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Blue Ridge Buffaloes Hockey #1
Love on Thin Ice
When hockey center Jack Winters is involved, anything can happen…even love.
Poppy:
I came to Blue Ridge to make my fashion dreams come true, not to fall for the town’s hottest hockey star. But when Jack Winters—captain of the Blue Ridge Buffaloes and certified heartthrob—walks into my boutique (literally knocking over my mannequin in the process), my carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos.
Now, instead of getting my boutique ready for the Harvest Festival, I’m trying to keep my heart from racing every time Jack looks at me with those smoldering blue eyes. He’s charming, funny, and way too good at making me swoon. But here’s the Jack has a reputation—and I’m not about to be another name on his list.
Just when I think I’ve got everything under control, Jack shows up in one of my dresses (yes, you read that right) and turns my world upside down. Suddenly, I’m falling hard, and fast. But can I trust him with my heart, or will our quick relationship fall through the thin ice?
Trigger Warnings: This book is full of hot kissing and body positivity from a plus-sized heroine. Read at your own pleasure!
Poppy:
I came to Blue Ridge to make my fashion dreams come true, not to fall for the town’s hottest hockey star. But when Jack Winters—captain of the Blue Ridge Buffaloes and certified heartthrob—walks into my boutique (literally knocking over my mannequin in the process), my carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos.
Now, instead of getting my boutique ready for the Harvest Festival, I’m trying to keep my heart from racing every time Jack looks at me with those smoldering blue eyes. He’s charming, funny, and way too good at making me swoon. But here’s the Jack has a reputation—and I’m not about to be another name on his list.
Just when I think I’ve got everything under control, Jack shows up in one of my dresses (yes, you read that right) and turns my world upside down. Suddenly, I’m falling hard, and fast. But can I trust him with my heart, or will our quick relationship fall through the thin ice?
Trigger Warnings: This book is full of hot kissing and body positivity from a plus-sized heroine. Read at your own pleasure!
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
71 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 11, 2026
Love on Thin Ice by Laney Kate Review
Love on Thin Ice by Laney Kate is a sweet, clean hockey‑centered romantic comedy novella that introduces us to Poppy, a plus‑sized fashion boutique owner in the small town of Blue Ridge who is excited to grow her business and prep for the Harvest Festival. Her plans get interrupted in the most chaotic way when Jack Winters, captain and star center of the local Blue Ridge Buffaloes hockey team, literally crashes into her shop and her heart, scattering mannequins and butterflies alike. Jack has the reputation of a playboy, and Poppy is determined not to fall for that stereotype, but when he shows up in one of her designs and starts treating her with unexpected tenderness and respect, her carefully laid emotional boundaries begin to melt. The story is a quick, sweet interplay of attraction, humor, and the delightful chaos that can occur when a confident athlete meets a warm, creative soul ready to blossom.
What lingered with me long after I finished reading was how genuinely fun and joyful this novella felt: Laney Kate infuses every interaction with light‑hearted banter and easy chemistry that made me grin like someone sipping hot cocoa by the rink. Jack’s playful charm and Poppy’s inner strength made them feel like voices you want to hear more from, even in such a short format, and I loved how their connection leans into charm rather than angsty overanalysis. Because the story is a brief instalove tale, the emotional arcs move fast, and that will delight readers who want quick romance and pure swoon without heavy drama, though it may leave others wishing for deeper world‑building. Still, I felt genuinely warmed by the kindness Jack shows Poppy and how her confidence blossoms in scenes that celebrate body positivity and laughter under glow lights.
If you’re in the mood for a light, cozy sports romance with heart and sparkle, this novella is like curling up with a warm blanket and cheering for the underdog who finds her match.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the bright chemistry and sincere warmth made this quick read feel delightfully refreshing.
Love on Thin Ice by Laney Kate is a sweet, clean hockey‑centered romantic comedy novella that introduces us to Poppy, a plus‑sized fashion boutique owner in the small town of Blue Ridge who is excited to grow her business and prep for the Harvest Festival. Her plans get interrupted in the most chaotic way when Jack Winters, captain and star center of the local Blue Ridge Buffaloes hockey team, literally crashes into her shop and her heart, scattering mannequins and butterflies alike. Jack has the reputation of a playboy, and Poppy is determined not to fall for that stereotype, but when he shows up in one of her designs and starts treating her with unexpected tenderness and respect, her carefully laid emotional boundaries begin to melt. The story is a quick, sweet interplay of attraction, humor, and the delightful chaos that can occur when a confident athlete meets a warm, creative soul ready to blossom.
What lingered with me long after I finished reading was how genuinely fun and joyful this novella felt: Laney Kate infuses every interaction with light‑hearted banter and easy chemistry that made me grin like someone sipping hot cocoa by the rink. Jack’s playful charm and Poppy’s inner strength made them feel like voices you want to hear more from, even in such a short format, and I loved how their connection leans into charm rather than angsty overanalysis. Because the story is a brief instalove tale, the emotional arcs move fast, and that will delight readers who want quick romance and pure swoon without heavy drama, though it may leave others wishing for deeper world‑building. Still, I felt genuinely warmed by the kindness Jack shows Poppy and how her confidence blossoms in scenes that celebrate body positivity and laughter under glow lights.
If you’re in the mood for a light, cozy sports romance with heart and sparkle, this novella is like curling up with a warm blanket and cheering for the underdog who finds her match.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the bright chemistry and sincere warmth made this quick read feel delightfully refreshing.
November 22, 2025
I listened on hoopla. This is the worst narration I have ever heard (after finishing found out why, it's digital not a real person) the female character sounds "male" and the male character female. Mispronounced words all the way through and glitches. I'm assuming the book would read better but I definitely have decided instalove is the worst trope.
March 6, 2025
There were some bright moments in this short story, but how the insta love was handled felt totally out there. I get that lust and passion can awaken fast, but to declare oneself in actual love after three days is storytelling that doesn't work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
Jack & Poppy
Loved this! Super cute InstaLove with a former playboy who’s found his true love! Love how Jack showed up for Poppy.
Loved this! Super cute InstaLove with a former playboy who’s found his true love! Love how Jack showed up for Poppy.
May 7, 2025
This is a short story...
It's short, sweet, swoony, & fun. Yes, things develop quickly between the main characters. They must as it is a short story with an insta love plot.
For me, when I pick up a short story or even a novella, I remind myself that feelings will move into more at a quicker pace. This allows me to enjoy the sweetness of the relationship, even when it is fast.
Love on Thin Ice is a tale about a former playboy who falls for a woman who doesn't think he'd ever be drawn to someone like her. Someone who doesn't look like the women he's been with before. I liked that both of these characters were very genuine and open with each other.
This quick and clean read was a happy diversion that I was able to read in an afternoon. It was a lot of fun!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
It's short, sweet, swoony, & fun. Yes, things develop quickly between the main characters. They must as it is a short story with an insta love plot.
For me, when I pick up a short story or even a novella, I remind myself that feelings will move into more at a quicker pace. This allows me to enjoy the sweetness of the relationship, even when it is fast.
Love on Thin Ice is a tale about a former playboy who falls for a woman who doesn't think he'd ever be drawn to someone like her. Someone who doesn't look like the women he's been with before. I liked that both of these characters were very genuine and open with each other.
This quick and clean read was a happy diversion that I was able to read in an afternoon. It was a lot of fun!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2025
So much fun!
I’ve never read an Instalove story before. What fun! This will certainly not be my last.
Laney brings together the characters is such a charming and engaging way.
A great read!
I’ve never read an Instalove story before. What fun! This will certainly not be my last.
Laney brings together the characters is such a charming and engaging way.
A great read!
March 23, 2025
Aw, cute. I love short hockey romance that I can read in an hour. Often they are very spicy. This one is very sweet and clean. If sweet n clean is your thang this will def hit your spot. Love the humor and the👌 chemistry.
March 30, 2025
Loved this cute and sweet read! Perfect when you want a quick hockey romance that can be read in an hour. This is a insta romance between Jack a hockey player known as a playboy who finds his true love in Poppy, a fashion designer. Super swoony and Jack shows up for her big time at the end!
May 12, 2025
This is a quick, short read involving a hockey player who was a former playboy and a plus size fashion boutique store owner. I enjoyed the hilarious moments, the instalove, and how Jack showed up for Poppy.
May 13, 2025
great short hockey romcom
I absolutely loved and adored this romcom. The banter, and characters made this romance comedy a 5 star read while listening to the audiobook and doing household chores.
I absolutely loved and adored this romcom. The banter, and characters made this romance comedy a 5 star read while listening to the audiobook and doing household chores.
May 29, 2025
Sweet hockey romance
What a cute and enjoyable hockey romance. It's a fun "g" rated story that you will love. She's getting her boutique ready to open when he comes in a slams into the display. Lots more happening!
What a cute and enjoyable hockey romance. It's a fun "g" rated story that you will love. She's getting her boutique ready to open when he comes in a slams into the display. Lots more happening!
August 30, 2025
This was my first foray into instalove reads, and I loved every minute of it! The quick banter and relatable characters made it such a fun, engaging read. Perfect for an afternoon with an espresso and biscotti in one hand and a Kindle in the other!
March 1, 2025
So cute short read
March 3, 2025
A sweet, small town, hockey romance
April 18, 2025
short story
Such a cute short story!!! It went really fast and had the best ending!
Love the cuteness!
Only takes about 25 minutes to read.
Such a cute short story!!! It went really fast and had the best ending!
Love the cuteness!
Only takes about 25 minutes to read.
Read
May 6, 2025If you are an instalove fan, this quick read will be right up your alley.
I was not as much a fan of the narrator though.
I was not as much a fan of the narrator though.
May 10, 2025
Light, sweet, fluffy, kisses-only romance with a touch of hockey that was a fun way to fill an hour on a rainy day.
May 12, 2025
Very short book about a hockey player and a new store owner. Not much background, details, or development. Disappointing.
May 14, 2025
This was a super quick read! Even though it was short I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.
May 19, 2025
Cute.
Jack and Poppy are very cute together. This book was a quick read about a plus size woman with insecurities and a hockey player.
Jack and Poppy are very cute together. This book was a quick read about a plus size woman with insecurities and a hockey player.
June 30, 2025
2.5 stars ⭐️ it was so short I don’t even remember reading it 🤣
Read
July 2, 2025Instalove clean romance. I wasn’t a fan at all. I’m not going to rate because it was a mess. I love instalove romances because they make me so happy but man this was a train wreck.
July 9, 2025
What in the wattpad
Read
July 23, 2025Quick Read
Jack bursts into Poppy's life, and the chaos seems to be consistent. It's a fast-paced, short story, but it's fun and has a happy ending.
Jack bursts into Poppy's life, and the chaos seems to be consistent. It's a fast-paced, short story, but it's fun and has a happy ending.
July 28, 2025
a cute and quick read.
September 20, 2025
No spice. Dry.
October 11, 2025
Great read. 😃
December 18, 2025
saying i love you after 3 days…….
February 15, 2026
Cute book but just be warned the book is only 70 pages so the story moves quickly because it has to.
August 19, 2025
Fun fast listen. Very much worth it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews