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Off Ice #3
What It Must Be
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the season.
Bennett:
Scarlett Carlisle knocked me off my feet when I first met her, and after only one night together, I knew I was gone for that girl. That is, until I found out she was the daughter of the man who signed my paychecks.
It’s been years since that night, but when a particular cheeky redhead waltzes back into my life, I learn a couple of things. First, I’m a complete asshole. And second, I’d do just about anything to right my wrong with the one that got away… even get down on one knee.
What starts as an engagement of convenience quickly becomes something I decide I must make real. My bride’s heart is guarded, but I’m determined to tear down her walls and give her my everything.
Scarlett:
Forgetting a mind-blowing one-night stand is apparently very easy when he’s a complete jerk. And when your life turns upside down soon after.
But all that forgetting is wasted when I find myself in, let’s say, professional need of a husband and Bennett Wilson is more than eager to volunteer as tribute. There’s just one—or, rather two small things—I come as a package deal. So it’s not just my heart on the line in this mess, but theirs too.
Seeing Bennett give my sister guitar lessons and teach my little brother how to skate has my resolve slipping more and more each day. So, naturally, I decide our little arrangement needs some boundaries. Rules that the captain swears were made to be broken. I just hope that, when all is said and done, our hearts don’t become collateral damage.
What It Must Be is a spicy, marriage of convenience romance featuring a grumpy hockey captain and the single guardian he can’t help but drop down on one knee for.
Bennett:
Scarlett Carlisle knocked me off my feet when I first met her, and after only one night together, I knew I was gone for that girl. That is, until I found out she was the daughter of the man who signed my paychecks.
It’s been years since that night, but when a particular cheeky redhead waltzes back into my life, I learn a couple of things. First, I’m a complete asshole. And second, I’d do just about anything to right my wrong with the one that got away… even get down on one knee.
What starts as an engagement of convenience quickly becomes something I decide I must make real. My bride’s heart is guarded, but I’m determined to tear down her walls and give her my everything.
Scarlett:
Forgetting a mind-blowing one-night stand is apparently very easy when he’s a complete jerk. And when your life turns upside down soon after.
But all that forgetting is wasted when I find myself in, let’s say, professional need of a husband and Bennett Wilson is more than eager to volunteer as tribute. There’s just one—or, rather two small things—I come as a package deal. So it’s not just my heart on the line in this mess, but theirs too.
Seeing Bennett give my sister guitar lessons and teach my little brother how to skate has my resolve slipping more and more each day. So, naturally, I decide our little arrangement needs some boundaries. Rules that the captain swears were made to be broken. I just hope that, when all is said and done, our hearts don’t become collateral damage.
What It Must Be is a spicy, marriage of convenience romance featuring a grumpy hockey captain and the single guardian he can’t help but drop down on one knee for.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2025
21 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Grayce Rian
6 books124 followersGrayce Rian is a contemporary romance author from the Midwest. Her stories perfectly combine spice, angst, and sweetness to make readers swoon. When she’s not writing about your new, favorite book boyfriend, you can find her with her high school sweetheart, chauffeuring their three kids to every activity imaginable, or with her nose buried in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 11, 2025
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆, 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒅." 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒆𝒕, 𝑰'𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅.
Can I just say that one-night stands are hot? SO. SO. HOT! 🔥 I love them so much because of the passion and the sparks, and after having both characters basically all over each other, they’ve got to reel it in because DUH, that was “only one time.” And then when it snaps again?? SCREAMS. 😭
What It Must Be is already Book #3, and like the rest of the series, it did not disappoint. WE FINALLY GET BENNETT’S BOOK!!! 👏 He’s the captain of the team, so respectful and down-to-earth, and I was totally jealous of Scarlett (our FMC) the entire time.
If you don’t want to read the book summary, I gotchu: Scarlett and Bennett have a crazy night that ends with them going their separate ways, but BOOM, fast forward six years, and now Scarlett needs to marry someone to take ownership of the team. And Bennett just legit says, “I’ll do it.” AGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! And we all know a marriage of convenience is literally my weakness. 😩💍
This book had everything I look for in a marriage of convenience romance. I’m not just talking about the trope itself. I’m talking about the build-up, the tension, the small gestures, the “don’t be afraid to let go” moments, and the best part: WHEN THE LINES BLUR BETWEEN ARRANGEMENT AND LOVE. ❤️ GIMME.
The vibes were vibing, and Grayce Rian once again brought it all to the table, from the witty banter, to the serious moments, to the spice. I can’t wait to get her next book! 📚✨
If you love sports, marriage of convenience, and “I didn’t expect that spice from HIM,” say no more and read this book. 🏒🔥
BENNETT IS A MAN. period.
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ Grayce Rian has never disappointed me so #3 let's gooooo :D
Can I just say that one-night stands are hot? SO. SO. HOT! 🔥 I love them so much because of the passion and the sparks, and after having both characters basically all over each other, they’ve got to reel it in because DUH, that was “only one time.” And then when it snaps again?? SCREAMS. 😭
What It Must Be is already Book #3, and like the rest of the series, it did not disappoint. WE FINALLY GET BENNETT’S BOOK!!! 👏 He’s the captain of the team, so respectful and down-to-earth, and I was totally jealous of Scarlett (our FMC) the entire time.
If you don’t want to read the book summary, I gotchu: Scarlett and Bennett have a crazy night that ends with them going their separate ways, but BOOM, fast forward six years, and now Scarlett needs to marry someone to take ownership of the team. And Bennett just legit says, “I’ll do it.” AGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! And we all know a marriage of convenience is literally my weakness. 😩💍
This book had everything I look for in a marriage of convenience romance. I’m not just talking about the trope itself. I’m talking about the build-up, the tension, the small gestures, the “don’t be afraid to let go” moments, and the best part: WHEN THE LINES BLUR BETWEEN ARRANGEMENT AND LOVE. ❤️ GIMME.
The vibes were vibing, and Grayce Rian once again brought it all to the table, from the witty banter, to the serious moments, to the spice. I can’t wait to get her next book! 📚✨
If you love sports, marriage of convenience, and “I didn’t expect that spice from HIM,” say no more and read this book. 🏒🔥
BENNETT IS A MAN. period.
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ Grayce Rian has never disappointed me so #3 let's gooooo :D
July 10, 2025
Pro Hockey
Workplace romance
Marriage of convenience
Single Guardian
He falls first
Found family
✨️Thank you to Grayce and Luna Literary for the ARC for my honest review! I absolutely ate this book up! Scarlett is a girl after my own heart. We share the same favorite movie, 10 things I hate about you. I just want to be her bestie. She is seriously such an amazing character, raising her brother and sister on her own and doing her own thing. And Bennett is book husband goals! 🙌 I absolutely loved how he stepped up! This book was such a good read, and I definitely recommend it! Now I'm going back to read Grayce's other books!🫶
Workplace romance
Marriage of convenience
Single Guardian
He falls first
Found family
✨️Thank you to Grayce and Luna Literary for the ARC for my honest review! I absolutely ate this book up! Scarlett is a girl after my own heart. We share the same favorite movie, 10 things I hate about you. I just want to be her bestie. She is seriously such an amazing character, raising her brother and sister on her own and doing her own thing. And Bennett is book husband goals! 🙌 I absolutely loved how he stepped up! This book was such a good read, and I definitely recommend it! Now I'm going back to read Grayce's other books!🫶
July 6, 2025
A MILLION STARS. OKAY BENNY BOY.
all my favorite microtropes pulled into one but the OG tropes weren’t overshadowed.
I loved them. So damn much.
Thank you Luna and Grayce for letting me read this one early!!
What It Must Be is seriously on of my favorite books of the year. I love a down bad man, and Bennett was exactly that.
Following along with Bennett and Scarlett was an absolute blast. Their meet cute in a bar, years prior was so much fun, a one night stand that neither of them forget. Bennett the stupid man he was in the beginning mistakes why Scarlett is there the next morning and runs her off—6 years later the way they meet wasn’t a mistake though
Bennett is a star player for the Pro hockey team that Scarlett is now gaining ownership of, and somehow in the contract she is supposed to to be married to gain full ownership and although they become fast friends bennett agrees because not only does he feel bad (WHICH HE SHOULD, from his mistake 6 years ago!!!!) he marries her but little does she know ole Benny boy is so down bad for her he’s willing to do anything for her.
Scarlett Carlisle is becoming the new owner of the hockey team her grandfather owns; but she’s also the soul guardian of her younger brother and sister due to an accident that took her parents years prior. She holds a lot of responsibilities and when Benny enters the chat he takes so much off of her with just a few simple gestures and I love him for that so much.
Their chemistry is something loved in this book, they meshed so well and their banter through the whole book was so good. Although the banter of Jax, was probably my favorite they still came close. The tension up till it snapped held so much power I was losing my mind.
I don’t know what Grayce put in this book, but it was so bing able I felt lost when I finished it. Their love was so special to me, I just didn’t want it to end. But also I need book four about Jax ASAP, plzzzzzzz. But also she put a little bondage in this book and that’s what probably sucked me in. 🤣
Tropes
-arranged marriage
-professional hockey x owner
-single guardian
-reformed playboy
-workplace romance
-one night stand
-he falls first and HARD.
all my favorite microtropes pulled into one but the OG tropes weren’t overshadowed.
I loved them. So damn much.
Thank you Luna and Grayce for letting me read this one early!!
What It Must Be is seriously on of my favorite books of the year. I love a down bad man, and Bennett was exactly that.
Following along with Bennett and Scarlett was an absolute blast. Their meet cute in a bar, years prior was so much fun, a one night stand that neither of them forget. Bennett the stupid man he was in the beginning mistakes why Scarlett is there the next morning and runs her off—6 years later the way they meet wasn’t a mistake though
Bennett is a star player for the Pro hockey team that Scarlett is now gaining ownership of, and somehow in the contract she is supposed to to be married to gain full ownership and although they become fast friends bennett agrees because not only does he feel bad (WHICH HE SHOULD, from his mistake 6 years ago!!!!) he marries her but little does she know ole Benny boy is so down bad for her he’s willing to do anything for her.
Scarlett Carlisle is becoming the new owner of the hockey team her grandfather owns; but she’s also the soul guardian of her younger brother and sister due to an accident that took her parents years prior. She holds a lot of responsibilities and when Benny enters the chat he takes so much off of her with just a few simple gestures and I love him for that so much.
Their chemistry is something loved in this book, they meshed so well and their banter through the whole book was so good. Although the banter of Jax, was probably my favorite they still came close. The tension up till it snapped held so much power I was losing my mind.
I don’t know what Grayce put in this book, but it was so bing able I felt lost when I finished it. Their love was so special to me, I just didn’t want it to end. But also I need book four about Jax ASAP, plzzzzzzz. But also she put a little bondage in this book and that’s what probably sucked me in. 🤣
Tropes
-arranged marriage
-professional hockey x owner
-single guardian
-reformed playboy
-workplace romance
-one night stand
-he falls first and HARD.
July 6, 2025
What It Must Be by Grayce Rian eARC Review
♾️✨
Incredible. This book had me in a chokehold, I devoured it, left no crumbs and then it left me in a book slump. Thanks Grayce 😅
My favorite of the series so far and believe me, that is saying A LOT. I am a sucker for marriage of convenience and this one was done SO WELL! Grayce put her own spin on it with a previous one night stand and a time jump and ugh- just so good. “My wife”… yup, that gets me every freaking time.
Bennett. Oh Bennett. This man made his way to my top book boyfriend list. He is perfection. The sweetest soul who knows when to bring on the filthy mouth. His relationship with Scarlett’s siblings was one of my favorite things in this book.
Scarlett was such an incredible and powerful FMC, I seriously adored her. Such a strong character who has gone through so much already and watching her and Bennetts relationship grow was so perfect.
The found family aspect of this series is top tier as well. Seeing all the characters and their families from the previous books, I loved it so much!
What to expect:
Marriage of convenience
Single guardian
Workplace romance
Grumpy MMC / Sassy FMC
He falls first
Pro hockey player
Found family
Thank you so much Grayce and Luna for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
♾️✨
Incredible. This book had me in a chokehold, I devoured it, left no crumbs and then it left me in a book slump. Thanks Grayce 😅
My favorite of the series so far and believe me, that is saying A LOT. I am a sucker for marriage of convenience and this one was done SO WELL! Grayce put her own spin on it with a previous one night stand and a time jump and ugh- just so good. “My wife”… yup, that gets me every freaking time.
Bennett. Oh Bennett. This man made his way to my top book boyfriend list. He is perfection. The sweetest soul who knows when to bring on the filthy mouth. His relationship with Scarlett’s siblings was one of my favorite things in this book.
Scarlett was such an incredible and powerful FMC, I seriously adored her. Such a strong character who has gone through so much already and watching her and Bennetts relationship grow was so perfect.
The found family aspect of this series is top tier as well. Seeing all the characters and their families from the previous books, I loved it so much!
What to expect:
Marriage of convenience
Single guardian
Workplace romance
Grumpy MMC / Sassy FMC
He falls first
Pro hockey player
Found family
Thank you so much Grayce and Luna for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
July 10, 2025
4.75⭐️ | 3.75🌶
This was so wholesome and cheesy and exactly what I needed in the moment. The way Bennett continually showed up for Scarlett, Gemma and Gunner without fail is the bare minimum and Bennett made that known. I was squealing so hard from how much I loved this book. I am beyond curious about Jackson though.... thank you to luna literary management for the arc
This was so wholesome and cheesy and exactly what I needed in the moment. The way Bennett continually showed up for Scarlett, Gemma and Gunner without fail is the bare minimum and Bennett made that known. I was squealing so hard from how much I loved this book. I am beyond curious about Jackson though.... thank you to luna literary management for the arc
July 21, 2025
FIVE MFING STARS.👏🏻👏🏻 listen to me when I tell you that Bennett is about to be come your new book boyfriend and I mean that with my whole chest.
What It Must Be is book three in the Off The Ice series and is AVAILABLE NOW!!! What It Must Be is available in KU, ebook with paperbacks on Amazon!
This book is funny AF, I mean this is the first line ➡️➡️➡️ “How did I find myself standing at a hole-in-the-wall bar in crocodile cowboy boots, cut-off jean shorts so short I fear my d*ck will fall out, and a cropped top flannel?”
ARE YOU SOLD YET?!?
Okay but as I was saying this book is funny, hot as hell, so freaking swoony, it made me giddy, and a touch emotional. Basically it’s actual perfection.
Scar and Bennys “meet cute” turns hot as hell & then cold as ice. Fast forward years later and these two run into each other, but now their relationship is ✨complicated✨
Bennett Wilson is where dreams go to thrive. THE MAN IS PERFECT!!! He is so dang swoony and sweet with a mouth and tongue of SIN!!
Scarlett is a straight bad ass!! Girl friend has gone through so much in her life but is still a light to everyone, with a touch of sass and a side of f*ck around and find out!!
So basically these two are perfect for each other!! Bennett and Scarlett are stupid hot, with a wild connection and I am in love with them!!
What It Must Be is book three in the Off The Ice series and is AVAILABLE NOW!!! What It Must Be is available in KU, ebook with paperbacks on Amazon!
This book is funny AF, I mean this is the first line ➡️➡️➡️ “How did I find myself standing at a hole-in-the-wall bar in crocodile cowboy boots, cut-off jean shorts so short I fear my d*ck will fall out, and a cropped top flannel?”
ARE YOU SOLD YET?!?
Okay but as I was saying this book is funny, hot as hell, so freaking swoony, it made me giddy, and a touch emotional. Basically it’s actual perfection.
Scar and Bennys “meet cute” turns hot as hell & then cold as ice. Fast forward years later and these two run into each other, but now their relationship is ✨complicated✨
Bennett Wilson is where dreams go to thrive. THE MAN IS PERFECT!!! He is so dang swoony and sweet with a mouth and tongue of SIN!!
Scarlett is a straight bad ass!! Girl friend has gone through so much in her life but is still a light to everyone, with a touch of sass and a side of f*ck around and find out!!
So basically these two are perfect for each other!! Bennett and Scarlett are stupid hot, with a wild connection and I am in love with them!!
August 5, 2025
such a sweet read and fresh take on fake marriage!
What It Must Be (Book 3)
By: Grayce Rian
“I’ll play by whatever rules you put in place for us, Scar. You run the show. If you want to keep things between us strictly physical, then I’ll be willing and eager to fulfill your every desire. But if you decide you want more, I’d happily give you everything.”
“I do. But I’m your masochist. If you can be patient, baby girl, I’ll show you how good being mine feels.”
After a one night stand Scarlett and Bennett come face to face again 5 years later. Scarlett is now the owner of the team Bennett is captain of and the guardian to her two younger siblings. She’s had to put her dreams in pause to try to keep life as normal as possible for her siblings. But when Bennett comes back in the picture, he sees the burden Scarlett has been carrying and happily steps in to help her. I love that even though they agreed to a fake marriage, they didn’t hide their feelings from each other. But instead was open and honest. Bennett showed up and loved not only Scarlett but her siblings as his own. ❤️
Tropes:
Pro Hockey Romance
Marriage of Convenience
Workplace Romance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Single Guarian
Spice Starts at: 7%🔥
Spice: 4/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
What It Must Be (Book 3)
By: Grayce Rian
“I’ll play by whatever rules you put in place for us, Scar. You run the show. If you want to keep things between us strictly physical, then I’ll be willing and eager to fulfill your every desire. But if you decide you want more, I’d happily give you everything.”
“I do. But I’m your masochist. If you can be patient, baby girl, I’ll show you how good being mine feels.”
After a one night stand Scarlett and Bennett come face to face again 5 years later. Scarlett is now the owner of the team Bennett is captain of and the guardian to her two younger siblings. She’s had to put her dreams in pause to try to keep life as normal as possible for her siblings. But when Bennett comes back in the picture, he sees the burden Scarlett has been carrying and happily steps in to help her. I love that even though they agreed to a fake marriage, they didn’t hide their feelings from each other. But instead was open and honest. Bennett showed up and loved not only Scarlett but her siblings as his own. ❤️
Tropes:
Pro Hockey Romance
Marriage of Convenience
Workplace Romance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Single Guarian
Spice Starts at: 7%🔥
Spice: 4/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
June 26, 2025
this was sweet!! i’m such a fan of grayce and she always writes strong stories & this was no different!
i really liked scarlett and bennett!! they had incredible chemistry and banter! i absolutely loved watching them get the happiness and life they deserved <3
i think bennett is officially my fav grayce mmc!! the way he stepped up and considered gunner & gemma when making decisions & always put them first was so so special <3
thank you luna literary for the arc!!
i really liked scarlett and bennett!! they had incredible chemistry and banter! i absolutely loved watching them get the happiness and life they deserved <3
i think bennett is officially my fav grayce mmc!! the way he stepped up and considered gunner & gemma when making decisions & always put them first was so so special <3
thank you luna literary for the arc!!
July 9, 2025
♾️⭐️
It might be too early to say but I have a feeling this will be my top reads of the year! It was absolute perfection and I will never be over Bennet and Scarlett. Their chemistry was so hot and the banter was so good.
I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience and the way that the marriage was never fake for Bennett had me swooning. Not only was he head over heels for Scarlett, but the bond he formed with her little sister and brother was so sweet! Seeing them form their own family was beautiful. Bennett always put their needs above his own and showed them what unconditional love really is.
I love the found family in this entire series and seeing past couples in this book makes my heart so happy. I loved the set up for book 4 and I can’t wait for it!
What It Must Be | Grayce Rian | Off Ice series book 3 | 7.10.25
✨pro hockey MMC
✨marriage of convenience
✨workplace romance
✨grumpy MMC x sassy FMC
✨single guardian
✨he falls first
Thank you Grayce and Luna literary for the arc!
July 10, 2025
So far for now every one of the books in the Off Ice series is my favorite till the next one or this is a series of favorite books. I don't know what Grayce Rian puts in them but these stories are pure magic . What It Must Be is Bennett and Scarlett's story and I love it . It has a great plot with a plot twist that you didn't see coming at the very beginning , a wonderful characters and a great love story. Also all favorite characters from the first two books are all over the place and a part of Benny and Scar's story . Everything started at Griffin and Kenna's wedding when the grumpy hockey captain met his mystery redhead girl and had his chance with her only to be disappointed with the truth about her identity. Anyway he's knocked off his feet and even years later he can't forget her . When they meet again he's determined to do better and wright his wrongs . And redeeming Bennett was so sweet and swoony . When he found out that she's a single guardian to her younger sister and brother he makes everything to help her . Bennett was so good with Gunner and so overprotective of Gemma. And when he saw his chance to be in Scarlett's life permanently he takes it. I loved it how he thought first about Gemma and Gunner and their feelings and Scarlett was his priority no matter what.A major swoon. Their nicknames were so sweet and funny. But that pet name that Bennett gave Scarlett made me swooning every time. And Bennett may be sweet and swoony every minute but behind closed doors he has such a dirty mouth. And a few surprises that you didn't expected from Benny boy but Little Red loved them a lot. Bennett's father tried to mess with them but Bennett hold his ground and didn't let him break them . I so loved Scarlett's grand parents and the way they welcomed Bennett. Loved the antics of the boys and the group chats were hilarious. Their Vegas adventure was so good and so sweet. But the Paris one melted my heart . Because Bennett's grand gesture was a total surprise that you'll love . That epilogue was such a nice sneak peak in Bennett and Scarlett's future and hinted on another story that's coming and I can't wait for it . But I think that Jax and Taevyn's story is coming and I have so many questions after that plot twist at the wedding .
Thanks to the author and Luna Literally Management for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literally Management for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
July 10, 2025
what it must be arc review 🏒💍🤍
i have absolutely no words on how to describe how much i LOVED THIS BOOK!!! scarlett & bennett were perfect for each other in all the ways. scarlett was such a queen who pushed her dreams aside and stepped up for her family. and bennett was a grumpy man who was so down bad for his girl and an amazing partner to help raise scarlett’s siblings 😍 then add in a engagement/marriage of convenience AFTER they haven’t seen each other in YEARSSS following a hot one night stand that goes side ways AND she’s a sassy queen who puts him in his place AND they have an good connection and hot spicyyy times…this book was the whole package!!!
also absolutely loved all the side characters and how they played a part in their story. AND LET ME TELL YOU…THE WAY MY JAW DROPPED WHEN I WAS READING THE EPILOGUE…i CANNOT wait for the next book in this series and i have some theories about what’s to come after that 👀
tropes:
🏒 pro hockey player
💍 marriage of convenience
🧑🧒🧒 single guardian
👀 workplace romance
🏠 forced proximity
💋 grumpy mmc x sassy fmc
🤍 found family
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
@tropesandblurbs
i have absolutely no words on how to describe how much i LOVED THIS BOOK!!! scarlett & bennett were perfect for each other in all the ways. scarlett was such a queen who pushed her dreams aside and stepped up for her family. and bennett was a grumpy man who was so down bad for his girl and an amazing partner to help raise scarlett’s siblings 😍 then add in a engagement/marriage of convenience AFTER they haven’t seen each other in YEARSSS following a hot one night stand that goes side ways AND she’s a sassy queen who puts him in his place AND they have an good connection and hot spicyyy times…this book was the whole package!!!
also absolutely loved all the side characters and how they played a part in their story. AND LET ME TELL YOU…THE WAY MY JAW DROPPED WHEN I WAS READING THE EPILOGUE…i CANNOT wait for the next book in this series and i have some theories about what’s to come after that 👀
tropes:
🏒 pro hockey player
💍 marriage of convenience
🧑🧒🧒 single guardian
👀 workplace romance
🏠 forced proximity
💋 grumpy mmc x sassy fmc
🤍 found family
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
@tropesandblurbs
July 2, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s safe to say that I devoured this beautiful marriage of convenience, hockey romance. It had all the elements that I enjoy reading in a romance. The story was beautiful, the plot to spice ratio was on point and the characters were lovable.
I also found a new favourite mmc in Bennett Wilson! How can you not fall in love with a man that steps up, shows up and is all in. He is the definition of a good guy and had me swooning. As good as he is, I also have to mention his mouth because that knew exactly how to use it and make you blush. Scarlett was also a great fmc. This woman had the weight of the world on her shoulders and tremendous responsibilities. She was strong and fierce. Seeing her be vulnerable was a beautiful part of this story. Together, Bennett and Scarlet had instant attraction, scorching hot chemistry and a strong connection.
I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books. While What It Must Be is book 3 in the interconnected Off Ice series, it reads well as a standalone.
I absolutely recommend this one!
I would like to thank Grayce Rian and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read and review What It Must Be.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s safe to say that I devoured this beautiful marriage of convenience, hockey romance. It had all the elements that I enjoy reading in a romance. The story was beautiful, the plot to spice ratio was on point and the characters were lovable.
I also found a new favourite mmc in Bennett Wilson! How can you not fall in love with a man that steps up, shows up and is all in. He is the definition of a good guy and had me swooning. As good as he is, I also have to mention his mouth because that knew exactly how to use it and make you blush. Scarlett was also a great fmc. This woman had the weight of the world on her shoulders and tremendous responsibilities. She was strong and fierce. Seeing her be vulnerable was a beautiful part of this story. Together, Bennett and Scarlet had instant attraction, scorching hot chemistry and a strong connection.
I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books. While What It Must Be is book 3 in the interconnected Off Ice series, it reads well as a standalone.
I absolutely recommend this one!
I would like to thank Grayce Rian and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read and review What It Must Be.
July 12, 2025
Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🫑
Tropes
💍 Hockey romance
💒 Marriage of convenience
🏒 Workplace romance
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine (she’s sassy!)
☁️ Forced proximity
💛 He falls HARD
🎉 Single guardian
🫂 Found family
“Tell me to stop, Little Red. Remind me of our rules. Tell me this is a bad idea. That I don’t know what’s good for me—good for us….F*ck it.”
“Holy shit. Daddy Bennett? I think my IUD just threw itself out. Did my ovaries just high five? My uterus just did a backflip.”
“Crawl to me, Mrs. Wilson,”
Guysssss this book, actually this author, needs to be on your radar asap!! This book is amazing. The love you feel through the pages is insane! This man is everything. He’s protective, obsessed with her, loves the hell out of her siblings and always puts the first! Benny boy I love you SO MUCH!! And Scarlett is such a fun FMC! She’s sweet and oh so sassy!! Please put this series on you immediate tbr because they’re so underrated and I just want to scream about it😍😍
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🫑
Tropes
💍 Hockey romance
💒 Marriage of convenience
🏒 Workplace romance
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine (she’s sassy!)
☁️ Forced proximity
💛 He falls HARD
🎉 Single guardian
🫂 Found family
“Tell me to stop, Little Red. Remind me of our rules. Tell me this is a bad idea. That I don’t know what’s good for me—good for us….F*ck it.”
“Holy shit. Daddy Bennett? I think my IUD just threw itself out. Did my ovaries just high five? My uterus just did a backflip.”
“Crawl to me, Mrs. Wilson,”
Guysssss this book, actually this author, needs to be on your radar asap!! This book is amazing. The love you feel through the pages is insane! This man is everything. He’s protective, obsessed with her, loves the hell out of her siblings and always puts the first! Benny boy I love you SO MUCH!! And Scarlett is such a fun FMC! She’s sweet and oh so sassy!! Please put this series on you immediate tbr because they’re so underrated and I just want to scream about it😍😍
July 9, 2025
What It Must Be follows the story of Bennett (Benny Boy, BB) & Scarlett (Scar).
These two meet at a gala do the nasty and then five years later end up back in each others lives. Oddly enough Bennett makes a fool out of himself throughout this book and honestly, it made me giggle because he assumes before asking which we all know is a no-no. Bennett is the Captain of the hockey team that Scarlett's grandfather owns.
After a tragic accident, Scarlett is left with the responsibility of taking care of her two younger siblings, Gemma and Gunner. Which is a lot for someone in their 20s. Scarlett is trying to balance their lives as well as hers all the while shadowing her grandfather in the day to day of the hockey team operations.
Scar and Benny are going to steal your heart and have you sat while you read through the pages of What It Must Be. Grayce does an excellent job of portraying these two characters and how the chemistry is undeniable & just how down bad Bennett is for Scar.
Buckle up folks, you're in for a ride.
Thank you to Luna Literary Management & the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
These two meet at a gala do the nasty and then five years later end up back in each others lives. Oddly enough Bennett makes a fool out of himself throughout this book and honestly, it made me giggle because he assumes before asking which we all know is a no-no. Bennett is the Captain of the hockey team that Scarlett's grandfather owns.
After a tragic accident, Scarlett is left with the responsibility of taking care of her two younger siblings, Gemma and Gunner. Which is a lot for someone in their 20s. Scarlett is trying to balance their lives as well as hers all the while shadowing her grandfather in the day to day of the hockey team operations.
Scar and Benny are going to steal your heart and have you sat while you read through the pages of What It Must Be. Grayce does an excellent job of portraying these two characters and how the chemistry is undeniable & just how down bad Bennett is for Scar.
Buckle up folks, you're in for a ride.
Thank you to Luna Literary Management & the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
This was my first Grayce Rian book and I really enjoyed this book.
Who doesn’t love a found family and marriage of convenience, a grumpy hockey captain and a single guardian.
I really enjoyed reading Scarlett and Bennett story they met previously before and they go there separate ways but years later they meet back up. Scarlett left because she needed to go raise her 2 siblings but Bennett doesn’t know that until after they meet back up. So they decide to see where things go and it leads into the marriage of convenience. I just love how there story turned out.
Who doesn’t love a found family and marriage of convenience, a grumpy hockey captain and a single guardian.
I really enjoyed reading Scarlett and Bennett story they met previously before and they go there separate ways but years later they meet back up. Scarlett left because she needed to go raise her 2 siblings but Bennett doesn’t know that until after they meet back up. So they decide to see where things go and it leads into the marriage of convenience. I just love how there story turned out.
July 8, 2025
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. One of my top reads of this year. This book totally stole my heart. It had all the things I love, great chemistry, some emotional moments, and just the right touch of spice. Bennett was honestly one of the best male leads I’ve read in a while, kind, reliable, a bit grumpy, and still so swoony. Scarlett was strong, responsible, and real, and I admired how much she handled in her life. Together they were fire, the kind of couple that made you smile, blush, and feel all the feelings. Absolutely loved it. Thank you so much to the author and Luna Literary PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
July 15, 2025
@graycerianauthor is a new auto buy author for me after this book. Scarlett and Bennett were written to perfection. Books like this are why i love ARC reading, it gives me a chance to try something new and to shout about it all over the place lol
July 10, 2025
I can always count on @graycerianauthor to come at me with a good one ❤️ Scarlett and Bennetts story is definitely one of those!
A chance encounter and hot one night stand starts their story but then they part ways and serendipitous life brings them back together in a not so ideal way 🤣
Bennett is a pro hockey player and Scarlett just so happens to be in line to own the team, but a clause shows that she needs to be married to own it 😳 so in steps Bennett with a marriage of convenience, a 3 year deal, and all the hot stepdad vibes we need 🙏🏽
Bennett is so swoon worthy and this story takes your feelings all over! Definitely worth the read!!! ❤️ but if you’re new to Grayce, start with the first book!
A chance encounter and hot one night stand starts their story but then they part ways and serendipitous life brings them back together in a not so ideal way 🤣
Bennett is a pro hockey player and Scarlett just so happens to be in line to own the team, but a clause shows that she needs to be married to own it 😳 so in steps Bennett with a marriage of convenience, a 3 year deal, and all the hot stepdad vibes we need 🙏🏽
Bennett is so swoon worthy and this story takes your feelings all over! Definitely worth the read!!! ❤️ but if you’re new to Grayce, start with the first book!
July 13, 2025
Sweet and spicy hockey romance, with a one night stand that turns into pining for the one that got away. I loved how caring and considerate Bennett was, and how he jumps at the chance to help out Scarlett in any way he can, including a marriage of convenience. Their relationship grows naturally and I loved the way they fit everything around her adopted siblings and made their family work.
July 29, 2025
“love me out loud.”
July 5, 2025
Anyone that's on the lookout for a book to give you ALL the feels, look no further. Which each book in the Off Ice series, Rian packs more & more emotion into every page. Watching Bennett entirely simp over Scar & give her and her
siblings so much support was everything. & those epilogues went OFF. I can't wait for what's next.
siblings so much support was everything. & those epilogues went OFF. I can't wait for what's next.
July 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐
You are not ready for Benny Boy and Scarlett.
📖 The third book in the Off Ice series sees guardian to her siblings, Scarlett, find out she’s to take over the family business as the owner of the Minnesota Wild Cats and comes face to face with the team’s captain, Bennett, who she’s not seen since their H.A.F ONS years ago.
Grayce really made the time jump and marriage of convenience her own with this one. It just got better and better as it went on and these two fell harder, not to mention I was eating up any mention or appearance of characters from the previous two books and their kiddos 🍽️ 💖 And Bennett…yeesh, this man is so swoony - his acts of kindness and loyalty to Scarlett’s siblings are everything. And don’t get me started on his seggsy, creative mind because this guys is 🥵🥵 and I am here for his pre-game rituals!!❤️🔥🤭
My hot take
💍 Ring purchasing and that proposal
🧠 Office scene living rent free
💖 Sassy Scarlett
🫦 Benny boy’s dirty mouth
🏒 Spicy game day rituals
🫂 Found family
🥐 Paris
✨ Peen
👀 INEEDJAXSBOOKLIKEINEEDAIR
Thank you so much Luna Literary Management and Grayce Rian for the ARC. I adored this book! What it Must Be is available now on Kindle Unlimited and paperback! 👰🏻♀️🤵🏻
If you like
💍 Marriage of convenience
🤍 Single guardian
💍 Workplace romance
🤍 Sassy FMC/grumpy MMC
💍 He falls first
🤍 Found family
💍 Hockey pro
You are not ready for Benny Boy and Scarlett.
📖 The third book in the Off Ice series sees guardian to her siblings, Scarlett, find out she’s to take over the family business as the owner of the Minnesota Wild Cats and comes face to face with the team’s captain, Bennett, who she’s not seen since their H.A.F ONS years ago.
Grayce really made the time jump and marriage of convenience her own with this one. It just got better and better as it went on and these two fell harder, not to mention I was eating up any mention or appearance of characters from the previous two books and their kiddos 🍽️ 💖 And Bennett…yeesh, this man is so swoony - his acts of kindness and loyalty to Scarlett’s siblings are everything. And don’t get me started on his seggsy, creative mind because this guys is 🥵🥵 and I am here for his pre-game rituals!!❤️🔥🤭
My hot take
💍 Ring purchasing and that proposal
🧠 Office scene living rent free
💖 Sassy Scarlett
🫦 Benny boy’s dirty mouth
🏒 Spicy game day rituals
🫂 Found family
🥐 Paris
✨ Peen
👀 INEEDJAXSBOOKLIKEINEEDAIR
Thank you so much Luna Literary Management and Grayce Rian for the ARC. I adored this book! What it Must Be is available now on Kindle Unlimited and paperback! 👰🏻♀️🤵🏻
If you like
💍 Marriage of convenience
🤍 Single guardian
💍 Workplace romance
🤍 Sassy FMC/grumpy MMC
💍 He falls first
🤍 Found family
💍 Hockey pro
July 10, 2025
ARC read!
5⭐️
3🌶️
AVAILABLE NOW!!!!
another spectacular book by my bestie grayce!😘
something that I love about all of grayce’s books is they let you feel all of the feels. the quotes are perfection and I could do edits all day, everyday.
bennett and scarlett’s story was so good. Filled with tension, funny moments, emotion, spice, the swooniest wedding. like, I’m sorry, but when bennett wrote her that letter before their wedding in Paris 🥰🫠I literally melted. I swear anything grayce writes, sign me up to read it.
her books have changed me and I’m beyond thankful that I found them! she’s let me jump in her DM’s and gush my feelings about everything and anything and I’m so glad I’ve found a friend in her🫶🏼
Def add this one to your TBR!!
5⭐️
3🌶️
AVAILABLE NOW!!!!
another spectacular book by my bestie grayce!😘
something that I love about all of grayce’s books is they let you feel all of the feels. the quotes are perfection and I could do edits all day, everyday.
bennett and scarlett’s story was so good. Filled with tension, funny moments, emotion, spice, the swooniest wedding. like, I’m sorry, but when bennett wrote her that letter before their wedding in Paris 🥰🫠I literally melted. I swear anything grayce writes, sign me up to read it.
her books have changed me and I’m beyond thankful that I found them! she’s let me jump in her DM’s and gush my feelings about everything and anything and I’m so glad I’ve found a friend in her🫶🏼
Def add this one to your TBR!!
June 30, 2025
Infinity stars!!! This is an absolute top book of 2025 for me, and a top everything!!! I read this, finished, missed them and immediately read it again. It is like a warm hug in a book!
This has a lot of everything for everyone! Amazing spice. Hockey, hockey and more awesome hockey. An absolutely amazing family. A marriage of Convenience. And two characters that really love each other and care for one another sooooo much!
Scarlett is down on her luck and needs someone in her corner to just make life easier. Enter Bennett. Bennett, the man, the everything! What a match for Scarlett, but also Bennett needed Scarlett’s family to give him purpose and to expel that giant heart of his!
The book is everything. I laughed, I cried, we get lots of our favorite characters coming back to make us happy and swoon all over again. And we meet lots of new characters, which I can’t wait to get their stories, I’m looking at you Jax & Nathan!
I love this series, Grayce and her writing soooo much. I can’t wait to read this book over and over again. And let me tell you I actually did. I was lucky to BETA read this. Then I got the arc, read it, finished and immediately re-read it! It is so fantastic!
Please, please, please read this book. It is such a beautiful great feeling book. Like an instant warm hug, makes you smile ear to ear and has hockey! A million infinity stars!!! A must devour over and over again!
This has a lot of everything for everyone! Amazing spice. Hockey, hockey and more awesome hockey. An absolutely amazing family. A marriage of Convenience. And two characters that really love each other and care for one another sooooo much!
Scarlett is down on her luck and needs someone in her corner to just make life easier. Enter Bennett. Bennett, the man, the everything! What a match for Scarlett, but also Bennett needed Scarlett’s family to give him purpose and to expel that giant heart of his!
The book is everything. I laughed, I cried, we get lots of our favorite characters coming back to make us happy and swoon all over again. And we meet lots of new characters, which I can’t wait to get their stories, I’m looking at you Jax & Nathan!
I love this series, Grayce and her writing soooo much. I can’t wait to read this book over and over again. And let me tell you I actually did. I was lucky to BETA read this. Then I got the arc, read it, finished and immediately re-read it! It is so fantastic!
Please, please, please read this book. It is such a beautiful great feeling book. Like an instant warm hug, makes you smile ear to ear and has hockey! A million infinity stars!!! A must devour over and over again!
July 8, 2025
First of all, I want to thank Grayce and her team for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
I absolutely loved this story from the first page! I knew it was going to be good since I already love the series, but this one took it to the next level!
The plot is amazing, and the tropes is everything I love!
This was a beautifully done marriage of convenience/hockey romance, the characters feel real and you learn new sides to the previous characters at same time as you get to learn the new mmc and fmc.
Scarlett has the world on her shoulders but still manages to stand tall and walk through life with such grace.
Bennett is the kind of guy that doesn’t give up and as he said himself, he is an all in kind of guy, and who doesn’t love that?
Even though this is the third book in the series, you can read it as a standalone but I do promise you are going to want to read all of them because they are just that good!
Again, a huge thank you to Grayce and her team for letting me read this one as an ARC! I loved it! 🥰
I absolutely loved this story from the first page! I knew it was going to be good since I already love the series, but this one took it to the next level!
The plot is amazing, and the tropes is everything I love!
This was a beautifully done marriage of convenience/hockey romance, the characters feel real and you learn new sides to the previous characters at same time as you get to learn the new mmc and fmc.
Scarlett has the world on her shoulders but still manages to stand tall and walk through life with such grace.
Bennett is the kind of guy that doesn’t give up and as he said himself, he is an all in kind of guy, and who doesn’t love that?
Even though this is the third book in the series, you can read it as a standalone but I do promise you are going to want to read all of them because they are just that good!
Again, a huge thank you to Grayce and her team for letting me read this one as an ARC! I loved it! 🥰
July 12, 2025
My absolute favorite in the series yet! Say hello to your new book boyfriend and your new woman crush!
Book Vibes✨
•pro hockey mmc •marriage of convenience
•workplace romance •single guardian
•sassy FMC •he falls first •found family
Scarlett and Bennett’s meet cute will have you giggling and having the best time until things turn heated and then you’ll be 🥵 these two have such magnetic chemistry! They are funny & sassy, but after one HOT night together things take a turn & circumstances have them meeting again 6 years later…in a shocking turn of events.
As fate would have it, these two aren’t finished with each other like they thought! When Scarlett winds up managing the NHL team that Bennett plays for it’s clear they will be spending a lot of time together, but when Bennett realizes he might’ve been wrong about his reason for letting the girl of his dreams walk out of his apartment 6 years ago he’ll do whatever it takes to make it right, even if that means getting down on one knee..with the agreement that it’s just business to help Scarlett out..
You will absolutely be so obsessed with Bennett and Scarlett but also just how Grayce’s writing draws you in with their flirty and fun meet cute! These two had me on my damn knees and I’m still thinking of a couple scenes that will live RENT FREE!
This book is funny, sweet, sexy as hell! Bennett will make your 🐱 flutter 🤣 I truly enjoy the refreshing twist of the marriage of convenience in this book & of course how down bad Bennett is for Scarlett!
—-
Full RTC but Scarlett and Bennett were perfection! Banter, chemistry, spice, and found family vibes were all amazing in this 3rd book of the Off Ice series!
Book Vibes✨
•pro hockey mmc •marriage of convenience
•workplace romance •single guardian
•sassy FMC •he falls first •found family
Scarlett and Bennett’s meet cute will have you giggling and having the best time until things turn heated and then you’ll be 🥵 these two have such magnetic chemistry! They are funny & sassy, but after one HOT night together things take a turn & circumstances have them meeting again 6 years later…in a shocking turn of events.
As fate would have it, these two aren’t finished with each other like they thought! When Scarlett winds up managing the NHL team that Bennett plays for it’s clear they will be spending a lot of time together, but when Bennett realizes he might’ve been wrong about his reason for letting the girl of his dreams walk out of his apartment 6 years ago he’ll do whatever it takes to make it right, even if that means getting down on one knee..with the agreement that it’s just business to help Scarlett out..
You will absolutely be so obsessed with Bennett and Scarlett but also just how Grayce’s writing draws you in with their flirty and fun meet cute! These two had me on my damn knees and I’m still thinking of a couple scenes that will live RENT FREE!
This book is funny, sweet, sexy as hell! Bennett will make your 🐱 flutter 🤣 I truly enjoy the refreshing twist of the marriage of convenience in this book & of course how down bad Bennett is for Scarlett!
—-
Full RTC but Scarlett and Bennett were perfection! Banter, chemistry, spice, and found family vibes were all amazing in this 3rd book of the Off Ice series!
September 1, 2025
This had me kicking my feet, internally squealing at parts. I really didn't like the first book in this series, and I'm glad that I didn't recognize the author or else I wouldn't have given this one a try.
It's a little insta-lovey, and there Isn't a ton of angst, but these two BELONG TOGETHER. My goodness, they were so perfect for each other. I love that as soon as the MMC realized upon meeting her again that he'd messed up, he was determined to make it to to her...which quickly turned into wanting to make her his.
And I'm still swooning over the fact that he decided to marry her to help with that ownership clause, asked her, but stopped himself and took it back, then prepared and came back and ASKED THE RIGHT WAY. And he meant it. He wasn't proposing a fake marriage, he was proposing a real marriage, with real commitment and support on both sides, for as long as she needed.
This only happens in fiction but WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS MELTING 🥹
Yes, all this yelling is actually necessary.
The MMC treats it like a real relationship from the moment he decides to marry her, and that includes taking on responsibilities for her two siblings. It's actually adorable.
Anyway, watching them build a life together where neither party is hesitant or hung up or waffling? A wonderful use of my time today.
There was, of course, a small miscommunication because of how their engagement began, but they were both pretty certain without it being said that it was real for both of them.
Biggest negatives:
Did more telling than showing in some parts. Her job (the reason for the marriage of convenience plot) basically disappears after the beginning of the story except for a couple mentions here and there. Would have liked to have seen more of the bonding with the siblings that we were told about. And maybe a biiiit more making him sweat in the beginning when he apologized, but I always want more of that. Could have done without so much time spent with characters from other books and promoting those books (I usually like bonding with side characters so that should tell you it was too much here), and also without all the music references. I'm not a TS hater but whyyyyyyyy is she in this book so much?
---
No third act breakup. No OW/OM drama. Decent smut. Interesting side characters, and damnit if I'm not hooked on reading the next two books, even though I was annoyed with all the product placement.
Possibly Spoilery Quotes I loved:
“If you agree to this, I’m all in. Yes, we will have a contract marriage, but the only two people who would be aware of that would be the two of us. As far as you, Gemma, and Gunner are concerned, the three of you would be mine. And I would be yours in return. They will never know anything except that I chose them when I chose you. I’ll be there for them in every capacity that they need me and however makes you most comfortable. I haven’t gotten where I am today without giving my all when I set my mind on something. If you’ll have me, I’ll do everything I can to be the partner you deserve. We’ll be teammates in this arrangement. So what do you say, Little Red—will you take a gamble on me?”
“You did get away from me once, Scar. I’m not about to make the same mistake twice.”
“I’m saying you knocked me on my ass six years ago and I’m going to do my best not to fuck up my second shot with you.”
“You’ll quickly learn that I’m the all-in kind of guy. Once I set my mind on something, there’s no half-assing it on my part.”
“I think I’ve got another new pregame superstition—no cheek kisses on game days, only passionate ones where you leave me wanting more.”
It's a little insta-lovey, and there Isn't a ton of angst, but these two BELONG TOGETHER. My goodness, they were so perfect for each other. I love that as soon as the MMC realized upon meeting her again that he'd messed up, he was determined to make it to to her...which quickly turned into wanting to make her his.
And I'm still swooning over the fact that he decided to marry her to help with that ownership clause, asked her, but stopped himself and took it back, then prepared and came back and ASKED THE RIGHT WAY. And he meant it. He wasn't proposing a fake marriage, he was proposing a real marriage, with real commitment and support on both sides, for as long as she needed.
This only happens in fiction but WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS MELTING 🥹
Yes, all this yelling is actually necessary.
The MMC treats it like a real relationship from the moment he decides to marry her, and that includes taking on responsibilities for her two siblings. It's actually adorable.
Anyway, watching them build a life together where neither party is hesitant or hung up or waffling? A wonderful use of my time today.
There was, of course, a small miscommunication because of how their engagement began, but they were both pretty certain without it being said that it was real for both of them.
Biggest negatives:
Did more telling than showing in some parts. Her job (the reason for the marriage of convenience plot) basically disappears after the beginning of the story except for a couple mentions here and there. Would have liked to have seen more of the bonding with the siblings that we were told about. And maybe a biiiit more making him sweat in the beginning when he apologized, but I always want more of that. Could have done without so much time spent with characters from other books and promoting those books (I usually like bonding with side characters so that should tell you it was too much here), and also without all the music references. I'm not a TS hater but whyyyyyyyy is she in this book so much?
---
No third act breakup. No OW/OM drama. Decent smut. Interesting side characters, and damnit if I'm not hooked on reading the next two books, even though I was annoyed with all the product placement.
Possibly Spoilery Quotes I loved:
“If you agree to this, I’m all in. Yes, we will have a contract marriage, but the only two people who would be aware of that would be the two of us. As far as you, Gemma, and Gunner are concerned, the three of you would be mine. And I would be yours in return. They will never know anything except that I chose them when I chose you. I’ll be there for them in every capacity that they need me and however makes you most comfortable. I haven’t gotten where I am today without giving my all when I set my mind on something. If you’ll have me, I’ll do everything I can to be the partner you deserve. We’ll be teammates in this arrangement. So what do you say, Little Red—will you take a gamble on me?”
“You did get away from me once, Scar. I’m not about to make the same mistake twice.”
“I’m saying you knocked me on my ass six years ago and I’m going to do my best not to fuck up my second shot with you.”
“You’ll quickly learn that I’m the all-in kind of guy. Once I set my mind on something, there’s no half-assing it on my part.”
“I think I’ve got another new pregame superstition—no cheek kisses on game days, only passionate ones where you leave me wanting more.”
July 4, 2025
The One That Got Away… Until She Owned His Team!
What happens when the girl who got away becomes the boss of the man who never stopped thinking about her?
Tropes:
🏒 Hockey Player x Owner
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🏒 Workplace Romance
💍 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 He Falls First
💍 Single Guardian
🏒 Forced Proximity
💍 Second Chance
🏒 Nicknames
💍 Found Family
🏒 No 3rd Act Breakup
💍 Low Angst
🏒 F-it Moment
💍 Adorable Sidekicks (🧒🏼👩🦳)
Rating: 🪡🪡🪡🪡(4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 🐫, toys as teammates, hair pulling, spitting, 👅, impact play, “hold the headboard”, 💧play, blindfold, BD$M, temperature play, fancy peen jewelry 🪜, “crawl to me”)
T/W: plane crash (referenced), guardianship (on page), parental death (referenced), dementia (referenced), toxic family dynamics (on page)
Okay, someone pass the smelling salts because Bennett Wilson has officially dethroned every book boyfriend on my shelf. This man? He falls first, falls hard, and oh boy does he know how to make falling look delicious—between swoony acts of service, found family tenderness, and a dirty mouth that could melt ice faster than his slapshot.
What It Must Be is the third book in Grayce Rian’s Off Ice series, and it’s absolutely everything. Scarlett and Bennett had one unforgettable night at a wedding years ago strangers turned sizzling what-if. But flash forward five years, and SURPRISE: Scarlett’s not only back, she’s Bennett’s new boss. Yep, she’s inherited her father’s NHL team… and thanks to a pesky little clause, she’s gotta be married to keep it. Guess who’s volunteering as tribute?
What begins as a marriage of convenience quickly unravels into a full-blown, second chance, hearts-on-the-line, I’ll-protect-you-and-your-siblings-like-they’re-mine masterpiece. Bennett doesn’t just show up—he stays. For Scarlett. For her siblings. For a future he never stopped hoping for. And Scarlett? She’s a powerhouse of strength and vulnerability, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders while slowly learning how to let someone else carry it with her.
There’s Paris. There’s group chat shenanigans. There’s karaoke and Taylor Swift references. And there’s this moment—you’ll know it when you get to it—where Bennett makes a gesture so grand, so perfect, it’ll leave you full-on sighing into your Kindle. Re-reading immediately. Again.
What It Must Be is calling your name. Loudly. With a hockey horn.
P.S. COUNTING FRECKLES. 🥰IYKYK.
P.P.S. Dear Grayce, I’m ready for Jax & Tayvin and Nathan & Gemma—heck, give me a whole team.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
What happens when the girl who got away becomes the boss of the man who never stopped thinking about her?
Tropes:
🏒 Hockey Player x Owner
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🏒 Workplace Romance
💍 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 He Falls First
💍 Single Guardian
🏒 Forced Proximity
💍 Second Chance
🏒 Nicknames
💍 Found Family
🏒 No 3rd Act Breakup
💍 Low Angst
🏒 F-it Moment
💍 Adorable Sidekicks (🧒🏼👩🦳)
Rating: 🪡🪡🪡🪡(4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 🐫, toys as teammates, hair pulling, spitting, 👅, impact play, “hold the headboard”, 💧play, blindfold, BD$M, temperature play, fancy peen jewelry 🪜, “crawl to me”)
T/W: plane crash (referenced), guardianship (on page), parental death (referenced), dementia (referenced), toxic family dynamics (on page)
Okay, someone pass the smelling salts because Bennett Wilson has officially dethroned every book boyfriend on my shelf. This man? He falls first, falls hard, and oh boy does he know how to make falling look delicious—between swoony acts of service, found family tenderness, and a dirty mouth that could melt ice faster than his slapshot.
What It Must Be is the third book in Grayce Rian’s Off Ice series, and it’s absolutely everything. Scarlett and Bennett had one unforgettable night at a wedding years ago strangers turned sizzling what-if. But flash forward five years, and SURPRISE: Scarlett’s not only back, she’s Bennett’s new boss. Yep, she’s inherited her father’s NHL team… and thanks to a pesky little clause, she’s gotta be married to keep it. Guess who’s volunteering as tribute?
What begins as a marriage of convenience quickly unravels into a full-blown, second chance, hearts-on-the-line, I’ll-protect-you-and-your-siblings-like-they’re-mine masterpiece. Bennett doesn’t just show up—he stays. For Scarlett. For her siblings. For a future he never stopped hoping for. And Scarlett? She’s a powerhouse of strength and vulnerability, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders while slowly learning how to let someone else carry it with her.
There’s Paris. There’s group chat shenanigans. There’s karaoke and Taylor Swift references. And there’s this moment—you’ll know it when you get to it—where Bennett makes a gesture so grand, so perfect, it’ll leave you full-on sighing into your Kindle. Re-reading immediately. Again.
What It Must Be is calling your name. Loudly. With a hockey horn.
P.S. COUNTING FRECKLES. 🥰IYKYK.
P.P.S. Dear Grayce, I’m ready for Jax & Tayvin and Nathan & Gemma—heck, give me a whole team.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
July 25, 2025
4 🌟
2 🌶️
💍 Marriage of convenience
🏒 Workplace romance
💍 Grumpy hockey player x Sassy team’s owner
🏒 Forced proximity
💍 He falls first
🏒 Single guardian
💍 Found family
Okay, listen. If you love grumpy hockey captains, secret past hookups, and a marriage of convenience that turns into full-on emotional chaos, you need What It Must Be in your life immediately.
This is Bennett and Scarlett’s story, and it starts with a one night stand that left both of them a little wrecked, only for Scarlett to ghost him (and I mean vanish like she was allergic to feelings). Fast forward six years, and surprise! She’s now the unexpected owner of Bennett’s hockey team and needs a fake husband for some ery important business reasons. And Bennett? He’s way too eager to volunteer.
Let me just say: Bennett is down so bad, and it’s delightful. He’s got that whole “stoic hockey guy who secretly wants to be someone’s soft place to land” vibe, and he absolutely melts anytime Scarlett’s around, or when he’s helping take care of her younger siblings (seriously, prepare for found-family feels). And Scarlett? She’s trying to hold it all together, but Bennett is making it really hard to keep her walls up. Their banter? A+ spicy. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their emotional baggage? Packed and ready for unpacking. I loved the slow burn that turns into a full inferno. Bennett is being a total softie in private and Scarlett is being strong and vulnerable at the same time. And the fact that this story never felt rushed, it takes its time in all the right places.
It’s technically book 3 in the Off Ice series, but you can totally read it on its own. That said, once you fall for Bennett (and you will), you’re gonna want to go back and binge the others.
So yeah, What It Must Be is emotional, swoony, a little spicy, a lot heartfelt, and full of moments that'll make you laugh, clutch your chest, and maybe yell at the characters to get it together. 10/10 would marry Bennett for fake reasons.
Thank you Luna Literary for this arc opportunity!
2 🌶️
💍 Marriage of convenience
🏒 Workplace romance
💍 Grumpy hockey player x Sassy team’s owner
🏒 Forced proximity
💍 He falls first
🏒 Single guardian
💍 Found family
Okay, listen. If you love grumpy hockey captains, secret past hookups, and a marriage of convenience that turns into full-on emotional chaos, you need What It Must Be in your life immediately.
This is Bennett and Scarlett’s story, and it starts with a one night stand that left both of them a little wrecked, only for Scarlett to ghost him (and I mean vanish like she was allergic to feelings). Fast forward six years, and surprise! She’s now the unexpected owner of Bennett’s hockey team and needs a fake husband for some ery important business reasons. And Bennett? He’s way too eager to volunteer.
Let me just say: Bennett is down so bad, and it’s delightful. He’s got that whole “stoic hockey guy who secretly wants to be someone’s soft place to land” vibe, and he absolutely melts anytime Scarlett’s around, or when he’s helping take care of her younger siblings (seriously, prepare for found-family feels). And Scarlett? She’s trying to hold it all together, but Bennett is making it really hard to keep her walls up. Their banter? A+ spicy. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their emotional baggage? Packed and ready for unpacking. I loved the slow burn that turns into a full inferno. Bennett is being a total softie in private and Scarlett is being strong and vulnerable at the same time. And the fact that this story never felt rushed, it takes its time in all the right places.
It’s technically book 3 in the Off Ice series, but you can totally read it on its own. That said, once you fall for Bennett (and you will), you’re gonna want to go back and binge the others.
So yeah, What It Must Be is emotional, swoony, a little spicy, a lot heartfelt, and full of moments that'll make you laugh, clutch your chest, and maybe yell at the characters to get it together. 10/10 would marry Bennett for fake reasons.
Thank you Luna Literary for this arc opportunity!
July 12, 2025
Can I give infinite stars to this book, because this was FANTASTIC. ⭐
Ok, I know I should calm down and not be yelling here on the internet 😅 but honestly this book blew my mind.
I read all the tropes and I knew I would like it, but never ever imagined it would be this good.
• Marriage of convenience ✅
• Workplace romance ✅
• Second chance ✅
• Found family ✅
• Grumpy MMC ✅
• Sassy FMC ✅
• Single guardian ✅
IMHO the sport/hockey part was not the central theme of the book. Yes, games, trainings, and interviews are mentioned, but there are no deep details, and what started as "this will be the season of my career" was abruptly not mentioned anymore. I don’t feel sad about that, as I have 0 clue about hockey and I didn’t feel like the whole story lacked because of it.
Now, going on to more serious things. Oh dear Benny boy — you went from grumpiest grump mocking others who fell in love just to turn into a simp and be totally smitten with love. The elevator scene? Absolutely perfect. I felt like crying and wanted to hug both of them. The announcement after their wedding? Totally unexpected, but it just shows more how completely in love he is with Scarlett.
Scar, my beloved FMC — she is a total badass who had to endure so much at such a young age. How she treated her siblings, how she put her own needs always at the bottom just to make sure everyone is fine... It was heartbreakingly beautiful. She deserved to be loved the way Bennett does it, even more because she thinks she doesn’t.
I’m gonna say this once again: this book was beautiful.
It made me laugh, cry, and curled my toes.
It deserves an infinite number of stars 🌟 and it made me discover a beautiful series that very casually landed on my TBR.
This was definitely the best ARC read so far this year, and I am so thankful for the opportunity given by Luna Literary Management and the author.
Ok, I know I should calm down and not be yelling here on the internet 😅 but honestly this book blew my mind.
I read all the tropes and I knew I would like it, but never ever imagined it would be this good.
• Marriage of convenience ✅
• Workplace romance ✅
• Second chance ✅
• Found family ✅
• Grumpy MMC ✅
• Sassy FMC ✅
• Single guardian ✅
IMHO the sport/hockey part was not the central theme of the book. Yes, games, trainings, and interviews are mentioned, but there are no deep details, and what started as "this will be the season of my career" was abruptly not mentioned anymore. I don’t feel sad about that, as I have 0 clue about hockey and I didn’t feel like the whole story lacked because of it.
Now, going on to more serious things. Oh dear Benny boy — you went from grumpiest grump mocking others who fell in love just to turn into a simp and be totally smitten with love. The elevator scene? Absolutely perfect. I felt like crying and wanted to hug both of them. The announcement after their wedding? Totally unexpected, but it just shows more how completely in love he is with Scarlett.
Scar, my beloved FMC — she is a total badass who had to endure so much at such a young age. How she treated her siblings, how she put her own needs always at the bottom just to make sure everyone is fine... It was heartbreakingly beautiful. She deserved to be loved the way Bennett does it, even more because she thinks she doesn’t.
I’m gonna say this once again: this book was beautiful.
It made me laugh, cry, and curled my toes.
It deserves an infinite number of stars 🌟 and it made me discover a beautiful series that very casually landed on my TBR.
This was definitely the best ARC read so far this year, and I am so thankful for the opportunity given by Luna Literary Management and the author.
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