Off The Ice

by Sarah K

One hit ended his season – and his team’s shot at the cup.

NHL star Levi Carter went down hard during playoffs, and so did his team’s chances of victory. Now he’s nursing a career threatening injury, a bruised ego, and the guilt of letting everyone down. Coach orders him into off-season rehab, but Levi’s not in the mood to be fixed – especially not by a Pilates instructor who seems to be immune to his charm.

Scarlett Quinn has seen her share of broken athletes, but none as stubborn – or as distracting – as Levi Carter. Her job is to rebuild his body, not fall for the man who can’t stop pushing her boundaries.

But between the heat of their sessions, a getaway, some late-night confessions, and the slow burn that turns into something neither of them can ignore, lines blur fast.

He’s desperate for redemption.
She’s risking her heart.

She’s his last shot at recovery – on and off the ice.

Genres: Hockey, Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

Reviews

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Off the Ice by Sarah K was an absolute standout read for me. The slow burn romance was pure cinema, with tension that simmered perfectly before igniting into some seriously great spice. The forced proximity trope was executed flawlessly, natural, organic, and never cringe and watching the relationship develop over time made the payoff so much sweeter.

The FMC was a breath of fresh air, refreshing and easy to root for, and the way their connection blossomed felt genuine and earned. Bonus points for no second act breakup (thank goodness), which made the story feel even more satisfying and emotionally grounded.

I devoured this ARC in three days, and honestly, it would have been a one day read if real life hadn’t gotten in the way. A well deserved five star that I would recommend to everyone and anyone who loves romance with depth, heat, and heart

[☆ Allanah • Cosmic's Library ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

"I have waited my whole life to have someone like you in it, Scar."

Thankyou so much Sarah K for sending me the ARC for your debut novel! I am so greatful and proud of you! 🫶🏻

I have not read a contemporary Hockey Romance before and it's safe to say I am so glad that Sarah has popped that cherry! 🍒

This debut novel was so good. 🙌🏻 It had my full attention from start to finish! I connected with the characters right away. Watching Levi and Scarlett’s relationship grow stronger throughout the book felt so natural and beautifully paced.😌

The spice?!? Holy freaking moly. It was H. O. T. HOT! ❤️‍🔥 I’m not exaggerating when I say I immediately ran to yell at Sarah about how good it was. Some of the best spicy scenes I’ve read! 🤭

🏒 Levi - I loved him so much. The way you could feel his internal struggles radiating off the page really hit me in the heart at times. His character development was so satisfying.

👑 Scarlett - Did someone say new favourite FMC? She's unapologetic queen that radiates confidence. I love that she knew exactly how to push Levi's buttons but was also the biggest cheerleader in his corner.

I was also loving all the side characters and I am desperately needing to see who the next book will be about! 👀

Amazing work Sarah, this was so well written and I can't wait to read more from you in the future. 🥰

[Jee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever arc read and holy shit I loved every second of it! 😍 So fricken obsessed with Levi and Scarlett, however Scarlett was truly the star of the show. I would do anything that women told me to do 🫠. Truly loved this book from start to finish. From Levi’s stubbornness to Scarlett’s boss bitch energy, these two were so fun to read! Never got bored. The only thing I’m mad about is THAT IT ENDED! I need more 🥺🙏

[Rachel Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sarah K for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

Off The Ice is a disdain-to-lovers hockey x Pilates recovery romance. Levi and Scarlett were hilariously paired with each other for Levi’s hockey injury recovery plan, much to his disdain. The banter and visuals of the hockey player learning to respect pilates absolutely killed me. I loveeee a sassy man, and Scarlett matched him every time. Dare I say, she may have even out-sassed him.

This is Sarah K’s debut novel, and I’m honored to be chosen as an ARC reader and to be on her street team. I’m shocked this is her debut. The banter was hilarious in the disdain phase, the romance & intimate scenes genuinely made me blush. Like… BLUSH. Scarlett is so confident, and I’m realizing I haven’t read many FMC like her in romances. There were so many tropes & moves that she was responsible for, that I’m realizing the MMC typically plays. I may have even learned some moves… and Levi has a mustache, and is a very “good boy”.

I loved Sarah K’s chapter pacing, as it was very easy to pick up each chapter and keep you hooked throughout this story. I also commend her on her supporting characters. I love Gigi, and the rest of the hockey boys. I’m really interested in Scarlett’s brother Charlie as well. There were definitely some hints dropped about some future romances and storylines I believe will be continued. I’m excited to see where this Seattle Rainiers series will venture next!

Scarlett and Levi were so adorable, but I potentially wonder if it felt too smooth sailing pretty early on, at the cabin through the end of the book. I love how soft Levi got with Scarlett but besides his hockey nerves, I feel like we lost most of the conflict that might make a climax (hehe) super exciting. I kept waiting for a shoe to drop or a dreaded third-act-breakup and nothing ever came. (Thank you Sarah for no dumb miscommunication or breakup!) But besides the ending teaser for future stories, I needed something to pull me into an epic finale!

I appreciated most of their intimacy scenes early on, especially while the banter was still so spicy, but I think there was so much physical intimacy as time went on that I was really craving their emotional intimacy later. I have so many questions about their backstories, that I believe will be answered in the future, but I kept thinking they would slow down on their sexy-time and talk more near the end. I thought maybe their dynamic would shift as time went on, so I look forward to them exploring that hopefully later. I have to respect their sex-drives, but it took me out of the story just a tiny bit in the second half.

Again, for a debut novel, I’m still absolutely shocked. I was not thinking this was a debut novel for most of reading it, and it was a smooth read. I found the concept very unique as well, and super cool that Sarah pulled from her Pilates experience. This is such an accomplishment for Sarah K! I would definitely continue the series. 🤍🤍🤍

[Destiny | _readingwithdee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
💜Dislike to Love
🤍Athlete x Trainer
💜Workplace Romance
🤍Forced Proximity
💜Injury

Off the Ice is the first book in the Seattle Rainiers series. This was one of my most anticipated hockey romances of the year. What a sweet ride this was friends. Let me tell you all about it.

Imagine hockey being your entire life, and you couldn’t live without it. However, you get injured and your coach tells you that Pilates is going to fix all of your problems to get you back into the game. You think to yourself “FAT CHANCE” and go into rehabilitation with a shitty attitude. Until you meet a strong and sassy pilates instructor that puts you in your place and proves you wrong along the way.

This story will literally have your jaw dragging on the floor while you laugh out loud. You’ll also have many gasping moments of “omg you didn’t just do/say that.” I really loved the humour, sarcasm and the banter that was included in the plot. Also, the moments of vulnerability and the character growth (especially with Levi) were exceptional.

I usually am one to obsess over the MMC, but this was not the case here. Scarlett intrigued me the most between her attitude, personality and how she just took charge at every opportunity she could. WE LOVE A DOMINANT WOMAN. Like seriously LIP BITING ovations, we don’t see this enough. Get it girllll! Anyways, we couldn’t have asked for a better FMC.

Levi started off with having the biggest of egos while his walls were up. They were reinforced by several emotions and expectations. As you get to know his character, and he starts to open up, you find out that he’s actually not so bad. He’s funny, thoughtful and secretly loved to be praised in my opinion.

Many moments were so refreshing. The spice you’ll see within these chapters aren’t like anything you’ve probably seen. I didn’t think you could make Pilates equipment be any hotter? OK SARAH I HEARED YOU LOUD AND CLEAR. I was wrong.

I’m looking forward to continuing this series. There’s so much potential between all the characters we met, the hinting of the next couple and the ending of the this story. If you haven’t added Off the Ice to your TBR yet, what are you waiting for?

[Liz Literary Petals · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut this book is! As a sports and contemporary romance fan, I found it engaging and well-flowing, which reassured me it's perfect for re-reading for comfort!
I loved it; it had everything I love in a book: banter, one bed, forced proximity, and lovable, confident characters, making it easy to connect with them.🥰
Levi is recovering from an injury and has been instructed to do Pilates to rebuild his strength and conditioning before he returns to the ice. Enter Scarlett, a pilates instructor hired to help Levi get back in shape. Levi believes Pilates is not effective, and he refuses to follow his coach's instructions. So they are both sent on a pilates retreat.
Levi dislikes Scarlett at first, but their chemistry and banter are so strong that they keep me hooked, because we know who is in charge. No, it is not Levi.😂🤭
There were moments when I was literally giggling and kicking my feet at the things coming out of Scarlett's witty comment that put Levi in his place when he was being difficult were the best haha. She is fierce, confident, and stands up for herself, representing everything we all aspire to. I loved her! 🥰
I truly loved this read. The romance and spice were amazing! And it really flowed so well, I felt like I was watching a rom-com!
Thank you, Sarah, for the opportunity to read the ARC! Can't wait to see what's yet to come! 👀

[CharliReadsSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ I went from wanting to slap Levi to wanting to spank him ✨

This was such a lovely story. It was full of sass, banter, jokes, and so much yearning! Levi injured his shoulder playing ice hockey, and his coach thinks that Pilates is the best way to help his recovery. Levi is reluctant to do so, but is told to go to a retreat with his Pilates instructor to aid his healing and get him back on the ice.
This is a perfect dislike to lovers romance following Levi Carter and Scarlett Quinn.

❝𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. 𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐩? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐩—𝐬𝐬𝐲.❞

I love it when he fall first and hard. Levi struggles with understanding and managing his emotions. Sarah wrote a vulnerable hockey player grappling with communication and emotional understanding. Scarlett, unknowingly, helps him learn to navigate his feelings and seek help.

❝𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚.❞

The smut 😏. I LOVE when a woman takes control and when the man also loves it just as equally. Scarlett takes full control and Levi laps it up. The spicy scenes were *chef’s kiss*

❝“𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐲.” 𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐲.❞

🏑 Hockey Player x Pilates Instructor
🧘‍♀️ Dislike To Lovers
🏑 “Good Boy”
🧘‍♀️ One bed
🏑 Forced Proximity
🧘‍♀️ Injury Recovery
🏑 He Falls First

⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 2.5/5

[emma lingo]

Off the Ice by Sarah K. 🏒₊˚⊹♡

❄︎ hockey romance

❄︎workplace romance

❄︎ athlete x trainer

❄︎forced proximity

This was Sarah’s debut novel, which I had the pleasure of getting my hands on early. Watching her go from a Google Doc and an Instagram group chat to having in-depth reviews and people posting all about this book has been crazy!

My favorite part of this book was incredibly unexpected: the Pilates. I’ve never done Pilates or group workouts and the detail that went into every training scene had me looking up the stretches to see if I could do them. Sarah’s knowledge really shined here.

I also enjoyed reading Scarlett. She’s one of the only women I’ve ever read in a heterosexual romance novel that is obviously the dominant one in the relationship. It was refreshing.

I’m not usually a big romance girlie nor am I a gym gal so not everything in here was hitting for me, but I think anyone who liked Ice Breaker would probably enjoy this. It’s short, sweet, and, duh, smutty.

[Jess Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ ARC review

• Workplace romance
• hockey player
• forced proximity
• recovering from injury

This book is by an Aussie author. Levi is team captain of a hockey team who takes a bad hit and has a shoulder injury. Scarlett is a Pilates instructor who has been tasked to get him back onto the ice. Forced to coexist and live together at a lake house for a couple of months to do so.

This book was cute, just needed a bit more depth or drama maybe 🤣 but the characters were likeable and you wanted them together. The spice level was good for this romance and I feel if there was more tension or something would have made this book perfect 😍 still enjoyable and worth a read.

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"[...] your presence is a constant reminder that true happiness exists, Princess. I’ve waited my whole life to have someone like you in it, Scar. And I am so fu**ing in love with you.”

⭐️4.5

What a fantastic debut book, I absolutely loved it! I found myself giggling and blushing through pretty much every page. The plot is solid and well-developed, though I felt the ending was a little rushed. That said, the book is easy to read, flows smoothly, and the chapters are quick. It’s clear the author put a lot of research and heart into this story.

The character growth is one of the standout aspects. Watching Levi and Scarlett evolve from reluctant to open with each other was incredibly satisfying. Levi, in particular, is such a complex character—his injury symbolizes not just physical pain but emotional scars as well. What really caught my attention was how he cares for Scarlett: he’s protective, possessive, and vulnerable with her in ways he isn’t with anyone else.

As for Scarlett, she’s unapologetically confident and knows exactly how to get under Levi’s skin, but she also knows how to lift him up and praise him when it matters most. Her quiet, non-judgmental support gives him the space he needs to heal.

Their chemistry is electric—Levi may want to hate her, but he can’t. The slow-burning tension between them builds so perfectly, and when it ignites… whew, I was blushing, kicking my feet, and feral for some of those scenes! 🔥 Scarlett taking charge in their physical relationship was such a refreshing change and added another layer to their dynamic that I loved.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes next! I already have my theories on who’s up next and the tropes to come!

Thank you to the author for the advanced e-copy!

[Amanda’s Novel Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

I’m obsessed with Levi and Scarlett. From the first page of Off the Ice, I was hooked! I was so intrigued by the blurb and story line for this one, and it did not disappoint. The mc’s are written so well and I loved how the plot tied in, making everything flow perfectly!

This author handled the dislike to love trope exceptionally, and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style in this book. There were multiple scenes I was kicking my feet, laughing out loud and blushing at my kindle. The banter and chemistry between these two were off the charts, as well as those vulnerable moments between them, and seeing their walls come down as the story line unfolded. I loved getting to see how these two grew through out the book.

I highly recommend giving this one ago, especially if you’re in your sports romance era!

[Kristian Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 ⭐️‘s

This was a cute, quick, hockey romance. Scar and Levi definitely have the dislike to lovers element, down. She’s a Pilates instructor hired to help him recover and rehabilitate from a hockey injury, and the dislike just immediately starts from the beginning. I wish I would have felt more of an emotional connection between the two of them, but at times, it was difficult for me to feel that.

I think you’ll love this if you like a very strong FMC! I loved the friend group, they were fun to read when they popped in and out of the story. I can’t wait to see where the author’s writing takes her for the next book in the series!

I did receive an advanced readers edition, but these are my own thoughts and feelings while reading Off The Ice.

[Shazzreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

You could tell Sarah is super knowledgeable & passionate about Pilates. The fact it’s her day job came through in the writing, those scenes were very detailed & I definitely learned a lot about Pilates (I’ve never done it myself).

I liked the banter & the back & forth with Scarlett & Levi at the beginning of the book.

I definitely agree with Scarlett, pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza! 🍕

The spice wasn’t exactly for me & I found the end a little rushed, however overall it was an easy, quick read.

For a debut, I think Sarah did a great job!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

so so proud of sarah for her first book ahh!! i admire her writing style and of course loved to read about a pilates fmc 🫶🏽

[gabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

off the ice arc review! ❄️⛸️

i had the absolute pleasure to receive an advanced reader copy! thank you sarah!! this truly blew me away, i was in a bit of a reading slump and i managed to finish this in two sittings!!

i truly loved scarlett as a character so so much, i loved how she felt so sure in herself, feminine but a bit of edge as well? i loved her boundaries truly really well done and my god i adored the australianess. i have a read my fair share of hockey romance books and i really loved seeing an australian pilates instructor !!

i highly recommend if you’re after a spicy, quick, fun and sweet read. a great debut and im excited to see more!

[Read.Recap.Repeat · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review - Off the Ice by Sarah K is a hockey romance about Levi Carter, captain of the Seattle Rainiers, whose entire identity is shaken when an injury sidelines him with no clear return date. Struggling physically and mentally, he’s paired with Scarlett, a Pilates instructor brought in to oversee his rehab.

Their partnership starts off rocky, Levi is stubborn and skeptical about Pilates and very vocal about it, which adds some fun humor to the story. But as they spend more time together in a close-proximity rehab setting, tension builds and their connection shifts. Scarlett’s strength and confidence balance Levi’s more emotionally guarded nature, creating a dynamic I really enjoyed.

With injury recovery, forced proximity, team banter, protective moments, and plenty of spice, this was a cute and easy hockey romance.

[c.m.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much @authorsarahk for the ARC of Off The Ice! This was such a fun and unique read. With so many hockey romances out there I love when I find one that has a fresh outlook. The thing I loved most about this book was that you could tell the author knew what she was talking about when it came to hockey, and even more so when it came to Pilates. I feel like I learned so much! The main couple, Scarlett and Levi were so cute (and spicy 🥵) together! I can't wait to see what's to come next in this series!

[Lucy Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Off the Ice 🏒🔥

Author - @authorsarahk

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I need everyone to understand that this book had me giggling, gasping, AND contemplating a one-way ticket to the boy aquarium. Immediately. 🫠

Off the Ice delivers elite enemies-to-lovers tension with that delicious grumpy hockey star energy we all pretend we’re immune to (we’re not). Levi is broody, stubborn, and way too attractive for his own good — but what makes him hit different is the depth. The injury, the pressure, the pride… you really feel the weight he’s carrying. He’s not just grumpy for vibes. There are layers.

And then there’s Scarlett. Pilates instructor. Confident. Sexy. Knows exactly what she wants — in life and in the bedroom. And can we PLEASE talk about how refreshing it is that she likes being in control when things heat up?? We do not see that enough. The power dynamic shift? Immaculate. The fact that this big, grumpy hockey star actually crawls to her??? I’m unwell. I had to set the book down and stare at the wall for a minute.

The forced proximity while she’s helping him rehab? Elite. Every stretch session is loaded. Every brush of skin feels intentional. The banter is sharp, flirty, and borderline foreplay.

And THE SHOWER SCENE.

Je. Sus. 🫠🚿

The tension. The vulnerability. The heat. It’s steamy without feeling cheap — it builds and builds until you’re practically yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY” at the pages.

But what really makes this romance work is that the chemistry isn’t just physical. They challenge each other. Scarlett refuses to let him hide behind his attitude, and Levi slowly, achingly lets himself soften. When he finally gives in? It feels earned.

If you love:
• True enemies-to-lovers tension
• Grumpy hockey star with emotional depth
• Confident heroine who owns her power
• Forced proximity rehab vibes
• A spicy dynamic where she takes control
• Scenes that will have you fanning yourself

Add this to your TBR immediately.

Because I came for the hockey…
I stayed for the crawl. 🥵🏒
I need book 2 🙏

Books | sports romance | spicy books | Enimies to lovers | bookstagram | reading list

#hockeyboys #bookstagram #books

[Halima Ahad · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Off The Ice by Sarah K ❄️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

Firstly, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to Sarah for giving me the opportunity to be on my first ever street team 🥹 I’m so honoured to have promoted and read your book before the world gets to see it!!

I don’t know how to express my love for this book in words other than my absolute obsession and adoration for Levi and Scarlett and how their relationship progressed throughout the story. From the way they couldn’t stand each other to the obsession, jealousy and angst which takes place between the two of them, I simply can’t forget this unstoppable duo. I especially loved the grumpy and sunshine dynamic they had going on as it really solidified their relationship and how it would progress further.

I really loved how fleshed out and well developed both of the characters were. Scarlett’s fiery passion paired with her witty humour as a FMC was so refreshing to read. Levi is the hottest MMC and is definitely going up there with my book boyfriends, I adored how much he fell first and hard for Scarlett, as well as becoming a whole new version of himself in front of her as she opened up his vulnerabilities and made him feel safe in who he was becoming after his hockey injury.

The setting of the lake house was prominent and beautiful and I loved how it became Levi and Scarlett’s safe space, the fair scene especially with both of them on the ferris wheel has my whole heart and was my favourite scene out of the whole novel by far.

I’d like to thank Sarah once again for writing such a beautiful hockey romance and one which I’m really glad to call my first, I can’t wait to see what the world will think of your book as I know it’ll be the best 🤍

[Livy dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Off The Ice wasn’t just a reading experience for me, it became part of my everyday life for months 🩵 Getting to beta read this book meant I was fully immersed in this world early, watching it take shape, watching the characters grow, and slowly realising just how deeply invested I was becoming. By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t ready to leave. Not even a little 🥹

Scarlett and Levi have that kind of connection that builds quietly and then completely takes over. The chemistry lives in the small moments, the tension, the conversations, the things left unsaid. It’s emotional without being overwhelming, soft but still intense, and it made me feel everything 😭🩵 I found myself rereading scenes, pausing just to sit with my thoughts, and thinking about them long after I’d put the book down.

Being part of this process made me love this story even more. Getting to see firsthand how much work, care, and heart went into every chapter was so special. I am beyond proud of Sarah, because this is her first book and the dedication, effort, and passion she poured into it truly shows on every page 🩵✨ This world already feels lived in, real, and full of potential and the fact that this is only book one 👀 If you’ve read the ending, you know exactly why I am already manifesting an entire world of stories.

If you love sports romance with emotional depth, a slow burn that actually burns, and characters that will live rent free in your head, this book absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR 💙🏒 I already know I’ll be thinking about Scarlett, Levi, and this world for a very long time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes you can expect
❄️ Hockey romance
🏒 Workplace romance
🩵 Athlete x trainer
❄️ Dislike to love
🔵 Injury
🏒❄️ Forced proximity

AVAILABLE NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

[Jade Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Ice by Sarah K is once of the best hockey romances that I have read to date.

Levi Carter is a hockey player who suffers a major injury which, unless treated correctly, may of ended his career. Scarlett Quinn is hired to aid Levi with his recovery. With a break to get away from the hustle of city life, will Scarlett be able to get Levi back on the ice intime for the season to begin.

Will they be able to keep their feelings strictly professional? Is Scarlett Levi’s only shot at recovery (on and off the ice)?

ok, so I may be biased on this review. This is one of the best sports romances I have read. Being part of this books journey from start to finish has been incredible. Seeing how far the book has progressed will forever stay with me.

I love the character development throughout this story, seeing the struggles and joys of being a professional athlete.
Following Levi’s journey through his recovery and seeing him become vulnerable made my heart ache for him. Scarlett is there for him exactly how he needs her to be.

Sarah has done such an amazing job at writing this book. Considering this is her first book, I think it is perfect!

If you are after a sports romance with the following tropes, then this is the book for you.

Tropes: Grumpy x sunshine, One Bed, Hockey Romance, Workplace Romance, Athlete x Trainer, Dislike to Love, Injury, Forced Proximity.

[Pousali Ghosh (thispandareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut? Are you sure? Because this book was so good! I fell in love from the dedication page and I finished it in one setting. This was my first hockey romance and it did not disappoint. I loved how sassy and confident our FMC Quinn is. Every time she opens her mouth (for anything 😉) I’m like yes go girl! I almost hated our MMC Levi in the beginning. But then his character growth was epic. I love a man getting humbled by a woman to the point where he falls in love with her! The Pilates references were so good, as a Pilates lover I thoroughly enjoy them and know it is no joke. Challenge for everyone who thinks it’s a joke or it’s too easy to come to one session with me!

Quinn is a Pilates Instructor who has been hired to rehabilitate the famous hockey player Levi Carter who has just dislocated his shoulder on field and is in a bad shape. The problem is two fold. One Levi is a stubborn a** who thinks Pilates is beneath him and too easy for him and won’t work for him. And two, he is not bad to look at. Will Quinn be able to trespass this stubborn man to make him realise he’s wrong? Will Levi finally break down his walls?

Swoon worthy! And the scenes, let me tell you chapter 38 and 47 are just too damn good! Especially 38 like Sarah I loved it! Please give us more books soon no pressure 😍😍😍 thank you for this ARC I’m so honoured to be a part of your team!

[Yajaira · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒ARC Review🏒

Sarah, thank you so much for sending a ARC copy of your first debut novel! I’m so extremely proud of you baby girl!! 🫶🏻

I am so over the moon on this book oh my. I found myself giggling, blushing, screaming and jumping up and down from how energized I was from this book. Everything about it is perfection!!

I adore Levi so much.. his character development was so satisfying to see. I love how he started to open up to Scarlett a lot more. I mean he is “such a good boy” iykyk

Scarlett as a FMC I’m probably her biggest fan! She’s such a princess and she’s that GIRL! I love it especially when she would push Levi’s buttons but she also knew how to be assertive! I mean “Get on your hands and knees, Levi and crawl to me.” 😉

Excuse me? The SPICE!? 🥵 Woah.. Just woah.. Chapter 30-31… uhh hello!? I was kicking and screaming ahaha. I’m still shocked on chapter 38… Chapter 46 absolutely unhinged 👀

I can’t wait to see what happens next in her future books, I’m so excited to see what all you accomplish Sarah. 💗

[alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut novel???!! INCREDIBLE. Sports romance can have a similar undertone to them sometimes but this was so so much fun, unlike any I have read. I loved the Pilates incorporation, and the heavy impact it had on Levi’s recovery. The way injuries are represented in this and the emotional and mental impact it can have on athletes is 10/10.

The energy between these two is HEAVY, you can tell they make each other slightly uncomfortable but in a way that makes them more interested in the other. The switch energy was amazing, every time she called him a good boy, this was me 🫠.

I always love a sprinkle of found family and this was an excellent addition to the story and also left me wanting and needing to know more about the other characters. I felt like I was watching them through a window, I felt that engrossed in their lives, it was amazing.

⭐️4.5

Thank you @authorsarahk for allowing me to read this in advance and trusting me with it, I am truely honoured.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to this author for a chance to read her book!

I unfortunately just didn't vibe with this book the way I expected to. I did enjoy the idea behind the book, pilates instructor x NHL player is always such a fun trope. I just felt like this book was written in a YA format, despite being heavy on spice. I do wish there was more focus on certain plot points (both their backgrounds, the ex storyline & his father storyline). I think I just didn't connect with the MMC, I found him to be a bit childish despite being almost 30 years old. I did feel like once they got together, every chapter was just smut, not much of a storyline or filler chapters.

I think maybe this is just personal preferences for me. I think it was well done for a debut novel- just not my cup of tea.

I appreciate the opportunity to read an arc copy for a honest review.

[ssarz]

WHAT A BOOK! 🌟

I had the amazing opportunity to be an ARC reader (my first time 🥹) and what a blessing that was!

The storyline had me hooked. It flowed well, got me all giddy and excited, and kept me wanting more and more! As a Pilates lover myself, this read was just something i didn’t know I needed, and connected with me on a different level from other books - I LOVED IT! I wish I had more time to read it faster cause I struggled to put it down 😫

Scarlett is just the coolest FMC! The Pilates Princess she is, with her bad a** attitude, ugh what a woman!

Levi’s character development is what I was living for! He was so hard not to love 😌

I can’t wait to read more from Sarah K! She has captured my heart and I’m a BIG FAN! GIMME MORE!!!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 What I Enjoyed:

Bakery with old lady and all the food descriptions

Tim tams with tea

The fair

The hot tub

Good boy

Eyes on me

Taco night with the surprise guests

Embarrassing ski story about Levi

I kind of want to try an Ollie

When she keeps telling him to use his words 🤣

The way he took care of her when Aunt Flo came to visit

The lake

When he remembers her favorite pizza

She holds the power

He teaches her to ice skate

She stands up for him

"Just...your presence is a constant reminder that true happiness exists, Princess. I've waited my whole life to have someone like you on it, Scar. And I am so f--king in love with you."

[tini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off the Ice by Sarah K is about Levi, a professional hockey player recovering from a serious injury. During rehab he works with Scarlett, a strict Pilates instructor. As they spend time together helping him recover, they develop feelings for each other while Levi tries to return to hockey.

i finally finished Off the Ice and i loved it so much ❄️🏒✨

this book was such a fun read — the banter, the tension, the chemistry… everything was just chef’s kiss. the characters completely stole my heart and i’m already so attached to them. i seriously can’t wait to see how their stories continue because i’m not ready to let them go yet 🥹

[Tayla Widdows · Rating 3 out of 5]

*please note this was a gifted ARC from the author*

3.5 ⭐️s

A hockey romance with an Aussie Pilates instructor filled with forced proximity, banter and notes of depth and emotion? You best believe I ate this up!

I felt like it was a super easy read and the chemistry between Levi and Scarlett had me giggling! I think it was slow burn written well, by the time you get to the hot tub scene you know it’s worth it 🫣 I wish there was a little more back story about her ex and his dad to really build their connection but for a debut novel, I’m so proud of Sarah!

[Emily Croker · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved Off the Ice so much — the forced proximity and hockey setting made Levi and Scarlett’s relationship grow in such a natural, believable way. Watching their feelings shift from dislike to love felt so genuine and emotional, and I was completely invested in them the whole time. Levi and Scarlett have my heart forever 🥲💗