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East Coast #4
Ice Rivals
I once fell in love with two people.
I was lucky enough they fell in love with me too.
Chance Kellerman was the broken boy whose father convinced him he was worthless, and needed to hide his shameful desires.
We became friends first, then brothers when we played hockey for the same team.
But it was Presley King who brought us even closer. With her we became more. She set us on fire, and we had everything we’d ever wanted.
Then she left us.
Four years later, Chance and I are playing on rival teams when Presley appears on the Jumbotron. Our lives look a lot different than they did in college, and the odds seem stacked against us, but I’m positive we’ve been thrown back together for a reason.
Convincing them of the same won’t be easy, especially when Presley’s job finds out about our unconventional relationship. I’m prepared to fight for us, until one moment on the ice changes everything.
I thought fate brought us together, but maybe we’re only destined to lose it all.
I was lucky enough they fell in love with me too.
Chance Kellerman was the broken boy whose father convinced him he was worthless, and needed to hide his shameful desires.
We became friends first, then brothers when we played hockey for the same team.
But it was Presley King who brought us even closer. With her we became more. She set us on fire, and we had everything we’d ever wanted.
Then she left us.
Four years later, Chance and I are playing on rival teams when Presley appears on the Jumbotron. Our lives look a lot different than they did in college, and the odds seem stacked against us, but I’m positive we’ve been thrown back together for a reason.
Convincing them of the same won’t be easy, especially when Presley’s job finds out about our unconventional relationship. I’m prepared to fight for us, until one moment on the ice changes everything.
I thought fate brought us together, but maybe we’re only destined to lose it all.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2025
768 people are currently reading
3402 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Granata
19 books2,975 followersKristen Granata is a bestselling romance author known for writing inspirational, emotional stories with realistic characters who struggle through the darkest parts of life and come out stronger on the other side.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zblG7G
Instagram: https://bit.ly/34LUfge
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3xOqPMm
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cuvtEg
Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and demonstrates the ability of love to heal after tragedy.
When she's not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, tripping over something, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and annoying her wife and step-daughters by incessantly singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Kristen was born in Brooklyn, New York. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife & her two step-daughters.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zblG7G
Instagram: https://bit.ly/34LUfge
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3xOqPMm
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cuvtEg
Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and demonstrates the ability of love to heal after tragedy.
When she's not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, tripping over something, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and annoying her wife and step-daughters by incessantly singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Kristen was born in Brooklyn, New York. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife & her two step-daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
April 24, 2025
4.75 stars
an MMF romance that was everything and more; achingly tender, undeniably passionate, and so beautifully crafted that I wanted to inhale it in one sitting. the authors’ plume is addictive, each word pulling me deeper into a story that wasn’t just about fiery attraction but about love in all its complexity.
what I adored most was how their relationship wasn’t just a vehicle for steamy bi representation; there was depth, so much of it. glimpses into their pasts painted a full, intricate picture of what they meant to one another, of the unspoken ties that bound them even in absence.
Stephen and Chance stood at the antipodes of each other, personality-wise : Stephen, all warmth and light, the one who has always worn his heart on his sleeve.. Chance , quiet and tormented, his past a heavy burden, his queerness something he struggled to claim. they were rivals on the ice for four years, enemies on the surface but never truly at odds; not with the way their tension simmered, masked as animosity. and then, after years apart, fate brought them back to the one person who had always been right in the middle of them, the glue that held them together.
Presley.
she disappeared four years ago, vanished without a trace, leaving them in the dark about her whereabouts, her reasons. now, she’s back, burdened with responsibility, the legal guardian of her niece and nephew. and suddenly, it’s not just about them anymore. both men must set aside their unresolved feelings, their history, their fears, and stand beside her.
i love when children in romance books aren’t just props but become catalysts, weaving their way into the love story in a way that feels natural, essential. here, the author mastered that element perfectly. every character, every dynamic, every choice carried weight.
and in the end, it was impossible not to fall in love with all of them. a new comfort read, without a doubt.
many thanks to The Author Agency & the author for providing and e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
❛❛ “some would say we’re written in the stars.” the corner of his mouth curves up. “yeah, I think we are.❜❜
an MMF romance that was everything and more; achingly tender, undeniably passionate, and so beautifully crafted that I wanted to inhale it in one sitting. the authors’ plume is addictive, each word pulling me deeper into a story that wasn’t just about fiery attraction but about love in all its complexity.
what I adored most was how their relationship wasn’t just a vehicle for steamy bi representation; there was depth, so much of it. glimpses into their pasts painted a full, intricate picture of what they meant to one another, of the unspoken ties that bound them even in absence.
Stephen and Chance stood at the antipodes of each other, personality-wise : Stephen, all warmth and light, the one who has always worn his heart on his sleeve.. Chance , quiet and tormented, his past a heavy burden, his queerness something he struggled to claim. they were rivals on the ice for four years, enemies on the surface but never truly at odds; not with the way their tension simmered, masked as animosity. and then, after years apart, fate brought them back to the one person who had always been right in the middle of them, the glue that held them together.
Presley.
she disappeared four years ago, vanished without a trace, leaving them in the dark about her whereabouts, her reasons. now, she’s back, burdened with responsibility, the legal guardian of her niece and nephew. and suddenly, it’s not just about them anymore. both men must set aside their unresolved feelings, their history, their fears, and stand beside her.
i love when children in romance books aren’t just props but become catalysts, weaving their way into the love story in a way that feels natural, essential. here, the author mastered that element perfectly. every character, every dynamic, every choice carried weight.
and in the end, it was impossible not to fall in love with all of them. a new comfort read, without a doubt.
many thanks to The Author Agency & the author for providing and e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 30, 2025
if nobody got me, i know polyamorous romances got me ✊🏼
if you've been here lately, you know i've had a terrible reading month. so bad i didn't even have a good read, let alone a favorite one... until this one ☝🏼. sweet, tender, sexy, lovely, funny, emotional, bingeable... all adjectives that perfectly describe this book. i got so into presley, chance, and stephen i simply couldn't stop reading. they deal with an array of topics and problems, but handle them all pretty well for a story as short as this one. i read another book by this author a couple of years ago and wasn't a fan of it, but maybe i need to give some more authors a second chance, because this was so much better than i expected. just very nice to finally have a win (and before the end of the month) 🙂↕️
if you've been here lately, you know i've had a terrible reading month. so bad i didn't even have a good read, let alone a favorite one... until this one ☝🏼. sweet, tender, sexy, lovely, funny, emotional, bingeable... all adjectives that perfectly describe this book. i got so into presley, chance, and stephen i simply couldn't stop reading. they deal with an array of topics and problems, but handle them all pretty well for a story as short as this one. i read another book by this author a couple of years ago and wasn't a fan of it, but maybe i need to give some more authors a second chance, because this was so much better than i expected. just very nice to finally have a win (and before the end of the month) 🙂↕️
March 31, 2025
4.5⭐️
When I tell you I have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting the return of the Goldfinches that is the understatement of the year. So honored to have been selected to ARC read this story. These characters and this universe is so beautiful and will always hold a special place in my heart 🖤
Presley, Stephen and Chance all met and formed a bond/ relationship in college. While Stephen (Mckinley) was out and proud to be bi, Chance (Kellerman) was still in the closet due to his upbringing. The glue that held them together, Presley, disappeared without a trace and the boys never recovered. Until 4 years later at a rival match they see her in the crowd and realize that the feelings they once harbored not only for the girl that got away, but for each other, still are very much existent.
All three of these beautifully broken individuals had to overcome so much and seeing them not only find their personal spark but find their way back to each other and to the family they had fostered was such a special journey. Presley’s selflessness and resilience, Stephen’s loyalty and love, Chance’s understanding and patience. These three are the epitome of puzzle pieces that fit together so perfectly they only make sense when they are all together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I absolutely loved this story and these characters. While it is so bittersweet to say goodbye to one of my favorite fictional hockey teams, I know that whatever Kristen has in store for us in the future will be out of this world. 🖤
Thank you so much to Kristen + The Author Agency for this eARC for review!
ICE RIVALS RELEASES 04/03 🏒
When I tell you I have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting the return of the Goldfinches that is the understatement of the year. So honored to have been selected to ARC read this story. These characters and this universe is so beautiful and will always hold a special place in my heart 🖤
Presley, Stephen and Chance all met and formed a bond/ relationship in college. While Stephen (Mckinley) was out and proud to be bi, Chance (Kellerman) was still in the closet due to his upbringing. The glue that held them together, Presley, disappeared without a trace and the boys never recovered. Until 4 years later at a rival match they see her in the crowd and realize that the feelings they once harbored not only for the girl that got away, but for each other, still are very much existent.
All three of these beautifully broken individuals had to overcome so much and seeing them not only find their personal spark but find their way back to each other and to the family they had fostered was such a special journey. Presley’s selflessness and resilience, Stephen’s loyalty and love, Chance’s understanding and patience. These three are the epitome of puzzle pieces that fit together so perfectly they only make sense when they are all together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I absolutely loved this story and these characters. While it is so bittersweet to say goodbye to one of my favorite fictional hockey teams, I know that whatever Kristen has in store for us in the future will be out of this world. 🖤
Thank you so much to Kristen + The Author Agency for this eARC for review!
ICE RIVALS RELEASES 04/03 🏒
March 23, 2025
Question: Who gave Kristen Granata the right to make me laugh and then tear up in the span of one chapter like this? EVERY TIME!
This was such a beautiful read - I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I cried some more. From beginning to end I was absolutely hooked. The character development for everyone was excellent. The found family seriously gets better and better with each book, it was so beautiful to see everyone rally around Presley and the kids.
These three separated abruptly in college, and after a chance encounter years later Presley’s boys are determined to get her back. Yeah you read that right - DOUBLE SECOND CHANCE 👏
I loved these characters so much both individually and together. McKinley’s the perfect golden retriever, and Chance 🥹 gives the best broody, sad boy, grumpy energy. Listen I just love all of them okay!!?
Kristen puts her whole heart and soul into her books and I could absolutely feel it the entire time. She is exactly who she is in real life in these pages, standing up for what is right in the face of adversity, teaching a lesson in a funny, straightforward, and a lil spicy way.
Thank you so much to Kristen Granata for the early copy, it was an honor and a privilege ♥️
This was such a beautiful read - I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I cried some more. From beginning to end I was absolutely hooked. The character development for everyone was excellent. The found family seriously gets better and better with each book, it was so beautiful to see everyone rally around Presley and the kids.
These three separated abruptly in college, and after a chance encounter years later Presley’s boys are determined to get her back. Yeah you read that right - DOUBLE SECOND CHANCE 👏
I loved these characters so much both individually and together. McKinley’s the perfect golden retriever, and Chance 🥹 gives the best broody, sad boy, grumpy energy. Listen I just love all of them okay!!?
Kristen puts her whole heart and soul into her books and I could absolutely feel it the entire time. She is exactly who she is in real life in these pages, standing up for what is right in the face of adversity, teaching a lesson in a funny, straightforward, and a lil spicy way.
Thank you so much to Kristen Granata for the early copy, it was an honor and a privilege ♥️
May 9, 2025
I love that in addition to it being a hockey romcom it also centres around the LGBTQ community!!!!🙂👏🏾
This is a thing more books should help support to get it out there that being different doesn't mean it has to be something bad 🙄.
This story was so touching I loved it from start to finish.
The glue to the three of them is really Stephen because he was always optimistic about them coming back together and I loved that.
If you want a fun hockey reverse harem book read this!!!!♥️🎀
This is a thing more books should help support to get it out there that being different doesn't mean it has to be something bad 🙄.
This story was so touching I loved it from start to finish.
The glue to the three of them is really Stephen because he was always optimistic about them coming back together and I loved that.
If you want a fun hockey reverse harem book read this!!!!♥️🎀
April 4, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much, Kristen Granata!
Being the last book in the series and McKinley’s story, I had high expectations—but unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet them. To make it even more promising, it’s a second chance romance! It had all the elements I usually love, and while I did enjoy the story, the execution fell short. Everything felt kind of flat.
Things moved way too quickly. Since it’s a poly relationship, I already think it requires more development, and adding the second chance angle makes it even more complex. It’s not that I didn’t like the plot—on the contrary, I couldn’t put the book down—but I really wished for… a slower, more natural progression. The way everything unfolded felt a bit forced, and it pulled me out of the story at times.
For example, we don’t really get to see Chance and McKinley rebuilding their relationship. That’s something I really wanted to experience more fully on the page. When it comes to second chance romances, I expect to see the couple—or in this case, the throuple—falling in love all over again. I understand that Presley, Chance, and Stephen never truly fell out of love with each other, but when they reunite in the present, the story relies a lot on what they used to have in the past. Because of that, there were quite a few flashback scenes to give us some perspective on how their relationship started—but even so, I felt it wasn’t enough. Like I said, I wanted to see them get to know and fall in love with who they are now, if that makes sense.
Another thing that bothered me—and ties into what I just said about Chance and Stephen’s connection—is that I felt the individual relationships between them weren’t well-developed. Yes, it’s a poly relationship and everyone is romantically involved, and they do talk about having one-on-one intimate moments, but we only really see that happen once. I think that aspect was very underexplored. I know every poly dynamic is different, but still, I feel like it could’ve been developed more thoughtfully.
Surprisingly, my favorite character was Chance—along with the kids. McKinley, on the other hand, was a big disappointment. I already thought he was immature based on the previous books, but I really believed that, in his book, he would finally grow up. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen—instead, it just reinforced everything I already felt about him. As for Presley... I don’t know, she felt kind of bland. A stark contrast to the other FMCs in the series, who had much stronger and more distinct personalities.
Reading this review, it might sound like I hated the book—but that’s definitely not the case. I actually enjoyed it and think the story had a lot of potential. I just expected more from it, especially since it was the final book in the series and focused on a character I’d been curious about for a while. With a bit more length and development, I truly believe it could’ve been something really special.
I genuinely loved this series and its characters. One of the things I enjoyed the most was how all the books are connected—their timelines overlap at certain moments, and we get to see characters pop up in each other’s stories. It made the whole reading experience even more fun. Which is exactly why I was hoping for a final epilogue bringing everyone together. That would’ve been a nice way to wrap things up.
Being the last book in the series and McKinley’s story, I had high expectations—but unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet them. To make it even more promising, it’s a second chance romance! It had all the elements I usually love, and while I did enjoy the story, the execution fell short. Everything felt kind of flat.
Things moved way too quickly. Since it’s a poly relationship, I already think it requires more development, and adding the second chance angle makes it even more complex. It’s not that I didn’t like the plot—on the contrary, I couldn’t put the book down—but I really wished for… a slower, more natural progression. The way everything unfolded felt a bit forced, and it pulled me out of the story at times.
For example, we don’t really get to see Chance and McKinley rebuilding their relationship. That’s something I really wanted to experience more fully on the page. When it comes to second chance romances, I expect to see the couple—or in this case, the throuple—falling in love all over again. I understand that Presley, Chance, and Stephen never truly fell out of love with each other, but when they reunite in the present, the story relies a lot on what they used to have in the past. Because of that, there were quite a few flashback scenes to give us some perspective on how their relationship started—but even so, I felt it wasn’t enough. Like I said, I wanted to see them get to know and fall in love with who they are now, if that makes sense.
Another thing that bothered me—and ties into what I just said about Chance and Stephen’s connection—is that I felt the individual relationships between them weren’t well-developed. Yes, it’s a poly relationship and everyone is romantically involved, and they do talk about having one-on-one intimate moments, but we only really see that happen once. I think that aspect was very underexplored. I know every poly dynamic is different, but still, I feel like it could’ve been developed more thoughtfully.
Surprisingly, my favorite character was Chance—along with the kids. McKinley, on the other hand, was a big disappointment. I already thought he was immature based on the previous books, but I really believed that, in his book, he would finally grow up. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen—instead, it just reinforced everything I already felt about him. As for Presley... I don’t know, she felt kind of bland. A stark contrast to the other FMCs in the series, who had much stronger and more distinct personalities.
Reading this review, it might sound like I hated the book—but that’s definitely not the case. I actually enjoyed it and think the story had a lot of potential. I just expected more from it, especially since it was the final book in the series and focused on a character I’d been curious about for a while. With a bit more length and development, I truly believe it could’ve been something really special.
I genuinely loved this series and its characters. One of the things I enjoyed the most was how all the books are connected—their timelines overlap at certain moments, and we get to see characters pop up in each other’s stories. It made the whole reading experience even more fun. Which is exactly why I was hoping for a final epilogue bringing everyone together. That would’ve been a nice way to wrap things up.
no-hero-not-celibate-seperation
October 25, 2025Both H was with ow during separation, the h was celibate…..
March 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🗓️ Release Date: 4.03.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 4th and final book in the "East Coast" Series [Interconnected Standalones]
🏒 Hockey Romance
🗣️ Multiple POVs
🏳️🌈 MMF
💥 Check Trigger warnings
We have McKinley's Book!!!!
This was a great wrap up to the East Coast series. We finally get to see Stephen with his loves Presley & Chance and the family they create with Presley's nephew + niece Avery & Alyssa. This story was everything I hoped that it would be and then some. There was love, there was acceptance, there was angst, and a little bit of heartbreak and there was of course some spice.
It was great to see just how different the personalities were between the Golden Retriever, heart on his sleeve, if you dont like me for who I am then fuck your opinion McKinley and the Black Cat, grumpy to the max, closed off, closeted Chance. Then you have the middle peacemaker Presley who keeps them both grounded.
Some of the content in the book can be triggering to certain groups of people, especially in this current political climate. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this book. Its heavy on the political undertones and if that isnt your thing, and love isnt love to you...Then this isnt the book for you. Its well done however, if it is your thing 😏
Tropes:
*Second Chance Romance
*MMF
*Rival Teams
*Single Guardian FMC
*Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat MMC
*Emotional
🗓️ Release Date: 4.03.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 4th and final book in the "East Coast" Series [Interconnected Standalones]
🏒 Hockey Romance
🗣️ Multiple POVs
🏳️🌈 MMF
💥 Check Trigger warnings
We have McKinley's Book!!!!
This was a great wrap up to the East Coast series. We finally get to see Stephen with his loves Presley & Chance and the family they create with Presley's nephew + niece Avery & Alyssa. This story was everything I hoped that it would be and then some. There was love, there was acceptance, there was angst, and a little bit of heartbreak and there was of course some spice.
It was great to see just how different the personalities were between the Golden Retriever, heart on his sleeve, if you dont like me for who I am then fuck your opinion McKinley and the Black Cat, grumpy to the max, closed off, closeted Chance. Then you have the middle peacemaker Presley who keeps them both grounded.
Some of the content in the book can be triggering to certain groups of people, especially in this current political climate. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this book. Its heavy on the political undertones and if that isnt your thing, and love isnt love to you...Then this isnt the book for you. Its well done however, if it is your thing 😏
Tropes:
*Second Chance Romance
*MMF
*Rival Teams
*Single Guardian FMC
*Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat MMC
*Emotional
March 25, 2025
3.7 rounded up. My eyes almost leaked. My nose def tingled though. Thank you KG and team for allowing me to read early.
The premise of this story is an important one. Especially now. It was well written and my hopes were high. Especially with how the rest of this series was. They got better and better. Ice Rivals was good. It really was and I enjoyed it. It just didn’t hit for me like the others did. If you’ve seen the inspo boards and teasers on socials they’re spot on.. the golden retriever, the grump… it’s all there. It works. The found family dynamic is fantastic. I just didn’t like where the “flashback” chapters were placed. It didn’t flow well for me. That is my only gripe.
I crossing everything hoping for a bonus epi at release day to close the loop.
The premise of this story is an important one. Especially now. It was well written and my hopes were high. Especially with how the rest of this series was. They got better and better. Ice Rivals was good. It really was and I enjoyed it. It just didn’t hit for me like the others did. If you’ve seen the inspo boards and teasers on socials they’re spot on.. the golden retriever, the grump… it’s all there. It works. The found family dynamic is fantastic. I just didn’t like where the “flashback” chapters were placed. It didn’t flow well for me. That is my only gripe.
I crossing everything hoping for a bonus epi at release day to close the loop.
unsafe-not-to-be-read
April 3, 2025Besties if any of you have read this, I need safety details pls🙂 Any OW drama/manhoes??? I really liked the previous book (Alexander Krum was SCRUMPTIOUS) and the very first book was amazing as well which is why I wanna read this one too lolz🥰
April 4, 2025
I enjoyed this, i liked the characters and their story. It’s a second chance romance so I appreciated the flashbacks about how they all met and got with each other in the past.
What i loved the most was that when the mmcs see Presley again after years they are 100% sure about wanting to get her back and they prove it by helping her with the kids, around the house, making sure she gets free-kids time ecc. Also the relationship the men have with her kids ? so so beautiful and heartwarming.
Also i really appreciated the bi representation and most importantly the strong political message, especially in times like this when i read about cheetos man’s political decisions.
I’m not sure about the third act conflict, it spiced things up since the plot had been static for a while but it was a bit disappointing (even if i expected it because it was going really well but there were still 50 pages left), so i feel it could have been avoided and ended the book sooner, also because it felt dragged out in my opinion.
overall it was a good and entertaining read.
i don’t usually do this but i realize it could be helpful to some people:
-no OW or OM drama
-no cheating
-i would say no manwhores: about Chance it isn’t said anything explicitly but it’s understandable that he has been with other women in those 4 years, about Stephen it is said that he has been with other women. At the beginning Presley says that she tried to date and the sex was bad but later on she says twice that she has never been with anyone in those years (so i think it was a distraction the author didn’t realize). The fact that the men have been with other people was mentioned like twice, it wasn’t given much importance and personally i believe this dynamic wasn’t written with unconscious double standards in mind since it was mentioned multiple times that Presley had to take care of two kids on her own and didn’t have much time to date
-miscommunication(?): it wasn’t given much importance but SPOILERS
they first broke up when Pres’ sister dies and she becomes the guardian of her kids, but basically she left the men in the middle of the night without and explanation, left college and never contacted them until they met again 4 years later
What i loved the most was that when the mmcs see Presley again after years they are 100% sure about wanting to get her back and they prove it by helping her with the kids, around the house, making sure she gets free-kids time ecc. Also the relationship the men have with her kids ? so so beautiful and heartwarming.
Also i really appreciated the bi representation and most importantly the strong political message, especially in times like this when i read about cheetos man’s political decisions.
I’m not sure about the third act conflict, it spiced things up since the plot had been static for a while but it was a bit disappointing (even if i expected it because it was going really well but there were still 50 pages left), so i feel it could have been avoided and ended the book sooner, also because it felt dragged out in my opinion.
overall it was a good and entertaining read.
i don’t usually do this but i realize it could be helpful to some people:
-no OW or OM drama
-no cheating
-i would say no manwhores: about Chance it isn’t said anything explicitly but it’s understandable that he has been with other women in those 4 years, about Stephen it is said that he has been with other women. At the beginning Presley says that she tried to date and the sex was bad but later on she says twice that she has never been with anyone in those years (so i think it was a distraction the author didn’t realize). The fact that the men have been with other people was mentioned like twice, it wasn’t given much importance and personally i believe this dynamic wasn’t written with unconscious double standards in mind since it was mentioned multiple times that Presley had to take care of two kids on her own and didn’t have much time to date
-miscommunication(?): it wasn’t given much importance but SPOILERS
they first broke up when Pres’ sister dies and she becomes the guardian of her kids, but basically she left the men in the middle of the night without and explanation, left college and never contacted them until they met again 4 years later
April 4, 2025
Angst and second chance?! Give it to me!
Years ago, Presley was a college student who didn't have any worries. She was in a steady relationship and was having the best time. Forward years later, and she's got the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's raising her niece and nephew and trying her best to give them the life her sister would.
But it's so hard. Her nephew is having problems she can't solve. And a relationship? When?
So when her best friend begs her to go to a hockey game, who should she see but the ones she let go. And they see her too.
I've never read a second chance like this before. It can get pretty angsty with grudges and new flames. This one was uniquely different.
The found family trope is so huge here. I loved how all in, they became in such a short amount of time.
But with couples not deemed legit, there's going to be pushback. Especially if NHL athletes are involved.
There's some cross-over with book 3. It's not necessary to have read it, but I liked the overlap. I'm just so sad to see them go!
Years ago, Presley was a college student who didn't have any worries. She was in a steady relationship and was having the best time. Forward years later, and she's got the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's raising her niece and nephew and trying her best to give them the life her sister would.
But it's so hard. Her nephew is having problems she can't solve. And a relationship? When?
So when her best friend begs her to go to a hockey game, who should she see but the ones she let go. And they see her too.
I've never read a second chance like this before. It can get pretty angsty with grudges and new flames. This one was uniquely different.
The found family trope is so huge here. I loved how all in, they became in such a short amount of time.
But with couples not deemed legit, there's going to be pushback. Especially if NHL athletes are involved.
There's some cross-over with book 3. It's not necessary to have read it, but I liked the overlap. I'm just so sad to see them go!
December 15, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Why did bros name have to be Stephen?? 😭
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Why did bros name have to be Stephen?? 😭
Read
April 8, 2025DNF at 64%
ahahahah. well, there’s that. be for real right now. am i again dnfing another book? that’s two in one week? i couldn’t care less
once again, everything was perfectly fine in the beginning. it’s hockey, it’s mmf, it’s second chance. it’s everything that i love but this book just could not do it right for me.
it was simply boring. i read 200 pages on nothingness. i did not feel an ounce of connection between them. it was bland. also insta lust probably
my tbr is too long to waste my time on books that are not worth my time so i will dnf if i cannot bare to continue reading said book 😁
and that also puts an end on this series. nothing majorly important to read. i had some fun here and there for sure. book 2 is definitely the best
ahahahah. well, there’s that. be for real right now. am i again dnfing another book? that’s two in one week? i couldn’t care less
once again, everything was perfectly fine in the beginning. it’s hockey, it’s mmf, it’s second chance. it’s everything that i love but this book just could not do it right for me.
it was simply boring. i read 200 pages on nothingness. i did not feel an ounce of connection between them. it was bland. also insta lust probably
my tbr is too long to waste my time on books that are not worth my time so i will dnf if i cannot bare to continue reading said book 😁
and that also puts an end on this series. nothing majorly important to read. i had some fun here and there for sure. book 2 is definitely the best
May 14, 2025
the 3rd act breakup is the only thing that saved this and that’s saying something coming from me, who despises 3rd act breakups
April 4, 2025
here kristen goes again ripping my heart out again and making me emo throughout the whole book :):):):):). When she announced that Mac Daddy was getting his own book i was promptly SAT for him and then it was announced that it was going to be MMF.....yup consider me present.
We know Mckinley as Krum Cake's bestie and the jokester of the team, but reading this book made him shine absolutely so bright. He is passionate about love and he goes all in for everything he does. he is a Leo so it makes sense because thats exactly how we are. we do not half ass anything and we are very passionate people. He worries that he will never have what his friends have because the last time that he felt complete and felt true happiness was four years ago in college. He was with two people and he thought that they would be together forever but one year into their relationship, Presley leaves and Chance breaks his heart. At that moment, I wanted to give him a hug bc I know what it's like to wear your heart on your sleeve. I really related to Mckinley in many parts of this book it was scary.
Chance was Mckinley's college roommate and is now his rival on the ice. He comes from a broken home and he was abused by his father who is a conservative. Chance does not want anyone to know about his sexuality and he tried to push Mckinley off for as long as he could until one night they are both at a frat party and they find their missing piece, Presley. Being with both of them showed him that he can be loved and he can love but he was still apprehensive about coming out. The moment Presley walked out of their lives, Chance closed himself off, put his walls up and pushed McKinley out of his life and moved on. My poor broken boy deserves the world. He feels the most whether or not he shows it.
And Presley, obviously she didn't one day decide that she was going to leave them both for no reason and the reason that she left does not negate her feelings for both of them. What she felt for them was very very real that even years later she has not been able to get them out of her head. Finding out why she had to leave broke my heart. She had to grow up so quick and become a guardian for her nephew and niece and needed to become the adult. Fate is a funny and fickle thing because four years later they are all brought back to each other's lives.
This book really had me in my feels. The emotion, the banter, the tension, the YEARNING!!! My heart felt so heavy in some areas of the book. I love the family that they built. Not only was this a book about second chances, this is a beautiful depiction of love and acceptance and not judging those for who they love and how they identify and not caring about the societal norm. I really enjoyed this book and I am so sad to see the series wrap up but I am excited to see what Kristen brings us next.
Thank you Kristen for the e-ARC!
4.75 ☆
We know Mckinley as Krum Cake's bestie and the jokester of the team, but reading this book made him shine absolutely so bright. He is passionate about love and he goes all in for everything he does. he is a Leo so it makes sense because thats exactly how we are. we do not half ass anything and we are very passionate people. He worries that he will never have what his friends have because the last time that he felt complete and felt true happiness was four years ago in college. He was with two people and he thought that they would be together forever but one year into their relationship, Presley leaves and Chance breaks his heart. At that moment, I wanted to give him a hug bc I know what it's like to wear your heart on your sleeve. I really related to Mckinley in many parts of this book it was scary.
Chance was Mckinley's college roommate and is now his rival on the ice. He comes from a broken home and he was abused by his father who is a conservative. Chance does not want anyone to know about his sexuality and he tried to push Mckinley off for as long as he could until one night they are both at a frat party and they find their missing piece, Presley. Being with both of them showed him that he can be loved and he can love but he was still apprehensive about coming out. The moment Presley walked out of their lives, Chance closed himself off, put his walls up and pushed McKinley out of his life and moved on. My poor broken boy deserves the world. He feels the most whether or not he shows it.
And Presley, obviously she didn't one day decide that she was going to leave them both for no reason and the reason that she left does not negate her feelings for both of them. What she felt for them was very very real that even years later she has not been able to get them out of her head. Finding out why she had to leave broke my heart. She had to grow up so quick and become a guardian for her nephew and niece and needed to become the adult. Fate is a funny and fickle thing because four years later they are all brought back to each other's lives.
This book really had me in my feels. The emotion, the banter, the tension, the YEARNING!!! My heart felt so heavy in some areas of the book. I love the family that they built. Not only was this a book about second chances, this is a beautiful depiction of love and acceptance and not judging those for who they love and how they identify and not caring about the societal norm. I really enjoyed this book and I am so sad to see the series wrap up but I am excited to see what Kristen brings us next.
Thank you Kristen for the e-ARC!
4.75 ☆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Omg this book is more than just your regular why choose. It touches base on polyamorous relationships and I absolutely loved it. The way these characters loved each other was so pure and raw.
Let me tell you, I don’t like second chance books. Nor do I like when a book bounces between past and present. However, this book just did both flawlessly and I absolutely loved every second of it. Everything was just so fitting and emotionally beautiful. This story is about growth, healing, love and acceptance.
If that calls out to you then this book is for you! This book also reminds me that it’s ok to make mistakes, it’s ok to be human and learn from said mistakes. Anyway, the writing was top tier so I might need to read some more. I love the Chance shows love and Stephen is ever so charming 😮💨.
Let me tell you, I don’t like second chance books. Nor do I like when a book bounces between past and present. However, this book just did both flawlessly and I absolutely loved every second of it. Everything was just so fitting and emotionally beautiful. This story is about growth, healing, love and acceptance.
If that calls out to you then this book is for you! This book also reminds me that it’s ok to make mistakes, it’s ok to be human and learn from said mistakes. Anyway, the writing was top tier so I might need to read some more. I love the Chance shows love and Stephen is ever so charming 😮💨.
March 23, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Rating 5 ⭐️
If anyone knows me then you know I will eat up ANYTHING that has more than 2 people in the relationship so of course this book was finished within 2 days
This story was amazing, I truly love everything about it. One thing that I absolutely adored though was how the struggle of being part of the lgbt community was really shown. It wasn’t just someone saying hateful thing to one other person but also showing protest over something as simple as a book display about families. Along with that, it also showed how a community comes together to actually learn. Of course other books do this too but I haven’t read one where they go to these depths.
Chase my quiet, brooding really hurting baby 🥹 he had my whole heart.
Stephen, so outgoing, living up to his golden retriever name, there was nothing but love for him either.
Presley, literally a bad bitch. Put everyone before herself and god help those who tried hurting her friends and family.
Their relationship was as perfect as any can be, they had their struggles but love for each other even when they were apart. Together I swear they were magic, the way they just knew what the other needed. The spice 🫠 ugh had me feeling some type of way. Shit was HOT from the beginning.
Also a little shoutout to Stephen’s family they are perfect and so are those blankets
Rating 5 ⭐️
If anyone knows me then you know I will eat up ANYTHING that has more than 2 people in the relationship so of course this book was finished within 2 days
This story was amazing, I truly love everything about it. One thing that I absolutely adored though was how the struggle of being part of the lgbt community was really shown. It wasn’t just someone saying hateful thing to one other person but also showing protest over something as simple as a book display about families. Along with that, it also showed how a community comes together to actually learn. Of course other books do this too but I haven’t read one where they go to these depths.
Chase my quiet, brooding really hurting baby 🥹 he had my whole heart.
Stephen, so outgoing, living up to his golden retriever name, there was nothing but love for him either.
Presley, literally a bad bitch. Put everyone before herself and god help those who tried hurting her friends and family.
Their relationship was as perfect as any can be, they had their struggles but love for each other even when they were apart. Together I swear they were magic, the way they just knew what the other needed. The spice 🫠 ugh had me feeling some type of way. Shit was HOT from the beginning.
Also a little shoutout to Stephen’s family they are perfect and so are those blankets
April 17, 2025
This book hurt my feelings.
I can confidently say that this is one of my favorite reads of 2025!
This is the last book of the East Coast series and as much as I am sad, this was the perfect ending.
I truly don't have words to speak about how wonderful this book is. I laughed, I cried, I felt all of the feelings.
I loved all of the characters so much, but Chance is my favorite character in this entire series. When you read it, you'll know what I mean!!
Go read this series if you haven't yet, I'm not kidding!!!
I can confidently say that this is one of my favorite reads of 2025!
This is the last book of the East Coast series and as much as I am sad, this was the perfect ending.
I truly don't have words to speak about how wonderful this book is. I laughed, I cried, I felt all of the feelings.
I loved all of the characters so much, but Chance is my favorite character in this entire series. When you read it, you'll know what I mean!!
Go read this series if you haven't yet, I'm not kidding!!!
April 7, 2025
3.5⭐️
i loved this so much, this was so unbelievably good
i loved this so much, this was so unbelievably good
April 4, 2025
Thank you so so much to Kristen Granata for allowing me to read the ARC of Ice Rivals. 🏒🏳️🌈
I couldn't have been more honored to be picked to read this ARC. I ate this entire series up and when I saw one last book was coming, I knew I had to read it. This final book follows McKinley and what a sweet story to end the series on. In college he has a secret romance with his fellow teammate, finally coming together after meeting Presley at a college party, the missing piece linking them together. But one morning, they wake up and she's gone, drops out of school, no note, no phone call and the trio suffer through their heartbreaks alone wondering what happened and what went wrong until the stars align and they are planted into each others lives again.
McKinley was so fortunate to come from such a loving family, total acceptance, surrounded by support. I loved his character so much, I loved his parents, I loved the acceptance that literally radiates off the page. It's McKinley who helps Presley and Chance see that they should try, societal pressure be damned, because they love each other and there's no reason they couldn't be a happy family if they wanted and my stupid grinch heart BURST reading their relationship connect and grow. Even though Chance's upbringing was not accepting and loving, and Presley had her responsibilities to think of, they both chose to take the leap and follow where their love took them.
I don't like reading any books with children. Without diving in to it, they're just not my thing, but whatever Granata sprinkles into her books, she had me loving Avery and Alyssa and the found family that just was so perfect. I was crying, I was giggling, I was literally having heart pains at how ADORABLE Stephen and Alyssa were together. Granata nails this found family trope over and over again in this series. She also has such a beautiful way of writing poly relationships, tackling the misconceptions we hear in real life, and explaining these thoughts in a way to the characters in the book, that I also feel it's being explained to me and from that I feel so much more educated to defend and support my friends in real life. I still will always have work to do, that's part of growing, but these characters give me courage to tackle these topics in real life.
I recently went to Pride night at the PWHL Boston Fleet game. There's always a rush of excitement at a game, a little roughness rooting for our team (especially in Boston), but at Pride nights, there's just this wonderful atmosphere of love and acceptance, a safe space for likeminded people to just... be. That's the same feeling I had when I read this series, what Kristen Granata has created in her books. A safe space for lgbtq+ and people who want to learn and be accepting of all those in our lives.
Goodbye Goldfinches, your stories are written in to my heart forever, and I will take your lessons with me and fight the good fight, and lead with love.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
• Second Chance
• Found Family
• Poly/Queer Relationship
• Emotional
I couldn't have been more honored to be picked to read this ARC. I ate this entire series up and when I saw one last book was coming, I knew I had to read it. This final book follows McKinley and what a sweet story to end the series on. In college he has a secret romance with his fellow teammate, finally coming together after meeting Presley at a college party, the missing piece linking them together. But one morning, they wake up and she's gone, drops out of school, no note, no phone call and the trio suffer through their heartbreaks alone wondering what happened and what went wrong until the stars align and they are planted into each others lives again.
McKinley was so fortunate to come from such a loving family, total acceptance, surrounded by support. I loved his character so much, I loved his parents, I loved the acceptance that literally radiates off the page. It's McKinley who helps Presley and Chance see that they should try, societal pressure be damned, because they love each other and there's no reason they couldn't be a happy family if they wanted and my stupid grinch heart BURST reading their relationship connect and grow. Even though Chance's upbringing was not accepting and loving, and Presley had her responsibilities to think of, they both chose to take the leap and follow where their love took them.
I don't like reading any books with children. Without diving in to it, they're just not my thing, but whatever Granata sprinkles into her books, she had me loving Avery and Alyssa and the found family that just was so perfect. I was crying, I was giggling, I was literally having heart pains at how ADORABLE Stephen and Alyssa were together. Granata nails this found family trope over and over again in this series. She also has such a beautiful way of writing poly relationships, tackling the misconceptions we hear in real life, and explaining these thoughts in a way to the characters in the book, that I also feel it's being explained to me and from that I feel so much more educated to defend and support my friends in real life. I still will always have work to do, that's part of growing, but these characters give me courage to tackle these topics in real life.
I recently went to Pride night at the PWHL Boston Fleet game. There's always a rush of excitement at a game, a little roughness rooting for our team (especially in Boston), but at Pride nights, there's just this wonderful atmosphere of love and acceptance, a safe space for likeminded people to just... be. That's the same feeling I had when I read this series, what Kristen Granata has created in her books. A safe space for lgbtq+ and people who want to learn and be accepting of all those in our lives.
Goodbye Goldfinches, your stories are written in to my heart forever, and I will take your lessons with me and fight the good fight, and lead with love.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
• Second Chance
• Found Family
• Poly/Queer Relationship
• Emotional
April 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The enemies-to-lovers tension between McKinley Stephen and Kellerman Chance was so well done. You could feel the spark, but also the hurt. Their past slowly came to the surface, and every reveal made it more emotional. My heart broke for McKinley, who was open and ready for love, and also for Presley, who put her life on hold to care for her niece and nephew. And then there’s Chance, shaped by a difficult childhood, too afraid to let anyone in.
The kids weren’t just side characters—they brought real meaning to the story. They weren’t just there to be cute, they actually helped move things forward. Their presence made the emotional moments even more powerful and gave the romance more depth. I love it when kids in romance feel like they truly belong in the story, and this book got that right.
Stephen and Chance were complete opposites. Stephen wore his heart on his sleeve, all warm and loving. Chance was closed-off, always carrying his past like a shadow. They spent years as rivals on the ice, full of tension that was clearly more than just competitive. Then Presley came back into their lives, and everything they tried to ignore came rushing back.
Presley disappeared without a word four years ago, leaving both men behind. That part was heartbreaking, but her reasons made sense when they were revealed. Now she’s back, with full responsibility for two kids, and the three of them have to face everything they once shared—and everything they still feel.
It was also great to see the Goldfinches again. That group always brings a warm, supportive vibe to the story. The way they stood by Presley and the kids gave it that found family feeling I love. It made everything feel bigger than just the romance—it felt like coming home.
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t just about chemistry or steamy moments. It was about love in all its forms—messy, complicated, and real. Presley, Stephen, and Chance were three people who had been broken in different ways, but together, they made something strong. They only made sense when they were all in it.
🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
❤️MMF
❤️Friends to Rivals to Lovers
❤️Second Chance
❤️Hockey
❤️Single Guardian FMC
❤️Golden Retriever
The kids weren’t just side characters—they brought real meaning to the story. They weren’t just there to be cute, they actually helped move things forward. Their presence made the emotional moments even more powerful and gave the romance more depth. I love it when kids in romance feel like they truly belong in the story, and this book got that right.
Stephen and Chance were complete opposites. Stephen wore his heart on his sleeve, all warm and loving. Chance was closed-off, always carrying his past like a shadow. They spent years as rivals on the ice, full of tension that was clearly more than just competitive. Then Presley came back into their lives, and everything they tried to ignore came rushing back.
Presley disappeared without a word four years ago, leaving both men behind. That part was heartbreaking, but her reasons made sense when they were revealed. Now she’s back, with full responsibility for two kids, and the three of them have to face everything they once shared—and everything they still feel.
It was also great to see the Goldfinches again. That group always brings a warm, supportive vibe to the story. The way they stood by Presley and the kids gave it that found family feeling I love. It made everything feel bigger than just the romance—it felt like coming home.
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t just about chemistry or steamy moments. It was about love in all its forms—messy, complicated, and real. Presley, Stephen, and Chance were three people who had been broken in different ways, but together, they made something strong. They only made sense when they were all in it.
🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
❤️MMF
❤️Friends to Rivals to Lovers
❤️Second Chance
❤️Hockey
❤️Single Guardian FMC
❤️Golden Retriever
April 10, 2025
This is book four of the series and my absolute favorite in the series. This can be read as a standalone but you will enjoy this book so much more if you read the first three.
I can’t say enough about each character in the book. Their chemistry and insta-love is so fun to escape in. Their book gives snippets of when they met in college and starts off with her showing up to one of their hockey games after not seeing her for four years.
Presley takes off one day in college with no way to contact her after her sister’s tragic accident that leads her to be the guardian of her niece and nephew. She wants the best for Chance and Stephen and takes off without a word.
Stephen McKinley is funny and wears his heart on his sleeve. He will do anything for his family and the ones he loves. He will protect the two people he loves most in the world and her niece and nephew. As soon as he sees his “pretty girl” in the stands at his hockey game he must have her back in his life no matter what.
Chance Kellerman never thought the deserved love until he met Presley and Stephen. His Dad never wanted to understand why he loves who he loves. He feels broken and unloveable but Stephen and Presley change all that.
Now that they are back together they must navigate how to be together while take care of her niece and nephew. I love the way Chance is a father-figure to her nephew and how fierce her niece, Alyssa is.
I loved all the side characters.
“ℬ𝓮𝒸𝓪𝓊𝓼ℯ ℐ 𝓌𝓪𝓃𝓽 𝔂ℴ𝓾 𝓳𝓊𝓼𝓉 𝒶𝓼 𝓶𝓊𝓬𝒽 𝒶𝓼 𝓘 𝔀𝒶𝓷𝓉 𝒽𝓮𝓇, 𝓪𝓃𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓷ℴ𝓽 𝔀𝒾𝓵𝓁𝓲𝓃𝓰 𝓽ℴ ℊ𝓲𝓋𝓮 𝔂ℴ𝓾 𝓾𝓅.”
“𝒮𝓾𝒸𝓱 𝓪 𝓰ℴ𝓸𝒹 ℊ𝓲𝓇𝓵 𝓽𝒶𝓴𝒾𝓷ℊ 𝓉𝓱ℯ 𝒷𝓸𝓉𝓱 𝓸𝒻 𝓊𝓼 𝓵𝒾𝓴ℯ 𝓉𝓱𝒾𝓼, 𝒷𝓪𝒷𝔂. 𝒴𝓸𝓊’𝓇𝓮 𝓰ℴ𝓲𝓃𝓰 𝓽ℴ 𝓈𝓸𝒶𝓴 𝓱𝒾𝓼 𝓬ℴ𝓬𝓀 𝓌𝓲𝓉𝓱 𝓽𝒽𝓪𝓉 𝓅𝓻ℯ𝓽𝓉𝔂 𝓵𝒾𝓽𝓉𝓵ℯ 𝓅𝓾𝓈𝓼𝓎 𝓌𝓱𝒾𝓵ℯ 𝓎𝓸𝓊 𝓉𝓪𝓀𝓮 𝓶ℯ 𝒹𝓸𝓌𝓷 𝔂ℴ𝓾𝓇 𝓉𝓱𝓇𝓸𝒶𝓽. 𝒴𝓸𝓊 𝓁𝓸𝓋𝓮 𝓫ℯ𝓲𝓃𝓰 𝓯𝒾𝓵𝓁𝓮𝒹 𝓊𝓹, 𝒹𝓸𝓃’𝓉 𝓎𝓸𝓊, 𝓱𝓂𝓶?
"𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 - 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖"
4th and final book in the "East Coast" Series [Interconnected Standalones]
Hockey Romance
• Multiple POVs
- MMF
* Check Trigger warnings
Tropes:
*Second Chance Romance
*MMF
*Rival Teams
*Single Guardian FMC
*Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat MMC
*Emotional
*Hockey Romance
• Second Chance Romance
*MMF - Polyamory
§ Single Guardian FMC
*Rivals Teams
I can’t say enough about each character in the book. Their chemistry and insta-love is so fun to escape in. Their book gives snippets of when they met in college and starts off with her showing up to one of their hockey games after not seeing her for four years.
Presley takes off one day in college with no way to contact her after her sister’s tragic accident that leads her to be the guardian of her niece and nephew. She wants the best for Chance and Stephen and takes off without a word.
Stephen McKinley is funny and wears his heart on his sleeve. He will do anything for his family and the ones he loves. He will protect the two people he loves most in the world and her niece and nephew. As soon as he sees his “pretty girl” in the stands at his hockey game he must have her back in his life no matter what.
Chance Kellerman never thought the deserved love until he met Presley and Stephen. His Dad never wanted to understand why he loves who he loves. He feels broken and unloveable but Stephen and Presley change all that.
Now that they are back together they must navigate how to be together while take care of her niece and nephew. I love the way Chance is a father-figure to her nephew and how fierce her niece, Alyssa is.
I loved all the side characters.
“ℬ𝓮𝒸𝓪𝓊𝓼ℯ ℐ 𝓌𝓪𝓃𝓽 𝔂ℴ𝓾 𝓳𝓊𝓼𝓉 𝒶𝓼 𝓶𝓊𝓬𝒽 𝒶𝓼 𝓘 𝔀𝒶𝓷𝓉 𝒽𝓮𝓇, 𝓪𝓃𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓷ℴ𝓽 𝔀𝒾𝓵𝓁𝓲𝓃𝓰 𝓽ℴ ℊ𝓲𝓋𝓮 𝔂ℴ𝓾 𝓾𝓅.”
“𝒮𝓾𝒸𝓱 𝓪 𝓰ℴ𝓸𝒹 ℊ𝓲𝓇𝓵 𝓽𝒶𝓴𝒾𝓷ℊ 𝓉𝓱ℯ 𝒷𝓸𝓉𝓱 𝓸𝒻 𝓊𝓼 𝓵𝒾𝓴ℯ 𝓉𝓱𝒾𝓼, 𝒷𝓪𝒷𝔂. 𝒴𝓸𝓊’𝓇𝓮 𝓰ℴ𝓲𝓃𝓰 𝓽ℴ 𝓈𝓸𝒶𝓴 𝓱𝒾𝓼 𝓬ℴ𝓬𝓀 𝓌𝓲𝓉𝓱 𝓽𝒽𝓪𝓉 𝓅𝓻ℯ𝓽𝓉𝔂 𝓵𝒾𝓽𝓉𝓵ℯ 𝓅𝓾𝓈𝓼𝓎 𝓌𝓱𝒾𝓵ℯ 𝓎𝓸𝓊 𝓉𝓪𝓀𝓮 𝓶ℯ 𝒹𝓸𝓌𝓷 𝔂ℴ𝓾𝓇 𝓉𝓱𝓇𝓸𝒶𝓽. 𝒴𝓸𝓊 𝓁𝓸𝓋𝓮 𝓫ℯ𝓲𝓃𝓰 𝓯𝒾𝓵𝓁𝓮𝒹 𝓊𝓹, 𝒹𝓸𝓃’𝓉 𝓎𝓸𝓊, 𝓱𝓂𝓶?
"𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 - 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖"
4th and final book in the "East Coast" Series [Interconnected Standalones]
Hockey Romance
• Multiple POVs
- MMF
* Check Trigger warnings
Tropes:
*Second Chance Romance
*MMF
*Rival Teams
*Single Guardian FMC
*Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat MMC
*Emotional
*Hockey Romance
• Second Chance Romance
*MMF - Polyamory
§ Single Guardian FMC
*Rivals Teams
April 2, 2025
"For all of eternity."
🏒Hockey Romance
📚 Second Chance Romance
🏒 MMF - Polyamory
📚 Single Guardian FMC
🏒 Rivals Teams
📚 Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat MMC x Peacemaker FMC
🏒 "Crawl to me - both of you"
We finally get McKinley's story! This is the 4th and last book in the East Coast series and follows the goofy and lovable Stephen McKinley and the two loves of his life that got away - Chase Kellerman and Presley King. Presley left both Chase and Stephen in the middle of the night in college, never to be heard from again. Years later and now the single guardian to her niece and nephew, she unknowingly finds herself at Stephen and Chase's rival NHL hockey game. Only this time the two men aren't allowing her to walk out on them again.
This was a fantastic wrap up to one of my favorite hockey series! We got all the emotions in this second chance romance with plenty of HOT spice! 🥵 This story does have multiple POVS and flashbacks, which I love in a second chance. We get to experience all of different personalities in this story - the happy go lucky, heart on his sleeve Stephen, the quiet and stoic, closed off Chase, and the peacemaker who grounds both of them Presley. I also loved Alyssa and Avery and how they quickly won over the guys and slid right into their lives. This story does run concurrently with part of the previous book with some overlapping storylines but this one can be read as a standalone.
