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Portland Evergreens #2
Gelido come il ghiaccio (Portland Evergreens Vol. 2)
Malcolm è tutto preso dal completare gli obiettivi del suo Piano di Vita.
È riuscito a diventare un giocatore della prima linea della sua squadra di hockey, i Portland Evergreens. Ha seguito la sua lista degli obiettivi per gli ultimi quattro semestri. Sta per laurearsi in tempo ed è in procinto di diventare un professionista. Tutti passi verso il fine ultimo di diventare un volto di spicco nella NHL.
Elliot è in corsa verso la sua meta.
Il più giovane e scatenato degli attaccanti fa festa ogni sera, va a letto con chiunque respiri e a malapena frequenta le lezioni o gli allenamenti.
È un tipo irritante, ma Mal riesce a gestire le cose, finché il nuovo allenatore non insiste perché lui gli faccia da tutor per aiutarlo a superare un esame.
E finché Elliott non scopre il più grande segreto di Mal: è stato troppo impegnato a spuntare voci sulla lista delle sue aspirazioni di vita per fare sesso.
Sono fuoco e ghiaccio. Il cattivo ragazzo e il vergine. Non dovrebbero funzionare affatto. Ma più tempo passano insieme, sul ghiaccio e fuori, più la loro chimica diventa irresistibile.
E Mal desidera sempre di più qualche lezione privata con Elliott. Stavolta a letto.
Ma Elliott vuole più del solo sesso. Vuole sciogliere il gelo di Mal e convincerlo che nella vita, e in amore, c’è qualcosa di più di un piano.
È riuscito a diventare un giocatore della prima linea della sua squadra di hockey, i Portland Evergreens. Ha seguito la sua lista degli obiettivi per gli ultimi quattro semestri. Sta per laurearsi in tempo ed è in procinto di diventare un professionista. Tutti passi verso il fine ultimo di diventare un volto di spicco nella NHL.
Elliot è in corsa verso la sua meta.
Il più giovane e scatenato degli attaccanti fa festa ogni sera, va a letto con chiunque respiri e a malapena frequenta le lezioni o gli allenamenti.
È un tipo irritante, ma Mal riesce a gestire le cose, finché il nuovo allenatore non insiste perché lui gli faccia da tutor per aiutarlo a superare un esame.
E finché Elliott non scopre il più grande segreto di Mal: è stato troppo impegnato a spuntare voci sulla lista delle sue aspirazioni di vita per fare sesso.
Sono fuoco e ghiaccio. Il cattivo ragazzo e il vergine. Non dovrebbero funzionare affatto. Ma più tempo passano insieme, sul ghiaccio e fuori, più la loro chimica diventa irresistibile.
E Mal desidera sempre di più qualche lezione privata con Elliott. Stavolta a letto.
Ma Elliott vuole più del solo sesso. Vuole sciogliere il gelo di Mal e convincerlo che nella vita, e in amore, c’è qualcosa di più di un piano.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2025
408 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
77 books680 followersA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
December 29, 2024
I really, really liked Mal and Elliott together!
Mal is such a prickly little hedgehog because he's been raised by a very single minded and unemotional father, and he's struggling to figure out how to be his own person yet not disappoint his dad. He's also embarrased about being a 22 year old virgin, yet he doesn't allow himself to trust when someone might be into him so he's kind of found himself in a vicious cycle and can't figure out how to escape it. Elliott is his polar opposite, with a warm, loving and overly involved family along with the inate confidence in his own abilities...at least until it comes to statistics. Elliott also has no reservations in telling someone he's into them and then just going for what he wants, which obviously drives Mal insane but he's totally in denial as to why he's so bothered 😂
The way these two balance each other out and look out for each other was just the sweetest! Well, once they finally stopped sniping at each other after Mal didn't believe Elliott genuinely liked him when they very first met. I actually could have gone longer with them being 'enemies' but I'm just a little chaos gremlin who lives for that kind of drama 😂 Their date at the arcade was adorable though and I was quietly cheering Mal on and wanted to give him a pep talk!
I did love Ramsey being in his relationship counsellor role again, despite the man never having had a relationship himself! He's a font of romantic wisdom and I honestly can't wait until he gets his own story told at some point in the future Beth Bolden storyverse.
The only thing that stopped me rating this higher was the plot with the statistics professor. To me it felt a little off and didn't feel believable, but I did love seeing Mal fighting for Elliott to have a future. The reveal of why the professor had behaved in that way kind of left me scratching my head because it was so random and nothing about it had been mentioned even in passing. I actually would have enjoyed it more if the reason behind the professor's issues was just loathing of student athletes as they intially suspected, or even if Elliott was just genuinely bad at statistics and there wasn't an external factor at all.
I am excited to get Finn's story next, he's under so much pressure and I'm looking forward to seeing him find his self belief and someone who supports him through the stress he faces.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
Mal is such a prickly little hedgehog because he's been raised by a very single minded and unemotional father, and he's struggling to figure out how to be his own person yet not disappoint his dad. He's also embarrased about being a 22 year old virgin, yet he doesn't allow himself to trust when someone might be into him so he's kind of found himself in a vicious cycle and can't figure out how to escape it. Elliott is his polar opposite, with a warm, loving and overly involved family along with the inate confidence in his own abilities...at least until it comes to statistics. Elliott also has no reservations in telling someone he's into them and then just going for what he wants, which obviously drives Mal insane but he's totally in denial as to why he's so bothered 😂
The way these two balance each other out and look out for each other was just the sweetest! Well, once they finally stopped sniping at each other after Mal didn't believe Elliott genuinely liked him when they very first met. I actually could have gone longer with them being 'enemies' but I'm just a little chaos gremlin who lives for that kind of drama 😂 Their date at the arcade was adorable though and I was quietly cheering Mal on and wanted to give him a pep talk!
I did love Ramsey being in his relationship counsellor role again, despite the man never having had a relationship himself! He's a font of romantic wisdom and I honestly can't wait until he gets his own story told at some point in the future Beth Bolden storyverse.
The only thing that stopped me rating this higher was the plot with the statistics professor. To me it felt a little off and didn't feel believable, but I did love seeing Mal fighting for Elliott to have a future. The reveal of why the professor had behaved in that way kind of left me scratching my head because it was so random and nothing about it had been mentioned even in passing. I actually would have enjoyed it more if the reason behind the professor's issues was just loathing of student athletes as they intially suspected, or even if Elliott was just genuinely bad at statistics and there wasn't an external factor at all.
I am excited to get Finn's story next, he's under so much pressure and I'm looking forward to seeing him find his self belief and someone who supports him through the stress he faces.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
January 7, 2025
Beth delivers another solid entry in her college set ice hockey series with this frenemies to lovers and opposites' attract romance.
Both characters are compelling and have you rooting for them from the off. It's clear Mal is a product of his upbringing, with a solo Army dad doing his best but, without being overly demonstrative, it's left the 22-year-old a little closed off.
Elliott, on the other hand, is three years young, has three older sisters who shower him with love and parents who are also supportive, making him a bit of a free bird when it comes to his affections.
They've been clashing since the start and, while Elliott's had a crush on Mal since the first time he saw him, at a taster session at Portland University, it's definitely not been reciprocated, instead Mal thinks Elliot's an empty-headed wastrel.
When they're put together by their coach because Elliott's failing a statistics class and risks losing his place on the team, it becomes clear there's more to both than the other originally thought. We get a delightful realisation from Mal that Elliott's deadly serious about not only his desire to stay on the ice hockey team and make it his career, but also with his feelings for Mal.
And once Elliott realises Mal is still a virgin, well, you get a steamy hot sexual awakening in all the right ways as Mal discovers just how wonderful and intimate it can be with someone you're catching feelings for.
My one niggle with this book was the secondary plot with Elliott's professor, it just didn't really work for me because the risks involved seemed to be far too high and way too obvious for someone to get away with doing what they did, even if the reason for why it occurred was believable given America's health service situation.
I also loved seeing Ramsey getting his meddling fingers in the situation too, can't wait to finally get his romance later in Beth's expansive universe, and I'm very much looking forward to Finn's age gap/dad's best friend romance coming up next!
#ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow ARC reviews, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Both characters are compelling and have you rooting for them from the off. It's clear Mal is a product of his upbringing, with a solo Army dad doing his best but, without being overly demonstrative, it's left the 22-year-old a little closed off.
Elliott, on the other hand, is three years young, has three older sisters who shower him with love and parents who are also supportive, making him a bit of a free bird when it comes to his affections.
They've been clashing since the start and, while Elliott's had a crush on Mal since the first time he saw him, at a taster session at Portland University, it's definitely not been reciprocated, instead Mal thinks Elliot's an empty-headed wastrel.
When they're put together by their coach because Elliott's failing a statistics class and risks losing his place on the team, it becomes clear there's more to both than the other originally thought. We get a delightful realisation from Mal that Elliott's deadly serious about not only his desire to stay on the ice hockey team and make it his career, but also with his feelings for Mal.
And once Elliott realises Mal is still a virgin, well, you get a steamy hot sexual awakening in all the right ways as Mal discovers just how wonderful and intimate it can be with someone you're catching feelings for.
My one niggle with this book was the secondary plot with Elliott's professor, it just didn't really work for me because the risks involved seemed to be far too high and way too obvious for someone to get away with doing what they did, even if the reason for why it occurred was believable given America's health service situation.
I also loved seeing Ramsey getting his meddling fingers in the situation too, can't wait to finally get his romance later in Beth's expansive universe, and I'm very much looking forward to Finn's age gap/dad's best friend romance coming up next!
#ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow ARC reviews, I am voluntarily leaving a review
July 11, 2025
3.5 - 3.75⭐, maybe? Rounding it down.
This book is somewhat better written and the story better told than the first installment, but the author still completely lost me in the last 30-40%. Switching to a lot of BE (or was is just me), dialogues became a bore and the story dragged on endlessly.
Why do we need 400 pages of this? 250 would be enough. You get the most at half way in already!
🔵 Teammates
🟢 Sort of enemies to lovers
🟣 Age gap 19/22
🟡 Fuck boy/virgin (pretty good)
🟢 Too many side characters
🔵 Both gay
🌶️ More on-page sex than in the first book; more descriptive, still very fast paced; first time; oral; penetrative; both vers
Malcolm and Elliot's story was quite romantic. Elliot was checking out colleges and came to Portland U, saw Malcolm, fell head over heels, decided to come to this college and then Malcolm rejected him at the very start.
Elliot became a fuckboy, but still terribly wanted Malcolm, couldn't figure out what went wrong and why couldn't he ever hook up with him. They weren't even friends, they just played on the same team and bickered all the time, because they both had a crush on each other.
When they finally do get together it's pretty sweet, quite sexy and I honestly really liked them both. Malcolm's first times were nicely written and I could definitely feel the connection between them.
What I didn't appreciate were too many side characters and some subplots that just took up space for no damn reason whatsoever.
Malcolm and Elliot's relationship already almost reached its peak at 50%, so all that was needed was them being drafted together and going to live in Toronto, but instead of the author giving us 50 pages of that and neatly wrapping up the story, we got another almost 200 pages of boredom and some hot sex and then the quick epilogue of them being in Toronto.
The writing was definitely more worked on, we got more dialogues, but the story itself is still not readable enough, well, if you don't like this kind of writing
"You went into this with your eyes wide open. You can’t even be mad. And he wasn’t. Not really. Didn’t understand what he was feeling. But it was some kind of way."
I kept putting down the book, I could hardly make myself finish it. The second half was what completely killed the vibe. The author tried to make it passionate and really hot, but somehow it only worked to some extent
“Why you’re doing this? Why you’re . . .you’re in my space and in my mind and making it fucking impossible for me to focus. Why you’re . . .stuck in here and I can’t get you out? Why.”
You have to use your imagination a lot. At least I had to.
Malcolm and Elliot went from pretty interesting to completely boring in that second half, so at this point I'm sure the next book is going to be the same, I have a bit higher hopes for Zach and Coach's book and I'm hoping Daddy McCoy is getting his own story too.
This book is somewhat better written and the story better told than the first installment, but the author still completely lost me in the last 30-40%. Switching to a lot of BE (or was is just me), dialogues became a bore and the story dragged on endlessly.
Why do we need 400 pages of this? 250 would be enough. You get the most at half way in already!
🔵 Teammates
🟢 Sort of enemies to lovers
🟣 Age gap 19/22
🟡 Fuck boy/virgin (pretty good)
🟢 Too many side characters
🔵 Both gay
🌶️ More on-page sex than in the first book; more descriptive, still very fast paced; first time; oral; penetrative; both vers
Malcolm and Elliot's story was quite romantic. Elliot was checking out colleges and came to Portland U, saw Malcolm, fell head over heels, decided to come to this college and then Malcolm rejected him at the very start.
Elliot became a fuckboy, but still terribly wanted Malcolm, couldn't figure out what went wrong and why couldn't he ever hook up with him. They weren't even friends, they just played on the same team and bickered all the time, because they both had a crush on each other.
When they finally do get together it's pretty sweet, quite sexy and I honestly really liked them both. Malcolm's first times were nicely written and I could definitely feel the connection between them.
What I didn't appreciate were too many side characters and some subplots that just took up space for no damn reason whatsoever.
Malcolm and Elliot's relationship already almost reached its peak at 50%, so all that was needed was them being drafted together and going to live in Toronto, but instead of the author giving us 50 pages of that and neatly wrapping up the story, we got another almost 200 pages of boredom and some hot sex and then the quick epilogue of them being in Toronto.
The writing was definitely more worked on, we got more dialogues, but the story itself is still not readable enough, well, if you don't like this kind of writing
"You went into this with your eyes wide open. You can’t even be mad. And he wasn’t. Not really. Didn’t understand what he was feeling. But it was some kind of way."
I kept putting down the book, I could hardly make myself finish it. The second half was what completely killed the vibe. The author tried to make it passionate and really hot, but somehow it only worked to some extent
“Why you’re doing this? Why you’re . . .you’re in my space and in my mind and making it fucking impossible for me to focus. Why you’re . . .stuck in here and I can’t get you out? Why.”
You have to use your imagination a lot. At least I had to.
Malcolm and Elliot went from pretty interesting to completely boring in that second half, so at this point I'm sure the next book is going to be the same, I have a bit higher hopes for Zach and Coach's book and I'm hoping Daddy McCoy is getting his own story too.
May 28, 2025
A / 5 stars for the narration; B / 4 stars for the story; 4.5 stars
Cold as Ice is book two in Beth Bolden’s new series of hockey romances set at a fictional Portland University, but I didn’t feel I’d missed anything by not listening to book one, Melting the Ice: Portland Evergreens, Book 1 . I freely admit that college-age romances aren’t ones I gravitate towards, but I’ve enjoyed books by Ms. Bolden before and Darcy Stark is one of my favourite narrators, so I thought I’d give it a try – and I’m glad I did. The characters are young, yes, but they’re not dumb or wildly immature and are easy to like and root for, and their grumpy/sunshine romance is nicely done.
Malcolm McCoy is twenty-two and in his last year of college. He’s conscientious, dedicated and single-minded, a model student who has made the Dean’s List four times in a row and an exemplary hockey player who is headed to the NHL once he graduates. He’s famously even-tempered and unflappable – but there’s something about his newest linemate, Elliott Jones, that rubs him completely the wrong way. Elliott – who used to have a massive crush on Mal that was dashed when he hit on Mal and was shot down - is a hugely talented player and he could be a really great one, but he’s irresponsible, cocky, and flighty - and seems more interested in having fun and sleeping around than he is in playing hockey, which drives Mal nuts.
