Icing the Game Plan

by Taylor Mitchell

Monroe Abrams once trained for the Olympics—until an injury shattered her future and sent her spiraling. Now her trust fund is gone, her confidence is shot, and the only job she can get is teaching kids at the rink she swore she’d never step foot in again.

Rhodes McKnight has enough problems. As the captain of the Connecticut Wolverines, he’s juggling a losing season, a locker room on edge, and a father who seems determined to ruin him. The last thing he needs is the coach’s daughter sneaking past his walls.

When Monroe reluctantly returns to the ice, Rhodes is the one who ends up helping her find her footing again—literally. She doesn’t want a hockey player in her life. He doesn’t have time for feelings.

But their late-night practices turn into something they never anticipated, and the girl who swore she’d never skate again might be the only person who can steady the captain who’s falling apart.

Genres: Hockey, Romance, Sports, Fiction, Hockey Romance

311 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

Taylor Mitchell is a midwest girl writing swoony contemporary romance with heart and heat. She currently resides in St. Louis with her husband and three children. She's works in social media and marketing by day, and writes men who are disgustingly down bad for their women by night.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Received an ARC from Taylor Mitchell for an honest review**

My actual rating for this book is 4.5 stars, but Goodreads hasn’t gotten to half stars yet, so 4 will have to do. 😉

I LOVED this book, and I had a hard time putting it down. I’m not usually a sports romance kind of girl, but this one really did it for me. I would’ve liked some POVs from other supporting characters (specifically Monroe’s mother), but otherwise, this book was awesome.

[Tegan Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC READER REVIEW**
Taylor Mitchell, what an incredible debut novel!! This was everything I had hoped it would be. As a big fan of all things sports romance, of course my interest was piqued by a figure skater vs hockey star romance.

Monroe and Rhodes had incredible banter right from the start, but for me it was the elements of found family and self-growth from a strong and opinionated FMC that really made this a must-read. After suffering an Olympic career ending injury, Monroe comes back from a really dark place and find a new version of herself. Her character development throughout the story is so relatable and didn’t take away from how much of firecracker she was.

I will die on this hill… Monroe is right, Iced-Coffee all year round.

If you love your sports romance, you will love this book:
- dual POV
- Grumpy vs Grumpy
- Coaches Daughter vs Team Captain
- Found family
- He falls first
- Spice 🌶️🌶️

I can’t wait for the next book in this series and dive even deeper into the world of the Connecticut Wolverines.

[Emma Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc Review*
Firstly- I’m so grateful I received an early copy of this book!
4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the characters banter and humour throughout the story and for someone who does not read many sports romance’s, this was super enjoyable.
I would love to read more of the series from other characters points of view-the friend group was so sweet and seeing them individually in their own stories would be amazing.

[Rey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review to come!! 4.5 stars!!

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Taylor for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️

What to expect when reading ;
-Grumpy x Grumpy
-Found Family
-Hockey Captain x Ex Figure Skater
-Coaches Daughter

This is book one of the Connecticut Wolverines series! You get to follow Monroe and Rhodes! Monroe is in a spiral, after a career ending injury made her kiss you Olympic dreams goodbye. Rhodes is hanging on by a thread with all the chaos in his life and if he doesn't get it together soon his NHL will be in the rearview. With tension you could cut with a knife will these two be able to help one another or are they too far down into the graves they made themselves.

I LOVED this book! Devoured it! Monroe with ther feisty black cat attitude was top tier humor, she was the definition of "no fcks given". The thing that stuck with me the most while reading was that Rhodes knew what was needed and he didn't back down because he knew everyone needs someone in their corner. His yearning, how could Monroe resist!!! I couldn't, I was giddy the entire time they interacted. Their character growth melted me, you always want the best/ happy ending for them when reading a book. These two were so entertaining from beginning to end and honestly I could read so much more about them! I enjoyed this friend group, BUT I also enjoyed the villains! When an author can’t make me side eye/ hate a villain, chefs kiss! Also want to say I have two characters I need books for so I hope they are next lol

Side notes:
-the coffee orders lol
-Sloane 😂
-Vampire adjacent spiral

Fav Quote:
•”Yeah buddy. I want to be on her team, too”
•”Told ya! New Mom!”
•”Do you think about me?”
•”Let me beg for you now.”

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Laura Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving the ARC of the book and for the first book by this author, it's a solid little hockey romance.

Monroe's introduction to the story is a rough one. The poor girl is going through it after losing the one thing that meant everything to her. While I don't understand it as a normal/non professional athlete, I get her spiral. She struggles just like any other person and loses herself to things just to make the pain easier. She is a very relatable character and I really liked that part of her personality.

Rhodes is a damn golden retriever all the way. He saw her back in that ice rink facility and all he wanted to do was help. I don't think there is a bad bone in the man's body. He falls first and he falls hard. It was fun to watch him just be there for Monroe while also trying to not shout to the rooftops how in love he is with her. His struggles with his father made him seem more down to earth and less perfect as well.

Monroe and Rhodes together were fun. They had silly banter which I enjoyed. I loved the hockey boy crew that got brought along for the journey as well. They all seem like good guys and them accepting Monroe into the group made me happy.

There were some moments that felt like it dragged or when some of the characters were so oblivious of things that it drove me crazy but that's bound to happen in a book. Some of the small drama seemed unnecessary to me in the end, but that's just a personal opinion.

Overall I had a good time with the book. If you are looking for a sweet like sports romance, you can add this one to the list.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in one day! I enjoyed the plot, the banter, and the character development. Monroe having her whole life ripped away from underneath her (literally), to hitting absolute rock bottom, to clawing her way back to the top was a character arc that felt realistic and believable. Rhodes and his story felt realistic too; I have friends who have been in similar situations, maybe not quite to the same severity, but similar. I liked his relationship with his sister and teammates, I liked the patience he had for Monroe when they started to get to know each other better, and I liked how all the characters just “worked” together. The dual POV and multiple plot lines kept me invested in the story and I loved having the setting be in Connecticut. As a person who was born, raised, and still lives in this state I had a fun time with trying to figure out where the characters were going and where they lived. I liked the reference to Stew Leonard’s too - my sisters and I still bring up Miss Diva Cheese.

Overall this is a fun book, a good story and something that you will feel content with once it’s finished. I look forward to Beck and (hopefully) Sloane’s story next 🖤

PS: Monroe is right with iced coffee all year round

Disclaimer: this is an honest review of an advanced reader copy sent to me by the author

[Shyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icing The Game Plan Taylor Mitchell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

I absolutely devoured this book! This is book one of the Connecticut Wolverines. It’s follows the story of Monroe & Rhodes!
Monroe is recover from a career ending injury & going down a spiral of bad habits to cope. She gives off the energy of a black cat and I love that about her! Rhodes shows up for her in ways she didn’t realize she needed until he was there.
Rhodes is an NHL player who is on thin ice in his career because of behind the scenes issues going on in his daily life. Hes a grumpy guy, but is sweet when it some to Monroe. And woo does this man know how to yearn!🤭 I was eating it up the whole time!
Their tension is undeniable, and the banter is chefs kiss! I got all the emotions from their story. One minute I was laughing and the next I was crying! And the growth in both of the characters is something that stood out to me in this book!
I loved this one, and if you’re a lover of all things hockey and grumpy x grumpy banter I think you will love it too!! I can’t wait to get more from this series in the future!🥰

Tropes✨
🏒grumpy x grumpy
⛸️injury comeback
🏒found family
⛸️coach’s daughter
🏒NHL captain x ex-figure skater
⛸️forced proximity

Thank you so much to Taylor for letting arc read Icing the Game Plan!🥹🩵

[Sonya Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monroe has been going through it, since her career ending injury in figure skating. Her dad, NHL hockey coach tells her she has one semester to pass and must work in the rink or she’s cut off. Rhoades is going through some personal stuff, and when we say he falls first (swoon). They are forced together to teach a skills clinic, and Rhoades discovers she’s still scared to get on ice. He definitely gives her some tough love, and forces her back on the ice, which was totally what he needed. I cheered when he made her finish the lap.

Great snark & banter between the characters. And excellent family vibes. I loved how much Rhoade’s teammates rallied around him, and then brought Monroe into the family as well. Sometimes the “coach’s daughter trope” gives me the ick, but I didn't feel that way here. Rhoade wasn’t interested in her, simply because she was "forbidden" and the dad didn’t have a weird vibe, once it was revealed. Perfect amount of spice & possessiveness! As I said, he falls first, before she even gives herself the chance to consider it <3

This was an excellent debut novel from Mitchell. If you enjoy forced proximity, found family, grumpy x grumpy I definitely recommend checking it. I am excited to read Beck’s story next.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to need you to stop what you’re doing and immediately run and purchase Icing The Game Plan by Taylor Mitchell! First of all, the fact this was her DEBUT NOVEL absolutely blows my mind. Like girl - where have you and your sports romance books been all of my life?!

Icing The Game Plan follows Rhodes, the grumpy team captain of the Wolverines hockey team and Monroe, the coach’s daughter, competitive figure skater who unfortunately got hurt on the ice and is now trying to piece her life back together. Her father eventually cuts her off after her binge drinking and partying and makes her get a job at the rink in the mornings.

Naturally Rhodes and Monroe run into each other as the banter? Chefs Kiss. Their relationship just developed so naturally - it wasn’t forced.. it was fun and realistic. They really found each other and the right time in their lives.

Grilled Cheese - IYKYK
Iced Coffee all year round - that’s my girl Monroe!

I loved all of the side characters and I can’t wait to follow them in hopefully more of Taylor’s books in the series.

Tropes:

Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Grumpy
Found Family
Hockey Player x Ex Figure Skater
Coach’s Daughter
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️

Taylor knocked it out of the park with this debut and I am so proud of her!

[Anne Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am SO excited to finally share this review 🥹

This was one of my most anticipated ARCs, and as a full-blown hockey romance girly right now… it absolutely delivered. Meet Rhodes and Monroe 👀

This story has everything I love—bad boy energy, a strong FMC with attitude, a great friend group, delicious yearning, he falls first (we love to see it), and yes… some very solid spice 🔥

I especially loved the layered family dynamics. The complicated parent relationships added so much depth, and Monroe’s relationship with her dad was such a quietly sweet part of the story that really stuck with me 💛

And Taylor’s writing? So fun. The witty one-liners actually made me laugh out loud, which is always a win. And a cameo by our hometown team made me smile! LGB!

Being part of Taylor’s street team has made this even more special, and I am already counting down for all the fun leading up to release… and let’s be honest, I am very ready for Beck’s story next 👀 (looking at you best friend’s sister trope).

If you love hockey romance, swoony tension, and characters you’ll want more of—add this one to your list ASAP. You will not regret it 🙌

[ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ but goodreads don’t have half stars yet 😭

thank you taylor for sending me a copy in exchange for a review 🩵

this was such a fun, cute read!! i loved how black cat coded monroe was and the way rhodes yearned for her was everything. i was obsessed with their banter and i loved how rhodes was really there for monroe - the way he challenged her because he believed in her was perfect 🤭

found family is one of my fav tropes and it’s safe to say this delivered!! the bond between the hockey boys was amazing. i also loved sloane ✨

i loved how supportive monroe’s dad was but i would’ve liked a scene between them where he acknowledged everything she accomplished and how she turned her life around. i just feel like a scene where he told her he was proud of her would’ve added a lot of depth to their relationship 🥺

the character development was amazing!! i loved how monroe and rhodes both dealt with their respective struggles and really became stronger for it 🩵

i think the writing just needed to be tighter for me to rate this higher but, for a debut, this showed a lot of promise and i’m excited to read more books in the series!! thank you again taylor for the opportunity 🤍

[Lexie Parizek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was powerful and amazing. If you want a sports romance that feels real and raw, this is it.

You have your MMC who deals with an awful dad (actually just call him a sperm donor) who is abusive and harasses him. The toll it takes on him because of the stress makes you feel for him. He’s the perfect mix of golden retriever and touch her and 💀. He protects fiercely and loves even fiercer.

The FMC is actually his coach’s daughter. But she has her own struggles. A mother (egg donor if we want to stick with that) who uses her for her skill. They don’t talk bout it but they both have that in common and are able to be there even more for each other. The biggest struggle is that the FMC suffers a huge injury that should’ve ended her career. She ends up hitting rock bottom and only coming out of it with the hard love from her dad and the push from the MMC. She learns how to believe in herself again and see herself for the strength she has.

I loved the strength both main characters found in themselves through their friendship and relationship with each other. Neither of them lets people treat them less than, and both are getting the unconditional love and support in each other they deserve. They are truly a couple you want to root for from the beginning!

Thank you Taylor Mitchell for the early copy, I am so excited for the next book - all opinions are my own.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!**

I read lots of contemporary romance but this is my first hockey romance book. I really enjoyed the scenes with Rhodes and Monroe on the ice and would’ve liked to see that more.

My favorite aspect of the book is how caring Rhodes is. Beneath the initially grumpy exterior he really was a sweetheart himself (IYKYK).

I feel like I would’ve connected with the characters more with more backstory. I especially would have appreciated a flashback to Monroe’s accident to understand better how that moment affected her personality (if at all).

I was on the verge of a higher rating but was disappointed in how quickly the tension of the book’s climax was resolved. It was much too easy and unrealistic, in my opinion. I love a happy resolution as much as the next person but as a reader I wouldn’t have minded sitting in the tension more and being shown how Rhodes and Monroe would be there for each other even if it wasn’t a simple and easy fix.

I really loved the found family trope and I think the author set herself up well for sequels from that group. Beck and Sloane were especially lovable.

[Daniela Casso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc🩵🩵

Anytime you wanna give me two complex and complicated characters that fall in love and help each other grow. I’m gonna eat that up. I love the dynamic between these two characters and how it worked perfectly even though both were described as grumpies. I loved how this wasn’t just a love story, it was a finding yourself kind of story, embracing your passion and your talent and leave past those obstacles. I love reading about each of the characters complex problems, and situations that they were dealing with, and I loved even more how they fell in love with each other by helping the other get through their problems… and let’s be honest I am a sucker for a yearner He falls first and harder, male character.

The relationship felt so natural, and it was so easy to fall in love with this two while they were falling in love, and I specifically loved how Monroe was refusing to fall in love, but she couldn’t help it because Rhode’s main goal was for her to fall back in love with her passion, not him, but the chemistry and relationship was undeniably meant to be.

[Jessica Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 — ARC review

He’s got daddy issues! She’s got a drinking problem! They’re both incredible athletes with a lot going on! LFG!!!

But in all honesty — this was a super cute and very easy read (and perfect for my post-Olympic hangover reading needs).

Rhodes McKnight is a hot shot hockey captain with personal life drama and a temper problem. Monroe is a formerly Olympics-bound figure skater who is so, so done with the ice after a career-ending injury. Twist! Her dad is his coach!

I liked it for:
- a guy that will punch his annoying teammate in the face for her (before they’re even friends!)
- he falls first and she catches up
- black cat x grumpy golden retriever (— German shepherd???) energy
- a team full of future MMCs (looking at you, Beck!! but also will we see Jax redeemed??)

Only critiques:
- what do you mean my NHL team had to lose for the plot?
- would’ve liked more development/resolution with her mom
- more Elsie!!

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 REVIEW**

This was a really solid, emotional hockey romance that leans more into healing and character growth than just the sport itself.
Monroe’s arc was my favorite part. The loss of her skating career and everything tied to it feels very real, and I liked that the story takes its time with her return to the ice. It is not an instant fix, and that makes it more satisfying.
Rhodes has a lot going on as well, with team pressure, family issues, and trying to hold everything together as captain. He is a bit more guarded, but his dynamic with Monroe helps bring that out over time.
Their relationship builds slowly through shared moments, especially on the ice, which works really well. It feels natural and grounded rather than overly dramatic.
The pacing is a little slower in places, but it fits the more character-focused approach of the story.
Overall, a strong start to the series with good emotional depth, a steady romance, and a focus on rebuilding after setbacks.

