Breaking the Ice: A Sweet Hockey Romance

by Nick Ryan

A star hockey captain and a small-town girl are forced together, igniting a romance that could melt the iciest of hearts.

Braden Shanahan is the captain of the Minnesota Monuments, and he has big ambitions and an even bigger set of responsibilities resting on his broad shoulders. But leadership isn't all about calling plays and leading the charge; sometimes it means handling the most unglamorous tasks, like ensuring the Zamboni driver shows up on time.

Reagan didn’t expect to find herself back in her hometown, let alone driving the Zamboni before a big game. But when fate throws her into the path of Braden Shanahan—star player and the man whose piercing gaze hides a haunted past—she's forced to confront old feelings and new possibilities. Reagan is no stranger to hockey, but Braden’s charm and intensity catch her off guard, threatening to melt the icy walls she’s built up.

As their worlds collide, the lines between professional and personal blur. For Braden, it’s a dangerous dance—balancing the pressures of leadership, guarding his heart he's spent years protecting, and his growing attraction to Reagan. For Reagan, it’s a return to a life she thought she’d left behind.

Breaking the Ice is a sweet-yet-heart-pounding romance that delves into the high stakes of love and hockey. Braden and Reagan’s chemistry is undeniable, but can they navigate the treacherous waters of passion and ambition without losing themselves—or each other—in the process? Filled with witty banter, intense emotions, and the thrilling backdrop of the hockey world, this novel will have you rooting for the ultimate power love.

Perfect for fans of sports romance and romantic comedies with a strong, independent heroine and a hero who isn’t afraid to face off against his own heart.

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Breaking the Ice is the first book in the interconnected Minnesota Monuments sweet hockey romance series. Books can be enjoyed in any order, but plots might interweave with other characters'!



No 3rd-act breakupDual POVStrong female friendshipsSecond chanceOne bed trope

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Christopher Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute

I loved it, probably because I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic myself. It will likely be one of those books I go back to. Preordered the next one, and am looking forward to it :-)

[Dan Absalonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look I’m not the target audience for a romance novel. However, when I heard about this book written by a thriller adventure author I had to check it out. I’ve only ever read the first few books in the series Virgin River to learn how to write romance into my own stories. So as a newbie to this genre, I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised by one plot choice the author made, going against the standard romance plot, but for me it worked super well. I think that’s because it made this book feel more like a cozy read. Low stakes, and just a pleasant read with good characters. I found myself sliming a lot as I read this book and truly enjoyed this small story. I also appreciated how it did not include any scenes with adult content. A nice feel good story that came off as authentic and fun in a world, hockey, I’m not familiar with even though I’ve been to live games and enjoy the sport. I’m glad I picked this one up. Sometimes it’s really nice to read a story that makes you laugh and smile without all the heavy stuff, violence, or darkness in it. Nicely done!

[James R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good read

This is just a really good easy read about two young people falling in love. Old enough to have to deal with a little baggage but still able to look at life with stars in their eyes. And worried about how to deal with a long distance romance when they really want all the good things right now. Just a fun easy read that ends like all the Hallmark movies we romantics love. Looking forward to the next book. Also, it was proofed well such that typos didn’t pop up to distract a Virgo like me.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan is home and helping her father, he's the ice hockey coach for the Minnesota Monuments. Braden is their new captain, and apart from a couple of the team, is finding it hard to get them to coalesce. He feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, he can't spare the time to be attracted to Reagan, but he is! And what will her father say?
Reagan is attracted to him too but knows all about hockey players as she's spent a lot of time with her father.

A great first in the series from Nick.

[Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun reading this romance from an author who usually does complex historically based mysteries.. This is definitely a departure but a fast, fun read and I learned a lot about hockey! The characters are only a tiny bit shallow, befitting a romance, I guess, but nonetheless are interesting and they actually do start to develop as the book goes on. I only gave it four stars because I did think it was a little over the top, but I did enjoy it, and if there is another, I would read it also. I recommend this book to romance fans of all ages for a great summer light read.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braden is attracted to Reagan from the moment he meets her but he has issues from his past which cause problems. Reagan is not looking for an ice hockey player as she grew up around them as her father is a coach but her best friend and Braden’s friend create a little matchmaking along the way. This is a sweet simple romance that is enjoyable and easy to read. The characters are likeable and the storyline is good. Great first in series.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the storyline in this book. Had many great elements to a good romance. The characters were fun. I liked both Braden and Reagan's personalities. The friends and family dynamics were good. I would have liked the actual romance between Reagan and Braden to pick up a little faster to have more time with their relationship as a couple. Enjoyed the story very much!

[Megan Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a little too slow for me and the characters were too mundane. I made it through about 40% of the book and nothing really grabbed my attention at all to keep me reading. I can appreciate where the story line was and how the romance started to blossom for the main characters but this was personally not for me.

[Patricia Suggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

intriguing romance

I like the characters’ interactions and relationships as they develop. Nick does a good job explaining the back story and bringing hope for the future of the couple involved. Heartwarming and worth the read. Highly recommend.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, relaxing book to read. If you want to take a break from high-tension, break-neck thrillers, this is it! Of course, there is the tension, will the boy get the girl? But the reader knows that will happen. Relax with enjoyable characters, mostly of whom are friends. Highly recommended!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey Happenings

Switching from thrillers to thrilling romance seems to be extremely doable for Nick Thacker or Nick Ryan. Captivating a new audience is definitely on the horizon. Romance lovers will swoon over this hockey love story.

[Dawn'sReading ComeBackLater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and expected

A good outing for an author who usually writes adventure thrillers. Small town, minor league hockey is the setting, but not the whole story. Not too sappy, witty dialog, and an expected ending are what we all need.

[Christa Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

Very refreshing romance. I absolutely loved it and I love that it was written by a man. The characters were sweet and just the way a relationship should start. Definitely recommend.

[Erin McWhorter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfectly sweet romance with a hint of suspense and good banter. I really enjoyed jt!

[Faye Kirschbaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too shabby. Easy, quick read. Ending was not my favorite.

[Alyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute love story