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Chicago Blades
Icy Pucking Play
I accidentally walked into the men’s room and caught icy-hot goalie Evan Daniels with his pants down.
Let’s just say the view was unforgettable…
I’ve never been so embarrassed—and turned on—at the same time.
Grumpy, bossy and emotionally unavailable, he’s everything I shouldn’t want, yet I’ve been hopelessly crushing on him for months. But when those icy blue eyes lock on mine, all bets are off. And watching him coach his little girl on the ice? Game over for my heart.
But just when I think I’m breaking through his frosty exterior, he shuts me out like a puck on a penalty kill. Now he’s grumpier than ever, and I can’t figure out what I did wrong—or how to fix it.
I’m writing a feature about his nephew, but he’s the one I can’t stop thinking about. How do I get him to realize I’m not just a reporter sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong? If I play my cards right, maybe—just maybe—I’ll find out.
Icy Pucking Play is a steamy, single dad, pro hockey romance. It's the third book in the Chicago Blades series and can be enjoyed as a standalone. HEA guaranteed!
Let’s just say the view was unforgettable…
I’ve never been so embarrassed—and turned on—at the same time.
Grumpy, bossy and emotionally unavailable, he’s everything I shouldn’t want, yet I’ve been hopelessly crushing on him for months. But when those icy blue eyes lock on mine, all bets are off. And watching him coach his little girl on the ice? Game over for my heart.
But just when I think I’m breaking through his frosty exterior, he shuts me out like a puck on a penalty kill. Now he’s grumpier than ever, and I can’t figure out what I did wrong—or how to fix it.
I’m writing a feature about his nephew, but he’s the one I can’t stop thinking about. How do I get him to realize I’m not just a reporter sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong? If I play my cards right, maybe—just maybe—I’ll find out.
Icy Pucking Play is a steamy, single dad, pro hockey romance. It's the third book in the Chicago Blades series and can be enjoyed as a standalone. HEA guaranteed!
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2025
452 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 13, 2025
Started out cute, but got extremely repetitive. Same quotes repeated multiple times. Characters thinking about past conversations in their head. The drama was really dragged out, long enough that I skimmed the second half.
Timeline is really unclear. Sophie is writing an article with apparently a super long deadline? Maybe? Seemed like all this happened in a couple weeks but there was mention of them being together for months at one point.
Not much hockey in the book, no interactions with teammates. Only minimal with the coach and his nephew.
Multiple lazy editing issues throughout. Things like: him leaning against the headboard talking to her, then on the next page they are stumbling into the bedroom; in the epilogue they discuss moving in together, then discuss it again two pages later like they didn't just talk about it.
Two stars because I finished it.
Timeline is really unclear. Sophie is writing an article with apparently a super long deadline? Maybe? Seemed like all this happened in a couple weeks but there was mention of them being together for months at one point.
Not much hockey in the book, no interactions with teammates. Only minimal with the coach and his nephew.
Multiple lazy editing issues throughout. Things like: him leaning against the headboard talking to her, then on the next page they are stumbling into the bedroom; in the epilogue they discuss moving in together, then discuss it again two pages later like they didn't just talk about it.
Two stars because I finished it.
March 21, 2025
This was such a good book. I haven’t read a single dad book in a while. I absolutely devoured this trope.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 12, 2025
Incredibly Awesome Story . . .
Hoping to become a sports journalist, Sophie Bennett took a job 3 months ago as an intern at the “Sports News Now” downtown Chicago office and noticed a huge pile of paperwork piled up on her desk, especially since it wasn’t there yesterday. Another intern, Brad, warns her that her boss, Lexi Brookes, was looking for her. She had no missed calls or emails, so that wasn’t the issue… and just then her boss texted her to meet in her office in 6 hours. She had made a tiny mistake in her article the day before, so that was probably it. Distracted, she felt sick and headed for the bathroom only to look up and stare at the Chicago Blades goalie—and team captain—Evan "Ice Man" Daniels as he used the urinal in the men’s room! The grumpy, gorgeous goalie also obviously recognized her. It didn’t help that she has had a crush on him for some time now. Should she apologize, claim she didn’t see anything, or admire the package on display? Fortunately, her body automatically turned to run as she was still thinking about it. And “UN”fortunately, she tripped and landed ungracefully on the floor. She scrambled to her feet before he could bend down to help her up. Thoughts of quitting her job, faking her death, or maybe time travel to before she was born crossed her mind. And hours later, she sits outside her boss’ office to await her fate for her other disaster of the day before. But instead of getting fired, Lexi admired how Sophie caught her own mistake and alerted the team immediately so they could fix things. To reward her, Lexi has something special to launch her career -- the opportunity to shadow the Blades new recruit, talented newcomer Ryland Daniels, for a few months -- yes, Evan Daniel’s nephew!
At breakfast, Evan’s 9-year-old daughter Natalia announced she wants to be a figure skater AND a hockey player. He put off the decision, so she asked if Sophie could come to her next game. Sophie had always remembered Nat’s favorite Gatorade flavor. And to help him remember who Sophie was, Nat reminded him she was the one who saw him in the bathroom the day before, according to his sister, her Aunt Julia, who had made him tell her why he was so flustered. So he sent Nat off at once to brush her teeth, refusing to acknowledge the Sophie story! Then Ryland called to give him some news and it was obvious he also had heard the story he apparently was never going to get over. Even Julia offered him coffee in exchange for more details as she and Nat start giggling all over again! But when Ryland tried to tell him Sophie would be covering his feature story, Evan said NO. He knew how the media would tear his nephew apart and he wouldn’t allow it. And when he finds out that Sophie is the reporter shadowing Ryland, Evan won’t tolerate a young reporter trying to make a name for herself at his nephew’s expense. And it hurt her very much to hear that he thought so little of her. When he sees that she is not trying to hurt or use Ryland for her own advancement, will he back off and give her a real chance to prove herself? And when will he examine his own feelings and realize there is something special about her?
Hoping to become a sports journalist, Sophie Bennett took a job 3 months ago as an intern at the “Sports News Now” downtown Chicago office and noticed a huge pile of paperwork piled up on her desk, especially since it wasn’t there yesterday. Another intern, Brad, warns her that her boss, Lexi Brookes, was looking for her. She had no missed calls or emails, so that wasn’t the issue… and just then her boss texted her to meet in her office in 6 hours. She had made a tiny mistake in her article the day before, so that was probably it. Distracted, she felt sick and headed for the bathroom only to look up and stare at the Chicago Blades goalie—and team captain—Evan "Ice Man" Daniels as he used the urinal in the men’s room! The grumpy, gorgeous goalie also obviously recognized her. It didn’t help that she has had a crush on him for some time now. Should she apologize, claim she didn’t see anything, or admire the package on display? Fortunately, her body automatically turned to run as she was still thinking about it. And “UN”fortunately, she tripped and landed ungracefully on the floor. She scrambled to her feet before he could bend down to help her up. Thoughts of quitting her job, faking her death, or maybe time travel to before she was born crossed her mind. And hours later, she sits outside her boss’ office to await her fate for her other disaster of the day before. But instead of getting fired, Lexi admired how Sophie caught her own mistake and alerted the team immediately so they could fix things. To reward her, Lexi has something special to launch her career -- the opportunity to shadow the Blades new recruit, talented newcomer Ryland Daniels, for a few months -- yes, Evan Daniel’s nephew!
At breakfast, Evan’s 9-year-old daughter Natalia announced she wants to be a figure skater AND a hockey player. He put off the decision, so she asked if Sophie could come to her next game. Sophie had always remembered Nat’s favorite Gatorade flavor. And to help him remember who Sophie was, Nat reminded him she was the one who saw him in the bathroom the day before, according to his sister, her Aunt Julia, who had made him tell her why he was so flustered. So he sent Nat off at once to brush her teeth, refusing to acknowledge the Sophie story! Then Ryland called to give him some news and it was obvious he also had heard the story he apparently was never going to get over. Even Julia offered him coffee in exchange for more details as she and Nat start giggling all over again! But when Ryland tried to tell him Sophie would be covering his feature story, Evan said NO. He knew how the media would tear his nephew apart and he wouldn’t allow it. And when he finds out that Sophie is the reporter shadowing Ryland, Evan won’t tolerate a young reporter trying to make a name for herself at his nephew’s expense. And it hurt her very much to hear that he thought so little of her. When he sees that she is not trying to hurt or use Ryland for her own advancement, will he back off and give her a real chance to prove herself? And when will he examine his own feelings and realize there is something special about her?
January 20, 2025
I just finished "Icy Pucking Play" by Alix Vaughn, and I have some mixed feelings, honestly. It was definitely a soft read, and there were quite a few spicy scenes, though I have to admit, I ended up skimming through some of them. The couple is pretty tame overall, and the dirty talk just wasn't doing it for me. The spice scenes started to feel a little repetitive and not very exciting or different from each other. Which, you know, isn't a huge deal if you’re more interested in the plot than the spice itself. If you are looking for a plot with some spice, this book fits the bill. However, towards the end, the spice scenes were a bit much, especially the one at the golf course. It just felt a little out of place.
Their friends and family were a bit of a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, I liked that they were there to support the main characters and offer advice. But on the other hand, the constant input and "you're doing this wrong" chatter got on my nerves. It felt like the main characters, Sophie and Evan, barely had any time to reflect on their own feelings without someone constantly telling them what to do or how they were messing up. It was especially annoying when Evan’s daughter, Natalia, got involved. She’s only a child, and I think books sometimes portray kids as either way too mature or way too childish. In this case, Natalia was butting in way too much, even though Evan kept saying she was "wise beyond her years." It was the same thing with his nephew, Ryland. Evan kept saying how he saw the man Ryland was becoming, not the same kid, but then he wouldn’t listen to him. Ryland is like 19, so even if he’s close to his uncle, he shouldn’t be inserting himself into their relationship so much.
One thing I did enjoy was the writing style, particularly the way the author used flashbacks. In "Icy Pucking Play," the flashbacks felt fitting and relevant to the current moment, and they felt like an active part of the plot.
I also liked the realistic approach the book took to Evan’s emotional baggage. He kept pushing Sophie away because of his past, and while I would’ve loved to see him do some serious groveling, I appreciated that Sophie was the one who ultimately stepped up and helped him work through his fears. I loved that she was the courageous one in the relationship. It was a refreshing change of pace.
However, one thing I missed was seeing more of Sophie’s family. We saw her work ethic and how she interacted with the Daniels family, but giving her more of a backstory and showing her with her own family would have added so much depth to her character. It felt like she was missing a key piece. Also, I was a little confused about her eye color – was it brown or blue? It seemed to change at some points.
It was a pretty decent read. It had some cute and mushy moments, and it held my attention. But the constant interference from the side characters, the repetitive nature of some scenes, and the lack of development for Sophie’s character held it back from being a truly great read for me. The timeline was also a bit confusing; it felt like everything happened in a short period, but then there were mentions of them being together for months. There also wasn't much hockey in a book that was promoted as a hockey romance. Aside from some brief mentions, it was largely absent.
I’d give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It had some good elements, but it could have been so much better with a few tweaks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their friends and family were a bit of a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, I liked that they were there to support the main characters and offer advice. But on the other hand, the constant input and "you're doing this wrong" chatter got on my nerves. It felt like the main characters, Sophie and Evan, barely had any time to reflect on their own feelings without someone constantly telling them what to do or how they were messing up. It was especially annoying when Evan’s daughter, Natalia, got involved. She’s only a child, and I think books sometimes portray kids as either way too mature or way too childish. In this case, Natalia was butting in way too much, even though Evan kept saying she was "wise beyond her years." It was the same thing with his nephew, Ryland. Evan kept saying how he saw the man Ryland was becoming, not the same kid, but then he wouldn’t listen to him. Ryland is like 19, so even if he’s close to his uncle, he shouldn’t be inserting himself into their relationship so much.
One thing I did enjoy was the writing style, particularly the way the author used flashbacks. In "Icy Pucking Play," the flashbacks felt fitting and relevant to the current moment, and they felt like an active part of the plot.
I also liked the realistic approach the book took to Evan’s emotional baggage. He kept pushing Sophie away because of his past, and while I would’ve loved to see him do some serious groveling, I appreciated that Sophie was the one who ultimately stepped up and helped him work through his fears. I loved that she was the courageous one in the relationship. It was a refreshing change of pace.
However, one thing I missed was seeing more of Sophie’s family. We saw her work ethic and how she interacted with the Daniels family, but giving her more of a backstory and showing her with her own family would have added so much depth to her character. It felt like she was missing a key piece. Also, I was a little confused about her eye color – was it brown or blue? It seemed to change at some points.
It was a pretty decent read. It had some cute and mushy moments, and it held my attention. But the constant interference from the side characters, the repetitive nature of some scenes, and the lack of development for Sophie’s character held it back from being a truly great read for me. The timeline was also a bit confusing; it felt like everything happened in a short period, but then there were mentions of them being together for months. There also wasn't much hockey in a book that was promoted as a hockey romance. Aside from some brief mentions, it was largely absent.
I’d give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It had some good elements, but it could have been so much better with a few tweaks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2025
“Icy Pucking Play” is the third book in the “Chicago Blades Series.” Best described as a steamy, single dad, professional hockey romance - Chicago Blades goalie - and team captain - Evan "Ice Man" Daniels. Sophia works for the Sports New Now - her next assignment is to shadow Ryland Daniels, Evan’s nephew. She is required to “talk of the upcoming prospect development camp. Everyone knows he's got the talent, but no one's gotten close enough to really tell his story. The nephew of the infamous Ice Man, trying to make his own mark on the sport?”
“Evan Daniels. The infamous Ice Man. At thirty-five years old, he’s still one of the most effective players in the league. And, in my opinion, certainly one of the hottest.”
The Daniels family is notoriously private, especially Evan. One wrong move and they'll shut us her completely. Can she handle spending the next few months in close proximity to the man she has had an embarrassing crush on since her first day with the Blades? The more time she spends with Evan and his family, she see the other to the man. The one that smiles, the one that will do anything for his daughter and his family. He is very protective of them after is divorce put him through the ringers, mostly based on lies. The barriers between them start to blur, Evan has been attracted to Sophie since she interned at the Chicago Blades. Will he let her in and open up his heart? Will he take a chance to be happy again ….. Will he trust her not to abuse his open access to his family and to himself?
“Evan Daniels. The Ice Man. Six foot three inches of pure, chiseled perfection. Those piercing blue eyes that seem to look right through you. His strong, square jaw which is often covered in just the right amount of stubble. And don't even get me started on his hands. Those big, capable goalie hands that can snatch pucks out of the air like magic ….”
I absolutely loved this story - I was hooked by the first chapter. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! This is a perfect story, building a relationship, with twists and turns that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
“Evan Daniels. The infamous Ice Man. At thirty-five years old, he’s still one of the most effective players in the league. And, in my opinion, certainly one of the hottest.”
The Daniels family is notoriously private, especially Evan. One wrong move and they'll shut us her completely. Can she handle spending the next few months in close proximity to the man she has had an embarrassing crush on since her first day with the Blades? The more time she spends with Evan and his family, she see the other to the man. The one that smiles, the one that will do anything for his daughter and his family. He is very protective of them after is divorce put him through the ringers, mostly based on lies. The barriers between them start to blur, Evan has been attracted to Sophie since she interned at the Chicago Blades. Will he let her in and open up his heart? Will he take a chance to be happy again ….. Will he trust her not to abuse his open access to his family and to himself?
“Evan Daniels. The Ice Man. Six foot three inches of pure, chiseled perfection. Those piercing blue eyes that seem to look right through you. His strong, square jaw which is often covered in just the right amount of stubble. And don't even get me started on his hands. Those big, capable goalie hands that can snatch pucks out of the air like magic ….”
I absolutely loved this story - I was hooked by the first chapter. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! This is a perfect story, building a relationship, with twists and turns that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
January 13, 2025
It was a soft read with quite a few spicy scenes, though at some point I skimmed through them. The are a pretty tame couple and the dirty talk wasn’t doing it for me, so the spice scenes weren’t that exciting and different from one another which is fine, especially, if you‘re looking for a plot with actual spice and not a spicy book which has like one or two scenes. Though towards the end it was a bit much, especially at the golf course.
Their friends and family were like a double edged sword. On the one hand, I liked that they were there to back up or talk some sense into the characters, on the other hand, I didn’t like the constant noise. The repetition- You‘re doing this and that wrong because blah blah blah. There was little room for the MC‘s to reflect by themselves without a constant chatter around them, telling them they‘re wrong. It‘s especially a bit too much when Evan‘s daughter makes remarks too. She‘s a child and I think books often misrepresent children as too mature or too childish. In this case, I found it too much that Natalia was butting in as well, despite Evan saying that she‘s too wise for her age. Same thing with Ryland, Evan kept saying how he saw the man he‘s becoming and not the same kid a couple times, but he wasn’t listening to Ryland. Ryland is like 19 or something, even if he‘s close to his uncle, he shouldn’t be inserting himself so much.
I did like the writing style with the flashbacks. I‘ve recently read the Wall if Winnipeg and Me which also weaved in past instances in the current POV. I must say that I liked it way better in this book. It was fitting in the moment and still made it feel like active part of the plot.
Although, I would‘ve loved gor Evan to do some groveling for pushing her away over and over again, I liked the realistic approach this book took. I understood his fear and I liked the realism that Sophie would be the one to step up and take those away from him, I loved that she was the courageous one.
One thing I missed in this book was seeing Sophie‘s family. We saw her work ethic and friendliness with the Daniels, but I think seeing her with her own family and giving her more than just some generic background, could‘ve given her character more depth. Also, I was confused, does Sophie have brown or blue eyes??
Their friends and family were like a double edged sword. On the one hand, I liked that they were there to back up or talk some sense into the characters, on the other hand, I didn’t like the constant noise. The repetition- You‘re doing this and that wrong because blah blah blah. There was little room for the MC‘s to reflect by themselves without a constant chatter around them, telling them they‘re wrong. It‘s especially a bit too much when Evan‘s daughter makes remarks too. She‘s a child and I think books often misrepresent children as too mature or too childish. In this case, I found it too much that Natalia was butting in as well, despite Evan saying that she‘s too wise for her age. Same thing with Ryland, Evan kept saying how he saw the man he‘s becoming and not the same kid a couple times, but he wasn’t listening to Ryland. Ryland is like 19 or something, even if he‘s close to his uncle, he shouldn’t be inserting himself so much.
I did like the writing style with the flashbacks. I‘ve recently read the Wall if Winnipeg and Me which also weaved in past instances in the current POV. I must say that I liked it way better in this book. It was fitting in the moment and still made it feel like active part of the plot.
Although, I would‘ve loved gor Evan to do some groveling for pushing her away over and over again, I liked the realistic approach this book took. I understood his fear and I liked the realism that Sophie would be the one to step up and take those away from him, I loved that she was the courageous one.
One thing I missed in this book was seeing Sophie‘s family. We saw her work ethic and friendliness with the Daniels, but I think seeing her with her own family and giving her more than just some generic background, could‘ve given her character more depth. Also, I was confused, does Sophie have brown or blue eyes??
January 10, 2025
"I never wanted your secrets. Just you."~Sophie
For stories that matter.📗🖋️ Those words are engraved on Sophie's favorite pen from her Dad. This is a cute, mushy, and emotional book. I pretty much read it in a day. It moves very quickly and held my attention. Sophie and Evan are the next exciting couple in this series. Evan's a little older, 35, single Dad to 9yr old Natalia, and is extremely overprotective and grumpy too. But he's got his reasons for it. There's some things that he's holding onto from his past. He already knows news reporter Sophie Bennett. Especially since she will be conducting an exclusive story with Evan's nephew Ryland, a future hockey player in the making. Well, actually, his entire family will be involved in her process.😁⛳😁 ⛳😁
Sophie is only 23, but the big tall goalie nicknamed the Ice Man, has noticed her noticing him. The mens room is an unexpected start to deepen their... uhhh... attraction. There's humor. Some slapstick comedy. How Sophie keeps on managing it, I just don't know.😂😂 There's banter. Drama. Complications. Trust insecurities. My gosh, this guy is a mess. But so is she. Sophie is sweet. Together these two mesh and create passion with golf, scary movies, ice cream, and wanting to take their relationship to the next level. Like I wrote, it gets emotional. There's spice too.🔥🔥 One minute it's a world of huge possibilities to possibly losing everything by keeping secrets and not wanting to get hurt. Ms Vaughn certainly takes you through it.🙊🎉 World building is on point. The characters are likable. I got involved as I read their story. It's really good. I recommend. Cool book cover. Happy reading!!❤️❤️❤️
🏒📰🍦Thank you to Ms Vaughn and Bookfunnel for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.🏒📰🍦
For stories that matter.📗🖋️ Those words are engraved on Sophie's favorite pen from her Dad. This is a cute, mushy, and emotional book. I pretty much read it in a day. It moves very quickly and held my attention. Sophie and Evan are the next exciting couple in this series. Evan's a little older, 35, single Dad to 9yr old Natalia, and is extremely overprotective and grumpy too. But he's got his reasons for it. There's some things that he's holding onto from his past. He already knows news reporter Sophie Bennett. Especially since she will be conducting an exclusive story with Evan's nephew Ryland, a future hockey player in the making. Well, actually, his entire family will be involved in her process.😁⛳😁 ⛳😁
Sophie is only 23, but the big tall goalie nicknamed the Ice Man, has noticed her noticing him. The mens room is an unexpected start to deepen their... uhhh... attraction. There's humor. Some slapstick comedy. How Sophie keeps on managing it, I just don't know.😂😂 There's banter. Drama. Complications. Trust insecurities. My gosh, this guy is a mess. But so is she. Sophie is sweet. Together these two mesh and create passion with golf, scary movies, ice cream, and wanting to take their relationship to the next level. Like I wrote, it gets emotional. There's spice too.🔥🔥 One minute it's a world of huge possibilities to possibly losing everything by keeping secrets and not wanting to get hurt. Ms Vaughn certainly takes you through it.🙊🎉 World building is on point. The characters are likable. I got involved as I read their story. It's really good. I recommend. Cool book cover. Happy reading!!❤️❤️❤️
🏒📰🍦Thank you to Ms Vaughn and Bookfunnel for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.🏒📰🍦
April 25, 2025
2.5 stars. Not a bad book but it was a struggle to finish it. It’s just dull in parts and repetitive. (Possible spoilers ahead)
h was a clingy, obsessive, doormat for H. H continued to talk to her like trash. He had trust issues that had NOTHING to do with h, but she continued to pay the price for it. (His ex wife messed around on him with some scummy dude to make bucks off H’s and H’s family name. When I say h was obsessive, she was way before she went into a relationship with H. Awkward
H- omg what d-bag. After the first time he called me names, we would have been finished. He was awful. h literally gave him way too much grace. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ h was the one who had to grovel after the 3rd act breakup even though she didn’t do anything wrong. He was the a-hole who kept secrets.
Scummy dude- I never understood why he was still hanging around other than to cause the 3rd act breakup. She didn’t need scummy guy to tell her what happened, why didn’t she read it in one of the old articles? 🤷♀️
I do agree with other reviewers who mentioned there is way too much interfering from co-characters. It was a lot and very repetitive.
I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs so the smex was not believable to me. If you read all the scenes as one, they all sound alike.
h was a clingy, obsessive, doormat for H. H continued to talk to her like trash. He had trust issues that had NOTHING to do with h, but she continued to pay the price for it. (His ex wife messed around on him with some scummy dude to make bucks off H’s and H’s family name. When I say h was obsessive, she was way before she went into a relationship with H. Awkward
H- omg what d-bag. After the first time he called me names, we would have been finished. He was awful. h literally gave him way too much grace. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ h was the one who had to grovel after the 3rd act breakup even though she didn’t do anything wrong. He was the a-hole who kept secrets.
Scummy dude- I never understood why he was still hanging around other than to cause the 3rd act breakup. She didn’t need scummy guy to tell her what happened, why didn’t she read it in one of the old articles? 🤷♀️
I do agree with other reviewers who mentioned there is way too much interfering from co-characters. It was a lot and very repetitive.
I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs so the smex was not believable to me. If you read all the scenes as one, they all sound alike.
January 10, 2025
4.5 stars for a steamy hockey romance!
This was a fantastic book that I just couldn't stop reading. Grumpy goalie, self-deprecating journalist, adorable daughter, hilarious situations, witty banter, intense drama, irresistible chemistry, and smokin hot love scenes...I couldn't ask for more! Plus Alix has a wonderful writing style that is very conversational. You can flow through the pages so quickly as if you're there in their heads or watching the scenes unfold. I've read all three books in this series, but each can definitely stand alone. I love the references back to the characters from the other books though - it reminds me of how much I enjoyed those as well! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!
This was a fantastic book that I just couldn't stop reading. Grumpy goalie, self-deprecating journalist, adorable daughter, hilarious situations, witty banter, intense drama, irresistible chemistry, and smokin hot love scenes...I couldn't ask for more! Plus Alix has a wonderful writing style that is very conversational. You can flow through the pages so quickly as if you're there in their heads or watching the scenes unfold. I've read all three books in this series, but each can definitely stand alone. I love the references back to the characters from the other books though - it reminds me of how much I enjoyed those as well! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!
January 14, 2025
It was ok. Think the story idea was good, but it just wasn't done well.
She's supposed to be writing about the nephew, but it's all about Evan. She tells him she's having a hard time keeping the story professional, and he's ok with it since they're having sex, but then all of a sudden, he isn't ok with it. He repeatedly pushes her away and treats her like crap, but he comes back, and they're having sex 2 seconds later with no apology or discussion. And then he's a total dick again, and SHE'S the one who does a big gesture to get him back?
Very repetitive, lots of people say the exact same thing, but Evan acts like it's the first time each time. In the epilogue, they discuss moving in together, but then a few pages later discuss it again as if they didn't just talk about it.
She's supposed to be writing about the nephew, but it's all about Evan. She tells him she's having a hard time keeping the story professional, and he's ok with it since they're having sex, but then all of a sudden, he isn't ok with it. He repeatedly pushes her away and treats her like crap, but he comes back, and they're having sex 2 seconds later with no apology or discussion. And then he's a total dick again, and SHE'S the one who does a big gesture to get him back?
Very repetitive, lots of people say the exact same thing, but Evan acts like it's the first time each time. In the epilogue, they discuss moving in together, but then a few pages later discuss it again as if they didn't just talk about it.
November 25, 2025
I wanted to love this so bad, it had such potential and I loved the idea and even the characters.
However, the repetition and continuity mistakes thoroughly killed it. By the end I was rolling my eyes so hard I’m surprised my head didn’t fall off and roll across the floor too. The ‘trouble’ of the book was extremely drawn out and I’m also not happy with Sophie being the one to beg and try to fix things when Evan was the reason they weren’t together. I know we fight for what we want but the dude made his choice and at a certain point you need to respect yourself.
Anyway I really loved the start and with better editing and cutting a lot of unnecessary stuff it could have been a solid 4 star. As is, though - 2 is generous.
However, the repetition and continuity mistakes thoroughly killed it. By the end I was rolling my eyes so hard I’m surprised my head didn’t fall off and roll across the floor too. The ‘trouble’ of the book was extremely drawn out and I’m also not happy with Sophie being the one to beg and try to fix things when Evan was the reason they weren’t together. I know we fight for what we want but the dude made his choice and at a certain point you need to respect yourself.
Anyway I really loved the start and with better editing and cutting a lot of unnecessary stuff it could have been a solid 4 star. As is, though - 2 is generous.
January 10, 2025
Evan ice man Daniels is murder on ice with a heart mad of stone thanks to his ex, but Sophie has a way of getting around his grumpiness. When she is asked to shadow Evan's nephew for a story the iciness comes out and Sophie is at odds as to why. When she finally gets the opportunity to shadow Ryan it also comes with being around Evan and it starts their path. Right when she thinks a relationship is developing an incident changes the tide. Will she and Evan get their chance for happiness. This sports romance had me cheering for Evan and Sophie from the first page of this thrilling story.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
January 21, 2025
Sophia works as a repoter at sports journalism, she was assigned to shadowed a guy who is a nephew of her crush.Evan a goalie hockey player she already worked with him.
When Evan heard about his nephew being shadowed by a journalist didn’t like it because of his past ,they made his life a living hell.
After practice he went to his sister house to pick his daughter and found Sophie helping her with her math homework.
He was happy about her helping his daughter and he gave her permission to work with his nephew but with conditions that she didn’t write about their private lives.
An amazing story that i loved reading,the writing is also fabulous.
I highly recommend it.
When Evan heard about his nephew being shadowed by a journalist didn’t like it because of his past ,they made his life a living hell.
After practice he went to his sister house to pick his daughter and found Sophie helping her with her math homework.
He was happy about her helping his daughter and he gave her permission to work with his nephew but with conditions that she didn’t write about their private lives.
An amazing story that i loved reading,the writing is also fabulous.
I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2025
This was such a cute romance book that I read it within a day. I was hooked from the very beginning with the ambiance and vibe. The pace is fun and flirty. The characters are real and likable. I enjoyed reading about the journey of Evan and Sophie. The risks, the truths, and the pull. I will say the last 50 pages or so (when things get super intense) there are a lot of repetitive phrases that make you think you flipped back a page or two instead of forward. Yet, I loved the message of their story. It was very heartfelt and hilarious. You will enjoy it too.
January 13, 2025
It was okay. Sophie seems to spend more time with Evan than she does with Ryland. And I don't understand why Brad was so invested in Sophie's relationship with Evan-- I get that this was a narrative device, but it didn't ring true for me (especially since most, if not all, of their conversations end by Sophie getting a phone call from her boss). But if you can put aside various inconsistencies and suspend disbelief at times, it wasn't a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 19, 2025
Unforgettable Run-in
Sophie and Evans' initial run-in was amusing and uncomfortable but set them up with all kinds of tension. Unfortunately, she can't help her clumsiness, and his fears get in the way of their feelings at first. However, their chemistry was explosive and well written, which blended intricately with the humor throughout this story. Alix Vaughn did a fantastic job with this story that i did not want to put it down, despite the intense emotions it invoked.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
Sophie and Evans' initial run-in was amusing and uncomfortable but set them up with all kinds of tension. Unfortunately, she can't help her clumsiness, and his fears get in the way of their feelings at first. However, their chemistry was explosive and well written, which blended intricately with the humor throughout this story. Alix Vaughn did a fantastic job with this story that i did not want to put it down, despite the intense emotions it invoked.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
March 23, 2025
Icy Plucking Play is part of Chicago Blades Series and is a standalone. Evan is the goalie, single father and mentoring his nephew Ryland. Sophie is a journalist that wants to do a story about Ryland and how family support and love helps a player’s game. Evan has been burnt in the past by the news media and doesn’t trust Sophie.
Evan and Sophie dance around each other at first until they stop fighting their feelings. There is a little drama in the plot in this but with family, team mates and friends it works out. It is a sweet read for a Sunday.
Evan and Sophie dance around each other at first until they stop fighting their feelings. There is a little drama in the plot in this but with family, team mates and friends it works out. It is a sweet read for a Sunday.
January 10, 2025
Icy Pucking Play by Alix Vaughn is part of the part of the Chicago Blades Series. I loved the book! Sophie and Evan's journey was full of drama and lots of spice. I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop reading. This is a must read, that I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. I look forward to reading more work by the author, Alix Vaughn.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2025
Get ready for this ice melting hot romance read that will have you all hot and bothered reading about Evan and OMG does he sound like a very sexy hockey player who also is a single dad to Natalia who sounds adorable but stubborn as well. The sex scenes are written very well, and I caught myself laughing at the end of the book when Natalia tries to get one over on her dad. :) This is one sports romance book you will need to read to see for yourself just how amazing it truly is written.
January 20, 2025
Evan and Sophie. Loved their story. Hes a single dad emotionally unavailable hockey player. Shes a reporter doing a story on his nephew. Shes been lusting after him for months. And when hes with his daughter she melts a little more. Now if only he would only notice her. Great charecter building and well written. Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2025
Him - his whole personality is based on the nickname his friends gave him. ❄️Iceman❄️
Where is the ex wife? Is she involved in the kids life?
What’s with the reporter? Why is he obsessed with bringing him down so badly? Are they children or adults here….
Does he ever actually play hockey on a team or just practice with the nephew?
Her - I love him soooooooooo much. Creepy obsession prior to getting together.
Where is the ex wife? Is she involved in the kids life?
What’s with the reporter? Why is he obsessed with bringing him down so badly? Are they children or adults here….
Does he ever actually play hockey on a team or just practice with the nephew?
Her - I love him soooooooooo much. Creepy obsession prior to getting together.
January 6, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Sophie fell for Evan during her internship and then when doing an article on his family, slowly gained his heart. However Evan needed a wake up call to accept that he loved her. I really liked how Sophie and his family got him to fully accept it. I like the humor and danger of golf in this story.
January 13, 2025
Awesome story!!!! This was another steamy page turner and the suspense was intense and the sexual tension was like a rollercoaster ride. It was addicted and I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The chemistry between them was captivating and physical of passion and hockey romance it was action packed of emotions and drama and forbidden temptations as he was a single father and looking for love. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
January 24, 2025
A funny well written romcom is always a joy to read. Here we find Sophie and Evan's story of the sports journalist and the hockey player. A single father, OMYW read with plenty of steam and clumsy moments. Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
This book was pretty good. It felt very long though. I’m a pretty fast reader when I want to be but I took this book pretty slow for how short the book is. I feel like it was slightly repetitive but it was really good writing and I liked the plot. I would recommend it to anyone who reads a lot but I wouldn’t to someone new to reading.
April 24, 2025
Liked it well enough. Seemed like something I had read. There were many parts that surprised me about what was happening and the turn of events but there were many parts that were repeated and it just seemed like something one would read in countless others. I do think there was still originality but not enough to make it stand out. Regardless I liked the little family formed within the story.
May 11, 2025
This book was good and then it went downhill. There was a lot of repetition of quotes throughout the book. I did not like that Sophie put more effort into the relationship. She literally made a home presentation to get him back when he should’ve been the one graveling. The coach of the hockey team did not act like a coach.
November 30, 2025
Not great. It repeats a lot of the FMC is a huge push over. Also I can’t stand it when texts message seem to come on in RIGHT at the moment an issue happens. Like really? The sister manages to text what he needs to hear at that time? Come on. I gave it two stars because I liked the beginning but that’s it’s.
January 14, 2025
Evan has been hurt before and is reluctant to let Sophie in...regardless how well everyone feels she fits. Lots of will they-won't they and it all looks doomed! Bit repetitive in parts but a good read regardless.
July 6, 2025
Very sweet, very romcom-y. Started off good. Loved the family dynamic in the story but started to loose me as it got closer to the end of the book. Never got the whole story on Chelsea only bits and pieces from Evan and that sleazy agent. For the most part it was a cute story.
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