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Ivy Glen #1

Back On Ice

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He promised me forever but left me with a broken heart.

Carter Williams was everything to me—my best friend, high school boyfriend, and first love.

Then he walked away.

I moved on, locking my heart away and leaving our future in the past.

Now, nine years later, he’s back. Not as the boy who broke me, but as a man—irresistibly handsome, an NHL star—and he says he still wants me.

But I’m not the girl he left behind. I don’t give second chances, no matter how much I still crave him.

I have to keep my heart guarded, or this time, it’ll shatter beyond repair.



Back on Ice is a small-town, second-chance, steamy hockey romance. It is recommended to first read the prequel, Left on Ice.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2025

346 people are currently reading
438 people want to read

About the author

Noelle Stone

15 books35 followers

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5 stars
114 (29%)
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129 (33%)
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97 (25%)
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34 (8%)
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14 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
97 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2025
Same old bad second chance

The only reason I decided to read this book is because another review said there was good grovelling. They must have been delusional. This has awful “reconciliation.” Terrible book.
Profile Image for Robin.
788 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2025
i read the prequel called left on ice right before reading this (glad i did not have to wait and could jump right into this one). this was the rest of the story of the two main characters as to the WHY what happened did the way it did. the first book was a best-friends to love, small town, sports romance, and this was also still a small town sports romance but also a second chance love story since nine years have gone by since the main characters last saw each other.

one day after picking her nephew up, Sophie learns that Carter is coming back to their small town after being gone for many years because he has been asked to help finance renovating the hockey rinks. now a big-time NHL star, of course he can afford that, and feels he owes it to his hometown since that is where he got his start. so they are forced to work on this project together since Sophie helps manage the hockey rinks and is in charge of this project. while of course Carter is happy to see Sophie, she is less than thrilled that her nephew's 'favorite hockey player' is back in town (her 10-year-old nephew has no idea of their history). i loved the auntie relationship that Sophie had with Jordan and how she called him Jordy since we also call my niece that. i love being an auntie to my nephew and niece like this too so their relationship was so relatable for me. while i get why Carter did some of the things he did because he thought he was protecting his loved ones and that he was still just a kid put an unfair situation by his abusive, manipulative, conniving thief father, there are some things could have been handled sooo much better and would have saved both of the main characters a whole lot of heartache even if they needed to be apart for a while. most of the rest of my thoughts are kind of spoilery so...
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
714 reviews21 followers
September 6, 2025
2.5 so the thing about 2nd chance books, the reason the H leaves the h is always such a weak excuse, IMO. (Possible spoilers ahead)
The reason this H just ghosted h and left for 9 years was pathetic. Sorry 🤷‍♀️ I know I’m supposed to feel sympathy for his abusive situation, but I just don’t. Especially considering he was smexing it up in those 9 years.

So H and h were teenagers and they loved each other. H was in an abusive situation at home with his dad.
H and h both lose their V’s to each other. He gets a text from his dad and just leaves her asleep. He literally left town and ghosted h for 9 years. 😩 BUT he was still BFFs with h’s brother and the brother knows all his secrets…..but didn’t tell his sister. Wut??

Now…9 years later, he’s back. He hasn’t talked to his dad for a year, so he thinks he’s FREE (uh huh)
H and h have to work a project together for a new ice hockey rink. h resisted for a bit, but not long enough IMO. He does explain that his dad threatened h and H’s mom. Basically, the crap dad wanted to be his son’s agent and he wanted all his money from the NHL contract- or else he would hurt his wife and h. 🤪

Oh, if you’re curious- neither H or h were celibate during their time apart. h had a “handful” of bad smex. It doesn’t say about H except his little stalker ex starts to come into the story AND he explains to h during their first smex experience “that he has NEVER had smex with any woman without a condom” (remember h was his first) so it’s clear, he’s had plenty of smex. 🙃 Also, he’s like some 5 star ⭐️ porn star.

The stalker ex- not sure why she was mentioned. She didn’t add anything to the plot other than h seeing the texts messages and being insecure. The fact is H did sleep with the stalker ex once. Doesn’t matter if he was drunk like…… wtf did he not block her? 🤦‍♀️
Why was he also hanging around stalker girl the night he ghosted h? It never really explained the pictures on his social media account. I get that the dad had it set up that way but why is she still hanging around 9 years later. My 💩 meter is going off.

Then the kicker, h tells H she’s pregnant. This d-bag just walks out without ONE word. Niiiiiice. Father of the year :/s

Naturally, the terrible dad shows up and wants money. I have a hard time understanding how this millionaire hockey player is putting up with this. It’s so dumb.

There’s no grovel really. H just explains to h what has happened and she takes him back. They go to the police (which should have been done years ago) 🤯 Dad is arrested.

Months later, they get married and now have a son.

Honestly, authors need to come up with better 2nd chance romance. At least make the reason somebody leaves make sense. Because any normal person is gonna question H’s statement that h is “the love of his life”
If she’s the love of your life, why no message, text, letter, smoke signal, or basically any dang thing letting her know?
Why sleep with others if she’s the love of your life?
Why wait 9 years?
Why has stalker girl been in your life for 9 years?

Ugh 😩
Profile Image for Lauren.
11 reviews
August 5, 2025
DFN @ 78%. The whiplash I got from this book is insane.
Profile Image for Paige Yealands-Day.
23 reviews
February 6, 2025
Back on ice
First of all I loved this book, wow. This is about Carter and Sophie two high-school sweetheart. They both share a passion for ice hockey. Cater leaves unexpectedly while Sophie has no idea on why he has left and why he has stopped talking to her. Carter appears back in Ivy Glen after 9 years which leaves Sophie filled with lots of questions. This book was hard to put down, the passion, the dedication, the intensity of there relationship is very dreamy and makes you feel the connection they share. Back on ice talks about some important topics which makes your eyes water at times but there is also some spicy bits which I know you will enjoy. The passion      that has been poured throughout this book by Noelle Stone made me feel connected to the storyline as well as Noelle. I would highly recommend this book if you love romance, a bit of spice, a page turner as well as a good storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
February 5, 2025
Carter and Sophie’s Second Chance . . .

Carter Williams walked out on Sophie without explanation, breaking her heart. He arrived back home 9 years later, apparently expecting forgiveness. But she is not ready to give him a second chance to hurt her again. Will he give up trying to win her back? Will he tell her why he left? And will she be willing to forgive him and try to open her heart again?
Profile Image for tin.
85 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2025
dnf @ 50%

maybe i’ll come back to it…. probably won’t though!
Profile Image for Maranda.
24 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2025
Cater and Sophia, just two high school sweethearts who both love the same sport. Carter leaves unexpectedly but returns 9 years later. Sophia has a lot of emotions because she never even knew why he left in the first place. Will they get their second chance? Read and find out. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters have developments, connections, and passion within the story. Would definitely recommend it. Especially if you enjoyed Left On Ice by Noelle Stone.

I did receive a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
42 reviews
January 1, 2026
Small town romance with a love for the same sport, made this a page turner that warmed the heart of its reader and made the reader feel happy with the HEA, each charter had a role to play in the accomplishment of both main characters and offered growth throughout the side characters as well as our lovely FMC as she struggles with forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
392 reviews
February 19, 2025
A very emotional story of hockey star Carter Williams forced from the love of his life, Sophie Hartwell, by his abusive, manipulative, and embezzling father for nine years. His father threatens to harm his mother and Sophie if Carter doesn’t come with him across the country to Norte Dame and cut all contact with Sophie. But as soon as Carter thinks he’s finally free of his dad’s threatening manipulations he returns to Ivy Glen to help save the town’s recreation center and ice rinks and with the hope of seeing Sophie and making things right. The problem is he ghosted her and never told her why he left and hasn’t spoken to her in those nine years. Be prepared for not only the abuse in Carter’s life but Sophie’s brother Tom has had a devastating event in his life also. As the story unfolds, Carter and Sophie will have to overcome several obstacles derailing her trust in him including a stalking puck bunny and his running away again after some surprising news as well as a resurfacing menace.
I couldn’t help but love Carter because even though he made some really bad decisions he was doing what he thought was best for others at the time. Two things were very apparent: he loved his mom and he worshipped Sophie. Sophie was just as much a likable character as Carter and I could really relate with how she would have trust issues with some of the things that happened. I thought it was admirable of her to listen to her best friend Abbie’s and her brother’s advice to give Carter the chance to explain. And I can’t wait until Abbie and Jake get to tell their story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Book  Junkie.
310 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2025
This is a second chance story between Carter and Sophie. The story starts with Carter and Sophie already a couple and have been for 3 years and are madly in love with each other talking about forever. He leaves her after a pretty significant moment but leaves a note saying he's going to scope out their future but never returns and then Sophie believes he has cheated on her after seeing pictures online.

The second book is set 9 years later where Carter pretty much fell off the face of the earth for Sophie and she believed he had moved on with his life. Sophie does not know that Carter's life has been controlled by his father and he did what he did to protect the ones he loved, even if it meant breaking his own heart in the process! He is still best friends with Sophie's brother who then has him drafted to his team and back into Sophie's life! He thinks Sophie has moved on and makes a mistake or two in the process. There is an absolutely crazy OW in this one that was quite enjoyable. There is some good grovel from Carter!

I felt the break was a little too long to be believable and it is a bit of a "It's always been you but while it wasn't you, it was some others" but I still enjoyed it overall!
7 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2025
Second Chance at Love

Left on the Ice left me hanging on the beautiful relationship Carter and Sophie had. To be 18 and know how strong your love is to have it ripped from you is heartbreaking.

Back on the Ice is the perfect second chance at love story for Sophie and Carter. There is a slow burn and your heart just breaks for Sophie. Carter is great but runs into multiple situations that could just break him. Both of them are so strong and have over come obstacles that usually would break someone. In the end the fight is worth it for both of them. Carters mom was such a fighter and shouldn’t go through what she had to but for her she bounced back and can live her life.

I was hooked at the start of this series but this book in particular hooked me right away. I couldn’t stop reading. I love all the characters in the story and we got the happy ending ring for Carter and Sophie but I can’t wait to see what’s going on with Jake and Abbie. They seem like their story is going to be super HOT. Tom also deserves a happy ending. Hopefully in the future we hear his story.


I received a free copy of this via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,656 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2025
Jumping into this story you just know from the start that Sophie and Carter had that once in a lifetime love since they were young, but life got in the way and shredded that. Their story was beautiful and broken with the pain they lived with and carried for years, but when Carter comes back to town Sophie is more than determined to keep him at arm’s length. Carter walked away from the best thing he ever had nine years ago and now that he has returned he wants her back, but the force that kept him away is it truly gone or just biding its time? My heart hurt for the pain these two endure because the love they have never went away and you just find yourself hoping things will work out for them. At times, Sophie’s mistrust would get frustrating but it’s realistic after what she endured. The same with Carter when he thinks he is handling a situation towards the end made me angry because he wasn’t standing up for himself, but when he realizes that it’s heartbreaking as well because he sees the pain it’s causing again. This book was well written, kept me engaged, the steam was off the charts, and the characters make it easy to fall in love with them.
Profile Image for Smiler The Avid Reader.
458 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2025
3.5/5

A good book with good bones. The author wrapped all the questions I had as I was reading. At one point I thought I was going to be more frustrated with the MMC, but the writing moved the storyline along really well.

I think some readers might need more grovel and better reasonings for the MMC being gone for so long….the author could’ve elaborated a bit more on the danger and control the MMC’s father had, especially with the town etc….the beatings the mmc got from his father felt a bit glossed over. Maybe the author wanted to keep the tone more lighthearted, but without extra details I think it made the mmc more wishy washy in his decisions.

One thing I don’t agree with is some reviews I read is expecting the mmc to stay celibate. In this situation I think nine years away is very unrealistic to expect him not to have slept with some others….perhaps more explanations and dialogue between the characters could’ve explained this more in depth in the story, but I think the mmc ‘interludes’ with others very much mirrored the way the fmc was as well, so for me it wasn’t an issue.

Will be reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Misty.
1,314 reviews30 followers
February 10, 2025
I loved this book, it is about Carter and Sophie who were high school sweethearts. They did everything together, until one night when he just disappeared. Sophie has no idea why he left or why he ghosted her, but she refuses to let him back in her life. Now, 9 years later he shows up to help save the ice rink and they have to work together on the project.

You can tell they share a connection even after all that time apart. I could not put their story down while their pain was also there, you knew that they were meant to be together. There are some touchy subjects in this book, but they were handled very well. I was happy with the ending, and I always could feel that his dad was going to show back up. Carter is a good man and he deserves every happiness with Sophie and I was rooting for them. I would highly recommend this book, but grab a few tissues as you sit down to read.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from author.
Profile Image for Janine.
1,125 reviews10 followers
February 14, 2025
Left On Ice had a horrible cliffhanger ending, and I wanted to see where they would end up in the future.

And Back On Ice is their future.

Considering where Left On Ice left off, it's no wonder that we start Back On Ice as enemies to lovers. And Carter grovels SO beautifully in his attempt to win Sophie back. And as expected, as Sophie learns more about Carter's truth, we see her heart softening, and they FINALLY get their chance at their HEA.

Carter (and his Mom) have AMAZING character growth. And I also appreciate Sophie's journey and growth.

There are portions of this book that may be difficult for certain readers, so I suggest that potential readers check the content warnings.

I loved how Carter and Sophie's story closed out, and I'm looking forward to seeing where we go through the rest of this series. :).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Livy.
153 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
I can not even explain how much I love this book! I read the prequel and couldn’t wait for the story.

When I first saw how many pages the book was, I was worried that it would actually keep me captivated the whole time. But it absolutely did. There was a lot of push and pull, but it wasn’t annoying. I found myself frustrated with-not at- the main characters. The term whale in both Carter and Sophie’s hearts was very evident. I could understand where each of them were coming from yet was rooting for them the whole time.

There were some twist and turns I actually didn’t expect but enhance the book that much more. There was a little suspense, but not enough to creep you out.

10/10 recommend this book. Especially if you like
❤️small town
❤️high school sweethearts
❤️”it’s always only been you”
❤️second chance only love
❤️redemption
❤️survivors
❤️minor suspense
❤️HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
102 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.

Carter and Sophie were Childhood Sweethearts.

This came to an abrupt end when Carter went away suddenly to Notre Dame on a College Scholarship to play Ice Hockey. He never got a proper chance to say goodbye to Sophie back then because of his horrible Father who ruled his life!

9 years on from when he left he is back to try and save the Ice Rink where he spent most of his happy times as a boy on.

Sophie is helping Manage the Ice Rink along with other jobs that she has in the town and to say she gives him a Cold Reception when she meets him is putting it mildly!

Carter still loves Sophie but she is not having any of it as she is still hurt over the way things ended with them.

The Ice Hockey God does everything in his power to ware her down.

There is loads of spice in this book as well as a lot of Drama!

I won't say anymore but it is definitely worth a read and you will enjoy it as much as I did!

Profile Image for Carleigh boose.
41 reviews
September 26, 2025
Back On Ice by Noelle Stone was everything I hoped for in a small-town, second-chance romance.

Carter was a rising hockey star, but not by choice—his abusive father with a gambling problem made his life a living hell. Sophie, who works at her mom’s flower shop and the rec centre, does nothing for herself , just wanted to be loved. Their shared love of hockey and the local rec centre that built the foundation of their bond through highschool, was faced demolition, Carter had to step in and fund the remodel. The problem? Facing Sophie after 10 years of silence, with her anger and heartbreak still fresh.

I really enjoyed the flow of the story—the pacing was strong, and the chapters never felt empty. Plus, I always love a best friend’s little sister trope, and this book delivered on that front.

Overall, a good read and would recommend
Profile Image for Heather Bohinski.
80 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2025
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review. Thank you Noelle Stone for this opportunity!!

4.5/5 *

"Hey aunt Fee, guess who's coming back to Ivy Glen? My favorite hockey player, Carter Williams!"
"Carter f***ing Williams. Carter mother f***ing Williams. The boy who had been my everything. Memories flash through me like lightning, quick and painful. Our grade school years. Romantic dates in high school, overlooking the lake from the back of his truck. Making college plans together. Taking each others virginity. A shiver runs through me remembering the morning after, when my life changed forever. I was stuck with waking up in an empty bed. His text, with the timestamp of around 4:30 am, hadn't given me any indication that anything was wrong. That was 9 years ago....

I devoured this second chance hockey romance. Carter is a true golden retriever MMC and I absolutely LOVED his and Sophie's story. Sophie is fierce and isn't afraid to tell you how she feels. There are several different types of relationships in this book and they are all so wonderful. There's spice, humor, suspense and action all packed in to this one. I can't wait for the next story to come from the small town of Ivy Glen!!
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,716 reviews40 followers
February 17, 2025
Great book . It was a page turner and the suspense was sweet . I was on verge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It was very emotional moments. Carter and Sophie were high-school sweetheart. They both loved and very passion for ice hockey. They were so much in love with one another. Cater leaves without tell Sophie the truth. She was very heartbroken and she was so mad him. Years later he came back and ran into her again and she couldn’t believe her eyes. Could she forgive him or will she rekindle their romance once again.
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
Profile Image for S Celeste.
662 reviews43 followers
February 20, 2025
Carter and Sophie were childhood sweethearts. But right before they were set to graduation from HS Carter Leaves Sofie and when she sees photos of Carter with another woman, conveniences herself that he cheated on her too. When Carter comes back to town after 9 years way and tries to fix the their relationship and win back the love of his life.

This was a very different story than I expected. There are a lot of heavy themes in this book, domestic violence, grief, addiction. What becomes clear is that a lot of outside forces caused the end of their relationship. There are some really touching moments between Carter and Sophie as they begin to open up and try to build trust again. Worth adding to your TBR.
Profile Image for Gizelle Falcon.
135 reviews
August 31, 2025
sweet love story

I read the prequel/novella first so some scenes felt redundant but the story was incredibly sweet. I wish the timeline was a little clearer when they are in the thick of things.

Carter is a golden retriever mmc. He will do anything he can to protect his girl even if it’s at his expense and that led to him having to give her up but it’s finally safe to be in her life again.

Sophie never stops because if she does she will be forced to face the pain of losing the only boy she’s ever loved. He back in town and she has to decide if she is embracing the man she loved or protecting her heart.

Surprises and danger are hidden around the corner of their reunion. Will these moments make or break them for good.
3 reviews
February 18, 2025
This was super cute! I loved the prequel novella, so I pretty much knew I’d enjoy the full novel. Sophie and Carter were high school sweethearts who parted ways when Carter left for college. But now he’s back !! And it’s all happy good times… or is it? Sophie obviously is different, with it being 9 years later and now they’re both fully grown adults, but she’s never gotten over Carter leaving her behind. And now he’s a MAN, who still wants her (I could never resist 😳), but the struggles are still there.

It’s cute, it’s sexy, it’s heartbreaking (but not really bc it is happy ever after!)

I received this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Savanna Hamrick.
177 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2025
4 star. There was a miscommunication in the book but also a really good second chance ending in a accidental surprise pregnancy. Sophie and Carters story was a good second chance sports romance I’ve read so far. Favorite character was Jordan and Sophie. I loved how Sophie grew up and became a women who’s badass. Carters character has a good development and he righted his wrongdoings and groveled and he took down his dad. I’m interested in Jake and Abbie’s story next when it gets published, but I also hope that Tom might get his second chance at romance☺️ id recommend this one but you’ll need to read the prequel Left on Ice before Back on Ice.
503 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2025
“Back on Ice” is page turner throughout! This second-chance, small town hockey romance was intriguing as it told the story of Sophie and Carter. They find their second chance to be with one another after several hitches within their relationship and journey. I love the mystery element added to this sport romance and how it helps to reaffirm and connect Sophie and Carter. This well-written story had romance, steam, friendship, family and the love of the two main, dynamic characters that transcended over the years until they reconnected. “Back on Ice” is Book 1 of the Ivy Glen series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,769 reviews22 followers
February 7, 2025
Skating Rink Revival

Carter is back in town to help the struggling rink be revived. However, running into Sophie again was shocking as much as it was emotionally charged. The truth of his disappearance from her life and their prior relationship may have eased the anger, but can she forgive him for a second chance? This story was incredibly heart-wrenching and intriguing. I kept needing to know how it would end and look forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anna Hayes.
162 reviews3 followers
Read
August 23, 2025
This one was fine, but I’ll probably not come back to it. There was a lot happening in the book, and it all felt kind of jumbled. The romance was sweet at times but Carter really needed therapy, too - not just his mom.

I will say, there were some story telling issues. For example, there’s an accidental pregnancy here that didn’t make any sense to me? She missed her BC pill after the confrontation with Nicole, but she and Carter didn’t have sex after that so I don’t understand how a missed pill then explained the pregnancy.

The spice was good though so 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Tanya Wright.
209 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2025
Good read (slight spoilers)

Enjoyable read, I liked that there was no time jump. Both of Sophie and Carter had really grown since their teens.
Sophie Hardened by her past and Carter seemed a little stuck in it and His Dads controlling Hand. I loved the Transition for Carters Mum. Abbie was an amazing friend. Great other side Characters with Sophies Brother and Nephew and Carters best friend Jake.
Resolved misunderstandings, slight OW Drama. Triggers for Domestic abuse mentioned not between main characters. Financial abuse, manipulation. Some Spice, Angst and HEA
Profile Image for Gina Burney.
195 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2025
Carter & Sophie’s second chance is told in such a magnificent way in this story. After reading the short novella from their high school years and what they went through…I was devastated at the cliff hanger. Anxiously awaiting the chance to read this story.

True love can overcome any obstacle!

Plus I don’t always love when characters are able to get a bit of revenge on those who did them wrong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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