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Iced In: A Spicy MM Hockey Romance
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 26, 2026
I absolutely loved reading Iced In. we meet Jesse and Eli in book 1 as side characters, they both have such great chemistry and it was great reading as they resolve their issues.
February 19, 2026
This was a cute relationship centered story about hockey players. There wasn’t much world building beyond their relationship. Some of the facts didn’t line up between the beginning and end of the book and some lines were repetitive. This is a cute mood read if you want yearning and the struggle to give in and push past your fears, but if you are going for a solid read you should probably pass.
This author was kind enough to share her book with me from a social group we are both in! I hope she does some editing on this story because it has great bones. Best wishes
This author was kind enough to share her book with me from a social group we are both in! I hope she does some editing on this story because it has great bones. Best wishes
February 24, 2026
This was an ARC review.
I have mixed feelings about Jesse and Eli’s story. On one hand, it’s a quick, spicy, and engaging read. On the other, I found myself wishing it had gone a little deeper, especially when it came to character development and the overall balance of the story.
The book is heavily centered around the sexual relationship between Jesse and Eli. While that focus makes sense within the arc of a friends-with-benefits and dom/sub dynamic, I would have loved to see more of them outside the bedroom. More everyday moments, more emotional connection, more insight into who they are beyond physical intimacy. I think this story would have benefited from being longer and giving the characters more room to show off their “friend” relationship.
I did really appreciate the choice of third-person POV, especially in relation to Jesse’s unreliable narration. It worked well in showing his emotional vulnerability and internal conflict without fully trusting his interpretation of events. I also liked that we didn’t get Eli’s perspective until later in the book. It created intrigue and kept me reading because I genuinely wanted to see how everything would resolve and whether they’d get their happily-ever-after.
Jesse was easily my favorite part of the story. He felt incredibly relatable. Most people have experienced getting attached to someone they probably shouldn’t, and his struggle to distance himself while still emotionally attached felt very real. His inner monologue was funny, self-aware, and engaging, and it carried much of the book for me.
Eli left me conflicted. I couldn’t always tell whether he was meant to be neurodivergent-coded or if he was simply a flat character. While I understood that his past trauma shaped who he is, I don’t think it was explored deeply enough for me to fully connect with him. That said, I did appreciate how he consistently checked in with Jesse, especially in intimate scenes. Holly demonstrated a good example of how healthy progression in BDSM relationships should be.
At the same time, I think Jesse was right in questioning parts of their dynamic. Eli serves as both a romantic lead and an example of how partners can still have flaws, even when they’re trying their best. That complexity was interesting, but I wanted it explored deeper.
My biggest frustration was the number of inconsistencies and moments of repetition throughout the book. Some of these felt like things that could have been caught during editing, and they occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, despite its flaws, I still enjoyed this book largely because of Jesse. His voice and humor made the story worth reading. I’d recommend this to readers who are looking for a quick M/M read featuring friends-with-benefits, dom/sub dynamics, and plenty of spice.
I have mixed feelings about Jesse and Eli’s story. On one hand, it’s a quick, spicy, and engaging read. On the other, I found myself wishing it had gone a little deeper, especially when it came to character development and the overall balance of the story.
The book is heavily centered around the sexual relationship between Jesse and Eli. While that focus makes sense within the arc of a friends-with-benefits and dom/sub dynamic, I would have loved to see more of them outside the bedroom. More everyday moments, more emotional connection, more insight into who they are beyond physical intimacy. I think this story would have benefited from being longer and giving the characters more room to show off their “friend” relationship.
I did really appreciate the choice of third-person POV, especially in relation to Jesse’s unreliable narration. It worked well in showing his emotional vulnerability and internal conflict without fully trusting his interpretation of events. I also liked that we didn’t get Eli’s perspective until later in the book. It created intrigue and kept me reading because I genuinely wanted to see how everything would resolve and whether they’d get their happily-ever-after.
Jesse was easily my favorite part of the story. He felt incredibly relatable. Most people have experienced getting attached to someone they probably shouldn’t, and his struggle to distance himself while still emotionally attached felt very real. His inner monologue was funny, self-aware, and engaging, and it carried much of the book for me.
Eli left me conflicted. I couldn’t always tell whether he was meant to be neurodivergent-coded or if he was simply a flat character. While I understood that his past trauma shaped who he is, I don’t think it was explored deeply enough for me to fully connect with him. That said, I did appreciate how he consistently checked in with Jesse, especially in intimate scenes. Holly demonstrated a good example of how healthy progression in BDSM relationships should be.
At the same time, I think Jesse was right in questioning parts of their dynamic. Eli serves as both a romantic lead and an example of how partners can still have flaws, even when they’re trying their best. That complexity was interesting, but I wanted it explored deeper.
My biggest frustration was the number of inconsistencies and moments of repetition throughout the book. Some of these felt like things that could have been caught during editing, and they occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, despite its flaws, I still enjoyed this book largely because of Jesse. His voice and humor made the story worth reading. I’d recommend this to readers who are looking for a quick M/M read featuring friends-with-benefits, dom/sub dynamics, and plenty of spice.
March 11, 2026
This was an ARC copy from the author through Facebook
I really really enjoyed this I read this in one sitting i just couldn’t put it down it had me unable to stop reading until I knew the outcome between Jesse and Eli.
I really loved both these guys so much!
Jesse was so great he was funny and such a sweet guy. I felt so upset for him throughout a lot of the story it hurt my heart knowing how he felt for Eli and It hurt knowing how he felt every time Eli left him.
I know how that can really break someone
Eli oh Eli it took until his backstory was told to understand why he acted the way he did and you could tell he had deeper feelings for Jess than what he was admitting to himself, he was scared and hurt by what had happened to him and it made me open up to him so much once I understood. I really loved seeing him bring down his walls and letting himself have Jesse was something really special.
I can’t wait for what comes next from Holly this was my first book I’ve read by the author and I definitely am going to be reading offside very shortly. Evan’s is definitely a story I would like to hear!
I really really enjoyed this I read this in one sitting i just couldn’t put it down it had me unable to stop reading until I knew the outcome between Jesse and Eli.
I really loved both these guys so much!
Jesse was so great he was funny and such a sweet guy. I felt so upset for him throughout a lot of the story it hurt my heart knowing how he felt for Eli and It hurt knowing how he felt every time Eli left him.
I know how that can really break someone
Eli oh Eli it took until his backstory was told to understand why he acted the way he did and you could tell he had deeper feelings for Jess than what he was admitting to himself, he was scared and hurt by what had happened to him and it made me open up to him so much once I understood. I really loved seeing him bring down his walls and letting himself have Jesse was something really special.
I can’t wait for what comes next from Holly this was my first book I’ve read by the author and I definitely am going to be reading offside very shortly. Evan’s is definitely a story I would like to hear!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When someone gives you everything—except the one thing you actually need
Iced In by Holly Knotts is emotionally intense in the best way—equal parts yearning, frustration, and that slow-burn ache that comes from loving someone who refuses to choose you out loud.
Jesse is the heart of this story. His devotion is steady and real, and watching him finally hit the point where he has to protect himself is both painful and satisfying. The emotional tension lands because it’s not about whether Eli wants him—Eli clearly does. It’s about whether Eli is capable of showing up outside the bedroom and letting Jesse matter in a way that’s not hidden or conditional.
What really worked for me is how the book treats vulnerability as the real intimacy. The dynamic between them is sexy, yes, but the emotional payoff comes from the “pick me or let me go” moment and what it forces Eli to confront.
This is angsty, intimate, and ultimately rewarding.
Iced In by Holly Knotts is emotionally intense in the best way—equal parts yearning, frustration, and that slow-burn ache that comes from loving someone who refuses to choose you out loud.
Jesse is the heart of this story. His devotion is steady and real, and watching him finally hit the point where he has to protect himself is both painful and satisfying. The emotional tension lands because it’s not about whether Eli wants him—Eli clearly does. It’s about whether Eli is capable of showing up outside the bedroom and letting Jesse matter in a way that’s not hidden or conditional.
What really worked for me is how the book treats vulnerability as the real intimacy. The dynamic between them is sexy, yes, but the emotional payoff comes from the “pick me or let me go” moment and what it forces Eli to confront.
This is angsty, intimate, and ultimately rewarding.
February 16, 2026
This booked started with having me laughing and loving Jessie and I have to say, I did not see Eli turning out the way he did! He was full of surprises. This book was hard to read sometimes as you wanted Jessie to have better - and seeing him finally realise this and act on it, was bittersweet. You want them to work out but Eli was hard to root for until his perspective came. Getting to know Eli and see him push past his insecurities and choose Jessie was beautiful.
I will add that this book has some repeated sentences in places. Some of the situations don’t align with previous parts of the story so it still needs to be edited. But none of it took away from the story.
This is my first Holly Knotts book and I see a binge of her work happening in my near future.
I’m rooting for Evan’s story!
I will add that this book has some repeated sentences in places. Some of the situations don’t align with previous parts of the story so it still needs to be edited. But none of it took away from the story.
This is my first Holly Knotts book and I see a binge of her work happening in my near future.
I’m rooting for Evan’s story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
This book kinda got to me in a way I didn't expect.
The way Holly wrote the wanting something you know you can't have fully, the anticipation of waiting for the person you love to validate you/pick you, make you feel like you aren't just a secret that can't be known, and that glimmer of hope always being crushed. I think most people have felt that way in their life to some degree.
She also wrote the way people build up their walls so nothing can penetrate their already broken heart really well. I was feeling that terrible agonizing ache in my chest right along with Jesse, wanting Eli to acknowledge his feelings.
My first experience reading this author and she has piqued my interest in reading the other books in this series.
Thanks to Holly Knotts for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review.
The way Holly wrote the wanting something you know you can't have fully, the anticipation of waiting for the person you love to validate you/pick you, make you feel like you aren't just a secret that can't be known, and that glimmer of hope always being crushed. I think most people have felt that way in their life to some degree.
She also wrote the way people build up their walls so nothing can penetrate their already broken heart really well. I was feeling that terrible agonizing ache in my chest right along with Jesse, wanting Eli to acknowledge his feelings.
My first experience reading this author and she has piqued my interest in reading the other books in this series.
Thanks to Holly Knotts for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2026
Iced In - Holly Knotts
Iced In had me going through so many emotions. This story broke my heart with Jesse putting his wants and needs aside to be want Eli wants. But by the end of the story it had been put back together.
With the longing of a HEA making this story a
page turner that I was unable to put down.
Jesse starts a friend with benefits relationship with team mate Eli. But when feelings start to get real will Jesse get what he deserves- to be loved.
Eli is the quiet and reserved grumpy goalie who doesn’t do relationship with feelings. Will Eli be able to give Jesse what he deserves.
Tropes:
MM Romance
Opposite Attract
Golden Retriever x Black Cat
Dom x Sub
Spicy
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Iced In had me going through so many emotions. This story broke my heart with Jesse putting his wants and needs aside to be want Eli wants. But by the end of the story it had been put back together.
With the longing of a HEA making this story a
page turner that I was unable to put down.
Jesse starts a friend with benefits relationship with team mate Eli. But when feelings start to get real will Jesse get what he deserves- to be loved.
Eli is the quiet and reserved grumpy goalie who doesn’t do relationship with feelings. Will Eli be able to give Jesse what he deserves.
Tropes:
MM Romance
Opposite Attract
Golden Retriever x Black Cat
Dom x Sub
Spicy
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
I feel like even though this is a short read it was heartbreaking. I think this is the first book that I really wasn't sure that I wanted it to be an hea because you could see just how much that boy was breaking like how much he gave his heart and didn't like let himself feel all for the taste of the guy that he loved. I do wish it was more of a dual point of view and not told and what felt like third person. But overall the book was an amazing read. Like I really struggled to understand why he stayed in that situation as long as he did to just let his heart basically be torn over and over and over again. Definitely worth it if you want to know if he gets his head with eli or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
depressing neglectful and so not the first book
The story is of emotional neglect if you ask me self torment and abuse which goes on for 9 chapters out of 13 with only one pov
For years feeling used in a secret BDSM relationship
And then at the last 3 chapters the second pov about past bad relationships which is supposed to justify the cold shoulder through out the book, and feels like too little to late.
Really leaves you feeling it’s unbelievable when suddenly all is well and there’s a HEA.
The first book was so much better
I hope I haven’t done a mistake purchasing the whole series after the first book
Left me with a bitter taste.
The story is of emotional neglect if you ask me self torment and abuse which goes on for 9 chapters out of 13 with only one pov
For years feeling used in a secret BDSM relationship
And then at the last 3 chapters the second pov about past bad relationships which is supposed to justify the cold shoulder through out the book, and feels like too little to late.
Really leaves you feeling it’s unbelievable when suddenly all is well and there’s a HEA.
The first book was so much better
I hope I haven’t done a mistake purchasing the whole series after the first book
Left me with a bitter taste.
February 25, 2026
A good story with interesting dynamics between the MCs. Jesse was a particularly enjoyable character, realising that his choices were to keep seeing Eli for some years despite knowing that it wasn't good for him. He was realistic and honest with himself, even knowing that it hurt. Eli was understandable but rather unappealing and didn't do aftercare, which was quite offensive (and meant to be). I don't see this dynamic often - how someone could give so much except what the other needed most of all.
April 10, 2026
solid story, terrible editing
This is the second book in the series, and I debated reading it at all, because as compelling as the story and characters can be, the editing is essentially absent.
There are plot holes, serious inconsistencies, repetitive lines that contradict previous moments in the scene, and really take away from the story overall. This was the case in the first book in the series, too.
This book series would have benefited from being written in dual pov, too.
Tl;dr come for the yearning, stay only if you can see past the editing issues.
This is the second book in the series, and I debated reading it at all, because as compelling as the story and characters can be, the editing is essentially absent.
There are plot holes, serious inconsistencies, repetitive lines that contradict previous moments in the scene, and really take away from the story overall. This was the case in the first book in the series, too.
This book series would have benefited from being written in dual pov, too.
Tl;dr come for the yearning, stay only if you can see past the editing issues.
April 10, 2026
Nice to see these 2 guys figure it out - at last
So at first I couldn’t find anything to like about Eli. In fact I found him to be nasty, and self-absorbed, and downright mean to Jesse, who pretty much wore his heart on his sleeve and went along with all of Eli’s selfishness. Eventually, with the help of a few friends and family, these two at last gave in. So for them, this became a happy ever after. But I did take a star off because I REALLY disliked Eli for many chapters.
So at first I couldn’t find anything to like about Eli. In fact I found him to be nasty, and self-absorbed, and downright mean to Jesse, who pretty much wore his heart on his sleeve and went along with all of Eli’s selfishness. Eventually, with the help of a few friends and family, these two at last gave in. So for them, this became a happy ever after. But I did take a star off because I REALLY disliked Eli for many chapters.
February 17, 2026
OMG this was the perfect blend of Steamy Goodness, with actual character development and plot!
This book is short and I ATE IT UP in one go. Getting to follow along with Jesse and Eli's relationship from basically the moment they meet the author makes clever use of time jumps to progress the characters and move the plot forward without feeling rushed.
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Thank you so much to the Author for the ARC!
This book is short and I ATE IT UP in one go. Getting to follow along with Jesse and Eli's relationship from basically the moment they meet the author makes clever use of time jumps to progress the characters and move the plot forward without feeling rushed.
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Thank you so much to the Author for the ARC!
February 19, 2026
I received this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. I read this whole book in one setting. I cried which is not surprising with everything that happened in this book. I absolutely loved the ending. I do wish that Eli got his closure because I think that would’ve helped him heal. I will definitely be looking into more books by this author because I am invested. I was not expecting the spice to start straight away, but not complaining.
I absolutely loved this book. I read this whole book in one setting. I cried which is not surprising with everything that happened in this book. I absolutely loved the ending. I do wish that Eli got his closure because I think that would’ve helped him heal. I will definitely be looking into more books by this author because I am invested. I was not expecting the spice to start straight away, but not complaining.
February 23, 2026
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I really liked this story, Jesse's pain felt real and hit me in the heart. I cheered for him when he finally stood up for what he wanted, forcing Eli to really consider what he was feeling.
There were still some transition issues like in the first book, but not as many. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.
I really liked this story, Jesse's pain felt real and hit me in the heart. I cheered for him when he finally stood up for what he wanted, forcing Eli to really consider what he was feeling.
There were still some transition issues like in the first book, but not as many. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.
February 17, 2026
I definitely preferred book one to this because honestly... I don't like Eli as a character. Even after his past was revealed, I didn't like him. Which is a shame. But Jesse? Jesse was wonderful and deserved better. I'm still eagerly awaiting the next books in the series though as they are super quick and easy reads.
February 22, 2026
Iced in was the first book of Holly Knotts I have read and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed Jesse & Eli’s story. It was a short and sweet story that still hade enough of an emotional pull to the characters and their story to keep me captivated. I really felt for Jesse and am so happy Eli was able to overcome his past ensuring they both got their HEA.
February 23, 2026
This was a quick cute little read. I love Jesse, he was such a riot. I felt for him as he really liked Eli, but he squashed his feelings down just for a little taste. It was kind of heartbreaking. I really enjoyed reading this and I am glad Eli finally got his act together. Totally wanted to drop kick his ex, horrible man; but Eli found true happiness.
March 15, 2026
The poor editing, the continuity errors, ripped me out of what would have been an otherwise good book. I was also NOT a fan of . I won’t be continuing with this series.
April 1, 2026
When I started this book, i felt like it was going to be some sort of heated rivalry, but then things evolved and I saw that its was a completely different story. Same vibe but different people, with a different backstory. I honestly loved it, loved and hated how Jesse was torturing himself with his love. I had chills the whole time ! Highly recommend!
May 19, 2026
Desperately in need of an edit
Could be a really good book but there's a lot of repetition and a real lack of continuity - so many times something will happen and then almost immediately it'll happen again slightly differently as if the author has changed her mind on how the scene will play out but not removed the original lines.
Could be a really good book but there's a lot of repetition and a real lack of continuity - so many times something will happen and then almost immediately it'll happen again slightly differently as if the author has changed her mind on how the scene will play out but not removed the original lines.
February 16, 2026
Iced In is a great read. Jesse is a golden retriever who just wants to be loved and Eli is the grumpy goalie who thinks that’s just not for him. Despite it all Jesse breaks down Eli’s walls in a true Meredith Grey moment with his “pick me. choose me!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
Good enough
I really enjoyed this book but whoever did the editing or proof reading did a terrible job. There were times sections of the book was repeated. Were they trying to meet their word count.
It was a good read. I loved the both MCs.
I really enjoyed this book but whoever did the editing or proof reading did a terrible job. There were times sections of the book was repeated. Were they trying to meet their word count.
It was a good read. I loved the both MCs.
February 23, 2026
There's definitely a lot going on in the plot of this one. Also excellent spicy with emotion too. Can't wait for the next one.
June 9, 2026
3.5 stars
There were a few glaring consistency errors that took me out of the story
There were a few glaring consistency errors that took me out of the story
Did Not Finish
June 25, 2026DNR
I LOATHE JESSE
I LOATHE JESSE
July 23, 2026
???
I’ve liked the storylines of the last few books but come on with the editing. Maybe if you didn’t put out a book a month you properly edit.
I’ve liked the storylines of the last few books but come on with the editing. Maybe if you didn’t put out a book a month you properly edit.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews