Home Ice: Rink Romance 1

by Ashley Bow

Zhuri

What could possibly be worse than co-captaining a brand new NHL team with your sworn enemy?

Nothing. I can think of nothing worse than having to spend every day with Cameron Kovacic, the man I’ve loathed since we were eighteen. We’re entirely different people, but now we’re co-captains of the Colorado Comets, and working together seems like it’s going to be impossible.

But Cameron isn’t who I thought he was. He has so much more depth than the shallow man I knew before. A friendship should be easy as long as we don’t get too close.

Cameron

Zhuri Hart has been the bane of my existence for a decade.

She’s always been an incredible hockey player, but off the ice, we can’t actually get along… until we do. It turns out Zhuri is far more incredible than I ever gave her credit for, and I’m falling for her before I even realize what’s happening.

Being together is against our contracts, though. With our hearts and careers on the line, this becomes about so much more than sharing our home ice…

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

About the author

Indie author of smutty romcoms.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good enemies to lovers story. Throw in some mental health representation and hockey, I'm all in. Cameron and Zhuri have hated each other since college and now both okay professional hockey. Changes are being made and now the leagues are coed. Forcing them to be in the same team and co- captains. The more time they spend together, the more they realize how wrong they were about each other. Soon likes blur and they start a relationship. Someone tries to threaten them with blackmail, can they overcome it and still be together?

[Kristen Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely inhaled this book. I knew, having read the Stars series, I was going to love this book, but my love for Cameron and Zhuri’s chemistry was immediate. The spice was immaculate. There is humor, wit, feelings and of course, the perfect dose of drama and sports. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Lauren Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Ice drops you straight into a co-ed NHL (don’t we wish ladies), where Zhuri Hart and Cameron Kovacic have been enemies since college, and now they’re stuck sharing a C on the same team. The banter is petty, the tension is feral, and the slow burn is the kind that makes you want to shake them and scream “JUST KISS ALREADY.” I loved the mental health rep, the found family locker room vibes, and the way their rivalry melts into something soft without needing a messy third act breakup. If you like your sports romance equal parts chirps, chemistry, and quiet emotional gut punches, the Colorado Comets need to be on your radar!

[Deloria Loketi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I really liked this one from Ashley Bow. This is the first book I've read from her but I definitely want more.
She makes you get invested in these characters and their lives!
Zhuri and Cameron are the absolute cutest.
After a disaster first meeting in college they become bitter enemies. Then a decade later the NHL and WHL decide to combine and they have to share the ice.
The banter is great and the spice is spicy 😂🥵
I would love to see these characters come to life in audio one day 💗
The book is set up to hopefully give us a series of the other players and I'm soooo here for it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.8 📚 overall story
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much, Ashley Bow and Book Buzz PR, for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This was such a different and fresh take on a hockey romance! The NHL decided it was time to join the men’s and women’s leagues and its reception is mixed. The FMC and MMC are college rivals thrown together on this new team and both named captain. Chaos ensues, but because they’re both respectable leaders they make it work. It was super fun to read, and a bit emotional, but knowing Ashley’s writing I was waiting for the spice and it didn’t fail!! She really knows how to write these MMC’s!! And characters with substance.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Zhuri and Cameron’s story. I loved this crew so much and can’t wait to see everyone else’s stories, especially Isla’s!!! Go Comets!!

Tropes:
Rivals to Lovers
Teammates
Forbidden Romance (it’s in the contract!!!)
Slow burn
Found Family
Dual POV
Mental Health rep
No third act breakup
Interconnected Standalone
Spicy!!🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄ “You deserve to feel happiness, Cam. Everyone does.” 🏒

🏒❄🏒---Beta Review---❄🏒❄

Ashley came out swinging with her debut hockey romance, and it was everything I hoped for and more. I already knew she could craft a stellar sports romance from her “NY Stars” baseball series, and she didn’t miss a single beat in transitioning to the ice. This book had the whole package: heartfelt emotion, wholesome moments, sharp and hilarious banter, incredible chemistry, a deliciously drawn-out slow burn, satisfying spice, and even a chaotic demonic goose (Goosifer, the true menace).

❄ “This playful side of Zhuri is starting to seem very dangerous, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying every fucking minute of it.” 🏒

I connected with Cam in a way I rarely connect with MMCs. His internal struggles, the way he tried to keep his darkness from spilling onto others, and the pain of being reduced to one small part of his past; my heart absolutely ached for him. Zhuri was the perfect counterpart; the way these two fit together felt effortless and inevitable. I only wish we’d gotten more interaction within the broader friend groups, especially between Cam and the guys. Zhuri and the girls had plenty of page time, but the male friendships felt underexplored, and given how well Ashley normally handles the found family trope, I hoped for more of that dynamic.

🏒 “Oh my god.” ❄

❄”Cameron. The only deity you’ll be praying to tonight is me.”🏒

The attention and care Ashley gave to mental health, particularly men’s mental health, were deeply impactful. I loved how she underscored that mental health struggles are not gendered and showcased how toxic masculinity can be dismantled with patience, trust, and the right support system. While I would’ve liked to see Cam lean more on his friends to fully round out this theme, watching him break down his internal barriers was still incredibly satisfying. My heart both broke and healed throughout this story, and the acceptance and support woven through every chapter made it all the more touching. I can’t wait to see where the Comets go next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stars: 4.5/5
Spice: 3/5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tropes:
🏒 Enemies to Lovers ❄
❄ Forbidden Romance 🏒
🏒 Mental Health Rep ❄
❄ Found Family 🏒

🏒 “I don’t need you to be perfect. I need you to be you.” ❄

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Home Ice Book 1 in the Rink Romance Series by Ashley Bow. This is a 5 star read for me. I absolutely love hockey romances and I love this book it had me constantly smiling and laughing out loud. This was a really sweet and funny read. I love the spin in this book with there being a new NHL where the teams are made up of with both male and female hockey players on them. I love women being recognized as athletes and showing they can be just as good in sports as men. I also love all the side characters in this book this whole group is so funny, I love how close they all are and that the team is like a family. This is an spicy, slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, interracial, teammates, forbidden, hockey romance. This is Zhuri and Cameron’s story. They have known each other since their freshman year of college, they didn’t have a great first impression of each other and have hated each other ever since, its 11 years later and they still can’t stand each other. They are now 29 and both professional Hockey players in Denver, Colorado. They are forced to be on the same team when the new NHL is formed combining the men and women’s pro teams. They have to learn to work together and lead together when they are both made co-captains of their new team the Colorado Comets. I love the back and forth between Zhuri and Cameron they are hilarious together. Now that they are on the same team they are truly getting to know each other and realizing there is more to each other than they first thought. Cameron has a reputation of being a playboy but he wants more than just sex he wants love and connection a d a real relationship. Zhuri and Cameron are so cute together I love watching them hang out and have fun they are also extremely attracted to each other those spicy scenes are so good. They really like each other and want to be together but have a no fraternization clause in their contracts. They have to keep their relationship a secret they are no longer enemies but are they willing to risk their careers for love. I highly recommend this book I also love that there’s no 3rd act break up and I love the ending

[Sarah Furlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Ice drops you straight into a co-ed NHL which is unheard of and let’s just say it didn’t sit well with some but with others they were looking forward to this new experience. Both of these teams have strong member and the leaders that lead them will do the same now as co-captains Zhuri Hart and Cameron Kovacic. But Cameron and Zhuri have HATED each other for the last 10 years, will they be able to get past that hatred and be able to bring victory to the new team and unite?

Cam and his internal struggles gutted me, the way he tried to keep his darkness from spilling onto others, and the pain of being reduced to one small part of his past; my heart absolutely ached for him. The way he felt the weight of the world and how he carried it himself for all these years, but with Zhuri she was the perfect counterpart; the way these two fit together felt effortless and inevitable. When those two connected and Zhuri made him open up when no one took the time of day to truly get to know him. This is what truly brought forth the truth of the loathing they did all those years ago and they finally saw first hand that what they thought they knew about one another was in fact a big lie.


Now, never did I think a game of would you rather between two enemies would develop into such strong chemistry and a relationship that was between Cameron and Zhuri. And when they finally gave in, laying their careers on the line to make a go of the connection, that was everything because that was out of character for Zhuri and I loved that she was willing to chance this and finally live.


The attention and care Ashley gave to mental health, particularly men's mental health, were deeply impactful. I loved how she underscored that mental health struggles are not gendered and showcased how toxic masculinity can be dismantled with patience, trust, and the right support system and watching Cam break down his internal barriers was still incredibly satisfying. My heart both broke and healed throughout this story, and the acceptance and support woven through every chapter made it all the more touching. I can't wait to see where the Comets go next.







Quotes:

"You deserve to feel happiness, Cam. Everyone
does."

[Emaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗕𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗣𝗥 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗥𝗖! 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

When I beta read this book earlier this month (perks of being on Ashley’s street team), I enjoyed it so much that I kept forgetting I was supposed to be watching out for errors. And when I sat down to read the ARC, I was worried that reading the same story again in such a short time frame would impact my enjoyment, but I found that was not the case.

The writing was everything I preferred. It was fast paced and a mix of humorous, heartfelt, and spicy. It was written in a way that I even enjoyed Cam and Zhuri when they still hated each other, because their banter was entertaining. And even more importantly, the banter never went away after they warmed up to each other; it just became more playful. The progression was gradual and realistic, and that third act was when I was really breezing through the pages.

Cam was driven and dedicated to the sport and those in his circle. I loved getting insight into his thoughts. Deep down, he was struggling thanks to his no-good father, but he learned that it was okay to accept help and lean on others for support.

Zhuri was quick to judge at first for sure (as was Cam), but once she and Cam warmed up to each other, I loved how nice, confident, and laid-back she was. She always liked to look on the positive side of things, and treated her teammates like they mattered. The scenes where she comforted and reassured Cam were some of my favorites.

I’m excited for another series and a new set of characters to fall in love with. Already ready for book two!

TW: emotionally and verbally abusive parent, depression

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

No quote this time...

⭐⭐⭐/5 (2.5 rounded)

The part where I yap ↓

I rounded up for this one because it's an ARC and I really did like the story. This time, it's the writing that lowered the rating for me.

Here's why:
So Home Ice is supposed to be about hockey players in their late 20's/early 30's, height of their professional career. The dialogue and inner thoughts read more like teenagers or collage students. There's a lot of juvenile language that I would fully expect a YA romance to have, not an adult one. And the constant cringey nicknames that were supposed to be annoying but let's be for real...you're not saying "Zhuri baby" or "Cammy" to someone if you're trying to be irritating.

As far as trope goes–enemies to lovers–this missed the mark. It would've been better if it was promoted as rivals-to-lovers but even then it would've missed. There was little to no tension and they got along pretty well. The milking of the "we hated each other" in college because of one interaction and Zhuri's altered feelings (via her ex) was over the top. Honestly, I think the whole enemies (or rivals) part should've been scraped.

The idea of the NHL(woman's) and NHL leagues having to combine was interesting enough in itself to carry as a plot. I think exploring that in more depth would've been better. But it was still good!

I could say a lot more but then there would be spoilers, so you'll have to read yourself to find out!!
—
Thank you Ashley Bow & Book Buzz Pr for the chance to read the Home Ice ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Bethany Botterill · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 Home Ice by Ashley Bow
🥅 Book 1 in the Colorado Comets Series
📚 ARC read

Our first look into Ashley’s new series..
From New York to Denver we get to meet our first FMC & MMC in the Colorado Comets series:

Zhuri ‘Zhuri baby’ Hart & Cameron ‘Cammy’ Kovacic.

Cameron & Zhuri’s 12 year hatred for one another is put to the test when they find themselves playing for the same unisex NHL team.

A wholesome, charismatic, playful enemies to lovers slow burn with a tension you can feel simmering so hot under the surface, you’re just waiting for it to erupt.

The banter with these two & giggle worthy content is hilarious and tasteful.
Who’d have thought a demonic goose (goosifer) could have such presence in a Hockey romance. 🪿

❄️ ‘ you deserve to feel happiness, Cam. Everyone does’ ❄️
The acknowledgment of men’s mental health translated through Cameron’s struggles was both careful & considerate. Especially given most NHL romances are predominantly male teams, it was refreshing to see a MMC being able to lean on both an FMC & his teammates to support and understand him without judgement or criticism.


❄️ ‘Leave the heels on, Z’ ❄️
I loved both Zhuri & Cameron’s quiet bedroom confidence in the build up to our spicy scenes.
It’s so often obvious or hinted at in a slow burn how characters will inevitably be portrayed in the bedroom. I enjoyed not knowing what we would get with these 2 …and what we got did not disappoint.
🥵🌶️

Looking forward to see where Ashley will go next

⭐: 4.5/5
🌶️: 3.5/5

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Ashley Bow scores big with Home Ice, a delightful and steamy hockey romance that kept me hooked from the first page! The premise alone is fantastic: Zhuri and Cameron, co-captains of a brand new NHL team and former adversaries, are forced to work together. The tension is palpable as they navigate their complicated history while trying to lead the Colorado Comets to success.

Zhuri is a strong, determined woman, and it's wonderful to see her in a leadership role. Her initial animosity toward Cameron is understandable, but as she gets to know him better, the layers of his personality are revealed, making him all the more endearing. Cameron, for his part, is so much more than the shallow guy Zhuri remembers. Watching him fall for Zhuri, often before he even realizes it himself, is swoon-worthy.

The chemistry between Zhuri and Cameron is electric, and their banter is sharp and witty. The "enemies to lovers" trope is executed perfectly, with plenty of angst and humor along the way. The stakes are high, as a relationship between them could jeopardize their careers, adding another layer of conflict to the story. Ashley Bow does a fantastic job of creating characters you genuinely care about and a plot that keeps you guessing. Home Ice is a must-read for any fan of sports romance!

[readingwithanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

i did enjoy this book however i did get slightly bored towards the end but i think that’s a personal issue as i tend to get bored at the end of romance books. i will start with the positives. the writing was fast pace and Bow done her thing and gave us hilarious characters which i loved. i loved the mental health representation and did get a bit teary during some scenes. i also (as a black girl) appreciated the fact that Bow made sure to acknowledge that Zhuri not only struggles in society because she is a woman but struggles even harder because she’s a black woman.

there were a couple things i didn’t like. i did find it quite repetitive when it came to zhuri explaining that she’s a tall black woman. it was just her reasoning for everything and sometimes was a real downer on other people. i did find cameron’s mental health representation a little cliche with the whole “darknes consumes me” vibe but i can overlook that. the smut scenes were good but once they started they just seemed to keep going.

it would have been nice to see their relationship expand a bit more but overall the book was good and i would recommend it!

[Megan Colon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a hockey romance that challenges the stereotypes. Normally when you think hockey you don’t think co-ed teams. This book challenges that and more. We have Cameron who is the captain of the men’s team. We have Zhuri the captain of the women’s team. Of course they hate each other and have for the past 10 years. Now the league wants to integrate. What could go wrong when you put hot men and women together? Apparently a lot. This book touched on different topics that really showed how gender plays a strong role in sports. But the author did a great job and showing how the characters overcame those challenges. Watching these two come together was so much fun. This was a such slow burn. I just wanted them to knock boots and get it over with. LoL. When they finally did it was so worth the wait. Overall this book gave cultural diverse characters and some good drama. If you are into workplace romance this is for you. If you are into forbidden romance this is for you. If you are into a hot man who is bilingual, this is definitely for you.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to BookBuzzPR and the author for the eARC!

This is an amazing enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance. Zhuri and Cameron have hated each other since college, and now, ten years later, they’re suddenly playing on the same NHL team (a combined men and women team) as co-captains.

I loved Zhuri right away. She’s positive, warm, caring, and always tries to see the good in everyone. She’s also determined to maintain a perfect image, knowing that even one mistake could cost her everything. That’s why she fights so hard to hide her real feelings for Cam.

Cameron, on the other hand, is her complete opposite. He struggles with depression, but because of his upbringing, he keeps it hidden from everyone. When he and Zhuri become co-captains, he’s immediately drawn to her. He tries to keep his distance, but as their friendship grows, he realizes he wants something more.

This is such a fun book to read. Cam and Zhuri have amazing chemistry together, and the spice does not disappoint once they both admit what they truly want in life and from each other!

[Raquel Rolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Bow came out strong with this debut hockey romance, and it shows on every page. The transition from her baseball series to the ice feels effortless. The chemistry hits early and keeps building, with sharp banter, emotional depth, and a slow burn that pays off.

Cam stood out to me. His internal battles felt honest and heavy without taking over the story. Watching him work through his mental health, especially as a male lead in a sports romance, added real weight. Zuri balanced him perfectly. She is confident, driven, and refuses to shrink herself, on or off the ice. Together, they felt inevitable.

I loved the care put into themes of mental health and support systems. Ashley does not gloss over the hard parts, and she does not turn them into a gimmick. The romance still stays fun, spicy, and engaging while giving the characters real substance.

This book has heart, tension, and payoff. It made me care about the team, the relationships, and what comes next. I am invested in this series and ready for more from this world.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Ice by Ashley Bow... Lord have mercy this book not only has great representation (aka DIVERSE CAST Y'ALL) but the whole book is so well written.

When you dive into Home Ice the plot of the book is explained. It's a co-ed hockey league. We all know that this is fiction but I loved the idea of having the best men and women play alongside one another.

We have our villain (Michael) who really needs a reality check.. and some serious counseling on what's okay to say to women.

Zhuri (baby) and Cameron (Cammy) are the right place wrong time.. & by that I mean once they let their walls down each of them leans on one another in ways where this friendship blossoms into so much more.. & we have a 'f*ck it' moment.

PS I LOVE THOSE.

Ashley.. you knocked this book out of the park and after each book I read by you.. keeps getting better and better.

Thank you to BookBuzz PR and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

PPS I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK.

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-Star Review – Home Ice: Rink Romance 1 by Ashley Bow

Home Ice completely hooked me from the first page! I loved watching Zhuri and Cameron navigate their intense, enemies-to-lovers dynamic while co-captaining a brand-new NHL team. The tension is electric—every glare, every heated exchange, every reluctant moment of connection had me on the edge of my seat.

Zhuri is fierce, talented, and unapologetically herself, while Cameron’s layers of depth beneath his tough exterior make him utterly swoon-worthy. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the slow burn as they begin to respect—and eventually fall for—each other is so satisfying.

This story perfectly balances romance, rivalry, and the thrill of professional stakes, making it impossible to put down. I absolutely loved reading it, and I’m eager to see where their hearts and careers take them next!

[Nina Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of both being a beta reader and an arc reader for this book.

We meet Cameron and Zhuri in the prologue and they really do not like each other.

Fast forward more than a decade and their relationship is forced to change. As they get to know each other, they develop a deep respect, friendship and in turn a relationship.

Their character development is spot on and although this is a slow burn, it doesn't feel like it.

I loved the dynamic between the friendship group and some cheeky references from the New York Stars series too.

I have to end the review by saying that I wasn't expecting a demonic goose to be the matchmaker! Goosifer, thank you!

Another 5 star read from Ashley Bow!

Thank you Ashley for welcoming me on to your street team and to BookbuzzPr.

[Tianna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy hockey romance, enemies to lovers, and great mental health representation all in one book! The NHL decided to change things up by eliminating male and female teams and making the league co-ed. Zhuri and Cameron have spent the last 10 years hating each other but are now forced to be co-captains of their team. The more time they spend together the more they realize that they don’t actually hate each other and their feelings evolve from hate to love. The league has a no fraternization clause in their contract so they have to hide their relationship and keep it professional on the ice. Cameron has a bad relationship with his father and always thinks he is never good enough for anyone, but with Zhuri’s support and patience he learns that he is worthy of love and is happier than he has ever been.

[Claire Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Ma'am This book was too good!! I always love me some hockey romances!! I really love how Zhuri was always there for Cameron when he was going thru his mental health struggles. We all need someone in our lives who do that for us. The relationship between them is absolutely beautiful. They may have met on the wrong foot but I truly blossomed into something beautiful!!
When I say I loved the would you rather, I loved the would you rather questions that were asked. The plot twists that happened had me laughing out loud and yelling "I KNEW IT!! I FREAKING KNEW IT!!" The spice was top notch!! The way that Zhuri's family was happy for the both of them, it made my heart happy!!
This books does contain talk about mental health struggles! Your mental health matters so much! I want to thank you so much for this wonderful book and opportunity!! I can’t wait to see how this series goes!!

[Tawny McNeil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put Home Ice down. The yearning and tension were done so well, and I really loved the back and forth between Zhuri and Cameron. Their dynamic felt balanced and engaging, and I was fully invested in them.

The spicy scenes? Written fabulously. We love a man who can take charge in the bedroom while still fully respecting and honoring the FMC as his equal outside of it. That balance was done really well and added so much to their chemistry without taking away from Zhuri’s strength or independence.

I also appreciated the diversity in this story and the fresh perspective on equality. Mental health was included in a thoughtful way that added depth without feeling heavy or overdone.

Overall, this was a refreshing, emotionally engaging read with great chemistry and strong character dynamics. A solid 4 out of 5 stars for me, and definitely one I’d recommend.

[Samantha McJunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much!!! I always love Ashley’s books but this one hit different!!! 👏🏼 The NHL and the WHL combine into one! Yessss! Make and female players on the same team! Where talent reins supreme and gives the best player the starting spot! Zhuri is tall, gorgeous and very skilled who takes no mess from anyone! Ah I love her! Cameron is a cinnamon roll if I’ve ever seen one but with his own shade of darkness! Trying to live up to every expectation but never quite being able to in his mind! What happens then teammates who hate each other find out that they actually get along realllyyy well!? Team cohesiveness!!! Mixed in with a little blackmailing! 20/10 highly recommend this hockey romance!!

[Whitney Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron and Zhuri have been on each other’s nerves since college. Cameron’s reputation as a playboy didn’t help—especially since he was never Zhuri’s boyfriend’s favorite person. When the hockey league merges its women’s and men’s teams, they’re paired together as co-captains. Determined to leave the past behind, they start spending more time together and quickly realize they may have been wrong about each other all along. A no-fraternization clause keeps them pretending it’s just friendship… but the chemistry says otherwise. When their secret is exposed through blackmail and the team finds out, Cameron and Zhuri are left wondering if they’ll lose their careers and even if they keep playing, will the team be ok with their relationship?

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ Home Ice by Ashley Bow
⭐️4/5 | 🌶️3/5

This was such a fresh, different take on a hockey romance! Our FMC and MMC? Former college rivals, now co-captains, were forced onto the same team with the same title.

The enemies-to-lovers arc is executed chef’s kiss....angsty, funny, and full of slow-burn tension.

Craving a sports romance where the ice is cold but the chemistry is blazing? Because Home Ice gives rivals-to-lovers, co-captain tension, career stakes, and the kind of MMC who yearns so hard you feel it through the pages. Ashley Bow understood the assignment.

⛸️ Reading Mood: Feeling like watching rivals turn into lovers while the ice melts beneath them.

[Brittany Baumgardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩶ARC REVIEW🩶
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Enemies to lovers ✅
He wears her jersey ✅
Hockey captain with a filthy mouth✅
MMC who empowers the FMC✅
He falls first & HARD✅

Camron & Zhuri hate each other from first meet cute continuing on for 10 years. That is until they’re forced to Co-Captain their team! Having to find their way to make their team better they learn that they didn’t really know each other at all. The more they learn the more they fall. & when they finally admit to their attraction sparks fly! & Mr. Camron brings his dang A game 👌🏼 if your looking for a light hockey romance then this is gold! I devoured this book in 2 days. Loved it all!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ⭐️

And we’ve started a new chapter of Ashley Bow’s books and this series already has a great start. It feels different from New York Stars series, not sure how to explain it, but a good different and I’m here for it.

Zhuri and Cameron’s chemistry was prominent from the start, I’m always a sucker for a bit of enemies to lovers and their build up was amazing.

When the league decides to merge into one, making it so both the women’s and men’s team play together, Zhuri and Cameron learn that they’ll be forced to be co-captains. With 10 years of distaste between the two beneath their belt, they think it’ll be difficult to lead this new team together, but after getting to know each other more, maybe it won’t be so difficult after all. The only problem is will these feelings develop deeper and will they allow themselves to break their contracts to see where this deeper connection goes?

Zhuri is amazing, she’s strong, independent, and a fucking boss ass bitch. She works so hard to make her name known and to get the respect she deserves and she doesn’t let anyone walk all over her. You see this strong, independent, dominant woman on the outside and in the rank, but with Cameron, you see a softer side of her, she can let down her guard and just be and that’s such a special thing.

Cameron’s worked hard for his career but it’s been drilled into his head that hockey is all he’ll ever be according to his dad. We watch his struggles with himself and having to relearn that he’s more than hockey with the help of Zhuri. Men’s mental health is important, and the relationship between Cameron and his father go to show just how toxic men can be to each other and that’s something that is shown in real life as well. Watching Zhuri help him see he deserves love and happiness is amazing.

Tropes:
💜Enemies to Lovers (kinda)
🩵Forbidden Love
💜Forced Proximity
🩵Secret Relationship
💜Teammates
🩵Found Family
💜Mental Health Representation

~ARC Review

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a joy to be an ARC reader to Cameron and Zhuri's love story. Their chemistry was passing science class with top marks :P Co-Captains in a sport they both loved and excelled at while hesitant at first to be working together. The evolution of their relationship was so natural and I loved how respectful Cameron was of Zhuri always. Also how kind and understanding she was to him and the banter back and forth was spicy. Gotta love that. Overall an amazing sports romance that I would happily read again.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun enemies to lovers hockey romance. Zhuri and Cameron have hated each other from the first time they met, though it was not deserved on either side. When the men’s and women’s leagues decide to merge, things get interesting when Zhuri and Cameron become teammates and co-captains. They become friends before jumping across the line to lovers. A bit is a slow burn, but the spice was worth the wait. I love how they stood up for each other against management and Cameron’s father. Loved it!!!

[Morgan Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Tropes:
✨ Teammates
✨ Enemies To Lovers
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Found Family

Watch out! Ashley Bow has a new sports romance series and it’s spicy and funny with a twist to it.

So I absolutely devoured this book! It was so fun to read and I loved the dynamic of it. Both men’s and women’s hockey leagues combine into one coed league, like count me in. And it was definitely a wild ride. But I was 1,000% here for it.

Zhuri and Cameron started out hating each other all because of her ex-boyfriend when they went to college together. When they ended up on the same team, well it was interesting to say the least especially since they are both co-captains for the team.

I absolutely adored Zhuri and Cameron. It’s been a long time where I’ve felt like the adults were actually acting like adults in an enemies to lovers book. They were able to find common ground very early for the sake of the team. And when some of the men spoke out about their feelings in regard to the women, Cameron stood up for them. Like he definitely got major brownie points from me.

Once things started turning into the direction of more than friends/co-captains, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved seeing them together, and loved how their relationship did not impact their performance on the ice.

I honestly cannot wait to see what is in store for this series.

Thank you Ashley Bow and BookBuzzPR for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book❤️