This book does have political undercurrents, especially in the current LGBTQ+ political climate. Check the triggers if this might bother you.
"They can try to take away our rights. They can try to take away our voices. But they'll never be able to take away the love in our hearts. Don't let them extinguish it. Keep fighting."
Thank you so much to Kristen for the advanced copy! 🖤💛
🏒Hockey Romance
📚 Second Chance Romance
🏒 MMF - Polyamory
📚 Single Guardian FMC
🏒 Rivals Teams
📚 Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat MMC x Peacemaker FMC
🏒 "Crawl to me - both of you"
We finally get McKinley's story! This is the 4th and last book in the East Coast series and follows the goofy and lovable Stephen McKinley and the two loves of his life that got away - Chase Kellerman and Presley King. Presley left both Chase and Stephen in the middle of the night in college, never to be heard from again. Years later and now the single guardian to her niece and nephew, she unknowingly finds herself at Stephen and Chase's rival NHL hockey game. Only this time the two men aren't allowing her to walk out on them again.
This was a fantastic wrap up to one of my favorite hockey series! We got all the emotions in this second chance romance with plenty of HOT spice! 🥵 This story does have multiple POVS and flashbacks, which I love in a second chance. We get to experience all of different personalities in this story - the happy go lucky, heart on his sleeve Stephen, the quiet and stoic, closed off Chase, and the peacemaker who grounds both of them Presley. I also loved Alyssa and Avery and how they quickly won over the guys and slid right into their lives. This story does run concurrently with part of the previous book with some overlapping storylines but this one can be read as a standalone.
This book does have political undercurrents, especially in the current LGBTQ+ political climate. Check the triggers if this might bother you.
"They can try to take away our rights. They can try to take away our voices. But they'll never be able to take away the love in our hearts. Don't let them extinguish it. Keep fighting."
Thank you so much to Kristen for the advanced copy! 🖤💛
September 2, 2025
MMF about 2 rival hockey players and the girl that got away back when they all fell in love during college? Found Family? A true triad relationship? Grumpy+Sunshine+FeralSexKitten? It's like the story was made specifically for me!
Much of what I want to get into with this story is shrouded in spoilers. To avoid having to hide the whole review because of those spoilers, I'm going to say my piece in what I hope to be general terms.
Characters: I feel like Presley, our leading lady, was the most relatable of the main characters. She focused on her priorities, but I'm glad we got snippets of her true self with the boys. Stephen was a fun POV (kind of felt like the main character?) for most of the book, and my personal favorite. I didn't get a lot of character growth from him, and what we did get toward the end didn't seem authentic. I wish more could've been done there over time to make it less jarring. Chance's internal dialogue was fantastic, and I was rooting for him throughout most of the story.
Conflict: What a...ride. The development of the MMF relationship to help Presley started off and stayed great. Stephen and Chance had fabulous moments regarding Presley, but their own romance really suffered through some 3rd Act issues. I will always have the opinion that conflicts toward the end of the book should be almost completely external to show how our main couple (throuple) has strengthened and solidified their relationship. This was not the case, which smacked a couple of stars off of my rating.
Overall, I liked how sweet much of this book was, especially how everyone came together to give Avery and Alyssa the best family ever. The spicy scenes were also particularly fantastic, and anyone who likes a bit of angst between some burly hockey players might very well fall in love with this one.
Much of what I want to get into with this story is shrouded in spoilers. To avoid having to hide the whole review because of those spoilers, I'm going to say my piece in what I hope to be general terms.
Characters: I feel like Presley, our leading lady, was the most relatable of the main characters. She focused on her priorities, but I'm glad we got snippets of her true self with the boys. Stephen was a fun POV (kind of felt like the main character?) for most of the book, and my personal favorite. I didn't get a lot of character growth from him, and what we did get toward the end didn't seem authentic. I wish more could've been done there over time to make it less jarring. Chance's internal dialogue was fantastic, and I was rooting for him throughout most of the story.
Conflict: What a...ride. The development of the MMF relationship to help Presley started off and stayed great. Stephen and Chance had fabulous moments regarding Presley, but their own romance really suffered through some 3rd Act issues. I will always have the opinion that conflicts toward the end of the book should be almost completely external to show how our main couple (throuple) has strengthened and solidified their relationship. This was not the case, which smacked a couple of stars off of my rating.
Overall, I liked how sweet much of this book was, especially how everyone came together to give Avery and Alyssa the best family ever. The spicy scenes were also particularly fantastic, and anyone who likes a bit of angst between some burly hockey players might very well fall in love with this one.
April 6, 2025
“they can have all of me, all of my heart. it’s always belonged to them, even after all this time. and i’ll fight like hell to keep them this time, no matter what.”
this was such a fun series and i can’t believe it’s over.
chance was my favourite character in this book, and it probably had to do with how broken he was and how sad his past is, because i’m a sucker for those types of characters. his journey was the most fulfilling for me to read, especially because he hid a part of himself for so long and didn’t feel ready enough to talk about it or even address it. oh, and his connection with avery was absolutely everything. seeing them bond over different things and watching avery learn from chance was so sweet.
presley was a badass for sure. she became a single guardian at 22 years old and has been kicking ass with her little family for four years. i totally understand why she did what she did with chance and stephen in college, and i understand even more why she didn’t say anything or talk about it. her profession made so much sense with her personality, and i loved the organisation she created toward the end!
stephen was complicated for me simply because of what happened during that one hockey game. i just didn’t like how he didn’t take any time to hear chance’s side and his side of the story. he also said some really hurtful things when he was angry, and if /i/ was on the receiving end, i’d be fuming. i did like the way he flat out told presley that he was there to stay, whether she wanted to be friends first or pick up where they left off, he was devoted to her instantly.
thank you so much to kristen for the e-arc!
★ mmf
★ second chance
★ hockey romance
★ rival hockey teams
★ black cat x golden retriever mmcs
this was such a fun series and i can’t believe it’s over.
chance was my favourite character in this book, and it probably had to do with how broken he was and how sad his past is, because i’m a sucker for those types of characters. his journey was the most fulfilling for me to read, especially because he hid a part of himself for so long and didn’t feel ready enough to talk about it or even address it. oh, and his connection with avery was absolutely everything. seeing them bond over different things and watching avery learn from chance was so sweet.
presley was a badass for sure. she became a single guardian at 22 years old and has been kicking ass with her little family for four years. i totally understand why she did what she did with chance and stephen in college, and i understand even more why she didn’t say anything or talk about it. her profession made so much sense with her personality, and i loved the organisation she created toward the end!
stephen was complicated for me simply because of what happened during that one hockey game. i just didn’t like how he didn’t take any time to hear chance’s side and his side of the story. he also said some really hurtful things when he was angry, and if /i/ was on the receiving end, i’d be fuming. i did like the way he flat out told presley that he was there to stay, whether she wanted to be friends first or pick up where they left off, he was devoted to her instantly.
thank you so much to kristen for the e-arc!
★ mmf
★ second chance
★ hockey romance
★ rival hockey teams
★ black cat x golden retriever mmcs
September 15, 2025
This was probably the one I was most excited for because I love me a MMF but I was quite disappointed in this. With the FFM you saw their bond and the characters were a lot more fleshed out. This one just fell flat for me.
Presley was a bland FMC for me. We didn't get much to her? Compared to all the other FMCs she was the least interesting for me.
Chance, ag Chance was my favorite. You really got some growth with him. He was probably the most fleshed out, and that's what saved him for me. Presley and Stephen lacked a lot of character.
The relationship with the boys and her niece and nephew was probably some of the better scenes in this book. I loved how Chance was with Avery. It made Chance even better, to see that softer side to him.
Stephen just fell flat for me, I expected a bit more from him. The way he dealt with the whole Alex thing was so off putting. He really didn't give Chance the benefit of the doubt.
I am not a fan of second chance romance but I do feel this could've been done better, it felt like we relied too much on the previous bond and not much was built in the present? I would've liked to see the boys find their way back to each other a lot more. It felt like they just picked up where they left off and I didn't like that.
I actually didn't mind the flashbacks but I do wish there was more about the bond and less about the sex, I personally didn't see the love between the characters?
I love when the boyfriends are boyfriends but I would've loved more one on one scenes with the boys and her. I get they are a throuple but the focus was just on them three and not on the individual bonds.
All in all I did enjoy the series and it was a cute ending.
Presley was a bland FMC for me. We didn't get much to her? Compared to all the other FMCs she was the least interesting for me.
Chance, ag Chance was my favorite. You really got some growth with him. He was probably the most fleshed out, and that's what saved him for me. Presley and Stephen lacked a lot of character.
The relationship with the boys and her niece and nephew was probably some of the better scenes in this book. I loved how Chance was with Avery. It made Chance even better, to see that softer side to him.
Stephen just fell flat for me, I expected a bit more from him. The way he dealt with the whole Alex thing was so off putting. He really didn't give Chance the benefit of the doubt.
I am not a fan of second chance romance but I do feel this could've been done better, it felt like we relied too much on the previous bond and not much was built in the present? I would've liked to see the boys find their way back to each other a lot more. It felt like they just picked up where they left off and I didn't like that.
I actually didn't mind the flashbacks but I do wish there was more about the bond and less about the sex, I personally didn't see the love between the characters?
I love when the boyfriends are boyfriends but I would've loved more one on one scenes with the boys and her. I get they are a throuple but the focus was just on them three and not on the individual bonds.
All in all I did enjoy the series and it was a cute ending.
March 30, 2025
5⭐️ | 3🌶️
What do you mean this series is over??? I’m devastated.
This book was absolutely phenomenal, and this is hands down the best hockey romance series I’ve ever read—and it’s SO UNDERRATED.
Okay… let’s talk about the book.
Wow. 🤯
Every single character is so beautifully written—so real, so impossible not to love.
Stephen, Chance, and Presley are literally the definition of soulmates, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about them.
I already loved Stephen from the other books, but seeing this more vulnerable side of him made me adore him even more. His sunshine personality was the glue holding this family together, and it was everything.
Chance. 🥵🥵 For the love of god… I need to stop obsessing over brooding, grumpy, emotionally scarred men, but let’s be honest—I can’t. 🤦🏽♀️ He was EVERYTHING I needed and wanted.
And finally, Presley. What. A. Warrior. She was thrown into an impossible situation at such a young age, yet she handled it with so much strength and resilience. (Also, she works at a library, which, let’s be real, is the ultimate dream job for any reader.)
Watching all three of them find their way back to each other and create this unique, unbreakable family dynamic was absolutely breathtaking.
I loved everything about this book, but I especially appreciated the representation and the way the story supports the LGBTQ+ community. The author goes beyond just showcasing the relationship for the sake of it—there’s nuance, depth, and so much heart in the way it’s written.
I was SO lucky to get an ARC of this book. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I might just go reread the entire series… again. 🤷🏽♀️😂
What do you mean this series is over??? I’m devastated.
This book was absolutely phenomenal, and this is hands down the best hockey romance series I’ve ever read—and it’s SO UNDERRATED.
Okay… let’s talk about the book.
Wow. 🤯
Every single character is so beautifully written—so real, so impossible not to love.
Stephen, Chance, and Presley are literally the definition of soulmates, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about them.
I already loved Stephen from the other books, but seeing this more vulnerable side of him made me adore him even more. His sunshine personality was the glue holding this family together, and it was everything.
Chance. 🥵🥵 For the love of god… I need to stop obsessing over brooding, grumpy, emotionally scarred men, but let’s be honest—I can’t. 🤦🏽♀️ He was EVERYTHING I needed and wanted.
And finally, Presley. What. A. Warrior. She was thrown into an impossible situation at such a young age, yet she handled it with so much strength and resilience. (Also, she works at a library, which, let’s be real, is the ultimate dream job for any reader.)
Watching all three of them find their way back to each other and create this unique, unbreakable family dynamic was absolutely breathtaking.
I loved everything about this book, but I especially appreciated the representation and the way the story supports the LGBTQ+ community. The author goes beyond just showcasing the relationship for the sake of it—there’s nuance, depth, and so much heart in the way it’s written.
I was SO lucky to get an ARC of this book. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I might just go reread the entire series… again. 🤷🏽♀️😂
March 26, 2025
*ARC Review*
5 ✨/3.5🌶️
Available: 04.03.2025
I'm in a total book hangover after finishing Ice Rivals! The way these three love each other was just so beautiful. After having read a bunch of books recently with a lot of angst and tension, I loved falling into this story where everyone wants to take advantage of their second chance while also knowing that there are risks they will need to navigate. The point is they do that together rather than struggling to do it apart.
Stephen loves with his whole heart, body and soul. The way he pulls both Chance and Presley thru some of the toughest moments in their lives is breathtaking. A lovely golden retriever for these two. And Chance is the wonderful grumpy to his sunshine, while Presley brings some black cat energy. But Chance also gives Stephen and Presley exactly what they need. The way they are all there for each other in the ways they each need in the toughest moments once they find their way back is just so lovely.
And the guys needed Presley just as much she needed them. She was so relatable in how she took on her own shoulders the burdens of grief and care and just trying to make it thru the day. I loved that the guys did what they could to ease her burdens without being some sort of savior who did everything for her and took away her independence. If anything they helped her rediscover who she is and how to be herself while playing this new unfamiliar guardian role for her niece and nephew.
Of course, the spice was so good! 🥵 I thought I knew when something was about to happen and then Kristen hit me with something even better. And made me ask the question: which is a better way to drink tequila: 🧊 luge or 🐱 luge? IFKYK Plenty of plot, and just enough spice.
A great ending to this series. Congratulations, Kristen! 🎉 Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC of this lovely treat of a book.
5 ✨/3.5🌶️
Available: 04.03.2025
I'm in a total book hangover after finishing Ice Rivals! The way these three love each other was just so beautiful. After having read a bunch of books recently with a lot of angst and tension, I loved falling into this story where everyone wants to take advantage of their second chance while also knowing that there are risks they will need to navigate. The point is they do that together rather than struggling to do it apart.
Stephen loves with his whole heart, body and soul. The way he pulls both Chance and Presley thru some of the toughest moments in their lives is breathtaking. A lovely golden retriever for these two. And Chance is the wonderful grumpy to his sunshine, while Presley brings some black cat energy. But Chance also gives Stephen and Presley exactly what they need. The way they are all there for each other in the ways they each need in the toughest moments once they find their way back is just so lovely.
And the guys needed Presley just as much she needed them. She was so relatable in how she took on her own shoulders the burdens of grief and care and just trying to make it thru the day. I loved that the guys did what they could to ease her burdens without being some sort of savior who did everything for her and took away her independence. If anything they helped her rediscover who she is and how to be herself while playing this new unfamiliar guardian role for her niece and nephew.
Of course, the spice was so good! 🥵 I thought I knew when something was about to happen and then Kristen hit me with something even better. And made me ask the question: which is a better way to drink tequila: 🧊 luge or 🐱 luge? IFKYK Plenty of plot, and just enough spice.
A great ending to this series. Congratulations, Kristen! 🎉 Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC of this lovely treat of a book.
April 2, 2025
My first book read in this East Coast hockey series (and it's the last book). I had no problem reading and enjoying it as a standalone.
Stephen, Chance and Presley were all in college together in a polyamorous relationship. Presley left suddenly when her sister died, and Presley was left as guardian of her nephew and niece. Neither Stephen or Chance knew where she went or what happened.
Now, four years later, Chance and Stephen are professional hockey players on opposing teams. They see Presley at one of their games and they aren't letting her out of their lives again. Thus, begins their renewed steamy relationship.
I loved the dynamics between all three of them. They all have such different personalities. Chance is the grumpy one. Stephen is loud, talkative and says what he feels. Presley brings out the best in them. I know I would have a difficult time choosing between them. I also loved that the men fully embraced and loved her nephew and niece.
Read this if you like:
Hockey romance
Multiple POV
MMF romance
Single guardian FMC
Second chance romance
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stephen, Chance and Presley were all in college together in a polyamorous relationship. Presley left suddenly when her sister died, and Presley was left as guardian of her nephew and niece. Neither Stephen or Chance knew where she went or what happened.
Now, four years later, Chance and Stephen are professional hockey players on opposing teams. They see Presley at one of their games and they aren't letting her out of their lives again. Thus, begins their renewed steamy relationship.
I loved the dynamics between all three of them. They all have such different personalities. Chance is the grumpy one. Stephen is loud, talkative and says what he feels. Presley brings out the best in them. I know I would have a difficult time choosing between them. I also loved that the men fully embraced and loved her nephew and niece.
Read this if you like:
Hockey romance
Multiple POV
MMF romance
Single guardian FMC
Second chance romance
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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