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Sharp Edges
A slow-burn contemporary hockey romance that kicks off the Fresh Ice Series with sass, laughs, drama, and an adorable dog. Pro ice hockey player Blake faces a chronic illness that he hides from his Boston teammates, but he can't hide from sassy equipment manager Kerry when she melts at his Minnesota manner and finds the only way to cure him.
Something’s terribly wrong with Blake “Eshy” Eshlin, a top-6 winger for the Boston Bears professional ice hockey team. Faced with sudden chronic pain from his body’s traumatic response to a virus, Eshy has to learn to live with the agonizing and distracting effects of fibromyalgia without letting the rest of his hockey club know. He hides his condition from everyone in his life, but one person can see right through the ruse.
As the assistant equipment manager, it’s Kerry Stratton’s job to watch the players closely and attend to their every need, whether it’s sharpening skates, washing towels, or finding the perfect shower soap to clear their sweat acne. When Eshy’s performance wanes and Kerry can see he’s clearly in pain, she inserts herself into his personal life to get him help and make him face his fears of a new normal. But Kerry never bargained for Eshy being a darling sweetheart and such a kind Minnesota mama’s boy. Even Kerry’s headstrong ways can’t keep her from falling for him and following him into an accidental world of opioids, reckless endangerment, secrets, and blackmail, as Eshy spirals out of control and Kerry fights to save him.
When an adversary on Eshy’s own team wants Kerry for himself and goes to dangerous lengths to drive a wedge into Eshy and Kerry’s budding relationship, can Eshy’s hockey career survive an opioid overdose leaking out to the media? And can Kerry’s job survive the aftermath of her involvement in Eshy’s fate?
***Shortlisted for the Chatelaine Book Award for Romantic Fiction***
Something’s terribly wrong with Blake “Eshy” Eshlin, a top-6 winger for the Boston Bears professional ice hockey team. Faced with sudden chronic pain from his body’s traumatic response to a virus, Eshy has to learn to live with the agonizing and distracting effects of fibromyalgia without letting the rest of his hockey club know. He hides his condition from everyone in his life, but one person can see right through the ruse.
As the assistant equipment manager, it’s Kerry Stratton’s job to watch the players closely and attend to their every need, whether it’s sharpening skates, washing towels, or finding the perfect shower soap to clear their sweat acne. When Eshy’s performance wanes and Kerry can see he’s clearly in pain, she inserts herself into his personal life to get him help and make him face his fears of a new normal. But Kerry never bargained for Eshy being a darling sweetheart and such a kind Minnesota mama’s boy. Even Kerry’s headstrong ways can’t keep her from falling for him and following him into an accidental world of opioids, reckless endangerment, secrets, and blackmail, as Eshy spirals out of control and Kerry fights to save him.
When an adversary on Eshy’s own team wants Kerry for himself and goes to dangerous lengths to drive a wedge into Eshy and Kerry’s budding relationship, can Eshy’s hockey career survive an opioid overdose leaking out to the media? And can Kerry’s job survive the aftermath of her involvement in Eshy’s fate?
***Shortlisted for the Chatelaine Book Award for Romantic Fiction***
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2025
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 18, 2025
Light the Lamp!
And yes, I had to look that up. Realizing it might not even be a relevant term anymore. Wink wink. Credit for trying?
What a book! I feel so honored to have been contacted by the author, Olivia North, to read a physical copy of her book, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
MMC, Eshy, a professional hockey player, returns to the game after having been out with a viral infection. Once a smoothe skater and tough as nails with his game, he suddenly has mysterious aches and pains - quite severe. Brain fog, fatigue, visual problems, the list goes on and on.
Eshy does not want to tell his teammates. Or anyone for that matter.
Eshy didn't realize that FMC, Kerry, would notice. As assistant equipment manager, it's her job to know not only how her "boys", but to know each of their quirks: their playing styles, how they prefer their sticks and uniforms to be prepared, how they prefer their skates to be sharpened or oiled. She knows them inside and out.
She knows that there is something wrong with Eshy. Seriously wrong.
I feel for Eshy - it turns out he has fibromyalgia, sometimes brought on by viral infections. I truly, truly relate, as I myself have fibro, as it's often called. Doctors and I didn't know what caused my fibromyalgia. And symptoms can vary from person to person. There is no cure. Treatments also very, and are often just a bandaid, if even that. It is a lifelong condition.
This book, Book 1 of Olivia North's Fresh Ice Series, was so refreshing - yes, a hockey romance. But also a book that very well displays her knowledge of hockey (she plays in a women's league). The romance is a slow burn, in which he falls first, with eventual spiciness. Chronic illness and chronic pain representation, with other accompanying aspects are very well developed and showcased.
I highly recommend this book!
And yes, I had to look that up. Realizing it might not even be a relevant term anymore. Wink wink. Credit for trying?
What a book! I feel so honored to have been contacted by the author, Olivia North, to read a physical copy of her book, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
MMC, Eshy, a professional hockey player, returns to the game after having been out with a viral infection. Once a smoothe skater and tough as nails with his game, he suddenly has mysterious aches and pains - quite severe. Brain fog, fatigue, visual problems, the list goes on and on.
Eshy does not want to tell his teammates. Or anyone for that matter.
Eshy didn't realize that FMC, Kerry, would notice. As assistant equipment manager, it's her job to know not only how her "boys", but to know each of their quirks: their playing styles, how they prefer their sticks and uniforms to be prepared, how they prefer their skates to be sharpened or oiled. She knows them inside and out.
She knows that there is something wrong with Eshy. Seriously wrong.
I feel for Eshy - it turns out he has fibromyalgia, sometimes brought on by viral infections. I truly, truly relate, as I myself have fibro, as it's often called. Doctors and I didn't know what caused my fibromyalgia. And symptoms can vary from person to person. There is no cure. Treatments also very, and are often just a bandaid, if even that. It is a lifelong condition.
This book, Book 1 of Olivia North's Fresh Ice Series, was so refreshing - yes, a hockey romance. But also a book that very well displays her knowledge of hockey (she plays in a women's league). The romance is a slow burn, in which he falls first, with eventual spiciness. Chronic illness and chronic pain representation, with other accompanying aspects are very well developed and showcased.
I highly recommend this book!
July 14, 2025
Loved this perfect example of if he wanted to he would! Don’t sell yourself short!
June 21, 2025
ESHY IS A HOCKEY PLAYER WHO HAS DEVELOPED A CHRONIC ILLNESS FOLLOWING A VIRUS HE HAD, HE IS TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO MANAGE HIS PAIN WHILST ATTEMPTING TO KEEP PLAYING HOCKEY AND KEEP HIS ILLNESS A SECRET FROM THE REST OF HIS TEAM
KERRY IS THE EQUIPMENT MANAGER FOR THE TEAM, SHE HAS A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY ON HER SHOULDERS TRYING TO KEEP HERSELF AFLOAT AND LOOK OUT FOR HER DAD WHO'S SUFFERING WITH KIDNEY FAILURE. SHE'S REALLY GOOD AT HER JOB AND TREATS THE TEAM LIKE FAMILY.
THE BOOK FOLLOWS THE JOURNEY OF KERRY AND ESHY AS THEY START TO LEAN ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AND DEVELOP FEELINGS. YOU SEE THEIR RELATIONSHIP BLOSSOM FROM FRIENDS TO LOVERS OVER TIME
THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL HOCKEY ROMANCE, THERE ARE SOME REALLY SENSITIVE TOPICS COVERED INCLUDING DDICTION AND HARRASSMENT AS WELL. / THINK THE AUTHOR DOES A REALLY GOOD JOB AT CONVEYING THE CHARACTERS EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR BATTLE
I LIKE THAT THERES A GOOD AMOUNT OF HOCKEY IN THE BOOK, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ESHY AND KERRY IS REALLY CUTE AND I LOVE THE FRIENDSHIP THAT HE DEVELOPS WITH HER DOG AND HER DAD OVERALL A VERY GOOD READ
KERRY IS THE EQUIPMENT MANAGER FOR THE TEAM, SHE HAS A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY ON HER SHOULDERS TRYING TO KEEP HERSELF AFLOAT AND LOOK OUT FOR HER DAD WHO'S SUFFERING WITH KIDNEY FAILURE. SHE'S REALLY GOOD AT HER JOB AND TREATS THE TEAM LIKE FAMILY.
THE BOOK FOLLOWS THE JOURNEY OF KERRY AND ESHY AS THEY START TO LEAN ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AND DEVELOP FEELINGS. YOU SEE THEIR RELATIONSHIP BLOSSOM FROM FRIENDS TO LOVERS OVER TIME
THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL HOCKEY ROMANCE, THERE ARE SOME REALLY SENSITIVE TOPICS COVERED INCLUDING DDICTION AND HARRASSMENT AS WELL. / THINK THE AUTHOR DOES A REALLY GOOD JOB AT CONVEYING THE CHARACTERS EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR BATTLE
I LIKE THAT THERES A GOOD AMOUNT OF HOCKEY IN THE BOOK, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ESHY AND KERRY IS REALLY CUTE AND I LOVE THE FRIENDSHIP THAT HE DEVELOPS WITH HER DOG AND HER DAD OVERALL A VERY GOOD READ
June 18, 2025
4.75⭐️
Okay, I knew I was going to like this book… but I didn’t know I’d be SOBBING over hockey romance royalty by the final chapter. Blake Eshy? Certified book boyfriend status.
From the very first chapter, it’s clear the author knows hockey — not just the terminology, but the culture, the intensity, and the locker room vibes. It added so much depth to the story and made the entire setting feel legit.
Let’s talk about Blake and Kerry. Slow burn, wholesome, full of moments that had me melting — Blake would do literally anything for her. He’s the kind of character that sneaks up on you until suddenly you’re like, “Oh no… I’m in too deep.” 🥲
But honestly? The real scene-stealer might just be Blake’s relationship with Kerry’s dad. The banter. The softness. The hilarious dad and son-in-law vibes?? Unmatched. Their dynamic gave this book so much heart and humor — I could read an entire spin-off just about the two of them.
And that final chapter? I was a goner. Sobbing. No notes. 10/10 would reread just to feel that emotional wreckage all over again.
Okay, I knew I was going to like this book… but I didn’t know I’d be SOBBING over hockey romance royalty by the final chapter. Blake Eshy? Certified book boyfriend status.
From the very first chapter, it’s clear the author knows hockey — not just the terminology, but the culture, the intensity, and the locker room vibes. It added so much depth to the story and made the entire setting feel legit.
Let’s talk about Blake and Kerry. Slow burn, wholesome, full of moments that had me melting — Blake would do literally anything for her. He’s the kind of character that sneaks up on you until suddenly you’re like, “Oh no… I’m in too deep.” 🥲
But honestly? The real scene-stealer might just be Blake’s relationship with Kerry’s dad. The banter. The softness. The hilarious dad and son-in-law vibes?? Unmatched. Their dynamic gave this book so much heart and humor — I could read an entire spin-off just about the two of them.
And that final chapter? I was a goner. Sobbing. No notes. 10/10 would reread just to feel that emotional wreckage all over again.
July 13, 2025
Sharp Edges by Olivia North is a contemporary hockey romance that was a delightful surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and couldn’t put it down. This story delivers the perfect balance between lighthearted romance and meaningful depth, while touching on the subject of chronic illness. As someone who is not particularly into sports, I appreciated how the author made it easy to understand the funcion of hockey equipment, and the rhythm of the sport itself. The main characters, Blake “Eshy” and Kerry’s chemistry is warm and genuine, & their developing relationship had me laughing one moment and swooning the next. I was completely invested in their relationship, and Eshy’s relationship with Kerry’s dad was very moving as well. This book had me laughing out loud numerous times like no other book has in a while, and it was filled with many touching moments. Overall, I highly recommend this to romance readers looking for a good sports romance, filled with heart and humor.
July 16, 2025
Such a cute read! It’s definitely not your typical hockey romance! This book had a little bit of everything in it. There is drama, trauma, chronic illness, addition, hockey, spice! You get it all!
I loved how in charge and sassy Kerry is. I loved Blake with his cinnamon roll attitude, he’s tough on the outside but his inside is super gooey. He would do absolutely anything for Kerry and it just makes you melt. Literally “if we wanted to (or could) he would” type of attitude. Legit give her the world. Totally swoon worthy 😍
I absolutely loved Blake’s relationship with Kerry’s dad, Jeff. So adorable! And the lengths he went to for both Kerry and her father? Gahhhh I can’t. 🙃 Blake is definitely top book boyfriend material.
I loved how in charge and sassy Kerry is. I loved Blake with his cinnamon roll attitude, he’s tough on the outside but his inside is super gooey. He would do absolutely anything for Kerry and it just makes you melt. Literally “if we wanted to (or could) he would” type of attitude. Legit give her the world. Totally swoon worthy 😍
I absolutely loved Blake’s relationship with Kerry’s dad, Jeff. So adorable! And the lengths he went to for both Kerry and her father? Gahhhh I can’t. 🙃 Blake is definitely top book boyfriend material.
