Iced In: A Spicy MM Hockey Romance

by Holly Knotts

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2026

Reviews

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rio · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Hannah Holderread · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Hannah May · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!”