When the story begins, Mal and Elliott are called in to see Coach after practice, and Mal can’t help wondering if they’re about to get reamed out (again) because they’re forever sniping at each other. But Elliott is pretty sure it’s not that; he’s failing his statistics class, and if his grades don’t improve fast, he’ll lose his scholarship – and his place on the team. Mal is not at all sympathetic when he learns about this, believing Elliott to be a slacker who doesn’t take anything seriously, and when Coach asks Mal (who got an A in the subject) to tutor Elliott to help him get his grades up, he’s not happy about it. Neither of them is. Mal thinks Elliott must have been skipping classes and not doing the work; Elliott thinks Mal is a stick-in-the-mud who doesn’t know how to have fun – but they have to (reluctantly) agree on one thing; the Evergreens stand a better chance of winning the Frozen Four with Elliott on the team than without him.
Mal stipulates three sessions a week, surprised when Elliott doesn’t complain about the tutoring impinging on his partying time. But that’s not the only surprise he’s got in store; as they spend more time together getting to know each other off the ice, Mal learns there’s much more to Elliott than he’d suspected, and that he’s completely serious about staying on the team and making hockey a career. And Elliott comes to understand why Mal is so rigid and reserved, how his father’s insistence that playing hockey isn’t a real career has made him so determined to prove that he can that he hasn’t had room in his life for anything else. Not even getting laid.
Well, of course, Elliott has a solution for that ;) Sex lessons in return for statistics tutoring - it’s only fair to return the favour after all.
The enemies-to-lovers portion of the story is fairly short but is very nicely done. It’s clear from the get-go that Elliot’s constant needling of Mal is born of his desire for Mal’s attention and that Mal’s dislike of Elliot is due to frustration because he wants him badly but has decided he can’t have him. Their chemistry crackles from the minute they meet, and I liked the slow-burn aspect of their relationship, the subtle shifts in their view of each other as they get to know each other better. Mal has built a lot of walls, not only to defend himself against his father’s disapproval but also against the heartache and embarrassment he suffered when he was burned by the last guy he really liked. He’s confident on the ice and in his academic abilities, but not so much when it comes to his personal life, and there are times he continues to question Elliott’s reasons for wanting to be with him. But Elliott has the emotional intelligence to realise what Mal is doing and why and the patience to break down those walls bit by bit; he’s a few years younger than Mal, but his upbringing in a loving family with a trio of older sisters who adore him means he’s comfortable in his own skin in a way that Mal has never been. I liked the way the author shows that their very different playing styles - Mal’s planned and by the book, Elliot’s free, easy and all instinct and no preparation – actually complement each other and is often (to Mal’s annoyance sometimes) very effective. Then later, we see how they’ve begun to influence each other’s play in a very positive way and that Mal’s adoption of aspects of Elliott’s more impulsive attitude and Elliott’s improving technique and focus are turning them into an unbeatable force on the ice.
As I said at the beginning, college-set romances aren’t ones I normally seek out, but I enjoyed this one. Mal and Elliott are good for each other and while Elliott is a bit of a party-boy to start with, he grows up a fair bit during the course of the story and shows that he’s capable of dedication and commitment. I admit that I take HEAs at such relatively young ages with a pinch of salt, but this one is fairly convincing; Mal and Elliott know they have a tough road ahead of them in professional sports, but are determined to do whatever has to be done in order to make their relationship work.
There’s a secondary storyline running throughout surrounding Elliott’s problematical statistics class. It becomes clear that something hinky is going on when Elliott continues to receive poor grades although he’s putting in the work and has a far better grasp of the subject thanks to Mal. I’m not sure how plausible the plotline is, but it’s an interesting angle.
Darcy Stark has been Beth Bolden’s narrator of choice for her past few series, and I was pleased to see he’s on board for this one, too, because he’s one of my go-tos. His voice is easy on the ear and has a distinctive, slightly husky note, and his performances are always well-paced and expressive with a good range of character voices and clear differentiation. I really liked the portrayals of the two leads; Mal’s speech is considered and equanimous – unless he’s getting snarky with Elliott! - giving a clear picture of someone who keeps their impulses and emotions tightly controlled, where the higher pitch and warmer tone assigned to Elliott perfectly depict the younger man’s more outgoing, breezy nature and good humour. Their growing emotional connection comes through clearly, and the secondary cast is appropriately voiced and the characters are easy to identify in multi-person conversations.
I enjoyed listening to Cold as Ice, and plan to go back to listen to the first book and then pick up the remaining titles in the series as they appear (I’m especially intrigued by whatever is going on between Coach and Zach!) The one negative I can really offer is that the book is a bit overlong; once Mal and Elliott have fessed up and admitted they want to be together, the pacing slows and there’s a lot of filler in the second half before we find out what’s going on with the statistics class near the end. I don’t object to long books in principle – if an author needs time to develop a romance, then I’m all for it, but I’ve come to realise that long(er) books are part of Beth Bolden’s MO, which is part of the reason I’ve – so far – stuck to audio. When you enjoy listening to a particular narrator, they help you to get through the… flabbier parts of the story!
Although it could have been a bit shorter, Cold as Ice is fun, entertaining, and sexy with likeable leads and excellent narration. College-set hockey romances are two a penny these days, but this is one of the better ones and I’m happy to recommend it.
Cold as Ice is book two in Beth Bolden’s new series of hockey romances set at a fictional Portland University, but I didn’t feel I’d missed anything by not listening to book one, Melting the Ice: Portland Evergreens, Book 1 . I freely admit that college-age romances aren’t ones I gravitate towards, but I’ve enjoyed books by Ms. Bolden before and Darcy Stark is one of my favourite narrators, so I thought I’d give it a try – and I’m glad I did. The characters are young, yes, but they’re not dumb or wildly immature and are easy to like and root for, and their grumpy/sunshine romance is nicely done.
Malcolm McCoy is twenty-two and in his last year of college. He’s conscientious, dedicated and single-minded, a model student who has made the Dean’s List four times in a row and an exemplary hockey player who is headed to the NHL once he graduates. He’s famously even-tempered and unflappable – but there’s something about his newest linemate, Elliott Jones, that rubs him completely the wrong way. Elliott – who used to have a massive crush on Mal that was dashed when he hit on Mal and was shot down - is a hugely talented player and he could be a really great one, but he’s irresponsible, cocky, and flighty - and seems more interested in having fun and sleeping around than he is in playing hockey, which drives Mal nuts.
When the story begins, Mal and Elliott are called in to see Coach after practice, and Mal can’t help wondering if they’re about to get reamed out (again) because they’re forever sniping at each other. But Elliott is pretty sure it’s not that; he’s failing his statistics class, and if his grades don’t improve fast, he’ll lose his scholarship – and his place on the team. Mal is not at all sympathetic when he learns about this, believing Elliott to be a slacker who doesn’t take anything seriously, and when Coach asks Mal (who got an A in the subject) to tutor Elliott to help him get his grades up, he’s not happy about it. Neither of them is. Mal thinks Elliott must have been skipping classes and not doing the work; Elliott thinks Mal is a stick-in-the-mud who doesn’t know how to have fun – but they have to (reluctantly) agree on one thing; the Evergreens stand a better chance of winning the Frozen Four with Elliott on the team than without him.
Mal stipulates three sessions a week, surprised when Elliott doesn’t complain about the tutoring impinging on his partying time. But that’s not the only surprise he’s got in store; as they spend more time together getting to know each other off the ice, Mal learns there’s much more to Elliott than he’d suspected, and that he’s completely serious about staying on the team and making hockey a career. And Elliott comes to understand why Mal is so rigid and reserved, how his father’s insistence that playing hockey isn’t a real career has made him so determined to prove that he can that he hasn’t had room in his life for anything else. Not even getting laid.
Well, of course, Elliott has a solution for that ;) Sex lessons in return for statistics tutoring - it’s only fair to return the favour after all.
The enemies-to-lovers portion of the story is fairly short but is very nicely done. It’s clear from the get-go that Elliot’s constant needling of Mal is born of his desire for Mal’s attention and that Mal’s dislike of Elliot is due to frustration because he wants him badly but has decided he can’t have him. Their chemistry crackles from the minute they meet, and I liked the slow-burn aspect of their relationship, the subtle shifts in their view of each other as they get to know each other better. Mal has built a lot of walls, not only to defend himself against his father’s disapproval but also against the heartache and embarrassment he suffered when he was burned by the last guy he really liked. He’s confident on the ice and in his academic abilities, but not so much when it comes to his personal life, and there are times he continues to question Elliott’s reasons for wanting to be with him. But Elliott has the emotional intelligence to realise what Mal is doing and why and the patience to break down those walls bit by bit; he’s a few years younger than Mal, but his upbringing in a loving family with a trio of older sisters who adore him means he’s comfortable in his own skin in a way that Mal has never been. I liked the way the author shows that their very different playing styles - Mal’s planned and by the book, Elliot’s free, easy and all instinct and no preparation – actually complement each other and is often (to Mal’s annoyance sometimes) very effective. Then later, we see how they’ve begun to influence each other’s play in a very positive way and that Mal’s adoption of aspects of Elliott’s more impulsive attitude and Elliott’s improving technique and focus are turning them into an unbeatable force on the ice.
As I said at the beginning, college-set romances aren’t ones I normally seek out, but I enjoyed this one. Mal and Elliott are good for each other and while Elliott is a bit of a party-boy to start with, he grows up a fair bit during the course of the story and shows that he’s capable of dedication and commitment. I admit that I take HEAs at such relatively young ages with a pinch of salt, but this one is fairly convincing; Mal and Elliott know they have a tough road ahead of them in professional sports, but are determined to do whatever has to be done in order to make their relationship work.
There’s a secondary storyline running throughout surrounding Elliott’s problematical statistics class. It becomes clear that something hinky is going on when Elliott continues to receive poor grades although he’s putting in the work and has a far better grasp of the subject thanks to Mal. I’m not sure how plausible the plotline is, but it’s an interesting angle.
Darcy Stark has been Beth Bolden’s narrator of choice for her past few series, and I was pleased to see he’s on board for this one, too, because he’s one of my go-tos. His voice is easy on the ear and has a distinctive, slightly husky note, and his performances are always well-paced and expressive with a good range of character voices and clear differentiation. I really liked the portrayals of the two leads; Mal’s speech is considered and equanimous – unless he’s getting snarky with Elliott! - giving a clear picture of someone who keeps their impulses and emotions tightly controlled, where the higher pitch and warmer tone assigned to Elliott perfectly depict the younger man’s more outgoing, breezy nature and good humour. Their growing emotional connection comes through clearly, and the secondary cast is appropriately voiced and the characters are easy to identify in multi-person conversations.
I enjoyed listening to Cold as Ice, and plan to go back to listen to the first book and then pick up the remaining titles in the series as they appear (I’m especially intrigued by whatever is going on between Coach and Zach!) The one negative I can really offer is that the book is a bit overlong; once Mal and Elliott have fessed up and admitted they want to be together, the pacing slows and there’s a lot of filler in the second half before we find out what’s going on with the statistics class near the end. I don’t object to long books in principle – if an author needs time to develop a romance, then I’m all for it, but I’ve come to realise that long(er) books are part of Beth Bolden’s MO, which is part of the reason I’ve – so far – stuck to audio. When you enjoy listening to a particular narrator, they help you to get through the… flabbier parts of the story!
Although it could have been a bit shorter, Cold as Ice is fun, entertaining, and sexy with likeable leads and excellent narration. College-set hockey romances are two a penny these days, but this is one of the better ones and I’m happy to recommend it.
January 13, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: sport romance, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, teammates, first time
Cold as Ice was a highly enjoyable read - Elliott and Malcolm's story was full of sexual tension and off the charts chemistry!
Elliott and Malcolm were all clashes at the beginning, finding buttons to push and getting under each other's skin, constantly bickering. Add in a little forced proximity by tutoring, and it didn't take long before they realised that they'd rather kiss than kill each other. The sexual tension was definitely thick enough to cut in this one!
I loved the shifts in their relationship and how they slowly got to know each other off the ice. Malcolm had a lot of walls up and sometimes went back to doubting Elliott's intentions and motives, but Elliott had plenty of patience and a big soft spot for when it came to his grumpy teammate. They were honestly so sweet together and the way their story unfolded had my heart melting several times.
Their intense chemistry helped to create some really hot scenes and I liked how they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Their banter ended up being a lot of fun and it was amusing to see them trying to hide the shift in how they felt from people. I also liked seeing more of the team, they made me smile a lot, and the easy camaraderie amongst the players was great.
Cold as Ice was a great second instalment of the Portland Evergreen's series; college hockey, opposites attract, grumpy / sunshine and a lot of first times, what more could one wish for? I look forward to the coming books - Beth Bolden has me seriously intrigued by whatever is going on between Coach and Zach!
-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: sport romance, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, teammates, first time
Cold as Ice was a highly enjoyable read - Elliott and Malcolm's story was full of sexual tension and off the charts chemistry!
Elliott and Malcolm were all clashes at the beginning, finding buttons to push and getting under each other's skin, constantly bickering. Add in a little forced proximity by tutoring, and it didn't take long before they realised that they'd rather kiss than kill each other. The sexual tension was definitely thick enough to cut in this one!
I loved the shifts in their relationship and how they slowly got to know each other off the ice. Malcolm had a lot of walls up and sometimes went back to doubting Elliott's intentions and motives, but Elliott had plenty of patience and a big soft spot for when it came to his grumpy teammate. They were honestly so sweet together and the way their story unfolded had my heart melting several times.
Their intense chemistry helped to create some really hot scenes and I liked how they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Their banter ended up being a lot of fun and it was amusing to see them trying to hide the shift in how they felt from people. I also liked seeing more of the team, they made me smile a lot, and the easy camaraderie amongst the players was great.
Cold as Ice was a great second instalment of the Portland Evergreen's series; college hockey, opposites attract, grumpy / sunshine and a lot of first times, what more could one wish for? I look forward to the coming books - Beth Bolden has me seriously intrigued by whatever is going on between Coach and Zach!
-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 12, 2025
Beth Bolden at her best!
Ugh wow this series is so fucking GOOD!!!!! It’s truly Beth Bolden at her best—romantic, sophisticated, steamy, and just all out fun!
One thing I really admire and enjoy about Beth’s writing is that she truly has a voice and knows herself enough to be able to put into words all of these complex feelings and truly make the reader feel exactly what she wants them to. It’s magical and it’s bad ass as fuck to witness and also experience.
I love love looooooved Elliot and Mal. SO SO MUCH! Ugh Mal’s precious grumpy ass and Ell’s perpetually sunshine-y face! It was soooo precious how Elliot had to melt Mal and help him figure out that Elliot was exactly what he was looking for all this time. And Elliot being so gentle and making sure Mal knew he was worth it. I just…. UGH. It’s so cute.
Once again, I’m so in love with this world and am beyond excited for Finn’s book. And even Coach and Zach’s book? I hope?!?!
Ugh wow this series is so fucking GOOD!!!!! It’s truly Beth Bolden at her best—romantic, sophisticated, steamy, and just all out fun!
One thing I really admire and enjoy about Beth’s writing is that she truly has a voice and knows herself enough to be able to put into words all of these complex feelings and truly make the reader feel exactly what she wants them to. It’s magical and it’s bad ass as fuck to witness and also experience.
I love love looooooved Elliot and Mal. SO SO MUCH! Ugh Mal’s precious grumpy ass and Ell’s perpetually sunshine-y face! It was soooo precious how Elliot had to melt Mal and help him figure out that Elliot was exactly what he was looking for all this time. And Elliot being so gentle and making sure Mal knew he was worth it. I just…. UGH. It’s so cute.
Once again, I’m so in love with this world and am beyond excited for Finn’s book. And even Coach and Zach’s book? I hope?!?!
January 8, 2025
How absolutely addictive is this book 😍!! I love Elliott and Mal (that name did trip me up a couple of times hehehe - talk about immersing yourself in a plot). I just loved their chemistry - when they were antagonistic and then when they slowly started to inch their way towards each other (Elliott not so slowly - he was all in from the beginning- you could see it 🫠) I loved Elliott’s absolute belief and confidence and I loved Mal’s focus and determination. I wish he’d had softer landings in the past but I loved how he healed throughout the story.
These two were also poignantly sweet, their chemistry and banter becoming laced with tenderness. I loved how beautifully Beth Bolden shifts and transitions their relationship how everything starts feeling more emotional and deeper. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. I also really liked how she wove their dynamic on the ice into the whole relationship plot, it worked like such a lovely parallel to their building trust. Definitely recommend checking this out. It can be read as a standalone but the first book was also stellar so see if you want to give that a go too.
Expect:
* Hockey Romance
* Animosity to love
* Slow burn
* Virgin MC
* Opposites attract
* Tutoring and sexy tutoring
* Teammates
These two were also poignantly sweet, their chemistry and banter becoming laced with tenderness. I loved how beautifully Beth Bolden shifts and transitions their relationship how everything starts feeling more emotional and deeper. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. I also really liked how she wove their dynamic on the ice into the whole relationship plot, it worked like such a lovely parallel to their building trust. Definitely recommend checking this out. It can be read as a standalone but the first book was also stellar so see if you want to give that a go too.
Expect:
* Hockey Romance
* Animosity to love
* Slow burn
* Virgin MC
* Opposites attract
* Tutoring and sexy tutoring
* Teammates
January 11, 2025
Mal and Elliot were so freaking adorable! Their chemistry was off the charts and I just loved their journey to each other. Mal’s determination to keep Elliot at arms length and Elliot’s commitment to getting Mal’s attention in any form! Gah. I loved them. And when these beautiful men get together the fierce protection they for each other just melted me!
February 8, 2025
i kinda wanna say elliott didn’t even seduce malcom. malcom was just tired of feeling crazy LOL
ugh the leafs!!! i know they look so good in blue and white.
malcom’s dad seems like he could be fun, if he loosened up so like father like son.
ugh the leafs!!! i know they look so good in blue and white.
malcom’s dad seems like he could be fun, if he loosened up so like father like son.
January 10, 2025
A Gay College romance where "Frenemies" hockey teammates fall in love; with Opposites attract, Playboy x Virgin, "tutoring", games, banters, & Love!
This was freaking fun, Elliott & Malcolm grew on me. Loved'em & their dynamic! Fun, knowing friends 🤭. Devoured my #ARC in around 7hrs over 2 days.
Elliott's a sophomore; fun-loving, charming, easy-going & cocky. He's not seen a man he couldn't seduce...until Mal. El's gentle, sweet side is so cute. He's also a reader!
Malcolm's a Senior; stern & icy, stickler for rules, loyal, thoughtful. No one could break his walls or piss him off...until El. Loved Mal's blushy, caring side 😏. Mal's a math whiz 😁. He reminded me of Dean at 1st! Mal's got his reasons for being a virgin 😭.
That ch 1 was a trainwreck 🙈. Start was Slowburn with the animosity, but I LOVED the banters & clashes 🤣. Crushes, fears, rejection ...maybe taking it slow is the key, but is it worth it? Will their future suffer?
From hockey, statistics tutoring to the want, realisations, talks & truths— so fun! Did they think they can keep it casual? Hah! Love me vers couple & 'all in' 🥰 approach. They balance eachother 😍. It was pretty smooth sailing love wise, M+E did so much hidden in plain sight as it runs concurrently with book 1.
That stats Prof plot point was, holy shit. I was LOCKED in that last 30%! It's good they weren't in action movie 😂. Kinda wish they were 🙈. She was sus but reason for it all 🤭. Loved Mal fighting for El 🥰. That ending & epilogue are cute! I loved this story very much, tho I didn't get to see B+D as a couple. Ramsey is such a matchmaker, he gotta get a book!
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5❤️/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😯😅😆🤨🤭🥺😍🙈🥵😬🙌🥰😁😉😤😌😳😏❤️🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 2.25/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Frenemies, Hockey Teammates, "Tutors") 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
This was freaking fun, Elliott & Malcolm grew on me. Loved'em & their dynamic! Fun, knowing friends 🤭. Devoured my #ARC in around 7hrs over 2 days.
Elliott's a sophomore; fun-loving, charming, easy-going & cocky. He's not seen a man he couldn't seduce...until Mal. El's gentle, sweet side is so cute. He's also a reader!
Malcolm's a Senior; stern & icy, stickler for rules, loyal, thoughtful. No one could break his walls or piss him off...until El. Loved Mal's blushy, caring side 😏. Mal's a math whiz 😁. He reminded me of Dean at 1st! Mal's got his reasons for being a virgin 😭.
That ch 1 was a trainwreck 🙈. Start was Slowburn with the animosity, but I LOVED the banters & clashes 🤣. Crushes, fears, rejection ...maybe taking it slow is the key, but is it worth it? Will their future suffer?
From hockey, statistics tutoring to the want, realisations, talks & truths— so fun! Did they think they can keep it casual? Hah! Love me vers couple & 'all in' 🥰 approach. They balance eachother 😍. It was pretty smooth sailing love wise, M+E did so much hidden in plain sight as it runs concurrently with book 1.
That stats Prof plot point was, holy shit. I was LOCKED in that last 30%! It's good they weren't in action movie 😂. Kinda wish they were 🙈. She was sus but reason for it all 🤭. Loved Mal fighting for El 🥰. That ending & epilogue are cute! I loved this story very much, tho I didn't get to see B+D as a couple. Ramsey is such a matchmaker, he gotta get a book!
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5❤️/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😯😅😆🤨🤭🥺😍🙈🥵😬🙌🥰😁😉😤😌😳😏❤️🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 2.25/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Frenemies, Hockey Teammates, "Tutors") 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
April 9, 2025
Ale to była urocza historia. Zdecydowanie polubiłam obu bohaterów i kibicowałam ich związkowi od samego początku. Idealnie się uzupełniali i motywowali do rozwoju. Podobało mi się też to, że Elliott nie próbował na siłę zmieniać Mala, a tylko delikatnie popychał go do próbowania nowych rzeczy.
Ogromnie ciekawa jestem dalszych tomów tej serii - zwłaszcza intryguje mnie historia trenera drużyny, ale na nią jeszcze chwilę musimy poczekać.
Ogromnie ciekawa jestem dalszych tomów tej serii - zwłaszcza intryguje mnie historia trenera drużyny, ale na nią jeszcze chwilę musimy poczekać.
April 4, 2025
Love my hockey romances and this one was great! Enemies to lovers. Some family drama. Lots of angst with the profs. Hiding the relationship. Loved it.
November 12, 2025
I had fun with this one. A little enemies to lovers and a lot of sweetness- can't wait to find out more about Finn 🏒❤️🏒❤️🏒
January 13, 2025
Another amazing read. This author just keeps getting better and better.
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars
Cold as Ice is the second book in the Portland Evergreens series and can be read as a standalone.
Bolden brings the flavour to this college hockey romance. I absolutely fell in love with this story from the moment I began reading it and my heart did a happy dance after finishing the epilogue. MM Hockey romance is one of my favourite tropes to read and author, Beth Bolden, did a wonderful job with her storytelling to give you all the feels. I thoroughly enjoyed the team dynamics and witty dialogue and banter. From sweet romance to spicy attraction, Cold as Ice is an irresistible temptation.
Malcom and Elliott view each other as complete opposites. Mal is 22, righteous and rigid; while Elliott is 19, a playboy and carefree.
Their first meeting goes horribly wrong. Malcolm was very judgmental to begin with which made me think he was a jerk. But once I understood him better, I realised that actually Mal was loyal and protective and Elliott was really sweet and thoughtful. These two fit together perfectly, they were absolutely adorable and really complex characters who were in fact alike. Their chemistry both on the ice and in bed was incendiary!
The plot, while simple, kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the statistics teacher plot line, (and I do know a teacher who did something similar though due to different reasons).
I love the team, including the coaches. I really liked reading both their tutoring sessions and hockey games and seeing how they almost mirrored each other. Their dates were adorable 🥰! And Elliot’s sisters never failed to make me laugh.
I loved this book, it made me so ecstatic, these two worked their way into my heart! I am so excited for the next two books!
🏫 MM College Hockey romance
❤️🔥 Frenemies to lovers
🌤️ Opposites attract
🏒 Teammates
📔 Tutoring
Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
Eye-catching cover: 🌺🌺🌺🌺
Narration by Darcy Stark: 🌕🌕🌕🌕
Audiobook Review
4 stars
I’ve been continuously checking to see when the audio version would come out and it’s finally here!
I did find the first five chapters a bit tedious because both the characters were annoying me, particularly Mal. I think the audio version draws this out.
After this though, it was just as great as I remembered. I really enjoyed listening to Darcy Stark narrating Elliot and Mal’s electric story. I felt he articulated Elliot and Mal’s voices distinctly, which I loved, his voice fit their personalities perfectly. The only thing I disliked is how he portrayed Jane’s voice, it was too high pitched and sounded unnatural.
Overall, a very entertaining listen that made me smile.
Cold as Ice is the second book in the Portland Evergreens series and can be read as a standalone.
Bolden brings the flavour to this college hockey romance. I absolutely fell in love with this story from the moment I began reading it and my heart did a happy dance after finishing the epilogue. MM Hockey romance is one of my favourite tropes to read and author, Beth Bolden, did a wonderful job with her storytelling to give you all the feels. I thoroughly enjoyed the team dynamics and witty dialogue and banter. From sweet romance to spicy attraction, Cold as Ice is an irresistible temptation.
Malcom and Elliott view each other as complete opposites. Mal is 22, righteous and rigid; while Elliott is 19, a playboy and carefree.
Their first meeting goes horribly wrong. Malcolm was very judgmental to begin with which made me think he was a jerk. But once I understood him better, I realised that actually Mal was loyal and protective and Elliott was really sweet and thoughtful. These two fit together perfectly, they were absolutely adorable and really complex characters who were in fact alike. Their chemistry both on the ice and in bed was incendiary!
The plot, while simple, kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the statistics teacher plot line, (and I do know a teacher who did something similar though due to different reasons).
I love the team, including the coaches. I really liked reading both their tutoring sessions and hockey games and seeing how they almost mirrored each other. Their dates were adorable 🥰! And Elliot’s sisters never failed to make me laugh.
I loved this book, it made me so ecstatic, these two worked their way into my heart! I am so excited for the next two books!
🏫 MM College Hockey romance
❤️🔥 Frenemies to lovers
🌤️ Opposites attract
🏒 Teammates
📔 Tutoring
Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
Eye-catching cover: 🌺🌺🌺🌺
Narration by Darcy Stark: 🌕🌕🌕🌕
Audiobook Review
4 stars
I’ve been continuously checking to see when the audio version would come out and it’s finally here!
I did find the first five chapters a bit tedious because both the characters were annoying me, particularly Mal. I think the audio version draws this out.
After this though, it was just as great as I remembered. I really enjoyed listening to Darcy Stark narrating Elliot and Mal’s electric story. I felt he articulated Elliot and Mal’s voices distinctly, which I loved, his voice fit their personalities perfectly. The only thing I disliked is how he portrayed Jane’s voice, it was too high pitched and sounded unnatural.
Overall, a very entertaining listen that made me smile.
January 8, 2025
It's great to be back with the Portland Evergeens, and this time it's all about Malcolm and Elliott. Mal and Elliott are both wingers on the Evergreens hockey team and they are actually linemates. Elliott has been pining after Malcolm for a while, and when their coach asks Malcolm to tutor Elliott things start changing.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series! I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Mal and Ell, because I really loved Dean and Brody, but I fell in love with Mal and Ell! They were cute and sweet, and I was finding myself just smiling while reading this book. I loved when Elliott's sassy side came out to play. I also really enjoyed the pining, Ell wanted Malcolm's attention so much that he was willing to antagonise and rile him up for it, but his approach wasn't the best one. I'm glad Ramsey was there to nudge Ell in a different direction. Due to Malcolm's upbringing and teen years he wasn't too trusting and he was affraid that Ell was dishonest the first time they met. I was so glad when they talked about the past and Elliott put everything on the table for Malcolm. I lived that they really tried to communicate and be honest with each other. Their feelings felt really genuine and deep, and I loved getting to read about their love story. I loved their journey and how their relationship progressed, and I really enjoyed that when Malcolm went in, he went all in. It was scary for Malcolm to let his walls down, but Elliott is the perfect person to let behind his walls. I loved how they understood each other, and how this only enhanced their on ice chemistry.
This book gave me all of the fuzzy feelings that I wanted. It was sweet with a bit of angst, but everything worked out perfectly in the end. I would definitely enjoy seeing the boys 10 years down the line.
And I will leave you with my fave quote from the book: "...Promise me something?” “Anything.” Elliott’s tone was deceptively casual, but Malcolm could see how earnest he was. That he meant it. “Melt me every time I need it?” It was hard to ask, but Mal knew it would’ve been harder to ask if Elliott wasn’t the man he was. “Always,” Elliott said and relaxed back into his chest. He didn’t need to say it was a promise, because Mal felt it in every molecule.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series! I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Mal and Ell, because I really loved Dean and Brody, but I fell in love with Mal and Ell! They were cute and sweet, and I was finding myself just smiling while reading this book. I loved when Elliott's sassy side came out to play. I also really enjoyed the pining, Ell wanted Malcolm's attention so much that he was willing to antagonise and rile him up for it, but his approach wasn't the best one. I'm glad Ramsey was there to nudge Ell in a different direction. Due to Malcolm's upbringing and teen years he wasn't too trusting and he was affraid that Ell was dishonest the first time they met. I was so glad when they talked about the past and Elliott put everything on the table for Malcolm. I lived that they really tried to communicate and be honest with each other. Their feelings felt really genuine and deep, and I loved getting to read about their love story. I loved their journey and how their relationship progressed, and I really enjoyed that when Malcolm went in, he went all in. It was scary for Malcolm to let his walls down, but Elliott is the perfect person to let behind his walls. I loved how they understood each other, and how this only enhanced their on ice chemistry.
This book gave me all of the fuzzy feelings that I wanted. It was sweet with a bit of angst, but everything worked out perfectly in the end. I would definitely enjoy seeing the boys 10 years down the line.
And I will leave you with my fave quote from the book: "...Promise me something?” “Anything.” Elliott’s tone was deceptively casual, but Malcolm could see how earnest he was. That he meant it. “Melt me every time I need it?” It was hard to ask, but Mal knew it would’ve been harder to ask if Elliott wasn’t the man he was. “Always,” Elliott said and relaxed back into his chest. He didn’t need to say it was a promise, because Mal felt it in every molecule.
January 13, 2025
story of Elliott and Malcolm
This is a teammates to more hockey romance, featuring Elliott and Malcolm, and is book two in the Portland Evergreens series.
Elliott and Malcolm first met when Elliott came to Portland U for a tour and one look at Malcolm had Elliott crushing hard and signing on to play for the Evergreens. When Elliott finally starts college, he sees Malcolm again at his first party and shoots his shot but unfortunately Mal shoots him down.
Fast forward a year, and Elliott still has a massive secret crush on Malcolm but that hasn’t stopped him making a name for himself as a player around campus. It isn’t until Mal is asked to help Elliott with a class that Mal finally gives him the time of day.
This book is low angst, sweet and spicy. I swear these two give off Bert snd Ernie vibes. Mal has grown up with a strict upbringing and he is steadfast in his ethics and Elliott goes with his instincts. They clash but once they find some common ground and get to really know each other, those differences make each of them better. I kind of loved how uptight Malcolm was.
It was a good read and we got a glimpse into Finn, can’t wait to read his book next but we have to wait till April 2025.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college hockey romance
Low angst
Teammates to more
Virgin x Playboy
Opposites attract
Forced proximity
Crushing hard
Denying feelings
S*x tutoring
Calls him honey
Spicy times
Secret relationship
All in
HEA
This is a teammates to more hockey romance, featuring Elliott and Malcolm, and is book two in the Portland Evergreens series.
Elliott and Malcolm first met when Elliott came to Portland U for a tour and one look at Malcolm had Elliott crushing hard and signing on to play for the Evergreens. When Elliott finally starts college, he sees Malcolm again at his first party and shoots his shot but unfortunately Mal shoots him down.
Fast forward a year, and Elliott still has a massive secret crush on Malcolm but that hasn’t stopped him making a name for himself as a player around campus. It isn’t until Mal is asked to help Elliott with a class that Mal finally gives him the time of day.
This book is low angst, sweet and spicy. I swear these two give off Bert snd Ernie vibes. Mal has grown up with a strict upbringing and he is steadfast in his ethics and Elliott goes with his instincts. They clash but once they find some common ground and get to really know each other, those differences make each of them better. I kind of loved how uptight Malcolm was.
It was a good read and we got a glimpse into Finn, can’t wait to read his book next but we have to wait till April 2025.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college hockey romance
Low angst
Teammates to more
Virgin x Playboy
Opposites attract
Forced proximity
Crushing hard
Denying feelings
S*x tutoring
Calls him honey
Spicy times
Secret relationship
All in
HEA
January 16, 2025
3.5 stars
Second book in the Portland Evergrren series, this is the story between Malcolm and Elliott, teammates in the hockey team.
Elliott has always been interested in Mal, but Mal rejected him because he was still scarred by a previous bad experience. During the second year they play together, they have the chance to get close and too see each other with different eyes. They also find out they have a strong chemistry and, once they let go of their animosity (but not of their banter), they're also great on the ice.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
it seemed that Elliott has always been in lust with Mal, that he wanted just hookup (which is totally fine seeing his age), I couldn't really picture him in love.
Also, Ramsey and other teammates pushing him to "melt" Mal wasn't much better. I don't know, but I had the vibes Mal was just a conquest.
The last chapters are good and I liked the epilogue very much.
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
Second book in the Portland Evergrren series, this is the story between Malcolm and Elliott, teammates in the hockey team.
Elliott has always been interested in Mal, but Mal rejected him because he was still scarred by a previous bad experience. During the second year they play together, they have the chance to get close and too see each other with different eyes. They also find out they have a strong chemistry and, once they let go of their animosity (but not of their banter), they're also great on the ice.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
it seemed that Elliott has always been in lust with Mal, that he wanted just hookup (which is totally fine seeing his age), I couldn't really picture him in love.
Also, Ramsey and other teammates pushing him to "melt" Mal wasn't much better. I don't know, but I had the vibes Mal was just a conquest.
The last chapters are good and I liked the epilogue very much.
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
January 2, 2026
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Ho letto con vero piacere questo secondo volume della serie “Portland Evergreens”, con due compagni di squadra che sembrano incompatibili fino a quando non succede il contrario, sotto agli occhi più o meno stupiti di compagni e allenatori.
Mal è il classico ragazzo d’oro, tutto dedito allo studio e al suo futuro: è preciso, puntuale, affidabile. Cresciuto da un padre militare, è poco abituato a gestire gesti affettuosi o espansivi, sa invece cosa siano la disciplina e l’abnegazione. Per questo si fida poco di Elliott, che considera un farfallone impenitente e poco serio, ma per il quale prova suo malgrado un’attrazione.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Ho letto con vero piacere questo secondo volume della serie “Portland Evergreens”, con due compagni di squadra che sembrano incompatibili fino a quando non succede il contrario, sotto agli occhi più o meno stupiti di compagni e allenatori.
Mal è il classico ragazzo d’oro, tutto dedito allo studio e al suo futuro: è preciso, puntuale, affidabile. Cresciuto da un padre militare, è poco abituato a gestire gesti affettuosi o espansivi, sa invece cosa siano la disciplina e l’abnegazione. Per questo si fida poco di Elliott, che considera un farfallone impenitente e poco serio, ma per il quale prova suo malgrado un’attrazione.
Continua sul nostro blog!
March 25, 2025
This is the second book in the Portland Evergreen college hockey series. This is a grumpy/sunshine story. Mal has grown up with his military father and has always been very structured with everything in his life and he has sort of forgotten to live his life too. Teammate Elliott has always had a thing for Mal but never thought he would get a chance with Mal but when he is failing his statistics course their coach asks Mal to tutor Elliot. It's a bumpy journey but Elliot is slowly getting Mal to open up and there's a clear attraction between them but a deep connection too. I loved how supportive they were of each other but I also loved all the side characters. I really enjoyed following their love story.
December 29, 2024
Elliot knew he was in trouble the moment he saw Malcolm. There was something about him that grabbed his attention and he just never could shake it. So much so that it ended up being a contributing factor to when he selected his university to play hockey at. But when the time came to turn up the charm and flirt with Malcolm, well, Elliot struck out. Apparently all his skills when it comes to flirting just went over Malcolm’s head and breaking down that icy exterior wouldn’t be easy. But a year later, they are gonna have to learn to work together being on the same line. And amazingly, they do, despite their different styles. But their bickering has remained. Elliot can’t help himself when it comes to pushing Malcolm’s buttons. And Malcolm being known for being pretty icy, seems to find his temper around Elliot. Malcolm never wanted to be another notch on Elliot’s bedpost. He thought he dodged a bullet when Elliot hit on him and he declined. Based on his past, Malcolm just can’t seem to get out of his head when it comes to guys. But things are changing lately. Especially when Coach needs Malcolm to tutor Elliot in statistics or risk Elliot getting kicked off the team. Malcolm didn’t want to be distracted by Elliot but being forced to interact more, he is beginning to see another side to Elliot. One that makes him want to let go just a bit. And for Elliot, he never stopped having feelings for Malcolm. Perhaps it is time to be vulnerable and show Malcolm all of him. I loved these guys! Their dynamic banter were great. They were opposites in so many ways, but they really did balance one another out. There was just so much more going on with both of them and it made them all the more interesting. And it was so much more satisfying when they finally got together and let themselves feel something so real. Another great addition to this series! And I’m so excited for the next two!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2025
Malcolm and Elliott get along, but it's just enough to be decent in the hockey rink. Elliott likes to get under Mal's skin and wants to get in his pants. But Mal's cold upbringing from his stern military father gives him a shell that's hard to break, but Ell does his darndest to try. His advances are met with grumpy words and furrowed brows, and Mal wishes Ell would take life seriously.
The way Ell is able to break through Mal's shell is sweet, with gestures of kindness and food and an offer to help Mal with his sex life...or lack thereof. When they realize they like each other and can get along without getting snippy with each other, their chemistry is off the charts, and even their teamwork on the ice improves.
My only criticism is that I wish we had known sooner in the novel why Mal was the way he was, why he was so sheltered, and why his love life was non-existent. I think this would have given better insight into Mal, but Beth's revelation of the source of Mal's discontent fit well with the overall story arc.
Overall, I enjoyed Mal and Ell's story, and the bonus cameo by a certain Drag Queen was the icing on the Enemies to Lovers cake.
The way Ell is able to break through Mal's shell is sweet, with gestures of kindness and food and an offer to help Mal with his sex life...or lack thereof. When they realize they like each other and can get along without getting snippy with each other, their chemistry is off the charts, and even their teamwork on the ice improves.
My only criticism is that I wish we had known sooner in the novel why Mal was the way he was, why he was so sheltered, and why his love life was non-existent. I think this would have given better insight into Mal, but Beth's revelation of the source of Mal's discontent fit well with the overall story arc.
Overall, I enjoyed Mal and Ell's story, and the bonus cameo by a certain Drag Queen was the icing on the Enemies to Lovers cake.
March 18, 2025
Compelling and fast paced
This is a great enemies to friends to lovers story with opposites attract and all the spice you've come to love from Ms Bolden!
I loved Elliott and Mal. They are polar opposites but bring out the best in each other when their pride and egos are removed. All these characters are dynamic and intriguing. I love the whole team and Beth is great at teasing and dropping hints here and there of other characters and their stories. Although I'm really keen to find out more about Ramsey or see him meet his match.
Very hockey forward which is good but can be hard when I know nothing about it.
Beautiful characters, lovely story and heart felt moments to balance out the spice, hockey, arguing and other stuff. It's all enjoyable and the ending is all you could want!!
This is a great enemies to friends to lovers story with opposites attract and all the spice you've come to love from Ms Bolden!
I loved Elliott and Mal. They are polar opposites but bring out the best in each other when their pride and egos are removed. All these characters are dynamic and intriguing. I love the whole team and Beth is great at teasing and dropping hints here and there of other characters and their stories. Although I'm really keen to find out more about Ramsey or see him meet his match.
Very hockey forward which is good but can be hard when I know nothing about it.
Beautiful characters, lovely story and heart felt moments to balance out the spice, hockey, arguing and other stuff. It's all enjoyable and the ending is all you could want!!
December 16, 2025
Adorable couple, fun dynamics and no third act breakup??? Insane.
But also the plot lagged at times, the university conflict plotline wasn’t very good and there were a little too many smutty scenes to my taste? I hate the « he makes my dick flutter » kind of narration… but on the other hand I really liked them as a couple, loved the open communication and the relative lack of drama once they got together. That’s quite rare and i love it!
Also x2… being a 22 yo virgin is not the unspeakable torture this book makes it out to be, LOL
But also the plot lagged at times, the university conflict plotline wasn’t very good and there were a little too many smutty scenes to my taste? I hate the « he makes my dick flutter » kind of narration… but on the other hand I really liked them as a couple, loved the open communication and the relative lack of drama once they got together. That’s quite rare and i love it!
Also x2… being a 22 yo virgin is not the unspeakable torture this book makes it out to be, LOL
January 13, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Malcolm and Elliott’s story after meeting them in Melting the Ice, but this story definitely exceeded my expectations!
Malcolm McCoy and Elliott Jones couldn’t be more opposite - Mal is reserved, calculating, controlled, practiced and Elliott is outspoken, impulsive and a little wild…they get on each other’s nerves more often than not, but that annoyance is masking their attraction. When Elliott’s school troubles bring them together off the ice, they start to realize that they don’t really hate each other after all. Mal tutors Elliott in math and Elliott shows Mal the ropes when it comes to relationships. While it starts out as fun, it quickly turns into more when they realize the line between hate and love is incredibly thin.
Their opposite personalities clash in some ways, but complement each other in many more so it makes things fun both on and off the ice. Not only do they play the best hockey they ever have together but they also become each other’s biggest champion and supporter, getting them out of tough spots and showing them what’s really important while also setting themselves up for a future playing professional hockey together.
I’m excited to read Finn’s story next, but I’m really dying for Zack and Coach’s story…can’t wait to get my hands on that!
Malcolm McCoy and Elliott Jones couldn’t be more opposite - Mal is reserved, calculating, controlled, practiced and Elliott is outspoken, impulsive and a little wild…they get on each other’s nerves more often than not, but that annoyance is masking their attraction. When Elliott’s school troubles bring them together off the ice, they start to realize that they don’t really hate each other after all. Mal tutors Elliott in math and Elliott shows Mal the ropes when it comes to relationships. While it starts out as fun, it quickly turns into more when they realize the line between hate and love is incredibly thin.
Their opposite personalities clash in some ways, but complement each other in many more so it makes things fun both on and off the ice. Not only do they play the best hockey they ever have together but they also become each other’s biggest champion and supporter, getting them out of tough spots and showing them what’s really important while also setting themselves up for a future playing professional hockey together.
I’m excited to read Finn’s story next, but I’m really dying for Zack and Coach’s story…can’t wait to get my hands on that!
January 8, 2025
MM
Third person
Hockey romance
New adult
Grumpy/sunshine
Teammates to lovers
Rating: 3/5 - I enjoyed this book but it isn't one I will reread
🌶️: 4/5 - there were more than a handful of explicit intimate scenes
🏒: 4/5 - there was a good amount of hockey in this one
TLDR: Fun opposites attract story
I love the grumpy sunshine/opposites attract aspects of this book. It was a lot of fun. The verbal sparring was a good time. The small B plot was interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is a long book. It took me a while to get through this. There is a lot of narrative in the middle of conversations so I would lose track of the conversation and need to reread bits. I think that writing choice just may not work for me.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Beth Bolden's writing style in the past.
Thank you to the author and Gray's Promotions for the advanced review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Third person
Hockey romance
New adult
Grumpy/sunshine
Teammates to lovers
Rating: 3/5 - I enjoyed this book but it isn't one I will reread
🌶️: 4/5 - there were more than a handful of explicit intimate scenes
🏒: 4/5 - there was a good amount of hockey in this one
TLDR: Fun opposites attract story
I love the grumpy sunshine/opposites attract aspects of this book. It was a lot of fun. The verbal sparring was a good time. The small B plot was interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is a long book. It took me a while to get through this. There is a lot of narrative in the middle of conversations so I would lose track of the conversation and need to reread bits. I think that writing choice just may not work for me.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Beth Bolden's writing style in the past.
Thank you to the author and Gray's Promotions for the advanced review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
January 9, 2025
4,5⭐️
That book was exactly what I was expecting and even better, I really loved the dynamic between Elliot and Mal, they’re so different and at the same time, they just go so well together. I had a lot of fun while reading, it’s the kind of book that you know you’re gonna enjoy and be relaxed.
Elliot had his eyes on Mal since the first time he saw him, but faced with a glace wall, he kind of changed tactics and did everything to raise him up. After a year of harsh banter between the two, the tension is up to chart and it’s the beginning of study session that will allow them to truly discover who the other one is.
Everything in Elliot’s attitude rubs Mal the wrong way, he’s too loud, too impulsive and too many other things that don’t go well with him. But since he started to tutor him, he realises that they’re other side to Elliot and that he really is attractive.
When cold becomes fire, these two are doing it their way !
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Neonrainbow Arc Reviews, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
That book was exactly what I was expecting and even better, I really loved the dynamic between Elliot and Mal, they’re so different and at the same time, they just go so well together. I had a lot of fun while reading, it’s the kind of book that you know you’re gonna enjoy and be relaxed.
Elliot had his eyes on Mal since the first time he saw him, but faced with a glace wall, he kind of changed tactics and did everything to raise him up. After a year of harsh banter between the two, the tension is up to chart and it’s the beginning of study session that will allow them to truly discover who the other one is.
Everything in Elliot’s attitude rubs Mal the wrong way, he’s too loud, too impulsive and too many other things that don’t go well with him. But since he started to tutor him, he realises that they’re other side to Elliot and that he really is attractive.
When cold becomes fire, these two are doing it their way !
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Neonrainbow Arc Reviews, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
April 15, 2025
probably a reread. Not a huge fan of college romance but yes a huge fan of hockey romance and I want to read one of the not yet published ones in this series. I like this author a lot.
January 9, 2025
It's official - Beth Bolden is unable to write a book I wouldn't like. This was a great story. The flow of it was perfect, I basically read it whole in one day, because I didn't even notice how the pages were turning. It was fun to watch Ell and Mal go at it, first when they didn't like each other and then when they actually did. I'm really enjoying this series and I can't wait for the next book!! 🩷🥳
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