July 30, 2025
Wow I pumped this book out in 2 days! I’d actually consider this a hockey romcom, and I was here for it. Cute and easy read written by an actual hockey player, so you know the story has heavy and accurate sport content! It was quick paced which made the story a little jumpy at times, and I would’ve loved a little more detail to have a better emotional connection with the characters. It’s a dual POV and omg PROTECT ESHY AT ALL COSTS. That man is a gem of a human, but he’s from Minnesota so that explains it. I loved all the Midwest lingo in here coming from someone who is from Wisconsin. The ending was so cute!!
August 6, 2025
This book surprised me in the best way. I’ve never read a hockey romance before, so I didn’t know what to expect but wow, it delivered. I thought I was just getting a fun, flirty read, but it had so much more depth. The characters felt real, like people you actually know, not just typical romance tropes. Eshy made me laugh way more than I care to admit, and Kerry’s story hit way harder than I expected. It covers some heavy stuff but never drags. It just works. One of those reads that makes you feel a little bit of everything and I was so here for it. Olivia this is a job well done. You’re an auto buy author from now on! 👏🏼🙌🏼 😍
September 20, 2025
This was my first hockey romance and I so glad it was this book. There's no going back from here
The journey we follow these two characters on is a beautiful. Watching their relationship grow from friends to lovers. It is a very good read, i'm usually a baseball sports romance girlie and so glad that the author knows what she's writing about when it comes to hockey ( def a learning experience for me).
Olivia also covers sensitive topics and in my opinion she aces it with grace.
If you love hockey romances or have never ventured into the hockey side of sports romance I highly recommend this series to start with.
The journey we follow these two characters on is a beautiful. Watching their relationship grow from friends to lovers. It is a very good read, i'm usually a baseball sports romance girlie and so glad that the author knows what she's writing about when it comes to hockey ( def a learning experience for me).
Olivia also covers sensitive topics and in my opinion she aces it with grace.
If you love hockey romances or have never ventured into the hockey side of sports romance I highly recommend this series to start with.
July 6, 2025
This book was so good touches on chronic illness and pain, addiction, taking care of parents with medical problems, no means no, putting yourself first. Such a cute story while also showing real life struggles people face. If you’re a hockey romance lover you should definitely pick this one up. And it is book one of a series but the rest are not released yet. I will be waiting for the next one 😊 there is a blurb of the next book in the back of this one. I definitely fell for Eshy before Kerry did
July 19, 2025
Okay I loved this book! These characters were so relatable and the plot was so good! I love the representation of chronic pain, more specifically fibromyalgia! The banter in this book is so good as well! I was hooked to find out what was going to happen next and could not wait to. Also the way that Eshy is so good to Kerry’s dog (Slapshot) and dad is top tier. The way that he wants to take care of Kerry and make her life easier is so sweet!
Guys I enjoyed this book so much and cannot wait for the next one in the series! 💙
Guys I enjoyed this book so much and cannot wait for the next one in the series! 💙
July 26, 2025
Sharp Edges was a fantastic read! Well written characters that you empathize with. The choices we make in life can alter our lives and others close to us. Holding secrets in because of the fear of rejection can be worse than opening up and asking for help. Pride can be a hard thing to overcome, but most of the time, it's worth it. I loved reading Eshy and Kerry's story!
The side characters in Shap Edges are funny and relatable! They had me giggling multiple times in the book!
Oliva North nailed it with this book!!
The side characters in Shap Edges are funny and relatable! They had me giggling multiple times in the book!
Oliva North nailed it with this book!!
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love how we have deeper aspects than just a hockey romance such as chronic illness, addiction and the emotional battles they face. You can tell Olivia understands the sport as she had explained it well.
It was an easy quick read and I didn't want to put it down. I loved Blake & Kerry from the slow burn and the most sweetest wholesome moments that will just make you swoon. The banter & sassiness i just loved. Blake is such a cinnamon role and there is nothing this man wouldn't do for Kerry.
The real MVP is Kerry's dad and the dog slapshot. The relationship with him & Blake is just hilarious, the jokes and banter- it was everything i needed.
It was an easy quick read and I didn't want to put it down. I loved Blake & Kerry from the slow burn and the most sweetest wholesome moments that will just make you swoon. The banter & sassiness i just loved. Blake is such a cinnamon role and there is nothing this man wouldn't do for Kerry.
The real MVP is Kerry's dad and the dog slapshot. The relationship with him & Blake is just hilarious, the jokes and banter- it was everything i needed.
July 8, 2025
It is a captivating read that had me hooked from the start. It is bot intense, perfectly balancing moments of humor with deeper emotional insights. I loved how the characters journey felt relatable- struggles, growth and resilience was portrayed very well. The pacing was just right, with enough twists to keep me reading without overwhelming me or leaving me lost.
I highly recommend it to anyone one looking for a good love, intriguing, SMUT and fast read book.
I highly recommend it to anyone one looking for a good love, intriguing, SMUT and fast read book.
July 8, 2025
Omg. This book is not your average hockey romance. It is truly so much more. It touches on trauma, drama, chronic illness, addiction, and love to name a few. I love Eshy! The banter was on point and I found myself laughing out loud so many times. This book tugged at my heart strings and gave me all of the feels. This author is going to go places. You must read this book. I cannot wait to see what else she writes! I am so here for it.
July 18, 2025
Olivia North knew what she was doing when she incorporated real life experiences into the sports world. Chronic illness and the emotional battles in this story create such an awareness that may not be seen by the public eye.
The banter between the mmc and fmc was great as well as the developing friendships between the two.
If you love sports romance with real life battles this is the book for you!
The banter between the mmc and fmc was great as well as the developing friendships between the two.
If you love sports romance with real life battles this is the book for you!
August 4, 2025
An ice hockey romance between a player (male) and one of the equipment assistants (female). He falls first and fast. It moves fast - one minute he doesn’t know her name then he has a key to her appartment paying her bills.He has a chronic illness which she helps him with. There is a happy ever after. 3rd person. The premise of it is a good one but some plot points could have been developed further and I prefer 1st person POV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
Sharp Edges is the perfect example of “if he wanted to he would” and a fantastic representation of how one decision can alter your entire life. Kerry and Eshy’s struggles are not the same, but their resilience is palpable throughout the pages. This was my very first hockey romance, and it will most definitely NOT be my last.
June 19, 2025
This hockey romance is so good. Deeply intimate, knowledgeable about hockey, very cute and wholesome but also sexy. It will make you laugh out loud while reaching for the Kleenex, and you will discover your new favorite hockey book boyfriend. It has everything.
July 27, 2025
I did not want to put this one down, what a terrific story. And the banter!!!!! So, so good! I loved Eshy's story. There was a ton of laugh out loud humor too!
I am looking forward to the next book so much!!
I am looking forward to the next book so much!!
May 17, 2025
Cute read!
July 2, 2025
Really cute hockey romance. Has an Upper Midwestern MMC, so how could I resist?
July 28, 2025
I loved this book so much! It was so cute, I loved the characters and their growth! And obviously the hockey!! 🏒
August 5, 2025
Wow I loved this! Such a good story and great hockey rom com if you’re looking for one! Highly recommend this! Great palate cleanser for me.
July 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
this was such a cute read. Blake is such a good book boyfriend, and he would do anything for this girl. I really enjoyed the relationship between the mc’s! I thought the hockey was explained pretty well, and the rep of the chronic illness was really good.
I sometimes felt like Blake felt a little bit immature, but it didn’t impact the story too much! His relationship with Kerry’s dad is ADORABLE.
fun, quick read!
this was such a cute read. Blake is such a good book boyfriend, and he would do anything for this girl. I really enjoyed the relationship between the mc’s! I thought the hockey was explained pretty well, and the rep of the chronic illness was really good.
I sometimes felt like Blake felt a little bit immature, but it didn’t impact the story too much! His relationship with Kerry’s dad is ADORABLE.
fun, quick read!
July 9, 2025
I wrote this, so I miiiiiiiight be a little biased, but it turns out that it's pretty good!
November 11, 2025
Wow, both Eshy and Kerry have grown through out this story.
Eshy did a lot of growing in this story. When he hit obstacle he learned with support and honesty he can get over any.
Kerry has a big heart and willing to help Eshy when she did not have to. The trust they both build among one another with a small miss understanding is wonderful.
Kerry is lucky to have a beautiful relationship with her dad and so supportive, and not only is she supportive Jeff her dad is a wonderful supportive and protective dad.
We can not go without talking about Slapshot and such a lovable dog.
Please go read this story so worth it.
Eshy did a lot of growing in this story. When he hit obstacle he learned with support and honesty he can get over any.
Kerry has a big heart and willing to help Eshy when she did not have to. The trust they both build among one another with a small miss understanding is wonderful.
Kerry is lucky to have a beautiful relationship with her dad and so supportive, and not only is she supportive Jeff her dad is a wonderful supportive and protective dad.
We can not go without talking about Slapshot and such a lovable dog.
Please go read this story so worth it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews