Marion De Ré is a closed-door romantic comedy author. She lives in the French countryside with her husband and adorable cat. You can expect all your beloved tropes in her writing as well as a good dose of humor and all the feels. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her on a plane to a far-away destination.
Icebound Reunion is a holiday novella related to the New York Raptors series and can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. MARION, OBSESSED! I absolutely adored this one with my whole heart. Definitely one of my top reads from her (and I've read them all 🤣). Right from the start I was kicking my feet and smiling like an idiot. The Christmas vibes are absolutely IMMACULATE in this novella, this is exactly the reason I want to read them, I want EVERYTHING Christmas. I want to smell the food, feel the heat of the fireplace, see all the glittering lights, feel the snow falling and I truly got every single thing. I felt I was there with the characters, I felt it was Christmas all around me. KUDDOS Marion, I hope you write one every year 😂
Noah & Grace my oh my they were just the sweetest. I could feel their chemistry radiating off the pages as soon as they reconnected. Their friendship that came back so easily and their feelings that resurfaced quickly. I loved watching them explore Rosemead together and reminiscing about their past relationship. The storyline is beautiful, funny and heartwarming. It truly gave me all the feels and made my heart happy. I just thought their relationship was authentic, real and not forced. For a novella it didn't feel rushed at all, I got to know the characters and truly felt their love for one another. I loved seeing all the other players from the Raptors make an appearance and loved to get to meet the upcoming characters for the next series 😍
Overall, this is a fantastic Christmas novella to add to your TBR this winter. It has ALL the vibes and the sweetest romance, you won't regret it!
✨️ Thank you to @marionderewrites for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This novella gives us closure on the NY Raptors series. It is a little bittersweet to read this one and knowing will be letting all these amazing characters go. I love this series along with the One More Chapter one.
We finally get to know Noah, our grumpy member of the team. And I never though he would talk that much (just kidding!). He is grumpy, yes, but has a strong family and friendship value and is all in with those he loves. And Grace is among those people. They were a couple once, but then his life took him to the US and they had to part. Now, when her life js messy and undecided, and they meet again in their hometown, they reconnect, with a little meddling by his mother and holiday magic. When the season ends.. they just can't bear to be appart.
This story is cozy and sweet, and brings us that holiday happiness from the first page. I really enjoyed it!
This was such a sweet second chance reunion story! I loved Noah and Grace! There's some hard and emotional things that Grace is working through but I loved having Noah, her dear friend, coming back home for a break and them taking another chance at their friendship! And that Noah is there to help her through some hard moments.
They are super cute together! I thought the author did a great job showing them learning how to work through their pasts and the struggles that broke them apart. I loved watching them rebuild trust and friendship. And Grace finding a better support system through friends and loved ones.
I laughed and sighed, and possibly shed a couple of tears. I've loved this New York Raptors series and am sad to say goodbye with this last novella. Fans of this series are going to love how everything wraps up. Thankfully we can return and reread all of the books, or favorites of them!
Content: Sweet and clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
ADORABLE!! I have loved every couple’s story through the series and this one brought all the sweet and Swoony romance I love from Marion 💗 Our favorite quiet goalie gets his second chance romance story and he couldn’t be more of a cinnamon roll book boyfriend. Comforting, hurt to healing, and all the found family feels of Christmas with the girl next door. Be ready for almost kisses and grand gestures.
💗 Christmas 💗 Second Chance Romance 💗 Coming Home for Christmas 💗 Hurt to Healing 💗 Grumpy Cinnamon Roll MMC 💗 Lost and Lonely FMC 💗 Childhood Sweethearts
I loved this final book of the New York Raptors series! It may have been a novella, but nothing about it seemed rushed. Noah and Grace may have been separated for 15 years but they seemed to pick up right where they left off, including their chemistry. I’ll be sad to leave all the characters from this series as well as the One More Chapter books, but I’m excited to read the new series starting with Noah’s brother, Archie and Grace’s friend, Kat.
I felt really torn with what my rating should be on this book. Read on for my thoughts. I loved the storyline and the characters. This is the first book I've read from this author and I really enjoyed it. Bonus points as it's set in England and the characters were British .... BUT..... this author had way too many American phrases in there which really disappointed me.
I might let 'high school' slip. We call it secondary school, but there are some in the north who would refer to it as high school, so we'll let that one slide. Words we do NOT use: - bleachers (we would say stands) - grocery store (shop) - mall (supermarket) - expiration (we'd say use by dates) - gymnasium (gym or sports centre) - garbage (rubbish) - yard (garden) - backyard (back garden) - vacation (holiday) - college major (oh my days. ok in the UK when you go to university you only study the subject you choose. You only have a 'major' if you're studying two subject. Ugh! I would say my degree, not my college major. Also college is where you study aged 16-18yrs. After that it's university.) - seventh grades (we'd say year 8) - I'm beat (I'm knackered or shattered) - trunk (boot) - parking lot (car park)
I have to say it really bugged me. There were too many of them. Please consider getting a 'local' to at least do an ARC for you to check for these things? They could be picked out and changed so easily and then we can focus on the lovely story. I just found it so disappointing that the author just hadn't done enough research for the story to be genuine in its setting.
What a cute second chance romance from Marion De Ré!
I’m all about a hockey romance, especially one set at Christmas with the New York Raptors! It was so fun to spend some more time with the team. This time we follow Noah as he heads home to spend time with his family for the holidays. He hasn’t seen his old girlfriend and first love, Grace in 15 years. Grace is back home for a rest and to grieve her father when she runs into Noah’s mom and she invites her to her home for Christmas Eve.
I love how it felt like no time has passed between Noah and Grace. They fell right back into step together and were just so cute! As they reminisced about the past together we got glimpses of their relationship. This book was just so warm and cozy. I loved the charity game and the trip to the Christmas market. The chemistry between Grace and Noah was so good and their kisses made me melt. The ending was absolutely beautiful and wrapped up the series so well. This can be read as a stand-alone, but if you love hockey romances you will want to devour the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a sweet, fun story! Getting to see two people reunited who truly belong together makes for a book that made me happy the entire time that I was reading it. The two main characters were high school sweethearts and definitely were each other's true loves.
If you haven't read the other books in this series, you could try this book to get a glimpse of the author's writing style. It can stand on its own even though it has connections to two other series of characters. And if you have read the other books, be sure to get the extra "epic-logue" which shows a glimpse into the lives of all of the couples a few years into the future. I love when authors do that for their readers! It makes me so happy!
Grace recently quit her job as a lawyer, where she worked eighty hours a week and was denied leave to go home to Rosemead when her father passed away. She hadn’t known he was sick, and since her mother is also gone, Grace is now all alone in the world.
Noah Wilcott is back home for Christmas for the first time in years, as the Raptors hockey team have five days off between games, and those five days are right during the holidays. He’s not expecting to see Grace, though he’s been thinking about her ever since he left her to go play hockey in the US. But he can tell that something is wrong, and he’s going to get to the bottom of it and fix it if he can.
My heart breaks for all the judgement that Grace is subjected to; people are taking things out of context and making her look like a villain for not coming home when her father was dying. Heaven forbid they get any facts, as Grace hadn’t even known her father was sick; he’d purposely kept that from her.
It’s not easy to start over, but Grace doesn’t really have a choice. She knows she can’t go back to being a lawyer, even if she’d chosen to stay in London. The town gossips, though, aren’t making it any easier—acting like Grace didn’t come home for her dad because she just couldn’t be bothered.
Seeing each other again brings up a whole lot of the past for Grace and Noah, and at every turn, they’re remembering why they were so good together. But they live on two different continents.
What to do…what to do…
Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out. I’m more than a little emotional that this is the last book of the intertwined One More Chapter and New York Raptors series. It’s been a fun, laugh-out-loud, crying over fictional characters journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Kudos to the author, who sucked me into these stories, because now, I will read absolutely anything she writes. Farewell to these two series, and on to the next!
I love a Christmas book, mix that with Marion’s writing style, the New York Raptors with a sprinkle of our girls from the One More Chapter series and all my wishes came true. Giving us this merry little present rounds this series off perfectly. Grace has recently come back to her hometown, she’s having a really difficult time following the death of her father. To make matters worse, her employers, now ex-employers, have been extremely unsympathetic. She’s not received the best of welcomes home, but when she bumps into Bea, her ex-boyfriend’s mum, having a friendly hug and an invite for dinner is just what she needs. As for Noah, he’s happy to be home. It’s not often he gets five days off. Playing ice hockey doesn’t afford him much downtime, especially at this time of year. His time off becomes even better when Grace enters the room. He’s not seen her for 15 years. She’s the only girl he ever loved. She’d been happy for him to pursue his dreams, and he thought she was doing the same. Spending time together over the next few days is so special to them both, and it soon becomes apparent that the bond they had once shared is still very much there. He can’t imagine leaving without her, but can he ask her to uproot her life and move halfway across the world with him? For a fairly short book, this was filled with such sweet moments and a connection that felt genuine. The ending was perfect. I loved meeting so many of my favourite characters again. I’m also very jealous that you gave Grace the most perfect dream job. I didn’t see that one coming. The epilogue was 👌🏻, and as suspected, Kat and Archie are the first characters in the next series. Can’t wait! Thank you, Marion De Ré, for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
We’re back with the New York Raptors for this fourth and final story. Noah “Wally” Wilcott, Raptors hockey goalie, is heading back to his home in England for Christmas to escape the lovey-dovey shenanigans of his teammates. He arrives at his mum’s house and is immediately roped into playing a charity game of football (Soccer) by his brother Archie, who is a professional player.
Imagine his surprise when his childhood girlfriend, the one that got away, Grace Turner, walks through the door. His mum has invited her to join them for Christmas as she’s alone and the town is making her feel guilty for not coming home for her father’s funeral. She’s burnt out and exhausted, still grieving and stressed; she needs a Christmas miracle, and he’s here in the form of Noah Wilcott.
Having read the previous books in the series, you have an image of Noah already. He’s the team grump, hates socialising, although he loves his team like a second family. He’s not one for sentiment or romance, and now we find out why. He’s only ever loved Grace, but he left her to move to New York and play hockey.
Grace is sweet and vulnerable, but also she’s independent and can hold her own around those she’s comfortable with. She’s brave and strong, and you can see why Noah was attracted to her. She doesn’t put up with any of his grumpy ways, although to be fair, there are fewer grumpy moments when he’s with Grace. I loved their time together; they were a great match, and Noah’s last-minute change of plan was so sweet and just what we were waiting for.
ARC Book Review Icebound Reunion A Novella Written By Marion De Re’ Fiction - Romance Published November 2025 166 Pages ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella is the perfect ending to the author’s New York Raptor’s Hockey Romance Series. It is a second chance at romance for the two main characters, Noah and Grace. The two were childhood friends. They haven’t seen each other in 15 years. They are reunited when Noah returned home to England for the Christmas holiday. For Grace, Noah was her first and only love. He was the one who got away. Noah had been featured in the other books in the series. He was the grumpy goalie for the New York Raptors. It was great to learn more about him and see his softer side.
“Looks like I was due for a little Christmas magic after all.”
Thank you to the author @marionderewrites for the #gifted e-book.
This holiday novella was such a fun, feel-good read and exactly what I want from a Christmas hockey romance. ❄️✨ Noah and Grace absolutely stole my heart with their second-chance romance, grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and the kind of witty banter that had me smiling the whole time.
Set in England, the festive atmosphere is immaculate—cozy, charming, and full of Christmas magic. The story delivers all the emotions without feeling heavy, making it the perfect seasonal read. I loved how natural the reconnection felt and how the warmth slowly melted years of distance between them.
✨ “My heart swells with a warmth I thought I’d never feel again. And it’s terrifying how right it feels.” ✨
If you’re looking for a short, sweet holiday hockey romance with heart, humor, and all the cozy vibes, this one is such a win.
This or that: 💬 📚 Christmas books or Christmas movies? 🎅 Santa or snowman? 🧣 Cozy sweater or festive pajamas? 🍬 Candy canes or chocolate truffles?
This was the perfect novella to complete this series. Noah goes home for Christmas and who does his mom invite over for Christmas Eve? None other than Grace, the only woman he ever loved. Grace has also returned home after quitting her job. They spend some time together and quickly realize their feelings for each other never went away. If you’re looking for a sweet novella with all the feels then this is definitely for you. I rate it 5 stars!
This was a nice book, a light read, but I just couldn't feel anything.
Firstly, I want to start off by saying that I could have easily missed this book or what it is about, given the lack of a blurb/description present for it. I would have expected at least a few lines on what we can expect going in. I am saying this coming from a place where I, as a reader who is picky with what I read, rely on these tags and descriptions (and comments) to understand if it is the right fit before going in. I would have 100% missed this book if it weren't for the fact that I read the comments first. So, it would be great if the author could update it so no one misses out on it if it is their type.
I think this book deserved a lot more pages to get into the story and context more deeply. I would have loved to understand how the MMC and his dad's love for hockey stemmed from and how the US happened, I would have loved to see the small town change its opinion on the FMC, I would have loved some hockey team dynamics or the small town meddling, I would have loved to see the FMC rediscovering herself and figuring out what she wants, I wanted to really feel something between them given everything happened too fast but at the same time I felt nothing happened at all between, I would have loved to get more context on the history between the MCs, etc. I also felt that the MMC's character just didn't match up in a lot of places. He is quiet and doesn't talk but he is suddenly talking about people seeing his fighting and not concentration, in the epilogue of all characters of this series his personalitiy described by the FMC when comparing it with their kid also seemed out of place, his personalitiy in terms of how he socializes was also conflicting in some places.