[Liz Martinek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is Taylor’s debut—seriously, I was hooked immediately! I absolutely loved Rhodes and Monroe’s story and flew through this book because I just didn’t want to put it down.

Their banter was so good, and I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. It felt natural, fun, and kept me invested the whole time. I do wish we got a little more insight into Rhodes’s relationships with his family—especially his sister and friends—but I’m hoping we’ll see more of that in book two.

Also, I loved that this takes place in Connecticut! As someone who lives in western mass and is always crossing over the border, that made it even more fun and immersive to read.

And Monroe with the iced coffee year-round? Girl… same. That had me laughing because it’s way too relatable.

Already counting down to book two!

[crystal c · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ O.M.G!!! This is a debut??? Taylor, where have you been ?! This is top notch. Did not want to put this down. The way Monroe and Rhodes had me smirking at work while reading :’) These two found each other exactly when they needed to, one was so far at rock bottom she wasn’t sure there was a way up and Rhodes had his own family drama going but together they found companionship and love. They totally changed the game plan but it worked for them! Also, the way Taylor built the side characters (Rhodes’ teammates) was stellar, you learned a little about each one and can visualize their story without taking away from the main characters. Gosh, blown away Taylor Mitchell. Can’t wait for this series to develop more ❤️

This book is for you if you are into:
⛸️🏒Hockey / Figure Skating
👀🫖Witty / snarky banter
✨✨Best friends without boundaries
💕💕Found Family
💋💋Coach’s daughter/team captain

[Jasmine Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Forced Proximity
-Grumpy x Grumpy 🖤
-Coach’s Daughter
-Dual POV
-Injury Comeback
-Found Family
-Hockey Captain x Figure Skater ⛸️🏒

This book was everything l had hoped it would be. I absolutely love a grumpy x grumpy where the banter is in full force. I loved Monroe in all her red head fiery attitude that she never failed to bring and the way Rhodes could read her so easily. Rhodes was a dream, a pertect mix of strong hockey captain but showing what can go on behind the glory of sports fame. I loved the plot heaviness of the book, really allowing for the characters to shine through, that said the spice and intimacy scenes were amazing. This is only the beginning for Taylor's Connecticut Wolverines series and I can't wait to see what comes next!


Special appreciation for getting to ARC read!

[H.B. Louise]

✨ARC REVIEW✨ An amazing debut novel by Taylor Mitchell! Mitchell’s first book, Icing the Game Plan, is the perfect level of sass, drama, heat, and love. I could not get enough of Rhodes and Monroe. Seriously I think I read over half the book in a day!

This is an amazing, thoughtful book with anxiety representations that were done so gracefully. The found family among the characters is heartwarming. The love the main characters share bleeds through the pages.

I loved Rhodes protective side and loved that he pushed Monroe just enough out of her comfort zone. Monroe had some sass and honestly who doesn’t love a female lead with sass?

A must read if you love the grumpy sunshine trope, if you love or want to learn to love hockey, and if you love supporting new authors! 5 stars!!! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Elena Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icing the Game Plan me atrapó por completo ❄️🏒
Un grumpy x grumpy súper intenso — aquí no hay sunshine, solo sarcasmo, tensión y una química que explota desde la primera interacción.
Monroe (ex patinadora artística) + Rhodes (capitán del equipo de hockey) = máxima tensión sobre el hielo. Están obligados a compartir la pista por la noche y, aunque al principio no se soportan, terminan ayudándose mutuamente — ella le enseña a patinar mejor, él la ayuda a enfrentarse a su pasado.
✨ Slow burn
✨ Proximidad forzada
✨ Romance deportivo
✨ Trope de “la hija del entrenador”
¿Su química? Pura fricción + atracción 🔥
No es para nada “amor a primera vista”, sino ese tipo de conexión que crece poco a poco y te mantiene enganchado hasta el final.
⭐ Recomendado si buscas un romance con personajes imperfectos, mucha tensión y vibes competitivas.”

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫.

4.5 stars rounded up.

I gobbled this book up, I am truly blown away that this was a debut novel. The writing style, flow, character development and plot were perfect and kept me interested and flipping the pages.

I really enjoyed oh relatable these characters were, even as someone who doesn’t have an athletic bone in their body I felt connected to both Monroe and Rhodes. This book is like a breath of fresh air with the smooth and easy development of their relationship to the forbidden aspect that didn’t force the characters apart. There is just enough spice and drama to keep you completely focused on the plot.

I look forward to the opportunity to read more from this series and author.

[logan austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Taylor for the ARC ❤️

I am SO excited to finally share how much I loved Rhodes and Monroe. Honestly I am obsessed with them!!!

Monroe, our broken girl, has been through it. To see her heal and flourish was everything. And Rhodes, our bad boy, is down bad for Monroe and he wants everyone to know it. I loved the banter between them and the way they cared for each other. Their relationship felt so natural and real, and I love that it didn’t feel forced at all. The ultimate couple. I just truly love love love them.

And Taylor, my girl, you are incredible!!! ❤️ I am so proud of you!!! Congratulations on your amazing debut novel! Thank you for letting me read this arc, I loved every second of it and I am so excited to see where this series goes!!

[Rebecca Freed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhodes is the captain of the Connecticut Wolverines hockey team. Monroe is his coach’s daughter and a former champion figure skater. She is spiraling hard in the beginning of the book, completely unable to cope with the loss of her figure skating life, and so rock bottom her dad is cutting her off. Rhodes is a golden retriever to her black cat who just can’t seem to help himself from helping her. There were points I wanted to slap some sense into Monroe, but her spiral was honestly extremely well-written, just very hard to read. The romance that develops between them, the comfort and care and support, was just lovely to watch. This was a great effort from a new voice in hockey romance. Looking forward to her next book.

[C.V. Betzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of the alpha and beta readers for this novel — I had the unique experience of seeing it from start to finish.

And what a WORTH IT wild ride it was. Rhodes and Monroe have you on your toes from the very first page. Taylor Mitchell has an ASTOUNDING talent for writing well rounded and dynamic characters. She doesn’t shy away from their struggles or their successes.

Besides? Who doesn’t love a rough and tumble hockey player who has eyes only for his girl? And who isn’t obsessed with a fiesty, witty, and not afraid to put you on your ass FMC?

If you loved Ice Princess growing up? Let me personally recommend it’s grown up counter part. 15/10 ⭐️

[Lauren T · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC reader review*

Okay I LOVED this whole story! The vibes, the banter, the one liners, the characters, the tension, the spice, all of it. It really felt like a story that could/would happen in real life which is another reason why I loved it so much. Nothing felt forced, it all unfolded so naturally! I also really enjoyed the dual perspectives, especially in a story like this with so many layers. Had me not wanting to put it down and when I had to I couldn’t wait to pick it back up! It flowed smoothly and there honestly wasn’t a boring part in the book!

Seriously though, i loved it and I cannot wait to read the second book. The excerpt from that already has me wanting to read it!

[Kelli Blechle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Thank you for allowing me to read this early!
Rhodes goofy smiles and Monroe's sass is so fun to read. They go through so much, but they grow from each experience. They are such amazing people, and am even better couple.
I read this book in one day, it was so enthralling. Rhodes had some serious stuff to deal with, but he dealt with it well. Monroe also dealt with serious stuff, and issues with people in her past. Her journey was amazing to read.
I love hockey romances, mix in coach's daughter and some mental health rep, and I'm all in.
If you're think of reading this, you should!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Two days. That's all it took for Taylor Mitchell to absolutely consume me with this book.
Monroe and Rhodes are both so driven, so stubborn, so determined not to feel anything (Monroe) — and watching them crash into each other was such a joy. The banter is sharp, the slow burn is satisfying, and the character development felt genuinely earned. The side characters were a highlight too (Sloane, I see you, I love you, please get your own book ASAP 🙏).
If you love grumpy x grumpy with real emotional depth and a sports romance setting that actually gets the pressure of elite athletics, this one is for you. An easy 4 stars and I'll be first in line for book two.