Icing

Chicago Falcons #1

by Nico Daniels

My secret crush on Gavin has always been just that… a secret.

It was silly anyway. After all, I was engaged to his teammate.

Right up until I caught my fiancé cheating on me. On. Our. Wedding. Day.

So, I did what anyone would do. I retreated to my bakery and vowed to avoid NHL players for the rest of my life. After all, the entire hockey community had watched it implode thanks to a viral video from the church.

What I couldn’t predict was Gavin, and learning he has a secret crush of his own.

Competitive Gavin who was unstoppable on the ice.
Sweet Gavin who brought me soup when I was sick.
Sexy Gavin who kissed my breath away.

If I’m not careful, my innocent crush could just become the icing on the cupcake.

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2023

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It was a bit slow, and I found myself losing interest more often than usual. However, once I was able to strictly focus on the book, I did find it interesting and overall enjoyed it. At first, it would seem like it was just the typical slow burn brother's friend romance, but it's not. I've read a lot of romance books in my time, but this one seemed to add little twists to the story that I haven't seen often in other books. I won't give any spoilers, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised that the MMC didn't go from alpha to beta or vice versa throughout or by the end of the book. I've seen that type of switch done so often that it actually takes away from the overall rating (in my opinion). Why? Well, it leaves me wondering why someone would make such a drastic change from the person they are. If you love someone, you should love them for who they are, not for who they can change into. That just seems wrong to me.

[Jen Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it gripped me from the first page. I loved the humor, the fear, the emotion, and the heartbreak of the characters. It was so well written they you the reader felt like you were part of the story with all the feels. I can’t wait to read the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only was this a great start to a new series, but it was a fantastic introduction to a new to me author. The character work and story line were well written and kept me hooked from start to finish. I can't wait to see what Nico Daniels has in store for us next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book with lovable characters and a plot besides the love story.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey stories are some of my absolute favorites, so what can I say about this this book? There are no words other than…Wow!!!

Icing may be Nico Daniels’ debut novel, but it definitely doesn’t read like it!

Gavin Halstead is a professional hockey player, Greyson Park is a cupcake genius who just so happens to be descended from hockey royalty. When their paths cross, sparks fly & a friendship begins…

What follows is a story full of ups and downs, laughs, loyalty & friendship, plus some heartache thrown in for good measure.

This may have been Nico’s first book, but it better not be her last! I can't wait to read what happens next!

[Jenna Lall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I love in a good romance novel. I thought the characters were so real and deeply developed. I was rooting for them individually just as much as I was for them as a couple. I enjoyed that there was an actual storyline that existed outside of their relationship. There was also an appropriate amount of spice, not over the top like some books can get. I read this in literally less than 24 hours and I will certainly be picking up the next book in this series. The only reason I deducted 1 star is because some of the dialogue was really corny and unrealistic. I appreciated that the author wrote a man who was aware of boundaries, but the therapy buzz words were a bit much.

Otherwise would for sure recommend!!

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather ADDICTING! The drama of it all gets you hooked and I just couldn't stop reading. YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE with the characters and enjoy the rollercoaster that is Greyson Park's life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am impress finally a hockey/sport romance really fare from the stereotype of the genre. Some part are though and the end is a bit rush but the story give you hope.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love it when I find a new author I can add to my tbr list. I really enjoyed this book and hope there is more to come.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

All-in-all I have to say I enjoyed this story, though I wasn’t enamored by any means. There were just too many obstacles, too many will they/won’t they moments, and too much hot and cold between the H/h for me. I like to see steady building in a relationship instead of “two steps forward, 1 step back” mentality, because that just takes forever to get anywhere (in anything, much less a love story). Greyson was fun when she let herself free, but her past dragged her down too much. Gavin was a sweet and beta guy trying too hard to be alpha. Together when they let themselves forget their pasts, they were cute and pleasant to read, but I can’t say there was much chemistry except in the intentionally passionate moments when they were teasing one another. When they were putting forth the effort to connect sexually, they were pretty good together, but those moments were too few for me. I really enjoyed many of their friends and family, they were hilarious, outrageous, and amusing to get to know and I’d love to see a few of them get their own stories. Overall, for a first published novel I would say this was a good story with some world building, character intro, action, and drama. I will definitely read more just to see how Nico grows and develops in future.

Full review here in the blog:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love hockey player romance books. I don't know what it is about that set-up, but i love it.

This was a quick read.

There are elements of forbidden love, heartbreak, sports, family, friendship, and learning to let down the guard over your heart. The characters explore learning to trust not only themselves, but also the ones closest to them.

Gavin is a hockey player with a heart of gold. I wanted him and Greyson to get together early on in this book. I enjoyed reading their love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacie Hegenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was touching and explored a few areas that require trigger warnings…but it was a very good novel! Greyson was a complex character and Gavin is an excellent “book boyfriend” with his patience and understanding. The book was slow burn romance and focus on the story (not the bedroom). If you are looking for a sports romance with “all the feels” this is a good choice. The quote “stars can’t shine without darkness is the perfect description of Greyson!