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The Centre Ice #1
My Best Bet
Exiting professional figure skating after a decade of touring, Meredith Bennett settles in Chicago to start a coaching career… and to start a life, one with a future.
At her new rink, she’s required to give trial lessons before taking on students. But after her first lesson with a little girl named Lucy, she gets off the ice to talk to the parents, just to get a sucker punch from the past.
Because the man that Lucy just ran up to… the man that she just called “dad”...
Is the only guy she ever loved.
And now he’s clenching his jaw and handing her a crisp $100 bill.
Looking down at it, her heart sinks through the lobby’s rubber floor at the realization of what it means… And now she’s not quite sure she picked the right place to start over.
_____
NHL player Colt Conover didn’t want his 5-year-old daughter, Lucy, anywhere near a rink.
But after a couple run-ins with elementary school bullies leaves her confidence in tatters, he needs to do something.
And then he remembers the way an old flame used to talk about figure skating, the way she’d light up when explaining it to him. She said it was the only place she felt strong, and special, and fully herself… And he wants that for his daughter.
It’s just ironic that the person who said that about figure skating, the person Colt was thinking of when he signed Lucy up for the lesson… is the same person currently standing on the ice with her, giving her instruction.
It’s the girl he swore that he’d marry one day– they even made a bet on it. He could still hear his young self saying it– 100 bucks says I marry Meredith Bennett.
It was a real bet.
A bet he lost, and he’s still not quite sure how…
But one sure thing about Colt Conover is that he’s never been good at losing.
At her new rink, she’s required to give trial lessons before taking on students. But after her first lesson with a little girl named Lucy, she gets off the ice to talk to the parents, just to get a sucker punch from the past.
Because the man that Lucy just ran up to… the man that she just called “dad”...
Is the only guy she ever loved.
And now he’s clenching his jaw and handing her a crisp $100 bill.
Looking down at it, her heart sinks through the lobby’s rubber floor at the realization of what it means… And now she’s not quite sure she picked the right place to start over.
_____
NHL player Colt Conover didn’t want his 5-year-old daughter, Lucy, anywhere near a rink.
But after a couple run-ins with elementary school bullies leaves her confidence in tatters, he needs to do something.
And then he remembers the way an old flame used to talk about figure skating, the way she’d light up when explaining it to him. She said it was the only place she felt strong, and special, and fully herself… And he wants that for his daughter.
It’s just ironic that the person who said that about figure skating, the person Colt was thinking of when he signed Lucy up for the lesson… is the same person currently standing on the ice with her, giving her instruction.
It’s the girl he swore that he’d marry one day– they even made a bet on it. He could still hear his young self saying it– 100 bucks says I marry Meredith Bennett.
It was a real bet.
A bet he lost, and he’s still not quite sure how…
But one sure thing about Colt Conover is that he’s never been good at losing.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2024
409 people are currently reading
3632 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Kate
13 books433 followersAs a former competitive figure skater, S.C. Kate grew up in rinks and loves them as settings for her contemporary sports romance stories. She lives in metro-Detroit and still frequents arenas to cheer on her siblings during hockey games.
When not writing, she is obsessed with outdoor skating, iced coffee, and traveling around Northern Michigan.
When not writing, she is obsessed with outdoor skating, iced coffee, and traveling around Northern Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 21, 2025
what an absolute clusterfuck
June 19, 2025
i liked this, nothing special tho
⛸️┆ᝰ.ᐟ pre read ౨ৎ
saw a reel for this book and insta and had to read it, second chance & single dad???? hello this sounds amazing!!!!
⛸️┆ᝰ.ᐟ pre read ౨ৎ
saw a reel for this book and insta and had to read it, second chance & single dad???? hello this sounds amazing!!!!
April 7, 2025
The amount of spelling and grammatical errors ruined this book for me. Super sad because I loved the plot and the characters. I had to tap out after organism.
August 21, 2025
Guys I need a solid day to process the beauty that is this book! I picked it up this morning and begrudgingly had to put it down for work so I only finished it later. Will update with my real review soon!
December 26, 2024
Finished in one day. This book was so cute! Easy read, with some twists and turns (pun intended 😉). But if I’m catching spelling errors, there’s a problem. Misspelling names or major words in steamy scenes. Other than that, it’s perfection. I love them.
May 6, 2025
4 STARS
A few grammatical and spelling errors that would throw off the flow of the story in my mind, but the book was generally consistent. It was a little fast-paced, but it was understandable since the MCs were friends- lovers previously. Definitely would've been insta-love if it wasn't a second chamce romamce.
This is my first book from this author, so at four stars, I'd say this was a nice introductory story.
I like how the flash back chapters were clear too.
A few grammatical and spelling errors that would throw off the flow of the story in my mind, but the book was generally consistent. It was a little fast-paced, but it was understandable since the MCs were friends- lovers previously. Definitely would've been insta-love if it wasn't a second chamce romamce.
This is my first book from this author, so at four stars, I'd say this was a nice introductory story.
I like how the flash back chapters were clear too.
March 29, 2025
I didn't want to put this down! A quick cutesy read with some surprising turns!
June 18, 2025
This was one of those books that hooked me right away and then I continued to enjoy it even though nothing really happened. A guilty pleasure, I guess. I just thought Mer and Colt were cute together and I enjoyed the hockey/figure skating dynamic. I loved Lucy (even though she read more like a 10 year old than a 5 year old) and I thought Kappy and JP were so sweet with her.
The second half was kind of boring as the plot went in and out randomly and then disappeared again. The drama wasn’t flushed out or explained well and it felt like an afterthought. I was planning on giving it 3.5 stars.
And then that ending hit. The miscommunication and the absolute stupidity of the third act past/present nonsense was too obnoxious to ignore. Okay sure, they were young, but come on! I just didn’t care anymore after that. They deserved to spend ten years apart if they’re going to be that dumb.
The second half was kind of boring as the plot went in and out randomly and then disappeared again. The drama wasn’t flushed out or explained well and it felt like an afterthought. I was planning on giving it 3.5 stars.
And then that ending hit. The miscommunication and the absolute stupidity of the third act past/present nonsense was too obnoxious to ignore. Okay sure, they were young, but come on! I just didn’t care anymore after that. They deserved to spend ten years apart if they’re going to be that dumb.
September 24, 2025
4.5 stars
My Best Bet was my first book by S.C. Kate and I wanted to read it ever since I stumbled upon one of her marketing short reels on my facebook page.
A hockey player and figure skater getting a second chance on their young love. That's just right up my alley. And it did not disappoint.
Colt is such an easy to love golden retriever hero. I love how he's with his little daughter and how he tries to win Mer back, as soon as he accepts that he never really let her go.
I personally think the drama surrounding them (like what led to their first break up and the almost second) doesn't quite fit the flow of the story. But in the end it somehow worked anyway.
Great second chance romance. I really enjoyed reading it!
My Best Bet was my first book by S.C. Kate and I wanted to read it ever since I stumbled upon one of her marketing short reels on my facebook page.
A hockey player and figure skater getting a second chance on their young love. That's just right up my alley. And it did not disappoint.
Colt is such an easy to love golden retriever hero. I love how he's with his little daughter and how he tries to win Mer back, as soon as he accepts that he never really let her go.
I personally think the drama surrounding them (like what led to their first break up and the almost second) doesn't quite fit the flow of the story. But in the end it somehow worked anyway.
Great second chance romance. I really enjoyed reading it!
July 7, 2025
Must read. Thats all you need to know if you love hockey second chance romance!!!
October 27, 2025
2.5 and rounding up
Second chance isn't my favorite trope because the reasons for the breakup and animosity are often stupid miscommunications between a couple kids. The amount of second chance books where the first relationship was between two high school kids is astounding. Then the kids grow up but never get over their 'one true love'? From the same age they were when they learned to drive? This trope is clearly irritating to me but this setup seemed cute with the bet from the blurb so I thought I'd give it a go.
I did like it, mostly. The dual timeline of then and now and the way the MCs' sports were such a big part of their lives was done well. What didn't work is when our MCs reunite, the transition from 'strangers with a past' to 'dating each other' is super duper fast. We didn't get to enjoy the tension of them circling each other and trying to figure anything out. They just suddenly got over themselves because he got sick and she went to his house.
The MMC's relationship with his mom was weird and off putting and it is no surprise that the entire book was guiding us to her being the source of the 3rd act conflict, however, I did not expect that. There wasn't any foreshadowing, this book wasn't exactly written in the style that lends itself to this particular scenario, and the blurb did not hint to it either. Because of this, it was very out of place and took me completely out of the story.
The epilogue was pretty standard HEA and boring. The secondary characters were okay. Kappy was a delight but I don't know if he has main character energy. I'm not sure if I'll get around to the rest of the series.
Second chance isn't my favorite trope because the reasons for the breakup and animosity are often stupid miscommunications between a couple kids. The amount of second chance books where the first relationship was between two high school kids is astounding. Then the kids grow up but never get over their 'one true love'? From the same age they were when they learned to drive? This trope is clearly irritating to me but this setup seemed cute with the bet from the blurb so I thought I'd give it a go.
I did like it, mostly. The dual timeline of then and now and the way the MCs' sports were such a big part of their lives was done well. What didn't work is when our MCs reunite, the transition from 'strangers with a past' to 'dating each other' is super duper fast. We didn't get to enjoy the tension of them circling each other and trying to figure anything out. They just suddenly got over themselves because he got sick and she went to his house.
The MMC's relationship with his mom was weird and off putting and it is no surprise that the entire book was guiding us to her being the source of the 3rd act conflict, however, I did not expect that. There wasn't any foreshadowing, this book wasn't exactly written in the style that lends itself to this particular scenario, and the blurb did not hint to it either. Because of this, it was very out of place and took me completely out of the story.
The epilogue was pretty standard HEA and boring. The secondary characters were okay. Kappy was a delight but I don't know if he has main character energy. I'm not sure if I'll get around to the rest of the series.
March 21, 2025
Sweet second chance romance
4⭐️ 1.5🌶️ book 1 in the Centre Ice series
This is a beautiful story about a figure skater and a hockey 🏒 player’s second chance at love. Meredith (Mer) is in Chicago to coach young ice skaters. Colt, her boyfriend in HS, is now an NHL star playing for Chicago and the only man she’s ever loved. They haven’t seen each other in a decade but Mer happens to be Colt’s adorable 5-yr old daughter Lucy’s new coach. Their past gets in the way but Colt is determined to get Mer to break down her walls. He remembers her favorite hot chocolate (fancy raspberry dark chocolate) and keeps it on hand at home just in case. SWOON. ❤️ He got angel 😇 wings tattooed on his side because he called her ‘my angel’ when he used to watch her skate.
I loved the characters and the plot, and am excited for book 2 - Piper & Kappy’s story. ❤️ Then book 3 - JP’s story.
Overall this book was very good. However, there were a lot of grammatical errors, typos, missing words, and misuse of words. I don’t know if this author didn’t have an editor or if it’s a publisher issue but this book needs proofreading. For the most part these errors didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story but I know some people may be turned off. I’d actually volunteer to be S. C. Kate’s beta reader.
‘He wasn't just an ex though, a small voice argued. He was... the love of my life.’
‘I was a man who loved winning. She was my biggest loss.’
"I missed you. Am I allowed to say that?"
"Yeah, it's allowed. I missed you too."
"What detergent do you use?"
"Huh?"
"Detergent? Which one?" she asked, still studying my hoodie.
"I think it's just Tide Sport."
“Huh... I thought I tried that one," she muttered.
‘I'd wait as long as it took for her to let me into her world again.’
"Just keep moving forward, alright? I think we've still got a lot of good ahead of us."
“I want to believe that so badly.”
“You can bet on it. Bet on me, Mer. Please."
"I love you, Mer. I never stopped.”
Read this if you like:
*Pro hockey 🏒 x Pro figure skater ⛸️
*Second chance romance 🫶🏻
*Found family
*Single dad
*Mutual pining
*Childhood friends to lovers
4⭐️ 1.5🌶️ book 1 in the Centre Ice series
This is a beautiful story about a figure skater and a hockey 🏒 player’s second chance at love. Meredith (Mer) is in Chicago to coach young ice skaters. Colt, her boyfriend in HS, is now an NHL star playing for Chicago and the only man she’s ever loved. They haven’t seen each other in a decade but Mer happens to be Colt’s adorable 5-yr old daughter Lucy’s new coach. Their past gets in the way but Colt is determined to get Mer to break down her walls. He remembers her favorite hot chocolate (fancy raspberry dark chocolate) and keeps it on hand at home just in case. SWOON. ❤️ He got angel 😇 wings tattooed on his side because he called her ‘my angel’ when he used to watch her skate.
I loved the characters and the plot, and am excited for book 2 - Piper & Kappy’s story. ❤️ Then book 3 - JP’s story.
Overall this book was very good. However, there were a lot of grammatical errors, typos, missing words, and misuse of words. I don’t know if this author didn’t have an editor or if it’s a publisher issue but this book needs proofreading. For the most part these errors didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story but I know some people may be turned off. I’d actually volunteer to be S. C. Kate’s beta reader.
‘He wasn't just an ex though, a small voice argued. He was... the love of my life.’
‘I was a man who loved winning. She was my biggest loss.’
"I missed you. Am I allowed to say that?"
"Yeah, it's allowed. I missed you too."
"What detergent do you use?"
"Huh?"
"Detergent? Which one?" she asked, still studying my hoodie.
"I think it's just Tide Sport."
“Huh... I thought I tried that one," she muttered.
‘I'd wait as long as it took for her to let me into her world again.’
"Just keep moving forward, alright? I think we've still got a lot of good ahead of us."
“I want to believe that so badly.”
“You can bet on it. Bet on me, Mer. Please."
"I love you, Mer. I never stopped.”
Read this if you like:
*Pro hockey 🏒 x Pro figure skater ⛸️
*Second chance romance 🫶🏻
*Found family
*Single dad
*Mutual pining
*Childhood friends to lovers
June 15, 2025
#Review: *My best bet* - S.C. Kate [18+]
5/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
Last year I read "The Jinxed Jackpot" by the author and it really impressed me, being a 5✨ read for me. That was my first encounter with S.C. Kate and this time it convinced me that I just love the way she writes. Thank you so much for this e-copy Booked with The Emilys and S.C. Kate!
Meredith Bennett (figure skater) and Colt Conover (hockey player) had the cutest first meet. A bet with his friends will gain Colt a sweet kiss from Mer, which will represent the start of their cute love story. But their life plans, wrong decisions and some miscommunication will play a big part in their relationship, which unfortunately will suddenly stop one day. Several years after that and they met again, but each of them were in such different life stages. One thing was certain: their love never changed, maybe it became even stronger.
This story was SIMPLY AMAZING! I loved every single thing about it and it kept me super invested in this book. The pure love Mer and Colt shared was so beautiful and I liked that there was no unnecessary drama, only some really genuine facts. I laughed, I suffered, I hoped at the same time with them, living at fullest the intensity of the story. Their friends have definitely played such an important role in this book, being the ones who brought the good vibes to the story. Also, the second chance romance was super cute and the special person from Colt's life brought the sweetness to this story. There were some parts where I was so angry, hating everything about what happened, but I won't say anything more, to not spoil something for you.
I adored every single thing about this book! Being a sports romance it was definitely a bonus for me, including such wonderful details from both hockey and figure skating. All that intertwined really well with the uncertain love story of the characters. It's a book which I'll add it to the list of spots romance which I'll always recommend.
✨Tropes
#FirstLove
#SecondChance
#FoundFamily
#BandOfBrothers
#SingleDad
#Angsty
#Athlete
#SportsRomance
#FigureSkating
#Hockey
5/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
Last year I read "The Jinxed Jackpot" by the author and it really impressed me, being a 5✨ read for me. That was my first encounter with S.C. Kate and this time it convinced me that I just love the way she writes. Thank you so much for this e-copy Booked with The Emilys and S.C. Kate!
Meredith Bennett (figure skater) and Colt Conover (hockey player) had the cutest first meet. A bet with his friends will gain Colt a sweet kiss from Mer, which will represent the start of their cute love story. But their life plans, wrong decisions and some miscommunication will play a big part in their relationship, which unfortunately will suddenly stop one day. Several years after that and they met again, but each of them were in such different life stages. One thing was certain: their love never changed, maybe it became even stronger.
This story was SIMPLY AMAZING! I loved every single thing about it and it kept me super invested in this book. The pure love Mer and Colt shared was so beautiful and I liked that there was no unnecessary drama, only some really genuine facts. I laughed, I suffered, I hoped at the same time with them, living at fullest the intensity of the story. Their friends have definitely played such an important role in this book, being the ones who brought the good vibes to the story. Also, the second chance romance was super cute and the special person from Colt's life brought the sweetness to this story. There were some parts where I was so angry, hating everything about what happened, but I won't say anything more, to not spoil something for you.
I adored every single thing about this book! Being a sports romance it was definitely a bonus for me, including such wonderful details from both hockey and figure skating. All that intertwined really well with the uncertain love story of the characters. It's a book which I'll add it to the list of spots romance which I'll always recommend.
✨Tropes
#FirstLove
#SecondChance
#FoundFamily
#BandOfBrothers
#SingleDad
#Angsty
#Athlete
#SportsRomance
#FigureSkating
#Hockey
August 16, 2025
Spoilers ahead!
Not a terrible book, but there was way too much flashback
I’ll try to sum it up in order. This is not the order it’s told in the book.
H was a hockey player (I think 17) and h was a figure skater (16) They fell I love.
Over the years, their love grows stronger. h was paired with a new male partner to skate with. (I’ll call him OM) OM was not a good guy at all. He was giving her pills, living with her, causing eating disorders, and just being an arse.
H has a crazy mom. Like…..imagine one of those moms being weirdly in love with their son. 🤢 THAT’S HER
H is rising big into the hockey world. Mom is helping him (eeek)
h gets injured and her knee is destroyed while H is out of town playing with the team. He sends dear old mom to check on her. 🤪 mom basically sends him stuff with h saying “I don’t want him anymore and don’t come” (even though h is shouting this stuff at OM)
So it’s over with them. Neither couple feels the need to actually communicate with each other.
Years later…like 10 and now H has a 5 year old (but she sounds like she’s 12 in the book) He puts her in figure skating class and h is the teacher.
I’ll skip the endless amounts of POV both characters have, and just say they eventually get back together.
the spice in this book is less than 1 🌶️
BOTH h and H’s kid keep giving off suss vibes to H on his mom, but the dummy is like “it’s my mom. She loves me” EVEN though his own 5 year old tells him a few times “dad, she doesn’t like me. I think she ONLY likes you” and the little girl NEVER wanted to be around her.
So finally h’s brake lines are cut in her car and she almost dies. H finds out his mom hired OM to wreak havoc and she hired people to cut h’s brake lines. ALSO………..she also killed the 5 year old’s mom previously by also cutting her brake lines (don’t worry. H didn’t love her. She was just his FWB)
Cops happen to be there to arrest her when she admits it all to her son. 🤦♀️🤦♀️
We get no epilogue on what happens to the crazy mom. All we get is a wedding and h is pregnant.
If a book is this full out into soap opera land, I’d at least expect some steamy spice. Ugh
Not a terrible book, but there was way too much flashback
I’ll try to sum it up in order. This is not the order it’s told in the book.
H was a hockey player (I think 17) and h was a figure skater (16) They fell I love.
Over the years, their love grows stronger. h was paired with a new male partner to skate with. (I’ll call him OM) OM was not a good guy at all. He was giving her pills, living with her, causing eating disorders, and just being an arse.
H has a crazy mom. Like…..imagine one of those moms being weirdly in love with their son. 🤢 THAT’S HER
H is rising big into the hockey world. Mom is helping him (eeek)
h gets injured and her knee is destroyed while H is out of town playing with the team. He sends dear old mom to check on her. 🤪 mom basically sends him stuff with h saying “I don’t want him anymore and don’t come” (even though h is shouting this stuff at OM)
So it’s over with them. Neither couple feels the need to actually communicate with each other.
Years later…like 10 and now H has a 5 year old (but she sounds like she’s 12 in the book) He puts her in figure skating class and h is the teacher.
I’ll skip the endless amounts of POV both characters have, and just say they eventually get back together.
the spice in this book is less than 1 🌶️
BOTH h and H’s kid keep giving off suss vibes to H on his mom, but the dummy is like “it’s my mom. She loves me” EVEN though his own 5 year old tells him a few times “dad, she doesn’t like me. I think she ONLY likes you” and the little girl NEVER wanted to be around her.
So finally h’s brake lines are cut in her car and she almost dies. H finds out his mom hired OM to wreak havoc and she hired people to cut h’s brake lines. ALSO………..she also killed the 5 year old’s mom previously by also cutting her brake lines (don’t worry. H didn’t love her. She was just his FWB)
Cops happen to be there to arrest her when she admits it all to her son. 🤦♀️🤦♀️
We get no epilogue on what happens to the crazy mom. All we get is a wedding and h is pregnant.
If a book is this full out into soap opera land, I’d at least expect some steamy spice. Ugh
June 14, 2025
Twists and Turns on ice!!
Rating: 4.25/5⭐️
"Who says you'll never be with me again? Do I get a choice? Because I'd do it all over again with you."
Summary: A second chance romance between a hockey player and a former figure skater. They were teenage sweethearts that ended in heartbreak. A decade later, Mer ends up being Lucy, Colt's daughter, figure skating coach. Can they mend their broken hearts and sort through their devastating past? Or will they avoid each other at all costs?
"I never stopped. My heart has always been yours, baby."
My Thoughts: I fell in love with this story from the very first page. The flashback timeline spread throughout the story was a neat way of telling their past while weaving with their present. I love how Colt and Mer initially put their past aside for Lucy, but as time continued they realized that the past must come to the light for the future to unfold. As their past came to the present, I loved how they gave each other grace for the mistakes and misunderstandings that took place. There were some major twists and turns by the end of the book that took me by surprise, though there were clues along the way. The found family throughout their story was so important for both Colt and Mer and I'm excited to see more of this group in the other books.
The hockey and figure skating moments were so fun throughout the story. I do like how this book was so much more than a second chance at love, but truly the life they had always dreamed of living.
**Please read the trigger warnings.**
Read if you love:
❤️🔥Second Chance
🏒⛸️Hockey Player X Figure Skater
💖Single Dad
🎢Twists and Turns
🥰Found Family
Rating: 4.25/5⭐️
"Who says you'll never be with me again? Do I get a choice? Because I'd do it all over again with you."
Summary: A second chance romance between a hockey player and a former figure skater. They were teenage sweethearts that ended in heartbreak. A decade later, Mer ends up being Lucy, Colt's daughter, figure skating coach. Can they mend their broken hearts and sort through their devastating past? Or will they avoid each other at all costs?
"I never stopped. My heart has always been yours, baby."
My Thoughts: I fell in love with this story from the very first page. The flashback timeline spread throughout the story was a neat way of telling their past while weaving with their present. I love how Colt and Mer initially put their past aside for Lucy, but as time continued they realized that the past must come to the light for the future to unfold. As their past came to the present, I loved how they gave each other grace for the mistakes and misunderstandings that took place. There were some major twists and turns by the end of the book that took me by surprise, though there were clues along the way. The found family throughout their story was so important for both Colt and Mer and I'm excited to see more of this group in the other books.
The hockey and figure skating moments were so fun throughout the story. I do like how this book was so much more than a second chance at love, but truly the life they had always dreamed of living.
**Please read the trigger warnings.**
Read if you love:
❤️🔥Second Chance
🏒⛸️Hockey Player X Figure Skater
💖Single Dad
🎢Twists and Turns
🥰Found Family
September 16, 2025
★★★☆☆ / ★★★★★
3 von 5
TikTok made me read this book–am I mad? No. Am I disappointed? Yeah.
Not a bad book, but not my favorite either.
The thing with this book is: it feels rushed. Like, a lot. Even though the story really had potential, it felt like the book needed more time and space to actually be a really good one.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it and read it in almost one sitting, however, the second chance trope felt rushed as hell.
First we get to know the characters, get to see them in their first relationship. Then we get to know they aren't together anymore and get to see how their lives look outside of the relationship (all of this happens in the first 10% of the book) - we get the reunion and the "I hate this wo/man" kinda spiel until suddenly they don't. Within just two chapters it switches to the yearning to be together part and suddenly everything seems forgotten.
It felt like S.C.Kate felt the same when writing, because it came up as the conflict for the second half of the book again–the what happened back then and why do you hate me so much when you were the one leaving me, kinda thing.
So all in all, I liked the writing because it was easy to keep going, but the plot needed so much more than the not even 300 pages.
I did like the characters, did like the dynamics and the relationships outside of the romance, because they felt so much more thought about than the second chance happy ending.
I'd recommend to anyone wanting a quick read, something mindless and cute at times. I'll not continue with the series however.
3 von 5
TikTok made me read this book–am I mad? No. Am I disappointed? Yeah.
Not a bad book, but not my favorite either.
The thing with this book is: it feels rushed. Like, a lot. Even though the story really had potential, it felt like the book needed more time and space to actually be a really good one.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it and read it in almost one sitting, however, the second chance trope felt rushed as hell.
First we get to know the characters, get to see them in their first relationship. Then we get to know they aren't together anymore and get to see how their lives look outside of the relationship (all of this happens in the first 10% of the book) - we get the reunion and the "I hate this wo/man" kinda spiel until suddenly they don't. Within just two chapters it switches to the yearning to be together part and suddenly everything seems forgotten.
It felt like S.C.Kate felt the same when writing, because it came up as the conflict for the second half of the book again–the what happened back then and why do you hate me so much when you were the one leaving me, kinda thing.
So all in all, I liked the writing because it was easy to keep going, but the plot needed so much more than the not even 300 pages.
I did like the characters, did like the dynamics and the relationships outside of the romance, because they felt so much more thought about than the second chance happy ending.
I'd recommend to anyone wanting a quick read, something mindless and cute at times. I'll not continue with the series however.
June 17, 2025
I absolutely adored this ice skater and hockey player romance and cannot wait to read more of this series!
Short Synopsis:
Meredith is getting a fresh start in Chicago coaching with her longtime best friend at an ice skating rink. She’s finally feeling the relief from the stress and anxiety she associated with skating for so long and is finally beginning to love it again. Just when she’s feeling like she’s on the right path, she’s brought back to reality by the one person she never thought she’d see again. And… she’s coaching his daughter. Can Meredith and Colt come to terms with their past and move forward? Or, will Meredith find herself needing to start over yet again?
My Thoughts:
I loved everything about Colt and Meredith individually and together (both in the past and present tense). I loved how the author wove together their past in with their present in such a seamless way. I also appreciated how the anxiety representation was presented in the story and how caring Colt became when Meredith was feeling overwhelmed. I also loved Colt’s relationships with his best friends and teammates, as well as his bond with his daughter.
Read this one if you like:
⛸️ Ice skater / hockey player romance
⛸️ Found family
⛸️ Single dad
⛸️ He falls first
⛸️ Second chance romance
Thank you to the author, SC Kate, and Booked with the Emilys for providing a gifted copy of this e-book!
Short Synopsis:
Meredith is getting a fresh start in Chicago coaching with her longtime best friend at an ice skating rink. She’s finally feeling the relief from the stress and anxiety she associated with skating for so long and is finally beginning to love it again. Just when she’s feeling like she’s on the right path, she’s brought back to reality by the one person she never thought she’d see again. And… she’s coaching his daughter. Can Meredith and Colt come to terms with their past and move forward? Or, will Meredith find herself needing to start over yet again?
My Thoughts:
I loved everything about Colt and Meredith individually and together (both in the past and present tense). I loved how the author wove together their past in with their present in such a seamless way. I also appreciated how the anxiety representation was presented in the story and how caring Colt became when Meredith was feeling overwhelmed. I also loved Colt’s relationships with his best friends and teammates, as well as his bond with his daughter.
Read this one if you like:
⛸️ Ice skater / hockey player romance
⛸️ Found family
⛸️ Single dad
⛸️ He falls first
⛸️ Second chance romance
Thank you to the author, SC Kate, and Booked with the Emilys for providing a gifted copy of this e-book!
May 30, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads.
Ok, this review may change after I give it some thought but here are my initial feelings.
Things to note-
Second Chance Romance
Ice Skater
Hockey Player
Single Dad
Spice level - 1.5 🌶️ A few innuendos, and one open door scene that isn’t super descriptive, but it’s there.
Did I love many parts of this book? Yes! The second chance romance aspect always gets me. The tension between our two leads was really good, and you could really feel the chemistry. I loved his daughter, her best friend and his two best friends. There was such a good found family feel to this and you’re left wanting to be friends with all of them.
Did I also have parts I didn’t love? Yes. The flashbacks were helpful, but sometimes it felt like there were too many flashbacks. It made the story hard to follow sometimes. I also felt like big conversations would START happening and then they’d be over super fast… and I was left needing more?
There was also a massive plot twist that I somewhat saw coming. Part of it I figured out, but not all of it. The plot twist was insane and I honestly feel like it was too much?!
I think overall I’ll keep my rating at 3.5. Would I recommend it? I would. I do think it’s worth reading.
Ok, this review may change after I give it some thought but here are my initial feelings.
Things to note-
Second Chance Romance
Ice Skater
Hockey Player
Single Dad
Spice level - 1.5 🌶️ A few innuendos, and one open door scene that isn’t super descriptive, but it’s there.
Did I love many parts of this book? Yes! The second chance romance aspect always gets me. The tension between our two leads was really good, and you could really feel the chemistry. I loved his daughter, her best friend and his two best friends. There was such a good found family feel to this and you’re left wanting to be friends with all of them.
Did I also have parts I didn’t love? Yes. The flashbacks were helpful, but sometimes it felt like there were too many flashbacks. It made the story hard to follow sometimes. I also felt like big conversations would START happening and then they’d be over super fast… and I was left needing more?
There was also a massive plot twist that I somewhat saw coming. Part of it I figured out, but not all of it. The plot twist was insane and I honestly feel like it was too much?!
I think overall I’ll keep my rating at 3.5. Would I recommend it? I would. I do think it’s worth reading.
April 6, 2025
This was pretty good. The story read really well with decent pacing and fantastic characters. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Meredith and Colt. But the side characters also held up really well. For it being a second chance hockey romance, it wasn't the typical "I left him so he wouldn't give up his career for me" reason for leaving. I'm not going to spoil it in this review but honestly, I was pleasantly surprised about the reason for the original break up.
This did need more editing. There were some grammar and spelling errors (I'm talking names being misspelled), but I'm also not going to begrudge an indie author for not having perfect editing. It's not free and I know writing is not a fast track to making money. So yeah, there was some issues with that but I found it easily overlooked by how interested I was with the plot line and the characters.
I'm excited to read more from this author.
This did need more editing. There were some grammar and spelling errors (I'm talking names being misspelled), but I'm also not going to begrudge an indie author for not having perfect editing. It's not free and I know writing is not a fast track to making money. So yeah, there was some issues with that but I found it easily overlooked by how interested I was with the plot line and the characters.
I'm excited to read more from this author.
May 31, 2025
Meredith and Colt were teenage sweethearts before it all went wrong. A decade later they are back at the same training facility. Colt is playing professional hockey and Mer is coaching figure skaters, one of whom happens to be Colt's daughter. Can they move forward without ever fully addressing the past?
Read if you like:
-Second Chance
-Young Love
-It's Always Been You
-Hockey Player x Figure Skater
-Found Family
I'm trying really really really hard not to drop any spoilers in this review. And that's going to be really really really difficult.
My Best Bet left me feeling feral in the BEST way. I sent my friends approximately 20 unhinged voice notes about this one. Not only did it seem to hit all the right notes with a mix of cute young love in the flashbacks and adults with just the right amount of traumatic baggage, but also lured you in with familiar topes and then said 'hold my beer.'
Read if you like:
-Second Chance
-Young Love
-It's Always Been You
-Hockey Player x Figure Skater
-Found Family
I'm trying really really really hard not to drop any spoilers in this review. And that's going to be really really really difficult.
My Best Bet left me feeling feral in the BEST way. I sent my friends approximately 20 unhinged voice notes about this one. Not only did it seem to hit all the right notes with a mix of cute young love in the flashbacks and adults with just the right amount of traumatic baggage, but also lured you in with familiar topes and then said 'hold my beer.'
July 26, 2025
Okay literally this was sooooo good what?? I don’t usually like second chance but I ATE THIS SHIT UP!! I picked this up after one those quote reels/tiktoks and it did not disappoint. Like the whole I bet $100 I’m gonna marry her one day thing. I’m gagged it was so good. I loved the past and present switching and seeing their relationship progress in both timelines. It was beautiful. Was the crazy twist actually insane and not at all realistic? Yes, definitely but I don’t care because the rest of the book was so good. Colt is perfect. Mer is a warrior. Lucy is adorable and Kappy and JP were a hoot. The found family was just so lovely 😭🥰 So so excited for the second book!! Can’t wait!!! Okay also last thing- I’m obsessed w the way Kappy calls Meredith Mer Bear 🥹
I will say- there were a few typos, especially at the end, so if that kind of thing bothers you idk if this is the one for you.
I will say- there were a few typos, especially at the end, so if that kind of thing bothers you idk if this is the one for you.
December 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The newest release by S.C. and one of my favorites by her! I'm such a sucker for second chance romance and I loved how the reader had to keep going to figure out what truly happened all those years ago.
Mer and Colt have so much in common when it comes to the rink they grew up in. Their love and ambition for their dreams was very admirable. It was also so heartwarming to see that they both wanted the other to achieve their dreams.
Make sure to add this one to your tbr ASAP! I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.
Read if you love:
🏒hockey player/figure skater
🏒second chance romance
🏒dual timelines
🏒dual POV
🏒touch of suspense
🏒single dad's
"In an instant, he wrapped me up in his arms. “You’ve got my whole fucking heart, Mer. It’s completely yours, it’s always been yours. I love you, baby.”"
The newest release by S.C. and one of my favorites by her! I'm such a sucker for second chance romance and I loved how the reader had to keep going to figure out what truly happened all those years ago.
Mer and Colt have so much in common when it comes to the rink they grew up in. Their love and ambition for their dreams was very admirable. It was also so heartwarming to see that they both wanted the other to achieve their dreams.
Make sure to add this one to your tbr ASAP! I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.
Read if you love:
🏒hockey player/figure skater
🏒second chance romance
🏒dual timelines
🏒dual POV
🏒touch of suspense
🏒single dad's
"In an instant, he wrapped me up in his arms. “You’ve got my whole fucking heart, Mer. It’s completely yours, it’s always been yours. I love you, baby.”"
December 25, 2024
Great story, but...
The book needs an editor, badly. From missing words to misspelled words (organism for orgasm the first sex scene? Come on) the book needs someone to go through it to fix those mistakes and resubmit it to Amazon with the fixes.
THAT BEING SAID, the book was very good. Characters were well thought out and well written, and the twist in the book did come out of left field and smack you in the face. I think the FMC was maybe a little too forgiving, but love does that to people.
Lucy is GOLD.
I really hope the author gets an editor (or at least someone to alpha and beta read so mistakes are caught before publishing) for the next book, because I have a feeling Piper is going to be a doozy.
The book needs an editor, badly. From missing words to misspelled words (organism for orgasm the first sex scene? Come on) the book needs someone to go through it to fix those mistakes and resubmit it to Amazon with the fixes.
THAT BEING SAID, the book was very good. Characters were well thought out and well written, and the twist in the book did come out of left field and smack you in the face. I think the FMC was maybe a little too forgiving, but love does that to people.
Lucy is GOLD.
I really hope the author gets an editor (or at least someone to alpha and beta read so mistakes are caught before publishing) for the next book, because I have a feeling Piper is going to be a doozy.
January 7, 2025
Colt Connover is what dreams are made of. I stopped trying to hint things to my bf, I directly express what I want or need, and he is still clueless. So the idea of a calm boyfriend who observes that much and empathizes like that with his overthinking, anxious girlfriend? Sign me up. I think this was wholesome, I loved that it wasn't a fully open door romance, it gave just enough. While I love a good flashback, stories that go back and forth like this usually require a patience that I don't always have, but it was well constructed. The book could definitely used a final editing look (spelling, missing words) but it hardly affected the great joy reading this gave me. It's one of those books that I find myself wanting to reread the moment I finish it. Can't wait for the next book!
April 16, 2025
2/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️
Second chance, single dad, hockey/figure skating, duel POV♥️
This was a cute take on a hockey/figure skating romance. Very deep with some things and made my heart break. The main characters were cute and definitely had the soulmate thing going on. I also loved MMC’s daughter. I just didn’t like the amount of flashbacks and the way the story went down with side characters. Just wasn’t my personal favorite. I also didn’t feel Iike the main characters really had a breaking point moment in their relationship. They went from shocked to hate to love very quickly. I felt like that was missing something. It was still a good book and a cute read, just not my favorite.
Second chance, single dad, hockey/figure skating, duel POV♥️
This was a cute take on a hockey/figure skating romance. Very deep with some things and made my heart break. The main characters were cute and definitely had the soulmate thing going on. I also loved MMC’s daughter. I just didn’t like the amount of flashbacks and the way the story went down with side characters. Just wasn’t my personal favorite. I also didn’t feel Iike the main characters really had a breaking point moment in their relationship. They went from shocked to hate to love very quickly. I felt like that was missing something. It was still a good book and a cute read, just not my favorite.
December 24, 2024
3.90⭐️
No one is more surprised than I am that I enjoyed this book so much.
I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances and the miscommunication trope always irritates me, but despite all of that I still enjoyed this book.
I liked how we discovered Colt and Mer’s history throughout the book rather than getting all the information up front- it definitely helped with character development and made this feel more like a slow-burn because of it.
This was a fairly fast paced read and the ending was definitely not something I was expecting.
No one is more surprised than I am that I enjoyed this book so much.
I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances and the miscommunication trope always irritates me, but despite all of that I still enjoyed this book.
I liked how we discovered Colt and Mer’s history throughout the book rather than getting all the information up front- it definitely helped with character development and made this feel more like a slow-burn because of it.
This was a fairly fast paced read and the ending was definitely not something I was expecting.
January 6, 2025
This is a book about heartbreak and redemption!
The characters fall in love as teenagers, while ice skating and playing hockey. But life throws them curveballs, and miscommunication leads to heartbreak.
Years later they end up in the same city, at the same rink. The universe putting them back in each others paths. But they have so much to work on, to hash out from the past, in order to make a future. While also navigating a complete curveball from someone close.
This book was emotional, heartfelt and they truly deserved there happily ever after.
The characters fall in love as teenagers, while ice skating and playing hockey. But life throws them curveballs, and miscommunication leads to heartbreak.
Years later they end up in the same city, at the same rink. The universe putting them back in each others paths. But they have so much to work on, to hash out from the past, in order to make a future. While also navigating a complete curveball from someone close.
This book was emotional, heartfelt and they truly deserved there happily ever after.
January 22, 2025
Just what I needed. It might actually have been better than what I expected from the blurb. The characters are great and very likeable. I also liked how the author handled the physical and mental struggles the characters went through, but man I wish Andy would have been punished more for his actions (despite the portrayed consequences being realistic). It kept me on my toes with the flashbacks despite some of the events being a bit predictable. Piper's story sounds really funny too, so I might pick that up at some point.
May 5, 2025
just ok
I struggled with this book and the twist didn’t seem so twisty. I struggled to see how a guy like colt pushed with Mer, but when both her and his five year old (why would she lie) complained about his mother he pushed it down and basically made them feel like their feelings didn’t matter. It pissed me off at every turn when it was so clear that Lucy was uncomfortable that he continued to allow that relationship. It was all for the plot and pair that with a few grammatical mistakes and it had me skipping pages to get to the end.
I struggled with this book and the twist didn’t seem so twisty. I struggled to see how a guy like colt pushed with Mer, but when both her and his five year old (why would she lie) complained about his mother he pushed it down and basically made them feel like their feelings didn’t matter. It pissed me off at every turn when it was so clear that Lucy was uncomfortable that he continued to allow that relationship. It was all for the plot and pair that with a few grammatical mistakes and it had me skipping pages to get to the end.
May 16, 2025
I liked the plot and the characters. I also like the that time jumps, there's a lot of it, didn't disrupt the flow of the story. But one thing I didn't get was Colt's being nonchalant when it comes to his mother. The author made hus character so perceptive and proactive but when both Mer and Lucy opened up about tgeir issues regarding his mother he becomes dismissive. That's so out of his character. Which made me believe that it was purposely done so that the twist at the end can have a greater impact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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