Through the Ice

Central State Hockey #1

by Jaqueline Snowe

The last person nursing student Audrey Hawthorne wants to be paired with for her senior clinicals is Theo Sanders. Not only is the hockey star responsible for her brother's almost career-ending injury, she’s branded him as enemy number one. But when they're assigned to the same ICU team, Audrey can't avoid him.

Theo, known for his easy smiles and sunny disposition, has always been misunderstood. Behind his cheerful facade lies a man struggling with heavy responsibilities—he's been the main caretaker for his siblings ever since his mother's stroke. When he learns he'll be working alongside Audrey, he sees it as a chance to prove he's not the villain she thinks he is.

Forced proximity in the high-stakes environment of the ICU makes it impossible for Audrey to maintain her grudge. She discovers that Theo's life off the ice is as complex and demanding as her own, filled with sacrifices and care for those he loves. Theo starts to break through her defenses, where they start relying on each other for everything. But just as their relationship deepens, Audrey makes a decision to protect Theo by keeping a critical secret, which could unravel everything they've built.

Genres: Hockey, Romance, Sports Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Sports, Hockey Romance, College

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2024

About the author

Jaqueline Snowe lives in Arizona where the "dry heat" really isn't that bad. She prefers drinking coffee all hours of the day and snacking on anything that has peanut butter or chocolate. She is the mother to two dogs who don’t realize they aren’t humans and a = mom to the sweetest boy. She is an avid reader and writer of romances and tends to write about athletes. Her husband works for an MLB team (not a player, lol) so she knows more about baseball than any human ever should.


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Reviews

[marie-synclaire · Rating 1 out of 5]

You could tell me these characters are in middle school and I’d believe you

[Julie R · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m embarrassed that this is even on my Goodreads. I’m gonna pretend this doesn’t exist.

[Lydia Edie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Horrible book. Incredibly entertaining.

[Amelie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sorry. This has so much potential but the writing was awful and the main character was so insecure. I couldn’t do it

[Galina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The dialogue felt so naive, the spicy scenes were cringy, the relationship moved too fast, major plot lines were underdeveloped. I only finished because it was short and I needed one for my reading challenge.

[Haley · Rating 1 out of 5]

300 pages of some ass

[Emma Pastor · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty horrible, i need to stop falling for every good review i see on tiktok. middle school ass relationship. every other line audrey was like he’s gonna leave me i know this won’t last forever…. like girl stand up

[Kylie]

4.25/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

So cute! Perfect, golden retriever MMC. I loved it! 😍

[Sophie Simmonds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes I read a hockey romance book. Yes I read it in one sitting. Enough said.

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute sports romance. I liked that the main characters helped one another through their personal family issues. It was pretty obvious how the story would go from the beginning. A little cringy at times but overall fine.

[Isabella Atchina · Rating 1 out of 5]

that was a horrible recommendation julia

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick and easy read. I do wish they gave more character development to Audrey with gaining more confidence by the end of the book. Even though it was a little cheesy it was still a good light read.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you jaqueline Snowe for the e-arc.

Audrey a nursing student and Theo a hockey player start as enemies because of an injury Theo caused to her brother during a game. A semester later, he transfers to her school and they are paired up for the ICU team.

I really enjoyed their story. I loved the pace of their relationship, they obviously had attraction early on but they had time to develop a great friendship and bond over their shared experiences before anything physical actually happened and u appreciated it. Often times it is rushed but their physical relationship made so much more sense with their friendship as the foundation.

Theo was a unique character to me because i have never seen a book where the mmc only path after college is his sport. Theo loves hockey but he has a back up plan by getting a nursing degree that he is content on. It makes so much sense for his character. Both characters were enjoyable to me because they seemed like real people. all their actions and words went well with the character that they are described to be.

Audrey and Theo both became each other’s support through their respective issues with their family. Theo was such a great support for Audrey and was great at reading her body language. She is so used to being overlooked emotionally by her family and is used to putting others before her, so Theo being able to see that and push her to be honest and communicative shows how much he truly cared for her.

Audrey is inexperienced in the love department because it was put on the back burner for her family; but it wasn’t done in a weird way. I liked how Audrey had her own things and never made her inexperience her personality, that can get very annoying very fast. Her insecurities mainly stem from her family dynamic and what she is accustomed to than her lack of experience.

This has to be one of my favorite Jaqueline Snowe books I have read so far because I loved how their connection took precedence.

Thank you Jaqueline Snowe for the arc. (This is an honest review)

[staci ❥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute but forgettable

[Kacey Daniels {hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sum · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️⭐️
IS IT ME? NO FR. IS IT ME?!?!
Why do all books fucking suck literal ass lately.

——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———

Ik I shit on the book for basically all of this “review” but it’s just my personal opinion and it really was not completely horrible. Many have enjoyed it I’m just unfortunately not one of those ppl 😩🥲

——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———

I didn’t really have high expectations going into this bc it’s so short and what not BUT WTF


I’d like to start off by saying that I really don’t expect the world out of romance books. I have read many, many, MANY horribly written books that I truly enjoyed. However, lately, the books I have been picking up make me want to cry and throw these books repeatedly at a wall until I never have to look at it again…😅🤬

I just can’t. I JUST can’t. I just CAN’T.

I cannot find it in myself to be all 😫💞🤧❤️🥰 when I am physically wincing and cringing at so many things. And honestly this book is not the worst book in the world I just really could not get into it and it left me disappointed and frustrated
(I’m honestly more mad at myself for not being able to find a good read in MONTHS💔)

Like I said, I know it’s short but CHILL OUT.

1. Why is it so jam packed with trauma if you can’t properly do everything justice?!
IMO If it is meant to a be a cute short rom-com don’t completely hone in on their trauma. Ik it’s for the plot but it just felt so disingenuous.
I just had a REALLY hard time connecting with anything. And it’s honestly horrible on me bc she would explaining the worst of her trauma and im js like 😐😐😐

2. I can NOT with the insta love. How on earth is this marketed as enemies to lovers? It’s too much love too soon 😖

3.kind of piggy backing off my second point,, there is literally never a pause.

Like Ik we are here for the romance but honestly it was overbearing…like I need a breather man😭I can’t handle all of this rn bc instead of screaming into my pillow bc I’m swooning, I’m doing it out of frustration(obv not the good kind) 😬

Sorry 🤷🏻‍♀️( but not really bc these are my personal opinions)

I honestly just can’t. I cannot read any more of this cringy weird dialogue. It’s weird. No one acts or talks like that 😭😭and I’m all for unrealistic romances (TRUST) but I just cannot get with this.

I’ve read my fair share of poorly written books that I have still very much enjoyed but I just can’t get into this 😭literally every ten mins I’m spacing out 🤠😅

Sorry but damn. I just need a book to get me out of this drought/funk but it’s near impossible for me to finish a book lately that I don’t have to force myself to keep reading—and I LOVE reading. I will literally read anything so… once again, is it me? Or am I the only one here who thinks this book is ass ✋😭

[ness · Rating 1 out of 5]

First things first, I did not finish this book. I physically couldn‘t, that‘s how painful reading it was. The characters are supposed to be in their early 20s, yet they act like teens. To paraphrase another review: „middle-school type ass relationship“ Audrey and Theo were so annoying when they were together, I was looking forward to chapters where they didn‘t spend time together.

Also, the literal title of the book is misspelled in the book (the title is written on top of every second page)

Still, I applaud everyone who writes a book and publishes it; I don‘t doubt hard work went into this, no matter if I liked it or not. This just wasn‘t for me. At all.

[Ava · Rating 1 out of 5]

worst hockey romance i’ve ever read!

[Cece Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars. Perfection. No notes LMAO. i ADORED this book!

I am so grateful to have received this to read as an ARC ✨ thank you for this opportunity in exchange for an honest review!

Meet Theo & Audrey (Auds, Audi 5000). Two of my favourite main characters from any romance book I've literally ever read. Both hard-working, kind hearted & taking on the primary caregiver roles in their families while balancing college, sports & their own lives. But of course they don't know that about each other at first, cos what would a forced proximity romance be without a little anger & animosity towards each other in the beginning right? LMAO

Obvi no spoilers but I ADORED the way these two work around each other, the way they grow, their strengths, realizing their weaknesses & i literally felt like i was on an emotional rollercoaster the whole entire time. Did i mention i read this in one 4 hour session? IT WAS THAT GOOD! I swooned, I was angry at characters & family members, I felt let down, my hopes were brought up when theirs were. It was a RIDE YALL. I HIGHLY recommend this book & hope y'all read this when it releases cos i NEEEED people to talk about this with!

Yet another beautiful read from Jaqueline who has very quickly become one of my fave romance authors. I recommend ANY book from her but ESPECIALLY this one!

Thank you again, this read was a great one ❤️

[Taylor Kurer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly - this was kind of terrible. I KNEW going into it that it was a cringe love story but the scenes can be boarderline uncomfortable. If the family backgrounds would have been developed more, I think it would have been better. Not a spoiler, but the ending killed me. I wanted to scream because it was so predictable and downright just cringy imo. Highkey disappointed in the lack of character development.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

[Leah Mikkelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to get an ARC of this new Jaqueline Snowe book in exchange for my review. I really enjoyed this easy read. You can see some other reviews for a summary and I’ll just tell you it was fun and flirty. I loved their banter and Theo the MMC was the sweetest. I don’t always love a virgin MFC but it was done well and still had a lot of spicy scenes. Overall I think it’s a good choice for a fun read this summer.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this but wasn’t able to get the chance to read it early due to a raging sickness ravaging my body 😭 but got damn this was so so so good! Talk about a book that explores family trauma well, that explores what a healthy relationship should and does look like, and the plot was great too. Theo and Audrey helping each other through their traumas together and building each other up to be their best selves was so great. And I loooooved how obsessed with each other they are, two fools in love.

Thank you thank you thank you to Jacqueline for the opportunity to review this book!

[_book_topia_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things I liked:
Theo.
Theo flirting.
Theo taking care of his siblings.
Theo’s story.

Icks:
The nicknames - firstly there were too many Auds/Honey/Hawthorne/Baby - pick one stick with it. Secondly, ‘Honey’ is on my ‘absolutely not’ list of nicknames. It’s too familial.

The sexy times weren’t very sexy, it felt cringy and rushed.

The tangents, so many tangents.

V-Card trope felt like it was thrown in for shits and giggles near the end. You know because Audrey is that girl, nerdy, smart, a bit of a loner, no time because woe is me and all that. So obvs she would never have sex. I am starting to hate the V-Card trope - can you tell?

Audrey’s wet lettuce approach to her family, I mean girl there’s not wanting to hurt feelings and there’s being tarmac.

On a serious note, this book had the potential to be really good. Theo’s flirting was brilliant, he had banter and a self assuredness that was cute and sexy rather than arrogant. The way he was haplessly falling for Audrey was so sweet and his bond with his siblings was everything. But Audrey, she had absolutely no backbone and it got to a point where I just wanted more from her.

There were also quite a few typos and mistakes that really took me out of the book. The execution just wasn’t where it needed to be.

Favourite Quote:

“I’d never be foolish enough to tell you to smile more. F¥ck those weird men who say that, but just know that I’ll remember every time you do. That’s for damn sure.”

To Sum It Up:

Had the potential to be so much better than it was.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0

I loved this book so much tysm to the author for an arc of this book

I love when the people in books have back up plans like Theo got a whole nursing degree just in case like that's so smart not every sports career is gonna end up making you tons of money and they can end so easily.

i love that they were able to understand eachother's struggles because they were both going through something similar.

also i love the friends to lovers arc bc you can see them get to know each other first instead of getting into the relationship straight away & only then learning things about the other person.

Me personally, ik her brother was lied to but he was still an asshole & i would not have forgiven him so easily i wouldve cut them all off so fast

[Courtney Glancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and cheesy but was cute. Was clutching my pearls at what they were doing in his bedroom with his YOUNG SIBLINGS in the house??? My gosh volume control???? Not a care in the world

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the #gifted eARC of this beautiful book.

Through The Ice by Jaqueline Snowe

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥☄️ (0-5) I bump up for public places.

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 I am so into Theo Sanders and Audrey Hawthorne! What beautifully caring, loving, and resilient new adult characters.
🤩 Theo and Audrey have the best enemies-to-lovers banter right away, and I love it! The way they interact make it such a good binge read. I couldn’t put it down.
🤩 The transition from enemies to friends is so entertaining, how their lives to cleverly intermingle.
🤩 I was a goner for Theo Sanders at first hug. Oh, he gives the best hugs. He is total book boyfriend material, how he naturally reads Audrey and wears his heart on his sleeve.
🤩 When first kisses feel so good.
🤩 Goodness gracious that second kiss.
🤩 “Do you need help?” When Theo walks in on Audrey, and she definitely needs all his help. I should mention—virgin FMC, she’s never been able to orgasm before.
🤩 Theo and Audrey are smokin’ hot. I especially love the hockey house party. A little jealousy always works on me.
🤩 It’s so beautiful how they are in similar difficult situations and can support each other—ALL the feels!
🤩 The way we watch them learn to be honest, real, and so very vulnerable with each other.
🤩 All the family interactions are so captivating and immersive.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I know I’m greedy, but I really needed some physical intimacy right away after the fight. It could have been anywhere—the library, his truck, her dorm—just somewhere.
💫 I wish they would’ve utilized some campus counseling.

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey and Theo are a perfect couple! This is an enemies to lovers story even though I think Audrey is the only one who actually hates Theo. Theo was previously playing for a different school. During a game vs Central State, Theo got in a hit on Audrey’s brother that took him out of the game. Audrey was furious with Theo because of how that could possibly affect her life. Then they get paired for the same clinical and forced into spending a lot of time together.

I really enjoyed the way that they slowly and deeply got to know each other. It was a very slow pacing but it really allowed time for Audrey and Theo to develop a strong friendship that grew into even more. They bonded over some deep family issues that they had been hiding and while they were different experiences, these experiences brought them together.

Audrey and Theo were so hot together. I loved the way that Theo took his time with Audrey and didn’t jump in head first. The way that Theo would just simply give Audrey a hug so oftentimes hotter than a sex scene! Theo was extremely patient with Audrey who had never had anyone choose her before. Audrey had the absolute worst mother and her brother wasn’t always much better. I was happy that she was finally able to shake free of them and join Theo’s family!

I personally am a classic grudge holder, I don’t tend to forgive and redemptions for me are rare but Jaqueline really had me thinking about actually forgiving Audrey’s brother.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh. my. gosh.

there are simply too many good things about this book i don't even know where to start.

through the ice is about nursing students audrey & theo, who are partnered together for clinicals. audrey despises theo since he is responsible for her brother's hockey injury, and my guy theo is just so happy and golden retriever coded when audrey even glances at him.

in the book, audrey is the sole provider for her family; all her mom does is ask her for money (rudely) and her brother is oblivious, so she is constantly overwhelmed and no one puts her first

theo was the first one to give her a freaking HUG AND to put her first <3

audrey also is constantly second guessing and preparing for people to leave her, and theo is always there reassuring her that he won't leave and that he is gonna stay, and every time, it meant the world to audrey (and me).

okay okay so TTI is a dual pov (LOVE), STRONG COMMUNICATION (MAJOR LOVE), golden retriever MMC, hockey romance

as someone who always is asking for reassurance, the way theo would constantly talk through things with audrey really made me feel so seen and so happy.

words cannot express how much i adore this book and audrey & theo <3

thank you so so much Jaqueline Snowe for my ARC of Through the Ice in exchange for an honest review <3

[Rachel (Rrbookreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was nice holding someone else, even if the person hated me and was pricklier than a cactus.“

🩺🏒🩺🏒🩺

#ThroughTheIce by @jaquelinesnowe takes you on a wild ride of emotions and what it’s like to finally have someone in your corner.

I may not be the oldest, but I am a caretaker in my family. Probably why nursing has always called to me. I can relate to Audrey in that way. When you’re always around sickness, you want to protect your loved ones from seeing that side of life.

Audrey and Theo start out as enemies but eventually find comfort in each other. They understand each other on a level not many people can. Nursing in general also comes along with a special kind of bond, and they lean into it.

The bond these two share is heartbreaking at times but absolutely heartwarming. Theo is over the top nice, but you can’t help but adore him and the love he has for the people close to him.

This book is one of my favorites by Jaqueline and I can’t recommend it enough. (Plus we see my original man Cal Holt 🫠) if you’re looking for a different kind of sports romance where the athlete is more than a jock, this is absolutely for you!

The scrub top pictured here seemed fitting (clearly I am a model) Stitch is a mix of both characters. Loyal, loving, sassy and caring with a touch of protectiveness. It seemed like the perfect representation of Theo and Audrey.

#sportsromance #morethanajock #hockeyromance #centralstatehockey #jaquelinesnowe #romancereader #readmorebooks #foundfamily #forcedproximity #nursingbooks #collegeromance