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Kings of the Ice #4
Save Your Breath
THIS JUST IN: HOCKEY BAD BOY AND POP STAR EXTRAORDINAIRE ENGAGED!
That was the headline we wanted. If only I’d known the cost to get it.
Aleksander Suter has been my best friend since high school — and the only man who’s ever been able to truly get under my skin. With his reputation for trouble and a smirk that could melt ice, he’s also the NHL’s favorite bad boy.
When my publicist’s plan to fix my image collides with his need to clean up his own, we find ourselves in a fake engagement that feels too real from the start.
Now, I’m releasing my new album, putting on a show for the paparazzi I usually try to dodge, and falling too fast for a man who never falls for anyone. Every stolen glance, every heated touch blurs the lines between us until I’m wondering where the lies end and the truth begins.
And when a hurricane traps us together in his high-rise condo, all my carefully built walls collapse, and resisting the pull between us becomes a losing game.
Suddenly, the stakes are higher than just headlines, and the risks feel more personal than ever.
But as our past resurfaces and old feelings reignite, I realize the biggest risk isn’t losing my career — it’s losing my heart to the one person I thought would never be mine.
____________________________________________
TROPES:
Pro Hockey Romance
Fake Engagement
Athlete & Pop Star
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Unrequited Love (or so they think)
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
___________________________________________
Save Your Breath is book four in the Kings of the Ice series: a series of interconnected standalones following a team of professional hockey players and the women who bring them to their knees. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.
That was the headline we wanted. If only I’d known the cost to get it.
Aleksander Suter has been my best friend since high school — and the only man who’s ever been able to truly get under my skin. With his reputation for trouble and a smirk that could melt ice, he’s also the NHL’s favorite bad boy.
When my publicist’s plan to fix my image collides with his need to clean up his own, we find ourselves in a fake engagement that feels too real from the start.
Now, I’m releasing my new album, putting on a show for the paparazzi I usually try to dodge, and falling too fast for a man who never falls for anyone. Every stolen glance, every heated touch blurs the lines between us until I’m wondering where the lies end and the truth begins.
And when a hurricane traps us together in his high-rise condo, all my carefully built walls collapse, and resisting the pull between us becomes a losing game.
Suddenly, the stakes are higher than just headlines, and the risks feel more personal than ever.
But as our past resurfaces and old feelings reignite, I realize the biggest risk isn’t losing my career — it’s losing my heart to the one person I thought would never be mine.
____________________________________________
TROPES:
Pro Hockey Romance
Fake Engagement
Athlete & Pop Star
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Unrequited Love (or so they think)
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
___________________________________________
Save Your Breath is book four in the Kings of the Ice series: a series of interconnected standalones following a team of professional hockey players and the women who bring them to their knees. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.
442 pages, ebook
Published March 20, 2025
1756 people are currently reading
21908 people want to read
About the author
Kandi Steiner
79 books14.8k followersKandi Steiner is a USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author living in Tennessee. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,525 reviews
March 24, 2025
4.25!
“You made it all feel so real.”
“Because it was. It was always real for me.”
This was such a breath of fresh air 😭 she knew what she was doing writing about popstar x hockey player. Them being childhood friends made to do much more cute and honestly this is one of her book where the relationship was explored very well and in depth and I loved that because they felt way more closer than the others. While 'Learn your lesson' remains as my favourite, I really enjoyed this one as well. Her writing is so easy to fall in love with and if you're in a slump or just want a good hockey romance this one should be your go to!!
“Do you feel it now, Mia? … Do you feel how my heart beats for you?”
Aleks, was such a cutie. I loved reading the crumbs that we got of him in the previous book so I was very excited for this and the character arc that we got for him hit way harder 😭💔 his past was so sad and though we never meet Annalise, his love for her was radiating off the pages, you could literally feel it. It was handled so well. I loved how much of a softie he was at heart. Mia, she was sooo good. She may come off as frustrating or annoying at times but if you put yourself in her shoes, you'd have a shallow, pathetic excuse of an ex trying to ruin your reputation so obviously you would be annoyed and frustrated 😭 I really liked reading about her character and I understood her decisions as well. Her with Aleks healed me 🙂↕️ her scenes with Ava were sooo cute 🤭
“I can’t promise I’ll be perfect. In fact, I know I’ll be everything but if you let me, I will love you with every fucked-up piece of who I am,”
The romance was the best part because it was such a slow burn and we got such an in depth view of their story. Their past, where she comforted him and he comforted her, where she protected him and he protected her. I loved how intense every timeline they were there for each other. This was on the lower side of the spice scale when it comes to Kandi's books and I understood that decision. This being a PR relationship (fake dating) trope also shaped the romance to be amazing. The slow burn with their natural chemistry and sizzling sexual tension. This book was bound to be amazing
Overall, this series has been so fun to read and I can't wait for Carter's book because the sneak peak was so 🤭
___
I am almost done with 'Learn your lesson' and it honestly was the best decision to read it before this because I love Aleks and it made me want his book so much and we are finally here! I just know I'll devour this book 🤭
*Thank you to Valentine PR for an Arc of this book*
“You made it all feel so real.”
“Because it was. It was always real for me.”
This was such a breath of fresh air 😭 she knew what she was doing writing about popstar x hockey player. Them being childhood friends made to do much more cute and honestly this is one of her book where the relationship was explored very well and in depth and I loved that because they felt way more closer than the others. While 'Learn your lesson' remains as my favourite, I really enjoyed this one as well. Her writing is so easy to fall in love with and if you're in a slump or just want a good hockey romance this one should be your go to!!
“Do you feel it now, Mia? … Do you feel how my heart beats for you?”
Aleks, was such a cutie. I loved reading the crumbs that we got of him in the previous book so I was very excited for this and the character arc that we got for him hit way harder 😭💔 his past was so sad and though we never meet Annalise, his love for her was radiating off the pages, you could literally feel it. It was handled so well. I loved how much of a softie he was at heart. Mia, she was sooo good. She may come off as frustrating or annoying at times but if you put yourself in her shoes, you'd have a shallow, pathetic excuse of an ex trying to ruin your reputation so obviously you would be annoyed and frustrated 😭 I really liked reading about her character and I understood her decisions as well. Her with Aleks healed me 🙂↕️ her scenes with Ava were sooo cute 🤭
“I can’t promise I’ll be perfect. In fact, I know I’ll be everything but if you let me, I will love you with every fucked-up piece of who I am,”
The romance was the best part because it was such a slow burn and we got such an in depth view of their story. Their past, where she comforted him and he comforted her, where she protected him and he protected her. I loved how intense every timeline they were there for each other. This was on the lower side of the spice scale when it comes to Kandi's books and I understood that decision. This being a PR relationship (fake dating) trope also shaped the romance to be amazing. The slow burn with their natural chemistry and sizzling sexual tension. This book was bound to be amazing
Overall, this series has been so fun to read and I can't wait for Carter's book because the sneak peak was so 🤭
___
I am almost done with 'Learn your lesson' and it honestly was the best decision to read it before this because I love Aleks and it made me want his book so much and we are finally here! I just know I'll devour this book 🤭
*Thank you to Valentine PR for an Arc of this book*
March 25, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'S𝐀V𝐄 𝐘O𝐔R B𝐑E𝐀T𝐇' Is the fourth full length sports romance book within the (Kings of Ice) series. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' Aleks & Mia.
This threw all those giddy feels at me, a roller coaster tipping dangerously in uncharted waters, where best friends take on a publicity stunt, cruising on one of the hottest slowest burns to ever grace my kindle.
🏒 Tropes: 🏒
Bad boy professional hockey player
Sensational pop star
Fake engagement
Childhood best friends to lovers.
Aleks was the epitome of what my perfect book boyfriend stands for. He was perfection wrapped up in a seductive bow.
These two became fast friends when Mia's family took him in as an exchange student when he was younger, and that friendship has stood the test of time, but when they both need good publicity in their careers Mia's PR comes up with a cunning strategic plan setting them on a course of a fake engagement and all the press this will garner will boost their careers.
When fake becomes real..
I'm not used to how much of a slow burn this was, I was always waiting for that leap into more, but when it did finally happen it was perfection.
March 20, 2025
🤩🤩 rtc
4.5 stars
——
I’ve been waiting for this release for a year!! This just landed in my inbox and I’m pushing everything aside to start it right now.
🏒 Tropes: bad boy professional hockey player x pop star, fake engagement & childhood friends to lovers.
✨ I’m beyond grateful to Kandi & Valentine PR for the advanced copy.
4.5 stars
——
I’ve been waiting for this release for a year!! This just landed in my inbox and I’m pushing everything aside to start it right now.
🏒 Tropes: bad boy professional hockey player x pop star, fake engagement & childhood friends to lovers.
✨ I’m beyond grateful to Kandi & Valentine PR for the advanced copy.
March 19, 2025
4.5 stars
Mia, a renowned pop star with a voice that commands the world’s stage, and Aleks, a hokey player who lets no one past his meticulously built shield, have been in each other’s vicinity since they were sixteen. he was the boy her parents took in, the one who kept everyone at arm’s length; except when it came to her, always her.
when a PR stunt forces them into a fabricated relationship, what was once engulfed beneath years of restraint begins to resurface. i was rooting for the lingering glances, the tension humming between them, but most importantly the quiet devotion neither ever dared to name. pretending was supposed to be easy. but how do you fake something that has always felt inevitable?
this novel is an exquisite portrayal of love restrained and love realized; of longing curved into a slowburn(ish) friends to lovers’ arc. i personally adored the sharp-witted side characters, the moments of aching tenderness, and to finish in apotheosis; the delicious romance that unfoldes like a held breath finally released.
a must-read for those who crave the kind of love that was always meant to be !
many thanks to Good Girls PR from providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
————————
somehow ? i ? got ? the ? ARC ???
“I can’t promise I’ll be perfect. In fact, I know I’ll be everything but.” […] “but if you let me, I will love you with every fucked-up piece of who I am,”
Mia, a renowned pop star with a voice that commands the world’s stage, and Aleks, a hokey player who lets no one past his meticulously built shield, have been in each other’s vicinity since they were sixteen. he was the boy her parents took in, the one who kept everyone at arm’s length; except when it came to her, always her.
when a PR stunt forces them into a fabricated relationship, what was once engulfed beneath years of restraint begins to resurface. i was rooting for the lingering glances, the tension humming between them, but most importantly the quiet devotion neither ever dared to name. pretending was supposed to be easy. but how do you fake something that has always felt inevitable?
this novel is an exquisite portrayal of love restrained and love realized; of longing curved into a slowburn(ish) friends to lovers’ arc. i personally adored the sharp-witted side characters, the moments of aching tenderness, and to finish in apotheosis; the delicious romance that unfoldes like a held breath finally released.
a must-read for those who crave the kind of love that was always meant to be !
many thanks to Good Girls PR from providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
————————
somehow ? i ? got ? the ? ARC ???
March 20, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO MY ABSOLUTE ANGELS 💜
very excited to say that kandi steiner has done it again!!!! truly i dont even know where to begin with these two, aleks and mia felt so insanely special to me. im an absolute sucker for the childhood best friends to lovers trope, without a doubt every time it makes me feel like a gooey marshmallow inside and the way these two loved each other???? 🖐️😭
in typical kandi fashion we have top tier angst, a slowburn with tension so thick it would take a chain saw to even THINK about trying to cut through it and YEARNING, my lord the way aleks just yearns to have and hold mia and tbh vice versa but they’re SO scared to even think about ruining their friendship PLEASE 😭
these two had me in an absolute chokehold, almost so much so that they were this close 🤏🏼 to beating out daddy p and chloe which if you know me you know how insane that is because i am OBSESSSED with them.
every time aleks called mia “woman” i about fell over and died, who the hell knew that would be so hot?! (probably only bc it came from aleks mf suter lbr)
romance aside the fucking PAIN these two are going through in their heads, like them both being convinced they arent what the other wants or needs (aleks especially, i def cried over his story once or twice) and the growth that these two manage to go through and help each other over come WHEW. this is one of the biggest reasons this was such a top tier book for me because you have two people who have these massive, insanely unattainable careers and lives for most people but theyre still SO human and real. kandi did such a beautiful job at humanizing these two characters and showing us while yes they have fame and money but theyre still not happy, they still dont think theyre worthy enough and that in itself was so tragic and added such depth to their journey 😭
now i am at my core a miscommunication hater (like most of us yes) and let me tell you there was one specific time towards the end where i just wanted to throttle mia and aleks LMAO when you know youll know. however, unfortunately i think it added to the story so im not gonna whine too hard over it but like just prepare yourself to wanna bang your head against the wall and throw your kindle in a river ok? like be real is it even a kandi steiner book if you DONT wanna throttle her characters sometimes?! it worth it i promise you that 😭💜
very excited to say that kandi steiner has done it again!!!! truly i dont even know where to begin with these two, aleks and mia felt so insanely special to me. im an absolute sucker for the childhood best friends to lovers trope, without a doubt every time it makes me feel like a gooey marshmallow inside and the way these two loved each other???? 🖐️😭
in typical kandi fashion we have top tier angst, a slowburn with tension so thick it would take a chain saw to even THINK about trying to cut through it and YEARNING, my lord the way aleks just yearns to have and hold mia and tbh vice versa but they’re SO scared to even think about ruining their friendship PLEASE 😭
these two had me in an absolute chokehold, almost so much so that they were this close 🤏🏼 to beating out daddy p and chloe which if you know me you know how insane that is because i am OBSESSSED with them.
every time aleks called mia “woman” i about fell over and died, who the hell knew that would be so hot?! (probably only bc it came from aleks mf suter lbr)
romance aside the fucking PAIN these two are going through in their heads, like them both being convinced they arent what the other wants or needs (aleks especially, i def cried over his story once or twice) and the growth that these two manage to go through and help each other over come WHEW. this is one of the biggest reasons this was such a top tier book for me because you have two people who have these massive, insanely unattainable careers and lives for most people but theyre still SO human and real. kandi did such a beautiful job at humanizing these two characters and showing us while yes they have fame and money but theyre still not happy, they still dont think theyre worthy enough and that in itself was so tragic and added such depth to their journey 😭
now i am at my core a miscommunication hater (like most of us yes) and let me tell you there was one specific time towards the end where i just wanted to throttle mia and aleks LMAO when you know youll know. however, unfortunately i think it added to the story so im not gonna whine too hard over it but like just prepare yourself to wanna bang your head against the wall and throw your kindle in a river ok? like be real is it even a kandi steiner book if you DONT wanna throttle her characters sometimes?! it worth it i promise you that 😭💜
March 17, 2025
4 stars
Kandi does such sports romance so well. save Your Breath is the fourth book in her ‘Kings of the Ice’ series, and it was so much fun.
Mia is a famous pop star, but when she met Aleks, she was just a teenage girl. He came to live with her family when he came to the US to play hockey. Fast forward many years later, he’s playing professional hockey and she’s on the big stage with a best selling albums.
She’s having trouble with her ex and reputation, he’s the bad boy of hockey that needs reformed… so, you guessed it. We got same fake dating going on here. This troupe is so dang good. I always love watching those real feelings come out when things are supposed to be fake, it’s the best.
It was obvious early on that these two were made for each other. They were so good together. It was a great slow burn and they had so much chemistry. I love this series and I’m glad it’s not over yet!
Kandi does such sports romance so well. save Your Breath is the fourth book in her ‘Kings of the Ice’ series, and it was so much fun.
Mia is a famous pop star, but when she met Aleks, she was just a teenage girl. He came to live with her family when he came to the US to play hockey. Fast forward many years later, he’s playing professional hockey and she’s on the big stage with a best selling albums.
She’s having trouble with her ex and reputation, he’s the bad boy of hockey that needs reformed… so, you guessed it. We got same fake dating going on here. This troupe is so dang good. I always love watching those real feelings come out when things are supposed to be fake, it’s the best.
It was obvious early on that these two were made for each other. They were so good together. It was a great slow burn and they had so much chemistry. I love this series and I’m glad it’s not over yet!
Audio book source: Book Funnel (arc)
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Talia Wilkerson Grove & Walker Williams
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 12h 2m
March 13, 2025
4.25/5⭐
This is exactly what I mean when I say I love reading romance. The writing style was so good, the author didn't need to describe how attractive the MMC finds FMC's body every second chapter just to prove his obsession.
The tension, the emotions, the way his desire was woven into every interaction, the way he spoke to her, the way he ached for her, it all spoke for itself. The slow burn was soooooo good.
I think Friends to lovers grew a little on me after reading this one.
Friends-to-lovers never appealed to me because 'They already like each other, what’s left to explore??'
But this book proved me wrong. There was so much to keep me hooked, the way they were obsessed with each other yet was convinced the other doesn’t feel the same, the longing, the tension, the quiet heartbreak of wanting more but fearing the loss of what they already have. The quiet pining, slow unraveling and jealousy was so delicious 🫶🏽.
The balance of banter and humor in this book was chef’s kiss and that cameo of Gianna OH MY GOD !! I loved the supporting characters, Isa was such a delight to read. Also Daddy P caught my attention, I'm sure going to read his book. The relationship between Mia's parents and Aleks was so beautiful.
Aleksander Suter has my whole heart. Reading about his childhood shattered me, never truly feeling like he belonged. The way he constantly fought against the addiction in his blood, convinced he wasn’t good enough for anyone, broke me even more. I just wanted to reach into the pages and give him a tight hug and tell him he was enough.
This is exactly what I mean when I say I love reading romance. The writing style was so good, the author didn't need to describe how attractive the MMC finds FMC's body every second chapter just to prove his obsession.
The tension, the emotions, the way his desire was woven into every interaction, the way he spoke to her, the way he ached for her, it all spoke for itself. The slow burn was soooooo good.
I think Friends to lovers grew a little on me after reading this one.
Friends-to-lovers never appealed to me because 'They already like each other, what’s left to explore??'
But this book proved me wrong. There was so much to keep me hooked, the way they were obsessed with each other yet was convinced the other doesn’t feel the same, the longing, the tension, the quiet heartbreak of wanting more but fearing the loss of what they already have. The quiet pining, slow unraveling and jealousy was so delicious 🫶🏽.
The balance of banter and humor in this book was chef’s kiss and that cameo of Gianna OH MY GOD !! I loved the supporting characters, Isa was such a delight to read. Also Daddy P caught my attention, I'm sure going to read his book. The relationship between Mia's parents and Aleks was so beautiful.
Aleksander Suter has my whole heart. Reading about his childhood shattered me, never truly feeling like he belonged. The way he constantly fought against the addiction in his blood, convinced he wasn’t good enough for anyone, broke me even more. I just wanted to reach into the pages and give him a tight hug and tell him he was enough.
March 18, 2025
Save Your Breath (Kings of the Ice #4) by Kandi Steiner
4.5/5 stars
Save Your Breath is a slow burn, but God I loved every second of it. Mia and Aleks completely stole my heart. And I was fully invested in their story from beginning to end. The last few chapters made me smile so hard. I was just rooting for them to find each other and finally voice all those thoughts and insecurities.
But first things first. The book starts with Aleksander getting a final warning from his hockey team. He was involved in a bar fight the night before and he needs to clean up his act ASAP.
Mia Love is a famous Grammy winning pop singer and just released her new album. A notorious critic is bashing her new album and her ex isn't saying anything to make it clear that the breakup was mutual and without any cheating.
Mia and Aleks grew up together. Her family took him in when he showed immense promise as a hockey player and they have loved each other since the first day forwards. But her father warned Aleks away from her early on and Aleks is holding true to his promise.
But with things being messy in their personal lives, their publicists scheme a plan for them to fake a relationship and engagement to get some positive publicity. They both quickly agree. Not knowing that both are aching to touch the other one even if it's only possible in a fake setting.
And that is what this gorgeous book is about. It's about two people who live for the moments they can be together in their busy lives. It's about loving and yearning for the other one from afar and sometimes close by. It's about dealing with lines getting blurrier after each and every meeting. And it's about holding those intense feelings close to your heart because they are both dealing with fear of rejection. With them both have experienced rejection from the other one.
It's a slow burn, and sometimes it felt a little too slow. But that slowness also catapulted the story to immense heights once they do dare to touch the other one with their feelings out in the open.
I love, love, loved them so, so much. They are both kind and gentle. And they both have an innate need to care for the other one's soul. They made me happy, their joy was my joy. And I just loved that aching feeling throughout the entire book.
4.5 huge stars from me for Save Your Breath!
Plus, that second epilogue that sets up the next book, that had me already grinning for the next couple in this series!
4.5/5 stars
Save Your Breath is a slow burn, but God I loved every second of it. Mia and Aleks completely stole my heart. And I was fully invested in their story from beginning to end. The last few chapters made me smile so hard. I was just rooting for them to find each other and finally voice all those thoughts and insecurities.
But first things first. The book starts with Aleksander getting a final warning from his hockey team. He was involved in a bar fight the night before and he needs to clean up his act ASAP.
Mia Love is a famous Grammy winning pop singer and just released her new album. A notorious critic is bashing her new album and her ex isn't saying anything to make it clear that the breakup was mutual and without any cheating.
Mia and Aleks grew up together. Her family took him in when he showed immense promise as a hockey player and they have loved each other since the first day forwards. But her father warned Aleks away from her early on and Aleks is holding true to his promise.
But with things being messy in their personal lives, their publicists scheme a plan for them to fake a relationship and engagement to get some positive publicity. They both quickly agree. Not knowing that both are aching to touch the other one even if it's only possible in a fake setting.
And that is what this gorgeous book is about. It's about two people who live for the moments they can be together in their busy lives. It's about loving and yearning for the other one from afar and sometimes close by. It's about dealing with lines getting blurrier after each and every meeting. And it's about holding those intense feelings close to your heart because they are both dealing with fear of rejection. With them both have experienced rejection from the other one.
It's a slow burn, and sometimes it felt a little too slow. But that slowness also catapulted the story to immense heights once they do dare to touch the other one with their feelings out in the open.
I love, love, loved them so, so much. They are both kind and gentle. And they both have an innate need to care for the other one's soul. They made me happy, their joy was my joy. And I just loved that aching feeling throughout the entire book.
4.5 huge stars from me for Save Your Breath!
Plus, that second epilogue that sets up the next book, that had me already grinning for the next couple in this series!
March 22, 2025
The amount of times that I said “fucking communicate” or “fucking talk” during this book should be studied
March 21, 2025
beyonddddd angsty and a slow ass burn…in other words, she was perfection! 💫 rtc
the biggest thank you to kandi and valentine pr for the arc!!
the biggest thank you to kandi and valentine pr for the arc!!
March 20, 2025
5/5✨️ 2.5/5🌶
Save Your Breath ARC Review 💜🏒🎤
As we return to the Kings of the Ice for the Aleks and Mia story, Kandi transports us through a world of tours, publicity, hockey, and a hurricane. Aleks and Mia ride through the storm to discover their forever. If you're like me, and love childhood friends turn into lovers, this story will have you falling in love with them as they make headlines.
Aleks and Mia: I loved the simplicity, sweetness and passion between them. Aleks and Mia's story begins with the two coming from different worlds but always were perfectly in line with each other. Mia and Aleks have been best friends since they were 16 years old. They have always been able to understand each other, no matter what. When Mia is on the brink of releasing a new album, her career is being judged and Aleks reputation is in shambles. Their publicist come up with a ruse to eventually get "fake" engaged. Aleks and Mia play their parts & put on a show for the world. The connection, fliterness, & fun they share soon involves some heavy petting, earth-shattering kisses, and make - out sessions as try to keep their feelings at bay. But, as much as they try to deny what they share, their self-doubt get the best as these two. I was on pins & needles as the pressure built between them.
Aleks is the Swedish hockey player who stands out from the crowd. Aleks moved to the United States as a teenager to chase his hockey aspirations; he didn't have the best childhood, which haunts him even as an adult. Mia has always been his rock; he saw her like no one else, from the forehead kisses to assisting her with first I adored the way he spoke and thought of her.
Mia, the once nerdy girl with big dreams who's trying to make her career from pop star to a serious singer-songwriter. I loved the inspiration behind Mia; she had such a big heart, and I loved her coming into her own era & doing what finally made her heart 100% happy and songs she wrote for Aleks. Ugh! We get it girl!!! 💜
The supporting characters were just as fun in setting up different scenarios for Aleks and Mia. I'm excited to see what Kandi does next with the next couple because we love a woman in charge.
Thank you to Kandi for the ARC 💜
Save Your Breath ARC Review 💜🏒🎤
As we return to the Kings of the Ice for the Aleks and Mia story, Kandi transports us through a world of tours, publicity, hockey, and a hurricane. Aleks and Mia ride through the storm to discover their forever. If you're like me, and love childhood friends turn into lovers, this story will have you falling in love with them as they make headlines.
Aleks and Mia: I loved the simplicity, sweetness and passion between them. Aleks and Mia's story begins with the two coming from different worlds but always were perfectly in line with each other. Mia and Aleks have been best friends since they were 16 years old. They have always been able to understand each other, no matter what. When Mia is on the brink of releasing a new album, her career is being judged and Aleks reputation is in shambles. Their publicist come up with a ruse to eventually get "fake" engaged. Aleks and Mia play their parts & put on a show for the world. The connection, fliterness, & fun they share soon involves some heavy petting, earth-shattering kisses, and make - out sessions as try to keep their feelings at bay. But, as much as they try to deny what they share, their self-doubt get the best as these two. I was on pins & needles as the pressure built between them.
Aleks is the Swedish hockey player who stands out from the crowd. Aleks moved to the United States as a teenager to chase his hockey aspirations; he didn't have the best childhood, which haunts him even as an adult. Mia has always been his rock; he saw her like no one else, from the forehead kisses to assisting her with first I adored the way he spoke and thought of her.
Mia, the once nerdy girl with big dreams who's trying to make her career from pop star to a serious singer-songwriter. I loved the inspiration behind Mia; she had such a big heart, and I loved her coming into her own era & doing what finally made her heart 100% happy and songs she wrote for Aleks. Ugh! We get it girl!!! 💜
The supporting characters were just as fun in setting up different scenarios for Aleks and Mia. I'm excited to see what Kandi does next with the next couple because we love a woman in charge.
Thank you to Kandi for the ARC 💜
March 9, 2025
Aleks x Mia 💕
Hotshot bad boy hockey player
Pop singer mega star
Childhood friends
Fake dating
He speaks a foreign language 🫠
The broody bad boy is my favorite hockey player
I liked their dynamic and history
But the miscommunication… cue me pulling my hair out 🤣
Arc review ✨
Hotshot bad boy hockey player
Pop singer mega star
Childhood friends
Fake dating
He speaks a foreign language 🫠
The broody bad boy is my favorite hockey player
I liked their dynamic and history
But the miscommunication… cue me pulling my hair out 🤣
Arc review ✨
March 20, 2025
Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
"If you let me have you-all of you...I'll be everything I can be for you. I'll be the best of myself, the version of me you've always seen under the dirt and grime."
I just finished reading this book, and oh my goodness, it was such an amazing experience! Although it’s the first book I've read from this series, I’m already a fan of Kandi's writing since I’ve enjoyed the Red Zone Rivals series. I knew this book would come with some angst, and even though I was prepared, I found myself sobbing in the middle of the night! Mia and Aleks’s story truly pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel all kinds of emotions. The pining, the tension, the deep love they have for each other—it’s all so palpable. I couldn’t help but cheer for them to get their happy ending!
Aleks moves in with Mia’s parents when he’s just 16, and their bond only gets stronger over the years. They both have feelings for each other, but because of Aleks’s tough childhood, he feels unworthy of her, while Mia thinks Aleks isn’t attracted to her. Fast forward a few years, and Aleks is now an NHL hockey player, and Mia has become a famous pop star. When Mia’s ex tries to mess with her career and Aleks needs to fix his bad boy image, their publicist and agent hatch a plan for them to fake an engagement. However, all the feelings they've been holding back make it hard to tell what’s real and what’s pretend!
"You do turn off my thoughts. You turn off everything - the stress, the noise, the expectation. With you, I can just be...me."
Aleks’s backstory broke my heart. Watching him struggle with his feelings of inadequacy and his battles with addiction made me want to give him a big hug. It was heartbreaking to see how he kept everyone, even his teammates, at arm’s length because he felt he had nothing to offer. But the bond he shares with Mia is truly special—the level of understanding and vulnerability they have with each other is incredible. He’s always there to support her when she’s feeling down, and she helps him realize he’s more than enough. Their chemistry is just beautiful!
There are so many unforgettable moments in this book—the first and second proposals, that stormy night in Aleks’s apartment… but my absolute favorite was when Aleks ran to Mia. I was full-on sobbing at that point! The side characters add so much to the story, especially Aleks’s teammates who always support him despite his tendency to push them away. The ending was just perfection, and I was left with my heart feeling so full when they finally found their happy ending. Overall, this book is simply amazing! I loved everything about it, and the second epilogue excites me for the next book!
"I loved you when you weren't mine to love, and I love you still. It's not fake. It never has been."
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
"If you let me have you-all of you...I'll be everything I can be for you. I'll be the best of myself, the version of me you've always seen under the dirt and grime."
I just finished reading this book, and oh my goodness, it was such an amazing experience! Although it’s the first book I've read from this series, I’m already a fan of Kandi's writing since I’ve enjoyed the Red Zone Rivals series. I knew this book would come with some angst, and even though I was prepared, I found myself sobbing in the middle of the night! Mia and Aleks’s story truly pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel all kinds of emotions. The pining, the tension, the deep love they have for each other—it’s all so palpable. I couldn’t help but cheer for them to get their happy ending!
Aleks moves in with Mia’s parents when he’s just 16, and their bond only gets stronger over the years. They both have feelings for each other, but because of Aleks’s tough childhood, he feels unworthy of her, while Mia thinks Aleks isn’t attracted to her. Fast forward a few years, and Aleks is now an NHL hockey player, and Mia has become a famous pop star. When Mia’s ex tries to mess with her career and Aleks needs to fix his bad boy image, their publicist and agent hatch a plan for them to fake an engagement. However, all the feelings they've been holding back make it hard to tell what’s real and what’s pretend!
"You do turn off my thoughts. You turn off everything - the stress, the noise, the expectation. With you, I can just be...me."
Aleks’s backstory broke my heart. Watching him struggle with his feelings of inadequacy and his battles with addiction made me want to give him a big hug. It was heartbreaking to see how he kept everyone, even his teammates, at arm’s length because he felt he had nothing to offer. But the bond he shares with Mia is truly special—the level of understanding and vulnerability they have with each other is incredible. He’s always there to support her when she’s feeling down, and she helps him realize he’s more than enough. Their chemistry is just beautiful!
There are so many unforgettable moments in this book—the first and second proposals, that stormy night in Aleks’s apartment… but my absolute favorite was when Aleks ran to Mia. I was full-on sobbing at that point! The side characters add so much to the story, especially Aleks’s teammates who always support him despite his tendency to push them away. The ending was just perfection, and I was left with my heart feeling so full when they finally found their happy ending. Overall, this book is simply amazing! I loved everything about it, and the second epilogue excites me for the next book!
"I loved you when you weren't mine to love, and I love you still. It's not fake. It never has been."
March 23, 2025
Aleks and Mia... where do I even begin. they have always been each others best friend. the person they could always rely on and as they grew up they grew apart... she is a global pop star and he is a star hockey player now.
After years of wanting her, Aleks receives a call that changes everything. Finally gives him a chance. Mia is needing a fake fiancé and she chose him for the job.
The tension and pining in this book is simply unmatched and I loved every freaking second. Is it all fake or was everything they felt for each other real?
Tropes:
-fake dating
-childhood friends to lovers
-pop star fmc x nhl player mmc
-forced proximity
-years of pining
5/5 stars
2/5 spice
After years of wanting her, Aleks receives a call that changes everything. Finally gives him a chance. Mia is needing a fake fiancé and she chose him for the job.
The tension and pining in this book is simply unmatched and I loved every freaking second. Is it all fake or was everything they felt for each other real?
Tropes:
-fake dating
-childhood friends to lovers
-pop star fmc x nhl player mmc
-forced proximity
-years of pining
5/5 stars
2/5 spice
March 28, 2025
Firstly, huge thanks to Valentine PR and Kandi Steiner for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Secondly… look, I gave this book three stars, but for some reason, this series just isn’t fully hitting for me. I can’t put my finger on it!
The plot was fine, but—and as a Swiftie, it pains me to say this—it was very Taylor and Travis-coded. Like, aggressively so. To the point where it started feeling more like fanfic than fiction. There’s even a line about how “Mia Love is the music industry,” and I physically rolled my eyes.
That being said, Kandi Steiner always gets a read from me. No matter what.
Read if you like:
✨ Fake dating
✨ Mutual pining
✨ Slow burn
✨ Angst
✨ Pop star x hockey player bad boy chaos
Three stars, but I know Kandi will get me next time.
Secondly… look, I gave this book three stars, but for some reason, this series just isn’t fully hitting for me. I can’t put my finger on it!
The plot was fine, but—and as a Swiftie, it pains me to say this—it was very Taylor and Travis-coded. Like, aggressively so. To the point where it started feeling more like fanfic than fiction. There’s even a line about how “Mia Love is the music industry,” and I physically rolled my eyes.
That being said, Kandi Steiner always gets a read from me. No matter what.
Read if you like:
✨ Fake dating
✨ Mutual pining
✨ Slow burn
✨ Angst
✨ Pop star x hockey player bad boy chaos
Three stars, but I know Kandi will get me next time.
April 2, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
March 28, 2025
Holy 🤯🤯🤯 This book was PERFECTION! I now have a new favorite Kandi book and book boyfriend. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I could not put this down. OBSESSED!
Aleks was so broody I could not get enough for him. The way he loved and did anything for Mia melted my heart.
The tension and pining in this was so good! I loved every second of it and when they finally broke that tension it was everything!!! That piano scene will forever live rent free in my mind!
The way Kandi writes tension is seriously unmatched. I cannot get enough of this series. With each book Kandi continues to blow me away with her story telling. I cannot wait to read the next one!
Overall: 5
Spice: 3
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Friends to Lovers
Pop Star FMC
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Aleks was so broody I could not get enough for him. The way he loved and did anything for Mia melted my heart.
The tension and pining in this was so good! I loved every second of it and when they finally broke that tension it was everything!!! That piano scene will forever live rent free in my mind!
The way Kandi writes tension is seriously unmatched. I cannot get enough of this series. With each book Kandi continues to blow me away with her story telling. I cannot wait to read the next one!
Overall: 5
Spice: 3
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Friends to Lovers
Pop Star FMC
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
May 20, 2025
ˋ°•*⁀➷3.75☆
“there’s nothing fake about the way i love you.”
save your breath was an enjoyable read, though it felt a bit mid for me. i loved the flashbacks and learning about what happened in the past, but the constant miscommunication between mia and aleks in the present time became a bit too much. if you're a fan of fake dating, this book might be right up your alley—though i’ll admit, that trope can be hit or miss for me. i did appreciate the slow burn, which earned it a few bonus points. some say this is kandi's most emotional book, and while i get that perspective, i personally didn’t feel as connected to the characters and story, so i wasn’t fully invested. the epilogue definitely got me curious for the next book, but i’m still unsure how i feel. i’ll be picking up the last book when it comes out for sure, hoping to love it and wrapping up this series.
”having her here in my space again brought a familiar, nostalgic ache to my chest.”
”she wanted to hit me.
“there’s nothing fake about the way i love you.”
save your breath was an enjoyable read, though it felt a bit mid for me. i loved the flashbacks and learning about what happened in the past, but the constant miscommunication between mia and aleks in the present time became a bit too much. if you're a fan of fake dating, this book might be right up your alley—though i’ll admit, that trope can be hit or miss for me. i did appreciate the slow burn, which earned it a few bonus points. some say this is kandi's most emotional book, and while i get that perspective, i personally didn’t feel as connected to the characters and story, so i wasn’t fully invested. the epilogue definitely got me curious for the next book, but i’m still unsure how i feel. i’ll be picking up the last book when it comes out for sure, hoping to love it and wrapping up this series.
”having her here in my space again brought a familiar, nostalgic ache to my chest.”
”she wanted to hit me.
i wanted to kiss her. and i couldn’t think of a better life to live.”
April 16, 2025
Aleks Suter was such an angry bird👺 in Will's book. Let's see how pop star Mia will unravel him😼 with fake engagement for publicity 🤙🏼✨.
And are you kidding me?? it has my fav trope💃🏼 *childhood sweethearts*.💞
Also Ava(Will's kid) was a fangirl of Mia😃. I'm sure there would be sweet heart melting scenes.
Edit: I like it ❤️
And are you kidding me?? it has my fav trope💃🏼 *childhood sweethearts*.💞
Also Ava(Will's kid) was a fangirl of Mia😃. I'm sure there would be sweet heart melting scenes.
Edit: I like it ❤️
March 23, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Aleks & Mia’s book was well worth the wait!! If Kandi writes it, I’m gonna read it. Her writing style is just so captivating & i just love the tension, the angst, the banter of her books so much.
Thank you to Kandi & her team for the ARC!
- NHL Player x Popstar
- Fake Engagement
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
2.5/5🌶️
Aleks & Mia’s book was well worth the wait!! If Kandi writes it, I’m gonna read it. Her writing style is just so captivating & i just love the tension, the angst, the banter of her books so much.
Thank you to Kandi & her team for the ARC!
- NHL Player x Popstar
- Fake Engagement
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
March 22, 2025
Tbh, it read like Taylor Swift fan fiction and was a bit trite
March 24, 2025
Did I consume this in less than 24hrs? You best believe I did. Daddy P is still my number one but Aleks almost took his spot. I am obsessed.
Mia is gearing up to release her new album, but her vengeful ex is determined to ruin her career. He enlists his best friend Garrett to spread damaging gossip, calling Mia a terrible songwriter and painting her as crazy. To set the record straight and prove her album isn’t about her ex, Mia’s agent, Isabella, suggests a bold plan — a fake engagement with her best friend, Alek, the NHL’s resident bad boy. Alek is nothing like the men Mia usually dates, but this arrangement is about to change everything.
Alek has secretly loved Mia for years, and when the chance to help her, and protect his own reputation, comes along he doesn’t hesitate. His devotion to Mia is unwavering, making him the ultimate ride or die. Despite his tough exterior, Alek is a total cinnamon roll at heart, putting Mia’s happiness above everything else. Their chemistry is electric, and the depth of their affection had me completely hooked. This story is a heartfelt blend of passion, loyalty, and second chances that I couldn’t put down.
Mia is gearing up to release her new album, but her vengeful ex is determined to ruin her career. He enlists his best friend Garrett to spread damaging gossip, calling Mia a terrible songwriter and painting her as crazy. To set the record straight and prove her album isn’t about her ex, Mia’s agent, Isabella, suggests a bold plan — a fake engagement with her best friend, Alek, the NHL’s resident bad boy. Alek is nothing like the men Mia usually dates, but this arrangement is about to change everything.
Alek has secretly loved Mia for years, and when the chance to help her, and protect his own reputation, comes along he doesn’t hesitate. His devotion to Mia is unwavering, making him the ultimate ride or die. Despite his tough exterior, Alek is a total cinnamon roll at heart, putting Mia’s happiness above everything else. Their chemistry is electric, and the depth of their affection had me completely hooked. This story is a heartfelt blend of passion, loyalty, and second chances that I couldn’t put down.
April 2, 2025
"She wanted to hit me. I wanted to kiss her. And I couldn’t think of a better life to live."
Four things: He falls first. He falls harder. It’s always been her for him. And he will do everything for her. If you’re looking for boy obsessed, here you go.
"My girl. I laughed at myself with that thought. Mia Love was far from mine, and yet she was the only person in the world I gave a single flying fuck about."
I won’t say that I didn’t like Mia, but she felt a bit childish to me sometimes. Although she’s a grown-up pop star (and clearly based on Taylor Swift), she felt teenager-y and immature, and I think that’s why she rubbed me the wrong way.
"Aleksander Suter. Winger for the Tampa Bay Ospreys. Notorious troublemaker. And owner of my heart since we were teenagers."
But Aleks... He's is so much more than meets the eye. He carried the whole book for me and made me go from swooning to wanting to hug him to wanting to buy a bean bag for my living room because… reasons. He was perfect.
"I’m just a girl with a guitar,"
"And I’m just a boy with a stick. But I bet we can rule the world one day, Strings. I bet everyone will know our names."
Aleks came to the US from Switzerland to play hockey and ended up staying with Mia’s family. They were both teenagers and clearly into each other but stayed in the friend zone—not that they didn’t both want to cross the line. But Aleks knew he couldn’t. Not when her family was giving him food and shelter. Even though it broke his heart (and hers).
That friendship lasted throughout music deals and the NHL.
"I kept my eyes on Mia. And thought of all the excuses I’d have to touch her now."
Years later, when Mia faces some tough criticism about her music and is accused of not being over her asshole ex, her PR comes up with a genius plan: a fake relationship and a fake engagement to Aleks. He’s a bad boy, a playboy, who could use some reputation-fixing of his own, so it’s a win-win.
Except they both know what’s on the line and what they’re risking. Especially since the feelings they’re supposed to be faking are very real.
"You look…"
"Beautiful? Ravishing? Like a million bucks?"
"Like a one-way ticket to jail for me if anyone tries to touch you tonight."
They’re expected to show up at places together. To touch. To kiss for the cameras. They’re friends, so it should be a walk in the park. But there’s nothing easy about it. I loved their internal monologues that showed me how tortured they really felt and the trips down memory lane that gave me more insight as to what happened between them before.
And let me tell you… If you’ve ever been in love with a friend and didn’t have the guts to tell them… You’ll relate to a lot of it.
"I heard it in just the first few tracks. I heard you at seventeen, and at twenty-one, and at twenty-six. I heard you breaking, heard you healing, heard you finding a new way."
One of the most meaningful things to me was how well they know each other. Yes, there’s friendly banter, innuendo, and jokes, but it’s clear to see these two have been a part of each other’s lives for a really long time. As a lover of small, tiny moments and all the slow-burn tension, my heart was very happy to see all of it.
At the same time, my heart was also breaking, because these two belonged together, and I couldn’t reach inside the book and freaking make them talk to each other!
"Only if you agree."
"Agree to what?"
"To let me kiss you everywhere. To let me do more than just kiss you. To let me ruin you in every way I’ve ever imagined."
When Aleks has to fake-propose and things get a little too real, Mia runs away, but the weather lends a hand. Having to stay in the same house while there’s a storm raging outside, they finally give in. It was the perfect night, but I felt like, at that point, actually talking to each other would have been nice instead of both retreating into their respective shells… again. There was way too much miscommunication (or total lack of communication) at times for me.
At the same time, and like I said, Aleks was a big part of why I loved this book. He has a difficult past, and while we’re allowed to see some of it, I wanted more. Without spoilers, that Fourth of July night deserved a bit more care, given the topic at hand and how serious it is. His mental health, his grief, and his issues as a foster kid deserved a bit more too. And I wish the situation with her father hadn’t been so quickly dismissed, given the fact that the guy essentially threatened him as a kid.
"I loved you when you weren’t mine to love, and I love you still. It’s not fake. It never has been."
I always judge a book by the way it makes me feel at the end. And I felt… happy. Beyond money and fame, they finally got the one thing that should have been theirs all along, and that’s love.
Four things: He falls first. He falls harder. It’s always been her for him. And he will do everything for her. If you’re looking for boy obsessed, here you go.
"My girl. I laughed at myself with that thought. Mia Love was far from mine, and yet she was the only person in the world I gave a single flying fuck about."
I won’t say that I didn’t like Mia, but she felt a bit childish to me sometimes. Although she’s a grown-up pop star (and clearly based on Taylor Swift), she felt teenager-y and immature, and I think that’s why she rubbed me the wrong way.
"Aleksander Suter. Winger for the Tampa Bay Ospreys. Notorious troublemaker. And owner of my heart since we were teenagers."
But Aleks... He's is so much more than meets the eye. He carried the whole book for me and made me go from swooning to wanting to hug him to wanting to buy a bean bag for my living room because… reasons. He was perfect.
"I’m just a girl with a guitar,"
"And I’m just a boy with a stick. But I bet we can rule the world one day, Strings. I bet everyone will know our names."
Aleks came to the US from Switzerland to play hockey and ended up staying with Mia’s family. They were both teenagers and clearly into each other but stayed in the friend zone—not that they didn’t both want to cross the line. But Aleks knew he couldn’t. Not when her family was giving him food and shelter. Even though it broke his heart (and hers).
That friendship lasted throughout music deals and the NHL.
"I kept my eyes on Mia. And thought of all the excuses I’d have to touch her now."
Years later, when Mia faces some tough criticism about her music and is accused of not being over her asshole ex, her PR comes up with a genius plan: a fake relationship and a fake engagement to Aleks. He’s a bad boy, a playboy, who could use some reputation-fixing of his own, so it’s a win-win.
Except they both know what’s on the line and what they’re risking. Especially since the feelings they’re supposed to be faking are very real.
"You look…"
"Beautiful? Ravishing? Like a million bucks?"
"Like a one-way ticket to jail for me if anyone tries to touch you tonight."
They’re expected to show up at places together. To touch. To kiss for the cameras. They’re friends, so it should be a walk in the park. But there’s nothing easy about it. I loved their internal monologues that showed me how tortured they really felt and the trips down memory lane that gave me more insight as to what happened between them before.
And let me tell you… If you’ve ever been in love with a friend and didn’t have the guts to tell them… You’ll relate to a lot of it.
"I heard it in just the first few tracks. I heard you at seventeen, and at twenty-one, and at twenty-six. I heard you breaking, heard you healing, heard you finding a new way."
One of the most meaningful things to me was how well they know each other. Yes, there’s friendly banter, innuendo, and jokes, but it’s clear to see these two have been a part of each other’s lives for a really long time. As a lover of small, tiny moments and all the slow-burn tension, my heart was very happy to see all of it.
At the same time, my heart was also breaking, because these two belonged together, and I couldn’t reach inside the book and freaking make them talk to each other!
"Only if you agree."
"Agree to what?"
"To let me kiss you everywhere. To let me do more than just kiss you. To let me ruin you in every way I’ve ever imagined."
When Aleks has to fake-propose and things get a little too real, Mia runs away, but the weather lends a hand. Having to stay in the same house while there’s a storm raging outside, they finally give in. It was the perfect night, but I felt like, at that point, actually talking to each other would have been nice instead of both retreating into their respective shells… again. There was way too much miscommunication (or total lack of communication) at times for me.
At the same time, and like I said, Aleks was a big part of why I loved this book. He has a difficult past, and while we’re allowed to see some of it, I wanted more. Without spoilers, that Fourth of July night deserved a bit more care, given the topic at hand and how serious it is. His mental health, his grief, and his issues as a foster kid deserved a bit more too. And I wish the situation with her father hadn’t been so quickly dismissed, given the fact that the guy essentially threatened him as a kid.
"I loved you when you weren’t mine to love, and I love you still. It’s not fake. It never has been."
I always judge a book by the way it makes me feel at the end. And I felt… happy. Beyond money and fame, they finally got the one thing that should have been theirs all along, and that’s love.
March 27, 2025
#Review: *Save your breath* - Kandi Steiner - ARC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
I instantly applied for this book when I saw it. I've wanted for a while to read something by Kandi Steiner, but I didn't get the chance to actually do it. Many thanks to her and Valentine Pr for this early copy!
This is the 4th book of 'Kings of the Ice' series, which can be read as a standalone too.
Aleks is a very talented hockey player, but has a bad boy reputation. Mia is a young artist, who is about to release her new album. Because both, Aleks and Mia's images needed a fix, a fake engagement is cooked by Mia's publicist. From there on, Mia will only become even more confused about the relationship she was part of. The lines couldn't become more blurred between them, but Aleks didn't considered himself worthy enough for someone like Mia.
They had a long history together, knowing each other since high school, when Aleks came into their home, when he moved from Switzerland to USA. Even from then, they both felt something for each other, but there were some circumstances which didn't let them be more than best friends. Will they now succeed in only remaining friends or their feelings could be too strong to resist?
Ohh, I just loved this story! Even from the beginning I was pretty curious about what exactly happened between them because there was such an intense tension out there. I later find out their whole story, which was filled with angst and miscommunication. Even though Aleks was portrayed as a playboy and bad boy, I felt that this was only his cover to hide from his real feelings and what he really wanted to have. And that was Mia and a happy life. He was constantly underestimating himself because of his addicted parents, being convinced that he was the same as them and would never have a chance at a happy ending.
For me, this book was pretty addicting, loving that constant feeling of angst, of forbidden and adoration. Some feelings cannot be ignored even if many years have passed and the one you love was someone off limits for you. Super happy that I got the chance to read this beautiful story, which I truly recommend!
✨Tropes
#ForbiddenLove
#Miscommunication
#FakeDating
#Angst
#SlowBurn
#FirstLove
#SportsRomance
#Hockey
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
I instantly applied for this book when I saw it. I've wanted for a while to read something by Kandi Steiner, but I didn't get the chance to actually do it. Many thanks to her and Valentine Pr for this early copy!
This is the 4th book of 'Kings of the Ice' series, which can be read as a standalone too.
Aleks is a very talented hockey player, but has a bad boy reputation. Mia is a young artist, who is about to release her new album. Because both, Aleks and Mia's images needed a fix, a fake engagement is cooked by Mia's publicist. From there on, Mia will only become even more confused about the relationship she was part of. The lines couldn't become more blurred between them, but Aleks didn't considered himself worthy enough for someone like Mia.
They had a long history together, knowing each other since high school, when Aleks came into their home, when he moved from Switzerland to USA. Even from then, they both felt something for each other, but there were some circumstances which didn't let them be more than best friends. Will they now succeed in only remaining friends or their feelings could be too strong to resist?
Ohh, I just loved this story! Even from the beginning I was pretty curious about what exactly happened between them because there was such an intense tension out there. I later find out their whole story, which was filled with angst and miscommunication. Even though Aleks was portrayed as a playboy and bad boy, I felt that this was only his cover to hide from his real feelings and what he really wanted to have. And that was Mia and a happy life. He was constantly underestimating himself because of his addicted parents, being convinced that he was the same as them and would never have a chance at a happy ending.
For me, this book was pretty addicting, loving that constant feeling of angst, of forbidden and adoration. Some feelings cannot be ignored even if many years have passed and the one you love was someone off limits for you. Super happy that I got the chance to read this beautiful story, which I truly recommend!
✨Tropes
#ForbiddenLove
#Miscommunication
#FakeDating
#Angst
#SlowBurn
#FirstLove
#SportsRomance
#Hockey
March 20, 2025
We finally get Aleks’ book!
So I was definitely expecting broody lead. I did like the broody to everyone but her. So I liked the idea that they both had crushes and are in love with each other since they were 16. Her dad intervened and then Aleks created this whole spiral in his head with all the reasons he can’t have her. I liked the fake dating and forced proximity for them to come to terms with their feelings for the other, and reconcile with what they really want.
I loved the bar scene. I love that Aleks knew Mia needed a night to just be nobody and gave that to her. That whole night is seriously so cute.
What I was not expecting? The slow burn to hit at 70%… I was like dayumm. And what I was also not expecting? The miscommunication. It should’ve been on the trope list because double damn. This had my brain SCREAMING “just say that”. Also not even fully grasping some of the things you never said and just assumed until after the knot was a little crazy. This definitely just seemed out of order? And I feel like the miscommunication drew from the plot, rather than adding to it.
I really liked the other books in the series, and I am actually excited for the next book with an experienced FMC and an inexperienced MMC. This one just wasn’t for me.
Thanks VPR and Kandi Steiner for this ARC 💌💋🫶🏼
So I was definitely expecting broody lead. I did like the broody to everyone but her. So I liked the idea that they both had crushes and are in love with each other since they were 16. Her dad intervened and then Aleks created this whole spiral in his head with all the reasons he can’t have her. I liked the fake dating and forced proximity for them to come to terms with their feelings for the other, and reconcile with what they really want.
I loved the bar scene. I love that Aleks knew Mia needed a night to just be nobody and gave that to her. That whole night is seriously so cute.
What I was not expecting? The slow burn to hit at 70%… I was like dayumm. And what I was also not expecting? The miscommunication. It should’ve been on the trope list because double damn. This had my brain SCREAMING “just say that”. Also not even fully grasping some of the things you never said and just assumed until after the knot was a little crazy. This definitely just seemed out of order? And I feel like the miscommunication drew from the plot, rather than adding to it.
I really liked the other books in the series, and I am actually excited for the next book with an experienced FMC and an inexperienced MMC. This one just wasn’t for me.
Thanks VPR and Kandi Steiner for this ARC 💌💋🫶🏼
March 24, 2025
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️.5
This one was so dang good!
There is just something about a slow burn when you know the two characters are pining for each other that just hits different. Plus add in the fact that Aleks is a bad boy who is also down bad, and this book kept me hooked from beginning to end! Like I was in love with Mia from the begining because she was such a good character and Aleks absolutely won me over.
Plus I love this team, I loved the cameos and as always Kandi is an absolute master and spice (and angst). Plus the way Aleks and Mia really opened up to each other and blurred those lines, I could read this fast enough.
Kandi does these angsty, emotional love stories so well and keeps me coming back every single time. I ate this one up, plus a jersey moment will get me every time I read it.
✨ hockey romance
✨ bad boy x good girl
✨ fake engagement
✨ popstar FMC
✨ mutual pining
✨ friends to lovers
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️.5
This one was so dang good!
There is just something about a slow burn when you know the two characters are pining for each other that just hits different. Plus add in the fact that Aleks is a bad boy who is also down bad, and this book kept me hooked from beginning to end! Like I was in love with Mia from the begining because she was such a good character and Aleks absolutely won me over.
Plus I love this team, I loved the cameos and as always Kandi is an absolute master and spice (and angst). Plus the way Aleks and Mia really opened up to each other and blurred those lines, I could read this fast enough.
Kandi does these angsty, emotional love stories so well and keeps me coming back every single time. I ate this one up, plus a jersey moment will get me every time I read it.
✨ hockey romance
✨ bad boy x good girl
✨ fake engagement
✨ popstar FMC
✨ mutual pining
✨ friends to lovers
March 23, 2025
this was pretty bad .. its funny because books 1 and 3 were basically 5 stars for me but this and book 2 flopped so hard LOL
i didn't really like the dynamic between these two.. it felt very messy and toxic with not enough emotional investment from the hero.. it's just a lot of emotional push and pull without much reward until like the end when they magically work their issue out and get married all in one go 🙄
i didn't really like the dynamic between these two.. it felt very messy and toxic with not enough emotional investment from the hero.. it's just a lot of emotional push and pull without much reward until like the end when they magically work their issue out and get married all in one go 🙄
March 24, 2025
I cringed through the whole first sex scene (which happened way late in the book), it was cheesy.
I wanted more from this one and it was a huge let down.
I wanted more from this one and it was a huge let down.
March 13, 2025
Save Your Breath has every single thing I love in a Kandi Steiner romance!
✔️ palpable tension
✔️ all the banter
✔️ mutual pining
✔️ top tier angst
✔️ spicy scenes that set my kindle on fire!
Kandi took all of my favourite things about friends to lovers and amplified them for Aleks and Mia. I am an absolute sucker for a man obsessed, and Aleks is so in love with his childhood best friend that it is immediately apparent from page one. When the hockey star and the pop star both find themselves with bad media coverage, the childhood friends band together with a fake engagement to change the narrative.
What ensues is a slow burn romance rich with tension, all the angst of mutual pining, and a beautiful journey to realizing how worthy they both are of not just success, but love, too. Aleks Suter is one of my new book boyfriends and my heart just ached for him. He doesn’t believe he is worthy of Mia after certain things in his past, and it was so emotional watching Mia make him feel loved.
I love Kandi’s immersive writing style and the way she develops her characters to that they grow as individuals and as a couple. Love should bring out the best in people, and there is no doubt that Aleks and Mia are the very best versions of themselves when they are together.
Save Your Breath is now among A Love Letter To Whiskey, Close Quarters, and Make Me Hate You for my top Kandi Steiner reads, and it instantly became a top read of 2025!
✔️ palpable tension
✔️ all the banter
✔️ mutual pining
✔️ top tier angst
✔️ spicy scenes that set my kindle on fire!
Kandi took all of my favourite things about friends to lovers and amplified them for Aleks and Mia. I am an absolute sucker for a man obsessed, and Aleks is so in love with his childhood best friend that it is immediately apparent from page one. When the hockey star and the pop star both find themselves with bad media coverage, the childhood friends band together with a fake engagement to change the narrative.
What ensues is a slow burn romance rich with tension, all the angst of mutual pining, and a beautiful journey to realizing how worthy they both are of not just success, but love, too. Aleks Suter is one of my new book boyfriends and my heart just ached for him. He doesn’t believe he is worthy of Mia after certain things in his past, and it was so emotional watching Mia make him feel loved.
I love Kandi’s immersive writing style and the way she develops her characters to that they grow as individuals and as a couple. Love should bring out the best in people, and there is no doubt that Aleks and Mia are the very best versions of themselves when they are together.
Save Your Breath is now among A Love Letter To Whiskey, Close Quarters, and Make Me Hate You for my top Kandi Steiner reads, and it instantly became a top read of 2025!
March 8, 2025
“Save your breath, Strings,”
Kandi Steiner did it AGAIN. I was in love with Aleks and Mia from the first chapter and it just got better from there.
Aleks Suter is NHL’s bad boy. He gets into fights on and off the ice and doesn’t have time to make friends unless you are named Mia Conaway. Mia is a mega pop star about to release a new album but in need of a bit of a PR stunt so is ready to call in the favor to her long time best friend Aleks.
“I mean, a fake engagement between a hot hockey player and a goddess of a pop star? The fact that you two have known each other since you were teenagers? This is trope gold.”
Aleks and Mia were so perfectly imperfect, I loved every second of their story. There was angst but so much growth and understanding as their relationship evolved. A perfect addition to the Osprey’s hockey couples.
If time could not speed up that would be great because I’m already salivating for Stand Your Ground next!
Thank you @kandisteiner for the ARC!
Release date: March 20, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “You won’t fake it for me. You won’t have to.”
Kandi Steiner did it AGAIN. I was in love with Aleks and Mia from the first chapter and it just got better from there.
Aleks Suter is NHL’s bad boy. He gets into fights on and off the ice and doesn’t have time to make friends unless you are named Mia Conaway. Mia is a mega pop star about to release a new album but in need of a bit of a PR stunt so is ready to call in the favor to her long time best friend Aleks.
“I mean, a fake engagement between a hot hockey player and a goddess of a pop star? The fact that you two have known each other since you were teenagers? This is trope gold.”
Aleks and Mia were so perfectly imperfect, I loved every second of their story. There was angst but so much growth and understanding as their relationship evolved. A perfect addition to the Osprey’s hockey couples.
If time could not speed up that would be great because I’m already salivating for Stand Your Ground next!
Thank you @kandisteiner for the ARC!
Release date: March 20, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “You won’t fake it for me. You won’t have to.”
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