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Blackwood Blades #1
Iced Out: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance
Same town. New rules. Old secrets.
We fled Blackwood in the dead of night—no goodbyes, no explanations. Just me and my mom, running from a truth too dangerous to face. But now we’re back, and nothing about this place feels safe... especially not Luke King.
Captain of the undefeated Blackwood Blades. Cold, calculating, and more powerful than ever.
He used to mean something to me—before everything fell apart. Before the silence. Before the kiss I never forgot. Now he wants answers. Revenge. And he’s made it his mission to make me pay.
But he doesn’t know the full story.
The guy I once loved is now my biggest threat—and the truth I’m hiding might burn us both to the ground.
He thinks he can break me.
But I’m not the same girl who left.
And I’m done playing nice.
Iced Out is a steamy, angst-filled, enemies-to-lovers, second-chance hockey romance set in a world of power, secrets, and obsession. Perfect for fans of elite academy romance with dark twists and ruthless hockey captains.
We fled Blackwood in the dead of night—no goodbyes, no explanations. Just me and my mom, running from a truth too dangerous to face. But now we’re back, and nothing about this place feels safe... especially not Luke King.
Captain of the undefeated Blackwood Blades. Cold, calculating, and more powerful than ever.
He used to mean something to me—before everything fell apart. Before the silence. Before the kiss I never forgot. Now he wants answers. Revenge. And he’s made it his mission to make me pay.
But he doesn’t know the full story.
The guy I once loved is now my biggest threat—and the truth I’m hiding might burn us both to the ground.
He thinks he can break me.
But I’m not the same girl who left.
And I’m done playing nice.
Iced Out is a steamy, angst-filled, enemies-to-lovers, second-chance hockey romance set in a world of power, secrets, and obsession. Perfect for fans of elite academy romance with dark twists and ruthless hockey captains.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
14 people are currently reading
6150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 14, 2025
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed the Hidden Valley Elite series, particularly the dark atmosphere that Isla weaves into her stories. So, diving straight into her new series was an easy decision for me.
Iced Out is the first book in the Blackwood Blades series, featuring an enemies-to-lovers storyline that fits within the new adult sports romance genre. It combines elements of high school bullying with plenty of angst, drama, dark secrets, jealousy, and conflict. The intensity of the narrative is intriguing, and the tension between the characters is palpable. It's everything I love: dark, scandalous, and Isla is a master at creating such tension.
She believed that moving away would help her conceal her truth and secrets. However, in a world where he exists, nothing could be further from reality. She has made a deadly enemy, but she is determined not to lose this battle.
He is cold and calculating, one of the ice hockey stars of the Blackwood Blades and a member of the privileged boy cohort that rules both on and off the ice. They play to win, and anyone who stands in their way will be taken down. It’s a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake. She is back and in danger because, in this world, revenge is sweet.
The chemistry between the two main characters is electric, and the suspense keeps you turning the pages as you anxiously await what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Hidden Valley Elite series, particularly the dark atmosphere that Isla weaves into her stories. So, diving straight into her new series was an easy decision for me.
Iced Out is the first book in the Blackwood Blades series, featuring an enemies-to-lovers storyline that fits within the new adult sports romance genre. It combines elements of high school bullying with plenty of angst, drama, dark secrets, jealousy, and conflict. The intensity of the narrative is intriguing, and the tension between the characters is palpable. It's everything I love: dark, scandalous, and Isla is a master at creating such tension.
She believed that moving away would help her conceal her truth and secrets. However, in a world where he exists, nothing could be further from reality. She has made a deadly enemy, but she is determined not to lose this battle.
He is cold and calculating, one of the ice hockey stars of the Blackwood Blades and a member of the privileged boy cohort that rules both on and off the ice. They play to win, and anyone who stands in their way will be taken down. It’s a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake. She is back and in danger because, in this world, revenge is sweet.
The chemistry between the two main characters is electric, and the suspense keeps you turning the pages as you anxiously await what will happen next.
October 29, 2025
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Iced Out is Book 1 in the new series Blackwood Blades...giving me all the feels of enemies to lovers, drama, deep secrets and suspense. I love this author's books and did not hesitate to grab a copy of this story and dive in.
Mila and Luke were once upon a time...until they were not. An bad action cause a reaction and Mila along with her mother skip town, worried that trouble will find them. Fast forward a year later, Mila and her mother are back in town, but not with a warm welcome. Luke is the "King" at school and also the star of the hockey team...but Mila's return causes mistrust, anger and so much tension....but also knowing his family is pressuring him to work for their company. With so many secrets that are dark and deep along with the ugly side of fellow students.....Mila and Luke need to trust each other again when the truth comes out....
I cannot wait until Book 2 to find out more on Luke and Mila!!
Iced Out is Book 1 in the new series Blackwood Blades...giving me all the feels of enemies to lovers, drama, deep secrets and suspense. I love this author's books and did not hesitate to grab a copy of this story and dive in.
Mila and Luke were once upon a time...until they were not. An bad action cause a reaction and Mila along with her mother skip town, worried that trouble will find them. Fast forward a year later, Mila and her mother are back in town, but not with a warm welcome. Luke is the "King" at school and also the star of the hockey team...but Mila's return causes mistrust, anger and so much tension....but also knowing his family is pressuring him to work for their company. With so many secrets that are dark and deep along with the ugly side of fellow students.....Mila and Luke need to trust each other again when the truth comes out....
I cannot wait until Book 2 to find out more on Luke and Mila!!
October 19, 2025
Iced Out was such a fun, emotional read. I loved the tension and the characters—totally hooked. I’m already diving into the next book and can’t wait to see what happens next.
October 20, 2025
3.2 Stars
Mila and her mother fled Blackwood one night, no warning, no messages to those left behind. Letting anyone know why they fled would be too dangerous. But a year later, they are back in Blackwood, and Mila is having to face all those I have left behind, including her ex-boyfriend and the boy she still hasn’t gotten out of her system, Luke King.
Luke doesn’t know why Mila left; he doesn’t know why she didn’t contact him for a whole year, why she didn’t explain her disappearance. But he knows that he won’t let her close again, he won’t let her break his heart. But the pull between them is still there and undeniable, and the two of them can’t seem to stop falling into each other's orbit, even when there are more dangerous things happening in the background, especially between Mila’s mother and King Enterprises.
So this book had plenty of drama, and if that’s for you, then I think you will really enjoy this. Unfortunately, this book really wasn’t for me. I wasn’t really into the drama very much, and I thought that the overlap between the drama with King Enterprises and the stuff with her mom, and the High school scenes, was a little jarring. It might have been nice for the scenes at Blackwood Academy to have a less dramatic and dark feel, to contrast with the very real threat Mila’s mother and her were facing.
I also found it really strange that Luke would hate his girlfriend for disappearing without a word after a year. I could understand some anger and confusion, and maybe after Mila didn’t share why she left, that could lead to the animosity between them. But I thought he might be immediately curious as to why the love of his life just disappeared for a year. They do eventually have this conversation, but I thought these questions would have been asked as soon as he saw her again. I will say that I am curious to see what would happen between Avery and Jaz, totally shipping those two. Let's hope that Chase can back off with his protective brother routine enough for them to be happy.
If you like your romance with plenty of drama and dark undertones, with lots of sexual tension, and snappy altercations between the two main romantic leads, then this is for you. Vaughn does write it well, and the narrative is very often poetic, really setting the scene. This book just wasn’t for me.
Mila and her mother fled Blackwood one night, no warning, no messages to those left behind. Letting anyone know why they fled would be too dangerous. But a year later, they are back in Blackwood, and Mila is having to face all those I have left behind, including her ex-boyfriend and the boy she still hasn’t gotten out of her system, Luke King.
Luke doesn’t know why Mila left; he doesn’t know why she didn’t contact him for a whole year, why she didn’t explain her disappearance. But he knows that he won’t let her close again, he won’t let her break his heart. But the pull between them is still there and undeniable, and the two of them can’t seem to stop falling into each other's orbit, even when there are more dangerous things happening in the background, especially between Mila’s mother and King Enterprises.
So this book had plenty of drama, and if that’s for you, then I think you will really enjoy this. Unfortunately, this book really wasn’t for me. I wasn’t really into the drama very much, and I thought that the overlap between the drama with King Enterprises and the stuff with her mom, and the High school scenes, was a little jarring. It might have been nice for the scenes at Blackwood Academy to have a less dramatic and dark feel, to contrast with the very real threat Mila’s mother and her were facing.
I also found it really strange that Luke would hate his girlfriend for disappearing without a word after a year. I could understand some anger and confusion, and maybe after Mila didn’t share why she left, that could lead to the animosity between them. But I thought he might be immediately curious as to why the love of his life just disappeared for a year. They do eventually have this conversation, but I thought these questions would have been asked as soon as he saw her again. I will say that I am curious to see what would happen between Avery and Jaz, totally shipping those two. Let's hope that Chase can back off with his protective brother routine enough for them to be happy.
If you like your romance with plenty of drama and dark undertones, with lots of sexual tension, and snappy altercations between the two main romantic leads, then this is for you. Vaughn does write it well, and the narrative is very often poetic, really setting the scene. This book just wasn’t for me.
October 22, 2025
There aren’t many great authors of dark hockey academy romances, but this one is at the top of the list. From beginning until end, the tension is high and the emotions are real. We meet Mila. She seems like a normal teen, highschooler, girlfriend to a hockey player, artist, and daughter. When her mother is later than usual at getting home from work, Mila goes looking for her. Her phone’s location shows her at the office. When Mila gets there, she witnesses things she should not. Mila’s mom takes Mila home, they pack, and they run.
Left in the wake of Mila’s disappearance is her boyfriend, Luke. Luke is the captain of the hockey team, son of the town’s leading businessman, and school royalty. When Mila disappears without so much as a text, Luke is devastated. He entrusted his heart with Mila. He told her things he had never revealed to anyone else. Luke’s father tells him that there is more to the disappearance than meets the eye. Luke is told that Mila’s mom stole from the company and other lies.
When Mila is forced to return to town and school, Luke is there. Shocked, surprised, out for revenge. Luke ices her out. With Luke being who Luke is, the rest of the school follows his lead. Mila stays strong. Doesn’t let anyone see her crack. She is way tougher than people give her credit for. She only has to survive this year and then she is gone.
When Mila and her mom’s reappearance in town start to stir things hidden or purposely forgotten, the danger around Mila increases. Luke has to decide if he protects Mila and everything they could have been or toes the family line. Some of the decision is made for him when Mila becomes the target of a jealous ex of Luke’s, Elise, and her minions. One of which is a skeevy guy with all the wrong intentions. Will that partial shield of Luke’s be enough to keep Mila safe or is Luke part of the danger?
Well, we will have to wait until the next book to find out because this one ends on a cliffy. A wonderful, torturous, fantastic, horrible cliffhanger. As with other books by this author, the characters feel real. The tension is high. The enjoy-ability is higher. Add this to her list of outstanding books. I can’t wait for more from this series. I sense danger and spice ahead!!!
Left in the wake of Mila’s disappearance is her boyfriend, Luke. Luke is the captain of the hockey team, son of the town’s leading businessman, and school royalty. When Mila disappears without so much as a text, Luke is devastated. He entrusted his heart with Mila. He told her things he had never revealed to anyone else. Luke’s father tells him that there is more to the disappearance than meets the eye. Luke is told that Mila’s mom stole from the company and other lies.
When Mila is forced to return to town and school, Luke is there. Shocked, surprised, out for revenge. Luke ices her out. With Luke being who Luke is, the rest of the school follows his lead. Mila stays strong. Doesn’t let anyone see her crack. She is way tougher than people give her credit for. She only has to survive this year and then she is gone.
When Mila and her mom’s reappearance in town start to stir things hidden or purposely forgotten, the danger around Mila increases. Luke has to decide if he protects Mila and everything they could have been or toes the family line. Some of the decision is made for him when Mila becomes the target of a jealous ex of Luke’s, Elise, and her minions. One of which is a skeevy guy with all the wrong intentions. Will that partial shield of Luke’s be enough to keep Mila safe or is Luke part of the danger?
Well, we will have to wait until the next book to find out because this one ends on a cliffy. A wonderful, torturous, fantastic, horrible cliffhanger. As with other books by this author, the characters feel real. The tension is high. The enjoy-ability is higher. Add this to her list of outstanding books. I can’t wait for more from this series. I sense danger and spice ahead!!!
October 27, 2025
When I saw that Isla Vaughn had a new book out, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Her unique blend of romance and mystery always keeps me hooked, and this book was no exception.
Mila was forced to leave the town of Blackwood with no warning. She and her mother fled in the dead of night. She had to leave behind her best friend, Avery, and the boy who held her heart, Luke King. A year later, she finds herself back in Blackwood. She really isn’t sure why her mother would come back after she insisted that their lives were in danger. She certainly isn’t looking forward to facing Luke again. All she has to do is make it through her senior year, and she can live the life she wants to.
No one is more shocked by Mila’s return than Luke is. She broke his heart, and he hasn’t forgotten. He is bent on revenge and making Mila pay for what she did to him. The more he tries to ice her out, the more he can’t forget who she was to him at one time. As if their complicated and lingering love for each other wasn’t enough, dangerous secrets threaten to tear them apart.
As with all her other books, Isla Vaughn creates complex and multi-layered characters. Mila still loves Luke, but she is also a fighter and refuses to bend to him or the mean girl club, who make it their mission every day to break her. One minute, Luke is cold and terrible to her, and the next minute, he is her savior, trying to protect her. This complexity keeps the reader engaged and intrigued.
The book involves more mystery and intrigue than romance, even though their love story is the foundation of the book. I appreciated that they didn’t get back together by the second chapter of the book. This couple has some very real trust issues and is busy trying to figure out who the real villain is. The book does end on quite a cliffhanger, striking a perfect balance between romance and mystery, and leaving me and other readers curious about what's next in the series!
Mila was forced to leave the town of Blackwood with no warning. She and her mother fled in the dead of night. She had to leave behind her best friend, Avery, and the boy who held her heart, Luke King. A year later, she finds herself back in Blackwood. She really isn’t sure why her mother would come back after she insisted that their lives were in danger. She certainly isn’t looking forward to facing Luke again. All she has to do is make it through her senior year, and she can live the life she wants to.
No one is more shocked by Mila’s return than Luke is. She broke his heart, and he hasn’t forgotten. He is bent on revenge and making Mila pay for what she did to him. The more he tries to ice her out, the more he can’t forget who she was to him at one time. As if their complicated and lingering love for each other wasn’t enough, dangerous secrets threaten to tear them apart.
As with all her other books, Isla Vaughn creates complex and multi-layered characters. Mila still loves Luke, but she is also a fighter and refuses to bend to him or the mean girl club, who make it their mission every day to break her. One minute, Luke is cold and terrible to her, and the next minute, he is her savior, trying to protect her. This complexity keeps the reader engaged and intrigued.
The book involves more mystery and intrigue than romance, even though their love story is the foundation of the book. I appreciated that they didn’t get back together by the second chapter of the book. This couple has some very real trust issues and is busy trying to figure out who the real villain is. The book does end on quite a cliffhanger, striking a perfect balance between romance and mystery, and leaving me and other readers curious about what's next in the series!
October 24, 2025
Mila and Luke are high school sweethearts. Luke is king of the school as the son of a respected businessman, and captain of the hockey team. He is also madly in love with Mila and she is one of the only people he is comfortable being vulnerable with. Mila is also wildly in love with Luke. She lives with her mom in Blackwood and they have a well-established routine. When her mom doesn't come home on time one evening, Mila worries and tracks her location to a business. When she gets to the location, she sees something not intended for her eyes. As a result, when she and her mom return to their house they immediately start packing and flee, without a word to anyone.
When Luke finds himself abandoned, he is devastated and hears how Mila's mom stole money and took off. With no word from Mila, he decides the rumor must be true. Mila and her mom are forced to return to Blackwood after an entire year of running, and Luke can't believe she has the audacity to show her face in his town again. Knowing the entire school will follow his lead, he tries his best to break Mila for breaking his heart. What he doesn't know and is unable to consider is that Mila has had to become much tougher than he ever expected in the year she has been gone.
What neither of them considered was that their former relationship and chemistry will keep drawing them to one another, wanting to share their stories despite the need to keep them quiet. As secrets come to the surface, will Mila be able to stay safe? Will Luke be able to protect her? Will he even want to? Will they both make it out the other side ok?
When Luke finds himself abandoned, he is devastated and hears how Mila's mom stole money and took off. With no word from Mila, he decides the rumor must be true. Mila and her mom are forced to return to Blackwood after an entire year of running, and Luke can't believe she has the audacity to show her face in his town again. Knowing the entire school will follow his lead, he tries his best to break Mila for breaking his heart. What he doesn't know and is unable to consider is that Mila has had to become much tougher than he ever expected in the year she has been gone.
What neither of them considered was that their former relationship and chemistry will keep drawing them to one another, wanting to share their stories despite the need to keep them quiet. As secrets come to the surface, will Mila be able to stay safe? Will Luke be able to protect her? Will he even want to? Will they both make it out the other side ok?
October 29, 2025
Iced Out (The Blackwood Blades #1) by Isla Vaughn
5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Iced Out is an amazing book that had me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the next book.This is the first book in The Blackwood Blades Series. The writing was amazing and I couldn’t complain about a thing in this book.
Mila left with no explanation and now she’s back. She knows she’s not going to live down disappearing with no word. She left her boyfriend, her best friend, and her school. All for her to be thrown back in a year later. Her ex can’t stand her and lets her know when she sees him for the first time in a year. She can’t stand the thought of pure hatred on his face, but let’s face it what was she going to expect? She tells him when he comes up to her for the second time: “Right. Cowardly games. Whispered threats. Funny how the prince of Blackwood turned into his father’s puppet.”
Luke was furious when she left with no word to him. Now she returns with no remorse for what she has done. He wants to get even with her, but when his father makes a demand of him he has to go with it. Now when he saw her again he told her: “Rumors are swirling. You just got back, and suddenly shit’s starting up again. Kind of like when you left the last time too.”
5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Iced Out is an amazing book that had me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the next book.This is the first book in The Blackwood Blades Series. The writing was amazing and I couldn’t complain about a thing in this book.
Mila left with no explanation and now she’s back. She knows she’s not going to live down disappearing with no word. She left her boyfriend, her best friend, and her school. All for her to be thrown back in a year later. Her ex can’t stand her and lets her know when she sees him for the first time in a year. She can’t stand the thought of pure hatred on his face, but let’s face it what was she going to expect? She tells him when he comes up to her for the second time: “Right. Cowardly games. Whispered threats. Funny how the prince of Blackwood turned into his father’s puppet.”
Luke was furious when she left with no word to him. Now she returns with no remorse for what she has done. He wants to get even with her, but when his father makes a demand of him he has to go with it. Now when he saw her again he told her: “Rumors are swirling. You just got back, and suddenly shit’s starting up again. Kind of like when you left the last time too.”
October 21, 2025
Well anyone who has read this author knows 3 things.
1. The book will be great
2. High School Sports Romance
3. Suspenseful Drama
All of those things are a guarantee and Iced Out is no different! This author is at it again bringing to the reader a world and story to get sucked into. Another guarantee I can make is, if you never read this author before, well this is a good place to start. And once you’re done you’ll be looking for more books by them. Now just a brief overview.
Mila broke Luke’s heart when she disappeared without saying goodbye, however what Luke doesn’t realize is: She had no choice & She broke her own heart walking away. Well she’s back and the high school hierarchy are none too happy. The queen bee Elise is out for Mila’s blood. While Luke is torn. She deserves his worst but he is also well aware she’s a target as well. A target in a much crueler and bigger game that she may not be able to get out of.
What does Luke decide? And will his heart become a liability?
Being I mentioned romance above, I’m sure you can figure that out. But the real question is are you ready for the web of lies and dark subject matters that surround these kids. If so I encourage you to jump on in, you won’t be disappointed.
1. The book will be great
2. High School Sports Romance
3. Suspenseful Drama
All of those things are a guarantee and Iced Out is no different! This author is at it again bringing to the reader a world and story to get sucked into. Another guarantee I can make is, if you never read this author before, well this is a good place to start. And once you’re done you’ll be looking for more books by them. Now just a brief overview.
Mila broke Luke’s heart when she disappeared without saying goodbye, however what Luke doesn’t realize is: She had no choice & She broke her own heart walking away. Well she’s back and the high school hierarchy are none too happy. The queen bee Elise is out for Mila’s blood. While Luke is torn. She deserves his worst but he is also well aware she’s a target as well. A target in a much crueler and bigger game that she may not be able to get out of.
What does Luke decide? And will his heart become a liability?
Being I mentioned romance above, I’m sure you can figure that out. But the real question is are you ready for the web of lies and dark subject matters that surround these kids. If so I encourage you to jump on in, you won’t be disappointed.
October 27, 2025
This is the first book in The Blackwood Blades series, and it follows Mila and Luke. Mila was the queen of Blackwood High School for one year and an outsider two years later. Luke was the captain of the hockey team, and with the last name King, he was simply the King of Blackwood. Mila and Luke were dating, but one night, Mila and her mom just left. They left without a word, no goodbye, but Luke found Mila’s shooting star necklace hidden in his hockey bag. A year later, during Mila’s senior year, she finds herself back at Blackwood High. She has no idea how they could be back there after the last time they were there. She finds her mom standing over Derik’s dead body, running that night. Mila’s mom would not give her reasons why they were back, just that they were. Mila just needed to avoid Luke, but she knew that was going to be impossible. The tension between the two was deep and heavy. Elisa, a girl whose family was just as powerful as the Kings, thought she was going to become a power couple with Luke. However, now that Mila was back, Elisa felt replaced, and that was not a good feeling. Elisa starts to pursue Mila, and the ultimate prize is Luke. This is a great first book in a new series. I can’t wait to find out what happens next between Luke and Mila!
November 3, 2025
Mila and her mother vanish in the night away from Blackwood but when she returns to the town and when Mila runs into Luke again, they are not sure what is going on and the moment they had is still fresh in both their minds.
Mila was the butt of the joke within Luke’s circle of friends with the elite and privileged Mila was always on the outside but when one night changed all that and she shared a kiss with Luke that both could not get out of their heads.
Luke is confused now that Mila is back in town, but can he get the answers he wants, or will he continue to make her life hell not knowing the full story, but does he really want to know.
I love this start to this new series, and it offers the same style and well developed and written characters hat Isla always has. This thrilling story is a brilliant fast-paced story which has its dark secrets, with its hope for Luke and Mila to be together and not have the troubles they may encounter to move their relationship forward.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the twists and turns, with the add chemistry between these two main characters it's a great start to the series and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Mila was the butt of the joke within Luke’s circle of friends with the elite and privileged Mila was always on the outside but when one night changed all that and she shared a kiss with Luke that both could not get out of their heads.
Luke is confused now that Mila is back in town, but can he get the answers he wants, or will he continue to make her life hell not knowing the full story, but does he really want to know.
I love this start to this new series, and it offers the same style and well developed and written characters hat Isla always has. This thrilling story is a brilliant fast-paced story which has its dark secrets, with its hope for Luke and Mila to be together and not have the troubles they may encounter to move their relationship forward.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the twists and turns, with the add chemistry between these two main characters it's a great start to the series and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
October 22, 2025
ced Out by Isla Vaughn is a hockey themed romance with High School aged characters. As someone who hasn't been in high school for quite a while, I was hesitant to try a romance with teenagers. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the characters and the story line that developed. While much of the book setting is in the halls of a school, these teens are children in age only.
The book begins when Mila returns to Blackwood after being forced to abruptly leave a year earlier. Not only did she leave town, but she left her boyfriend, Luke, without an explanation or a goodbye. Luke is a star hockey player and the son of the most powerful family in Blackwood. But it seems like the secrets that forced Mila and her mom to leave are beginning to unravel as Luke's dad continues to pull the strings of his son.
This book is well written, the characters are dynamic, the story line is intriguing. The worst (or best!) part is the cliff hanger ending that leaves you wishing the book would never end.
As a possible spoiler or trigger alert, there are no graphic on page "spicy" scenes with the teenage characters. There is some kissing and some romantic tension.
The book begins when Mila returns to Blackwood after being forced to abruptly leave a year earlier. Not only did she leave town, but she left her boyfriend, Luke, without an explanation or a goodbye. Luke is a star hockey player and the son of the most powerful family in Blackwood. But it seems like the secrets that forced Mila and her mom to leave are beginning to unravel as Luke's dad continues to pull the strings of his son.
This book is well written, the characters are dynamic, the story line is intriguing. The worst (or best!) part is the cliff hanger ending that leaves you wishing the book would never end.
As a possible spoiler or trigger alert, there are no graphic on page "spicy" scenes with the teenage characters. There is some kissing and some romantic tension.
October 26, 2025
This is the first book in The Blackwood Blade Series. This author is amazing at writing sports romance stories which keep me gripped and creating characters I can't help but become fully invested in. And this one was exactly the same.
It's a story about a young couple called Quinn and Luke. This is a enemies to lovers story with angst, drama, secrets, chemistry and so much more.
Quinn and Luke seemed the perfect couple. They never imagined life apart until one day something happen that tore them apart leaving Quinn no time to say goodbye and no way of explaining. She just left and disappeared.
A year later and she returns to find Luke a completely different person to the one she left behind.
Luke was heartbroken when Quinn left without even saying a word. How could she just leave him like that. Over the year he has struggled but existed never quite ridding Quinn from his mind.
When he sees her again anger is his shield. He is determined to get his revenge and to get answers to why Quinn left him that way.
But what happens if Quinn reveals the truth? Will the truth blow both of their lives apart or will it set them free to try again?
It's a story about a young couple called Quinn and Luke. This is a enemies to lovers story with angst, drama, secrets, chemistry and so much more.
Quinn and Luke seemed the perfect couple. They never imagined life apart until one day something happen that tore them apart leaving Quinn no time to say goodbye and no way of explaining. She just left and disappeared.
A year later and she returns to find Luke a completely different person to the one she left behind.
Luke was heartbroken when Quinn left without even saying a word. How could she just leave him like that. Over the year he has struggled but existed never quite ridding Quinn from his mind.
When he sees her again anger is his shield. He is determined to get his revenge and to get answers to why Quinn left him that way.
But what happens if Quinn reveals the truth? Will the truth blow both of their lives apart or will it set them free to try again?
October 30, 2025
Iced Out: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance (Blackwood Blades Book 1) by Isla Vaughn. I love anything written by this author so I knew I would love this book! It's the story of Mila and Luke who were the golden couple of Blackwood High School until they weren't. Luke is the captain of the hockey team and with a last name like King he was the King of Blackwood. Luke and Mila were inseparable until one night Mila and her mom mysteriously disappear in the middle of the night. Luke is devastated and angry. While Mila is gone a girl named Elisa whose family is just as powerful as Luke's thinks she can replace Mila. During their Senior year Mila and her mom return to Blackwood and Mila has no idea why. Her mom has instructed her to stay away from Luke but how can she do that. Luke is very angry at Mila and Elisa feels like she has been replaced since Mila is back so Mila automatically has enemies. Even though Luke is hell bent on revenge he can't keep Mila out of his mind and he still loves her. Will Mila and her mom survive coming back to Blackwood? Read this awesome romance to find out!
October 19, 2025
I don’t think I have read a dark sports romance before but I enjoyed the suspense of this book! Mila and her mom have to run before they get caught up in something that they shouldn’t have seen. She sends one text to her boyfriend and then vanishes. Luke finds Mila’s necklace in her bag and takes it as a goodbye. He has spent a year angry and sad and lost but now she is back in town. Luke ices Mila out and makes her the enemy but he still has so many buried feelings for her. Mila looks at Luke and sees what could have been but knows that anyone with the King name is not safe with her and her secrets. They need to stay apart but Luke ends up protecting her and Mila gives him some secret information about his family’s company. I liked the characters, they didn’t seem like really young and immature high schoolers. The small town setting with the families that run the town was interesting and seemed intense. There was a darkness that ran through the book that kept me reading. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 30, 2025
Iced Out had me hooked right from the start — and honestly, no surprise there because I love this author. Isla Vaughn knows exactly how to mix heat, heart, and a little bit of heartbreak in all the right ways.
This dark enemies-to-lovers hockey romance brought the fire. The hero is broody, intense, and the kind of man who makes you want to both slap him and kiss him senseless. The heroine? Strong, confident, and refuses to back down — which only makes their chemistry explode even more. Every page drips with tension, and that slow burn? Torturous in the best way.
The emotional tug-of-war, the dirty looks that turn into something a whole lot hotter — it’s the kind of book that makes your pulse race and your heart ache at the same time. By the end, I was completely obsessed with the Blackwood Blades world and craving more.
Isla Vaughn never disappoints — Iced Out is steamy, addictive, and everything I want in a dark, spicy romance.
🔥 If you love enemies-to-lovers with serious heat and heart, trust me — you need this one in your life.
This dark enemies-to-lovers hockey romance brought the fire. The hero is broody, intense, and the kind of man who makes you want to both slap him and kiss him senseless. The heroine? Strong, confident, and refuses to back down — which only makes their chemistry explode even more. Every page drips with tension, and that slow burn? Torturous in the best way.
The emotional tug-of-war, the dirty looks that turn into something a whole lot hotter — it’s the kind of book that makes your pulse race and your heart ache at the same time. By the end, I was completely obsessed with the Blackwood Blades world and craving more.
Isla Vaughn never disappoints — Iced Out is steamy, addictive, and everything I want in a dark, spicy romance.
🔥 If you love enemies-to-lovers with serious heat and heart, trust me — you need this one in your life.
October 30, 2025
Mila and Luke are high school seniors. Luke is the star of the hockey team and Mila is the ex that disappeared without a goodbye, but now she's back.
While the setting is mostly in the halls of their high school, Mila and Luke are thrust into adult knowledge and decisions long before their age matches.
Mila mom once worked for Luke's Dad, the town's leading businessman. Mila's mom found out a dark secret and they were forced to sneak out of town in the middle of the night. Luke's father has told Luke that there's more to their disappearance than meets the eye. Luke and Mila must navigate not only the high school drama, but be on defense as they unravel what really happened and what's being covered up.
Isla Vaughn did a fantastic job of creating a well rounded set of characters, lots of tension and emotion throughout the book. I was very hesitant to jump into a YA Mystery Romance. I was pleasantly surprised by maturity of the characters and the depth of it all despite their numerical age.
While the setting is mostly in the halls of their high school, Mila and Luke are thrust into adult knowledge and decisions long before their age matches.
Mila mom once worked for Luke's Dad, the town's leading businessman. Mila's mom found out a dark secret and they were forced to sneak out of town in the middle of the night. Luke's father has told Luke that there's more to their disappearance than meets the eye. Luke and Mila must navigate not only the high school drama, but be on defense as they unravel what really happened and what's being covered up.
Isla Vaughn did a fantastic job of creating a well rounded set of characters, lots of tension and emotion throughout the book. I was very hesitant to jump into a YA Mystery Romance. I was pleasantly surprised by maturity of the characters and the depth of it all despite their numerical age.
October 31, 2025
What a page turner! Love, drama, mystery, and hockey!! This story is about Mila, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, loves to create art, and is in love with Luke, the hockey prince who runs this town. His dad is also one of those people who you do not want to get onto the wrong side of. Stakes are at all time high, and not just on the ice rink. Early on in this story, tension arises and these high schoolers are not prepared for the turnout. It’s hard enough to navigate high school but these two have to deal with a lot more than just your average teenager. Will these two be able to overlook all the pressure of high school drama, their friends, and family expectations? Will they be able to be who they want to be? Will they end up together? Read this story to find out!
This is a slow burn book. Lovers to enemies to lovers. What a wild ride this was. The story was a great read and kept me wanting to read more! I loved the main characters and the story line. I cannot wait to read more books written by Isla Vaughn.
This is a slow burn book. Lovers to enemies to lovers. What a wild ride this was. The story was a great read and kept me wanting to read more! I loved the main characters and the story line. I cannot wait to read more books written by Isla Vaughn.
October 16, 2025
Another favorite to add to the growing stack for this author! This has a bit of everything. Mystery, revenge, second chances with love and friendships, touch her and regret it, forbidden choices, and a lot of FAFO situations. Mila left Blackwood academy under mysteries circumstances a year ago and now finds herself back in the one place she thought she would never see again. As well as seeing the one guy she just can't put behind her, Luke King. Knowing he has no idea why her and her mom really left town. And that secret could not only put her and her mom in danger but maybe even make Luke doubt his own family. But as schemes and threats start coming from different directions no one is really safe from what is coming. Well Mila and Luke be able to survive what is coming or will the past come back to hurt them. This does leave on a cliffhanger, but it will have you counting down the days till the next book is out. Happy Reading!
October 20, 2025
Iced Out is the first book in The Blackwood Blades series by Isla Vaughn. I have come to love Miss Vaughn's dark sports romances, and Iced Out does not disappoint. This book is full of drama, suspense, forbidden romance, secrets, and lots of tension and chemistry. There are so many elements to this book, but they don't feel overwhelming, as Isla Vaughn weaves her story with descriptive world-building that transports the reader into the story. I felt the thinly-veiled anger and betrayal, saw the lavish interior of Blackwood Academy, and heard the roar of the crowd in the Academy's hockey rink. The characters are realistic, believable, and lovable and I found myself rooting for the romance between Mila and Luke. There were a few bits and pieces that felt a little repetitive, and I was just so upset that it ended in a cliffhanger. But, overall, a great book by the wonderful Isla Vaughn. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
October 30, 2025
This dark and steamy enemies to lovers, second chance hockey romance, kept me happily turning the pages. Mila and Luke were high school sweethearts, until Mila and her mother had to leave Blackwood without time for goodbyes in the dead of night. Luke was left heartbroken when Mila left but now he’s the captain of the undefeated Blackwood Blades. When Mila returns to her hometown she’s met with a very different Luke, he’s cold, calculating and ruthless. Luke wants answers from Mila, but he also wants revenge. Mila knows that he doesn’t know the full story, but she can’t tell him the truth or they both might regret it. This angst-filled story kept me hooked throughout, and I felt fully immersed in the setting and invested in the characters. The chemistry between Mila and Luke sizzled off the page, whilst their complex relationship also came across in the narrative. I look forward to the next book in this new enjoyable and engaging series.
October 31, 2025
Mila and her mother have been running for a year now. Mila’s mother got into some trouble with King Enterprises and Mila happened to walk up on it and her mother made them leave. Said they had to run because these people would make it their fault. Would say that her mother was the cause of this. Mila leaving Blackwood and leaving her boyfriend was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do, and her mother told her she couldn’t tell anybody why they were leaving or even that they were leaving. Now a year later she has returned to Blackwood because her mother says she got a job offer she couldn’t refuse. Is this a good thing or is this all just a plan to get them back. Luke, Mila’s now ex boyfriend was gutted when she left and it’s even worse now that she is back. He has to make her pay. But no one knows what Mila has been through this past year and she has been training to take whatever is going to be thrown at her, will it be hard absolutely.
October 12, 2025
This is the first book in a new series for this author. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books from the first one I picked up. I enjoy this author’s writing style and attention to details that make their stories realistic. This is a well written story about what happens when the person that you loved once is now a threat. A story where you think that your secrets are hidden but what happens when the past now wants answers? I enjoyed the characters in this story. They are engaging, connectable and relatable. They took me on a little roller coaster ride of emotions that just added to the story. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and one you don’t want to miss. This is a sports romance that is full of love-hate and attraction like no other. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
October 18, 2025
As the first book in The Blackwood Blades Series, I am eagerly awaiting the second installment. This book cannot be read as a standalone, as many questions remain unanswered by the end. However, the deep connection you develop with the characters makes it essential to read this book before diving into the sequel.
I initially found it a bit challenging to continue at the start, but I highly recommend sticking with it, as it becomes so engaging that you won't want to put it down. It reminded me of the Sweet Valley High series I read in high school, but it’s elevated to the next level. This book definitely has broad appeal for readers of various ages.
The story follows Mila and Luke as they navigate a world filled with murder, school politics, social inequality, and, of course, ice hockey.
I initially found it a bit challenging to continue at the start, but I highly recommend sticking with it, as it becomes so engaging that you won't want to put it down. It reminded me of the Sweet Valley High series I read in high school, but it’s elevated to the next level. This book definitely has broad appeal for readers of various ages.
The story follows Mila and Luke as they navigate a world filled with murder, school politics, social inequality, and, of course, ice hockey.
October 19, 2025
Iced Out is a dark enemies-to-lovers sports romance with great tension and the perfect amount of push-pull between main characters Maya and Easton. Maya is the feisty, take-life-swinging kind of woman who runs into Easton, the hot hockey star with the right amount of cocky confidence and sexy appeal. When these two powerhouse characters connect, the attraction is instant, and the steam is off the charts. Looking at this from a sports angle, the hockey is great; the team dynamics and locker-room camaraderie are almost over the top. If you are looking for a sexy, high-emotion, sports romance ride with enemies-to-lovers heat, set in the hockey world. I knocked this book out in a weekend, and I couldn’t put my Kindle down throughout this entire book. Can’t wait to see the other books in this series!
October 22, 2025
Mila is watching the varsity team boy’s hockey team practicing when she gets a message from her mum saying she won’t make dinner , that’s an unease within her and even more so when she gets home , she races her mom and what she discovers has them on the run she doesn’t even get to say goodbye to her friends or boyfriend ….
They ran from Blackwood only to return to Blackwood ?! I’m just as confused as Mila 🤷♀️
Mila starts back at Blackwood and there’s mixed feelings and I get Luke I mean she just up and disappeared and he didn’t he even know why , I think he does now and his loyalties are torn 🙈
I must say these youngsters are rather intense definitely not what we were “ back in the day “ and they kept me on my toes and let’s no even talk about the cliffhanger ending 🤷♀️🙈
Waiting with baited breath for the next one ❣️📕😉
They ran from Blackwood only to return to Blackwood ?! I’m just as confused as Mila 🤷♀️
Mila starts back at Blackwood and there’s mixed feelings and I get Luke I mean she just up and disappeared and he didn’t he even know why , I think he does now and his loyalties are torn 🙈
I must say these youngsters are rather intense definitely not what we were “ back in the day “ and they kept me on my toes and let’s no even talk about the cliffhanger ending 🤷♀️🙈
Waiting with baited breath for the next one ❣️📕😉
October 20, 2025
This has been an interesting Dark Romance book. This book has drew me in since page 1 and left me wanting to read more. Love the characters and the story line. To watch Luke and Mila go back and forth has been interesting and Elise being the jealous woman she is. Mila and Luke used to be together until she walked into something her mom had witnessed and had to pack up and leave without telling Luke. She put the necklace he gave her into his hockey bag and left. A year later she comes back and everything changes at school. Will she ever get a chance to explain everything and they figure things out or will the rest of her high school years just be torture until she graduates? I recommend this book and can't wait to read the next one.
October 22, 2025
Iced out was a pretty good read. Definitely not what I’m used to when I see a new dark romance book by this author. The characters were good…likable. I just felt like it was missing something. I’m hoping the second book will give me the wow factor I’m used to with her books. It didn’t leave with an omg cliff hanger but the story isn’t anywhere close to being over. The next book should be out in about 2 months.
Like annoyed me a bit with his back and forth. But Mila….loved everything about her. She isn’t scared of anyone. At least she makes it
like she isn’t scared of
Anyone and doesn’t back down. Curious to see what happens with Elise, Logan, The Kings, The Dunns and of course what happens with Luke and Mila. Then I’m hoping Jax and Avery will have a book soon too.
Like annoyed me a bit with his back and forth. But Mila….loved everything about her. She isn’t scared of anyone. At least she makes it
like she isn’t scared of
Anyone and doesn’t back down. Curious to see what happens with Elise, Logan, The Kings, The Dunns and of course what happens with Luke and Mila. Then I’m hoping Jax and Avery will have a book soon too.
October 23, 2025
Having read Isla Vaughn before, I was excited to jump into this series. When Mila and her mom return to Blackwood after a year of running, she knows that nothing will be the same. Luke can't believe that Mila would come back to his town after she and her mom ran away in the dead of the night. As Mila and Luke struggle with their feelings and clash with those around them, more and more secrets are revealed. Will they be able to trust each other again, or will Luke and his family drive them away for good? I enjoyed Luke and Mila's story. It was interesting because I don't normally read books with high school-aged kids, but this felt more like college-aged to me. Perhaps the characters feel more mature due to their lives and upbringing. I'm definitely adding the next book to my TBR.
October 24, 2025
This author is never one I hesitate to read and I was so excited to see the start of a new series. As with all of her books, I was pulled into this one straight away. The characters were absolutely captivating. The push and pull between them kept be fully engaged with them and I loved watching their dynamic play out. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favourite tropes and it was pulled with excellent style with these characters.
It wasn’t just the characters that were incredible. The storyline was gripping and I found myself unable to put the book down. I had to see which way the author would take things and what was in store for the characters. As the first book in the series, this show such promise for the series as a whole and I cannot wait to read more to come.
It wasn’t just the characters that were incredible. The storyline was gripping and I found myself unable to put the book down. I had to see which way the author would take things and what was in store for the characters. As the first book in the series, this show such promise for the series as a whole and I cannot wait to read more to come.
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