I’ve hated Theo Thompson ever since he crashed my twenty-first birthday and gave me a lap dance.
Now I’m stuck in a cabin with the obnoxiously hot pro hockey player for the next two months.
He’s been suspended from his team for his party boy ways, and is laying low at his cousin’s cabin to get out of the public eye. And since his cousin is my best friend, I promised her I’d look after her place so Theo doesn’t trash it.
But the more time we spend together, the more I realize I have the wrong idea about him. He’s romantic, sweet, funny, and volunteers with kids.
Before I know it, we’re friends…then friends with benefits. It’s the perfect setup since I live by one no serious relationships ever.
But then feelings start to form…
I never thought I’d fall head over heels for Theo Thompson, but that’s exactly what’s happening.
Will I break my biggest rule for a shot at love with the guy who used to be my worst enemy?
A one-sided enemies to lovers steamy romance with an HEA. This is book 2 in the Grant Siblings Series but can be read as a standalone.
Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre
Snow, Ice and Spice was super cute. Maya does NOT like her best friends cousin…. So she is at a new years party with her best friend and a guy she was seeing shows up with another woman, Maya grabs the first single man she can find and kisses him. When she realizes who she kissed she is super mad.
Theo is known as a playboy…he parties as hard as he plays hockey. However, an unfortunate injury has his sidelined and going through PT. When his agent tells him he needs to stay off the radar and just rehab he calls his cousin to see if he can stay at her cabin.
Maya is asked to live with Theo to keep him in line because his cousin doesn’t want him trashing her house. What she doesn’t expect is the chemistry between them to be off the charts and her try to remember why she hated him at all. However, when things start to go from friends with benefits to something more serious…are they going to fight for what they have or are they going to just go their separate ways???
My overall thoughts- if you like a cute hockey romance with some spice and dirty talk sprinkled in, this is the book for you! I loved reading their story unfold and how each of the main characters was taking in what was happening. You really felt their inner struggles and feelings which is always a positive in my book.
This book is out on 11/06 so make sure to add it to your TBR so you can read it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!
**I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Sarah for sending me an ARC copy of her latest installment in the Grant Siblings Series. It was a joy & honor to read. You are literally an angel!
In this book we focus on Maya, Gage’s older sister. Maya’s an emotionally guarded free spirit with a penchant for running from commitment. As a fellow eldest daughter, I found her written very well & fleshed out, she’s relatable and easy to connect with. In between moving, she agrees to stay at her friends cabin… while keeping an eye on mischievous Theo.
Theo is the Denvers Bashers hockey teams most notorious playboy. Smooth yet obnoxious and the size of a fridge, he can’t be stopped - until a knee injury intervenes. Rehabbing his knee and his self image; Theo’s changing his playboy ways and his cinnamon roll interior surfaces.
I loved the push and pull between Maya & Theo. Flirting by insulting each other is my go-to method. The smut is so well written; you’re being teased for chapters because of how much chemistry Maya & Theo have. I’m a seasoned Sarah Smith reader & Dear Lord, I know she always delivers but I was blushing, smiling, and silently screaming reading these scenes. The feisty attitude with a cinnamon roll fridge sized hockey player (?!) had me finishing this book in one night.
Watching Maya & Theo both become better people by being with each-other was so incredibly sweet and rewarding to read. You’re truly rooting for them. Can’t wait for Tori & Tyler’s book next!
Maya goes the extra mile for her boss and best friend, Ingrid when she’s asked to ‘babysit’ Ingrid’s cousin, Theo at her cabin in Denver. Theo’s a professional hockey player who’s ladies’ man reputation has finally caught up to him. His team has dropped him, no and one wants to pick him up unless he cleans up his act. So he’s lying low for a bit while the controversy dies down. Maya has always disliked Theo, and despite her reservations she’ll do this favor for Ingrid. She just won’t think about that hot kiss they shared at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Or how hot he looks in just sweatpants. Sure. This assignment will be easy!
The sexy times action happens early on in the story, and as far as 🌶️ levels go it’s up there! I had a harder time with the two characters, though. I liked them yet I’d get annoyed when they behaved immaturely which seemed to happen quite a bit. Maya especially was tough to crack. Not having had the best example of reliable relationships in her parents growing up, she’s cynical and never trusted her own happiness. I think what irked me was the way she went about it with Theo. I saw that third act break up coming, and by that point I just wanted her to grow up. And she does. Just as a more mature, less self-centered Theo comes around as well.
Hey, it’s okay if I’m at odds with a character or their actions. It just means they gave me something to think about, and self-reflect. I appreciate those moments. Sarah Smith is one of my go-to authors for romance with a whole lot of sizzle. I got exactly I wanted - a spicy romance with great chemistry, and banter. I’m sitting happy over here!
My thanks to the author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Theo a pro hockey player and a playboy of the ice has run into a little trouble managing the two. Maya, Theo's cousins best friend (that's a mouth full 😂) isn't his biggest fan but gets sucked into "babysitting" Theo. Well little does she know but it turns out to not be such a bad gig after all 🤭
Gosh I loved this book, I'm definetly into the hockey trope at the moment. I loved seeing Theo grow as a man so much throughout this book, the things he manages to do and his growth are so great! Maya also overcame some huge obstacles and had wonderful character growth too. And honestly Theo and Maya are just a cute, swoony couple!
Highly recommend reading if your into the hockey romance trope like me right now!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own. THANK YOU FOR THE ARC!!! 💙💙💙
I am so in love with Sarah Smiths writing holy cow! First of all this book is so swoon worthy but also insanely hot! Girl knows what she is doing!
Maya and Theo are enemies… until they have to live together to help Theo clean up his imagine. This book includes troupes like enemies to lovers, bad boy, third act breakup (which I don’t normally love but I loved it here) and all the spice you would ever read.
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting! Sarah Smith has definitely become one of my favorite romance authors!
4.5⭐️ I received this ARC and I can honestly say that I LOVED this Snow, Ice and Spice! Maya is essentially traumatized by her parents relationship. Theo is a ladies man trying to turning his life around. I honestly couldn’t get enough of this book. Snow, Ice and Spice is a book I’ll be re-reading! I’ll definitely be reading more by Sarah Smith!
It was like a bad wattpad fic: i cringed with every word and scene. I had to force myself to read it till the end.
The writing was atrocious, the dialogue (especially the dirty talk) felt forced and fake, and the entire story was stupid. It had a potential but holy shit that was bad.
The only thing I enjoyed was Maya surprising Theo with a sled ride for his birthday. And that's it.
Just to paint how bad it was: there was a guest house on the property where a bachelorette party (sex toys-themed bachelorette party) had been hosted weeks before the plot of the book began. Nobody was there to clean it, or to put away the toys, to even mop the floors, NOTHING. everything was still there, untouched, weeks later. And suddenly the MCs spend the night there, PICK UP THE TOYS FROM THE FLOOR AND USE THEM? WITHOUT EVEN WASHING THEM FIRST? They might have been gag gifts and props, but seriously? You're just gonna pick up a dildo from the floor - a dildo that's been lying there for WEEKS - and shove it inside just like that? Wtf.
And then there's a period scene. I seriously wonder if the author even knows how periods work. THERE'S BLOOD. ALWAYS. Especially if you have your female lead move sexy times into the shower because she got her period which implies blood... But then the next scene is the same female lead to go to sleep and then wake up in the morning to pee and then GO BACK TO BED NAKED. Do I have to spell it out? She wore NOTHING. No pad, no tampon, not even a freaking knickers. NOTHING. And SOMEHOW the bedsheets were pristine and bloodless. Ha. Does the author even know how periods work? Because I seriously doubt that.
And the ending was so forced too. FMC was scared to be in a long-distance relationship after watching her father gallivanting around the world while her mother stayed behind and had to raise the children alone. And when the possibility of being with someone who would always travel for the season arose, when other WAGS told her how they have to schedule their career and dreams and even the birth of their children around the season and their husbands' careers, and FMC called it quits - she was called a coward by her cousin and pressured into getting back with MMC by everyone around her. Piss off. That was a fucked up thing to do. And what, she was told she was a coward, and she suddenly wasn't scared to live like that? It was so STUPID!!!!
What a waste of time. I can't believe I haven't dnfed it. I'm kind of disgusted with myself for reading it, honestly. What trash, NEVER again. Why did I think that giving this author a chance after a previous book would be a good idea I will never know.
I was lucky enough to get chosen to receive an Advanced Readers Copy of “Snow, Ice and Spice" by Sarah Smith. This book is a captivating romance novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the worlds of hockey, personal growth, and unexpected love. Centered around the compelling characters of Theo and Maya, this book brings together a bad-boy hockey player and a determined “babysitter” in a story that is both sizzling and heartwarming.
Theo, our rugged bad boy of the ice, initially appears to be the quintessential stereotype of a hockey player with a tarnished reputation. As he embarks on a journey to rehab his image, readers are introduced to a complex and multifaceted character. Sarah Smith skillfully peels back the layers of Theo's persona, revealing his vulnerabilities and his desire for redemption. His evolution throughout the story is a testament to the author's ability to craft well-rounded characters.
Maya, on the other hand, is at a crossroads in life, still searching for her direction. When her best friend asks her to babysit Theo, she reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for an unexpected connection. Her determination and unwavering commitment to her responsibilities make her an instantly likable character. The dynamic between Maya and Theo, while initially rocky, develops into a simmering friendship with benefits. Smith expertly navigates their emotional journey, showcasing the slow burn of their connection as it transforms into something deeper and more meaningful.
What sets "Snow, Ice and Spice" apart is its seamless blend of romance and self-discovery. As Theo and Maya navigate their budding relationship, they embark on a joint venture—creating a kids' hockey camp. Through this shared endeavor, they discover the joys of mentoring, teamwork, and the fulfillment that comes from giving back to their community. This subplot adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical romance novel.
Sarah Smith's writing is crisp, engaging, and filled with witty banter that keeps the pages turning. The chemistry between Theo and Maya is palpable, making their journey from friends with benefits to something more all the more satisfying.
In "Snow, Ice and Spice," Sarah Smith delivers a heartwarming tale of redemption, love, and self-discovery that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. This novel is a delightful reminder that life is full of unexpected surprises, and that even the coldest of hearts can thaw when touched by the warmth of love and friendship. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance with depth and heart. Don’t forget the spice 😉
In my eyes, Sarah Smith can do no wrong! I love her writing, and I enjoy her books so much. I was so excited to read the second book in the Grant Siblings series!
This book focuses on Maya. Her best friend asks her to help her with her cousin, Theo. Theo is a hockey player who is a bad boy and he has gotten himself into some trouble with his team. While he is injured, he needs to rehab his life too. In order to do this, he will live with Maya, and she will make sure that he keeps his life on track.
Maya hates Theo! Even though he is her best friend's cousin, she has never liked him! Things begin to change as they spend time together. Their connection grows and it is explosive!
Their passion and chemistry jumps off the page, and I fell in love with them! Read this book if you love: - best friend's cousin - forced proximity (they are living together) - only one bed - enemies (she hates him!) - he's a playboy hockey player -banter and flirting! - He gets jealous! - Spicy and steamy!!! -Lots of good girl!
This book is amazing, and you will love it too! Thanks to the author, Sarah Smith, for an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a free, advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Snow, Ice, and Spice was incredible! I'm a sucker for a light enemies to lovers with close proximity and many other tropes. I'm a big fan of ice hockey romances, and this book is definitely one I'll be recommending.
Theo and Maya have such beautiful chemistry, and as a reader, you are rooting for them to realise their feelings.
Theo is Maya's best friend Ingrid's cousin, and she has loathed him since her 21st birthday. 6 years later and she is forced to babysit him at her friend's cabin in the mountains. Theo is a notorious playboy who is also a hotshot ice hockey player. He is forced to change his ways if he wants to keep his career.
There are lots of really sweet moments in this book, and I was swooning hard. There was minimal drama and plenty of scorching hot spice.
Snow, Ice, and Spice is an enjoyable book two in the Grant Siblings series. It's a one-sided enemy to lovers, close proximity romance between bad boy hockey star Theo Thompson and Maya Grant.
Theo has an injury that he received from some of his outside extracurricular activities. LOL The team won't let him back unless he rehabs his behavior along with his knee. He asks his cousin, Ingrid, if he can stay at her vacation house in Colorado. Ingrid asks Maya if she will babysit Theo while he is staying at her home so that he does not trash the place. Since Ingrid is her best friend and she feels like she has done a lot for her, Maya agrees.
Theo wants to turn his behavior around and asks for Maya's help, which surprises her. Little by little, she sees that he is not who she thought he was. Their bantering is fun and playful and leads to very hot spicy scenes. There is a third act break-up, which I am not a fan of, but this one I was okay with. It seemed appropriate due to Maya's hangups.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you so much to Sarah Smith for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first installment of this series, "Dessert, Flirt, Repeat," my anticipation for the sequel was palpable. I'm excited to report that Sarah Smith does not disappoint! She delivered a story that had me captivated from start to finish.
The heart of this book centers around Maya, a free spirit with a lingering fear of commitment, stemming from her complicated relationship with her father. On the other side, we have Theo, the enigmatic hockey player known for his womanizing ways and bad boy reputation. Their paths join when they embark on an unconventional journey, sharing a cabin and trying to mend Theo's image.
The chemistry between Maya and Theo was obvious right away. I love a good enemies to lovers and this one was cute having it be only one sided. I’m also a huge fan of forced proximity and the only one bed trope! The banter and teasing between them was great. It really built up the sexual tension between the two of them. At one point I was yelling at my kindle “CMON THEO, KISS HER” 😂
In conclusion, this was such a fun, sexy book that I just couldn’t put down! I highly recommend! I look forward to reading Tyler and Tori’s story next!
Thank you to Sarah for sending me an ARC copy of book two in the Grant Siblings Series. It’s a great honor to get to review this book.
Theo is a ladies man trying to save his career and turn his life around and Maya is trying to find her path in life and find the confidence to do what she loves rather than what’s expected of her. The relationship development between the main characters was well done! The longing, chemistry and spice between them is insane!! The huge sportsman with a hidden cinnamon roll personality MMC and a hard exterior, against-love FMC. This mix was so well done! The appearance of characters from book one was super nice! I loved it so much.
This one comes out November 6th. I recommend adding this to your TBR!!
(I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own).
I couldn’t put this book down, it was so good. The chemistry between Theo and Maya was palpable. I was blushing, screaming and smiling at how cute their relationship was. I loved how they became a better version of themselves by being together. The smut was really well written. I was in love with the way Theo fall for Maya, he really get to know her and was rooting for her in every aspect of her life. Always putting her first and finding ways to make her feel happy and comfortable. I know this might be a spoiler but I loved Maya’s birthday surprise to Theo, that was beyond amazing. I was rooting for them. The ending was so perfect, I will loved to see more of them in the future. I can’t wait for Taylor and Tori’s book. Thank you for the ARC and for this amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It ended up being a DNF for me at 60%, I might go back and finish one day but it was really just boring me. It could be me that’s the problem. I loved the first in this series and was so excited for this one but it just didn’t hit for me right now.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. Maya and Theo end up being a perfect match and of course, I love that he knows he is all in before she does. For those who are wondering, there is also plenty of spice.
I’ve REALLY loved this story. First off, thank you Sarah for the amazing ARC. She has the best way of telling a story through her writing. Sarah does a meet cute like no other! The enemies to lovers vibe got me hooked in the beginning!
I love the most how we get a little bit of my favorite tropes like forced proximity and only one bed mixed in with this great friends to lovers romance. I’m glad this was my first hockey romance because it was done so tastefully, you’d think she writes like this always!
What I love the most about this series, aside from the steam because y’all- these scenes are EVERYTHING, witty banter, and the amazing family aspect is that each character goes on their own healing journey to be better. You want some winter fun with great story and steam? Pick this up.
Theo is a pro hockey player whose playboy ways have gotten him an injury to rehab, and into a lot of hot water with his team. He needs to tone down his behavior and recover from his injury if he wants to keep playing, so he tries to get away from it all by staying at his cousin's cabin for a while. Maya is the glorified baby sitter tasked by her best friend to make sure her cousin doesn't wreck her place, and to help him not get into trouble. The problem is that Maya hates Theo.
This had the enemies to lovers vibe but the added bonus of Theo just laughing at Maya's obvious hatred for him. A one sided enemies to lovers trope? Yes, and thank you! Their slow burn toward a friends with benefits situation gave me the best of all worlds with the 'will they, won't they' vibes turned 'uh oh, we are catching feelings' vibe. All the chemistry and the fantastic build up times two!
This is so many of my favorite things all rolled seamlessly into one book that it was hard to put down! Hockey romance with the playboy turning cinnamon roll, relationship phobic female learning the error of her ways, forced proximity with both of them sharing a house, and that glorious switch over from hate to fondness. There is something for everyone in this one, and I was sold from the first few chapters.
Thanks so much to Sarah Smith for providing me with an ARC of this book!
What a delight and sweet treat to finally get my feet wet with a hockey romance, I’m so glad Sarah Smith was my first one :) Maya and Theo’s love story did not disappoint! I was so enthralled by the forced proximity plot and how they tease each other, you can tell they were made for each other!
The spicy scenes were hot!!! I will be rereading this one when it publishes because it was just that good!! Cannot wait to read Tyler and Tori’s story next.
A huge thank you to the wonderful Sarah Smith for the ARC, I would follow you to the ends of the earth woman! Thank you for these amazing reads, don’t stop writing because I will keep reading all of it!! <3
I originally read the first book from the Grant Siblings Series, Dessert Flirt Repeat, about two months ago, and I was interested in finishing the series, especially now that the third book in the series, No Freaking Way, is out.
I'm giving this book the same rating as I gave Dessert Flirt Repeat but for different reasons. The story in itself is ok. We have Maya, who is still deciding her ideal career path. She is a good worker in everything she does, but nothing makes her passionate long-term. She has some passions that could translate into a career but is too scared to take the leap. Theo is a man-child. He had the focus and the drive to make it to a professional hockey team, but he still likes to party like a college kid, and he acts like a manwhore. Eventually, that lifestyle caught up with him and almost cost him everything. Maya and Theo find themselves sharing a house, and while they hate each other initially, there is a mutual physical attraction. A friendship starts to blossom over time, and that physical attraction gets stronger and stronger until the inevitable happens. They hook up, and once is not enough for either. But friends with benefits never stay that way because someone (or both) always wants more. Theo is brave enough to say it and goes after Maya as more than just a friend. He wants to be with her forever. On the other hand, Maya has seen how people lose themselves in relationships and end up with broken hearts. Maya doesn't want to take the chance, so she breaks up with Theo. Ultimately, she realizes it is better to take that leap of faith and risk it all for the possibility of love. Great. That part of the story is fine, your typical love cliché that we all love to read. We are not reinventing the wheel. The book is spicey with some good smut content. It's nothing that makes me blush, but it's not your closed-book romance either. I would say it's mild to hot...around a 3.5 on the spice rating. Here was my problem: 1. In Dessert Flirt Repeat, we know Gage was half Filipino. He spoke about Filipino food; there were a few words in (I assume) Tagalog. There was almost no indication in this book that Maya is half Filipino. Where is the representation in Snow, Ice, and Spice? 2. I understand that Theo and Maya were staying in a cabin up in the mountains, pretty much isolated from everyone, but other than Maya's family, there was little interaction with other adults. It was mainly conversations between Theo and Maya or with children. I got the feeling that Theo and his teammates got along well. They trusted him enough with their children. But, while other hockey books transmitted the concept of found family, Theo didn't give me that same feeling. Yes, I could tell he got along well with his teammates and liked each other enough, but are they there to support each other like brothers? Or were Theo's relationships with his teammates dispensable? 3. Ingrid and Theo have a very close relationship. I will say that while they are cousins, they have a relationship like siblings. However, we didn't get any stories from Ingrid or Theo about them growing up together. We know a bit about Theo and his childhood with his grandfather, but there aren't any stories about him with his cousins, parents, or past relationships (if he ever had any). I barely feel that we got the chance to know him.
The story overall was fine. It was an easy read, and nothing was wrong with it. I just found it lacking some story depth, and it's not a longstanding book that impacted me. I'll probably forget about the storyline within a few days or weeks.
This one was fine, but I don't think it was the book for me! It was a pretty surface level romance, so if you are looking for something fun and spicy, this could be up your ally. As someone who looks for deeper emotional connection with characters, this just didn't work out for me here.
Maya was a pretty average character. She felt like the perfect archetype of a romance heroine, in that she was feisty but also sweet. I enjoyed her slightly, but just found myself wanting so much more. I needed some type of depth or growth from her to see her as relatable and realistic. She have off 'pick me girl' vibes and I honestly just cringed. There wasn't much substance to her character and again, I could see how someone may enjoy the low commitment sort of nature of a book like this, but I just didn't like it. Also the way she interacted with her family felt completely forced and even the way she spoke about them wasn't that nice. Theo was ok as well. He started off really attractive in that he genuinely cared and wanted to do things for Maya because of this. But then, he became a bit cringey and there wasn't anything to his character. No real depth to him or anything I could actually grasp to engage with him. I felt no emotional connection with him and wasn't invested in the relationship. There's not much else to say about them because there was really nothing for me to go off in regards to the characters.
The writing was also disappointing. It felt quite disjointed and the natural flow wasn't there. Without that, I wasn't engaged with the story or really had any motivation to continue. It was a bit of a struggle to get to the end to be completely honest. The dialogue felt forced and like it was trying too hard to be contemporary and relevant. What really made it so hard to connect with the characters was that there so much showing and no telling. We learnt all about their connection and the set up of the plot through descriptions of the past, not it actually happening. I wanted to see them connect in real time and not just be told. Having this would have made it feel so much genuine and natural, not forced. Because of this, insta-love played a big part and I just didn't like it. Their relationship was based purely on lust, and I honestly could not see them working. They needed more to their connection and to have deeper feelings and emotions.
One thing I liked was how the setting stood out. It felt kind of magical and whimsical in a sense because of the snow and cold. You felt like you where there and I enjoyed how the author allowed the emotions to mimick the setting. So there were descriptions of it being cold and frosty when the relationship was struggling, and then it was sunny and warm during romantic moments between the couple. This was really clever and an aspect of writing I really enjoy reading. It's give the story depth and more meaning.
Overall, I didn't have the best time reading this book and found most aspects quite average, but i could see how it would be enjoyable for the right person at the right time!
"And then I lose all the air in my lungs. Because there’s Maya, standing next to them, wearing a shirt that says, “I < 3 #11,” my jersey number."
Tropes: 🏒 FWBs to Lovers 🏒 Forced Proximity 🏒 Reformed Playboy 🏒 One-Sided Enemies to Lovers 🏒 Hockey Romance 🏒 Hockey Player x Jewelry Designer 🏒 Best Friend's Cousin 🏒 He gets Jealous
🏒 ARC Review 🏒
Thank you so much to Sarah for providing me with this ARC of „Snow, Ice & Spice“. If I see a romance cover with a hockey player or just see that it’s a hockey romance – instantly added to my TBR. And this book is giving all the hockey feelings. It is so captivating that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the worlds of hockey, personal growth, and unexpected love between Theo & Maya.
Maya Grant, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of Theo. She is still searching for her direction in life and doesn’t need the constant lecture from her older brother Tyler that she should finally find a job. She is an emotionally free spirit with a fondness for running from commitment. Her determination and unwavering commitment to her responsibilities make her such a likable character for everyone. She is written well, and she’s relatable and easy to connect with. As her best friend Ingrid, Theo’s cousin, asks her to keep an eye on Theo agreeing to move to the cabin in Denver.
Theo Thompson, our gruff bad boy on the ice, embodies the stereotype of a hockey player with a tainted reputation. After an unfortunate incident, he undertakes a journey to restore his image, the reader gets to know his complex and multi-layered character. I adored how he was determined to start a hockey camp while laying low to maintain his reputation & show his agent and coach that he was worthy of being a part of his hockey team, learning from his mistakes, and mature. Sarah shows the different layers of Theo’s persona, revealing his vulnerabilities and his desire for redemption.
I adored the connection and instant attraction between Maya & Theo. Their flirting by insulting each other was so funny to experience. But as soon as the tension between them breaks, it gets very steamy and sizzling hot – it’s worth being teased by Sarah considering how much chemistry Theo & Maya have. I was constantly blushing, smiling, and silently screaming and kicking my feet while reading the book. The combination of the feisty attitude from Maya with the cinnamon roll hockey player personality from Theo – had me hooked right from the start.
Watching Maya & Theo become better persons while spending a lot of time together was so sweet and adorable. While reading this book, you will be rooting for them the whole time!
Snow, Ice, and Spice was my first book by Sarah Smith and it didn’t disappoint. I finished the book in 2 days and only because work got in the way. This is a hockey romance that takes you on the journey of Maya Grant and Theo Thompson from enemies, to friends with benefits to lovers.
Theo is a professional hockey player on the Denver Bashers, who has been kicked off his team for his playboy ways. After losing his job he is determined to change his image and clean up his act. With the help of his cousin, Ingrid, who offers him her place to stay to lay low and rehab (knee injury). Throughout the book Theo’s cinnamon roll interior shows through and we see the real Theo Thompson. Maya is a free spirit who has a habit of running from commitment. Maya, who is Ingrid’s best friend, is tasked with “babysitting” Theo while he rehabs and makes sure he stays on the straight and narrow. While living together they see different sides of each other and feelings emerge and bloom. Will they act on them or shove them down and pretend it’s just nothing.
This book was a super cute hockey romance with dirty talk and spicy scenes mixed in. It had the perfect amount of spice, hockey, and romance for the reader to enjoy. The push and pull between Maya and Theo was amazing, with their flirting by insulting each other. The chemistry between them was there from chapter 1 and it teases you through many chapters. The banter between Theo and Maya was absolutely great. I loved watching them go from enemies to lovers, it took the whole book but it was good because you were able to see it really evolve. Slowly over time you can see her dislike for Theo lessen and see him for who he really is not the image he was portraying before. You really felt their inner struggles and their feelings throughout the whole book. Watching Theo go from playboy to loving boyfriend was one of the best parts of the book. Seeing Maya gain the confidence she needed to sell her handmade earrings was beautiful. They both helped each other through their struggles, they believed in each other and let the other one know how amazing they are. You are truly rooting for both of them throughout the book. Can’t wait for Tori and Tyler’s book. Also need to go back and read Gage and Becca’s book because now I’m hooked on this series.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys:
Tropes 🏒 hockey romance 🏒reformed playboy MMC 🏒best friends cousin 🏒one bed 🏒forced proximity 🏒spicy/steamy 🏒lots of good girls 🏒one sided enemies to lovers 🏒hockey player X jewelry designer
“I know being together won’t be easy. But I don’t care. I don’t want easy. I want you.”
I. Freaking. LOVED this book!! I couldn’t put it down!! I just got sucked in and forgot I was even reading. It was getting late and I was like “ok one more chapter and then bed.” Next thing I know I’ve read like five more chapters.😂
This book follows Maya and Theo who’ve had a one-sided enemy ship ever since he crashed her 21st birthday party. But now she’s stuck babysitting him at her best-friend-who’s-also-Theo’s-cousin-and-who-doesn’t-trust-him-with-her-house’s cabin while he recovers from a knee injury and tries to clean up his playboy ways. Maya is determined to keep hating him, but how can she when the more time they spend together, the more she gets to know Theo? And she can’t help but like what she sees. Theo is sweet, thoughtful, funny, and good with kids; he’s challenging her views of him at every turn.
Maya has vowed to never fall in love, but could Theo be the one to make her break that vow?
I loved these two so much!!😭 Maya and Theo were sooo fun to follow and I loved getting to know them.
And their BANTER!! Oh my gosh! The way they constantly teased each other and riled each other up. It was like they were flirting by insulting each other😂 and it was so flipping cute!! Their chemistry is off the CHARTS and they worked so well together😭 always building each other up and cheering each other on. They were both sooo supportive of the other. I loved watching them get to know each other and fall in love!!😭
This was truly such a fantastic read! These two were just so interesting and I loved their story.🥰
I HIGHLY recommend this book if you love:
💙 enemies to lovers (one sided) 🩵 FWB to lovers 💙 forced proximity 🩵 hockey romance 💙 reformed playboy 🩵 dirty talk and toys✨😏
Snow, Ice, and Spice is a great cozy winter book that would be perfect to read as we get closer to the holidays.🥰😉 And don’t forget to check out the first book in the series, Dessert Flirt Repeat, which I also loved so much!! This is definitely a new favorite series of mine, and I can’t wait for more!!🥰 Thank you so much to Sarah Smith for sending me an ARC! Congrats on a fantastic book!!💙🩵
Wow, wow, and wow! Where do I even begin? First off, thank you, Sarah Smith, for providing me with an advance reader copy of your second book in the Grant series! The story between Theo and Maya was so hot and sizzling between them. I have to say that this was my first hockey sports romance, which got me into this genre.
Sarah Smith’s writing is so well crafted, and it makes you want to keep on reading without stopping as each chapter keeps you on the edge of your seat. I have to say that the creation of Maya and Theo was a chef’s kiss, as while I read the story, I could honestly feel for them and could understand each other’s feelings towards one another.
The spiciness in this book is through the roof, but Sarah writes it in a way where you can slowly but surely see the story going to develop between Maya and Theo. Moreover, the characters chemistry could be felt as the story continued to develop and progressed throughout the narrative. I really enjoyed the banter and angst that was going on between them.
Maya and Theo are and will forever be my entrance to the hockey universe, but let us not forget about the secondary characters, who also had an impact on Maya and Theo’s relationship. So, grab a copy if you like spiciness and a hockey romance! I can assure you on that! I’ll surely be looking forward to Tyler and Tori’s story in Book 3! I cannot wait!
📚Snow, Ice, and Spice - Sarah Smith Genre: Romance Swipe for synopsis Pub day: Nov 6th, 2023 🌶️: 3/5 ⭐️: 5/5
#1 - I love hockey romances #2 - I love the forced proximity trope #3 - I love enemies to lovers
And this book has all 3!!! 😍😍😍
When I saw Sarah Smith post the blurb for this book I knew I was going to like it. I’ve read some of her books, but hadn’t read the first in this series yet. I was so excited to get an ARC for this one and I’m happy to say it wildly exceeded all my expectations. I was hooked and read this in under 48 hours. It’s so well written, perfectly spiiiiicy, and a fun story with good character growth! Maya and Theo are MADE for each other. I loved them together and their sassy teasing and sexual tension 🥵🥵🥵 I immediately went back and snagged book 1 (you can read in any order). But I don’t know how anything can top Maya and Theo. And Theo with the kids at hockey camp?!? 🥺😍🥺😍
Thank you Sarah Smith for trusting me with an ARC. I can’t wait to read more from the Grant siblings!🩵
Sarah Smith has done it again. This book was fun, clever, witty, and funny. The banter was incredible, and the spice was oh-so excellent. I love the Grant siblings so much. They're messy and get on each other's nerves, but it's obvious they care about one another, and that's really all you can ask for at the end of the day. It's a bit chaotic, but it works, as it always seems to with siblings.
That moment in the kitchen has got to be one of the highlights, not to mention the one following it. Oh, boy. That was something else! Their time spent in the guest house had me wondering why they bothered with the annoying each other foreplay that they had. But of course, that made their chemistry all that much hotter.
And none of that is including the sweet things Theo did for Maya and vice versa. Gage and Becca may be two of my favourites, but Maya and Theo are sharing the top spot. There are more Grants so I can't wait for more Grant Family Fun!
Sarah gives us a one-sided enemies to lovers but more friends with benefits, close proximity with some one bed action, he falls first sports romance. Maya and Theo are super cute. Maya hates Theo but Theo is smitten with her. Theo is a player for the NHL but is a playboy off the ice- which gets him in trouble and high tailing it to his cousin’s house in the mountains, here comes Maya his cousin’s PA and BFF to babysit him and the house but mostly him. This one gets to a high heat level with a lot of dirty talk.
Only con was the third act break-up- boo. But it did make sense with Maya’s issues thanks to her parents. She and her family play a big role in this book. It is part of a series but I read it as a standalone.
If you like hockey romance and some spicy times this book is for you!