The last thing Quinn Cooper needs is romance. Between her job and her dad’s diagnosis, she doesn’t have any extra time or need any added stress. She doesn’t have time for a hockey game either, but a favor finds her sitting in the stands as The Arctic takes the ice. Of course she’d end up sitting next to a man she can’t ignore, even if he’s cheering for the wrong team.
A long time ago Erik Varg was considered one of the hottest up-and-coming players in the juniors. Overnight his whole world changed and his dream slipped right out of his hands. He’s most avoided the sport since, but his brother is the new star forward on The Arctic and Erik has to show his support while in town. He didn’t expect to feel sparks for the woman in the seat next to him, even if she’d less than impressed by the whole game. Don’t most women love hockey?
When the KISS cam proves determined to catch them lip-locked, maybe that’s the push they both need. Lust at first sight is very real, even if they aren’t looking for any more. It’s just one kiss, one night of fun, then Quinn is back to her responsibilities and Erik is flying home. No harm, no penalty. Except they might have more in common than they every imagined, and they might be exactly what each other needs. Too bad it’s just the right person at the wrong time.
Quinn Cooper is reluctantly attending a hockey game at the request of her season ticket holder father, who is unable to make the game due to cancer treatment, when she meets Erik Varg in the seat next to her, brother of one of the star players. Told in a dual POV, we see their instant attraction to each other from both sides, but Quinn is more reserved given the weight of caring for her sick father. They decide to have one night together and part ways, with Erik going back to his life in Chicago, but his work as a therapist for children with cancer soon brings him back to the hockey town of Quarry Creek, and the two decide to see each other again. They both fall quickly, but when Erik reveals the true reason behind his below the knee amputation, Quinn panicks and isn't sure she can handle the worry about another man she loves becoming sick again. This was a bit of a heavier contemporary romance, with its themes of sick parents, caretaking and childhood cancer, but still had its spicy elements. I always find the insta love/insta lust tropes to be a bit unbelievable, especially when it's the man who falls first, but that is definitely a jaded "me problem". What I did like was how all the side characters came together to support Quinn in her time of need, and I appreciated that she was a tall, bigger woman, because we are often not depicted as romantic leads worthy of love.
💜 Thank you to Stella Stevenson for a copy of On Ice to review.
I spent 3 days picking it up reading 10-15 pages before getting mad and closing the book. After suffering through 100 pages I just skipped and read the chapters of their text messages. Very cringe.
If you love hockey romances then this story is for you. Erik and Vic have worked towards playing in the NHL all their lives. Being twins and hoping to sign on to the same team along with their childhood friend. Unfortunately life didn't work out that way. Erik is forced to take on a new life after his cancer diagnoses leaves him without the ability to play hockey anymore, at a very young age. The turmoil he feels separates him from his family as he moves away to live his new life. Quinn is a school teacher with only her father as family. When he gets diagnosed with cancer she tries to do everything in her power to keep him healthy. These two meet at a hockey game her father has tickets to but sadly can't attend. The fun banter, sexy, crazy times that follow through the rest of the story will melt your heart. Make you weep and wish that falling in love was never so hard. It takes an army to get these two to see what's really infront of them. A truly incredible book. 5 stars.
This book was unexpected it the best ways. Stella’s writing pulls you in right away and I loved how much this story flows. I went into this expecting just another hockey book, and while hockey plays a great backdrop to this story, it’s much more about healing and meeting the right person at the wrong time.
I will also say as someone who grew up with a sick parent, this one hit me in every single one of my feels (cw: cancer)
TROPES ⬇️ ✨ Hockey Adjacent Romance ✨ One Night Stand ✨ Right Person, Wrong Time ✨ Illness rep ✨ Disability Rep
Quinn and Erik meet at a hockey game. Quinn is there to make her sick father happy, and Erik is reluctantly watching his twin brother play. They hit it off, get featured on a kids cam and have a one night stand with feelings. The chemistry between them is palpable and they just click, but Erik is from out of town and Quinn is overwhelmed by her father’s cancer diagnosis.
There were so many things done right in this book, and the way that Erik’s disability and the cancer topic was handled were two of them. Erik’s struggle with hockey and his family dynamic after his own cancer diagnosis as a child (and recovery) is so realistic and emotional, as is Quinn’s own helplessness in the wake of her dads diagnosis.
The way they support each other and help each other heal is beautiful to watch and something I absolutely loved. Their iceskating date lives in my head rent free.
Also, the spice, while not the main focus, was done so dang well and I adored Erik’s dirty mouth! Totally recommend this one and it was such a great set up to the rest of the series and even more hockey!
I mean, what more could you want from a book? Hockey? ✔️ twins? ✔️ romance? ✔️ supporting characters almost as amazing as the MC? ✔️ Angst? ✔️ heartbreak? ✔️ MMC who falls fast and has real-world problems? ✔️ FMC who knows she’s falling fast but has legit real-world problems to deal with? ✔️ a great plot? ✔️ HEA? ✔️
I docked 1/2 a star because I personally would’ve loved more 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but it’s not a clean story by any means, I just wanted Erik dirtier. He’s a gentleman, but knows when not to be (when it’s important not to be). He’s perfect. Had me swooning hard!
Triggers: cancer (current and past), amputation
I’ll for sure be looking for more books by Stella. Such a great storyteller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bitch. Ate. This. Book. Up. You had me from the start at that Samwise Gamgee quote and held me til the end. The characters: lovable, quirky, v realistic, relatable. I know we're all here bc we love men written by women - OBVIOUSLY- but Erik is realistic. Give me a fumbler, a man who doesn't always say the right thing but most importantly give me a man that speaks truth and from the heart. Cannot WAIT for book two babes. 💜🏒💜
This is an impulse read for February (obviously, I will read some romance this month).
The first part was cute, I pretty much enjoyed it. I think that the romance is quite rushed. I mean, the chemistry wasn't chemistry-ing when they did the deed.
The 2nd half wasn't quite enjoyable for me. However, the plot did make it, I just think the writing could have been more engaging since the 2nd half felt dull.
Overall, this was okay for me. It was a good start for my first-ever hockey romance. Spice level 🌶🌶
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author.
General Thoughts: Stella Stevenson's novels are always delightful. I love her thoughtful approach to her characters. She does a great job of exploring real and meaningful themes without being heavy-handed about it. This allows her books to feel very real, while also not being weighty in ways that are very difficult to achieve.
I have read two novels by Stella (and should read the rest by the end of the year). I have enjoyed both of them. Sometimes authors can write books that feel the same over and over, but both of these by Stella felt new and different from each other.
I am so glad I took a chance on reading Stella's books. Very enjoyable and well written. I also loved the disability rep in the MMC here.
Steam Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 Steamy but not overly steamy.
Romantic Tropes -long-distance -right person, wrong time -light hockey backdrop -contemporary romance -disability rep in MMC
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
• Dual POV • Meet Cute • Only One Night 😏 • Former Hockey Player • Teacher • Right Person, Wrong Time • Fur Parents • Long Distance • Cancer Rep • Disability Rep
This is a seriously sweet book. Quinn and Erik meet at a Hockey game that neither of them want to be at. Conversation flows and they end up on kiss cam multiple times until they give into the temptation.
Erik shares some personal things with Quinn thinking it will scare her off. They decide to have one night of fun. This doesn't go as planned but they have undeniable chemistry, both sexually and emotionally.
There are some watery eye moments in this book but it was so wholesome! Erik is a survivor and Quinns dad is currently fighting. The bonds formed between all the characters is genius set up for future books. Our two main characters both have exceptional growth through the journey, these points among other things make it an all around well written, respectful book.
Stella Stevenson has done an amazing job representing disability, trauma, coping mechanisms, cancer and recovery.
Side note. I love how both the MCs have cats and their names match one another (Loki and Tesseract).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️ From the start, Quinn and Erik had the most passionate chemistry when they first met sitting next to each other in that hockey arena. I loved witnessing how they gradually fell in love and eventually faced their struggles to be together in the end. This is a story of a former hockey player x elementary school teacher (I love reading about people my age btw) with tropes and themes of a meet-cute, insta-love, strangers to lovers, angst regarding cancer diagnosis (past and present), disability rep, along with self-forgiveness and self-love. There were times where you could feel their struggles with the fmc dealing with the present and the mmc coming to terms and accepting the past. I prayed for them even though they were fictional because I really adored how much they love each other, even when they were miles and cities apart. I’m so happy to say that they got their HEA and I can’t wait to read the next book about Erik’s twin brother Vic and his coworker.
I received an ARC copy of On Ice. This book was a very good read. I loved the development of the characters and the realistic struggles that they went through. I haven't read a lot of books about long distance relationships and how different people feel and manage them. While On Ice doesn't focus on the long distance aspect of the relationship, Stella does go into the thought process of liking someone and having a strong connection with them knowing that they will be leaving. I also really liked the way that Stella wrote about the relationship between Quinn and her dad and how his health developed a different kind of relationship. Stella also did a great job with the changes in the relationship between Erik and his mom and brother. She really did a great job with the explanation behind why their relationship had gone downhill and how Erik placed blame on himself for it. I don't want to spoil too much about the book. It was a solid 4 stars for me.
The way I've been waiting for this book since Stella announced it! I knew it would be a winner before i learned it was in 1st person. Stella might be the queen of 3rd person romance (seriously. I'll read hers when I won't read most 3rd) but 1st is amazing from her. I love the inside look into Quinn and Eden. I don't want to give too much away but they're a match made in heaven. Meant to be. soulmates. For sure. Also the sex. The tension. The chemistry. The angst. I binge-read this book in a few hours and I might go right back and read it again!
Thank you so much to Stella for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
ARC Book review, this book review was completely voluntary
This book I binge read in one day ❣️ I was hooked from the moment these two bumped into each other, Quinn and Eric have the banter and chemistry to make them anyones favourite book couple. I love the curvey girl representation and how Eric sees her.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author. In return, I agreed to review the book. All opinions below are my own.
Stella has done it again! What a beautiful story about a happenstance, whirlwind, one-weekend romance that leads to a beautiful story about navigating feelings long distance, cancer - treatments, caregivers, and survivorship.
I wasn't an Erik fan at the beginning of the book, but the more I continued to read, the more his and Quinn's story made me come around to love him too.
I laughed, I cried, and thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I love hockey and I love romance. This book was awesome! It gave me all the feels. I like when the sport is actually talked about as well in the book! It wasn't too much or to little it was honestly perfect.
I may have read this at work, trying not to cry, with a hockey game on in the background. This is probably Stella's best book yet. You can feel the heart and soul she poured into it, her own personal experiences shaping the way the characters felt. I loved every word of this and I'm absolutely looking forward to the next one!
On Ice is a classic “right person, wrong time” romance. This fantastic read is book 1 of The Arctic Series by Stella Stevenson.
Quinn’s dad is sick and doesn’t want his season tickets to the Arctic hockey game to go to waste so he pushes her to go. Erik is in town on business and wants to catch a game to see his twin play. Neither want to be there for their own reasons but they make the best of it by occasionally chatting with each other. The KissCam has another idea and keeps coming back to them until they finally give in and give them what they want. With sparks flying they decide to have a fling for the night.
Quinn is a curvy art teacher who lives in Quarry Creek. Erik lives in Chicago and is a therapist who works with children with cancer, something that is near & dear to him since he too had cancer in his youth which not only took away his dream of being a professional hockey player (like his twin) but it caused him to push his family away.
This book is a true emotional roller coaster with some heavy topics. This book is filled with spicy and angst.The chemistry between Quinn & Erik is off the charts. Even though they have both been through a lot in their past, together they can finally find a way to heal.
I enjoyed all of the side characters and cannot wait to see how this series continues!
𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℍ𝕒𝕤: Hockey Romance (side story) Lust at First Sight Contemporary Romance Both MC’s are fur parents to cats Curvy FMC Disability Representation Dual POV One Night Stand turns Long Distance Relationship
𝐂𝐖: Cancer, amputation
Thank you to @stellastevensonwrites for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Whenever I read a big, heavy fantasy book I like to palette cleanse with a romance, and this author is one of my go tos. This book was so sweet while navigating heavy topics, keeping all of it so relatable and respectful. I can’t wait for the next book <3
This was such a sweet, beautiful love story (with a bit of spice) that is filled with healing and sadness and fear and uncertainty and anger and understanding.
Quinn and Erik have the most adorable meet-cute at a hockey game. Both characters are not in a good place for a relationship, but they can’t help being drawn to one another. They’re perfect for each other, but life events and the physical distance between them makes it not the right time to pursue something more.
Thoughts: 🏒The reps in this book are amazing… curvy FMC, disability, cancer survivor, mental health. 🏒The right person wrong time trope isn’t one I see often and I really loved how this book turned out. 🏒The long distance relationship between Quinn and Erik is SO relatable! 🏒I closed this book feeling happy and content with the story I just read! All loose ends had been tied and there was a HEA. 💕
There are so many feelings and I was in tears at multiple points in this book. If a book makes me feel THAT MUCH, the characters are so in love despite distance/flaws/hang-ups, and the storyline is so perfectly tied up by the end… how could I not give On Ice 5⭐️?!
Thanks so much to Stella Stevenson for the ARC of this book!
Erik Varg is my newest book boyfriend and he’s completely & utterly perfect. Erik has been through so much trauma but has continued to come out on the other side and pushes himself to keep becoming the best version of himself. Instead of letting his past define him, he becomes someone who helps others get through the same thing. Besides being an amazing person, he’s also hotter than Hades! I mean when he asked Quinn, “you’re okay with me putting my mouth over yours and sucking hour taste into my soul?” I almost melted for her!
Quinn is strong, beautiful, artsy and the best caretaker. Quinn and Erik sit next to each other at a game and the sparks flew instantly. They fight long distance and the urge to give themselves what they both want… each other. Eventually, they both come to their senses and it’s magic. I can’t wait for more!
Stella has easily become one of my favorite authors. I absorb everything she writes and instantly fall for every character. This book in particular had me swooning but also I think it’s fair to say cancer has affected most people and it’s nice to see someone’s story have a happy ending because f*** cancer.
This book was a breath of fresh air. I have been reading a lot of rom-coms lately, so this was just what i needed.
Quinn the FMC is attending a hockeygame in favor for her day, who is sick, but never missed a game, she starts talking with the guy next to her, and conversation is easy and butterflies starts flying in. KISS-CAM enters the mix and everyone is hoping for a kiss, but they stall too much. They really hit it off but live so far apart, they switch numbers and leave with each other and things take off🫣 The start of their meeting in the hockey arena is a big part of the book, and it underlines their connection really well.
This book contains some heavy topics of loss, cancer, amputation(past experience). But also covers Long-distance relationship, insta-love, sickness, right guy-wrong time, 2nd chance romance. It has Dual POV and a lot of inner thoughts and texting too.
I don’t wanna spoil too much of this story, but i was on the edge of my seat with all the sparks flying between these two. The spice was nice, sexy, wellwritten. Not overly hardcore or graphic.
Really great book. I will definently be reading more of Stellas books.
I received an Arc for this book, and this is my opinion and my honest review.
Oh my gosh I loved this book. It was so cute and I loved every minute of it. The beginning was slow but as soon as I met the love interest, I was sold and it became a fast read.
When Quinn goes to a hockey game for her father, she meets Erik. Erik has a past in hockey and other ties to it that make it complicated for him. It so happens that Quinn meets Erik at said hockey game, where they inevitably hit it off. Even if she absolutely knows nothing about the sport.
From there I was roped in. I was begging them to work out the kinks so they could be together. They say when you know, you know. I believe they knew. I believe that from the start they were end game. You’ll just have to read it for yourself to find out. 😘
This hockey book was unlike any other hockey romance i’ve read. I definitely enjoyed it and my heart was on my sleeve after finishing. I finished this book so quick after finally picking it up to read. & I can’t believe i’m already done, as I wish I had more of Erik and Quinn to read.
PSA: there are mentions of cancer in this book, but no death. Happy go lucky is the right words to describe this book, even with possible triggers.
Wow! This is story had me on an emotional roller coaster. I was hyped for this story from the beginning so I was happy to read it.
Our cast of characters didn’t let me down at all. They were great. We meet our FMC, Quinn taking here Dad’s place at a hockey game for his favorite team, The Artics. Quinn will do anything for her Dad who is sick at the time. She loves her family and friends with such fierceness. She is an art teacher and is an independent woman. She runs into our hero literally on her way to her seat.
Erik Varg is the twin brother of The Artic’s star hockey player Victor Varg. Erik has a strained relationship with his family. I don’t want to give too much away because it ties into his relationship with Quinn. Vic is living the dream Erik once had which plays into their relationship. Erik meets our heroine at the same game sitting next to her in the opposing team’s jersey.
These two had me from the beginning. The way they fall for each other gave me all the feels. How each overcame the struggles in their life due to Cancer was done very well.
““You’re okay with me putting my mouth over yours and sucking your taste into my soul? Because I’ve been wanting to. Almost since the moment I saw you.”
This is the first time I am reading a book by this author and she did not disappoint!!👏🏻 And I cannot wait to read more.There are some triggers so check those out before reading.
The story follows Quinn and Erik who meet at a hockey game and instantly click. There was a lot of emotions in the story and I truly felt them when reading. I loved seeing Quinn and Erik get brought together over and over and I really enjoyed the conversation between characters and also in their head, it really helps you connect with the characters.
If you are looking for a good story with lots of emotions, laughs and little bit of spice I definitely reccomend!
I have read multiple books from Stella and this one ending up hitting on a topic to close to home for her personally. The fact she carried on and even published this book is amazing. This book was a very sweet light-hearted rom com. I laughed out loud when Quinn busted out the E-Reader at the game. I have done this more than once myself, although not at a hockey game. I thought the characters were very relatable and that meet cute was adorable. I enjoy how there was a plus size main character that felt not over done I am very hesitant reading books on the topic of cancer from personal experiences but the level and interactions in this book was manageable. I recommend this book and author I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the first book I’ve read by Stella and I have to say I will be reading her backlist now. She is an excellent story teller. This story between Erik and Quinn was such a beautiful slice of life story. Everything these characters encountered and felt was very realistic there were no fantastical situations or moments. I felt that the characters were incredibly relatable and found myself crying with Quinn a few times. This story was very light hearted compared to what I typically read although heavy topics like cancer and amputation/disabilities are discussed. I would highly recommend this to anyone to read.
By now, you all know that I'm a sucker for a good sports romance, especially if it's hockey. Erik and Quinn had me hooked from the moment they bumped into one another at the hockey game. Neither want to be there, but when the two start talking to each other, the sparks start flying. They agree to one night together, because that's all they can give. Quinn is too busy dealing with her dad's diagnosis and taking care of him, and Erik lives thousands of miles away. But will one night truly be enough. I loved this book so much. It was so cute, and the characters and storyline were great as well.
I am a sucker for a good book, and I knew after the first chapter that I was sucked in! I finished this one in three sittings over a 24 hour period. The characters are real, flawed, emotional, and perfect! Sometimes a love story becomes too “fantasy” but this one was so real. I felt like I could see the story and it happened, and the jumps between both Quinn’s and Erik’s perspectives were seamless.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance, like “the love hypothesis”. I received an ARC, but the opinions here are my own.
What an absolutely delightful and charming story. Erik and Quinn are beautifully written and will totally capture your heart. Tough themes of cancer and cancer related amputation are dealt with grace, respect, and realism. Family is foremost in this tale of shattered futures, person pain, forgiveness, rebuilding, and love. One of the best stories I’ve read this year. Excellent storytelling. I just loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.