Reckless on Ice

Gods of the Ice #1

by Adrian R. Hale

Ryder Kingston
Acting on impulse is my specialty, but hey, I’m a man of action.

My reckless words land me in hot water when some jerk captures a moment meant for my teammates' ears only.

Unfortunately, the video goes viral and turns me into public enemy number one.

To rehabilitate my image, my agent demands I undergo sensitivity training—whatever the heck that is. With my new hockey team thinking I’m not worth the trouble & considering trading me, yet again, I’m forced to agree.

The biggest issue? My golden boy of a tutor and new housemate is none other than my childhood best friend-turned-enemy, Knox Contraire…who probably still hates my guts.

Forcing us together is bound to teach me a lesson, I’m just not so sure it’s the one I’m meant to learn.



Knox Contraire

You think you know a guy until he turns on you and makes your life a living hell.

In a twist I didn't see coming, my best friend became my biggest enemy, and I lost the person closest to me.

Hurt, fear, and betrayal pushed me into the closet. My career as a tight end in the NFL has kept me there. Now, I live quietly to keep others comfortable, even if it means missing out on the life I really want.

In an unexpected turn of events, I’m thrown into the spotlight when my past shows up on my literal doorstep. If I want to keep my job, I have to take him in and teach him how to control his troublemaking mouth.

The only problem is I don’t know how to let Ryder Kingston back into my life, while keeping him out of my heart.

He’s here to learn a lesson, but what happens when the teacher becomes the student?

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Sports Romance, Contemporary

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2025

About the author

Adrian R. Hale is an enthusiastic lover of life who embraces big dreams, both for herself and in her books. She writes spicy contemporary romance featuring alpha heroes with secret cinnamon roll sides and dream-chasing heroines. There’s always a little angst, a lot of swoon, and all the steam lovingly sprinkled into her stories.

Adrian loves fast cars, baking sweet treats, hiking, and is affectionately known as an agent of chaos to those closest to her. A self-professed caffeine addict, she loves a good latte, and will never turn down a tea party, especially in celebration of little milestones. When she’s not writing or reading, Adrian can be found cuddling with her five dogs and husband, watching the 2005 Pride & Prejudice, DIY renovating her home near Austin, Texas, or listening to Taylor Swift.

She loves hearing from her readers at adrianrhale@gmail.com or www.Facebook.com/adrianrhaleauthor.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am getting super tired of excusing bad behaviour, particularly behaviour exhibited by grown-ass men in their THIRTIES. I totally understand that trauma affects everyone differently and that accepting one's sexuality is a journey that looks different for everyone. But with that said, I think characters like Ryder reinforce toxic stereotypes and attempt to normalize and excuse horrendous behaviour. When Ryder is uncomfortable or feels threatened, he responds with unacceptable homophobic vitriol, directed at his former friend Knox, who has never harmed him in any way. Ryder has very little insight and self awareness, has done zero work to understand why he's so easily triggered, rarely apologizes, and is just an irredeemable human being in my opinion. I don't care if he's unwilling to admit that he's bisexual- that's fine. What I cannot deal with is Ryder bullying his former best friend all throughout high school (for being gay), pushing him out of the closet in a public and humiliating way (again, these are men in their thirties!!!), verbally assaulting him several times, saying he can't control his own behaviour and needing 'rewards' to act like a decent human being, and refusing to admit his own feelings while taunting and treating his former best friend like garbage. No HEA is worth that. I enjoy reading biawakening books but this is a textbook example of a toxic relationship: 'he's only mean to you because he likes you'/ 'just be nice to him and he'll come around' / 'be patient and loving and you can fix him.' Knox's friend Lilah literally says it: “Oh fuck, he’s in love with you,” Lilah screams. [...] “This makes so much sense why he said all that nasty shit. He’s internalized his feelings into homophobia because he hates what he wants."
No thank you. Knox, you deserve better.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this damn quick! This was good! Not my favorite hockey and sports mm romance but definitely still good nonetheless!

Ryder was such a little turd in the beginning, not knowing what he wanted and being a genuine little a**hole for the majority of the book. But here’s the thing. I understood where he was coming from because of his childhood. How he acted in the beginning, though, wasn’t really great. Just because you’re struggling with your own sexuality doesn’t justify a homophobic comment for no reason, dude.

But I felt for Knox too. Poor guy really loved Ryder, flaws and all. It can’t be easy hiding your sexuality for 20 something years. Can’t be easy at all! I felt like he definitely should have taken longer to forgive Ryder for how he acted towards him, but you know, such is love.

The ending was cute! Love a possessive man (not the toxic kind of course) who knows what he wants (see, he eventually got there, didn’t he?)

Ryder’s love confession was so heartwarming to me, omg. And THEIR MATCHING SCARS! And the ritual they do. CUTE!

[Monikat · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF@33%

Ryker has done and said things that are already unredeemable in my mind so any turn of events, feelings or sexuality will be unbelievable to me. I don't care if he had a bad home life, I don't care about his fear of losing his shot at hockey. Who he is as a grown up shows me all I need to know. This book tries to give a step by step help process using Knox as a guide (totally unconvincing being too forgiving and acting the martyr to Ryker's faults). Nope, thank you but I'm happy in my pettiness, I can't forgive like that :D

*also: skank juice 🤮🤮🤮

That said, the writing is good and I look forward to other books in the series that were hinted at.

[G_occasionally_reads (back-ish) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aside from the horrible internalized homophobia, who needs a dude who refers to a girl he slept with as "skank" in 2025? Heck no. And who needs a dude who does not understand how horrible his homophobic comments were and blames others? Heck no.

I'd give it zero stars if I could.

DNF around 20% maybe

[ash[hearts]angst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reckless on Ice is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers hockey player x football player MM romance. It has low angst, secret identities on a dating app, and drag bingo!

Ryder and Knox were the best of friends until Ryder decided to be an asshole and turn again Knox when he started getting bullied in school. At first I didn't see a way that Ryder could have any redeeming qualities. This man was so aggressive, so out of line, out of pocket, and just let shit fly out of his mouth without a second thought. He was very annoying to me and definitely made me want to chuck my kindle across the room. HOWEVER. Knowing all of this, I also saw that the potential for growth and development from him was literally sky high.

Knox is the saving grace of this entire story. This man. This sweet little golden retriever football player, is literally the nicest human on the planet I swear. How he navigates the situation with Ryder and still tries to help him after everything Ryder has put him through is truly an angelic quality.

Their chemistry was there. You clearly saw that Knox definitely settled Ryder, and Ryder helped Knox to relax a little and to live life. They complimented each other very well. I loved the secret identities on the dating app. It's one of my favorite micr0-tropes and I eat it up every single time. It was nice to see that other side of Knox 😈

[Crisana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up because I loved these two together a whole lot. I thought for sure that this could be a 5* as I was liking it that much but the use of 'clean' annoyed me. In this day and age, it just doesn't make sense to use this term. No one is dirty for having an STI, so using clean just keeps playing on this stigma.

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

so besides the main character being extremely homophobic off rip, the book is so unrealistic. what agent would willingly force two athletes (from different sports) to live together knowing one is extremely homophobic to the other all for fucking media PR training? be so fucking fr rn. like this book is so stupid and i only made it 15%. stop trying to hop into your “mm era” if your work is going to be so outrageous and disgusting like this.

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing!!!

This was my first Adrian R. Hale book and will definitely not be my last! I am soooo obsessed!

I’m obsessed with Adrian’s writing, her characters and her story!!! This was soooo absolutely beautiful!

At times I felt for both Ryder and Knox! But no matter what I love both of them sooooo much, I wish I could reach in and be their best friend!!!

Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers is my absolute favorite trope. Throw in a little bully with a whole lot of swoon and I am more than obsessed, I’m over the moon soooo in love!!! This book is all this and soooo much more!!

This book, these characters and Adrian Hale deserves infinity stars! Huge shoutout to my girl Kayla for putting this book on my radar and telling me so HAVE to read it!

This was sooooo incredible! I loveeeee the two characters, Knox and Ryder sooooo much. Though Ryder owns my heart (book boyfriend alert) and Knox, seriously I want to be your bestie!! And Goldie Hawn, absolutely amazing!!!

Run go read this!!! You will thank me!

[Ariel LaFollette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love hockey romance/ sports romance as a genre but I will say that often times I come face to face with the reality that the sports MMCs in books are SO fantasy that it sometimes pulls me out of the story. This book is a perfect example of the opposite of that feeling. I grew up in a sports town. I grew up fawning over hockey players and footballs players only to learn that most of them are fuckin’ idiots with foul mouths and toxic masculinity exploding out of their pores. This book dares to explore what the sports romance genre often keeps hidden: most athletes are not good people. This book focuses on the very real fact that sports breed a specific brand of masculinity that is downright sickening at times and I applaud the author for taking on the challenge of taking one of those toxic masculine athletes and forcing him to do better. Ryder has so much to learn and so much hate to overcome that even where the book leaves in the end I still believe he has a long ways to go to fully redeem himself. He takes a positive turn in the end, finally being able to let go of the hate he’s been holding onto his whole life, finding a version of himself that finally feels real and authentic. I basked in his light for those last few chapters that we truly got to see him open up for the first time. And for that truly authentic to real life sports experience this book deserves all of the hype. I loved this book and I really enjoyed the journey these characters took us on. I can’t wait to read book 2!

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey spice done right.

You've got hockey, two hot athletes, and one major alpha a-hole - what more could you ask for? Ryder and Knoxx have a history that's taken them from best friends to sworn enemies. But when Ryder's mouth gets him into trouble at a crowded bar, their paths are about to cross again in a big way.

As punishment, Ryder will be living with his old friend and former victim, with the hope that Knoxx's good influence will rub off on him. But as it turns out, this punishment isn't as bad as it seems.

Ryder is a hot-headed, impulsive guy with a secret to hide. Knoxx, on the other hand, is a kind-hearted football player who can't bring himself to hate Ryder despite everything they've been through. I loved this steamy book - it's the perfect combination of hockey, spice, and enemies-to-friends.

[Megan Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It honestly (in both a positive and negative way) reminded me of my generation and how people reacted or “joked around” when someone was gay or they thought they may have been. I really was irritated by Ryder for the longest time and knew right away why he reacted and treated Knox the way he did but it still made me want to teach him a lesson.

The way he spoke without thinking or fearing the consequences. They was he was so unapologetic. I loved that he was forced to be in Knox’s proximity to learn some hard truths about himself and his views.

Knox was just a beautiful soul through and through and reminded me of a few people in my life that I’ve come across that have felt they needed to hide parts of themselves to fit society’s agenda. It’s heartbreaking that even today in a time with more acceptance that this is still something so many struggle with.

Also we need a side note on how cute they were with their “child” aka a goldfish. lol!


The tropes and the storyline made the story a fast and delicious read packed full of emotional rollercoaster rides, goosebump inducing moments, and some really beautiful reminders/ lessons on how our actions can impact those around us.

So grateful to have been blessed with the gift of this read!

[Jennifer R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Ryder was a total asshat for way too long that his ‘redemption’ arc was covered in dog shite. And while Knox was sweet he was dense.. and way too soft and forgiving. Now I don’t dislike these dynamics of sweet and hard usually but this one just didn’t work for me.
I did like the angst and basic plot, just not quite how it all unfolded.
(SPOILER)


Also some storylines didn’t fall into believable even for a book.. 31 and still a virgin? Idc professional or not, there’s no way this nfl player and hunk of a man basically hadn’t even kissed before.
Then Ryder supposedly in the end had actually been longing for Knox all along? BS! Not the way it was told he wasn’t. Then flip switch and the bigoted bully now is some crazy gay all horny for the man he shaded horribly with 0 care or wanting to say sorry? Gah.. he pissed me off!

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ I like this, but I did have a super hard time connecting with Ryder and his attitude did make me want to DNF a couple times. Just from his actions and words. But it got better. I did have a good time overall!

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. For various reasons but, no.

I normally try to give the author the benefit of the doubt, however, I don't think I can for this one.

This book started off strong with that weird dedication. The author's 'MM era'? This is giving ✨️straight woman writing MM books as a fetish✨️ for me. They're not writing stories with characters who are gay/ queer to give them representation or to normalize queer relationships, but as an era for an author? No ma'am. And what does this Jilian's woman's 'pen*s envy' have to do with anything and why tf is it in the dedication?

-Ryder being SO homophobic

I'm going to be real with you, what sports agent would WILLINGLY put a probs gay athlete and a homophobic one UNDER THE SAME ROOF??? Like what if Ryder was physically aggressive too? Like what about Knox's safety? All for the sake of 'comportment' training? What professional athlete has time to train another 30 something year old man HOW TO BE AN ADULT and not say the first thing he's thinking? Don't sports teams have people/ media training for that?

- All the toxic masculinity

Even Lilah was saying that Ryder must love Knox or have a thing for him after how rude and aggressive he was with you. As women, we grow up hearing this stuff, like boys are only hitting, pushing, shoving you, etc because they like you and that's the only way men can show their emotions. This 'straight' man was rubbing up on this man's 🍑, sucking his 🍆, etc, then pretending like it was nothing, even saying 'bro' after. YOU KNOW THIS MAN IS GAY AND YOU'RE PLAYING WITH HIS FEELINGS LIKE THAT? Jail, immediately.

- For the love of all that is Holy, WHY does Knox 'have' to come out period, let alone to 'show Ryder he's taking the first step'? As a queer person, maybe the author would benefit from being around the community more, but there is NEVER a time when someone should or has to come out. It's whenever they are ready, not just to make their boo thing more comfortable.

- And who takes a homophobic a*shole of a man to a DRAG BRUNCH/ QUEER SPACE???

- Lastly, I know this book mentioned its BIPOC representation. But, where? The one mention of Knox's skin color? BIPOC representation is about including the culture of the people being represented, not just having the characters in the book, and writing it in a way that is inclusive of that.

[Raina Cravotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first mm romance i have read and i was on the edge of my seat, kicking my feet and giggling all at the same time!!

[Lori Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Great story i love a good SPORTS REOMANCE. this story has a few trigger warnings with certain content. However the romance between Knox and Ryder is done well.

[Samantha Ivy (novelsbysamantha) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin to explain how much I loved this book? If you love sports romance, you are really going to enjoy this steamy book about Knox & Ryder. From best friends to enemies and then what happens next? When you’re playing in the same city and you hold a grudge from what happened in school years ago, things will get bumpy. I absolutely loved this one so much and I so hope you all get a copy of this and end up loving this as much as I did. 10/10.

[Megan]

I could see myself reading future books in the series. But Ryder is in his 30s and seems to be a narcissist who spews hatred and then cries woe is me. I have read and enjoyed plenty of bi-awakenings that stem from bullying or internalized homophobia but Ryder just doesn’t work for me. Also, “skank juice” about a girl you hook up with shows me your personality sucks all around and not just when it comes to internalized homophobia

Dnf 21% (6/17/25)

[Emma Capella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless on the Ice is a perfect example of friends-to-enemies-to-lovers done right.

The grumpy x sunshine dynamic between our reckless boy Ryder and our golden boy Knox made this such an enjoyable read. I really love a good redemption arc, and this absolutely felt like Ryder’s: taking accountability for his past behaviour (eventually), working to fix the damage, and finally coming to terms with who he is—and what Knox means to him.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Reckless On Ice” is the first book in the “Gods Of The Ice Series.” This MM hockey romance features a messy bi-awakening, childhood friends to enemies to lovers, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, bully vibes, a virgin cinnamon roll and a tattooed alpha hole, and open door spice. Ryder Kingston, aka Reckless, aka Kingsy, is named as one of the best goalie’s in the league. When he is traded by Boston to the Atlanta Hydras is world is turned upside down…. “I was supposed to be signed for another four years in Boston. I spent this season showing the team why they needed to keep me. I’ve given ten years of my life to Boston. How could they do me dirty like this after everything? “

Knox Contraire, aka Golden Boy, is one of the best Tight Ends in the NFL. He plays for the Atlanta Condors in Atlanta and has done so for the last ten years. “If only my team really knew who I was, deep down, off the field.”

Both men, in their own ways, have demons that they are both dealing with in regards to their sexuality. Both are top athletes in their respective sports, at the pinnacle of their careers and both will be retiring in the next few years. One is comfortable with his sexuality, but only behind closed doors and on an online app called Vers for gay men. The other is the exact opposite towards his sexuality and suppress his urges - pretending to be someone he is not. His only foray into this world is on the confidential app Vers.

Ryder and Knox both share the same agent. When Ryder becomes “homeless” due to verbal indiscretions, his agent suggests that he moves in with Knox. Neither is happy with the situation, but….this could be could for both of them in different ways. Knox needs to learn how to deal with the media and not mouth off. He also needs to improve his image and Knox is the perfect person to show him. Feelings develop between Knox and Ryder. Slowly their relationship develops whilst being discreet. They are complete opposite’s but they begin to breakdown each others personal barriers. With everything going on with his personal life, how will this impact their careers? How will their team mates react? Will everything work out for them?

“Then he gets on his knees in front of me.
But Ryder kneeling before me is a gorgeous sight. He’s so beautiful, his unruly waves framing his sexy, hooded eyes as he looks up at me. He bites his lip as his hands slide up my thighs and ghost over the silky material of my shorts.”

Hockey player, Football player - both men are hot and handsome - you cannot help but be captivated from the start! You will fall in love with Knox and Ryder as they explore each other emotionally and sexually, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. The sexual tension between them is off the page! Knox is use to controlling his emotions, but around Ryder…… he lets the barrier come down and into his heart. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Julie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I love these two is unreal! The plot kept me hooked and created an experience that was both gripping and emotionally charged. It stirred deep feelings and wove in powerful messages about the ripple effects of our choices on others.

Knox and Ryder are childhood friends who ultimately grew apart when kids in high school made fun of how close they were (ya know teenage boys and their insecurities). Ultimately going their separate ways, both have become equally successful in their rightful sports, Knox in football and Ryder in hockey.

When Ryder gets traded to a new team in Atlanta (owned by the Olsen brothers, which was a GREAT tie-in!), he makes some comments he assumes only his team hears about Knox which soon go viral.
Knox's agent (also Ryders agent) suggests that Ryder live with Knox and have Knox teach him how to navigate sensitivity and handling his emotions. While Knox has matured and is willing to do this, Ryder is hesitant feels that nothing good can come from this.

Ryder has been emotionally beaten down his whole life by his father who used him as a punching bag verbally and emotionally while Knox's family let him into their family and made sure he was protected and able to thrive in his hockey career at such a young age.

Ryder moves in and the tension is almost immediate, Ryder spends most of his time avoiding Knox while trying to navigate his feelings that hes never addressed because he grew up with an abusive father who continuously knocked him down. While the two are able to co-exist in their space, you can tell theres some things building between the two of them. Knox decides he's going to let Ryder into his daily life and show him all the things he does that may or may not be comfortable to Ryder which builds more internal conflict for Ryder.

Ryder eventually comes to his senses and addresses his feelings not only to himself but to his team mates (who already know because he was NOT as coy as he thought in discussing Knox) and finally with Knox who while hesitant decides to dive in head first and let Ryder take control of the heat between them.

Ryder and Knox are like so many men out there who are raised to think that they have to supress their feelings because its not "manly" and they're proof that no matter how big and tough you are love is love and you should be able to love who you want to love.......and raise a goldfish together!

Thank you Adrian for the opportunity to both Sensitivity and ARC read this book!!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC REVIEW

What happens when your childhood best friend, the one you pushed away years ago suddenly ends up living under your roof? For Knox and Ryder, it’s a second chance neither of them saw coming… and one they’re not sure they’re ready for. They drifted apart, and life took them in different directions Knox became a football star, Ryder made it big in hockey.

When Ryder’s offhand comments about Knox go viral (and not in a good way), their shared agent suggests damage control in the form of Ryder moving in with Knox. It sounds like a PR stunt on paper but in reality, it’s a collision course with everything they’ve been avoiding for years.

I loved how the story didn’t rush their reconnection. There’s frustration, tension, awkward silences, and a lot of unresolved feelings. Ryder is guarded and angry at the world, while Knox is the calm anchor golden boy who refuses to let him drown.

Knox was the standout for me. The way he stayed consistent and gentle with Ryder, even when he was hurting too it just got to me. He’s the perfect example of a golden boy who’s actually full of heart, not just charm. I was rooting for him so hard.

And then there’s Goldie the goldfish, who completely stole the show. I didn’t expect a tiny fish to mean so much, but somehow she became this sweet little symbol of comfort, home, and hope.

This story is messy and vulnerable in all the right ways. And yes it’s spicy. I rarely rate spice levels, but this one goes there. Trust me when I say, it’s HOT AF.

[tash.bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first MM romance, and I really didn't know what to expect. Well I was obsessed with this book and couldn't put it down! Adrian made me love these guys from the first few chapters, and had me immediately hooked on their story.
Ryder + Knox were childhood besties who had a bad falling out in high school that left them enemies. Now they both play professional sports (Ryder is goalie for the new Atlanta Hydras hockey team, and Knox plays for the Condors football team), and are often in the media spotlight. Ryder finds himself under media scrutiny for bad mouthing his ex-bestie, and the only way to fix his image is to learn how to behave from that very same person. So cue the forced proximity, and now they're frenemies.
Ryder is totally a little sh*t! This guy is a hot mess of bad reactions and flying off the handle at the slightest tap to his ego. Think of a +6ft grown man having tantrums. Ok so he grew on me as we got to see him through Knox's eyes...and maybe also seeing his love of his child and pet Goldie Spawn.
Knox. Our dear sweet Knox. He could do no wrong. He has a heart of gold. He is so forgiving. Forgiving enough to welcome his frenemy into his home, and give him lessons on how to act right.
Their banter and tension was off the charts. I don't know what it was, but all the testosterone was making me feel some kinda way I tell ya.
This book had me screaming at Ryder, swooning over Knox, and crawling on my knees for their delicious love story!

[FavoriteSaintReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏈⛸️ ARC REVIEW ⛸️🏈

📖 Reckless on Ice by Adrian R. Hale
🗓️ Release Dare: June 3, 2025

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

⛸️ Sports Romance
🏈 Childhood Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
⛸️ MM
🏈 Bi-Awakening
⛸️ Mario Kart Trash Talk
🏈 Possessive MMC

OMG adorable! Knox and Ryder’s story was so sweet. They were best friends growing up, Ryder does some horrible things when they’re 14 which ruined their relationship, and they finally meet back up as adults when they’re both pro-athletes.

Ryder was really hard to like at first, but his character arc was interesting and realistic for many people, so I have to give him grace. He had a lot of internalized hate that blew up externally. (There are depictions of homophobia in this story, so if you are sensitive, this may not be for you.) He did end up being a good partner to Knox.

Knox is the greenest of flags and gave me the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket. This man was so kind and giving and WONDERFUL. This is the type of man who loves with his entire being and everyone in his orbit is better for getting to know him.

I loved their little rituals and how their lifelong friendship shone through their romantic relationship.

This was a great beginning to a new series and I would love to read about the rest of the Hydras.

TLDR: Spicy, sweet bi-awakening story between two best friends who fell out and later found each other again.

[A🦄🌻🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️


First MM book from this author and it was a dang good time! Starting this I didn’t know if Ryder was going to be redeemable- but by the end I did truly like where he ended up. The spice was creative and didn’t feel repetitive. Fun and engaging plot

I did find that there didn’t seem to be a whole lot of internal work done for Ryder to kind of have a somewhat sudden change of heart - I think that could have been explored a bit more so that his turn around felt more natural.

(slightly spoilerish)

Knox of course is a damn angel - I thought it was really cool that for most of the book he was represented as the gay (former) friend that had NOT been pining after the straight guy - giving him a inner strength that I appreciated. But then all of a sudden we’re told that he’s had unrequited love for Ryder the whole time?! That felt unnecessary. Like obviously it’s fine to have had him as his sexual awakening as a youngin, but then with the bullying it would have made sense for Knox to stop having feelings for him and then in present time to start feeling things again given their forced proximity and Ryder’s (somewhat) willingness to change.

All in all though this is a super solid MM sports romance with great heat and fun and interesting characters. I’m definitely looking forward to hopefully more MM romance from this author - and hopefully from some of the Hydras players 😬🙌🏽 I could so see Rook and Campbell being a thing

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the hardest relationship you have is with yourself. That seems to be Ryder’s main issue. He has expectations for himself and the image he wants the world to see. He’s a good- looking hockey player that can have any puck bunny, but that doesn’t always do it for him. Sure he likes women, but he also likes men. But that’s the part he tries to ignore except when he goes to the faceless site where he can meet men and no one has to know his identity. It’s something he enjoys and at the same time struggles with. Just like he struggles with his enemy, Knox. They were once best of friends, but now they are enemies even though they secretly are very much attracted to each other.
Oh, the story of Knox and Ryder will get you mad, may even make you cry, but it will also make you laugh and hope for the best for these two main characters. They have so much history. They know each other best, and their chemistry is hot. Their struggles feel so realistic and frustrating. They are both in the public eye and have to be careful because Knox is still in the closet and Ryder is having a hard time accepting that he is bisexual.
If you are in the mood for a spicy romance between two athletes with a history, that involves forced proximity with tons of chemistry you will love this one. I know I did!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 in spice

Tropes
MM romance
Hockey x Football
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
Bi-awakening
Bully vibes
Hurt/comfort
Forced proximity
Interracial couple

Reckless On Ice is written by Adrian R. Hale, book one of the Gods Of The Ice series. It's, I believe, her first MM story, and it's a good one.

We are introduced to Knox in a previous book called The Southern Thirst Trap. What we know about him is that he plays football and he is a gay male who hasn't come out publicly.

Now this is a hockey romance, so in comes Ryder, childhood friend and now enemy of Knox. He is basically a hockey God who is now playing for the Atlanta hockey team. Ryder comes off as an ahole at the start of this book when you hear what he did to Knox in the past, and still comes off as an ahole even as an adult. The two are forced to live together when Ryder is caught on camera saying some not-so-nice things about Knox.

Ryder does change a lot through the book when he realizes that his a bisexual man. He is scared to come out, but all it takes is a brave Knox to help him out.

The book is a very slow burn. which is fine, considering there was trauma between the two, and forgiveness had to be given. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Jenni Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The TLDR of it all is this is the book that got me out of a month long reading slump.
You've got an asshole ice hockey goalie and a golden retriever american football player who used to be childhood friends but one turned into a bully in high school and caused the other one to remain in the closet until the present day.
Is there is bit of exposition to get them to move in together seeing as they play different sports? Yes, who cares? Do we forgive Ryder for 'outing' Knox? not really, but these things are all necessary to move the story along. Knox is not comfortable in his own skin following high school bullying and can't admit to anyone else that he's gay and doesn't allow himself to explore his sexuality apart from an anonymous app that allows him to connect with other faceless men to talk and 'enjoy' themselves.
Ryder is a angry, speak before he thinks, certified ladies man who after living with Knox has to confront his feelings towards his former best friend.
Ryder has the most character development by far, but Knox does accept who his is and embraces his sexuality.
Overall, as I said this got me out of a reading slump, so it's a good read. Thanks so much to Adrian for letting me have a copy of the book.

[Readsbyraz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reckless on Ice is the first book in a brand new series by this really cool author, Adrian R. Hale.

Note that this is an MM Romance book and was one of my first MM reads. I don't have anything against MM couples it's just that this was not a genre I enjoyed reading or would read in the future again.

The author writes beautifully and has this ability to create complex characters and worlds, and for this reason, I've given the rating I have.

Ryder and Knox have a gruesome beginning more on the end of homophobia than acceptance and love and have more downs than ups initially.

My favorite character is Goldie, the goldfish. Other than that, I was not able to get with the story as it's not something I would normally read. If you do enjoy MM Romance, please give this a read as I think you'd really enjoy it.

If you're looking for something a lot more mainstream, the Southern God's by the same author is fantastic, and I highly recommend giving that a read too.

Thank you to Ms. Adrian, thank you for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy and a review extension. She is so very kind, and I'm very grateful to be part of her street team ❤️.

Reckless on Ice was not my cup of tea, but it definitely will be for someone else ✨️👌

[Book Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless on Ice is a heartfelt and sizzling second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance with just the right amount of angst, humor, and emotional growth. Adrian R. Hale delivers a powerful story of redemption, queer identity, and healing—set against the high-stakes world of professional sports.
The story follows Ryder Kingston, a hotheaded hockey player whose careless comment goes viral, tanking his reputation and threatening his place on a new team. As part of a PR rehab plan, Ryder is forced to live with and get sensitivity training from his childhood best friend turned bitter rival, Knox Contraire.

Knox, now an NFL tight end living deep in the closet, isn’t thrilled about mentoring his former best friend turned bully. But with his own job on the line, Knox has no choice but to take Ryder in. Forced to live under the same roof, old wounds reopen—and unresolved tension sparks into something undeniable.

Themes of forgiveness, identity, vulnerability, and self-discovery are woven throughout this tender and spicy romance. Hale doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of closeted queer life in pro sports, but balances it beautifully with banter, brotherhood, and slow-burn chemistry that delivers.

Ryder and Knox’s journey is messy, real, and deeply satisfying—a story about finding the courage to love fully, even when it’s risky.