Breaking the Ice (Discreet Edition)

Portland Evergreens #4

by Beth Bolden

Coach Gavin Blackburn has been through hell.

Three years ago, he was on top of the world, courted by the best teams in the NHL to coach their players.

His wife’s unexpected death destroyed him, and sent him running from hockey. He thought he’d left the sport behind forever, but when his ex-player shows up at his remote cabin, begging him to return to Portland University to coach the Evergreens again, he agrees.

The last thing Gavin expected was their mentor-student relationship to turn into something entirely different now that Zach is grown up. He certainly never expected to feel attraction again, or to feel it for a man. For Zach.

Or for Zach to want him back, with a passion Gavin couldn’t deny even if he wanted to.

He’s old, washed up, destroyed by old grief, and doesn’t believe he could be good for anyone, but maybe it’s own assumptions that need to be broken and re-made.

Maybe it’s Zach who needs to be the one who break him down and make him into something new. Give him something a wild, unexpected and unprecedented love affair.

Genres: Hockey, M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook

415 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2025

About the author

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach's pining in this book was epic and he made me cry!!! I absolutely loved how he had an emotional support Hayes to turn to when his heart was getting battered by Gavin.

Honestly the friendship between Zach and Hayes may actually have been my favourite thing about this book, and I cannot wait to get Hayes's book 😂

Gavin rejoining society years after his wife's death was definitely a journey. The way he thinks he can't have another love because it might cancel out his previous relationship was so incredibly sad. I definitely wanted to shake him at points, and I hated how he hurt Zach, but ultimately I really liked these two together - be prepared for a serious slow burn with lots of tension though!

It was also funny to see what was going on in the background whilst the other three books in the series were playing out. Ramsey was his usual self too, and honestly I'm really looking forward to him finally getting his own story - I can't wait to see who gets him to change his mind about never wanting to be in love 😂

*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well there's slow burn and then there's slooooooooow burn and this book falls beautifully into the latter!

I loved how Beth actually gave Gavin time to grieve his wife, not only the four years we've heard he was a hermit before the narrative starts, but also once he is coaxed back into the world by Zach to come work at Portland U.

This is slow burn for very valid reasons, even if you might want to give Gavin a big push to actually do something about his attraction to Zach, he has steps to take on his own emotional journey to be in the position to risk his heart once more.

The book takes place over the same time as the earlier ones in the series, so we get to see the coaching conversations behind Malcolm moving to the second line power play team, Ramsey's ringmaster act and general jiggery pokery as he manipulates (in a good way!) the actions of his fellow teammates to get them to open their eyes to potential relationships etc.

We also get a lot of Zach's friendship with Hayes Montgomery, who is getting his own standalone with Finn's dad Morgan and I'm absolutely desperate for that one!

Zach himself is such a lovely guy, he's had a crush on Gavin since he was a teenager when Gavin was happily married and his wife Noelle used to tease him kindly about it. Noelle's death affected him too, and he has endless sympathy - even if his patience when he thinks Gavin's attracted to him too wears a bit thin!

Their friendship gives a solid bedrock for that attraction to flourish further and I also very much appreciated that Beth has Gavin using a therapist to help him move on with his life and come to terms with how his life changed after Noelle's sudden death.

The sex is also something that builds up, there's plenty of UST, then some light flirting, then we finally get Gavin willing to act and boy does the heat ramp up then.

No spoilers here but let's just say things develop in a number of surprising directions which make perfect sense given the circumstances!

The rest of the book has just as much ice hockey focus as the rest of the series, making it a great secondary plotline to bring some tension outside of the relationship, but at its core, this is a book about having the courage to open your heart to love once again.

#ARC kindly received from the author via NeonRainbow ARC Reviews, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to give this one 3.5 - 3.75⭐, rounding it down. It didn't convince me.

I had high hopes for Zach and Coach. The story did start out pretty good, but you'll get to that damn second half (or last third) as it is in this series and you just won't get a good love story overall.

Good main characters, all of them, I like this universe a lot, and even though this book was best written in this series, the main love story didn't give me what I expected.

🔵 Coach/assistant Coach (an ex player and his coach)
🟣 Gay / bisexual
🟢 Age gap 27/39
🟡 Size difference (coach shorter, not as bulky, but both muscular)
🟠 Pining
🟣 Slow burn
🔵 Dead wife
🌶️ Sex is scarce, sadly; some oral, some fingering, 2 penetrative scenes, some off-page; verse/pwverse

Zach, after almost a decade of pining, goes to Colorado to look for Gavin, his former coach, and offer him a job as a head Coach on his team at Portland U.

Gavin is still grieving the loss of his wife, he's living in a secluded cabin and doesn't let anyone near, but he does remember Zach, so when they meet after years of not seeing each other, Zach somehow manages to convince Gavin to come back from the dead and start living his life again.

There's definite chemistry between them, chemistry that Gavin doesn't want to act on, he's trying to ignore everything and just stay away from it, but Zach doesn't let it.
The slow burn was a bit excruciating to read, because I could feel Zach's frustration, but at the same time I was hoping Zach wouldn't go begging (which he did).
My thing in these cases is just find another man and make the guy jealous, but Zach was just waiting endlessly for Gavin to come to his senses and give them a chance.

You'll have to get to about 60% to get them together and when they do, there's an awkward scene where Zach gives his notice, doesn't want to work with Gavin anymore, but then Gavin comes begging him to stay (you know, for the team), but when he comes to beg, he just drops down on his knees and takes out the feelings card.

Weird, so, let's keep Zach as a coach because we need him and I'll just convince him by giving us a chance? That doesn't sound right. It's almost manipulative.
And that whole dropping-to-his-knees moment? Ridiculous. Completely unnecessary. First, you say you're sorry and explain why and then get down on your knees. And not to beg for Zach taking his job back, obviously, but for other, far more earthly reasons. Everyone knows this!

