They say nice guys finish last, and that’s certainly been the case for me. At least, when it comes to love. As a professional hockey player, I’m a winner.
In dating, though, I’m a dud.
I don’t know why. They say I’m good-looking.
Maybe I need more of an edge.
Or maybe I just need to find the right girl.
****
Willa
After a bad breakup, I need some time away . . . alone.
But it seems my quiet tropical getaway is about to be anything but. Due to a mix-up, hot hockey player Shane Thoma is now sharing my beachfront rental.
Hey, I couldn’t make him leave.
No way! He’s too damn hot.
Now that I think about it, maybe he’s the distraction I need.
Shane is the third novel in the bestselling Glacier Hockey series.
S.R. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the new Glacier hockey series and the popular Breakaway Hockey and Boys of Winter hockey books and Men of Fall football novels. Other New Adult and Romantic Suspense works of hers include the Judge Me Not books, the Promises series, the Inevitability duology, A Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy, and the Laid Bare series of novellas.
When not writing Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. Sometimes all at the same time!
Represented by Amanda Wooden at SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
Shane Thoma plays for the Phoenix Bears NHL hockey team and Willa Avery owns a wedding planning business with her bff Shay Miller (she will be having her own story I am sure). They come together on a beautiful tropical island by chance; each has a reservation at a vacation home but someone (cough cough the guy of course) gets the dates wrong. The two of them agree to share the home not just because it is the nice thing to do for this amazing place to relax and unwind. Something they both need to have in their lives. While there is this instant connection between the two of them, Shane and Willa agree to start out as friends, nothing more. But as time passes they realize it can be way more than that, it could be what each of them is truly looking for in their lives. They will though, just have to take it nice and slow.
This is the third book in the Glacier Hockey series by S.R. Grey and it was a beautiful love story from beginning to end. It is truly as a relationship should be in so many ways, from friends to lovers to soul mates. I loved how they were intertwined right from the start. This isn’t a novella but it is a long book either, it is around 150 pages so it is the perfect length for one of those I don’t have much time but want a HEA romance. While it is part of a series reading the other books first isn’t necessary. But after reading this you will want to go and get them because Grey is an amazing writer.
Thanks to Wildfire Marketing and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
As we once again step back into S.R. Grey’s Glacier Hockey series, I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face—because this time, it’s Shane’s turn to take centre ice… and his story is everything you want in a feel-good hockey romance.
Set against the backdrop of a stunning tropical getaway, this story brings us a delicious mix of sun, heat, and heart. Shane—a hotshot hockey player who might dominate on the ice but is definitely out of his depth when it comes to dating—finds himself in need of a little help in the romance department. Enter Wila, a wedding planner escaping to the island for a much-needed break… or so she thinks.
Because of course, fate has other plans.
A mix-up leaves them sharing the same house, and from the moment their paths collide, there’s an undeniable spark. The chemistry is instant, playful, and completely addictive—but what makes this story shine is the way their relationship unfolds. Rather than rushing into something intense, Shane and Wila build a genuine friendship first, and it’s that foundation that makes every moment between them feel real and heartfelt.
Watching their connection grow—from easy companionship to something deeper—was pure perfection. There’s humour, warmth, and just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked, all wrapped up in that dreamy island setting that makes you wish you were right there with them.
And when it comes to the ending? It delivers that perfectly satisfying happily ever after that leaves you closing the book with a full heart and a contented sigh.
Book 3 of 3 in the Glacier Hockey series, and the perfect way to fall in love with these characters all over again.
This book was everything you could want! Shane and Willa and their insta-love story will have you swooning away! 5 hot hockey stars for this one! Shane can't wait to head to his paradise vacation after losing in the playoffs. He's looking forward to the solitude with will bring him for the off season. All alone, beach house, what more could he want! Only problem is, once he is there, someone else shows up, also having rented the beach house! And boy is she beautiful! Willa, was looking forward to three weeks away alone after a bad breakup, and yet here is none other than hockey player Shane, and he's hotter in person! These two make the best of the mix-up, and work really well together! They're enjoying spending time with each other, and both falling fast! But are they ready to take that step and ruin the beautiful friendship they're enjoying? This is a must read! I couldn't put it down and read it all in one day! Grab this asap!
Shane by S.R. Grey is a steamy and heartfelt sports romance that captures intense hockey rivalries, unexpected chemistry, and redemption arcs with Grey's signature emotional pull. The story follows a fierce heroine entangled with Shane—a brooding pro hockey player navigating career lows and personal demons—where their clashing worlds ignite slow-burn passion amid ice-rink drama and heartfelt vulnerability. Grey's engaging prose blends gritty game action with swoony tension that kept me hooked.
I loved Shane's cocky swagger softening into genuine devotion, the heroine's bold spirit matching his fire, and their push-pull dynamic evolving into scorching, tender moments that deliver real heart.
While hockey romance tropes feel familiar, Grey's character depth and steamy payoff make it addictive. Overall, I’m giving Shane four stars. It’s a thrilling, sexy read perfect for fans of sports romances with grit and swoon.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Shane is a star NHL player for the Phoenix Bears and is looking for a break from the grind. Willa, who runs a wedding planning business with her best friend Shay, is craving the same escape. They both book the same tropical vacation home… except someone—ahem, Shane—mixes up the dates. Instead of wasting the perfect getaway, they decide to share the place. It’s partly the polite thing to do, but mostly because this island is exactly the kind of peace they both desperately need. There’s an instant spark between them, but Shane and Willa agree to keep things in the friend zone—at least at first. As the days pass, though, it becomes clear that what they’re building could be so much more. They just must take it slow and let the connection grow into what they’re both truly searching for.
Sometimes the best things can start with a mistake and that is the case when Shane arrives for his vacation and realizes he has the dates wrong. He is a professional hockey player who needs a break after a heartbreaking playoff loss and finds out that the place he had booked is being occupied by Willa.
Willa is an event planner who needs to distance herself from a difficult end to a relationship. She is looking forward to a fun getaway however that plan didn’t include another man. When Shane arrives at her door rather than turning him away she agrees to share the accommodation and gets so much more than a roommate.
Shane and Willa have an immediate connection to each other and the more time they spend together the deeper their feelings for each other become and they soon realize that what they share isn’t a fling but forever.
I struggled with my rating because there is nothing wrong with this book, but for me it was too surface level. I want a book that makes me think and feel an emotional connection to the characters or their situation.
I never felt connected to the characters, and everything just seemed to happen effortlessly for them - which I don’t find very exciting to read about. If you are looking for a romance with low to no angst where the characters take time to become friends first, this book will be a good fit.
I don’t want my opinion to detract from anyone giving this book &/or author a chance.
I received a free ARC from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Shane and Willa’s story. Shane is a pro hockey player, while Willa is a wedding planner. After a bad breakup Willa needs time away on a quiet tropical getaway to regroup, only to find out that there is a mix up on the bookings, and she ends up sharing her beachfront rental with Shane. There is an instant connection between Shane and Willa. This is a well written quick and easy to read story, with engaging and realistic characters, emotions, friends / lovers, romance, humour, witty banter, palpable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun, addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is book 3 of the series, but the reader can start here and be ok. There are some recurring character's from the previous books and there are some mentions of previous events, but the reader will be 100% fine. The reader instantly gets into the story. The story is has a good plot, albeit someone predictable, and the reader wants to know what is going to happen next! This one gives the reader all the happy vibes while reminding them that everyone deserves a happily ever after!! This is truly a good read that leaves the reader feeling like they want more of this hockey series!! There is a concrete ending, and one that the reader enjoys. Don't miss out on this one or any of her others! They are a must read and a must read now!!
Shane is wedding planner Willa Avery and NFL player Shane Thoma’s insta love story. It’s book three in the Glacier Hockey Series and I loved everything about this entertaining journey. Willa and Shane met by chance when they are double booked in a vacation home on a tropical island. From the moment they met they have an instant bond so they both decide to share the house and get on with their holiday. What follows is an entertaining love story as they go from friends to lovers…….. I fell hard and fast for Shane and I adored Willa but it was watching a friendship grow and into true love. This is a beautifully written novella that entertained and touched my heart.
Another great sports romance by SR Grey. Shane is part of the Glacier series-you don’t need to read the first 2 before reading Shane. Coming off a playoff loss, Shane decides to head to the tropics for some R&R and alone time. However, when he arrives earlier for his rental he runs into Willa. A wedding planner who is just coming off a bad breaking and is trying to escape to the tropics to mend her broken heart. Willa decides to let Shane stay. A friendship begins between the two, but it quickly moves to much more. These two are a great couple and deserve the HEA ending.
I would recommend this along with SR Grey’s other novels.
This was a fun and cute story that had us smiling throughout. The ease of the character's romance melted your heart.
We loved Willa and Shane as a couple; their chemistry was palpable. Their friendship blossoming into love was a beautiful thing to see, as it was genuine and raw, just like their feelings for one another.
Overall, we adored this one and fell in love with its characters almost from the very beginning. The rest of the cast is awesome, and there was enough hockey play on the ice to keep things exciting, as well as the witty banter throughout.
He is a nice guy and a wiz on the ice in his hockey team but not so much on the dating scene. She has just had a bad break up so time alone will be just what she needs. Unfortunately there has been a mistake and her beach rental, it has been double booked. Now she is sharing it with a red hot hockey player. Could this be what they both need? See just what will happen behind closed doors I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful read
* spoiler alert * Super cute story. Love and Hockey, what could be better than that? The storyline is clear and relatable. Well planned and flows well. I do feel the end was rushed but appreciate the wrap up and won't be left wondering how their story continues. I was shocked there was no conflict to break them up so they can make up but I suppose not all stories have to have that, just came to expect that in a HeA story. 100% recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you are looking for sports romance that has the right amount of sweet and heat, this is a great read. In fact, the whole series is great. I loved the characters and the connection they shared. A lot of fire that will also surely light up your kindle. Grab this and if you haven’t started the series yet, what are you waiting for??!!
Hot Hockey Player and his wedding planner... Willa heads to Bahamas to heal over a broken heart she never expected to see her crush at the rental, especially in his boxer. Shane is excited about spending time alone after horrible game, in great need of rest, relaxation and space from PAP's he's happy to be alone in peace until sexy woman crashes his quiet getaway. Shane is such a sweet, adorable, carrying, easy going hockey player whose been unlucky with women. I love how easy both Shane and Willa mesh and complement each other in all aspects. Their story is sweet, low burn sexy, a little fast paced in parts, adorable with little drama and then it seeds up. I loved reading their story it was so fluffy cute. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC I received.
Shane and Willa have an unexpected start, but there’s a connection from the beginning. This is a sweet (and sexy) story as these two quickly become friends and so much more. Wonder if Shay will be the one to tame Brock… we’ll find out in Brock’s story next.
I enjoyed reading the story but I wish there was a big culmination moment. Other that that, sweet story with lots of romantic moments, steamy hot scenes and nice happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
If you are looking for a light, easy read then this book is for you. It is a sports romance with a little spice. It is a very straightforward book with no twists or turns.
Shane and Willa are a perfect couple! They are brought together by circumstance and hit it off right away. I love they became friends first, instead of just hopping into bed. It was beautiful seeing their relationship grow. I smiled through so much of the book. I didn’t want their story to end.