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Blades & Hearts #1
Off the Ice
Ava never intended to blow up the biggest scandal in hockey history. As a journalist, she was just doing her job, uncovering the truth, exposing corruption, and making sure no one could bury the story. But when her reporting leads to the suspension of Logan Bennett, the NHL’s golden boy and her ex-rival turned unexpected ally, everything gets a lot more complicated.
Logan has spent his entire life chasing hockey greatness, and he’s not about to let a scandal destroy his career. When the league tries to make him the face of their redemption, he has two choices: play by their rules or fight for something bigger. With Ava at his side, the lines between duty and desire blur, and soon, their late-night strategy meetings turn into something far more personal.
But exposing the truth comes at a cost, and as the pressure mounts, Ava and Logan have to decide if love is worth risking everything. Because in a game where reputations are everything, trusting the wrong person can cost you everything—including your heart.
Some risks are worth taking.
And loving Logan Bennett? That might be the biggest gamble of all.
Logan has spent his entire life chasing hockey greatness, and he’s not about to let a scandal destroy his career. When the league tries to make him the face of their redemption, he has two choices: play by their rules or fight for something bigger. With Ava at his side, the lines between duty and desire blur, and soon, their late-night strategy meetings turn into something far more personal.
But exposing the truth comes at a cost, and as the pressure mounts, Ava and Logan have to decide if love is worth risking everything. Because in a game where reputations are everything, trusting the wrong person can cost you everything—including your heart.
Some risks are worth taking.
And loving Logan Bennett? That might be the biggest gamble of all.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
34 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
May 20, 2025
I really liked the plot of the story but I wish the relationship was a bit more fleshed out. I feel like they just kinda jumped from not knowing each other to immediately having feelings for each other. There was no real buildup to the feelings between them.
May 20, 2025
ARC REVIEW.
DNF at 42%. The writing was very choppy, there wasn't much flow. I couldn't visualize or connect with neither of the MMCs nor did the way that they meet and attempt to come together flow. I wanted to enjoy it, but I unfortunately did not. Everything just felt detached, sorry :(
DNF at 42%. The writing was very choppy, there wasn't much flow. I couldn't visualize or connect with neither of the MMCs nor did the way that they meet and attempt to come together flow. I wanted to enjoy it, but I unfortunately did not. Everything just felt detached, sorry :(
April 15, 2025
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I wish I could give this book 2.5 stars because it's not exactly 2 stars and not 3 stars. It has great potential, and with a really good edit, paying close attention to the timeline and details would easily make it a 4-star book.
In one scene, Logan takes Darren out of a dingy motel back to his house for safety, but in the very next chapter (Ava's point of view), it's mentioned that Logan and Darren are hiding out at the motel. In a scene from Logan's point of view in part 3, it's like the author originally intended it to be from Ava's point of view because Logan looks at Conner, Jaymie, and himself.
Also, there was no romancing happening; they socialized and spent the majority of their time together as non-romantic (they kissed a few times, but that was it), and at the end of the book, they are engaged before having even had a real date or having said I love you. It's also mentioned that they had been sleeping in the same bed together after they got engaged, but I do not recall them ever having slept in the same bed until after their engagement.
Those are just a couple of the issues I noticed with details and the timeline.
Another big issue I noticed was that the author regularly flipped between first and third person point of view. In the middle of a paragraph, it'd go from me, my, we, and I to she/her or him/he, they. It was very confusing to keep up with and made the way it read feel off and choppy.
Like I said, the book has great potential, but it needs an overhaul before it can be more than a 2.5-star read.
In one scene, Logan takes Darren out of a dingy motel back to his house for safety, but in the very next chapter (Ava's point of view), it's mentioned that Logan and Darren are hiding out at the motel. In a scene from Logan's point of view in part 3, it's like the author originally intended it to be from Ava's point of view because Logan looks at Conner, Jaymie, and himself.
Also, there was no romancing happening; they socialized and spent the majority of their time together as non-romantic (they kissed a few times, but that was it), and at the end of the book, they are engaged before having even had a real date or having said I love you. It's also mentioned that they had been sleeping in the same bed together after they got engaged, but I do not recall them ever having slept in the same bed until after their engagement.
Those are just a couple of the issues I noticed with details and the timeline.
Another big issue I noticed was that the author regularly flipped between first and third person point of view. In the middle of a paragraph, it'd go from me, my, we, and I to she/her or him/he, they. It was very confusing to keep up with and made the way it read feel off and choppy.
Like I said, the book has great potential, but it needs an overhaul before it can be more than a 2.5-star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
I love a good hockey romance, so I was super excited to read Off the Ice by Emily Campbell—and even more thrilled to be chosen for the ARC! I opened it almost immediately.
The book features two of my favorite tropes: fake dating and he falls first. The pacing felt a little rushed—they go from not knowing each other, to suddenly fake dating, to married. I really would’ve loved more backstory on both Ava and Logan to help build a stronger emotional connection.
I also wish the story had focused more on Ava and Logan’s relationship rather than the scandal—it often felt like that overshadowed their development as a couple. And while the story was cute overall, the ending felt rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more time for things to unfold naturally.
That said, I really appreciated how well the hockey scenes were written. There were moments I actually felt like I understood the game, which made those parts even more fun to read.
It’s a quick, enjoyable read with a lot of potential. I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The book features two of my favorite tropes: fake dating and he falls first. The pacing felt a little rushed—they go from not knowing each other, to suddenly fake dating, to married. I really would’ve loved more backstory on both Ava and Logan to help build a stronger emotional connection.
I also wish the story had focused more on Ava and Logan’s relationship rather than the scandal—it often felt like that overshadowed their development as a couple. And while the story was cute overall, the ending felt rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more time for things to unfold naturally.
That said, I really appreciated how well the hockey scenes were written. There were moments I actually felt like I understood the game, which made those parts even more fun to read.
It’s a quick, enjoyable read with a lot of potential. I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
4.5 Stars
First off, I loved this book. I think it was well thought out and a very cute love story.
However, there were some inconsistencies. They were very minor, barely noticeable, but still stood out to me. No plotholes or anything, just things like saying Ava has dark hair (once) or using third person for an entire chapter when the rest of the book is in first person. I truly don’t mean to nitpick, these are just things that don’t allow me to completely immerse myself in the story.
Overall though, I enjoyed the book, the story it told, and will be recommending it to friends because I know they’d enjoy it too. <3
Thank you so much for sending me an ARC to read! I hope to get the opportunity for the rest of the series.
First off, I loved this book. I think it was well thought out and a very cute love story.
However, there were some inconsistencies. They were very minor, barely noticeable, but still stood out to me. No plotholes or anything, just things like saying Ava has dark hair (once) or using third person for an entire chapter when the rest of the book is in first person. I truly don’t mean to nitpick, these are just things that don’t allow me to completely immerse myself in the story.
Overall though, I enjoyed the book, the story it told, and will be recommending it to friends because I know they’d enjoy it too. <3
Thank you so much for sending me an ARC to read! I hope to get the opportunity for the rest of the series.
May 15, 2025
This was my first hockey romance! 🙈 Admittedly, I do not care about sports at all lol, but as someone whose husband is a big hockey fan, I can say that the hockey elements seemed well-written with vivid detail! The author either really did her research or must be a fan of the sport! 🏒
I always enjoy a fake dating trope especially when paired with a dual POV to highlight the mutual pining! (Even more so when the MMC falls first—and Logan was definitely down bad for Ava!). They had good banter and their story was cute. Things were pretty fast-paced overall. 😊
Outside of that, I had some mixed feelings.
Mainly, my issue was that I personally struggled to feel connected to either of the main characters and was a little unconvinced by the romance. The investigative/scandal plot line kind of overshadowed the romance in this story which isn’t what I would expect from a sports romance. This one almost felt like it was bordering on romantic suspense.
The romance also was advertised as a slow-burn, but I would not categorize it that way. I would classify it as a fast burn (maybe even instalove on his side). I think I may have enjoyed this more if I had gone in without the expectation of a slow-burn, but having expected a slow-burn, I was a little disappointed. If you aren’t a fan of slow burns and prefer faster moving romance, you may love this one! Overall, the romance felt a bit rushed and a bit underdeveloped for my preferences.
I was very frustrated with the FMC around 70% in and disliked how she handled things. At that point, and due to the way things go between them after, I started to find them a bit hard for me to root for as a couple. They did not seem to communicate very well.
Anyway, overall it was cute. It just wasn’t quite what I expected. I wish there had been a bit more of a balance between the scandal/suspense plot and the romance and that the romance wasn’t as rushed. That said, I think people who like hockey romance, romantic suspense, and fast burns will enjoy this! 🤷♀️
Thank you to Emily Campbell for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I always enjoy a fake dating trope especially when paired with a dual POV to highlight the mutual pining! (Even more so when the MMC falls first—and Logan was definitely down bad for Ava!). They had good banter and their story was cute. Things were pretty fast-paced overall. 😊
Outside of that, I had some mixed feelings.
Mainly, my issue was that I personally struggled to feel connected to either of the main characters and was a little unconvinced by the romance. The investigative/scandal plot line kind of overshadowed the romance in this story which isn’t what I would expect from a sports romance. This one almost felt like it was bordering on romantic suspense.
The romance also was advertised as a slow-burn, but I would not categorize it that way. I would classify it as a fast burn (maybe even instalove on his side). I think I may have enjoyed this more if I had gone in without the expectation of a slow-burn, but having expected a slow-burn, I was a little disappointed. If you aren’t a fan of slow burns and prefer faster moving romance, you may love this one! Overall, the romance felt a bit rushed and a bit underdeveloped for my preferences.
I was very frustrated with the FMC around 70% in and disliked how she handled things. At that point, and due to the way things go between them after, I started to find them a bit hard for me to root for as a couple. They did not seem to communicate very well.
Anyway, overall it was cute. It just wasn’t quite what I expected. I wish there had been a bit more of a balance between the scandal/suspense plot and the romance and that the romance wasn’t as rushed. That said, I think people who like hockey romance, romantic suspense, and fast burns will enjoy this! 🤷♀️
Thank you to Emily Campbell for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Hot hockey, sharp banter, and tension you can feel. I devoured this.
I didn’t expect Off the Ice to grab me by the throat like it did… but here we are. From the moment Ava and Logan collided professionally and personally, I was all in. The enemies-to-lovers tension? Chef’s kiss. The kind of slow burn that simmers until it absolutely explodes.
Ava is the type of heroine I adore: smart, stubborn, and absolutely not falling for the cocky hockey star who derailed her career... until she does. And Logan? The man is magnetic ,the perfect mix of infuriating charm, soft vulnerability, and dirty talk that had me fanning myself more than once.
Their chemistry is undeniable, the banter is razor-sharp, and when the tension finally breaks? 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say the title isn’t the only thing that melts off the ice.
And listen I’ve read a lot of hockey romances, but this one slid right into my top 10. The emotion, the spice, the growth... it all just hit. It’s the perfect blend of heat, heart, and just enough angst to make it matter.
I knocked off half a star only because I was craving just a little more spice the tension was so good, I wanted even more payoff on the page. But honestly? This was a total power play and I would absolutely reread it.
If you love:
Enemies-to-lovers
Grumpy x sunshine vibes
Sports romance with real heart
And a hero who’s hot, protective, and a little bit obsessed...
Off the Ice is calling your name.
Hot hockey, sharp banter, and tension you can feel. I devoured this.
I didn’t expect Off the Ice to grab me by the throat like it did… but here we are. From the moment Ava and Logan collided professionally and personally, I was all in. The enemies-to-lovers tension? Chef’s kiss. The kind of slow burn that simmers until it absolutely explodes.
Ava is the type of heroine I adore: smart, stubborn, and absolutely not falling for the cocky hockey star who derailed her career... until she does. And Logan? The man is magnetic ,the perfect mix of infuriating charm, soft vulnerability, and dirty talk that had me fanning myself more than once.
Their chemistry is undeniable, the banter is razor-sharp, and when the tension finally breaks? 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say the title isn’t the only thing that melts off the ice.
And listen I’ve read a lot of hockey romances, but this one slid right into my top 10. The emotion, the spice, the growth... it all just hit. It’s the perfect blend of heat, heart, and just enough angst to make it matter.
I knocked off half a star only because I was craving just a little more spice the tension was so good, I wanted even more payoff on the page. But honestly? This was a total power play and I would absolutely reread it.
If you love:
Enemies-to-lovers
Grumpy x sunshine vibes
Sports romance with real heart
And a hero who’s hot, protective, and a little bit obsessed...
Off the Ice is calling your name.
August 7, 2025
3 ⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Okay this had a lot of potential. I haven't read this idea before and overall I did like that. But that is definitely why it's getting a 3 maybe even a 2.75 but that feels harsh considering I read the whole book.
I know books have mistakes because they happen but ohhhh my god I'm not talking about a missing space, misspelt word or incorrect punctuation.
At one stage we were a third person looking at the person who POV it was. A side characters last name changed at the end. We talked about characters like we knew them but I have a great memory, I don't remember meeting them ? And also pronouns were often wrong which then meant I had to check whose chapter it actually was because I'd get confused.
The dialogue was so choppy and surface level and honestly when I think about it there was barely any but when there was it raaaaaarely was longer than a line.
It also felt very quick and I love a HEA but that was also so quick ? 'I don't know if I can forgive you for this' 'well I'm not sorry' 'well I forgive you' with in pages felt crazy.
However, I have the ARC for the second book and wanted to complete this.
Okay this had a lot of potential. I haven't read this idea before and overall I did like that. But that is definitely why it's getting a 3 maybe even a 2.75 but that feels harsh considering I read the whole book.
I know books have mistakes because they happen but ohhhh my god I'm not talking about a missing space, misspelt word or incorrect punctuation.
At one stage we were a third person looking at the person who POV it was. A side characters last name changed at the end. We talked about characters like we knew them but I have a great memory, I don't remember meeting them ? And also pronouns were often wrong which then meant I had to check whose chapter it actually was because I'd get confused.
The dialogue was so choppy and surface level and honestly when I think about it there was barely any but when there was it raaaaaarely was longer than a line.
It also felt very quick and I love a HEA but that was also so quick ? 'I don't know if I can forgive you for this' 'well I'm not sorry' 'well I forgive you' with in pages felt crazy.
However, I have the ARC for the second book and wanted to complete this.
April 21, 2025
I am so grateful to Emily Campbell for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars!
This was a cute, light, fast read. The hockey was very well-written, and it’s always refreshing to read sports romance where the sports part gets adequate attention from the author.
I have mixed feelings about the banter. On the one hand, a lot of it was fun to read. On the other hand (and I can’t believe I’m saying this), it also felt like there was too much of it to the point that it got in the way of Logan and Ava’s genuine relationship? It’s a little hard to explain, but there were times that it felt like the author was prioritizing clever lines over good dialogue. That may be a personal preference issue though, not necessarily a fault in the book. The result was that I cared more about the scandal than the relationship, even though the writing of scandal was less compelling than other parts of the book.
All in all, this wasn’t a bad book, and I d recommend in particular to fans of hockey who want to see well-written action scenes in addition the romance plot.
3.5 stars!
This was a cute, light, fast read. The hockey was very well-written, and it’s always refreshing to read sports romance where the sports part gets adequate attention from the author.
I have mixed feelings about the banter. On the one hand, a lot of it was fun to read. On the other hand (and I can’t believe I’m saying this), it also felt like there was too much of it to the point that it got in the way of Logan and Ava’s genuine relationship? It’s a little hard to explain, but there were times that it felt like the author was prioritizing clever lines over good dialogue. That may be a personal preference issue though, not necessarily a fault in the book. The result was that I cared more about the scandal than the relationship, even though the writing of scandal was less compelling than other parts of the book.
All in all, this wasn’t a bad book, and I d recommend in particular to fans of hockey who want to see well-written action scenes in addition the romance plot.
May 7, 2025
This was a fun, quick read that I enjoyed but also felt like there were a few things that kept me from fully enjoying it. I felt chemistry between the characters but not enough for their relationship to progress like it did. I'm also used to a few spelling and grammatical errors in an ARC but there was an over abundance that I hope that are caught before this book officially releases. The pacing was a little off and I wasn't 100% sure what genre the author was going for...was it supposed to be a sports romance? Was it supposed to be a romantic suspense? Also the majority of the spicy scenes were implied more closed door. And then in the last few chapters it got more graphic which I didn't hate, but just felt a bit inconsistent. I did love the attention to detail about the actual sport of hockey, the plays, and the overall game.
3 star rating, thanks to Emily Campbell for an advanced copy for my honest review.
3 star rating, thanks to Emily Campbell for an advanced copy for my honest review.
May 18, 2025
Off The Ice by Emily Campbell
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Quote: And I’d burn everything to the ground before I let them touch her.”
Hockey Romances just hit me different and this one absolutely did. Ava and Bennett 💕
Ava a News reporter and Bennett the flamboyant troublemaker Hockey Player come together to each gain something from the other. Ava needs a story to put her name on the map for her career and Bennett needs someone to soften and quiet his extracurricular off ice shenanigans. What better way but to pretend to fake date. As with any fake dating story lines and feelings get crossed and they become closer but as there is a huge NHL sports scandal can they truly trust each other. Is one really using the other or truly trying to help the other? Can their new found relationship survive when Bennett’s hockey career may be over and Ava may be the true cause of it?
#offtheice #emilycampbell #hockeyromance #bookinfluencer #bookreview #addtotbr
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Quote: And I’d burn everything to the ground before I let them touch her.”
Hockey Romances just hit me different and this one absolutely did. Ava and Bennett 💕
Ava a News reporter and Bennett the flamboyant troublemaker Hockey Player come together to each gain something from the other. Ava needs a story to put her name on the map for her career and Bennett needs someone to soften and quiet his extracurricular off ice shenanigans. What better way but to pretend to fake date. As with any fake dating story lines and feelings get crossed and they become closer but as there is a huge NHL sports scandal can they truly trust each other. Is one really using the other or truly trying to help the other? Can their new found relationship survive when Bennett’s hockey career may be over and Ava may be the true cause of it?
#offtheice #emilycampbell #hockeyromance #bookinfluencer #bookreview #addtotbr
August 26, 2025
I read this in one sitting, have I read better yes, did I keep reading yes, but it was a good,
I personally felt like it jumped a lot like plot wise like it went from one thing to the next and the chapters it jumped even more. I felt like the characters were strong but I feel like they could’ve had more.. I really liked scandal and fake dating aspect it was actually enjoyable but they didn’t say like that for awhile since they fell fast it could’ve been a little better if they dragged the fake dating aspect a little longer but Anways it was good
I personally felt like it jumped a lot like plot wise like it went from one thing to the next and the chapters it jumped even more. I felt like the characters were strong but I feel like they could’ve had more.. I really liked scandal and fake dating aspect it was actually enjoyable but they didn’t say like that for awhile since they fell fast it could’ve been a little better if they dragged the fake dating aspect a little longer but Anways it was good
Read
April 6, 2025DNF at around 30%
I received this book to ARC read in exchange for an honest review.
Here it comes....
I couldn't get into this book. I felt like there was a lot of continuity errors (some errors are expected in ARC copies, but I felt like the amount of grammar/continuity errors was a lot more than I'm used to in ARC reads).
I couldn't get into these characters and could barely picture them in my head. I felt like there was a lot of potential with this storyline, but it couldn't hold my attention:(
I received this book to ARC read in exchange for an honest review.
Here it comes....
I couldn't get into this book. I felt like there was a lot of continuity errors (some errors are expected in ARC copies, but I felt like the amount of grammar/continuity errors was a lot more than I'm used to in ARC reads).
I couldn't get into these characters and could barely picture them in my head. I felt like there was a lot of potential with this storyline, but it couldn't hold my attention:(
April 15, 2025
I've read a lot of hockey romance but Emily must be a true hockey fan or has done her research because the details she has Ava writing in her stories is top notch. This story will immediately draw you in, the fast read only helps. Sometimes you don't need all the "fluff" to make a good story. You get fun sexy banter, investigative journalism, and two people who can't keep their hands to themselves all while coming together to make a suspenseful romance story.
With Off the Ice, you get the classic "fake dating" between the hockey player that needs to revamp his persona and the journalist looking for the next best story. These two find themselves deep diving into the world of sports gabbling all while trying to clear Logan's name. Of course the close proximity has these two falling hard.
With Off the Ice, you get the classic "fake dating" between the hockey player that needs to revamp his persona and the journalist looking for the next best story. These two find themselves deep diving into the world of sports gabbling all while trying to clear Logan's name. Of course the close proximity has these two falling hard.
August 17, 2025
3.5⭐️
Although I enjoyed this book I feel like it had potential to be better. The plot was definitely there but the execution lacked a little focus and that made it not great. I still had fun reading it and the mystery definitely got me hooked, I was glued to it. I just wished the focus was 50/50 with the mystery and the romance, I could see their chemistry and connection but it could’ve been better.
Although I enjoyed this book I feel like it had potential to be better. The plot was definitely there but the execution lacked a little focus and that made it not great. I still had fun reading it and the mystery definitely got me hooked, I was glued to it. I just wished the focus was 50/50 with the mystery and the romance, I could see their chemistry and connection but it could’ve been better.
September 3, 2025
2.5⭐️
I whipped through this book and I have some thoughts!
1. I loved the fake dating situation but it escalating from clear boundaries, no intimacy at all to straight sex and no foreplay LOL
2. I loved the idea behind uncovering the illegal betting and all that but so much was happening at once and I got lost
3. I’m curious to know how long this whole fake relationship took place because one moment they’re just getting to know each other. Then at the end he proposes???
I thought this took place over maybe 2-3 months? I’m
so confused
4. Overall, I didn’t hate it but didn’t love it
I whipped through this book and I have some thoughts!
1. I loved the fake dating situation but it escalating from clear boundaries, no intimacy at all to straight sex and no foreplay LOL
2. I loved the idea behind uncovering the illegal betting and all that but so much was happening at once and I got lost
3. I’m curious to know how long this whole fake relationship took place because one moment they’re just getting to know each other. Then at the end he proposes???
I thought this took place over maybe 2-3 months? I’m
so confused
4. Overall, I didn’t hate it but didn’t love it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
Thank you to Emily the author for allowing to me to read this early. I must say this is a 5 star read! The storyline, the characters even the action was incredible, different from what I have read already. I liked how they got their HEA at the end of it all. It was jaw dropping/suspense like with the action. I liked it. 10/10!
April 13, 2025
I really liked this book! It was honestly unlike anything I’ve ever read before and I liked that about it. It’s the perfect book to read when you want some great banter between characters and it’s a quick and easy read. I do wish it was a little bit longer and had a little more of a story line when it came to the main characters. I’m for sure looking forward to reading the rest of the series and I’ve already recommended it to quite a few people!
April 30, 2025
So much potential. I read an advanced copy, so hopefully the final is better, but this was kind of hard to follow. Things moved so quickly, and some details were inconsistent so I kept getting hung up on those. It was also a little repetitive.
The storyline was interesting and unique though, so I truly hope those things got caught in the end!
The storyline was interesting and unique though, so I truly hope those things got caught in the end!
April 7, 2025
ARC Review:
The story was ok overall, but the writing definitely needs editing. Its written in alternating 1st person POV, but there are several spots where the pov shifts to 3rd, and some things just dont make any sense realistically.
The story was ok overall, but the writing definitely needs editing. Its written in alternating 1st person POV, but there are several spots where the pov shifts to 3rd, and some things just dont make any sense realistically.
April 18, 2025
Had a great plot that took time to develop but felt like there wasn’t much romance or maybe just less than I’m use to! Still a cute book!
May 11, 2025
Book 1 in the Chicago Hellblades series did not disappoint. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes… mix that in with some romance and suspense and it’s guaranteed I’m going to have a good time. The amount of hockey played through the book is great. Ava + Logan have great chemistry and banter. The last 30% is filled with twists and turns I was not expecting. This is a great read for romantic suspense lovers!
⋆ Thank you Emily for this advanced reader’s copy!
⋆ Thank you Emily for this advanced reader’s copy!
May 14, 2025
Holy continuity/editing issues, Batman (much more than I've seen in other ARCs that I've received previously) enough that I spent almost as much time reporting content errors as I did actually reading.
Aside from obvious plot errors that should be caught in editing, there was just not much depth to the characters. The scandal (which, in the beginning was supposed to involve the main MMC - the whole reason for his PR issues & needing a fake girlfriend) seemed to revolve around another player & even overshadowed our MMC & FMC despite their involvement. Also, their relationship seemed flat, rushed, & generally lacking substance.
The hockey scenes were full of technical jargon which is great, but for someone who's not (as) familiar with the terminology, there was no further explanations. Maybe this would go over better with seasoned hockey fans or hockey romance veterans, but I would not suggest this for anyone just starting out.
I could see that the story had good bones, but the execution was, honestly, disappointing. My fingers are crossed though that much of this is going to be fixed before it officially releases tomorrow.
(I received an ARC of this book & am voluntarily leaving my review.)
Aside from obvious plot errors that should be caught in editing, there was just not much depth to the characters. The scandal (which, in the beginning was supposed to involve the main MMC - the whole reason for his PR issues & needing a fake girlfriend) seemed to revolve around another player & even overshadowed our MMC & FMC despite their involvement. Also, their relationship seemed flat, rushed, & generally lacking substance.
The hockey scenes were full of technical jargon which is great, but for someone who's not (as) familiar with the terminology, there was no further explanations. Maybe this would go over better with seasoned hockey fans or hockey romance veterans, but I would not suggest this for anyone just starting out.
I could see that the story had good bones, but the execution was, honestly, disappointing. My fingers are crossed though that much of this is going to be fixed before it officially releases tomorrow.
(I received an ARC of this book & am voluntarily leaving my review.)
May 1, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Logan & Ava’s banter was so good! The cocky hockey play boy meet Mrs. Reporter who has nothing to lose and needs the ultimate story to launch her career, and boy does she get one! Its fake dating meets ill do anything for her vibes 👏🏼
There’s a little bit of suspense in here that I wasn’t expecting but really like it, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Over all I really like this book it was different than the other hockey romances I’ve read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Logan & Ava’s banter was so good! The cocky hockey play boy meet Mrs. Reporter who has nothing to lose and needs the ultimate story to launch her career, and boy does she get one! Its fake dating meets ill do anything for her vibes 👏🏼
There’s a little bit of suspense in here that I wasn’t expecting but really like it, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Over all I really like this book it was different than the other hockey romances I’ve read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
May 19, 2025
I don't know much about hockey, but I loved this book! I love Logan and Ava as the main characters. The slow burn between the hot, cocky, hockey player and the eager journalist is fantastic. What started out as *the worst* thing either could imagine possible, turns out to be the best thing for them, in so many ways.
April 3, 2025
Let me note I’ve been a hockey fan for quite some time. Well over a decade and I get critical about how writers write hockey, the game, the plays, etc. If I read it, I should be able to easily visualize it. Emily does this very well. Our author has to be a hockey fan with the way she writes for Ava’s articles. The attention to detail and not making her reports fluffy…yes ma’am! Opening chapter we are introduced to Bennett and I can totally see him playing. His moves, the dekes, the ping of the puck off the crossbar. Yes. She completely nailed it. I may as well have been sitting at ice level experiencing the game winning goal Logan Bennett launched after faking the defender and the goalie!
Also I’m a sucker for the woman to be intimidating to the guy…hello we are strong and go-getters! I appreciate how well written Ava is and how Logan recognizes it.
Overall the writing is well done but there’s some areas where context or character introductions don’t make sense. Maybe it’s the ARC copy I have but just some continuity issues..it doesn’t effect the plot, just made me jump a page or two back to figure out where this person came from or reread a sentence 2x. Also plot points were rushed. One min we are fake dating and towards the end more than that in what felt like a 6mo timeframe…did I miss a fast forward lol. Also the spice, it’s there but it’s not thru-out. It’s at the end, there is half a chili pepper sprinkled thru out but mainly tension.
*******Spoilers******
Logan Bennett - 6’2 - yea we can go on a date. 6’5 don’t tell me about your scandal. Our MMC is every bit of 6’5 with that BDE to match. I love it but he’s also a teddy bear.
I wasn’t expecting Bennett to be wrapped up that kind of scandal. We meet him at an all-time regular season game winning goal high. I can legit hear him breathing and the inner monologue of him racing towards the goalie. Logan definitely is pulled in by Ava and I love the banter these two throw around. Keeping the vibe cool and collective to start while also teasing playfully. Also I appreciate a man who’ll spend $50k at an ASPCA Gala - save the kitties and puppies!!!!
Ava Carlisle - she’s got bite and you have to when you’re dealing with broody athletes that have an “all about me” attitude AND an editor boss that can never seem to refer to her in her full name. Her backstory is touched on and I can see how the way she feels about athletes. Her dad was a prime example of how athletes fall. Although she has these feelings, we quickly learn that she is taking care of her dad and Logan’s proposal is advantageous.
Going into this book I felt like Logan was going to be the one to break Ava’s heart; but I felt the sense of dread creep up when I got to Ch. 6…that in fact Ava was going to burn the daylights out of Logan and no amount of ice time was going to heal those burns. I was wrong, Emily thru a major plot twist!
I will say this book moves quickly - thank god bc I can’t stand a slow burn - and it makes sense when you have two ambitious characters.
It’s the “getting cross checked into the boards” that has me worried. ….and I was right to worry.
Dig in, and let the puck drop on this book bc it is worth the read! Nicely done, Emily!!! Brava!
Also I’m a sucker for the woman to be intimidating to the guy…hello we are strong and go-getters! I appreciate how well written Ava is and how Logan recognizes it.
Overall the writing is well done but there’s some areas where context or character introductions don’t make sense. Maybe it’s the ARC copy I have but just some continuity issues..it doesn’t effect the plot, just made me jump a page or two back to figure out where this person came from or reread a sentence 2x. Also plot points were rushed. One min we are fake dating and towards the end more than that in what felt like a 6mo timeframe…did I miss a fast forward lol. Also the spice, it’s there but it’s not thru-out. It’s at the end, there is half a chili pepper sprinkled thru out but mainly tension.
*******Spoilers******
Logan Bennett - 6’2 - yea we can go on a date. 6’5 don’t tell me about your scandal. Our MMC is every bit of 6’5 with that BDE to match. I love it but he’s also a teddy bear.
I wasn’t expecting Bennett to be wrapped up that kind of scandal. We meet him at an all-time regular season game winning goal high. I can legit hear him breathing and the inner monologue of him racing towards the goalie. Logan definitely is pulled in by Ava and I love the banter these two throw around. Keeping the vibe cool and collective to start while also teasing playfully. Also I appreciate a man who’ll spend $50k at an ASPCA Gala - save the kitties and puppies!!!!
Ava Carlisle - she’s got bite and you have to when you’re dealing with broody athletes that have an “all about me” attitude AND an editor boss that can never seem to refer to her in her full name. Her backstory is touched on and I can see how the way she feels about athletes. Her dad was a prime example of how athletes fall. Although she has these feelings, we quickly learn that she is taking care of her dad and Logan’s proposal is advantageous.
Going into this book I felt like Logan was going to be the one to break Ava’s heart; but I felt the sense of dread creep up when I got to Ch. 6…that in fact Ava was going to burn the daylights out of Logan and no amount of ice time was going to heal those burns. I was wrong, Emily thru a major plot twist!
I will say this book moves quickly - thank god bc I can’t stand a slow burn - and it makes sense when you have two ambitious characters.
It’s the “getting cross checked into the boards” that has me worried. ….and I was right to worry.
Dig in, and let the puck drop on this book bc it is worth the read! Nicely done, Emily!!! Brava!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
Wow, this book was a breath of fresh air for my hockey Romance addiction! I was on the edge of my seat gasping and crying and feeling all of my emotions! I also loved that there was no pressure with kids and the couple was happy being with each other in their chaotic little world! This book was everything I had been looking for! Thank you Emily Campbell for my ARC Copy! "Off The Ice" is the perfect fake dating, hockey Romance!
Logan Bennett is a hockey player. 🏒 He needs to change his narrative & Ava Carlisle a reporter who can help Logan do just that but she is a force to be recon with.
Until Logan suggests Ava becoming his fake girlfriend for the job....she will gain exclusive access to him and she will help him clean up his image. It's a win-win in Logan's eyes.
Game night with salacious UNO after the auction was my favorite.🥵
All is well until Ava finds the scandal that could change everything. Darren a team member, is in a Gambling Syndicate mess and is terrified. The Hellblades at the center of a gambling investigation. All he🏒l breaks loose when Logan and Ava make the gambling investigation goes public.
Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Dual Pov
-Child Free by Choice
-Sports Journalist
-He Can't help but love her
-Salacious UNO Game
-Slow Burn
-Cocky NHL Player
Logan Bennett is a hockey player. 🏒 He needs to change his narrative & Ava Carlisle a reporter who can help Logan do just that but she is a force to be recon with.
Until Logan suggests Ava becoming his fake girlfriend for the job....she will gain exclusive access to him and she will help him clean up his image. It's a win-win in Logan's eyes.
Game night with salacious UNO after the auction was my favorite.🥵
All is well until Ava finds the scandal that could change everything. Darren a team member, is in a Gambling Syndicate mess and is terrified. The Hellblades at the center of a gambling investigation. All he🏒l breaks loose when Logan and Ava make the gambling investigation goes public.
Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Dual Pov
-Child Free by Choice
-Sports Journalist
-He Can't help but love her
-Salacious UNO Game
-Slow Burn
-Cocky NHL Player
May 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. This was a physical copy of an ARC that I won. I have read Emily’s work before and this book did not disappoint.
I liked how the book was a great pallet cleanser from some of the dark romance I have been reading. There was some spice but not to explicit.
I enjoyed the plot. A romance with a little fake dating turn to love and mystery.
Well done!
I liked how the book was a great pallet cleanser from some of the dark romance I have been reading. There was some spice but not to explicit.
I enjoyed the plot. A romance with a little fake dating turn to love and mystery.
Well done!
April 15, 2025
ARC Review: Off the Ice by Emily Campbell
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy of Off the Ice in exchange for an honest review.
At 352 pages, Off the Ice had plenty of space to build a compelling sports romance, but for me, it didn’t quite stick the landing. While the premise—fake dating between a star hockey player and someone caught in the orbit of a team scandal—had promise, the execution left me more frustrated than invested.
Let’s start with the biggest issue: the writing. I came across more than a dozen grammatical errors throughout the book, which made the reading experience bumpy and distracting. Even more jarring were the inconsistent point-of-view shifts. Most of the story is told in dual 1st-person POV, but suddenly, the MMC’s perspective switches to 3rd-person in certain chapters. It happens again with the FMC later on. These shifts weren’t just stylistic—they felt like editing oversights, and they pulled me out of the story every time.
Character-wise, I struggled to feel the chemistry between the leads. Their relationship goes from fake dating to being engaged in what feels like the span of three days, and it’s hard to buy into that kind of emotional leap without stronger buildup. Their banter does improve later in the book, but it never quite reaches the level where I believed in their connection. The romance just didn’t feel like the heart of the story.
That said, the subplot involving an underground gambling scheme targeting a rookie player was the most compelling part of the book. It was a realistic and sobering look at how young athletes—especially those with tough home lives—can get swept up in dangerous situations. This plotline felt grounded, important, and well thought-out.
Now, a quick word on the worldbuilding: the fictional NHL teams. I completely understand the need to avoid real team names in fiction, but “Colorado Colts” and “Carolina Cats” were tough to take seriously—especially when juxtaposed with a team called the “Hellblades.” As a hockey fan, the inconsistency in tone and realism here really pulled me out of the narrative. The alliteration is one thing, but “Cats” as a mascot name feels more like a placeholder than a fully realized choice.
Finally, the spice level: this is a very slow burn, with barely any intimacy until the final chapters. Then, all of a sudden, there’s a flurry of scenes packed in at the end that felt more like a box-checking exercise than an organic part of the story. There were no lingering touches, no steamy tension along the way—just a sudden leap into bedroom scenes that didn’t quite fit the buildup.
Overall, Off the Ice has a solid concept and shines in its exploration of off-the-ice issues in professional sports. But inconsistent POVs, underdeveloped character dynamics, and frequent editing issues made it hard to fully enjoy. With some tightening up and stronger editorial oversight, this could have been a much stronger read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy of Off the Ice in exchange for an honest review.
At 352 pages, Off the Ice had plenty of space to build a compelling sports romance, but for me, it didn’t quite stick the landing. While the premise—fake dating between a star hockey player and someone caught in the orbit of a team scandal—had promise, the execution left me more frustrated than invested.
Let’s start with the biggest issue: the writing. I came across more than a dozen grammatical errors throughout the book, which made the reading experience bumpy and distracting. Even more jarring were the inconsistent point-of-view shifts. Most of the story is told in dual 1st-person POV, but suddenly, the MMC’s perspective switches to 3rd-person in certain chapters. It happens again with the FMC later on. These shifts weren’t just stylistic—they felt like editing oversights, and they pulled me out of the story every time.
Character-wise, I struggled to feel the chemistry between the leads. Their relationship goes from fake dating to being engaged in what feels like the span of three days, and it’s hard to buy into that kind of emotional leap without stronger buildup. Their banter does improve later in the book, but it never quite reaches the level where I believed in their connection. The romance just didn’t feel like the heart of the story.
That said, the subplot involving an underground gambling scheme targeting a rookie player was the most compelling part of the book. It was a realistic and sobering look at how young athletes—especially those with tough home lives—can get swept up in dangerous situations. This plotline felt grounded, important, and well thought-out.
Now, a quick word on the worldbuilding: the fictional NHL teams. I completely understand the need to avoid real team names in fiction, but “Colorado Colts” and “Carolina Cats” were tough to take seriously—especially when juxtaposed with a team called the “Hellblades.” As a hockey fan, the inconsistency in tone and realism here really pulled me out of the narrative. The alliteration is one thing, but “Cats” as a mascot name feels more like a placeholder than a fully realized choice.
Finally, the spice level: this is a very slow burn, with barely any intimacy until the final chapters. Then, all of a sudden, there’s a flurry of scenes packed in at the end that felt more like a box-checking exercise than an organic part of the story. There were no lingering touches, no steamy tension along the way—just a sudden leap into bedroom scenes that didn’t quite fit the buildup.
Overall, Off the Ice has a solid concept and shines in its exploration of off-the-ice issues in professional sports. But inconsistent POVs, underdeveloped character dynamics, and frequent editing issues made it hard to fully enjoy. With some tightening up and stronger editorial oversight, this could have been a much stronger read.
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