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Denver Stampede #3
Icing
Can a sugar-adverse grumpy hockey player win a sweet and sassy baker's heart?
Anna Martin has awesome friends and a successful bakery, but her life imploded when her fiancé ran off with his dental hygienist. She's over it, but the last thing she wants is a relationship. When her besties buy her a date with Santa at the Stampede charity auction, she agrees to go. It’s ice skating and hot cocoa, for a good cause. Plus she'll never turn down chocolate.
Nick St. John, annoyingly referred to as Santa by his teammates, is anything but jolly. He's far more bitter than sweet—he even hates sugar. He has no time for dates or anything else that isn’t hockey.
Their charity date is a disaster, so why can't Nick get Anna off his mind? He remembers what a wreck he was when his ex called things off. He's kept his heart on ice for eight long years, but the only things Anna's icing are baked goods. She's...happy. And her warmth, her intoxicating smile—everything about her has him melting in every possible way.
He’s falling for her. She wants him. Will they risk their hearts and give in to love or will they freeze each other out?
Tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Opposites Attract
Epic banter
Team shenanigans
Anna Martin has awesome friends and a successful bakery, but her life imploded when her fiancé ran off with his dental hygienist. She's over it, but the last thing she wants is a relationship. When her besties buy her a date with Santa at the Stampede charity auction, she agrees to go. It’s ice skating and hot cocoa, for a good cause. Plus she'll never turn down chocolate.
Nick St. John, annoyingly referred to as Santa by his teammates, is anything but jolly. He's far more bitter than sweet—he even hates sugar. He has no time for dates or anything else that isn’t hockey.
Their charity date is a disaster, so why can't Nick get Anna off his mind? He remembers what a wreck he was when his ex called things off. He's kept his heart on ice for eight long years, but the only things Anna's icing are baked goods. She's...happy. And her warmth, her intoxicating smile—everything about her has him melting in every possible way.
He’s falling for her. She wants him. Will they risk their hearts and give in to love or will they freeze each other out?
Tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Opposites Attract
Epic banter
Team shenanigans
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2024
339 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Kay
23 books490 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Stephanie Kay has always loved a good romance, and she got hooked on the dirty ones at the tender age of 14, when she told her mother that if the cover wasn’t a bodice ripper, then there was no sex in the book. As an avid mystery reader, her mother never checked to see if Stephanie was lying. Twenty plus years later, Stephanie’s most prized possession is her Kindle, and she may have a Hallmark movie obsession.
She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...
You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com
She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...
You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 30, 2024
They were 2 adults acting like middle schoolers falling in love for the first time. Super juvenile, but of course, I couldn't resist the spectacle. Not a ton of depth to this couple who never went on one date the whole book. It was mainly knockin boots. And the friends group was way too involved, and for the first time, not in a good way for me.
The transitions between scenes were pretty bad. It was jarring when scenes switched so randomly.
But you know what? I might still be inclined to read another one in the series.
The transitions between scenes were pretty bad. It was jarring when scenes switched so randomly.
But you know what? I might still be inclined to read another one in the series.
January 29, 2024
Loving Santa!
I LOVE THE LATEST DENVER STAMPEDE BOOK! I think Santa, Nick St John, is my new book boyfriend!
The guys on his team all call him Santa. Not because he’s round and jolly! Not because he loves Christmas! But what else would you choose for the nickname of a hockey player named Nick St John?
Anna is a successful baker with her own bakery, but she’s been recently jilted by her cheating fiancé dentist who called off their engagement just weeks before their wedding, and took his dental hygienist on their honeymoon to Bora Bora!
Her friends, who are involved with two of Santa’s teammates, “buy” her a date with him at a charity auction. Santa has no time for anything but hockey, and Anna is carefully guarding her heart!
A superbly written book about two broken hearted people who are afraid to trust again. Stephanie Kay has outdone herself in this latest book in the Denver Stampede series!
I LOVE THE LATEST DENVER STAMPEDE BOOK! I think Santa, Nick St John, is my new book boyfriend!
The guys on his team all call him Santa. Not because he’s round and jolly! Not because he loves Christmas! But what else would you choose for the nickname of a hockey player named Nick St John?
Anna is a successful baker with her own bakery, but she’s been recently jilted by her cheating fiancé dentist who called off their engagement just weeks before their wedding, and took his dental hygienist on their honeymoon to Bora Bora!
Her friends, who are involved with two of Santa’s teammates, “buy” her a date with him at a charity auction. Santa has no time for anything but hockey, and Anna is carefully guarding her heart!
A superbly written book about two broken hearted people who are afraid to trust again. Stephanie Kay has outdone herself in this latest book in the Denver Stampede series!
October 17, 2025
Anna Martin, Cora, and Joy are at the charity bachelor auction for the Denver Stampede Hockey Team the new expansion league that Christian and Will Connelly, Cora’s brother bought. They are protective of us all but more so with, Cora. Although she is an heiress after all. You wouldn't know it though. Cora, Joy, and Anna have been loyal friends since forever they are Anna’s chosen sisters she is closer to them than her actual sisters. The girls wanted her out among people because three weeks ago her douchebag ex sent her a text that read, ‘I can’t do this’ two days before their wedding.
What he apparently could do was hook up with his hygienist and take her to Bora Bora on what was supposed to be her damn honeymoon. Which would just be getting home. “Anna, it’ll be fun,” Cora said, linking her arm through hers as they walked into the ballroom. “Sure. Taking a newly jilted woman to a bachelor auction seems like the perfect night out,” she deadpanned. “Stop it. It’s just the distraction you need, and it’s for charity,” Cora said. “I’m not buying anyone,” she said. “We’re going to have yummy cocktails and tiny apps while we ogle hot hockey players.
What’s better than that?” Cora asked. “You get to ogle hot hockey players any time you want,” she grumbled. “Player,” Cora corrected, her eyes getting that moony glaze she was becoming familiar with. A few months ago, Cora met Nate Talbot, a player for the new Denver hockey team, the Stampede, and fell in love. “He wasn’t good enough for you, Anna. I know it hurts right now, but it’ll work out. And in the meantime, we can have as many girls’ nights as you need, with loads of martinis, dancing, and carbs.”
“Absolutely,” Cora said. “We’re going to get through this.” “You two are the best.” She was grateful for her besties. They’d grown up together, been the Three Musketeers since they were kids. She couldn’t ask for better friends. “And you know what they say. The best way to get over a man is to get under another one,” Joy said, taking a sip of her martini nonchalantly. “Are you ready for our final guy?” the woman emceeing the event said as Anna finished her fourth martini a little while later. “Being as it’s the holidays, they’d saved Santa for last.
Presenting Nick St. John, (sidenote Nick hates bachelor auctions) known as Santa to his teammates!” A man pushed through the curtain at the top of the runway. He sure as hell didn’t look like any Santa Anna had ever seen, and her breath caught in her throat. She was sure she’d seen him playing, but never up this close. Whoa, he was hot. He wore a scowl, but he filled out his tux perfectly, and her belly fluttered. She couldn’t remember the last time that had happened, and it did not need to happen right now.
“See something you like?” Joy asked. “What?” She sputtered, taking her eyes off the runway. “Honey, your cheeks look a bit pink,” Cora teased. “It’s the martinis,” she muttered as she grabbed her glass, wishing it wasn’t empty. “I got this,” Joy said, lifting Anna's paddle. “What are you doing?” She bit out. She grinned. “Getting you a Christmas present.” “Oh my god. Don’t you dare.” “Too late,” she said, shouting out a number and waving her paddle around. “He’s actually a good guy, according to Nate.
A little rough around the edges, but they all are after being put up on the chopping block by their original teams,” Cora said with a smile. Another woman joined the bidding, but Joy kept going. She tried to grab her friend’s hand, but she shrugged her off. “Come on. It’ll be fun. Ice-skating and hot chocolate, totally tame. Nate and I can come with you,” Cora said. “I’ll bring Sin,” Joy said, wiggling her brows. “You’re ridiculous,” she said to Joy as she looked back at the end of the runway. Her eyes caught his blue ones glittering under the bright lights.
His jaw tensed, and her breath caught again as Joy was announced as the winner. “He’s for Anna,” she shouted and nudged her shoulder hard. What the hell just happened? He needed a drink. “Congrats on the date, man. Anna’s fantastic. Don’t be a dick to her. She’s been through sh-t recently,” Tally said when Nick walked off-stage. Nick would just rather visit the hospital or write a fat check than be auctioned off like cattle. And yes, that comparison was harsh. It was one date. Ice-skating. Hot chocolate. Done.
At least she was nice to look at. “So, Santa, huh?” Anna asked. “Stupid nickname. I don’t even like Christmas,” he muttered, ignoring Tally’s groan. “What? But it’s the best holiday. Cookies and presents and decorating and being with friends and family. What’s not to like?” she asked, taking a step back. “It’s just another day of obligations. And I’m not a big sweets person, so cookies don’t really do it for me,” he said. “Sorry, I’m just not a Christmas fan.” “Or a cookie fan.” “Too much sugar isn’t good for you,” he said. “What?”
“Anna owns Sugar on Top, the bakery downtown,” Tally said. “You know where I get those cupcakes that everyone but you likes.” “Shi-t. Sorry.” “Sorry.” “Don’t worry about it. Maybe some extra sugar would make putting your foot in your mouth taste better,” she stated with a tight smile. Tally barked out a laugh. The flare of fire in her eyes hit me square in the chest, and for all of my blundering, I couldn’t help but look forward to our date. This was such a funny story about two insecure singles who had been hurt in their past by their ex, one more recent than the other. Watch as they try to maneuver this love at first sight non-date, through the mind field of big feelings for each other that neither wants to acknowledge.
What he apparently could do was hook up with his hygienist and take her to Bora Bora on what was supposed to be her damn honeymoon. Which would just be getting home. “Anna, it’ll be fun,” Cora said, linking her arm through hers as they walked into the ballroom. “Sure. Taking a newly jilted woman to a bachelor auction seems like the perfect night out,” she deadpanned. “Stop it. It’s just the distraction you need, and it’s for charity,” Cora said. “I’m not buying anyone,” she said. “We’re going to have yummy cocktails and tiny apps while we ogle hot hockey players.
What’s better than that?” Cora asked. “You get to ogle hot hockey players any time you want,” she grumbled. “Player,” Cora corrected, her eyes getting that moony glaze she was becoming familiar with. A few months ago, Cora met Nate Talbot, a player for the new Denver hockey team, the Stampede, and fell in love. “He wasn’t good enough for you, Anna. I know it hurts right now, but it’ll work out. And in the meantime, we can have as many girls’ nights as you need, with loads of martinis, dancing, and carbs.”
“Absolutely,” Cora said. “We’re going to get through this.” “You two are the best.” She was grateful for her besties. They’d grown up together, been the Three Musketeers since they were kids. She couldn’t ask for better friends. “And you know what they say. The best way to get over a man is to get under another one,” Joy said, taking a sip of her martini nonchalantly. “Are you ready for our final guy?” the woman emceeing the event said as Anna finished her fourth martini a little while later. “Being as it’s the holidays, they’d saved Santa for last.
Presenting Nick St. John, (sidenote Nick hates bachelor auctions) known as Santa to his teammates!” A man pushed through the curtain at the top of the runway. He sure as hell didn’t look like any Santa Anna had ever seen, and her breath caught in her throat. She was sure she’d seen him playing, but never up this close. Whoa, he was hot. He wore a scowl, but he filled out his tux perfectly, and her belly fluttered. She couldn’t remember the last time that had happened, and it did not need to happen right now.
“See something you like?” Joy asked. “What?” She sputtered, taking her eyes off the runway. “Honey, your cheeks look a bit pink,” Cora teased. “It’s the martinis,” she muttered as she grabbed her glass, wishing it wasn’t empty. “I got this,” Joy said, lifting Anna's paddle. “What are you doing?” She bit out. She grinned. “Getting you a Christmas present.” “Oh my god. Don’t you dare.” “Too late,” she said, shouting out a number and waving her paddle around. “He’s actually a good guy, according to Nate.
A little rough around the edges, but they all are after being put up on the chopping block by their original teams,” Cora said with a smile. Another woman joined the bidding, but Joy kept going. She tried to grab her friend’s hand, but she shrugged her off. “Come on. It’ll be fun. Ice-skating and hot chocolate, totally tame. Nate and I can come with you,” Cora said. “I’ll bring Sin,” Joy said, wiggling her brows. “You’re ridiculous,” she said to Joy as she looked back at the end of the runway. Her eyes caught his blue ones glittering under the bright lights.
His jaw tensed, and her breath caught again as Joy was announced as the winner. “He’s for Anna,” she shouted and nudged her shoulder hard. What the hell just happened? He needed a drink. “Congrats on the date, man. Anna’s fantastic. Don’t be a dick to her. She’s been through sh-t recently,” Tally said when Nick walked off-stage. Nick would just rather visit the hospital or write a fat check than be auctioned off like cattle. And yes, that comparison was harsh. It was one date. Ice-skating. Hot chocolate. Done.
At least she was nice to look at. “So, Santa, huh?” Anna asked. “Stupid nickname. I don’t even like Christmas,” he muttered, ignoring Tally’s groan. “What? But it’s the best holiday. Cookies and presents and decorating and being with friends and family. What’s not to like?” she asked, taking a step back. “It’s just another day of obligations. And I’m not a big sweets person, so cookies don’t really do it for me,” he said. “Sorry, I’m just not a Christmas fan.” “Or a cookie fan.” “Too much sugar isn’t good for you,” he said. “What?”
“Anna owns Sugar on Top, the bakery downtown,” Tally said. “You know where I get those cupcakes that everyone but you likes.” “Shi-t. Sorry.” “Sorry.” “Don’t worry about it. Maybe some extra sugar would make putting your foot in your mouth taste better,” she stated with a tight smile. Tally barked out a laugh. The flare of fire in her eyes hit me square in the chest, and for all of my blundering, I couldn’t help but look forward to our date. This was such a funny story about two insecure singles who had been hurt in their past by their ex, one more recent than the other. Watch as they try to maneuver this love at first sight non-date, through the mind field of big feelings for each other that neither wants to acknowledge.
February 8, 2024
Nick and Anna
This book was lighthearted and low angst. It had a decent amount of hockey and gave some good insight into the relationships Nick had with his teammates. There was a lot of internal back and forth for both Nick and Anna and they both needed time to work out their feelings. It was a good book for someone looking for a sweet romance with some steamy scenes.
Anna and Nick seemed like an unlikely pair. Anna owned a bakery, was always smiling and happy and loved Christmas. Nick was the team grumpy who avoided sugar and hated Christmas despite the nickname he’d carried since childhood, Santa. In addition to their differences, Nick also had a tendency to put his foot in his mouth and that caused his relationship with Anna to have a rocky start.
While Nick and Anna were opposites, they did have some important things in common. They both came from loving parents and they’d both been burned in the worst way by the people who had pledged to love them unconditionally. Nick had closed himself off for years because of his ex, but Anna was determined to move on. They both struggled with how strong their feelings for each other were in such a short period of time, but in the end time didn’t matter.
Nick and Anna had a very sweet romance. It was fun and light and had some comedic moments thrown in. There was very little tension, and a whole host of secondary characters. It was an entertaining read and I can’t wait to see some of the other players on the Denver Stampede find their own matches.
This book was lighthearted and low angst. It had a decent amount of hockey and gave some good insight into the relationships Nick had with his teammates. There was a lot of internal back and forth for both Nick and Anna and they both needed time to work out their feelings. It was a good book for someone looking for a sweet romance with some steamy scenes.
Anna and Nick seemed like an unlikely pair. Anna owned a bakery, was always smiling and happy and loved Christmas. Nick was the team grumpy who avoided sugar and hated Christmas despite the nickname he’d carried since childhood, Santa. In addition to their differences, Nick also had a tendency to put his foot in his mouth and that caused his relationship with Anna to have a rocky start.
While Nick and Anna were opposites, they did have some important things in common. They both came from loving parents and they’d both been burned in the worst way by the people who had pledged to love them unconditionally. Nick had closed himself off for years because of his ex, but Anna was determined to move on. They both struggled with how strong their feelings for each other were in such a short period of time, but in the end time didn’t matter.
Nick and Anna had a very sweet romance. It was fun and light and had some comedic moments thrown in. There was very little tension, and a whole host of secondary characters. It was an entertaining read and I can’t wait to see some of the other players on the Denver Stampede find their own matches.
February 2, 2024
Denver Stampede #3
Anna Martin is fresh off a break up with her fiance who broke up with her two days before their wedding and then took his employee on what would have been their honeymoon. She's not looking for another relationship but rather just working in her bakery, Sugar on Top.
When her friends talk her into going to a charity bachelor auction held by the Stampede's then bids and wins a guy for her she's not overly happy about it any more than the guy is.
Nick St. John known as Santa on his Stampede hockey team. He's grumpy and doesn't care for sugar, great for a date with a baker, lol. The date is ice skating and hot chocolate which should be fun but not so much for him. Nick has a way of sticking his foot in his mouth when he talks to Anna.
His focus has been on hockey, not dating or even relationships but there's something about Anna he just can't forget.
She always seems to be happy and it just draws Nick in. The more time they spend together he starts to fall. Can he keep his foot out of his mouth and can they work through their issues?
4.5 stars
Anna Martin is fresh off a break up with her fiance who broke up with her two days before their wedding and then took his employee on what would have been their honeymoon. She's not looking for another relationship but rather just working in her bakery, Sugar on Top.
When her friends talk her into going to a charity bachelor auction held by the Stampede's then bids and wins a guy for her she's not overly happy about it any more than the guy is.
Nick St. John known as Santa on his Stampede hockey team. He's grumpy and doesn't care for sugar, great for a date with a baker, lol. The date is ice skating and hot chocolate which should be fun but not so much for him. Nick has a way of sticking his foot in his mouth when he talks to Anna.
His focus has been on hockey, not dating or even relationships but there's something about Anna he just can't forget.
She always seems to be happy and it just draws Nick in. The more time they spend together he starts to fall. Can he keep his foot out of his mouth and can they work through their issues?
4.5 stars
February 3, 2024
What can be better than a book about a not so jolly Santa and a sweet baker?
Nick, aka Santa, is grumpy - he hates his nickname, Christmas and life in general. He especially hates being paraded like a piece of meat, even if it is in the name of charity. I mean, what could be worse? He’s about to find out!
Anna - our heroine - is a wonderful, sweet baker and best friend who has had a rough go lately. Her fiancé called off the wedding 2 days before the ceremony and took his girlfriend on the honeymoon! So her 2 BFFs decide she needs cheering up and “gift” her a date with Santa. And that’s where the fun begins.
This novel is a cute, quirky Christmas story but it is also so much more. The author explores the nuances of being a teammate and a best friend - and how these relationships help define your life. The humor and antics - including Nick’s penchant for open mouth, insert foot moments - bring this story to life.
I am really enjoying this series and like others am impatiently waiting on Sin’s downfall - I mean story.
Nick, aka Santa, is grumpy - he hates his nickname, Christmas and life in general. He especially hates being paraded like a piece of meat, even if it is in the name of charity. I mean, what could be worse? He’s about to find out!
Anna - our heroine - is a wonderful, sweet baker and best friend who has had a rough go lately. Her fiancé called off the wedding 2 days before the ceremony and took his girlfriend on the honeymoon! So her 2 BFFs decide she needs cheering up and “gift” her a date with Santa. And that’s where the fun begins.
This novel is a cute, quirky Christmas story but it is also so much more. The author explores the nuances of being a teammate and a best friend - and how these relationships help define your life. The humor and antics - including Nick’s penchant for open mouth, insert foot moments - bring this story to life.
I am really enjoying this series and like others am impatiently waiting on Sin’s downfall - I mean story.
May 20, 2024
🏒Icing🏒
Denver Stampede #3
By Stephanie Kay
⭐ 5/5 ❤️ 5/5
🏒 Grumpy / Sunshine
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Hockey Romance
Nick & Anna
This is the third book in the Denver Stampede series and it follows Nick and Anna.
Sweet Anna, who owns a bakery and is always smiling, despite what happened to her by her ex fiance.
Nick is grumpy, hates sugar and christmas, despite his nickname he has since childhood. He also had a bad experience in relationships in his past.
But where Anna is all for moving on, Nick shut himself down.
They are brought together by well meaning friends and totally start off on the wrong foot, but with time discover that they have a lot in common. But feelings don't care about pasts and time, and so they feel in love in a short amount of time. Which both had their strugglers with.
It was a sweet and entertaining romance and really fun to read. The side characters and the appearances of the former couples were a wonderful, perfect addition and appreciated.
March 11, 2024
just No! Toxic
Could not finish it was not giving any romance! The book was too repetitive one minute they’re moving to fast two sentences later this the real thing and they want more. The mfc was fresh off a break up and it wasn’t hard to see why she was so immature. They had too many outsiders in their relationship and her friend Cora was toxic and gave her advice that always made the mmc the bad guy. The mfc was insecure and projected all her insecurities on him. They fought for over 80% of the book, the only thing they agreed on was sex or kissing. I never felt like they were connected or a solid fit. I was literally rooting for them Not to get together, it just seemed like a toxic situation. And it didn’t help that every time something went wrong she went to her friends instead of him and they gave her advice that supported her toxic insecure narratives but peppered in how hot he was. Just a dumpster fire imo
Could not finish it was not giving any romance! The book was too repetitive one minute they’re moving to fast two sentences later this the real thing and they want more. The mfc was fresh off a break up and it wasn’t hard to see why she was so immature. They had too many outsiders in their relationship and her friend Cora was toxic and gave her advice that always made the mmc the bad guy. The mfc was insecure and projected all her insecurities on him. They fought for over 80% of the book, the only thing they agreed on was sex or kissing. I never felt like they were connected or a solid fit. I was literally rooting for them Not to get together, it just seemed like a toxic situation. And it didn’t help that every time something went wrong she went to her friends instead of him and they gave her advice that supported her toxic insecure narratives but peppered in how hot he was. Just a dumpster fire imo
April 6, 2024
This book was just mediocre. Nothing special to it. It comes off as being a grumpy/sunshine romance but the male main character, Nick, is just whiny more than anything. He doesn’t even say anything super rude or offensive but the FMC, Anna, takes it that way sometimes. His worst character flaw is he dislikes Christmas and sugar. Oh no the horror!
Anna is rebounding after a breakup and her ex keeps popping up throughout the book and they hint at stalking so I thought that might come to a head but after telling him to leave her alone, he actually does. So the drama was not dramatic at all. And the big drama between the two MCs is when Nick won’t introduce her to his parents, even though they just started dating and Anna is getting over a broken engagement. Again nothing super dramatic.
Overall, I found the characters too bland, the size characters super annoying, and the tension not tense enough.
Anna is rebounding after a breakup and her ex keeps popping up throughout the book and they hint at stalking so I thought that might come to a head but after telling him to leave her alone, he actually does. So the drama was not dramatic at all. And the big drama between the two MCs is when Nick won’t introduce her to his parents, even though they just started dating and Anna is getting over a broken engagement. Again nothing super dramatic.
Overall, I found the characters too bland, the size characters super annoying, and the tension not tense enough.
May 6, 2024
I think someone else has already said this but they don’t talk to each other and if they do it fighting mostly. I think this could have been great but the time between her almost wedding and them getting together is two months. Anna has a lot of issues that she does not address in a short amount of time before we see Nick. This is my biggest issue with this book. I think it could have even worked if she did a friends with benefits thing with them for longer than two weeks and their friends didn’t know about it because I hated every single one of them. This teammates and her friends were always there. Even her fucking employees overstepped. This book should have happened over a year instead of a few months.
And baby girl why haven’t you block your ex? I get it plot but COME ON!
No because anytime they have a miscommunication, they run to other people but not each other. I don’t think this is a HEA only a HFN
And baby girl why haven’t you block your ex? I get it plot but COME ON!
No because anytime they have a miscommunication, they run to other people but not each other. I don’t think this is a HEA only a HFN
February 5, 2024
"Foot-in-the-mouth-itis"
Santa seems to have this in spades around Anna LOL Not as grumpy as he wants to be, although understandable with what he sees as annoying nickname he can't see to shake (and never will!), it seems to have a sweet tooth when it comes to Anna. Another great story from start to finish, it brought sweet heat and low angst and a FMC who stands up for herself, and I LOVE that strength. Although, it seems unrealistic for a baker (who rises before dawn) and a hockey player (who often can't leave the arena after a game until very late) to have a relationship, they make it work, and I love these two together.
Santa and Anna made me smile and cringe and fan myself, but they also made me thirsty for Joy. Who will her hero be? Sin might be fun, but that seems a little obvious.
Santa seems to have this in spades around Anna LOL Not as grumpy as he wants to be, although understandable with what he sees as annoying nickname he can't see to shake (and never will!), it seems to have a sweet tooth when it comes to Anna. Another great story from start to finish, it brought sweet heat and low angst and a FMC who stands up for herself, and I LOVE that strength. Although, it seems unrealistic for a baker (who rises before dawn) and a hockey player (who often can't leave the arena after a game until very late) to have a relationship, they make it work, and I love these two together.
Santa and Anna made me smile and cringe and fan myself, but they also made me thirsty for Joy. Who will her hero be? Sin might be fun, but that seems a little obvious.
February 4, 2024
2nd chances are my jam
I'm such a sucker for 2nd chances. Anna is left single weeks before her wedding and what better way to get over your douch of an ex than get under someone else, at least that's what Anna's friends talk her into by bidding for her on a Charity auction date. Cue in grouchy Santa Nick and a awkward, putt-your-mouth-in-his-foot itis ensues. It's endearing to read how both Anna & Nick deal with their respective emotional baggage but are unable to deny the attraction that sizzles between them. Needless to say, they are combustible and are constantly drawn toward eachother. Loved how they both grew emotionally and got their HEA sprinkled in with plenty of baked goods and naughty times.
I'm such a sucker for 2nd chances. Anna is left single weeks before her wedding and what better way to get over your douch of an ex than get under someone else, at least that's what Anna's friends talk her into by bidding for her on a Charity auction date. Cue in grouchy Santa Nick and a awkward, putt-your-mouth-in-his-foot itis ensues. It's endearing to read how both Anna & Nick deal with their respective emotional baggage but are unable to deny the attraction that sizzles between them. Needless to say, they are combustible and are constantly drawn toward eachother. Loved how they both grew emotionally and got their HEA sprinkled in with plenty of baked goods and naughty times.
March 11, 2024
5 Star review of Icing (Denver Stampede #3) by Stephanie Kay
Stephanie Kay is a relatively new author to me, and I cannot understand how I have not read more of this authors books. I was invested in Anna Martin and Nick St John’s story from chapter one.
From the moment they first meet, the sparks fly, but Anna is trying to get over a recent break up and betrayal that saw her left by her fiancée two days before their wedding and it has left her struggling.
The last thing she is looking for is a relationship but when her friends buy her a date at a charity auction she reluctantly agrees. In fact neither is Nick, determined to concentrate on his hockey career.
However neither can forget the other. Could they possibly have a chance at happiness together?
One click and find out.
Stephanie Kay is a relatively new author to me, and I cannot understand how I have not read more of this authors books. I was invested in Anna Martin and Nick St John’s story from chapter one.
From the moment they first meet, the sparks fly, but Anna is trying to get over a recent break up and betrayal that saw her left by her fiancée two days before their wedding and it has left her struggling.
The last thing she is looking for is a relationship but when her friends buy her a date at a charity auction she reluctantly agrees. In fact neither is Nick, determined to concentrate on his hockey career.
However neither can forget the other. Could they possibly have a chance at happiness together?
One click and find out.
March 17, 2024
Wasn’t what I expected…I will tell you more
So I often like the grumpy guy/ upbeat girl situation but this one kinda fell flat. Nick was grumpy but he came off as awkward 😬 also Anna was very defensive- a lot. This book was juvenile to me. The friends were annoying and intrusive. Don’t ask me about my sex life unless I bring it up🙄this really annoys me. Also the hockey team nicknames were awful and the humor just was not there. Side note it just seemed like there hockey team sucked. I would like to have had more wins and some positive feedback. I probably won’t read the rest of this series.
So I often like the grumpy guy/ upbeat girl situation but this one kinda fell flat. Nick was grumpy but he came off as awkward 😬 also Anna was very defensive- a lot. This book was juvenile to me. The friends were annoying and intrusive. Don’t ask me about my sex life unless I bring it up🙄this really annoys me. Also the hockey team nicknames were awful and the humor just was not there. Side note it just seemed like there hockey team sucked. I would like to have had more wins and some positive feedback. I probably won’t read the rest of this series.
January 29, 2024
Poor Nick.
I loved this story. All of Stephanie’s writing is so unique to the characters that are in her pages. Poor Nick and well, Anna at times, are no exception. Nick had a propensity of sticking his foot in his mouth. Anna, and her past trauma, was hard to read. I say that mostly because I can see her actions in my own. Very true to life for me. I loved the Christmas aspects even if I lean more toward the grouchy Santa from the beginning of the book. Once again an amazing book. Still patiently not so patiently waiting for Sins book.
I loved this story. All of Stephanie’s writing is so unique to the characters that are in her pages. Poor Nick and well, Anna at times, are no exception. Nick had a propensity of sticking his foot in his mouth. Anna, and her past trauma, was hard to read. I say that mostly because I can see her actions in my own. Very true to life for me. I loved the Christmas aspects even if I lean more toward the grouchy Santa from the beginning of the book. Once again an amazing book. Still patiently not so patiently waiting for Sins book.
February 9, 2024
Meh
This book had such promise but there's so much back and forth. He's thinking about how much he likes her, then he opens his mouth and says something not just thoughtless, but mean spirited. It's one thing to be a grump, it's another to be a jerk. Honestly, I didn't feel any chemistry except sexual. Then the scene switching from one line to the next with no transition that I thought might be a formatting issue in the first book continues here, too. At least put a double space line between scenes to give the readers a heads up.
This book had such promise but there's so much back and forth. He's thinking about how much he likes her, then he opens his mouth and says something not just thoughtless, but mean spirited. It's one thing to be a grump, it's another to be a jerk. Honestly, I didn't feel any chemistry except sexual. Then the scene switching from one line to the next with no transition that I thought might be a formatting issue in the first book continues here, too. At least put a double space line between scenes to give the readers a heads up.
February 13, 2025
This is a fun, entertaining read. I love that we get to see so much of the hockey players, both on and off the ice. Their interactions and comradery add to the story and MMC. Nick and Anna are interesting, wounded, touch, strong, relatable, intriguing, complex, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path that it took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I loved the friendship and family aspects of the story and what they brought to the main characters. The story is easy to read and get into.
February 6, 2024
Stephanie has done it again! This book will make you mad at your dentist and want to eat a cupcake or two!
Anna is getting out of a long term relationship and her best friends “Buy” her a charity date to get her mind off things! Nick hasn’t had a relationship in a while is a little rusty and loves putting his foot in his mouth every time he is around Anna! They both have a wall built around their hearts, but they slowly make cracks in each others!
What’s a bakers favorite gift? Flour!
Anna is getting out of a long term relationship and her best friends “Buy” her a charity date to get her mind off things! Nick hasn’t had a relationship in a while is a little rusty and loves putting his foot in his mouth every time he is around Anna! They both have a wall built around their hearts, but they slowly make cracks in each others!
What’s a bakers favorite gift? Flour!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
Another great book from Stephanie. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Anna & Nick (Santa), and I even found Nick's propensity of putting his foot in his mouth constantly endearing. My heart did hurt for Anna with what had happened to her, so I was more than excited that not only does she find love again, but with someone as wonderful as Nick.
It was so great stepping back into this world, and I cannot wait to do it again and hopefully many times over as well.
It was so great stepping back into this world, and I cannot wait to do it again and hopefully many times over as well.
March 23, 2024
Sugary Sweet
This is about a hockey player who is said to be grouchy and is said to dislike sugar. Not sure the book really had much grouch behavior or much sugar hating other than a few verbal references to hose two things. Anna, the female main character was said to be sunny and sweet. For me, she was just blah. In fact the whole book was blah. I liked the descriptions of the games but otherwise, I’m not sure there was much to the story.
This is about a hockey player who is said to be grouchy and is said to dislike sugar. Not sure the book really had much grouch behavior or much sugar hating other than a few verbal references to hose two things. Anna, the female main character was said to be sunny and sweet. For me, she was just blah. In fact the whole book was blah. I liked the descriptions of the games but otherwise, I’m not sure there was much to the story.
June 2, 2024
I loved Nick and Anna together. Nick was definitely a grump, and so awkward at times (that foot must have been tasty as often as he put it in his mouth lol), and Anna was a perfect complement to him. I loved seeing both of them get past their pasts and learn what real love is. Enjoyed seeing the other guys on the team again (when will we get Sin’s book!?!) as well as Cora, Joy, and the team owners.
January 23, 2024
Icing, book 3 of the Denver Stampede series, by Stephanie Kay @stephaniekayauthor. First off, I am a huge fan of Stephanie’s & this book was no different!
I love Stephanie’s multiple hockey series! I would highly recommend picking this up & devouring Anna & Nick’s book. I thoroughly enjoyed Grumpy Santa aka Nick & Christmas-loving Anna.
I received this #ARCBook early and for my honest review.
I love Stephanie’s multiple hockey series! I would highly recommend picking this up & devouring Anna & Nick’s book. I thoroughly enjoyed Grumpy Santa aka Nick & Christmas-loving Anna.
I received this #ARCBook early and for my honest review.
February 4, 2024
Stephanie does such a fantastic job of writing both her main characters and supporting characters. I love both the time with Santa (Nick) and Anna and the team. Everyone has such great friendship and romantic chemistry. Nick and Anna’s relationship some twists and turns - some that are spicy or frustrating or sweet - and such fun to read their story!
February 6, 2024
Loved Stephanie Kay’s next installment of Denver Stampede with, “Icing.” Sweet baker, Anna needs to break the grumpy hockey player who has a chip on his shoulder ever since he wasn’t protected in the expansion draft. Stephanie created amazing chemistry between these two and I can’t wait for the next Stampede to take the plunge.
February 16, 2024
Absolutely love this author! She keeps you laughing and interested page by page. I was so excited about Santa and Anna from the first book and thought the story line carried through perfectly! I’m still a bigger fan of the first book but this was a great 3rd book in the series!! Can’t wait for more- she’s on to something!
March 15, 2024
This book was ok, it was a little slow. I thought for sure it would funny since my favorite line was from the very beginning of the book, "Sure. Taking a newly jilted woman to a bachelor auction seems like the perfect night out..." I love books about hockey players, the grump and the sunshine. I was hoping this would be a bit....more I guess.
January 23, 2024
I love this author. The hockey trope is my new favorite, especially if it is in a series where you can follow the team. This book did not disappoint. Loved the grumpy-grinch and his Christmas, fun, sugar-loving counterpart.
January 29, 2024
Best friends can be a blast or a pain in your backside. Anna didn't know what she wanted but her besties sure did. Nick didn't have a chance... This book is the best of all worlds, Hockey, unplanned love & besties to pick u up and keep you up! Great read of a fun series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
icing
Oh just wow. I absolutely loved reading Nick and anna story. He is such a wonderful, funny, cute and grumpy hockey player. They have some nice chemistry. I loved reading this book and look forward to more hockey books.
Oh just wow. I absolutely loved reading Nick and anna story. He is such a wonderful, funny, cute and grumpy hockey player. They have some nice chemistry. I loved reading this book and look forward to more hockey books.
March 16, 2024
Grumpy sunshine and hockey? sign me up.
Banter and alpha vulnerability is the icing on the cake. Nick and Anna are on point for all the feels. Love the secondary characters and the found family. All sparkling!
Banter and alpha vulnerability is the icing on the cake. Nick and Anna are on point for all the feels. Love the secondary characters and the found family. All sparkling!
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