Their sex was hot, I'll give you that, it was good, but the age gap and all that intense pining could've been milked a lot more. No particular emotional or lustful highs in this story, that was quite a miss for me. Zach is tall, athletic, muscular, with a dominating streak and he loves Gavin, simply loves him and all this book gave me were a couple of sex scenes and some mediocre love talk. Not fitting for that kind of dynamic, at all. Not fitting for Zach and Gavin.

In all three previous books, the main characters' stories were intertwined, some dialogues even repeated across the books, so you always knew where you were in the timeline. But not in this one. Everything feels muddled somehow, and a lot of Gavin and Zach from earlier books is missing.

Not to mention Ramsey, he's a very strong side character in all of the books, but he's not getting his own! First he seems like a washed up version of Ezra Palaszczuk, then he gets developed more and in this book his character is actually quite good, I'm interested in his story, finally.


I'd call this a decent series, it has good main characters and a nice setting, but don't expect too much. The couple I liked most were definitely Finn and Jacob, then Ell and Mal, then it's Brody and Dean and the last is these two. All couples were great, actually, but their stories weren't really that good, so I'm going with that.

[A🦄🌻🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️


Really sweet way to close off this series! This is a slow burn in the sense that our boy Gavin is still working through his grief from losing his beloved wife suddenly and unexpectedly. Beth really took the time to take us through that in a realistic way. The guilt, the confusion, the frustration, and the heartache all felt very real. I loved how Zach could see all this and have the confidence and patience to give Gavin the time he needed. Is it tough to watch? Heck yes, very painful for our boy Zach but I never got pissed or angry with Gavin as his refusal to accept and acknowledge this new thing in his life is a huge hurdle and would not just have happened over night. I loved how we got an in depth look at Gavin and his therapy sessions with Jon. Loved that those scenes were included. It was really interesting to see the action of the previous books from the coaches perspectives - this follows the same timeline as the other books and it’s really cool to have had all these different stories and relationships developing throughout the books. I’m just soooo hungry for Hayes’ story and have been since Finn’s book when we got a closer glimpse at Morgan. Oooo it’s gonna be good. Hayes’ friendship with Zach was such a highlight as well - lots of lolz and I just really loved their love for each other. Now let’s get Hayes his man and we’ll be good lol

[Monikat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Gavin And Zach
A slow burn about a man getting back to life after grieving his wife, and the man who was once his player and now his assistant coach. The waiting, the pining, the ott fantasy hook ups he imagines(in detail) all while denying he's ready to move on. And the martyr who aches while waiting for him to realize how it could be for them.
A relative slow book where hockey and coaching is literally a main character.


Thoughts:
A great start to the story. It pulls you in and keeps you there.

🙃 And chapter three already has me drooling for the next book😂 an amazing and effective plug for the Hayes+Reynolds story. In fact, these books should be read back to back because so much of Hayes and Morgan are in this book. (Breakaway Goals) Exp. Pub.late summer 2025

Waiting for Gavin to wake up gets a little annoying...
Zach has the patience of a saint.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A for the narration, A- for the story; 4.5 stars rounded up.

Breaking the Ice is the fourth and final book in Beth Bolden’s Portland Evergreens series, and delivers the long-awaited answer to the question posed in earlier books – “what’s going on between Zach and Coach?”

Zach Wheeler had been playing in the NHL for six years before realising that he disliked pretty much everything about the lifestyle - the media intrusion, the pressure, the trades, the corporate bullshit – and decided to retire. Having spent the few years since working out what he wanted to do and realising he doesn’t want to walk away from hockey completely, he’s just taken the position of assistant coach to the Portland U team, the Evergreens, and is hoping he can persuade his former coach, Gavin Blackburn, to sign on as head coach. The problem is that Gavin dropped off the radar four years ago after his wife, Noelle, died, and all the approaches that have been made by other teams hoping to tempt him back to hockey have failed. When the book begins, Ryan has driven to Gavin’s remote cabin in Michigan – and is sitting in his car wondering why the hell he thinks he can succeed where everyone else has failed. Still… he’s here now, so he might as well give it a shot.

Gavin almost doesn’t recognise Zach when he gets out of the car. The Zach he remembers had been a gangly kid of nineteen, but this Zach - this man - is someone else entirely; tall and bulked-up, his face chiselled and so handsome it’s like a punch to the gut. Gavin knows why Zach has come – but even though he has no intention of agreeing to whatever offer he’s going to make, something stops him from turning Zach away and he invites him in.

The two men spend the afternoon and evening talking and reconnecting, and Gavin listens to Zach talk passionately about the players on the team and how they need someone like Gavin, someone willing to be unorthodox when necessary, to work with them to help them reach their full potential. Zach’s obvious enthusiasm, his energy and his belief in his players makes Gavin, for the first time in four years, start to wish that things were different, that he was different, and that he could actually go back to that life. But he can’t. And he tells Zach no.

So the last thing Zach expects is for Gavin to call him six days later to tell him he wants to take the job.

Breaking the Ice is the slowest of slow burn romances, but I am so HERE for all the pining and the yearning and the sexual tension stretched to breaking point and so thick you could cut it with a knife. Zach had a massive crush on Gavin when he was in college which he thought had died for good when Gavin wasn’t his coach any more, but that afternoon at the cabin shows him it didn’t die, it just atrophied without Gavin’s presence to feed it and he’s as far gone for him as he ever was – perhaps even moreso. He’s sure the attraction is mutual, and given there’s no conflict of interest (Zach doesn’t report directly to Gavin) there should be nothing to stop them getting together if they both want it. But Gavin says he doesn’t and insists that friendship is all that’s ever going to be on the table. Zach can’t help being disappointed, but isn’t going to force the issue. He and Gavin have a fantastic working relationship and the Evergreens are going from strength to strength under their combined direction; the two of them have very quickly become great friends, spending almost all their waking hours together and having long phone calls last thing at night. They’re dating – minus the sex – in everything but name, and the mixed messages Gavin is sending out make it difficult for Zach to really believe that Gavin really isn’t interested in having anything more with him.

From the moment Zach appeared on his doorstep, Gavin found himself ruthlessly squashing a frisson of… something... swirling deep in his belly. He’s always known he’s attracted to men as well as women although falling in love and marrying young means he’s never had the chance to do more than look when it comes to men – not that he wanted to; he loved Noelle deeply and his marriage was a happy one. He’s certainly never thought of Zach that way and doesn’t want to now, but he just can’t bring himself to cut out the shared meals and late-night calls and to put their relationship back on a solely professional footing, not when Zach – kind, endearing, loveable Zach - is everything Gavin didn’t know he wanted.

It’s heartbreaking to listen to Zach’s hopes being raised and then dashed - and I can’t deny that I sometimes got frustrated with Gavin for being so hurtful, because he knew how Zach felt about him. But I also understood his reluctance; he’s scared of being hurt again and is torn between loyalty to his lost love and the undeniable thrill of finding a new one. The author does a great job of realising all the messy, complicated emotions underpinning their relationship, as well as with the many moments of harmony and quiet companionship they share, and I really appreciated the inclusion of a few scenes between Gavin and the therapist he’s been seeing since Noelle’s death to help him come to terms with all the changes in his life. So often we’re told a character is in therapy, but we don’t always get to see them putting in the work and I liked getting an insight into Gavin’s thought processes and listening to him work through stuff. It helped me understand (to an extent) why he was being so stubborn about Zach!

Breaking the Ice spans the entire hockey season, so we get to see some of the events from the previous books in the series from a different perspective, to witness the conversations leading to some of the coaching decisions and a bit more of Ramsey’s behind-the-scenes machinations. (Is he getting a book at some point?) We also see more of Zach’s friendship with NHL star Montgomery Hayes, who, like Zach, is dealing with a long-term unrequited crush for someone he can’t have.

Darcy Stark is a terrific voice actor and he once again delivers an excellent performance all round. There’s a fairly large secondary cast here with most of the main characters from the previous books making appearances, and as far as I can recall, they’re voiced consistently so they sound pretty much the same as they did in their own stories. The vocal characterisations and character differentiation are superb throughout, and the portrayal of the two leads is fabulous. Zach’s even-tempered good-humour and warmth come through very strongly, and the moments, later in the book, where he reaches his breaking point are extremely well done and may even bring a tear to the eye. Gavin’s dialogue is deeper in pitch so there’s a good contrast between the two in their many scenes together, and the strong emotions he’s wrestling with are frequently evident in his voice.

Breaking the Ice brings the Portland Evergreens series to a very satisfying conclusion with an emotional story about love, loss and the journey back to life and happiness - all wrapped up in a delicious slow-burn romance.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MM romance with hockey Coach x Assistant Coach, Forbidden vibes (his ex-player!), Hurt/Comfort, Age-gap, a blooming friendship & painful angst galore (I sobbed like 3-4 times 😩)!
Coach's book(s) are always so fun, & this was no exception. I loved Zach & Gavin, devoured my #ARC within 10hrs! (Only last couple ch I'd to read after sleeping 😅.)

💞Zach is the assistant coach. He's earnest, confident, so freaking nice & patient 🥺. Z's got a big crush on his ex-coach, he never had a chance but does he now?
💔Gavin is the coach. G'd secluded himself after the death of his wife... Until Z's offer. He's serious, not a big people person, sweet, but feels broken & grief. Will never date again, but Z invokes what G'd thought he lost.

Omg, this book surprisingly started us from when Z gets G to agree to be coach in PU, so we get months of glances, pining, cute friendship & holy hell, it was f'ing PAINFUL 😭. Longing, rejections. Damn, my heart broke for Z (& bestie Hayes). Call me masochist, cuz I liked the pain 😈. BUT Why's Z so nice?! I'm so mad we didn't get a LONG grovel 😤 (hence my confusing rating 😅). G did went right for knees tho (IYKYK) lol. Atleast there were lil trust issues to work through as consequence!

Despite the massive slowburn hurt, when in, they're ALL IN. I liked their confidence in their gay/bi identity. Z+G are cute together, love how easily G blushes 🤭. There's also slight d/s which was hot! Love me vers couple 😍. Their reveal to all were fun 🤣. Sports component was cool, as we get their POVs on all major events in series! There were couple minor typos, hopefully corrected in live version. Ending & epilogue's sweet 🥰. I NEED HAYES' HEA!!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yeah, angsty! 4.75-5?/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😯😅🥺🤭😬😩😁🤔😙😢😏😭😤🙌😭🥰🥵😍☺️🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 4/5 🥺
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Coaches, Age gap, Crush & Love) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to Zach and Gavin’s story throughout this brilliant series and it was everything I anticipated and more. I am in love with the way Beth Bolden crafts her characters and navigates their story. There is so much depth of emotion with the way this one starts off, a tactile experience of Zach driving down to meet the reclusive Gavin, who torn apart by grief is hiding out. Something stops Gavin from turning Zach away like he has everyone else, mostly because Zach just isn’t anyone he is someone where there is a tenuous bond that’s just aching to grow stronger and sharper.

As these two coach together Gavin has a lot of things he needs to resolve before he can face what Zach has come to mean to him. Zach who has been low key crushing on him since he was 18.. I swear the pining and sexual tension in this book is sublime. So is honestly the swoon and omg the dynamic with a dash of kink is extremely HOT!

I loved the found family and the inside jokes and ribbing, o loved seeing the relationships come together again but honestly Hayes broke my heart, I need his and Morgan’s story so much, Hayes needs to be happy!

This was a phenomenal story, I can’t belive the series is over, if you haven't read it they are all fantastic it’s impossible to choose a favourite! Can’t recommend them enough

Expect:

- found family
- Second chances
- Healing form grief
- Mental health rep
- Hockey Coaches
- Bit of k1nk
- Forced proximity

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think quite a few of us have been waiting impatiently for this book and I for one am happy it's finally here! Since the beginning of the series I've been wondering what's going on between Zach and Gavin, you could sense their was a story to be told.

Gavin has gone totally of grid ever since the death of his wife 4 years ago. He wants nothing to do anymore with hockey, wants to be left alone and wallow in his grief. When Zach, one of his former players, shows up on his doorstep with an offer to coach the Portland Evergreens, he starts doubting if living a life in solitude is what he really wants and decides to accept the job.

Spending nearly every day together is hard on Zach who's had a crush since he was 18 years old. He's now 27 and nothing has changed. Seeing Zach all grown up awakens feelings in Gavin too but too scared to start something new, feeling as if he'd be betraying his wife makes him reject Zach. Thankfully Zach has a great friend in Hayes who's in a similar situation.

There are a lot of emotional moments in this story, Gavin trying to move on from grief, Zach's pining. But also a deep friendship, support and tender moments when they do finally get together.

There were some great side characters one of them being Ramsey, team captain for the Evergreens whom will get his own story. Another one I can't wait for either is Hayes and Morgan, if there's one person who deserves a happy ending it's Hayes!

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read, and I'd recommend it to any reader who loves MM ice hockey romance. Although this is not just a story about 2 men falling in love, it's so much more than just that. It's a story about loss and survival and is ultimately uplifting even though it will make you cry along the way. Love, loss, and the journey back to happiness are its themes.

Zach, since he was an 18 years old rookie, has loved Gavin. Gavin was then happily married, and Zack's coach. After the loss of his wife, Gavin disappears totally into himself and leaves the hockey scene. Zack, now a coach himself, finds Gavin and attempts to persuade him back into coaching by his side. What follows is an extremely slow burn romance. As you read, you'll understand why this has to be.

Gavin's story is both heart wrenching and hopeful. It explores the emotions of a widower, torn between loyalty to his late wife's memory and the thrill of finding a new love. When he meets Zach once again, he's drawn to Zach's warmth and kindness. He knows he is attracted, gives out mixed messages to Zach, and guilt and grief initially threaten to derail their budding relationship.

They then navigate the challenges of love, loss, and healing. The romance is quite a poignant one, as Gavin wonders, Can you love again without betraying the past? Ultimately, it's a tender, emotional read about finding love's second chance. I honestly had a little sniffle when they finally found happiness together. Gavin, opening his heart to Zach, truly moved. He realises that his wife's death doesn't have to define his future. Their HEA was so sweet and uplifting.

Can't wait for poor Hayes' story 😥

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myślałam, że będzie to piękne zakończenie serii - oczywista piątka dla trudnej relacji trenera i asystenta. I trochę nie wyszło. Znowu, nie była to zła historia, ale oczekiwałam czegoś więcej. Może przez wiek bohaterów, może przez doświadczenia życiowe.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could've used some editing when it came to timing. It was very repetitive and I didn't really fully understand Gavin's mourning. There were no scenes depicting this great love for his wife or their relationship and he seemed to think it was cheating on his wife's memory to be happy but was perfectly okay with being attracted to and fantasizing about Zach. It really made zero sense to me. It was like he was punishing himself but there was no answer as to why. I mean if he had not been there for her while she was in the hospital or had cheated or something I could get it. In all respects his wife is painted as a paragon so why wouldn't she have wanted him to be happy? I found this book to be draining with the lack of explanation and the repeat whiplash with Gavin. I will be looking forward to the next book though. I'm still enjoying the series. I'm disappointed in the direction she went with this one. I was looking forward to their story but meh.

[Chase Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAUUURRRRR GOOOOD!

Okay my favorite in the series!!! Zach and Gavin were SOOOOOOO………… frustrating, hot, hilarious, angsty, and just all the adjectives. BREAKING THE ICE made me FEEL and that’s why it gets five stars.

I was for real getting so annoyed with Gavin and him PLAYINGGGG with Zachy!!!! Like STOP hurting him! He’s literally in love with you!

But wow. Their chemistry was phenomenal. Coach x assistant coach/ex-player, widower, and just ANGST BEYOND ALL ANGST. Obsessed.

I loved this storyline the most out of the four. However……. Hayes and Morgan……… I’m VERY interested.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Zach and Coach Blackburn's story and it did not disappoint! Zach's pining was so good and it actually made me cry. Gavin had to work through his hangups after grieving and had to accept that he was still worthy of love and happiness. I really enjoyed the fact that we got to see him working through everything. Zach was patient, and I feel like he pushed Gavin at the perfect moment.
I loved the slow build of their relationship, it was great to see Gavin and Zach slowly build up to something more. I loved all of the sweet and swoony moments in this book. Their love for each other was so palpable and in fact they weren't as subtle as they thought they were.
I loved seeing all of the players again, and I really enjoyed their banter throughout the book.
It was also great to get to know Hayes, seeing as he'll have his own book soon, which I am really looking forward to.

If you want to see two hockey coaches find their happily ever after within a great universe then this is the book for you. Their story is very beautiful and you'll be rooting for them from the start.

[Katie OB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about a man finding love after losing his wife and another man having his teenage fantasies fulfilled after years of pining. I liked this book, it was easy to read and kept me engaged, for the most part. Previous book had more of a plot. Both this book and the last are setup for the next book, which I am very excited to read.

Giving this 3.5 and rounding up.

~light spoilers ahead~

Like the others in the series, it’s long. It kinda worked here with the slow burn romance as Gavin was grieving. However, we are more told than shown about Gavin’s grief. I don’t know anything about his relationship with his wife or who his wife was/what made her special. We are told they met at 15, they were in love, she passed from an unexpected infection. We don’t get any insights into their relationship/why he fell for her, how he felt about her getting sick, or any details about her death and his experiences immediately after. We are just told he promised himself he would never date again, but never WHY he’s still so broken up 4 years later despite being in therapy.

The following ~is-probably-just-me~ I notice that, without any conversation, Zach acts out Gavin’s previously described fantasies almost to the letter. Very convenient. Including a conversation about desires and consent can be really hot when done well and can lead up to an explosive scene. Gavin tells his therapist they have safe words, we don’t get to see this conversation either. It felt like she wanted to include a light d/s dynamic without fully going there, missed opportunity. People don’t just read your mind and know your every desire. It’s fiction, I know! Probably why it’s just me, but seeing those conversations written out makes it feel more real and grounded.

Another ~it’s-probably-just-me~ I noticed some inconsistencies - she changes the Seattle NHL team to the Sea Monsters but the real name, Kraken, is mentioned midway through while they watch a game against the Sharks (also a real team). I’m not sure if the year is explicitly stated, perhaps this is in 2030, but the Four Nations Face Off replaced the All Star Game in Feb 2025 and in this book we are told the whole thing with Hayes happened at Four Nations 5 years prior… If I recall, she said it happened at the All Star Game in the previous book, again, what year is it?!

Maybe this is me being weirdly superstitious but, assuming it’s 2030, she mentions the success of real players (Celebrini) in the future which feels like tempting fate - very well could be me being a little stitious! If it’s present day, I’m fine, currently he is a killer player, just don’t jinx it. lol

I’m mostly excited for Hayes and Morgan’s story coming out soon!! It’s been setup well and I love a good second chance. I didn’t read the first two books in this series, and don’t feel an immediate need to read them now. El and Mal (mostly El) come across as whiney and immature in this book.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: sport romance, MM
Trope / tags: age gap, love after loss, slow burn

The series had been building up to this one and I really enjoyed Zach and Gavin's story!

I loved the connection between Zach and Gavin, and their romance was a slow, slow burn with a ton of tension. They quickly became close while working together and things slowly built from there, with late night phone calls and some flirting. There was a lot of push and pull, as Gavin wasn't sure he was ready to move on, but he also couldn't hide his attraction to Zach.

Gavin being hot and cold with Zach was a bit frustrating, but considering the circumstances it was easy to understand his reasons and fears. It made my heart ache to see Zach pining, going back and forth from being hopeful to devastated. Ultimately I liked them together, and their HEA was very sweet. There were overall a lot of emotions in their story, along with tenderness and hurt / comfort.

Luckily Zach had Hayes, and their friendship was utterly precious. They were both pining for men they couldn't have, and they found a lot of comfort and support in each other. I'm thrilled that we're getting Hayes and Morgan's story, and I'll keep my finger's crossed for Ramsey's somewhere in the future as well. He was such an interesting character and I loved to see his observations and insights during his conversations with Zach.

Breaking the Ice was a highly anticipated read for me and I'm very happy with how it turned out! Zach and Gavin had a lot of chemistry and I loved the slow build between them. It was interesting to get some background to the previous books, and the found family and banter within the team was fantastic as usual. It was definitely worth the wait, and the intense pining and slow burn was perfect for these two!

-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zack really went thru the ringer on this one 😩 I also def did not realize in the previous books that Zack was a coach and not a player.

*I received an ALC copy of this audiobook, all opinions are my own*

Probably the most angsty installment of this series so far. This one follows Zack, former NHL player turned grad student & assistant coach for his former college team, and Gavin, Zack’s former college hockey coach, who also went pro but has been in self imposed exile for the last four years after the death of his wife.

Zack finds Gavin & convinces him to return to both of their roots- coaching for the Portland Evergreens. What then unfolds is a very tension filled romance story with A LOT of push-pull before Gavin comes around and realizes that him finding love again doesn’t erase the love he has for his late wife.

I really appreciated the character of Gavin’s therapist because he really pulled no punches 😂

I also really loved how much Hayes content we got!! I cannot wait for his book now.

Side note: This is also the third or fourth book I’ve read very recently (like in the last month) that had an MMC with a deceased wife, so that must be the vibe for 2025. But also is what happens when I don’t read the blurbs lol.

[Henna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

I really love Beth's writing style, especially how she describes and handles delicate situation - and pining in her book is always top notch.
After losing his wife, Gavin hid himself away from the world, never thinking of returning. Not until his old player, Zach, comes to find him with an offer. And it isn't just offer that entices Gavin, but the grown up man himself. But when you've been stuck grieving for four years, can you even move on?
There was a lot of pining - as previously mentioned - but it was mutual, and they sort of knew it. Issue was Gavin's own mind. And it took a while before they got anywhere, but when Gavin got over his hangups - mostly - it was beautiful.
I've enjoyed yet another team and place from Beth's pen, and I can't wait for Morgan and Hayes' book (standalone later this summer) - which will have probably even more intense pining.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Be prepared to face a world of slow build and pining as Zach takes it upon himself to bring Gavin back to fighting form and then prove to him that he's worthy of a second chance at love... I don't blame Gavin for having walls... or Zach for his own internal struggle with wanting more with Gavin... but darn it if the author doesn't take our patience (and Zach's) to the extreme...

There's lots of hockey, lots of communication and lots of support... it almost feels like they are dating without the benefits...

This is one of those hard earned HEAs that by the time you get to the end feels so worth the read! Just trust me and pack your patience - you'll thank me for suggesting it. This book is part of a series, but can easily be read standalone for the tropes.

[Alexooo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus, Beth Bolden just knows how to write 'em, doesn't she??? I loved this whole series and this book is no different. I love how it shows the grief journey and the guilt that comes with it, it feels real and unfortunately I can relate to that. While their dynamics in the bedroom are not exactly how I wanted it, I still loved this book. It's always sad to see a series end, but I really hope it's not the last time we hear about Evergreens!! The pining was epic. Can't wait for Hayes' story!! 🩷 Also, please tell me that Ramsey will also get his own!!

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

really loved this one

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little bit all over the map with this one. Overall I liked it and I enjoyed getting the payoff of it after seeing glimpses of Zach and Gavin throughout the series.

The parts where it fell down for me wasn't even really about them. I appreciated how good of a friend Hayes was to Zach but I didn't love his blind assumptions about Gavin's grieving process or his sexuality. And while I did like the set up for him and Morgan, I don't think it needed to be as big a plot point as it was.

Otherwise, I did think Gavin's grief and relationship with his wife was handled well. I really liked that Zach got it and I thought it was nice that he knew and had liked her, too. I enjoyed how well Zach knew and understood Gavin in general; it made for a lightness and an ease between them once they really did get together.

Loved Ramsey being his pest of a self throughout, too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Beth & Neon Rainbow, Breaking the Ice. This is the 4th book in the Portland Evergreen series and is part of Beth's wider universe. It can be read as a standalone but due to the timelines it does contain many spoilers to earlier books. This slow burn, burns slow and the pining pines but when Gavin & Zach finally get together their relationship is full of heat and heart.

🏒 College Hockey
🏒 Age Gap
🏒 Widower
🏒 Pining
🏒 Slow Burn
🏒 Coach & Assistant Coach
🏒 Character Cameos
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 Epilogue

Side Note: I need Ramsey's book ASAP.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I can’t believe this series spans just a single college hockey season. So much has happened, and Beth Bolden brings it all full circle in Zach & Gavin’s emotional, heartfelt story. What begins with a harmless crush ends with a hard fought, heartwarming HEA, with more than a few laughs and major revelations along the way. I’ve been waiting for this one since the beginning, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Up to now, we’ve gotten several different perspectives on the relationship between Zach & Gavin, former player & coach now working together, and each added a little fuel to the fire. All those moments and subtle glances between them - you knew they meant SOMETHING. Finally, we get the inside scoop on everything, and added bonus: we also get their take on the players’ previous storylines!

While this book is generally a feel good sports romance, there’s no shortage of loss and heartache. From Gavin‘s grief and struggle to move on to Zach‘s unrequited crush and refusal to give up on Gavin, it packs an emotional punch. Not to mention all the pining! There are so many layers and complexities for them to sort through, both together and separately.

I give this one 10/10 for the slow burn, because while it’s torturous - I wasn’t sure Zach (or I) would survive - once it ignites, it’s out of control. They’re open, honest, and just so earnest about what they want and how they want it, it’s impossible for even the simplest act not to make an impact. I also wasn’t ready for what it would mean for Gavin to find a place where he could find peace and move forward, and having Zach by his side through it all means everything.

Side note: it wouldn’t be a Beth Bolden book if I didn’t get distracted by and fall in love with a side character. Enter Hayes Montgomery, Zach’s hockey bestie. He’s the intended love interest for Finn‘s dad, Morgan, and their upcoming, second chance romance is shaping up to be intense. Hayes is a sweetheart who deserves everything good in this world, and I need Morgan to make sure he gets it.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking the Ice by Beth Bolden is the 4th book in her Portland Evergreens series. It is the story of a man who is mired in the grief for his wife after she died and the man he coached at one time who brought him back to life and to find love again. Gavin Blackburn was coaching the Seattle Monsters NHL team when his wife suddenly died leaving him bereft. He retreated to a cabin in northern Michigan and didn’t see or entertain anyone except his counselor, Jon, and after 4 years was just numb. Zach Wheeler had played hockey with the LA Mavericks and had also been coached by Gavin at one time. He got tired of all the rigamarole that went with playing professionally and retired, even though he was only 27. He loved playing hockey so he decided he would try coaching and was given the job of assistant coach at Portland U. Many people had tried to get Gavin to be head coach there but all they were met with was a shotgun when they got out of their cars. Zach was told this but convinced Sidney, his boss, to let him try. He had had a crush on Gavin since playing college hockey and he wasn’t sure he could get anywhere but knew he had to try. When he got there, he too, was met with a shotgun, but as they began to talk he was invited to the porch and then inside where they had dinner and he stayed the night on the couch. He made his offer and showed him video of the guys playing on the team but Gavin pretty much said no although he also said he would think about it. If he went to Portland, he couldn’t be numb any more and that’s what kept him alive, but he also craved hockey. Gavin was also feeling an attraction to Zach and Zach’s crush had zoomed back into being full blown. Gavin called Jon and he helped him to realize that he could no longer settle back into the life he was living as he missed hockey, having a purpose, and just being alive. He decides he wants the job, but he can’t date Zach. Meanwhile Zach has been in touch with his best friend Hayes who also has some love life problems with another player and he tells him to be patient and see if Gavin will come around. Gavin arrives and things start to happen both with the team, who has some interesting characters and relationships, as well as between the two of them. They meet for practices, breakfasts, lunches, meetings, and games and always talk to each other before bed each night. They have a great coaching relationship and the team is making progress, even though there is a parent who played NHL hockey that sometimes gets in the way of trying to coach his son. They are also falling more for each other, especially Zach who is remaining hopeful that they can have more together, especially when they almost kiss twice. But Gavin is holding on to the notion that he can’t date, be with, or have more with Zach because he thinks it would betray the relationship he had with his wife. Then it finally comes to a head when Gavin tells Zach a final no and Zack finally believes him. He doesn’t want to have a relationship like Hayes so he decides to quit coaching. When Gavin hears this, he talks to Jon and realizes that Zach was right about everything – that he wanted to coach, and that they really had been dating, even thought they didn’t put that name on it. Plus, he knew he wanted Zach in his life so he went to him, apologized, and told him he wanted to be with him which led to a very hot love scene. Gavin realizes he only ever wanted 2 people in his life and Zach was one of them. Dating was easy, fun, intense, and hot. Things are also going well with the team, even though Gavin tried a shakeup, and it was also fine when they told Sidney and the team they are together and find out the team had something going on about them dating. Zach tells Gavin he loves him first, but it doesn’t take long for him to follow suit and they know they are going to be together for the long run. I really enjoyed this book. Gavin was so broken up over his wife’s death that I don’t think that he ever saw a way out of it. Zach brought that to an end when he coaxed him into coaching and they made a great team. Zach was lovesick from the beginning and hopeful that Gavin would come to him but it took an almost break up for Gavin to see that he needed and wanted Zach. Hockey also played a big part in the story with practices and games and many scenes involving the guys on the team so you get to know them and their personalities and how they affect their play. Hayes and Jon are also important characters as they help both men find what they need in each other. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories that include lots of college hockey, a man who is broken and filled with grief and another who has a giant crush on him and helps him to recover and find life again so they can find love and move on with their lives together.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Portland Evergreens series, Breaking the Ice, tells Gavin and Zach’s story. Zach is 27, new assistant coach to the Portland U team, and he is out to recruit Gavin, his old college coach, as head coach for the team. Gavin is 40, in seclusion in a cabin in the Michigan woods since the death of his wife four years ago, sure he will never be able to embrace life to live, and maybe, love again. After initially turning down the job offer, he reconsiders and accepts, moving to Portland to work with Zach. The two have history beyond their student/coach relationship, and Zach has had a crush on Gavin since he was 18. After the death of Gavin’s wife and his removal from hockey, Zach figured it was a lost cause, but now hope is rekindled as his strong attraction to Gavin is still there. Unbeknownst to Zach, Gavin had been attracted to the young man before, but never gave it more than a passing thought since he was deeply in love with his wife. Now, four years later, Gavin can acknowledge the attraction but guilt won’t let him follow up on the feeling. As the two jointly coach the team, their relationship is that of close colleagues with shared meals, lots of time at the rink together, and nightly late night calls or texts. Zach continues to hope for more, especially since there have almost been kisses, but Gavin remains adamant about no romantic or physical relationship, even if his therapist works with him to accept the idea it is okay to want to live and love again, his wife would want him to be happy. Much of the book is the very slowly developing acceptance of the attraction into relationship between the two by Gavin, held together with a lot of hockey action, team building and interpersonal relationships. Many characters from former books play prominent parts in this book, and connections deepen on many levels. This is a romance, so obviously Gavin is able to change his thinking, allowing him to accept the love he has for Zach, but the road is not without pitfalls. There is also drama from team members as well as family, the administration, and the feelings of our two MCs as they try to feel their way through the new dynamic between them.

The characters, main and supporting, are well drawn, making the reader feel like they know these guys and are invested in them as people as well as the team as a unit. Individual team members stand out as players within their assigned roles, with Elliott, Malcolm, Finn and Ramsey as the four standing out the most to me. The first three have been MCs in previous books, and I would hope to see a book for Ramsey in the future, he is such an interesting and charismatic character. It will take a special guy to reel him in, although one or two might come to mind. Lots of action on the ice, in the locker room, and in the bedroom with Zach and Gavin, once they get to that point.

The book is fast paced in the hockey, slow paced in Zach and Gavin finally getting together, and the scenarios are very realistic and relatable. The book flows smoothly, making it easy to read.

If you like hockey, and/or Beth’s books, this one should appeal, and I would recommend it and the whole series. I know nothing about hockey, never been to a game, but I think I could follow the game and be able to identify positions of players after being immersed in this series.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 to 5 stars
These two in my favorite of the series so far. Zach is the assistant coach for the Portland U Evergreens hockey team, and he was determined to bring his old coach out of retirement, self-isolation, and back to being a head coach. And he managed what people thought was impossible.

The fact that he had a pesky little crush on Gavin when he was 18 and used to be on his team shouldn’t really matter. Except it does. Because now that Zach and Gavin are spending so much time together and the age difference is not a big deal, and they’re both single. It’s a lot of temptation. Gavin is a widower still dealing with issues related to his wife’s death, and he feels like he’s never going to be in a relationship. And even though Gavin is really tempted, he’s scared to go after it, so there are a lot of hot and cold moments between him and Zach.

Gavin is very damaged, confused, guilt-ridden, and scared of the whole situation. Zach is mature as well, and he really tries to be patient, but he’s also not going to be toyed with, and he has to take care of his own mental health. But I really liked these guys and thought they made a great team both with coaching and in their personal lives.

This is a beautiful, inspiring, slow-burn-gets-hot, age-gap, second-chance, forced-proximity love story about learning to live again and an unrequited crush finally coming to fruition. And about healing, hope, and finding joy and your place in the world, and finding that person who will be by your side in hard times and in good times. It also focuses on hockey and building a team, and rebuilding a career.

Zach was just such a patient and good guy who had such true feelings and admiration for Gavin. His pining and pain are real. And Zach was the only person I think that Gavin would’ve ever felt safe enough with to begin to push himself, allow himself to feel again, or to even come back out of his isolation into the real world. But when it looks like it’s all or nothing, he has to make a decision whether he’s in or out for good. They are trying to find the place that they’re meant to be, and they’re trying together to bring the team where they all want to be.

This also has the story of Morgan and Hayes floating around in the background, and I can’t wait for their book next. Talk about pining. Hayes has been pining longer than Zach was, but I did like Hayes and Zach's true friendship and how they could commiserate over their love, lives, or lack of.

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[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

M/M
Coach/assistant coach
Gavin is widowed (5 years but his wife was his only partner since age 15)
Depression and isolation at start of book
Age gap (10 years)
Gavin is bi but only been with his wife and nobody knows.
Hurt/comfort
Slow burn
Angst
So much mutual pining/push and pull
Starting over

Note: there was a mix up on the book order but it has since been resolved so disregard if someone mentions it in their reviews.

Arc audio review

Story = 5 stars
Narration = 5 stars

I loved both of the MCs. They had amazing chemistry. This is a slow burn with alot of pining for both MCs and a lot of push and pull on Gavins part. This is probably going to annoy some readers and in the past I've been there where you just want them to get on with it and it's frustrating but as a widow u can relate to this story so much. The depression and guilt and being scared to open up again. I think that even readers who aren't widowed should be able to understand, this guy had only 1 partner since he was 15. His whole world imploded. To say he should be over it after 5 years would be crazy. I love how Zack ultimately dealt with the situation and how Gavin made it up to him. This book had me from start to finish.

This book was a very slow burn and angsty but once things changed, the pacing sped up and the relationship development and steam came fast. It was well worth the wait and so I wasn't disappointed in the lack of steam upfront. The timing fit perfectly with the storyline and the spice level in the end will leave most people happy. Their relationship does move faster than normal but when one MC has been crushing most his life and the other MC has a Demi heart, it totally felt like spontaneous combustion wasn't that surprising. I definitely recommend this heartfelt story. Now I just got to find out what happened to Finns dad. Will be anxiously waiting for Breakaway goals coming in Aug.

I loved this world and side characters that the author created. It's a little sad to see them go but hopefully we still get more cross overs. This can be read as a standalone but much more better enjoyed in order, although this book seems to be written in the same timing as the 3rd book. I think that is great for anyone who picks this book up first, it won't spoil how book 3 ended.

Darcy did a great job with the narration. He had a pleasant reading voice. I did speed it up alot but I enjoyed the easy flow of the narrator. He expressed all the emotions wonderfully and brought the story to life. He gave all the characters including the side characters distinct voices that suited them perfectly and it made it easy to follow the story and a pleasure to listen to.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

BREAKING THE ICE is the fourth installment in the Portland Evergreens series. This was supposed to be the final book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but reads better if it is read in the order the author intended.

Gavin's wife died unexpectedly and Gavin disappeared into himself with his grief. He moved away hockey and everyone and everything he knew and was living in a remote cabin the mountains. Some have tried to lure him back into the world with offers of coaching jobs but they barely got out of the car before Gavin sent them packing. Gavin never expected for one of his old players to show up at his doorstep. Zach came with an offer to coach the Evergreens in Portland but Gavin didn't want that. Zach wasn't leaving until he was able to give Gavin his full pitch, which turned into dinner and Zach sleeping on Gavin's couch. Gavin felt a spark of something but he couldn't be sure if it was for Zach or the idea of going back to coaching hockey.

Zach has always had a crush on his coach. He was devastated for Gavin when his wife died. While Gavin was dealing with his grief Zach had followed his dreams to the NHL and then quickly realized that life wasn't for him and went into coaching. He landed in Portland as the assistant coach and when they released the current coach Zach knew he had to go talk to Gavin and at least show him what he'd be working with as a team and just to see him again. Zach knew Gavin wouldn't take the job but he could admit he was glad he went to see him.

But when Gavin does end up taking the job Zach feels the attraction between them and is trying to be patient. Gavin still doesn't think he can move on from his wife. He insists he isn't going to date again. He'll never be in another relationship or so he thinks but the more time he spends with Zach he can't imagine his life without him in it. He ends up throwing some mixed signals that have Zach hitting his limit and making a drastic choice that finally sparks something in Gavin to finally make a choice about his future.

There is so much chemistry between Zach and Gavin from the very beginning. I felt so bad for Zach being stuck in that limbo that Gavin put him in. Gavin had such emotional baggage but he did annoy me at times with his may be he will maybe he won't moments. I did want to cheer when he finally got his stuff together and went all in.

I loved this series and getting Gavin and Zach's story. I enjoy getting the glimpse of past couples and I can't wait to get Morgan and Hayes!

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Neon Rainbow.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review

Oh man, the long term angst and pining in this book hurts my heart

Zach is crushing hard on Gavin, Gavin is grieving his wife, they never thought they would see each other again, then BAM

Gaavin hands in his hermit status, rejoins society and there is a long, slow burn between Gavin and Zach.

And oh, I think the relationship between Zach and his best friend Hayes is one of my favourite friendships ever. I really cannot wait for Haye's to get his HEA.

Parts of this book hit hard, as I am grieving my father's loss, and things sometimes just made me cry as I was reading.

I also loved the previous 3 books playing out in the background as Gavin and Zach's relationhip blooms

Bring on Hayes, stat!