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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This
Kodiak Northerly thought football was his ticket to freedom—the only way to outrun the life he was destined for. Drafted into the big leagues, he finally gets everything he wanted. The problem? He’s a polar bear shifter sweltering in the Arizona sun, haunted by memories of the snowy Christmas town he left behind. For the first time, Kodi wonders if chasing his dream meant losing the place—and the people—that truly made him whole.
Anya Greene built her life on structure and ice. Hockey was her escape, her purpose, and the one thing that never let her down… until it did. Passed over for the draft, her carefully ordered future shatters. With no plan B, she’s left adrift—until her path collides with a world that shouldn't exist. Suddenly, the girl who lived by discipline is pulled into holiday magic, a man who defies logic, and a revelation that could change everything she thought she knew about love, family, and where she belongs.
Anya Greene built her life on structure and ice. Hockey was her escape, her purpose, and the one thing that never let her down… until it did. Passed over for the draft, her carefully ordered future shatters. With no plan B, she’s left adrift—until her path collides with a world that shouldn't exist. Suddenly, the girl who lived by discipline is pulled into holiday magic, a man who defies logic, and a revelation that could change everything she thought she knew about love, family, and where she belongs.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
22 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
November 22, 2025
Okay...I'm OBSESSED 😍🐻❄❄️🏒🏈
First of all, finished this in a day. second, THIS STORY AND THE CHARACTERS ARE ALL SO CUTE. I gasped when it ended. There is no way that that was the end. I need MORE. So much more. This made my little holiday siren heart sing. I loved every single moment of this and even sent an excited voice memo to Izzy 😅 Sorry for that.
"Christmas...I pucking love it. The lights, the atmosphere, the magic, the family, the songs. I love it all"
I love Carrie and need her to be the main character in book 2 when she comes to visit them in Alaska hopefully where she finally gets her moment to shine and find some burly dude in town who turns out to be her mate.
"Death by dick would be the way to go though" Oh 🤭
I've also only ever read hockey romances, so it was really cool that Kody played football and Anya played hockey. It was a cute dynamic and I loved that it wasn't the main focus of the story. Their relationship is adorable and I want to see when they go back to finish college and then move to Alaska.
🌶 The spice was also perfect 👌 Just the right amount. Here's my fave line: "But also, that thing is huge. Not like crazy romance novel long, but the girth is girthing" 😂🌶
THIS STORY CANNOT END WHERE IT DID. I simply cannot accept that 😂
Thank you SO much for the ARC, this was PUCKING INCREDIBLE.
First of all, finished this in a day. second, THIS STORY AND THE CHARACTERS ARE ALL SO CUTE. I gasped when it ended. There is no way that that was the end. I need MORE. So much more. This made my little holiday siren heart sing. I loved every single moment of this and even sent an excited voice memo to Izzy 😅 Sorry for that.
"Christmas...I pucking love it. The lights, the atmosphere, the magic, the family, the songs. I love it all"
I love Carrie and need her to be the main character in book 2 when she comes to visit them in Alaska hopefully where she finally gets her moment to shine and find some burly dude in town who turns out to be her mate.
"Death by dick would be the way to go though" Oh 🤭
I've also only ever read hockey romances, so it was really cool that Kody played football and Anya played hockey. It was a cute dynamic and I loved that it wasn't the main focus of the story. Their relationship is adorable and I want to see when they go back to finish college and then move to Alaska.
🌶 The spice was also perfect 👌 Just the right amount. Here's my fave line: "But also, that thing is huge. Not like crazy romance novel long, but the girth is girthing" 😂🌶
THIS STORY CANNOT END WHERE IT DID. I simply cannot accept that 😂
Thank you SO much for the ARC, this was PUCKING INCREDIBLE.
November 26, 2025
It's beginning to look a lot like puck this, a fated mates, shifter, sports romance
I thought this was a fun mix of a shifter and sports romance. I really enjoyed the shifter/sports world that the author created (won't give away how it works!). The FMC Anya, doesn't have time for love, as she has dedicated her time to hockey, but has been denied for the professional hockey draft. Finishing up her last year of college, she has no idea what she will do with her life now. Then MMC Kodi Northerly, comes barreling into Anya's life, very unexpectedly. While she has this weird pull towards Kodi, she doesn't know why. Nor does she know he is a polar bear shifter!
How amazing would it be to find out that us humans are just living amongst shifters, and don't even know it? I have honestly had a couple of dogs that I am convinced were not dogs, so maybe in our world we just have secret spy animals instead of shifters haha. Poor Kodi, being drafted to an Arizona football team! For regular humans Arizona is sweltering and unbearable, I cannot imagine a polar bear who prefers ice and snow. It also made me laugh a bit that the polar bear shifter was the football player, and Anya the hockey player, when it seems a polar bear would be a perfect hockey player.
I also enjoyed that this wasn't purely a "hockey" romance, even though the title would semi-suggest that. While most of the story takes place in Arizona, they do end up in a much cooler climate, that just screams Christmas, and gives all the cozy vibes for a holiday romance. The side characters are also amazing, Kodi's parents, Carrie, and Mars.
The ending...it feels like there will be a continuation! I enjoyed this holiday, shifter, sports romance, and look forward to the next book in the series.
Some fav quotes:
"The obscenely large man stirs a bit. He lifts his head, his eyes looking confused like when you nap too hard and forget your entire life for a minute upon waking. He's beautiful."
"It's exhilarating and terrifying and I realize that the world around me smells oddly like warm gingerbread cookies."
"His shorts are tented, and judging from what I can see, he's more than well endowed. I can't help the sudden increase in my saliva, and it takes a conscious effort to keep from drooling at the sight."
"I can't imagine it's easy to understand, coming from living a human life to finding out your boyfriend can turn into a polar bear."
"Death by dick would be the way to go though."
"But also, that thing is huge. Not like crazy romance novel long, but the girth is girthing."
"I don't know how she does it. Everything she makes is the best thing I've ever had, and I'm worried the food of mere mortals back in Arizona won't be able to satisfy me anymore."
Thank you so much to the author and Grey's promo for a copy of this book!
I thought this was a fun mix of a shifter and sports romance. I really enjoyed the shifter/sports world that the author created (won't give away how it works!). The FMC Anya, doesn't have time for love, as she has dedicated her time to hockey, but has been denied for the professional hockey draft. Finishing up her last year of college, she has no idea what she will do with her life now. Then MMC Kodi Northerly, comes barreling into Anya's life, very unexpectedly. While she has this weird pull towards Kodi, she doesn't know why. Nor does she know he is a polar bear shifter!
How amazing would it be to find out that us humans are just living amongst shifters, and don't even know it? I have honestly had a couple of dogs that I am convinced were not dogs, so maybe in our world we just have secret spy animals instead of shifters haha. Poor Kodi, being drafted to an Arizona football team! For regular humans Arizona is sweltering and unbearable, I cannot imagine a polar bear who prefers ice and snow. It also made me laugh a bit that the polar bear shifter was the football player, and Anya the hockey player, when it seems a polar bear would be a perfect hockey player.
I also enjoyed that this wasn't purely a "hockey" romance, even though the title would semi-suggest that. While most of the story takes place in Arizona, they do end up in a much cooler climate, that just screams Christmas, and gives all the cozy vibes for a holiday romance. The side characters are also amazing, Kodi's parents, Carrie, and Mars.
The ending...it feels like there will be a continuation! I enjoyed this holiday, shifter, sports romance, and look forward to the next book in the series.
Some fav quotes:
"The obscenely large man stirs a bit. He lifts his head, his eyes looking confused like when you nap too hard and forget your entire life for a minute upon waking. He's beautiful."
"It's exhilarating and terrifying and I realize that the world around me smells oddly like warm gingerbread cookies."
"His shorts are tented, and judging from what I can see, he's more than well endowed. I can't help the sudden increase in my saliva, and it takes a conscious effort to keep from drooling at the sight."
"I can't imagine it's easy to understand, coming from living a human life to finding out your boyfriend can turn into a polar bear."
"Death by dick would be the way to go though."
"But also, that thing is huge. Not like crazy romance novel long, but the girth is girthing."
"I don't know how she does it. Everything she makes is the best thing I've ever had, and I'm worried the food of mere mortals back in Arizona won't be able to satisfy me anymore."
Thank you so much to the author and Grey's promo for a copy of this book!
November 25, 2025
Englist first, Dutch second!
Warmth, Love, and Shifters in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This'
Polar bear shifter Kodiak Northerly has fled the North Pole and ended up in sunny Arizona. There, he plays for the Phoenix Rays, the state’s professional football team. Anya Greene finds her grounding on the ice; ice hockey is the one thing that has never let her down. When Kodi and Anya meet, something bigger than either of them expected begins to unfold: a story about love, family, and the true Christmas spirit. Their encounter brings not only romance, but also personal growth; Kodiak learns to let go, and Anya dares to be vulnerable.
Izzy Elliot’s writing style is exceptionally pleasant and flows beautifully. She focuses strongly on the emotions of her characters, giving the story a warm, cozy atmosphere. Elliot blends the everyday world with subtle supernatural elements, making it easy for readers without a fantasy preference to enjoy the story. The characters are believable and naturally develop alongside the themes Elliot explores.
The atmosphere in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This' is romantic, festive, and filled with humor and a touch of sadness. From snow-covered rooftops to cozy family gatherings, Elliot captures the Christmas spirit in a warm and relatable way. It contains all the elements a true cozy Christmas romance should have: warmth, magic, a sense of family, and a hint of tension.
Those looking for a Christmas romance with shifters, sports elements, and the charm of a small town will find much to enjoy in this story. Fans of heartwarming Christmas tales with shifters and romance will also love books like 'Christmas at Frostbite Lake' by Sarah Morgan, 'The Holiday Heist' by Julia London, 'A Very Viking Christmas' by Audrey Carlan, and 'Snowbound with the Alpha' by L.J. Shen.
At the end of the book, Izzy Elliot asks readers if they would like to see more adventures featuring Kodiak and Anya, a follow-up that will surely be eagerly anticipated.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and Izzy Elliot for this eARC, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
***Dutch***
Warmte, liefde en shifters in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This'
De polar bear shifter Kodiak Northerly ontvlucht de North Pole en belandt in het zonovergoten Arizona. Daar speelt hij voor The Phoenix Rays, het professionele footballteam van de staat. Anya Greene vindt haar houvast op het ijs; ijshockey is het enige dat haar nooit in de steek heeft gelaten. Wanneer Kodi en Anya elkaar ontmoeten ontstaat er iets dat groter is dan beiden hadden verwacht: een verhaal over liefde, familie en het ware kerstgevoel. Hun ontmoeting zorgt niet alleen voor romantiek, maar ook voor persoonlijke groei; Kodiak leert loslaten en Anya durft zich kwetsbaar op te stellen.
De schrijfstijl van Izzy Elliot is bijzonder prettig en leest heerlijk weg. De focus ligt sterk op de emoties van de personages, waardoor het verhaal een warme, cozy sfeer krijgt. Elliot combineert de alledaagse wereld met subtiele bovennatuurlijke elementen, op zo’n manier dat ook lezers zonder fantasy-voorkeur zich er moeiteloos in kunnen vinden. De personages zijn geloofwaardig en groeien gedurende het verhaal op een natuurlijke manier mee met de thema’s die Elliot aanraakt.
De sfeer in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This' is romantisch, kerstig en gevuld met humor en een vleugje verdriet. Van sneeuwbedekte daken tot knusse familiebijeenkomsten: Elliot weet het kerstgevoel op een warme, herkenbare manier over te brengen. Het bevat alle elementen die een echte cozy kerstroman nodig heeft: warmte, magie, familiegevoel en een vleugje spanning.
Wie op zoek is naar een kerstromance met shifters, sportinvloeden en de charme van een klein dorpje, zal aan dit verhaal veel plezier beleven. Fans van warme kerstverhalen met shifters en romantiek zullen ook genieten van boeken zoals 'Christmas at Frostbite Lake' van Sarah Morgan, 'The Holiday Heist' van Julia London, 'A Very Viking Christmas' van Audrey Carlan en 'Snowbound with the Alpha' van L.J. Shen.
Aan het einde van het boek stelt Izzy Elliot de vraag of lezers meer avonturen willen zien van Kodiak en Anya, en dat vervolg wordt met veel interesse tegemoet gezien.
Warmth, Love, and Shifters in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This'
Polar bear shifter Kodiak Northerly has fled the North Pole and ended up in sunny Arizona. There, he plays for the Phoenix Rays, the state’s professional football team. Anya Greene finds her grounding on the ice; ice hockey is the one thing that has never let her down. When Kodi and Anya meet, something bigger than either of them expected begins to unfold: a story about love, family, and the true Christmas spirit. Their encounter brings not only romance, but also personal growth; Kodiak learns to let go, and Anya dares to be vulnerable.
Izzy Elliot’s writing style is exceptionally pleasant and flows beautifully. She focuses strongly on the emotions of her characters, giving the story a warm, cozy atmosphere. Elliot blends the everyday world with subtle supernatural elements, making it easy for readers without a fantasy preference to enjoy the story. The characters are believable and naturally develop alongside the themes Elliot explores.
The atmosphere in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This' is romantic, festive, and filled with humor and a touch of sadness. From snow-covered rooftops to cozy family gatherings, Elliot captures the Christmas spirit in a warm and relatable way. It contains all the elements a true cozy Christmas romance should have: warmth, magic, a sense of family, and a hint of tension.
Those looking for a Christmas romance with shifters, sports elements, and the charm of a small town will find much to enjoy in this story. Fans of heartwarming Christmas tales with shifters and romance will also love books like 'Christmas at Frostbite Lake' by Sarah Morgan, 'The Holiday Heist' by Julia London, 'A Very Viking Christmas' by Audrey Carlan, and 'Snowbound with the Alpha' by L.J. Shen.
At the end of the book, Izzy Elliot asks readers if they would like to see more adventures featuring Kodiak and Anya, a follow-up that will surely be eagerly anticipated.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and Izzy Elliot for this eARC, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
***Dutch***
Warmte, liefde en shifters in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This'
De polar bear shifter Kodiak Northerly ontvlucht de North Pole en belandt in het zonovergoten Arizona. Daar speelt hij voor The Phoenix Rays, het professionele footballteam van de staat. Anya Greene vindt haar houvast op het ijs; ijshockey is het enige dat haar nooit in de steek heeft gelaten. Wanneer Kodi en Anya elkaar ontmoeten ontstaat er iets dat groter is dan beiden hadden verwacht: een verhaal over liefde, familie en het ware kerstgevoel. Hun ontmoeting zorgt niet alleen voor romantiek, maar ook voor persoonlijke groei; Kodiak leert loslaten en Anya durft zich kwetsbaar op te stellen.
De schrijfstijl van Izzy Elliot is bijzonder prettig en leest heerlijk weg. De focus ligt sterk op de emoties van de personages, waardoor het verhaal een warme, cozy sfeer krijgt. Elliot combineert de alledaagse wereld met subtiele bovennatuurlijke elementen, op zo’n manier dat ook lezers zonder fantasy-voorkeur zich er moeiteloos in kunnen vinden. De personages zijn geloofwaardig en groeien gedurende het verhaal op een natuurlijke manier mee met de thema’s die Elliot aanraakt.
De sfeer in 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This' is romantisch, kerstig en gevuld met humor en een vleugje verdriet. Van sneeuwbedekte daken tot knusse familiebijeenkomsten: Elliot weet het kerstgevoel op een warme, herkenbare manier over te brengen. Het bevat alle elementen die een echte cozy kerstroman nodig heeft: warmte, magie, familiegevoel en een vleugje spanning.
Wie op zoek is naar een kerstromance met shifters, sportinvloeden en de charme van een klein dorpje, zal aan dit verhaal veel plezier beleven. Fans van warme kerstverhalen met shifters en romantiek zullen ook genieten van boeken zoals 'Christmas at Frostbite Lake' van Sarah Morgan, 'The Holiday Heist' van Julia London, 'A Very Viking Christmas' van Audrey Carlan en 'Snowbound with the Alpha' van L.J. Shen.
Aan het einde van het boek stelt Izzy Elliot de vraag of lezers meer avonturen willen zien van Kodiak en Anya, en dat vervolg wordt met veel interesse tegemoet gezien.
December 2, 2025
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This by Izzy Elliott has such a unique lyrical prose that really consumes every fiber of your heart, it is the perfect read for the holiday season complete with a full cast of well-drawn characters and a hint of spice, this starts with a vivid heart on the first page, Kodiak Northerly rushes through the Arizona heat with the restless nature of a guy who understands he gave up comfort for ambition, and the drama of his mental tug-of-war is downright intoxicating, every time he spends missing snow is nearly proprioceptive, as if the chilly ache seeps into your bones! Then Anya arrives, she is sharp, disciplined, and emotionally starved, and the entire scene adjusts into something remarkably more stunning than a usual festive setting, their meeting on the ice unfolds with stunning fierceness, and their banter was adorable, electrifying and I loved it so much!
.
Anya's calm exclusion from everyone around her makes for a riveting contrast against Kodi's friendliness, and the book manages this contrast with gripping attention to detail, she moves through life with the sharpness of someone who has never had the opportunity to soften, and seeing her crumbling around Kodi is somewhat addictive! Kodi brings an easy poise that softens her edges without overloading her. Their talks are delivered with stunning honesty, making you want to sit with their responses and read them twice. Watching Anya find love, affection, and an unexpected sense of belonging is an incredible emotional achievement, Izzy crafts their love story in a really original poignancy that every sentence just melts their relationship and I was on the edge of my seat throughout every page!
.
The holiday magic smacks with amazing sweetness, and the entire novel seems addictive. Kodi's quest to teach Anya what love truly looks like leads to an absorbing emotional heart that carries through each chapter, the found family links broaden the plot, delivering a lively lift that furthers Anya's journey from isolation to acceptance! The suspense in their blossoming connection is internal, a delicate fear of losing something good once you have it, reading of Anya embracing joy trust, and connection becomes completely delicious, by the end, the writing settles into a beautiful lyrical prose that feels accomplished and enormously thrilling, it's a fun Christmas romance with enough heat, heart, and crazy spark to make you want to reread it the moment you finish!
.
Anya's calm exclusion from everyone around her makes for a riveting contrast against Kodi's friendliness, and the book manages this contrast with gripping attention to detail, she moves through life with the sharpness of someone who has never had the opportunity to soften, and seeing her crumbling around Kodi is somewhat addictive! Kodi brings an easy poise that softens her edges without overloading her. Their talks are delivered with stunning honesty, making you want to sit with their responses and read them twice. Watching Anya find love, affection, and an unexpected sense of belonging is an incredible emotional achievement, Izzy crafts their love story in a really original poignancy that every sentence just melts their relationship and I was on the edge of my seat throughout every page!
.
The holiday magic smacks with amazing sweetness, and the entire novel seems addictive. Kodi's quest to teach Anya what love truly looks like leads to an absorbing emotional heart that carries through each chapter, the found family links broaden the plot, delivering a lively lift that furthers Anya's journey from isolation to acceptance! The suspense in their blossoming connection is internal, a delicate fear of losing something good once you have it, reading of Anya embracing joy trust, and connection becomes completely delicious, by the end, the writing settles into a beautiful lyrical prose that feels accomplished and enormously thrilling, it's a fun Christmas romance with enough heat, heart, and crazy spark to make you want to reread it the moment you finish!
December 18, 2025
Spice: 2
Tropes:
knotting
athlete mcs
fated mates
polar bear shifter mc
christmas romance
black cat human fmc
Dual POV
Aw. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This was adorable! Can spicy books also be cozy? Because this was definitely a cozy spicy Christmas romance for me! If you're looking for a Hallmark-style romance story this season but with a paranormal twist, definitely check out Kodi and Anya's story by Izzy Elliott. These fated mates are brought together immediately and there's no tension, no 3rd act break up - which is why it's cozy to me! Instead, our couple can't get enough of each other right off the bat and this story is about this couple coming together and navigating a human x shifter romance BUT also how the two of them find themselves within. That was my favorite part.
Anya is a black cat who hates Christmas. She has no family to speak of, barely any friends, and her life revolves around her collegiate hockey team. Kodi is a NFL player, a polar bear shifter, and he's currently estranged from his family too. While they don't fight fate and immediately accept being fated mates and teaching Anya there's more to the world than humans, both characters have beautiful moments of individually accepting who they are and what they want and I loved it.
Also that surprise ending......... definitely would love to see more from Anya, Kodi, and this Christmas town North Pole Kodi grew up in!
Tropes:
knotting
athlete mcs
fated mates
polar bear shifter mc
christmas romance
black cat human fmc
Dual POV
Aw. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This was adorable! Can spicy books also be cozy? Because this was definitely a cozy spicy Christmas romance for me! If you're looking for a Hallmark-style romance story this season but with a paranormal twist, definitely check out Kodi and Anya's story by Izzy Elliott. These fated mates are brought together immediately and there's no tension, no 3rd act break up - which is why it's cozy to me! Instead, our couple can't get enough of each other right off the bat and this story is about this couple coming together and navigating a human x shifter romance BUT also how the two of them find themselves within. That was my favorite part.
Anya is a black cat who hates Christmas. She has no family to speak of, barely any friends, and her life revolves around her collegiate hockey team. Kodi is a NFL player, a polar bear shifter, and he's currently estranged from his family too. While they don't fight fate and immediately accept being fated mates and teaching Anya there's more to the world than humans, both characters have beautiful moments of individually accepting who they are and what they want and I loved it.
Also that surprise ending......... definitely would love to see more from Anya, Kodi, and this Christmas town North Pole Kodi grew up in!
December 11, 2025
It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Puck This
By: Izzy Elliott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: 12/2
🎄Fated Mates
🐻❄️Sports Romance
🎄Grumpy & Sunshine
🐻❄️Shifter
🎄FMC Hockey Player
🐻❄️MMC Football Player
🎄Christmas Novella
Kodiak is our MMC who plays football and is a polar bear shifter. Anya is our FMC character who plays hockey and is human.
Anya is feeling lost coming close to finishing college. She isn’t sure what to do next as hockey was always her priority. She knew one thing for sure; dating a football player wasn’t it.
Kodi is such a gentle soul. He’s feeling a little out of touch with the heat of Arizona. He’s feeling like he wants to go back home to the cold and then he meets Anya. The way he treats her was just absolutely amazing.
The way I ate this book; this is how good it was for me! Omfgggggg!! Chapter 18! I was like no way! I love how Izzy combined sports, Christmas, shifting with some spice all into this book.
Thank you to Izzy & Greys Promotions! I appreciate it!
By: Izzy Elliott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: 12/2
🎄Fated Mates
🐻❄️Sports Romance
🎄Grumpy & Sunshine
🐻❄️Shifter
🎄FMC Hockey Player
🐻❄️MMC Football Player
🎄Christmas Novella
Kodiak is our MMC who plays football and is a polar bear shifter. Anya is our FMC character who plays hockey and is human.
Anya is feeling lost coming close to finishing college. She isn’t sure what to do next as hockey was always her priority. She knew one thing for sure; dating a football player wasn’t it.
Kodi is such a gentle soul. He’s feeling a little out of touch with the heat of Arizona. He’s feeling like he wants to go back home to the cold and then he meets Anya. The way he treats her was just absolutely amazing.
The way I ate this book; this is how good it was for me! Omfgggggg!! Chapter 18! I was like no way! I love how Izzy combined sports, Christmas, shifting with some spice all into this book.
Thank you to Izzy & Greys Promotions! I appreciate it!
October 28, 2025
Izzy has done it again! Creating a new series(I have my fingers crossed there will be more)that brings joy, heartbreak, and love to the reader. New characters to get attached to. A new world to discover. This heartfelt story brings together two souls simply missing something in their lives. What is that something? They have no clue, but a fated chance encounter on the ice has their hearts pounding and their bodies tingling. Their upbringings are completely different… can one show the other the love they always deserved?
Unlikely friendships will be created. Choices will be made. Tears will be plenty.
If you enjoy:
🐻❄️Fated Mates
🐻❄️Shifter Universe
🐻❄️Found Family
🐻❄️Sports Romance
🐻❄️Amazing Friendships
🐻❄️Holiday Vibes
Preorder
It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Puck This today!
Ohhhh… and in true Izzy fashion… She hits us with her ever popular… Cliffhanger!
Unlikely friendships will be created. Choices will be made. Tears will be plenty.
If you enjoy:
🐻❄️Fated Mates
🐻❄️Shifter Universe
🐻❄️Found Family
🐻❄️Sports Romance
🐻❄️Amazing Friendships
🐻❄️Holiday Vibes
Preorder
It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Puck This today!
Ohhhh… and in true Izzy fashion… She hits us with her ever popular… Cliffhanger!
November 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I love how Izzy writes shifter romances, and this one was an adorable Christmas story.
Anya has never been close to anyone, not even her parents. Because of that, Christmas has never been something she cared for, and honestly, why would she? I related to Anya so much because I have never been a Christmas person and have often felt like an outsider. You would think that being on a hockey team would make her feel like part of something, but she still felt on the outside… until she met Kodi.
Kodi (Kodiak) was such a joy to read. His internal dialogue made me laugh, and I loved how he treated Anya with exactly what she needed, emotionally and personally. Their dynamic felt warm, patient, and unexpectedly sweet.
If you enjoy cozy, wintery romance with a touch of magic, definitely check this one out.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🐻❄️ Shifter Romance
💘 Fated Mates
🎄 Christmas Novella
🏈 He Plays Football
🏒 She Plays Hockey
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I love how Izzy writes shifter romances, and this one was an adorable Christmas story.
Anya has never been close to anyone, not even her parents. Because of that, Christmas has never been something she cared for, and honestly, why would she? I related to Anya so much because I have never been a Christmas person and have often felt like an outsider. You would think that being on a hockey team would make her feel like part of something, but she still felt on the outside… until she met Kodi.
Kodi (Kodiak) was such a joy to read. His internal dialogue made me laugh, and I loved how he treated Anya with exactly what she needed, emotionally and personally. Their dynamic felt warm, patient, and unexpectedly sweet.
If you enjoy cozy, wintery romance with a touch of magic, definitely check this one out.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🐻❄️ Shifter Romance
💘 Fated Mates
🎄 Christmas Novella
🏈 He Plays Football
🏒 She Plays Hockey
November 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was my first fated mates book and I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I enjoyed their story!
Kodi is such a cinnamon roll of a guy (or bear) that matches perfectly with Anya’s gruff exterior which melts with his presence.
I loved how Kodi showed Anya how love should feel and that she is worthy of it in all the ways!
With the shifting information explained to Anya, she was finally able to make friends with her teammates and let her guard down to build real relationships which I loved as it was relatable in making friends at that age range.
I definitely would like to know what happens next with them - maybe an epilogue or bonus scene! Definitely hints of their future in the following books of the series.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was my first fated mates book and I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I enjoyed their story!
Kodi is such a cinnamon roll of a guy (or bear) that matches perfectly with Anya’s gruff exterior which melts with his presence.
I loved how Kodi showed Anya how love should feel and that she is worthy of it in all the ways!
With the shifting information explained to Anya, she was finally able to make friends with her teammates and let her guard down to build real relationships which I loved as it was relatable in making friends at that age range.
I definitely would like to know what happens next with them - maybe an epilogue or bonus scene! Definitely hints of their future in the following books of the series.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
December 8, 2025
If you've spent any time around me, I won't even try to deny it: I'm a bit of a grinch. I'm a creature of chaos and very much in my element during Halloween but Mariah Carey makes my soul shrivel because ho, ho, no. I say this now because if I tell you something Christmassy is good, I need you to know I mean that from the tips of my toes.
This is one of those times. Set in her Pucking Werewolves universe, Izzy really impressed me here. Kodi and Anya are the most adorable golden retriever/black cat couple that hit the perfect mix of excitable and cautious throughout that I found myself grinning several times as I read.
A quick and solid 4⭐ read to give a little holiday cheer to the biggest of him bugs among us.
Thank you so much to the author @izzyelliottwrites for providing me with a copy of this book for the purposes of review. My thoughts are, as always, my own and honest.
This is one of those times. Set in her Pucking Werewolves universe, Izzy really impressed me here. Kodi and Anya are the most adorable golden retriever/black cat couple that hit the perfect mix of excitable and cautious throughout that I found myself grinning several times as I read.
A quick and solid 4⭐ read to give a little holiday cheer to the biggest of him bugs among us.
Thank you so much to the author @izzyelliottwrites for providing me with a copy of this book for the purposes of review. My thoughts are, as always, my own and honest.
December 7, 2025
Thank you, Grey’s Promotion and Izzy Elliott for the opportunity to read this book.
I had such a fun time reading this book; it was such a cute Christmas story which gets the FMC to fall in love with Christmas and herself. Even though this book was full of spice, it was such a cute and sweet story. I really liked the chemistry between the two leads. The book may have a plot that has been done before, but it was done so well that I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The author’s writing draws you in, and I couldn’t put the book down. I will definitely be checking out Izzy Elliott’s other books.
Tropes in this book:
🎄 Fated mates
🎄 Sports romance
🎄 Christmas romance
🎄 Found family
🎄 Grumpy x sunshine
🎄 Shifter
I had such a fun time reading this book; it was such a cute Christmas story which gets the FMC to fall in love with Christmas and herself. Even though this book was full of spice, it was such a cute and sweet story. I really liked the chemistry between the two leads. The book may have a plot that has been done before, but it was done so well that I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The author’s writing draws you in, and I couldn’t put the book down. I will definitely be checking out Izzy Elliott’s other books.
Tropes in this book:
🎄 Fated mates
🎄 Sports romance
🎄 Christmas romance
🎄 Found family
🎄 Grumpy x sunshine
🎄 Shifter
December 23, 2025
Is this real or did I just imagine him turning into a polar bear?
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This is a cute holiday story that will make you smile.
Anya is quick witted and has a tough outer shell. Kodi is a sunshiny polar bear who wants nothing more than to make Anya happy.
From the moment they meet, their connection is immediate, but it takes Anya time to understand what she’s feeling, and Kodi is worried his secret may be too much.
Their story is endearing and the way Elliott incorporated Christmas spirit into it is absolute fun. A new take on Santa, the Northpole, and shifters that is a great twist to your Christmas.
Get your hot cocoa, your fuzzy blanket, and curl up with It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This is a cute holiday story that will make you smile.
Anya is quick witted and has a tough outer shell. Kodi is a sunshiny polar bear who wants nothing more than to make Anya happy.
From the moment they meet, their connection is immediate, but it takes Anya time to understand what she’s feeling, and Kodi is worried his secret may be too much.
Their story is endearing and the way Elliott incorporated Christmas spirit into it is absolute fun. A new take on Santa, the Northpole, and shifters that is a great twist to your Christmas.
Get your hot cocoa, your fuzzy blanket, and curl up with It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Puck This.
November 15, 2025
I am unwell! Why did this book have to end 😭 excuse me while I sulk a little bit. I immediately need another book, Izzy!
This book was so wholesome and gave a hallmark shifter romance with spice! This is literally such a great book for Christmas and I can’t say that enough. Kodi creates such a special Christmas adventure in this book. Reading about the joy Anya has throughout it just made me so happy.
Thank you for this merry and joyful book 🥰 literally enjoyed reading it with my hot cocoa. I love Kodi and refuse to hear anything bad about him and his mermaid truck.
Definitely recommend this book if you want a taste of Izzy’s writing! Plus it’s so easy to read and binge. 💙
This book was so wholesome and gave a hallmark shifter romance with spice! This is literally such a great book for Christmas and I can’t say that enough. Kodi creates such a special Christmas adventure in this book. Reading about the joy Anya has throughout it just made me so happy.
Thank you for this merry and joyful book 🥰 literally enjoyed reading it with my hot cocoa. I love Kodi and refuse to hear anything bad about him and his mermaid truck.
Definitely recommend this book if you want a taste of Izzy’s writing! Plus it’s so easy to read and binge. 💙
November 27, 2025
If you love feel good Christmas romance stories with fated mates, this is for you.
While it starts out with a professional football player and a senior hockey player in college, it ends in the North Pole with everything Christmas you could ever dream of. Kodiak's little town sounds like the perfect vacation during the holidays. And the food! And the drinks! And the stores, decorations, and northern lights. Sigh, I would be so happy to visit it.
This story is quick and cute. Kodiak is a literal teddy bear of a man.
While it starts out with a professional football player and a senior hockey player in college, it ends in the North Pole with everything Christmas you could ever dream of. Kodiak's little town sounds like the perfect vacation during the holidays. And the food! And the drinks! And the stores, decorations, and northern lights. Sigh, I would be so happy to visit it.
This story is quick and cute. Kodiak is a literal teddy bear of a man.
December 13, 2025
Tropes:
Shifter x human
Fated mates
He’s a football player, she’s an ice hockey player
Instant attraction
Loved 🥰:
- super easy to read, fast paced, and bingeable
- the instant attraction totally works for the story
- the magic of Christmas throughout was so fun
Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻♀️:
- I’m sorry I can’t forgive that ending 😂 as the author you need to provide an epilogue in a romance book, I’m sorry that’s just the rules 🤣
Spice:
🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Shifter x human
Fated mates
He’s a football player, she’s an ice hockey player
Instant attraction
Loved 🥰:
- super easy to read, fast paced, and bingeable
- the instant attraction totally works for the story
- the magic of Christmas throughout was so fun
Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻♀️:
- I’m sorry I can’t forgive that ending 😂 as the author you need to provide an epilogue in a romance book, I’m sorry that’s just the rules 🤣
Spice:
🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep:
Adult romance
December 1, 2025
ARC Reader!
Super lucky to have gotten an ARC copy of this book. I really enjoyed Kodi and Anya’s story. It meshes together well and even though their romance is quite the whirlwind the pace feels right.
✨Tropes✨
Fated Mates
Found Family
Grumpyxsunshine
Shifter
Sports Romance
Christmas Romance
Football Romance
Super lucky to have gotten an ARC copy of this book. I really enjoyed Kodi and Anya’s story. It meshes together well and even though their romance is quite the whirlwind the pace feels right.
✨Tropes✨
Fated Mates
Found Family
Grumpyxsunshine
Shifter
Sports Romance
Christmas Romance
Football Romance
December 5, 2025
This story was so cute and for having a polar bear shifter definitely brought the heat!
Kodi was such a fun and sweet character. It was hilarious that he was a polar bear shifter in Arizona and how the two characters meet was perfect! I loved how much he cared and showed his affection for Anya. He had me cracking up with some of his antics and how persistent he was.
Izzy did a great job balancing the humor in the story with other elements. The overall positive energy of the book made this perfect for a holiday story. I also loved the deeper elements of wanting to find family and being with the right people.
Kodi was such a fun and sweet character. It was hilarious that he was a polar bear shifter in Arizona and how the two characters meet was perfect! I loved how much he cared and showed his affection for Anya. He had me cracking up with some of his antics and how persistent he was.
Izzy did a great job balancing the humor in the story with other elements. The overall positive energy of the book made this perfect for a holiday story. I also loved the deeper elements of wanting to find family and being with the right people.
December 8, 2025
4.5 Stars
I love a sweet Christmas romance, but it makes it even better when that sweet Christmas romance includes shifters and sports. Izzy Elliott has drawn me in with her tales of shifters and the secret world of them inhabiting professional sports with her Pucking Werewolves series. This is a spinoff of that series with a human FMC that plays college hockey in Arizona and a polar bear shifter MMC that is a member of the local pro football team. This is everything I want in a Christmas book complete with fated mates, insta love, and an MMC that is the sweetest teddy bear in the world (literally). I adored the MMC and was so happy that the FMC had a mate that loved her like she deserved. This book has very little angst and a whole lot of sweetness that is perfect for the holidays. The characters are ones that you want to be friends with and you are cheering for them the whole time. I love this world that Elliott has created and am absolutely here for this festive romance.
The characters are ones that just make you happy to read. The MMC, Kodiak aka Kodi, is a polar bear shifter that left his home in North Pole, Alaska to follow his football dreams. One thing that I loved was that he is an Offensive Lineman, the perfect position for a gigantic bear, and one that we rarely see in sports romances. He misses his parents, who are possibly the best parents ever. He encounters Anya, a human college hockey player, when he finds relief from the Arizona heat by laying almost naked on the ice rink. Anya grew up in a house where love wasn’t shown, and everything was done more because it was what was supposed to be done for society families. The sweet, lovable Kodi gives her love in excess, and it just warms your heart. I want more of these two because they were perfect.
This book really just made me smile. The main characters were so lovable, and the side characters were perfection. Kodi’s parents were the best and I love the friendship between Anya and Carrie. And who could forget the best character, Mars! Give me more of Mars anytime. 😜 Of course there is plenty of spice and yes, polar bear shifters have that spicy little addition that we all love. This was a great holiday romance and definitely one that I would recommend.
I love a sweet Christmas romance, but it makes it even better when that sweet Christmas romance includes shifters and sports. Izzy Elliott has drawn me in with her tales of shifters and the secret world of them inhabiting professional sports with her Pucking Werewolves series. This is a spinoff of that series with a human FMC that plays college hockey in Arizona and a polar bear shifter MMC that is a member of the local pro football team. This is everything I want in a Christmas book complete with fated mates, insta love, and an MMC that is the sweetest teddy bear in the world (literally). I adored the MMC and was so happy that the FMC had a mate that loved her like she deserved. This book has very little angst and a whole lot of sweetness that is perfect for the holidays. The characters are ones that you want to be friends with and you are cheering for them the whole time. I love this world that Elliott has created and am absolutely here for this festive romance.
The characters are ones that just make you happy to read. The MMC, Kodiak aka Kodi, is a polar bear shifter that left his home in North Pole, Alaska to follow his football dreams. One thing that I loved was that he is an Offensive Lineman, the perfect position for a gigantic bear, and one that we rarely see in sports romances. He misses his parents, who are possibly the best parents ever. He encounters Anya, a human college hockey player, when he finds relief from the Arizona heat by laying almost naked on the ice rink. Anya grew up in a house where love wasn’t shown, and everything was done more because it was what was supposed to be done for society families. The sweet, lovable Kodi gives her love in excess, and it just warms your heart. I want more of these two because they were perfect.
This book really just made me smile. The main characters were so lovable, and the side characters were perfection. Kodi’s parents were the best and I love the friendship between Anya and Carrie. And who could forget the best character, Mars! Give me more of Mars anytime. 😜 Of course there is plenty of spice and yes, polar bear shifters have that spicy little addition that we all love. This was a great holiday romance and definitely one that I would recommend.
November 30, 2025
“Being with you is the only thing I’m more certain of”
Okay. Swoon. I’ve fallen into a holiday romance movie and I don’t want to leave.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like puck this” is a holiday read inside the shifter world that Izzy Elliott has created. This book, unlike the others, had a polar bear shifter named Kodi who is a football player and he crosses paths with Anya, our FMC, who is a hockey player.
Their two worlds collide and when an injury (that would end a humans football career) happens it causes some reflection on the future and leads into a visit home for the holidays to Kodi’s family in Alaska. To Anya’s delight, they enter a small town that is straight out of a Christmas movie and she gets all the feels of what a real Christmas can fell like.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the relationships built with all the characters including Carrie (who Anya later refers to as her “platonic soul mate”) and Mam who is Kodi’s mom. The building of the relationships and beautiful descriptions of the town truly allows you to step into the world and view it as the main character (including the hot cocoa descriptions which made me put my book down to go make a cup for myself.)
So if you need more convincing to pick this book up, here are some tropes/micro-tropes that may interest you
🎄 Holiday Vibes
🤝 Fated Mates
🫶🏼 Found Family
🏒 Hockey Player
🏈 Football Player
🐻❄️ Shifter Romance
💕 Strangers to Lovers
🤭 Insta-Attraction
📖 No third act breakup
Oh, and THE END! I shouldn’t be surprised since our Luna always leaves us wanting more but …. YES! We need more! You can’t end like that … so I’m hoping we get the rest of their story in the future.
Also I want to thank Izzy Elliott and Greys Promotions for allowing me to arc read this awesome story! All opinions stated are my own.
Okay. Swoon. I’ve fallen into a holiday romance movie and I don’t want to leave.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like puck this” is a holiday read inside the shifter world that Izzy Elliott has created. This book, unlike the others, had a polar bear shifter named Kodi who is a football player and he crosses paths with Anya, our FMC, who is a hockey player.
Their two worlds collide and when an injury (that would end a humans football career) happens it causes some reflection on the future and leads into a visit home for the holidays to Kodi’s family in Alaska. To Anya’s delight, they enter a small town that is straight out of a Christmas movie and she gets all the feels of what a real Christmas can fell like.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the relationships built with all the characters including Carrie (who Anya later refers to as her “platonic soul mate”) and Mam who is Kodi’s mom. The building of the relationships and beautiful descriptions of the town truly allows you to step into the world and view it as the main character (including the hot cocoa descriptions which made me put my book down to go make a cup for myself.)
So if you need more convincing to pick this book up, here are some tropes/micro-tropes that may interest you
🎄 Holiday Vibes
🤝 Fated Mates
🫶🏼 Found Family
🏒 Hockey Player
🏈 Football Player
🐻❄️ Shifter Romance
💕 Strangers to Lovers
🤭 Insta-Attraction
📖 No third act breakup
Oh, and THE END! I shouldn’t be surprised since our Luna always leaves us wanting more but …. YES! We need more! You can’t end like that … so I’m hoping we get the rest of their story in the future.
Also I want to thank Izzy Elliott and Greys Promotions for allowing me to arc read this awesome story! All opinions stated are my own.
November 30, 2025
Spice:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Izzy Elliot once again writes a stunning book that I wasn’t able to put down! And this time it’s Christmas themed! So of course I had to dive right in, and omg am I glad I did because Anya and Kodi were absolutely amazing characters who I fell in love with immediately. I couldn’t put this book down for even a second, between the instant, but swoon worthy romance, a few angst-filled moments that will have you guessing at what’s going to happen next, and all the Christmas festivities you’ll want to keep flipping pages late into the night just to see what’s going to happen next! So, if you’ve ever looked for a book featuring a insta romance between a polar bear shifter football player MMC and a hockey playing human FMC, filled to the brim with amazing and hilarious banter, sweet, swoon-worthy romantic moments, plenty of spice, a few angst filled moments, and plenty of holiday cheer, not to mention amazing parents and friends, plus a happily ever after ending then be sure to grab a copy of Izzy Elliot’s upcoming release now!
This book was absolutely such a sweet, and charming Christmas read, and I honestly would be happy to read so much more about this couple! It was a great break from all the angst and drama ridden fantasies and dark romances I have been reading lately. Truly I really loved Kodiak and Anya, they were sweet and funny, and just had chemistry that sparked right off the page! And the countdown to Christmas was worthy of a hallmark movie and I loved every second of it! So I’d highly recommend adding this book to your Christmas TBR immediately! As well as all of Izzy Elliot’s Pucking series!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Izzy Elliot once again writes a stunning book that I wasn’t able to put down! And this time it’s Christmas themed! So of course I had to dive right in, and omg am I glad I did because Anya and Kodi were absolutely amazing characters who I fell in love with immediately. I couldn’t put this book down for even a second, between the instant, but swoon worthy romance, a few angst-filled moments that will have you guessing at what’s going to happen next, and all the Christmas festivities you’ll want to keep flipping pages late into the night just to see what’s going to happen next! So, if you’ve ever looked for a book featuring a insta romance between a polar bear shifter football player MMC and a hockey playing human FMC, filled to the brim with amazing and hilarious banter, sweet, swoon-worthy romantic moments, plenty of spice, a few angst filled moments, and plenty of holiday cheer, not to mention amazing parents and friends, plus a happily ever after ending then be sure to grab a copy of Izzy Elliot’s upcoming release now!
This book was absolutely such a sweet, and charming Christmas read, and I honestly would be happy to read so much more about this couple! It was a great break from all the angst and drama ridden fantasies and dark romances I have been reading lately. Truly I really loved Kodiak and Anya, they were sweet and funny, and just had chemistry that sparked right off the page! And the countdown to Christmas was worthy of a hallmark movie and I loved every second of it! So I’d highly recommend adding this book to your Christmas TBR immediately! As well as all of Izzy Elliot’s Pucking series!
November 29, 2025
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
***I didn't read the blurb (back cover) before reading the book; this keeps my mind open to all possibilities.
Kodi - wait...I'm so confused already and I'm only a few sentences into the book. Are you a team mascot?? Aaahhhh, question has been answered...Shifter. He is reflecting on his life choices. Christmas loving family.
Anya - Restless with where she is in her life and what to do when she doesn't have the chosen family anymore. She is not a shifter. She "hibernates: in the winter to avoid the fall/winter festivities.
Kodi, interesting place to take a nap. I'd need a blanket though.
Sorry, Kodi but putting a tracking app on someone's phone without their consent spells trouble for you!!
Did Kodi just make Arya a nest?
Ok...wait, wait, wait.. is he going to shift right now?? She just declared her drunken thoughts.
He settles her.
A white wreath of snowflakes, so cool and unexpected.
Aahhhh, being each other's firsts.....to be a supporter at their games. 😁
So, even though healing happens miraculously as a shifter, because the sport is viewed by humans and the injury would be career ending for us meer mortals, they have to play it off that way for a shifter as well?
Let me guess....salmon for dinner? Welp, I was wrong on that guess!!
Busted for the app!
"I thought you guys hated me" cue the 🥹
Kodi how dare you call Olaf a "derpy little snowman". ☃️
mate mind control" 😆
I do believe Anya loves Christmas now.
Fated mates, shifters, and sports romance tropes
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
***I didn't read the blurb (back cover) before reading the book; this keeps my mind open to all possibilities.
Kodi - wait...I'm so confused already and I'm only a few sentences into the book. Are you a team mascot?? Aaahhhh, question has been answered...Shifter. He is reflecting on his life choices. Christmas loving family.
Anya - Restless with where she is in her life and what to do when she doesn't have the chosen family anymore. She is not a shifter. She "hibernates: in the winter to avoid the fall/winter festivities.
Kodi, interesting place to take a nap. I'd need a blanket though.
Sorry, Kodi but putting a tracking app on someone's phone without their consent spells trouble for you!!
Did Kodi just make Arya a nest?
Ok...wait, wait, wait.. is he going to shift right now?? She just declared her drunken thoughts.
He settles her.
A white wreath of snowflakes, so cool and unexpected.
Aahhhh, being each other's firsts.....to be a supporter at their games. 😁
So, even though healing happens miraculously as a shifter, because the sport is viewed by humans and the injury would be career ending for us meer mortals, they have to play it off that way for a shifter as well?
Let me guess....salmon for dinner? Welp, I was wrong on that guess!!
Busted for the app!
"I thought you guys hated me" cue the 🥹
Kodi how dare you call Olaf a "derpy little snowman". ☃️
mate mind control" 😆
I do believe Anya loves Christmas now.
Fated mates, shifters, and sports romance tropes
November 26, 2025
This was my first holiday book this year and what a perfect way to start 🎄 This book was so wholesome and like a warm hug!
Kodi's character really does give off bear energy, he was a big old teddy bear and is such a perfect MMC, all sunshine and light despite his character being homesick. Honestly at times he made me swoon and smile from the start to finish in this book.
Anya's character is grumpy and reserved but my goodness the growth of this character is written so beautifully, I think she is sadly relatable to some readers but I can see that reading this will give hope to anybody, I loved her character so much and it was a joy to read her journey.
This book was honestly beautiful and the perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit, the book was joyful while still highlighting the struggles of the characters and how having the right support in your life can really change your view on the world when nobody has before. It was filled with festive moments, a beautiful fated mate's story and a sprinkling of spice. I really love Izzy's writing style and how easy her books are to read, she writes beautiful moments between her fmcs and mmcs so incredibly that you feel the emotions, can't recommend enough.
🐻❄️ Shifter Romance
🎄Fated Mates
🐻❄️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Found Family
🐻❄️ Sports Romance
🎄 Holiday Romance
🐻❄️ He Plays Football
🎄 She Plays Hockey
🐻❄️ A Sprinkle Of Spice
I read this as an arc and chose to review it as I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Kodi's character really does give off bear energy, he was a big old teddy bear and is such a perfect MMC, all sunshine and light despite his character being homesick. Honestly at times he made me swoon and smile from the start to finish in this book.
