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The F*cked Up Players #1
Cracked Ice
Sydney “F*cking” Sinclair
One last time. I just needed to see him one final time before I left Bellemere University for good. At least that’s what I told myself. This way, I’d be left with one last happy memory. Competitive figure skating was all I ever wanted, until I met Lucien Morrow. I’d only ever had one dream, but from the moment I saw him skate, he became my whole world and my dream was siphoned of life. It should have been easy to let my obsession simmer into nothingness. Boys were distractions, after all, and I couldn’t afford those if I was going to be a champion figure skater. But in the end, none of it mattered. I was a goner the moment I laid eyes on him. Now, I’ve officially been kicked off my collegiate figure skating team, lost my funding and my coach, and am moving back home. There’s nothing left for me here, except him.
Until everything falls apart and I realize he’s nothing like I imagined—he’s far worse. Now that he knows who I am, a game ensues to see how far I’ll go to have him. It’s my last night here, and I have nothing to lose but my virginity. So, if the question is how far am I willing to go, the answer is to the depths of hell.
Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow
I’ve had a little stalker for months now. An interesting distraction from my depraved thoughts to say the least. So imagine my surprise when I find her at one of my hockey games, and even more so when I feel just as possessive of her as she apparently is of me. There’s something about her eyes, like cracked ice. They mirror her soul flawlessly, a frigid wasteland of nothingness that I intend to melt. It takes a unique person to be drawn to my particular brand of crazy. I’ll have to see just how crazy my new toy can be. Stalkers love to play games; I wonder if she’ll play with me?
One last time. I just needed to see him one final time before I left Bellemere University for good. At least that’s what I told myself. This way, I’d be left with one last happy memory. Competitive figure skating was all I ever wanted, until I met Lucien Morrow. I’d only ever had one dream, but from the moment I saw him skate, he became my whole world and my dream was siphoned of life. It should have been easy to let my obsession simmer into nothingness. Boys were distractions, after all, and I couldn’t afford those if I was going to be a champion figure skater. But in the end, none of it mattered. I was a goner the moment I laid eyes on him. Now, I’ve officially been kicked off my collegiate figure skating team, lost my funding and my coach, and am moving back home. There’s nothing left for me here, except him.
Until everything falls apart and I realize he’s nothing like I imagined—he’s far worse. Now that he knows who I am, a game ensues to see how far I’ll go to have him. It’s my last night here, and I have nothing to lose but my virginity. So, if the question is how far am I willing to go, the answer is to the depths of hell.
Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow
I’ve had a little stalker for months now. An interesting distraction from my depraved thoughts to say the least. So imagine my surprise when I find her at one of my hockey games, and even more so when I feel just as possessive of her as she apparently is of me. There’s something about her eyes, like cracked ice. They mirror her soul flawlessly, a frigid wasteland of nothingness that I intend to melt. It takes a unique person to be drawn to my particular brand of crazy. I’ll have to see just how crazy my new toy can be. Stalkers love to play games; I wonder if she’ll play with me?
591 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
41 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 14, 2025
Okay I'm gonna be 100% honest here. I struggled with this book. It checked all my boxes and sounded like a book that I could really enjoy, but I kinda didn't. It fell short for me and I'm not exactly sure why. The spice was spicing but the plot, it felt like it was lost to me and the timeline messed with me. Instead of building up to the main part of the plot, we start out already at the main part having been executed and then learn how the characters got to the present part of the story. But just because it wasn't for me, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it. So here is a tiny breakdown. Also make sure you check your content warnings.
This book focuses on our main characters Sydney and Lucien.
Sydney is a competitive figure skater who just had everything she worked hard for taken from her. One night after a late private practice of her own, as she is leaving she realizes she isn't alone in the arena. As she passes by the hockey side of the arena, she hears him. And it's not just any old hockey player, no it's the one and only Lucien "Morningstar" Morrow. Instantly pulled into his orbit, she watches as he is practicing all alone. But that's not enough for her, she ends up wanting to find out all she can about the one that everyone calls Morningstar.
Lucien is not like other people. Some may even say he is crazy. But after everything he has endured, can anyone really blame him? For months he felt like he was being watched, could sense the presence of someone else while he practiced alone at night. Then the messages started and the random gifts. But finally after months, at one his games, he finally catches his little stalker. And she is not at all what he expected.
Tropes:
💙 She's the stalker
🩵 One night only
💙 She falls first, he falls harder
🩵 Figure skater/hockey player
💙 FMM spicy scenes
🩵 Mutual obsession
💙 Strangers to lovers
🩵 Touch her and ☠️
This book focuses on our main characters Sydney and Lucien.
Sydney is a competitive figure skater who just had everything she worked hard for taken from her. One night after a late private practice of her own, as she is leaving she realizes she isn't alone in the arena. As she passes by the hockey side of the arena, she hears him. And it's not just any old hockey player, no it's the one and only Lucien "Morningstar" Morrow. Instantly pulled into his orbit, she watches as he is practicing all alone. But that's not enough for her, she ends up wanting to find out all she can about the one that everyone calls Morningstar.
Lucien is not like other people. Some may even say he is crazy. But after everything he has endured, can anyone really blame him? For months he felt like he was being watched, could sense the presence of someone else while he practiced alone at night. Then the messages started and the random gifts. But finally after months, at one his games, he finally catches his little stalker. And she is not at all what he expected.
Tropes:
💙 She's the stalker
🩵 One night only
💙 She falls first, he falls harder
🩵 Figure skater/hockey player
💙 FMM spicy scenes
🩵 Mutual obsession
💙 Strangers to lovers
🩵 Touch her and ☠️
August 11, 2025
The FMC is the stalker in this story, and honestly, it had so much potential. She was obsessed with the MMC, tormenting him with her fixation, but when she finally meets him face-to-face, she tries to run because she realizes he’s actually way crazier than she is.🙂↕️ But of course, he traps her because now he’s the one obsessed. They were hilarious and totally unhinged with how obsessed they were with each other.
But things started falling apart around the 50% mark. There were so many spice scenes, and one of them was an MMF. I felt kinda betrayed by the FMC in that scene. The MMC straight up admits he’s in love with his best friend but can’t be with him because the guy doesn’t want him, so he settles for the FMC to fill that void. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, he doesn’t just admit it once—he says it twice. The FMC is clearly the second choice here, so everything they had going on in the beginning instantly meant nothing to me.
And to make it even worse, this is actually a prequel to a reverse harem series, and it’s pretty clear that this couple with such a killer dynamic on their own is going to turn into a quartet. Like, how do you give me this amazing couple with such a unique vibe and then ruin it like that?😭😭✋🏻 I’ll try to hold onto the good memories I had with this book, but I definitely have zero interest in reading the sequel.
But things started falling apart around the 50% mark. There were so many spice scenes, and one of them was an MMF. I felt kinda betrayed by the FMC in that scene. The MMC straight up admits he’s in love with his best friend but can’t be with him because the guy doesn’t want him, so he settles for the FMC to fill that void. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, he doesn’t just admit it once—he says it twice. The FMC is clearly the second choice here, so everything they had going on in the beginning instantly meant nothing to me.
And to make it even worse, this is actually a prequel to a reverse harem series, and it’s pretty clear that this couple with such a killer dynamic on their own is going to turn into a quartet. Like, how do you give me this amazing couple with such a unique vibe and then ruin it like that?😭😭✋🏻 I’ll try to hold onto the good memories I had with this book, but I definitely have zero interest in reading the sequel.
July 10, 2025
Cracked Ice is a book I can read over and over again and never get tired of it. I. Am. Obsessed.
There is so much depth to the story and the characters. While it is extremely dark and spicy, it is also emotional. Every action has a reason, every scene has a purpose. I found myself laughing, crying, screaming, and fanning myself and often all at the same time.
It is fast paced, but the layout and timeline of events is crafted so well that it feels perfect. It is unique. It is twisted. It is wonderful.
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel for K.D. Cureton. If this is just the beginning, words cannot begin to describe how excited I am to know what comes next!
** Please pay attention to CWs and TWs before reading. This is a dark, spicy, romance **
There is so much depth to the story and the characters. While it is extremely dark and spicy, it is also emotional. Every action has a reason, every scene has a purpose. I found myself laughing, crying, screaming, and fanning myself and often all at the same time.
It is fast paced, but the layout and timeline of events is crafted so well that it feels perfect. It is unique. It is twisted. It is wonderful.
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel for K.D. Cureton. If this is just the beginning, words cannot begin to describe how excited I am to know what comes next!
** Please pay attention to CWs and TWs before reading. This is a dark, spicy, romance **
August 6, 2025
Loved everything about this book! I wanted this book because it was so very different from the typical dark hockey romances and it did not disappoint. I mean, who doesn’t want a book where the FMC is the stalker?? This book is unhinged, had me kicking my feet, even cried! You did amazing KD! ❤️
August 16, 2025
I was so lucky to get an ARC of this AMAZINGLY hot book. I’ve never read a book where the FMC is the stalker so I was instantly intrigued! Add in a hockey player and I’m all in. For this book being the debut book, I couldn’t tell. The lovely author tells a delicious story and I was hooked from start to finish. Lucien is equally as obsessed and crazy as Sydney. I love how they don’t hide their crazy from one another. Just one night with Lucien wouldn’t be enough for me! I definitely cannot wait to read more from KD Cureton. If you like dark romance and hockey romances.. this book is for you!
August 5, 2025
Wow just wow! I signed up for the advance copy not entirely knowing what I was signing myself up for. I read fast. And even moreso I got invested from page one. I love books that keep you on edge and keep you trying to figure out what’s going to happen or what’s this and how did and when did. I laughed, moreso at Lucien because he’s a special type of crazy, my type of crazy. He took “mine” to another level. With him there’s more than meets the eye and I fell in love with him shortly after being introduced. Sydney really irked me by waiting so long to tell him what was going on but you can tell that she fell head over heels and I don’t blame her. They just fit. Trev, he’s a sweetheart with secrets of his own but I love him all the same and strangely enough, he fits well. Hannah was a sweetheart and I was just like omg poor Hannah. Regina and Tiffany, mean girls, hate them!! Chauncey, brief but comical. Bradford, Mehh hated him from the start. And dear old daddy dearest. Controlling and not what I call a real father. Sydney really found herself with Lucien. She grew from the beginning. He gave her what she’s always needed and she did the same for him. I guess you can say it all worked out in the end that’s not really the end because there’s a cliffhanger and my heart is shattered and i need the next book so I can sit here and laugh and question and cry. Yes I cried while having Saja boys in my head and the song free with Rumi and Jinu just so happens to come on when they are in her bedroom and he finds out the deal made with daddy dearest. I love this book, it’s on my list and kd is one of my new favorite authors. Give me a moment because I’m not ok 😭😭♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
Wow!!! This book was so much more than I could have even expected. It was so good, I didn’t even want to put it down and I didn’t want it to end. Definitely read the triggers before starting!
Sydney is not your every day stuck up good girl rich girl. She is a figure skater who wants to make it big and be the best, but unfortunately she lets those around her get into her head. But also, when she wants something she becomes obsessed and she goes after it. This is how she becomes a stalker to the one and old popular hockey player on campus, Lucien. She starts out just watching him because he is an amazing skater, but it becomes so much more.
Lucien has had a darkness that’s been growing inside of him since a tragedy he went through at a very young age. Now people fear him on and off the ice. Once he gets into a certain headspace he sees red and it’s hard for him to snap out of it. He is not like everyone else, he likes to inflict pain and also likes to endure it himself. So when he discovers his “little stalker” he isn’t sure if he wants to kill them or fuck them. But then he starts to develop a relationship with them and enjoys having them “around.”
And when these two meet, wow! The obsession is mutual and instant. The two of them are both equally crazy. He wants to test her to make sure she can handle him and she goes along with every single bit of it. She is sassy, bratty, she begs him to take her V card, but that girl is so far gone for him. He is obsessive, possessive, protective, morally grey, unhinged, broken, but he has a soft spot just for her.
Sydney is not your every day stuck up good girl rich girl. She is a figure skater who wants to make it big and be the best, but unfortunately she lets those around her get into her head. But also, when she wants something she becomes obsessed and she goes after it. This is how she becomes a stalker to the one and old popular hockey player on campus, Lucien. She starts out just watching him because he is an amazing skater, but it becomes so much more.
Lucien has had a darkness that’s been growing inside of him since a tragedy he went through at a very young age. Now people fear him on and off the ice. Once he gets into a certain headspace he sees red and it’s hard for him to snap out of it. He is not like everyone else, he likes to inflict pain and also likes to endure it himself. So when he discovers his “little stalker” he isn’t sure if he wants to kill them or fuck them. But then he starts to develop a relationship with them and enjoys having them “around.”
And when these two meet, wow! The obsession is mutual and instant. The two of them are both equally crazy. He wants to test her to make sure she can handle him and she goes along with every single bit of it. She is sassy, bratty, she begs him to take her V card, but that girl is so far gone for him. He is obsessive, possessive, protective, morally grey, unhinged, broken, but he has a soft spot just for her.
August 5, 2025
This is a FULL-length prequel & Book 1 in the F*cked Up Players series.
⛸️This is crazy good. This isn’t your usual dark romance. There’s a lot of dark. A lot crazy going on. A lot emotions. Sydney isn’t your typical goodie two shoes figure skater who has money. When she gets focused on something, she goes above & beyond. She becomes infatuated with Lucien. She becomes his “little stalker”. Little does she know he’s twisted, he’s psychotic & he thrives on chaos. That’s Sydney’s man because she loves every bit of it. EVERY. SINGLE. BIT. She falls first but he falls even harder.
It you like...
🖤Group activity
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Strangers to Lovers
🖤One Night Stand
🖤Mutual obsession
🖤Touch her and die
🖤Oh, and a FEMALE stalker
🍎Keep in mind, this is one long crazy & insane night that you literally think is never going to end. There’s ice skating, there’s a date in there somewhere, there’s knife play, there’s a WILD party, so many touch her & 💀 moments. Confessions are made, emotions are deep & dare I say they are literally meant for each other.
Things to look forward to:
🔥Punishments
🥵Hand necklaces
🔥Mutual obsession
🥵Teachable" moments
🔥"Trust" exercises
🥵S*xy time on the ice
🔥One night stand
🥵Instantaneous burn
🔥Copious amount of angst
That ending. Oh. Em. Gee. I need to know what’s next. The fact this is a prequel to a why-choose? Like, whaaaat!?!?
*Don’t forget to check your trigger warnings*
⛸️This is crazy good. This isn’t your usual dark romance. There’s a lot of dark. A lot crazy going on. A lot emotions. Sydney isn’t your typical goodie two shoes figure skater who has money. When she gets focused on something, she goes above & beyond. She becomes infatuated with Lucien. She becomes his “little stalker”. Little does she know he’s twisted, he’s psychotic & he thrives on chaos. That’s Sydney’s man because she loves every bit of it. EVERY. SINGLE. BIT. She falls first but he falls even harder.
It you like...
🖤Group activity
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Strangers to Lovers
🖤One Night Stand
🖤Mutual obsession
🖤Touch her and die
🖤Oh, and a FEMALE stalker
🍎Keep in mind, this is one long crazy & insane night that you literally think is never going to end. There’s ice skating, there’s a date in there somewhere, there’s knife play, there’s a WILD party, so many touch her & 💀 moments. Confessions are made, emotions are deep & dare I say they are literally meant for each other.
Things to look forward to:
🔥Punishments
🥵Hand necklaces
🔥Mutual obsession
🥵Teachable" moments
🔥"Trust" exercises
🥵S*xy time on the ice
🔥One night stand
🥵Instantaneous burn
🔥Copious amount of angst
That ending. Oh. Em. Gee. I need to know what’s next. The fact this is a prequel to a why-choose? Like, whaaaat!?!?
*Don’t forget to check your trigger warnings*
August 5, 2025
First time reading anything hockey related, and I loved it! I'm a fan of dark romance every now and then, and this one did not disappoint. What immediately hooked me was the FMC being the stalker. I honestly think the MMC stalker trope is a lot now, so this fresh take was everything.
Sydney was hilarious, especially with how hard she tried to deny every single truth Lucien called out. But I get it, keep it interesting, right? Lucien… wow. He completely caught me off guard in some parts. Some scenes honestly had my jaw on the floor. Their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning, intense and twisted!
And about the spice… it was spicy spicy.
The ending!!! Left me gasping. Like seriously, why end it there when we can have more?!
Sydney was hilarious, especially with how hard she tried to deny every single truth Lucien called out. But I get it, keep it interesting, right? Lucien… wow. He completely caught me off guard in some parts. Some scenes honestly had my jaw on the floor. Their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning, intense and twisted!
And about the spice… it was spicy spicy.
The ending!!! Left me gasping. Like seriously, why end it there when we can have more?!
August 7, 2025
I received this book as an e-arc. Sorry it took me so long to finish it but OMG !!!!!! I ate this up in the last two days. I’m obsessed with Lucien and Sydney and need more of cap asap! I was hooked once I was really able to sit down and read it. The darkness and dynamic between them was exhilarating I need allll my books to be this way wow. The fact that I have to wait for the second is killing me. Adding this to my physical trophy collection as soon as I’m able because WOW! I don’t legit don’t have the words to express how good this was.
July 25, 2025
If you want a dark romance book this is definitely for you!! I loved this book! It’s definitely one of the darker ones I’ve read this year. I loved the characters and how they had no problems challenging one another. The twist that was thrown in here as well. I wish there was more to this book! This will be a first day buy for me! I will be recommending this book to everyone that loves hockey and dark romance.
August 11, 2025
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this story! Cracked Ice is a gripping and deliciously dark hockey romance that had me hooked from start to finish. I’m so excited that it’s a prequel—knowing there’s more to come with Sydney and Lucien has me counting down the days. Their chemistry is intense, raw, and impossible to look away from.
This is definitely a dark romance, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. That said, it’s a very spicy read—equal parts tension, heat, and emotional pull. There are also some unexpected twists that made the story even hotter and more addictive. If you’re into morally grey characters and stories that push boundaries while pulling you deeper into the romance, this one’s for you. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I already need more.
Only reason for 4.5 was due to there being some elements which were not to my taste, but didn’t overall take away from how much I loved this book.
So excited to have an ARC and excited for this to be out in the world for others to read. 🏑
I absolutely loved this story! Cracked Ice is a gripping and deliciously dark hockey romance that had me hooked from start to finish. I’m so excited that it’s a prequel—knowing there’s more to come with Sydney and Lucien has me counting down the days. Their chemistry is intense, raw, and impossible to look away from.
This is definitely a dark romance, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. That said, it’s a very spicy read—equal parts tension, heat, and emotional pull. There are also some unexpected twists that made the story even hotter and more addictive. If you’re into morally grey characters and stories that push boundaries while pulling you deeper into the romance, this one’s for you. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I already need more.
Only reason for 4.5 was due to there being some elements which were not to my taste, but didn’t overall take away from how much I loved this book.
So excited to have an ARC and excited for this to be out in the world for others to read. 🏑
August 5, 2025
Amazing. Like holy tits amazing. Like someone do that to me immediately and NOW. KD is amazing and super talented. Without her this book wouldn’t have happened can’t wait for what else she has in store for us.
August 7, 2025
***ARC Review***
Also check out TW before beginning- it’s got a lot.
Oh my god. I have read my fair share of dark romance and hockey books - but this is better than I ever imagined! I would definitely read this over and over again!
Cracked Ice is hands down worth the read!
Also check out TW before beginning- it’s got a lot.
Oh my god. I have read my fair share of dark romance and hockey books - but this is better than I ever imagined! I would definitely read this over and over again!
Cracked Ice is hands down worth the read!
August 8, 2025
ARC review.
Lucien and Sydney!!!!!!
Sydney is an aspiring figure skater whose life is in shambles. The only thing keeping her going is her fascination with the hockey team’s most popular player Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow. Their relationship comes fast and is possessive and unhinged in the best way. Sydney is stalking Lucien and when she realizes he is different than the persona he puts on in front of others it makes her want to know him even more. Lucien can sense he has a stalker and he is becoming just as obsessed with them as they are with him.
Cracked Ice is a dark sports romance prequel. This is a stalker romance…where SHE stalks HIM! Cracked Ice was beautifully written and there was an amazing plot along with spice. This story had angst, obsession, emotion, and it will hook you from the first page.
5/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️
Favorite quote: “If I make you smile then I want you to smile.” He kisses the corner of my mouth. “If I make you cry then I want to see tears.” He kisses the apple of my cheek. “If I make you feel good…” He leans into the shell of my ear, “… then I want to hear you scream my godd*mn name.”
Lucien and Sydney!!!!!!
Sydney is an aspiring figure skater whose life is in shambles. The only thing keeping her going is her fascination with the hockey team’s most popular player Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow. Their relationship comes fast and is possessive and unhinged in the best way. Sydney is stalking Lucien and when she realizes he is different than the persona he puts on in front of others it makes her want to know him even more. Lucien can sense he has a stalker and he is becoming just as obsessed with them as they are with him.
Cracked Ice is a dark sports romance prequel. This is a stalker romance…where SHE stalks HIM! Cracked Ice was beautifully written and there was an amazing plot along with spice. This story had angst, obsession, emotion, and it will hook you from the first page.
5/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️
Favorite quote: “If I make you smile then I want you to smile.” He kisses the corner of my mouth. “If I make you cry then I want to see tears.” He kisses the apple of my cheek. “If I make you feel good…” He leans into the shell of my ear, “… then I want to hear you scream my godd*mn name.”
August 5, 2025
This was pretty intense, but well written! Hard to tell this is a debut author!
This book has many dark themes, but I kind of loved that they both were unhinged. She stalks him but he loves it. And they’re both obsessed, which also sells it. If you like dark romance, and hockey romance this will be an easy read!
Thank you to KD Cureton for the ARC!!
This book has many dark themes, but I kind of loved that they both were unhinged. She stalks him but he loves it. And they’re both obsessed, which also sells it. If you like dark romance, and hockey romance this will be an easy read!
Thank you to KD Cureton for the ARC!!
August 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3 Stars
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - Spice level
Sydney stalks Lucien and doesn't know what she's in for. Lucien is unhinged, and she still wants to lose her virginity to him after all the months of watching him. This book felt like the author was jamming in all the unhinged things to either make you love or hate him. I like a good slow burn, but this felt ho hum and anticlimactic when they finally do the deed. It wasn't keeping my attention well with all the twisted turns from the MMC as those just kept popping up like tests. And really, she falls for him in less than 16 hours of his unhinged behavior, but she's some innocent virgin/do gooder before she steps out as a mean girl to cause an accident? Nope. Just didn't feel right.
I will likely not be reading the remainder books as they come out.
⚠️ Read content and trigger warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: August 6, 2025
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - Spice level
Sydney stalks Lucien and doesn't know what she's in for. Lucien is unhinged, and she still wants to lose her virginity to him after all the months of watching him. This book felt like the author was jamming in all the unhinged things to either make you love or hate him. I like a good slow burn, but this felt ho hum and anticlimactic when they finally do the deed. It wasn't keeping my attention well with all the twisted turns from the MMC as those just kept popping up like tests. And really, she falls for him in less than 16 hours of his unhinged behavior, but she's some innocent virgin/do gooder before she steps out as a mean girl to cause an accident? Nope. Just didn't feel right.
I will likely not be reading the remainder books as they come out.
⚠️ Read content and trigger warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: August 6, 2025
August 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book so I was excited to read it before it got out to the masses. This was my first read by this author and though I’d gotten a bit of a synopsis of what to expect, I truly was not prepared for what I read at all. There were definitely some moments that were hard to read - involving some triggers such as knife play and submissive sexual encounters. And I did think it was really lengthy and descriptive. However, I enjoyed the detail given to the characters and how their storylines unfolded slowly and not all at once. You really got to know the two main characters to understand WHY their actions were necessary for each of them. If you’re more conservative in your sexual views, you might not enjoy this one but if you can read with an open mind, you will definitely enjoy all the spice and darkness this book brings. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series and see what the new versions of Lucien and Sydney are like!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
4.5⭐️, 5🌶
This book is so dark, unhinged, and spicy and I am here for all of it 🙌 the storyline was fast paced & unique compared to other dark romance and hockey romances out there. I loved Lucien so much - everytime I thought he couldn't get more intense, he did. I cant wait for the rest of the series!
*update - months later im still thinking about Lucien 🫠🫠
Check your trigger warnings before going in - I am hyped for the rest of this series!
This book is so dark, unhinged, and spicy and I am here for all of it 🙌 the storyline was fast paced & unique compared to other dark romance and hockey romances out there. I loved Lucien so much - everytime I thought he couldn't get more intense, he did. I cant wait for the rest of the series!
*update - months later im still thinking about Lucien 🫠🫠
Check your trigger warnings before going in - I am hyped for the rest of this series!
August 23, 2025
Holy. Freaking. Crap. SIX STARS!!! I really am a lover of dark romance but it has been a while since I’ve read one that was this good. Cracked Ice is going on my God tier, recommend to all dark romance lovers, list. This book starts off with the reader learning that our competitive figure skating FMC, Sydney, is an obsessive, kinda crazy, stalker. Her focus? Hockey star Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow. Once he catches her though? The real obsession begins, and the couple embarks on a rollercoaster 24 hour-long adventure. These two are a total match in their unhinged, depraved insanity… but I am HERE FOR IT. This book had my jaw on the floor in shock (Trevor?! IYKYK), laughing at the banter, crying at the MC’s stories, and fanning myself at the spice. Please read your trigger warnings, because this book definitely has a lot of them! If you’re like me, and a TW list is more of a menu? You’re going to fall in love with this debut novel, Sydney, Lucien, and KD herself! I need the next book, like… yesterday!
“Yeah, I’m capable of exercising a little control, so I’ll let her pretend she’s safe and at peace, then smack her with my hammer of truth when she’s done putting on her show. And by my ‘hammer of truth,’ I do mean my dick.”
“I’m going to show you how beautiful you can be when you’re a filthy, bloodied, squirming mess for me. I’ll show you what real perfection looks like, Princess.”
if pain is his love language then I want to be loved out loud. I’ll take every lashing, every cut, every fucked up version of his love and hold it dear.
“Aww, don’t you trust me?”
“Does it matter?”
“Honestly, no, it doesn’t. I don’t want your trust; I want your submission.”
“Surely, I shouldn’t let bygones be bygones and ride his dick anyway after all this should I? But you want to. You really really want to ride his dick. But you want to. You really really want to ride his dick. And isn’t that like the height of feminist goals everywhere? It’s my sacred duty to take back my power and suck his dick.”
“Oh, Princess, that’s so fucking good. I want this night to haunt you for eternity. I want it to be celebrated as the night you willingly gave yourself over to the devil.”
“I’m a sinner,” he says. “A transgressor kicked out of Heaven for all my wicked deeds and evil ways. They call me Morningstar for a reason. So, if you’re God, then I will have to be your reckoning. However . . . If you’re my Princess, then I can be something so. Much. Better. I can be your redemption.”
“Oh, God.” “That’s right. That’s my name, call for your God and I’ll answer all your prayers, Princess.”
“Yeah, I’m capable of exercising a little control, so I’ll let her pretend she’s safe and at peace, then smack her with my hammer of truth when she’s done putting on her show. And by my ‘hammer of truth,’ I do mean my dick.”
“I’m going to show you how beautiful you can be when you’re a filthy, bloodied, squirming mess for me. I’ll show you what real perfection looks like, Princess.”
if pain is his love language then I want to be loved out loud. I’ll take every lashing, every cut, every fucked up version of his love and hold it dear.
“Aww, don’t you trust me?”
“Does it matter?”
“Honestly, no, it doesn’t. I don’t want your trust; I want your submission.”
“Surely, I shouldn’t let bygones be bygones and ride his dick anyway after all this should I? But you want to. You really really want to ride his dick. But you want to. You really really want to ride his dick. And isn’t that like the height of feminist goals everywhere? It’s my sacred duty to take back my power and suck his dick.”
“Oh, Princess, that’s so fucking good. I want this night to haunt you for eternity. I want it to be celebrated as the night you willingly gave yourself over to the devil.”
“I’m a sinner,” he says. “A transgressor kicked out of Heaven for all my wicked deeds and evil ways. They call me Morningstar for a reason. So, if you’re God, then I will have to be your reckoning. However . . . If you’re my Princess, then I can be something so. Much. Better. I can be your redemption.”
“Oh, God.” “That’s right. That’s my name, call for your God and I’ll answer all your prayers, Princess.”
August 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Star Rating
Multi First Person POV (Sydney & Lucien)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
CRACKED ICE is a prequel hockey romance novel that really drives you to grow interest in these two main characters that are just destined for each other. Cureton switches the games on this story by making the female main the stalker, giving us the unhinged vibes immediately on her side. It is extremely dark. Extremely intensifying. And extremely spicy. If this is how just the beginning goes, I can’t wait to know what is going to happen afterwards.
Sydney, our fmc, is a competitive figure skater who has just stumbled and lost everything she has ever worked hard to achieve. One night, after practicing solo at the rink, she discovers she not the only one at the arena. Someone else is there with her. Lucian Morrow, who is often known as Morningstar. He’s one of the hockey members who she has an instant attraction for. But her interest in why he’s know as Morningstar draws her attention into figuring out why he’s gotten that nickname.
Lucien has had a rough time lately, feeling as if someone has been watching him from the shadows. Lurking over his shoulders. Causing him to feel intimidated by someone he doesn’t know is around. Because of this, people have started to disassociate with him. Singling him out as being crazy. But after months of feeling insecure and paranoid, he’s finally caught the one that’s been watching him. And shes not exactly what he was expecting to find.
This book is filled with so much spice, you’ll be wanting to take a shower afterwards. At times, I did find myself questioning if possibly Lucien had stronger feelings for his best friend over Sydney. They do have a sensual scene between the three of them but I feel as if maybe he had a deeper connection with him but seemingly decided to settle. But of course, this is a prequel and there’s always room for more exploring the further we go in the series.
I was impressed with the unique change in having the fmc being the unhinged stalker type from the start and then flipping the table by making him obsessed with her after he finds out her identity. The plot was crafted nicely, sending us straight to him finding out who she is to how we got there in the first place. The spice was hot! As a recent reader of dark hockey romances, this one shares a place on the top. This was my first read by the author but definitely won’t be my last.
Multi First Person POV (Sydney & Lucien)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
CRACKED ICE is a prequel hockey romance novel that really drives you to grow interest in these two main characters that are just destined for each other. Cureton switches the games on this story by making the female main the stalker, giving us the unhinged vibes immediately on her side. It is extremely dark. Extremely intensifying. And extremely spicy. If this is how just the beginning goes, I can’t wait to know what is going to happen afterwards.
Sydney, our fmc, is a competitive figure skater who has just stumbled and lost everything she has ever worked hard to achieve. One night, after practicing solo at the rink, she discovers she not the only one at the arena. Someone else is there with her. Lucian Morrow, who is often known as Morningstar. He’s one of the hockey members who she has an instant attraction for. But her interest in why he’s know as Morningstar draws her attention into figuring out why he’s gotten that nickname.
Lucien has had a rough time lately, feeling as if someone has been watching him from the shadows. Lurking over his shoulders. Causing him to feel intimidated by someone he doesn’t know is around. Because of this, people have started to disassociate with him. Singling him out as being crazy. But after months of feeling insecure and paranoid, he’s finally caught the one that’s been watching him. And shes not exactly what he was expecting to find.
This book is filled with so much spice, you’ll be wanting to take a shower afterwards. At times, I did find myself questioning if possibly Lucien had stronger feelings for his best friend over Sydney. They do have a sensual scene between the three of them but I feel as if maybe he had a deeper connection with him but seemingly decided to settle. But of course, this is a prequel and there’s always room for more exploring the further we go in the series.
I was impressed with the unique change in having the fmc being the unhinged stalker type from the start and then flipping the table by making him obsessed with her after he finds out her identity. The plot was crafted nicely, sending us straight to him finding out who she is to how we got there in the first place. The spice was hot! As a recent reader of dark hockey romances, this one shares a place on the top. This was my first read by the author but definitely won’t be my last.
July 27, 2025
(no spoilers)
She is not a stalker; she just has a big heart. She is not desperate; she is just extremely motivated. But she is Sydney f***ing Sinclair.
Sydney Sinclair is a figure skater who just lost everything. Everything that mattered at least. She is a woman of her word, so when she made a deal with her father, who supported her passion only financially, she thought she could pay the price. But she was wrong.
Maybe, if her focus wasn’t stolen by a hot unhinged hockey player, she could still compete on ice. But there are no takebacks, no second chances. This is her last night here and she still has one thing she wants to lose before she leaves, her V-card.
He is not insane; his love just isn’t for everyone.
Lucien Morrow, known as Morningstar, is one of the best hockey players on his team, despite his short temper. He isn’t as mentally stable as he seems to everyone else, and only his Little Stalker Princess sees past his mask. She may drive him insane, but he will catch her, sooner than he thought.
Their love just isn’t for everyone. It’s messy, unhinged, crazy, but it’s theirs.
Tonight, she finally revealed herself. He finally caught her. But what does that mean for them both? One night of games can’t hurt anyone, right?
This book is by far one of the best ARC reads I’ve had so far. The spice is 5/5 and this book deserves 5/5 stars. This whole book is a big one-night stand on paper, but I loved it. The characters are complicated, unhinged and iconic and their dynamic really works well. I personally didn’t really like the jumps from present to past, but objectively, they were written very well. I already can’t wait for the next book.
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves unhinged and isn’t bothered by the triggers (they are listed at the end of the book so definitely read them before reading the book). I could never think of things I read in this book, but again, creativity was insane. It’s intense, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who tries to avoid spice or likes gentle spice, because this is definitely the opposite from that. Dark romance readers will love this book.
She is not a stalker; she just has a big heart. She is not desperate; she is just extremely motivated. But she is Sydney f***ing Sinclair.
Sydney Sinclair is a figure skater who just lost everything. Everything that mattered at least. She is a woman of her word, so when she made a deal with her father, who supported her passion only financially, she thought she could pay the price. But she was wrong.
Maybe, if her focus wasn’t stolen by a hot unhinged hockey player, she could still compete on ice. But there are no takebacks, no second chances. This is her last night here and she still has one thing she wants to lose before she leaves, her V-card.
He is not insane; his love just isn’t for everyone.
Lucien Morrow, known as Morningstar, is one of the best hockey players on his team, despite his short temper. He isn’t as mentally stable as he seems to everyone else, and only his Little Stalker Princess sees past his mask. She may drive him insane, but he will catch her, sooner than he thought.
Their love just isn’t for everyone. It’s messy, unhinged, crazy, but it’s theirs.
Tonight, she finally revealed herself. He finally caught her. But what does that mean for them both? One night of games can’t hurt anyone, right?
This book is by far one of the best ARC reads I’ve had so far. The spice is 5/5 and this book deserves 5/5 stars. This whole book is a big one-night stand on paper, but I loved it. The characters are complicated, unhinged and iconic and their dynamic really works well. I personally didn’t really like the jumps from present to past, but objectively, they were written very well. I already can’t wait for the next book.
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves unhinged and isn’t bothered by the triggers (they are listed at the end of the book so definitely read them before reading the book). I could never think of things I read in this book, but again, creativity was insane. It’s intense, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who tries to avoid spice or likes gentle spice, because this is definitely the opposite from that. Dark romance readers will love this book.
August 3, 2025
Cracked Ice by KD Cureton
Sydney has a new obsession and it isn’t figure skating, it’s Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow. Sydney can’t help but stalk Lucien and Lucien is throughly intrigued by his “little stalker”. They have the most intense one night stand that ends up being sooo much more.
I laughed, I cried, I blushed. Every part of this book had me hooked. I loved every second. It’s dark and intense in all the best ways. Sydney and Lucien’s mutual obsession is addicting, their back and forth and their cat and mouse game was fun to read and you honestly weren’t sure what was going to happen next. Also Chapter 26 was perfection 🙈 this is a prequel for the series and is set 2 years before the official start of the series which will be book 2! It’s also a set up for a why choose romance 🥰 so thankful to be gifted an ARC 🤗
If you love:
🎀 Forced Proximity
🎀 Strangers to Lovers
🎀 One Night Stand
🎀 Mutual Obsession
🎀Touch Her and Die
🎀 Group Activity
🎀 Dark Romance
Genre/type: Dark Hockey Romance
Pages: 637
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or stand alone: Prequel in a series
Tropes or themes: Dark Romance, Hockey Romance, Stalker Romance, Figure Skater x Hockey Player, Group Activities, Strangers to Lovers, One Night Stand, Touch Her and Die, Forced Proximity
Check triggers: Alcohol use, Biting, Blood play, Bondage Breaking, Bribery, Bruising, Bullying, Childhood neglect, Childhood trauma, Cutting, Cyberstalking Death of a family member (depicted), Degradation kink, Drugging DubCon, Excessive use of violence, Fear kink, Knife play, Marking, Murder, Physical assault, Praise kink, Scarring, Stabbing, Stalking, Suicidal ideation, Threesome, Unhealthy methods of dealing with poor mental health
Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable
Sydney has a new obsession and it isn’t figure skating, it’s Lucien “Morningstar” Morrow. Sydney can’t help but stalk Lucien and Lucien is throughly intrigued by his “little stalker”. They have the most intense one night stand that ends up being sooo much more.
I laughed, I cried, I blushed. Every part of this book had me hooked. I loved every second. It’s dark and intense in all the best ways. Sydney and Lucien’s mutual obsession is addicting, their back and forth and their cat and mouse game was fun to read and you honestly weren’t sure what was going to happen next. Also Chapter 26 was perfection 🙈 this is a prequel for the series and is set 2 years before the official start of the series which will be book 2! It’s also a set up for a why choose romance 🥰 so thankful to be gifted an ARC 🤗
If you love:
🎀 Forced Proximity
🎀 Strangers to Lovers
🎀 One Night Stand
🎀 Mutual Obsession
🎀Touch Her and Die
🎀 Group Activity
🎀 Dark Romance
Genre/type: Dark Hockey Romance
Pages: 637
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or stand alone: Prequel in a series
Tropes or themes: Dark Romance, Hockey Romance, Stalker Romance, Figure Skater x Hockey Player, Group Activities, Strangers to Lovers, One Night Stand, Touch Her and Die, Forced Proximity
Check triggers: Alcohol use, Biting, Blood play, Bondage Breaking, Bribery, Bruising, Bullying, Childhood neglect, Childhood trauma, Cutting, Cyberstalking Death of a family member (depicted), Degradation kink, Drugging DubCon, Excessive use of violence, Fear kink, Knife play, Marking, Murder, Physical assault, Praise kink, Scarring, Stabbing, Stalking, Suicidal ideation, Threesome, Unhealthy methods of dealing with poor mental health
Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable
August 11, 2025
I got this as an Arc and this is my own review!
Spice is 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dark Hockey has me in a chokehold and this left me wanting more for sure!!!
Cracked Ice is not for the faint of heart it’s for readers who crave emotional violence, chaotic passion, and the kind of frostbitten toxicity that leaves claw marks on your soul. K.D. Cureton doesn’t just write a story she drags you across broken glass with a smirk while whispering sweet nothings and lighting matches.
The characters are messy, morally questionable, and painfully irresistible, the kind you want to throttle and then desperately pull closer. This book is sharp, deliciously unhinged, and absolutely deranged in the best possible way. I screamed, I swooned, I side-eyed everyone in the room, and genuinely considered hiring a therapist and a lawyer mid-chapter. I didn’t read this book — it happened to me. Five unapologetically savage stars. If you like your romance sweet, look away. But if you want to be dragged through emotional hell by beautiful disasters? Welcome to the ice...
Lucien A walking red flag dipped in ice and a jersey... emotionally unavailable, morally sideways, and somehow still infuriatingly magnetic. He’s the kind of beautiful disaster you know will ruin your life, and yet you’ll still Google his star sign at 3am...
Sydney she is the human embodiment of a hurricane in lip gloss dramatic, impulsive, messy in the most entertaining way, and 100% the kind of girl who will burn your house down and then cry because she got dirt on her shoes. Main-character energy, zero self-preservation, emotional stability of a raccoon in traffic — and honestly? I love that for her... and I love sharing her name!
Spice is 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dark Hockey has me in a chokehold and this left me wanting more for sure!!!
Cracked Ice is not for the faint of heart it’s for readers who crave emotional violence, chaotic passion, and the kind of frostbitten toxicity that leaves claw marks on your soul. K.D. Cureton doesn’t just write a story she drags you across broken glass with a smirk while whispering sweet nothings and lighting matches.
The characters are messy, morally questionable, and painfully irresistible, the kind you want to throttle and then desperately pull closer. This book is sharp, deliciously unhinged, and absolutely deranged in the best possible way. I screamed, I swooned, I side-eyed everyone in the room, and genuinely considered hiring a therapist and a lawyer mid-chapter. I didn’t read this book — it happened to me. Five unapologetically savage stars. If you like your romance sweet, look away. But if you want to be dragged through emotional hell by beautiful disasters? Welcome to the ice...
Lucien A walking red flag dipped in ice and a jersey... emotionally unavailable, morally sideways, and somehow still infuriatingly magnetic. He’s the kind of beautiful disaster you know will ruin your life, and yet you’ll still Google his star sign at 3am...
Sydney she is the human embodiment of a hurricane in lip gloss dramatic, impulsive, messy in the most entertaining way, and 100% the kind of girl who will burn your house down and then cry because she got dirt on her shoes. Main-character energy, zero self-preservation, emotional stability of a raccoon in traffic — and honestly? I love that for her... and I love sharing her name!
July 13, 2025
This was such a great read! The story was intriguing and kept you wondering what was gonna happen next while also wondering what had already happened. The way that K.D. lays out the timeline and the jumping back and forth between the past and the present to give you a full and clear picture of what's happening was SO GOOD! I am not a huge fan of timeline hopping. However, she did such a phenomenal job giving out just the right pieces of the puzzle at just the right times. The twists that are experienced in this story were not things that I saw coming AT ALL. It is hard to find good dark romance books that don't have easily predicted twists and turns. This one had me saying "NO EFFING WAY" more than once while reading.
The MMC, Lucien, is quite literally an absolute psycho. However, he is such a loveable psycho. He is complicated, loving, unhinged, layered, traumatized, possessive, caring, witty, angry, supportive, confident, and cocky. I was rooting for him every step of the way!
If you love dark romance. If you enjoy stalkers, unaliving, sports, angst, revenge, underdog stories, men that are brutes with everyone except who they fall for, deep rooted trauma, touch her and 💀, possessive, spice and pure 'what in the hell is actually happening right now' type of entertainment.... then I ABSOLUTELY implore you to read this when it is released!
This book is released to the public on August 5, 2025, and I can't WAIT for the next one in 2026!!
The MMC, Lucien, is quite literally an absolute psycho. However, he is such a loveable psycho. He is complicated, loving, unhinged, layered, traumatized, possessive, caring, witty, angry, supportive, confident, and cocky. I was rooting for him every step of the way!
If you love dark romance. If you enjoy stalkers, unaliving, sports, angst, revenge, underdog stories, men that are brutes with everyone except who they fall for, deep rooted trauma, touch her and 💀, possessive, spice and pure 'what in the hell is actually happening right now' type of entertainment.... then I ABSOLUTELY implore you to read this when it is released!
This book is released to the public on August 5, 2025, and I can't WAIT for the next one in 2026!!
July 28, 2025
..... oh. my. 🥵
If you start this book with the mindset of, 'A cutesy hockey player/figure skater romance' you will be in for a shock. And if you're into dark romance, maybe borderline pitch black romance, like me, then this will be your jam.
This was phenomenal!
✨️Cracked Ice is about Sydney Sinclair, who is a rich girl who wants nothing more than to be an Olympic figure skater but at the same time wants nothing more than daddy's love and approval. One day, she unexpectedly sees Lucien, a hockey player with the same college, and is mesmerized by how great he is on the ice. From that moment, she is obsessed with finding out everything about him.
Lucien Morrow is a highly talented hockey player with a very dark past... and to be honest... present. He struggles to keep his temper under control and will take anyone who stands in his way, out.
They meet each other eventually, and Sydney is determined to have one heck of a one night stand with Lucien before she has to move back home. Lucien, however, has other plans and isn't ready to let his little stalker go.
This book had me gasping, literally "clutching my pearls," but at the same time gripping tightly to my Kindle, desperate to read what happens next. Especially that twist in the middle.
10/10 girlfriend! You knocked this one out of the park. I was pleasantly surprised that it was NOTHING like what I originally thought starting into it.
If you start this book with the mindset of, 'A cutesy hockey player/figure skater romance' you will be in for a shock. And if you're into dark romance, maybe borderline pitch black romance, like me, then this will be your jam.
This was phenomenal!
✨️Cracked Ice is about Sydney Sinclair, who is a rich girl who wants nothing more than to be an Olympic figure skater but at the same time wants nothing more than daddy's love and approval. One day, she unexpectedly sees Lucien, a hockey player with the same college, and is mesmerized by how great he is on the ice. From that moment, she is obsessed with finding out everything about him.
Lucien Morrow is a highly talented hockey player with a very dark past... and to be honest... present. He struggles to keep his temper under control and will take anyone who stands in his way, out.
They meet each other eventually, and Sydney is determined to have one heck of a one night stand with Lucien before she has to move back home. Lucien, however, has other plans and isn't ready to let his little stalker go.
This book had me gasping, literally "clutching my pearls," but at the same time gripping tightly to my Kindle, desperate to read what happens next. Especially that twist in the middle.
10/10 girlfriend! You knocked this one out of the park. I was pleasantly surprised that it was NOTHING like what I originally thought starting into it.
July 13, 2025
Wow.
Just WOW.
It’s very rare I find myself speechless after reading a book, especially when it’s romance, but KD has left me speechless.
I honestly could read this book over and over and over again. It has all the elements for a great read. It was dramatic, dark, twisted, HILARIOUS, and had you wiping your tears. Cracked Ice is not your typical “hockey romance”. While there was romance, it was dark and twisted in its own way.
I was prepared for the spice, I was prepared for the romance, but I wasn’t ready for her to rip my heart out and skate over it.
I love the character development. The back and forth banter between the two main characters, was comical and witty. Lucien definitely lives up to his name Morningstar! When their past traumas were revealed, it made you understand as a reader, why the characters are the way they are. Lucien’s story shattered my heart. Their secrets coming to life, shattered me. The cat and mouse game Sydney started.. Lucien ended. It was such a beautiful, ironic sentiment, that really closed out the book well.
I’m beyond excited to see where the next book leads and I hope we find ourselves meeting Chauncey and Trevor both again. (For the ones who read it you’ll understand what that means in reference to the ending of the Epilogue)
10/10 will be adding this one to my bookshelf when it releases!
Just WOW.
It’s very rare I find myself speechless after reading a book, especially when it’s romance, but KD has left me speechless.
I honestly could read this book over and over and over again. It has all the elements for a great read. It was dramatic, dark, twisted, HILARIOUS, and had you wiping your tears. Cracked Ice is not your typical “hockey romance”. While there was romance, it was dark and twisted in its own way.
I was prepared for the spice, I was prepared for the romance, but I wasn’t ready for her to rip my heart out and skate over it.
I love the character development. The back and forth banter between the two main characters, was comical and witty. Lucien definitely lives up to his name Morningstar! When their past traumas were revealed, it made you understand as a reader, why the characters are the way they are. Lucien’s story shattered my heart. Their secrets coming to life, shattered me. The cat and mouse game Sydney started.. Lucien ended. It was such a beautiful, ironic sentiment, that really closed out the book well.
I’m beyond excited to see where the next book leads and I hope we find ourselves meeting Chauncey and Trevor both again. (For the ones who read it you’ll understand what that means in reference to the ending of the Epilogue)
10/10 will be adding this one to my bookshelf when it releases!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I ATE THIS BOOK UP!!! This book was a wild ride I didn’t want to get off of.
I NEED MORE.
He was never supposed to know.
She watched him from the shadows through glass, across screens, behind fake screen names. A star on the ice. A monster behind closed doors. She knew he was dangerous… maybe that’s why she couldn’t look away.
But here’s the twist:
He saw her too.
And now?
He doesn’t want to run. He wants to catch her.
This is the kind of story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The FMC? Unhinged in the best way bold, broken, and unapologetically obsessed. She doesn’t wait to be chosen. She chooses him. Follows him. Studies him. And she’s not sorry.
And him?
Cold. Brutal. Gorgeous. Everyone sees the star hockey golden boy, but underneath is a predator in skates. He should be furious she invaded his world. Instead, he’s fascinated. Turned on. Twisted enough to play her game only dirtier.
This books had some surprise scenes in it that I was not expecting but holy sh** was it freaking hot!! Who turned the heat on in here?? K.D knows what she’s doing when writing spicy scenes, and morally grey characters. I overall loved this book, I can’t wait to add the physical book to my bookshelf so I can read Lucien, and Sydney whenever I want.
I ATE THIS BOOK UP!!! This book was a wild ride I didn’t want to get off of.
I NEED MORE.
He was never supposed to know.
She watched him from the shadows through glass, across screens, behind fake screen names. A star on the ice. A monster behind closed doors. She knew he was dangerous… maybe that’s why she couldn’t look away.
But here’s the twist:
He saw her too.
And now?
He doesn’t want to run. He wants to catch her.
This is the kind of story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The FMC? Unhinged in the best way bold, broken, and unapologetically obsessed. She doesn’t wait to be chosen. She chooses him. Follows him. Studies him. And she’s not sorry.
And him?
Cold. Brutal. Gorgeous. Everyone sees the star hockey golden boy, but underneath is a predator in skates. He should be furious she invaded his world. Instead, he’s fascinated. Turned on. Twisted enough to play her game only dirtier.
This books had some surprise scenes in it that I was not expecting but holy sh** was it freaking hot!! Who turned the heat on in here?? K.D knows what she’s doing when writing spicy scenes, and morally grey characters. I overall loved this book, I can’t wait to add the physical book to my bookshelf so I can read Lucien, and Sydney whenever I want.
August 10, 2025
So, umm…I’ve read a bunch of dark hockey romance books recently and I have to ask - are hockey players and fans okay? Because I know these books are fiction, but there’s got to be some hint of reality behind it, right?? You just don’t get stories of obsession like this from competitive walkers. Maybe the ice affects everyone’s brain.
All of that is to say - this book is super unhinged and spicy. Oh, so very spicy. But it does come with plot included!
So here’s the plot: Sydney is a figure skater. She has become obsessed with Lucien, a hockey player, to the exclusion of all other interests and begins stalking him. The story has multiple time lines but mostly takes place across one night. It is a story about obsession, endurance, and defying the expectations set for you.
There’s something about unhinged couples that seems to allow them to connect on a deeper emotional level. Sydney and Lucien are no exception, as they sink deeper and deeper into each other.
Now, this is 100% a dark romance. The themes are *dark*. If you’ve got triggers, it’s not for you. Sorry. Spice wise - let’s just say someone took the lid off and shook the container and there is now spice everywhere. Of all types. *Everywhere*.
This, amazingly, is a debut novel. It is a long read and is the prequel for an upcoming series. Fans of dark romance will enjoy it for sure.
All of that is to say - this book is super unhinged and spicy. Oh, so very spicy. But it does come with plot included!
So here’s the plot: Sydney is a figure skater. She has become obsessed with Lucien, a hockey player, to the exclusion of all other interests and begins stalking him. The story has multiple time lines but mostly takes place across one night. It is a story about obsession, endurance, and defying the expectations set for you.
There’s something about unhinged couples that seems to allow them to connect on a deeper emotional level. Sydney and Lucien are no exception, as they sink deeper and deeper into each other.
Now, this is 100% a dark romance. The themes are *dark*. If you’ve got triggers, it’s not for you. Sorry. Spice wise - let’s just say someone took the lid off and shook the container and there is now spice everywhere. Of all types. *Everywhere*.
This, amazingly, is a debut novel. It is a long read and is the prequel for an upcoming series. Fans of dark romance will enjoy it for sure.
July 10, 2025
ARC Review
3.7/5⭐️
This was a dark stalker romance…where she’s the stalker.
I love a good hockey romance, especially a dark hockey romance. This book was very unique and I haven’t read anything like it before. I mean spicy galore, I was not expecting all of this when I read the blurb… but I was here for every minuet of it… I didn’t think I would be into half of the things mentioned in this book.
I think this book had a little bit of a slow start, but the more I read, the more I got into it. This was a very spicy read and it did keep me hooked the whole time.
I kinda love how messed up the both of them are. I also liked their mutual obsession with each other. I think Sydney and Lucien were made for each other.
I did have some issues though. I think the story line was just alright but I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. The story had potential, but something about it didn’t fully click. The ending I felt was kind of anticlimactic.
But as I say that I still couldn’t stop reading it. So I will say, don’t knock it till you try it. I am curious enough that I think I will be reading the next one.
I rate this book on the very high end of a 3 because while I was here, I did have fun reading it. Thank you K.D. Cureton for sending me this Arc for an honest review❤️
3.7/5⭐️
This was a dark stalker romance…where she’s the stalker.
I love a good hockey romance, especially a dark hockey romance. This book was very unique and I haven’t read anything like it before. I mean spicy galore, I was not expecting all of this when I read the blurb… but I was here for every minuet of it… I didn’t think I would be into half of the things mentioned in this book.
I think this book had a little bit of a slow start, but the more I read, the more I got into it. This was a very spicy read and it did keep me hooked the whole time.
I kinda love how messed up the both of them are. I also liked their mutual obsession with each other. I think Sydney and Lucien were made for each other.
I did have some issues though. I think the story line was just alright but I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. The story had potential, but something about it didn’t fully click. The ending I felt was kind of anticlimactic.
But as I say that I still couldn’t stop reading it. So I will say, don’t knock it till you try it. I am curious enough that I think I will be reading the next one.
I rate this book on the very high end of a 3 because while I was here, I did have fun reading it. Thank you K.D. Cureton for sending me this Arc for an honest review❤️
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