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Lakeshore U #3
Beneath the Ice
An emotional and angsty hockey romance from USA Today and WSJ bestselling author L A Cotton.
Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?
When Connor Morgan wants something, he goes after it and doesn’t stop until he gets it.
Enter Ella Henshaw.
She’s the love of his life. Beautiful. Loyal. He has their future all mapped out.
When Ella watches Connor take a nasty hit on the ice, she prays it isn’t going to ruin his final season with the Lakers.
Or compromise his shot at going pro.
He’s Lakeshore U’s favorite defenseman.
She’s everything he's ever wanted, and the only girl he wants by his side.
Can Ella help Connor find the strength and determination he needs to recover?
Or will she be unable to save him from slipping beneath the ice?
*Beneath the Ice is an 85,000-word standalone novel set in the Lakeshore U series.
Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?
When Connor Morgan wants something, he goes after it and doesn’t stop until he gets it.
Enter Ella Henshaw.
She’s the love of his life. Beautiful. Loyal. He has their future all mapped out.
When Ella watches Connor take a nasty hit on the ice, she prays it isn’t going to ruin his final season with the Lakers.
Or compromise his shot at going pro.
He’s Lakeshore U’s favorite defenseman.
She’s everything he's ever wanted, and the only girl he wants by his side.
Can Ella help Connor find the strength and determination he needs to recover?
Or will she be unable to save him from slipping beneath the ice?
*Beneath the Ice is an 85,000-word standalone novel set in the Lakeshore U series.
444 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2023
87 people are currently reading
1254 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Cotton
120 books3,127 followers Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
Official Website
www.lacotton.com
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
Official Website
www.lacotton.com
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
September 21, 2023
Beneath the Ice is part of the Lakeshore U series by L.A. Cotton, and I’ve had a great time with this college, hockey romance series! This book features a couple we’ve already seen get back together in Bite the Ice, a novella from this author, and I was excited to see where their story would take us in this one!
“When Connor put on his number twenty-three jersey, he belonged to them, the fans. But his heart, the man underneath the jersey, was mine.”
We meet up with Connor and Ella a year into their relationship after getting back together in Bite the Ice (you could definitely jump into this read as a standalone but you’ll just see some more of their backstory in the novella first). Hockey is everything to Connor and he’s thinking of his future with the sport past college, as well as his future with Ella. When suddenly his life gets turned upside down when he suffers an injury and is out for the remainder of his senior year. Connor struggles with knowing who he is without hockey and start to push Ella away while he’s in pain. This definitely puts a strain on their relationship, so if you like reading relationship-in-trouble type of romances, this one is for you!
“I needed Ella like I needed hockey. They were the two most important things in my life.”
I liked how Connor’s injury started to put things in perspective for him and the way he and Ella had to grow through this. Mistakes are made and things are said, but what they do after all of that was the best part to see. I liked being back with this group of teammates and friends and how they’re really like a tight-knit family, who are there for one another through it all. It was fun seeing more of Connor and Ella, the OG couple of the team!
I received an audio ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own! Beneath the Ice has a pub date of September 26, 2023!
“When Connor put on his number twenty-three jersey, he belonged to them, the fans. But his heart, the man underneath the jersey, was mine.”
We meet up with Connor and Ella a year into their relationship after getting back together in Bite the Ice (you could definitely jump into this read as a standalone but you’ll just see some more of their backstory in the novella first). Hockey is everything to Connor and he’s thinking of his future with the sport past college, as well as his future with Ella. When suddenly his life gets turned upside down when he suffers an injury and is out for the remainder of his senior year. Connor struggles with knowing who he is without hockey and start to push Ella away while he’s in pain. This definitely puts a strain on their relationship, so if you like reading relationship-in-trouble type of romances, this one is for you!
“I needed Ella like I needed hockey. They were the two most important things in my life.”
I liked how Connor’s injury started to put things in perspective for him and the way he and Ella had to grow through this. Mistakes are made and things are said, but what they do after all of that was the best part to see. I liked being back with this group of teammates and friends and how they’re really like a tight-knit family, who are there for one another through it all. It was fun seeing more of Connor and Ella, the OG couple of the team!
I received an audio ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own! Beneath the Ice has a pub date of September 26, 2023!
January 21, 2024
We meet Connor and Ella right at the beginning of the series in Bite the Ice which I highly recommend before reading this.
Beneath the Ice is the 3rd full length story in the series. Ella and Connor are already in a relationship and this is their struggle to happily ever after.
When the world is at your feet everyone seems to have an idea of what you should do. Fate sometimes has other ideas. For better and or worse can these two make it work?
I really enjoyed the second instalment in their romance. Bite the Ice is sexy whereas this brings all the emotions.
Each book I’m this series is unique. Their stories are interlinked but can be read as standalones.
Beneath the Ice is full of angsty romance, love and struggles. I can’t get enough. Great series. Emotional addition.
Beneath the Ice is the 3rd full length story in the series. Ella and Connor are already in a relationship and this is their struggle to happily ever after.
When the world is at your feet everyone seems to have an idea of what you should do. Fate sometimes has other ideas. For better and or worse can these two make it work?
I really enjoyed the second instalment in their romance. Bite the Ice is sexy whereas this brings all the emotions.
Each book I’m this series is unique. Their stories are interlinked but can be read as standalones.
Beneath the Ice is full of angsty romance, love and struggles. I can’t get enough. Great series. Emotional addition.
October 18, 2023
Ella Henshaw was mine. And no matter what the future held, I never planned on letting her go.
I have loved this series so far but I don't think I've been more excited than I was when I found out we were getting a continuation of Ella & Connor's story. We first met them early on in their novella Bite the Ice and ever since, I've hoped that we would get more of them. Well, Lianne gave the people what they wanted ('the people' being ME!). While I love Connor - when he's not being a grump and pushing everyone who loves him away - my heart belongs to Ella. I admired her strength and her huge heart; she had to deal with so much. BENEATH THE ICE really was heartbreaking in parts, but you must trust that Lianne will put you back together again with her incredible storytelling.
I have loved this series so far but I don't think I've been more excited than I was when I found out we were getting a continuation of Ella & Connor's story. We first met them early on in their novella Bite the Ice and ever since, I've hoped that we would get more of them. Well, Lianne gave the people what they wanted ('the people' being ME!). While I love Connor - when he's not being a grump and pushing everyone who loves him away - my heart belongs to Ella. I admired her strength and her huge heart; she had to deal with so much. BENEATH THE ICE really was heartbreaking in parts, but you must trust that Lianne will put you back together again with her incredible storytelling.
September 28, 2023
5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Connor. Freaking. Morgan. 👏🏼
I cannot even begin to explain how excited I was for this book simply because I absolutely loved Connor in every other book of the series. I read his prequel — which i definitely recommend reading before jumping into this book — but just knew I needed more of him & Ella.
I will say I was nervous, only because the relationship in trouble trope isn’t my favorite & I typically don’t care to read about relationships already established in the beginning of the book. HOWEVER, I loved these two so much.
The storyline follows Connor & Ella a year into their relationship when Connor gets hurt on the ice & has a season ending injury his senior year. He ends up needing surgery & goes into kind of a dark place as he worries about his future in the NHL — hockey is his life & thinking about his career being in jeopardy really scares him. Even though he loves Ella so much, he pushes her away, scared she’ll eventually just leave him if he doesn’t have hockey.
The love these two have for each other is just so sweet. & the way Connor calls her “Kitten” omggggg 🥹 Basically all you need to know is that Connor is super swoony. If you love the boy obsessed & golden retriever MMCs, you will love this book! I’m loving this series so much, it’s one of my fave hockey series & this book is definitely my favorite so far!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Relationship in trouble
- Boy Obsessed
- Lots of Banter
2.5/5🌶️
Connor. Freaking. Morgan. 👏🏼
I cannot even begin to explain how excited I was for this book simply because I absolutely loved Connor in every other book of the series. I read his prequel — which i definitely recommend reading before jumping into this book — but just knew I needed more of him & Ella.
I will say I was nervous, only because the relationship in trouble trope isn’t my favorite & I typically don’t care to read about relationships already established in the beginning of the book. HOWEVER, I loved these two so much.
The storyline follows Connor & Ella a year into their relationship when Connor gets hurt on the ice & has a season ending injury his senior year. He ends up needing surgery & goes into kind of a dark place as he worries about his future in the NHL — hockey is his life & thinking about his career being in jeopardy really scares him. Even though he loves Ella so much, he pushes her away, scared she’ll eventually just leave him if he doesn’t have hockey.
The love these two have for each other is just so sweet. & the way Connor calls her “Kitten” omggggg 🥹 Basically all you need to know is that Connor is super swoony. If you love the boy obsessed & golden retriever MMCs, you will love this book! I’m loving this series so much, it’s one of my fave hockey series & this book is definitely my favorite so far!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Relationship in trouble
- Boy Obsessed
- Lots of Banter
September 22, 2023
“𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭. 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲. 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥.”
In her hurt/comfort romance Beneath the Ice, L.A. Cotton follows hockey defenseman Connor Morgan and library assistant Ella Henshaw.
I'll give L.A. credit for her ability to play with your emotions and make you feel everything. Also, I admired Ella's strength since she didn't take crap from anyone, including her boyfriend.
While Connor kept stating that Ella was his everything, which didn't seem to be the case, I hated how he allowed his parents to mistreat Ella the way they did and never once stood up for her. Also, I hated the fact that Connor continued to communicate with his ex. Like hello, that’s not ok??? Throughout the entire book, my heart was hurting for Ella because my poor girl was going through it and yet staying.
Overall, I have a love-hate relationship with this book because I enjoyed how angsty it was but didn't like how the characters, particularly Conor, handled their problems.
*Thank you to the author, L.A. Cotton for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
In her hurt/comfort romance Beneath the Ice, L.A. Cotton follows hockey defenseman Connor Morgan and library assistant Ella Henshaw.
I'll give L.A. credit for her ability to play with your emotions and make you feel everything. Also, I admired Ella's strength since she didn't take crap from anyone, including her boyfriend.
While Connor kept stating that Ella was his everything, which didn't seem to be the case, I hated how he allowed his parents to mistreat Ella the way they did and never once stood up for her. Also, I hated the fact that Connor continued to communicate with his ex. Like hello, that’s not ok??? Throughout the entire book, my heart was hurting for Ella because my poor girl was going through it and yet staying.
Overall, I have a love-hate relationship with this book because I enjoyed how angsty it was but didn't like how the characters, particularly Conor, handled their problems.
*Thank you to the author, L.A. Cotton for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
September 28, 2023
***4,25 "My forever girl!!!" stars***
"Hockey was my end goal. There wasn't a plan B.
It was hockey... or it was nothing."
Oh how much I love this series!!! I am Connor Morgan's biggest fan from the very first moment I met him... Every appearance of him was the highlight of my day!!!!
And I am so happy that after 'Bite the ice', a small novella of how Connor and Ella got together, we finally got a full length story about them, even though it was kind of bittersweet!!!
Connor and Ella are back and they will take you an unforgettable ride!!!!
"Why did it sometimes feel like there was an invisible clock ticking down around us?"
This couple is already one year together and they are very happy and so in love....
This is Connor's final season of college hockey and he is ready to embrace his new life with his girl by his side...
Ella from the other hand doesn't want to think of the future cause she is afraid of what it's holding for the two of them...
And then one day, everything turns upside down... Connor is taking a bad hit on the ice and his injury is leaving him out of the season, something that Connor is not ready to deal with...
Now, Ella is determined to stay by his side and support him through this difficult period, but does she have enough strength to pull him out of the thick ice that is pulling him under???
"She was my light; she always had been. But the injury had cast too dark of a shadow over her- over everything."
I really loved this couple...
Ella was a sweetheart with a heart of gold... She was a rock for Connor and even though her insecurities, she never let him down...
Connor was such a great guy!!! I loved that he was a goofball most of the time and that he was interfering all the time with his friends' love life... But that injury is bringing a darkness in him that didn't suit him... and that darkness made him act irrationally and he almost lost the most important thing in his life... Ella!!!
"My girl was fucking breaking, and it was all my fault."
I loved this ride!!! I loved Connor and Ella!!! Their devotion to each other was remarkable!!!
I adore this series!!! Every new book is another amazing addition in the Lakeshore U world!!!
As I told you above, I loved that we took a new and bigger book about Ella and Connor cause they were deserving this extra time...
And now, I am very intrigued about Austin and his mystery girl!!!
If you're enjoying hockey romances, this is a series that you don't want to miss!!! Trust me on that!!!
"If you're going to love a Laker, you have to love the game."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"Hockey was my end goal. There wasn't a plan B.
It was hockey... or it was nothing."
Oh how much I love this series!!! I am Connor Morgan's biggest fan from the very first moment I met him... Every appearance of him was the highlight of my day!!!!
And I am so happy that after 'Bite the ice', a small novella of how Connor and Ella got together, we finally got a full length story about them, even though it was kind of bittersweet!!!
Connor and Ella are back and they will take you an unforgettable ride!!!!
"Why did it sometimes feel like there was an invisible clock ticking down around us?"
This couple is already one year together and they are very happy and so in love....
This is Connor's final season of college hockey and he is ready to embrace his new life with his girl by his side...
Ella from the other hand doesn't want to think of the future cause she is afraid of what it's holding for the two of them...
And then one day, everything turns upside down... Connor is taking a bad hit on the ice and his injury is leaving him out of the season, something that Connor is not ready to deal with...
Now, Ella is determined to stay by his side and support him through this difficult period, but does she have enough strength to pull him out of the thick ice that is pulling him under???
"She was my light; she always had been. But the injury had cast too dark of a shadow over her- over everything."
I really loved this couple...
Ella was a sweetheart with a heart of gold... She was a rock for Connor and even though her insecurities, she never let him down...
Connor was such a great guy!!! I loved that he was a goofball most of the time and that he was interfering all the time with his friends' love life... But that injury is bringing a darkness in him that didn't suit him... and that darkness made him act irrationally and he almost lost the most important thing in his life... Ella!!!
"My girl was fucking breaking, and it was all my fault."
I loved this ride!!! I loved Connor and Ella!!! Their devotion to each other was remarkable!!!
I adore this series!!! Every new book is another amazing addition in the Lakeshore U world!!!
As I told you above, I loved that we took a new and bigger book about Ella and Connor cause they were deserving this extra time...
And now, I am very intrigued about Austin and his mystery girl!!!
If you're enjoying hockey romances, this is a series that you don't want to miss!!! Trust me on that!!!
"If you're going to love a Laker, you have to love the game."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
September 27, 2023
⭒ Rating: 4.2 stars
I had been waiting for this ever since Lianne hinted at writing another book for these characters. I loved them so much in the Halloween prequel, I hoped they would eventually get a full book, and here it is! And what an emotional ride it was 🙈
Connor and Ella put me through all the emotions in Beneath the Ice! My goodness, the angst was so good and painful. My heart hurt so much but mostly for Ella, not gonna lie. I hated the whole situation for Connor, I did, but it put Ella in such a crap position with his family. Gosh, I despised them! And Connor disappointed me a little bit with his attitude and actions, especially regarding his parents. It took him a while to really open his eyes to the situation and I hated that for Ella.
Ella was such a good girlfriend! She did not deserve to go through all that. I was quite happy when she said enough was enough and chose herself. Even if the whole situation also broke my heart for them both.
But then it was nice to see Connor getting out of that dark cloud, getting back on track with his life, working on himself both physically and emotionally to get his girl back! His groveling was cute, even though I wish there had been more of it but I mean we always knew they would be endgame despite it all.
I really loved watching everyone else in the series through these two’s eyes again! Watching Mason and Harper was so cute! I loved how involved these two were in their friends’ romantic lives! I’m really excited at the hints we got for Austin’s book. I can’t waitttt.
⭒ ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
♥ Tropes: hockey romance, relationship in trouble, injured player, college romance
⭒ Order at: Amazon US
⭒ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Tiktok ⁕ Pinterest ⁕ Facebook
I had been waiting for this ever since Lianne hinted at writing another book for these characters. I loved them so much in the Halloween prequel, I hoped they would eventually get a full book, and here it is! And what an emotional ride it was 🙈
Connor and Ella put me through all the emotions in Beneath the Ice! My goodness, the angst was so good and painful. My heart hurt so much but mostly for Ella, not gonna lie. I hated the whole situation for Connor, I did, but it put Ella in such a crap position with his family. Gosh, I despised them! And Connor disappointed me a little bit with his attitude and actions, especially regarding his parents. It took him a while to really open his eyes to the situation and I hated that for Ella.
Ella was such a good girlfriend! She did not deserve to go through all that. I was quite happy when she said enough was enough and chose herself. Even if the whole situation also broke my heart for them both.
But then it was nice to see Connor getting out of that dark cloud, getting back on track with his life, working on himself both physically and emotionally to get his girl back! His groveling was cute, even though I wish there had been more of it but I mean we always knew they would be endgame despite it all.
I really loved watching everyone else in the series through these two’s eyes again! Watching Mason and Harper was so cute! I loved how involved these two were in their friends’ romantic lives! I’m really excited at the hints we got for Austin’s book. I can’t waitttt.
⭒ ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
♥ Tropes: hockey romance, relationship in trouble, injured player, college romance
⭒ Order at: Amazon US
⭒ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Tiktok ⁕ Pinterest ⁕ Facebook
October 1, 2023
I received the audiobook from Forever & Always PR, thank you! All opinions are my own.
This is the third book in the Lakeshore U series but you could read them as standalones cause they follow different couples. But they're all part of the same group of friends so they talk about events from previous books.
In here we follow Connor and Ella who are already dating. They're happy and they got everything they wanted until Connor takes a hit on the ice and his future in hockey is questioned. Will they get through this? Or will their relationship suffer from it all?
I'm so glad I read the novella Bite the Ice before reading this one cause the novella is the beginning of the story of this couple. I highly recommend reading that one before this one.
This was so good. It's kind of different as we follow a couple that's already been dating for a while but it's so cute anyway.
And the audiobook was fantastic, I could picture everything and I really got into the story super fast.
The romance may be one of my favorites so far from the series. They're so good together.
I already knew one of the plot twists as they mention it in other book but that didn't mean it didn't hit as hard the second time around.
The ending warmed my heart and it was great.
They talk a lot about another character and I'm hoping the next book is about him! I'm so intrigued.
This is the third book in the Lakeshore U series but you could read them as standalones cause they follow different couples. But they're all part of the same group of friends so they talk about events from previous books.
In here we follow Connor and Ella who are already dating. They're happy and they got everything they wanted until Connor takes a hit on the ice and his future in hockey is questioned. Will they get through this? Or will their relationship suffer from it all?
I'm so glad I read the novella Bite the Ice before reading this one cause the novella is the beginning of the story of this couple. I highly recommend reading that one before this one.
This was so good. It's kind of different as we follow a couple that's already been dating for a while but it's so cute anyway.
And the audiobook was fantastic, I could picture everything and I really got into the story super fast.
The romance may be one of my favorites so far from the series. They're so good together.
I already knew one of the plot twists as they mention it in other book but that didn't mean it didn't hit as hard the second time around.
The ending warmed my heart and it was great.
They talk a lot about another character and I'm hoping the next book is about him! I'm so intrigued.
December 18, 2023
I knew this one would be a hard read, which is why I put it off. Conor and Ella had been such a great couple since the prequel, that I didn’t want to see them struggle.
One of the things I really love about this college hockey series is that the books center around conflicts that actual college student could be facing. In Conor’s case, a potentially career-ending injury, and an eye on the prize sports dad.
My only complaint about this one was that the entire Sarah sub-plot felt unnecessary and was a bit of a turn-off. There was enough conflict with the injury and Connor’s (understandable) emotional ups and downs.
One of the things I really love about this college hockey series is that the books center around conflicts that actual college student could be facing. In Conor’s case, a potentially career-ending injury, and an eye on the prize sports dad.
My only complaint about this one was that the entire Sarah sub-plot felt unnecessary and was a bit of a turn-off. There was enough conflict with the injury and Connor’s (understandable) emotional ups and downs.
October 18, 2023
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️ 5/5🎧
Beneath the Ice was entertaining from start to finish. Connor was super freaking swoony. He worships the ground Ella walks on and his nickname for her, Kitten, gahhh so stinking cute. But even though he’s buttery soft for his woman, Connor has big 🍆 energy. And he knows how to work it. Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter are the perfect duet for an *explosive* 💦 audio performance.
Not only was it cute and spicy, but it was also heartbreaking. I felt like I was going through what the characters were in the book. It was literally breaking my heart. But through growth and determination, everyone gets their HEA.
I haven’t read the rest of the series but best believe I’m backtracking and listening to the rest ASAP! Highly recommend.
Beneath the Ice was entertaining from start to finish. Connor was super freaking swoony. He worships the ground Ella walks on and his nickname for her, Kitten, gahhh so stinking cute. But even though he’s buttery soft for his woman, Connor has big 🍆 energy. And he knows how to work it. Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter are the perfect duet for an *explosive* 💦 audio performance.
Not only was it cute and spicy, but it was also heartbreaking. I felt like I was going through what the characters were in the book. It was literally breaking my heart. But through growth and determination, everyone gets their HEA.
I haven’t read the rest of the series but best believe I’m backtracking and listening to the rest ASAP! Highly recommend.
September 26, 2023
Ella and Conner is a swoon worthy couple. This books had the right amount of swoon and angst. In this full length book you really get to see their relationship grow and be tested. I absolutely loved Ella in this book her strength and attitude was exactly what I love in a female character. Conner was a cocky and miserable for part of the book but it just made the HEA even better. This book was everything I hoped for for this couple and more.
December 31, 2025
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes**
Author: L.A. Cotton
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Ella and Connor
Trope(s): Hockey Romance
We met Connor and Ella in Bite The Ice Lakeshore U Prequel. A year after they reconnected we find them in their senior year. The Philadelphia Flyers are after him. Life is good.
Then an injury threatens his future.
It doesn’t help his father has made his displeasure with their relationship obvious.
Connor lost in the throes of self pity isolates himself from Ella.
Can they overcome the obstacles?
Stand-alone: Yes**
Author: L.A. Cotton
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Ella and Connor
Trope(s): Hockey Romance
We met Connor and Ella in Bite The Ice Lakeshore U Prequel. A year after they reconnected we find them in their senior year. The Philadelphia Flyers are after him. Life is good.
Then an injury threatens his future.
It doesn’t help his father has made his displeasure with their relationship obvious.
Connor lost in the throes of self pity isolates himself from Ella.
Can they overcome the obstacles?
December 26, 2024
Beneath the Ice is the third book in the Lakeshore U series. This book features a couple we’ve already seen get back together in Bite the Ice, a novella from this author. This is a relationship in trouble, college, hockey romance. Ella and Connor are meant to be together, despite the struggles they face, their love for each other is so strong and we see them, although they are in a relationship to fight for their HEA. The friend group is amazing, they are a found family and they support each other selflessly. I can't wait for Austin's story.
June 15, 2024
תכלס נתתי לספר 3.5 אבל אי אפשר לשים חצאי כוכבים.
אחרי הספר הנובלה מרגישה עוד יותר מיותרת, ספר חמוד, ממש מקסים וממש אהבתי את הזוג
ניכר שהיו נושאים שלא היה בהם מחקר רב בכלל וזה ממש ביאס
אחרי הספר הנובלה מרגישה עוד יותר מיותרת, ספר חמוד, ממש מקסים וממש אהבתי את הזוג
ניכר שהיו נושאים שלא היה בהם מחקר רב בכלל וזה ממש ביאס
September 26, 2023
OMG I loved this story! LA Cotton new adult sports romances always make my finding your first love heart so happy! And what a deliciously angsty, heart wrenching, and emotional first love this is! Beneath the Ice is such a journey. The drama, the heartbreak, the tension and mistakes. The feelings just pour off the pages.
What felt so refreshing in this story is following a couple already secure and established in their love…this isn’t about falling in love…it’s about trying to find a way to make it work when things are really hard. LA so lovingly leans into her characters growth…as painful as it is to experience for them and us as readers rooting for them. We see an established couple trying to figure out how to transition a young college love into something more substantial and permanent…and just how challenging that is when you’re both growing up AND facing life-altering obstacles that not only derail their potential life plans but also challenge what seems to be an unbreakable bond.
I loved Ella and Connnor! Their novella (which you don't need to read to enjoy this story) started this whole Lakeshore U world with their FIRST second chance. They have a beautiful connection- they are happy, secure, respect each other and are also SO hot together. They are soulmates, but they also have a lot of fun. Until a potential career ending injury threatens not just Connor’s future but threatens to derail all their plans. They’ve been in their HEA bliss…but now their happy bubble is challenged by SO much, and they are forced to confront the challenges to their long term happiness that have been subversively bubbling under the surface. Family, career goals, ex…and most of all, their communication. Love is easy when things are calm…but true love blossoms when it’s tested. And both of them are tested….a couple trying to weather a storm together without it tearing them apart. It’s a challenge relatable to so many couples in love- and I loved how we see this couple figure out how to grow together instead of grow apart. It’s a HARD fight, but a fight worth taking.
This gave me so much college nostalgia- the fun, the hard times, and most of all, facing graduating and figuring out what is next. I felt SO much for Ella in this- this girl puts up with SO much for love. She’s selfless and kind and affectionate and so forgiving. Connor gets ANOTHER second chance…and at times I didn’t think he deserved it, but he also suffers so much. Depression, lost purpose, his physical and emotional pain. He makes some major mistakes…and there's a lot of miscommunication/misunderstanding in this one, something new to them since they’ve always been so stable. But hard times rocks the foundations, and they have to find out how to get back to their core. And I loved the journey- ITS SO DAMN ANGSTY! But worth every tear because they are so beautiful together. Loving this series! And the audio, done in duet narration, was so well done!
What felt so refreshing in this story is following a couple already secure and established in their love…this isn’t about falling in love…it’s about trying to find a way to make it work when things are really hard. LA so lovingly leans into her characters growth…as painful as it is to experience for them and us as readers rooting for them. We see an established couple trying to figure out how to transition a young college love into something more substantial and permanent…and just how challenging that is when you’re both growing up AND facing life-altering obstacles that not only derail their potential life plans but also challenge what seems to be an unbreakable bond.
I loved Ella and Connnor! Their novella (which you don't need to read to enjoy this story) started this whole Lakeshore U world with their FIRST second chance. They have a beautiful connection- they are happy, secure, respect each other and are also SO hot together. They are soulmates, but they also have a lot of fun. Until a potential career ending injury threatens not just Connor’s future but threatens to derail all their plans. They’ve been in their HEA bliss…but now their happy bubble is challenged by SO much, and they are forced to confront the challenges to their long term happiness that have been subversively bubbling under the surface. Family, career goals, ex…and most of all, their communication. Love is easy when things are calm…but true love blossoms when it’s tested. And both of them are tested….a couple trying to weather a storm together without it tearing them apart. It’s a challenge relatable to so many couples in love- and I loved how we see this couple figure out how to grow together instead of grow apart. It’s a HARD fight, but a fight worth taking.
This gave me so much college nostalgia- the fun, the hard times, and most of all, facing graduating and figuring out what is next. I felt SO much for Ella in this- this girl puts up with SO much for love. She’s selfless and kind and affectionate and so forgiving. Connor gets ANOTHER second chance…and at times I didn’t think he deserved it, but he also suffers so much. Depression, lost purpose, his physical and emotional pain. He makes some major mistakes…and there's a lot of miscommunication/misunderstanding in this one, something new to them since they’ve always been so stable. But hard times rocks the foundations, and they have to find out how to get back to their core. And I loved the journey- ITS SO DAMN ANGSTY! But worth every tear because they are so beautiful together. Loving this series! And the audio, done in duet narration, was so well done!
September 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
“Because you, Ella Henshaw, are my sun. You are the stars and the moon. You are the love of my life, and I want everyone to know it.”
‘Beneath the Ice is the third full length book in the Lakeshore U series. This book features hockey star Connor Morgan and his girlfriend, Ella Henshaw, who we initially meet in their novella, Bite the Ice. From scenes in the previous books, we know that Connor wants to propose to Ella, and soon! We also know that Connor has just sustained an injury that could be career altering. Can the OG Lakeshore U couple make it through this tough time or will they fall beneath the ice...’
This series is full of emotion and sweetness combined, but this one felt extra emotional due to already knowing and loving Connor and Ella.
“You’re a good man, Connor Morgan.”
“Yours, Ella. I’m yours.”
My heart really went out to Ella during the entirety of this book. No matter how hard she tried to be there and support Connor, he just kept shutting her out and she couldn’t find a way to get to him. The support from her friends was beautiful to read about and one of my favourite things about this entire series is the ‘found family’ aspect of it.
“Kitten, I’m fucking gone for you. Heart. Body. Soul. You own me, Ella Henshaw. Own. Me.”
My feelings towards Connor fluctuated throughout! In some ways, I could understand his frustrations in regards to his injury, but I still sympathised with Ella more! Considering that he not only shut Ella out, but his friends as well. Also, he should’ve just listened to Ella in regards to the whole Sara situation…
“You’re really going to make me work for this?”
Hell yes she’s going to make Connor grovel. A grovelling man is a good man in my opinion!
‘Fuck, I loved this girl. I loved her smile. Her laughter. I loved the way her fingers griped my t-shirt as I shaped her mouth with my own. I loved every single thing about her.’
And also, f*** Connor’s dad for how he made Ella feel. His apology was half-hearted and Ella is stronger than me because I would not have forgiven him for pulling what he did! Connor should’ve defended Ella better and told his parents to mind their own business.
And just a couple of cute quotes that made my heart burst…
‘He brushed a kiss to my hair before pulling my body back into his. Anchoring his arm around my waist, he let out a soft sigh. “Home, sweet home.”’
‘I ran my nose down the side of her neck, breathing her in. Home. She smelled like home. And I fucking loved it.’
This book includes:
-Hockey Romance
-College Romance
-Grumpy x Sunshine
Thank you to L.A. Cotton for the arc of this book.
“Because you, Ella Henshaw, are my sun. You are the stars and the moon. You are the love of my life, and I want everyone to know it.”
‘Beneath the Ice is the third full length book in the Lakeshore U series. This book features hockey star Connor Morgan and his girlfriend, Ella Henshaw, who we initially meet in their novella, Bite the Ice. From scenes in the previous books, we know that Connor wants to propose to Ella, and soon! We also know that Connor has just sustained an injury that could be career altering. Can the OG Lakeshore U couple make it through this tough time or will they fall beneath the ice...’
This series is full of emotion and sweetness combined, but this one felt extra emotional due to already knowing and loving Connor and Ella.
“You’re a good man, Connor Morgan.”
“Yours, Ella. I’m yours.”
My heart really went out to Ella during the entirety of this book. No matter how hard she tried to be there and support Connor, he just kept shutting her out and she couldn’t find a way to get to him. The support from her friends was beautiful to read about and one of my favourite things about this entire series is the ‘found family’ aspect of it.
“Kitten, I’m fucking gone for you. Heart. Body. Soul. You own me, Ella Henshaw. Own. Me.”
My feelings towards Connor fluctuated throughout! In some ways, I could understand his frustrations in regards to his injury, but I still sympathised with Ella more! Considering that he not only shut Ella out, but his friends as well. Also, he should’ve just listened to Ella in regards to the whole Sara situation…
“You’re really going to make me work for this?”
Hell yes she’s going to make Connor grovel. A grovelling man is a good man in my opinion!
‘Fuck, I loved this girl. I loved her smile. Her laughter. I loved the way her fingers griped my t-shirt as I shaped her mouth with my own. I loved every single thing about her.’
And also, f*** Connor’s dad for how he made Ella feel. His apology was half-hearted and Ella is stronger than me because I would not have forgiven him for pulling what he did! Connor should’ve defended Ella better and told his parents to mind their own business.
And just a couple of cute quotes that made my heart burst…
‘He brushed a kiss to my hair before pulling my body back into his. Anchoring his arm around my waist, he let out a soft sigh. “Home, sweet home.”’
‘I ran my nose down the side of her neck, breathing her in. Home. She smelled like home. And I fucking loved it.’
This book includes:
-Hockey Romance
-College Romance
-Grumpy x Sunshine
Thank you to L.A. Cotton for the arc of this book.
September 21, 2023
I have sat here and wondered how to start this multiple times.
This book starts wonderfully, I remember Connor and Ella from their little Novella Bite the Ice, it was the perfect little tidbit intro to them, but I can't honestly ever fully put my thoughts into words when I finish a book that made me feel so many emotions. I mean that in a good way although if you were to ask me right now I would say I hate this book but not in a bad way I promise you that! it's just when I cry cause of a book I get angry, but that also tells me just how much I loved the book!
Connor and Ella are everything you could ask for and more honestly. I love when relationships are put to the test, I also enjoy when characters learn and grow making them better and becoming the person they should be. There is so much growth with these characters and when you know you love something so much you work through it all this book displays all that. love is truly a battlefield for these two and they truly come stronger along the way!
I can say so much, but that would be spoiling such a great book! This by fair is one of my favorite reads of September. I'm so happy Connor and Ella got a full-length book to go with their Novella.
This book starts wonderfully, I remember Connor and Ella from their little Novella Bite the Ice, it was the perfect little tidbit intro to them, but I can't honestly ever fully put my thoughts into words when I finish a book that made me feel so many emotions. I mean that in a good way although if you were to ask me right now I would say I hate this book but not in a bad way I promise you that! it's just when I cry cause of a book I get angry, but that also tells me just how much I loved the book!
Connor and Ella are everything you could ask for and more honestly. I love when relationships are put to the test, I also enjoy when characters learn and grow making them better and becoming the person they should be. There is so much growth with these characters and when you know you love something so much you work through it all this book displays all that. love is truly a battlefield for these two and they truly come stronger along the way!
I can say so much, but that would be spoiling such a great book! This by fair is one of my favorite reads of September. I'm so happy Connor and Ella got a full-length book to go with their Novella.
September 10, 2023
Lianne has done it again! This was the BEST book in the series!! I’ve been wanting more of Ella and Connor, and knew this one was going to be a very emotional, heartbreaking and bumpy ride. I really enjoyed that their relationship was always cemented when the story started. Everything is going perfect for Connor, he’s got a future playing for the NHL, the best friends anyone could ask for, and the the girl of his dreams. Ella is his best friend, and his biggest supporter. But when they’re faced with a huge blow that really takes an unexpected affect on their relationship, it causes Connor to spiral and puts him in a dark place and ends up unintentionally pushing Ella away. Then when a very unwelcome person from his past comes back and causes drama it really drives a wedge between them. He ends up hurting her in a way he never intended to. And he knows he really has some groveling to do to make up for his actions if he wants the future he has planned.
This book was addictive, emotional, beautiful, and angsty. I loved Ella before, but I really loved her when she didn’t just cave and forgive Connor. She was hurt and wasn’t going to just get over things. There were so many times I wanted to punch Connor’s dad, and I didn’t like his mom too much either. Both his parents and their behavior was inexcusable and I wished Connor stood up for Ella more- especially with the whole Sara situation. My heart broke for Ella and how she was treated. But the girl was strong and in the end she showed her strength.
This book was so incredibly amazing, and Connor and Ella were beautiful! I didn’t want to stop reading their story when I finished. They are one couple I’d love to get more of in the future!
This book was addictive, emotional, beautiful, and angsty. I loved Ella before, but I really loved her when she didn’t just cave and forgive Connor. She was hurt and wasn’t going to just get over things. There were so many times I wanted to punch Connor’s dad, and I didn’t like his mom too much either. Both his parents and their behavior was inexcusable and I wished Connor stood up for Ella more- especially with the whole Sara situation. My heart broke for Ella and how she was treated. But the girl was strong and in the end she showed her strength.
This book was so incredibly amazing, and Connor and Ella were beautiful! I didn’t want to stop reading their story when I finished. They are one couple I’d love to get more of in the future!
September 26, 2023
I knew going into this one that it was going to be an angsty read, but holy moly, I wasn't expecting Beneath the Ice to be SO painful! All of the Lakeshore U books have been full of angst, but I had no idea how much Connor and Ella would struggle. They do end up stronger in the end and there's a beautiful HEA. If you like college hockey romance, definitely check it out!
Connor and Ella have been dating a year, the first Laker hockey couple. Things seem to be going great, and they are starting to think about a future together when Connor is seriously injured during a game. Connor is devastated that he will miss out on his senior year playing for the Lakers, and he starts to push Ella away. On top of their relationship struggles, Ella has to deal with demeaning comments from Connor's unsupportive father when he goes home to recover from surgery. Is their relationship strong enough to survive? Will Connor end up losing both hockey AND Ella?
I absolutely loved both Connor and Ella in the first two books of this series, so it was really sad to read about how much they struggle after Connors injury. Connor seemed like such a golden retriever, but he turns into a totally different person. I was also so sad that Ella and Connor stopped communicating - so much of the angst in this book would have been lessened if they'd just told each other how they felt. I was SO GLAD that they managed to find each other in the end, such a well-deserved happy ending.
Gosh, so many of the parents in the Lakeshore U series are AWFUL. A lot of the angst in each book I've read so far has been due to parental conflict, and Beneath the Ice was no different. I couldn't stand Connor's dad - still blows my mind that Connor didn't come to Ella's defense more over his incredibly insensitive comments.
Despite being a sad read overall, there's a lot of really good spice in this one. Since Connor and Ella are already a couple at the start of the book, things get hot almost immediately, so that's a plus if you don't want a slow burn!
I'm SO invested in this series at this point - I was SO thrilled to have the chance to read Beneath the Ice as an ARC! And I'll be honest, I am SO curious now about Connor's teammate and best friend Austin's story after he spends almost the entire book sneaking around. I can't wait for more!
Connor and Ella have been dating a year, the first Laker hockey couple. Things seem to be going great, and they are starting to think about a future together when Connor is seriously injured during a game. Connor is devastated that he will miss out on his senior year playing for the Lakers, and he starts to push Ella away. On top of their relationship struggles, Ella has to deal with demeaning comments from Connor's unsupportive father when he goes home to recover from surgery. Is their relationship strong enough to survive? Will Connor end up losing both hockey AND Ella?
I absolutely loved both Connor and Ella in the first two books of this series, so it was really sad to read about how much they struggle after Connors injury. Connor seemed like such a golden retriever, but he turns into a totally different person. I was also so sad that Ella and Connor stopped communicating - so much of the angst in this book would have been lessened if they'd just told each other how they felt. I was SO GLAD that they managed to find each other in the end, such a well-deserved happy ending.
Gosh, so many of the parents in the Lakeshore U series are AWFUL. A lot of the angst in each book I've read so far has been due to parental conflict, and Beneath the Ice was no different. I couldn't stand Connor's dad - still blows my mind that Connor didn't come to Ella's defense more over his incredibly insensitive comments.
Despite being a sad read overall, there's a lot of really good spice in this one. Since Connor and Ella are already a couple at the start of the book, things get hot almost immediately, so that's a plus if you don't want a slow burn!
I'm SO invested in this series at this point - I was SO thrilled to have the chance to read Beneath the Ice as an ARC! And I'll be honest, I am SO curious now about Connor's teammate and best friend Austin's story after he spends almost the entire book sneaking around. I can't wait for more!
September 22, 2023
This book. Ugh. This is a new author to me so I’m assuming that these two main characters were in the previous books. When this book started they were a couple but kept referring to drama between them in the past. He took her virginity and then ghosted her?
Ella and Connor are both seniors in college. Connor is on the hockey team and is already committed to sign with Philly after season. Ella obviously has some emotional trauma that Connor caused because she knows he loves her but she keeps referring that she doesn’t know what the future looks like with them because Connor hasn’t said.
Then Connor gets hurt which causes his season to end. His parents highly suggested he come home so they can take care of him. He said only if Ella does. She does because it’s winter break. Over the time of him being hurt, he goes into a depression, totally understandable but he takes out his anger out on Ella. Pushing her away and she finally sticks up for herself and leaves.
Connor finally comes to his senses and works to get Ella back.
I wanted to watch Conner’s parents and his “childhood friend” get run over by a bus. They were horrible. Connor pissed me off frequently too because he allowed it to happen. Never really sticking up for her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
College Romance
Hockey Romance
Second Chance Romance
Injury
Ella and Connor are both seniors in college. Connor is on the hockey team and is already committed to sign with Philly after season. Ella obviously has some emotional trauma that Connor caused because she knows he loves her but she keeps referring that she doesn’t know what the future looks like with them because Connor hasn’t said.
Then Connor gets hurt which causes his season to end. His parents highly suggested he come home so they can take care of him. He said only if Ella does. She does because it’s winter break. Over the time of him being hurt, he goes into a depression, totally understandable but he takes out his anger out on Ella. Pushing her away and she finally sticks up for herself and leaves.
Connor finally comes to his senses and works to get Ella back.
I wanted to watch Conner’s parents and his “childhood friend” get run over by a bus. They were horrible. Connor pissed me off frequently too because he allowed it to happen. Never really sticking up for her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
College Romance
Hockey Romance
Second Chance Romance
Injury
September 22, 2023
“I loved this man. I loved him without limits. And although he'd hurt me, I had to trust that he would always fix it. He would always fight for us. For me.”
Beneath the Ice is the third installment in the Lakeshore U series and follows Ella and Connor who we've already met at the start of the series.
I was looking forward to reading this book as I really liked Ella and Connor in Bite the Ice and wanted to see how their relationship had evolved since then. In this book, we see it behind tested as they are figuring out their future together and Connor is badly injured from hockey. Ella and Connor's story was very entertaining, and I was into it from beginning to end, which is always the case when I read L.A. Cotton! They were really cute together, supportive, and had so many domestic and steamy moments!! Connor's injury also stirred up a lot of emotion and angst between them, but I loved how they handled their relationship and overcame the hardship together. What I also loved was the friendship between Connor and his teammates and the support they gave Ella!
Now I'm really looking forward to reading Austin's book because I can't wait to see who he's going to be paired with. He's so grumpy, but his mysterious love interest seems to make him so happy. Even though the ending seemed a bit abrupt and I was expecting an epilogue, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of the author's work!
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2023
Finally Connor and Ella had a full story and It did not disappoint! I ate this up! This was everything! The a,out of angst in this story is off the charts but so worth it for their ending! I swear I was so emotional and definitely yelled at my kindle a few times!
Connor and Ella really go through it all in their story! Connor has to face some huge decisions due to a hard hit on the ice and he has to deal wi5 how that will affect his future plans. Ella is right there by his side, until the tension gets too much and things take a bad turn! I was constantly on edge wondering how they were going to work it out and how Connor is going to be able to grovel for her forgiveness.
Connor and Ella are the Original Lakeshore U couple and I loved their HEA!
Connor and Ella really go through it all in their story! Connor has to face some huge decisions due to a hard hit on the ice and he has to deal wi5 how that will affect his future plans. Ella is right there by his side, until the tension gets too much and things take a bad turn! I was constantly on edge wondering how they were going to work it out and how Connor is going to be able to grovel for her forgiveness.
Connor and Ella are the Original Lakeshore U couple and I loved their HEA!
September 26, 2023
Beneath the Ice is a relationship in crisis story. We first met Connor and Ella in Bite the Ice (0.5 in the Lakeshore U series). It is a year later into their relationship. Connor is still a hockey star until hockey injury benched him for the season. Connor went through depression and Ella tried to support him. However, Connor kept pushing him away. Until she finally had enough, and Connor realized that he needed Ella her just as much as he needed hockey.
Both Ella and Connor had to grow in order get through their troubles, and I loved seeing this. I loved the friend group, which felt like a found family more than anything as they supported each other. I love how the author teased the last book in the series, as now I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to Forever and Always PR and the author for audio ARC, all the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Both Ella and Connor had to grow in order get through their troubles, and I loved seeing this. I loved the friend group, which felt like a found family more than anything as they supported each other. I love how the author teased the last book in the series, as now I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to Forever and Always PR and the author for audio ARC, all the thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2023
Beneath the Ice by L.A. Cotton is an angsty college hockey romance.
This book is completely different from the rest of the series. It's full of angst. Connor and Ella's relationship is put through the ringer with Connor's season ending injury and recovery.
It's addictive. The writing is amazing. It evokes lots of feelings, which made it hard to stop reading. I kept finding things to do so I could continue listening to this heart-wrenching story.
I liked the characters. They are young and human, and of course make mistakes. I wished Connor groveled a little more but it was still very good. Ella's definitely my favorite. She's smart, kind, and incredibly loyal.
This series continues to surprise me, and I'm invested in all the characters.
This book is completely different from the rest of the series. It's full of angst. Connor and Ella's relationship is put through the ringer with Connor's season ending injury and recovery.
It's addictive. The writing is amazing. It evokes lots of feelings, which made it hard to stop reading. I kept finding things to do so I could continue listening to this heart-wrenching story.
I liked the characters. They are young and human, and of course make mistakes. I wished Connor groveled a little more but it was still very good. Ella's definitely my favorite. She's smart, kind, and incredibly loyal.
This series continues to surprise me, and I'm invested in all the characters.
September 22, 2023
LA Cotton wrote the most addictive story that I can’t even formulate a review for how good it was and how invested I was. I might say I couldn’t put a book down, but this one I literally was refusing to put it down, I hid in the bathroom during a party, I brought it into the pool, I needed everything Connor and Ella.
This was a special story because Connor and Ella were already an established couple, having been together for a while at this point. They thought they had everything, each other, friends, hockey. What could go wrong. We got some glimpses into that when they had Thanksgiving with Connor’s family. Unfortunately they don’t treat Ella the best and it puts a little strain on their relationship. But Connor’s injury puts the most pressure on their relationship and everything goes downhill.
I truly hated Connor’s parents and wished he would have disowned them completely. Connor became such an angry person after his injury but a huge fight with Ella that threatens to end their relationship really wakes him up. I was so glad to see him work on himself and fight for his girl. Ella was such an amazing character and I am so proud of her. She was sweet and caring to not just Connor but their friends, and she even tried with Connor’s family. But she also dished out some tough love. She stood up for herself when she was hurt and I loved that about her!
The angst and the pain in this book is wonderful if that is your kinda thing. So many times I was screaming and yelling or crying. I love when I get so into a book that I feel all the things. All the pain and anger, I felt it and I got so mad myself. Also note: If you want to have Connor and Ella’s complete story, read Bite the Ice, a prequel novella. You don’t have to in order to read this but it will give you a full story.
This was a special story because Connor and Ella were already an established couple, having been together for a while at this point. They thought they had everything, each other, friends, hockey. What could go wrong. We got some glimpses into that when they had Thanksgiving with Connor’s family. Unfortunately they don’t treat Ella the best and it puts a little strain on their relationship. But Connor’s injury puts the most pressure on their relationship and everything goes downhill.
I truly hated Connor’s parents and wished he would have disowned them completely. Connor became such an angry person after his injury but a huge fight with Ella that threatens to end their relationship really wakes him up. I was so glad to see him work on himself and fight for his girl. Ella was such an amazing character and I am so proud of her. She was sweet and caring to not just Connor but their friends, and she even tried with Connor’s family. But she also dished out some tough love. She stood up for herself when she was hurt and I loved that about her!
The angst and the pain in this book is wonderful if that is your kinda thing. So many times I was screaming and yelling or crying. I love when I get so into a book that I feel all the things. All the pain and anger, I felt it and I got so mad myself. Also note: If you want to have Connor and Ella’s complete story, read Bite the Ice, a prequel novella. You don’t have to in order to read this but it will give you a full story.
September 14, 2023
When I finished the last book about Mason and Harper, I was afraid to read this book because I was already so attached to Connor and Ella in the prequel that I didn’t want to see them to be apart.
Their story was good and emotional. As Connor got injured things went difficult between him and Ella. It was deep but it felt also so reel. They share something special, a strong bond, a great complicity and this closeness and I liked it.
I was impressed by Ella, she's so strong, kind and gentle. I was angry at Connor but understand him at the same time.
This book is about second chance, trust, love, friendship with steamy moments. The antics and banters between all Connor's roommates was something I already loved from the start of this series. In each book I'm used to have Aiden, Austin and Noah all around and it's always a pleasure to read what they all have to say, mostly Noah. Noah was incredible, since his story I already loved him but in this book he was just him, perfect and so funny. He's such an incredible friend for both Ella and Connor.
It was an easy read and I devored it. I love L.A Cotton work. I can guarantee a roller coaster of emotions. I almost cried 😢.
I was surprised by Austin behavior and now I’m already intrigued by what the author have planned for Austin. I have some thoughts but I'll have to wait to know it.
Their story was good and emotional. As Connor got injured things went difficult between him and Ella. It was deep but it felt also so reel. They share something special, a strong bond, a great complicity and this closeness and I liked it.
I was impressed by Ella, she's so strong, kind and gentle. I was angry at Connor but understand him at the same time.
This book is about second chance, trust, love, friendship with steamy moments. The antics and banters between all Connor's roommates was something I already loved from the start of this series. In each book I'm used to have Aiden, Austin and Noah all around and it's always a pleasure to read what they all have to say, mostly Noah. Noah was incredible, since his story I already loved him but in this book he was just him, perfect and so funny. He's such an incredible friend for both Ella and Connor.
It was an easy read and I devored it. I love L.A Cotton work. I can guarantee a roller coaster of emotions. I almost cried 😢.
I was surprised by Austin behavior and now I’m already intrigued by what the author have planned for Austin. I have some thoughts but I'll have to wait to know it.
September 10, 2023
I'm not sure how many of You haven't read LA Cotton 's books, but I'm sure as hell - IF You still didn't, You're missing A LOT. She's amazing with emotional stories, that are mixed the right dose of steam. I cannot get enough of her words.
Being in my hockey era, just adding more spice to my obsession over her books, because Lakeshore U is everything I love and so much more.
In a few days author will be publishing Beneath The Ice, and it was phenomenal ! Connor and Ella melted my heart since the first moment I've met them, but... with angst queen like this author, nothing can be easy. Beneath The Ice is so so angsty, I just cannot even. It's typical romance about hard moments in relationships, how people who love each other can still stand in front of very big and hard decisions. I loved how Lianne showed step by step why she created Beneath The Ice like that, why she needed to put the last one big bump before big fat hea for Connor and Ella. Sometimes small misunderstanding can bring very unwanted consequences, but what's more important is to love whole - heartedly and forgive, when it's the right time.
Being in my hockey era, just adding more spice to my obsession over her books, because Lakeshore U is everything I love and so much more.
In a few days author will be publishing Beneath The Ice, and it was phenomenal ! Connor and Ella melted my heart since the first moment I've met them, but... with angst queen like this author, nothing can be easy. Beneath The Ice is so so angsty, I just cannot even. It's typical romance about hard moments in relationships, how people who love each other can still stand in front of very big and hard decisions. I loved how Lianne showed step by step why she created Beneath The Ice like that, why she needed to put the last one big bump before big fat hea for Connor and Ella. Sometimes small misunderstanding can bring very unwanted consequences, but what's more important is to love whole - heartedly and forgive, when it's the right time.
October 5, 2023
2.5/5 🌶️
Let me start first by saying I will listen to anything that is narrated by Teddy Hamilton. I love how distinct each of the male characters voices are and how he brings across their personalities. I can immediately tell which boy is speaking without even paying attention to the words!
Now onto the book. I love that we got to see inside more of Connor and Ella’s relationship. Connor has always been the happy, supportive and fun friend throughout the series and it was interesting to see a different side of him and see him go through something challenging. It really put him and Ella in a place where they had to work on their relationship and work through some problems. I love all the characters in this series and their incorporation through each book and that we get to see them continue to progress in their relationships. The fact that Connor and Ella are so involved in their friends relationships was so cute! I did feel like the story was slightly rushed at the end and that it dragged a little in the middle, if I wasn’t listening to it I might have had a hard time.
I love that it hinted at the next book being Austin’s! I am dying to get more of him because we only ever just get glimpses!
Let me start first by saying I will listen to anything that is narrated by Teddy Hamilton. I love how distinct each of the male characters voices are and how he brings across their personalities. I can immediately tell which boy is speaking without even paying attention to the words!
Now onto the book. I love that we got to see inside more of Connor and Ella’s relationship. Connor has always been the happy, supportive and fun friend throughout the series and it was interesting to see a different side of him and see him go through something challenging. It really put him and Ella in a place where they had to work on their relationship and work through some problems. I love all the characters in this series and their incorporation through each book and that we get to see them continue to progress in their relationships. The fact that Connor and Ella are so involved in their friends relationships was so cute! I did feel like the story was slightly rushed at the end and that it dragged a little in the middle, if I wasn’t listening to it I might have had a hard time.
I love that it hinted at the next book being Austin’s! I am dying to get more of him because we only ever just get glimpses!
September 19, 2023
These two were some of my faves. I have been dying for their book since I knew it was coming and OH MY GOSH I loved it so much. This is one of my favorite hockey series. If you’re a hickey romance lover then you need to read this. It’s got a little angst, love, emotion & of course some fun.
October 13, 2023
my girl ella deserves soooooo much love. i wish the prequel novella developed their love story better so i cared about them more and then this could’ve been treated as a sequel. still, above solid new adult romance
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