Anya's character is grumpy and reserved but my goodness the growth of this character is written so beautifully, I think she is sadly relatable to some readers but I can see that reading this will give hope to anybody, I loved her character so much and it was a joy to read her journey.
This book was honestly beautiful and the perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit, the book was joyful while still highlighting the struggles of the characters and how having the right support in your life can really change your view on the world when nobody has before. It was filled with festive moments, a beautiful fated mate's story and a sprinkling of spice. I really love Izzy's writing style and how easy her books are to read, she writes beautiful moments between her fmcs and mmcs so incredibly that you feel the emotions, can't recommend enough.
🐻❄️ Shifter Romance
🎄Fated Mates
🐻❄️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Found Family
🐻❄️ Sports Romance
🎄 Holiday Romance
🐻❄️ He Plays Football
🎄 She Plays Hockey
🐻❄️ A Sprinkle Of Spice
I read this as an arc and chose to review it as I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
December 4, 2025
“I don’t think I really had a choice. Please let me love you.”
There’s so many things I absolutely loved about this book. First of all, let’s start off with a polar bear shifter? Excuse me! I’m obsessed, it’s so unique and that is a breath of fresh air but also still soooo freaking hot (or cold) lol
I love how strong and lady boss Anya is! I see myself in her especially when she said she needs to make a plan and organize her thoughts cus that’s the only way I can function. Kodi also reminds of my husband in how sweet and thoughtful he is too and I love how emotional he is. He’s everything I’d want in a golden retriever type of mmc and one thing that really stood out to me is when Carrie asked if he couldn’t be friends with her anymore and he said he didn’t know. I loved that. I love that he wanted to make sure it was okay with Anya first 😩❤️
I think their “meet cute” was absolutely hilarious and so cute at the same time. The nickname popsicle and frostbite were adorable. I really loved them as characters individually and as a pair. The chemistry was undeniable. I was a little teary eyed when she met his parents as well, this book was so heartfelt 🥹
I just also want to say that I really love the name choices. Kodiak is so freaking cute and I think Icelynn (even tho she’s not a main character)is so cute and unique as well. I loved both of those names.
There’s so many things I absolutely loved about this book. First of all, let’s start off with a polar bear shifter? Excuse me! I’m obsessed, it’s so unique and that is a breath of fresh air but also still soooo freaking hot (or cold) lol
I love how strong and lady boss Anya is! I see myself in her especially when she said she needs to make a plan and organize her thoughts cus that’s the only way I can function. Kodi also reminds of my husband in how sweet and thoughtful he is too and I love how emotional he is. He’s everything I’d want in a golden retriever type of mmc and one thing that really stood out to me is when Carrie asked if he couldn’t be friends with her anymore and he said he didn’t know. I loved that. I love that he wanted to make sure it was okay with Anya first 😩❤️
I think their “meet cute” was absolutely hilarious and so cute at the same time. The nickname popsicle and frostbite were adorable. I really loved them as characters individually and as a pair. The chemistry was undeniable. I was a little teary eyed when she met his parents as well, this book was so heartfelt 🥹
I just also want to say that I really love the name choices. Kodiak is so freaking cute and I think Icelynn (even tho she’s not a main character)is so cute and unique as well. I loved both of those names.
November 23, 2025
This was my first Izzy Elliot read and I loved it. I will definitely look into her other work.
I love Christmas and I love Christmas reads, so this was such a nice treat. Quick read, fun and festive. It was heartwarming, the characters are so likeable and there is no heavy drama. I had a few laughs throughout the story, there were 'aww' moments that softened my heart and then there were spicy moments to tie it all together.
Anya and Kodiak are both missing something in their life, going through the day-to-day motion not fully being happy, until one fated moment when Anya walked in on an almost-naked Kodi, in the middel of the ice rink, and things started changing for them.
Kodi is a happy, funny, easy going guy. He is so loving, caring and attentive to Anya and treats her with absolute adoration. Anya had a different upbringing than Kodi, so she is a little reserved, less spontaneous and has no real friendships, until her Bear brings some magic into her life.
Overall it is a sweet, fun, lighthearted festive read that I would recommend.
What you can expect:
🐻❄️ Insta-Attraction
🐻❄️ No third-act breakup
🐻❄️ Found Family
🐻❄️ Amazing Friendships
🐻❄️ Christmas Vibes
🐻❄️ Family Traditions
🐻❄️ Fated Mates
🐻❄️ Hockey & Football
I love Christmas and I love Christmas reads, so this was such a nice treat. Quick read, fun and festive. It was heartwarming, the characters are so likeable and there is no heavy drama. I had a few laughs throughout the story, there were 'aww' moments that softened my heart and then there were spicy moments to tie it all together.
Anya and Kodiak are both missing something in their life, going through the day-to-day motion not fully being happy, until one fated moment when Anya walked in on an almost-naked Kodi, in the middel of the ice rink, and things started changing for them.
Kodi is a happy, funny, easy going guy. He is so loving, caring and attentive to Anya and treats her with absolute adoration. Anya had a different upbringing than Kodi, so she is a little reserved, less spontaneous and has no real friendships, until her Bear brings some magic into her life.
Overall it is a sweet, fun, lighthearted festive read that I would recommend.
What you can expect:
🐻❄️ Insta-Attraction
🐻❄️ No third-act breakup
🐻❄️ Found Family
🐻❄️ Amazing Friendships
🐻❄️ Christmas Vibes
🐻❄️ Family Traditions
🐻❄️ Fated Mates
🐻❄️ Hockey & Football
November 25, 2025
4.5⭐️
2🌶️
What To Expect:
- shifter romance
- hockey player fmc x football player mmc
- christmas novella
- fated mates
- strangers to lovers
- small town
- found family
like in all her other books this one is a quick and addictive read. once you start it, you can't stop reading until you have finished it. and if you start it at night like i did, plan for a lack of sleep 😅😅
also polar bear shifter?!? yes please!! definitely a first for me which is surprising because i love polar bears
this had all the cozy christmas vibes even if it takes place in arizona. if you are wondering how a polar bear shifter can survive the arizona desert, you are in for a very cute meet-cute!
there is seriously so much that i could want to say about this fun and adorable novella but i an going to have to refrain from doing so because i dont do spoilers here. but i do love how kodi is determined to show anya the true spirit of Christmas. and if you want to know if he succeeded you will just have to read and find out yourself 😉
seriously izzy again?!? 😩😩 how could you end it right there? also imma need like ten more (possible more) books of them 😅 also a big big thank you for having me be apart of your street/arc team! it's been such an honor 🫶🏼🫶🏼
2🌶️
What To Expect:
- shifter romance
- hockey player fmc x football player mmc
- christmas novella
- fated mates
- strangers to lovers
- small town
- found family
like in all her other books this one is a quick and addictive read. once you start it, you can't stop reading until you have finished it. and if you start it at night like i did, plan for a lack of sleep 😅😅
also polar bear shifter?!? yes please!! definitely a first for me which is surprising because i love polar bears
this had all the cozy christmas vibes even if it takes place in arizona. if you are wondering how a polar bear shifter can survive the arizona desert, you are in for a very cute meet-cute!
there is seriously so much that i could want to say about this fun and adorable novella but i an going to have to refrain from doing so because i dont do spoilers here. but i do love how kodi is determined to show anya the true spirit of Christmas. and if you want to know if he succeeded you will just have to read and find out yourself 😉
seriously izzy again?!? 😩😩 how could you end it right there? also imma need like ten more (possible more) books of them 😅 also a big big thank you for having me be apart of your street/arc team! it's been such an honor 🫶🏼🫶🏼
November 29, 2025
Izzy Elliott know how to write shifter romance. I have been reading her books from the beginning and this was another wonderful book. This is the first shifter book I have read that wasn't werewolves so it was nice to hear a new perspective of a shifter romance to a polar bear.
Kodiak is a football player that thought his life was written in the football stars. But the longer he's away from his home in Alaska he realizes how much he actually misses home. He's a polar bear stuck in the Arizona heat and that is just not cutting it lately. He's starting to wonder if this is really the life he wants anymore or if his life is supposed to be back in the snowy Christmas town he was raised in.
Anya bleeds hockey! It's the only thing that's ever made her happy and didn't disappoint her. Then she was passed on for the draft and now she doesn't know where she belongs. But then she meets this tall handsome football player named Kodi.
Kodi & Anya we're perfect together. These two will have you smiling and laughing. Kodi will have you swooning like crazy. He is such a romantic and I loved when he shifted to a polar bear. As they spend more time together they both realize there might be more to life then their original plans they had.
This book will have you melting and will leave you with a wonderful ending! I highly recommend this book and anything Izzy Elliott writes.
Thank you Izzy Elliott for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Kodiak is a football player that thought his life was written in the football stars. But the longer he's away from his home in Alaska he realizes how much he actually misses home. He's a polar bear stuck in the Arizona heat and that is just not cutting it lately. He's starting to wonder if this is really the life he wants anymore or if his life is supposed to be back in the snowy Christmas town he was raised in.
Anya bleeds hockey! It's the only thing that's ever made her happy and didn't disappoint her. Then she was passed on for the draft and now she doesn't know where she belongs. But then she meets this tall handsome football player named Kodi.
Kodi & Anya we're perfect together. These two will have you smiling and laughing. Kodi will have you swooning like crazy. He is such a romantic and I loved when he shifted to a polar bear. As they spend more time together they both realize there might be more to life then their original plans they had.
This book will have you melting and will leave you with a wonderful ending! I highly recommend this book and anything Izzy Elliott writes.
Thank you Izzy Elliott for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
December 9, 2025
Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This
Tropes:
Shifter romance
Fated mates
Christmas novellas
He plays football
She plays hockey
Found family
Grumpy X sunshine
Holiday vibes
Insta-attraction
Firstly thank you Izzy for the opportunity to read her Christmas Novella Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This. This was such a wonderful novella and I loved the holiday vibe.
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This follows Anja and Kodi. There worlds collide At the most unexpected time. They are both missing something in their lives, both debating what's next. There meet cute was funny and perfect for them.
These two have great chemistry, they balance each other, his swoony, oh and his A polar bear shifter.
If you’re looking for your next holiday read check out It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
It's exhilarating and terrifying and I realize that the world around me smells oddly like warm gingerbread cookies.
I can't stop thinking about him. I hate when he can't see each other.
I smile like an idiot when he calls and texts me. He's the first and last thing I think of every day. For the first time in my life, my entire being doesn't revolve around hockey.
Tropes:
Shifter romance
Fated mates
Christmas novellas
He plays football
She plays hockey
Found family
Grumpy X sunshine
Holiday vibes
Insta-attraction
Firstly thank you Izzy for the opportunity to read her Christmas Novella Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This. This was such a wonderful novella and I loved the holiday vibe.
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This follows Anja and Kodi. There worlds collide At the most unexpected time. They are both missing something in their lives, both debating what's next. There meet cute was funny and perfect for them.
These two have great chemistry, they balance each other, his swoony, oh and his A polar bear shifter.
If you’re looking for your next holiday read check out It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Puck This.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
It's exhilarating and terrifying and I realize that the world around me smells oddly like warm gingerbread cookies.
I can't stop thinking about him. I hate when he can't see each other.
I smile like an idiot when he calls and texts me. He's the first and last thing I think of every day. For the first time in my life, my entire being doesn't revolve around hockey.
November 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
A Heartwarming Holiday Shifter Romance
This book is exactly what you need when you’re craving something sweet, adorable, and full of found-family goodness, with just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting.
Kodi, a polar bear shifter, has left behind his family and legacy in search of happiness through soccer, or at least that’s what he tells himself. But it’s not easy being a polar bear in the Arizona desert. Between the heat and the homesickness, he starts to wonder if he’s made a huge mistake. Then one night, he sneaks onto a hockey rink to cool off… and meets Anya, the human who will turn his world upside down.
Anya grew up with cold, demanding parents who taught her that success mattered more than joy. After her athletic dreams collapse, she feels completely lost, until she discovers a half-naked man lying on the ice. (Honestly, what a meet-cute!)
Kodi and Anya are utterly adorable together. They balance each other perfectly, his warmth and playfulness melt her walls, while her determination and compassion ground him. Their connection feels real and heart-melting in the best way.
This story is the perfect cozy read for the holidays, complete with destined love, a dash of magic, and a polar bear shifter who’s determined to show his girl the true spirit of Christmas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
A Heartwarming Holiday Shifter Romance
This book is exactly what you need when you’re craving something sweet, adorable, and full of found-family goodness, with just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting.
Kodi, a polar bear shifter, has left behind his family and legacy in search of happiness through soccer, or at least that’s what he tells himself. But it’s not easy being a polar bear in the Arizona desert. Between the heat and the homesickness, he starts to wonder if he’s made a huge mistake. Then one night, he sneaks onto a hockey rink to cool off… and meets Anya, the human who will turn his world upside down.
Anya grew up with cold, demanding parents who taught her that success mattered more than joy. After her athletic dreams collapse, she feels completely lost, until she discovers a half-naked man lying on the ice. (Honestly, what a meet-cute!)
Kodi and Anya are utterly adorable together. They balance each other perfectly, his warmth and playfulness melt her walls, while her determination and compassion ground him. Their connection feels real and heart-melting in the best way.
This story is the perfect cozy read for the holidays, complete with destined love, a dash of magic, and a polar bear shifter who’s determined to show his girl the true spirit of Christmas.
November 28, 2025
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, fated mates, contemporary fantasy romance between Kodi(ak), the male polar bear shifter, professional football player lead, and Anya, the female human, college ice hockey player lead. I enjoyed the way that even human Anya could feel the fated mate bond between them and chuckled as Kodi tried to explain shifters to her. I empathised with Anya’s family history and enjoyed her determination to succeed and make a space for herself in the world. I empathised with Kodi’s distress over his recognition of teenage mistakes and enjoyed the way he strove to rebuild bridges to his parents. I enjoyed the contrast between families and the joy Anya found in Kodi’s family. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes that supported the burgeoning relationship. I was amused by the over the top Christmas experience but enjoyed how much both Anya and Kodi enjoyed it and the happiness it brought to their future. This story is set in the author’s existing world but confidently stood alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
December 3, 2025
Its Beginning to Look a lot like Puck This
By: Izzy Elliott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Polar bear 🐻❄️
Football 🏈
Human
Ice hockey 🏒
Fated Mates
Snow ❄️
This book was the first polar bear shifter I had ever read and It was everything I wanted and more. Kodiak (Kodi) being a football player made so much sense. The heat is starting to get to him being from North Pole, Alaska and a teammate asks about going to the local ice rink. He goes and falls asleep on the ice and scares our resident hockey goddess Anya. I absolutely love that she’s human and dominates in the Hockey world. The Banter and the heartfelt conversations throughout the book. They were absolutely perfect and made me feel all the emotions.
I desperately need another book with Kodi and Anya. But……I really want a Carrie book and for her to find her mate and still be by Anya! All in Alaska together.
I cannot thank Izzy Elliott enough for writing this book and hopefully continuing this series in the future. I feel honored I was able to read this book. RUN and GRAB it NOW. I even made sure I I have it in paperback. Needed my trophy for this book.
By: Izzy Elliott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Polar bear 🐻❄️
Football 🏈
Human
Ice hockey 🏒
Fated Mates
Snow ❄️
This book was the first polar bear shifter I had ever read and It was everything I wanted and more. Kodiak (Kodi) being a football player made so much sense. The heat is starting to get to him being from North Pole, Alaska and a teammate asks about going to the local ice rink. He goes and falls asleep on the ice and scares our resident hockey goddess Anya. I absolutely love that she’s human and dominates in the Hockey world. The Banter and the heartfelt conversations throughout the book. They were absolutely perfect and made me feel all the emotions.
I desperately need another book with Kodi and Anya. But……I really want a Carrie book and for her to find her mate and still be by Anya! All in Alaska together.
I cannot thank Izzy Elliott enough for writing this book and hopefully continuing this series in the future. I feel honored I was able to read this book. RUN and GRAB it NOW. I even made sure I I have it in paperback. Needed my trophy for this book.
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