What do you think?
Rate this book
The Arctic #2
Not That Kind of Icing
Tristan Grant is known as the Ice Queen. Her life is about control. Raising five siblings? Check. Bossing around professional athletes? Check. Putting out fires on a regular basis? Also check. Did she always plan on running social media accounts? No, but even she can admit the view isn’t bad. Being in charge of everything is exhausting, but someone has to do it.
Victor Varg has built a name for himself as a powerhouse on the ice and a team player. If someone asks for help and he’s able to give it, why wouldn’t he? He likes being friendly. He likes being liked, and if the team social media manager sharpens her claws every time he’s near her? Well, he likes that too. For the first time in a long time, Vic sees something he wants for himself. Too bad he’s not allowed to have her.
When a scandal forces them to team up, their chemistry is undeniable. Players are off limits if Tristan wants to remain employed and she’s determined to stay professional. But the more time they spend together, the thinner the ice between them grows. And one night in Vegas might leave them both falling.
Victor Varg has built a name for himself as a powerhouse on the ice and a team player. If someone asks for help and he’s able to give it, why wouldn’t he? He likes being friendly. He likes being liked, and if the team social media manager sharpens her claws every time he’s near her? Well, he likes that too. For the first time in a long time, Vic sees something he wants for himself. Too bad he’s not allowed to have her.
When a scandal forces them to team up, their chemistry is undeniable. Players are off limits if Tristan wants to remain employed and she’s determined to stay professional. But the more time they spend together, the thinner the ice between them grows. And one night in Vegas might leave them both falling.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2024
50 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 19, 2024
- enemies to lover
- hockey romance
I had so much fun!
Definitely had a shit eating grin through most of this book.
I loved the energy that they had!
An issue I do have is Tristan always running away and asking for space. She’s clearly avoidant and needs to work on bettering her communication skills.
Asking for space is good, but there’s a way to do it and she’s not doing it.
I also dislike when people ask for space and then get mad when the other person ACTUALLY LISTENS TO THEIR BOUNDARIES. Like…..what? You’re mad because they didn’t “fight for you” but that legit means stepping on your boundaries. So unhealthy.
(I am glad that she did acknowledge that she needed to improve upon this though so I’m a little happier about that.)
I want to know more about Robbie 👀👀 3rd book? Future book?
- hockey romance
I had so much fun!
Definitely had a shit eating grin through most of this book.
I loved the energy that they had!
An issue I do have is Tristan always running away and asking for space. She’s clearly avoidant and needs to work on bettering her communication skills.
Asking for space is good, but there’s a way to do it and she’s not doing it.
I also dislike when people ask for space and then get mad when the other person ACTUALLY LISTENS TO THEIR BOUNDARIES. Like…..what? You’re mad because they didn’t “fight for you” but that legit means stepping on your boundaries. So unhealthy.
(I am glad that she did acknowledge that she needed to improve upon this though so I’m a little happier about that.)
I want to know more about Robbie 👀👀 3rd book? Future book?
March 30, 2024
perfect book boyfriends
Stella writes the most incredible book boyfriends. This is not the first of her books that I read. I was lucky enough to get an ARC for on ice. Absolutely loved it, then I had to read her entire catalogue. Now I can’t wait for August when the next release is scheduled. Do yourself a favour and read this. There is love, pining, self growth, *spice* and witty humour. You’ll struggle to put it down. Maybe read On Ice first so you have the background story. But it’s not totally necessary. Just my recommendation. And enjoy!!
Stella writes the most incredible book boyfriends. This is not the first of her books that I read. I was lucky enough to get an ARC for on ice. Absolutely loved it, then I had to read her entire catalogue. Now I can’t wait for August when the next release is scheduled. Do yourself a favour and read this. There is love, pining, self growth, *spice* and witty humour. You’ll struggle to put it down. Maybe read On Ice first so you have the background story. But it’s not totally necessary. Just my recommendation. And enjoy!!
March 10, 2024
*✩‧˚ 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ੈ✩‧₊˚
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀?
This book was 𝗦𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗢𝗠𝗚! I will say I was heavily influenced by the cover of this one at first because you can’t tell me it isn’t stunning! But every page of this book 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 just as much as the cover did and I can’t even say I am surprised by how much I enjoyed it because I am a sucker for a hockey romance ♥️
This is the second book in The Arctic series and I will say it absolutely can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first one and I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything, but I will be reaching for that one in the future if it is as good as this one!
“Not That Kind of Icing” follows Tristan Grant, a social media manager for the hockey team. She is set with the task of building the teams online following in order for them to connect with their community in the aftermath of a recent scandal. Tristan enlists the help of none other than Victor Varg, the team’s captain, yes-man, and powerhouse on the ice, forcing them to work together and that forced proximity was 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘. The addition of the social media posts as illustrations in the book was just brilliant! Vic with them puppies though?? *𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗻* - 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 😆
If the above isn’t enough to get you to read this book, you also get:
╰➤ banter
╰➤ close-knit family
╰➤ forbidden romance
╰➤ accidental marriage
╰➤ fake relationship
╰➤ slow burn
╰➤ dual POV
╰➤ he falls first
While this book is on the most part a sweet and lighthearted romance, the author does a great job in touching on some sensitive subjects too. Tristan has had a difficult upbringing and Vic doesn’t come without his past demons either. Both characters were just so loveable as individuals but when they were together I adored them!
"𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼?
"𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻｡ 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁｡ 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲, 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝘁｡"
𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢 - that vegas moment at the end was just 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧. It wove everything together seamlessly and was the perfect ending to the book.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀?
This book was 𝗦𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗢𝗠𝗚! I will say I was heavily influenced by the cover of this one at first because you can’t tell me it isn’t stunning! But every page of this book 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 just as much as the cover did and I can’t even say I am surprised by how much I enjoyed it because I am a sucker for a hockey romance ♥️
This is the second book in The Arctic series and I will say it absolutely can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first one and I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything, but I will be reaching for that one in the future if it is as good as this one!
“Not That Kind of Icing” follows Tristan Grant, a social media manager for the hockey team. She is set with the task of building the teams online following in order for them to connect with their community in the aftermath of a recent scandal. Tristan enlists the help of none other than Victor Varg, the team’s captain, yes-man, and powerhouse on the ice, forcing them to work together and that forced proximity was 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘. The addition of the social media posts as illustrations in the book was just brilliant! Vic with them puppies though?? *𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗻* - 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 😆
If the above isn’t enough to get you to read this book, you also get:
╰➤ banter
╰➤ close-knit family
╰➤ forbidden romance
╰➤ accidental marriage
╰➤ fake relationship
╰➤ slow burn
╰➤ dual POV
╰➤ he falls first
While this book is on the most part a sweet and lighthearted romance, the author does a great job in touching on some sensitive subjects too. Tristan has had a difficult upbringing and Vic doesn’t come without his past demons either. Both characters were just so loveable as individuals but when they were together I adored them!
"𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼?
"𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻｡ 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁｡ 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲, 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝘁｡"
𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢 - that vegas moment at the end was just 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧. It wove everything together seamlessly and was the perfect ending to the book.
March 22, 2024
❄️🏒 ARC RECIEW 🏒❄️
Title: Not That Kind of Icing
Author: Stella Stevenson @stellastevensonwrites
Pub date: March 29, 2024
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Shew yall, I loved this one. I am a sucker for a hockey romance. Add in a fake marriage/accidental marriage and I am all in. Victor and Tristan have immediate chemistry. Yes, hers may scream I hate you so much please go away, but Victor is the ultimate cinnamon roll. He does everything she wants him to do, before she even asks. And that throws her off. And she may even let her guard down a little bit. She’s built a wall around her. Her armor every day. Slicked back hair, full face of makeup, nice clothes and stilletos. Shes the ice queen after all. But he knows how to get right through her. Especially in Vegas. 😉 I just loved this book. I was cheesin the whole time I was reading it. I laughed a lot and I even teared up.
🏒 Reverse grumpy sunshine
❄️ Black cat/ golden retriever
🏒 Accidental/fake marriage
❄️ Slow burn
🏒 Enemies to lovers
Title: Not That Kind of Icing
Author: Stella Stevenson @stellastevensonwrites
Pub date: March 29, 2024
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Shew yall, I loved this one. I am a sucker for a hockey romance. Add in a fake marriage/accidental marriage and I am all in. Victor and Tristan have immediate chemistry. Yes, hers may scream I hate you so much please go away, but Victor is the ultimate cinnamon roll. He does everything she wants him to do, before she even asks. And that throws her off. And she may even let her guard down a little bit. She’s built a wall around her. Her armor every day. Slicked back hair, full face of makeup, nice clothes and stilletos. Shes the ice queen after all. But he knows how to get right through her. Especially in Vegas. 😉 I just loved this book. I was cheesin the whole time I was reading it. I laughed a lot and I even teared up.
🏒 Reverse grumpy sunshine
❄️ Black cat/ golden retriever
🏒 Accidental/fake marriage
❄️ Slow burn
🏒 Enemies to lovers
March 2, 2024
I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and hockey romances, but this book? Absolutely amazing.
Tristian Grant: the female main character. Lovable yet “cold”, I adored the representation of a woman pushing through in a man’s world.
Victor Varg: the male main character. Possibly the very definition of a “golden retriever boyfriend” with how protective and sweet he is.
Their relationship developing from enemies (one-sided mostly, but still) to lovers was wonderfully written and developed throughout the story. This was sweet, thawing (see the pun?), and had me smiling at every word. The two are a lovable couple that you’ll find yourself rooting for every step of the way.
And the world? The hockey team, the social media bits, the families? Just as wonderful as the main two.
If you’re a fan of hockey romances, cute moments, a soft enemies to lovers, and lovable characters, you’ll adore this book. 100% recommend!
Tristian Grant: the female main character. Lovable yet “cold”, I adored the representation of a woman pushing through in a man’s world.
Victor Varg: the male main character. Possibly the very definition of a “golden retriever boyfriend” with how protective and sweet he is.
Their relationship developing from enemies (one-sided mostly, but still) to lovers was wonderfully written and developed throughout the story. This was sweet, thawing (see the pun?), and had me smiling at every word. The two are a lovable couple that you’ll find yourself rooting for every step of the way.
And the world? The hockey team, the social media bits, the families? Just as wonderful as the main two.
If you’re a fan of hockey romances, cute moments, a soft enemies to lovers, and lovable characters, you’ll adore this book. 100% recommend!
March 6, 2024
Not That Kind Of Icing By Stella Stevenson
301 Pages
The Arctic Book 2
Release Date 29th March 2024 Mark your Calendars!
I’ve sat here staring at my computer screen for far too long trying to put into words on how this book made me feel, and it was a lot of feelings, I loved every moment, the chemistry between Tristan and Victor was thick, so thick you could slice it with an knife,
The hurt that Tristan has gone through to get where she is incredible, the walls she has built around herself in self-preservation crumble a little bit at a time the more Victor is around, until she realises that she can be selfish, AND The twist!! had me rolling around and giggling like a little school girl!!
The way Stella writes is nothing short of beautiful and captivating, I was hooked from the get go and couldn’t put it down, even between my full time job, and other adult responsibilities that I had to do. I am excited to see where this series goes to next. Thank you to Stella and BookFunnel for the ARC and this opportunity.
For fans of Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Fake Relationships, Slow burn Spice and Accidental Marriage you will not be disappointed.
301 Pages
The Arctic Book 2
Release Date 29th March 2024 Mark your Calendars!
I’ve sat here staring at my computer screen for far too long trying to put into words on how this book made me feel, and it was a lot of feelings, I loved every moment, the chemistry between Tristan and Victor was thick, so thick you could slice it with an knife,
The hurt that Tristan has gone through to get where she is incredible, the walls she has built around herself in self-preservation crumble a little bit at a time the more Victor is around, until she realises that she can be selfish, AND The twist!! had me rolling around and giggling like a little school girl!!
The way Stella writes is nothing short of beautiful and captivating, I was hooked from the get go and couldn’t put it down, even between my full time job, and other adult responsibilities that I had to do. I am excited to see where this series goes to next. Thank you to Stella and BookFunnel for the ARC and this opportunity.
For fans of Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Fake Relationships, Slow burn Spice and Accidental Marriage you will not be disappointed.
April 4, 2024
This was just a fun book. I really loved the main characters and their dynamic and banter was so enjoyable. The story takes an interesting turn mid way through and I don’t love the MMC actions at that point, but it’s acknowledged and he makes up for them.
April 1, 2024
Thank you to Stella Stevenson for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team in exchange for an honest review!
This book was SO SO SO GOOD! I honestly loved everything about it. The banter, the found family vibes, Vic’s teammates, the forced proximity, its literally so perfect. This book has everything you could possibly hope for and its delivered in such a funny, heartwarming way. Plus, the cover is so cute!!
This is the second book to The Arctic series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like hockey romance, Dual POV, enemies to lovers, accidental/fake marriage, and a bit of a slow burn then you definitely want to read this!
Stella Stevenson made the characters relatable, adding lots of sweet moments to balance out some of the sensitive, more serious subjects she touches on. This made the characters truly lovable for me. Tristan had her walls built so high but Vic knew exactly what to do to make her comfortable and help break down those walls. The MCs had great personalities and the chemistry between them was HOT!
Also, the little Instagram post art was such a fun addition and it really helped visualize parts of the story!!
I can't wait to read Stella's other books!
4.5/5 Stars
2/5 spice
This book was SO SO SO GOOD! I honestly loved everything about it. The banter, the found family vibes, Vic’s teammates, the forced proximity, its literally so perfect. This book has everything you could possibly hope for and its delivered in such a funny, heartwarming way. Plus, the cover is so cute!!
This is the second book to The Arctic series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like hockey romance, Dual POV, enemies to lovers, accidental/fake marriage, and a bit of a slow burn then you definitely want to read this!
Stella Stevenson made the characters relatable, adding lots of sweet moments to balance out some of the sensitive, more serious subjects she touches on. This made the characters truly lovable for me. Tristan had her walls built so high but Vic knew exactly what to do to make her comfortable and help break down those walls. The MCs had great personalities and the chemistry between them was HOT!
Also, the little Instagram post art was such a fun addition and it really helped visualize parts of the story!!
I can't wait to read Stella's other books!
4.5/5 Stars
2/5 spice
March 29, 2024
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. At first I was a little hesitant with the Vegas theme as I had negative reading experiences with it in the past but I decided to read it anyway and I am so glad I did. This book totally drew me in. The connection between Vic and Tristan? Truly magical! The way all the characters, not just the main pair, but the entire group, were seamlessly integrated? Absolutely flawless! Surprises kept coming, but you know what? The perfect happy ending! Stella brilliantly portrayed the social media manager meets hockey player scenario with a twist - a solid 10/10! Excited for book three, bring on more!
December 29, 2024
what the hell happened in this book?
everything was perfectly fine until the vegas trip. both main characters had very interesting backgrounds and complex emotions. the context in which they grew close was well shaped and you could understand their decisions.
up until vegas.
tristan simply acquired a complete different personality and nothing of what she did after the vegas game went along with the previous background build by the author. no matter how much it was attempted to sustain her TERRIBLE decisions on a one-night thing, it just didn't make sense. why would someone as competent and desperate to keep her job have a freaking gummy before going to party with her work colleagues and also get super wasted????
then there's vic who apparently cannot not pop a boner whenever he looks at his "kitty cat" and turns out to be a total dick because how the hell is it supposed to be romantic the fact he took her to bed after freaking marrying her while she was completed wasted and high??!?!!?
and then the author writes Tristan off to take the blame because "i was the one who took the drugs, so i led to this" like???? red flags everywhere?
not to mention that vic could've literally tell her that they didn't actually get married and save her from all the trouble, but no!!!! he choose to keep the truth from her because he's happy that she decides to keep the marriage - something she does solely because she thinks it'll save her job!!!! this is so red flagged for christ sake
AND!! to have them marketing their relationshiop as a solution to all of their problems is just low - and to make tristan ok with all of this is pure character assassination
nothing about it is cute, fluffly or sweet. i'm so disappointed because it had so much potential and then puft.
had to quit at 75% because there's only so much absurd this reader right here can take.
everything was perfectly fine until the vegas trip. both main characters had very interesting backgrounds and complex emotions. the context in which they grew close was well shaped and you could understand their decisions.
up until vegas.
tristan simply acquired a complete different personality and nothing of what she did after the vegas game went along with the previous background build by the author. no matter how much it was attempted to sustain her TERRIBLE decisions on a one-night thing, it just didn't make sense. why would someone as competent and desperate to keep her job have a freaking gummy before going to party with her work colleagues and also get super wasted????
then there's vic who apparently cannot not pop a boner whenever he looks at his "kitty cat" and turns out to be a total dick because how the hell is it supposed to be romantic the fact he took her to bed after freaking marrying her while she was completed wasted and high??!?!!?
and then the author writes Tristan off to take the blame because "i was the one who took the drugs, so i led to this" like???? red flags everywhere?
not to mention that vic could've literally tell her that they didn't actually get married and save her from all the trouble, but no!!!! he choose to keep the truth from her because he's happy that she decides to keep the marriage - something she does solely because she thinks it'll save her job!!!! this is so red flagged for christ sake
AND!! to have them marketing their relationshiop as a solution to all of their problems is just low - and to make tristan ok with all of this is pure character assassination
nothing about it is cute, fluffly or sweet. i'm so disappointed because it had so much potential and then puft.
had to quit at 75% because there's only so much absurd this reader right here can take.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
I've been waiting a while to read this book and it was definitely worth the wait. Tristan starts out being very cold and unfriendly towards Victor but that soon changes. Victor knows there is more to Tristan than her "ice queen" persona she shows everyone. He cared for her so well and she needed that after spending her life caring for her siblings the way she did. She also knew he needed to ask for things and they both pushed each other to be better about what they needed.
I loved how close Tristan was with her siblings and how they would interact, it was funny. Their group chat was hilarious. I also liked how Victor's mom accepted Tristan and welcomed her into their family.
I liked how Quinn and Erik were featured in the book too, and that they accepted Tristan too.
“I saw the way my boy looked at you in those videos. I heard the way he talked about you to his friends, his teammates.” “Like I was a thorn in his side and he wanted me far on the other side of an Olympic-sized ice rink?”
“Like you were the one ray of sunshine he was willing to keep all for himself, even if he knew he couldn’t.”
Every woman deserves a man like Victor, and I loved how well he treated and cared for Tristan.
“I love you Tristan Grant. I love your work ethic and your drive to succeed. I love your patience and your care for your siblings and the team. I love your willingness to do things that scare you, to better yourself day after day after day. I love that you let everyone think you’re ice cold, but your heart burns brighter than anyone I’ve ever met. You love more deeply. Care more. You’ve spent your whole life feeling like you have to take care of everyone around you, but no one ever returns the favor. I’m just an average guy who plays above average hockey, and I’m begging you to let me be the one who takes care of you because I love every tiny piece of you. You aren’t getting rid of me. Not today. Not after the season. Not next year. Not when our first kid is twelve. Never.”
“I would give up my life to make you happy, Tristan. God, I love you so fucking much, kitty cat. I want to be yours. I want you to wear my ring for real. I want to live in your cozy apartment surrounded by our cat and our siblings. I want to wake up every morning with my arms around you, and I want to call you every night that we spend apart. I want to hold the Stanley Cup over my head and have you run out to kiss me at center ice.”
Thank you to Stella Stevenson for the advanced copy, I loved this book ❤️
I loved how close Tristan was with her siblings and how they would interact, it was funny. Their group chat was hilarious. I also liked how Victor's mom accepted Tristan and welcomed her into their family.
I liked how Quinn and Erik were featured in the book too, and that they accepted Tristan too.
“I saw the way my boy looked at you in those videos. I heard the way he talked about you to his friends, his teammates.” “Like I was a thorn in his side and he wanted me far on the other side of an Olympic-sized ice rink?”
“Like you were the one ray of sunshine he was willing to keep all for himself, even if he knew he couldn’t.”
Every woman deserves a man like Victor, and I loved how well he treated and cared for Tristan.
“I love you Tristan Grant. I love your work ethic and your drive to succeed. I love your patience and your care for your siblings and the team. I love your willingness to do things that scare you, to better yourself day after day after day. I love that you let everyone think you’re ice cold, but your heart burns brighter than anyone I’ve ever met. You love more deeply. Care more. You’ve spent your whole life feeling like you have to take care of everyone around you, but no one ever returns the favor. I’m just an average guy who plays above average hockey, and I’m begging you to let me be the one who takes care of you because I love every tiny piece of you. You aren’t getting rid of me. Not today. Not after the season. Not next year. Not when our first kid is twelve. Never.”
“I would give up my life to make you happy, Tristan. God, I love you so fucking much, kitty cat. I want to be yours. I want you to wear my ring for real. I want to live in your cozy apartment surrounded by our cat and our siblings. I want to wake up every morning with my arms around you, and I want to call you every night that we spend apart. I want to hold the Stanley Cup over my head and have you run out to kiss me at center ice.”
Thank you to Stella Stevenson for the advanced copy, I loved this book ❤️
March 11, 2024
5⭐️ 🌶️.5
Some Tropes:
🏒 Accidental Marriage
🤍 Dislike To Love
🏒 Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
🤍 Off Limits
The Characters:
Tristian is a black cat. Rough around the edges, had to grow up and raise her 4 younger siblings far too young, burned by life, and bossy. However, she has a softer side she rarely lets anyone see and she loves fiercely.
Vic is cocky hockey player, but not outwardly, annoyingly arrogant. He’s a total golden retriever, loves his family more than anything, takes care of his people, and has a massive crush on the white blonde bombshell, Tristan.
The Drama:
When scandal hits the hockey team, Tristan is brought in, as the social media manager, to distract the public from one of the player’s indiscretions. She is tasked with showing that the team is a family friendly organization and to highlight the community.
Cue Vic. The team captain. He is brought in to help Tristian with social media posts to bring positive awareness to the community and the team.
They work together to create social media posts that make the team look good, bring money to small local businesses, and.. distract the public. Exaclty what they were supposed to do. Right? Yeah… they DEFINITELY distracted the public in ways they didn’t intend to. Oops..
My Opinion:
To say I am obsessed with this series is an understatement. I devoured both books so quickly, it’s not even funny.
Stella Stevenson writes so well. Her stories really capture your interest and keep it there. Neither story was a typical sports romance, which was REFRESHING.
Both books, One Ice (Book One) and Not That Kind Of Icing (Book Two), presented strong FMCs and I loved that. Strong female representation will always win me over.
I look forward to what’s in store with this series because it’s already looking to be my next Off Campus level series 👏🏼
Some Tropes:
🏒 Accidental Marriage
🤍 Dislike To Love
🏒 Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
🤍 Off Limits
The Characters:
Tristian is a black cat. Rough around the edges, had to grow up and raise her 4 younger siblings far too young, burned by life, and bossy. However, she has a softer side she rarely lets anyone see and she loves fiercely.
Vic is cocky hockey player, but not outwardly, annoyingly arrogant. He’s a total golden retriever, loves his family more than anything, takes care of his people, and has a massive crush on the white blonde bombshell, Tristan.
The Drama:
When scandal hits the hockey team, Tristan is brought in, as the social media manager, to distract the public from one of the player’s indiscretions. She is tasked with showing that the team is a family friendly organization and to highlight the community.
Cue Vic. The team captain. He is brought in to help Tristian with social media posts to bring positive awareness to the community and the team.
They work together to create social media posts that make the team look good, bring money to small local businesses, and.. distract the public. Exaclty what they were supposed to do. Right? Yeah… they DEFINITELY distracted the public in ways they didn’t intend to. Oops..
My Opinion:
To say I am obsessed with this series is an understatement. I devoured both books so quickly, it’s not even funny.
Stella Stevenson writes so well. Her stories really capture your interest and keep it there. Neither story was a typical sports romance, which was REFRESHING.
Both books, One Ice (Book One) and Not That Kind Of Icing (Book Two), presented strong FMCs and I loved that. Strong female representation will always win me over.
I look forward to what’s in store with this series because it’s already looking to be my next Off Campus level series 👏🏼
April 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this one! Hockey romance is a fave of mine and I especially love it when we get to see not only the relationship between MCs but some of the team dynamics and hockey scenes too. This is a delicious slow burn with some great spice.
If you enjoy sports romance, love witty banter and yearn for slow burn with a satisfying finish then you should definitely check this one out.
It’s part of a series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone (I did!)
🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
Here’s the blurb:
Tristan Grant is known as the Ice Queen. Her life is about control. Raising five siblings? Check. Bossing around professional athletes? Check. Putting out fires on a regular basis? Also check. Did she always plan on running social media accounts? No, but even she can admit the view isn’t bad. Being in charge of everything is exhausting, but someone has to do it.
Victor Varg has built a name for himself as a powerhouse on the ice and a team player. If someone asks for help and he’s able to give it, why wouldn’t he? He likes being friendly. He likes being liked, and if the team social media manager sharpens her claws every time he’s near her? Well, he likes that too. For the first time in a long time, Vic sees something he wants for himself. Too bad he’s not allowed to have her.
When a scandal forces them to team up, their chemistry is undeniable. Players are off limits if Tristan wants to remain employed and she’s determined to stay professional. But the more time they spend together, the thinner the ice between them grows. And one night in Vegas might leave them both falling.
If you enjoy sports romance, love witty banter and yearn for slow burn with a satisfying finish then you should definitely check this one out.
It’s part of a series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone (I did!)
🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
Here’s the blurb:
Tristan Grant is known as the Ice Queen. Her life is about control. Raising five siblings? Check. Bossing around professional athletes? Check. Putting out fires on a regular basis? Also check. Did she always plan on running social media accounts? No, but even she can admit the view isn’t bad. Being in charge of everything is exhausting, but someone has to do it.
Victor Varg has built a name for himself as a powerhouse on the ice and a team player. If someone asks for help and he’s able to give it, why wouldn’t he? He likes being friendly. He likes being liked, and if the team social media manager sharpens her claws every time he’s near her? Well, he likes that too. For the first time in a long time, Vic sees something he wants for himself. Too bad he’s not allowed to have her.
When a scandal forces them to team up, their chemistry is undeniable. Players are off limits if Tristan wants to remain employed and she’s determined to stay professional. But the more time they spend together, the thinner the ice between them grows. And one night in Vegas might leave them both falling.
March 2, 2024
So maybe I stayed up way later than I should have with this book. Was it worth it? Absolutely!
Tristan was so relatable for me, and I loved that she was strong but also had a softer side. I have always had a hard time connecting with “hot shot” athletes in books, but I fell in love with Vic. I loved the push and pull and the burn between them. The social media posts were such an amazing addition to the book - like we were getting a recap of their adventures.
I really loved and appreciated how the author talked about big heavy things and how they affected the main characters but it didn’t feel forced or overdone. It felt like we were getting to truly understand Vic and Tristan. I loved the way they supported each other through difficult conversations and moments.
The Vegas scenes in the book and certain revelations kept me hooked toward the end, and the Vegas recap putting us in the moment with them tied everything together. It made me fall for these characters even more. I absolutely cannot wait for more in this series! I have such a soft spot for Olaffson especially after his words as they were leaving Vegas.
Tristan was so relatable for me, and I loved that she was strong but also had a softer side. I have always had a hard time connecting with “hot shot” athletes in books, but I fell in love with Vic. I loved the push and pull and the burn between them. The social media posts were such an amazing addition to the book - like we were getting a recap of their adventures.
I really loved and appreciated how the author talked about big heavy things and how they affected the main characters but it didn’t feel forced or overdone. It felt like we were getting to truly understand Vic and Tristan. I loved the way they supported each other through difficult conversations and moments.
The Vegas scenes in the book and certain revelations kept me hooked toward the end, and the Vegas recap putting us in the moment with them tied everything together. It made me fall for these characters even more. I absolutely cannot wait for more in this series! I have such a soft spot for Olaffson especially after his words as they were leaving Vegas.
Read
August 22, 2024El libro pasado me encantó, pensé que este también lo haría, tristemente no fue así.
Me cansó Tristan y su manera de alejar y atacar a la gente para que luego hacerse la ofendida y preguntarse porque no le ruegan. 🙄
I haven’t heard from Vic since I sent him away yesterday, and my phone is locked in my bedroom so I’m not tempted to check it every five minutes. I know it’s ridiculous to be mad at him for giving me the space I asked for, especially when I was already mad at him, but I can’t help but feel abandoned and pissy. I don’t know what I wanted, but leaving when I told him to wasn’t it. Is it too much to ask for him to read my mind? Anticipate my every need?
And maybe he’d have a chance of doing that if I knew what I wanted.
Me cansó Tristan y su manera de alejar y atacar a la gente para que luego hacerse la ofendida y preguntarse porque no le ruegan. 🙄
I haven’t heard from Vic since I sent him away yesterday, and my phone is locked in my bedroom so I’m not tempted to check it every five minutes. I know it’s ridiculous to be mad at him for giving me the space I asked for, especially when I was already mad at him, but I can’t help but feel abandoned and pissy. I don’t know what I wanted, but leaving when I told him to wasn’t it. Is it too much to ask for him to read my mind? Anticipate my every need?
And maybe he’d have a chance of doing that if I knew what I wanted.
April 6, 2024
“𝑨𝒎 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎’𝒔?” 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒔𝒌, “𝑶𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔?”
•
Ratings: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
•
This is such a good sports romance read ✨️ I really am attached with Tristan right away. Her personality definitely was that of a strong and independent woman. I'm quite grateful and pleased that the writing of her character was compelling as well as holistically for the whole story.
Although I find the writing and plot sometimes slow for my liking, I wasn't that bothered since it was pretty engagement and fun to go through with the whole social media stunts Varg and Tristan does, which I find really cute and their chemistry as well 🤚🏽
Let's not forget the whole Vegas marriage happened. Although it was a good one, I just think that the build-up for that arc was lacking? Another thing is the nickname, I find it pretty irking at the start.
Overall, this was still a fun and good read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one ✨️
~Thank you, author, for the e-arc~
•
Ratings: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
•
This is such a good sports romance read ✨️ I really am attached with Tristan right away. Her personality definitely was that of a strong and independent woman. I'm quite grateful and pleased that the writing of her character was compelling as well as holistically for the whole story.
Although I find the writing and plot sometimes slow for my liking, I wasn't that bothered since it was pretty engagement and fun to go through with the whole social media stunts Varg and Tristan does, which I find really cute and their chemistry as well 🤚🏽
Let's not forget the whole Vegas marriage happened. Although it was a good one, I just think that the build-up for that arc was lacking? Another thing is the nickname, I find it pretty irking at the start.
Overall, this was still a fun and good read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one ✨️
~Thank you, author, for the e-arc~
May 22, 2024
Not That Kind of Icing is a steamy dislike-to-lovers ice hockey romance with a fake dating/accidental marriage twist. Ooooosh!
5 stars for the unputdownable Stella Stevenson. You will absolutely love the hero Vic Varg.
It was great seeing the return of some familiar faces from On Ice, but although this is second in the series, you can definitely read it as a standalone- but don't! You'll miss out!
Some of my favourite micro tropes: She wears his jersey. He uses his skate as a weapon. He can't say no to her.
5 stars for the unputdownable Stella Stevenson. You will absolutely love the hero Vic Varg.
It was great seeing the return of some familiar faces from On Ice, but although this is second in the series, you can definitely read it as a standalone- but don't! You'll miss out!
Some of my favourite micro tropes: She wears his jersey. He uses his skate as a weapon. He can't say no to her.
March 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It was so cute and sweet. The banter between Tristan and Vic was funny and swoon-worthy. I adored their relationship so much. I was smiling so much throughout this book. I thought it was really cool how we got to see some of the posts Tristan made. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy hockey romance with reverse grumpy x sunshine trope!!
Thank you to Book sirens for letting me read this ARC copy!!
Thank you to Book sirens for letting me read this ARC copy!!
May 8, 2024
This was a great hockey romance with really good banter.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️.5
Vic and Tristan had great chemistry and development, but the miscommunication between them was probably my least favorite thing. I also feel like Vegas/after Vegas pieces were too rushed - I wish we got more from it.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but not sure how I feel about the second half.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️.5
Vic and Tristan had great chemistry and development, but the miscommunication between them was probably my least favorite thing. I also feel like Vegas/after Vegas pieces were too rushed - I wish we got more from it.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but not sure how I feel about the second half.
March 10, 2024
This is book 2 in the Arctic series and can absolutely be read as a standalone.
The author gives us a story full of smoke and mirrors. Both Victor and Tristan give the world a version of themselves that they feel they need to give. Then there's a fake marriage with a twist.
That story just kept me on my toes and I couldn't put it down.
I hope there will be another book in that series. I feel that Robbie needs his HEA.
The author gives us a story full of smoke and mirrors. Both Victor and Tristan give the world a version of themselves that they feel they need to give. Then there's a fake marriage with a twist.
That story just kept me on my toes and I couldn't put it down.
I hope there will be another book in that series. I feel that Robbie needs his HEA.
March 22, 2024
Not That Kind of Icing (arc) review
Rating: 4/5
🏒dislike to love
🏒accidental marriage in Vegas
🏒black cat x golden retriever
🏒slow burn
I loved this one! A misunderstood Tristan and golden retriever energy Vic in an enemies to lovers, work place romance, (with an accidental marriage sprinkled in)! Ugh, just so so good! 🫠
The character development was on point and the side characters added to the storyline without pulling us away from the main one (and some of them were SO funny!)
Also the artwork! Not only on the cover but littered through this book is just SO CUTE, and in case you didn’t know the author (Stella) drew these herself!!
I love this story and cannot wait to see what Stella brings us next!!
(I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc of this book in exchange for a review and am so grateful to also be a part of Stella’s street team! I cannot wait to see what else this series brings!)
Rating: 4/5
🏒dislike to love
🏒accidental marriage in Vegas
🏒black cat x golden retriever
🏒slow burn
I loved this one! A misunderstood Tristan and golden retriever energy Vic in an enemies to lovers, work place romance, (with an accidental marriage sprinkled in)! Ugh, just so so good! 🫠
The character development was on point and the side characters added to the storyline without pulling us away from the main one (and some of them were SO funny!)
Also the artwork! Not only on the cover but littered through this book is just SO CUTE, and in case you didn’t know the author (Stella) drew these herself!!
I love this story and cannot wait to see what Stella brings us next!!
(I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc of this book in exchange for a review and am so grateful to also be a part of Stella’s street team! I cannot wait to see what else this series brings!)
March 13, 2024
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is *chefs kiss*. Stella has an amazing way of dragging me straight into the story line, I had to physically force myself to slow down and enjoy the ride because I really didn't want it to end.
Not That Kind Of Icing is the second book in the artic series, but can also be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book, but I didn't feel lost at all. (literally picking up the second book the moment I post this) The book follows Tristian who is the social media manager for a professional hockey team. Dating hockey players is off limits but when Tristian is forced to team up with Victor Varg to distract from a scandal she finds herself in a little too deep.
I really didn't like Victors character in the beginning, but the way Stella pieces the storyline together had me hooked from chapter 1 and I obviously fell in love with him. (The puppies did me in let's be honest)
The added social media post images were perfection. (again the puppies!!)
This book had it all for me but if you want the TLDR version:
-Off limits
-Slow burn spice
-reverse grumpy sunshine
-Accidental Marriage
-Fake relationship
-Dislike to love
-Interconnected standalone
I highly recommend you give the series a try, or maybe be like me and try one and get hooked for life.
This book is *chefs kiss*. Stella has an amazing way of dragging me straight into the story line, I had to physically force myself to slow down and enjoy the ride because I really didn't want it to end.
Not That Kind Of Icing is the second book in the artic series, but can also be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book, but I didn't feel lost at all. (literally picking up the second book the moment I post this) The book follows Tristian who is the social media manager for a professional hockey team. Dating hockey players is off limits but when Tristian is forced to team up with Victor Varg to distract from a scandal she finds herself in a little too deep.
I really didn't like Victors character in the beginning, but the way Stella pieces the storyline together had me hooked from chapter 1 and I obviously fell in love with him. (The puppies did me in let's be honest)
The added social media post images were perfection. (again the puppies!!)
This book had it all for me but if you want the TLDR version:
-Off limits
-Slow burn spice
-reverse grumpy sunshine
-Accidental Marriage
-Fake relationship
-Dislike to love
-Interconnected standalone
I highly recommend you give the series a try, or maybe be like me and try one and get hooked for life.
May 1, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily ❤️
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
🏒hockey golden boy & ice queen team marketer
🏒 reverse grumpy/sunshin
🏒slow burn
🏒 fake relationship
🏒 dislike to lovers
This was my first book by Stella and it won’t be the last! I LOVED this story so much. I wasn’t expecting it to be so funny and sweet but it was perfect. I will definitely be going back and reading On Ice (Erik, Victors twins story) and looking forward to the rest of the series!
Victor was such a golden retriever and I absolutely LOVED it. 😂😍 he was so sweet but protective and I just adored him.
Tristan was ferocious and hard on the outside but sweet on the inside and just needed someone like Vick to show her it was okay not to be tuff all the time.
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
🏒hockey golden boy & ice queen team marketer
🏒 reverse grumpy/sunshin
🏒slow burn
🏒 fake relationship
🏒 dislike to lovers
This was my first book by Stella and it won’t be the last! I LOVED this story so much. I wasn’t expecting it to be so funny and sweet but it was perfect. I will definitely be going back and reading On Ice (Erik, Victors twins story) and looking forward to the rest of the series!
Victor was such a golden retriever and I absolutely LOVED it. 😂😍 he was so sweet but protective and I just adored him.
Tristan was ferocious and hard on the outside but sweet on the inside and just needed someone like Vick to show her it was okay not to be tuff all the time.
March 29, 2024
WILL ACTUALLY PUT A REVEW HERE AND POSSIBLY CHANGE THE RATING TO FIVE THEN BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW IM SCREAMING INTO THE VOID
READ THIS BOOK
WILL BE MORE PROFESSIONAL AND GO INTO DETAIL LATER ONCE IM CALMER AND NOT AS FERAL BUT READ THE BOOK P L E A S E. WHEN IT COMES OUT GO GET IT. ON THE 29TH.
editing it to add actual review
“Baby. Kitty cat. Tristan. That was the entire problem.” He tips our foreheads together again. “I can’t say no to you. I couldn’t then and I can’t now.”
it is RELEASE DAY for this beautiful book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (i’m going back and forth between 4.5 and 5 and it’s nothing the book did i’m just a 5 star freaking SNOB and rarely ever give books 5 stars, i’m working on it in therapy OKAY 💀)
this book is for the eldest siblings in the family who had to take care of their younger siblings
those whose traumas made them feel like they’re hard to love
those who have kept their walls up so they have some semblance of control over their hurt
and also for anyone who just wants a really good book to read!
not that kind of icing is part of the arctic series where each book follows a different arctic player/someone who is affiliated with the arctic. it can be read in order or as a standalone! this book we follow victor varg, the captain of the arctic and the social media manager tristan grant.
this is an open door, dislike to love, fake marriage, golden retriever black cat hockey love story & oh boy is it WONDERFUL.
so we follow victor and tristan as they have to work together on a project and we follow them as their relationship goes from “i’m gonna stab you like possibly actually” eyes to “bedroom eyes filled with love”
stella does such a great job at building the tension in this book (as well as all of her others), giving the characters (even side ones!!! i’m looking at you tweedle one and tweedle two 😭😂) such absolutely great personalities, and she’s truly wonderful at writing the best love stories that make you cry, scream, and kick your feet (& spice… the spice is v good too. woke up my partner screaming about the entire book which is saying a lot because that man deserves sleep and i feel bad even accidentally waking him up but i went out of my way to be like BABE WAKE UP I GOTTA SCREAM). it’s a perfect blend of humor, heartfelt, and love on all levels.
it tackles romantic love, sibling love, and the love of a team. (but also the other sides of those, too)
also THERE ARE ANIMALS.
i am seemingly very bad at this whole review thing but i promise its just because im trying not to gush about everything in the book and accidentally spoil something.
hop on over to amazon (& KU!) or etsy or barnes and noble (i think the last two, could be wrong on that i just woke up a lil bit ago but maybe not etsy yet) and grab a copy of this book today. it blew the trope out of its first place favorite spot that’s been long standing since it came out… out of its first place spot that’s how good it is 😇
HAPPY RELEASE DAY STELLA!
READ THIS BOOK
WILL BE MORE PROFESSIONAL AND GO INTO DETAIL LATER ONCE IM CALMER AND NOT AS FERAL BUT READ THE BOOK P L E A S E. WHEN IT COMES OUT GO GET IT. ON THE 29TH.
editing it to add actual review
“Baby. Kitty cat. Tristan. That was the entire problem.” He tips our foreheads together again. “I can’t say no to you. I couldn’t then and I can’t now.”
it is RELEASE DAY for this beautiful book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (i’m going back and forth between 4.5 and 5 and it’s nothing the book did i’m just a 5 star freaking SNOB and rarely ever give books 5 stars, i’m working on it in therapy OKAY 💀)
this book is for the eldest siblings in the family who had to take care of their younger siblings
those whose traumas made them feel like they’re hard to love
those who have kept their walls up so they have some semblance of control over their hurt
and also for anyone who just wants a really good book to read!
not that kind of icing is part of the arctic series where each book follows a different arctic player/someone who is affiliated with the arctic. it can be read in order or as a standalone! this book we follow victor varg, the captain of the arctic and the social media manager tristan grant.
this is an open door, dislike to love, fake marriage, golden retriever black cat hockey love story & oh boy is it WONDERFUL.
so we follow victor and tristan as they have to work together on a project and we follow them as their relationship goes from “i’m gonna stab you like possibly actually” eyes to “bedroom eyes filled with love”
stella does such a great job at building the tension in this book (as well as all of her others), giving the characters (even side ones!!! i’m looking at you tweedle one and tweedle two 😭😂) such absolutely great personalities, and she’s truly wonderful at writing the best love stories that make you cry, scream, and kick your feet (& spice… the spice is v good too. woke up my partner screaming about the entire book which is saying a lot because that man deserves sleep and i feel bad even accidentally waking him up but i went out of my way to be like BABE WAKE UP I GOTTA SCREAM). it’s a perfect blend of humor, heartfelt, and love on all levels.
it tackles romantic love, sibling love, and the love of a team. (but also the other sides of those, too)
also THERE ARE ANIMALS.
i am seemingly very bad at this whole review thing but i promise its just because im trying not to gush about everything in the book and accidentally spoil something.
hop on over to amazon (& KU!) or etsy or barnes and noble (i think the last two, could be wrong on that i just woke up a lil bit ago but maybe not etsy yet) and grab a copy of this book today. it blew the trope out of its first place favorite spot that’s been long standing since it came out… out of its first place spot that’s how good it is 😇
HAPPY RELEASE DAY STELLA!
March 13, 2024
- Arc Review -
This is a book that I have been looking forward to and it did not disappoint. I was drawn into the book from start to finish. This is a dual point of view hockey romance between the captain of his team and his social media manager. There was so much banter and undeniable chemistry between these character.
Tristan is a strong willed and extremely organized female lead. She grows up far too quickly by being forced to become the “mother” to her 5 younger siblings. She learns that she needs to be there for everyone else but has a hard time trusting that others will be there for her as neither of her parents were. Until she meets the golden retriever hockey captain Victor. Vic never says no to anything or anyone because he grew not wanting to be a burden to anyone after his brother got sick. Only he says no one time to Tristan and the repercussion is almost detrimental to Tristan’s job. They are forced to work together months later and that’s when the sparks fly. It is clear to everyone who seems the videos that there is pure chemistry between these two characters but they don’t notice the other’s desires until everyone is saying what a beautiful couple they make. To keep her job, Tristan denies anything between them until one night she finally lets her self lose control.. and wakes up to everyone assuming they got married.
The best part of this book is reading both characters thoughts about the other and choosing to love one another despite the challenges and circumstances they end up in. Both characters show progressive maturity and understanding of the definitions of love and family.
There are a few spicy scenes with simple descriptions. There are a few difficult topics such as affairs, abandonment, and cancer but written very respectfully.
Overall this is a heartwarming book and an easy, quick read.
This is a book that I have been looking forward to and it did not disappoint. I was drawn into the book from start to finish. This is a dual point of view hockey romance between the captain of his team and his social media manager. There was so much banter and undeniable chemistry between these character.
Tristan is a strong willed and extremely organized female lead. She grows up far too quickly by being forced to become the “mother” to her 5 younger siblings. She learns that she needs to be there for everyone else but has a hard time trusting that others will be there for her as neither of her parents were. Until she meets the golden retriever hockey captain Victor. Vic never says no to anything or anyone because he grew not wanting to be a burden to anyone after his brother got sick. Only he says no one time to Tristan and the repercussion is almost detrimental to Tristan’s job. They are forced to work together months later and that’s when the sparks fly. It is clear to everyone who seems the videos that there is pure chemistry between these two characters but they don’t notice the other’s desires until everyone is saying what a beautiful couple they make. To keep her job, Tristan denies anything between them until one night she finally lets her self lose control.. and wakes up to everyone assuming they got married.
The best part of this book is reading both characters thoughts about the other and choosing to love one another despite the challenges and circumstances they end up in. Both characters show progressive maturity and understanding of the definitions of love and family.
There are a few spicy scenes with simple descriptions. There are a few difficult topics such as affairs, abandonment, and cancer but written very respectfully.
Overall this is a heartwarming book and an easy, quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶
This book totally hooked me! It's super cute and sweet, and the back-and-forth between Tristan and Vic had me laughing and swooning. I just loved watching their relationship grow – it kept a smile on my face the whole time. Plus, getting sneak peeks at Tristan's social media posts? Such a fab touch.
Tristan Grant is our main FMC. EKA ELSA. She's tough and a bit “icy,” showing off how she holds her own in a dude-dominated world. Victor Varg is our main MMC, and he's pretty much a cinnamon roll boyfriend – protective and super sweet. Their journey from enemies to lovers was handled so well; it felt real and made their connection even stronger.
Tristan's job is to make the Quarry Creek Arctic Hockey team look good on social media, especially with some disasters news on the horizon. Working with the team's captain, Victor Varg, they try to drum up some positive vibes for the team while trying to ignore the sparks flying between them. Everything gets even more tangled after a wild night in Vegas.
Stella Stevenson nailed it with this story, but I was left wanting more of Tristan and Victor as a couple – a bit more heat and maybe a peek into their future would've been awesome at the end.
If you're into hockey romances and love a good story where the grumpy-sunshine roles are flipped, you're going to want to check this one out!
TROPES
Sports/ hockey romance (NHL)
Reverse grumpy sunshine
Black cat/ golden retriever
Accidental/fake marriage
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden
Dual POV
He Falls First
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶
This book totally hooked me! It's super cute and sweet, and the back-and-forth between Tristan and Vic had me laughing and swooning. I just loved watching their relationship grow – it kept a smile on my face the whole time. Plus, getting sneak peeks at Tristan's social media posts? Such a fab touch.
Tristan Grant is our main FMC. EKA ELSA. She's tough and a bit “icy,” showing off how she holds her own in a dude-dominated world. Victor Varg is our main MMC, and he's pretty much a cinnamon roll boyfriend – protective and super sweet. Their journey from enemies to lovers was handled so well; it felt real and made their connection even stronger.
Tristan's job is to make the Quarry Creek Arctic Hockey team look good on social media, especially with some disasters news on the horizon. Working with the team's captain, Victor Varg, they try to drum up some positive vibes for the team while trying to ignore the sparks flying between them. Everything gets even more tangled after a wild night in Vegas.
Stella Stevenson nailed it with this story, but I was left wanting more of Tristan and Victor as a couple – a bit more heat and maybe a peek into their future would've been awesome at the end.
If you're into hockey romances and love a good story where the grumpy-sunshine roles are flipped, you're going to want to check this one out!
TROPES
Sports/ hockey romance (NHL)
Reverse grumpy sunshine
Black cat/ golden retriever
Accidental/fake marriage
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden
Dual POV
He Falls First
April 2, 2024
I must admit I am quickly becoming a fan of hockey romances and with the way Stella Stevenson writes these I am going to need an Article Blue Jersey to show my newfound love of the game and number 25 with a C over my heart. This story between Tristan and Varg just stole my heart. Both have such powerful back stories that shape how they act and see the world so that every page just drew me deeper into their lives and had me rooting so hard for their romance. I knew this would be a fun read when I discovered that Tristan was the grump in this relationship and Varg was the sunshine, but I was not expecting to be falling in love with them and their whole families and teammates! Their connection began before the book does and that is the kernel of a mystery that drew me in, why was she so attracted to yet resistant to working with Varg? Pulled together by the teams higher ups, while trying to avert a scandal caused by another player, this pair dance around each other as he teases and she rolls her eyes and tries not to smile, but always that wonderful connection keeps drawing them together and had me flicking pages to see what would finally draw them together. This is enemies to lovers, grump vs sunshine, fake relationship, forbidden romance, golden retriever meets black Kitty Cat, with these tropes how can you go wrong! I read this without reading bok one, but I can tell you I heading right over to On Ice so I can catch up on the story and putting the Release date for book three on my calendar right now!
March 24, 2024
5/5
"You aren't a nobody."
"I know. But to the world? To hockey fans? Compared to you?"
"Fuck the world."
I always know I loved a book when I go back and look at my highlights and notes on my kindle and it's EXCESSIVE. NTKOI had a solid 58, which is a toooon for me. That alone tells me I absolutely adored this. This book had me smiling more than anything else.
I loooove a little black cat x golden retriever relationship. Ugh, the way Victor started to break down Tristan's shell and soften her up, and how she helped him work through bits of his own baggage. Stella did a great job touching on how their upbringings and family have had a big impact on who they are, and how they grow with each other as the book goes on.
Victor is just a little DREAM. What a flirt. The continual banter between them (especially from his side, always putting her just a little on edge) was SO annoying and SO hot. I really loved how Tristan's coldness was written, just enough at the beginning to make you kind of "ehhh girl chill out a bit," and as you continue reading, you start to think "you know what, I get it, keep it up."
The Vegas epilogue??? This juuuust might take the cake for my favourite epilogue ever. Top three for SURE.
Get yourself a Victor.
PLUS all the real hockey stuff? The Icing definition at the beginning had be in giggles.
Thank you, Stella, for the advanced copy!
"You aren't a nobody."
"I know. But to the world? To hockey fans? Compared to you?"
"Fuck the world."
I always know I loved a book when I go back and look at my highlights and notes on my kindle and it's EXCESSIVE. NTKOI had a solid 58, which is a toooon for me. That alone tells me I absolutely adored this. This book had me smiling more than anything else.
I loooove a little black cat x golden retriever relationship. Ugh, the way Victor started to break down Tristan's shell and soften her up, and how she helped him work through bits of his own baggage. Stella did a great job touching on how their upbringings and family have had a big impact on who they are, and how they grow with each other as the book goes on.
Victor is just a little DREAM. What a flirt. The continual banter between them (especially from his side, always putting her just a little on edge) was SO annoying and SO hot. I really loved how Tristan's coldness was written, just enough at the beginning to make you kind of "ehhh girl chill out a bit," and as you continue reading, you start to think "you know what, I get it, keep it up."
The Vegas epilogue??? This juuuust might take the cake for my favourite epilogue ever. Top three for SURE.
Get yourself a Victor.
PLUS all the real hockey stuff? The Icing definition at the beginning had be in giggles.
Thank you, Stella, for the advanced copy!
March 4, 2024
First things first, thank you so much to BookSirens and Stella for sending an ARC of this book!
‘Not that kind of icing’ is book two in The Arctic series, but can be read as a stand alone, about a social media manager for an ice hockey team determined to not break the rule of no fraternising with the team and an ice hockey captain who is head over heels for the one thing he wants but can’t have. A scandal pushed the two together to distract the public with the team’s social media presence and let’s just say it definitely worked.
Tristan Grant isn’t the biggest fan of Victor Varg after a misunderstanding that almost cost her her job so at first isn’t all too excited about having the control taken out of her hands and being forced to work with him. However Varg couldn’t be less happier if he tried. Things are going to plan for a few weeks until one night in Vegas when everything changed.
I am a sucker for ice hockey romance so I jumped at the opportunity to read this ahead of release and I am so happy I got accepted to receive a copy to review because I absolutely loved this! Banter, quick retorts, close-knit family, forbidden romance, spice and more to love in this book! I could not stop smiling when reading this, very much giving ‘black cat girlfriend/ golden retriever boyfriend’, pretty hard not to love not only Tristan and Victor but all of the characters.
‘Not that kind of icing’ is book two in The Arctic series, but can be read as a stand alone, about a social media manager for an ice hockey team determined to not break the rule of no fraternising with the team and an ice hockey captain who is head over heels for the one thing he wants but can’t have. A scandal pushed the two together to distract the public with the team’s social media presence and let’s just say it definitely worked.
Tristan Grant isn’t the biggest fan of Victor Varg after a misunderstanding that almost cost her her job so at first isn’t all too excited about having the control taken out of her hands and being forced to work with him. However Varg couldn’t be less happier if he tried. Things are going to plan for a few weeks until one night in Vegas when everything changed.
I am a sucker for ice hockey romance so I jumped at the opportunity to read this ahead of release and I am so happy I got accepted to receive a copy to review because I absolutely loved this! Banter, quick retorts, close-knit family, forbidden romance, spice and more to love in this book! I could not stop smiling when reading this, very much giving ‘black cat girlfriend/ golden retriever boyfriend’, pretty hard not to love not only Tristan and Victor but all of the characters.
March 27, 2024
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, Stella!
Reading Order: You can read out of order. These are interconnected standalones. Some characters from book one make an appearance, and there will be some lite spoilers for book 1, but you could read out of order.
General Thoughts: Stella is a delightful writer. I love her writing style and the way she crafts her book. I have enjoyed every single book she has written, and this one was certainly no exception. Tristan and Victor were delightful characters. They may be some of my favorites she has written. Stella always adds depth to her characters without making the book seem weighed down, heavy, or unnecessarily bogged down. You always get enough, but not too much.
I also loved that Stella included social media posts in the book. Charming! This was an excellent, fun, fast-paced, lighthearted, laugh-out-loud book. I'm so glad I read this one. I can't wait to see what Stella comes up with next.
Spice Meter:❤️🔥 Some spicy scenes, but not as graphic or frequent as some.
Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-contemporary romance
-sports hockey romance
-love to hate you
-that one night in Vegas
You can read more of my reviews on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, Stella!
Reading Order: You can read out of order. These are interconnected standalones. Some characters from book one make an appearance, and there will be some lite spoilers for book 1, but you could read out of order.
General Thoughts: Stella is a delightful writer. I love her writing style and the way she crafts her book. I have enjoyed every single book she has written, and this one was certainly no exception. Tristan and Victor were delightful characters. They may be some of my favorites she has written. Stella always adds depth to her characters without making the book seem weighed down, heavy, or unnecessarily bogged down. You always get enough, but not too much.
I also loved that Stella included social media posts in the book. Charming! This was an excellent, fun, fast-paced, lighthearted, laugh-out-loud book. I'm so glad I read this one. I can't wait to see what Stella comes up with next.
Spice Meter:❤️🔥 Some spicy scenes, but not as graphic or frequent as some.
Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-contemporary romance
-sports hockey romance
-love to hate you
-that one night in Vegas
You can read more of my reviews on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews