Breaking the Ice

Denver Stampede #6

by Stephanie Kay

She has a goalie problem.

Therapist Dani Albans swore off hockey players after her last disaster, so naturally she ends up fake-dating one. When her goalie ex won't take a hint, she asks a stranger to kiss her in public, only to find out he’s a NHL goalie too. It’s not lost on her that apparently her type is "men who stop pucks for a living"…just like her estranged father.

Gabe Tucker, golden retriever goalie for the Denver Stampede, couldn't resist helping a beautiful woman in distress. But it turns out her irritating ex is on the rival Colorado team. With the NHL season starting, they need a solid plan. And what could be more logical than a fake relationship?

The rules are Date publicly for a month, convince her ex it's over, then walk away clean.

Gabe's already falling—hard. When their "for show" chemistry ignites into something real, their no-strings agreement starts looking like the worst idea he's ever had.

datingGolden Retriever goalieSarcastic therapistOpposites attractSteamy banterHis dog has more social media followers than he doesHe falls first/he fell harderTeam shenanigans

Genres: Hockey, Sports

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Stephanie Kay has always loved a good romance, and she got hooked on the dirty ones at the tender age of 14, when she told her mother that if the cover wasn’t a bodice ripper, then there was no sex in the book. As an avid mystery reader, her mother never checked to see if Stephanie was lying. Twenty plus years later, Stephanie’s most prized possession is her Kindle, and she may have a Hallmark movie obsession.

She has called California, Maryland, and Rhode Island her home, but now lives in New Hampshire with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!

Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.

You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19224...

You can also email her at stephanie@stephkaybooks.com

Reviews

[TarynLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

MF Fake Dating Hockey Romance

4.5⭐️This was a really good hockey read…. With actually hockey in it not just mention in passing 😉
Told in dual POV and a complete standalone in the ‘Denver Stampede’ series.
The spice was 🔥 and their chemistry was palpable. There was great banter not only between the Gabe and Dani but also Dani and all the new hockey family she meets.
Gabe was a total walking green flag and totally adorkable…… Dani’s words not mine.
And on the other hand we had Dani who is a bit a a grump and very sarcastic but Gabe brings out the best in her. And who couldn’t fall for ‘Tucks and Pucks’ ❤️🦮.

There’s no OWD, no cheating, no third act break up with a HEA.
Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to read a low drama and low angst hockey romance.



* Fake Dating
* Annoying Ex That Can’t Take A Hint
* Golden Retriever Goalie MMC
* MMC Doing Quirky Goalie Things
* Has Golden Retriever That Has More IG Followers Than Him
* He Falls First
* Grumpy/ Sunshine (She’s the Grump)
* Sarcastic Therapist

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Albans is a therapist mainly for children who has sworn off hockey players after the ex-boyfriend (goalie for an NHL team in Colorado) of 4 months won’t leave her alone at all. He keeps on trying to say they are perfect together when that is far from the truth. When he shows up one night at her favorite bar, she uses a stranger she has been talking to for the last little while as a way out. Dani claims they are together, happy and he needs to leave her alone. Little does she realize that the stranger is also a hockey player, not just any one either, a goalie for the other Colorado team by the name of Gabe Tucker. Gabe (and his adorable golden retriever Puck who by the way has his own IG page) and Dani come to an agreement, fake date for a month and then ends things quietly. Problem is though, there is no denying the chemistry between them and the fake date could become something real. Something both of them need in their lives.

This is the 6th book in the Denver Stampede series by Stephanie Kay and it is an amazing book from start to finish. When starting you need to be prepared to make it all the way to the end without stopping so make sure you have the time & snacks to do it. Stephanie has managed to create this amazing hockey world with people from all walks of life who each have to deal with history and situations that they shouldn’t have to, but sadly many do. Including a very, very annoying ex that you just want to do things to. Only part that bummed me out was that we didn’t have a meeting of the pets, Dani’s cat and Gabe’s Puck. That would have been an incredible scene to read!

Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always up to read a hockey romance and I really enjoyed this one. I liked how this book started with Dani at her favorite bar with the only decent man Randy, who of course owns the bar and is one of her favorite places to go. Unfortunately her ex Roger (hockey goalie) won’t leave her alone so she asks a stranger at the bar to kiss her and it’s Gabe who she soon finds out is a hockey player as well and a goalie and someone who Roger has taken an instant dislike to since they are both goalies for rival teams. I always enjoy getting to know a hockey team and all their players and the WAG’s and Dani and Gabe have decided to have a fake relationship to hopefully keep Roger at bay. Of course, Gabe is all in but Dani is slower to join the party but I did enjoy her and Gabe and their love of sweets and of course Dani’s snarkiness is just part of who she is. Unfortunately Dani has a secret of who her father is and he ends up meeting Gabe and Dani lets the cat out of the bag. I thought Gabe was very cool about the situation especially when she finds out he idolizes him. Dani and Gabe are definitely getting more involved and at an out of town game, Gabe starts talking about their ‘fake’ relationship and Roger overhears and he ends up at a restaurant they’re at outing the ‘lie’ only he’s the one who’s going to look bad because Dani and Gabe end up making confessions to each other and Roger ends up leaving being put in his place. This is a great book and I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Puck. Can’t wait for the next story.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking the Ice by Stephanie Kay, book six in the Denver Stampede series, is a wonderful, heartwarming, fake dating, opposites attract, golden retriever romance that I struggled to put down.

Child and family therapist Dani Albans has had enough of her ex not seeming to understand they are over as he keeps bothering her and showing up wherever she is. This time when he walks into the bar she is at, she asks a stranger to kiss her. This stranger was supposed to give her a fake kiss but it was anything but not real. Then she learns Tuck is an NHL goalie just like her ex; especially after she swore off hockey players.

Gabe Tucker is the goalie for the Denver Stampede. He's an all around nice guy and when she asks for a kiss he just couldn't deny her. Her ex is on the rival team and talking trash about Gabe and his team, so Gabe and Dani come up with a plan, fake dating. They will fake date for a month and then break up; easy peasy. Only their chemistry sizzles, he understands her like no one before him, he’s adorkable, a dirty talker, and he's already falling for her. Then there is Puck, his golden retriever who has a social media account with more followers than him. Tuck and Puck are two golden retrievers who often have the zoomies. Watching Gabe and Dani as their friendship grew and developed feelings during their fake relationship was just icing on the rink. Seeing Dani enjoy hockey again was one more plus.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#BreakingTheIce #StephanieKay # DenverStampede

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe and Dani

FMC: Dani Albans
MMC: Gabe “Tucks” Tucker, Goalie
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Pages: 352
Tropes: Hockey Romance, Fake Dating, Opposites Attract, Golden Retriever MMC
Setting: Denver, CO

Thoughts: I thought this was a good addition to this series. Dani and Gabe were a pretty great couple. I loved the fake dating trope, it was the perfect set up for two strangers who thought they didn’t want to be in relationships to fall in love with thier soulmate. Gabe was the stereotypical golden retriever MMC. I thought he was portrayed perfectly. He was goofy and funny and described by Dani as a walking green flag. I loved the way he kept stepping up for Dani but also allowed her to fight her own battles. He was the perfect man for Dani after her disasterous relationship with Roger. There was a lot of hockey on page, which I enjoyed, especially getting it from Gabe’s perspective was so fun. Overall, it was a lighthearted book with plenty of spice mixed in.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what, I should be doing homework for my masters class but instead I got the privilege of reading Stephanie Kay’s latest. Am I going to be scrambling to submit my paper, yes. Any regrets, absolutely not! I loved the drama in this one. It was still the super sweet adorkable-ness that most of her books are, but the angst/conflict was “chefs kiss”. Dani was such a great character. Tucks…. Not only do I now want a golden retriever, I now also want a golden retriever boyfriend. Probably in that order, priorities. I loved Tucks and Pucks interactions. Definitely how it really happens with dog owners. It’s super cute and endearing to see Tucks goalie superstitions. Hockey fans know goalies are a bit crazy and have their traditions so it was just great to see it in print. Another out of the park…? Err…Rink!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child and family therapist Dani Albans has had enough of her ex bothering her and showing up wherever she is. So this time when she sees him walking up to her at the bar she asks a stranger to kiss her and then finds out he's also an NHL goalie just like her ex. This after she swore off hockey players.

Gabe Tucker is the goalie for the Denver Stampede. He's an all around nice guy and when she asks for a kiss he just couldn't deny her. Of course her ex is on the rival team and is talking trash about Gabe and his team so of course Gabe and Dani have to come up with a plan. Fake dating!

They will fake date for a month and then break up, easy peasy right? But what about their chemistry and how he's already fallen for her. Oh and throw in his goldie--Pucks.
Could this be real?

4 stars
It was a sweet book and Gabe was such a nice guy.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book was a great addition, I could not put it down!

When Dani cannot get her ex-boyfriend to leave her alone, Dani asks the guy sitting beside her at the bar to kiss her, little does she know that like her ex-boyfriend, this man is the Denver Stampede goalie, Gabe Hunter, just like her ex-boyfriend, who plays on the rival team.

When the ex still won’t leave Dani alone, she and Gabe pretend to start dating, but as they spend time together, they realize that the connection they both felt with their first kiss has developed into real feelings. But there is another reason that Dani does not like hockey and goalies, her dad is a retired goalie, and also Gabe’s idol.

There are lots of cameos in this book of previous couple, which I loved.

I cannot wait for more in this series!

[Alexandra Klimowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake dating has never felt so face-off fabulous! When the daughter of an NHL legend asks a random stranger in a bar to kiss her and then finds out he is a quirky, charming goalie who’s equal parts hot mess and heartthrob, sparks fly faster than a slapshot even though she does all she can not to fall for him.

Add in one golden retriever with main-character energy—think wingman with a wag—and this story is a hat trick of heat, humor, and heart. She’s trying to protect her reputation and get away from her goalie ex. He’s trying to keep things light and help her out. But their chemistry? Anything but fake.

Between spontaneous kisses that shouldn’t mean anything (but totally do), locker room banter, and dog bonding sessions that had me swooning, this book delivered all the flirty feels.

Warning: You will fall for the goalie. And the dog. Possibly in that order.

[Heather White · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Fake dating has never been this hot—or this real

Dani and Gabe’s story was everything I wanted and more. They start off with a fake dating setup, but it doesn’t stay fake for long because their chemistry is explosive right from the first kiss. These two together are absolute fire on the pages.

Gabe is the ultimate green flag boyfriend. Whether it’s real or pretend, he shows up 100% for Dani from the very beginning. He’s supportive, steady, and completely swoon-worthy. And let’s talk about his mouth—ohhh boy. He’s a dirty talker, and whew, it is hot, hot, hot! Dani can’t resist, and honestly, neither could I.

I loved their story from start to finish. The mix of steam, heart, and the way they just click together kept me glued to the book. This was such a fun, sexy, and heartfelt read, and I cannot wait to dive into the next one in the series!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani swore off hockey players, her goalie ex won’t leave her alone so she misses a stranger and calls him her beau ,but then finds out he’s an Hockey goalie too, oh poop! But Gabe is different and he will keep on earning her trust ,melt the ice around her heart. Gabe Tucker is all in ,especially the sin bin ,but her ex fella ,is on the opposing team his Denver Stampede team are playing his Colorado . All the bravado but after all is said and done . She is no longer the ass’ hon. They make a fake date pact of one month ,so he has to get his act together and win her heart before the final whistle starts.Brilliant ! It’s Hockey it’s what I like and when he tells the ex to take a hike ,on ya bike fella . Him turning yellow …great job writing this as it’s bliss ,a chef’s kiss Stephanie Kay ,you blew me away.

[Elaine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from Stephanie Kay. Her characters are 3 dimensional, grown people with respect for each other. Things I especially love about this book: Dani (really all of the women Kay writes) has her own career, her own life, and Gabe is impressed by her. They don't try to change each other. They are supportive of each other, and this hockey star doesn't try to step in and take over. He always has Dani's back, but he knows she can handle herself and he loves watching her set her boundaries and stick to them.

This book was incredibly fun, with hilarious appearances from other Stampede couples. If this is your first Stampede book, don't worry. The character cameos are hilarious whether you know the couples or not. Overall, a great book from Kay. Love this series, and all her books.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like hockey romance, then you should enjoy this. Dani dislikes goalies..her ex is a Blizzard goalie, her father is a legend and a former goalie. Neither are particularly likeable. Her breakup with Roger is difficult as he stalks her, trying to get back together. Her father is just annoying and difficult.
The stranger, Gabe, she meets in a bar and asks him to kiss her is also a goalie for the Stampedes. But he is charming, attractive in looks and character, likeable, cute, gentlemanly and happy to fake date to get rid of Roger and pushes her doubts into a spin. Not to mention Pucks his dog.
Hockey, awful ex, distant relationship with arrogant father, fake dating, taking a chance..HEA with picking not only the right, but also the perfect guy.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Denver stampede return with the story of Gabe and Dani. Dani is just out of a relationship with a hockey goalie who did not take the break up well. When he shows up at the bar she grabs the guy next to her to kiss her. And even though Gabe is a really nice guy, he is also a goalie ! which causes her multiple problems. They agree to fake date but as usually happens, they fall for each other. A hot romance their journey and a look back at the other couples we have met in previous books. Recommended and go back and read the others too.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Gabe and Dani are such fun characters to spend time with. There are a good match and their exchanges made me laugh and smile. Pucks stole the show even before ever being on page. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. I loved getting to see the characters from the other books in the series. Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes and this book delivered in spades. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite of the series so far!! Dani, Tucks, and Pucks are just too fun and too sweet!

While fake-dating has been done a million times, this story still felt fresh. Gabe (Tucks) is such a giant marshmallow sweetheart. You can’t help but LOVE him, and his adorable dog, Pucks, too. Dani has been hurt, but she’s strong. She may not need Gabe in the grand scheme of things, she recognizes how good it is to have a partner’s support.

I love series, and I especially love when authors give us character updates and involvement. It was fun to see how the Stampede family welcomed Dani into the fold.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the dictionary under "golden retriever" is a picture of Gabe. He's sweet and goofy and generous (in ALL the things). He and Dani make a great couple, and I loved them both. I laughed a lot through the book, sighed with starry eyes, and cheered when Dani brought out her girl power. As always, it was fun to see the other Stampede couples too. I loved the new supporting characters (the kids at the Center were fun and Dani's brother cracked me up). Breaking the Ice was such a fun book to read. I may have a new book boyfriend!

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Dad is a retired goalie and a first class jerk! Her ex is also a NHL goalie and another first class jerk! So, she should steer clear of goalies, right? But when her ex blindsided her in a bar, she grabs the nearest guy and asks him to kiss her to convince her ex she’s moved on! Guess what, he’s also a NHL goalie! Does she have a type or just bad luck!
Another great book by Stephanie Kay. With lots of hockey players, drama, steam and a healthy serving of hockey action!
A MUST READ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorkable!!
Dani’s ex can’t seem to take the hint they are over, and fake kisses Tuck (Gabe Tucker) to help her out. As Gabe turns out to be a nice guy, this fake love turns into something much more over time. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and Stephanie Kay does not disappoint! Gabe is adorable and dorky, and this is definitely a time you don’t want the nice guy to finish last. Don’t miss this great addition to the Denver Stampede series!

[Sarah Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Retriever

Tucks has got to be the best Golden Retriever partner who's also naughty behind closed doors. Don't think it gets better then that. Dani hasn't had alot of luck with the opposite gender. Happenstance and serious chemistry are about to change that. Kissing a stranger doesn't always turn out to be this perfect as it ends up for Dani & Tucks.
His dirty talk. Geezzz. Delicious. Awesome addition to the series.

[Brooke Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucks gets his book! I’ve always said that Tally is my fave but man, oh man, Tucks! He’s just so dang sweet and perfect! The good boy and the bad boy mixed in one! I loved the banter and the wholesome side of Tucks and how he was ready and willing to engage! You also get the golden retriever in actuality with Pucks and it is the icing on the cake. It’s my 2nd fave of the series and can’t wait for the next!

[T Heinze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the meet cute of Gabe and Dani! Her ex is a douche and does not redeem himself. (so is the dad 🤮). I love the friendship they developed in their fake relationship that certainly has turned into more and their HEA. Pucks is a star as well! Love the adorkableness and the dirty talk! Highly recommend. My nephew is a goalie so appreciated all his rituals when Gabe was in net.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first golden retriever trope—and I’m obsessed! Gabe is the ultimate supportive partner, and watching Dani rediscover her love for hockey with him by her side was everything. Stephanie’s play-by-play hockey scenes make you feel like you’re in the rink. And let’s be real, Gabe’s dog Pucks totally stole the show!

[Jessica Nicewonger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe is the most realistic book BF in the series. Literally the best Golden Retriever BF and totally the goofy goalie vibes that make him just so lovable. I also love that Dani is not afraid to stand up for self and understands that Gabe will support her and can be the Alpha-protector when SHE wants it/needs it. Great couple.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking The Ice, book 6 of the Denver Stampede series by Stephanie Kay @stephaniekayauthor.

Dani & Gabe’s book was so great! Always a fantastic book by Stephanie! Tropes: Contemporary, MF, Hockey, Golden Retriever, Fake Dating, Ex-Boyfriend Drama, Family Issues, No 3rd Act Break Up & HEA!

[Michelle Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book the dynamics between the couple is fun to read. A fun fake to real dating story that keeps you wanting to get to the end quickly and you definitely want the good guy to finish first.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed a few books in the series, but Dani and Tucks helped me find my way back!

Stephanie Kay does a great job of keeping things spicy, but does not cross over the line.

I'm going looking for my own golden retriever, strong, green flags goalie tomorrow!

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love nothing better than a man who can get a grumpy FMC to change. Gabe is the perfect man to show Dani that all goalies aren’t the same as her ex. Their faking dating brings undeniable attraction and sweet moments.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good fake dating story and this one delivers. Gabe and Dani are a good couple. I liked the way their relationship developed. The two of them fall fast. The storyline was good and I liked the characters. This was a good book I enjoyed reading.

[jennifer davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

While trying to convince an ex it is over Dani starts fake dating Gabe. From their first meet they had a lot of chemistry. These two had me turning pages and seeing what would happen. Gabe had my heart from the start, and I was rooting for him throughout the book.