Faking it on Ice

by Kinley Raine

A rogue chipmunk sparks a marriage proposal from the last guy I’d want.
But his business offer just might change my world.

Life isn’t I’m a single mom with a faltering inn.

Enter an adorable rodent with a death wish,
And add a smoking car on a desolate road to my troubles.

I appreciate the gorgeous hockey player who stops to help.
Dax Walker can shelf that megawatt smile, though.

I don’t date athletes. My son’s dad was one, and he left us.

Yet Dax is nothing like my ex.
He’s kind and unselfish–a save-a-baby seal type guy.

And he offers to secretly marry me so I can get a loan to fix my inn.
But keeping it under wraps is proving difficult.

As is ignoring his baby blues and belief shirts in public are optional.

I have to protect my heart–this is all temporary.
No amount of electricity when Dax is near can change that.

Unless a hero in hockey pads could actually be my happily ever after…

Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2024

Reviews

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had to struggle as a Mom? Even if you had a husband or significant other in your life? If you haven’t, consider yourself blessed. Struggling Moms are out there, working their tails off trying to make ends meet. Ava got pregnant in her sophomore year of college and moved back home. Surprisingly, the life of her boyfriend Brad didn’t change. He continued his normal way of life. Ava has inherited a bed & breakfast from her grandparents and she and her son are on the way to hopefully getting on their feet. The B & B had sat neglected for several years as Ava tried to get her life in order so she could reopen it. Unexpected situations seem to always happen to Ava, and her to do list is never ending; get a new car, fix the broken pipes at the B & B, get her son, Max, a haircut. Yes, a haircut could be an easy fix, but it just adds to her list as her bank account goes down.
Now, they’re stranded on the side of the road in a broken-down, smoking vehicle and Ava is wondering how they’re going to get to the B & B. Max is obsessed with hockey and one player seems to have hung the moon, Dax. Dax is an extremely talented and well-liked hockey player, who just happens to stop by to help while Ava is underneath the smoking vehicle trying to see what’s wrong. Max is just about to explode and is begging to get out of the car so he can be closer to Dax. Dax is finally able to convince Ava that his intentions are to help them and not bring them any harm.
Please don’t miss this wonderful and engaging story. I just couldn’t put it down. It was filled with everyday struggles most of us go through. Will Ava be able to get the rundown B & B up and running so she has an income or are there way too many things that need to be repaired or replaced? Could something more than a friendship happen between Ava and Dax? To find out these answers and so much more, get your copy of Faking It On Ice by Kinley Raine today.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I could have wanted in a romance! SO many tropes! AND HE READS ROMANCE BOOKS!
Dax is the dreamy hockey player with all the looks, but a heart of gold. Ava is the single mom that has sworn off athletes. Max is Ava’s son that is obsessed with Dax. And then there is the chipmunk gone rogue that set them all on the path for happily ever after!

When single mom Ava gets stranded on the road after a chipmunk wanted to test fate. The very handsome Dax comes to her rescue. It just so happens he also is her son Max’s favorite player. What starts out as car trouble, turns into him helping her son get into sports, offering his house while hers is repaired AND even offering a marriage of convenience so she can get a loan to repair her inn. He is the man she is determined to not fall for... but when he keeps swooping in like her knight in shining armor... he is getting SO hard to resist. But the rules are made. They can marry... but no kisses, ogling, touching, etc. And once the inn is fixed, they get it annulled. It’s what everyone wants. Right?!

I absolutely LOVED this story! You all see all the tropes, it is packed FULL with great chemistry, stolen glances, rule-breaking kisses, and much more! You are going to LOVE this story!

I rated it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

Kinley Raine brings back a side character from Second Chance on Ice and I am so excited to get to know him more. This book reminds us that there are good people in the world and sometimes having faith in others is most important.

Ava can’t seem to catch a break. When a chipmunk decides to play chicken with her car, she is not going to tempt karma. Stranded, she didn’t expect Dax pro hockey player to come to her aid. Of course being a single mom her defenses are up, even as her son, Max, is trying to meet Dax, his favorite hockey player of all time. When Dax is finally able to convince her he just wants to help, she isn’t ready for just how much he is going to help her.

Dax is an all around good guy and a great hockey player. From the first moment he meets Ava and Max, he didn’t expect to come to care about them as much as he did. Basically doing everything he can to help make their life easier and get back on track, he is a knight in shining armor. Not that Ava is a damsel in distress, but he allows her some breathing room to get back on course.

A wonderful book, that was fun to read, has sizzling kisses and no more spice than that, and a wonderful storyline. I loved watching these three become a family and everything to each other.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🏒Hockey Romance
🏡Single MOM FMC
🏒Pro-Athlete MMC
🏡Found Family
🏒Marriage of Convenience
🏡Clean Romance

[Jennifer Naval Peak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking It On Ice, the second book in the Hawks Hockey rom-com series, is a sweet and light closed-door romance that’s guaranteed to leave you smitten. This story introduces us to Ava, a single mom trying to balance her financial struggles running a local inn she recently inherited, while raising her son, Max in the small town in Montana. Enter Dax, a confident, happy-go-lucky hockey player who’s loud and charming on the outside but unexpectedly thoughtful, caring, and generous beneath the surface.

From the start, Ava and Dax share undeniable chemistry, but while Dax falls fast and hard, Ava hesitates. She’s determined to shield her heart and her son, even though Dax is everything she never expected—a man who’s kind, patient, and wonderful with Max. Dax’s interactions with Max melted my heart, and his charm made it impossible not to root for him.

The humor and heartfelt moments really stood out to me, with several monologues and scenes that had me giggling. I also loved the continuation of the series, complete with cameos from beloved characters in the previous book, Second Chance on Ice.

If you’re looking for a meet-cute with major golden retriever vibes, Faking It On Ice is the perfect pick.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book and the characters in it. Recommend this to anyone who loves caring Hs and lovable little boys. The h inherited a B&B that is in need of many repairs. She received money to make the repairs but it was not enough. Now to make the plumbing repairs she needs money she doesn’t have. Then a chipmunk runs in front her car with her son in the back seat and he screams resulting in her going off the road and over piece of farm equipment that damages the car. The H a hockey player and her son’s hero stops to help them. He does everything he can to help her, including getting the car towed to town, taking them out to eat and getting them home. When the H finds out that they need to vacate their home due to plumbing problems he invites them to stay with him. Then when she is unable to get a needed loan he suggests that they get married and when the repairs are completed and the B&B is making money they can get an annulment. In the end the H decides that he wants to be married and they really become a happy family. The little boy also plays a part in the story and you can’t help but love him. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Enjoy!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

I loved Dax in Second Chance on Ice, so I was SO excited to get his story so soon. :) He is just SUCH a sunshine boy, golden retriever type MMC. And then you add in his love for romance books (thanks to his mama), and it just makes him SUCH a sweetheart!

His meet cute with Ava was the TYPICAL disaster for any single mom, although I LOVED how Max (Ava's son) was at least able to help his mom to know that Dax wasn't just some big scary stranger, but his ABSOLUTE ALL TIME FAVOURITE PLAYER on their newly local hockey team! (Thanks JJ ;) )

Poor Ava is dealing with so much, and I loved how Dax just stepped up. He was amazing from the get go. And yet, learning more about Ava's history, you can TOTALLY understand her hesitations and fears. But I LOVED what Kinley Raine did with this story. It was funny, uplifting and heartwarming in the all the right ways.

A truly great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax surprised me! He was introduced in Second Chance on Ice as this larger than life incorrigible character with absolutely amazing hair to go with those fine good looks and megawatt smile. He's probably the last guy I would ever think to get tangled up with serious single mom Ava and her hockey obsessed son, Max. Turn out there is a lot more going on in that head of his beyond looking good on the ice.

I was expecting his story to be a taming the bad boy kinda trope, but instead, I think he softened and brought joy to the weary Ava who seemed to have had just no end of bad luck no matter how hard she tried or responsibly she planned. It was a sweet, feel good romance with lots of growth, healing and plenty of humor and awkward moments.

This is book 2 in Hawks Hockey Romance and while Ava and Dax's story can be read as a standalone, the team and quirky neighbors are introduced in Second Chance on Ice and it makes a few scenes just that much funnier knowing the history behind them!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, meet cute, marriage of convince, Hockey rom-com with no cliffhanger
Some of the lines I really like ---- “Did you just say my mom is smoking? She doesn’t smoke.” ---- “Do you believe in me?” ---- "You’ve been bitten by the love bug. Smitten like a kitten. Hit with—” ---- "if you believe it, you’re already halfway there.” ----“You don’t need to be the biggest or the strongest, buddy. You’ve got something even better—your heart. That’s your superpower. It makes you unstoppable. It’s like having your own secret strength no one else can see.” ---- "I’m more nervous than a goldfish at a cat convention.” ---- “Sometimes, the rules feel more like chains than guidelines.” ----
What's Betsy up to? All questions will be answered.
I loved Ava and Dax's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t Touch This

I remember Dax from Second Chance on Love! I didn’t realize that this was book 2 in the Hawks Hockey Romance series but I do remember the Can’t Touch This dance video!

So where to start? This book is just as cute and funny as the first one. Super sweet, endearing characters. Love that Mabel and Gus were in this book as well. This book didn’t have the same type of plot that the first book did in the sense that there wasn’t a huge volcano of an issue. There was an issue but it was managed in a completely different way than the first book.

OMG! The wave thing Ava did to Dax at the hockey arena in chapter 7 had me rolling!! I almost fell off the couch I was laughing so hard at her description of her wave - the beauty pageant wave!!! I literally had tears rolling down my face trying to read it!

I hope that Gage and Lilly are the next book in the series to be written.

5 stars

[Karen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, this book had me smiling through it all (okay, I even shed a tear just because of a super sweet moment too). It was so good to be back with the Missoula Hawks Hockey Team and get to see Dax, the resident good guy, get his HEA with Ava (and her son Max.) Single mom, enduring teammates and marriage of convenience tropes shine. There was just enough hockey references, just enough sweet and intimate moments (it’s closed door), and so much love and laughs. I just adore the author’s effortless writing style-the internal dialogue enhanced by dual PoV is phenomenal and makes for such an enlightening reading experience. Oh, and I will now forever grin when I see gummi saver candy. I appreciate the opportunity from the author to read and review an early copy.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Book 1 in this Hawks Hockey Romance months ago, I was just impatiently waiting for the Book 2 in this Series. And here it comes!
So happy to have those guys back, kind of sweet reunion at Echo Ridge. Amazing characters, especially when on mission.
And, yes, there are missions to complete. Ava is single mother, with 9 years old Max - on mission to find way not to broke. And Max's hero Dax - hockey player who takes everything related to them as his mission.
Dax is laud, funny and larger than life and he is nothing like she expected. And Dax and Max are so sweet together.
Loved the story and I am fan of writing style of Kinley Raine. And series is the perfect prize for the readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebekah Gerstenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and cheesy (in the absolute best way possible) read! Dax and Ava had me giggling and laughing from chapter two. Ever since Second Chance on Ice I have loved Dax, so seeing his story play out was so much fun! The banter is always one of my favorite parts of Kinley's books and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Each character is fun to follow along with and was integrated into the story nicely. I loved Max, he is such a cool kid and the spitting image of Dax in many ways which was fun to see unfold.

Thank you Kinley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! I look forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the Hawks Hockey Series!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinley Raine did it again! I can't say enough great stuff about this series. I love Dax, he's the best character ever he's funny, caring and expressive. I'm so glad it was Dax's turn for love this time. It gets him when he least expects it too. He's being a good guy helping out a broken down stranger far from town, when he sees a beautiful woman Ava and his #1 fan Max. He doesn't want to fall in love right now Hockey is too important to him. He has no choice when the love bug gets him. This is a great story and I can't wait to see who's next on Cupid's list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean Katchmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and her son Max moved to Echo Ridge, Montana to run a B & B left to her by her grandparents. Things seem to go wrong daily at the B & B as well as her car breaking down. Dax, a hockey player in the AHL, stopped to help her and Max is thrilled to meet Dax his hockey hero in person. Dax meanwhile is taken in by Ava's beauty and personality. She is not like other women he has dated. Dax gives them a ride to get help for the car and also takes them to dinner. Later Dax buys Max used hockey equipment so he can help teach Max how to play hockey. Dax finds himself thinking about Ava a lot and gets lots of advice as to how to win her heart. Some of the characters in Kinley's first hockey book also appear in this book as well. Sweet story that I read in one seating!

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was totally intense. I was on theedge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Ava and Dax are best friend until he need a fake girlfriend to present around. Then the chemistry between them was boiling into heated of passion and romance in this sweet moment. Could this be love in this special moment and physical attraction was sexual tension of action packed of drama.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Dez.smuttybookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax is truly SWOON worthy!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶
This book is a perfect example of a storybook happy ending, and I loved every moment of it! I appreciate how it portrayed the challenges of parenting and emphasized that our children must come first. It's a beautiful story, and I was particularly impressed by the character development. I couldn't help but swoon over Dax! He is such a positive influence on Max, and watching their relationship grow was incredibly cute and heartwarming. Dax truly helped bring out the best in both Ava and Max and vice versa. I can not wait for the next book in this series!

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been the best one I've read in the last month or so, and I read a bunch!!! The way Dax meets Ava and her son Max is awesome! From there it's a great tug-of-war between emotions (for both Dax and Ava)! It's hilarious and heart warming and frustrating and swoony all in one book! This is definitely a blanket and cocoa book, and maybe grab a Granola bar in the middle so you don't have to stop reading for more than a few seconds! I loved this book and was sad to leave their world behind when the book was over. Loved loved loved it!!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!! Ava is a single mom raising her son Max after her ex left them. Ava is written very realistic in this romance book and Dax is a god send to Ava and her son with a suggestion to try and help them out. Trust me when I say you will want to see what he has up his sleeve and how things turn out for them because the storyline will have your heart skipping a few beats at times. GREAT romance read with a WONDERFUL ending.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it On Ice is a very cute story! I loved the main characters and the chemistry and tension between them, from their meet cute through the end! I absolutely love a great slow burn, and this book didn't disappoint! Also, a big hand for Max, who was a great asset in the story with his neverending excitement.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dave and Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnt once, can't afford to get burnt twice.
Ava's world is too complicated for love.
Having a little person to protect and raise who has "hockey stars" in his eyes, a failing family business that was left to her and no need for a "sports jock" to twist her and her son's heart she has to put up boundaries.
Can those boundaries be bent when one more complication "hip checks " into the boards?

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The second book does not disappoint. When you didn’t think you couldn’t love Dax more & then you read this book. The funny & energized guy has so many layers…sweet & protective looks good on him. When Dax helps Ava & her son, Max on the side of the road with car trouble, he didn’t realize he would never be the same. We also got to revisit some old friends Jagger & Jess.

Would will be next…Brooks…Gage?

“Do you believe in me?” Max

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a can’t put down, best hockey boyfriend, wonderful single mom and makes you feel good with warm fuzzies kind of book. Ava and Dax are such a wonderful pair it makes lounging around and getting nothing accomplished but finishing until the end worth it 🥰.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Menallie Slusher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rounded up. I really wish this book was about 100 pages longer. I loved the set up to the big plot point of this book, but then it felt rushed to the end of it.
It was a cute book, loved the story just the ending felt a bit rushed!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO.MUCH.FUN! Ava and Dax are just the cutest couple, and the hockey theme just made the whole story more interesting. There was even a nosy self-centered hockey mom to add a touch of real life to the story. (You'll know her when you meet her!) Just like the first book in the Hawks Hockey Romance series, I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you like hockey or not.

[Darla Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute single mom with a marriage of convenience and a meet cute/disaster haha
Dax and Ava are such a cute couple. Dax was one of my favorite side characters from the first in this series so I was happy to see him get his own story!

Received an advanced copy. These are my honest opinions

[Sarah Williford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I’ve always been a sucker for the single parent trope and this book did not disappoint. A sweet, easy read to get you in your feels.

[Stephanie Ledin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection is a marriage of convenience with a Hockey player

The main characters relationship grows in a beautiful way from friend to marriage of convenience to real marriage is beautiful. The way Dax loves Ava and Max is truly special.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hawks Hockey romance. Ava and Dex's story of love at first sight. Both have a troubled past and work to find trust and HEA. This is a perfect happy ending story.
I received this book as an ARC and am happy to leave a review

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really liked Dax and how he won Ava's heart. I'm glad they become a family with her son, Max.

[Sheryl Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story the meet cute and the characters!