See, there were a lot that were just missing from the book. It almost felt like the story of two side characters had to be gotten out of the way, and hence the book was rushed to finish. I wish we got something real. I wish we got to see the actual bond between the MCs, proper pining and grovelling (not the "Oh, now that I see her after years, I haven't gotten over" business). I expected a lot more, given that I have read a lot of other works by the author.
Bummer of a read albeit nice, but what I did like is the small things that led to the introduction of the Archie's book, it was surprising and nice and I am more excited to pick that one next.
Icebound Reunion is the 4th book in the New York Raptors series and it completely pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go! Set against a chilling, atmospheric backdrop, this story is packed with emotion, tension, and that slow-burn intensity that makes your heart ache in the best way 🥶❤️🔥. And I have to say—it hit extra hard because I absolutely love hockey romances 🏒💙.
Noah and Grace are the kind of characters that stay with you long after you close the book. Their history is layered, complicated, and so deeply emotional. Watching them be forced back together—surrounded by ice, isolation, and unresolved feelings—was both heartbreaking and beautiful. The push and pull between them felt real, raw, and incredibly human. Every glance, every unspoken word carried weight, and I loved how their connection unfolded naturally rather than feeling rushed.
The hockey element added that perfect extra spark for me 🏒🔥—the discipline, the pressure, and the passion only made Noah’s character more compelling and raised the emotional stakes of the story.
The setting adds so much to the story. The cold, unforgiving environment mirrors the emotional distance between Noah and Grace, making their reunion even more powerful. As the walls come down, the warmth between them slowly breaks through the ice, and I was fully invested every step of the way 🧊➡️🔥.
This book is emotional, immersive, and perfectly paced. It’s a story about second chances, healing old wounds, and finding your way back to the person who still feels like home. If you love romance with depth, tension, and hockey vibes, this one is absolutely worth picking up 💫📖.
I haven’t felt this good in ages.I take the initiative, my lips meeting his. Our kiss is soft at first, like we’re both testing the waters, until my fingers find the front of his coat and curl into the fabric, holding on for dear life. Then, it deepens, slow and aching, as if we’re trying to make up for every second we lost. His lips are firm but gentle, a familiar pressure that sends a wave of nostalgia crashing over me. He tastes of cold night air and something uniquely Noah. A sigh escapes my lips as I melt into the kiss, the years of unspoken words and unacknowledged feelings pouring into this single, desperate connection—a dizzying mix of comfort and longing, a bittersweet echo of the past intertwined with a desperate hope for something more, even if just for this moment.My heart swells with a warmth I thought I’d never feel again.And it’s terrifying how right it feels.Just as I press my body closer to his, a few snowflakes flutter down from the sky, landing softly on our hair and eyelashes. I guess I was wrong. Looks like I was due for a little Christmas magic after all.”
“I can almost hear his laugh, his voice telling me how proud he is, how there’s no greater joy for a father than to see his daughter happy and living her dreams. My throat tightens, because I know exactly what he would say if he were here now. That I should follow my heart. That I don’t have anything to prove to anyone. That he wouldn’t want me to stay behind out of guilt or fear. He’d want me to go after what makes me happy.” 😊 “Noah—he’s changed. He’s broader now, and somehow, both more rugged and gentler than before. But that quiet steadiness? That intensity that thrums beneath the surface? Yes, still the same. Still the boy who holds my heart.”
Y’all… this little Christmas novella snuck up on me in the sweetest way. I went in expecting something cute, and Marion de Ré said “surprise, here are your emotions.”
All you really need to know is this: Noah heads home for Christmas to escape from life, and who walks in for Christmas dinner? His first love. Grace. Fifteen years later. That’s it.. that’s the setup.. and the chemistry takes off like a slapshot. They spend a few days together, and suddenly all those old feelings are through the roof. It’s soft, it’s warm, and it feels so right.
And listen… getting to see the whole Raptors crew one more time? My heart wasn’t ready. It’s bittersweet in the best way..like you’re hugging old friends and you just don’t wanna let go. Truly the perfect send-off for a series I’ve loved from day one.
If you’re into: ✔️ Hockey romance ✔️ Second chances ✔️ Found family ✔️ Christmas coziness ✔️ Closed-door sweetness
@marionderewrites really wrapped this series up with a bow and sent us on our way. ❤️🥹
It’s the final chapter in the New York Raptors series, and we’re ending it with Noah (Wally) the goalie for the team. Noah’s story runs in parallel time with Caleb’s (Just my Puck) but all these books in the series are stand alone with interconnected characters. Noah is headed home for the holidays, back to the UK for a short 5 day stint and there, he unexpectedly run into his high school sweetheart Grace. Grace is back home from her London life and is taking a time out to reassess her plans for the future. With just one look and catch of the eyes, these two know their story didn’t finish 15 years ago. It’s a slow burn, closed door, super sweet story of a second chance and new beginnings.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
A cute Christmas-themed reunion between two former high school sweethearts—he’s now thriving in his hockey career, while she finds herself at a crossroads, rethinking the life she’s built and what she truly wants moving forward. Their second-chance romance is warm, charming, and gently emotional, offering the promise of healing after revealing the more personal twists of her journey.
As the final book in this hockey friend-group storyline, it delivers a satisfying and well-earned happy ending for the last hero. And the “Epic-logue” is the perfect bonus chapter, tying together all the stories in a heartfelt, memorable way. I truly enjoyed this book as a sweet, clean romance—perfect for this time of year.
Thanks to the publisher, and the author for this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
"Icebound Reunion" by Marion De Ré is a novella that interconnects with the "New York Raptors" series. You can get the e-book if you are a subscriber to the author's newsletter.
This is a sweet romance with Christmas vibes. Grace goes back to her hometown and reconnect with Noah. He is a hockey player and Grace is his first (and only) love but they did not see each other in 15 years.
I enjoyed this second chance romance story a lot and I always fall for the green flag MMCs in Marion's books. Grace and Noah finally get the right moment to be together and they are so sweet.
This was a great way of ending a series and the epilogue gives us a glimpse in the future of the other couples.
If you enjoy reading sweet, closed door romances you will love Marion's books.
This is a great ending to this fun series. We get Noah’s story. He is the goaltender for the Raptors. During a holiday break he decides to go back is hometown in England. He is reunited with a former girlfriend, Grace. The story is sweet and charming with all the holiday vibes. The reunion with all the Raptors was entertaining. A great way to catch up with their lives. Each of these stories can be read as standalone, but it is definitely worth reading all of them. We also meet Archie, Noah’s brother, who is an athlete in his own right. He played European football and we’ll get to learn more about that in the new series, that will be coming.
This Christmas novella is the sweetest read filled with holiday tradition and rekindled love. It’s also free right now for anyone who subscribes to @marionderewrites newsletter so if you don’t already go do that now!
Noah and Grace may have been separated for years but the moment they are back in the same room it’s clear the connection they shared never went away.
Reading this was bittersweet as it wraps up the NY Raptors series. I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters but love the Epic-logue at the end.
This book can absolutely be read as a stand alone too! I’d just hold off on the epic-logue until you go back and read the others (trust me you’ll want too 😉
I loved getting to go to the New York Raptors world one more time for Noah and Grace's story. It's always sad to see the end of a series. Hopefully we'll see these characters again!
This is such a cute second chance romance between Noah and Grace. Grace had been through some hard things with her father dying, her awful job, and all of the judgement thrown her way for not coming home when her father died.
I loved the way Noah takes care of Grace. He shows her that she's not the screw-up that she feels like she is. And that she can choose to change her life into what she wants it to be.
This is such a cute, quick read. I loved it so much!
This is the last book in the New York Raptors series by this author but it can be read as a standalone. It’s the perfect Christmas read with a side of hockey 🏒 I love that it’s a second chance romance. Noah and Grace were friends to lovers as kids/teens. Pursuing their careers separated them but when Noah comes home for holiday they reconnect. Don’t miss the epic-logue as it is the perfect bow to top off this series. Bonus is this e-book is FREE for those who sign up for this authors newsletter!
What a way to end this series! Wow! Although Noah is the quiet, grumpy guy he’s such a warm and caring character. I loved it so much. Grace is having a hard time and he’s there for her all the way. You could feel their chemistry radiating off the pages. I loved every second of this book but it was also bittersweet, knowing we had to say goodbye to all these amazing characters. Every book Marion writes is pure gold!
This was so sweet and a perfect and delightful Christmas novella. To put you in a good mood and have you feel for both Grace and Noah and wanting to wrap them in a hug at times. I loved how it concluded the series and gives a perfect overview of all the characters and how they have grown and where they are now 🩷
When a hockey player goes home for Christmas to England, he reconnect with his neighbor and love of his life. Big surprise to his teammates in New York when he returns to hockey with her at his side.
A fun book filled with hockey family and real family, and an easy, fun, and angst-free love story. The fun of hockey with a beautiful HEA!