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Campus Stallions #3

On Icy Ground

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USA Today Bestselling Author brings you her signature emotionally charged romance, On Icy Ground.

He’s hockey’s bad boy. She’s the coach’s daughter.
Will their forbidden love get him benched? Or will it force his darkest secret to light?

Brooke:
I didn’t know he was a hockey player.

He had no clue I was the coach’s daughter.

And he definitely didn’t know I had a son, the night he tickled my heart and so much more.

Not that I was hiding it. I just needed one night… for me. To be a normal college student, making bad decisions.

When I saw him on campus, his inked forearms and slate gray eyes ignited something in my heart I’m not ready to let go of.

We were never supposed to see each other again. Yet, we both knew once would never be enough.

But is he willing to ruin his chance at a professional hockey career for the forbidden single mom and her son?

Reed:

From the moment I met her, I knew she wasn’t like other girls.

The way she dressed, all covered from head to toe, and the bag she carried everywhere… screamed I have a secret.

But she’s not the only one with secrets and I guarantee mine are worse. At sixteen, my world went dark and instead of being hailed a savior, I was branded the bad boy.

I’ve done my best to live up to that image on the ice—the only place where I can unleash my anger. Hockey isn’t just my second chance… it’s my final shot at redemption.

Risking it all for my coach's daughter and her dino-loving son was never part of the plan.

Once she finds out the brutal truth of my past, and discovers the real me, there’s no turning back.
How can I apologize for protecting the people I love, even if it makes me a monster in a hockey sweater?

Campus Stallions: ( All are standalones with interconnected characters)
Book 1 - ALL YOUR FAULT (Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Baseball Player/ Gymnast, He falls First, Found Family)
Book 2 - ON MY KNEES (Brother's Best Friend, Fake Dating, Roommates, Forced Proximity and a dog, named Roscoe)
Book 3 - ON ICY GROUND (Forbidden, Coach's Daughter, Bad Boy, Single Mom, Found Family)

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2024

252 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Kristin Lee

30 books399 followers

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5 stars
271 (49%)
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195 (35%)
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66 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Nahabedian.
834 reviews25 followers
February 21, 2024
3.75 -4 stars

I'm going to start this review by stating that Single Mothers are not my favorite trope. So, as much as I'm trying not to have that effect my rating, it might've had something to do with it.

However, Reed and Brooke are adorable. Both have been hurt and traumatized in their past by abuse. Reed has a juvie record and Brooke has a 3 year old to remind them daily. Watching them work through their trauma and learn to trust each other was really nice. They both got to the point where they realized their feelings for each other were only getting stronger and that the other was worth risking it all for.

The only thing I didn't really connect with was the way they met. I get Brooke wanting to be a "normal" college student, but the way she met Reed and those first few encounters just didn't seem to be within her character. Especially if she has a kid at home. Maybe I'm wrong since I wasn't a teenage mother (nor am I a mother in general).

My heart broke for Reed the entire story. That man deserves the moon and stars. I want to go back and read the first two now because getting to know this lot of characters was such joy! I'm excited for Lottie and Dane's story next.

-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Who Hurt You?
-Touch Her and D!3
-Hockey Player/Coach's Daughter
-Single Mother
-Opposite's Attract
-Found Family
Profile Image for Sydney B.
472 reviews26 followers
February 23, 2024
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦; 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.”

5/⭐️
2/🌶️

I cannot even put into words how much I loved this! Reed is everything.

I loved the first two books in this series, so I was excited to read this… but WOW, this is going to be a top read of mine for sure. Reed and Brooke will live rent free in my mind for the foreseeable future.

𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯.

My emotions got the best of me. This was an emotional read, but gosh do I love it when my heart is being shredded just to be put back together. I cried for Reed.. I cried for Brooke. Their stories, and how well they worked for each other was beautiful. And Caleb, that precious little boy stole my heart… “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭, 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘥.” 🥰🥹

Reed and Brooke both have a past that troubles them, but they’re strong individuals. They both just want to be enough, and loved for who they are. Brooke is worried about someone loving and accepting her and Caleb, while Reed is worried about being loved and not scaring them away. “𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵.” 🥺 The way I just wanted to hug Reed, he was just a boy in an awful situation.

I love Kristin’s writing, the depth of her stories, and how well she develops her characters. I can’t wait to read more of her work 🫶🏼

tropes - single mom, possessive hero, hockey romance, found family
Profile Image for Heather Edwards .
771 reviews18 followers
February 24, 2024
This book had tropes I enjoy reading which are, college hockey romance, single mom, found family, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract.

Reed and Brooke are so cute together! Both have been hurt in the past and that plays into their fear of not being able to be in a relationship with each other. They find out, by hanging out more together that their feelings have grown. I loved how Reed is with Brooke's three year old son, Caleb when they meet.

Reed and Brooke had so much chemistry and I loved it!
Profile Image for kayce rose ᥫ᭡.
114 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2024
2.5 stars!
ARC read.

i was in love with reed and brooke, and this is a lot more than a sports romance.

while this read was not my favourite, i did appreciate the characters, and i enjoyed reading about them.
i didn’t feel a connection to the characters as such, but reed and brooke were very cute together!
one of the things that threw me off the most was how brooke reacted in the beginning, as if she didn’t have a kid back home? i don’t know, maybe i misinterpreted it wrong, i just felt like it was very out of character for a mother to act like that.
i also felt that parts of this book was written in a very standard wattpad sort of style, and sometimes that threw me off aswell.

i really wanted to love this book. it was just very hard to get into, but i absolutely adored the epilogue and the last say, 100 pages.
i like build up, but i just felt like this book was rushed, and i had questions, a lot of them.

you may like this book. it is a fun easy read, especially if you are starting out in your hockey romance era. i just feel like the writing style or maybe the tropes (not hockey) were simply just not for me.
other than that, i feel like plenty of other people would throughly enjoy this book more than me !

thank you kristen for the arc 3
Profile Image for Robin ferguson.
212 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2024
This book was so good. I really love every book I get to read from Kristin. I love this series, son, much. Can't wait for the next book in the series. They just keep getting better and better.. Definitely loved Reed, and I definitely feel for him and everything he went through. I am so glad he found someone like Brooke. This is an emotional book and will pull on your heart.

Favorite quotes

Brooke: Most people don't deserve
heartache. Maybe it makes the
heart stronger, so when the right
person comes along, we can with
stand the pressure of it breaking.
This is getting a little too deep
for a first texting session.

Reed:
I want her with me all the time. It's a gamble, but you don't get anywhere in life if you aren't willing to risk your pain and your heart.

ON ICY GROUND

Blurb:
Rules are made to be broken if the stakes are high enough.

Brooke
I didn’t know he was a hockey player. He had no clue I was the coach’s daughter. And he definitely didn’t know I had a son, the night he tickled my heart and so much more. Not that I was hiding it. I just needed one night… for me. To be a normal college student, making bad decisions.
When I saw him on campus, his inked forearms and slate gray eyes ignited something in my heart I’m not ready to let go of. We were never supposed to see each other again. Yet, we both knew once would never be enough. But is he willing to ruin his chance at a professional hockey career for the forbidden single mom
and her son?

Reed
From the moment I met her, I knew she wasn’t like other girls. The way she dressed, all covered from head to toe, and the bag she carried everywhere…
screamed I have a secret. But she’s not the only one with secrets, and I guarantee mine are worse. At sixteen, my world went dark, and instead of being hailed a savior, I was branded the bad boy.
I’ve done my best to live up to that image on the ice—the only place where I can unleash my anger. Hockey isn’t just my second chance… it’s my final shot at redemption. Risking it all for my coach's daughter and her dino-loving son was never part of the plan. Once
she finds out the brutal truth of my past and discovers the real me. There’s no turning back. How can I apologize for protecting the people I love, even if it makes me a monster in a hockey sweater?
2,925 reviews9 followers
March 24, 2024
Oh geez! I didn’t think Ms Lee could write a more perfect couple than Hagan and Adalee or Logan and Harper, but Brooke and Reed were absolutely everything the other needed.
Reed is so angry at the world. He’d seen and experienced things that changed and broke him. Luckily he landed at the one place in the world where he had two friends, Hagan and Harper, and a coach that seemed on his side, but he was still finding his way.
Brooke is a single mother, with the cutest little boy but she’d also gone through a rough time. With just her Dad and son her world was small, but she was slowly making new friends. She’s not other students, she’s beyond busy, organised and pretty much the only thing she needs is time to be just herself.
They meet, three times, by chance, and the chemistry and connection between them is palpable, leaving both wanting more but hiding big parts of their lives.
Though, Reed surprises Brooke, when he learns her secrets and wants to stick around it’s something she never expected. But his secrets are explosive and could destroy everything they’re building.
Powerful, emotionally charged, humorous, steamy, sweet and heartfelt with realistic and relatable characters who are full-bodied and deep and a perfect HEA.
I’m so happy that Reed got the HEA he so deserved. I loved that we saw more of Logan, Harper, Hagan and Adalee and got to know a few more of their friends.
There’s some tough issues explored here that may be triggers for some, they are brief on page, but they’re integral to the story, so check the warnings.
I’ve read the first three books in this series virtually back to back, falling for each couple as they grace the pages, and now I can’t wait for Dane and Lettie’s story, to see how Ms Lee shows these friends who should be lovers the path to each other.
I can’t recommend this whole series highly enough. Definitely a must read.

Thank you to the author.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,154 reviews76 followers
February 23, 2024
Riveting Romance

I don’t know about Reed and Brooke , Caleb is so adorable awww. “ Love you , mommy. Next time can we build a daddy snowman?” Cutest little three year old ever!! He wasn’t planned but he’s the best thing that ever happened to Brooke. But time for momma to go have a little fun after what seems like a six month hibernation and she goes to a beach bonfire with Lettie where she masters the art of flirtation “Why? Are you a bad guy?” “ Hmm, that’s a good question. Are you looking for one?” Well this sure grabbed my attention! These two are hot hot hot I’m talking steaming and it ain’t nothing to do with no bonfire….🔥 They’ve both got a past , he’s the bad ass hockey player, she’s the coaches daughter . She does NOT date Hockey players !period ( excuse the pun) Reed doesn’t want her wearing anyone’s shirt but his #7 . This bad boy wants his good girl so bad…
Oh my ! I thought On My Knees was good … This goes a notch higher. Theres this bad boy IceHockey Stallion with a lion tattoo who drinks her in like fine wine , he’s got her edged so much she’s like a tiger ready to pounce on him from FaceOff in the Offensive Zone. This book is awesome, it has depth, great backstories, great characters , chemistry off the charts , super supporting cast of characters with their own endearing qualities that makes it realistic and relatable, a truly immersive experience and good storytelling. Oh my a link to a bonus episode with little Caleb and family too Brilliant so happy I bought this book 🤗🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,114 reviews104 followers
February 21, 2024
This book has many tropes I like, single mom, found family, sports/hockey, but it is Caleb who steals the book.

Caleb was not planned, but he is the best thing that has happened to Brooke. As a single mom, she is doing the best she can at being responsible. Her friend talks her into a night out to have some fun and let loose; It is there she meets Reed for the second time. But Brooke thinks he is a football player, which is a good thing because she does not date hockey players.

Reed is complicated, he has a dark past and feels he is ashamed and unlovable. He does not let people in. He is capable of love as he has an amazing relationship with his roommates. As Reed and Brooke begin their relationship in secret, with the underdog and the coach’s daughter find their HEA?

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,181 reviews33 followers
February 24, 2024
Reed is hanging out with some of his hockey buddies at McShane's when he sees her. The freckles on her face reminded him of chocolate chips, but she didn't appreciate being called Cookie and even less of his drunken proposition. But when a man grabs her arm he loses it. No one touches a woman without their permission especially if he is around to see it.

No matter how hot the man talking to her is after seeing his temper Brooke is determined to keep her distance. After what happened in her last relationship temperamental hockey players were a no-go for her.

Her best friend Lettie drags her to a school bonfire determined to get Brooke out for a night of fun. When she sees the mysterious smoking hot man near the hammocks she decides one night with a stranger isn't such a bad thing after all.

I loved this story. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This book can be read as a standalone novel, but if you want his roommate's stories I recommend you start the series from the beginning.

This book is smoking hot and full of action. And full of secrets. Reed has a mysterious past and one more strike and he will lose his career in hockey, but what he really worries about is if he will lose Brooke when she learns of his past. But Brooke has some secrets of her own.

The Campus Stallions Series is a spin-off of the Sarasota Sharks Series and characters that we know and love have an active part in this series. Highly recommend! Can't wait for Dane & Lettie's story!
Profile Image for Amandamay.reads.
192 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2024
I love me a good found family romance book. Throw in a bad boy turned soft and I'm in love. Reed and Brooke have some obstacles to overcome when they start on their secret romance. Brooke has sworn off hockey players, and Reed has a dark past that he thinks will send Brooke running for the hills. Will they be able to overcome these things and find the HEA. I can't wait for you to read it and find out for yourselves.
Profile Image for Danielle.
112 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2024
This was my first hockey book and it did not disappoint! Reed and Brooke are so easy to fall in love with and I love the relationship that Reed has with his roommates. This was not a slow burn and I appreciated that so much! I loved the story itself, the background of Reed's past was heartbreaking and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and love him even more for. He's the true definition of an "underdog" and I love how things played out for him. On Icy Ground has made me want to read more hockey romance books and I'm so glad that I came across this one! Also, the spice...amazing! This book was amazing from beginning to end and I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Annie✨.
164 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2024

I couldn’t put the book down even though it kept breaking my heart!
This was one of the best sweet romances I’ve read so far. The ups and downs made me gasp and kick my legs.

Brooke deserves to find love after all she’s been through. When she meets Reed she finally lets her guard down and tries to enjoy her life more. For the past three years she only knew to look after her little one, study and go to work, so they can live without struggling.
Due to her past, she isn’t a big fan of hockey and guess what? Reed is a hockey player! 👀 Will she overcome it and let him in properly?

Reed has been through a lot too and doesn’t believe that he can be loved… there are some things in his past, that might keep him from being it. Brooke caught his eye and that’s how their story started.

At first it was all fun, but then one of them started feeling things for the other and their past had to come out in order for the relationship to work.

Their love story is full of obstacles, but love can fix everything, right? I have absolutely enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next one to come!

Thank you for letting me read this as an ARC.
Profile Image for Jennifer Johnson-Spence.
533 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2024
Started this book late one night and finished it by the next one. Some more deep topics covered in this one. I really enjoy getting to know this group of people. Looking forward to the next one in this series.
594 reviews10 followers
April 9, 2024
“Sometimes in life, we do the wrong things for the right reasons.” Kind of the story of Reed’s life. He was a promising college hockey player, but past difficulties had left him on thin ice as far as a future was concerned, and left him playing hockey in an unexpected place. “Hockey in Kentucky is like the fourth prince in the royal family - never going to be king - or get anywhere near the throne.” Single mother and student Brooke finally took a night off to be a normal college student. When the two met at a party, the attraction was undeniable. As a relationship developed the couple faced challenging obstacles. Especially once Reed learned that Brooke was his coach’s daughter. “Just as you believe you’ve discovered the lindividual who heals your heart and accepts you and your flaws, you come to realize that there are indeed certain limitations in place.” I quite enjoyed this story. The difficulties were complicated and it was very interesting to watch them work through it all. The romance was great and sweet but intense as well. “It’s cliche, but she’s everything I never knew I wanted.” I found the characters engaging, especially with the problems from their pasts. Reed had a particularly heartbreaking history. His bonding with Brooke’s son was lovely. The hockey content was well-balanced for a romance audience. There was also an intriguing subplot regarding Reed’s father. This book is part of a series and there is character carryover between books, but this book reads well as a standalone. This story includes elements of domestic violence and parental abandonment/estrangement. This is a detailed open door romance with innuendo and strong harsh language throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sisters and books.
99 reviews
February 21, 2024
We loved this book! Reed was the bad boy that every one needs because in private he will worship the ground you walk on! Brooke is a single mom and Reed's coaches daughter! After being screwed over by a hockey player-she said she would never date one again but Reed worked his way in!! These two grow and worked through their problems like adults but Kristin did a fantastic of having some drama but getting it resolved quickly.
There is a bonus scene included with the KU version and man oh man...FIRE FIRE FIRE!!!
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
925 reviews42 followers
March 10, 2024
💙𝓞𝓷 𝓘𝓬𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 - 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓹𝓾𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 3 - 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀💙

Author: Kristin Lee

Couple: Brooke & Reed

Tropes: hockey romance, reformed bad boy, tortured hero, coach’s daughter, single mother, friends to lovers, he falls first, inner cinnamon roll hero

Review: Reed completely shoved everyone to the side for my favorite Campus Stallion MMC in his book, On Icy Ground. Krisitn completed her hat trick with this third book full of angst, turmoil and feelings. Reed and Brooke’s story was not what I expected but everything I needed and I loved how his story evolved throughout the book. While I loved Hagan and Harper’s book and HEAs, seeing Reed get his HEA hit a different spot since throughout this series he was more of a mystery surrounded in dark cloud. Kristin did him justice with Brooke and Caleb shaking up his life in the best of ways and I can only hope we get more sooner from the three of them!

Reed was not a soft character in the first two books and the mystery surrounding him sucked me into his orbit from the beginning. I found that being in his mind in this book was truly heartbreaking since he is not what he portrays himself to be. The layers this man has in his story could write their own book on top of his romance and Kristin unraveled him in the best of ways. I loved how he was an antagonistic pr!ck most of the time but softened around Harper, who perhaps understood him the best until Brooke entered his life. The bond him and Harper had was my favorite friendship in this series since there is just something about two broken souls helping each other that sucks me in. I also adored the bond he shared with his coach. I found that Reed was a man of many secrets but one that held on to any good in his life with an iron grip. 

Brooke and Reed in my opinion are twin flames and two halves of one soul. I fell in love with his softer side that only comes out with Brooke but also loved his playfulness and flirty edge that he aimed her way. Brooke was not the typical single mother FMC I expected going into this book but I found that I adored her character all the more for it. I loved how she had people around her who supported her but also wanted her to grab her HEA and hold on to it. While the romance she had with Reed was the goal of the book, I found the way Caleb and Reed bonded to be my favorite part in their story. I loved the way Brooke did everything to protect Caleb from hurt and Kristin was terrific in growing the bonds between the three as the book went on. 

Caleb and Reed’s bond in this book is what did it for me. The way Reed effortlessly steps in and wraps himself up in all things Brooke and Caleb was surprising but also swoon worthy since no one expected it but at the same time was seen from miles away. The chapters where Reed and Caleb take center stage were everything I wanted for Reed and it was heartwarming to see them grow to love one another. Caleb was a close runner up for favorite character and seeing him claim Reed for his own “fatherly” like figure was the final trigger that did me in. Caleb, Reed and Brooke will keep a place in my favorite hockey romances of 2024 and are on the short stack of books to read again!

Rating: 100+, I was not prepared for the emotional mess Reed would leave me in but find myself unable to be sorry it happened!
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,283 reviews30 followers
March 9, 2024
A perfectly written Damaged-Hero-Single-Parent-Sports-Romance!

Unconditional Love.

Once again Author Kristen Lee has captured my heart and mind with ON ICY GROUND, the third amazing book in her CAMPUS STALLIONS series, and I’ll say here and now that I’ve loved every one of them. What a pleasure it is to be reading them. I love sports romances in every trope and in this series, the interconnection of her characters adds to the brilliant dynamics that she has created for them.

My mind is a clamorous mess in how to put this review together. I can’t do the characters of Reed and Brooke and her little 3-year-old man, Caleb a justice. Hell’s teeth, the character of Coach, Brooke’s father was top dollar and to have the continuing presence of his friends all makes this book simply perfect.

Ms Lee’s characters are flawed but outstanding. They excel their chosen fields but struggle in some aspect of their lives. At their core though, they are loyal and loving. They would sacrifice everything about themselves for the ones they love.

ON ICY GROUND has to be my most favourite. Reed was all roiling emotion, the requisite bad boy, but he had a heart of pure gold. His thoughts and emotions ran deep and each time Ms Lee wrote of his vulnerable side, I was in tears 😭 He was one of the most beautifully profound and damaged souls that I have read for a long time.

I loved that Reed admitted to himself straight up that he was enamoured with her,

“She thinks she’s not my type. Smart, prepared, gorgeous, playful. A little shy. It will be rewarding to discover every other adjective that describes her. She’s ****** perfection.”

When he found out she had a son, queue more tears 😭😭😭 As such, I loved the dedication at the beginning,

“It takes a strong man to love someone else’s children. Thankfully, there are so many of these men out there.”

Yep, totally. I’m proud to say our son is such a man, and our wider family is full of these men and perhaps that is why I connected on such a deep level with the characters. Reed was unconditional love, warts and all. He knew Brooke would always choose her son first, and that was as it should be. He loved them both, and would do what was best for them both *sigh* 😭💔😭

Brooke was a completely gorgeous character. It’s not often I’ll say that one is flawless in her execution throughout the book, but she was. She was the perfect mix as described by Reed and Ms Lee had her stay true to her character. Coach, well I loved to bits because he also was the epitome of unconditional parental love.

This series is AMAZING!! Each book can stand on it’s own merits but I’ve already said about the dynamics and the interconnection of characters. Do yourself a solid and start at the beginning, I promise you it’s worth it. Also, Ms Lee has developed the next pair of characters in the background of ON ICY GROUND and I’m gagging to get my hands on it!!!

ON ICY GROUND deserves alllllll the stars, but alas 5 is the most. Go get it and the others for yourself. Seriously 💙🏒💙❃*

#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,219 reviews19 followers
March 5, 2025
Let me just say in the other two books I wasn't too sure about Reed. Not sure if his intentions were as pure as he gave off when it came to Harper. Logan couldn’t seem to get a good read on him. So imagine my surprise when he proves me wrong and shows a different side to himself. Not the drunk, womanizing man, who could give a F--k; he showed everyone. One night out at the bar with the guys, he sees Brooke across the bar, and they make eye contact. She’s not blind; she sees the sexy tattooed male specimen that makes her lady bits swim.

But she has also seen his type before and will not be riding that nowhere train again. But the guy is such a good dirty talker. And she only can get away for a night out about once a month. When a guy from class comes barreling over and knocks her off her feet. And suddenly her dirty talker has a handful of her classmate's shirt, “Don’t you ever touch her. Did she ask you to touch her?” He throws the guy from class into a crowd of guys behind us. This guy has a temper, and she promises internally to steer clear of him, even if he does put her body on high alert with his provocative words. “Neanderthal.” Reed took offense and walked away.

But when you get to know Reed, no one ever sides with Reed or appreciates him defending them. So, what is the alternative? Four months go by. Once again, Brooke is going out with Lettie. They are going to a bonfire. You can tell she has been burnt before by her dialogue because Brooke wants to attract a guy but not someone like her baby daddy. Because he was nothing but a sperm donor. There was bad blood; that is all I will say. She meets up with her mysterious, dirty-talking man again.

Things get sexy hot in the parking lot. He knows where she worked, but she has no clue what he does. Which is hockey. Now here’s the rub: her father is her coach; she knows the rules. She knew them when she got pregnant by her baby daddy, too. Things were about to get a little sticky. Caleb steals any scene he is in with his pronouncing certain letters in his speech. Not being able to perfect his “R” is so cute. The thing I loved about the whole interaction between the trio once they finally started speaking their truth about their past was a remarkable transformation for all of them.

He took to parenthood like a duck to water. Considering his sh-ty background, he was spot on. This is fast-paced and by far the favorite of the three so far. You will find yourself tensed up, relaxed, and then laughing all in one book.
Profile Image for Jenny .
379 reviews6 followers
February 20, 2024
Brooke and Reed were a great pairing. He pulled the confidence out in her, making her stronger and more sure, and she smoothed out his rough edges and gave him something to work for besides hockey.

Brooke, the busy single mom who also happened to be the daughter of the hockey coach, catches Reed's eye immediately, and they both feel a connection that is anything but casual. Initially, she doesn't know he's a hockey player, and he doesn't know she's the coach's daughter, so there's extra tension in wondering when they'll figure it out, and what will happen when they do. Apart from the forbidden/coach's daughter aspect there's a lot here. Emotional and dark pasts for both characters, found family in Reed's close friends, possessive and protective hero, and, of course, spice can all be found in this fast paced, difficult to put down story.

From the very beginning, I was hooked on Reed and Brooke. He gives her a nickname immediately, and I really liked that it wasn't your usual "baby" or something equally inane. Cookie, and the reason he calls her that, are much more interesting and endearing. And the Cookie's Boyfriend pjs? *swoon*

My heart broke for Reed, for his difficult early life, and for the things he dealt with at a young age. I also empathized with Brooke, because I am also a mother, and I know how hard it can be to juggle all the things you need to do and still find quality time with your little monster(s) while also finding the space to do things for yourself.

I loved the relationship between Reed and Caleb; it's always so sweet to see a big, hulking guy get on the floor with the little kid and play. I also really liked Reed's roommates and seeing how much they all cared about one another. It's a nice balance for all of the darker topics in the book.

It did seem like the ending happened really fast, and that it felt maybe a little too good to be true, but I didn't mind too much because all the ends got tied up nicely, and because I just wanted good things for both Reed and Brooke (and Caleb!).

Overall, it was a satisfying read about heartache, love, and redemption, and I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a hockey romance with a broody hero and a sweet but strong heroine. And a really cute 3 year old.

Thank you so much to Kristin Lee for gifting me with an early copy of your book, and for letting me be on your arc team. I am voluntarily writing and sharing my review.
Profile Image for Stamatina Vatikioti.
166 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2024
On icy ground

The hokey player and his firecracker... he (Reed) with a troubled childhood and she (Brook) with a 3year old child, result of a one night stand she thought was more( yes we have someone afraid to give love a chance again). Their connection instant though with some good and yummy bickering that I truly enjoyed. He is daring and smart and funny and let me tell you the encounter they have at the bonfire party.....chef's kiss! It's so good that I was about to highlight the whole thing!(not mention the whole book)

She was fooled about 4years ago from her "I thought he was my boyfriend" and got her pregnant so at 22 she is a mom, studying in college, working and avoiding boys, hokey athletes and relationships in general. She believes no one will want a girlfriend with a son , but that doesn't mean she is not "frustrated " or wanted and with him she feels everything so intence, so much, that she is getting scared of letting go and feel and want only to be rejected when the revealation of Caleb comes...
He is a hokey player, a bad boy player who parties hard and drinks even harder, a loose Canon with aggression issues, depressed, broken, with his past haunting him, the pain and the fear is obvious. He knows his secret will come out anyday now and he will be cast aside and away again, left alone with his past his demons himself...he keeps himself guarded and protected by pushing everyone away, not giving his heart believing he is not worthy, bc losing her will destroy him, crush him to the ground with no chance getting up never again. The real angst starts when he is revealed as a hockey player.....at her dad's team no less...her wearing his team's jersey....But their love is so beautiful. He gives her all the love,care and attention that he never had in his life. He makes sure to let her know she is no hook up, not just any girl. He is willing to talk, to deal with his inner voice his inner demons his doubts, to keep her and her little man

The side characters are the best friend's I've seen, lovable, thoughtful, caring and supportive. The solid beacon in their lives, the supportive system we all need.you will love them and you will wish to know their stories(I hope the other books of the series is about each one of them, especially Logan and Harper's).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
February 29, 2024
This was an off limits bad boy sports romance.

I cannot begin to describe how much this book touched me. Each main character has traumatic issues and how they help each other heal while working on their relationship is inspirational. The story will drag the reader through the emotional wringer and it is worth every bit of it. Highly recommend! Must read!

Brooke Dulce/Brooklyn Sweet is a single Mom to three year old Caleb and a theater major. She was treated badly by her baby daddy so she swears off dating hockey players and he does not know about Caleb. Her father is the coach for the hockey team. She works multiple jobs to support herself and her son. Her ride or die is best friend Lettie.

Reed Bauer/Cross is a tormented bad boy hockey player. He grew up with an abusive stepfather. He lives with his best friend Harper, her boyfriend Logan, her brother and his girlfriend. He has had a troubled past and has become brooding and grumpy.

They first met in a bar where Reed gets violent with a guy who pushed Brooke to the floor. The next time they meet at a bonfire and she doesn't recognize him. They have crazy chemistry together and he gets to third base. He and his roommates go into the campus restaurant she works in and she ends up tutoring him after work. Her father asks her to go to one of the games and she finds out he is a hockey player. Reed gets angry she is wearing a guy's hockey jersey and when he find a out she is the coach's daughter he thinks he has to stop seeing her. She tells him about her son and they decide on a plan to see where their relationship is going. She has a babysitting emergency and he volunteers to watch her son. The Coach tells him who his biological father is (NHL former player and Commissioner). Her friend Letty calls in a panic when her building catches fire and she can't wake her friend. Brooke and Reed rush over and Reed runs into the building to save the friend. The story ends up in the news and their relationship becomes public. Her father is not happy at first. While Reed is benched for breaking team rules he gets a letter from his bio dad and goes to visit him. They reconcile and he welcomes them into his life. Reed finally tells Brooke about his family. They reconcile during a charity fundraiser and get their HEA.
Profile Image for Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) .
1,173 reviews50 followers
February 18, 2024
This is book three in the Campus Stallions Series. Each story is a standalone in a shared world that follows different couple. You will see pervious MC's from past books as they do have some kind of crossover that adds value to the story. Although You don't need to read the previous books in order to understand what is going on, I do suggest it to avoid spoilers.

“I never asked why your favorite color is purple. And I’m wondering why.” He glances over his shoulder and expels a breath. “The bruises were always proof that I fought back against my stepdad. That I fought hard to win every game. I would look in the mirror and when they turned purple with shades of blue and yellow around the edges, I thought they were beautiful—a badge of honor.”

-Sports romance
-Single Mom
-Bad Boy of Hockey
-Coaches Daughter
-Secrets
-Dark Past
-Possessive Hero
-Emotional
-Angsty
-Steamy

Oh Kristin......This book broke my heart. Both Reed and Brooke have such similar backgrounds and yet both of their stories were heartbreaking. The obstacles they both face are vast and each so different in their own way. This is a story of healing and self discovery, love and feeling valued, and above all survival and slaying the demons that haunt their past. Reed has his bad boy persona and a very difficult history and Brooke, the single mother with a secret who is just trying to make it through each day. Together they find the strength but each feels as if they are not good enough for each other. The raw emotion and feelings of self worth felt by Reed really drove this story. And Brook, with her strong desire to do whatever she could just to get by on her own and prove she could be a great mom at the same time. Truly an amazing romance.......go check this book out if you love an angsty emotional story with an beautiful HEA.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,163 reviews16 followers
February 21, 2024
Reed is a bad boy of his college hockey team and Brooke is a single mom, college student, and Reed’s Coach’s daughter. Reed breaks rules and Brooke has responsibilities, can these two seemingly totally opposite have a relationship.

Once again Author Kristin Lee writes another steamy emotional romance. Her characters have great chemistry both in the bedroom and out, but every isn’t always perfect. Reed has to battle his demons from his adolescence years. Brooke has to learn that not all athletes are the same and to let people get to know her and her son. The storyline brings us along the journey to be together. There is a good bit of spicy and a few tears a long the way. I could relate in some ways to Brooke as I was a single mom in my 20’s though a little older than Brooke. I also wanted to protect my child from heartbreak. I didn’t date much and only introduced her to a guy if it was getting serious. One of my favorite quotes from Reed is “If I’m going to have a chance with her, it’s imperative that I experience what Brooke does every single day.” This is a tame quote but to me this makes a man more attractive when he can be there for and understand his partner’s needs.

I read the kindle version, and downloaded the bonus scene. This is a scene you won’t want to miss. You get a little more of the sweetness of Brooke’s son and a lot more spice from Reed and Brooke.

Tropes:
Bad boy of hockey
Single mom
Coach’s daughter
Found family
Painful backstory
Possessive hero
Domestic abuse
College romance

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Abbey | bookishandme.
311 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2024
I have been waiting for Reeds book since I first met him and it did not disappoint! Reed’s story is one that has been referenced in the previous books in this series, but at last we now have all the information. He has gone through a lot in his life and is trying to make the best of the situation that he finds himself in. I doubt he expected to Brooke to enter his life and give him something worth fighting for outside of Hockey. I absolutely loved his interactions with Caleb.

Brooke is a doing everything she can to keep herself together, provide for her son Caleb and graduate. She gave herself one night to remember what it is like to be at college but Reed was the last thing she expected to find. Although he is everything that she promised herself she would stay away from, he quickly proves that there is more to his story.

Both Reed and Brooke have pasts that are trying to dictate and impact their futures but together they find a way to heal and discover exactly what they need from a supportive partner, the feeling of being valued, finding their self worth and unconditional love. The journey these two go on is quite the emotional, angsty rollercoaster but it was worth it for sure. I also really enjoyed seeing the other characters previous the previous books the role they played in Brooke and Reeds romance.

🏒Hockey romance
🏒Single Mom
🏒Bad Boy of Hockey
🏒Coaches Daughter
🏒Secrets
🏒Dark Past
🏒Possessive Hero
Profile Image for WhatsTammieReading.
54 reviews
February 20, 2024
"Brooke, I come with more baggage than Delta Airlines. You deserve better than a guy like me."

On Icy Ground is the third book in the Campus Stallions series by Kristin Lee. It is a steamy hockey romance about Reed Bauer and Brooke Sweet. Reed plays left wing for their university's hockey team and has a past that he is worried will come back to haunt him and ruin his budding relationship with Brooke.

Brooke is not only the coach's daughter but also a single mom to a 3-year-old little boy, Caleb. She had sworn off dating hockey players after her relationship with Caleb's father went sour. She meets Reed at a bonfire to celebrate their school's football team and her only goal is to be a normal college student and find a guy for a little bit of fun. She had no idea that meeting Reed would grow into so much more.

This book is not only a hockey romance, but a story of a single mom trying to provide the best life for her son. It had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. Reed, who was starved for a family connection, has a found family that consists of some of the best friends he could have asked for. I loved reading as Brooke and Reed's love story unfolded and my heart broke when we found out the secrets that Reed had been keeping locked away.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good sports romance novel. Since this is an interconnected standalone, I also recommend reading the first two books in the series, All Your Fault and On My Knees which follow other couples found in this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,434 reviews14 followers
February 19, 2024
Campus Stallions #3

Reed Bauer hasn't had it easy as a teenager and when he tried to protect someone in a domestic abuse incident it backfired on him and changed him. He was labeled a bad boy and he's done everything to live up to that name especially on the ice. But he was given a second chance to play hockey and a coach that looked out for him.

Brooke is a single mom to a 3 yr old little boy. She hates hockey players. Her dad coaches the hockey team at the college she attends but no one knows he's her dad.

Her bestie talked her into going out to a bonfire which she never does. She works hard at several jobs, is a college student and makes it on her own even though her dad would help. She would rather stay home and be with her son.
This time she meets Reed again, the first time not going so well and they hook up. This was supposed to be a one and done but it turned out to be so much more.

They both have secrets that could tear them apart. Brooke calms his inner demons but he's afraid of how she will react when she knows everything. And what about her secrets? Are they willing to go the distance or will their secrets tear them apart?

4.25
This is such an emotional story. It does talk about domestic violence that could be a trigger for some.
I did love how his friends rallied around him and were there for him.
Profile Image for Shani (Bttrflymama88).
460 reviews16 followers
March 2, 2024
An absolute must read! College hockey, single mom & coach's daughter! It's a wild ride! 💙

On Icy Groud by Kristin Lee

Everyone knows I love a good Baseball boy! And Kristin has given me so many. But as soon as I knew that this book was going to be Hockey I was sold! (I would have been anyways because I love Kristin and her books!) But for as much as I love baseball I love hockey more!!


Then she threw in, single mom, coach's daughter, and a hockey boy with a past he refuses to share! Yeah I'm there!!! As always Kristin did not disappoint. Had Me hook from the very first encounter and I DEVOURED this book and feel in love with Reed's character quite quickly. These two have an instant attraction, a connection that only grows deeper the more time they spend with each other. But he has a troubled past, its not just her she has to think about, he's on of her dad's players and she's sworn off hockey players!!

These two have their work cut out for them but the ride is so worth it to get their hea! I absolutely loved this book! From beginning to end. I didn't want it to end! Throw all those extra things we love, spice and banter, the best group of friends because i seriously love the relationship Harper and Reed have and Lettie is a hoot! The cutest little boy that'll steal your heart!! And so much more!! Def a must read!
Profile Image for Autumn.
19 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2024
“On Icy Ground” by Kristin Lee isn’t just another hockey romance—it’s a thrilling journey that grips you from the first page to the last. This novel is a masterful blend of spicy romance, forbidden love, and redemption that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Brooke and Reed, whose undeniable chemistry sparks a passionate romance that defies societal norms.

Lee skillfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, weaving in the challenges of single parenthood and the high stakes of professional hockey. Reed’s troubled past adds layers of tension to their love story. Despite the obstacles, their connection is electric, drawing readers deeper into their captivating romance.

What sets “On Icy Ground” apart is its perfect balance of spicy romance and heart-pounding drama. The passionate moments between Brooke and Reed are both steamy and emotionally charged, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Lee doesn’t shy away from exploring the depths of their love, making every interaction feel authentic and compelling.

Beyond the romance, “On Icy Ground” is a story of redemption and second chances. Reed’s journey from troubled bad boy to a man willing to risk it all for love is both inspiring and heartwarming. As readers follow along, they’ll find themselves rooting for Brooke and Reed to overcome their pasts and find happiness together.

With its engaging characters, captivating storyline, and undeniable chemistry, “On Icy Ground” is a must-read for fans of spicy romance. Kristin Lee has crafted a novel that will keep readers turning pages late into the night, eager to see how Brooke and Reed’s story unfolds. This book is sure to leave a lasting impression and is destined to become a favorite among romance enthusiasts.
Profile Image for Alyssa GSell.
523 reviews18 followers
February 21, 2024
💙ʀɛʋɨɛա💙

5/5⭐️

Reed is literally a bad boy with a heart of gold…

Brooke is a single mom in college trying to live her life…

The first time these two meet he comes off super cocky and she tells him to get lost…

Time goes by… They end up at the same party and things get interesting😜

She does not like athletes especially hockey players but she has no idea yet that he is in fact on the hockey team just like he has no idea that she is his coaches daughter!

They have this connection/pull with each other that is hard to ignore…

She knows she needs to mention her son to Reed before things go any further…. She thinks that when he finds out he isn’t going to want nothing to do with her anymore…

Reed has some really hard secrets he needs to tell her and he is really scared that she is gonna not believe him and walk away……

Reed is super sweet and thoughtful.
All his friends are loving that he has found “the one”.
I love that he calls her cookie.
I love that Caleb calls him Weed because he can’t pronounce r’s yet haha
I love how possessive and protective he is over them.

"FOR A GUY WHO NEVER GOT LUCKY, I HIT THE JACKPOT. MY GIRL IS WEARING MY JERSEY, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE LOVE TO HER WHILE SHE'S WEARING IT."
38 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2024
I’m so glad I took the jump with On Icy Ground. I could not put it down once I started.
It had just the right amount of spice and depth to it that had me on the edge of my seat at each turn.
The almost instant connection between Reed and Brooke, not to mention the emotional trauma and past they both have, was in a sense refreshing (but also heartbreaking) to read as they find a way to trust enough to open up to each other and build.

While Reed reminds us to always be brave no matter the cost. Brooke reminds us that “trust and truth will carry us through.”

P.S I definitely cried a bit, laughed, and fanned myself off while reading this book. Lol

P.S.S This is book three in the Campus Stallions Series. Each story is a standalone in a shared world that follows different couples.
Now, it’s not necessary to read the first two to read or understand On Icy Ground. But you will see snippets of MC's from the past 2 books (All Your Fault and On My Knees) as they do have some crossovers.

I personally read the first 2 in the series before diving into this book and I can say it made my reading experience even better. :) I absolutely LOVE the Stallion universe and can’t wait for more.


Happy reading! 💙🏒
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