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From Ice to Grace: A Christian Hockey Romance
He’s one bad hit away from blowing his career. She’s one heartbreak past trusting again.
Declan
The ice used to be the only place I felt steady—where I could hit hard, keep my head down, and pretend the past wasn’t catching up. But now I’m one bad decision away from losing it all. My spot on the team. My place in the league. My grip on who I’m becoming. And the one person I can’t seem to avoid? Avah Johansson—my best friend’s sister and the woman who sees straight through me. Sparring with her used to be harmless. Safe. But when everything starts to unravel, it’s Avah who ends up in the middle of my mess… in more ways than either of us planned.
Avah
After my world shattered, I ran to New York for a fresh start. I didn’t expect to find myself stuck in emotional limbo—or spending half my time snapping at one of my brother’s teammates just to feel something again. Declan Murphy is loud, infuriating, and everything I swore I didn’t want. But when circumstances force us into a marriage of convenience, I begin to wonder if God’s using the most unlikely person to bring me back to the healing I’ve been avoiding.
Now, stuck between pretend and something real, we’re facing more than just a fake marriage—we’re facing the truth. About pain. About forgiveness. And maybe… about grace we both still need to find.
The ice used to be the only place I felt steady—where I could hit hard, keep my head down, and pretend the past wasn’t catching up. But now I’m one bad decision away from losing it all. My spot on the team. My place in the league. My grip on who I’m becoming. And the one person I can’t seem to avoid? Avah Johansson—my best friend’s sister and the woman who sees straight through me. Sparring with her used to be harmless. Safe. But when everything starts to unravel, it’s Avah who ends up in the middle of my mess… in more ways than either of us planned.
Avah
After my world shattered, I ran to New York for a fresh start. I didn’t expect to find myself stuck in emotional limbo—or spending half my time snapping at one of my brother’s teammates just to feel something again. Declan Murphy is loud, infuriating, and everything I swore I didn’t want. But when circumstances force us into a marriage of convenience, I begin to wonder if God’s using the most unlikely person to bring me back to the healing I’ve been avoiding.
Now, stuck between pretend and something real, we’re facing more than just a fake marriage—we’re facing the truth. About pain. About forgiveness. And maybe… about grace we both still need to find.
Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Ann J. David
2 books25 followersHi there.! I'm Ann, a devoted daughter of God, a loving wife, and the proud mom of three little monsters who light up my world. In the midst of the beautiful chaos of family life, I find solace and inspiration in the art of storytelling.
My passion lies in crafting narratives that seamlessly weave together the threads of love, real-life experiences, and divine purpose. When you delve into the pages of my books, you'll discover a tapestry of emotions, where the genuine struggles and relationships of real people unfold against the backdrop of their connections with each other and with God.
Please join me in my writing journey, follow me on social media and feel free to reach out.!
All my love
Ann.J. David
My passion lies in crafting narratives that seamlessly weave together the threads of love, real-life experiences, and divine purpose. When you delve into the pages of my books, you'll discover a tapestry of emotions, where the genuine struggles and relationships of real people unfold against the backdrop of their connections with each other and with God.
Please join me in my writing journey, follow me on social media and feel free to reach out.!
All my love
Ann.J. David
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 20, 2025
THIS LADIES AND GENTS IS HOW YOU WRITE A CHRISTIAN ROMANCE...
the best way to describe this book is if you take the Appies Hockey Team X the faith in the Masterpiece of Francine Rivers...
No Notes. Ann J David, what have you done????
if you like Christian romance, hockey, AMAZING BANTER AND FULL OF FAITH.. You NEED TO ADD THIS. I BEG YOU.
the best way to describe this book is if you take the Appies Hockey Team X the faith in the Masterpiece of Francine Rivers...
No Notes. Ann J David, what have you done????
if you like Christian romance, hockey, AMAZING BANTER AND FULL OF FAITH.. You NEED TO ADD THIS. I BEG YOU.
January 2, 2026
Starting the year off with a 5 star read? I think yes! 🤭👏🏾 OH, I LOVED THIS STORY! Avah and Declan’s story had me giggling and kicking my feet! I loved the banter between them, and they definitely gave me that enemies to lovers vibe! And the romance in this didn’t pick up until the 50% mark, so the pacing of this story was slowwww. I really felt for Declan and Avah in this story. Declan was not going down the right path. He had so many struggles that he was dealing with. Things that were very realistic and hard to overcome. Avah, oh how I loved her. 🥹🥰 Although she and Declan fought a lot, she still prayed for him. Loved him. She showed him grace, just as God shows us. The faith in this story was so strong and I enjoyed every bit of it! I cannot wait to read EJ’s story next! If you’re looking for a sports romance with swoon-worthy moments and faith-filled themes, I definitely recommend checking out this series! 💕
December 2, 2025
"God redeems what we thought was long gone. He saves what we thought lost. And He restores love to hearts that once felt beyond saving."
I truly enjoyed this book! The enemies-to-lovers trope and marriage of convenience are handled well in this book. It's a love story not only between the main characters, but also with God.
Declan and Avah each has their own struggles and faith journey. Declan’s redemption arc is genuine and deeply felt, leading him to encounter God, while Avah's arc focuses on forgiving herself and her ex and learning to trust God. Although they don’t start off on the best terms, a connection is there and it grows between them that makes their journey real, heartfelt, and profound. Once they got married, they must work together and truly get to know one another, which results in many lovely moments, honest communication, and a willingness to express their needs openly.
I especially appreciated how faith-related themes are integrated into each part of the story. The story highlights how God's grace reaches everyone, regardless of their situation. It shows that even in the quiet moments or when can’t perceive Him, God is still working and present.
I only wish there was more about their relationship under God’s guidance at the end, and how it played out with the team and their friendships.
I look forward to reading the first one of the series. You can read this book on its own, although it does include few references to the main characters from the first book.
* This is a Christian hockey romance
* Thank you for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.
I truly enjoyed this book! The enemies-to-lovers trope and marriage of convenience are handled well in this book. It's a love story not only between the main characters, but also with God.
Declan and Avah each has their own struggles and faith journey. Declan’s redemption arc is genuine and deeply felt, leading him to encounter God, while Avah's arc focuses on forgiving herself and her ex and learning to trust God. Although they don’t start off on the best terms, a connection is there and it grows between them that makes their journey real, heartfelt, and profound. Once they got married, they must work together and truly get to know one another, which results in many lovely moments, honest communication, and a willingness to express their needs openly.
I especially appreciated how faith-related themes are integrated into each part of the story. The story highlights how God's grace reaches everyone, regardless of their situation. It shows that even in the quiet moments or when can’t perceive Him, God is still working and present.
I only wish there was more about their relationship under God’s guidance at the end, and how it played out with the team and their friendships.
I look forward to reading the first one of the series. You can read this book on its own, although it does include few references to the main characters from the first book.
* This is a Christian hockey romance
* Thank you for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.
December 8, 2025
Y’ALLLLL??😭🩵 I loved this book so much what the heck🥲
The grace journey these characters take is everything - I love the dichotomy of watching someone who follows Christ and someone who has run from Him his whole life both find a way to understand forgiveness and His grace. Avah and Declan realize that they are broken and imperfect, but that only through His grace can they be made whole. I absolutely loved the lessons on forgiveness in particular - this quote honestly changed the way I see forgiveness. It’s a FRUIT, a reflection of the One who can redeem❤️🩹
“Forgiveness is a big thing…it’s something we need to do. It’s not that forgiveness will earn us salvation, but rather that our saved nature is supposed to reflect onto others.”
I also loved the beauty in their marriage; how they had to learn to love each other and sacrifice; putting the other before themselves. Their romance, while initially filled only with banter and lots of verbal back-and-forths, shifted into something so beautiful. The “what do you need” parts killed me, I loved it so much🥹
Finally, I loved the emphasis on understanding that no thing or person in this life can take place of God. He must be your Savior and what you lean on. He is our foundation!🩵
10/10. No notes. I loved it and can’t wait for EJ’s story!!!😍
The grace journey these characters take is everything - I love the dichotomy of watching someone who follows Christ and someone who has run from Him his whole life both find a way to understand forgiveness and His grace. Avah and Declan realize that they are broken and imperfect, but that only through His grace can they be made whole. I absolutely loved the lessons on forgiveness in particular - this quote honestly changed the way I see forgiveness. It’s a FRUIT, a reflection of the One who can redeem❤️🩹
“Forgiveness is a big thing…it’s something we need to do. It’s not that forgiveness will earn us salvation, but rather that our saved nature is supposed to reflect onto others.”
I also loved the beauty in their marriage; how they had to learn to love each other and sacrifice; putting the other before themselves. Their romance, while initially filled only with banter and lots of verbal back-and-forths, shifted into something so beautiful. The “what do you need” parts killed me, I loved it so much🥹
Finally, I loved the emphasis on understanding that no thing or person in this life can take place of God. He must be your Savior and what you lean on. He is our foundation!🩵
10/10. No notes. I loved it and can’t wait for EJ’s story!!!😍
November 6, 2025
I loved this book so much! I read every moment I could and sleep was not prioritized 🤣 Honestly, one of the best Enemies to Lovers I’ve read, and I love that it also includes faith and marriage of convenience 😍
The Enemies to Lovers trope is done exceptionally well in this book. At the beginning, the animosity is nearly tangible, yet, at the same time, there’s this undercurrent of *more* between them. Their journey is beautiful and moving.
I only wish there were another 300 or so pages 🩵 There are moments that are so stunning, specifically their communication, that I wanted to see even more of that. I mean a novel so thick that the paperback should come with wrist support or a book stand🤣
There are also some great “my wife” moments, as well as scenes with a feeling that brings to mind a famous hand flex scene 🤭
Regarding the characters in particular, Declan has a redemption arc and Avah is also working through some things. Together, the faith themes are strong and address questions many may be carrying within themselves — questions like, how do I move forward when everything feels shattered? Faith is such a big part of this story that the two can’t be separated; it would not be the same story were those beautiful scenes removed.
I would share my favorite moment, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. I’ll just say this: prayer. ❤️ What I can tell you is that this is one of my favorite books this year! 🩵🏒
Content:
-Strong faith themes
-Intimacy level: Kisses Only | References to premarital s*x
-Language: Mild (Infrequent use of h**l and d**n)
*I received a complimentary eARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Enemies to Lovers trope is done exceptionally well in this book. At the beginning, the animosity is nearly tangible, yet, at the same time, there’s this undercurrent of *more* between them. Their journey is beautiful and moving.
I only wish there were another 300 or so pages 🩵 There are moments that are so stunning, specifically their communication, that I wanted to see even more of that. I mean a novel so thick that the paperback should come with wrist support or a book stand🤣
There are also some great “my wife” moments, as well as scenes with a feeling that brings to mind a famous hand flex scene 🤭
Regarding the characters in particular, Declan has a redemption arc and Avah is also working through some things. Together, the faith themes are strong and address questions many may be carrying within themselves — questions like, how do I move forward when everything feels shattered? Faith is such a big part of this story that the two can’t be separated; it would not be the same story were those beautiful scenes removed.
I would share my favorite moment, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. I’ll just say this: prayer. ❤️ What I can tell you is that this is one of my favorite books this year! 🩵🏒
Content:
-Strong faith themes
-Intimacy level: Kisses Only | References to premarital s*x
-Language: Mild (Infrequent use of h**l and d**n)
*I received a complimentary eARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 10, 2025
From Ice To Grace is a beautiful, messy, love story - not just between Avah and Declan but between God and his children. Avah’s guilt and anger over what happened with Axel have clouded her faith, leading her to rely on herself instead of trusting God. Declan, feeling abandoned and unseen by God, has shut Him out completely, living only for himself. Now, his choices and lifestyle threaten to destroy the one thing he still cares about—his hockey career.
Sparks fly between Avah and Declan from the start but not in the good way. His lifestyle is a painful reminder of her past, and she doesn’t hide her disdain. Still, there is a connection between them that’s undeniable. Their journey from enemies to more is emotional and heartfelt. I love getting to see the soft and tender side of Declan. His redemption arc is raw, sincere and deeply moving. I love how he and Avah open up to each other and have mature conversations. The moments between them are sweet and swoony. Once they get married, everything happens quickly. I would have loved to have seen more of their relationship, their spiritual growth, and how things played out with the team. Even so, their story left my heart full and reminded me that God’s grace meets us right where we are. He is moving and working in our lives, even when we can’t see it or feel it.
From Ice To Grace is an enemies to more, marriage of convenience, Christian hockey romance. If you love stories that blend faith, romance, realistic struggles and redemption, this book is a must read.
Favorites:
🩵He calls her Snowflake
🩵The events after the gala
🩵Declan hearing Avah pray for him
🩵Their honest conversations
🩵When Declan prayed for Avah
🩵”What do you need?”
🩵Avah’s friendship with Hannah
🩵 “I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him, the way he makes me feel comfortable and at home while still challenging me in the best way.”
🩵”She smells like something clean and floral, and for the first time I feel like I’m home. Not the kind with four walls and a roof, but the kind you never want to walk away from.”
🩵Avah wearing Declan’s jersey
🩵Avah facing her past
🩵Their argument leading to their God moments
🩵Declan showing up at EJ’s
🩵 “My wife can score.”
🩵”He redeems what we thought was long gone. He saves what we thought lost. And He restores love to hearts that once felt beyond saving.”
Sparks fly between Avah and Declan from the start but not in the good way. His lifestyle is a painful reminder of her past, and she doesn’t hide her disdain. Still, there is a connection between them that’s undeniable. Their journey from enemies to more is emotional and heartfelt. I love getting to see the soft and tender side of Declan. His redemption arc is raw, sincere and deeply moving. I love how he and Avah open up to each other and have mature conversations. The moments between them are sweet and swoony. Once they get married, everything happens quickly. I would have loved to have seen more of their relationship, their spiritual growth, and how things played out with the team. Even so, their story left my heart full and reminded me that God’s grace meets us right where we are. He is moving and working in our lives, even when we can’t see it or feel it.
From Ice To Grace is an enemies to more, marriage of convenience, Christian hockey romance. If you love stories that blend faith, romance, realistic struggles and redemption, this book is a must read.
Favorites:
🩵He calls her Snowflake
🩵The events after the gala
🩵Declan hearing Avah pray for him
🩵Their honest conversations
🩵When Declan prayed for Avah
🩵”What do you need?”
🩵Avah’s friendship with Hannah
🩵 “I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him, the way he makes me feel comfortable and at home while still challenging me in the best way.”
🩵”She smells like something clean and floral, and for the first time I feel like I’m home. Not the kind with four walls and a roof, but the kind you never want to walk away from.”
🩵Avah wearing Declan’s jersey
🩵Avah facing her past
🩵Their argument leading to their God moments
🩵Declan showing up at EJ’s
🩵 “My wife can score.”
🩵”He redeems what we thought was long gone. He saves what we thought lost. And He restores love to hearts that once felt beyond saving.”
November 7, 2025
I’m a sucker for a good marriage of convenience book and an even bigger sucker for a good redemption story, From Ice To Grace managed to capture both of those really well.
When I was initially introduced to Avah and Declan in the first book in the Heart of a Ranger series, Avah intrigued me and Declan was not shown in the best light. They both really grew on me in this book, I loved how you get to see the side of them they don’t show other people much. The way they grow to stop hiding and begin to open up to others and each other just added to how much I liked them. Their relationship though it might not have started that way, was really sweet.
I think I’d have to say my favorite thing about From Ice To Grace was the faith themes. Both Avah and Declan have some extent of a “Christian background” but it was really the perfect imperfections of their faith journeys that made me love them so much. Themes of grace were woven in throughout the book in what felt like another kind of slow burn slowly building up to the characters truly realizing they can’t do this on their own.
From Ice To Grace is really worth looking into for Christian readers who like their hockey romances spice-free.
When I was initially introduced to Avah and Declan in the first book in the Heart of a Ranger series, Avah intrigued me and Declan was not shown in the best light. They both really grew on me in this book, I loved how you get to see the side of them they don’t show other people much. The way they grow to stop hiding and begin to open up to others and each other just added to how much I liked them. Their relationship though it might not have started that way, was really sweet.
I think I’d have to say my favorite thing about From Ice To Grace was the faith themes. Both Avah and Declan have some extent of a “Christian background” but it was really the perfect imperfections of their faith journeys that made me love them so much. Themes of grace were woven in throughout the book in what felt like another kind of slow burn slowly building up to the characters truly realizing they can’t do this on their own.
From Ice To Grace is really worth looking into for Christian readers who like their hockey romances spice-free.
November 20, 2025
This book is exactly what a Christian romance should be! The redemptive power of God's saving grace, the healing power of forgiveness, the peace that comes from trusting in God's will and plan for our lives, and the freedom of burdens being lifted when we surrender to Christ are all woven beautifully throughout this story. I also enjoyed every moment of the playful tension, heart-melting romance, growing love, undeniable attraction, and intense fiestyness between the main characters, Declan and Avah. And although I think the "marriage of convenience" trope can sometimes be tricky to make it believable, I was very impressed that the author wrote it SO well in this story. I couldn't help but root and hope for Declan and Avah to get their well-deserved happy ending! This really was a wonderful, enjoyable, and edifying read!
(I received a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)
(I received a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)
November 8, 2025
EARLY READ:
Wow!
Whatever genre that you read,
This. Book. Is. For. You!
Honest conversations, convicting revelations, healing journeys overflowing with hope and grace. This book will still you and have you sitting with Jesus and having honest conversations with Him. What an amazing story of faith, healing, trust, grace and hope. What a ride this story took me on!
You will definitely want to put this one in your automatic TBR before 2025 ends.
I recommend👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Wow!
Whatever genre that you read,
This. Book. Is. For. You!
Honest conversations, convicting revelations, healing journeys overflowing with hope and grace. This book will still you and have you sitting with Jesus and having honest conversations with Him. What an amazing story of faith, healing, trust, grace and hope. What a ride this story took me on!
You will definitely want to put this one in your automatic TBR before 2025 ends.
I recommend👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
November 3, 2025
This book was amazing! Ann J. David did a great job combining hockey romance with Christ-like faith, while adding realistic struggles. I loved Declan and Avah’s relationship throughout the story and how it portrays God’s constant presence and grace in our lives even when we make mistakes and feel like we are alone. READ THIS STORY and Ann’s other books.
November 6, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. I must admit that I wondered how Ann was going to make us root for the two of them to be together, but it just grew throughout the book as we got to know the characters more deeply. I loved the different ways God challenged them and how they reacted to this.
A great read full of faith and love.
A great read full of faith and love.
November 23, 2025
Ann has a gift for writing Christian romance!! I loved the first book and loved following up on the established side characters that I grew interested in in the first book. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone, such a good quick read because I couldn't put it down!
October 27, 2025
I really liked this one. Declan and Avah developed such a great relationship. I loved Declan's journey, especially.
This is a wonderful Faith-filled hockey romance.
This is a wonderful Faith-filled hockey romance.
November 7, 2025
I received an ARC copy from the author ,all I can say is that it was worth the read!
November 8, 2025
I really enjoy this Christian hockey romance series! It’s Faith filled, there’s healing and forgiveness, and a marriage of convenience. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
November 10, 2025
I enjoyed watching the change that happened within both protagonists as they allowed their hearts to be softened and turned to God. And what a unique, modern day twist on a marriage of convenience!
November 21, 2025
I love a good hockey romance blended with Christian outlooks and lots of healing in this slow burn wonderful story!!
November 11, 2025
I’ve been looking forward to this book, and it completely exceeded my expectations! I loved so many things about it—the marriage of convenience and the enemies-to-lovers tropes are two of my favorites, and this story had both!
God’s grace woven throughout the story felt so genuine and relatable. I especially loved watching Declan’s transformation. When everything in his life unravels, he’s left to pick up the pieces, and you can really feel his growth. After Avah’s own heartbreak, Declan is the last person she wants to get involved with, but God clearly had other plans.
This story of redemption is so beautifully written. It’s one of those “don’t put it down until you’re done” kind of books. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next one!
God’s grace woven throughout the story felt so genuine and relatable. I especially loved watching Declan’s transformation. When everything in his life unravels, he’s left to pick up the pieces, and you can really feel his growth. After Avah’s own heartbreak, Declan is the last person she wants to get involved with, but God clearly had other plans.
This story of redemption is so beautifully written. It’s one of those “don’t put it down until you’re done” kind of books. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews