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Love on Thin Ice #5
The Parent Playbook
I don’t know when dad jokes and mismatched socks became my type, but that hockey dude skated into my life like a runaway puck… and I think I like it.
I know I should be thankful that my charity was selected by the Ice Breakers hockey team. It’ll make a huge difference in children’s lives all over the state.
There’s only one
I hate hockey dudes.
I have to remind myself of that fact when Scotty MacFarland with his groan-worthy dad jokes slips into my life like he’s always been there.
No matter how hard I push back on that perfectly formed chest, Scotty remains strong, giving me the space I need. I’m beginning to think I don’t want to have so much space anymore.
But by the time I figure that out, it just might be too late.
The only thing I love more than hockey is my daughter.
It was a no-brainer for me to give up the ice when I became a single dad, and I didn’t look back. But when the call came to coach the Ice Breakers, the opportunity was too good to pass up, and I thought my girl would thrive with a fresh start in Maple Falls.
Turns out, the leaves weren’t the only thing falling in Maple Falls.
Angel Davis swooped into my life and pieces I didn’t know were missing started to fall into place. A devoted single mom, director of a children’s charity, and all-around spark of sassiness, she and I find an easy rhythm, despite her throwing a boot at my face.
But Lily comes first. And if I have to leave behind a future with Angel before it’s started in order to do what’s right, I will.
Though it seems fate has other ideas.
The Parent Playbook is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It's a single dad/single mom, second chance love story in this small town romance 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
I know I should be thankful that my charity was selected by the Ice Breakers hockey team. It’ll make a huge difference in children’s lives all over the state.
There’s only one
I hate hockey dudes.
I have to remind myself of that fact when Scotty MacFarland with his groan-worthy dad jokes slips into my life like he’s always been there.
No matter how hard I push back on that perfectly formed chest, Scotty remains strong, giving me the space I need. I’m beginning to think I don’t want to have so much space anymore.
But by the time I figure that out, it just might be too late.
The only thing I love more than hockey is my daughter.
It was a no-brainer for me to give up the ice when I became a single dad, and I didn’t look back. But when the call came to coach the Ice Breakers, the opportunity was too good to pass up, and I thought my girl would thrive with a fresh start in Maple Falls.
Turns out, the leaves weren’t the only thing falling in Maple Falls.
Angel Davis swooped into my life and pieces I didn’t know were missing started to fall into place. A devoted single mom, director of a children’s charity, and all-around spark of sassiness, she and I find an easy rhythm, despite her throwing a boot at my face.
But Lily comes first. And if I have to leave behind a future with Angel before it’s started in order to do what’s right, I will.
Though it seems fate has other ideas.
The Parent Playbook is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It's a single dad/single mom, second chance love story in this small town romance 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
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
278 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
September 25, 2024
The Parent Playbook, book five in the Love on Thin Ice multi-author series, was a sweet look at two single parents who got a second chance at love. I enjoyed this story. All of the books in this series can be read on their own, but they are loosely connected in the same setting with nods to the various characters between books.
I liked that both of these parents had good relationships with their children. Scotty, one of the hockey coaches for the Ice Breakers, was dad to a twelve year old girl. Angel, who was the director of a children’s charity ranch, was mom to a twelve year old boy. Neither was looking for love but ended up finding it anyway.
I liked the way Scotty jumped in and helped Angel when the ranch was in trouble. He was all in for her and did whatever was needed. These two began to realize that they were falling for each other, yet there were big decisions to be made and Scotty, especially, struggled with what the next step should be.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
(4.5 stars)
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...
I liked that both of these parents had good relationships with their children. Scotty, one of the hockey coaches for the Ice Breakers, was dad to a twelve year old girl. Angel, who was the director of a children’s charity ranch, was mom to a twelve year old boy. Neither was looking for love but ended up finding it anyway.
I liked the way Scotty jumped in and helped Angel when the ranch was in trouble. He was all in for her and did whatever was needed. These two began to realize that they were falling for each other, yet there were big decisions to be made and Scotty, especially, struggled with what the next step should be.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
(4.5 stars)
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 26, 2024
Picture this…. On the outskirts of Maple Falls lies a battlefield of sugar and a hurricane of giggles , all are being emitted by those souls at Happy Horizons Ranch. This charity works , it’s plain as your face, brings joy from the first time these children enter into the place. Surrounded by a big canopy of love not pity. Truly sent from God above. But this kinda place , well it’s not cheap when down to the nitty gritty, and needs up-keeping. Maintaining animals that become beneficial to all who ail,those superficial kind or just plain anxious , struggling to find their way in the world , have trouble sleeping , struggling through illness or just plain poor. All are welcome through their door. Angel / Anjelica Davis is a single mum to Andy after her husband did a runner before she even gave birth. Leaving her bereft and adrift as she’d not long since lost her own mother. She hailed from the wrong side of the Falls . That’s the reason she started this project which aims to provide protection from the harsh world outside . A few days to be children as carefree as the next. Given the chance to shine bright without neglect. The epicentre… She’s the director of this worthwhile charity that is bleeding money left right and centre. Troy is a tough ex pro hockey dude who helps out . Paying it back is what he’s all about. Along with his wife Kelly. They own the Ice Rink where the children can skate and do other activities in fact . Troy’s an ex pro hockey player and his brother Zach , he still plays in the big leagues. In fact he’s putting up a lot of money for the charity game. And they’re expecting some good names to step up and play too. Scotty MacFarland is a doting single dad who stopped playing Ice-hockey to devote his time to his daughter Lily . He jumps at the chance to coach the IceBreakers team. Thinking his daughter could thrive in Maple Falls too. A dream! It’s a no brainer as to what he should do….. This truly is a wonderful story that’s so full of sweet promises from the very start. When faced with affairs of the heart , a single dad and a single mom, find the pieces of each other’s puzzle . Guess what ? Their pieces join,to make a whole , yes a little different but that’s a good thing , their life won’t be boring but full of zing from morning till night a pure delight , and the kids? They get along just fine so it’s a divine time to say what’s her’s is his and what’s his is mine…. In time. Won’t that be sublime? This is an awesome story , it’s part of the Love on Ice series . They all follow the theme beautifully and interact well . It’s all about the beautiful game we all know and love so well and the wonderful people who gel together with one goal in mind . Play some hockey , live , love and most of all be kind. It doesn’t hurt any that they each find their one true love along the way . Heck with this town of Maple Falls record breaking connections , no one is safe from love and affections. Beautiful reading indeed . The perfect prose and descriptors too . This book was a joy to read . I can tell you. Job well done Elsie Woods . I had no doubts , I knew you would ace it. Such an outstanding job on the Face-Off it ( yup I went there) with this awesome love story. Hockey ✔️ Found Family✔️ Real Family Values✔️ Dream Team✔️ Charity ✔️ Love✔️ Feel-Good✔️ it’s perfect , it’s IceHockey, it’s my cup o Mocha . A superb read indeed.
September 30, 2024
A cute installment in the Maple Falls Hockey series. This is my second in the series, each can be read as a standalone, and I love the small town charm.
I also loved how the two precocious kids aligned to help the couple find their way to each other. A fun and quick read!
I also loved how the two precocious kids aligned to help the couple find their way to each other. A fun and quick read!
October 7, 2024
thank you Elsie Woods for the arc! i loved this book!!! Scotty and Angel’s love story was a fun one to follow. their sweet little blended family is perfect, all five of them (that is, including Edgar). if you want a read with all the romance and family vibes, pick this up!
September 13, 2024
The Parent Playbook is my second "Love on Thin Ice" novel, and I really enjoyed it Angel is a single mom raising her young son while running Happy Horizons, a children's charity that allowed children to experience elements of farm life. Scotty is the single dad who, reluctantly, relocated to Maple Falls to coach professional hockey players for a charity event for the aforementioned farm.
They're meet-cute at the gala that Angel very reluctantly attends could have been a mess; but Scotty's sense of humor (and intrigue with Angel) made it a fun event... and the beginning of a serious flirtation!
This novel has all the elements to make for an amusing closed door romance; Angel's son and Scotty's daughter, who hit it off immediately, do everything they can to get Angel and Scotty together (think, The Parent Trap); and it finally pays off!
I've been enjoying this multi-author series; and look forward to seeing what else they have in store. Based on Elsie Woods' story, I have high hopes!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They're meet-cute at the gala that Angel very reluctantly attends could have been a mess; but Scotty's sense of humor (and intrigue with Angel) made it a fun event... and the beginning of a serious flirtation!
This novel has all the elements to make for an amusing closed door romance; Angel's son and Scotty's daughter, who hit it off immediately, do everything they can to get Angel and Scotty together (think, The Parent Trap); and it finally pays off!
I've been enjoying this multi-author series; and look forward to seeing what else they have in store. Based on Elsie Woods' story, I have high hopes!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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:
Single dad/single mom, second chance.
My Thoughts:
Again, the interactions between Angel and Scotty are cute. I had a few moments of wondering why a 35-year-old man was being called Scotty, not Scott, but then I remembered my 40-year-old nephew, who still gets called Scotty, so I’m giving a pass on that one.
This one has a couple of precocious 12-year-old kids and a goat named Edgar to keep us laughing. Fortunately, there’s not enough of any of those to become annoying.
I did have trouble with some inconsistencies in this one. Cooper’s vibe is quite different here than it is in his book. In this one, he even calls the town by the correct name.
Again, the timing of events feels a little inconsistent from the other books.
Perhaps the biggest one for me, though, was the distance from Angel’s farm to the town center. She talks about driving into town, which seems to take several minutes. Yet her son is walking to the ice rink every morning before school? This one definitely bothered me.
This book has much less kissing than the others. Blame it on interrupting kids. The third-act breakup isn’t really a breakup as much as a setting of priorities. Of course, they get over it. Which…is not a surprise, since we need our HEA!
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:
Single dad/single mom, second chance.
My Thoughts:
Again, the interactions between Angel and Scotty are cute. I had a few moments of wondering why a 35-year-old man was being called Scotty, not Scott, but then I remembered my 40-year-old nephew, who still gets called Scotty, so I’m giving a pass on that one.
This one has a couple of precocious 12-year-old kids and a goat named Edgar to keep us laughing. Fortunately, there’s not enough of any of those to become annoying.
I did have trouble with some inconsistencies in this one. Cooper’s vibe is quite different here than it is in his book. In this one, he even calls the town by the correct name.
Again, the timing of events feels a little inconsistent from the other books.
Perhaps the biggest one for me, though, was the distance from Angel’s farm to the town center. She talks about driving into town, which seems to take several minutes. Yet her son is walking to the ice rink every morning before school? This one definitely bothered me.
This book has much less kissing than the others. Blame it on interrupting kids. The third-act breakup isn’t really a breakup as much as a setting of priorities. Of course, they get over it. Which…is not a surprise, since we need our HEA!
November 16, 2024
5/5
Genre: Clean/Hockey Romcom
🚨TW: Loss of love one, got scammed
Read it if you like:
🏒Dual POV
🏒Single parents
🏒Teenage kids
🏒 Family
🏒 Fall activities
🏒Small Town
Favourite Moments
🏒 Them working together to fix the ranch
🏒 The kids trying to matchmake them
🏒 Them being like teenagers in love
🏒 Moments of their children.
🏒 Maple Falls Festival
🏒 Her passion towards the children in need.
🏒 Her supporting and encouraging him to go back to be a hockey player.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🏒 He cares and loves his daughter, her and her son
🏒 He is willing to help her to fix the ranch
🏒 He appreciates her for making the children in need a better place.
🏒 He sacrifice his career to take care of his daughter.
Synopsis
Angel
A single mother who has a heart for the children in need. And do whatever it takes to save the ranch
Scotty
A coach/ex-hockey player and also a widower who would do anything for his daughter.
Angel is about to lose her ranch and she will do anything to fix it and save it and she had a son to take care of who loves to speak his mind. He met a new friend in school who turns out to be the daughter of the charity hockey team’s coach. Two adults meet and as they get to know each other they grew closer. What will happened next? Will they be able to save the ranch?
Review:
Loving this two single parents haha… they are just like teenagers falling in love hehe.. love that they work together to fix the ranch up and also their kids are getting along with each other. Her son welcomed his daughter to make her feel belong in this small town. And they all went to the Maple Falls festival where their children tried to matchmake them together and also I can feel that they are spying on them while they are spending time together. Being a single parent is tough so there are ups and downs. He comforts her and was always there for her when she is about to lose her ranch and worst she did get scammed by someone too and he appreciates what she does for the children in need, making them have a better place to do activities and also to learn. She encourages him to go back in doing what he loves instead of just being a coach. His teammates also encourage him to come back to the rink too and also teasing him with her. haha… so cute the moment. This book made me smile, laugh, and swoon.
This is the 5th book of Love on Thin Ice Series. This series consist of 7 books and it is written by 7 different authors.
Here are the list of the series:
Breaking the Ice by Whitney Dineen (@whitneydineenauthor)
The Rebound Play by Kate O' Keeffe (@kateokeeffewriter)
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington (@graceworthingtonauthor)
The Parent Playbook by Elise Woods (@elsie.woods.author)
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin (@mbaldwinauthor)
Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall (@elliehallauthor)
Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp (@annekempauthor)
Can’t wait for the next story. It will be Harlow and Teddy’s story
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
Genre: Clean/Hockey Romcom
🚨TW: Loss of love one, got scammed
Read it if you like:
🏒Dual POV
🏒Single parents
🏒Teenage kids
🏒 Family
🏒 Fall activities
🏒Small Town
Favourite Moments
🏒 Them working together to fix the ranch
🏒 The kids trying to matchmake them
🏒 Them being like teenagers in love
🏒 Moments of their children.
🏒 Maple Falls Festival
🏒 Her passion towards the children in need.
🏒 Her supporting and encouraging him to go back to be a hockey player.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🏒 He cares and loves his daughter, her and her son
🏒 He is willing to help her to fix the ranch
🏒 He appreciates her for making the children in need a better place.
🏒 He sacrifice his career to take care of his daughter.
Synopsis
Angel
A single mother who has a heart for the children in need. And do whatever it takes to save the ranch
Scotty
A coach/ex-hockey player and also a widower who would do anything for his daughter.
Angel is about to lose her ranch and she will do anything to fix it and save it and she had a son to take care of who loves to speak his mind. He met a new friend in school who turns out to be the daughter of the charity hockey team’s coach. Two adults meet and as they get to know each other they grew closer. What will happened next? Will they be able to save the ranch?
Review:
Loving this two single parents haha… they are just like teenagers falling in love hehe.. love that they work together to fix the ranch up and also their kids are getting along with each other. Her son welcomed his daughter to make her feel belong in this small town. And they all went to the Maple Falls festival where their children tried to matchmake them together and also I can feel that they are spying on them while they are spending time together. Being a single parent is tough so there are ups and downs. He comforts her and was always there for her when she is about to lose her ranch and worst she did get scammed by someone too and he appreciates what she does for the children in need, making them have a better place to do activities and also to learn. She encourages him to go back in doing what he loves instead of just being a coach. His teammates also encourage him to come back to the rink too and also teasing him with her. haha… so cute the moment. This book made me smile, laugh, and swoon.
This is the 5th book of Love on Thin Ice Series. This series consist of 7 books and it is written by 7 different authors.
Here are the list of the series:
Breaking the Ice by Whitney Dineen (@whitneydineenauthor)
The Rebound Play by Kate O' Keeffe (@kateokeeffewriter)
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington (@graceworthingtonauthor)
The Parent Playbook by Elise Woods (@elsie.woods.author)
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin (@mbaldwinauthor)
Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall (@elliehallauthor)
Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp (@annekempauthor)
Can’t wait for the next story. It will be Harlow and Teddy’s story
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
September 6, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect when I settled on reading this book based on the description alone as I have read a lot of books with a similar will they/won't they storyline and sometimes, they can be a little repetitive with no clear distinction between one story to the next. I also find sometimes the female is portrayed as a damsel in distress that needs saving by strong strapping male so I originally went in thinking it would be similar to every other light hearted, small town romance but boy, I was wrong.
Firstly, the main female character, Angel, comes across very independent and set in her beliefs that she wants to make a difference for Maple Falls by providing a place where every child can just be themselves with no expectations, no restrictions, no divide between the poor and the rich, just able to be a kid - the passion that she displays page after page is just fantastic and it's the kind of place that I wish we had outside the world of Maple Falls. She also seems to have the same struggles as every other person with the expectations placed on her with running a business and being a single mum so I could truly relate to her as a person, rather than a fiction character.
I absolutely love Scotty and his general persona - he was truly relatable with the struggles he faces as a single man looking after a daughter who is getting towards her teens, the loss of someone very close to him and how he is managing the grief that goes along with it, a change in living circumstances and navigating new waters.. Elsie truly captured how men can have the same struggles as females but they internally try to resolve them instead of expressing their worries and asking for help.
The entire story is written so beautifully that I was wrapped up in the world of Maple Falls and I felt like I was there and I truly believe when you are transported into the world in which you are reading about, that's when you know an author has written something truly magical. If you're on the fence about buying, just do it.. I promise you won't regret it!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout on the basis of providing a voluntary review ~ this doesn't change my opinion on the story nor does it impact my thoughts towards this review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Firstly, the main female character, Angel, comes across very independent and set in her beliefs that she wants to make a difference for Maple Falls by providing a place where every child can just be themselves with no expectations, no restrictions, no divide between the poor and the rich, just able to be a kid - the passion that she displays page after page is just fantastic and it's the kind of place that I wish we had outside the world of Maple Falls. She also seems to have the same struggles as every other person with the expectations placed on her with running a business and being a single mum so I could truly relate to her as a person, rather than a fiction character.
I absolutely love Scotty and his general persona - he was truly relatable with the struggles he faces as a single man looking after a daughter who is getting towards her teens, the loss of someone very close to him and how he is managing the grief that goes along with it, a change in living circumstances and navigating new waters.. Elsie truly captured how men can have the same struggles as females but they internally try to resolve them instead of expressing their worries and asking for help.
The entire story is written so beautifully that I was wrapped up in the world of Maple Falls and I felt like I was there and I truly believe when you are transported into the world in which you are reading about, that's when you know an author has written something truly magical. If you're on the fence about buying, just do it.. I promise you won't regret it!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout on the basis of providing a voluntary review ~ this doesn't change my opinion on the story nor does it impact my thoughts towards this review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2024
With The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods we finally get a book with a story of the Happy Horizon Ranch, the charity case for which the hockey tournament in Maple Falls is held. I must confess, that I thought this Ranch was not for real, if you know what I mean. Therefore, I think this is a special book, as the Ranch is mentioned in all the earlier four books and the reason for it all.
Angel Davis is the owner of the Happy Horizon Ranch, a home and vacation site for kids, which is in need for much repair. When she makes a financial mistake, Scotty MacFarland, former hockey player and now coach of the Ice Breakers hockey team, steps in. Together they try to repair things and this way they get in an easy friendship and maybe something more. They have a great chemistry. And their first meeting, a case of mistaken identity, is so funny and really sweet.
I loved Angel’s son Andrew, he is adorable. Many other characters from earlier novels in this cozy hockey romance series make an appearance as well.
It is so great that in each book the story is about the charity hockey tournament, while in each book there is another couple who are the main characters. Each book has it own interpretation of events and this way you get a more and whole story.
As in the other four books in the Love on Thin Ice series, this book is an easy read and it has a great plot and story-line. The writing style is flowing and a dual POV is always a nice asset to a story.
The Parent Playbook is a great addition to a great romance series, with a single Dad/single Mom trope, and is, in my opinion, together with the first book, the most important book to the series. It has all you want in a hockey romance story: a good plot, very likable characters who you root for, a wonderful small town setting (I want to go to Maple Falls), and a flowing writing style.
If you have not read one of these books, you are really missing out on a fantastic heartwarming cozy and sweet hockey romance series. Each book is a standalone, but I would recommend reading the books in order.
I am a big fan and I know I will be a bit sad when it all will end. For now I have two more books in this series lined up and I am very curious what these books will be like.
Highly recommended!
Angel Davis is the owner of the Happy Horizon Ranch, a home and vacation site for kids, which is in need for much repair. When she makes a financial mistake, Scotty MacFarland, former hockey player and now coach of the Ice Breakers hockey team, steps in. Together they try to repair things and this way they get in an easy friendship and maybe something more. They have a great chemistry. And their first meeting, a case of mistaken identity, is so funny and really sweet.
I loved Angel’s son Andrew, he is adorable. Many other characters from earlier novels in this cozy hockey romance series make an appearance as well.
It is so great that in each book the story is about the charity hockey tournament, while in each book there is another couple who are the main characters. Each book has it own interpretation of events and this way you get a more and whole story.
As in the other four books in the Love on Thin Ice series, this book is an easy read and it has a great plot and story-line. The writing style is flowing and a dual POV is always a nice asset to a story.
The Parent Playbook is a great addition to a great romance series, with a single Dad/single Mom trope, and is, in my opinion, together with the first book, the most important book to the series. It has all you want in a hockey romance story: a good plot, very likable characters who you root for, a wonderful small town setting (I want to go to Maple Falls), and a flowing writing style.
If you have not read one of these books, you are really missing out on a fantastic heartwarming cozy and sweet hockey romance series. Each book is a standalone, but I would recommend reading the books in order.
I am a big fan and I know I will be a bit sad when it all will end. For now I have two more books in this series lined up and I am very curious what these books will be like.
Highly recommended!
October 7, 2024
Arc Review
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- Single Dad and Single Mom (Single Parent Struggles)
- Mischievous Kids
- Found Family
- Close Knit Community
- Small Town
- Fall Vibes
- Low-Angst, Cozy Vibes
- Second Chance At Love
- Hockey Romance
- Dual POV
- A Beautiful Ranch with a Troublemaker Goat
- 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 fifth book of the ‘Love on Thin Ice’ series is ‘The Parent Playbook’ written by. Elsie Woods.
Angel runs the Happy Horizons Ranch, a place for kids to be kids and learn skills they might never learn other wise, but Angel is also a mother to her son Andy. Scotty is a now retired hockey player who stop playing to help take care of his sick wife Corrie but after her loss he wanted to devote all his time into being a father so he could take care of his daughter Lily. Scotty and Lily find themselves in Maple Falls because Scotty is going to be the assistant coach for the charity hockey team.
When Angel and Scotty meet it’s not the most perfect first meeting but what do you do. Angel needs help fixing her ranch and Scotty is just the man to help her. Angel and Scotty try to fight their attraction to one another but they are getting pull together helping each other out with pre-teen antics, curious hockey players, shady business dealings, and a troublemaking goat. Will Angel and Scotty get there happily ever after? Read ‘The Parent Playbook’ and find out.
This is my fifth book of the series and I’m in love with this series I wish it didn’t have to end but I only have two more to go.
I loved Angel and Scotty together their meet-cute at the gala was great. I also loved Angels and Scotty’s relationship with their own kids but also with the others kid. Scotty’s dad jokes and humour was top tier. I also love how Scotty did not hesitate to start helping Angel out when she needed it. I loved Angels spirit you can definitely see were Andy gets his spirit from. Also there was a whole parent trap vibe here that I loved to see with the fall festival, to watching the hockey games, the movie night and everything else I couldn’t get enough of.
I liked to wrap this up by giving a huge thank you to the author Elsie Woods along with NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book, I absolutely loved reading it.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- Single Dad and Single Mom (Single Parent Struggles)
- Mischievous Kids
- Found Family
- Close Knit Community
- Small Town
- Fall Vibes
- Low-Angst, Cozy Vibes
- Second Chance At Love
- Hockey Romance
- Dual POV
- A Beautiful Ranch with a Troublemaker Goat
- 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 fifth book of the ‘Love on Thin Ice’ series is ‘The Parent Playbook’ written by. Elsie Woods.
Angel runs the Happy Horizons Ranch, a place for kids to be kids and learn skills they might never learn other wise, but Angel is also a mother to her son Andy. Scotty is a now retired hockey player who stop playing to help take care of his sick wife Corrie but after her loss he wanted to devote all his time into being a father so he could take care of his daughter Lily. Scotty and Lily find themselves in Maple Falls because Scotty is going to be the assistant coach for the charity hockey team.
When Angel and Scotty meet it’s not the most perfect first meeting but what do you do. Angel needs help fixing her ranch and Scotty is just the man to help her. Angel and Scotty try to fight their attraction to one another but they are getting pull together helping each other out with pre-teen antics, curious hockey players, shady business dealings, and a troublemaking goat. Will Angel and Scotty get there happily ever after? Read ‘The Parent Playbook’ and find out.
This is my fifth book of the series and I’m in love with this series I wish it didn’t have to end but I only have two more to go.
I loved Angel and Scotty together their meet-cute at the gala was great. I also loved Angels and Scotty’s relationship with their own kids but also with the others kid. Scotty’s dad jokes and humour was top tier. I also love how Scotty did not hesitate to start helping Angel out when she needed it. I loved Angels spirit you can definitely see were Andy gets his spirit from. Also there was a whole parent trap vibe here that I loved to see with the fall festival, to watching the hockey games, the movie night and everything else I couldn’t get enough of.
I liked to wrap this up by giving a huge thank you to the author Elsie Woods along with NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book, I absolutely loved reading it.
September 11, 2024
3.25 stars
I found the first half of this novel to be page turning, but by the time I hit the 60% mark it just wasn’t doing it for me.
In this novel we follow our FMC Angel and MMC Scotty. Angel runs a charity where kids can go to read, learn how to grow vegetables, and have just a general resource for those less fortunate. Scotty is a retired hockey player who volunteered to coach the Ice Breakers hockey team, who is during a 5-game charity event for Angel’s charity. It’s love at first sight as Scotty helps Angel fix up the barn and other areas. Will these two fall in love and will it stick?
Like I said, I enjoyed the first half of the novel because I felt the chemistry between these two. I’m a huge fan of show don’t tell with love stories, and you could see Scotty showing Angel his love by helping on the ranch and teaching her son hockey. Angel showed her love by encouraging him at the hockey games and bonding with his daughter.
Andy and Lily (Angel’s son and Scotty’s daughter respectively) were iffy for me. I did like how the author made them unique, such as their protests and being environmentally conscious. However, I felt like they didn’t actually come across as a normal set of 12 year olds. Again, I liked how they were characterized differently, but at times they were a bit annoying.
Another side note, as this is part of a series where all the plots take place at the same time, I felt some of the characters didn’t fall inline with how they were written in their original books. For instance, Scotty keeps dropping Lily off with Blair or Blair picks her up from school. However, I don’t remember Blair ever interacting with his daughter in her own book. There is also a scene where Cooper is talking with Angel and smiles, laughs, says a lot of words, and calls the town by its correct name. But in his book he never laughs or smiles, is a man of few words, and always calls the town Pine Falls. Again, this is something small but it’s worth pointing out.
I did like this book and hope to continue with the rest of the series.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I found the first half of this novel to be page turning, but by the time I hit the 60% mark it just wasn’t doing it for me.
In this novel we follow our FMC Angel and MMC Scotty. Angel runs a charity where kids can go to read, learn how to grow vegetables, and have just a general resource for those less fortunate. Scotty is a retired hockey player who volunteered to coach the Ice Breakers hockey team, who is during a 5-game charity event for Angel’s charity. It’s love at first sight as Scotty helps Angel fix up the barn and other areas. Will these two fall in love and will it stick?
Like I said, I enjoyed the first half of the novel because I felt the chemistry between these two. I’m a huge fan of show don’t tell with love stories, and you could see Scotty showing Angel his love by helping on the ranch and teaching her son hockey. Angel showed her love by encouraging him at the hockey games and bonding with his daughter.
Andy and Lily (Angel’s son and Scotty’s daughter respectively) were iffy for me. I did like how the author made them unique, such as their protests and being environmentally conscious. However, I felt like they didn’t actually come across as a normal set of 12 year olds. Again, I liked how they were characterized differently, but at times they were a bit annoying.
Another side note, as this is part of a series where all the plots take place at the same time, I felt some of the characters didn’t fall inline with how they were written in their original books. For instance, Scotty keeps dropping Lily off with Blair or Blair picks her up from school. However, I don’t remember Blair ever interacting with his daughter in her own book. There is also a scene where Cooper is talking with Angel and smiles, laughs, says a lot of words, and calls the town by its correct name. But in his book he never laughs or smiles, is a man of few words, and always calls the town Pine Falls. Again, this is something small but it’s worth pointing out.
I did like this book and hope to continue with the rest of the series.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️
Finally, we get to learn more about Happy Horizon’s Ranch! Since book one of Love on Thin Ice we have been hearing about the charity our pro hockey players are supporting, but haven’t gotten to know it or the amazing woman who runs it. I was so excited to get to know Angel and all the good she is doing at this amazing place.
Angel is a hard worker, resilient, and understands coming from the “wrong side”. She loves her son Andy, but his father split before meeting their son. She has done everything she can to create a good life for her and her son, while giving other children a place to find joy. She wants them to have a place that is full of love and joy. To just be children, without the worries daily life can bring. She has the biggest heart! However, big hearts and dreams don’t pay the bills. She is beyond grateful for the hockey games supporting her ranch…even if she can’t stand hockey players.
Scotty is a former NHL hockey star, who gave it up due to being a single dad, has come to Maple Falls to help coach the hockey team. He has been searching for a place he and his daughter, Lily can start fresh. He is instantly drawn to everything Maple Falls has to offer. Especially the single mother who runs the ranch they are playing for. He is definitely drawn to her.
Full of so much goodness, this story made my heart soar! Being a parent is hard enough when you have two, involved partners. Doing it on your own, just goes to prove that not all superheros wear capes. Elsie brings such life to these single parents who weren’t looking for love, but find it nonetheless. But this story has more than two hearts involved, there’s four. It’s not just about the chemistry Angel and Scotty have, but how their children, their worlds, fit into this dynamic as well. Elsie brings a wholesome story with true family values to life and I loved it!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Found Family
🍁Single Parents
🏒Clean Romance
🍁Hockey Romance
🏒Small Town
🍁HEA
Finally, we get to learn more about Happy Horizon’s Ranch! Since book one of Love on Thin Ice we have been hearing about the charity our pro hockey players are supporting, but haven’t gotten to know it or the amazing woman who runs it. I was so excited to get to know Angel and all the good she is doing at this amazing place.
Angel is a hard worker, resilient, and understands coming from the “wrong side”. She loves her son Andy, but his father split before meeting their son. She has done everything she can to create a good life for her and her son, while giving other children a place to find joy. She wants them to have a place that is full of love and joy. To just be children, without the worries daily life can bring. She has the biggest heart! However, big hearts and dreams don’t pay the bills. She is beyond grateful for the hockey games supporting her ranch…even if she can’t stand hockey players.
Scotty is a former NHL hockey star, who gave it up due to being a single dad, has come to Maple Falls to help coach the hockey team. He has been searching for a place he and his daughter, Lily can start fresh. He is instantly drawn to everything Maple Falls has to offer. Especially the single mother who runs the ranch they are playing for. He is definitely drawn to her.
Full of so much goodness, this story made my heart soar! Being a parent is hard enough when you have two, involved partners. Doing it on your own, just goes to prove that not all superheros wear capes. Elsie brings such life to these single parents who weren’t looking for love, but find it nonetheless. But this story has more than two hearts involved, there’s four. It’s not just about the chemistry Angel and Scotty have, but how their children, their worlds, fit into this dynamic as well. Elsie brings a wholesome story with true family values to life and I loved it!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Found Family
🍁Single Parents
🏒Clean Romance
🍁Hockey Romance
🏒Small Town
🍁HEA
October 28, 2024
ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Growing up Angelica (Angel) Davis knew what it meant to go without. As an adult she has dedicated her life to providing a safe space that bridges the gap for less fortunate children in her community. So when a billionaire offers the Happy Horizons Ranch to be the beneficiary of his charity, she accepts. Will the single-mother be able to keep her head and her foundation above water until the money comes through, or will she run out of time?
The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods is the fifth book in the Love on Thin Ice series. This is a multi-author, interconnected series that follows the love stories of professional hockey players on the charity team, The Ice Breakers. While each of these books is written as a stand alone novel, they are best enjoyed as a whole. However, the order in which you read them does not necessarily matter.
Reading through this series has given me the opportunity to discover a couple of things.
First, it has introduced me to new-to-me authors such as Elsie Woods. Despite having numerous titles to her name, I had yet to read one of her novels. I am so thankful that I learned of Woods’ work as I instantly fell in love with her writing. This might have been my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be my last!
In addition to discovering Woods, it opened my eyes to a trope I had previously dismissed. I always thought I was not a fan of the single-parent trope. In actuality I just hadn’t read one I enjoyed. Woods put an end to that by rooting Angel and Scotty’s journey in reality. Not only did their interactions feel authentic, they delicately navigated both their own feelings and their children’s feelings responsibly.
Read this book if you enjoy small town, sports romances that feature a second chance at love for two single-parents.
Special thanks to Netgalley, Puppy Love Books, Xpresso Book Tours, and Elsie Woods for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Growing up Angelica (Angel) Davis knew what it meant to go without. As an adult she has dedicated her life to providing a safe space that bridges the gap for less fortunate children in her community. So when a billionaire offers the Happy Horizons Ranch to be the beneficiary of his charity, she accepts. Will the single-mother be able to keep her head and her foundation above water until the money comes through, or will she run out of time?
The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods is the fifth book in the Love on Thin Ice series. This is a multi-author, interconnected series that follows the love stories of professional hockey players on the charity team, The Ice Breakers. While each of these books is written as a stand alone novel, they are best enjoyed as a whole. However, the order in which you read them does not necessarily matter.
Reading through this series has given me the opportunity to discover a couple of things.
First, it has introduced me to new-to-me authors such as Elsie Woods. Despite having numerous titles to her name, I had yet to read one of her novels. I am so thankful that I learned of Woods’ work as I instantly fell in love with her writing. This might have been my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be my last!
In addition to discovering Woods, it opened my eyes to a trope I had previously dismissed. I always thought I was not a fan of the single-parent trope. In actuality I just hadn’t read one I enjoyed. Woods put an end to that by rooting Angel and Scotty’s journey in reality. Not only did their interactions feel authentic, they delicately navigated both their own feelings and their children’s feelings responsibly.
Read this book if you enjoy small town, sports romances that feature a second chance at love for two single-parents.
Special thanks to Netgalley, Puppy Love Books, Xpresso Book Tours, and Elsie Woods for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2024
Cuteness overload! 😍
The 'Parent Playbook' is Book Five in the multi-author Love on Thin Ice series. It isn't just players falling in love in Maple Falls, but coaches, too!
In this insta-love story, Angel, lead of the Happy Horizons Ranch and the beneficiary of the Ice Breakers charity dollars finds herself in need of some help on the ranch to make her charity ready for the spotlight about to be shined on it. It just so happens that Coach Scotty has some skills on and off the ice. When their adorable kiddos do all they can to throw the two together, they won't be able to resist what feels like it was meant to be and a sweet second chance for both their families.
"Watching him, I’m struck by a thought so clear it nearly takes my breath away. It’s not that his broad shoulders make me swoon or that he’s single-handedly saved my ranch’s crumbling infrastructure—though, let’s be honest, those haven’t hurt his case. It’s him. Scotty. The guy who can coax a grin from a grumpy toddler and who actually listens when I speak. I like him. A lot."
Feel free to swoon.
Their love story isn't without its obstacles, but their playful banter, unwavering support of each other (and their kids), and their chemistry, makes 'The Parent Playbook' score a major goal. The kids provide some wonderful comedic relief, but so does Angel with her sweet boot trick. 😉 With every book in the series, I find myself wishing Maple Falls was a real place. I love the world these authors have created!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
The 'Parent Playbook' is Book Five in the multi-author Love on Thin Ice series. It isn't just players falling in love in Maple Falls, but coaches, too!
In this insta-love story, Angel, lead of the Happy Horizons Ranch and the beneficiary of the Ice Breakers charity dollars finds herself in need of some help on the ranch to make her charity ready for the spotlight about to be shined on it. It just so happens that Coach Scotty has some skills on and off the ice. When their adorable kiddos do all they can to throw the two together, they won't be able to resist what feels like it was meant to be and a sweet second chance for both their families.
"Watching him, I’m struck by a thought so clear it nearly takes my breath away. It’s not that his broad shoulders make me swoon or that he’s single-handedly saved my ranch’s crumbling infrastructure—though, let’s be honest, those haven’t hurt his case. It’s him. Scotty. The guy who can coax a grin from a grumpy toddler and who actually listens when I speak. I like him. A lot."
Feel free to swoon.
Their love story isn't without its obstacles, but their playful banter, unwavering support of each other (and their kids), and their chemistry, makes 'The Parent Playbook' score a major goal. The kids provide some wonderful comedic relief, but so does Angel with her sweet boot trick. 😉 With every book in the series, I find myself wishing Maple Falls was a real place. I love the world these authors have created!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Angel & Scotty’s points of view
– Scotty appeared in the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series by Elsie Woods, but you don’t need to read it to enjoy this story
– it is mentioned that a character’s spouse left & chose not to return
– it is mentioned that a character’s spouse passed away at a young age
Review:
This was so cute & funny! I loved the various dad jokes and how they were woven into the story. I loved that this story featured two single parents and that Elsie focused on some of the shared struggles they had and how they each wanted to approach them. I loved that Angel was so dedicated to her charity and that Scotty wanted to help her nurture that. I loved that Angel’s son was a bit headstrong but knew what he wanted to support. I also loved that both of their kids wanted Angel & Scotty to get together and orchestrated a few moments for them!
Summary:
Angel is thankful that her charity was chosen to be represented by the Ice Breakers charity team. But being chosen comes with various events and interactions she could do without. Namely interacting with the hockey team members. That is until one manages to get past her defenses and nurtures her dreams for the charity…
Scotty left the hockey world to take care of his daughter. When an offer to help coach the new charity team is given to him though, Scotty wonders if he’s been out of the game too long to truly be a help to them let alone to be listened to as a voice dedicated to making them the best they can be. But the chance to brush up on his skills and give his daughter a change of pace is too good to pass up. Scotty never expected to find someone that could fill the hole in their lives at the same time…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Angel & Scotty’s points of view
– Scotty appeared in the Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series by Elsie Woods, but you don’t need to read it to enjoy this story
– it is mentioned that a character’s spouse left & chose not to return
– it is mentioned that a character’s spouse passed away at a young age
Review:
This was so cute & funny! I loved the various dad jokes and how they were woven into the story. I loved that this story featured two single parents and that Elsie focused on some of the shared struggles they had and how they each wanted to approach them. I loved that Angel was so dedicated to her charity and that Scotty wanted to help her nurture that. I loved that Angel’s son was a bit headstrong but knew what he wanted to support. I also loved that both of their kids wanted Angel & Scotty to get together and orchestrated a few moments for them!
Summary:
Angel is thankful that her charity was chosen to be represented by the Ice Breakers charity team. But being chosen comes with various events and interactions she could do without. Namely interacting with the hockey team members. That is until one manages to get past her defenses and nurtures her dreams for the charity…
Scotty left the hockey world to take care of his daughter. When an offer to help coach the new charity team is given to him though, Scotty wonders if he’s been out of the game too long to truly be a help to them let alone to be listened to as a voice dedicated to making them the best they can be. But the chance to brush up on his skills and give his daughter a change of pace is too good to pass up. Scotty never expected to find someone that could fill the hole in their lives at the same time…
September 25, 2024
Angel Davis hates hockey dudes (as she calls them). She has preconceived notions/assumptions as to what they are all like. She knows she will have to put on her best face because the hockey tournament has chosen her charity to the be recipient of the funds raised. She is director of Happy Horizons Ranch, which is a children's charity. It is a place where all children can feel they belong.
Scotty McFarland is a former hockey player who is going to coach the team. When he meets Angel, he offers to help her with repairs to the ranch. She is shocked to later learn that he is one of those guys she hates. So much for assumptions.
This was a love story with sweet chemistry. It was not sparking or electric chemistry. It was just sweet. Both Angel and Scotty are single parents with children who are quite the handful. Angel's son, Andy, is a future leader in the making. Andy and Lily provide plenty of entertainment, especially with their matchmaking.
Angel is a tough lady who has overcome a lot of bad circumstances, but there is still a vulnerability that she does not allow many people to see. Scotty left hockey for personal reasons, and he would do it again. He is a good man and good father. The two main characters are true heroes who do not care anything about accolades. They are actually perfect for one another. They just do what they feel they need to do and help others. There was romance, a little drama and some great scenes that will leave you chuckling.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Scotty McFarland is a former hockey player who is going to coach the team. When he meets Angel, he offers to help her with repairs to the ranch. She is shocked to later learn that he is one of those guys she hates. So much for assumptions.
This was a love story with sweet chemistry. It was not sparking or electric chemistry. It was just sweet. Both Angel and Scotty are single parents with children who are quite the handful. Angel's son, Andy, is a future leader in the making. Andy and Lily provide plenty of entertainment, especially with their matchmaking.
Angel is a tough lady who has overcome a lot of bad circumstances, but there is still a vulnerability that she does not allow many people to see. Scotty left hockey for personal reasons, and he would do it again. He is a good man and good father. The two main characters are true heroes who do not care anything about accolades. They are actually perfect for one another. They just do what they feel they need to do and help others. There was romance, a little drama and some great scenes that will leave you chuckling.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2024
The Ice-Breakers all-star hockey team was put together to help out Happy Horizon Ranch, a place that helps underprivileged kids in Maple Falls. Angel, who owns and runs Happy Horizon, hopes that the team can win the charity season since that means the ranch will get enough money to go from barely scraping by to being able to expand and help more kids.
Scotty McFarland, retired from hockey for personal reasons, comes to Maple Falls as a coach for the ice-Breakers and finds being a single parent in a new area can have challenges, as his daughter Lily struggles to fit in. But Lily meets Andy, Angel's son, and soon friendships are formed with the 4 of them. Maybe there is more than friendship developing between Angel and Scotty, but both of them are too stubborn to give in and too worried about making sure their lives and their kids are the first priority to give in.
This book is wonderful for those who love small town romances with sports, but don't want all the spice of some more popular books. With no spice at all, just romance The Parent Playbook is a great read that lifts up your heart and makes you believe that dreams (even those you're not willing to believe in) can come true.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Scotty McFarland, retired from hockey for personal reasons, comes to Maple Falls as a coach for the ice-Breakers and finds being a single parent in a new area can have challenges, as his daughter Lily struggles to fit in. But Lily meets Andy, Angel's son, and soon friendships are formed with the 4 of them. Maybe there is more than friendship developing between Angel and Scotty, but both of them are too stubborn to give in and too worried about making sure their lives and their kids are the first priority to give in.
This book is wonderful for those who love small town romances with sports, but don't want all the spice of some more popular books. With no spice at all, just romance The Parent Playbook is a great read that lifts up your heart and makes you believe that dreams (even those you're not willing to believe in) can come true.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2024
Blending teams, blending families
I loved this story about two single parents being brought together by the charity hockey team and their two matchmaking preteens. If Angel and Scotty weren't so compelling and didn't work (literally) so well together, I think their kids, Andy and Lily would steal the show. The challenge of blending two single-parent families looks like it could be in reach.
I loved seeing Angel realize that her dreams for her children's charity are on the brink of coming true. She was so caring in the way she encouraged Scotty to take another look at his dreams of playing pro hockey, challenging him to take a chance during this mini-event to see if he still has the skills and stamina to play the way he used to.
At the ice arena, coaches Doug and Scotty are working to pull a roomful of pro hockey players from across the league into a single cohesive team with a tough four week time limit before the first game. Some players had been teammates sometime in the past. Others were now playing with their fiercest rivals. The coaches need to bring this team to a single purpose and win the best of five game series to secure the funds for Angel and Happy Horizons Ranch.
I received an advance copy of this story directly from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I loved this story about two single parents being brought together by the charity hockey team and their two matchmaking preteens. If Angel and Scotty weren't so compelling and didn't work (literally) so well together, I think their kids, Andy and Lily would steal the show. The challenge of blending two single-parent families looks like it could be in reach.
I loved seeing Angel realize that her dreams for her children's charity are on the brink of coming true. She was so caring in the way she encouraged Scotty to take another look at his dreams of playing pro hockey, challenging him to take a chance during this mini-event to see if he still has the skills and stamina to play the way he used to.
At the ice arena, coaches Doug and Scotty are working to pull a roomful of pro hockey players from across the league into a single cohesive team with a tough four week time limit before the first game. Some players had been teammates sometime in the past. Others were now playing with their fiercest rivals. The coaches need to bring this team to a single purpose and win the best of five game series to secure the funds for Angel and Happy Horizons Ranch.
I received an advance copy of this story directly from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
September 30, 2024
Book #5 of the Love On Thin Ice series and one of my favorites so far! This multi-author hockey romance series is so fun! All based around a charity hockey team called The Icebreakers who play in the small town of Maple Falls. I am loving the small town fall vibes and being introduced to new authors that have so much talent!
In The Parent Playbook we finally get to see Happy Horizons which is the charity that the hockey team is playing for through the whole series. I do feel like maybe this one should have been earlier on in some ways so the reader could know more about what the team is being put together for, but with each book technically able to be a stand alone it worked fine here too.
This book was Angel and Scotty’s story and it was a fun one! I was so excited to learn more about the Happy Horizons owner and the co-captain of the hockey team. I loved the double single parent trope and their kids, Lily and Andy were such a fun comic relief. The way Scotty falls for her and shows her he cares by being there through all of the chaos and struggles was so sweet, and her support of him and his team and the way she was there for his daughter made them the perfect couple.
This was the first book of Elsie’s I have read and I really enjoyed it! I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review this book for her!
In The Parent Playbook we finally get to see Happy Horizons which is the charity that the hockey team is playing for through the whole series. I do feel like maybe this one should have been earlier on in some ways so the reader could know more about what the team is being put together for, but with each book technically able to be a stand alone it worked fine here too.
This book was Angel and Scotty’s story and it was a fun one! I was so excited to learn more about the Happy Horizons owner and the co-captain of the hockey team. I loved the double single parent trope and their kids, Lily and Andy were such a fun comic relief. The way Scotty falls for her and shows her he cares by being there through all of the chaos and struggles was so sweet, and her support of him and his team and the way she was there for his daughter made them the perfect couple.
This was the first book of Elsie’s I have read and I really enjoyed it! I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review this book for her!
September 18, 2024
The Parent Playbook is a sweet rom com that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. From the moment Angel meets Scotty, I found myself laughing and rooting for them. Angel runs the charity that the Ice Breakers are representing, and Scotty is one of the coaches. They are both single parents and of course, their kids hit it off and become great friends. First of all, both kids are amazing and endearing! So mature, yet curious and mischievous in their preteen years. Angel has quite the calm the head on her shoulders, despite all the chaos that surrounds her (not calling out any names…Edgar!!!). Scotty shows up, day after day, and just brings a calming presence and a hand of help in the midst of the crazy ranch shenanigans. He also happens to bring all the dad jokes, which keeps the laughter genuine. The story is fast paced but remains so very realistic. I enjoyed all the friendly and romantic moments, not to mention when Scotty finally steps up to do what needs to be done! I love this crew! If you’ve been following the series, you will enjoy seeing glimpses of some of the other characters. If you have not, it’s totally fine. You can enjoy this one as a standalone (and have something to look forward to).
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 24, 2024
Single parent, closed door, hockey romance.
Angel is a single parent. She is determined to give her son and other children experiences that she never had growing up with a single parent herself. She runs the Happy Horizons charity for underprivileged children. All of her prayers are answered when the local hockey team picks her charity for donations.
Scotty hung up his skates to take care of his wife before she passed away leaving him as a single dad. He decides to take a coaching job with the Icebreakers and move his daughter to Maple Falls.
Angel and Scotty meet when Angel confuses him with the coat check valet, and they continue to run into each other when their children decide to become friends.
This was a really cute quick read, with some hockey thrown in. I love when authors put hockey into their "hockey" romances. The matchmaking kids where my favorite part of the book. Those two were so cute and obvious in their efforts to matchmake their parents. The banter between the two main characters was great and very funny. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this title. This is my honest review.
Angel is a single parent. She is determined to give her son and other children experiences that she never had growing up with a single parent herself. She runs the Happy Horizons charity for underprivileged children. All of her prayers are answered when the local hockey team picks her charity for donations.
Scotty hung up his skates to take care of his wife before she passed away leaving him as a single dad. He decides to take a coaching job with the Icebreakers and move his daughter to Maple Falls.
Angel and Scotty meet when Angel confuses him with the coat check valet, and they continue to run into each other when their children decide to become friends.
This was a really cute quick read, with some hockey thrown in. I love when authors put hockey into their "hockey" romances. The matchmaking kids where my favorite part of the book. Those two were so cute and obvious in their efforts to matchmake their parents. The banter between the two main characters was great and very funny. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this title. This is my honest review.
September 9, 2024
Elsie has brought us a superb story in the Ice Breakers series, in which we meet Angel who is a single mom and Scotty a single dad. Angel enjoys her life in Maple Falls even though she grew up on the wrong side of town, she's worked hard to get where she is today. Happy Horizon is finally starting to become everything she hoped. The perfect place for underprivileged kids to enjoy a normal childhood experience. Scotty gave up his hockey career to care for his daughter, now coming to Maple Falls to help coach a team for a charity event, he hoped to find peace and a new place for them to call home. This is a brilliantly written heartfelt story about loss, acceptance and family. I love how each story showcases different characters and their own experiences throughout the charity event. We also find out more about previous characters, and how each story weaves into a totally compelling series. If you love a funny entertaining romance with the addition of a cheeky goat this is perfect for you. I really can't recommend this story enough and can't wait for the next installment. ❤️📖🏒🍁☕️❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2024
Angel Davis runs the Happy Horizons Ranch, a place for kids to be kids and have opportunities they may not get at home, while raising her son Andy. Scotty MacFarland retired from hockey at the loss of his wife Corrie. He finds himself in Maple Falls temporarily with his daughter Lily to be the assistant coach for the Ice Breakers charity hockey team.
Angel doesn’t really want anything to do with hockey, but with Happy Horizons as the tournament charity recipient, Angel and Scotty’s worlds collide. She needs help getting things fixed up, and he happens to have experience from his post-hockey life. Try as they may to resist it, it seems that forces unknown are conspiring to bring Angel and Scotty together as they find themselves dealing with preteen antics, curious teammates, shady business dealings, and a sneaky goat.
Elsie Woods has written another great addition to the Love on Thin Ice series! I loved seeing how Angel and Scotty worked together, falling comfortably into the rhythm of daily life while raising kids. If you’re a fan of The Parent Trap, you’ll love The Parent Playbook!
Angel doesn’t really want anything to do with hockey, but with Happy Horizons as the tournament charity recipient, Angel and Scotty’s worlds collide. She needs help getting things fixed up, and he happens to have experience from his post-hockey life. Try as they may to resist it, it seems that forces unknown are conspiring to bring Angel and Scotty together as they find themselves dealing with preteen antics, curious teammates, shady business dealings, and a sneaky goat.
Elsie Woods has written another great addition to the Love on Thin Ice series! I loved seeing how Angel and Scotty worked together, falling comfortably into the rhythm of daily life while raising kids. If you’re a fan of The Parent Trap, you’ll love The Parent Playbook!
October 17, 2024
✔️hockey romance
✔️single mom x single dad
✔️Parent Trap vibes
✔️small town
✔️closed door romance
3.5⭐️
This book is cute. I like that both main characters were single parents, and their kids are the same age. Their circumstances for why they are single parents are different, but both have their reasons to keep some walls up to protect their hearts and their kids. There is no OM/OW drama in this book, so that isn’t a concern. The kids (as well as everyone else in their small town) see that Angel and Scotty would be perfect together, and they do everything they can to orchestrate their parents falling in love. This is a cute quick read.
Angel runs the children’s charity that is benefiting from the charity hockey series that this book series focuses on, and Scotty is the assistant coach - a former NHL player who misses the ice but is content living a life out of the spotlight with his daughter. The two have chemistry when they meet, but parenting preteens is difficult and Scotty has some big life decisions to make. Will they stay in Maple Falls for good or head back to Colorado when the tournament is over?
✔️single mom x single dad
✔️Parent Trap vibes
✔️small town
✔️closed door romance
3.5⭐️
This book is cute. I like that both main characters were single parents, and their kids are the same age. Their circumstances for why they are single parents are different, but both have their reasons to keep some walls up to protect their hearts and their kids. There is no OM/OW drama in this book, so that isn’t a concern. The kids (as well as everyone else in their small town) see that Angel and Scotty would be perfect together, and they do everything they can to orchestrate their parents falling in love. This is a cute quick read.
Angel runs the children’s charity that is benefiting from the charity hockey series that this book series focuses on, and Scotty is the assistant coach - a former NHL player who misses the ice but is content living a life out of the spotlight with his daughter. The two have chemistry when they meet, but parenting preteens is difficult and Scotty has some big life decisions to make. Will they stay in Maple Falls for good or head back to Colorado when the tournament is over?
October 3, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Love on Thin Ice series. There are some recurring characters but it can be read as a standalone. This book’s main male character is Scotty who is one of the Ice Breakers coaches and former NHL star who stepped away to take care of his dying wife and then his daughter. He had been living a quiet life in Colorado working at a doggy spa (if you have read other books by this author you likely know this connection which was so fun and unexpected). Scotty is the epitome of sweet funny dad joke guy. The book’s female main character is Angel who is a single mom and her ranch for underprivileged kids is the beneficiary if the Ice Breakers win their tournament. Angel grew up very poor so is a little hardened and rough around the edges. These opposites attract and just complete each other. Add in their scheming children and it’s got a little parent trap nostalgia going on. This is yet another hit in this series and I highly recommend it. I know I’ll be reading it over and over again.
April 22, 2025
"I don’t know when dad jokes and mismatched socks became my type, but that hockey dude skated into my life like a runaway puck… and I think I like it."
Thank you to Netgalley, the author Elsie Woods and the publishers for letting me read and review this advanced copy. This is a four star hockey romance read that is the first book I have read by this author and it did not disappoint. This is the fifth novel in her love on thin ice book series. The two main characters Angel and Scotty are single parents who find a second chance at love with each other. Angel is a business owner that works with homes & vacation websites for children called Happy Horizon Ranch. Scotty is a former professional hockey player who is now a coach for a hockey team called Ice Breakers. The children's interaction with their found family is adorable and how the two characters have been through similar circumstances that they can relate to one another in a way. I loved this it was so warm, fuzzy and heart warming with being hilarious; especially the dad jokes.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author Elsie Woods and the publishers for letting me read and review this advanced copy. This is a four star hockey romance read that is the first book I have read by this author and it did not disappoint. This is the fifth novel in her love on thin ice book series. The two main characters Angel and Scotty are single parents who find a second chance at love with each other. Angel is a business owner that works with homes & vacation websites for children called Happy Horizon Ranch. Scotty is a former professional hockey player who is now a coach for a hockey team called Ice Breakers. The children's interaction with their found family is adorable and how the two characters have been through similar circumstances that they can relate to one another in a way. I loved this it was so warm, fuzzy and heart warming with being hilarious; especially the dad jokes.
August 17, 2024
A great book . Angel has created her charity Happy Horrizons Ranch for children who don't have much and they can learn and enjoy there . When a successful businessman accepts to fund her charity through a hockey competition . The hockey team they create is from player from all the teams which will play for the charity . Scotty MacFarland used to play until he stopped and now he is there to coach the team . Scotty and Angel are both single parents and their kids are 12 year old and they became best friends . Scotty realises to many responsibilities she has on her shoulders so he helps her with anything that needs fixing at the ranch . They both feeling attraction between them but he is worried about the happiness of his daughter . Will the two preteen make their miracle and bring their parents together ?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
This was the first book I’ve ever read by Elsie Woods, but it won’t be my last, because I really loved it! It’s my favorite book yet in the series, and I can’t wait to check out her other books.
Angel and Scotty, who are both single parents both trying to do the best they can for their kids, make the cutest couple. However, the kids are absolutely hilarious! Andy’s crusader ways, mixed with Lily’s spunky determination to see that her daddy will be happy again, take this book to the next level.
Tropes include:
*Single parent struggles
*Mischievous kids
*Hockey world!
*Small town, close knit community
*A beautiful ranch with a crazy, uncontrollable goat!
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series, but this one was especially wonderful because of how well-written the four main characters are. Their problems are so relatable, and they handle them with vulnerability, yet also with so much bravery, that you can’t help but be drawn into their world.
Angel and Scotty, who are both single parents both trying to do the best they can for their kids, make the cutest couple. However, the kids are absolutely hilarious! Andy’s crusader ways, mixed with Lily’s spunky determination to see that her daddy will be happy again, take this book to the next level.
Tropes include:
*Single parent struggles
*Mischievous kids
*Hockey world!
*Small town, close knit community
*A beautiful ranch with a crazy, uncontrollable goat!
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series, but this one was especially wonderful because of how well-written the four main characters are. Their problems are so relatable, and they handle them with vulnerability, yet also with so much bravery, that you can’t help but be drawn into their world.
August 21, 2024
Another great sweet, funny, romance book from Elsie. Just watch out for that goat 😂
I am lucky enough to be one of Elsie’s advance readers (because I love her books). I’ve read every single book and never been disappointed. She writes really sweet romantic comedies. Her Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series contains a large dose of our four legged friends (which is what initially drew me to her books). The Parent Playbook is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. Think single dad meets single mum who have a second chance at. I love the mum’s name (Angel 😇) and the relationship she has with her son. Instead of a four legged friend this book has a mischievious goat 😂. The lovely single dad is from the Love at the Doggy Spa series and there’s more than one tie to that series (you don’t need to have read that series though). If you like dad jokes, and sweet romance stories then you’ll love Elsie’s books.
I am lucky enough to be one of Elsie’s advance readers (because I love her books). I’ve read every single book and never been disappointed. She writes really sweet romantic comedies. Her Finding Love at the Doggy Spa series contains a large dose of our four legged friends (which is what initially drew me to her books). The Parent Playbook is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. Think single dad meets single mum who have a second chance at. I love the mum’s name (Angel 😇) and the relationship she has with her son. Instead of a four legged friend this book has a mischievious goat 😂. The lovely single dad is from the Love at the Doggy Spa series and there’s more than one tie to that series (you don’t need to have read that series though). If you like dad jokes, and sweet romance stories then you’ll love Elsie’s books.
August 27, 2024
This book tells the story of Scotty MacFarland, a retired pro hockey player, who moves with his 12-year-old daughter, to a small town outside Seattle, to coach a hockey team put together by a millionaire to play for charity to satisfy his own PR needs. Scotty quit hockey to tend to his wife in her terminal sickness some years ago. He's hoping this move will act as a 'reset' for him and his daughter. When he meets Angel, owner of Happy Horizons Ranch, the non-profit children's charity that the Ice Breakers were organized to play exhibition games to benefit, he is immediately attracted. While Scotty spends his free time helping Angel make repairs on the ranch before TV cameras show up, her 12-year-old son 'helps' his daughter get adjusted by getting them both suspended from school, making trouble between the parents. Great romance and great comedy as the kids try to put the parents together again. Recommend this lovely HEA!
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