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Off The Ice
After a devastating breakup, kindergarten teacher Cassie Dwyer has no choice but to crash with her best friend’s older brother—who just so happens to be NHL’s most notoriously private star player.
Liam Brynn is ice-cold on and off the rink. Focused, disciplined, and done with distractions, the last thing he needs is his sister’s sunshiney friend moving into his quiet sanctuary. Especially when she has no idea who he really is.
But as boxes unpack and walls start to fall, Liam finds himself drawn to Cassie's soft heart and stubborn spirit. And Cassie—still nursing wounds from a past that let her down—starts to wonder if the man with all the walls is actually the only one who sees her clearly.
He’s used to keeping his distance.
She’s used to being left behind.
But sometimes, the safest place to fall…
is off the ice.
Off the Ice is a slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with forced proximity, emotional healing, and swoony late-night heart-to-hearts. Perfect for fans of ice-cold heroes who melt only for her. 💙🏒🔥
Liam Brynn is ice-cold on and off the rink. Focused, disciplined, and done with distractions, the last thing he needs is his sister’s sunshiney friend moving into his quiet sanctuary. Especially when she has no idea who he really is.
But as boxes unpack and walls start to fall, Liam finds himself drawn to Cassie's soft heart and stubborn spirit. And Cassie—still nursing wounds from a past that let her down—starts to wonder if the man with all the walls is actually the only one who sees her clearly.
He’s used to keeping his distance.
She’s used to being left behind.
But sometimes, the safest place to fall…
is off the ice.
Off the Ice is a slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine hockey romance with forced proximity, emotional healing, and swoony late-night heart-to-hearts. Perfect for fans of ice-cold heroes who melt only for her. 💙🏒🔥
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
94 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 18, 2025
I heard clean hockey romance and I said “YES.”
But I quickly found that this book was so much more than that. This book managed to make me feel seen in ways that I didn’t even think possible. When I was younger I experienced similar issues that Cassie had dealt with her entire life. While I was able to find a way to cope, I still saw so many fragments of myself in Cassie and how she struggles with her day to day life. I know for a fact that I would have ended up exactly like her if my past didn’t turn out the way it did. This whole book made me realize that what I’ve been through and how I live my life since then doesn’t have to make sense. And on top of that, that there is always going to be someone I meet (whether it’s now or in the future) that will love me unconditionally and want to understand and see me in ways that maybe I don’t want to myself. This books means so much to me in ways that I can’t even begin to explain.
Basically everyone needs to read this book.
But I quickly found that this book was so much more than that. This book managed to make me feel seen in ways that I didn’t even think possible. When I was younger I experienced similar issues that Cassie had dealt with her entire life. While I was able to find a way to cope, I still saw so many fragments of myself in Cassie and how she struggles with her day to day life. I know for a fact that I would have ended up exactly like her if my past didn’t turn out the way it did. This whole book made me realize that what I’ve been through and how I live my life since then doesn’t have to make sense. And on top of that, that there is always going to be someone I meet (whether it’s now or in the future) that will love me unconditionally and want to understand and see me in ways that maybe I don’t want to myself. This books means so much to me in ways that I can’t even begin to explain.
Basically everyone needs to read this book.
May 19, 2025
Thank you, Emma, for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a cute, kick your feet, giggly romance that absolutely delivered on the grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
Cassie was a very relatable heroine, I could see myself in her and I loved her journey throughout the story. And Liam? SWOON. He was so sweet. 🥹 I love a quiet man who lets his woman yap away while he happily listens to every second!!! The romance between Liam and Cassie was such a cute slow burn.
I also really enjoyed the side characters, so much so that I’m hoping the author gives them their own books in the future!
All that being said, the reason I took off a star is because the book felt a little too long at times, there were parts of the book where it felt like not much was happening plot wise. However, I think this may just come down to personal preference on the length/pace of contemporary romances.
All in all, I’m so impressed by this debut novel! This a sweet and charming read for fans of hockey romance! 💘
This was such a cute, kick your feet, giggly romance that absolutely delivered on the grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
Cassie was a very relatable heroine, I could see myself in her and I loved her journey throughout the story. And Liam? SWOON. He was so sweet. 🥹 I love a quiet man who lets his woman yap away while he happily listens to every second!!! The romance between Liam and Cassie was such a cute slow burn.
I also really enjoyed the side characters, so much so that I’m hoping the author gives them their own books in the future!
All that being said, the reason I took off a star is because the book felt a little too long at times, there were parts of the book where it felt like not much was happening plot wise. However, I think this may just come down to personal preference on the length/pace of contemporary romances.
All in all, I’m so impressed by this debut novel! This a sweet and charming read for fans of hockey romance! 💘
May 26, 2025
Thank you, lovely Emma, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review ❤️
Off The Ice was an absolute serotonin boost.
‘And there, on the side of the road under the lights of the city, I felt it in my chest as […] put a few of my pieces back together’
Dumped by her boyfriend of six years, Cassie needs a place to stay while she figures out her next move. Her best friend, Maggie, comes to her aid, orchestrating the opportunity for Cassie to move in with her brother, Liam.
Liam is a local hockey celebrity, who, in recent years, has become detached, cynical and reclusive, in a bid for privacy.
Cassie and Liam’s lives intertwining is a satisfyingly, well-executed grumpy/sunshine story.
‘She tasted like summer air and strawberries and fucking sunshine, and I could not get enough of her.’
The characters and their development were one of my favourite parts to this book. To me, they felt very real - imperfect products of their previous life experiences, yet capable of growth.The dual POV of Cassie and Liam gives keen insight into why they do what they do. As a result, even when I disagreed with their choices or actions, I felt like I understood what spurred them and as a result, left me empathising with them rather than feeling frustrated.
‘I couldn’t control her. I couldn’t control what happened with Liam. I could only control me. And somehow, it was freeing.’
It was very easy for me to give this book 5 stars. I devoured it in three days and found myself thinking about Cassie and Liam when I wasn’t reading. I’ll definitely be rereading ‘Off the Ice’ in the future when I’m in need of a comfort and healing read.
Congratulations on a breathtaking debut novel, Emma
Off The Ice was an absolute serotonin boost.
‘And there, on the side of the road under the lights of the city, I felt it in my chest as […] put a few of my pieces back together’
Dumped by her boyfriend of six years, Cassie needs a place to stay while she figures out her next move. Her best friend, Maggie, comes to her aid, orchestrating the opportunity for Cassie to move in with her brother, Liam.
Liam is a local hockey celebrity, who, in recent years, has become detached, cynical and reclusive, in a bid for privacy.
Cassie and Liam’s lives intertwining is a satisfyingly, well-executed grumpy/sunshine story.
‘She tasted like summer air and strawberries and fucking sunshine, and I could not get enough of her.’
The characters and their development were one of my favourite parts to this book. To me, they felt very real - imperfect products of their previous life experiences, yet capable of growth.The dual POV of Cassie and Liam gives keen insight into why they do what they do. As a result, even when I disagreed with their choices or actions, I felt like I understood what spurred them and as a result, left me empathising with them rather than feeling frustrated.
‘I couldn’t control her. I couldn’t control what happened with Liam. I could only control me. And somehow, it was freeing.’
It was very easy for me to give this book 5 stars. I devoured it in three days and found myself thinking about Cassie and Liam when I wasn’t reading. I’ll definitely be rereading ‘Off the Ice’ in the future when I’m in need of a comfort and healing read.
Congratulations on a breathtaking debut novel, Emma
May 29, 2025
I’m calling it now, this is going to be everyone’s new favorite hockey romance!!
I have never connected so perfectly with characters or been so fully immersed in a story as I was with this one! It was beautifully written and I couldn’t get enough of it!
I loved seeing both Liam and Cassie work through all of their insecurities and traumas and come out better and closer together in the end.
Also, the chemistry between Liam and Cassie was *chefs kissss*! It was a no spice romance.. but let’s be honest, it didn’t need it at all! It was the perfect slow burn. So much delicious tension, I couldn’t put it down!
Body had me laughing everytime he talked. Him and Maggie are absolutely the greatest and I cannot wait to read their story next!!
You’re gonna want to add this one to your TBR immediately!!
Some of my favorite lines in the book..
'She tasted like summer air and strawberries and fucking sunshine, and I could not get enough of her.”
'Because everyone in the stadium was looking at Liam Brynn. But he was only looking at me.’
Easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given! Congrats Emma on your debut novel, it was amazing. 🩷
I have never connected so perfectly with characters or been so fully immersed in a story as I was with this one! It was beautifully written and I couldn’t get enough of it!
I loved seeing both Liam and Cassie work through all of their insecurities and traumas and come out better and closer together in the end.
Also, the chemistry between Liam and Cassie was *chefs kissss*! It was a no spice romance.. but let’s be honest, it didn’t need it at all! It was the perfect slow burn. So much delicious tension, I couldn’t put it down!
Body had me laughing everytime he talked. Him and Maggie are absolutely the greatest and I cannot wait to read their story next!!
You’re gonna want to add this one to your TBR immediately!!
Some of my favorite lines in the book..
'She tasted like summer air and strawberries and fucking sunshine, and I could not get enough of her.”
'Because everyone in the stadium was looking at Liam Brynn. But he was only looking at me.’
Easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given! Congrats Emma on your debut novel, it was amazing. 🩷
June 4, 2025
Off the Ice is a clean (kissing only) hockey romance about Cassie and Liam. Cassie is a kindergarten teacher, who was suddenly dumped by her boyfriend of 6 years and had to move out of their shared apartment. Her bestie, Maggie, offers up her brother’s spare bedroom… her brother being grumpy, hockey player Liam.
This book was so sweet! I loved every last page! It was so refreshing to read a hockey romance with no smut… just pure emotions, feelings, and the sweetest love story. While the book plays up the miscommunication trope, I didn’t mind it in this book. I honestly can relate a lot to the traumas that both Liam and Cassie have experienced. For Cassie, I could understand her viewpoint and her reasonings for why she over-analyzed Liam’s feelings. And for Liam, he also has previous family trauma that has led to his isolation and building walls.
Read this hockey romance if you love:
🏒 grumpy/sunshine
🏒 he’s protective of her
🏒 clean romance
🏒 found family
🏒 bff’s brother
🏒 addiction representation (side character, not mc)
🏒 miscommunication trope (see review above 👆🏻)
4.5/5 ⭐️
0/5 🌶️ (kissing only)
This book was so sweet! I loved every last page! It was so refreshing to read a hockey romance with no smut… just pure emotions, feelings, and the sweetest love story. While the book plays up the miscommunication trope, I didn’t mind it in this book. I honestly can relate a lot to the traumas that both Liam and Cassie have experienced. For Cassie, I could understand her viewpoint and her reasonings for why she over-analyzed Liam’s feelings. And for Liam, he also has previous family trauma that has led to his isolation and building walls.
Read this hockey romance if you love:
🏒 grumpy/sunshine
🏒 he’s protective of her
🏒 clean romance
🏒 found family
🏒 bff’s brother
🏒 addiction representation (side character, not mc)
🏒 miscommunication trope (see review above 👆🏻)
4.5/5 ⭐️
0/5 🌶️ (kissing only)
May 31, 2025
4.5★
Firstly I want to say Thank you to Emma for choosing me to be one of the first to read the arc of your very first book Off The Ice, With that being said this is still my honest review.
This is probably one of my favorite hockey romances I’ve read, really loved Cassie and Liam’s stories and their relationship.
Cassie is Best friends with Maggie which is Brody’s sister the NHL star. Cassie is a kindergarten teacher, her boyfriend of 6 years Dave… dumps her over a text and she has to find somewhere to stay immediately so Maggie her best friend helps her situate to stay with her Brother since he has a big place with and extra room.
Really loved to getting to know Brody & Maggie’s characters aswell as their relationship form, I’d love to see a book for them two honestly.
Tropes:
Slowburn
Best friends brother
Sport/hockey
Shared Living arrangement
Fake dating
So definitely a slowburn which I usually don’t love but I actually really enjoyed this one!
Firstly I want to say Thank you to Emma for choosing me to be one of the first to read the arc of your very first book Off The Ice, With that being said this is still my honest review.
This is probably one of my favorite hockey romances I’ve read, really loved Cassie and Liam’s stories and their relationship.
Cassie is Best friends with Maggie which is Brody’s sister the NHL star. Cassie is a kindergarten teacher, her boyfriend of 6 years Dave… dumps her over a text and she has to find somewhere to stay immediately so Maggie her best friend helps her situate to stay with her Brother since he has a big place with and extra room.
Really loved to getting to know Brody & Maggie’s characters aswell as their relationship form, I’d love to see a book for them two honestly.
Tropes:
Slowburn
Best friends brother
Sport/hockey
Shared Living arrangement
Fake dating
So definitely a slowburn which I usually don’t love but I actually really enjoyed this one!
June 1, 2025
Wowww! I could not be more in love with Emma O’Dea’s debut novel which follows Liam (NHL hockey star with sky-high walls around his icy heart) and cassie (the blue-eyed kindergarten teacher who may be the only one able to melt the ice). O’dea wrote her characters so beautifully, giving them such depth and personality. their story was the ultimate slow-burn, and it made me happy, sad, angry, and swoony in all the best ways! Though it was on the lengthy-er side, I was so sad to say goodbye to the characters! As my first hockey romance, I loveddd the focus on banter and not spice, which gave the story so much more emotional connection for me!! overall, I love love loved this book!! Off the Ice gets a well-deserved 5 stars and is definetely one of my favorite romance novels to date!
May 29, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to Emma for sending this over and allowing me to read this early! ♥️
This book had to me absolutely kicking my and giggling THE ENTIRE TIME. Cassie and Liam’s dynamic was something I didn’t know I needed to read about. They just fit so perfectly!
Hockey is not my expertise, so I’m glad there wasn’t a whole lot of terminology that had gone into it. There was just enough to be fitting in the story.
Both Cassie and Liam were all so relatable! I think that’s really what kept me so engaged into the book as well. The family problems that both of them were facing were also things that happened in my life, so it felt good to read a book where you can really sympathize with the characters.
Overall, this book was super cute! If you need a a slow burn that’ll make you blush every minute, this is the book for you!!♥️
Thank you to Emma for sending this over and allowing me to read this early! ♥️
This book had to me absolutely kicking my and giggling THE ENTIRE TIME. Cassie and Liam’s dynamic was something I didn’t know I needed to read about. They just fit so perfectly!
Hockey is not my expertise, so I’m glad there wasn’t a whole lot of terminology that had gone into it. There was just enough to be fitting in the story.
Both Cassie and Liam were all so relatable! I think that’s really what kept me so engaged into the book as well. The family problems that both of them were facing were also things that happened in my life, so it felt good to read a book where you can really sympathize with the characters.
Overall, this book was super cute! If you need a a slow burn that’ll make you blush every minute, this is the book for you!!♥️
May 27, 2025
Maggie asks her brother Liam if her best friend Cassie can stay in spare room after her ex of 6 years kicks her out. She assures him it’s only for one night. Cassie goes back to old apartment to get clothes and her ex has a new girl there already. Liam tells Maggie to let Cassie come back to his place and stay.
Maggie drags Cassie out of the apartment for a night out and Liam invites himself along as the DD. Both of them have moments of jealousy during the night. The two of them start to get to know each other better and act like a couple. When the feelings start to change, it’s a question if they can trust each other to move forward.
I love a hockey romance and this was no exception. Liam is hesitant to let anyone in, including his sister, and somehow Cassie works his way into his heart. I loved the epilogue and wish it was longer. This is the author’s debut book and I look forward to reading more from her.
Maggie drags Cassie out of the apartment for a night out and Liam invites himself along as the DD. Both of them have moments of jealousy during the night. The two of them start to get to know each other better and act like a couple. When the feelings start to change, it’s a question if they can trust each other to move forward.
I love a hockey romance and this was no exception. Liam is hesitant to let anyone in, including his sister, and somehow Cassie works his way into his heart. I loved the epilogue and wish it was longer. This is the author’s debut book and I look forward to reading more from her.
May 11, 2025
Thanks Emma for sending me an advanced copy to read.
I was enthralled by this book from the first page.
I couldn’t put it down! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book this fast.
I was obsessed with the characters and their stories and just had to know where life lead them.
All the characters were likeable bar a couple and I was obsessed from the first page to the last.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I was enthralled by this book from the first page.
I couldn’t put it down! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book this fast.
I was obsessed with the characters and their stories and just had to know where life lead them.
All the characters were likeable bar a couple and I was obsessed from the first page to the last.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
January 28, 2026
this is the first book in MONTHS to make me stay up past my bedtime
May 20, 2025
Say “hellooooooo” to your new book boyfriend! Off The Ice is the perfect slow-burn, closed door romance; a fluffy read with fully developed characters who work to overcome their fears and insecurities.
I really appreciated that this wasn’t an “insta-love” story. Liam was an asshole at the beginning but also always wanted better for Cassie. Both characters had unresolved trauma, insecurities, and fears they had to work through together and independently before they were ready to be together.
Overall Rating:
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
(4.5 stars rounded up to 5)
Tropes & More:
⚡️best friend’s brother
⚡️”and they were ROOMMATES”
⚡️sports romance-hockey
⚡️slight enemies to lovers
⚡️dual POV
⚡️closed door romance
Thank you, Emma, for an ARC and allowing me to read Off The Ice early in exchange for feedback and a review! A new author you don’t want to miss out on!
I really appreciated that this wasn’t an “insta-love” story. Liam was an asshole at the beginning but also always wanted better for Cassie. Both characters had unresolved trauma, insecurities, and fears they had to work through together and independently before they were ready to be together.
Overall Rating:
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
(4.5 stars rounded up to 5)
Tropes & More:
⚡️best friend’s brother
⚡️”and they were ROOMMATES”
⚡️sports romance-hockey
⚡️slight enemies to lovers
⚡️dual POV
⚡️closed door romance
Thank you, Emma, for an ARC and allowing me to read Off The Ice early in exchange for feedback and a review! A new author you don’t want to miss out on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was more than just a hockey romance. I loved this. The characters and the development? Ugh. This was more than just a surface level romance. Raw and emotional. I could not put this down, especially it being a slow burn.
This was more than just a hockey romance. I loved this. The characters and the development? Ugh. This was more than just a surface level romance. Raw and emotional. I could not put this down, especially it being a slow burn.
May 24, 2025
Thanks Emma for sending me an advanced copy to read.
I love a good hockey romance so this was right up my alley!
I was enthralled by this book from the first page.
I couldn't put it down!
This was such a cute, kick your feet, giggly romance that absolutely delivered on the grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
I love a good hockey romance so this was right up my alley!
I was enthralled by this book from the first page.
I couldn't put it down!
This was such a cute, kick your feet, giggly romance that absolutely delivered on the grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
May 19, 2025
First of all, I want to thank Emma for choosing me to be one of her ARC readers and giving me the opportunity to read her very first book!
I’m honestly still in shock at how much I loved it. This story had everything – romance that made me root so hard for Cassie and Liam, heartfelt and emotional moments that made me want to cry, and scenes that made me wish I could reach through the screen and hug the FMC.
The characters felt real and relatable, and the writing kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m already looking forward to seeing what Emma writes next!
I’m honestly still in shock at how much I loved it. This story had everything – romance that made me root so hard for Cassie and Liam, heartfelt and emotional moments that made me want to cry, and scenes that made me wish I could reach through the screen and hug the FMC.
The characters felt real and relatable, and the writing kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m already looking forward to seeing what Emma writes next!
August 3, 2025
This is a slow burn, zero spice, NHL hockey romance. So basically a unicorn! 🤣
This was a great book. I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down. What an excellent debut novel for this author and I’ll be watching for more.
Cassie is a kindergarten teacher who just got dumped by her long-term boyfriend . They lived together and he basically said she had to be the one to move out. Her bestie saved the day by getting her brother to allow Cassie to stay with him. The problem is that she told Cassie he was desperate for a roommate and told her brother the truth. When they finally meet he isn’t nice and she has no idea he plays hockey.
Liam has kept his inner circle small if not almost nonexistent. He doesn’t like the attention he gets from hockey and trusts no one to be honest with their intentions. He hasn’t dated anyone since he signed his NHL contract. Now he has his sisters best friend living with him and she is like pure sunshine.
The book was great. I love best friends brother and close proximity tropes. I wish Cassie could have not ran away so much but she grew and the fact that Liam researched her mom’s disease so he could understand Cassie was just the sweetest.
This was a great book. I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down. What an excellent debut novel for this author and I’ll be watching for more.
Cassie is a kindergarten teacher who just got dumped by her long-term boyfriend . They lived together and he basically said she had to be the one to move out. Her bestie saved the day by getting her brother to allow Cassie to stay with him. The problem is that she told Cassie he was desperate for a roommate and told her brother the truth. When they finally meet he isn’t nice and she has no idea he plays hockey.
Liam has kept his inner circle small if not almost nonexistent. He doesn’t like the attention he gets from hockey and trusts no one to be honest with their intentions. He hasn’t dated anyone since he signed his NHL contract. Now he has his sisters best friend living with him and she is like pure sunshine.
The book was great. I love best friends brother and close proximity tropes. I wish Cassie could have not ran away so much but she grew and the fact that Liam researched her mom’s disease so he could understand Cassie was just the sweetest.
June 2, 2025
Off the Ice was absolutely amazing. I had been counting down the days for this release, and the second it came out on June 1st, I was already reading it. I finished it in one sitting, around six or seven hours, because I genuinely couldn’t put it down. It’s the perfect blend of hockey, romance, and emotional depth. The chemistry between the main characters was so natural and addicting, and their connection felt real from the very beginning. I found myself smiling, tearing up, and completely invested in how their story unfolded. The writing was easy to get lost in (in the best way), and the pacing kept everything moving without ever feeling rushed. If you love sports romances with heart, tension, strong character development, a meaningful backstory, and unforgettable characters, this one is a must-read. I also loved how there was no spice because it really helped show the story the author was trying to capture and that by far was my favorite thing. I already want to go back and experience it all over again.
May 11, 2025
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was fun and sweet and exactly what you want out of a cozy romance. The book focused on Cassie (the fun and colorful kindergarten teacher) and Liam (the reclusive pro-hockey star) and I truly enjoyed their story. Their relationship was so sweet. I love the forced proximity trope, and I loved that there wasn’t really a third act break up or unrealistic conflicts. The “conflicts” were realistic and largely internal, which allowed them both to grow individually and together, but nothing about the relationship felt forced.
No spice, but heavier than a Hallmark movie. It was a nice balance to make the story more realistic, but still overall happy. I really appreciated how the author handled the heavier topics included in the book, keeping that balance of being realistic and respectful of those topics, while tying them into an overall sweet story.
I also really loved Maggie (and I’m hoping she gets the next book!).
This book was fun and sweet and exactly what you want out of a cozy romance. The book focused on Cassie (the fun and colorful kindergarten teacher) and Liam (the reclusive pro-hockey star) and I truly enjoyed their story. Their relationship was so sweet. I love the forced proximity trope, and I loved that there wasn’t really a third act break up or unrealistic conflicts. The “conflicts” were realistic and largely internal, which allowed them both to grow individually and together, but nothing about the relationship felt forced.
No spice, but heavier than a Hallmark movie. It was a nice balance to make the story more realistic, but still overall happy. I really appreciated how the author handled the heavier topics included in the book, keeping that balance of being realistic and respectful of those topics, while tying them into an overall sweet story.
I also really loved Maggie (and I’m hoping she gets the next book!).
May 21, 2025
In my Hockey era so this book was right up my alley. The characters were engaging without falling prey to typical tropes in a non interesting way....and as someone who reads for her mental stability, I know my tropes and this book was highly entertaining. My life is too short and my TBR too long to waste time on books that bore me.
This book was more hallmark than HBO but it didn't need spicy scenes. It's a fluffy, feel good book that was easy to get lost in, but didn't require me to use my brain....in a good way of course. I like to be able to lose myself in a story but also be able to pull out easily cause life and this book was perfect for that.
Looking forward to more from this author!!
ARC provided for honest review!
TLDR: yes read this book if you enjoy feel good romances and don't need a ton of smut or spice.
This book was more hallmark than HBO but it didn't need spicy scenes. It's a fluffy, feel good book that was easy to get lost in, but didn't require me to use my brain....in a good way of course. I like to be able to lose myself in a story but also be able to pull out easily cause life and this book was perfect for that.
Looking forward to more from this author!!
ARC provided for honest review!
TLDR: yes read this book if you enjoy feel good romances and don't need a ton of smut or spice.
August 20, 2025
I devoured Off the Ice — it completely wrecked me in the best way.
Liam? Book boyfriend material to the max. His grumpy-to-obsessed transformation had me kicking my feet and screaming. He starts off as this emotionally shut-off arsehole and ends up head over heels for Cassie, willing to do anything for her. Ugh, perfection. 😮💨🔥
And Cassie… she broke me. Her character was so beautifully written — raw, vulnerable, layered. I felt every bit of her pain and every tiny moment of hope. Watching her battle the trauma her mum left behind while slowly learning to trust and believe Liam’s love? HEART-WRENCHING. 💔💗
Also — the best friend’s brother trope is elite, and the fact that the best friend wasn’t a sulky nightmare about it? Absolutely refreshing. 💕
If you love emotional slow-burns, swoony protective men, and heroines with real depth — read this book immediately. I’m still not okay. 😭🏒
Liam? Book boyfriend material to the max. His grumpy-to-obsessed transformation had me kicking my feet and screaming. He starts off as this emotionally shut-off arsehole and ends up head over heels for Cassie, willing to do anything for her. Ugh, perfection. 😮💨🔥
And Cassie… she broke me. Her character was so beautifully written — raw, vulnerable, layered. I felt every bit of her pain and every tiny moment of hope. Watching her battle the trauma her mum left behind while slowly learning to trust and believe Liam’s love? HEART-WRENCHING. 💔💗
Also — the best friend’s brother trope is elite, and the fact that the best friend wasn’t a sulky nightmare about it? Absolutely refreshing. 💕
If you love emotional slow-burns, swoony protective men, and heroines with real depth — read this book immediately. I’m still not okay. 😭🏒
May 13, 2025
Emma was kind enough to trust me with an ARC of her debut novel, and I'm so glad she did! Everything about Off the Ice, from the cover design to the characters, is absolutely darling, and exactly what a romance novel should be!
Cassie is the sweetest, and Liam is a dreamboat (so let me know where I can find one of him, please and thank you). I also loved Maggie, and am really hoping to see her and Brody's relationship unfold in the next book!
Emma was able to tackle heavy, but relatable, issues in a respectable way that added to the story instead of bringing down the vibe. I laughed, I cried, and I can't wait to see what's next for such a talented author (and the characters I fell in love with during my read)!
Cassie is the sweetest, and Liam is a dreamboat (so let me know where I can find one of him, please and thank you). I also loved Maggie, and am really hoping to see her and Brody's relationship unfold in the next book!
Emma was able to tackle heavy, but relatable, issues in a respectable way that added to the story instead of bringing down the vibe. I laughed, I cried, and I can't wait to see what's next for such a talented author (and the characters I fell in love with during my read)!
May 29, 2025
thank you so much to the author emma for sending me this arc. this was exactly the fluffy hockey romance i needed in my life. cassie is a big ball of sunshine and liam is a broody hockey player, and they are actually perfect for each other. this was “grumpy x sunshine” AND “my best friend’s brother” (if you said you didn’t sing “best friend’s brother” from victorious then you are lying!). i actually really enjoyed that this was a clean romance, and i feel like you don’t always find that in sports romances. i wished the epilogue was longer because i could read another 100 pages about these two goofballs, and i’m hoping for a spin off with maggie and *redacted*.
June 1, 2025
honestly this book was SO GOOD. The author truly captured what it's like to live with lingering effects of trauma due to an alcoholic parent. the way that the male main character truly learned to help the female main character through situations made me want to swoon. he was so kind and caring without even realizing or making a huge show of it. and the main female characters bestie? she was truly a girls girl. the main female character showed such strength while dealing with some of the hardest things a child or person should ever have to. this book was truly so good and I can't wait for Emma to write more!!
May 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for a review and I am so glad that I did! This book was absolutely incredible! The storyline was beautifully written and very entertaining. My favorite thing when reading a new book is when I can relate to at least one of the characters and this book did not disappoint in that regard. I am definitely hoping that there will be more in this series soon!!!
May 28, 2025
i received as an arc from the author herself, thank you again!! im normally not a big fan of slow burns but i loved this one! i finished this book in one day!
the storyline was super cute! i was giggling the entire book! watching cassie and liam’s relationship unfold even though they were trying to fight it was so fun! the found family aspect of this book really did it for me! my only issue was that in my arc copy’s font size was super small so i struggled a bit at first but then i was fine.
the storyline was super cute! i was giggling the entire book! watching cassie and liam’s relationship unfold even though they were trying to fight it was so fun! the found family aspect of this book really did it for me! my only issue was that in my arc copy’s font size was super small so i struggled a bit at first but then i was fine.
June 21, 2025
Off the Ice by Emma O’Dea is a slow-burn grumpy-sunshine hockey romance. 🏒🩷The story of Cassie and Liam is so sweet. I had so much fun reading their story and falling in love with their love. It���s a perfect poolside read and breath of fresh air from everyday chaos🩵 within the first few pages she perfectly captured what it’s like to teach littles and as a brand new baby teacher it’s so wonderful to see a character who loves teaching as much as I do
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
July 12, 2025
I almost DNFd this book chapter one because of how Cassie acted as a kindergarten teacher. It sounded more like a daycare setting not an elementary classroom — but I realize not everyone really knows what happens in a classroom so I gave the book another chance.
It was cute. I really liked Liam. Now I wanna find a friend who has a hot hockey star brother that doesn’t drink and is super protective. This is not a spicy romance so that was a little refreshing!
It was cute. I really liked Liam. Now I wanna find a friend who has a hot hockey star brother that doesn’t drink and is super protective. This is not a spicy romance so that was a little refreshing!
May 12, 2025
First off, thank you to Emma for trusting me enough to read the book early. It was such a sweet story and beautifully written.
The characters, Cassie and Liam, were both lovable from the start. Each have their own trauma from childhood, which felt authentic and realistic as they worked through it. Honestly, I would absolutely love to see more of their story (the epilogue left me wanting more)!
If you love hockey romance with a side of slow burn and HEA, this book is for you!
The characters, Cassie and Liam, were both lovable from the start. Each have their own trauma from childhood, which felt authentic and realistic as they worked through it. Honestly, I would absolutely love to see more of their story (the epilogue left me wanting more)!
If you love hockey romance with a side of slow burn and HEA, this book is for you!
May 28, 2025
Emma blew it out the park with this one!! Absolutely LOVE Cassie and Liam!! You could FEEL the love between these two characters and they were constantly pulling at your heart strings. She did perfect with the way she intertwined these characters. One of the best romantic books I’ve ever read. Hope we get to see Maggie and Brody’s story next!!
June 2, 2025
The fact that this is Emma’s debut novel is blowing my mind!! It was sooo well written and the most beautiful slow burn. I’m beyond obsessed with these characters and their stories, I would have read 1,000 pages of Liam and Cass 🥹
I need book 2 immediately!!!
I need book 2 immediately!!!
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