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The Ice Out
Violet Amin, a third-year psychology PhD student and teaching assistant at Westchester University, just wants to make it an entire year without adding on any emotional wounds. Between her countless papers to grade, fellowships to apply for, and lattes to ingest, there is no time left to make peace with her past rejections — her father’s, her old boss’s, and her ex’s. But everything changes when Mason Hayes, Violet’s childhood best friend-turned-lover-turned-stranger, steps into her office and asks for another chance to be with her.
In his twenty eight years, Mason Hayes has gotten to know failure all too well. After a fateful head injury stripped him of his NHL career, Mason finds himself back in the very arena where he got his start in Boston as a hockey player, trading his past stardom for an opportunity to train the next generation. But he struggles to get his footing and battles imposter syndrome as a coach. When he discovers one of his players is failing his psychology class, Mason tries to help and goes to talk to the teaching assistant. He never expected to see Violet again after the weekend in Chicago that ended their longtime friendship.
With Violet and Mason now forced to work together to help Westchester’s star player get his grade in line, Violet can’t help but feel pulled to Mason’s old charms and his stupid, handsome, face. Still, she refuses to let down her guard. As his chance to regain Violet’s trust fades, Mason is determined to do whatever it takes to get the love of his life back. Can this veteran hockey player survive…The Ice Out?
In his twenty eight years, Mason Hayes has gotten to know failure all too well. After a fateful head injury stripped him of his NHL career, Mason finds himself back in the very arena where he got his start in Boston as a hockey player, trading his past stardom for an opportunity to train the next generation. But he struggles to get his footing and battles imposter syndrome as a coach. When he discovers one of his players is failing his psychology class, Mason tries to help and goes to talk to the teaching assistant. He never expected to see Violet again after the weekend in Chicago that ended their longtime friendship.
With Violet and Mason now forced to work together to help Westchester’s star player get his grade in line, Violet can’t help but feel pulled to Mason’s old charms and his stupid, handsome, face. Still, she refuses to let down her guard. As his chance to regain Violet’s trust fades, Mason is determined to do whatever it takes to get the love of his life back. Can this veteran hockey player survive…The Ice Out?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2025
55 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
January 17, 2025
Looking at the cover of book I thought it would be a cute, fluffy read, but damn it was a very heavy read. I loved how the author carefully dealt with a lot of heavy topics related to mental health. The combination of hard-hitting mental health topics with cute, sweet moments and a reasonable second chance romance plot was everything 🥹🤌.
This book hit me really hard. I just wanted to give both the MCs a damn big hug 🫂❤️. Violet and Mason both suffer from their own problems. Violet Amin, a psychology PhD student and teaching assistant, suffered abuse in academia and is now struggling to recover from anxiety and panic attacks. Mason Hayes, a retired hockey player, is overcoming imposter syndrome and finding a new purpose to his life after experiencing a traumatic event in his career.
Their journey from being childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers again was so beautiful to read (those past flashbacks really helped me alot in understanding their insecurities). The way Vi and Mason supported each other and overcame their insecurities through the end 🥹🥹(I was crying while reading epilogue 😭😭💙). Really enjoyed this book and ha I forgot to tell y'all OUR GUY HAS A VERY FILTHY MOUTH HAHA 🤭✨.
This book hit me really hard. I just wanted to give both the MCs a damn big hug 🫂❤️. Violet and Mason both suffer from their own problems. Violet Amin, a psychology PhD student and teaching assistant, suffered abuse in academia and is now struggling to recover from anxiety and panic attacks. Mason Hayes, a retired hockey player, is overcoming imposter syndrome and finding a new purpose to his life after experiencing a traumatic event in his career.
Their journey from being childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers again was so beautiful to read (those past flashbacks really helped me alot in understanding their insecurities). The way Vi and Mason supported each other and overcame their insecurities through the end 🥹🥹(I was crying while reading epilogue 😭😭💙). Really enjoyed this book and ha I forgot to tell y'all OUR GUY HAS A VERY FILTHY MOUTH HAHA 🤭✨.
January 17, 2025
Mina Myles’ The Ice Out is a friends to lovers to exes to lovers hockey romance that takes a bit of a different angle (a grad student/assistant coach) while still keeping plenty of hockey in the book. The author notes and story seem to indicate a bigger universe set out of the small town of Castle Harbor. Overall, I think there were a lot of very interesting characters and potential plot development coming in the bigger Castle Harbor universe that fans of small town romances may really enjoy, I just wish that there had been more focus on direct plot development in this story as I think there was so much potential on this unique take on a sports romance. Overall, both Mason and Violet are endearing characters who I wish had 100 more pages to really be fleshed out. I think readers who like a small town-megaverse/series feel will really enjoy the direction that this author is heading. Thanks to Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for this ARC!
December 18, 2024
ARC book review
★★★.75/5
-
what to expect
💙 best friend brothers
💙 retired hockey player/coach MMC X STEM FMC
💙 friends to enemies to lovers
💙 second chance romance
eeek, so grateful for this opportunity to read a new author & get introduced to another universe.
“the ice out” was such a fun & quick read. I had a lot of giddy & fun moments throughout. there was a handful of moments that had me smiling hard especially when it came down to mason trying to make things right with violet. I adored violet & mason a lot, especially them as individuals characters. but the way mason knows violet so well? 😩
I enjoyed a good chunk of this book, & a lot moments had me lost in them. I like to think that “the ice out” is one of those books that just takes its time to get into. it felt like a slow burn with the second chance & how a portion of the book focused on their past + wished their was more to their background. but again, I still really enjoyed it & loved the universe.
i also really adored the side characters. the supportive aspect of each of them made this book so sweet & loveable. as a bestfriends brother trope, I definitely enjoyed a change of a supportive best friend of the relationship. but also, I’m invested in the characters. jake & elianna? sensing something going on there. 🤭
★★★.75/5
-
what to expect
💙 best friend brothers
💙 retired hockey player/coach MMC X STEM FMC
💙 friends to enemies to lovers
💙 second chance romance
eeek, so grateful for this opportunity to read a new author & get introduced to another universe.
“the ice out” was such a fun & quick read. I had a lot of giddy & fun moments throughout. there was a handful of moments that had me smiling hard especially when it came down to mason trying to make things right with violet. I adored violet & mason a lot, especially them as individuals characters. but the way mason knows violet so well? 😩
I enjoyed a good chunk of this book, & a lot moments had me lost in them. I like to think that “the ice out” is one of those books that just takes its time to get into. it felt like a slow burn with the second chance & how a portion of the book focused on their past + wished their was more to their background. but again, I still really enjoyed it & loved the universe.
i also really adored the side characters. the supportive aspect of each of them made this book so sweet & loveable. as a bestfriends brother trope, I definitely enjoyed a change of a supportive best friend of the relationship. but also, I’m invested in the characters. jake & elianna? sensing something going on there. 🤭
January 10, 2025
a best friend's brother's romance? count me in! one of my favorite tropes. I'm not a fan of the whole friends to enemies to lovers trope though, just feels back and forth for no reason. BUT I didn't find it too bothersome in this one!
I was hoping for more fluff when it came to the background of each character, I felt like it went a bit quick and I just wanted more.
overall, it was a good book! check your trigger warnings <3
I was hoping for more fluff when it came to the background of each character, I felt like it went a bit quick and I just wanted more.
overall, it was a good book! check your trigger warnings <3
January 7, 2025
ARC review🔬🏒
✨The Ice Out by Mina Myles is an absolutely stunning novel that blends emotional depth and captivating storytelling. From the very first page, you cannot help love the Mason and Violet and their journey.
🥹Violet a strong, intelligent hardworking FMC! UGH I absolutely adored her.🩵 There was something about her knowing her weaknesses but never letting it stop her from doing what she loves made love her more. 🫶🏽And my man Mason!! I loved his own comeback in life especially when things didn’t got to plan. I just wanted to hug him.😫
💕Violet and Mason’s journey is nothing short of mesmerizing. Their resilience, vulnerability, and determination make them characters you can’t help but root for.❤️🩹I loved their chemistry🔥and maturity they had in a relationship. Their struggles, concerns and self-discovery made them relatable.🥹And them finding themselves back to each other was a fun and sweet ride!
🩵This book was charming and such an enjoyable read. This is honestly one of my favs when it comes to second chance romance. I cant wait for more to come. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a great second chance romance!🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Mina Myles and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this amazing book!💖
✨The Ice Out by Mina Myles is an absolutely stunning novel that blends emotional depth and captivating storytelling. From the very first page, you cannot help love the Mason and Violet and their journey.
🥹Violet a strong, intelligent hardworking FMC! UGH I absolutely adored her.🩵 There was something about her knowing her weaknesses but never letting it stop her from doing what she loves made love her more. 🫶🏽And my man Mason!! I loved his own comeback in life especially when things didn’t got to plan. I just wanted to hug him.😫
💕Violet and Mason’s journey is nothing short of mesmerizing. Their resilience, vulnerability, and determination make them characters you can’t help but root for.❤️🩹I loved their chemistry🔥and maturity they had in a relationship. Their struggles, concerns and self-discovery made them relatable.🥹And them finding themselves back to each other was a fun and sweet ride!
🩵This book was charming and such an enjoyable read. This is honestly one of my favs when it comes to second chance romance. I cant wait for more to come. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a great second chance romance!🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Mina Myles and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this amazing book!💖
January 10, 2025
This was a quick and easy read. You can’t help but relate to the characters and feel their emotions. I found myself be giddy and my heart breaking also.
Violet, I just loved her. She is so relatable being a people pleaser and having anxiety. It was written so well into the story.
Mason, you can’t help but love him and feel for him. He is trying to figure out what is next and where he belongs since he has to unexpectedly retire from hockey earlier than planned. My heart broke for him.
I really enjoyed that this book hit on sensitive and important topics as well as hitting all the marks for a good romance.
4⭐️
2🌶️
Violet, I just loved her. She is so relatable being a people pleaser and having anxiety. It was written so well into the story.
Mason, you can’t help but love him and feel for him. He is trying to figure out what is next and where he belongs since he has to unexpectedly retire from hockey earlier than planned. My heart broke for him.
I really enjoyed that this book hit on sensitive and important topics as well as hitting all the marks for a good romance.
4⭐️
2🌶️
January 9, 2025
4.5🌟
This was a really cute second chance romance. The characters were beautifully developed and the chemistry between all the characters was created so well.
I loved the FMC’s back story and how she was moving through past traumas. And the food sounded delish!
I always know a book is a win for me when it has me verbally sassing the characters. 😂 I just wanted to yell “communicate your feels!” Over and over lol.
I spice was perfectly done as well. I really liked this sports romance a lot!
This was a really cute second chance romance. The characters were beautifully developed and the chemistry between all the characters was created so well.
I loved the FMC’s back story and how she was moving through past traumas. And the food sounded delish!
I always know a book is a win for me when it has me verbally sassing the characters. 😂 I just wanted to yell “communicate your feels!” Over and over lol.
I spice was perfectly done as well. I really liked this sports romance a lot!
December 21, 2024
Thank you so much Author Mina Myles, for giving me the absolute beautiful opportunity to read ARC of your new upcoming sports romance novel🏒🩵❄️✨
“The Ice Out”
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read!!! I absolutely devoured/tore this book up!!! From the opening page to the final sentence I was swept off my feet!! Being so utterly captivated by the storyline and the Author's masterful writing, which is not only beautiful but also evocative, creating a profound bond with each character and their history that I truly admire along with the amazing incorporation of familiar tropes like the 'best friend's sibling', mental health awareness, dual perspectives, and second-chance romance is executed with sincerity, skill, dedication, and affection! Making this book stunning, with depths of true deep emotions and a richness of details that will draw you in and refused to let you go making it impossible to put down and with a input book playlist to add to the mix to give you a cinematic experience❄️✨
“The Ice Out,” Sinks you into a captivating world of compelling possibilities of love centered around two engrossing main characters-
(Violet Amin🌸 & Mason Hayes🏒✨)
Mina Myles, take you on mystery-
When Violet Amin🩷A third-year psychology PhD student and teaching assistant at Westchester University, is trying to power through the year without adding to her emotional scars. With a heavy workload, fellowship applications, and a caffeine habit to maintain, all while facing the fact that making amends with her past experiences that haunts her daily will have to be put on hold. But now all those plans start to shift when Mason, her former childhood confidant turned distant memory, walks into her office and requests a second chance at love👀♥️
And that’s when the lovely Author finally introduces us to my new book boyfriend Mason Hayes💋✨After Twenty-eight years of trials and tribulations they have finally taken their toll on Mason. When a life-altering head injury led him back to Boston, where he once excelled as a hockey player, now forced to adapt to a new role as a coach. He starts to navigates uncertain terrains and now he must overcome the doubts that imperil his future in hockey!
But then Mason attempts to help a player in need leads him to an unexpected reunion with my girlie Violet🌸the friend he drifted apart from after a memorable weekend in Chicago👀✨ Now that Violet and Mason are reunited when they have no choice but to team up to help a star player in need. Mina Myles, showers us with hot tension moments-(Chef kisses💋✨) As they begin to work together, and their past chemistry resurfaces all the way to top-(I actually need Mason Hayes to be real in real life Mina Myles🙏🏼♥️)-All while now Violet, is hesitant to open up, my man Mason, is willing to go all out to win her back and he doesn’t care what it takes to get her back either!!!😆🤩 Leaving us now to wonder if he overcome his past mistakes and melt Violet's frozen heart completely!
The Ice Out is the ultimate test of their love.
And to figure out how this masterpiece unfolds definitely read “The Ice Out” ASAP!! But not only does the Author crafts a passionate plot she expresses that same love into her two main characters💫
Mason is hands-down my new everything in this book!!! he completely captures your heart! His role as a protective yet charming hero is skillfully written, and his playful nature and humorous personality make him impossible not to love. The way he lovingly teases Violet and she clearly adores every-time deep down especially with his hot mouth he has on & off the ice👀 and with the protectiveness he has over Vi, only makes him more attractive!!!
Mina Myles writes Mason with a devotion to Violet that always shows out to a stunning portrayal of love in all its complexity, eliciting a deep emotional response from readers. His capacity to be present for Violet during her most challenging moments, offering comfort and encouragement, speaks volumes about his character. With his unique blend of fortitude and vulnerability, Mason cements his status as a truly unforgettable book boyfriend, leaving an indelible mark on you🥹🩵
Violet, my sweet girl, radiates a loving and sparkly energy that captures your heart endlessly. Her stunning soul is elevated by a vibrant yet fiery personality and a heartwarming presence that I cherish deeply, making her a truly wonderful individual. The love she carries & shares with Mason will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her journey of loving Mason is a beautiful reminder of the magic that unfolds when we bravely face life's uncertainties and seek happiness in unexpected places and the way she’s protected over him is so sweet and precious and expressive, drawing you into a deep connection with each character and their backstory that was written with complete heart, talent, passion, and love🥹✨
“I’m yours. Do you hear me, Violet? I’m yours. All of me, it’s all yours.”-Mason Hayes💋✨
Pre-order
“The Ice Out”
Releasing January 10th 2025!
ASAP for a hockey love story that will have you all on ten toes edging for more and more with banters of love that will have you kicking your feet back and forth with lovely giggles😆✨ And you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @minamylesbooks on IG and also get the beautiful chance to explore amazing character artwork and teasers from the book & exciting news🩵💫
“The Ice Out”
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read!!! I absolutely devoured/tore this book up!!! From the opening page to the final sentence I was swept off my feet!! Being so utterly captivated by the storyline and the Author's masterful writing, which is not only beautiful but also evocative, creating a profound bond with each character and their history that I truly admire along with the amazing incorporation of familiar tropes like the 'best friend's sibling', mental health awareness, dual perspectives, and second-chance romance is executed with sincerity, skill, dedication, and affection! Making this book stunning, with depths of true deep emotions and a richness of details that will draw you in and refused to let you go making it impossible to put down and with a input book playlist to add to the mix to give you a cinematic experience❄️✨
“The Ice Out,” Sinks you into a captivating world of compelling possibilities of love centered around two engrossing main characters-
(Violet Amin🌸 & Mason Hayes🏒✨)
Mina Myles, take you on mystery-
When Violet Amin🩷A third-year psychology PhD student and teaching assistant at Westchester University, is trying to power through the year without adding to her emotional scars. With a heavy workload, fellowship applications, and a caffeine habit to maintain, all while facing the fact that making amends with her past experiences that haunts her daily will have to be put on hold. But now all those plans start to shift when Mason, her former childhood confidant turned distant memory, walks into her office and requests a second chance at love👀♥️
And that’s when the lovely Author finally introduces us to my new book boyfriend Mason Hayes💋✨After Twenty-eight years of trials and tribulations they have finally taken their toll on Mason. When a life-altering head injury led him back to Boston, where he once excelled as a hockey player, now forced to adapt to a new role as a coach. He starts to navigates uncertain terrains and now he must overcome the doubts that imperil his future in hockey!
But then Mason attempts to help a player in need leads him to an unexpected reunion with my girlie Violet🌸the friend he drifted apart from after a memorable weekend in Chicago👀✨ Now that Violet and Mason are reunited when they have no choice but to team up to help a star player in need. Mina Myles, showers us with hot tension moments-(Chef kisses💋✨) As they begin to work together, and their past chemistry resurfaces all the way to top-(I actually need Mason Hayes to be real in real life Mina Myles🙏🏼♥️)-All while now Violet, is hesitant to open up, my man Mason, is willing to go all out to win her back and he doesn’t care what it takes to get her back either!!!😆🤩 Leaving us now to wonder if he overcome his past mistakes and melt Violet's frozen heart completely!
The Ice Out is the ultimate test of their love.
And to figure out how this masterpiece unfolds definitely read “The Ice Out” ASAP!! But not only does the Author crafts a passionate plot she expresses that same love into her two main characters💫
Mason is hands-down my new everything in this book!!! he completely captures your heart! His role as a protective yet charming hero is skillfully written, and his playful nature and humorous personality make him impossible not to love. The way he lovingly teases Violet and she clearly adores every-time deep down especially with his hot mouth he has on & off the ice👀 and with the protectiveness he has over Vi, only makes him more attractive!!!
Mina Myles writes Mason with a devotion to Violet that always shows out to a stunning portrayal of love in all its complexity, eliciting a deep emotional response from readers. His capacity to be present for Violet during her most challenging moments, offering comfort and encouragement, speaks volumes about his character. With his unique blend of fortitude and vulnerability, Mason cements his status as a truly unforgettable book boyfriend, leaving an indelible mark on you🥹🩵
Violet, my sweet girl, radiates a loving and sparkly energy that captures your heart endlessly. Her stunning soul is elevated by a vibrant yet fiery personality and a heartwarming presence that I cherish deeply, making her a truly wonderful individual. The love she carries & shares with Mason will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her journey of loving Mason is a beautiful reminder of the magic that unfolds when we bravely face life's uncertainties and seek happiness in unexpected places and the way she’s protected over him is so sweet and precious and expressive, drawing you into a deep connection with each character and their backstory that was written with complete heart, talent, passion, and love🥹✨
“I’m yours. Do you hear me, Violet? I’m yours. All of me, it’s all yours.”-Mason Hayes💋✨
Pre-order
“The Ice Out”
Releasing January 10th 2025!
ASAP for a hockey love story that will have you all on ten toes edging for more and more with banters of love that will have you kicking your feet back and forth with lovely giggles😆✨ And you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @minamylesbooks on IG and also get the beautiful chance to explore amazing character artwork and teasers from the book & exciting news🩵💫
December 25, 2024
⚠️TW - emotional and verbal abuse, mircoagreesions, panic attacks, anxiety, mention of alcohol abuse, housing insecurity, profanity and consensual sexual content⚠️
🔥Spice Ahead (varying degrees)🔥
Chapter 18
Chapter 31
Chapter 40
The Ice Out was a cute hockey romance that had my rooting for the characters, not just for their relationship to work out, but for their own issues within their lives to work out.
Mason used to be the sterotypical athlete with the playboy attitude until he realized his feelings for Violet went beyond friendship. Violet is a grad student who was relatable in her desire to please others and her anxiety. It's something I've been working on fixing within myself for years. I was so proud of her when she stood her ground on multiple occasions.
The Ice Out has a dual timeline which allowed the reader to peek back to what caused the MCs to go from friends/lovers to "enemies" to friends again to lovers. I do wish that there was a bigger deal made when the MCs finally said they loved each other, that was a bit anticlimactic in my opinion. But besides that the book was enjoyable and I look forward to reading about the next couple in this series. 4/5⭐
🔥Spice Ahead (varying degrees)🔥
Chapter 18
Chapter 31
Chapter 40
The Ice Out was a cute hockey romance that had my rooting for the characters, not just for their relationship to work out, but for their own issues within their lives to work out.
Mason used to be the sterotypical athlete with the playboy attitude until he realized his feelings for Violet went beyond friendship. Violet is a grad student who was relatable in her desire to please others and her anxiety. It's something I've been working on fixing within myself for years. I was so proud of her when she stood her ground on multiple occasions.
The Ice Out has a dual timeline which allowed the reader to peek back to what caused the MCs to go from friends/lovers to "enemies" to friends again to lovers. I do wish that there was a bigger deal made when the MCs finally said they loved each other, that was a bit anticlimactic in my opinion. But besides that the book was enjoyable and I look forward to reading about the next couple in this series. 4/5⭐
January 10, 2025
Mina Myles has delivered a gem with The Ice Out!
This book gave me everything I love in a romance:
✔️ Second chance love
✔️ Best friend’s brother trope
✔️ Childhood friends to lovers, to enemies, to lovers (done so well!)
✔️ Thoughtful mental health representation
✔️ No third-act breakup
Violet and Mason’s story was heartfelt, raw, and so satisfying. The flashbacks added incredible depth to their relationship, helping me understand their bond and how their past shaped their present. Their personal growth, especially learning to communicate and work through their struggles, felt so genuine and earned.
And the banter? Absolutely top-tier! I couldn’t stop smiling during their witty exchanges. On top of that, the side characters were a delightful bonus—each one felt fully fleshed out, and I’m already curious about which couple Mina Myles will give us next.
This book gave me everything I love in a romance:
✔️ Second chance love
✔️ Best friend’s brother trope
✔️ Childhood friends to lovers, to enemies, to lovers (done so well!)
✔️ Thoughtful mental health representation
✔️ No third-act breakup
Violet and Mason’s story was heartfelt, raw, and so satisfying. The flashbacks added incredible depth to their relationship, helping me understand their bond and how their past shaped their present. Their personal growth, especially learning to communicate and work through their struggles, felt so genuine and earned.
And the banter? Absolutely top-tier! I couldn’t stop smiling during their witty exchanges. On top of that, the side characters were a delightful bonus—each one felt fully fleshed out, and I’m already curious about which couple Mina Myles will give us next.
January 16, 2025
thank you mina and love notes pr for the arc✨.
brothers best friend count me in (literally one of my favorite tropes) it was such a fun read💞 I do have to mention that I dont really love slow burn but thats on me!
love that we got to see our MC struggle and with there traumas. Sometimes I love to read about it when MC have struggles in life you can relate to.
also helloooo we get good explained hockey games like what I don’t know alot of book that have that. I just knew the research was done well and I love that🤍.
If you like slow burn and hockey this is your book!!!
brothers best friend count me in (literally one of my favorite tropes) it was such a fun read💞 I do have to mention that I dont really love slow burn but thats on me!
love that we got to see our MC struggle and with there traumas. Sometimes I love to read about it when MC have struggles in life you can relate to.
also helloooo we get good explained hockey games like what I don’t know alot of book that have that. I just knew the research was done well and I love that🤍.
If you like slow burn and hockey this is your book!!!
January 21, 2025
I don't like the way this tries to combine second chance and remorseless reformed playboy. You can't do both, you know? The MMC finally slept with her and then immediately changed his mind about wanting to be with her like the flake he is and went on to have the time of his fucking life sleeping around. He only decided he wanted to reconcile when he got injured, everyone lost interest in him, he realized pushing all his friends away had been stupid after all, and he just happened to run into her at a vulnerable time.
I also hated the way he needed to grow up (because this man is older, and 25 even in the flashbacks) and somehow the lesson is that she needs to give him grace and let go of whatever stupid shit he pulls.
"Mason was growing, though perhaps more slowly than I was, and if I waited, he would catch up. But it felt good to be mad, to harden myself against yet another person making me feel like I wasn't good enough. But it was years of anger wasted." Years of anger wasted? Girl, he tricked you into sharing a hotel room, said he wanted to be with you, fucked you, and dumped you the next morning to go "celebrate his wins" with other women. And then blamed you for not wanting to be friends anymore! I would've said he can do his growing up without ever seeing me again, thanks.
I also hated the way he needed to grow up (because this man is older, and 25 even in the flashbacks) and somehow the lesson is that she needs to give him grace and let go of whatever stupid shit he pulls.
"Mason was growing, though perhaps more slowly than I was, and if I waited, he would catch up. But it felt good to be mad, to harden myself against yet another person making me feel like I wasn't good enough. But it was years of anger wasted." Years of anger wasted? Girl, he tricked you into sharing a hotel room, said he wanted to be with you, fucked you, and dumped you the next morning to go "celebrate his wins" with other women. And then blamed you for not wanting to be friends anymore! I would've said he can do his growing up without ever seeing me again, thanks.
January 5, 2025
I received an eARC from Love Notes PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After a disastrous night in Chicago three years ago, Violet Amin and Mason Hayes haven’t talked. Violet completely iced Mason out after he seemingly turned her down, again. Now, as a third year PhD student at Westchester University, she just wants to focus on finishing her research, teaching, and securing fellowships.
After one too many concussions, Mason Hayes had to quit his dream of playing in the NHL. He finds himself back at the school that gave him his start, Westchester University, as an assistant coach. When Mason runs into Violet, he cannot believe his eyes. Unfortunately, Violet still wants nothing to do with him.
Violet is forced to interact with Mason when one of his star players is struggling in her class. As the two begin to work together, Violet tries to keep Mason at arms length, but soon she begins to fall for his charms again. Mason thought he would never get the chance again to be in Violet’s life and he’s determined to do whatever he can.
I really enjoyed this one, but was hoping for more tension. I understand the two grew up together, but I felt like they fell into a relationship really quick. Also, I would have loved if Mason’s sister (also Violet’s best friend) could have been utilized a bit more. Overall, I loved seeing them support each other. Mason struggled with imposter syndrome and was still mourning his loss of the NHL, while Violet was struggling with anxiety and spreading herself too thin after a rough first year with a toxic advisor.
Read if you like:
• second chance romance
• childhood friends to lovers
• hockey
After a disastrous night in Chicago three years ago, Violet Amin and Mason Hayes haven’t talked. Violet completely iced Mason out after he seemingly turned her down, again. Now, as a third year PhD student at Westchester University, she just wants to focus on finishing her research, teaching, and securing fellowships.
After one too many concussions, Mason Hayes had to quit his dream of playing in the NHL. He finds himself back at the school that gave him his start, Westchester University, as an assistant coach. When Mason runs into Violet, he cannot believe his eyes. Unfortunately, Violet still wants nothing to do with him.
Violet is forced to interact with Mason when one of his star players is struggling in her class. As the two begin to work together, Violet tries to keep Mason at arms length, but soon she begins to fall for his charms again. Mason thought he would never get the chance again to be in Violet’s life and he’s determined to do whatever he can.
I really enjoyed this one, but was hoping for more tension. I understand the two grew up together, but I felt like they fell into a relationship really quick. Also, I would have loved if Mason’s sister (also Violet’s best friend) could have been utilized a bit more. Overall, I loved seeing them support each other. Mason struggled with imposter syndrome and was still mourning his loss of the NHL, while Violet was struggling with anxiety and spreading herself too thin after a rough first year with a toxic advisor.
Read if you like:
• second chance romance
• childhood friends to lovers
• hockey
January 4, 2025
What a great combination of hard-hitting topics and the sweetest romance this book was!
I have always been a sucker for the 'childhood best friends to lovers' trope, and I have enjoyed it immensely in this book, as well as the 'second chance' aspect of the story! I loved both Violet, a type A teaching assistant overcoming anxiety and dealing with abuse in the academic world, and Mason, an ex hockey player dealing with imposter syndrome and finding a new purpose after experiencing a traumatic event. These two fit together like puzzle pieces, and I loved watching them support each other in various difficult situations. I especially enjoyed that the story was told in dual perspective, because we got to see both of their personal battles and insecurities, as well as witness their mutual pining and love for each other. The author talked about a lot of heavy, important topics, and I appreciate the care with which all of them were discussed. This isn't an easy, fluffy romance, but it can still definitely be read in a day or two. It was a great blend of very digestible writing style and a lot of plot, while still having a lot of romantic and spicy moments, so it was easy for me to fly through it as quickly as possible!
Highly recommend, especially if you're searching for a romance book discussing more than just the romance! As a lover of both sports romances and books with an academic setting, this was a perfect combination of both for me!
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
I have always been a sucker for the 'childhood best friends to lovers' trope, and I have enjoyed it immensely in this book, as well as the 'second chance' aspect of the story! I loved both Violet, a type A teaching assistant overcoming anxiety and dealing with abuse in the academic world, and Mason, an ex hockey player dealing with imposter syndrome and finding a new purpose after experiencing a traumatic event. These two fit together like puzzle pieces, and I loved watching them support each other in various difficult situations. I especially enjoyed that the story was told in dual perspective, because we got to see both of their personal battles and insecurities, as well as witness their mutual pining and love for each other. The author talked about a lot of heavy, important topics, and I appreciate the care with which all of them were discussed. This isn't an easy, fluffy romance, but it can still definitely be read in a day or two. It was a great blend of very digestible writing style and a lot of plot, while still having a lot of romantic and spicy moments, so it was easy for me to fly through it as quickly as possible!
Highly recommend, especially if you're searching for a romance book discussing more than just the romance! As a lover of both sports romances and books with an academic setting, this was a perfect combination of both for me!
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
January 8, 2025
“𝖵𝗂𝗈𝗅𝖾𝗍, 𝗅𝖾𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝗆𝖺𝗄𝖾 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖼𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗋. 𝖨 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗇𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖽𝖾𝖿𝖾𝗇𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌. 𝖨 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖽𝖾𝖿𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎.” 🥹🫠🤍👏🏽
💙 second chance romance
🏒 retired hockey player MMC
💙 stem FMC
🏒 friends to dislike to lovers
💙 best friend’s brother
🏒 close proximity
💙 “it’s always been you”
🏒 mental health rep
💙 no third act breakup
🏒 dual POV
💙 LOTS of pining & angst
I have never felt so seen with a character while reading a book as I did with Violet Amin.🥺 Just two of the traits that we shared was our people pleasing and anxiety. Mason Hayes… my heart hurt for him from having to give up his dream to play professional hockey, finding a new passion in coaching, and overcoming imposter syndrome. I just wanted to give these two MCs the biggest hug. 😭💗
I never wanted to put this book down! My favorite scene was when they were in the school cafeteria and Mason defended Violet to the other kids who were bullying her. Our man, Mase, was standing on business even back then! 👏🏽 Also, that night in Chicago and that elevator scene?!?! Wheww lawdd 🥵🫠🔥
Can I just say that I loved that we actually got to read about the team playing hockey?! Whereas, I feel like in a lot of hockey romances that I’ve read, the hockey playing itself is barely mentioned. 🏒⛸️
I loved the side characters, but most of all, the meddling moms who just wanted their kids to be together. Mina gave us hints at future couples and I’m excited to continue reading the Castle Harbor series to see what happens next! 🤍
Thank you to Mina and Love Notes PR for this arc in exchange for an honest review!! 🫶🏽
💙 second chance romance
🏒 retired hockey player MMC
💙 stem FMC
🏒 friends to dislike to lovers
💙 best friend’s brother
🏒 close proximity
💙 “it’s always been you”
🏒 mental health rep
💙 no third act breakup
🏒 dual POV
💙 LOTS of pining & angst
I have never felt so seen with a character while reading a book as I did with Violet Amin.🥺 Just two of the traits that we shared was our people pleasing and anxiety. Mason Hayes… my heart hurt for him from having to give up his dream to play professional hockey, finding a new passion in coaching, and overcoming imposter syndrome. I just wanted to give these two MCs the biggest hug. 😭💗
I never wanted to put this book down! My favorite scene was when they were in the school cafeteria and Mason defended Violet to the other kids who were bullying her. Our man, Mase, was standing on business even back then! 👏🏽 Also, that night in Chicago and that elevator scene?!?! Wheww lawdd 🥵🫠🔥
Can I just say that I loved that we actually got to read about the team playing hockey?! Whereas, I feel like in a lot of hockey romances that I’ve read, the hockey playing itself is barely mentioned. 🏒⛸️
I loved the side characters, but most of all, the meddling moms who just wanted their kids to be together. Mina gave us hints at future couples and I’m excited to continue reading the Castle Harbor series to see what happens next! 🤍
Thank you to Mina and Love Notes PR for this arc in exchange for an honest review!! 🫶🏽
January 8, 2025
arc read review: 4⭐️
wow wow wow! mason and violet going from friends to lovers to enemies to lovers was so captivating to read about. this was my first second chance romance, and i was nervous to start it because i didn’t know if i would like the trope… but the way it was written truly had me invested from the start, even with the slow burn and slower pace to the beginning of the book. the way they overcame their own personal issues and end up getting their individual sparkles back was really beautiful. the struggles of being honest with yourself and others about life and insecurities was so nicely written in this book. the characters were nicely developed and mina myles did an excellent job of incorporating flash backs, but not information dumping, so that we could really see the whole picture of their relationship. i loved violets character specifically and related a lot to her work-life balance troubles and troubles sharing her emotions/bottling things up. on the lighter side, the humor in each of the characters inner monologues had me giggling numerous times! it was such a fun balance of tackling real life situations, developing their relationship, and showing the characters true colors. NOT TO MENTION the chapters that actually described what was going on in the hockey games was SO good. i felt like i was actually watching the game and was totally invested. even from the beginning of the book i was rooting for them to finally get over themselves and talk it out!! i loved the overall character development. mina myles also included a very sweet and personal blurb at the end of the book opening up about her connection to the characters, which i thought was just so amazing and nice to read about. overall, super cute read with great character development! 4⭐️/5
wow wow wow! mason and violet going from friends to lovers to enemies to lovers was so captivating to read about. this was my first second chance romance, and i was nervous to start it because i didn’t know if i would like the trope… but the way it was written truly had me invested from the start, even with the slow burn and slower pace to the beginning of the book. the way they overcame their own personal issues and end up getting their individual sparkles back was really beautiful. the struggles of being honest with yourself and others about life and insecurities was so nicely written in this book. the characters were nicely developed and mina myles did an excellent job of incorporating flash backs, but not information dumping, so that we could really see the whole picture of their relationship. i loved violets character specifically and related a lot to her work-life balance troubles and troubles sharing her emotions/bottling things up. on the lighter side, the humor in each of the characters inner monologues had me giggling numerous times! it was such a fun balance of tackling real life situations, developing their relationship, and showing the characters true colors. NOT TO MENTION the chapters that actually described what was going on in the hockey games was SO good. i felt like i was actually watching the game and was totally invested. even from the beginning of the book i was rooting for them to finally get over themselves and talk it out!! i loved the overall character development. mina myles also included a very sweet and personal blurb at the end of the book opening up about her connection to the characters, which i thought was just so amazing and nice to read about. overall, super cute read with great character development! 4⭐️/5
January 11, 2025
“with his words, i swear i feel my heart slowly piece itself back together. it wasn’t perfectly healed, and maybe it never would be, but it would be safe in his hands. that i knew for certain.“
mason and violet were so cute! i’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but i adored their story to pieces. i see so much of myself in violet’s tendencies, like over-planning and wanting control over things, and i see myself in mason as well with self-doubt and overthinking things.
penny (the cat) was one of my favourite characters, especially because she gave mason a run for his money, but hey, if it wasn’t for penny, where would mason and violet be? they owe her everything.
mason was so thoughtful and caring when it came to violet— even 3 years later, he still remembered her drink order and had the tea she loved stocked for her return to him. (literally the definition of “if he wanted to, he would”!)
this was such a sweet story, and it just released yesterday (jan 10), so go read it!
★ bipoc rep
★ pining + angst
★ forced proximity
★ mental health rep
★ it’s always been you
★ best friend’s brother
★ right person, wrong time
★ friends to dislike to lovers
thank you so much to love notes pr and mina myles for the e-arc of this book! 💌
mason and violet were so cute! i’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but i adored their story to pieces. i see so much of myself in violet’s tendencies, like over-planning and wanting control over things, and i see myself in mason as well with self-doubt and overthinking things.
penny (the cat) was one of my favourite characters, especially because she gave mason a run for his money, but hey, if it wasn’t for penny, where would mason and violet be? they owe her everything.
mason was so thoughtful and caring when it came to violet— even 3 years later, he still remembered her drink order and had the tea she loved stocked for her return to him. (literally the definition of “if he wanted to, he would”!)
this was such a sweet story, and it just released yesterday (jan 10), so go read it!
★ bipoc rep
★ pining + angst
★ forced proximity
★ mental health rep
★ it’s always been you
★ best friend’s brother
★ right person, wrong time
★ friends to dislike to lovers
thank you so much to love notes pr and mina myles for the e-arc of this book! 💌
January 11, 2025
4,5 stars! I loved this second chance friends to lovers to enemies to lovers. The personal growth in this book was absolutely amazing! In this book we follow Violet and Mason who have been best friends for years, grew up in the same small town with moms being besties aswell. They try to be more than friends but it didn’t work out, until 3 years later…
I love how this book is a mix between a cute romance book and a book with heavy topics and people with personal struggles aswell. Both MC’s have their personal problems/fears/trauma’s they need to get over and it’s beautifully written. I also loved how the hockey games in this book were VERY well written and explained, you get the feeling you are really there seeing the matches with your own eyes!
The only thing I struggled with is that the enemies to lovers turning into friends to lovers went rather quick?? Overall I would really recommend this one and it’s one of the best hockey romances I have read.
I love how this book is a mix between a cute romance book and a book with heavy topics and people with personal struggles aswell. Both MC’s have their personal problems/fears/trauma’s they need to get over and it’s beautifully written. I also loved how the hockey games in this book were VERY well written and explained, you get the feeling you are really there seeing the matches with your own eyes!
The only thing I struggled with is that the enemies to lovers turning into friends to lovers went rather quick?? Overall I would really recommend this one and it’s one of the best hockey romances I have read.
January 13, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. Violet is a PhD student and Mason is an ex-NHL hockey player who are childhood lovers, but had a falling out and run into each other 3 years later. I love love love the Iranian representation and that she’s. STEM woman. And kinda love the ex-NHL aspect. HOWEVER, I had a really hard time getting into the book and then I was trying to figure out what happened in Chicago!!! And I’m not gonna lie, I wanted it to be juicer. And I wanted their makeup to be more UMPH. Like I think I needed more pining or begging or a lil more wooing. Overall, it was a lil cheesy, but did I read it in one sitting? Yes.
Thank you LoveNotesPR and Mina Myles for this ARC!!
⭐️: 3.75
📖: Kindle
Thank you LoveNotesPR and Mina Myles for this ARC!!
⭐️: 3.75
📖: Kindle
January 4, 2025
Second chance romance....and I'm here for it! Miscommunication and hurt feelings keep Mason and Violet apart for 3 years, but when they coincidentally end up in the same spot, they are forced to confront their misunderstanding and hurt feelings. What happens when they move on is full of love--and spice! There are moments when they both have to overcome their own insecurities, but that doesn't take away from their story of finding each other again.
(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Thank you Love Notes PR.) Publishes Jan. 10
(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Thank you Love Notes PR.) Publishes Jan. 10
January 9, 2025
ARC Review!!
First, thank you so much to Mina Myles & Love Notes PR for sending me an early copy of The Ice Out!
I loved getting to read Violet & Mason’s story! They compliment each other so well and are such a great pair. I LOVED how Mason treated Violet, even when they weren’t on speaking terms in the beginning of the book.
I also loved how they both grew & dealt with their personal issues throughout the book. I really related to Violet (we’re both swifties & people pleasers), and I liked seeing how vulnerable & open Mason was.
The only thing that I disliked was the conflict in the third act. It felt really out of place & just didn’t feel like something that the characters would argue about or how they would treat each other.
Overall I definitely recommend this book! If you love the second chance and childhood friends to lovers tropes, I think you would really like The Ice Out! It comes out January 10th!! ❄️❄️
First, thank you so much to Mina Myles & Love Notes PR for sending me an early copy of The Ice Out!
I loved getting to read Violet & Mason’s story! They compliment each other so well and are such a great pair. I LOVED how Mason treated Violet, even when they weren’t on speaking terms in the beginning of the book.
I also loved how they both grew & dealt with their personal issues throughout the book. I really related to Violet (we’re both swifties & people pleasers), and I liked seeing how vulnerable & open Mason was.
The only thing that I disliked was the conflict in the third act. It felt really out of place & just didn’t feel like something that the characters would argue about or how they would treat each other.
Overall I definitely recommend this book! If you love the second chance and childhood friends to lovers tropes, I think you would really like The Ice Out! It comes out January 10th!! ❄️❄️
December 25, 2024
3.5 STARS
The Ice Out ARC
Mason and Violet
I loved Mason, I love when the man have a filthy mouth. Don't judge me. He was also caring and understanding with her. He didn't force her to do things she didn't want to. Violet endured many awful things in her life, i liked that she stood up for herself and didn't let those things pull her down. This was cute, and when the spice hit, it was spicyyyyyy. This was a nice read, and i loved the meddling family.
Thanks Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for the ARC.
The Ice Out ARC
Mason and Violet
I loved Mason, I love when the man have a filthy mouth. Don't judge me. He was also caring and understanding with her. He didn't force her to do things she didn't want to. Violet endured many awful things in her life, i liked that she stood up for herself and didn't let those things pull her down. This was cute, and when the spice hit, it was spicyyyyyy. This was a nice read, and i loved the meddling family.
Thanks Love Notes PR and Mina Myles for the ARC.
May 8, 2025
While the beginning of The Ice Out was relatively enjoyable, I found myself bored and wanting to pick something else up more often than not the deeper into the book I got. I was really hoping for a bit more tension and pining between Violet and Mason, but they fell back into each other so easily and quickly. I struggled to feel the chemistry between them, which made it difficult to root for them.
There were also continuity errors throughout the book that mildly bothered me after occurring more than once (e.g. during the scene when they were eating the frittata Mason made for breakfast, at the end of the scene it said that Violet looked down at her “soup”…). The inconsistency with the proper use of commas and the multiple typos (e.g. dotted/doted, that/than) also grew both annoying and distracting while reading.
There were also continuity errors throughout the book that mildly bothered me after occurring more than once (e.g. during the scene when they were eating the frittata Mason made for breakfast, at the end of the scene it said that Violet looked down at her “soup”…). The inconsistency with the proper use of commas and the multiple typos (e.g. dotted/doted, that/than) also grew both annoying and distracting while reading.
January 16, 2025
i really enjoyed this especially with the representation of different backgrounds, and what I really love is that the author explained her reasoning in terms in the back why she decided to do how she did it I really love that Violet was a strong, intelligent, hard-working, female main character. She has weaknesses like every other person would, but she doesn't let it stop her from what she wants to do Mason this character this main character he's just amazing like I felt like I wanted to give Mason a hug like for real. Just a chemistry between violent and Mason it's beautiful it shows that they can mature in a relationship together, especially when each one is suffering and going through their own struggles, and they always find themselves back to each other. I guess just a very book on its own is captivating emotional. I've probably cried a bunch of times while reading it, but I really enjoyed it.
January 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was such a quick read, and the characters are extremely relatable. There are a few spicy scenes, but nothing over the top, and I absolutely adored that he called her “angel”…especially in bed lol.
Violet was a strong and determined FMC that was so easy to root for, even as things consistently didn’t go her way. I also loved that she was a woman in STEM. Her anxiety and people pleasing tendencies reminded me a lot of
myself, but I love how they never stopped her from doing what she loved and standing up for what she thought was right.
Mason is a retired hockey player that struggles with ““fitting in” and finding the next right move for himself. He Consistently was doubting himself, but not when it came to Violet. This man KNEW he was woman and I was here for it.
Mason and Violet’s chemistry was off the charts and the banter was so good. I found myself laughing, tearing up, and kicking my feet while reading this. I also appreciated the flashbacks that fit in nicely with the “current day” timeline, instead of just giving us their history all at once. I definitely binged this story in one sitting, and it felt like I was reading a story from one of our well-known, beloved romance authors, and not an indie author…that’s how cute this was!
Violet was a strong and determined FMC that was so easy to root for, even as things consistently didn’t go her way. I also loved that she was a woman in STEM. Her anxiety and people pleasing tendencies reminded me a lot of
myself, but I love how they never stopped her from doing what she loved and standing up for what she thought was right.
Mason is a retired hockey player that struggles with ““fitting in” and finding the next right move for himself. He Consistently was doubting himself, but not when it came to Violet. This man KNEW he was woman and I was here for it.
Mason and Violet’s chemistry was off the charts and the banter was so good. I found myself laughing, tearing up, and kicking my feet while reading this. I also appreciated the flashbacks that fit in nicely with the “current day” timeline, instead of just giving us their history all at once. I definitely binged this story in one sitting, and it felt like I was reading a story from one of our well-known, beloved romance authors, and not an indie author…that’s how cute this was!
January 10, 2025
Okay I started out really enjoying this book and then I kind of just got into a slump with the book. To me, it lacked flavor and was not unique. It was just a generic second chance romance with main characters that did not really have a personality.
I’m very much a mood reader, so I may have also just was not in the mood for a generic romance🫣
I’m very much a mood reader, so I may have also just was not in the mood for a generic romance🫣
January 16, 2025
go ahead and read this asap!
Wow! Absolutely loved this read! A second chance romance full of love, longing , and vulnerability! I adored how Mason and Violet fought through their insecurities both in their professional and romantic lives! Great banter and spice! Can’t wait to see more from this author!
Wow! Absolutely loved this read! A second chance romance full of love, longing , and vulnerability! I adored how Mason and Violet fought through their insecurities both in their professional and romantic lives! Great banter and spice! Can’t wait to see more from this author!
February 12, 2025
I really liked the beginning of this book. There was action, the MCs were great enemies and it was really fun to read about. As I continued, it got a little boring. It felt like there was a lot of filler stuff and it resembled The Hating Game with one of the parts in the book. If you like a spicy hickey romance with some cute banter, try it out!!
February 12, 2025
Quase quatro estrelas. Das coisas que mais adorei especialmente foi como eles mesmo acabaram por ser táo reais em mostrar como as vidas deles têm ups and downs. A Violet com aquele advisor dela no primeiro ano... fogo
January 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️’s!! I adored so much about this book. I loved the MMC and FMC. And as a hockey girlie, I really appreciated how the author explained plays and rules of the sport. If you love childhood friends to lovers and sports romance, this book is for you!
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