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Toronto Titans Hockey #1
Head Over Skates
From USA Today Bestselling Author Gigi Blume comes a new, standalone sports romance featuring a surly hockey star and the figure skater who has it in for him.
Sometimes you have to play dirty to score big.
OWEN:
I've never met a challenge I couldn't deke out—until Emily Brooks blasted into my world with all the subtlety of a slapshot to the face.
When an underwear incident (don’t ask) gives Emily ammunition for her gossip blog Blades After Dark, I’ve become her very reluctant muse. Perched on her Zamboni with a crafty smirk on that gorgeous face, she’s determined to turn my life into one big penalty box.
Not only does this woman have an Olympic-sized grudge against me, she cheered—yes, cheered—for the other team.
When I find out she has a secret she doesn’t want out, it’s gloves off.
I’m tempted to toss her right into the sin bin, but she’s skating circles around me.
In a catsuit. (don’t ask about that, either)
But now the championship cup’s gone missing, and we find ourselves sleuthing in closed quarters—despite Emily’s stubborn determination to keep me at stick's length.
Now I can’t stop thinking about that stolen kiss, and I want another taste.
Am I playing for keeps? Or am I the one who's being played?
EMILY:
My Olympic figure skating dreams got toe-picked, but driving a Zamboni at the Toronto Blizzard Dome has its perks—like not being recognized.
Beneath the cloak of anonymity, my words do what my skates used to; they slice with precision—in my late-night hockey blog.
Enter Owen Jablonski, the cocky star player with more notches on his hockey stick than all the pucks in Canada. Yet he singles me out to—get this—come on to me.
The gall. But the pen is mightier than the skate blade, so they say.
Do I have reasons for slamming Owen’s name against the boards? Yes, I do.
And when a funny post about him goes viral, can you blame me for finding Owen's flustered face a little bit delightful?
But instead of a simple exposé, Owen turns the tables on me and brokers a twisted deal: polish his precious public image in my blog in exchange for his silence on my identity. It's extortion with a side of sultry glares.
And secret kisses against the wall.
He's maddening, infuriating... a reeaaally good kisser.
Now I’m stuck in a reluctant pact with Owen. Stack on a mystery and the sting of his smoldering kiss on my mind, the heat between us might just melt all the ice in the rink.
He’s not what I expected, or wanted. How fiercely protective he is. How he insists I wear his jersey. How my heart flips when he stands up for me.
Or the way his eyes rake over me with want.
Oof. Is it getting hot in here?
I need to body-check my feelings before Owen scores more than just goals.
Lace up your skates and get ready to laugh, cry, and swoon. Head Over Skates is just the ticket for those who love their sports RomCom served with a side of snark, witty banter, and just a hint of mayhem.
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Protective MMC
🏒 Figure skater FMC
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Who did this to you trope
🏒 Wall kisses
🏒 Zamboni rides
🏒 Amateur sleuths
🏒 Fake dating
Sometimes you have to play dirty to score big.
OWEN:
I've never met a challenge I couldn't deke out—until Emily Brooks blasted into my world with all the subtlety of a slapshot to the face.
When an underwear incident (don’t ask) gives Emily ammunition for her gossip blog Blades After Dark, I’ve become her very reluctant muse. Perched on her Zamboni with a crafty smirk on that gorgeous face, she’s determined to turn my life into one big penalty box.
Not only does this woman have an Olympic-sized grudge against me, she cheered—yes, cheered—for the other team.
When I find out she has a secret she doesn’t want out, it’s gloves off.
I’m tempted to toss her right into the sin bin, but she’s skating circles around me.
In a catsuit. (don’t ask about that, either)
But now the championship cup’s gone missing, and we find ourselves sleuthing in closed quarters—despite Emily’s stubborn determination to keep me at stick's length.
Now I can’t stop thinking about that stolen kiss, and I want another taste.
Am I playing for keeps? Or am I the one who's being played?
EMILY:
My Olympic figure skating dreams got toe-picked, but driving a Zamboni at the Toronto Blizzard Dome has its perks—like not being recognized.
Beneath the cloak of anonymity, my words do what my skates used to; they slice with precision—in my late-night hockey blog.
Enter Owen Jablonski, the cocky star player with more notches on his hockey stick than all the pucks in Canada. Yet he singles me out to—get this—come on to me.
The gall. But the pen is mightier than the skate blade, so they say.
Do I have reasons for slamming Owen’s name against the boards? Yes, I do.
And when a funny post about him goes viral, can you blame me for finding Owen's flustered face a little bit delightful?
But instead of a simple exposé, Owen turns the tables on me and brokers a twisted deal: polish his precious public image in my blog in exchange for his silence on my identity. It's extortion with a side of sultry glares.
And secret kisses against the wall.
He's maddening, infuriating... a reeaaally good kisser.
Now I’m stuck in a reluctant pact with Owen. Stack on a mystery and the sting of his smoldering kiss on my mind, the heat between us might just melt all the ice in the rink.
He’s not what I expected, or wanted. How fiercely protective he is. How he insists I wear his jersey. How my heart flips when he stands up for me.
Or the way his eyes rake over me with want.
Oof. Is it getting hot in here?
I need to body-check my feelings before Owen scores more than just goals.
Lace up your skates and get ready to laugh, cry, and swoon. Head Over Skates is just the ticket for those who love their sports RomCom served with a side of snark, witty banter, and just a hint of mayhem.
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Protective MMC
🏒 Figure skater FMC
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Who did this to you trope
🏒 Wall kisses
🏒 Zamboni rides
🏒 Amateur sleuths
🏒 Fake dating
376 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2024
487 people are currently reading
4258 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Blume
29 books502 followersGigi is a USA TODAY bestselling author and hopeless musical theatre nerd who has perfected the art of lollygagging.
Former professional wedding singer, Gigi lives in Southern California with her personal chef...er...husband and two weird and awesome teenagers.
When Gigi's not writing like a crazy woman, she likes to belt out showtunes, embarrass her kids, and spend all her free cash on books.
Former professional wedding singer, Gigi lives in Southern California with her personal chef...er...husband and two weird and awesome teenagers.
When Gigi's not writing like a crazy woman, she likes to belt out showtunes, embarrass her kids, and spend all her free cash on books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
May 3, 2024
this woman drew more conclusions in the span of 20 min than i have my entire life
April 29, 2024
This book had so much potential. I thought Blume’s writing was great. She has a way of really engaging the reader immediately and built the chemistry to where it was palpable. There was too much I didn’t like about this book though that I just cannot get over.
Number one, why is no one talking about the friend Jamie? Like Emily bases her entire hatred upon this man because of her friend who said Owen cheated. Turns turns out she’s a pathological liar and will create elaborate lies for attention. Once we find that out the Jamie friend is gone completely out of the book irrelevant. (Maybe she gets addressed in the very end I just could get there 90% was enough I was praying for this book to end) We just get this huge revelation and then nothing. It made no sense. Like ok your friend has this mental illness you immediately cut her off for the rest of your life. They must’ve not been close friends.
And the mystery events of the missing trophy. It seemed to be a bigger deal in the story than it would’ve actually mattered. Like everyone made such a big deal over a stolen trophy like the press going crazy, people lying on each other accusing each other. Was it really that big of a deal? Not really. The mystery element of this was fun,
But it was just made to be a bigger deal than it was. It wasn’t that serious.
I also thought Owen and Emily’s relationship had no developer. They were enemies for 5 seconds, then really into each other and it just wasn’t developed well.
I did not like Emily as a character she was just totally unlikable couldn’t relate to her or root for her.
So much of this book was rushed and undeveloped I’m tired of these 250 page books like they really need those extra 100 pages to flesh these books out.
It’s disappointing because this author is such a strong writer and has great great potential but just made some horrible choices in the narrative.
I cant say I’m giving a full analysis cause I literally had to dnf at 90%
There wasn’t much of the book left but it felt like pulling teeth getting through the rest.
Number one, why is no one talking about the friend Jamie? Like Emily bases her entire hatred upon this man because of her friend who said Owen cheated. Turns turns out she’s a pathological liar and will create elaborate lies for attention. Once we find that out the Jamie friend is gone completely out of the book irrelevant. (Maybe she gets addressed in the very end I just could get there 90% was enough I was praying for this book to end) We just get this huge revelation and then nothing. It made no sense. Like ok your friend has this mental illness you immediately cut her off for the rest of your life. They must’ve not been close friends.
And the mystery events of the missing trophy. It seemed to be a bigger deal in the story than it would’ve actually mattered. Like everyone made such a big deal over a stolen trophy like the press going crazy, people lying on each other accusing each other. Was it really that big of a deal? Not really. The mystery element of this was fun,
But it was just made to be a bigger deal than it was. It wasn’t that serious.
I also thought Owen and Emily’s relationship had no developer. They were enemies for 5 seconds, then really into each other and it just wasn’t developed well.
I did not like Emily as a character she was just totally unlikable couldn’t relate to her or root for her.
So much of this book was rushed and undeveloped I’m tired of these 250 page books like they really need those extra 100 pages to flesh these books out.
It’s disappointing because this author is such a strong writer and has great great potential but just made some horrible choices in the narrative.
I cant say I’m giving a full analysis cause I literally had to dnf at 90%
There wasn’t much of the book left but it felt like pulling teeth getting through the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
There were moments that I enjoyed. I struggled to connect to the main characters. Emily was honestly not very likable for much of the book. She made assumptions, was incredibly rude and was just judgmental and kind of harsh with Owen even though she knew nothing about him. She had a big ol’ chip on her shoulder and acted better than everyone else.
Owen could be incredibly sweet, but the moments where the author attempted to try to make him “masculine and protective” he actually came off as kind of toxic in my option. Some of the things he said or did were cringy and felt icky.
The mystery also kind of bored me. It felt like two different books trying to be mashed together on some ways. The mystery and the romance as well as the character’s personalities just kind of felt all over the place.
3 ⭐️ because there were aspects I liked. The anxiety rep, Owen’s relationship with his brother and the hockey and figure skating aspects were well done.
Owen could be incredibly sweet, but the moments where the author attempted to try to make him “masculine and protective” he actually came off as kind of toxic in my option. Some of the things he said or did were cringy and felt icky.
The mystery also kind of bored me. It felt like two different books trying to be mashed together on some ways. The mystery and the romance as well as the character’s personalities just kind of felt all over the place.
3 ⭐️ because there were aspects I liked. The anxiety rep, Owen’s relationship with his brother and the hockey and figure skating aspects were well done.
May 9, 2024
DNF
No… just no
No… just no
February 3, 2025
3,25 ⭐️
Taki przyjemniaczek, ale pewnie szybko o niej zapomnę
Taki przyjemniaczek, ale pewnie szybko o niej zapomnę
April 24, 2024
This book had romance and mystery! I absolutely loved it!! Such a fun read for me just want I needed. Easy could be devoured in one day! Cannot wait to read more from this author.
April 9, 2024
It wasn’t boring but it wasn’t good. If a man called me kitten just one time he would never ever see me again.
April 27, 2024
blander than a saltine cracker
July 14, 2024
this was pretty juvenile tbh. a lot of the story is predictable & the FMC is incredibly unlikeable.
September 3, 2024
DNF @ 50% seriously what did I just read 🧍🏻♀️
March 19, 2024
I’m not surprised–Gigi Blume does it again! I love how she thrust me deep into a hockey romance that was sweet, sassy, full of extreme romantic tension and sparks, and made it all completely believable.
“I like kitty cats as much as the next guy, but it’s all fun and games until their claws come out. And by the look in Emily’s eyes, she’s getting ready to sharpen her claws.”
Owen and Emily are opposites in almost every way, yet the little hidden jabs and pokes make this enemies-to-love lovable in every way. Their vivid and brash personalities slashed against one another much like skates cutting the ice, yet there are tendrils of attraction that just can’t be denied and I couldn’t get enough of the clashes.
These are characters that are deeper than first glance and have more to them than meets the eye. Emily’s spunk and sizzle packed into her petite frame are every bit of a match against Owen and his hulking hunk of toughness (with a hidden tenderness) persona.
I’m hoping for a whole series of the Titans team because I just can’t get enough.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing, makeouts, innuendo, talk of friends with benefits); mild language; off page cheating
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
“I like kitty cats as much as the next guy, but it’s all fun and games until their claws come out. And by the look in Emily’s eyes, she’s getting ready to sharpen her claws.”
Owen and Emily are opposites in almost every way, yet the little hidden jabs and pokes make this enemies-to-love lovable in every way. Their vivid and brash personalities slashed against one another much like skates cutting the ice, yet there are tendrils of attraction that just can’t be denied and I couldn’t get enough of the clashes.
These are characters that are deeper than first glance and have more to them than meets the eye. Emily’s spunk and sizzle packed into her petite frame are every bit of a match against Owen and his hulking hunk of toughness (with a hidden tenderness) persona.
I’m hoping for a whole series of the Titans team because I just can’t get enough.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing, makeouts, innuendo, talk of friends with benefits); mild language; off page cheating
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
March 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - arc review
‼️SPOILERS INCLUDED‼️
‼️SPOILERS INCLUDED‼️
‼️SPOILERS BELOW‼️
ok you’ve had enough opportunity to vacate if you don’t wanna read spoilers so let’s get right to it
‼️the review‼️
Ok let me preface this by stating that I did enjoy reading this, and it had promise, but I feel as though the execution could’ve been better.
the ➕’s:
🔸 Cute hockey workplace romance read, fast paced, short in length.
🔸 Different to other hockey romance books in that the FMC drives a Zamboni (loved this trope?!)
🔸 Detective vibes
🔸 He’s overprotective & wants the best for his little bro (actual dad-dy material)
🔸 HEA
🔸 Real-life problems (features gambling / debt storyline)
the ⬇️ers (in my opinion):
▪️The revelation of Owen realising that FMC Emily is behind the Blades After Dark blog being early on in the book dispelled most tension quickly, but I understand this falling into the following ‘big’ 🏆 problem.
▪️The actual culprit of the 🏆 storyline made no sense to me, felt like it should’ve been one of the opposing teams’ players or coach as it alluded to
▪️Jaime’s character seemed great, well painted and executed, but I feel like the whole pathological liar thing came out of literally nowhere and was very unrealistic? I get it’s a work of fiction don’t get me wrong but i struggled a lot with this.
▪️The timeline was very unclear to me & with the book being fairly short (<300 pages), again I struggled with the pacing.
It was an okay read, but I most likely wouldn’t choose to read it again.
‼️SPOILERS INCLUDED‼️
‼️SPOILERS INCLUDED‼️
‼️SPOILERS BELOW‼️
ok you’ve had enough opportunity to vacate if you don’t wanna read spoilers so let’s get right to it
‼️the review‼️
Ok let me preface this by stating that I did enjoy reading this, and it had promise, but I feel as though the execution could’ve been better.
the ➕’s:
🔸 Cute hockey workplace romance read, fast paced, short in length.
🔸 Different to other hockey romance books in that the FMC drives a Zamboni (loved this trope?!)
🔸 Detective vibes
🔸 He’s overprotective & wants the best for his little bro (actual dad-dy material)
🔸 HEA
🔸 Real-life problems (features gambling / debt storyline)
the ⬇️ers (in my opinion):
▪️The revelation of Owen realising that FMC Emily is behind the Blades After Dark blog being early on in the book dispelled most tension quickly, but I understand this falling into the following ‘big’ 🏆 problem.
▪️The actual culprit of the 🏆 storyline made no sense to me, felt like it should’ve been one of the opposing teams’ players or coach as it alluded to
▪️Jaime’s character seemed great, well painted and executed, but I feel like the whole pathological liar thing came out of literally nowhere and was very unrealistic? I get it’s a work of fiction don’t get me wrong but i struggled a lot with this.
▪️The timeline was very unclear to me & with the book being fairly short (<300 pages), again I struggled with the pacing.
It was an okay read, but I most likely wouldn’t choose to read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
Nope don’t read it. Not worth it.
No chemistry, no flow, everything and anything under the sun when it comes to hockey romances
Like I had high hopes for this because it’s hockey x ice skating, like there was so much potential with this
The dialogue horrible
I forced myself to finish this damn book.
Jaime is a pathological liar she is never confronted and she just disappears from the story. She is never mentioned again and it’s like that plot never existed.
The trophy plot? It is too long, too boring and pointless. Like what the hell was that? This was not written well at all
There were way too many characters, way too many plot lines and nothing had any substance. Owen and Emily seemed so bland. I didn’t think there was any kind of chemistry at all. They hated each other then in the next chapter they were sorta friends then friends with benefits but with no benefits, ( like wtf is that?) then they just loved each other? No build up no nothing. I don’t recommend this book at all. Less than 300 pages and it’s either way too slow in some parts and then way too fast and honestly gets really boring) DONT read it
No chemistry, no flow, everything and anything under the sun when it comes to hockey romances
Like I had high hopes for this because it’s hockey x ice skating, like there was so much potential with this
The dialogue horrible
I forced myself to finish this damn book.
Jaime is a pathological liar she is never confronted and she just disappears from the story. She is never mentioned again and it’s like that plot never existed.
The trophy plot? It is too long, too boring and pointless. Like what the hell was that? This was not written well at all
There were way too many characters, way too many plot lines and nothing had any substance. Owen and Emily seemed so bland. I didn’t think there was any kind of chemistry at all. They hated each other then in the next chapter they were sorta friends then friends with benefits but with no benefits, ( like wtf is that?) then they just loved each other? No build up no nothing. I don’t recommend this book at all. Less than 300 pages and it’s either way too slow in some parts and then way too fast and honestly gets really boring) DONT read it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
Holy! I DEVOURED this book in a day! 5 🌟 the plot twist! Such a good read! There's not enough good things to say. Such cute characters ❤️
August 14, 2024
Finally available on audio, this was a super fun enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV, pro-hockey sports romance between a former Olympic hopeful pairs skater turned zamboni driver and a professional hockey player. Full of humor, heart, female friendship, PRANKS and tons of great chemistry, this kissing romcom set in Toronto is the first in a new series and is PERFECT for fans of Jenny Proctor and Emma St. Clair's Appies series! Don't miss out on this one!!
Steam level: kissing only
Steam level: kissing only
April 6, 2024
Such a sweet fun book! I finished this in 2 sittings! It was so easy to get into. Owen and Emily's fiestyness had me cackling so often😂 I legit loved them together.
This book had it all... enemies to lovers, fake dating, protective mmc, a little mystery and much much more... And the end?! Hilarious and beautiful. 💕
This book had it all... enemies to lovers, fake dating, protective mmc, a little mystery and much much more... And the end?! Hilarious and beautiful. 💕
March 14, 2024
If y’all see me quitting my job to become a zamboni driver, mind your business!! Owen and Emily had the best banter. The way he calls her kitty cat made my heart pitter patter. Owen is a top tier book boyfriend. Gigi did a great job with this book. I absolutely loved it!
June 26, 2024
2.5/5 The book was pretty average but a quick read and flowed nicely. Some of the plot points got lost but picked up again later at random times. Light, easy read.
March 18, 2024
I absolutely loved Owen & Emilys feisty, intriguing, sweet caring, loving,swoony story!!
June 6, 2024
I feel like this book tried to do too much and so it didn’t work well for me. I just didn’t feel the connection between the main characters and while the mystery subplot was fun, it ended up feeling like two different books. I would have liked it better if it focused a little more on Emily’s skating story but I guess the mystery was what brought them together. I finished it which if I really dislike something I won’t so this one was just okay for me. It is a closed door figure skater/hockey player romance though so if you liked that setup in Icebreaker (which I haven’t read so take this comparison with a grain of salt) but don’t want the spice, you might like this book.
Content Notes: Makeouts, innuendo, closed door romance
Content Notes: Makeouts, innuendo, closed door romance
April 21, 2024
tiktok fooled me 😫
March 14, 2024
Head Over Skates by Gigi Blume:
Head Over Skates is a really cute, witty, enemies to lovers rom-com that I read in just a couple of hours and when I was done I felt like wow this book was really great and I'm sad that it is over.
As you can guess from the cover this is a hockey romance that takes place in Canada with two main characters that was kinda easy to like.
MMC is Owen “Juggernaut” Jablonski: A tall, well-built star hockey player with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. Owen is known for his competitive nature and dedication to the sport. Despite his confident exterior, he struggles with vulnerability and opening up to others. He is fiercely loyal and protective.
FMC is Emily Brooks: A former Olympic figure skater who now works as a Zamboni driver at the NHL arena, the Blizzard Dome in Toronto. She possesses a sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor, and writes a secret blog called Blades After Dark.
This book might be a perfect match for readers that enjoys following tropes:
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Protective MMC
🏒 Figure skater FMC
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Who did this to you trope
🏒 Wall kisses
🏒 Zamboni rides
🏒 Amateur sleuths
🏒 Fake dating
🏒 No third-act breakup
It could also be a perfect match for those that wanna try read hockey romances but isn't a fan of all the smut since this is a closed door romance.
Who knew a hockey romance could be this good and have me giggling without any smut? I know I didn't.
And if you are missing the fact that I really enjoyed this book then I will put it in clear context: I really enjoyed this one and I think everyone that is into these kind of books have to read it 😍
Head Over Skates is a really cute, witty, enemies to lovers rom-com that I read in just a couple of hours and when I was done I felt like wow this book was really great and I'm sad that it is over.
As you can guess from the cover this is a hockey romance that takes place in Canada with two main characters that was kinda easy to like.
MMC is Owen “Juggernaut” Jablonski: A tall, well-built star hockey player with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. Owen is known for his competitive nature and dedication to the sport. Despite his confident exterior, he struggles with vulnerability and opening up to others. He is fiercely loyal and protective.
FMC is Emily Brooks: A former Olympic figure skater who now works as a Zamboni driver at the NHL arena, the Blizzard Dome in Toronto. She possesses a sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor, and writes a secret blog called Blades After Dark.
This book might be a perfect match for readers that enjoys following tropes:
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Protective MMC
🏒 Figure skater FMC
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Who did this to you trope
🏒 Wall kisses
🏒 Zamboni rides
🏒 Amateur sleuths
🏒 Fake dating
🏒 No third-act breakup
It could also be a perfect match for those that wanna try read hockey romances but isn't a fan of all the smut since this is a closed door romance.
Who knew a hockey romance could be this good and have me giggling without any smut? I know I didn't.
And if you are missing the fact that I really enjoyed this book then I will put it in clear context: I really enjoyed this one and I think everyone that is into these kind of books have to read it 😍
March 9, 2024
Oh my goodness... I am obsessed with this book!
It's no secret that I am ALL about the hockey romances lately, so I was definitely excited for this one. Not only did it meet my expectations... but it far exceeded them. Right away I was drawn into these characters' lives. The banter was fantastically done and oh my goodness, the chemistry! Just wow! It was interesting seeing Emily's perception of Owen, because when we see his POV, he seems so far different than what she has been told. Yeah, he was a little on the cocky side sometimes... but also super sweet and protective too. I found myself wondering what on earth was going on, knowing there had to be more to the story... and boy was there! I won't give anything away, but I loved all the twists and turns that kept me wanting to read on. There was a bit of a mystery and lots of amateur sleuthing which was definitely made it all that much more fun to read too. I really just could not put it down!
Head Over Skates is a closed-door romance with sizzling kisses, but nothing beyond that. There is, however, a good amount of innuendo and minor language and as such might not be for everyone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
It's no secret that I am ALL about the hockey romances lately, so I was definitely excited for this one. Not only did it meet my expectations... but it far exceeded them. Right away I was drawn into these characters' lives. The banter was fantastically done and oh my goodness, the chemistry! Just wow! It was interesting seeing Emily's perception of Owen, because when we see his POV, he seems so far different than what she has been told. Yeah, he was a little on the cocky side sometimes... but also super sweet and protective too. I found myself wondering what on earth was going on, knowing there had to be more to the story... and boy was there! I won't give anything away, but I loved all the twists and turns that kept me wanting to read on. There was a bit of a mystery and lots of amateur sleuthing which was definitely made it all that much more fun to read too. I really just could not put it down!
Head Over Skates is a closed-door romance with sizzling kisses, but nothing beyond that. There is, however, a good amount of innuendo and minor language and as such might not be for everyone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2024
Owen, is a professional hockey player for a team in Canada. Owen's dad had several women in Canada who he had an extra relationship with. Owen doesn't know how many step-siblings he may have. Owen's dad and him do not have a good relationship at all. He only shows up when he needs money since Owen has a great NHL payout.
Emily, operates the Zamboni machine on the ice rink. She was once part of a pairs duo and was at the Olympics but her pairs ice skating partner ruined her chances of winning.
At first between Owen and Emily it is a hate hate relationship. Owen is more romantically interested in Emily at the beginning. They are together one night on the ice when they hear a clatter up at the front of the stadium. They run to see what happened and realize that one of the team's trophies has been stolen. They are now on the case to see who stole it. Was it the team that Owen and his team just played and lost against? Are they playing some type of prank?
I did receive a free ARC book copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Emily, operates the Zamboni machine on the ice rink. She was once part of a pairs duo and was at the Olympics but her pairs ice skating partner ruined her chances of winning.
At first between Owen and Emily it is a hate hate relationship. Owen is more romantically interested in Emily at the beginning. They are together one night on the ice when they hear a clatter up at the front of the stadium. They run to see what happened and realize that one of the team's trophies has been stolen. They are now on the case to see who stole it. Was it the team that Owen and his team just played and lost against? Are they playing some type of prank?
I did receive a free ARC book copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
April 2, 2024
Favorite Quote:
“She's changed her shirt, and instead of the hoodie she had on before, she's in a licenced Toronto Titans jersey. But with her back to me, all I notice is the name stretched across her shoulders. O'Malley.
I've never been a jealous man, but right now, I want to rip that shirt right off her and burn it. Of course I always want to rip off her clothes, but this is different. Seeing another man's name on her back makes my blood boil.”
These 2!! 🔥
I absolutely love Emilie and Owen’s story! The enemies to lovers with a bit of mystery mixed in!
The banter! 😂
Their first kiss!! 😍🔥
That bar scene!!! 😆 We love a jealous man!
The jersey scene!!
Y’all, Owen is like the perfect mix of tender hearted, protective, and loyal!! I just love him! 🩵
This was my first book of Gigi’s and it most definitely won’t be my last!
Y’all just need to read this book! It’s as simple as that!
🚨- While this is a closed door romcom, it does involve some minor cursing and some heavier make outs.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
“She's changed her shirt, and instead of the hoodie she had on before, she's in a licenced Toronto Titans jersey. But with her back to me, all I notice is the name stretched across her shoulders. O'Malley.
I've never been a jealous man, but right now, I want to rip that shirt right off her and burn it. Of course I always want to rip off her clothes, but this is different. Seeing another man's name on her back makes my blood boil.”
These 2!! 🔥
I absolutely love Emilie and Owen’s story! The enemies to lovers with a bit of mystery mixed in!
The banter! 😂
Their first kiss!! 😍🔥
That bar scene!!! 😆 We love a jealous man!
The jersey scene!!
Y’all, Owen is like the perfect mix of tender hearted, protective, and loyal!! I just love him! 🩵
This was my first book of Gigi’s and it most definitely won’t be my last!
Y’all just need to read this book! It’s as simple as that!
🚨- While this is a closed door romcom, it does involve some minor cursing and some heavier make outs.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 12, 2024
The author provided me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!
Overall, I thought this book was a cute, easy read, and I enjoyed the story. I like Emily and Owen together. I could tell throughout the story that they had good chemistry. I like that we got some background on Owen and his family. I wish we got more background on Emily.
I thought their investigation added some fun elements to the story. I think it helped move the story along and played an important part in helping Owen and Emily get to know each other.
If you are looking for a hockey romance with minimal spice, I think this is a good read!
Final rating: 3.25/5
I do want to read other stories by this author in the future!
Overall, I thought this book was a cute, easy read, and I enjoyed the story. I like Emily and Owen together. I could tell throughout the story that they had good chemistry. I like that we got some background on Owen and his family. I wish we got more background on Emily.
I thought their investigation added some fun elements to the story. I think it helped move the story along and played an important part in helping Owen and Emily get to know each other.
If you are looking for a hockey romance with minimal spice, I think this is a good read!
Final rating: 3.25/5
I do want to read other stories by this author in the future!
March 10, 2024
"Sometimes you have to play dirty to score big".
Oh my goodness. I am absolutely head over heels for "Head Over Skates"!
I read this delightful story in only a few hours. I couldn't put it down but didn't want it to end!
Get ready to meet your new favorite hockey romance.
Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope and throw in a hockey player and figure skater (who also drives a Zamboni) you have me swooning!
I love the witty banter between Owen and Emily . I also thoroughly enjoy their spy and "who done it" antics!
If you love hockey romance with witty banter this charmingly addictive book is for you!
Oh my goodness. I am absolutely head over heels for "Head Over Skates"!
I read this delightful story in only a few hours. I couldn't put it down but didn't want it to end!
Get ready to meet your new favorite hockey romance.
Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope and throw in a hockey player and figure skater (who also drives a Zamboni) you have me swooning!
I love the witty banter between Owen and Emily . I also thoroughly enjoy their spy and "who done it" antics!
If you love hockey romance with witty banter this charmingly addictive book is for you!
February 2, 2025
2.5? Idk if I didn’t listen to it in the car I probably would have dnf’d. It’s like there was both a lot and nothing happening at the same time. And kitten??? No thanks. Also this guy is in love with her but and they’re dating but he’s sleeping on her couch until she’ll move in with him, or they buy a house and get married? I’m fine with no/little spice but it just felt weird because he would make advances and comments but she could hardly even say “friends with benefits but only kissing” it was just odd all around
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed this story as an audiobook. It is narrated by Lance Greenfield, Willa Jaymes.
The back and forth with these two is sizzling. I enjoyed seeing Emily’s conflicting feelings for Owen and how she works through them. She is fiery and has no shame in throwing all Owen’s playing right back at him. Owen is such a sweetheart. He may not open up to many but the way he cares for his brother and tries to help Shannon out speaks volumes to his personality.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is the beginning of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
The back and forth with these two is sizzling. I enjoyed seeing Emily’s conflicting feelings for Owen and how she works through them. She is fiery and has no shame in throwing all Owen’s playing right back at him. Owen is such a sweetheart. He may not open up to many but the way he cares for his brother and tries to help Shannon out speaks volumes to his personality.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is the beginning of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
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