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On Ice
MM Mafia Hockey Romance
Evan Riley lives and breathes hockey. As captain of the struggling Seabrooke Ice Hawks, his singular focus is leading his team to their first playoff appearance in years.
Then he meets Luca Barone.
One impulsive night with the handsome, enigmatic new team owner leaves Evan breathless—but morning brings devastating clarity. Luca isn't just a wealthy businessman; he's a calculating mafia boss who purchased the Ice Hawks as a front for his gambling operations. Worse, he expects Evan to become his puppet on the ice, winning or losing games at Luca's command.
Trapped between rage and an undeniable attraction, Evan finds himself in a dangerous power play where the stakes extend far beyond the hockey rink. As rival crime families, threatened teammates, and his own conflicted heart pull him deeper into Luca's world, Evan discovers that his greatest challenge isn't winning the Stanley Cup—it's reconciling his unwavering principles with his growing feelings for a man who breaks every rule.
Evan Riley lives and breathes hockey. As captain of the struggling Seabrooke Ice Hawks, his singular focus is leading his team to their first playoff appearance in years.
Then he meets Luca Barone.
One impulsive night with the handsome, enigmatic new team owner leaves Evan breathless—but morning brings devastating clarity. Luca isn't just a wealthy businessman; he's a calculating mafia boss who purchased the Ice Hawks as a front for his gambling operations. Worse, he expects Evan to become his puppet on the ice, winning or losing games at Luca's command.
Trapped between rage and an undeniable attraction, Evan finds himself in a dangerous power play where the stakes extend far beyond the hockey rink. As rival crime families, threatened teammates, and his own conflicted heart pull him deeper into Luca's world, Evan discovers that his greatest challenge isn't winning the Stanley Cup—it's reconciling his unwavering principles with his growing feelings for a man who breaks every rule.
657 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
122 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 20, 2025
First things first, that is a gorgeous cover.
I enjoyed this a lot. It made me feel anxious, angry, furious sad and happy. My first book by this author and it did not disappoint. I will admit the first chapters cringed me out a bit . I could not come to terms with what Luca wanted Evan to do. Mafia and sports just did not mesh in my brain and I had to adjust my thought process a lot. Still. I could not put the book down. It's totally different from other books in the hockey romance realm I read.
This book is so gripping. I went on an emotional rollercoaster, from hate to more hate to really wanting to smack Luca up the head.
*The mafia part was solid mafia and the hockey part was totally hockey descriptions and all, so you are warned if it's not your thing (or just skim over those parts 'wink')
✋🚫SPOILER ALERT🚫✋
MY THOUGHTS AND GRIEVANCES AS READING.JUST LETTING OFF STEAM.
Unforgivable number 1: Luca's actions the first morning after😡
Unforgivable number 2: The choke hold.😡
Unforgivable number 3: The beating after the game.😡
Unforgivable number 4: the death order.😡
So...uuumm, Luca ordered Evan's execution and Evan is alive by devine intervention and not Luca's order. Bro, dude, I should probably DNF this story right now.🤬😡🤬
...hell I should probably just drop the book because the words 'my little petunia' are in it.🤨
It's really difficult to like Luca in any capacity and we're 60% in...
Then... Jealousy - forgive - forget.
The biggest let down for me is that I needed Luca to despair over the fact he could have killed Evan, it almost felt like he got away with all his bs. Granted , in the end he changed, but still, although the first time they were together was fantastic, right after he was horrible. The change in their relationship was missing a few steps, a few missed opportunities for a smoother transition in feelings.
I enjoyed this a lot. It made me feel anxious, angry, furious sad and happy. My first book by this author and it did not disappoint. I will admit the first chapters cringed me out a bit . I could not come to terms with what Luca wanted Evan to do. Mafia and sports just did not mesh in my brain and I had to adjust my thought process a lot. Still. I could not put the book down. It's totally different from other books in the hockey romance realm I read.
This book is so gripping. I went on an emotional rollercoaster, from hate to more hate to really wanting to smack Luca up the head.
*The mafia part was solid mafia and the hockey part was totally hockey descriptions and all, so you are warned if it's not your thing (or just skim over those parts 'wink')
✋🚫SPOILER ALERT🚫✋
MY THOUGHTS AND GRIEVANCES AS READING.JUST LETTING OFF STEAM.
Unforgivable number 1: Luca's actions the first morning after😡
Unforgivable number 2: The choke hold.😡
Unforgivable number 3: The beating after the game.😡
Unforgivable number 4: the death order.😡
So...uuumm, Luca ordered Evan's execution and Evan is alive by devine intervention and not Luca's order. Bro, dude, I should probably DNF this story right now.🤬😡🤬
...hell I should probably just drop the book because the words 'my little petunia' are in it.🤨
It's really difficult to like Luca in any capacity and we're 60% in...
Then... Jealousy - forgive - forget.
The biggest let down for me is that I needed Luca to despair over the fact he could have killed Evan, it almost felt like he got away with all his bs. Granted , in the end he changed, but still, although the first time they were together was fantastic, right after he was horrible. The change in their relationship was missing a few steps, a few missed opportunities for a smoother transition in feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
great mix of hockey and romance
I really enjoyed this book! It was a perfect blend of romance and hockey. Loved Evan and his dedication to his friends and family. Would love to see more of this world.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a perfect blend of romance and hockey. Loved Evan and his dedication to his friends and family. Would love to see more of this world.
June 9, 2025
Les premiers chapitres étaient plaisant mais mon intérêt s’est hélas vite essoufflé 🫠
Entre Evan le joueur de hockey professionnel et Luca le mafieux, ça démarre comme un simple coup d’un soir. Puis Luca, devenu patron d’en équipe de hockey d’Evan, lui demande de truquer les matchs pour que le mafieux et ses potes puissent parier sans risque dessus. Evan refuse. Et là, ça part en live…
Ça traîne en longueur inutilement 🙄 Ils se sautent dessus dans le premier chapitre et après je dois attendre 70% pour qu’ils se décident à remettre le couvert.
Luca est un mafieux peu crédible 🤭 Il dirige les italiens, les russes, les ukrainiens… alors que toutes ses familles sont indépendantes 🙄 Pourquoi avoir voulu en rajouter des caisses ?! 🙄
La romance est sans surprise. Je ne me suis pas particulièrement attaché (ni même intéressé) aux personnages.
Bref, j’ai fini par profondément m’ennuyer dans ce bouquin où la romance est prévisible et gentillette. J’ai terminé le bouquin en diagonale…
La trad’ est loin d’être nickel mais c’est compréhensible. Par contre, je n’ai pas aimé qu’il n’y ai pas de retour à la ligne quand les personnages ont fini de parler. Le texte narratif est intégré aux dialogues et c’est pénible.
Entre Evan le joueur de hockey professionnel et Luca le mafieux, ça démarre comme un simple coup d’un soir. Puis Luca, devenu patron d’en équipe de hockey d’Evan, lui demande de truquer les matchs pour que le mafieux et ses potes puissent parier sans risque dessus. Evan refuse. Et là, ça part en live…
Ça traîne en longueur inutilement 🙄 Ils se sautent dessus dans le premier chapitre et après je dois attendre 70% pour qu’ils se décident à remettre le couvert.
Luca est un mafieux peu crédible 🤭 Il dirige les italiens, les russes, les ukrainiens… alors que toutes ses familles sont indépendantes 🙄 Pourquoi avoir voulu en rajouter des caisses ?! 🙄
La romance est sans surprise. Je ne me suis pas particulièrement attaché (ni même intéressé) aux personnages.
Bref, j’ai fini par profondément m’ennuyer dans ce bouquin où la romance est prévisible et gentillette. J’ai terminé le bouquin en diagonale…
La trad’ est loin d’être nickel mais c’est compréhensible. Par contre, je n’ai pas aimé qu’il n’y ai pas de retour à la ligne quand les personnages ont fini de parler. Le texte narratif est intégré aux dialogues et c’est pénible.
May 20, 2025
3.25
The combo of mafia and romance excited me and I think it was conveyed relatively alright. My grievances run as follows: Luca and Evan both feel incredibly flat at times, the romance occurs so quickly, and the only other characters that are semi developed is Marco and Isabella. I was expecting a side arc where someone on the team was throwing games because Evan couldn’t do it (lowkey was thinking Noah) and that never happened. It could’ve been tea though. I felt that the subplot about Evan and his mother could have been really touching — but also nonexistent and just felt like filler. Lastly, I think that a good read through of this novel by an editor would have done it justice because I had to guess with some spelling errors.
My pluses would be the spice, it was definitely there but I still wish for more. I like dark themes presented within novels and I enjoyed the mafia tropes introduction to that. I just overall feel like I needed to fall in love with Luca and I didn’t get the opportunity to stop trusting him. He just casually threatens to murder the man he’s into and because he saved Marco it’s all just cutesy. Also Evan could have been more bratty not gonna lie, it would have made me giggle because he was giving sassy man syndrome.
Overall, I’m excited for this author to keep growing. I think there’s good stuff here but it needs shaping.
The combo of mafia and romance excited me and I think it was conveyed relatively alright. My grievances run as follows: Luca and Evan both feel incredibly flat at times, the romance occurs so quickly, and the only other characters that are semi developed is Marco and Isabella. I was expecting a side arc where someone on the team was throwing games because Evan couldn’t do it (lowkey was thinking Noah) and that never happened. It could’ve been tea though. I felt that the subplot about Evan and his mother could have been really touching — but also nonexistent and just felt like filler. Lastly, I think that a good read through of this novel by an editor would have done it justice because I had to guess with some spelling errors.
My pluses would be the spice, it was definitely there but I still wish for more. I like dark themes presented within novels and I enjoyed the mafia tropes introduction to that. I just overall feel like I needed to fall in love with Luca and I didn’t get the opportunity to stop trusting him. He just casually threatens to murder the man he’s into and because he saved Marco it’s all just cutesy. Also Evan could have been more bratty not gonna lie, it would have made me giggle because he was giving sassy man syndrome.
Overall, I’m excited for this author to keep growing. I think there’s good stuff here but it needs shaping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
Didn’t really realize mafia boss v hockey player was something I needed until now.
April 26, 2025
Good writing but desperately needs an editor. Evan goes from number 11 at the beginning to number 19 at the end without any reason along with a bunch of spelling mistakes, etc. Too much hockey and not enough fleshing out of side characters. Noah felt like a sound board for Evan and didn’t really have any personality beyond his friendship with Evan. Kind of instalove at the beginning but I am glad Evan stood his ground after he found out who Luca was. Good book with a lot of mistakes I can’t really get over.
April 29, 2025
I will be the first person to say that I'm not a hockey fan. I'm a die-hard football fan. But during this book when they were playing I found myself holding my breath hoping and praying that they would win. This book does need some editing because there was some grammar errors and the changing of the Jersey number at one point to changing of Evan's name. At first I was a little uncomfortable with the fact that they were intimate in the first chapter. But after finishing the book I realize that it was needed. Because they started out hot and heavy and then there was nothing for a long period of time which gave a lot of build up. I love that Evan kept his integrity through it all. I also love that Luca was eventually able to accept and appreciate Evans integrity. I enjoyed watching Luca show more of his softer side. I could have done with some warning about Evan's mom because it had me crying uncontrollably throughout the book which caused me to have to take several breaks. I really was hoping that they would end up engaged or married by the end of the book which didn't happen. I do hope that Marco and Isabella will get their own book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2025
'Bringing Evan here was the smart thing to do if I want to keep him alive. But I’m nervous about how my family will react to Evan’s presence. I’m sure they’ll be very surprised that I brought him here. I’m surprised I brought him here.'
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Evan and Luca and the dynamic between them. MM mafia romance is one of my favorite themes and I found the link and power play between these two guys intriguing. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. I also liked Luca's growth over the course of the story.
'I know getting through Evan’s armor won’t be easy. He thinks I’m a monster. It’s up to me to show him my gentler side. My protective side. That should help soften him toward me. After all, I’m risking my reputation to protect him. I’m allowing him access to my home. That’s not something I’ve ever done before.
There’s something special about Evan. I felt it the first moment I met him.'
The story had suspense, intrigue, and danger. A great start to a new series. 5 stars.
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Evan and Luca and the dynamic between them. MM mafia romance is one of my favorite themes and I found the link and power play between these two guys intriguing. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. I also liked Luca's growth over the course of the story.
'I know getting through Evan’s armor won’t be easy. He thinks I’m a monster. It’s up to me to show him my gentler side. My protective side. That should help soften him toward me. After all, I’m risking my reputation to protect him. I’m allowing him access to my home. That’s not something I’ve ever done before.
There’s something special about Evan. I felt it the first moment I met him.'
The story had suspense, intrigue, and danger. A great start to a new series. 5 stars.
June 25, 2025
3-3.25 stars ⭐️
This book had so much potential!! There was a whole lot of hockey action which I didn’t really care for nor understood lol. I love reading sports romance but I couldn’t care less about reading the actual play by play. There was also a lot of tension between the two characters in the beginning and I was hoping for a good slow burn but the relationship progression just fell off. Tbh there wasn’t much progression if at all? Or it was so glossed over since there were a couple time skips where the readers are informed that the two spent more time together and eventually started falling in love. I was really intrigued with the whole premise of mafia and hockey together. I thought this was going to be another aftg yk? I wasn’t looking for the exact same story but I was looking for that slow burn, enemies to lovers and a little bit of angst. It was a bit disappointing 😢
This book had so much potential!! There was a whole lot of hockey action which I didn’t really care for nor understood lol. I love reading sports romance but I couldn’t care less about reading the actual play by play. There was also a lot of tension between the two characters in the beginning and I was hoping for a good slow burn but the relationship progression just fell off. Tbh there wasn’t much progression if at all? Or it was so glossed over since there were a couple time skips where the readers are informed that the two spent more time together and eventually started falling in love. I was really intrigued with the whole premise of mafia and hockey together. I thought this was going to be another aftg yk? I wasn’t looking for the exact same story but I was looking for that slow burn, enemies to lovers and a little bit of angst. It was a bit disappointing 😢
April 17, 2025
This read was quite a rollercoaster to me. It started out so amazing - Luca is amazing! Then Evan was unbearably stupid at some points that it went from five stars to four stars and zipped straight to one star and a zero star I nearly threw my phone.
The MCs totally hit all my marks - hot manly mobster tick; hot manly athlete tick. Now put the two of them together and you get a great story.
Evan never quite redeemed himself to me but the story was great and did I say Luca is AMAZING??
It’s great to finally read an emotionally moving story again. At some points I was actually nearly moved to tears - I was that invested!! Overall 4 stars for being a great balanced story with amazing characters (Marco is like SWOON-worthy).
The MCs totally hit all my marks - hot manly mobster tick; hot manly athlete tick. Now put the two of them together and you get a great story.
Evan never quite redeemed himself to me but the story was great and did I say Luca is AMAZING??
It’s great to finally read an emotionally moving story again. At some points I was actually nearly moved to tears - I was that invested!! Overall 4 stars for being a great balanced story with amazing characters (Marco is like SWOON-worthy).
May 7, 2025
If this book had maintained the pace of the first five chapters, it would have been a knockout. Unfortunately, it turned into something else entirely-something I forced myself to keep reading, hoping it would eventually get interesting again.
The premise is solid, but the execution falls flat. The chapters set on the ice are long and drawn-out, while the emotional development between the main characters is virtually nonexistent-they fall in love out of nowhere. I wish the same effort that went into detailing the hockey scenes had been spent on building their relationship.
On top of that, some scenes are poorly constructed, and potentially intriguing plot points are never followed up on.
Conclusion: Want to read a hockey game? This is your book.
The premise is solid, but the execution falls flat. The chapters set on the ice are long and drawn-out, while the emotional development between the main characters is virtually nonexistent-they fall in love out of nowhere. I wish the same effort that went into detailing the hockey scenes had been spent on building their relationship.
On top of that, some scenes are poorly constructed, and potentially intriguing plot points are never followed up on.
Conclusion: Want to read a hockey game? This is your book.
May 6, 2025
Solid 3 if I was having a bad day it would’ve been a 2.
At first I was turned off by Luca and his annoying mean boy behavior then I was bought ultimately it was fun and entertaining. Do I think they are soulmates and will live happily ever after? NO Luca wants love too much but he is also extremely controlling Evan wants love but also somewhat likes being in control I know for a fact they will get into an argument about kitchen cabinets and break up for good.
At first I was turned off by Luca and his annoying mean boy behavior then I was bought ultimately it was fun and entertaining. Do I think they are soulmates and will live happily ever after? NO Luca wants love too much but he is also extremely controlling Evan wants love but also somewhat likes being in control I know for a fact they will get into an argument about kitchen cabinets and break up for good.
April 24, 2025
Knew it was a bad idea to mix mafia and hockey in one book. For a book that is supposed to be long asf. Why are they already having sex in the first chapter. It’s unbelievable. I hate fast-burns. Also why the sexist comments? Asking another man if he’s on his period because he’s showing concern towards you is unacceptable 🙄. And this was written recently too🤨
June 20, 2025
This is way too fucking repetitive! They keep having the same damn conversations over and over again. Like shit, didn’t you guys just have this conversation 3 chapters ago?! Not to mention the conversations last like 30 pages without getting resolved. It’s like they just talk in circles.
This book was also doing too much. Either do hockey or mafia but not both. Unless you can do it right.
This book was also doing too much. Either do hockey or mafia but not both. Unless you can do it right.
April 14, 2025
fresh take on typical hockey stories
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Always cheering on the characters. I liked the soft and raw and the change in both. Good job to B. Brown
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Always cheering on the characters. I liked the soft and raw and the change in both. Good job to B. Brown
August 20, 2025
I actually hated the first third of this book. But glad I kept reading. It turned around and was awesome. I actually liked how in depth the hocky pats were, the story development was. I must say by the end i was invested.
April 17, 2025
er zaten leuke stukjes in, maar het mochten wel 100blz korter. en het einde was ook misplaatst tbh. bittersweet.
April 24, 2025
Should’ve had them play hockey together. That was so so good
May 27, 2025
Unexpected
This was so much more than what I thought it would be but I love the story between Luca & Evan. My heart broke for Evan at times for sure but honestly was so so good
This was so much more than what I thought it would be but I love the story between Luca & Evan. My heart broke for Evan at times for sure but honestly was so so good
June 30, 2025
4.5 stars
July 16, 2025
3.75ish
A fun read. I really enjoyed it.
A fun read. I really enjoyed it.
July 20, 2025
DNF @ 95%. I tried really hard; the beginning was good however it just seemed to drag on in the middle. Lost interest halfway.
3⭐️
3⭐️
Read
August 27, 2025Dnf @ 40%. I don’t want to talk about it ✋🏻
September 2, 2025
it was nice. never read hockey × mafia so it was new.
it lacked so many things, so much potential going to waste.
but it entertained me so...
it lacked so many things, so much potential going to waste.
but it entertained me so...
May 10, 2025
This was a good unexpected read! I love all the elements of hockey incorporated along with the mafia themes in it. Luca and Evan first meeting marked them in so many ways with their instant connection. Their worlds are totally different and it was a challenge for them to finally open up and let their relationship move forward.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews