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Sticks and Vows
Cold as (N)ice
A new hockey team, a new location, a new family - what happens when a marriage of convenience becomes all too real?
Barrett Coeur takes on a maid as a favor to a teammate, but he quickly finds himself in over his head. Having sworn-off marriage, focusing on hockey and gaming, he’s blindsided when he learns his new employee, Irene, is pregnant… and the stipulations laid before him by his agent.
Irene is struggling to make ends meet, haunted by past mistakes and wary of trusting anyone with her deaf son—especially when it comes to the handsome man sporting a man-bun. When Barrett makes her an unexpected offer, she agrees to a loveless marriage to protect her child and give him a life she couldn't provide on her own.
When her ex reappears and threatens their new lives, will her marriage become a refuge and the key to saving her heart?
* * *
In Cold as (N)Ice, Barrett Coeur isn’t your usual prince charming, and his maid isn’t a typical heroine—but their frosty partnership will warm your heart in this tender and enchanting hockey romance that proves love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
Barrett Coeur takes on a maid as a favor to a teammate, but he quickly finds himself in over his head. Having sworn-off marriage, focusing on hockey and gaming, he’s blindsided when he learns his new employee, Irene, is pregnant… and the stipulations laid before him by his agent.
Irene is struggling to make ends meet, haunted by past mistakes and wary of trusting anyone with her deaf son—especially when it comes to the handsome man sporting a man-bun. When Barrett makes her an unexpected offer, she agrees to a loveless marriage to protect her child and give him a life she couldn't provide on her own.
When her ex reappears and threatens their new lives, will her marriage become a refuge and the key to saving her heart?
* * *
In Cold as (N)Ice, Barrett Coeur isn’t your usual prince charming, and his maid isn’t a typical heroine—but their frosty partnership will warm your heart in this tender and enchanting hockey romance that proves love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
153 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Sterling
404 books732 followersGinny Sterling is an avid romance writer. She lives to tell sweet, inspirational, tender tales that tug at the heart, leaving the reader smiling, laughing, or crying. Her book series include many titles such as FLYBOYS, Healing Hearts, Flirt’s Battalion, Reserve Ranch, Hotshots, and more.
Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!
https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling
Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!
https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 8, 2025
This was a fantastic marriage of convenience story and a great start to a brand new series! I finished reading Charming Crosschecks from the Pucks and Promises series directly before picking this book up and I, honestly, wondered if I would like reading about Barrett Coeur as the main character. I was very frustrated with him in Charming Crosschecks, with the way he teased Gerry and gave him a couple of nicknames that were hurtful.
Well, Barrett really redeemed himself in this story! It was immediately clear that he had a good heart and that showed itself early on when he was so kind to Irene's son, Stephen. I love the way Stephen and Barrett bonded and developed a real father/son relationship early on.
I also thought that Irene and Barrett did a great job of communicating in this story and being open to the growing emotions between them. They were simply so sweet & I loved seeing their relationship progress. This book was so good & is one that I will probably re-read in the future.
Well, Barrett really redeemed himself in this story! It was immediately clear that he had a good heart and that showed itself early on when he was so kind to Irene's son, Stephen. I love the way Stephen and Barrett bonded and developed a real father/son relationship early on.
I also thought that Irene and Barrett did a great job of communicating in this story and being open to the growing emotions between them. They were simply so sweet & I loved seeing their relationship progress. This book was so good & is one that I will probably re-read in the future.
June 1, 2025
This is one of the best marriage of convenience stories I've read. Coeur is the epitome of greatness. He's sweet, thoughtful, and kind. He and Irene make a great couple and Stephen is just the sweetest boy! Watching Coeur interact with him is adorable.
March 1, 2025
I absolutely adore Barrett & Irene's feisty, caring ,sweet, loving swoony happily ever after!!
February 18, 2025
Be still my beating my heart. It is so funny that I was already thinking of this little phrase as I read this book, and it actually appeared several times in the text. Everything about this romance was special from the plot to the characters, who, by the way, you will fall in love with.
Barrett Coeur gets manhandled into hiring a teammate's current maid, Irene. He is adamant that he does not need a maid, but he gives in. Barrett does not realize that his world is about to be upside down and topsy turvy.
Irene needs a job badly. Her son, Stephen, is deaf and absolutely adorable in every way. I wanted to give him great big hug. She is a single mother (with no help from her scuzzy ex-husband, who you will learn to despise). When she meets Barrett, she sees a big, grumpy hockey player. However, when he starts signing with her son, she knows she is toast.
This marriage of convenience story will tug on your heart, make you laugh a lot and most definitely make you swoon. Barrett's grumpy exterior is just exactly that. That exterior hides a lot of goodness from inside. I thought I was going to melt into a puddle at some of his actions for Stephen. The romance was sweet, but his protectiveness and absolute need to make that little boy happy and feel included, put this romance over the top and into my top ten favorites. You do not have to enjoy hockey romance or even know anything about hockey to enjoy this book. It is just that good.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Barrett Coeur gets manhandled into hiring a teammate's current maid, Irene. He is adamant that he does not need a maid, but he gives in. Barrett does not realize that his world is about to be upside down and topsy turvy.
Irene needs a job badly. Her son, Stephen, is deaf and absolutely adorable in every way. I wanted to give him great big hug. She is a single mother (with no help from her scuzzy ex-husband, who you will learn to despise). When she meets Barrett, she sees a big, grumpy hockey player. However, when he starts signing with her son, she knows she is toast.
This marriage of convenience story will tug on your heart, make you laugh a lot and most definitely make you swoon. Barrett's grumpy exterior is just exactly that. That exterior hides a lot of goodness from inside. I thought I was going to melt into a puddle at some of his actions for Stephen. The romance was sweet, but his protectiveness and absolute need to make that little boy happy and feel included, put this romance over the top and into my top ten favorites. You do not have to enjoy hockey romance or even know anything about hockey to enjoy this book. It is just that good.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2025
I'm already in love with this new series! Ginny Sterling can seriously do NO wrong! First off this cover is beyond GORGEOUS! Next, she took my heart and just turned it into a pile of goo! I was just so in love with Barrett's character and how he steps up and all he does for Irene and Stephen. I was hooked from the beginning until the very end and let me tell you I didn't want this book to end. The story and characters are well written and enjoyable.
Barrett's teammate asks him to hire Irene as his maid as a favor to him but little did he know that the women that is going to walk into his house is about to change his life. Barrett comes off all broody but this man has such a big heart.
Irene is a single mom who has a rough go at it for sometime. Her ex was an abusive man and has a hard time staying away from Irene. So when she gets hired as a maid making more money she feels like things might actually turn around for her.
Barrett and Irene have such great chemistry. Barrett's bond with her deaf son Stephen will melt your heart. Barrett had me swooning so much in this book and he's officially another book boyfriend for me because he was absolutely PERFECT!!
I had such a great time reading this book. I was swooning, laughing, smiling like crazy, my heart melted and I absolutely loved the happily ever after epilogue. I would HIGHLY recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book!
Barrett's teammate asks him to hire Irene as his maid as a favor to him but little did he know that the women that is going to walk into his house is about to change his life. Barrett comes off all broody but this man has such a big heart.
Irene is a single mom who has a rough go at it for sometime. Her ex was an abusive man and has a hard time staying away from Irene. So when she gets hired as a maid making more money she feels like things might actually turn around for her.
Barrett and Irene have such great chemistry. Barrett's bond with her deaf son Stephen will melt your heart. Barrett had me swooning so much in this book and he's officially another book boyfriend for me because he was absolutely PERFECT!!
I had such a great time reading this book. I was swooning, laughing, smiling like crazy, my heart melted and I absolutely loved the happily ever after epilogue. I would HIGHLY recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book!
February 28, 2025
Oh, mon coeur! 💗
What a treat this story is. When I read the Pucks and Promises series with the big surprise ending, I was SHOCKED. But this first books in the spinoff Sticks and Vows series made it clear that the surprise was a good one.
When Coeur makes the decision to move to the Quebec Wolverines and play for a big pay jump, it feels like a dream. The catch? To project a wholesome, family image, the players must be married. Coeur quickly convinces his new housekeeper that she should make the leap with him into a marriage of convenience where everyone wins, including her, her deaf son and her surprise unborn baby.
Oh, how I adore a marriage of convenience where they quickly realize they are good for each other. Coeur sheds his grumpy personal pretty quickly for a protective one, and he is precious. His chemistry with Irene is off the charts, but how sweet his relationship is with his deaf stepson is beyond adorable. I loved all the ASL throughout the story and the well-done representation of the deaf community.
This might be my favorite of Ginny's stories. I can't wait to read the marriage of convenience mishaps of the rest of the Wolverines!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story. All thoughts contained here are my own.
What a treat this story is. When I read the Pucks and Promises series with the big surprise ending, I was SHOCKED. But this first books in the spinoff Sticks and Vows series made it clear that the surprise was a good one.
When Coeur makes the decision to move to the Quebec Wolverines and play for a big pay jump, it feels like a dream. The catch? To project a wholesome, family image, the players must be married. Coeur quickly convinces his new housekeeper that she should make the leap with him into a marriage of convenience where everyone wins, including her, her deaf son and her surprise unborn baby.
Oh, how I adore a marriage of convenience where they quickly realize they are good for each other. Coeur sheds his grumpy personal pretty quickly for a protective one, and he is precious. His chemistry with Irene is off the charts, but how sweet his relationship is with his deaf stepson is beyond adorable. I loved all the ASL throughout the story and the well-done representation of the deaf community.
This might be my favorite of Ginny's stories. I can't wait to read the marriage of convenience mishaps of the rest of the Wolverines!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story. All thoughts contained here are my own.
March 7, 2025
What a way to start the new series!! Ginny had me hooked from the beginning of the story. This is the first book in her new series, Sticks and Vows. This is the story of Barrett and Irene, but also a great introduction to many other characters I am sure we will get to meet.
Barrett is a hockey player in Texas who meets Irene through a friend's referral. They create a unique friendship that progressing into more. Irene comes with her son, Stephen who is deaf, and unknown news. The instant friendship and caring between Barrett and Stephen is represented wonderfully. Barrett is one of few people that Stephen meets who know ASL. We follow the couple through the multitude of life changes, stresses and meeting new people.
I love that Ginny brought ASL into this story and shows the importance of learning new things everyday. The importance of showing everyone they have value is so important. As with any of Ginny's books, I highly recommend this story.
Barrett is a hockey player in Texas who meets Irene through a friend's referral. They create a unique friendship that progressing into more. Irene comes with her son, Stephen who is deaf, and unknown news. The instant friendship and caring between Barrett and Stephen is represented wonderfully. Barrett is one of few people that Stephen meets who know ASL. We follow the couple through the multitude of life changes, stresses and meeting new people.
I love that Ginny brought ASL into this story and shows the importance of learning new things everyday. The importance of showing everyone they have value is so important. As with any of Ginny's books, I highly recommend this story.
December 25, 2025
I found this author on a Facebook group because I’m trying to find more authors without spice, and this was a very pleasant read! I got through it pretty quickly because I just had to know what happens next.
Overall takeaways-
- hard-to-read MMC
- FMC with a past
- sweet, no spice
If you’re not a big sports reader, this book really doesn’t dive into hockey games, it’s more about the team dynamics and management. I don’t put spoilers in my reviews but if you like a protective MMC who respects boundaries, this is a great book for sure. Lots of flirting, the banter was also hilarious to read and felt realistic.
Some conflict felt like it could have gone deeper, like the threats didn’t have as much weight because tension would be resolved quickly, but for me that’s a minor critique.
Overall takeaways-
- hard-to-read MMC
- FMC with a past
- sweet, no spice
If you’re not a big sports reader, this book really doesn’t dive into hockey games, it’s more about the team dynamics and management. I don’t put spoilers in my reviews but if you like a protective MMC who respects boundaries, this is a great book for sure. Lots of flirting, the banter was also hilarious to read and felt realistic.
Some conflict felt like it could have gone deeper, like the threats didn’t have as much weight because tension would be resolved quickly, but for me that’s a minor critique.
July 3, 2025
First off, this cover is gorgeous and a main reason I picked up this book but it delivered with content!!
This is the first book in a series that follows team mates of a hockey team as they are relocated to Canada from Dallas. The male main character appears to be grumpy at first but as the story progresses, his true character takes over. The main female character is fresh out of a horrible marriage and has to deal with her ex.
These two are thrown into an awkward relationship that is built on loyalty and is definitely a slow burn with no spice but is super sweet and will have you kicking your feet with how adorable the interacts are between these two and Irene’s son.
Side note: I met the author at an event and she’s a doll as well!! Can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.
This is the first book in a series that follows team mates of a hockey team as they are relocated to Canada from Dallas. The male main character appears to be grumpy at first but as the story progresses, his true character takes over. The main female character is fresh out of a horrible marriage and has to deal with her ex.
These two are thrown into an awkward relationship that is built on loyalty and is definitely a slow burn with no spice but is super sweet and will have you kicking your feet with how adorable the interacts are between these two and Irene’s son.
Side note: I met the author at an event and she’s a doll as well!! Can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.
March 3, 2025
Great start to get another series
I love everything that Ginny Sterling writes. I especially love this new series because of the marriage-of-convenience trope that will be in each one. Hockey romances are all the rage right now, and I do enjoy any sports romance. Ginny Sterling always manages to create such likable characters, and Barrett and Irene both fit that description. And Stephen - I appreciate the fact that she did her research and had sensitivity readers to be sure that a child with a hearing impairment was adequately represented. Don’t hesitate to pick up this book.
I love everything that Ginny Sterling writes. I especially love this new series because of the marriage-of-convenience trope that will be in each one. Hockey romances are all the rage right now, and I do enjoy any sports romance. Ginny Sterling always manages to create such likable characters, and Barrett and Irene both fit that description. And Stephen - I appreciate the fact that she did her research and had sensitivity readers to be sure that a child with a hearing impairment was adequately represented. Don’t hesitate to pick up this book.
March 2, 2025
What a fabulous read! Barrett Coeur is a hockey player ready for a new start with a new team. He meets single mom Irene when one of his teammates asks him to hire Irene because she is down on her luck. She left an abusive marriage and has a son who is deaf. When Barrett meets the two of them something ignites in him. Their timing is perfect since one of the stipulations for the team is he has to be married. Perfect for them both a marriage of convenience, throw in an unexpected pregnancy and harassment from the ex and feeling that are true and you get a great book!
March 2, 2025
These two are my new favorite hockey couple. I adored this marriage of convenience. Irene is a mom who will do anything for her sweet child and doesn’t realize what a gift life has handed her. Barrett while grump at times, is warm and welcoming with her son as she works for him and I loved seeing him open up in this way. It is truly seeing a new side to him than what we have seen in his past interactions with the guys.
This is a dual pov, closed door romance. It is the beginning of a new series but has crossover from the Pucks and Promises series.
This is a dual pov, closed door romance. It is the beginning of a new series but has crossover from the Pucks and Promises series.
March 23, 2025
"Cold as Nice" is the sweet story of Barrett and Irene. Irene needs a job to keep a roof over her head and keep her son fed. Barrett has agreed to do a favor for a team mate by hiring a maid, Irene. He bonds quickly with her son who loves to play video games, is deaf and speaks ASL. Then he learns Irene is also pregnant. As she begins working for him, he finds himself needing a wife as a requisite to his joining a team making more money in Canada. They agree to a marriage of convenience. What happens when her abusive ex husband shows up?
January 17, 2026
Loved, loved, loved it!
I absolutely loved Cold as Nice! The relationship between Irene and Barrett was SO precious. I loved how he provided the security, protection, and love she needed. And I loved that she provided the family, care, and loyalty that he was missing. I enjoyed the vulnerability and trust that grew between the characters! It was just so good!
Content: descriptive kisses, a few fade to black scenes (shows leading up to the act, but nothing more explicit), no language
I absolutely loved Cold as Nice! The relationship between Irene and Barrett was SO precious. I loved how he provided the security, protection, and love she needed. And I loved that she provided the family, care, and loyalty that he was missing. I enjoyed the vulnerability and trust that grew between the characters! It was just so good!
Content: descriptive kisses, a few fade to black scenes (shows leading up to the act, but nothing more explicit), no language
July 24, 2025
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for marriages of convenience stories. We all know from the start that they won’t remain that way, but the participants are always to hopeful and determined. This one has a twist in that both have a reason for the marriage to be a good idea. Barrett’s attitude towards Irene shows a softer side to him than he shows the world. Throw in her deaf son and you really have a match made in heaven. I loved watching his protective side starting to grow and Irene coming to realize what a gem she has.
October 25, 2025
Loved, Loved, Loved
I love ALL of Ginny Sterling's books! "Cold as Nice" was just as well written as her others!! I can't wait for the next book in this series... off to read!!
Ginny, you are Loverly! Your characters (good or bad) are so appealing! The storylines... Phenomenal! I think my favorite series you've written in "Flyboys"... over-all swoon factor...110%!! Keep up the great work & keep those stories coming!!🙏✌️❤️⚘️⚘️⚘️
I love ALL of Ginny Sterling's books! "Cold as Nice" was just as well written as her others!! I can't wait for the next book in this series... off to read!!
Ginny, you are Loverly! Your characters (good or bad) are so appealing! The storylines... Phenomenal! I think my favorite series you've written in "Flyboys"... over-all swoon factor...110%!! Keep up the great work & keep those stories coming!!🙏✌️❤️⚘️⚘️⚘️
March 20, 2025
This is the first book in this series and a spinoff of another series.
She's a single mom of a young son coming out of a toxic marriage. He hires her to help make his house a home. When he gets transferred to a new team it comes with a stipulation he needs help meeting. Get ready to LOL multiple times as they figure out how to adjust to all of the changes in their lives?
She's a single mom of a young son coming out of a toxic marriage. He hires her to help make his house a home. When he gets transferred to a new team it comes with a stipulation he needs help meeting. Get ready to LOL multiple times as they figure out how to adjust to all of the changes in their lives?
April 13, 2025
Such a tender romance
I've been a fan since the Flyboys and it looks like I'm going to be a Sticks & Vow fan too.
Ginny always delivers when you want a tender romance, when you want a sweet, but chemistry loaded romance, and especially when you want to see the MCs struggle and grow to finally live their HEA.
I've been a fan since the Flyboys and it looks like I'm going to be a Sticks & Vow fan too.
Ginny always delivers when you want a tender romance, when you want a sweet, but chemistry loaded romance, and especially when you want to see the MCs struggle and grow to finally live their HEA.
February 8, 2025
This is going to be a good series.
Ice hockey teams are great 'family' makers...even when the requirements for being on a new team are not quite what is expected. Do you follow the rules and make the change for the big bucks or do you stay where you are and play by your rules?
Ice hockey teams are great 'family' makers...even when the requirements for being on a new team are not quite what is expected. Do you follow the rules and make the change for the big bucks or do you stay where you are and play by your rules?
March 7, 2025
This is a good start on this newest series.
I just love this wonderful story of Irene, her deaf son, Stephen and Barrett's journey to there happy ever after. The storyline sure catches your interest and also your laughter along with intrigueing and heartfelt characters.
I just love this wonderful story of Irene, her deaf son, Stephen and Barrett's journey to there happy ever after. The storyline sure catches your interest and also your laughter along with intrigueing and heartfelt characters.
April 2, 2025
I loved this book so much!! I know hockey can get cliche sometimes but I do not see that happening here! I loved Irene and Barrett's story. The way that Barrett is with her son and who he became to Irene as quickly as she needed it was really awesome. This definitely gave me all the warm fuzzies!
April 3, 2025
loved This story
The story cut my heart of Stephen, specially and his mother, Irene, and Barrett. Such a warm and wonderful story of a family coming together it’s in the same track as the fly boy series as the Wolverines come together as a team and families are built.
The story cut my heart of Stephen, specially and his mother, Irene, and Barrett. Such a warm and wonderful story of a family coming together it’s in the same track as the fly boy series as the Wolverines come together as a team and families are built.
April 11, 2025
Full of love
I enjoyed this marriage of convenience romance. I really loved precious Steven and how much Coeur cared about him and made him a part of everything. There was lots of humor in. Irene and Coeur getting together.
I enjoyed this marriage of convenience romance. I really loved precious Steven and how much Coeur cared about him and made him a part of everything. There was lots of humor in. Irene and Coeur getting together.
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July 14, 2025very different in the best way
I’ve read plenty of MOC, but I loved that these two right away intend for it to be real at some point. There’s no wasted time plotting out how it’s going to end, no annoying angst over if it’s one sided and counting down to the agreed on end date, no hashing out legalities. Both maturely take a stance with hope that this will grow into more eventually, never expecting instalove! Everything was handled with maturity, chemistry, and FUN. Really loved this series starter!
I’ve read plenty of MOC, but I loved that these two right away intend for it to be real at some point. There’s no wasted time plotting out how it’s going to end, no annoying angst over if it’s one sided and counting down to the agreed on end date, no hashing out legalities. Both maturely take a stance with hope that this will grow into more eventually, never expecting instalove! Everything was handled with maturity, chemistry, and FUN. Really loved this series starter!
February 12, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! Barrett is so swoony-the way he stepped up and accepted Irene’s kids as his?! Heart melting goodness🤎. Loved him & Irene together and this new Wolverine hockey family!
March 4, 2025
Great book!
I am really going to enjoy this new series. Ginny Sterling has never let me down! I just love all her books and every book I read of hers, I want to read more!
I am really going to enjoy this new series. Ginny Sterling has never let me down! I just love all her books and every book I read of hers, I want to read more!
March 4, 2025
Loved it
An answer to a prayer for three, than four. Ginny always comes up with new ideas and new twists to keep you reading her fantastic love stories.
An answer to a prayer for three, than four. Ginny always comes up with new ideas and new twists to keep you reading her fantastic love stories.
March 14, 2025
I love me a protective cinnamon roll MMC 😍🫠 pg-13 kisses and innuendo and it was just the right amount! I looooove this book so much and highly recommend it. 🥰
March 28, 2025
3.25⭐️
Me hubiera gustado que fuera más largo porque todo se dio rápido.
Me hubiera gustado que fuera más largo porque todo se dio rápido.
April 1, 2025
Sweet, clean and easy to like!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews