

About the author

Four-time award-winning author Nichole Rose writes deliciously dirty rom-coms, sports, and small-town romance, featuring relatable curvy women and the devoted alpha men who can't live without them. From obsessed billionaires to over-the-top hockey players to the firefighter next door, no one is safe from the hilarious, sassy women she sets loose on the world. She loves delivering relatable characters, hilarious banter, and enough heat to make you squirm.

Nichole also writes dark romance as Nichole Fallon.

When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud ringleader in the world’s most ridiculous chihuahua circus. She and her husband live in central Arkansas.

Reviews

[Colleen]

Cute, short and sweet

Dual PoV
No owd/omd
Surprise pregnancy
HEA
Epilogue 35 years later still happily married and so in love 🥰 with kids and grandkids 🥹

[Jen]

It's a Nichole Rose, so of course the writing was good and cute and clever and all of that. I'm just a little disappointed because it seemed like she was finally going to give us a childfree couple or a journey with adoption/fostering, so it was a little frustrating that Kelsey had been pregnant all along. I know it's part of the playbook that romances end in children, but I dunno, it would be nice I think to have one occasionally that doesn't. Maybe that's unfair of me considering so much of this book was based around Kelsey's cancer/yearning for kids she didn't think she could have, and I get that the kid was like a miracle thing and also indicated that Kelsey was fully in remission, or about to be. I just wish there were more kinds of endings for readers who also struggle to have kids or want to be childfree. Maybe I should just accept she's not the kind of author to write that book. Still, I was prepared to be pleasantly surprised and was kind of bummed out when it didn't happen.

[sophiaareads]

Its a good book but i realized i like to read about 2 people falling in love more than being told about it

[MerReads]

This was an emotional read. In a good way, Nichole Rose has a signature. You know when you read her books, there is so much heart and through the emotional scenes that made me cry crocodile tears, (really with the sniffles and everything), she holds your hand with a sly smile, and glint in her eye, promising you that those tears will turn to happy ones. Well they did and the book ended with a such a grin on my face and fuzzy, happy feeling. HEA is a definite guarantee!
Safe
No OW No OM
No cheating
No separation (physically)
h pushes away and pulls away, virgin
H never gives up on her and is done giving her space (he always sticks close to her and has been chasing her for 2 years, ever since he met her and joined the team), no history but does NOT give me the impression he is player. Not a virgin though, but that's ok, If he isn't I like it better when there is NO history, no clue to his past, all he says is that through his career he eats, sleeps, trains, travels for the hockey games and rince and repeat. Good! I am imagining his life to be just that with no women, until he meets Kelsey!
Faithful since he first laid eyes on her. He never stopped loving her, never stopped chasing her, never made it a secret that he loves her, he is an open book. I love a hero who never stops fighting for his woman no matter how much she pushes him away. She did push him away for two years, and it feels like a lot, but I understand her. She loves him and he knows it, they both do, their love is that strong that there never was any doubt in that department. It is her personal demons she is fighting that she deals with alone, and Kris wants to break those walls, find what's aching her and fight it into submission for her, he just has to figure out a way to do it. What he has tried for 2 years, being patient but letting her know he is there to stay and will chase her whenever she runs does not work, he needs to bulldoze his way into her heart caveman style and assert his ways, and that is exactly what he does and exactly what she needs. Their love story is worth it! The epilogue is everything, and yes I am being cryptic because you need to read it and I don't want to spoil this experience.
HEA (such a sweet and wonderful HEA I can promise you, I clasped my hands to my chest, gasped and had happy tears run down my face!)
I really enjoyed this one. You can trust in Nichole Rose for safe reads, no man whores, the men in the series love their woman and they are so happy to be married to their love, including Kris with Kelsey. Safe sports romances are rare, so if you want it, read Nichole Rose's hockey romances, they are all safe and the heroes are great. I don't think I wrote a review on them, sports romances in general are not my cup of tea, but I had to comment on this one!
I do recommend the other books in the series, I do remember enjoying them and waiting so long for Kelsey and Kris's love story. Nichole Rose did not disappoint. Just bring tissues to wipe those tears because you will shed a few.
BTW, I am very curious about Kellan's love story!
Happy reading!

[Darlene I read WAY to many books]

3.5 ⭐️
Kris, we seen him before he's been asking Kelsey out on a dating all the time because he knows they are made for one another. But with what Kelsey is dealing with, nope, she doesn't have time for hockey players, and she has too much going on. She pushes him away a lot and gives Kris mixed signals when she gives in and pushes him away.

Until he finds out why she's doing it. Once he finds out he isn't letting her go through it alone and makes sure she's taken care of and safe.

We see both deal with Kelsey and her road and a surprise for both of them.


No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary character, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore


Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶

Slowinsta
Push away from h
Pinning
Cancer
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Marie Kroupová]

Fun, easy and quick read.

[dana]

guys don’t judge a book by its cover (and don’t judge me as well)

[A-reader]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

We got to see Kelsey in all the previous Playing For Keeps books, she’s the curvy, feisty, spitfire publicist for the NHL Predators, she helps keep all the players in line. It’s an exhausting job especially since Kelsey is dealing with a life long illness, chronic myeloid leukemia. It’s not terminal and she can live a long life with it, she has to manage her symptoms and stay in remission.
Kris is the captain of the team and has been madly in love with Kelsey since she started working for the team. She has shot him down for two years but he keeps pursuing her. She loves him too but can’t burden him with her health problems.
He catches her one day and when she brushes him off again he kisses her. Kelsey is tired of fighting her feelings for him and the kiss leads to sweet fast sex in the conference room. She’s a virgin and no mention of his past, definitely been celibate since meeting her two years ago.
Afraid she’s sick again she tries to avoid Kris, he catches her at a celebration party and she gives into her feelings again and they kiss and he gets her off. When coach comes into the hallway where they are hiding in an alcove looking for Kris he returns to the party and Kelsey has another dizzy feeling sick episode. Coach knows about her illness since her dad was his good friend. He gets her medication for her and has his driver take her home. The next day she informs the coach she needs to quit. When coach informs the team Kris is hurt and furious, did he scare her away? Is he the reason she’s quitting? Angry he leaves the ice and races to her office, when he confronts her she tries to reason with him and her heightened emotions send her into a dizzy spell. He catches her before she can fall. She tells him she needs her meds, he’s horrified when he sees all the medicine bottles in her desk, he brings her what she needs and then she tells him about her condition and that she may be falling out of remission. He’s mad she didn’t tell him and has been dealing with everything herself, she cries in his arms and feels relieved to share the news and sad he now knows.
He takes her home and they talk after she rests. She tells him all her worries, especially about her infertility. He tells her he’s not leaving her and they will adopt and be a family no matter what and her worry about the team and their focus is unwarranted. The guys all love her and will stand behind her in this. They all prove it in one of the best scenes in the book. They are all on the plane to the next playoff game and she tells the team her diagnosis and they all are shocked but rally around her. Lots of hugs and love from the guys!
Kelsey gets her miracle, when she passes out during the game she’s rushed to the hospital, Kris is by her side the whole time. When she awakens he tells her she’s not falling out of remission, she’s pregnant! Epilogues one year later with a baby girl and Kelsey finally hitting her 5 years of remission goal. Thirty five years later with two daughters and four grandchildren. Still madly in love and Kelsey still managing her condition successfully.
Such a sweet book I loved Kelsey and Kris’s story!

[Riley 02]

Finally Kris and Kelsey’s story!!

To me this is the best story of the series except for 2 things. 1) I hated how their first time went. After waiting 2 years to have her it was not romantic, looked more like a hookup or a quickie. And it got worse when she ended rejecting him. AGAIN!! 2) 2 years!! that is way long. Even Kris has to admit it, that he should’ve pushed through her stubbornness. But it is sweet that Kris doesn’t give up.

I say this is the best of the series because it had me in tears at some point. We have read about Kris and Kelsey from the first book. And many of us were waiting for there romantic story. Kris is awesome!! How sweet and strong he is for her. Finally fed up, he doesn’t let her push him away. How everyone managed her resignation and sickness. How much the teammates love her. Theo’s panic when he knew about her sickness, since he considers her his sister. All the love they gave her because of all she has done for them.

This book has deep feelings. I loved it.

SAFE.
virgin h / virgin H - I think (gives the impression that he hasn’t been with any other women before) - «There is no one except her for me. There never has been and never will be.»
no cheating
no drama
no om/ow
recommended

[Nikki_Kate]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Kris and Kelsey have known each other for two years, he was suppose to retire. Kelsey is the publicist for the predators hockey team. Kris has been asking Kelsey out for the last two years and she turns him down by telling him she doesn't date hockey player or co-workers. Kris goes to Kelsey and tells her that after they win the playoffs he's retiring and she won't have any excuse. Kelsey gives into to Kris and they have a one night affair. Afterwords she tells him it was a mistake. When Kelsey tells Kris is doing the press, he tells her he can't he's got a date with her. Kelsey tells him she doesn't date hockey player, he tells her he won't be a hockey player after the playoffs. Kris notices that Kelsey hasn't been eating, she's lost some weight, he knows she's hiding something from him. After they win headed to the playoffs Kris follows Kelsey she asks him to kiss her. Kelsey knows she's getting sick again, she has leukemia, she doesn't want to tell Kris, she knows he'll stick around out of pity. Kris kisses Kelsey, then he pleasures her. The coach comes and finds Kris telling him he's needed. When the coach walks to Kelsey she stumbles, he catches her and carries her to his office. The coach asks her where her medication is, after the gets it for her she asks him if he always knew. Kelsey tells the coach she needs to officially talk to him in the morning. The next day coach is late for practice so Kris starts them on drills. When the coach arrives he huddles them up and tells them that Kelsey resigned. Kris gets upset and yells no and takes off to find her. The whole team is upset they can't loose Kelsey she's like a sister to them. Kelsey is cleaning out her things when Kris finds her. A wave of nausea hits her, when he finds her she gets dizzy. Kris catches her, she tells him she needs her medication. Kris is shocked when he opens her drawer to all the medication inside of it. Kris asks Kelsey what is going on she needs to talk to him. Kelsey tells him she's sick, she's been sick since she was eleven. Kelsey explains to Kris what is wrong with her, that she's falling out of remission. Kris takes Kelsey to her home, he puts her into her bed and then calls Wes Cutie Pie. Wes lets Kris know that Kelsey has a family that will help and support her. Kris just has convince Kelsey not to quit her job and get the support. When Kelsey wakes up she realizes that Kris is sitting beside her bed, he never left. Kris tells Kelsey that he's going to take care of her, he did it her way for two years and it didn't work out so now they're doing it his way. Kelsey tells Kris that he has to cup to worry about but he tells her he's going to take care of her. Kris tells Kelsey the team needs her and she needs their support right now, they're going out of their mind worried about her. Kris tells her that he's in love with her he has been for two years. Kelsey explains to Kris that she grew up taking care of herself she doesn't know how to let someone else help her or love her. Kris tells her he's not going anywhere, he there to take care of her and love her. Kelsey tells Kris she loves him she always has. Kelsey goes to Minnesota with the team, while on the plane some of the guys ask her questions about her leaving. Kelsey explains to the team what is going on with her. They all hug Kelsey and promise to bring her home the cup. Later that night Kelsey pleasures Kris, he tells her to go to sleep but she tells him some rules, then they make love. The next day they head to the game, Kris gets Kelsey to her seat behind the players. Kris keeps an eye on Kelsey throughout the game. When one of the players is making a shot and Kelsey stands to cheer him on her whole world shifts and falls out from under her. Kelsey passes out, Kris is called to the sidelines. Kris puts up Kelsey and carries her to the ambulance. The EMT tells Kris he can't ride with her, but he tells him that's his whole world in there, then climbs in. The whole team comes to see Kelsey before she wakes up. The coach has to kick them out, Kris has a whole lot of information to tells Kelsey when she wakes up. When Kelsey wakes up Kris is right beside her bed. Kris asks her how she feeling and she tells him better, she has an IV. Kris tells Kelsey she needs to start eating more. Kelsey ask Kris what the doctors told him, he tells her she needs to start eating twice as much as before. Kris ask Kelsey if she hears it, she asks him what it is. Kris tells her it's her miracle, then he grabs her hand and lays it with his over her stomach. Kris tells her that's the sound of their baby's heartbeat. Kris tells her they're pregnant, and Kelsey crumbles and falls to pieces. Kelsey has a lot of questions, but Kris tells her the baby is healthy. Kris tells her the pregnancy is going to be touch, she needs to rest. Kelsey asks him who won the game, Kris tells the team did, he was was it was important. Kelsey asks him if he left, Kris tells her he's not leaving her not now not ever. One year later, Kris wakes Kelsey up at midnight, she doesn't want to get up. Kris has a surprise for Kelsey, he tells her today is five years. Then Kris hands Kelsey a present, he tells her she's been in remission for five years today. Kris is retired from he NFL he stays home to take care of their three month old daughter and occasionally helping the coach. Kelsey is back working as the publicist for the team. Kelsey has never felt more whole then she does in Kris's arms. THIRTY FIVE YEARS LATER, they are headed to their grandbaby recital. They have two daughters, and four grandkids. Kelsey fills their home with love, no matter what she faces or how many time she's fallen out of remission. Kris is more wildly in love with her than ever.

[Suelen]

Frio Como O Gelo

Creio que posso dizer, sem sombra de dúvidas, que essa era a história mais aguardada da série. Desde o primeiro livro sabemos que Kelsey e Kris se amam, mas por algum motivo ela sempre foge dele. Quando comecei ler a série eu já sabia a sinopse desse livro, e antes da história começar a autora colocou uma nota explicativa falando sobre tudo o que encontraríamos nessa história, então eu já sabia qual era o problema de Kelsey e sabia exatamente os gatilhos que teriam ali. Mas não deixou de ser um baque, porque nos livros anteriores não há a menor indicação de Kelsey estar passando por tudo aquilo.

Sempre torci por esse casal desde o começo da série e, sinceramente, preferia uma história mais feliz para eles. Ah, não se enganem, eles encontram, sim, o seu final feliz. Mas os livros anteriores seguiram uma linha mais divertida, mais leve. Esse aqui foi bem puxado no drama e eu particularmente não curto dramas, ainda mais na história do casal que eu mais queria ler. A Kelsey é maravilhosa e eu queria muito que a história dela fosse mais feliz, com menos sofrimento. Veja bem, isso não quer dizer que a história seja ruim. Ao contrário, ela é ótima, é linda, é emocionante, mas o percurso até o felizes para sempre é bem triste e dramático. Não é à toa que antes do livro começar a autora avisa que você pode precisar de um lencinho durante a leitura. Quem curte o estilo com certeza vai se apaixonar. Eu me apaixonei por essa história, só preferia não ter sofrido tanto com ela (questão de gosto). Aquela nuvem de incerteza, de que a qualquer momento a coisa poderia mudar e começar todo o sofrimento de novo nunca abandonou a história. É algo que o casal teve que levar pro resto da vida, e na ficção eu quero muito o felizes PARA SEMPRE. O que ajudou a aliviar um pouco essa sensação constante de tragédia iminente foi um dos epílogos que a autora criou, com uma passagem de tempo de 35 anos. Foi a forma que ela encontrou de mostrar ao leitor que o casal continua bem, firme e forte. Pra você ver que teve a necessidade de mostrar isso, porque a situação de Kelsey torna o futuro muito incerto. Foi bom poder ter esse vislumbre do futuro e saber que ainda estava tudo bem (mesmo ficando subentendido que durante aqueles anos todos realmente aconteceu, mais de uma vez, aquilo que temíamos o livro inteiro).

Independente de qualquer coisa, esse é um ótimo livro, com um amor verdadeiro, um casal que luta e vence junto, construindo uma linda história - mesmo que regada a lágrimas. Tinha tudo para ser meu favorito, mas como falei antes, eu não curto dramas e preferia uma história mais leve e alegre para o casal que eu mais queria conferir. Mesmo assim, eu recomendo demais, pois acredito que até quem não é fã do estilo (como eu), irá se apaixonar por Kelsey e Kris.

[Ms. Shawn]

Kristjan Jonsson is the captain of the hockey team. Kelsey Lane is the publicist for the hockey team.

Kris has been asking Kelsey out for the last two years. She keeps saying no even though she really wants to say yes. She has been hiding that she is sick from everyone. Her leukemia is treatable but will never go away. She has never made it a full five years in remission. She has a lifetime of medicine and has been told that she can never have children. Because of her illness, her parents got divorced. Her mother turned to alcohol and Kelsey hasn’t seen her in years. Kelsey lived with her dad until he died.

Kris traps Kelsey on day and kisses her. Kelsey ends up letting him drag her into a conference room and she gives him her virginity. That was five weeks ago.

The team is now in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup. They win the first game at home. Kelsey has been avoiding Kris but has to make an appearance at the celebration. She feels like crap and thinks her leukemia may not be in remission anymore.

Will Kris convince Kelsey to let him love her and help her? Will she really quit her job with the team to protect Kris and the rest of them? Is her leukemia really back again?

[Jen ♥]

this is sweet, a bit heart-breaking but still inspires hope nonetheless.

kelsey (25) and kris (early thirties) have been in love for two years. but kelsey have her own issues why she thinks it's not a good idea to be with kris. she's so independent and caring towards other people but find it hard to rely on others to help her. based from her experience when she was young she thinks that it's better to keep her problems on her own than be a burden on someone else. she can be stubborn and independent but that's all she ever knew growing up.

while on the other hand, kris has been patiently waiting for kelsey to realize that they're the end game and there's no coming back from it. he was so sweet and supportive when he found out kelsey's reason for not returning all of his attempts. he was there beside her making her see that she's not alone and will never be anymore if he has a say on it. this man is something out of this world, and it is so freaking swoony reading his pov and the way how he sees kelsey.

overall, this is so sweet and cheesy. both mcs are adorable and mature and i really loved the two epilogues in this novella.

[Paige]

I’ve been waiting for Kris and Kelsey’s book since the beginning of the series and wow was it ever worth the wait. It was totally not what I was excepting, but absolutely perfect at the same time. I never would have expected the reasoning behind Kelsey’s refusal to be with Kris, but she was truly selfless and so strong. This story was the epitome of unconditional love on both ends and even to an extent from the entire team for Kelsey. I bawled my way through this one, the warnings at the beginning are spot on but well worth all the emotions. You’ll leave this book feeling drained yet happy and at peace at the same time. Absolutely no cheating or OM/OW drama, virgin FMC with a man whose loved her and been faithful for years, 2 beautiful epilogues set in the future that really tie all the emotions together and of course the perfect HEA. This is a book that makes you take a moment after reading it in the best possible way, and it make just be a new favourite.

[Melanie]

Prepare to fall hard

This book has ALL. THE. FEELS.

You will laugh, cry, and pick up the pieces of your heart as you read Kelsey and Kris’s story about their journey to Happily Ever After.

Kelsey has a couple of secrets. One is that she’s been in love with Kris since she met him two years ago. She’s been running from him ever since to protect him and everyone else she cares for, from secret number two. But Kris will not be deterred. Kelsey is his One and he knows he’s hers. One smexy hot encounter is all Kris needs to finally crack Kelsey’s reluctant heart and what he learns will blow his mind.

I’ve loved Kelsey since book one of this series. She is fierce and smart and loyal. Kris has been enigmatic throughout the series but HOLD ON to your hearts! He’s going to slay you. He’ll be your newest book boyfriend friend for sure.

I adored this book! I received a complimentary copy and I purchased a copy. This is my honest review. 🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️.

[Lucy]

I really think this could have been a 5 star read, or at the very least, a solid 4 star, if it had been fleshed out. Nichole Rose has some writing ability for sure. The problem that I had with Cold as Ice was the fact that it felt like a 3rd act break up and resolution. There was no relationship building. There was no character building. We're given 2 people that are already in love (supposedly, we're told this and not shown it) with each other but nothing else.

So when they get together and they face the issues that our FMC, Kelsey, is dealing with we're supposed to root for the Kelsey and Kris relationship. Instead, I could not be less interested in their love story. Nothing felt authentic because we were shown anything. We're just told that Kelsey can't let Kris in and Kris has been chasing after her for 2 years.

I wanted to like this more. The writing ability is there. The execution was just poorly done.

[Amy]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Oh. My. Goodness. I'd say for many Nichole fans, myself included, that this has been her most anticipated book. And it did not disappoint. It was even better than I could have ever thought it could be. I cried happy tears and sad tears. So many feels. Kris and Kelsey have been in love with each other since they met. Kelsey definitely didn't realize just how much he loves her. Her news, Kris's and the teams reactions. Just, 😭😭😭😭. I'm getting tears in my eyes just remembering it. Their story was so full of love and utterly heartfelt. It was absolutely beautiful. I don't want to give too mucha way because it deserves to be read and gushed over. A perfect example as to why Nichole is my favorite. ❤️❤️

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving my honest review.

[Nichole Loza]

The “C” Word

There is not a person in this world that has not been affected by the bad “C” word, cancer has taken so many people. Nichole Rose has spotlighted how cancer affects every day life. Cold as Ice is wonderful, it is spicy and the MMC, Kris, loves Kelsey with his whole heart and soul, but he knows she is keeping something from him. Kris is ready to move on from hockey being the centre of his universe to making Kelsey the centre of his universe, but Kelsey keeps pulling away, even though Kris knows she loves him as much as he loves her. Kelsey’s secret is a terrible secret, one she does not want to burden anyone with, especially the man she loves more than anything. Thank you Nichole for bringing this beautiful story to us.

[Rmqbookqueen]

These two will make your heart so full!

Kris and Kelsey’s book is finally here, and it was everything I could have hoped for! The tension was amazing, and these two definitely had the most slow burn build up throughout the other guys books until now. They were so worth the wait! Kris was the ultimate book boyfriend/husband and he was ready to do anything to get Kelsey. We’ve seen Kelsey be a headstrong baddie who takes care of the team with an iron fist, but her side of the story was so emotional and beautiful. Her and Kris coming together was like that last piece of the puzzle clicking into place, and it wasn’t perfect but it was perfect for them. This is a must read if you’ve loved the rest of the books in the series or if your just love good emotional reads.

[Belle]

So the book was only about 100 pages, which made everything feel so rushed, and many important moments and conversations were missing. It felt like the author tried to fit as much as possible into a short space, but so much was left out. Kris and Kelsey have been in love with each other for two years, but Kelsey, having had leukemia, doesn’t want to get romantically involved with him. After a few weeks, she suddenly experiences symptoms and assumes her illness has returned. Kris and the team don’t understand her sudden resignation. She doesn’t want to drag anyone into her situation but eventually opens up. It turns out she’s pregnant, and that’s basically the end of the story. It’s still a sweet message, but an insane amount is missing, and it feels very underdeveloped.

[Jennifer Brewster]

Speechless

How is it possible that Nichole always seems to get so much emotion out of a shorter story. I had to stop reading because I couldn’t see through the tears.

Kris & Kelsey were absolutely EVERYTHING!!! Kris is everything Kelsey needs if she can just let him in. For 2 years he’s been chasing her and he has no plans to let up now. Their story touched on some deeper subjects that’s definitely got me emotional but it was so well written.

Not only is this story about Kelsey and Kris but also about the team and how all those boys rallied when they were needed. I loved every second of the story!!!

[Emma van den Berg]

I definitely just read this within an hour purely because I’ve been procrastinating and I don’t want to go to sleep. Was I entertained, definitely. Did this book read as if half of the pages had been ripped out, also yes. Chapter one really already went from “I need to keep my distance to protect him from the sad reality that is my life as someone with cancer” to “let’s have sex in the conference room.” I think the only way for me to enjoy this book is at 1 am, but what can I say I am a sucker for ice hockey romance and I’m also sleep deprived so the stars really aligned when this book popped up on my tiktok page.

[Laura Blakey]

Wow Nichole what a book! So many emotions I laughed and cried god it tugged at my heart I felt for Kelsey I could see how hard it was for her to hold back from Kris but I’m so happy she was as able to have him and he could help her shoulder her problem. It was an incredible story and I loved all the words this series is so good to hockey team is one big family and they all are so passionately there for each other and I love love the banter with all the players it’s epic! Thank you for this I was so lucky to receive an ARC for you.
Everyone needs Kris and Kelsey in their TBR x

[Kat4]

Kris and Kelsey🤍 the wait for this story was worth it! I was not expecting that to be the reason she was fighting against Kris, wow. Kelsey is even more amazing than we knew. And Kris... his level of devotion, loyalty and love was a thing of beauty. These two were amazing and I am so happy with their hea. There's not a lot of heat in this one(don't worry, there is enough), but there is so much emotion, "family", and support that it makes a readers heart feel full. Well done, Nichole Rose!! I definitely recommend!!❤

[Tracy Pulley]

Beautiful. I have been looking forward to Kris and Kelsey’s book for a while now. We’ve seen their interactions in other books and the wait was worth it. The content warning at the beginning is on point. But don’t worry, it’s so worth it.

I can’t even put into words how Cold as Ice made me feel. It was powerful and that second epilogue was perfect and did me in! It was beautiful and wonderful, short but packed such a punch.

For sure this will be a reread for me. It’s quick, but it doesn’t take away from the heart.

I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

[casvec]

Kelsey has been pushing Kris away for two years. She is hiding a secret and rather break her heart instead of his. Kris knew that Kelsey was the moment he saw her, instead of retiring he kept playing just to be with her. Now he wants more.

Kelsey and Kris story is an emotional rollercoaster of love, worry, trust and promises. When Kelsey lets down her walls and lets Kris, she experiences a life she never thought she would have. Love the passion and connection between Kelsey and Kris, the chemistry is explosive and hot.

[Hollie]

I have absolutely loved this series. I was so excited to finally get Kris and Kelsey’s story. It was perfect. Kelsey has been running from Kris for about two years now and he’s yet to give up on her. She has a secret and she doesn’t want him or the team to know. He of course knows she’s hiding something and is determined to figure out what it is and make her his. Their story was beautiful, I definitely cried while reading it. The whole team and found family they have is just so perfect as well. Love always wins.

[Leslee]

Kris and Kelsey's story was a long time coming but I did not expect to be crying a couple chapters in! They are both so in love, yearning for each other and Kelsey just won't go there. She has her reasons and they just about broke my heart. Fortunately, Kris has a heart of gold but an iron will. He doesn't let her get away. NR should be so proud of this story, she nailed it. So much raw emotion and pure love is packed into every chapter. I am in awe of her talent, she is truly amazing. I need more of these hockey players asap!

[Mildred Campana]

WOW, what an incredible story ❤️

You really need a tissue when reading this story. We finally got Kris’s and Kelly’s story and what a story it is. I don’t want to say much otherwise it will ruin it for those who have not read it. I really enjoyed reading how Kris was finally able to get through Kelly specifically when she most needed him.

The whole Playing for Keeps series is just wonderful and I hope there’s more to come. I highly recommended this book and also the others in this series.

As always, you can’t go wrong with a Nichole Rose story 🥰

[Natasha Tucker]

Wow!! This was an amazing, emotional story! Kris had been in love with Kelsey from the second he saw her 2 years earlier. Kelsey loved Kris but kept pushing him away. She had a secret and she didn’t want to burden Kris with her life. Kris was never giving up on her, she was his one. When Kelsey weakened momentarily and he saw she really did want him Kris took his chance. Sweet, steamy, emotional rollercoaster with amazing chemistry, wonderful friendships, a loving, caring, determined hero and a fantastic HEA