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Fury #2
Ice Hearts
Behind every heartless woman is a little girl who trusted the world with her love to have it chew her up and spit her out.
Behind every heartless woman is a little girl who trusted the world with her love to have it chew her up and spit her out. No one knows that better than Aurelia Riggs. Armed with a silver tongue matched with a golden appearance, she is the notorious ice queen who lives her life with a set of rules. Too bad, Nico “Southie” Jett never got the memo when he set his sights on her.
Nico is the best forward in the NHL. But after an earth shattering loss, and one slip up hits the press, his job on the Fury is in jeopardy. When he needs an image overhaul fast, enter Aurelia, Chicago’s best PR agent to the stars. The only problem is she avoids him like the plague. But Nico is determined to get underneath her skin in all the right ways.
With an ironclad control unmatched by anyone in the game, can Nico melt Aurelia’s Ice Queen heart and prove to her that she is his exception in every way?
Ice Hearts is a standalone novel in the Fury Series and deals with sensitive subjects some may find triggering.
Behind every heartless woman is a little girl who trusted the world with her love to have it chew her up and spit her out. No one knows that better than Aurelia Riggs. Armed with a silver tongue matched with a golden appearance, she is the notorious ice queen who lives her life with a set of rules. Too bad, Nico “Southie” Jett never got the memo when he set his sights on her.
Nico is the best forward in the NHL. But after an earth shattering loss, and one slip up hits the press, his job on the Fury is in jeopardy. When he needs an image overhaul fast, enter Aurelia, Chicago’s best PR agent to the stars. The only problem is she avoids him like the plague. But Nico is determined to get underneath her skin in all the right ways.
With an ironclad control unmatched by anyone in the game, can Nico melt Aurelia’s Ice Queen heart and prove to her that she is his exception in every way?
Ice Hearts is a standalone novel in the Fury Series and deals with sensitive subjects some may find triggering.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2022
172 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
About the author
Monty Jay
15 books4,238 followersMonty Jay is a dark romance author with titles published in multiple countries. Their books are for hopeless romantics with wicked hearts looking for their next morally grey hero. They call the Appalachian mountains home, along with their two furry friends, Poe and Maeve. When they aren’t writing you can find them reading anything Stephen King, in a tattoo chair or binging a new true crime documentary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
January 6, 2026
Nothing could’ve prepared me for the earth shattering, life altering, emotionally devastating experience this book put me through. I went in expecting a fun hockey romance and instead got hit with grief, trauma, and FEELINGS.
Aurelia is an actual Ice Queen with walls for days, Nico is the golden boy hockey star who refuses to take no for an answer (in an annoying but somehow charming way), and their forced proximity/PR situation had tension immediately. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was chemistrying and when the emotional moments hit, they hit HARD.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Aurelia is an actual Ice Queen with walls for days, Nico is the golden boy hockey star who refuses to take no for an answer (in an annoying but somehow charming way), and their forced proximity/PR situation had tension immediately. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was chemistrying and when the emotional moments hit, they hit HARD.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
December 17, 2025
Can we please normalise using the good ol' nicknames or no nicknames at all every once in a while?
First thing first, I'm going to tell you that I'm a bitch.
Because this book was NEARLY PERFECT. But instead of telling you why and writing about all the things I loved about this book, I'm going to tell you about the ONE THING I DIDN'T.
Because I'm also a LAZY bitch.
That one thing is the 'nickname'. I can usually just ignore them and move on. However, this time, for whatever reason, I couldn't. It felt like a slap to the face every time I saw it. It took me out of the story, and it chipped away at all the other goodness. JUST A TINY BIT.🤏
Mind you, I don't dislike what the nickname represents in this book; I actually love that part. But it didn't need to become the FMC's nickname for it to be included or feel meaningful.
I feel kind of bad for letting something so insignificant (this time, at least) have so much power over my enjoyment of the rest of the story and my overall reading experience. But sadly, it did.
Whatever happened to babe／baby? Love? Hon?? Or you know, and this might be a bit out there — using their actual names?? Where did they go? I miss them. And I fear they are on the brink of extinction.
Sorry, I'm being mean. This is a ME issue. (I'm a selfish bitch too, apparently.)
Like I said, this is a ME issue. And it's in general with any book／author. And while I didn't like this ONE aspect of the book, Monty's writing is as beautiful as ever, and they tell a heart-wrenching yet tender story, with the most loveable, badass, and multifaceted characters. The positives far outweigh the negatives in this book. And I should've focused more on that. But I'm a (say it with me!) BITCH.
And I've loved some of the other nicknames they have for other characters in other books as well!
I guess I've just read too many icknames😖 back to back lately, and that brings out the petty in me.
(You know what?!? I'm ALL THE BITCHES. Lazy, selfish and petty. The whole trifecta. Yay me.)
Thank you for coming to my bitch talk.
4.75★
Seriously though, this book was so good! GO READ IT.♡
First thing first, I'm going to tell you that I'm a bitch.
Because this book was NEARLY PERFECT. But instead of telling you why and writing about all the things I loved about this book, I'm going to tell you about the ONE THING I DIDN'T.
Because I'm also a LAZY bitch.
That one thing is the 'nickname'. I can usually just ignore them and move on. However, this time, for whatever reason, I couldn't. It felt like a slap to the face every time I saw it. It took me out of the story, and it chipped away at all the other goodness. JUST A TINY BIT.🤏
Mind you, I don't dislike what the nickname represents in this book; I actually love that part. But it didn't need to become the FMC's nickname for it to be included or feel meaningful.
I feel kind of bad for letting something so insignificant (this time, at least) have so much power over my enjoyment of the rest of the story and my overall reading experience. But sadly, it did.
Whatever happened to babe／baby? Love? Hon?? Or you know, and this might be a bit out there — using their actual names?? Where did they go? I miss them. And I fear they are on the brink of extinction.
Sorry, I'm being mean. This is a ME issue. (I'm a selfish bitch too, apparently.)
Like I said, this is a ME issue. And it's in general with any book／author. And while I didn't like this ONE aspect of the book, Monty's writing is as beautiful as ever, and they tell a heart-wrenching yet tender story, with the most loveable, badass, and multifaceted characters. The positives far outweigh the negatives in this book. And I should've focused more on that. But I'm a (say it with me!) BITCH.
And I've loved some of the other nicknames they have for other characters in other books as well!
I guess I've just read too many icknames😖 back to back lately, and that brings out the petty in me.
(You know what?!? I'm ALL THE BITCHES. Lazy, selfish and petty. The whole trifecta. Yay me.)
Thank you for coming to my bitch talk.
4.75★
Seriously though, this book was so good! GO READ IT.♡
September 24, 2020
I loved this story.
Monty Jay has found in me a fan for life, she writes some excellent sports romance and even if Ice Hearts is really different from her debut novel, Love & Hockey, it is as much beautiful and enthralling as the other.
Nico, is the best guy of his entire hockey team, but after a terrible loss he has lost his mind and punched a reporter. Riggs is the agent hired to clean up his public image.
They already knew each other because their best friends are in a serious relationship, they are attracted to each other but Riggs try to keep him at a distance because she doesn't want to dirty his beautiful soul and happy go lucky life with her dark baggage.
Will Nico get a chance to destroy all her emotional walls and to make her understand how beautiful she is on the inside and on the outside? Will Riggs learn to love herself and to trust Nico letting him inside her heart?
“Tempt, you never did seem like a roses kind of girl. Wherever they go sunflowers bring their own shine. You do too. - xx Nico.”
These two characters grew on me chapter after chapter and I'll keep them in my heart forever.
I recommend to read this whole series even if every story is a standalone with connected characters because it is amazing.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 16, 2020
“Wait for the one that lights a fire in your soul. You’ll know when you see her, I promise.”
4.5 stars
A heartfelt, emotional and beautifully romantic sports romance with wonderful characters and all the feels, this is such a good read, and I loved it!!!
This is the second book in the Fury series, but can standalone. If you read the first book in the series, Love & Hockey, the you’ll already know a bit of Aurelia and Nico, this book takes place about 12 months after the events of the last book (before the epilogue).
Nico Jett is a hockey player whose temper has landed him in trouble, and his team bring in a PR expert to work with him – none of then the object of all of his lustful fantasies, Aurelia Riggs. Nico and Riggs know each other well, their best friends are together (Valour and Bishop from the first book in the series), and Nico has made it clear that he wants her. But Riggs has been through a lot and lately Nico has been keeping his distance. Also, she’s known as the “Ice Queen”, she’s had a tragic past and she has erected huge walls around herself and doesn’t let anybody other than her best friend in. Nico wants an epic love like the one his parents had, and with he and Riggs suddenly working closely together, he sees this as his chance to finally get in there with the woman he wants. Let the fun begin!
Riggs was raised in privilege but her childhood was devastating. It has left her mark on her, and she is wrestling some huge demons. It was sad watching it from afar in the last book, and seeing it up close in this one, my heart just ached for her. She’s been through hell, but she has pulled herself through it, and I could absolutely understand why she keeps herself so closed off. Watching her confront her issues and grow throughout this story, I so admired her courage and strength.
And Nico! OMG, Nico. What a perfect man! He’s a sweetheart and a gentleman, with just the right amount of alpha. He’s sexy and sweet, and so caring, and he is exactly what Riggs needs. She may not be the easiest person to love, but he wants her for exactly who she is, even with all of her scars, and I adored him!
This is a beautifully slow burning romance. The feels are there right from the beginning, but there is a lot these two have to work through before they get on the same page, and I loved watching it happen.
From snarky banter, Nico’s unending confidence and optimism, their fun and filthy flirting, and their deep and meaningful conversations, there is a real sense of development in this relationship, and it unfolds so beautifully. And watching Nico slowly win over his girl as she truly opens up to him is just gorgeous.
Alongside the romance there are some really serious themes, including childhood abuse and trauma, mental illness, self harm and suicide. It’s written in a way that draws you right in and makes you feel it all, while remaining realistic and respectful, and I thought it was really well done.
I loved being back in this world. The characters from the previous book appear, and we meet some new ones, and I’m really excited to continue on with this series.
A great read – 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
A heartfelt, emotional and beautifully romantic sports romance with wonderful characters and all the feels, this is such a good read, and I loved it!!!
This is the second book in the Fury series, but can standalone. If you read the first book in the series, Love & Hockey, the you’ll already know a bit of Aurelia and Nico, this book takes place about 12 months after the events of the last book (before the epilogue).
Nico Jett is a hockey player whose temper has landed him in trouble, and his team bring in a PR expert to work with him – none of then the object of all of his lustful fantasies, Aurelia Riggs. Nico and Riggs know each other well, their best friends are together (Valour and Bishop from the first book in the series), and Nico has made it clear that he wants her. But Riggs has been through a lot and lately Nico has been keeping his distance. Also, she’s known as the “Ice Queen”, she’s had a tragic past and she has erected huge walls around herself and doesn’t let anybody other than her best friend in. Nico wants an epic love like the one his parents had, and with he and Riggs suddenly working closely together, he sees this as his chance to finally get in there with the woman he wants. Let the fun begin!
A small smirk forms on my lips as I lean on my door, crossing my arms across my chest. This was the moment I'd been waiting for. The perfect opportunity to inject myself into her life. I wanted her, and I was going to have her.
Riggs was raised in privilege but her childhood was devastating. It has left her mark on her, and she is wrestling some huge demons. It was sad watching it from afar in the last book, and seeing it up close in this one, my heart just ached for her. She’s been through hell, but she has pulled herself through it, and I could absolutely understand why she keeps herself so closed off. Watching her confront her issues and grow throughout this story, I so admired her courage and strength.
And Nico! OMG, Nico. What a perfect man! He’s a sweetheart and a gentleman, with just the right amount of alpha. He’s sexy and sweet, and so caring, and he is exactly what Riggs needs. She may not be the easiest person to love, but he wants her for exactly who she is, even with all of her scars, and I adored him!
Most guys would think I was insane. Going for someone so sealed off, so snappy, so…intimidating.
But Aurelia deserved love. She deserves the possibility to fall into someone's arms who was going to catch her, and that guy was going to be me.
This is a beautifully slow burning romance. The feels are there right from the beginning, but there is a lot these two have to work through before they get on the same page, and I loved watching it happen.
I have a feeling that Aurelia Riggs might just be the greatest love of my life. The trick is getting her to realize I’m hers.
From snarky banter, Nico’s unending confidence and optimism, their fun and filthy flirting, and their deep and meaningful conversations, there is a real sense of development in this relationship, and it unfolds so beautifully. And watching Nico slowly win over his girl as she truly opens up to him is just gorgeous.
“If I fall, will you catch me?”
“Always.”
Alongside the romance there are some really serious themes, including childhood abuse and trauma, mental illness, self harm and suicide. It’s written in a way that draws you right in and makes you feel it all, while remaining realistic and respectful, and I thought it was really well done.
“Hold me to you. Let me hear your heartbeat because yours calms mine … I need you to remind me I'm worthy of your love, Nico. So just love me harder.”
I loved being back in this world. The characters from the previous book appear, and we meet some new ones, and I’m really excited to continue on with this series.
A great read – 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2024
WOW!!! This was beyond emotional 🥹🥹 Check TW - this one has some strong heartbreaking topics.
I was genuinely so excited for Riggs book after reading Love & Hockey. Riggs is probably one of my absolute favorite fmc's ever and her story is beyond emotional. I teared up so many times. When Riggs says, "I don’t get Prince Charming because I’m not the damsel in distress locked away in the lonely tower. I’m the fire-breathing dragon guarding the gates." I FELT THAT 😭😭
First off, Riggs + Valor's friendship is unmatched. Valor is such a good friend to Riggs and was always there for her. "Ride or die." "Forever." 🥹🥹
Monty Jay is easily one of my favorite authors ever. She legit writes poetry and seeing her growth as a writer is my favorite thing ever.
Nico is perfect. I legit cannot get over the amount of love he has for Riggs. Honestly, I'm speechless. This book is everything to me.
Highlights:
"She’d walked through hell with her middle finger up and a water gun. You couldn’t break her; she’d mastered the art of being indestructible. She’d built the walls around her heart so high that no one could get in, not even the light."
"The beginning is always scary, and the ending is sad, but it’s the middle that’s worth living for.”
“The next time you want to smack your wrist with that band. The next time you have a bad day, you come to me, you hear me? I’m going to ground you, and still show you what it’s like to free, Aurelia.” I CAN'T OMG. 🥹
"I wanted all of that with her, because I am in love with her. I would watch every single one of the Saw movies in the dark, while it was thundering outside because I am in love with her."
“A month isn’t enough with you. I need more.”
"The one building I can't draw because you are not beams and structure, you are home. You are, and forever will be, my lighthouse."
-sports romance
-hate to love
-workplace
-mental health
-healing
CHECK TW!!! **talks of suicide, depression, and bi-polar disorder.
I was genuinely so excited for Riggs book after reading Love & Hockey. Riggs is probably one of my absolute favorite fmc's ever and her story is beyond emotional. I teared up so many times. When Riggs says, "I don’t get Prince Charming because I’m not the damsel in distress locked away in the lonely tower. I’m the fire-breathing dragon guarding the gates." I FELT THAT 😭😭
First off, Riggs + Valor's friendship is unmatched. Valor is such a good friend to Riggs and was always there for her. "Ride or die." "Forever." 🥹🥹
Monty Jay is easily one of my favorite authors ever. She legit writes poetry and seeing her growth as a writer is my favorite thing ever.
Nico is perfect. I legit cannot get over the amount of love he has for Riggs. Honestly, I'm speechless. This book is everything to me.
Highlights:
"She’d walked through hell with her middle finger up and a water gun. You couldn’t break her; she’d mastered the art of being indestructible. She’d built the walls around her heart so high that no one could get in, not even the light."
"The beginning is always scary, and the ending is sad, but it’s the middle that’s worth living for.”
“The next time you want to smack your wrist with that band. The next time you have a bad day, you come to me, you hear me? I’m going to ground you, and still show you what it’s like to free, Aurelia.” I CAN'T OMG. 🥹
"I wanted all of that with her, because I am in love with her. I would watch every single one of the Saw movies in the dark, while it was thundering outside because I am in love with her."
“A month isn’t enough with you. I need more.”
"The one building I can't draw because you are not beams and structure, you are home. You are, and forever will be, my lighthouse."
-sports romance
-hate to love
-workplace
-mental health
-healing
CHECK TW!!! **talks of suicide, depression, and bi-polar disorder.
September 24, 2020
Just like my last Monty Jay reading experience, I’m in awe that her first published book was just this year. And now, the verdict is in, dear friends- Love and Hockey was no beginner’s luck, because Ice Hearts is fantastic. Prepare to FEEL, because this story is incredibly moving.
Love and Hockey caught us all off guard- everything was unknown, but going into this story, those who read the debut know that this love story is not going to be easy. Our heroine Riggs, caught in hopelessness and exhausted from fighting with her mind every day made a painful decision that shocked us all in Love and Hockey. We quickly learned that Riggs had much more to her than the sassy ballbusting best friend we’d grown to love- and Ice Hearts cracks her wide open. I was not ready to uncover all that has shaped Riggs pain and despair, but Monty holds nothing back. We learn about Riggs right alongside Nico- the man who connected with her in her darkest moment, and the man who is unwilling to let that connection go.
This story is a different story- and it proves MJ’s writing chops yet again that she allowed the story, the narrative flow and approach to mimic her subject matter. Love and Hockey had a kinetic energy, a air of mystery and heat, an urgency to its story- but from the first chapter of Ice Hearts, we can see that Riggs’ story has a totally different vibe. And wow- that first chapter, it was lyrical and poetic. Ice Hearts feels more meta in narrative construction- the pace is slower, the emotions more steadily meted, the intensity a steady hum. There is less action, and in fact less overall other character interaction- and it makes so much sense for the themes of this story. Monty lets us really SIT in Riggs’ and Nico’s experiences- they are stuck in their own pain, their own challenges, and therefore so are we as readers.
And that is the magic of this story- because this is really a story of two people confronting the most painful aspects of their being. Both of these characters are experiencing twin pains- both mourning something crucial to their identity. Nico is grieving a part of his life this is gone, and Riggs is grieving the narrative she can no longer live. Both are challenged by vulnerability, but find comfort and strength- and we see a love story that is really about healing. Healing by confronting your own pain, healing by being open about your fragileness. “Love is a thing that can exploit your soul to the world, and mine is already damaged enough.” This is a story about finding peace with your own damage by looking it directly in the eye. Nico and Riggs find loving one another easy- it is their own healing that challenges them.
Riggs is so complex- so multi-faceted, and not at all who I expected her to be, but I loved her, and most importantly, I respect her. And I hurt for her. Because Riggs is so lost- she feels trapped in her disorder, trapped in her own pain, oppressed by the expectations of her family and career, smothered by her own feelings. The pain is too much, so she tries to siphon it off, she focuses on everyone else and convincing them she’s okay because she’s terrified to confront her own suffering, because she knows she’ll find a terrifying truth- she is very much NOT okay. And she wants nothing more than to be FREE of all of that, but the path to being there feels unattainable. We learn so much about who Riggs is, and I loved her contrast- she’s both strong and struggling, feels too much but numb, effervescent and dimmed. She’s a fighter, even if her path is incredibly hard and she stumbles. For someone so well loved, Riggs is really alone. She doesn’t let people see her, not even herself, but Nico, Nico sees her.
NICO- my heart. This man. The light, funny, joyful man who is so secure in himself, who is so open is uncharacteristically lost. He’s lost his center, and that has threatened what matters most to him- family and hockey. But a moment of dark tragedy connected him to Riggs, and she reignited his spark- she was a glowing lighthouse in a dark storm. He’s persistent but patient, and so heartwarmingly compassionate. His love for Riggs- OH MY SOUL. What I love is that he loves her and accepts her BECAUSE of who she is, not in spite of it. He doesn’t want to “fix her”- because there is nothing wrong with her. He gives her what she needs- he loves her just how she needs to be love- unconditionally, boldly, and openly. Their connection is intense, beautiful, and so very emotional.
Riggs' story is very personal to me- and I want to match her vulnerability with some of my own, so that I can explain just how important her journey is and how resonant it is for me personally. When I was 18, my father tried to do what Riggs did- in the exact same way- except he succeeded. Unlike many less empathetic responses to suicide, I’ve never been angry at him, and I don’t think he was selfish. But, being in inside Riggs head, in hearing her journey and struggles, I felt somehow closer to him. Like I understood what he was feeling, where he was in that moment a little bit better. Riggs' story isn’t easy, nor was having the kind of connection to it that I do, but it also felt cathartic, healing in a way, spiritual even. And that is because Monty Jay does not sugarcoat Riggs' journey- her highs and lows. This isn’t about dramatizing or exploiting suicide and mental health challenges. Riggs' story is told with love and compassion, with tenderness and kindness. But most importantly- with authenticity. She doesn’t just wake up one day and is better. Finding her lover doesn’t “cure” her pain or challenges. MJ is real about Riggs’ disorder- she doesn’t romanticize it, she doesn’t “fix it,” she let’s it be what it is- hopeful, but unending. Intentional work, open communication, coping, time, confronting her pain, unconditional support and love from those around her- THAT is what helps Riggs work through the tougher moments. But the tougher moments? That doesn't just end because she finds love, just because the book ends. The authenticity of Riggs' journey deeply moved me- but what filled my heart with such emotion was the gentleness though which MJ lets her struggles breathe. She lets her shine, opens her up to us, lets us see the beauty of both her strength and weakness.
Ice Hearts is complicated, it’s nuanced, it's emotional- and it is so very beautiful. Real, but also hopeful. This series is shaping up to be my favorite of mine, and Monty Jay is now firmly on my one-click list. Her writing is beautifully constructed, her stories have emotional resonance, and her characters steal your heart. I can not wait to read where Monty goes next.
Love and Hockey caught us all off guard- everything was unknown, but going into this story, those who read the debut know that this love story is not going to be easy. Our heroine Riggs, caught in hopelessness and exhausted from fighting with her mind every day made a painful decision that shocked us all in Love and Hockey. We quickly learned that Riggs had much more to her than the sassy ballbusting best friend we’d grown to love- and Ice Hearts cracks her wide open. I was not ready to uncover all that has shaped Riggs pain and despair, but Monty holds nothing back. We learn about Riggs right alongside Nico- the man who connected with her in her darkest moment, and the man who is unwilling to let that connection go.
This story is a different story- and it proves MJ’s writing chops yet again that she allowed the story, the narrative flow and approach to mimic her subject matter. Love and Hockey had a kinetic energy, a air of mystery and heat, an urgency to its story- but from the first chapter of Ice Hearts, we can see that Riggs’ story has a totally different vibe. And wow- that first chapter, it was lyrical and poetic. Ice Hearts feels more meta in narrative construction- the pace is slower, the emotions more steadily meted, the intensity a steady hum. There is less action, and in fact less overall other character interaction- and it makes so much sense for the themes of this story. Monty lets us really SIT in Riggs’ and Nico’s experiences- they are stuck in their own pain, their own challenges, and therefore so are we as readers.
And that is the magic of this story- because this is really a story of two people confronting the most painful aspects of their being. Both of these characters are experiencing twin pains- both mourning something crucial to their identity. Nico is grieving a part of his life this is gone, and Riggs is grieving the narrative she can no longer live. Both are challenged by vulnerability, but find comfort and strength- and we see a love story that is really about healing. Healing by confronting your own pain, healing by being open about your fragileness. “Love is a thing that can exploit your soul to the world, and mine is already damaged enough.” This is a story about finding peace with your own damage by looking it directly in the eye. Nico and Riggs find loving one another easy- it is their own healing that challenges them.
Riggs is so complex- so multi-faceted, and not at all who I expected her to be, but I loved her, and most importantly, I respect her. And I hurt for her. Because Riggs is so lost- she feels trapped in her disorder, trapped in her own pain, oppressed by the expectations of her family and career, smothered by her own feelings. The pain is too much, so she tries to siphon it off, she focuses on everyone else and convincing them she’s okay because she’s terrified to confront her own suffering, because she knows she’ll find a terrifying truth- she is very much NOT okay. And she wants nothing more than to be FREE of all of that, but the path to being there feels unattainable. We learn so much about who Riggs is, and I loved her contrast- she’s both strong and struggling, feels too much but numb, effervescent and dimmed. She’s a fighter, even if her path is incredibly hard and she stumbles. For someone so well loved, Riggs is really alone. She doesn’t let people see her, not even herself, but Nico, Nico sees her.
NICO- my heart. This man. The light, funny, joyful man who is so secure in himself, who is so open is uncharacteristically lost. He’s lost his center, and that has threatened what matters most to him- family and hockey. But a moment of dark tragedy connected him to Riggs, and she reignited his spark- she was a glowing lighthouse in a dark storm. He’s persistent but patient, and so heartwarmingly compassionate. His love for Riggs- OH MY SOUL. What I love is that he loves her and accepts her BECAUSE of who she is, not in spite of it. He doesn’t want to “fix her”- because there is nothing wrong with her. He gives her what she needs- he loves her just how she needs to be love- unconditionally, boldly, and openly. Their connection is intense, beautiful, and so very emotional.
Riggs' story is very personal to me- and I want to match her vulnerability with some of my own, so that I can explain just how important her journey is and how resonant it is for me personally. When I was 18, my father tried to do what Riggs did- in the exact same way- except he succeeded. Unlike many less empathetic responses to suicide, I’ve never been angry at him, and I don’t think he was selfish. But, being in inside Riggs head, in hearing her journey and struggles, I felt somehow closer to him. Like I understood what he was feeling, where he was in that moment a little bit better. Riggs' story isn’t easy, nor was having the kind of connection to it that I do, but it also felt cathartic, healing in a way, spiritual even. And that is because Monty Jay does not sugarcoat Riggs' journey- her highs and lows. This isn’t about dramatizing or exploiting suicide and mental health challenges. Riggs' story is told with love and compassion, with tenderness and kindness. But most importantly- with authenticity. She doesn’t just wake up one day and is better. Finding her lover doesn’t “cure” her pain or challenges. MJ is real about Riggs’ disorder- she doesn’t romanticize it, she doesn’t “fix it,” she let’s it be what it is- hopeful, but unending. Intentional work, open communication, coping, time, confronting her pain, unconditional support and love from those around her- THAT is what helps Riggs work through the tougher moments. But the tougher moments? That doesn't just end because she finds love, just because the book ends. The authenticity of Riggs' journey deeply moved me- but what filled my heart with such emotion was the gentleness though which MJ lets her struggles breathe. She lets her shine, opens her up to us, lets us see the beauty of both her strength and weakness.
Ice Hearts is complicated, it’s nuanced, it's emotional- and it is so very beautiful. Real, but also hopeful. This series is shaping up to be my favorite of mine, and Monty Jay is now firmly on my one-click list. Her writing is beautifully constructed, her stories have emotional resonance, and her characters steal your heart. I can not wait to read where Monty goes next.
December 19, 2025
Oof. I don’t even know what to say other than this book left me in tears and feeling completely raw. If you’ve ever felt like you’re impossible to love, buckle up—because this one feels like a very real wake-up call. I swear Monty Jay reached into my life, grabbed every trauma and piece of baggage I carry, and poured it straight onto the pages just to personally attack me.
Please, check the triggers. This story covers a lot—with powerful contrasts between healthy family dynamics and dark, broken ones. It explores loss and grief, the highs and lows of mental health, and so much more, all handled with care and emotional depth.
And Nicole and Aurelia… whew. Nico is the kind of man every broken woman will swoon over—right after we try to push him away in every way imaginable. His love hurts in the way it heals your soul. Always choosing the second cake had me absolutely wrecked 😭😭😭😭
I loved this book so, so much. I still don’t know how Monty managed to pack such poetic, beautiful writing into a story like this. It was nothing like what I expected from a sports romance—and honestly? That made me love it even more.
Definitely worth the read!
#Sports Romance
#Mental Health Representation
#Trauma
Please, check the triggers. This story covers a lot—with powerful contrasts between healthy family dynamics and dark, broken ones. It explores loss and grief, the highs and lows of mental health, and so much more, all handled with care and emotional depth.
And Nicole and Aurelia… whew. Nico is the kind of man every broken woman will swoon over—right after we try to push him away in every way imaginable. His love hurts in the way it heals your soul. Always choosing the second cake had me absolutely wrecked 😭😭😭😭
I loved this book so, so much. I still don’t know how Monty managed to pack such poetic, beautiful writing into a story like this. It was nothing like what I expected from a sports romance—and honestly? That made me love it even more.
Definitely worth the read!
#Sports Romance
#Mental Health Representation
#Trauma
September 25, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
After reading 'Love and Hockey's this book was one of my most anticipated! And what an amazing ride it was!
This contemporary romance took my heart and broke it in the most delicious way possible. Riggs and Nico have a beautiful tale that will stay with you forever! I loved the way Riggs character had a serious development in this book and how determined she was to get over her pain!
She had constant support from Nico , whom I love by the way. He was her perfect match and adored her in every way. These two characters have a story full of so much joy and pain that everyone will love it. A definite recommendation to all the contemporary romance lovers out there!
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September 17, 2020
5 star review Ice Hearts (Fury series #2) by Monty Jay
Monty Jay is a relatively new author and I have to say I found Ice Hearts to be well written, with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. This was an entertaining and emotional read that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
This is NHL player Nico (Southie) Jett and Aurelia Riggs’s story. I found the characters had a great deal of depth and I really liked them. This was an emotional story and the journey that Nico and Aurelia have to travel to get to their happily ever after was one that really got to me on a number of levels.
Nico needs Aurelia’s expertise but she is determined to avoid him. However he is a man on a mission and will do what he has to for the woman he desires. I really liked her, she is sassy, and strong and I admired her, such a great character. I loved how protective and supportive Nico was of her, he was so swoon worthy.
It was wonderful to watch the growth of both Nico and Aurelia as the story progressed and I couldn’t put it down. Ice Hearts was a moving story that has all the feels.
Monty Jay is a relatively new author and I have to say I found Ice Hearts to be well written, with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. This was an entertaining and emotional read that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
This is NHL player Nico (Southie) Jett and Aurelia Riggs’s story. I found the characters had a great deal of depth and I really liked them. This was an emotional story and the journey that Nico and Aurelia have to travel to get to their happily ever after was one that really got to me on a number of levels.
Nico needs Aurelia’s expertise but she is determined to avoid him. However he is a man on a mission and will do what he has to for the woman he desires. I really liked her, she is sassy, and strong and I admired her, such a great character. I loved how protective and supportive Nico was of her, he was so swoon worthy.
It was wonderful to watch the growth of both Nico and Aurelia as the story progressed and I couldn’t put it down. Ice Hearts was a moving story that has all the feels.
March 8, 2024
He’s reaching down to salvage whatever’s left of my soul, and I’m looking up at him, wondering why a creature so gentle would bother with me.
5/5 ⭐ 1.5/5 🌶️
I don't know how Monty's words touch my soul on such a very deep, spiritual level but I sure know that whatever she writes, I will read!!! Monty writes about couples that are the epitome of "soulmates", that there's no doubt about them being one soul divided in two bodies. I love their stories and Aurelia’s and Niko’s might have been one of my favorites.
This is a golden retriever bf x grumpy fmc trope. Niko was such a beautiful, positive soul, and although I like my mmcs as dark as Aurelia's coffee, I would kneel for Niko any time of the day because he deserves the world. He was the mmc I didn't know I needed. Patient, smitten and brilliant, I was obsessed with his povs.
Nico is a romantic comedy, and I’m gory horror. He’s the sun, and I’m moon.
And then we have the beautiful, amazing soul that is the one and only ice queen, Aurelia aka Riggs, who gave my heart a run for its money, but gosh was it worth it. Her growth and character development were worth all the pain and tears.
This was angsty. These characters made me cry but also smile. Some of their thoughts and struggles were very personal to me and it made my reading pace a bit slower, but I loved it so much. Monty writes emotions brilliantly.
Now … running to Kai!
Did I like it? Loooved it!
Would I reread it? Yes, I will.
5/5 ⭐ 1.5/5 🌶️
I don't know how Monty's words touch my soul on such a very deep, spiritual level but I sure know that whatever she writes, I will read!!! Monty writes about couples that are the epitome of "soulmates", that there's no doubt about them being one soul divided in two bodies. I love their stories and Aurelia’s and Niko’s might have been one of my favorites.
This is a golden retriever bf x grumpy fmc trope. Niko was such a beautiful, positive soul, and although I like my mmcs as dark as Aurelia's coffee, I would kneel for Niko any time of the day because he deserves the world. He was the mmc I didn't know I needed. Patient, smitten and brilliant, I was obsessed with his povs.
Nico is a romantic comedy, and I’m gory horror. He’s the sun, and I’m moon.
And then we have the beautiful, amazing soul that is the one and only ice queen, Aurelia aka Riggs, who gave my heart a run for its money, but gosh was it worth it. Her growth and character development were worth all the pain and tears.
This was angsty. These characters made me cry but also smile. Some of their thoughts and struggles were very personal to me and it made my reading pace a bit slower, but I loved it so much. Monty writes emotions brilliantly.
Now … running to Kai!
Did I like it? Loooved it!
Would I reread it? Yes, I will.
September 24, 2020
Monty has once again blown me away with her amazing ability to bring her characters to life and tell their story. I fell in love with Nico Jett and Aurelia Riggs .
I loved Fury the first book in this series and could not wait for Riggs & Jett's story. Monty certainly brought her A game for this ride. It is emotional, heartbreaking, real and so raw. It gives you the reader a glimpse into the life of a person with a mental illness. You see how it not only affects the individual but the people around them that care about them and want to love them. I cried, cheered, laughed and loved this couple!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
I loved Fury the first book in this series and could not wait for Riggs & Jett's story. Monty certainly brought her A game for this ride. It is emotional, heartbreaking, real and so raw. It gives you the reader a glimpse into the life of a person with a mental illness. You see how it not only affects the individual but the people around them that care about them and want to love them. I cried, cheered, laughed and loved this couple!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
December 17, 2025
Overall, I'd give this book 4 stars, Nico and Riggs's story was so cute. I absolutely adored Nico; his fierce sense of protectiveness of his family and friends, his upbringing, and his dedication to Riggs. Talk about trauma, goodness gracious, my heart hurt so much for Riggs. The humor scattered throughout the story had me cackling at times, especially the weed brownie chapter, it was amazing.
*Hockey Romance
*Childhood Trauma
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Found Family
Format: ebook and audiobook
Thank you NetGalley, Monty Jay, and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
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*Hockey Romance
*Childhood Trauma
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Found Family
Format: ebook and audiobook
Thank you NetGalley, Monty Jay, and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
Follow Me on Instagram :)
September 25, 2020
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU
Nico and Aurelia are thrown together when he needs her to help rehab his image. But he wants far more from her than just some image fixing. He's wanted to get close to her for awhile now, but the ice queen's been avoiding him. You see, she's got her defenses up so high it's a wonder anyone can be in the same room as she. But Nico's determination combined with Aurelia's own feelings for him will eventually mean she lets him in. Then the question is, will she keep him, or let him go when her issues become too much for her to bear?
I was feeling all the feels while reading Ice Hearts! Aurelia had such a horrible childhood with disgusting excuses for parents, and it really did a number on her poor psyche. But she was so strong, and had the love of a wonderful man in Nico, that they were able to get through everything together. I may have questioned her behavior, even while I empathized with her, but I absolutely felt that she and the delectable sweetheart of a man Nico, were true soulmates and perfect for each other. I loved this story and cannot wait for more Fury love now.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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September 14, 2020
Ice Hearts is the second book in the Fury series by Monty Jay. I still can’t believe this is her debut series since it’s so good. You can read each book as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend reading Love & Hockey. It’s not the same couple but it will give you more of an understanding into Riggs’ life. Her highs and her lows.
A year ago both Riggs and Nico’s lives changed. He saw her. He knew she was beautiful and badass but in a moment, he saw her. The real her and he wanted to get to know her more now. It was time. And after a loss, Nico doesn’t want to lose anymore time. It’s so fate that Riggs is assigned to him to clean up his image after months of falling apart. She needed three months to do her job. All he wanted was one month to show her that she was for him. He wanted the cheesy dates she says she hates. He wanted to give her flowers after ringing her doorbell. He was scared. She was terrified. Was it worth it? She was cold as ice to him but he knew she would melt under his touch. He wanted her to know she was worthy of love and to prove that she knows how to love. He wants her to see the woman he already sees. A badass with a heart of gold. He just has to break the ice first.
I knew this book was going to be amazing! Riggs deserves the world and I sensed Nico was man enough to show it to her. He was so gentle and sweet in Love & Hockey. Their banter in this book was emotional, raw, funny, flirty, and hot. The writing pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. It was fun catching up with the group and being introduced to a new player! Poor Emerson...I really hope he gets his own story one day.
Overall...it’s an emotional ride full of passion, suspense, heat, hockey, friendship, family, love, and the sea. I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
She didn't need a man, she was her own man. It intimidated the fuck out of me, but it also turned me on. Her ambition, her success, her determination made me want her in ways I never thought possible.
"Let me make this clear, I'm not some ditzy girl, with flowers in her hair, and Jesus in her soul." She clicks her tongue, waving her arms around as she speaks. "I'm not a princess, I'm a bitch, and I fucking bite."
"You may have been born in a world of darkness, Aurelia, but you are made of light."
A year ago both Riggs and Nico’s lives changed. He saw her. He knew she was beautiful and badass but in a moment, he saw her. The real her and he wanted to get to know her more now. It was time. And after a loss, Nico doesn’t want to lose anymore time. It’s so fate that Riggs is assigned to him to clean up his image after months of falling apart. She needed three months to do her job. All he wanted was one month to show her that she was for him. He wanted the cheesy dates she says she hates. He wanted to give her flowers after ringing her doorbell. He was scared. She was terrified. Was it worth it? She was cold as ice to him but he knew she would melt under his touch. He wanted her to know she was worthy of love and to prove that she knows how to love. He wants her to see the woman he already sees. A badass with a heart of gold. He just has to break the ice first.
I knew this book was going to be amazing! Riggs deserves the world and I sensed Nico was man enough to show it to her. He was so gentle and sweet in Love & Hockey. Their banter in this book was emotional, raw, funny, flirty, and hot. The writing pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. It was fun catching up with the group and being introduced to a new player! Poor Emerson...I really hope he gets his own story one day.
Overall...it’s an emotional ride full of passion, suspense, heat, hockey, friendship, family, love, and the sea. I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
She didn't need a man, she was her own man. It intimidated the fuck out of me, but it also turned me on. Her ambition, her success, her determination made me want her in ways I never thought possible.
"Let me make this clear, I'm not some ditzy girl, with flowers in her hair, and Jesus in her soul." She clicks her tongue, waving her arms around as she speaks. "I'm not a princess, I'm a bitch, and I fucking bite."
"You may have been born in a world of darkness, Aurelia, but you are made of light."
September 29, 2020
4.5 Stars
Ice Hearts is the second title in the Fury series, and follows on from Love and Hockey. Aurelia and Nico both featured in Valour and Bishop’s story and I was eager to see how their story would come about. I don’t think I was completely prepared for this heartfelt, emotional, raw, slow burn sports romance.
Nico is a professional hockey player and a gorgeous man both inside and out. Whilst he’s a sweet, sexy, protective gentleman, he’s also an alpha to the core. He’s confident and optimistic and completely driven and determined when he sets his mind to a goal.
Aurelia aka ‘Riggs’ has a reputation as an ice princess, but it’s all really a façade to keep everyone from getting too close. She’s suffered from a traumatic and tragic childhood that has left her with emotional scars and she is constantly fighting the demons that reside in her mind. She’s incredibly strong and resilient and more than once her plight bought tears to my eyes.
The banter between this pair is sassy, snarky, witty and flirtatious. But for me it was the deep and meaningful conversations that drew me into their story and made me feel connected to this pair.
Ice Hearts features characters that are not only well developed, but complex and whilst they may appear to be opposites, they balance out each other perfectly. There is great vulnerability in this title and it touches on many mental health issues that many people can relate to, but it is also quite confronting, but broached in a compassionate and enlightening way.
Monty Jay has written another captivating title and I look forward to reading future additions to the Fury series.
Ice Hearts is the second title in the Fury series, and follows on from Love and Hockey. Aurelia and Nico both featured in Valour and Bishop’s story and I was eager to see how their story would come about. I don’t think I was completely prepared for this heartfelt, emotional, raw, slow burn sports romance.
Nico is a professional hockey player and a gorgeous man both inside and out. Whilst he’s a sweet, sexy, protective gentleman, he’s also an alpha to the core. He’s confident and optimistic and completely driven and determined when he sets his mind to a goal.
Aurelia aka ‘Riggs’ has a reputation as an ice princess, but it’s all really a façade to keep everyone from getting too close. She’s suffered from a traumatic and tragic childhood that has left her with emotional scars and she is constantly fighting the demons that reside in her mind. She’s incredibly strong and resilient and more than once her plight bought tears to my eyes.
The banter between this pair is sassy, snarky, witty and flirtatious. But for me it was the deep and meaningful conversations that drew me into their story and made me feel connected to this pair.
Ice Hearts features characters that are not only well developed, but complex and whilst they may appear to be opposites, they balance out each other perfectly. There is great vulnerability in this title and it touches on many mental health issues that many people can relate to, but it is also quite confronting, but broached in a compassionate and enlightening way.
Monty Jay has written another captivating title and I look forward to reading future additions to the Fury series.
September 12, 2020
Get ready and hang on because Monty is going to take your heart on one hell of an EMOTIONAL roller coaster. Riggs, my girl, her love for others, her will to escape, and most of all her strength. This girl deserves nothing but the best and Nico is just the man for the job. The prologue had me hooked! I went back multiple times throughout to re-read the words, the reason Nico grew into such an AMAZING man, the demon slayer.
“I’ll drive all the darkness out....so you’ll see the light.”
There were so many scenes I literally had to take a moment to compose myself. The love written within these words were the driving force behind such a beautiful love story. I can’t wait for what’s next! Monty give me ALL THE WORDS!
Ice Hearts is so much more than 5 stars!! A definite MUST READ!
“I’ll drive all the darkness out....so you’ll see the light.”
There were so many scenes I literally had to take a moment to compose myself. The love written within these words were the driving force behind such a beautiful love story. I can’t wait for what’s next! Monty give me ALL THE WORDS!
Ice Hearts is so much more than 5 stars!! A definite MUST READ!
June 18, 2023
Another one finished in one day 💋 I love love love books where mental illness is discussed and shown as not some ugly shameful thing that needs to be hidden. Monty did a fantastic job creating this story, yet again 🖤🖤 Riggs might be my favorite FMC as of late!
September 24, 2020
Nico & Riggs.....oh what can I say about them?? I knew after reading Monty Jay's first book "Love & Hockey" that their journey to happily ever after wasn't going to be an easy one. It was messy, it was emotional but it was also beautiful.
Monty Jay's ability to just immediately draw you in from the first pages is truly magnificent. She is absolutely one of the best new authors that I have come across this year, if not the best! I can not wait to see what she puts out next!
Monty Jay's ability to just immediately draw you in from the first pages is truly magnificent. She is absolutely one of the best new authors that I have come across this year, if not the best! I can not wait to see what she puts out next!
September 24, 2020
I think this book might be the one which has the most exceeded my expectations this year.
I went into this book expecting a cute hockey romance, that's it. Let me tell you, after the first chapter, I already knew this book was so much more than that. I am really sad I had not read the first book of the series before this one, because at the beginning of the story I was a little bit confused about what had previously happened between Nico and Riggs, but after about 20% I was hooked. Mental health is a big part of this story, but it is so very well dealt with, some of the scenes are very triggering, but it made me adore Riggs' character even more.
This is one of those books that will make you believe in soulmates, because Nico's love for Riggs since the first page of this book is insane. I usually hate "instalove" stories, but this is so different. While both characters pretty much know they are made for each other since the beginning, this book shows that love is not that simple, that you have to fight for it, but, the most important thing, that you need to love yourself before being able to love someone else. Riggs and Nico are opposite on so many levels, he is such a romantic while she is a badass who believes she is going to break people who love her, but they make the perfect couple.
While it's not only a hockey romance, it is a really good one. I loved how hockey was integrated into the story and that all of Nico's teammates have a true purpose in the plot. And well... It really doesn't hurt that the protagonist is a hot athlete with a big heart. There are also extremely funny moments which really turned this book into a five-star read, I am going to read Valor and Bishop's story ( Love & Hockey) really soon because they seem hilarious!
I cannot recommend this book enough, but maybe don't read this one as a standalone and read the entire series. This book will make you believe in true love, make you cry and make you laugh, but it is so worth it at the end.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I went into this book expecting a cute hockey romance, that's it. Let me tell you, after the first chapter, I already knew this book was so much more than that. I am really sad I had not read the first book of the series before this one, because at the beginning of the story I was a little bit confused about what had previously happened between Nico and Riggs, but after about 20% I was hooked. Mental health is a big part of this story, but it is so very well dealt with, some of the scenes are very triggering, but it made me adore Riggs' character even more.
This is one of those books that will make you believe in soulmates, because Nico's love for Riggs since the first page of this book is insane. I usually hate "instalove" stories, but this is so different. While both characters pretty much know they are made for each other since the beginning, this book shows that love is not that simple, that you have to fight for it, but, the most important thing, that you need to love yourself before being able to love someone else. Riggs and Nico are opposite on so many levels, he is such a romantic while she is a badass who believes she is going to break people who love her, but they make the perfect couple.
While it's not only a hockey romance, it is a really good one. I loved how hockey was integrated into the story and that all of Nico's teammates have a true purpose in the plot. And well... It really doesn't hurt that the protagonist is a hot athlete with a big heart. There are also extremely funny moments which really turned this book into a five-star read, I am going to read Valor and Bishop's story ( Love & Hockey) really soon because they seem hilarious!
I cannot recommend this book enough, but maybe don't read this one as a standalone and read the entire series. This book will make you believe in true love, make you cry and make you laugh, but it is so worth it at the end.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
September 27, 2020
Another amazing story by Monty Jay. This is the second book of the Fury series but can be read as a standalone. I would recommend reading Love and Honey first to meet these characters and to see their personalities before diving into this one. But again, this can be read as a complete standalone.
Monty Jay deals with loads of issues (cue triggers) in this book. She also gives you two completely polar opposite characters that are meant to be together. We have Riggs, the 'ice queen' who had a privileged childhood, but no love. And Nico who starts from a humble beginning with a happy and fulfilling home. As they grow up, they build and develop and respond to their surroundings and when they meet, there's explosion. There's push and pull, mental blocks, past traumas that lead to self sabotage and a long journey to these two getting their together ever after.
The writing style is superb, the story flows amazing, and if I have to criticize then the story is long. Jay's writing style also includes a prologue of not the couple but of the parents. It does show you where the main couple of the story gets their idealisation from, but personally I don't want to read about the parents. But what I do love that this is her second book and I see a bright future is this is the type of stories Jay continues to give us.
September 20, 2020
Monty Jay is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
Ice Hearts is another beautifully written slow burn romance and just like Love and Hockey, I LOVED IT!
Riggs. My heart physically hurt reading about what happened to her and her relationship with her parents. She struggles with Bipolar as well as the trauma from her past and she is such an incredibly strong character! I couldn't help but love her.
Nico. Isn’t he just adorable! He had some seriously good one liners that had me laughing out loud. He is so bloody gorgeous and he is such a romantic but then all of a sudden, he flips a switch and boy can he turn it on! He. Is. So. Effing. HOT!!!!!
The scene on the roof.. SWEET BABY JESUS!
I am so glad we still got to see a little of Valor and Bishop. I MISS THEM SO MUCH! They only make small appearances throughout the book but because I loved their story and their characters, I wish we got to see more of them.
Kai! My fingers are crossed that he will get his own book because he is so dark and mysterious! I need more!!
Enter Emerson!! The newbie. The rookie. There is definitely a few questions and hidden secrets floating around that one. I cannot wait to discover what they are.
I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It had me laughing and crying and once again, falling madly in love with everyone involved (except Riggs's parents of course). It was honestly one incredibly beautiful heartfelt (although heart breaking at times) story.
I cannot wait to see what Monty Jay writes for us next!
Ice Hearts is another beautifully written slow burn romance and just like Love and Hockey, I LOVED IT!
Riggs. My heart physically hurt reading about what happened to her and her relationship with her parents. She struggles with Bipolar as well as the trauma from her past and she is such an incredibly strong character! I couldn't help but love her.
Nico. Isn’t he just adorable! He had some seriously good one liners that had me laughing out loud. He is so bloody gorgeous and he is such a romantic but then all of a sudden, he flips a switch and boy can he turn it on! He. Is. So. Effing. HOT!!!!!
The scene on the roof.. SWEET BABY JESUS!
I am so glad we still got to see a little of Valor and Bishop. I MISS THEM SO MUCH! They only make small appearances throughout the book but because I loved their story and their characters, I wish we got to see more of them.
Kai! My fingers are crossed that he will get his own book because he is so dark and mysterious! I need more!!
Enter Emerson!! The newbie. The rookie. There is definitely a few questions and hidden secrets floating around that one. I cannot wait to discover what they are.
I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It had me laughing and crying and once again, falling madly in love with everyone involved (except Riggs's parents of course). It was honestly one incredibly beautiful heartfelt (although heart breaking at times) story.
I cannot wait to see what Monty Jay writes for us next!
September 6, 2020
I was lucky enough to read this book early and it was amazing. I fell in love with monty’s words over and over again. This book was different. Unexpected. It has some trigger warnings so be careful before reading it but if you can handle it I’m sure you will love this story. Where do I start?
Riggs and Nico. Oh my gosh. I loved the first couple Bishop and Vallie so so much. And Riggs and nico were totally different but I adored them. Riggs is cold and nico wants to melt that ice (see what I did there?). Their relationship develops and grows so much and I love that aspect of the book. They balanced each other so well and their chemistry is off the rails. I could feel it while I was reading it and they felt real. That’s what happens with monty’s books. You feel like you are reuniting with a group of friends, laughing with them, crying with them, suffering with them.. you can forget about the world for a few hours and once you are done you want more. The writing is exceptional. This book has some amazing quotes and I highlighted almost everything. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world so you can fell in love with those two characters and the rest of the group.
Riggs and Nico. Oh my gosh. I loved the first couple Bishop and Vallie so so much. And Riggs and nico were totally different but I adored them. Riggs is cold and nico wants to melt that ice (see what I did there?). Their relationship develops and grows so much and I love that aspect of the book. They balanced each other so well and their chemistry is off the rails. I could feel it while I was reading it and they felt real. That’s what happens with monty’s books. You feel like you are reuniting with a group of friends, laughing with them, crying with them, suffering with them.. you can forget about the world for a few hours and once you are done you want more. The writing is exceptional. This book has some amazing quotes and I highlighted almost everything. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world so you can fell in love with those two characters and the rest of the group.
December 30, 2025
18+ Check Trigger Warnings
Monty Jay is an author that has been on my tbr for a while now and I’m so glad this was my first book, because I completely fell in love with the writing in this story. This was a very emotional story and shed light on some very heavy topics, so please check the trigger warnings.
With that said, my heart broke for Aurelia and the things she endured growing up and what she continued to battle as an adult. Her character was so easy to fall in love with, exuding that feminine black cat energy, with a heart that just wanted to be loved and understood for who she truly was. The mental health representation in this book was amazing. And Nico? He was so perfect and gentle with Aurelia. The way he wanted nothing more than to breathe the same air as this woman and give her everything. 😭
Aurelia, Chicago’s best PR agent to the stars, and Nico, a star hockey player and her client who’s a complete romantic in every sense of the word, are absolute perfection as individual characters and together. If you’ve ever felt as if you’re difficult to love or unworthy of love, this story will show you otherwise.
Have to shout out the amazing narrators Benjamin Sands and Amy Hall because they really brought the characters, story, and emotions to life for me. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook. I’m definitely looking forward to finishing the series. 💙
Monty Jay is an author that has been on my tbr for a while now and I’m so glad this was my first book, because I completely fell in love with the writing in this story. This was a very emotional story and shed light on some very heavy topics, so please check the trigger warnings.
With that said, my heart broke for Aurelia and the things she endured growing up and what she continued to battle as an adult. Her character was so easy to fall in love with, exuding that feminine black cat energy, with a heart that just wanted to be loved and understood for who she truly was. The mental health representation in this book was amazing. And Nico? He was so perfect and gentle with Aurelia. The way he wanted nothing more than to breathe the same air as this woman and give her everything. 😭
Aurelia, Chicago’s best PR agent to the stars, and Nico, a star hockey player and her client who’s a complete romantic in every sense of the word, are absolute perfection as individual characters and together. If you’ve ever felt as if you’re difficult to love or unworthy of love, this story will show you otherwise.
Have to shout out the amazing narrators Benjamin Sands and Amy Hall because they really brought the characters, story, and emotions to life for me. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook. I’m definitely looking forward to finishing the series. 💙
December 14, 2025
⭐️ALC REVIEW⭐️ The production of this ALC was phenomenal I’m not big on dual narration but this one was great I could listen to both of their voices all day.
No because I genuinely was not expecting to feel this way about a hockey romance… Nico is the definition of if he wanted to he would. He is seriously so fucking perfect and the fact that absolutely nothing pushed him away from Riggs proved that he meant every single word he said to her. More than that he showed her that she is worthy of love even with everything she feels and everything she’s been through.
Riggs is just so human. She’s incredibly relatable and you can truly see yourself in her while reading. This book makes you feel and creates such a deep connection to the characters. I cried… and I really wasn’t expecting that. And the little snippets we get of Nico’s parents love story? So warm and comforting like a nice hug.
Read. This. Book. 💙
~thank you to NetGalley and the author! I received a copy of the ALC for an honest review~
No because I genuinely was not expecting to feel this way about a hockey romance… Nico is the definition of if he wanted to he would. He is seriously so fucking perfect and the fact that absolutely nothing pushed him away from Riggs proved that he meant every single word he said to her. More than that he showed her that she is worthy of love even with everything she feels and everything she’s been through.
Riggs is just so human. She’s incredibly relatable and you can truly see yourself in her while reading. This book makes you feel and creates such a deep connection to the characters. I cried… and I really wasn’t expecting that. And the little snippets we get of Nico’s parents love story? So warm and comforting like a nice hug.
Read. This. Book. 💙
~thank you to NetGalley and the author! I received a copy of the ALC for an honest review~
December 16, 2025
Big thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media and Monty Jay for the gifted ALC.
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sports)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 2/10
🎧 4/5
Cliffhanger: 2/10 (Setup for book 3)
Noteworthy: Book 2/4 in a completed interconnected standalone series. Dual first-person POV.
This review is for the audiobook. It's dual narration style narrated by Benjamin Sands and Amy Hall. Both narrators did a good job but Ben stands out with a great Boston and occasional Russian accent. They each had distinctive voices for each character and conveyed solid acting skills. Amy in particular had the challenge of voicing someone fighting mental illness with a previous a self harm attempt and child abuse. She did a very good job communicating the pain, anger and struggle Riggs goes through in this book.
I recommend this audiobook for anyone who likes hockey romance, golden retriever MMCs, characters who don't give up on those they love, or anyone just needing a palette cleanser with a little grit to it.
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sports)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 2/10
🎧 4/5
Cliffhanger: 2/10 (Setup for book 3)
Noteworthy: Book 2/4 in a completed interconnected standalone series. Dual first-person POV.
This review is for the audiobook. It's dual narration style narrated by Benjamin Sands and Amy Hall. Both narrators did a good job but Ben stands out with a great Boston and occasional Russian accent. They each had distinctive voices for each character and conveyed solid acting skills. Amy in particular had the challenge of voicing someone fighting mental illness with a previous a self harm attempt and child abuse. She did a very good job communicating the pain, anger and struggle Riggs goes through in this book.
I recommend this audiobook for anyone who likes hockey romance, golden retriever MMCs, characters who don't give up on those they love, or anyone just needing a palette cleanser with a little grit to it.
September 25, 2020
Nico is a professional hockey player whose emotional outburst has not only damaged his reputation but has put his future with hockey in jeopardy. The one good thing to come out of the situation is that it will mean spending time with Riggs as she has been hired by the team to do damage control but she is also the woman he can’t stop thinking about.
Riggs has endured a past that no one should have to which has resulted in her appearing cold and withdrawn. She believes the only way to protect herself if by not allowing many people close and guarding her secrets, but Riggs sees past her demeanor to her pain and he is determined to show her that he is the one person she can count on to be there for her.
Riggs strength and resilience shines through while Nico is so patient and understanding. This is an emotional story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring and there is no doubt that they belong together.
Riggs has endured a past that no one should have to which has resulted in her appearing cold and withdrawn. She believes the only way to protect herself if by not allowing many people close and guarding her secrets, but Riggs sees past her demeanor to her pain and he is determined to show her that he is the one person she can count on to be there for her.
Riggs strength and resilience shines through while Nico is so patient and understanding. This is an emotional story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring and there is no doubt that they belong together.
September 25, 2020
This really talks about serious issues, and I think it's great that the author brings light to this matter. It was easy to read. Riggs and Nico definitely made it easy. I like Riggs character, she's so sassy, blunt, kind of coldhearted, but still very witty. And Nico's a hockey player she had to manage.
Right from the moment, he saw her, he knows she's his lighthouse. She's the one for him. He tried very hard to have her give him a chance to date. He understood her more than anyone can and accepted her as she is even though she's having a bad day. He's such a sweet guy. They both needed each other and are truly perfect for each other.
And I admired the relationship and love he has for his dad. He would always reminisce about him. I love Nico's character. I enjoyed this one immensely. Can't wait for more from Monty Jay!
Right from the moment, he saw her, he knows she's his lighthouse. She's the one for him. He tried very hard to have her give him a chance to date. He understood her more than anyone can and accepted her as she is even though she's having a bad day. He's such a sweet guy. They both needed each other and are truly perfect for each other.
And I admired the relationship and love he has for his dad. He would always reminisce about him. I love Nico's character. I enjoyed this one immensely. Can't wait for more from Monty Jay!
September 27, 2020
Seriously Monty Jay blows me away.
When I read Love and Hockey I thought there's no way this is a debut. I still think that just so we are clear. With Ice Hearts my feels really got all up in this. We knew from Love and Hockey that things weren't easy for Riggs. But we know despite the shit that's happened to her she strong. Stronger than someone needs to be. Riggs reminded me that no matter how strong life makes us we are still vulnerable and its important to share our vulnerabilities with the people we love and trust.
Nico is a damn cinnamon roll that we must protect at all costs. Though I'm pretty sure he can handle himself.
The end nearly had me in tears, its quite possibly one of the most romantic scenes I've read.
When I read Love and Hockey I thought there's no way this is a debut. I still think that just so we are clear. With Ice Hearts my feels really got all up in this. We knew from Love and Hockey that things weren't easy for Riggs. But we know despite the shit that's happened to her she strong. Stronger than someone needs to be. Riggs reminded me that no matter how strong life makes us we are still vulnerable and its important to share our vulnerabilities with the people we love and trust.
Nico is a damn cinnamon roll that we must protect at all costs. Though I'm pretty sure he can handle himself.
The end nearly had me in tears, its quite possibly one of the most romantic scenes I've read.
September 26, 2020
Nico is on the hockey team but he is in danger of losing his place after an incident. Aurelia is the PR for the team and tasked with repairing Nico's reputation. Nico has always had a crush on Aurelia but she is ice cold to him. He's determined to get under her skin and find out more about her. Aurelia hasn't had an easy past and keeps people from getting too close. This is a heartbreaking but good story that gives a look at a couple that has problems but comes together to be stronger.
September 24, 2020
I loved Ice Hearts from start to finish. Riggs has to be one of the best book heroines ever! She’s a survivor, and she had to endure so much. I loved Riggs’ resilience. No matter how much darkness surrounded her, she held onto the light within herself even if she doubted at times that it was still there. “She’s broken, strong, and brave, all at once.”
Score one for the good guys! Spellbound by her, Nico recognizes that Riggs is like a complicated puzzle. But he’s more than up for the challenge. I loved how Nico just wanted to be there to support Riggs. He knew that he couldn’t be her strength, but he could make her stronger. He loves her with all his soul and is the perfect balance of alpha dominance and gentle lover.
This love story touches on a sensitive topic in our society, mental health. Kudos to the author for weaving it in a way that highlights its importance without taking away from the romance. I walked away with a different perspective on what it is like to live with a mental health issue.
We not only get Riggs’ story of survival, but we witness the story of two souls that are meant to be together. Prepare for all the feels. I feel like I lived the whole thing right along with these two, every single emotion, and I loved every minute of it.
Score one for the good guys! Spellbound by her, Nico recognizes that Riggs is like a complicated puzzle. But he’s more than up for the challenge. I loved how Nico just wanted to be there to support Riggs. He knew that he couldn’t be her strength, but he could make her stronger. He loves her with all his soul and is the perfect balance of alpha dominance and gentle lover.
This love story touches on a sensitive topic in our society, mental health. Kudos to the author for weaving it in a way that highlights its importance without taking away from the romance. I walked away with a different perspective on what it is like to live with a mental health issue.
We not only get Riggs’ story of survival, but we witness the story of two souls that are meant to be together. Prepare for all the feels. I feel like I lived the whole thing right along with these two, every single emotion, and I loved every minute of it.
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