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The Games We Play
Just Add Ice
Sparks fly when ice meets fire.
After eight years in the minors, Rayne “the Pain” Hamilton has realized two things: One, his chances of getting called up to the Big Show are rapidly dwindling with each passing season; and two, he needs a plan for life after hockey. What he doesn’t bargain for is the gorgeous instructor at the fire training center who ignites his heart with burning desire.
Nick Seavers had a great life until his husband died suddenly, and his sun blinked out. A demanding career firefighting and teaching the next generation of firefighters are the only things keeping him sane. The last thing he wants is one of the new trainees, a larger-than-life hockey player with mischievous eyes, taking up space in his head and making him feel things he never thought he’d feel again.
As the heat rises between Rayne and Nick, trade rumors begin circulating and Rayne has to decide: Move to yet another city and start all over again or step off the ice and into the fire with Nick.
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series. All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
After eight years in the minors, Rayne “the Pain” Hamilton has realized two things: One, his chances of getting called up to the Big Show are rapidly dwindling with each passing season; and two, he needs a plan for life after hockey. What he doesn’t bargain for is the gorgeous instructor at the fire training center who ignites his heart with burning desire.
Nick Seavers had a great life until his husband died suddenly, and his sun blinked out. A demanding career firefighting and teaching the next generation of firefighters are the only things keeping him sane. The last thing he wants is one of the new trainees, a larger-than-life hockey player with mischievous eyes, taking up space in his head and making him feel things he never thought he’d feel again.
As the heat rises between Rayne and Nick, trade rumors begin circulating and Rayne has to decide: Move to yet another city and start all over again or step off the ice and into the fire with Nick.
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series. All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2024
70 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
L.C. Chase
25 books357 followersCover artist by day, author by night, L.C. Chase is a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist for Pickup Men and Pulling Leather, an EPIC eBook Awards winner for Pickup Men, a nine-time Ariana eBook Cover Art Awards winner, and Bronze winner in Sinfully’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards for Cover of the Year. She also won runner-up for Best Gay Contemporary Romance and Best Gay Book in the 2016 Rainbow Awards for A Fortunate Blizzard, honorable mention for Best Gay Contemporary Romance in the 2015 Rainbow Awards for Pulling Leather, and Best Gay Mystery/Thriller in the 2012 Rainbow Awards for Riding with Heaven.
You can find L.C. on her website, lcchase.com, and subscribe to her totally sporadic newsletter for more about her works in progress, new releases, newsletter exclusives, and more. Or join her facebook reader group: Chasing Ever After.
You can find L.C. on her website, lcchase.com, and subscribe to her totally sporadic newsletter for more about her works in progress, new releases, newsletter exclusives, and more. Or join her facebook reader group: Chasing Ever After.
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September 1, 2024
Just Add Ice is the second book in the multi author series, The Games We Play, and is by L.C. Chase. I have been wanting to read this author for a long time and this was the perfect opportunity since this series is on Kindle Unlimited. This book was the absolute sweetest. Both main characters had a sad past but their relationship was pretty much angst free. I really did love this book!
Rayne “Rain the Pain” Hamilton is twenty six years old and is a hockey player in the minor league team for Boulder, Colorado. He’s been playing in the minors for eight years and as any other player in the minors, they dream of being called up to the “big” leagues. But, after eight years, Rayne is realistic enough that he knows his chances are diminishing. He also knows he needs to start making an ‘after hockey’ plan for a career. He’s decided firefighting might be a good fit for him so he has been taking all of the book classes on line. Now after the end of the hockey season, it’s time for the four week training course. Rayne is so excited but he was in no way prepared for the oh so sexy instructor.
Nick Seavers is thirty one years old and is a fire fighter and an instructor. Nick had thought he had the perfect life. He had married his high school sweetheart and they were happy until he was taken from him unexpectedly two years ago. Devastated, Nick has been living his life alone, letting his grief take over everything. He goes to work and comes home. But all it took was for his eyes to connect with the new recruit in his training class and his life was completely thrown off course.
Nick doesn’t know how to handle his re-awakening feelings, something he thought was gone for good. One thing he does know, though, is that it would be completely inappropriate for him to act on anything during the course. But when it’s over, could he give in to the sexy hockey player?
First, Rayne was adorable. He was such a flirt but for Rayne, it’s the first time he has ever felt an attraction like this. His awkward attempts to ask Nick out were so cute. Both of these guys had a sad past but together, they found something so wonderful. This was a sweet, sexy, feel good romance that I loved.
I do want to add a note for the author that even though it didn’t distract me from the story, there were quite a few errors. The book could benefit from a thorough read through to get them corrected.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Rayne “Rain the Pain” Hamilton is twenty six years old and is a hockey player in the minor league team for Boulder, Colorado. He’s been playing in the minors for eight years and as any other player in the minors, they dream of being called up to the “big” leagues. But, after eight years, Rayne is realistic enough that he knows his chances are diminishing. He also knows he needs to start making an ‘after hockey’ plan for a career. He’s decided firefighting might be a good fit for him so he has been taking all of the book classes on line. Now after the end of the hockey season, it’s time for the four week training course. Rayne is so excited but he was in no way prepared for the oh so sexy instructor.
Nick Seavers is thirty one years old and is a fire fighter and an instructor. Nick had thought he had the perfect life. He had married his high school sweetheart and they were happy until he was taken from him unexpectedly two years ago. Devastated, Nick has been living his life alone, letting his grief take over everything. He goes to work and comes home. But all it took was for his eyes to connect with the new recruit in his training class and his life was completely thrown off course.
Nick doesn’t know how to handle his re-awakening feelings, something he thought was gone for good. One thing he does know, though, is that it would be completely inappropriate for him to act on anything during the course. But when it’s over, could he give in to the sexy hockey player?
First, Rayne was adorable. He was such a flirt but for Rayne, it’s the first time he has ever felt an attraction like this. His awkward attempts to ask Nick out were so cute. Both of these guys had a sad past but together, they found something so wonderful. This was a sweet, sexy, feel good romance that I loved.
I do want to add a note for the author that even though it didn’t distract me from the story, there were quite a few errors. The book could benefit from a thorough read through to get them corrected.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 25, 2024
3.50⭐
It was short and sweet. Rayne was a great character, self assured without being cocky, and he wanted to find a place to call home. Nick had his grief over the death of his husband to overcome and give life another chance. It took a while for them to come together in a relationship and it was fun seeing them flirt, but there was something missing. I guess it being a short book didn't make for a very well developed romance. They were cute together and I always appreciate a man who blushes, and my dudes, did Nick blush non stop. It's not strictly a sports romance but it features hockey, though not in depth, and I was grateful for that. It has a very happy ending.
In general terms, I enjoyed it.
It was short and sweet. Rayne was a great character, self assured without being cocky, and he wanted to find a place to call home. Nick had his grief over the death of his husband to overcome and give life another chance. It took a while for them to come together in a relationship and it was fun seeing them flirt, but there was something missing. I guess it being a short book didn't make for a very well developed romance. They were cute together and I always appreciate a man who blushes, and my dudes, did Nick blush non stop. It's not strictly a sports romance but it features hockey, though not in depth, and I was grateful for that. It has a very happy ending.
In general terms, I enjoyed it.
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June 20, 2024I truly enjoyed getting to know Rayne and I appreciated his down to earth approach to his career and what he wanted out of life! I also appreciated Nick's reluctance and restraint and I knew that the slow burn from this book would be rewarded at the end with a lovely HEA. This is not your typical sports romance book, but I really felt the characters and the story line! This was another great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what's next! It can easily be read standalone.
July 8, 2024
A MM romance which is more of a firefighter romance than a hockey romance! A cute novella about moving on, can be a good palate cleanser.
I devoured my #ARC in 3hrs. Rayne & Nick are sweet.
“What I always wanted most in life was a home.”
Rayne (26) plays hockey in the minors. It was my 1st time in a book to see someone plan ahead of their hockey career, R chose Firefighting. R's confident, friendly with a sweet vulnerable side.
Nick (31) is a firefighter & a widow of 2 years. N threw himself into work to combat the heartbreaking loss 🥺. N's cautious, professional & a caretaker at heart; with a cute doggo!
This was a slowburn in 1st half with a Trainer/Trainee dynamics, until it's finally a ALL IN situation. I applaud R's forwardness & resilience, man. It's overall low on angst overall, emotional tho. The bookshelf scene 🤭.
The amount of side characters introduced in the 1st 3 chapters of a short story boggled my mind at start lol. But it was ok afterwards. RTC. My 1st book of July & 1st by the author!
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😊🥺🙁🤭😳😅🙃😢😁🥰😆👨🚒🔥🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2.5/5
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.4/5
7) Plot arc: (Moving on, Love) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.4/5
I devoured my #ARC in 3hrs. Rayne & Nick are sweet.
“What I always wanted most in life was a home.”
Rayne (26) plays hockey in the minors. It was my 1st time in a book to see someone plan ahead of their hockey career, R chose Firefighting. R's confident, friendly with a sweet vulnerable side.
Nick (31) is a firefighter & a widow of 2 years. N threw himself into work to combat the heartbreaking loss 🥺. N's cautious, professional & a caretaker at heart; with a cute doggo!
This was a slowburn in 1st half with a Trainer/Trainee dynamics, until it's finally a ALL IN situation. I applaud R's forwardness & resilience, man. It's overall low on angst overall, emotional tho. The bookshelf scene 🤭.
The amount of side characters introduced in the 1st 3 chapters of a short story boggled my mind at start lol. But it was ok afterwards. RTC. My 1st book of July & 1st by the author!
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😊🥺🙁🤭😳😅🙃😢😁🥰😆👨🚒🔥🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2.5/5
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.4/5
7) Plot arc: (Moving on, Love) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.4/5
July 9, 2024
He has been at it all for eight years and he begins to believe he will never go ant further. He is about to meet a new man who will set his heart on fire. They are so different to him and it may just set his life on fire. How will it all go? Can he get a new reason to carry on? See how it will all go
July 12, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Just Add Ice is part of the Games We Play collection, a multi-author series about minor league hockey players who are at the end of their career for one reason or another. Chase’s contribution is the second book in the series, but the books do not have to be read in order, as they are tied together only by the theme and the league.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. Both Nick and Rayne are well fleshed out characters who each have their issues. This was a shorter novel and the story goes fast, but there’s plenty of character development and storyline, so that it doesn’t feel like it’s missing much. This one is an easy recommendation.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Just Add Ice is part of the Games We Play collection, a multi-author series about minor league hockey players who are at the end of their career for one reason or another. Chase’s contribution is the second book in the series, but the books do not have to be read in order, as they are tied together only by the theme and the league.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. Both Nick and Rayne are well fleshed out characters who each have their issues. This was a shorter novel and the story goes fast, but there’s plenty of character development and storyline, so that it doesn’t feel like it’s missing much. This one is an easy recommendation.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
August 4, 2024
A very sexy, sweet book. Two gorgeous men, a hockey player and a fire fighter. Overcoming grief and seeing the life in front of him, Nick let's Rayne in and they make a beautiful quick story together.
June 30, 2024
Great premise. Likable characters. Nick and Rayne have good backstories and nice chemistry.
In spite of this, ultimately very cheesy and unsatisfying. This book is what I think happens when straight women don’t do their homework and write MM relationships: Totally heteronormative interactions and intimacy. SPOILER ALERT - Issues include: The rapid pacing of the relationship diving into “I love you” very quickly, the idea that a partner could show up at a firefighter’s active duty AT a fire and it somehow be okay, the marriage proposal coming (from a widow no less) 4 months into dating; and cringey intimacy.
In spite of this, ultimately very cheesy and unsatisfying. This book is what I think happens when straight women don’t do their homework and write MM relationships: Totally heteronormative interactions and intimacy. SPOILER ALERT - Issues include: The rapid pacing of the relationship diving into “I love you” very quickly, the idea that a partner could show up at a firefighter’s active duty AT a fire and it somehow be okay, the marriage proposal coming (from a widow no less) 4 months into dating; and cringey intimacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2024
This was a cute, short, and sweet book!
Rayne "the pain" Hamilton has spent the last eight years in the minor leagues of hockey, and he's never been called up even once. Having a feeling that a long hockey career may not be in the cards, he decides to train to be a firefighter in the offseason. While training, he meets the hunky and haunted Nick Seavers, a firefighter instructor still battling the grief of losing his husband two years ago. Nick's surprised to find himself attracted to Rayne, not sure he's ready to get into another relationship. Rayne wants Nick pretty much instantly, but is ready to wait to let Nick make the first move. With the prospect of hockey taking Rayne away from Boulder hanging over their heads, will their relationship stay lit, or burn out?
I really am enjoying books about the minor leagues of hockey. Seeing the guys who are not always superstars, who don't make the big bucks and are constantly shuffled not just between teams in their league but also back and forth between different leagues is very interesting. I also like to see a character who is accepting of his fate and ready to see what comes next, and what that means for a hockey player.
Nick and Rayne were also equal parts cute and hot together, and I liked how Rayne gave Nick the time to come to terms with moving on from his late husband on his terms instead of trying to push him into things before he was ready. They definitely fall hard and fast, but not so fast as to be unbelievable.
If you're looking for a short and sweet book with two of the hottest professions combining, this is for you!
CW: death of spouse, grief, sexual content
Rayne "the pain" Hamilton has spent the last eight years in the minor leagues of hockey, and he's never been called up even once. Having a feeling that a long hockey career may not be in the cards, he decides to train to be a firefighter in the offseason. While training, he meets the hunky and haunted Nick Seavers, a firefighter instructor still battling the grief of losing his husband two years ago. Nick's surprised to find himself attracted to Rayne, not sure he's ready to get into another relationship. Rayne wants Nick pretty much instantly, but is ready to wait to let Nick make the first move. With the prospect of hockey taking Rayne away from Boulder hanging over their heads, will their relationship stay lit, or burn out?
I really am enjoying books about the minor leagues of hockey. Seeing the guys who are not always superstars, who don't make the big bucks and are constantly shuffled not just between teams in their league but also back and forth between different leagues is very interesting. I also like to see a character who is accepting of his fate and ready to see what comes next, and what that means for a hockey player.
Nick and Rayne were also equal parts cute and hot together, and I liked how Rayne gave Nick the time to come to terms with moving on from his late husband on his terms instead of trying to push him into things before he was ready. They definitely fall hard and fast, but not so fast as to be unbelievable.
If you're looking for a short and sweet book with two of the hottest professions combining, this is for you!
CW: death of spouse, grief, sexual content
July 8, 2024
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is a brand-new author to me, but I liked the write up so I thought I would give it a chance and I’m super glad I did.
Rayne “rain the pain” is a hockey player he hasn’t made it up to the big leagues, but his love for hockey has kept him playing. But now after eight years, many moves, he just wants to settle down so he’s decided to train to become a fireman in the off-season. And this is where he meets Nick. Who is an instructor.
Nick was still grieving the death of his husband who died two years ago. And other than his dog Roo. Life is just mundane getting through the day to wake the next morning, feeling the cold space beside him. He hadn’t had a spark for any other man and if honest he didn’t think that he would be able to love the way he did with his husband. But that will change the moment he met Rayne. He was very happy flirty, but knew when to take the training seriously. Could Nick honestly take a chance on a relationship again??
I’ve got to say I enjoyed these two. Rayne it’s just sunshine and he brings Nick back to life that little spark of light. Nick knew his husband would want him to be happy. I enjoyed the banter and their conversations and the flintiness of it all. And oh lala the Passion is electric.
There is no massive drama in this book and that’s OK with me. I needed this book at this time so thank you very much.
This is a brand-new author to me, but I liked the write up so I thought I would give it a chance and I’m super glad I did.
Rayne “rain the pain” is a hockey player he hasn’t made it up to the big leagues, but his love for hockey has kept him playing. But now after eight years, many moves, he just wants to settle down so he’s decided to train to become a fireman in the off-season. And this is where he meets Nick. Who is an instructor.
Nick was still grieving the death of his husband who died two years ago. And other than his dog Roo. Life is just mundane getting through the day to wake the next morning, feeling the cold space beside him. He hadn’t had a spark for any other man and if honest he didn’t think that he would be able to love the way he did with his husband. But that will change the moment he met Rayne. He was very happy flirty, but knew when to take the training seriously. Could Nick honestly take a chance on a relationship again??
I’ve got to say I enjoyed these two. Rayne it’s just sunshine and he brings Nick back to life that little spark of light. Nick knew his husband would want him to be happy. I enjoyed the banter and their conversations and the flintiness of it all. And oh lala the Passion is electric.
There is no massive drama in this book and that’s OK with me. I needed this book at this time so thank you very much.
July 16, 2024
I loved Rayne and Nick’s story, with their instant attraction, and the reality of Nick needing to feel that he could move forward before entering into another relationship. I particularly appreciated that Nick’s late husband is very much a part of the narrative. Nick is finding room in his heart for another, rather than dismissing his husband’s memory. Very sensitively written.
I liked the reality of Rayne’s professional and his planning for another career as it’s a young man’s game. I also liked that the dangers of firefighting aren’t glossed over either, especially with a crisis that could have easily become so much worse.
I love how he and Nick connect, and share about their lives, and pasts, as part of their growing friendship and more. The flirting is fun, and I loved Rayne’s instant connection with Roo, Nick’s dog. The scene with the butterfly is poignant and the perfect way to show the way forward.
One of the highlights of the story is the strength of the friendships with the two men and the supporting cast. I liked the arc of one of the characters was handled, rather than taking the easy way out and having him remain not nice throughout.
Their HEA is sweet, and I love where their lives take them in their future together.
I liked the reality of Rayne’s professional and his planning for another career as it’s a young man’s game. I also liked that the dangers of firefighting aren’t glossed over either, especially with a crisis that could have easily become so much worse.
I love how he and Nick connect, and share about their lives, and pasts, as part of their growing friendship and more. The flirting is fun, and I loved Rayne’s instant connection with Roo, Nick’s dog. The scene with the butterfly is poignant and the perfect way to show the way forward.
One of the highlights of the story is the strength of the friendships with the two men and the supporting cast. I liked the arc of one of the characters was handled, rather than taking the easy way out and having him remain not nice throughout.
Their HEA is sweet, and I love where their lives take them in their future together.
October 4, 2024
Aaand I'm out. Again.
It started way better than book one, but then the main characters met. In a professional setting. Where they started to drool after each other. So much so, that one of them had a literal hard on????
I'm sure there are people in the world with zero self restraint who would get hard in the middle of their work. But they should be shot, not made into firefighters who may deal with situations where the smallest distraction can lead to tragedy.
I don't like the lust at first sight trope, but I can get over it if it's done in a way that is not so unrealistic. Here it is done without a tought. I know some writers write full time (I don't think this author does) and may have no idea how social interactions work, but then they should do a deep dive on the topic before writing about it.
The other trope we encountere here, the no one else but him, just makes me angry. It does gerner unrealistic expectations and hope in the female population. Who wouldn't want to be the only subject of admiration of their partner? It just isn't how humans work. Especially if it's about sexual attraction.
It's mostly a me not the book situation, but those of us who like our contemporary romances closer to the real side of the scale should not pick this up.
It started way better than book one, but then the main characters met. In a professional setting. Where they started to drool after each other. So much so, that one of them had a literal hard on????
I'm sure there are people in the world with zero self restraint who would get hard in the middle of their work. But they should be shot, not made into firefighters who may deal with situations where the smallest distraction can lead to tragedy.
I don't like the lust at first sight trope, but I can get over it if it's done in a way that is not so unrealistic. Here it is done without a tought. I know some writers write full time (I don't think this author does) and may have no idea how social interactions work, but then they should do a deep dive on the topic before writing about it.
The other trope we encountere here, the no one else but him, just makes me angry. It does gerner unrealistic expectations and hope in the female population. Who wouldn't want to be the only subject of admiration of their partner? It just isn't how humans work. Especially if it's about sexual attraction.
It's mostly a me not the book situation, but those of us who like our contemporary romances closer to the real side of the scale should not pick this up.
June 23, 2024
Rayne is nearing the end of his hockey career. The chances of him moving up form the minors is majors is low so it is time to think of what is next. For him, that’s training to be a firefighter. And training begins soon. But he never expects for one of his trainers to catch his eye. And for said trainer to make him forget about hockey and really settle in one place after years of moving for hockey. Nick has been going through the motions of life for the last two years. His husband died in an accident after many years together and he just hasn’t found something or someone to spark life back into him. Until Rayne. From the moment their eyes meet, Nick feels something for the first time in a very long time. And the more they talk and spend time together, the more it grows. But is he truly ready to move on? I loved Rayne and Nick! These two were so sweet. I loved that Rayne didn’t give up on Nick but gave him the space he needed to decide if he was ready to take a chance. Especially once firefighting training was over. And I loved the Rayne was able to spark some happiness for Nick after such a terrible loss. These two fit so perfectly together! Really enjoying this series so far!
June 29, 2024
Just Add Ice by L.C. Chase is part of a new multi-author universe set in the hockey world called Games We Play.
Rayne Hamilton has been playing minor league hockey for the last eight years and his chances of being called up to the major league seems to be dwindling to nothing. He decides to start training for what comes after hockey. He decides to become a firefighter.
Nick Seavers has been drifting through life since the death of his husband. While training the new firefighter recruits, he realizes how attracted he is to Rayne and it scares him quite a bit.
These two really complemented each other very well. I am so glad that Nick’s fear didn’t go on too long. Once these two committed, they really committed. It went a little too fast for me especially considering how tentative Nick was. However, in the end, I didn’t really mind it too much because I enjoyed these two a lot. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
Rayne Hamilton has been playing minor league hockey for the last eight years and his chances of being called up to the major league seems to be dwindling to nothing. He decides to start training for what comes after hockey. He decides to become a firefighter.
Nick Seavers has been drifting through life since the death of his husband. While training the new firefighter recruits, he realizes how attracted he is to Rayne and it scares him quite a bit.
These two really complemented each other very well. I am so glad that Nick’s fear didn’t go on too long. Once these two committed, they really committed. It went a little too fast for me especially considering how tentative Nick was. However, in the end, I didn’t really mind it too much because I enjoyed these two a lot. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
July 8, 2024
This book was cute, short, and sweet!
Rayne "the pain" Hamilton has spent eight years in the minor leagues of hockey without being called up once. Realizing a long hockey career might not be in the cards, he trains to be a firefighter in the offseason. During training, he meets the hunky and haunted firefighter instructor, Nick Seavers, who is still grieving the loss of his husband two years ago. Nick is surprised by his attraction to Rayne and unsure if he's ready for a new relationship. Rayne is instantly attracted to Nick but is patient, waiting for Nick to make the first move. With the possibility of hockey taking Rayne away from Boulder, will their relationship stay strong or fizzle out?
Nick and Rayne are both cute and hot together. I appreciated how Rayne gave Nick the time he needed to move on from his late husband without pressure. Their romance develops quickly but remains believable.
If you're looking for a short and sweet book with two of the hottest professions combined, this is for you!
CW: death of spouse, grief, sexual content
Rayne "the pain" Hamilton has spent eight years in the minor leagues of hockey without being called up once. Realizing a long hockey career might not be in the cards, he trains to be a firefighter in the offseason. During training, he meets the hunky and haunted firefighter instructor, Nick Seavers, who is still grieving the loss of his husband two years ago. Nick is surprised by his attraction to Rayne and unsure if he's ready for a new relationship. Rayne is instantly attracted to Nick but is patient, waiting for Nick to make the first move. With the possibility of hockey taking Rayne away from Boulder, will their relationship stay strong or fizzle out?
Nick and Rayne are both cute and hot together. I appreciated how Rayne gave Nick the time he needed to move on from his late husband without pressure. Their romance develops quickly but remains believable.
If you're looking for a short and sweet book with two of the hottest professions combined, this is for you!
CW: death of spouse, grief, sexual content
July 9, 2024
A HOT, BLAZING FIVE ALARM INFERNO!💕🔥🧊🏒
Just add ice how aptly this short story is named, as these two characters are blazing hot together once widowed firefighter Lieutenant Nick Seavers 👨🚒lets his walls down and embraces a new beginning… with new recruit and ice hockey player Rayne Hamilton
An undeniable connection was forged when their eyes met for the first time and the times they spent as instructor and recruit but the build up of the slow burn was like a smouldering flame that blazed into a “five alarm inferno”as these two beautiful men found a home in each other and a new found love!
To me the story was far too short as I wanted more of them but it was well paced for a short story with an engaging storyline and a beautiful rounded off epilogue!
These two characters will crawl deep into your heart and leave smouldering embers in their wake!
This is the second book of this amazing author I have read and will not be the last!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
Just add ice how aptly this short story is named, as these two characters are blazing hot together once widowed firefighter Lieutenant Nick Seavers 👨🚒lets his walls down and embraces a new beginning… with new recruit and ice hockey player Rayne Hamilton
An undeniable connection was forged when their eyes met for the first time and the times they spent as instructor and recruit but the build up of the slow burn was like a smouldering flame that blazed into a “five alarm inferno”as these two beautiful men found a home in each other and a new found love!
To me the story was far too short as I wanted more of them but it was well paced for a short story with an engaging storyline and a beautiful rounded off epilogue!
These two characters will crawl deep into your heart and leave smouldering embers in their wake!
This is the second book of this amazing author I have read and will not be the last!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
July 10, 2024
For both of the men in this story meeting one another and finding a spark provides them with the chance to move in a new direction. For Rayne the hockey career that he wanted has so far eluded him. He has toiled in the minors for eight years and hopes that a call up to the majors is dwindling. He starts thinking about what he will do next and is led to decide to train to be a firefighter. That's where he meets Nick, one of the trainers for the new recruits. Nick lost his husband and has not been trying to find new love again. In fact, he is kind of avoiding it. Until Rayne comes along and he feels attraction for him in a way he did not expect and frankly it startled him. They are a good match for one another and they are in a position to let the professional side of their relationship run its course before moving their personal relationship along. It was really nice that for each of them, finding the other helps them transition to new phases in their individual lives as well.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
Very short story, very quick romance
This is a sweet story that features likeable characters and is an easy read, but it was all longing on both sides and then suddenly it was relationship time followed very quickly by massive commitment.
The story was not balanced properly, with a lot of the firefighter training compared to the romance aspect and it suffered from being too short to correct that.
I liked the focus on a minor league player who hadn't been able to break into the majors and was looking for a career after hockey. It isn't a side of sport I'd thought about before and I found it very poignant that athletes have to end their career early, never having fulfilled their dreams.
Rayne and Nick were lovely men with sad back stories and I liked the side characters too. The book was just too short to do them justice.
This is a sweet story that features likeable characters and is an easy read, but it was all longing on both sides and then suddenly it was relationship time followed very quickly by massive commitment.
The story was not balanced properly, with a lot of the firefighter training compared to the romance aspect and it suffered from being too short to correct that.
I liked the focus on a minor league player who hadn't been able to break into the majors and was looking for a career after hockey. It isn't a side of sport I'd thought about before and I found it very poignant that athletes have to end their career early, never having fulfilled their dreams.
Rayne and Nick were lovely men with sad back stories and I liked the side characters too. The book was just too short to do them justice.
July 8, 2024
A really lovely low angst sports romance. I loved these characters a lot, and Rayne and Nick have a really uplifting story to share. I appreciated the author’s original take on hockey romance. Rayne is playing for the minor leagues and considering what comes after hockey, spending his offseason training to become a firefighter. A lot of sports romance tend to focus on pursuing the sport above all else. Rayne has different priorities, and after a lonely and neglected childhood, Rayne wants to put down roots, he wants a home. What I loved about this was the simplicity of Rayne and Nick’s relationship. Their attraction is quick and authentic and it was pretty lovely seeing Nick give himself permission to move forward after his husband’s death a few years earlier. I enjoyed it a lot, I only wish it was longer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 28, 2024
This book is a slow burn with flirtation, lust, and plenty of blushes. If you are looking for a sports book, this is not it. This book is a short novella about what comes next.
Rayne is at the end of his minor hockey league career, and he is trying to figure out where to go from there now that his season is over. He starts firefighter training, having taken some online courses. That's when he meets Nick, one of the firefighter trainers.
Nick is getting over the unexpected, tragic death of his husband. Two years later, he is just going through his routines, living life through the motions. All of that changed when he met Rayne at the firefighter class. Is it too soon for him to move on? If he does, is he betraying his dead husband?
Short but sweet with a satisfying ending.
I received an ARC copy from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rayne is at the end of his minor hockey league career, and he is trying to figure out where to go from there now that his season is over. He starts firefighter training, having taken some online courses. That's when he meets Nick, one of the firefighter trainers.
Nick is getting over the unexpected, tragic death of his husband. Two years later, he is just going through his routines, living life through the motions. All of that changed when he met Rayne at the firefighter class. Is it too soon for him to move on? If he does, is he betraying his dead husband?
Short but sweet with a satisfying ending.
I received an ARC copy from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2024
2.75
This was alright. Not good, not bad, just a very bland and forgettable read. I was going to say there's only so much you can do in that short page count, but that's unfair to all the incredible shorter books I've read in the past — to be honest, this is just a very surface-level, fluff-without-substance story.
I love hockey, and I love firefighters, and I was having fun at the start, especially with their initial flirtation. I'm also a sucker for a good widower story and was excited to see Nick opening himself up to love again. There were some sweet moments, and in general, I think the short page count helped in the sense that it ended before I could get bored. But I have to say, don't expect much in terms of conflict, character exploration, or development.
I had to remove 0.25 stars for the ending, though. God, I hate how cheesy it was to my core.
This was alright. Not good, not bad, just a very bland and forgettable read. I was going to say there's only so much you can do in that short page count, but that's unfair to all the incredible shorter books I've read in the past — to be honest, this is just a very surface-level, fluff-without-substance story.
I love hockey, and I love firefighters, and I was having fun at the start, especially with their initial flirtation. I'm also a sucker for a good widower story and was excited to see Nick opening himself up to love again. There were some sweet moments, and in general, I think the short page count helped in the sense that it ended before I could get bored. But I have to say, don't expect much in terms of conflict, character exploration, or development.
I had to remove 0.25 stars for the ending, though. God, I hate how cheesy it was to my core.
July 10, 2024
Everyone should always have a Plan B! Rayne, has been in the hockey minors for 8 years. Each year remaining there decreases chis chances of being called up to the majors. He is starting to recognize that he needs a Plan B for life after Hockey. Good thing he is taking classes at the Firefighter Academy. Nick, is a widowed Firefighter. He is also an instructor at the Firefighting Academy. He is surprised he lets his student, Rayne take up so much real estate in his head, because he's still morning, right? They allow the door to open for them to get better acquainted personally. They face challenges, then an opportunity provides a big decision point. Great characters. Good story nice flow, well done! Hot cover art! I want a callendar. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
I don't know how I feel about this book honestly. It was a cute quick read buuuutttttt I could not connect with the characters and I was a bit bored out of my mind reading.
As I'm writing the review I'm struggling to remember their names honestly 😕 for Nick the whole I was married and can't move on and then the next day you're going on a date and then falling in love in a matter of weeks/months. It just didn't make sense to me at all.
I get the premise around the whole firefighting training and that was how the two meet but the amount of details that went into it was sooooo boring to me. I feel like half of it could have been left out.
As I'm writing the review I'm struggling to remember their names honestly 😕 for Nick the whole I was married and can't move on and then the next day you're going on a date and then falling in love in a matter of weeks/months. It just didn't make sense to me at all.
I get the premise around the whole firefighting training and that was how the two meet but the amount of details that went into it was sooooo boring to me. I feel like half of it could have been left out.
July 8, 2024
What happens when you bring an aging out minor hockey player and a fire instructor together? You get a low angst, sweet story. Rayne is coming to the end of his career and is transitioning to a new career as a firefighter. Nick is a fire instructor who is grieving the loss of his husband. His days are filled with being an instructor and his dog Roo who keeps him company. Both men are attracted to each other but are hesitant to take the next steps especially Nick.
This was a heartbreaking and heartwarming story that was low angst. It was just the right amount of everything to make a wonderful story.
This was a heartbreaking and heartwarming story that was low angst. It was just the right amount of everything to make a wonderful story.
July 14, 2024
Delightful low angst story about love and home. I really enjoyed Rayne and Nick's journey. They were honest, perspective and really good men who find a future together.
I liked that they waited on their personal relationship until after Rayne had completed his firefighter training and Nick was no longer his instructor.
It was fun to see how hockey gave such joy to Rayne and i am so glad he found ways to keep that joy in his world.
Just Add Ice is part of the multi-author hockey The Games We Play universe and I will be checking other books in this series.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
I liked that they waited on their personal relationship until after Rayne had completed his firefighter training and Nick was no longer his instructor.
It was fun to see how hockey gave such joy to Rayne and i am so glad he found ways to keep that joy in his world.
Just Add Ice is part of the multi-author hockey The Games We Play universe and I will be checking other books in this series.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
October 20, 2024
I don’t know why I wasn’t interested in this book but it took me forever to finish. It felt forced. Like the real emotions were missing, just brushed on, while they could have been there since the ingredients were heavy enough. Maybe it was the third person pov, but I definitely didn’t feel it.
I was happy Nick didn’t have a disappointing realisation about his former husband like often happens with the widow trope, that would have killed the story altogether. Rayne’s past was very cliche though.
2.5 stars since 2 stars feels harsh and it’s not a badly written book. Not quite 3 stars though because it felt off.
I was happy Nick didn’t have a disappointing realisation about his former husband like often happens with the widow trope, that would have killed the story altogether. Rayne’s past was very cliche though.
2.5 stars since 2 stars feels harsh and it’s not a badly written book. Not quite 3 stars though because it felt off.
June 30, 2024
This is a fairly short and sweet book, the hockey aspect is fairly limited, so I wouldn't call it a sport romance. I like that you see the non-NHL teams and that they have to think about their future instead of living of their millions.
I like Rayne and Nick. Rayne really brings Nick out of his grief. Both are likeable characters but I felt they were a bit two dimensional, depth was definitely missing here.
The romance, once they started, got on really quick. They are a bit too sweet for my likening though.
The book has basically no angst, no drama. Ideal for a vacation read.
I like Rayne and Nick. Rayne really brings Nick out of his grief. Both are likeable characters but I felt they were a bit two dimensional, depth was definitely missing here.
The romance, once they started, got on really quick. They are a bit too sweet for my likening though.
The book has basically no angst, no drama. Ideal for a vacation read.
July 1, 2024
This is a short, low-angst, sweet love story between a hockey player who just wants a place to call home and a grieving widower firefighter who doesn't think he'll ever get over his husband's death.
The story is relatively short with quite a few time skips, and once the romance begins, it turns serious very fast. I assume this was done because the story was meant to be somewhat short, but it left me wanting a lot more detail. The spice factor is about 2.5/5 for lack of detail.
The HEA is very sweet!
ARC review ❤
The story is relatively short with quite a few time skips, and once the romance begins, it turns serious very fast. I assume this was done because the story was meant to be somewhat short, but it left me wanting a lot more detail. The spice factor is about 2.5/5 for lack of detail.
The HEA is very sweet!
ARC review ❤
July 4, 2024
I liked it, but I would have liked a smoother ending. I enjoyed the characters and the story, but I feel like it just fell flat at the end. The last chapter was nice with a round up of everything, but lacked something for me. It’s almost like the story just started getting good, then the next chapter was three months in the future and everything had a pretty little ending.
Overall, I did enjoy it, I just felt like the ending came out of nowhere and then it was done.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
Overall, I did enjoy it, I just felt like the ending came out of nowhere and then it was done.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2024
The premise of this sounded so good and I'd heard the author was good so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately it was a miss for me. All the right things were there, but I just didn't connect with it at all, I just could not care less. I was terribly bored for most of it and really struggled to finish even though it's only 40k. It was also very overwritten and flowery in the sex scenes, and I lost all patience when he licked him once, put his dick in and then wondered if he'd prepped him properly. No, dude, you did not prep him at all, let alone properly. Ugh.
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