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Baking Ice Cubes: A Medical Legal Thriller with a Forbidden Romance
A high-stakes legal thriller with a forbidden romance, Baking Ice Cubes is the first book in The Hank Hart Series.
Former college basketball star Hank Hart is no stranger to making a three-pointer with only seconds left in the game. Now an experienced lawyer in Chicago, Hank answers a desperate request by a small town lawyer to take over the trial of a medical malpractice case at the eleventh hour.
While preparing the case in charming Apple Grove, Hank discovers corporate sabotage, clandestine relationships, and suspicious motives lurking behind a seemingly straightforward medical procedure. She also finds herself trying to keep secret a flirtatious exchange with a powerful woman whose charisma is off the charts. Hank is usually the one blowing up secrets in court, not trying to hide her own.
Facing formidable and dangerous opponents, Hank needs to finesse an incriminating bombshell out of a cunning killer to pull off a miraculous upset. Can Hank deliver justice and secure a victory for her clients as she risks her life to expose the lies and people behind them? While doing so, can she win the heart of the devastatingly smart woman before anyone finds out?
Baking Ice Cubes is the first book in The Hank Hart Series, blending a legal thriller with character-driven romance. Book 2 is Grilling Martinis, an espionage thriller with a steamy romance.
★★★★★ “A genuine page-turner that balances the adrenaline of courtroom combat with the charged intimacy of an off-limits attraction. The story itself moves like a made-for-TV trial—fast, confrontational and with no guarantee of a clean emotional resolution. The result is a legal thriller with heart, heat, and a heroine you’ll root for long after the verdict is read.” Best Thrillers 2025
★★★★★ “A testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling. Venice delivers a fast-paced legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.” Women Using Words 2025
★★★★★ “A legal thriller that had me reading late into the night. I loved every moment…This book feels like a high end Hollywood movie. It’s got an interesting case with great tension and some amazing courtroom reveals. One of Sheena’s favourites.” The Lesbian Review 2025
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Baking Ice Cubes is part of the Sapphic Suspense Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
This collection of books brings together nine distinct voices in sapphic suspense. Each book delivers a complete story of passion and peril, featuring women who navigate both danger and desire. From gritty city streets to seaside villages harboring secrets, these stories explore the exhilarating intersection of attraction and jeopardy.
Former college basketball star Hank Hart is no stranger to making a three-pointer with only seconds left in the game. Now an experienced lawyer in Chicago, Hank answers a desperate request by a small town lawyer to take over the trial of a medical malpractice case at the eleventh hour.
While preparing the case in charming Apple Grove, Hank discovers corporate sabotage, clandestine relationships, and suspicious motives lurking behind a seemingly straightforward medical procedure. She also finds herself trying to keep secret a flirtatious exchange with a powerful woman whose charisma is off the charts. Hank is usually the one blowing up secrets in court, not trying to hide her own.
Facing formidable and dangerous opponents, Hank needs to finesse an incriminating bombshell out of a cunning killer to pull off a miraculous upset. Can Hank deliver justice and secure a victory for her clients as she risks her life to expose the lies and people behind them? While doing so, can she win the heart of the devastatingly smart woman before anyone finds out?
Baking Ice Cubes is the first book in The Hank Hart Series, blending a legal thriller with character-driven romance. Book 2 is Grilling Martinis, an espionage thriller with a steamy romance.
★★★★★ “A genuine page-turner that balances the adrenaline of courtroom combat with the charged intimacy of an off-limits attraction. The story itself moves like a made-for-TV trial—fast, confrontational and with no guarantee of a clean emotional resolution. The result is a legal thriller with heart, heat, and a heroine you’ll root for long after the verdict is read.” Best Thrillers 2025
★★★★★ “A testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling. Venice delivers a fast-paced legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.” Women Using Words 2025
★★★★★ “A legal thriller that had me reading late into the night. I loved every moment…This book feels like a high end Hollywood movie. It’s got an interesting case with great tension and some amazing courtroom reveals. One of Sheena’s favourites.” The Lesbian Review 2025
**************************************************************************
Baking Ice Cubes is part of the Sapphic Suspense Nine Romantic Suspense Novels and Novellas
This collection of books brings together nine distinct voices in sapphic suspense. Each book delivers a complete story of passion and peril, featuring women who navigate both danger and desire. From gritty city streets to seaside villages harboring secrets, these stories explore the exhilarating intersection of attraction and jeopardy.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
34 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Alexi Venice
28 books400 followersAward-winning author Alexi Venice’s legal and crime thrillers with sapphic leads serve up deadly appetizers, spicy main dishes, and HEA desserts. Both the San Francisco Mystery Series and the Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Thirty-four years of practicing law informs Venice’s legal, medical, and crime fiction. Her heart and imagination are pesto on the pizza. When she isn’t writing, Venice is wrangling grandchildren and playing on the lake.
Instagram: alexivenice_author
Twitter: @VeniceAlexi
Website: www.alexivenice.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexivenicenovels
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 9, 2026
A hot shot trial lawyer from Chicago heads to a small town in Wisconsin to help with a medical malpractice suit. Along with the author being on my tbr for a long time, the fact that the main character, Hank Hart, is a former D1 college basketball player made the story an easy pick.
Hank is a great character, charismatic, confident, and still carrying the competitive fire of an elite athlete. The story has good twists which kept me questioning everything and had me turning pages late into the night. The medical details of the cardiac procedure and protocols give the story credibility in easy info bites. Although this book is not a romance, Hank and the sexy judge have wonderful chemistry and a potential for a future connection. There are also some shenanigans which give the story some action. I believe that this new series is an offshoot of the Monica Spade books which I plan on reading in the future since I had a good time with Hank Hart. But meanwhile, onto Grilling Martinis, Book 2.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Hank is a great character, charismatic, confident, and still carrying the competitive fire of an elite athlete. The story has good twists which kept me questioning everything and had me turning pages late into the night. The medical details of the cardiac procedure and protocols give the story credibility in easy info bites. Although this book is not a romance, Hank and the sexy judge have wonderful chemistry and a potential for a future connection. There are also some shenanigans which give the story some action. I believe that this new series is an offshoot of the Monica Spade books which I plan on reading in the future since I had a good time with Hank Hart. But meanwhile, onto Grilling Martinis, Book 2.
4.5 stars rounded up.
November 15, 2025
This was a very satisfying mystery/crime story. It was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Hellen"Hank" Hart was an ex college basketball player, now a trial attorney. Hank travels from Chicago to a small Wisconsin town to represent a doctor and nurse in a malpractice case.
I liked Hank's character a lot, she was self confident and very smart. The side characters added to the story and complemented Hank's character. I thought the attraction between Hank and Livy was fairly realistic and not too much intsa love. I look forward to reading more of the series and learning more about both characters.
I really liked the court room drama and legal action. The mystery was interesting and had some unexpected plot lines.
Hellen"Hank" Hart was an ex college basketball player, now a trial attorney. Hank travels from Chicago to a small Wisconsin town to represent a doctor and nurse in a malpractice case.
I liked Hank's character a lot, she was self confident and very smart. The side characters added to the story and complemented Hank's character. I thought the attraction between Hank and Livy was fairly realistic and not too much intsa love. I look forward to reading more of the series and learning more about both characters.
I really liked the court room drama and legal action. The mystery was interesting and had some unexpected plot lines.
April 11, 2025
Alexi Venice’s Baking Ice Cubes is a masterfully crafted legal thriller that blends suspense, mystery, and ethical dilemmas into a fast-paced, unputdownable story. With high-stakes courtroom battles, a cunning killer, and a forbidden romance, Venice layers intrigue and tension throughout the narrative. The novel’s power lies in its deft use of essential literary elements: gripping conflict, a multidimensional protagonist, romantic and ethical tension, and explosive twists that keep readers guessing until the final page.
From the outset, Baking Ice Cubes immerses readers in a legal showdown charged with urgency and danger. The protagonist, Hank Hart, is thrust into an intense courtroom battle when she takes over a case at the eleventh hour. This setup immediately raises the stakes as she navigates challenging legal terrain while going head-to-head with dangerous opponents. Venice heightens the suspense by introducing a cunning killer, ensuring the trial is not just about winning a legal argument but about uncovering a deadly truth. The looming threat to Hank’s safety adds tension, making every legal maneuver feel like a calculated risk.
Venice expertly layers mystery throughout the novel, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists. The presence of corporate sabotage and clandestine relationships hints at a deeper conspiracy that Hank must unravel. Rather than a straightforward legal battle, the case involves hidden motives, power struggles, and betrayals that create a labyrinth of deception. By gradually revealing these secrets, Venice ensures the courtroom drama remains unpredictable and filled with intrigue. The audience is kept on edge, questioning who can be trusted and how far the deception extends.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its protagonist, Hank Hart. As a former college basketball star, Hank brings a competitive edge and strategic mindset to the courtroom, setting her apart from traditional legal protagonists. However, her depth extends beyond her legal prowess. She is usually the one exposing secrets, yet in this case, she finds herself forced to conceal her own—her growing attraction to a powerful woman. This reversal adds personal stakes and internal struggle, making Hank’s journey not just a legal battle but an emotional one as well.
Venice further deepens Hank’s character by intertwining her personal grief with the case. As she prepares and investigates, Hank is reminded of her mother’s death, triggering unresolved emotions. This subplot adds a poignant layer to her character, showing that while she excels in high-pressure situations, she is still grappling with personal loss. The realization that she must reconnect with her father to properly process their shared grief gives Hank an emotional arc that extends beyond the courtroom.
The romance in Baking Ice Cubes is not just a fluffy subplot but a central source of tension. Hank’s attraction to a powerful woman—the presiding judge in her case—introduces an ethical dilemma that complicates her professional responsibilities. Their mutual desire is forbidden, making every interaction charged with unspoken tension. Venice skillfully balances the romance with the legal drama, ensuring Hank’s personal and professional lives remain in constant conflict. The question of whether she can keep her emotions in check while delivering justice adds another layer of suspense.
The novel builds toward a high-stakes climax, where Hank must finesse an incriminating bombshell out of the true culprit. This moment serves as the ultimate test of her legal skills, strategic thinking, and ability to outmaneuver a dangerous adversary. Venice’s storytelling ensures the tension escalates to a thrilling peak, making the final courtroom showdown not just about legal strategy but about survival and truth. The twists leading up to this moment keep readers engaged, ensuring the outcome is uncertain until the very last moment.
Final remarks…
Alexi Venice’s Baking Ice Cubes is a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling. By skillfully blending high-stakes conflict, intricate mystery, a compelling protagonist, romantic tension, and dramatic twists, Venice delivers a fast-paced legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The novel’s seamless integration of personal and professional stakes ensures that every moment is charged with intensity, making Baking Ice Cubes a standout in the courtroom drama genre. I cannot recommend this one enough!
Strengths…
High-stakes drama
Strong, multi-dimensional lead character
Full of mystery, intrigue and suspense
Well-developed romantic tension
Plenty of twists and turns
Well-developed climactic showdown
From the outset, Baking Ice Cubes immerses readers in a legal showdown charged with urgency and danger. The protagonist, Hank Hart, is thrust into an intense courtroom battle when she takes over a case at the eleventh hour. This setup immediately raises the stakes as she navigates challenging legal terrain while going head-to-head with dangerous opponents. Venice heightens the suspense by introducing a cunning killer, ensuring the trial is not just about winning a legal argument but about uncovering a deadly truth. The looming threat to Hank’s safety adds tension, making every legal maneuver feel like a calculated risk.
Venice expertly layers mystery throughout the novel, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists. The presence of corporate sabotage and clandestine relationships hints at a deeper conspiracy that Hank must unravel. Rather than a straightforward legal battle, the case involves hidden motives, power struggles, and betrayals that create a labyrinth of deception. By gradually revealing these secrets, Venice ensures the courtroom drama remains unpredictable and filled with intrigue. The audience is kept on edge, questioning who can be trusted and how far the deception extends.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its protagonist, Hank Hart. As a former college basketball star, Hank brings a competitive edge and strategic mindset to the courtroom, setting her apart from traditional legal protagonists. However, her depth extends beyond her legal prowess. She is usually the one exposing secrets, yet in this case, she finds herself forced to conceal her own—her growing attraction to a powerful woman. This reversal adds personal stakes and internal struggle, making Hank’s journey not just a legal battle but an emotional one as well.
Venice further deepens Hank’s character by intertwining her personal grief with the case. As she prepares and investigates, Hank is reminded of her mother’s death, triggering unresolved emotions. This subplot adds a poignant layer to her character, showing that while she excels in high-pressure situations, she is still grappling with personal loss. The realization that she must reconnect with her father to properly process their shared grief gives Hank an emotional arc that extends beyond the courtroom.
The romance in Baking Ice Cubes is not just a fluffy subplot but a central source of tension. Hank’s attraction to a powerful woman—the presiding judge in her case—introduces an ethical dilemma that complicates her professional responsibilities. Their mutual desire is forbidden, making every interaction charged with unspoken tension. Venice skillfully balances the romance with the legal drama, ensuring Hank’s personal and professional lives remain in constant conflict. The question of whether she can keep her emotions in check while delivering justice adds another layer of suspense.
The novel builds toward a high-stakes climax, where Hank must finesse an incriminating bombshell out of the true culprit. This moment serves as the ultimate test of her legal skills, strategic thinking, and ability to outmaneuver a dangerous adversary. Venice’s storytelling ensures the tension escalates to a thrilling peak, making the final courtroom showdown not just about legal strategy but about survival and truth. The twists leading up to this moment keep readers engaged, ensuring the outcome is uncertain until the very last moment.
Final remarks…
Alexi Venice’s Baking Ice Cubes is a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling. By skillfully blending high-stakes conflict, intricate mystery, a compelling protagonist, romantic tension, and dramatic twists, Venice delivers a fast-paced legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The novel’s seamless integration of personal and professional stakes ensures that every moment is charged with intensity, making Baking Ice Cubes a standout in the courtroom drama genre. I cannot recommend this one enough!
Strengths…
High-stakes drama
Strong, multi-dimensional lead character
Full of mystery, intrigue and suspense
Well-developed romantic tension
Plenty of twists and turns
Well-developed climactic showdown
May 10, 2025
Hot and Cold
I have a bit of ambivalence about this book. I purchased both the e-book and the audio book, as I often listen to nooks while at work, in addition to reading at home.
The Good: I enjoyed the characters and the plot was in in line woth what I was expecting. I'd prerrty much figured it out...but had the wrong boyfriend, so I was surprised. The overall flow of the book also was good--smooth and not too long.
The Not So Good: the narration needs serious work. I dont know if it's the narrators first attempt or what. But, dimple words were mispronounced, such as: object (in legal vernacular), live and even Subar. The infections and intonation are off, especially the attempts at a southern drawl--which oddly onky is used with one word (I won't spoil it by saying which character or work). All the characters have the same tone of voice which often leads to know recognizing which character is speaking. I hope future narrations by this person are improved.
That being said, I do not regret purchasing the book and will read--and listen--to others. I'm interested in Hank's next adventure and the budding with Livvy.
I have a bit of ambivalence about this book. I purchased both the e-book and the audio book, as I often listen to nooks while at work, in addition to reading at home.
The Good: I enjoyed the characters and the plot was in in line woth what I was expecting. I'd prerrty much figured it out...but had the wrong boyfriend, so I was surprised. The overall flow of the book also was good--smooth and not too long.
The Not So Good: the narration needs serious work. I dont know if it's the narrators first attempt or what. But, dimple words were mispronounced, such as: object (in legal vernacular), live and even Subar. The infections and intonation are off, especially the attempts at a southern drawl--which oddly onky is used with one word (I won't spoil it by saying which character or work). All the characters have the same tone of voice which often leads to know recognizing which character is speaking. I hope future narrations by this person are improved.
That being said, I do not regret purchasing the book and will read--and listen--to others. I'm interested in Hank's next adventure and the budding with Livvy.
June 24, 2025
More Hank Hart? Yes, please!
It's not that Venice's books needed a breath of fresh air; they were fresh enough as it was, but you never know what you're missing until you're shown what you've been missing. Hank Hart is a breath of fresh air.
Not every book I read grabs me right away, but this one did.
Not every book I read holds onto me until I finish it, but this one did.
Not every book begs for a sequel, but this one does.
Helen "Hank" Hart travels to Apple Grove, WI to assist Monica Spade and her busy law firm with a medical equipment malpractice suit, which results in the death of Lillian Brown, grandmother to Missy Brown, one of the plaintiffs.
Hank meets a gorgeous woman in the bar of her hotel, and an "ah-ha" moment ensues.
Hank must navigate the circular firing squad of defendants to get to the heart of the case, and figure out who has the most to lose and the most to win.
This is a truly riveting court case, with all the legal back-and-forth that any courtroom drama fan could ask for.
I'm so glad Alexi Venice brought Hank Hart to her readers!
It's not that Venice's books needed a breath of fresh air; they were fresh enough as it was, but you never know what you're missing until you're shown what you've been missing. Hank Hart is a breath of fresh air.
Not every book I read grabs me right away, but this one did.
Not every book I read holds onto me until I finish it, but this one did.
Not every book begs for a sequel, but this one does.
Helen "Hank" Hart travels to Apple Grove, WI to assist Monica Spade and her busy law firm with a medical equipment malpractice suit, which results in the death of Lillian Brown, grandmother to Missy Brown, one of the plaintiffs.
Hank meets a gorgeous woman in the bar of her hotel, and an "ah-ha" moment ensues.
Hank must navigate the circular firing squad of defendants to get to the heart of the case, and figure out who has the most to lose and the most to win.
This is a truly riveting court case, with all the legal back-and-forth that any courtroom drama fan could ask for.
I'm so glad Alexi Venice brought Hank Hart to her readers!
September 12, 2025
More Please
“Baking Ice Cubes” comes from a recipe of tantalizing flirtation, diabolical scheming, and greed. Hank is the Chicago attorney riding into small town America, to rescue a less experienced law firm from a potential 20 million dollar medical negligence judgement. Hank thinks she’s happy and fulfilled as a Big Town, Big Time lawyer. She struts her stuff in the Small Time, Small Town law office, all but guaranteeing a win. Then she meets gorgeous, flirtatious Livvy in the hotel bar, and what a distraction! Staying focused on the facts becomes a challenge - especially on day one of the trial - when “All rise” gives Hank her first look at Judge Olivia (Livvy) Marshall! Conflict of interest? Recuse herself from the case? Win, or lose, “Baking Ice Cubes” is a very entertaining story, with brilliant strategizing and fancy footwork by Attorney Helen (Hank) Hart. Alexi Venice leaves us hanging though, until we can get our eager hands on “Grilling Martinis”!
“Baking Ice Cubes” comes from a recipe of tantalizing flirtation, diabolical scheming, and greed. Hank is the Chicago attorney riding into small town America, to rescue a less experienced law firm from a potential 20 million dollar medical negligence judgement. Hank thinks she’s happy and fulfilled as a Big Town, Big Time lawyer. She struts her stuff in the Small Time, Small Town law office, all but guaranteeing a win. Then she meets gorgeous, flirtatious Livvy in the hotel bar, and what a distraction! Staying focused on the facts becomes a challenge - especially on day one of the trial - when “All rise” gives Hank her first look at Judge Olivia (Livvy) Marshall! Conflict of interest? Recuse herself from the case? Win, or lose, “Baking Ice Cubes” is a very entertaining story, with brilliant strategizing and fancy footwork by Attorney Helen (Hank) Hart. Alexi Venice leaves us hanging though, until we can get our eager hands on “Grilling Martinis”!
May 5, 2025
Very good book
Very enjoyable court room drama. The characters are interesting a well developed. I am waiting for Banks next mystery court room drama. This book kept my interest from beginning to end. Thanks for z very interesting read.
Very enjoyable court room drama. The characters are interesting a well developed. I am waiting for Banks next mystery court room drama. This book kept my interest from beginning to end. Thanks for z very interesting read.
May 22, 2025
Great story
Really intriguing and interesting story. Ms Venice knows how to keep the story really interesting. Great court room drama. Looking forward to the next book.
Really intriguing and interesting story. Ms Venice knows how to keep the story really interesting. Great court room drama. Looking forward to the next book.
June 5, 2025
Great read!
Love mystery and suspense. This was a really great story that kept.me guessing till the end. Really worth the read
Love mystery and suspense. This was a really great story that kept.me guessing till the end. Really worth the read
September 24, 2025
A very well plotted, clever book which takes an unexpected turn giving it a depth that is often beyond this genre. I’ll be reading more Hank books for sure.
November 4, 2025
Excellent read U can't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews