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Love on Thin Ice #4
Love in Overtime
Playing hockey in Maple Falls was meant to be just a charity gig, but then my new publicist showed up, melting the ice—and my heart.
Cooper
I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn't foresee it coming so soon.
Getting assigned a new publicist, Blair Radcliffe, didn't sit well with me at first. However, there's something about her – a fierce determination that's both intriguing and challenging. I wonder if she's ready for the whirlwind that is Cooper Montgomery. One thing's certain-- I can't afford to fall for my publicist.
Blair
I still can't believe I landed my dream job. The excitement is overwhelming, and I'm determined to carve out my path in the industry. But there's one obstacle standing in my way-- Cooper Montgomery, the seemingly uncooperative hockey star. Nevertheless, I'm ready to tackle the challenge head-on, and perhaps some time away in a quiet town like Maple Falls will work wonders.
What I didn't anticipate was developing a crush on my own client. It's the ultimate taboo in my profession, a mistake that could jeopardize everything I've worked for. I'm at a loss on how to navigate this newfound attraction, especially when it appears that Cooper might feel the same way. I’m not sure what to do next.
Love in Overtime is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It's slow burn, grumpy-sunshine, workplace romance set in this small town with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.
Slide into the Love on Thin Ice series for a sweet romantic escape. Seven authors, seven short books, and one charming town. Get ready for heartwarming love stories and all the fall feels. Start reading now!
Breaking the Ice by Whitney Dineen
The Rebound Play by Kate O’Keeffe
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods
Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall
Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp
Cooper
I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn't foresee it coming so soon.
Getting assigned a new publicist, Blair Radcliffe, didn't sit well with me at first. However, there's something about her – a fierce determination that's both intriguing and challenging. I wonder if she's ready for the whirlwind that is Cooper Montgomery. One thing's certain-- I can't afford to fall for my publicist.
Blair
I still can't believe I landed my dream job. The excitement is overwhelming, and I'm determined to carve out my path in the industry. But there's one obstacle standing in my way-- Cooper Montgomery, the seemingly uncooperative hockey star. Nevertheless, I'm ready to tackle the challenge head-on, and perhaps some time away in a quiet town like Maple Falls will work wonders.
What I didn't anticipate was developing a crush on my own client. It's the ultimate taboo in my profession, a mistake that could jeopardize everything I've worked for. I'm at a loss on how to navigate this newfound attraction, especially when it appears that Cooper might feel the same way. I’m not sure what to do next.
Love in Overtime is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It's slow burn, grumpy-sunshine, workplace romance set in this small town with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.
Slide into the Love on Thin Ice series for a sweet romantic escape. Seven authors, seven short books, and one charming town. Get ready for heartwarming love stories and all the fall feels. Start reading now!
Breaking the Ice by Whitney Dineen
The Rebound Play by Kate O’Keeffe
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods
Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall
Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2024
173 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Baldwin
41 books645 followersUSA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.
She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...
She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
September 19, 2024
Cooper Montgomery lives for hockey and hates being the center of attention. His only reason for agreeing to spend several weeks playing charity games with other hockey stars is the children who will benefit from it. Blair Radcliffe has just landed her dream job: she's Cooper Montgomery's new publicist. He's known for being difficult to work with and never smiles, but Blair likes a challenge.
The fourth book in the "Love on Thin Ice" series and the third I've read. Every book is written by a different author and features a new couple, so they can all be read as standalones.
Here we meet a grumpy/sunshine couple, which is one of my favorites! Add to that a charming small town outside of Washington, lovely autumn atmosphere and some hockey and you have all you need for a cozy read. It's a lighthearted, fast read, full of emotions and characters to fall in love with, and it delivers exactly what I expect and hope for!
After reading you could download a bonus epilouge taking place a year later. Cooper and Blair are back in Maple Falls (or Pine Falls, as Cooper insists on calling it!), for a reunion with the Icebreaker hockey team, and Cooper is nervous because he's going to pop the question. Very sweet and romantic!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
The fourth book in the "Love on Thin Ice" series and the third I've read. Every book is written by a different author and features a new couple, so they can all be read as standalones.
Here we meet a grumpy/sunshine couple, which is one of my favorites! Add to that a charming small town outside of Washington, lovely autumn atmosphere and some hockey and you have all you need for a cozy read. It's a lighthearted, fast read, full of emotions and characters to fall in love with, and it delivers exactly what I expect and hope for!
After reading you could download a bonus epilouge taking place a year later. Cooper and Blair are back in Maple Falls (or Pine Falls, as Cooper insists on calling it!), for a reunion with the Icebreaker hockey team, and Cooper is nervous because he's going to pop the question. Very sweet and romantic!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
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September 19, 2024Where do I begin with this one....
One thing that bothered me was before Blair and Cooper met in person, when they were talking over e-mail or text, Cooper was giving very short, one-word responses and not feeding into the small talk that Blair is a fan of. However, right after they meet in person at the airport, there was plenty of small talk and times when his responses were way longer than her questions. It just seemed a bit off when only a few pages before that Cooper mentioned that he didn't want to talk to Blair and was not a fan of his new publicist, and Blair was put off slightly by the lack of responses from Cooper. The change came pretty quickly, with absolutely no build up or nothing that really signified this change in a way that made sense to me.
I guess the insta-love definitely contributed to the sudden change in Cooper's personality, but the insta-love was also portrayed in a way that wasn't as unique as I wish it was. I know there's not really many ways that it can be portrayed in a way that hasn't been done before but the "I saw her for the first time and all of the sudden I'm a different person and obsessed" thing was not my thing.
The lack of chemistry was pretty apparent, at least for me. The conversations were lackluster, banterless, an were just flat overall. The banter was literally just him constantly saying the name of the town incorrectly and her constantly correcting him. I don't get it. He's a grown man and the MMC of the book, but his main characteristics are being dry and not bothering to care.
The book was pretty short, and I feel like that contributed to the lack of content that I observed throughout the book. Everything seemed really rushed, including the romance, which was 90% of this story. Also, because the romance took up a huge part of the book, there was barely any other plot points, which definitely could have helped this book.
The good thing about the romance was that there was no third act break up in this book. But I also believe that there would not have actually been space for one. The book definitely needed to be way longer, but for the small amount of pages, it wasn't a bad book overall, just not for me.
One thing that bothered me was before Blair and Cooper met in person, when they were talking over e-mail or text, Cooper was giving very short, one-word responses and not feeding into the small talk that Blair is a fan of. However, right after they meet in person at the airport, there was plenty of small talk and times when his responses were way longer than her questions. It just seemed a bit off when only a few pages before that Cooper mentioned that he didn't want to talk to Blair and was not a fan of his new publicist, and Blair was put off slightly by the lack of responses from Cooper. The change came pretty quickly, with absolutely no build up or nothing that really signified this change in a way that made sense to me.
I guess the insta-love definitely contributed to the sudden change in Cooper's personality, but the insta-love was also portrayed in a way that wasn't as unique as I wish it was. I know there's not really many ways that it can be portrayed in a way that hasn't been done before but the "I saw her for the first time and all of the sudden I'm a different person and obsessed" thing was not my thing.
The lack of chemistry was pretty apparent, at least for me. The conversations were lackluster, banterless, an were just flat overall. The banter was literally just him constantly saying the name of the town incorrectly and her constantly correcting him. I don't get it. He's a grown man and the MMC of the book, but his main characteristics are being dry and not bothering to care.
The book was pretty short, and I feel like that contributed to the lack of content that I observed throughout the book. Everything seemed really rushed, including the romance, which was 90% of this story. Also, because the romance took up a huge part of the book, there was barely any other plot points, which definitely could have helped this book.
The good thing about the romance was that there was no third act break up in this book. But I also believe that there would not have actually been space for one. The book definitely needed to be way longer, but for the small amount of pages, it wasn't a bad book overall, just not for me.
September 11, 2024
Want to start with the thanking NetGallery and Melissa Baldwin for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Overall the book is a nice, easy quick read. But in saying that it also felt extremely rushed. And in that rushing I just felt no connection to either lead character. They seem nice and all, I just don’t really care what happens to them.
And with being a huge hockey fan, the hockey parts left me feeling like the author didn’t know much about the sport. For example in chapter 11 the authors says copper “scanned the crowds and spotted Blair on the sidelines.” There are no sidelines in hockey. You got the ice, bench and crowd.
There’s other passages that have the same kind of thing. “Who then makes a goal” ch 12, should be scored a goal. Also in same chapter “mascot is sliding around on the rink” the rink is the building. Should say “sliding around on the ice”.
It gets worse in chapter 13. “Dawson is on fire at the net, blocking shot after shot” should be in net, not at net.
“In the third period, Coach Doug makes a genius move and puts Scotty in the game”. Unlike football or basketball there are line changes through the entire game. Scotty wouldn’t be sitting just until the third period for the lucky chance to get into the game. That would be a wasted roster space.
“We’re still fighting hard in the final quarter despite being exhausted.” The third period (there are no quarters) is the final period. Not sure if the author meant the overtime period here or thought hockey had 4 quarters.
Yes I’m nitpicking but as a sports fan and especially hockey, when authors don’t get the sports parts right, it just kills books for me.
Overall the book is a nice, easy quick read. But in saying that it also felt extremely rushed. And in that rushing I just felt no connection to either lead character. They seem nice and all, I just don’t really care what happens to them.
And with being a huge hockey fan, the hockey parts left me feeling like the author didn’t know much about the sport. For example in chapter 11 the authors says copper “scanned the crowds and spotted Blair on the sidelines.” There are no sidelines in hockey. You got the ice, bench and crowd.
There’s other passages that have the same kind of thing. “Who then makes a goal” ch 12, should be scored a goal. Also in same chapter “mascot is sliding around on the rink” the rink is the building. Should say “sliding around on the ice”.
It gets worse in chapter 13. “Dawson is on fire at the net, blocking shot after shot” should be in net, not at net.
“In the third period, Coach Doug makes a genius move and puts Scotty in the game”. Unlike football or basketball there are line changes through the entire game. Scotty wouldn’t be sitting just until the third period for the lucky chance to get into the game. That would be a wasted roster space.
“We’re still fighting hard in the final quarter despite being exhausted.” The third period (there are no quarters) is the final period. Not sure if the author meant the overtime period here or thought hockey had 4 quarters.
Yes I’m nitpicking but as a sports fan and especially hockey, when authors don’t get the sports parts right, it just kills books for me.
September 25, 2024
Love in Over Time by Melissa Baldwin is the fourth book in the multi author Love On Thin Ice standalone series. This book is told from a dual POV, following Blair Radcliffe and Cooper Montgomery. Copper is the ultimate grump to Blair's sunshine disposition. I loved these characters. Cooper goes to Maples Falls (or Pine Falls as he refers it to 😜) for a charity hockey gig all while meeting his new publicist, Blair, after his long time one retires. Blair comes highly recommended by his former publicist. I love the grumpy sunshine trope, and this one did not disappoint. This was my first book by Melissa, but it will not be my last.
🏒 Grumpy Sunshine
🩵 Slow Burn
🏒 Workplace Romance
🩵 Hockey Player MMC
🏒 Publicist FMC
🩵 Ice Breakers Hockey
She knows me so well. Estelle is like a mother to me, or maybe a bossy aunt, or an annoying sister. So basically—she’s family, the only family I really have since I don’t have much contact with my mother and stepfather. I’ll never admit to being emotional when I received the news of her retirement. Did I shed a tear? I’ll never tell.
I draw in a breath, and my eyes grow wide as they land on the most gorgeous man. I mean—I knew Cooper was attractive, but I guess I wasn’t expecting him to be this attractive. He’s wearing a fitted athletic jacket, pants, and a white baseball cap. He kind of looks like Travis Kelce minus the famous smile.
It doesn’t make any sense because we had some Zoom calls and while I thought she was pretty, I wasn’t prepared for all the thoughts I had when I first saw her in the airport. Or how I’m feeling right now sitting so close to her in this car. Maybe it’s the jet lag or the Washington fresh air that’s playing with my mind. As soon as I heard her call my name and I laid eyes on her, I felt like I was hit by a cement truck—and in a good way.
Why does this feel so natural? Cooper Montgomery is grumpy, difficult, and my client. Us being this close could get messy. But in this moment, I don’t care. I lean my head against his shoulder, and he rests his chin on my head. At least everyone in the town is preoccupied with sending their paper lanterns into the sky. When I shift my face to look at Cooper, his lips are inches from mine. Before I have a chance to overthink this moment, he slowly lifts my chin with his finger and brushes his lips against mine. It doesn’t take long for us to get into a rhythm while everyone else enjoys the sky full of lanterns. This is happening. Cooper Montgomery is kissing me, and I’m kissing him back.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
🏒 Grumpy Sunshine
🩵 Slow Burn
🏒 Workplace Romance
🩵 Hockey Player MMC
🏒 Publicist FMC
🩵 Ice Breakers Hockey
She knows me so well. Estelle is like a mother to me, or maybe a bossy aunt, or an annoying sister. So basically—she’s family, the only family I really have since I don’t have much contact with my mother and stepfather. I’ll never admit to being emotional when I received the news of her retirement. Did I shed a tear? I’ll never tell.
I draw in a breath, and my eyes grow wide as they land on the most gorgeous man. I mean—I knew Cooper was attractive, but I guess I wasn’t expecting him to be this attractive. He’s wearing a fitted athletic jacket, pants, and a white baseball cap. He kind of looks like Travis Kelce minus the famous smile.
It doesn’t make any sense because we had some Zoom calls and while I thought she was pretty, I wasn’t prepared for all the thoughts I had when I first saw her in the airport. Or how I’m feeling right now sitting so close to her in this car. Maybe it’s the jet lag or the Washington fresh air that’s playing with my mind. As soon as I heard her call my name and I laid eyes on her, I felt like I was hit by a cement truck—and in a good way.
Why does this feel so natural? Cooper Montgomery is grumpy, difficult, and my client. Us being this close could get messy. But in this moment, I don’t care. I lean my head against his shoulder, and he rests his chin on my head. At least everyone in the town is preoccupied with sending their paper lanterns into the sky. When I shift my face to look at Cooper, his lips are inches from mine. Before I have a chance to overthink this moment, he slowly lifts my chin with his finger and brushes his lips against mine. It doesn’t take long for us to get into a rhythm while everyone else enjoys the sky full of lanterns. This is happening. Cooper Montgomery is kissing me, and I’m kissing him back.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
September 18, 2024
Love in Overtime is a sweet grumpy-sunshine rom com set in the lovely small town of Maple Falls. Cooper is a stoic and quiet hockey player who does not mind keeping to himself. He’s known for his hockey skills, not his smiles. He has friends and gets along well with others, he’s just not the charismatic one on the team. Lucky for him, his new publicist, Blaire, is outgoing and social enough for all of them! Blaire wants to get Cooper more publicity, especially since his team is playing in a charity event. The more time they spend together, the more things heat up (in a totally sweet way). I love their confidence and determination to go after what they want. The fall festival backdrop creates many specialty themed romantic moments that are just perfect who love the hallmark picturesque scenes. I enjoy the quick glances at other characters who have been introduced in this series, but no worries, no other plots are given away and this one holds its own as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
September 19, 2024
“The feeling of Cooper’s arms around me will live rent free in my mind from this night forward.”
I’m in love with this new charity hockey team–the Ice Breakers. Cooper is known for his talent on the ice, and although he’s hot, he’s got a cold as the ice he skates on exterior. I loved watching his softer side seep through as he works with a brand new publicist, Blair. She’s a very capable and beautiful woman who does her job well, compelling Cooper to socialize and make the most of this five game ice event in this small town of Maple Falls.
The sparks fly as fast as shards of ice spray at a sudden hockey stop and the prickles and excitement of love waft through the air–it’s magical! Melissa Baldwin does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life and making their story sweet, swoony, and believable.
Content: kisses only
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
I’m in love with this new charity hockey team–the Ice Breakers. Cooper is known for his talent on the ice, and although he’s hot, he’s got a cold as the ice he skates on exterior. I loved watching his softer side seep through as he works with a brand new publicist, Blair. She’s a very capable and beautiful woman who does her job well, compelling Cooper to socialize and make the most of this five game ice event in this small town of Maple Falls.
The sparks fly as fast as shards of ice spray at a sudden hockey stop and the prickles and excitement of love waft through the air–it’s magical! Melissa Baldwin does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life and making their story sweet, swoony, and believable.
Content: kisses only
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
December 15, 2024
I love these little small town romcoms they are such a warm fuzzy read I literally such read them in one sitting.
This was no different it was so cute and I just loved it.
I loved the fact that she was his publicist and he was just awkward and uncooperative she broke them walls down with a sledge hammer and turned that grumpy man into a ray of sunshine.
Such a feel good book.
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was no different it was so cute and I just loved it.
I loved the fact that she was his publicist and he was just awkward and uncooperative she broke them walls down with a sledge hammer and turned that grumpy man into a ray of sunshine.
Such a feel good book.
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 30, 2025
“She’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and there’s no question that I’m falling in love with her.”
MAIN CHARACTERS' NAME
Blair Radcliffe | Cooper Montgomery
FEATURES
• Grumpy / Sunshine
• Small Town
• Opposite Attract
• Insta love / instant love
• No third act breakup
• Cute swoony love
• No any TW or anything about abusive
• Hockey romance
• Hockey / publicist
REVIEW
I LOVEEEE THIS BOOK. IT'S SOOO CUTE. all the time I spent giggling and kicking my feet in the air! Definitely recommend for those who wants light readings and just want to swoon for this trope the whole book without any personal conflicts or third act breakup. Read this in one sitting, so buckle up and brace for my review! (Though it's actually just my thoughts and quotes from the book the entire time)
First of all, I ABSOLUTELY love how everyone and everything and every relationship is going on in the SAME timeline. Like other couples from other books are getting together at the same flow and time together! Watching things happened, between all the couples in different POVs are soo cute. And for this book, we got the POV of Cooper's and Blair's lovelife while others are busy with theirs'!
This book is the greenest love story I've ever read. Sure, I should've read the first series but I'm so down bad for Grumpy x Sunshine book so I read this one first. And the more I read, the more I realise other couples are connecting also at the same time in their own books.
Everything is happening in the Maple Falls town. Together, all the couples find their connections with their partners at the same time in their books in Maple Falls.
Cooper Montgomery is our Grumpy with a softieee heart. And I absolutely adore him. He came to Maple Falls to play in the Ice Breakers team to help those childrens there. He's the type of guy who hates socialising and all. He isn't the playboy type and he doesn't think about women. Yet, he fell head over heel for his new Publicist.
From the moment I met Blair, I thought about what it would feel like to kiss her. Now I know, and it’s even better than I expected. There are so many things I like about this woman, and the feelings are magnified having her in my arms.
Who knew this small town would be a place to ignite these types of feelings? It’s a far cry from Paris or Venice, but that just proves the location doesn’t matter when you’re with the right person.
Cooper definitely dislike being in Maple Falls and just want to get things done with in an instant. When he first saw the massive sign board 'Welcome to Maple Falls, you never want to leave' he surely thought it's ridiculous.
Yet as far as he concerned, things starting to change and also his feelings. The more encounter he has with his Publicist, the more he seems to fall.
Blair, the Sunshine girl who's always so positive and smily! She has always adored the town, as her old friend lives there, Keira. And I'm excited to read Keira's POV with her love life in Maple Falls, but we're not talking about them here!
She shows Cooper there's more to it than he ever thought. She gets him out of his comfort zone. She's Blair Elizabeth Radcliffe, the sunshine girl who never thought she'd fall for the Grumpy client of hers. Yet, in Maple Falls, there's nothing impossible.
The effort she had whenever she tried to make Cooper smile even the tiniest, and when he did she's absolutely overjoyed. And in Cooper's POV, I always giggles and swoony because he always mentions how he'll smile because of her and only her!
It doesn't take them both long enough to kiss, and when they did I SCREAMT. Yet, they never established their status. They both respect each other's opinion and it really matters. After the kiss, they talked and hang out but doesn't push on the topic. And I absolutely love how Cooper described his feelings.
Of course they had to talk about it, and they did. It went great actually. No miscommunication or confusion, just them enjoying each other's company
It’s been a whirlwind since my dinner with Blair when we basically decided to throw caution to the wind. We haven’t officially discussed our status, but I don’t need a label. As far as I’m concerned, Blair is my girl.
I can't help but talk about how these characters are falling in love all together in the same town at the same place. I'm excited to read their books and hear their thoughts, yes I've said that and I'll say it again.
I’m pretty sure Noah is interested in Willa, the photographer, and everyone knows Ted is in love with the girl he claims is his best friend. And then there’s me—the guy who’s falling for his publicist. What has this town done to us? - Cooper's
I’m beginning to wonder if someone spiked the water in Maple Falls with a love potion because connections are being made everywhere. Dan Roberts made a very sweet public gesture, and I truly hope he and Kiki are finding their way back to each other. Angel from Happy Horizons was spending quite a bit of time with Scotty MacFarland at Maple Fest. They’re both single parents, so I’m sure that’s helped them to connect in many ways. Then I overheard some of the town’s gossipy women saying Emmy was seen being carried out of the corn maze by the goalie Dawson. Childhood buddies Harlow and Ted the Bear are the cutest just friends couple I’ve ever seen. And Willa says she can’t stand Noah, but she can’t take her eyes off the former bad boy. In her defense, doesn’t everyone have some attraction to the bad boys? Even billionaire Zach Hart and Keira’s friend Ellie look like they’re getting awfully close. - Blair's
Cooper always push other people. He used to date in the past, of course. But he usually stops when things starting to get serious. He may have some problems in the past, but we never got deeper thoughts on that. And I think this book only lacks on their backgrounds. But even when he never lets anyone in, he'll do anything for his girl, Blair.
I could ignore my feelings and put up a wall, but I’ve fallen for this amazing woman, and I’ll probably never be the same.
And sure, of course the Ice Breakers has some obstacles. They're all professionals players and used to compete against each other, and now they're on the same team it'll be hard to work with one another as they all have their own routines. They all noticed it, and they all worked their way together.
After the Ice Breakers won their game and celebrated, it definitely brings me joy. And I'm looking forward to see other POV's in their books at that moment. But for this book, Cooper's POV is so precious. Even being swarmed by others, his eyes will always be for one and truly Blair.
While I’m listening, I take a quick glance into the stands and catch a glimpse of Blair. There are hundreds of people in this arena, but she’s the only one I see. Is this normal?
After winning, they both will separate ways. He'll go to Tennessee and she'll be in Texas, but they work things out. No miscommunication!
And of course, our grumpy man fall in love with Maple Falls, but he'll never admit it to anyone else except Blair.
“I can’t believe I’ve fallen in love in Maple Falls,” he exclaims. “I wonder what the press will say about it.”
I gasp loudly. “You called it Maple Falls. You finally got the town’s name right. Well done.” (yes, he always forgot the town's name and call it Pine Falls, he still thinks Pine is better than Maple)
Absolutely love the ending! Cooper wants to get out of Maple Falls as fast as he can slowly love it because of Blair.
As we leave Maple Falls, I think about the message on the welcome sign. You’ll never want to leave. There might be something to that, even though the only reason I’d want to stay in the town is because of Blair.
I love our bubbly giggly girl and our grumpy groovy boy!
Cheers to Maple Falls, the town of Love! The town who managed to bring all the couples to connect with each other! And for this book, Maple Falls manage to bring Blair and Cooper connected together.
This might be one of my longest review with quotes from the books, but I love it! Recommended for those who want light readings and no conflicts much and just want to sit and giggle the entire time!
I was content with my life as it was—only because I had no idea what I was missing. Now I can’t imagine life without this woman. My publicist, my best friend and … hopefully my future wife. And I owe it all to Maple Falls.
OW / OM DRAMA nope
CHEATING no
THIRD-ACT BREAKUP nooo
ENDING HEA──cute epilogue and bonus chapters!
POV dual / first person POV
SPICE LEVEL 0.5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTERS' NAME
Blair Radcliffe | Cooper Montgomery
FEATURES
• Grumpy / Sunshine
• Small Town
• Opposite Attract
• Insta love / instant love
• No third act breakup
• Cute swoony love
• No any TW or anything about abusive
• Hockey romance
• Hockey / publicist
REVIEW
I LOVEEEE THIS BOOK. IT'S SOOO CUTE. all the time I spent giggling and kicking my feet in the air! Definitely recommend for those who wants light readings and just want to swoon for this trope the whole book without any personal conflicts or third act breakup. Read this in one sitting, so buckle up and brace for my review! (Though it's actually just my thoughts and quotes from the book the entire time)
First of all, I ABSOLUTELY love how everyone and everything and every relationship is going on in the SAME timeline. Like other couples from other books are getting together at the same flow and time together! Watching things happened, between all the couples in different POVs are soo cute. And for this book, we got the POV of Cooper's and Blair's lovelife while others are busy with theirs'!
This book is the greenest love story I've ever read. Sure, I should've read the first series but I'm so down bad for Grumpy x Sunshine book so I read this one first. And the more I read, the more I realise other couples are connecting also at the same time in their own books.
Everything is happening in the Maple Falls town. Together, all the couples find their connections with their partners at the same time in their books in Maple Falls.
Cooper Montgomery is our Grumpy with a softieee heart. And I absolutely adore him. He came to Maple Falls to play in the Ice Breakers team to help those childrens there. He's the type of guy who hates socialising and all. He isn't the playboy type and he doesn't think about women. Yet, he fell head over heel for his new Publicist.
From the moment I met Blair, I thought about what it would feel like to kiss her. Now I know, and it’s even better than I expected. There are so many things I like about this woman, and the feelings are magnified having her in my arms.
Who knew this small town would be a place to ignite these types of feelings? It’s a far cry from Paris or Venice, but that just proves the location doesn’t matter when you’re with the right person.
Cooper definitely dislike being in Maple Falls and just want to get things done with in an instant. When he first saw the massive sign board 'Welcome to Maple Falls, you never want to leave' he surely thought it's ridiculous.
Yet as far as he concerned, things starting to change and also his feelings. The more encounter he has with his Publicist, the more he seems to fall.
Blair, the Sunshine girl who's always so positive and smily! She has always adored the town, as her old friend lives there, Keira. And I'm excited to read Keira's POV with her love life in Maple Falls, but we're not talking about them here!
She shows Cooper there's more to it than he ever thought. She gets him out of his comfort zone. She's Blair Elizabeth Radcliffe, the sunshine girl who never thought she'd fall for the Grumpy client of hers. Yet, in Maple Falls, there's nothing impossible.
The effort she had whenever she tried to make Cooper smile even the tiniest, and when he did she's absolutely overjoyed. And in Cooper's POV, I always giggles and swoony because he always mentions how he'll smile because of her and only her!
It doesn't take them both long enough to kiss, and when they did I SCREAMT. Yet, they never established their status. They both respect each other's opinion and it really matters. After the kiss, they talked and hang out but doesn't push on the topic. And I absolutely love how Cooper described his feelings.
Of course they had to talk about it, and they did. It went great actually. No miscommunication or confusion, just them enjoying each other's company
It’s been a whirlwind since my dinner with Blair when we basically decided to throw caution to the wind. We haven’t officially discussed our status, but I don’t need a label. As far as I’m concerned, Blair is my girl.
I can't help but talk about how these characters are falling in love all together in the same town at the same place. I'm excited to read their books and hear their thoughts, yes I've said that and I'll say it again.
I’m pretty sure Noah is interested in Willa, the photographer, and everyone knows Ted is in love with the girl he claims is his best friend. And then there’s me—the guy who’s falling for his publicist. What has this town done to us? - Cooper's
I’m beginning to wonder if someone spiked the water in Maple Falls with a love potion because connections are being made everywhere. Dan Roberts made a very sweet public gesture, and I truly hope he and Kiki are finding their way back to each other. Angel from Happy Horizons was spending quite a bit of time with Scotty MacFarland at Maple Fest. They’re both single parents, so I’m sure that’s helped them to connect in many ways. Then I overheard some of the town’s gossipy women saying Emmy was seen being carried out of the corn maze by the goalie Dawson. Childhood buddies Harlow and Ted the Bear are the cutest just friends couple I’ve ever seen. And Willa says she can’t stand Noah, but she can’t take her eyes off the former bad boy. In her defense, doesn’t everyone have some attraction to the bad boys? Even billionaire Zach Hart and Keira’s friend Ellie look like they’re getting awfully close. - Blair's
Cooper always push other people. He used to date in the past, of course. But he usually stops when things starting to get serious. He may have some problems in the past, but we never got deeper thoughts on that. And I think this book only lacks on their backgrounds. But even when he never lets anyone in, he'll do anything for his girl, Blair.
I could ignore my feelings and put up a wall, but I’ve fallen for this amazing woman, and I’ll probably never be the same.
And sure, of course the Ice Breakers has some obstacles. They're all professionals players and used to compete against each other, and now they're on the same team it'll be hard to work with one another as they all have their own routines. They all noticed it, and they all worked their way together.
After the Ice Breakers won their game and celebrated, it definitely brings me joy. And I'm looking forward to see other POV's in their books at that moment. But for this book, Cooper's POV is so precious. Even being swarmed by others, his eyes will always be for one and truly Blair.
While I’m listening, I take a quick glance into the stands and catch a glimpse of Blair. There are hundreds of people in this arena, but she’s the only one I see. Is this normal?
After winning, they both will separate ways. He'll go to Tennessee and she'll be in Texas, but they work things out. No miscommunication!
And of course, our grumpy man fall in love with Maple Falls, but he'll never admit it to anyone else except Blair.
“I can’t believe I’ve fallen in love in Maple Falls,” he exclaims. “I wonder what the press will say about it.”
I gasp loudly. “You called it Maple Falls. You finally got the town’s name right. Well done.” (yes, he always forgot the town's name and call it Pine Falls, he still thinks Pine is better than Maple)
Absolutely love the ending! Cooper wants to get out of Maple Falls as fast as he can slowly love it because of Blair.
As we leave Maple Falls, I think about the message on the welcome sign. You’ll never want to leave. There might be something to that, even though the only reason I’d want to stay in the town is because of Blair.
I love our bubbly giggly girl and our grumpy groovy boy!
Cheers to Maple Falls, the town of Love! The town who managed to bring all the couples to connect with each other! And for this book, Maple Falls manage to bring Blair and Cooper connected together.
This might be one of my longest review with quotes from the books, but I love it! Recommended for those who want light readings and no conflicts much and just want to sit and giggle the entire time!
I was content with my life as it was—only because I had no idea what I was missing. Now I can’t imagine life without this woman. My publicist, my best friend and … hopefully my future wife. And I owe it all to Maple Falls.
OW / OM DRAMA nope
CHEATING no
THIRD-ACT BREAKUP nooo
ENDING HEA──cute epilogue and bonus chapters!
POV dual / first person POV
SPICE LEVEL 0.5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
November 5, 2024
Love in Overtime is the fourth book in the Love on Thin Ice series, and introduces us to Cooper and Blair. Cooper is a grumpy, no-nonsense, career driven hockey player that plays for the Tennessee Wolves. Cooper’s story starts with his publicist, Estelle, retiring right before his reluctant trip to Maple Falls to participate on the Ice Breakers charity hockey team. Estelle promises Cooper that Blair, who is her replacement, is the perfect fit to take over her job. Unfortunately for Cooper, she might actually be TOO perfect for the job. So much so that Cooper is finding himself entranced and falling for her almost the instant he sees her at the airport for the first time. But he’s so confused… because this doesn’t happen to him, no one has ever had the ability to make him feel this way and not focus 100% on hockey. Does Blair feel the same way? Is there any chance that their professional relationship could handle being mixed with a more personal one?! I highly suggest you read this book and find out for yourself!
June 15, 2025
After getting a glimpse of Cooper in a previous book in this multi-author series, it was fun to see that he really isn’t a grump; he’s just more introverted and serious. But this sweet, calm giant is just what bubbly, extroverted Blair needs. They balance each other perfectly. I loved that there was no 3rd act breakup or any crazy drama. Not every book needs it nor does every relationship have it. Looking forward to the rest of this series!
March 13, 2025
Hockey romances are still having their moment, and this recently released multi-author series capitalizes on that. If you aren’t familiar with multi-author series, each book can stand alone, but they all share a common setting. Protagonists from one book will likely be side characters in another. Stores, events, and side characters will also be repeated, allowing multiple views of the setting.
This particular series revolves around a hockey team that is put together as a fundraising event for a ranch that serves underprivileged children, with a limited season of games against a Canadian team. The Ice Breakers are based out of the small-ish fictional Western Washington town of Maple Falls (not to be confused with the real town of Maple Valley).
Unlike the Appies series, each of these books was written by a different popular sweet romance author, each with her own style. There are some differences from book to book, but nothing so serious as to mar the series.
Similar to the Appies series, all of the female main characters exist beyond their potential as romantic partners. They have actual lives, careers, and struggles.
The male main characters have various reasons for their singleness at the beginning of the series. Several have (mostly undeserved) reputations as serial daters. All are dedicated to hockey.
The situations that get the various couples together are varied and interesting. Of course, there is an element of predictability: when there are two POV characters, you know they’ll end up together. The question is: what will happen to them before they get there? Will there be a third-act breakup, or will there be something else that tests the relationship?
I find that the passage of time is a bit confusing. There is a Halloween party mentioned in several of the books, and there’s a corn maze and haunted house at Maple Fest. There is pumpkin spice everything. The Ice Breakers practice together for a while before the first of their five games, but the space between games is a bit fuzzy. Days? A week? It all seems to be over before Thanksgiving though. Especially since some of the epilogues mention Christmas lights.
Also…what’s wrong with an otter as a mascot? (If you know me, you know I adore otters.)
Possible objectionable material:
Very mild cursing. Various issues such as parental divorce or neglect, alcoholism, death of a parent, chronic illness, infidelity, sexual harassment. This is hockey, so there are injuries and the occasional fight. People drink. This is closed door romance, so we don’t see more than passionate kisses. There is a hint that sex happens.
Who might like these books:
Romance fans, hockey fans, hockey romance fans. Anyone who likes well-written books where characters grow and develop over the course of the story.
These books are also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing ARCs in exchange for my honest opinion.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine, workplace, slow burn
My Thoughts:
The overall plot is cute, but there’s not much depth to this one. I’m not asking for it to be Great Literature, but there’s just not much there. The biggest conflict is that she’s his publicist and he’s her client, however can they make this work? There’s no real backstory to why Cooper is so closed off and grumpy, just a couple of mentions of a difficult childhood. We see a bit of Blair’s parents, but again, all we know is that she’s confident, chipper and upbeat. She goes through no change in this story. Cooper…learns to smile more? That’s really it.
The running joke of Cooper calling the town by the wrong name was cute. There are some flaws here. Blair constantly talks about giving Cooper the itinerary for his day. Itineraries for traveling from place to place. It is related to the word itinerant. What she really wants is an agenda. And calling the final segment of play in a hockey game the fourth quarter?
This particular series revolves around a hockey team that is put together as a fundraising event for a ranch that serves underprivileged children, with a limited season of games against a Canadian team. The Ice Breakers are based out of the small-ish fictional Western Washington town of Maple Falls (not to be confused with the real town of Maple Valley).
Unlike the Appies series, each of these books was written by a different popular sweet romance author, each with her own style. There are some differences from book to book, but nothing so serious as to mar the series.
Similar to the Appies series, all of the female main characters exist beyond their potential as romantic partners. They have actual lives, careers, and struggles.
The male main characters have various reasons for their singleness at the beginning of the series. Several have (mostly undeserved) reputations as serial daters. All are dedicated to hockey.
The situations that get the various couples together are varied and interesting. Of course, there is an element of predictability: when there are two POV characters, you know they’ll end up together. The question is: what will happen to them before they get there? Will there be a third-act breakup, or will there be something else that tests the relationship?
I find that the passage of time is a bit confusing. There is a Halloween party mentioned in several of the books, and there’s a corn maze and haunted house at Maple Fest. There is pumpkin spice everything. The Ice Breakers practice together for a while before the first of their five games, but the space between games is a bit fuzzy. Days? A week? It all seems to be over before Thanksgiving though. Especially since some of the epilogues mention Christmas lights.
Also…what’s wrong with an otter as a mascot? (If you know me, you know I adore otters.)
Possible objectionable material:
Very mild cursing. Various issues such as parental divorce or neglect, alcoholism, death of a parent, chronic illness, infidelity, sexual harassment. This is hockey, so there are injuries and the occasional fight. People drink. This is closed door romance, so we don’t see more than passionate kisses. There is a hint that sex happens.
Who might like these books:
Romance fans, hockey fans, hockey romance fans. Anyone who likes well-written books where characters grow and develop over the course of the story.
These books are also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing ARCs in exchange for my honest opinion.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine, workplace, slow burn
My Thoughts:
The overall plot is cute, but there’s not much depth to this one. I’m not asking for it to be Great Literature, but there’s just not much there. The biggest conflict is that she’s his publicist and he’s her client, however can they make this work? There’s no real backstory to why Cooper is so closed off and grumpy, just a couple of mentions of a difficult childhood. We see a bit of Blair’s parents, but again, all we know is that she’s confident, chipper and upbeat. She goes through no change in this story. Cooper…learns to smile more? That’s really it.
The running joke of Cooper calling the town by the wrong name was cute. There are some flaws here. Blair constantly talks about giving Cooper the itinerary for his day. Itineraries for traveling from place to place. It is related to the word itinerant. What she really wants is an agenda. And calling the final segment of play in a hockey game the fourth quarter?
September 11, 2024
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🏈✨ **Love in Overtime** by Melissa Baldwin ✨💕
*A delightful, second-chance romance set against the fast-paced backdrop of professional football and second chances in both love and life.*
🌟✨ **Review:** ✨🌟
*Love in Overtime* by Melissa Baldwin brings together the thrill of sports and the sweetness of romance in a heartwarming story that blends personal growth, love, and the pressures of professional life. The protagonist finds herself navigating unexpected challenges in both her career and her love life, making for an entertaining and relatable read.
Baldwin does a great job of creating characters that feel real, with flaws and ambitions that drive the story forward. The chemistry between the main characters is strong, and the second-chance romance trope is handled with a balance of humor and heartfelt moments. For readers who love stories of rekindled love, this book hits all the right notes, with moments of tension, vulnerability, and warmth.
Some elements of the story are predictable, but the author’s engaging writing style and the likability of the characters keep the pages turning. The sports backdrop adds an extra layer of excitement, making this more than just a typical rom-com.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Second-Chance Romance**: A heartfelt exploration of rekindled love, with the right balance of tension and sweetness.
- **Relatable Characters**: Realistic characters with genuine emotions, making their journey feel authentic and captivating.
- **Sports Setting**: A fun backdrop of professional football that adds excitement and drama to the love story.
---
💬 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Sometimes, love isn’t about winning the game. It’s about finding the strength to play it again after a loss."* - A powerful reminder of perseverance in both love and life.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
---
*Love in Overtime* is a charming, feel-good romance that’s perfect for readers who enjoy second-chance love stories and the excitement of a sports setting. Melissa Baldwin’s storytelling brings heart and humor to this fun and emotional journey.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*
---
🏈✨ **Love in Overtime** by Melissa Baldwin ✨💕
*A delightful, second-chance romance set against the fast-paced backdrop of professional football and second chances in both love and life.*
🌟✨ **Review:** ✨🌟
*Love in Overtime* by Melissa Baldwin brings together the thrill of sports and the sweetness of romance in a heartwarming story that blends personal growth, love, and the pressures of professional life. The protagonist finds herself navigating unexpected challenges in both her career and her love life, making for an entertaining and relatable read.
Baldwin does a great job of creating characters that feel real, with flaws and ambitions that drive the story forward. The chemistry between the main characters is strong, and the second-chance romance trope is handled with a balance of humor and heartfelt moments. For readers who love stories of rekindled love, this book hits all the right notes, with moments of tension, vulnerability, and warmth.
Some elements of the story are predictable, but the author’s engaging writing style and the likability of the characters keep the pages turning. The sports backdrop adds an extra layer of excitement, making this more than just a typical rom-com.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Second-Chance Romance**: A heartfelt exploration of rekindled love, with the right balance of tension and sweetness.
- **Relatable Characters**: Realistic characters with genuine emotions, making their journey feel authentic and captivating.
- **Sports Setting**: A fun backdrop of professional football that adds excitement and drama to the love story.
---
💬 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Sometimes, love isn’t about winning the game. It’s about finding the strength to play it again after a loss."* - A powerful reminder of perseverance in both love and life.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
---
*Love in Overtime* is a charming, feel-good romance that’s perfect for readers who enjoy second-chance love stories and the excitement of a sports setting. Melissa Baldwin’s storytelling brings heart and humor to this fun and emotional journey.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*
---
September 18, 2024
It's always a blast to read a grumpy vs. sunshine story because the sunshiny person is always going to outdo the grump, which Cooper is about to learn.
Cooper Montgomery is a professional hockey player who has been invited to be a part of the charity hockey team in Maple Falls. His publicist insists this will be good for his public persona, and it benefits a children's charity, which is where his heart for charity resides. He is not happy, but he agrees. Now his publicist has told him she is retiring, and has turned him over to the capable hands of Blair Radcliffe. He is definitely not happy about this situation, but he still grudgingly agrees to participate.
Blair is beyond thrilled when she learns she will be working with Cooper, even though he has a reputation for being a little difficult to work with. This could be the break she has been waiting for. She knows she is going to have her hands full with Cooper, but she is up for the challenge. What neither one of them is expecting is just how nice looking the other one is. There is an immediate attraction from both parties, but they do not want to admit it.
This was a funny, sweet story. Cooper was tagged as a grump, but it was more that he just did not like the public appearances. He was more of a one-on-one kind of guy. There was really a sweet guy underneath that icy exterior. If anyone can thaw him out, it would be Blair. I loved Blair. She was so full of energy and happiness. You could not help but smile and be happy around her. There was one scene where Cooper asked just how much caffeine she had ingested.
They were perfect for one another as they balanced each other out. It is also fun to see the appearances of other characters in this series as we build on to the final book. This book is a hockey book, but it is about so much more. It is about the love bug biting everyone in Maple Falls, but it is also about being selfless and charitable to those less fortunate. The hockey is just a side part of the story. If you need a light evening read, this one is perfect.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cooper Montgomery is a professional hockey player who has been invited to be a part of the charity hockey team in Maple Falls. His publicist insists this will be good for his public persona, and it benefits a children's charity, which is where his heart for charity resides. He is not happy, but he agrees. Now his publicist has told him she is retiring, and has turned him over to the capable hands of Blair Radcliffe. He is definitely not happy about this situation, but he still grudgingly agrees to participate.
Blair is beyond thrilled when she learns she will be working with Cooper, even though he has a reputation for being a little difficult to work with. This could be the break she has been waiting for. She knows she is going to have her hands full with Cooper, but she is up for the challenge. What neither one of them is expecting is just how nice looking the other one is. There is an immediate attraction from both parties, but they do not want to admit it.
This was a funny, sweet story. Cooper was tagged as a grump, but it was more that he just did not like the public appearances. He was more of a one-on-one kind of guy. There was really a sweet guy underneath that icy exterior. If anyone can thaw him out, it would be Blair. I loved Blair. She was so full of energy and happiness. You could not help but smile and be happy around her. There was one scene where Cooper asked just how much caffeine she had ingested.
They were perfect for one another as they balanced each other out. It is also fun to see the appearances of other characters in this series as we build on to the final book. This book is a hockey book, but it is about so much more. It is about the love bug biting everyone in Maple Falls, but it is also about being selfless and charitable to those less fortunate. The hockey is just a side part of the story. If you need a light evening read, this one is perfect.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️
I will always swoon for a man that says “only for you” when it comes to a certain action that seems so trivial, but makes a huge impact when it’s done.
Cooper is just that man! He is focused solely on his career as hockey and is comfortable in his life. He loves the team he plays for, never wants to be traded, is a man of few words and even fewer smiles, but due to his past truly cares about giving back to children. So when he is asked to play on the Maple Falls Icebreaker Charity Hockey team, it isn’t until the 11th hour he says yes. This city boy through and through, starts out feeling out of place in this sweet, country town, but as he spends time here, realizes it and the people in the town are changing him for the better. One person in particular!
Blair has just landed her first, big, pro athlete publish job. She is excited to start this chapter of her career off with the charity hockey series and in the town where her best friend lives. She knows she has her work cut out for her, but she is determined to highlight Cooper as the give back athlete he is and not believe everything she has heard. There must be something in the water in Maple Falls because it isn’t long at all before she has fallen in love with this small town and maybe her client….
Melissa adds on the perfect book for book 4 in the Love On Thin Ice series. Each book brings new characters, glimpses of past characters, and easter eggs for future books. They are all happening along the same time line, so it’s great to see the town through different eyes, different events, and in this case, more into the sports side of things as both characters are there for hockey. I loved the reminder that people hold power to change others. Cooper and Blair were a joy to read about and watch their love story grow.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
🍁Small Town Romance
🏒Workplace Romance
🍁Pro Hockey MMC
🏒Publicist FMC
🍁HEA
I will always swoon for a man that says “only for you” when it comes to a certain action that seems so trivial, but makes a huge impact when it’s done.
Cooper is just that man! He is focused solely on his career as hockey and is comfortable in his life. He loves the team he plays for, never wants to be traded, is a man of few words and even fewer smiles, but due to his past truly cares about giving back to children. So when he is asked to play on the Maple Falls Icebreaker Charity Hockey team, it isn’t until the 11th hour he says yes. This city boy through and through, starts out feeling out of place in this sweet, country town, but as he spends time here, realizes it and the people in the town are changing him for the better. One person in particular!
Blair has just landed her first, big, pro athlete publish job. She is excited to start this chapter of her career off with the charity hockey series and in the town where her best friend lives. She knows she has her work cut out for her, but she is determined to highlight Cooper as the give back athlete he is and not believe everything she has heard. There must be something in the water in Maple Falls because it isn’t long at all before she has fallen in love with this small town and maybe her client….
Melissa adds on the perfect book for book 4 in the Love On Thin Ice series. Each book brings new characters, glimpses of past characters, and easter eggs for future books. They are all happening along the same time line, so it’s great to see the town through different eyes, different events, and in this case, more into the sports side of things as both characters are there for hockey. I loved the reminder that people hold power to change others. Cooper and Blair were a joy to read about and watch their love story grow.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
🍁Small Town Romance
🏒Workplace Romance
🍁Pro Hockey MMC
🏒Publicist FMC
🍁HEA
October 30, 2024
4.5/5
Genre: Clean/Hockey Romcom
Read it if you like:
🏒Dual POV
🏒Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒Workplace Romance
🏒Slow burn
🏒Found Family
🏒Small Town
Favourite Moments
🏒 His one-word text
🏒 Her trying her best to help him go through media and also talk to his teammates
🏒 Him kept on saying Pine Falls instead of Maple Falls (so cute)
🏒 Tangled moment!! (floating lanterns are the best)
🏒 Him with Estelle on call.
🏒 His love for the children in need.
🏒 Her father being his ultimate fan
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🏒 He falls first
🏒 He cares and love her
🏒 Mistaken Maple Falls as Pine Falls (so cute)
🏒 His love for the children in need.
🏒 He is opening up more when he is with her.
Synopsis
Cooper
A hockey player who is doesn’t like changes. He is devoted to his hockey team and never want to go anywhere else. He has a soft heart for the children in need.
Blair
A determined publicist. She is taking over Estelle’s job to help Cooper to be on track with stuff.
Cooper misses Estelle and he doesn’t like changes in his life but he has no choice because Estelle is retired and wants to be spend time with her family. The determined publicist, Blair came into his life and things will never be the same. Will they get along? Can she handle his ways? Read Love in Overtime to find out!!
Review:
They are just so cute together. To me, I guess Cooper is like an introvert whereas Bailey is like an extrovert and also, she gives him the encouragement he needs to give him the strength to get along with his teammates and help him to get out of his comfort zone. Love the tangled moment where they watch the floating lanterns and have a sweet moment together. He is afraid of changes but Estelle assured him that Blair is a great publicist and she was right about that. Blair was very patient with him and know everything about him that needs to know from Estelle. Love the relationship he had with Estelle is like Estelle is a motherly figure to him. Haha… Cooper and Bailey are just sweet together and also I enjoyed their times together and also haha…him talking about how should Maple Falls be called Pine Falls haha… he is really so cuteeee…. This book make me smile, laugh and swoon.
Can’t wait for the next story. It will be Scott and Angel’s story
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
Genre: Clean/Hockey Romcom
Read it if you like:
🏒Dual POV
🏒Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒Workplace Romance
🏒Slow burn
🏒Found Family
🏒Small Town
Favourite Moments
🏒 His one-word text
🏒 Her trying her best to help him go through media and also talk to his teammates
🏒 Him kept on saying Pine Falls instead of Maple Falls (so cute)
🏒 Tangled moment!! (floating lanterns are the best)
🏒 Him with Estelle on call.
🏒 His love for the children in need.
🏒 Her father being his ultimate fan
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🏒 He falls first
🏒 He cares and love her
🏒 Mistaken Maple Falls as Pine Falls (so cute)
🏒 His love for the children in need.
🏒 He is opening up more when he is with her.
Synopsis
Cooper
A hockey player who is doesn’t like changes. He is devoted to his hockey team and never want to go anywhere else. He has a soft heart for the children in need.
Blair
A determined publicist. She is taking over Estelle’s job to help Cooper to be on track with stuff.
Cooper misses Estelle and he doesn’t like changes in his life but he has no choice because Estelle is retired and wants to be spend time with her family. The determined publicist, Blair came into his life and things will never be the same. Will they get along? Can she handle his ways? Read Love in Overtime to find out!!
Review:
They are just so cute together. To me, I guess Cooper is like an introvert whereas Bailey is like an extrovert and also, she gives him the encouragement he needs to give him the strength to get along with his teammates and help him to get out of his comfort zone. Love the tangled moment where they watch the floating lanterns and have a sweet moment together. He is afraid of changes but Estelle assured him that Blair is a great publicist and she was right about that. Blair was very patient with him and know everything about him that needs to know from Estelle. Love the relationship he had with Estelle is like Estelle is a motherly figure to him. Haha… Cooper and Bailey are just sweet together and also I enjoyed their times together and also haha…him talking about how should Maple Falls be called Pine Falls haha… he is really so cuteeee…. This book make me smile, laugh and swoon.
Can’t wait for the next story. It will be Scott and Angel’s story
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
September 19, 2024
Blair Radcliffe is all a flutter when she did mutter that she would keep Cooper Montgomery in the loop because I think she’s in love wouldn’t that be a scoop ? Coop it’s over to you…Is it the Washington fresh air ? Because I Cooper just caught feelings for Blair….mesmerised by her blue green eyes. Remember the name Cooper it’s Maple Falls not Pine and I’m sure the feelings mutual so shoot her a line. Blair has so much energy and fire that Cooper can’t help his pent up desire. She’s the one who turns his frown upside down. He’s even beginning to like it here in this small hick town. But what next when all is done and they’ve gone from this hick place to their own home states, he’s Tennessean and she’s a Texan. Do they see their relationship as more than work mates? Maybe they could find time for play dates….Oh my ,Hawk River Lodge is a dream of a place and while staying in rooms near on and face to face , they Otter-ly fall and the Maple Falls Icebreakers Team helped them break the ice between them both …now wasn’t that n-ice? Their Mascot ? An Otter wasn’t that a surprise ? Along with the team’s winning tune of Ice , Ice Baby . The love and compassion,commitment to helping those kids at Happy Horizon Ranch and his vulnerability showed her his shining light , he fell in love with hers and she succumbed with great delight. And now? She’s his ice baby . He thinks she’s end game and thank heavens she feels the same. Beautiful! In love with their story . Melissa Baldwin , job well done . I’m Otter-ly smitten with the dream couple and their mates . This series keeps on growing and picking up Ice-time . Us readers are having such a n-ice time.
IceHockey ✔️ Instalove Trope ✔️ Otter Mascot ✔️ Close Proximity ✔️ Competition for Charity ✔️ New Agent ✔️ Workplace Romance✔️IceHockey Hero ✔️ Endearing Characters ✔️ Lodge of Love ✔️
IceHockey ✔️ Instalove Trope ✔️ Otter Mascot ✔️ Close Proximity ✔️ Competition for Charity ✔️ New Agent ✔️ Workplace Romance✔️IceHockey Hero ✔️ Endearing Characters ✔️ Lodge of Love ✔️
September 17, 2024
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin is a book in the Love on Thin Ice series, a interconnected standalone hockey romance series, in a small town setting during a charity hockey tournament.
When grumpy hockey player Cooper Montgomery gets a new publicist in the whirlwind Blair, he immediately is attracted to her and does not know what is coming over him, while Blair has a crush on him.
This was such a lovely and sweet book to read. Cooper and Blair were mentioned in earlier Love on Thin Ice books, but they are now the main characters. It was so cute to read Cooper’s attraction to Blair, because that was something he never dreamed of could happen to him. He can be charming, and that was something Melissa Baldwin wrote so good. You could feel for him and hoped he and Blair would be together in the end, so I read on and on, I had a really hard time putting the book down.
The setting in the small town Maple Falls and the hockey games are all really well described. You could see it before your eyes and if such a town would exist, I would go there. The writing style is flowing and thanks to the dual POV you come to care about Cooper and Blair.
Love in Overtime is the fourth book in the Love on Thin Ice series and as I have read them all, I can highly recommend this series. You can start wherever you want, but when you start with the first one, it can only enhance your reading experience. This series is a great sweet hockey romance series.
Love on Overtime is a sweet cute and swoony hockey romance, with very likable characters, a flowing writing style, in a Fall setting, a book I enjoyed reading immensely and I cannot wait to read the other novels in this series!
Highly recommended!
When grumpy hockey player Cooper Montgomery gets a new publicist in the whirlwind Blair, he immediately is attracted to her and does not know what is coming over him, while Blair has a crush on him.
This was such a lovely and sweet book to read. Cooper and Blair were mentioned in earlier Love on Thin Ice books, but they are now the main characters. It was so cute to read Cooper’s attraction to Blair, because that was something he never dreamed of could happen to him. He can be charming, and that was something Melissa Baldwin wrote so good. You could feel for him and hoped he and Blair would be together in the end, so I read on and on, I had a really hard time putting the book down.
The setting in the small town Maple Falls and the hockey games are all really well described. You could see it before your eyes and if such a town would exist, I would go there. The writing style is flowing and thanks to the dual POV you come to care about Cooper and Blair.
Love in Overtime is the fourth book in the Love on Thin Ice series and as I have read them all, I can highly recommend this series. You can start wherever you want, but when you start with the first one, it can only enhance your reading experience. This series is a great sweet hockey romance series.
Love on Overtime is a sweet cute and swoony hockey romance, with very likable characters, a flowing writing style, in a Fall setting, a book I enjoyed reading immensely and I cannot wait to read the other novels in this series!
Highly recommended!
October 8, 2024
Love in Overtime was a sweet experience, providing a fun take on two opposing characters who end up falling for one another, proving opposites attract can really happen!
Blair was forewarned by her predecessor that Cooper could be a handful. And although Blair has met with Cooper by way of Zoom meetups or chatting on the phone, she’s never dealt with him in person. There is an attraction she feels towards him, which isn’t surprising considering how handsome he is. But even his personality begins to grow on her. Over time, she sees there is a lot more to him than the grumpy persona he portrays–and at times, it’s the real thing, not just a portrayal–but he also has a big heart and truly cares about the children he’s raising money for. He is willing to put himself into a situation where he is uncomfortable and has to deal with public scrutiny, all for the charity league he’s involved with. It makes Blair feel like she’s seeing a side to him that no one else gets to see, despite knowing there could be some serious blurred lines, considering Cooper is her client.
Cooper is feeling just as confused. He’s stuck in Maple Falls–or is it Pine Falls (he continually calls it that because he just can’t remember that it’s MAPLE Falls). He is constantly bum rushed by strangers, fans of the players in the charity hockey league. And he is notorious for being the grumpiest player in the business because he isn’t big on crowds or getting interrogated, but Cooper is willing to let all of that slide, all because of Blair. He’s fully aware that she is his agent, and he knows what that could potentially mean for a relationship between them, but he’s willing to risk all of that. And knowing that terrifies him.
I thought it was sweet seeing how the two of them navigate this newfound territory. It was also the perfect setting–I loved Maple Falls and the small-town charm it offers up. I haven’t read the other books in the Love on Thin Ice book series, but while I could see that there were potential characters in Love in Overtime that are from the other books, I didn’t feel like I was lost or wasn’t sure of what was going on. The characters added a nice extra touch to the story going on between Cooper and Blair, making it a very delightful and romantic read.
Blair was forewarned by her predecessor that Cooper could be a handful. And although Blair has met with Cooper by way of Zoom meetups or chatting on the phone, she’s never dealt with him in person. There is an attraction she feels towards him, which isn’t surprising considering how handsome he is. But even his personality begins to grow on her. Over time, she sees there is a lot more to him than the grumpy persona he portrays–and at times, it’s the real thing, not just a portrayal–but he also has a big heart and truly cares about the children he’s raising money for. He is willing to put himself into a situation where he is uncomfortable and has to deal with public scrutiny, all for the charity league he’s involved with. It makes Blair feel like she’s seeing a side to him that no one else gets to see, despite knowing there could be some serious blurred lines, considering Cooper is her client.
Cooper is feeling just as confused. He’s stuck in Maple Falls–or is it Pine Falls (he continually calls it that because he just can’t remember that it’s MAPLE Falls). He is constantly bum rushed by strangers, fans of the players in the charity hockey league. And he is notorious for being the grumpiest player in the business because he isn’t big on crowds or getting interrogated, but Cooper is willing to let all of that slide, all because of Blair. He’s fully aware that she is his agent, and he knows what that could potentially mean for a relationship between them, but he’s willing to risk all of that. And knowing that terrifies him.
I thought it was sweet seeing how the two of them navigate this newfound territory. It was also the perfect setting–I loved Maple Falls and the small-town charm it offers up. I haven’t read the other books in the Love on Thin Ice book series, but while I could see that there were potential characters in Love in Overtime that are from the other books, I didn’t feel like I was lost or wasn’t sure of what was going on. The characters added a nice extra touch to the story going on between Cooper and Blair, making it a very delightful and romantic read.
October 15, 2024
✔️hockey romance
✔️hockey player x publicist
✔️grumpy/sunshine
✔️instalove
✔️no 3rd act breakup
✔️closed door romance
2.75 ⭐️ rounded up
This book is cute and better than some of the other books in the series in my opinion, but there isn’t a whole lot going on plot wise. It is a short book/quick read which contributes to that (and I went into the book knowing that, that doesn’t affect my rating), but there is also an unnecessary amount of time spent talking about/making references to all of the other couples in the series and what was going on with them instead of focusing on the main couple of the story.
I like that there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary drama just for drama’s sake, and I like that the main characters have very defined personalities. The MMC is a grump but he isn’t unnecessarily mean and the FMC is sunshine but isn’t obnoxiously so. I just wish there was more in terms of relationship development.
I actually don’t mind instalove in romance novels for the most part, depending on how they are written, but other than being told they are spending six weeks together in close proximity we don’t see them falling in love. We see the back and forth “should we date because we work together”, but they just met and we don’t see them learn anything about each other, other than the surface level stuff everyone in the world sees. We are just told that they are in love. If less word count was taken up by explaining the basic plots of the other books in the series we could have learned more about this couple. What makes them unique? Why are they perfect together other than the fact that they work together?
Overall I don’t know that I recommend this one but I also didn’t hate it.
✔️hockey player x publicist
✔️grumpy/sunshine
✔️instalove
✔️no 3rd act breakup
✔️closed door romance
2.75 ⭐️ rounded up
This book is cute and better than some of the other books in the series in my opinion, but there isn’t a whole lot going on plot wise. It is a short book/quick read which contributes to that (and I went into the book knowing that, that doesn’t affect my rating), but there is also an unnecessary amount of time spent talking about/making references to all of the other couples in the series and what was going on with them instead of focusing on the main couple of the story.
I like that there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary drama just for drama’s sake, and I like that the main characters have very defined personalities. The MMC is a grump but he isn’t unnecessarily mean and the FMC is sunshine but isn’t obnoxiously so. I just wish there was more in terms of relationship development.
I actually don’t mind instalove in romance novels for the most part, depending on how they are written, but other than being told they are spending six weeks together in close proximity we don’t see them falling in love. We see the back and forth “should we date because we work together”, but they just met and we don’t see them learn anything about each other, other than the surface level stuff everyone in the world sees. We are just told that they are in love. If less word count was taken up by explaining the basic plots of the other books in the series we could have learned more about this couple. What makes them unique? Why are they perfect together other than the fact that they work together?
Overall I don’t know that I recommend this one but I also didn’t hate it.
October 6, 2024
Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hockey Romance
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Workplace Romance
- Small Town
- Fall Vibes
- Dual POV
- Closed Door/Clean Romcom, Kisses Only
Welcome to the ‘Love on Thin Ice’ series, seven authors, seven short novels, and one charming town, welcome to Maple Falls where heartwarming love stories live. Our fourth book of the ‘Love on Thin Ice’ series is ‘Love in Overtime’ written by. Melissa Baldwin.
Blair is a publicist and is just utter sunshine and now has her work cut out for when her new client is known to be a real grump, but Blair is a girl who likes a challenge and is good at what she does. Cooper is a grumpy hockey player who is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to his new charity hockey team but when he makes a commitment he sticks to it after all this is for the kids and with him having a rough childhood himself he knows how important these charity games are. But Cooper has another thing he’s trying to adjust to or well more of a someone he’s trying to adjust to Blair is his new publicist because his old one went into retirement but Cooper has been attracted to Blair ever since he landed in Maple Falls and saw her standing there, but he’s not the only one Blair feels their connection too, but they have to keep it professional but they keep finding it harder and harder to fight the growing feelings between themselves. Will Blair and Cooper step over the line of professionalism and dive into something more? Read ‘Love in Overtime’ now to find out.
I’m four books into the series now and I’m obsessed and basically half way through.
The characters are realistic with real emotions, that feel authentic.
I think that Blair and Cooper are each others other half they balance each other out they worked perfectly together.
I liked to wrap this up by giving a huge thank you to the author Melissa Baldwin along with NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book, it was a joy to read.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hockey Romance
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Workplace Romance
- Small Town
- Fall Vibes
- Dual POV
- Closed Door/Clean Romcom, Kisses Only
Welcome to the ‘Love on Thin Ice’ series, seven authors, seven short novels, and one charming town, welcome to Maple Falls where heartwarming love stories live. Our fourth book of the ‘Love on Thin Ice’ series is ‘Love in Overtime’ written by. Melissa Baldwin.
Blair is a publicist and is just utter sunshine and now has her work cut out for when her new client is known to be a real grump, but Blair is a girl who likes a challenge and is good at what she does. Cooper is a grumpy hockey player who is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to his new charity hockey team but when he makes a commitment he sticks to it after all this is for the kids and with him having a rough childhood himself he knows how important these charity games are. But Cooper has another thing he’s trying to adjust to or well more of a someone he’s trying to adjust to Blair is his new publicist because his old one went into retirement but Cooper has been attracted to Blair ever since he landed in Maple Falls and saw her standing there, but he’s not the only one Blair feels their connection too, but they have to keep it professional but they keep finding it harder and harder to fight the growing feelings between themselves. Will Blair and Cooper step over the line of professionalism and dive into something more? Read ‘Love in Overtime’ now to find out.
I’m four books into the series now and I’m obsessed and basically half way through.
The characters are realistic with real emotions, that feel authentic.
I think that Blair and Cooper are each others other half they balance each other out they worked perfectly together.
I liked to wrap this up by giving a huge thank you to the author Melissa Baldwin along with NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book, it was a joy to read.
December 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5, rounded up!)
Genre: sports romance
Content: just kisses
This was my first book by Melissa Baldwin, and admittedly, the only one I've read in the Love on Thin Ice series. It's a really quick read. In it, you'll find opposites attracting when quiet, serious Cooper starts falling for extroverted, social butterfly Blair pretty much the second that they meet in person. The only complication? Blair is Cooper's new publicist.
I liked this. I just wish that we got more information about the characters. I went back and searched to make sure I didn't miss it while reading, and we don't ever learn what color of eyes or hair Cooper has. We do know that he's tall, muscular and grumpy, and that he his childhood wasn't the best. Other than that though, his character isn't super well developed. Maybe that's due to the length of the story. Like I mentioned before, it's fairly short. We know a little more about Blair but it's still not as much development as I would have liked.
Favorite Quotes:
😏 One thing is for sure, Blair might be one of the only people who can make me smile. And that proves I'm in big trouble.
❤️ After our make out session under a blanket of floating lanterns, I wrap my arms around her, and we stare up at the sky. Neither of us has said a word, and I'm okay with that. Sometimes saying nothing says everything.
😂 “I called it," Sophie squeals. “Didn’t I say you’d fall in love in Maple Falls? You can't take off to a small town during the fall and not meet a man. It would be a crime."
Genre: sports romance
Content: just kisses
This was my first book by Melissa Baldwin, and admittedly, the only one I've read in the Love on Thin Ice series. It's a really quick read. In it, you'll find opposites attracting when quiet, serious Cooper starts falling for extroverted, social butterfly Blair pretty much the second that they meet in person. The only complication? Blair is Cooper's new publicist.
I liked this. I just wish that we got more information about the characters. I went back and searched to make sure I didn't miss it while reading, and we don't ever learn what color of eyes or hair Cooper has. We do know that he's tall, muscular and grumpy, and that he his childhood wasn't the best. Other than that though, his character isn't super well developed. Maybe that's due to the length of the story. Like I mentioned before, it's fairly short. We know a little more about Blair but it's still not as much development as I would have liked.
Favorite Quotes:
😏 One thing is for sure, Blair might be one of the only people who can make me smile. And that proves I'm in big trouble.
❤️ After our make out session under a blanket of floating lanterns, I wrap my arms around her, and we stare up at the sky. Neither of us has said a word, and I'm okay with that. Sometimes saying nothing says everything.
😂 “I called it," Sophie squeals. “Didn’t I say you’d fall in love in Maple Falls? You can't take off to a small town during the fall and not meet a man. It would be a crime."
September 8, 2024
Here we are on book four in this series and it does not disappoint. Connor has a focused outlook on his life, it has alot to do with his growing up. The only time he feels complete is on the ice its brought a sense of belonging, even though he still not happy with the attention it brings and having to be socially accepting with press. Now he has to deal with a new publicist, when he felt happy with who he already has, why does she have to retire. Ok maybe she has worked hard with him but he doesn't like change. And now he has to attend a charity event and meet his new publicist, the only plus is it's for a charity close to his heart helping young children with diverse backgrounds or illness. Blair was happy to be going to Maple Falls, it meant she get to she her college friend again and she loves travelling to different places. She only hopes all goes well with her new signing, Connor has a reputation of not being the easiest but certainly the grumpiest of hockey players. This could help her career finally take off with a few high profile clients. This is a typical sunshine meets grumpy story except really is Connor grumpy she just doesn't see that side of him. I love how each story brings pieces from previous books into the story and the camaraderie that builds with each story. The Ice Breakers team brings out the best in each player and Maple Falls certainly brings out the romance. I can't wait for the next installment in the series 💖🏒🍁📖💖
September 19, 2024
I was so excited to revisit Maple Falls again in 'Love In Overtime,' book #4 in the multi-author Love on Thin Ice Series!
In this grumpy-sunshine workplace romance, grouchy Cooper's publicist has retired. When he meets his new publicist after he steps off a plane heading to Maple Falls, it is instant attraction! Blair knows that Cooper is her gateway to getting more higher end clients to represent, but who will want a publicist who falls instantly for her client? All these questions and more will be answered!!
There were so many things I really loved about this grumpy-sunshine romance, especially since Cooper was mostly just introverted and didn't spend his entire time just lashing out at Blair. Blair can see past his prickliness by just being herself, and she doesn't have to convince herself that she likes someone who feels pretty unlikeable to the reader. No head scratching here... these two have insta-chemistry!
AND... I hate to give this tidbit away, but NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! 👏👏 Cooper calls them "end game" it is beyond sweet how he goes about proving it! Add back in our favorites from the first three books and with love matches popping up all over Maple Falls...how could Blair and Cooper resist? The floating lantern moment is, well... the chef's 💋.
I loved every moment of this sweet read!
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
In this grumpy-sunshine workplace romance, grouchy Cooper's publicist has retired. When he meets his new publicist after he steps off a plane heading to Maple Falls, it is instant attraction! Blair knows that Cooper is her gateway to getting more higher end clients to represent, but who will want a publicist who falls instantly for her client? All these questions and more will be answered!!
There were so many things I really loved about this grumpy-sunshine romance, especially since Cooper was mostly just introverted and didn't spend his entire time just lashing out at Blair. Blair can see past his prickliness by just being herself, and she doesn't have to convince herself that she likes someone who feels pretty unlikeable to the reader. No head scratching here... these two have insta-chemistry!
AND... I hate to give this tidbit away, but NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! 👏👏 Cooper calls them "end game" it is beyond sweet how he goes about proving it! Add back in our favorites from the first three books and with love matches popping up all over Maple Falls...how could Blair and Cooper resist? The floating lantern moment is, well... the chef's 💋.
I loved every moment of this sweet read!
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
September 30, 2024
This is book #4 in the cutest multi-author hockey romance Love On Thin Ice series. Based in the adorable small town of Maple Falls around a charity hockey team called The Icebreakers. They can all be read as standalones but I am loving reading them in order and learning about the characters and places mentioned in each previous book!
Love In Overtime is Cooper and Blair’s story and holy grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, this was the sweetest! Cooper is a no nonsense, quiet, not known for smiling kind of guy, and Blair is bubbly, always excited, and crazy outgoing. He falls fast and hard, and she isn’t far behind. I read somewhere that this is a slow burn, but honestly, I don’t agree. It is more of an insta love and a quick read on top of that so the story moves fast, but not at all in a bad way.
As the story develops Cooper’s layers are peeled back and he is such a sweetheart and Blair is the cutest basic girl who loves all things small town fall and I couldn’t get enough of them! Even with the bonus content, I wanted more! I loved their chemistry and connection and hope to see more of them in the books to come.
This was my first read by Melissa Baldwin and I am loving how this series is introducing me to all of these talented new authors. Go do yourself a favor and read these books! They’re all so perfectly unique yet connected.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Love In Overtime is Cooper and Blair’s story and holy grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, this was the sweetest! Cooper is a no nonsense, quiet, not known for smiling kind of guy, and Blair is bubbly, always excited, and crazy outgoing. He falls fast and hard, and she isn’t far behind. I read somewhere that this is a slow burn, but honestly, I don’t agree. It is more of an insta love and a quick read on top of that so the story moves fast, but not at all in a bad way.
As the story develops Cooper’s layers are peeled back and he is such a sweetheart and Blair is the cutest basic girl who loves all things small town fall and I couldn’t get enough of them! Even with the bonus content, I wanted more! I loved their chemistry and connection and hope to see more of them in the books to come.
This was my first read by Melissa Baldwin and I am loving how this series is introducing me to all of these talented new authors. Go do yourself a favor and read these books! They’re all so perfectly unique yet connected.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 21, 2024
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin is part of the Love on Thin Ice series and invites us back to the charming small town of Maple Falls for a sweet hockey romance.
Cooper Montgomery is a tough NHL player for the Tennessee Wolves who has a permanent scowl on his face—mostly because he’d rather be on the ice than at any public event. When his longtime publicist retires, Cooper reluctantly agrees to work with his new representative, Blair Radcliffe, who has fresh ideas about how to boost his career. One of those ideas? A charity hockey tournament that Cooper isn’t exactly excited about.
Blair is a young, driven publicist eager to make a name for herself. Accompanying her NHL client to the tournament in Maple Falls feels like a lucky break, especially since it’s in the hometown of her college roommate Keira (The Rebound Play).
This book delivers the small-town charm readers have come to love in this series. Fans of Love on Thin Ice will enjoy catching up with familiar faces while getting to know Blair and Cooper. Sparks quickly fly between them, but both are hesitant to act on their feelings, fearing it will complicate their professional relationship. But sometimes, as the saying goes, the heart wants what it wants, and Cooper and Blair will have to decide if they’re willing to take the leap.
Cooper Montgomery is a tough NHL player for the Tennessee Wolves who has a permanent scowl on his face—mostly because he’d rather be on the ice than at any public event. When his longtime publicist retires, Cooper reluctantly agrees to work with his new representative, Blair Radcliffe, who has fresh ideas about how to boost his career. One of those ideas? A charity hockey tournament that Cooper isn’t exactly excited about.
Blair is a young, driven publicist eager to make a name for herself. Accompanying her NHL client to the tournament in Maple Falls feels like a lucky break, especially since it’s in the hometown of her college roommate Keira (The Rebound Play).
This book delivers the small-town charm readers have come to love in this series. Fans of Love on Thin Ice will enjoy catching up with familiar faces while getting to know Blair and Cooper. Sparks quickly fly between them, but both are hesitant to act on their feelings, fearing it will complicate their professional relationship. But sometimes, as the saying goes, the heart wants what it wants, and Cooper and Blair will have to decide if they’re willing to take the leap.
September 6, 2024
This is a great series! I'm not a hockey fan, I'm a basketball gal at heart, but this story captured and held my attention, and in fact, it encouraged me to read the other books in the series. Ms. Baldwin always writes such sweet stories, and the romance in Love In Overtime is no exception. Blair is such a nice, sweet person, and hockey star Cooper is captivated by her immediately. Blair knows she has a hard job ahead of her when she took on Cooper as his publicist, but upon their first meeting she finds herself drawn to him in ways she did not expect. And although the notorious grumpy hockey player rarely smiles, he just can't help himself whenever he is around her. True love has a way of changing one's attitude, and combined with the atmosphere of the lovely small town of Maple Falls, Washington, a fun fall festival, and playing his sport in charity events to benefit children, Cooper surprises even himself as the icy disposition gradually melts. What a nice, tender, wonderful story that gives you the warm fuzzies just makes your day pleasant as you read on! I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read the whole series and get to know the other characters of Maple Falls better. And I might just try watching a hockey game sometime in the near future!
September 18, 2024
What a fun and swoony romance! This series is written by multiple authors and all books can be read as stand alones, however I am having so much fun reading through these books in order!
Cooper and Blair have appeared as side characters in the earlier stories in the series. It was so fun to finally see how their romance came about in this book. These two had such great chemistry right from the start. I loved the way they were both drawn to each other right away.
Blair was able to see past what most people couldn’t, which was that Cooper was a very good man who wanted to help kids who needed a better life, because he was once a child who needed help. I liked that we got to see behind his grumpiness and realize that he was primarily an introvert who had a difficult upbringing. Hockey was his happy place and, until Blair, not much could bring a smile to his face.
This book made me so happy as I read it! It is the first book that I have read by this author, but I definitely look forward to reading more now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Cooper and Blair have appeared as side characters in the earlier stories in the series. It was so fun to finally see how their romance came about in this book. These two had such great chemistry right from the start. I loved the way they were both drawn to each other right away.
Blair was able to see past what most people couldn’t, which was that Cooper was a very good man who wanted to help kids who needed a better life, because he was once a child who needed help. I liked that we got to see behind his grumpiness and realize that he was primarily an introvert who had a difficult upbringing. Hockey was his happy place and, until Blair, not much could bring a smile to his face.
This book made me so happy as I read it! It is the first book that I have read by this author, but I definitely look forward to reading more now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 11, 2024
Love in Overtime is the fourth book in the Love on Thin Ice series. This is a multi-author series that all take place during the same timeline with the same charity hockey team... but with each booking being able to be read in any order or as standalones.
A grumpy hockey player? Yes, please! (Though I think Cooper felt like more of an introvert who prefers not to people than a true grump!) The last thing either Cooper or Blair expected when they made their way to Maple Falls where he would be playing hockey and she'd be taking over as his publicist was that they would fall in love... but they were very quickly drawn to each other upon their first in person meeting! I thought they had a really sweet and easy chemistry that I really enjoyed. She was much more outgoing and pushed him out of his comfort zone--- without pushing him too hard. They just seemed to balance each other very well. Throw in some fall vibes and all the smalltown fun and there was a lot to enjoy in this sweet story. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed every minute.
Love in Overtime is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
A grumpy hockey player? Yes, please! (Though I think Cooper felt like more of an introvert who prefers not to people than a true grump!) The last thing either Cooper or Blair expected when they made their way to Maple Falls where he would be playing hockey and she'd be taking over as his publicist was that they would fall in love... but they were very quickly drawn to each other upon their first in person meeting! I thought they had a really sweet and easy chemistry that I really enjoyed. She was much more outgoing and pushed him out of his comfort zone--- without pushing him too hard. They just seemed to balance each other very well. Throw in some fall vibes and all the smalltown fun and there was a lot to enjoy in this sweet story. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed every minute.
Love in Overtime is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2024
Melissa Baldwin’s 4th installment in the multi-author series “Love on Thin Ice” gives a great glimpse into the town of Maple Falls and the people who are there for the Ice Breakers charity hockey tournament.
Extrovert Blair Radcliffe has her work cut out for her when she signs on to be grumpy hockey player Cooper Montgomery’s new publicist. Even though things are rough with the temporary team, when Cooper makes a commitment, he sticks to it. After a tough childhood, he knows how much the proceeds from the tournament will help the kids at Happy Horizons Ranch and he wants to do his part to give back. He’s there for the hockey and the kids. Everything else can be put aside. Or can it?
Cooper is attracted to Blair right from the start. Blair feels it, too. But their professional relationship has to come first during the tournament and their time in Maple Falls. Both have to consider what they’re will to overcome in order to find their happily ever after.
This grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance gives a great dose of small town Fall while serving up a cute love story. I only wish it was a little longer so I could spend more time getting to know these relatable characters.
Extrovert Blair Radcliffe has her work cut out for her when she signs on to be grumpy hockey player Cooper Montgomery’s new publicist. Even though things are rough with the temporary team, when Cooper makes a commitment, he sticks to it. After a tough childhood, he knows how much the proceeds from the tournament will help the kids at Happy Horizons Ranch and he wants to do his part to give back. He’s there for the hockey and the kids. Everything else can be put aside. Or can it?
Cooper is attracted to Blair right from the start. Blair feels it, too. But their professional relationship has to come first during the tournament and their time in Maple Falls. Both have to consider what they’re will to overcome in order to find their happily ever after.
This grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance gives a great dose of small town Fall while serving up a cute love story. I only wish it was a little longer so I could spend more time getting to know these relatable characters.
September 10, 2024
It’s not often I read a romance where an athlete falls for this publicist. I liked the concept but the chemistry was lacking and the characters came across as flat.
We first meet Blair in the second novel and she is introduced as Kiki’s friend. To be honest I completely forgot she existed. Just as she was barely present in Kiki’s book, their friendship was barely present in this one.
I sort of know I wasn’t going to like Cooper when we meet him in the previous book. I usually like the grumpy guy who falls for the sunshine FMC. However, it was like he was trying to pretend to be grumpy but was actually a decent guy. We get brief snippets of him saying he had a rough childhood but we don’t see that.
Like I said I enjoyed the plot but it seemed rushed, there was no chemistry between them (felt kind of like a fling of convenience), and the characters were flat.
However it is worth the read.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
We first meet Blair in the second novel and she is introduced as Kiki’s friend. To be honest I completely forgot she existed. Just as she was barely present in Kiki’s book, their friendship was barely present in this one.
I sort of know I wasn’t going to like Cooper when we meet him in the previous book. I usually like the grumpy guy who falls for the sunshine FMC. However, it was like he was trying to pretend to be grumpy but was actually a decent guy. We get brief snippets of him saying he had a rough childhood but we don’t see that.
Like I said I enjoyed the plot but it seemed rushed, there was no chemistry between them (felt kind of like a fling of convenience), and the characters were flat.
However it is worth the read.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
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