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Off the Ice #2
Ice Cold Chemistry
She’s the distraction the team can’t afford.
He’s the solution no one saw coming.
Winnie Garrett is done with men. After a toxic relationship left her second-guessing everything, she’s focused on one her dream job as the New York Knights’ new yoga instructor.
Banks Callahan doesn’t do relationships. Or feelings. Or anything that requires letting people get close. Growing up in the foster system taught him not to need anyone—and definitely not to want something he could lose.
So when the team’s new yoga instructor becomes an unexpected locker-room distraction threatening their playoff focus, Banks comes up with a solution so ridiculous it just might work.
Fake dating.
If the guys think Winnie is his, they'll back off. It's simple locker room you don't touch what's claimed—like calling dibs on the last slice of pizza.
The problem?
Nothing about Winnie is simple.
She’s warmth and laughter and everything Banks has spent years convincing himself he doesn’t need. She makes him want things he can't have. Makes him feel things he doesn't understand.
He was never supposed to fall for her.
But somewhere between fake hand-holding, pretend nicknames, and very real late-night moments, the line between “just for show” and “dangerously real” starts to blur.
Ice Cold Chemistry is a slow-burn hockey romance featuring fake dating, a grumpy hero, a sunshine heroine, and the relationship neither of them planned—but both might need.
He’s the solution no one saw coming.
Winnie Garrett is done with men. After a toxic relationship left her second-guessing everything, she’s focused on one her dream job as the New York Knights’ new yoga instructor.
Banks Callahan doesn’t do relationships. Or feelings. Or anything that requires letting people get close. Growing up in the foster system taught him not to need anyone—and definitely not to want something he could lose.
So when the team’s new yoga instructor becomes an unexpected locker-room distraction threatening their playoff focus, Banks comes up with a solution so ridiculous it just might work.
Fake dating.
If the guys think Winnie is his, they'll back off. It's simple locker room you don't touch what's claimed—like calling dibs on the last slice of pizza.
The problem?
Nothing about Winnie is simple.
She’s warmth and laughter and everything Banks has spent years convincing himself he doesn’t need. She makes him want things he can't have. Makes him feel things he doesn't understand.
He was never supposed to fall for her.
But somewhere between fake hand-holding, pretend nicknames, and very real late-night moments, the line between “just for show” and “dangerously real” starts to blur.
Ice Cold Chemistry is a slow-burn hockey romance featuring fake dating, a grumpy hero, a sunshine heroine, and the relationship neither of them planned—but both might need.
367 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2026
About the author
Kendall Ryan
131 books18.5k followersKendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Review of advance copy
Winnie is new to her job and having some issues with the guys not taking her seriously. When she meets up with her friend Tory to discuss plans, that's when the plot begins, and I was so there for it. Fake boyfriend, grumpy/sunshine, it’s all fun.
And Banks, gosh, his background story made me feel all sorts of sorry for him. He’s such a good character.
It pulls at the heartstrings, makes you swoon, and is overall filled with easy stolen moments you won’t want back.
I absolutely loved it. Loved the characters, the plot, and there was no putting it down.
And Banks, gosh, his background story made me feel all sorts of sorry for him. He’s such a good character.
It pulls at the heartstrings, makes you swoon, and is overall filled with easy stolen moments you won’t want back.
I absolutely loved it. Loved the characters, the plot, and there was no putting it down.
Currently Reading
March 30, 20266-25-26
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winnie Garrett is the New York Knights new yoga instructor. Newly out of an extremely toxic relationship, she has completely sworn off men. This job is a chance for her to start over. Too bad the athletes she's hired to teach see her as nothing more than a sex object to be gawked and leered at.
Banks Callahan struggles to let people in-- physically and emotionally. Growing up among the foster care system quickly taught him that the only person he could count on was himself. The only thing that means anything to him is his team and making the playoffs. When he sees his teammates completely distracted by the new hot yoga instructor, he knows that something needs to be done. That something though, would require him letting someone in. He can be a fake boyfriend and follow strict guidelines set by Winnie.... right? See what happens when fake turns real... but is it real for now or real for forever?
What a beautifully written story. It's been a while since I last read a book written by author Kendall Ryan and for the life of me, I can't figure out why I paused reading her books. I wish there were more books in this series for me to immediately binge read. The development of the main characters is superb. You can practically feel the longing and need for each other vibrate through the pages. The insecurities each feels is so relatable. We've all been there to some degree which is why I felt myself eagerly anticipating and rooting for Winnie and Banks to find their HEA.
Banks Callahan struggles to let people in-- physically and emotionally. Growing up among the foster care system quickly taught him that the only person he could count on was himself. The only thing that means anything to him is his team and making the playoffs. When he sees his teammates completely distracted by the new hot yoga instructor, he knows that something needs to be done. That something though, would require him letting someone in. He can be a fake boyfriend and follow strict guidelines set by Winnie.... right? See what happens when fake turns real... but is it real for now or real for forever?
What a beautifully written story. It's been a while since I last read a book written by author Kendall Ryan and for the life of me, I can't figure out why I paused reading her books. I wish there were more books in this series for me to immediately binge read. The development of the main characters is superb. You can practically feel the longing and need for each other vibrate through the pages. The insecurities each feels is so relatable. We've all been there to some degree which is why I felt myself eagerly anticipating and rooting for Winnie and Banks to find their HEA.
Review of advance copy
I was so excited after The Hockey Problem to see that Banks was getting his story, and to match him up with Winnie?!?! Swoon!!
Tori’s best friend Winnie, fresh out of a bad relationship where she diminished herself, takes a job as yoga instructor for the NHL team & immediately faces teasing and taunting from the players.
Cue Zayden trying to help her understand the players & how to navigate the tense studio full of joking (some inappropriate) players, and Tori suggesting a fake boyfriend to signal the players need to back off….and that brings us to Banks, who immediately had disliked the vibe in the studio & wants to help. So fake relationship it is!!
Cheers to Banks for first going to Dana about it, and for him being really forthright with Winnie about the proposed arrangement….even though he may have some unaddressed feelings from his first introduction with Winnie.
Over time, I loved how these two slowly built their fake relationship on real interactions, it was so well done!!
And the tension - 🥵 - made me melt!!!!! Call me a sucker for a stoic tough guy of few words having his walls broken down by someone so kind and gentle. With his history, she didn’t push, but let him come to her.
Loved this book - without question, the dinner with Winnie’s parents was my absolute favorite part. Won’t spoil it, but it was warm, touching, and hilarious all in one. I am already itching for the next in the series!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tori’s best friend Winnie, fresh out of a bad relationship where she diminished herself, takes a job as yoga instructor for the NHL team & immediately faces teasing and taunting from the players.
Cue Zayden trying to help her understand the players & how to navigate the tense studio full of joking (some inappropriate) players, and Tori suggesting a fake boyfriend to signal the players need to back off….and that brings us to Banks, who immediately had disliked the vibe in the studio & wants to help. So fake relationship it is!!
Cheers to Banks for first going to Dana about it, and for him being really forthright with Winnie about the proposed arrangement….even though he may have some unaddressed feelings from his first introduction with Winnie.
Over time, I loved how these two slowly built their fake relationship on real interactions, it was so well done!!
And the tension - 🥵 - made me melt!!!!! Call me a sucker for a stoic tough guy of few words having his walls broken down by someone so kind and gentle. With his history, she didn’t push, but let him come to her.
Loved this book - without question, the dinner with Winnie’s parents was my absolute favorite part. Won’t spoil it, but it was warm, touching, and hilarious all in one. I am already itching for the next in the series!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m very grateful Kendall Ryan providing the book.
"Winnie Garrett is done with men. After a toxic relationship left her second-guessing everything, she’s focused on one her dream job as the New York Knights’ new yoga instructor.
Banks Callahan doesn’t do relationships. Or feelings. Or anything that requires letting people get close. Growing up in the foster system taught him not to need anyone—and definitely not to want something he could lose."(Book description).
Reading time:3h4min44s Star rating: 4 or 4.3 Style: Very Romantic Book
Spicy
Dual POV
Fake Dating
Found Family
Very Romantic
Hockey Romance
Grumpy and Miss Sunshine
I simply loved the book.
I really liked the characters, they're very likeable. It was one of those romances that you fall in love with. It wasn't too dense or too dry, it was just right. It was a breath of fresh air and I laughed so much.
It wasn't just romance, it also touched on some themes like foster families, and I'm very proud of Banks, who, with Winnie's help, managed to overcome certain fears and insecurities. It was a really good read.
Looking forward to the next book about Archer.(Knights Like These)
P.S.: 13/14-year-old Ivvy would have been very happy to receive an ARC from Kendall Ryan. Thank you.
Publication date: June 25, 2026
Publisher:
"Winnie Garrett is done with men. After a toxic relationship left her second-guessing everything, she’s focused on one her dream job as the New York Knights’ new yoga instructor.
Banks Callahan doesn’t do relationships. Or feelings. Or anything that requires letting people get close. Growing up in the foster system taught him not to need anyone—and definitely not to want something he could lose."(Book description).
Reading time:3h4min44s Star rating: 4 or 4.3 Style: Very Romantic Book
Spicy
Dual POV
Fake Dating
Found Family
Very Romantic
Hockey Romance
Grumpy and Miss Sunshine
I simply loved the book.
I really liked the characters, they're very likeable. It was one of those romances that you fall in love with. It wasn't too dense or too dry, it was just right. It was a breath of fresh air and I laughed so much.
It wasn't just romance, it also touched on some themes like foster families, and I'm very proud of Banks, who, with Winnie's help, managed to overcome certain fears and insecurities. It was a really good read.
Looking forward to the next book about Archer.(Knights Like These)
P.S.: 13/14-year-old Ivvy would have been very happy to receive an ARC from Kendall Ryan. Thank you.
Publication date: June 25, 2026
Publisher:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the trope of grumpy meets sunshine, and I loved the journey our MMC, Banks Callahan, took finally accept love. My hurdle came at the beginning when the FMC, Winnie, had to endure innuendos from professional hockey players who didn't take her yoga lessons as a serious way to prevent injury. In this era, I would have expected someone from HR to put a stop to the comments during class and possibly the locker room...but then we wouldn't have a story. Once I was over this "personal hurdle", the story progressed. Banks grew up in foster care moving from family to family then to a group home so he rarely received any type of nurturing. He's highly respected as an Enforcer for his team, protecting his teammates on the ice. Off the ice, he keeps to himself but younger players also keep their distance from their "murder-y scowling" teammate. He's drawn to Winnie's sunny disposition and comes up with a solution to silence the innuendos. In order to sell the "fake dating" idea, Winnie encourages conversation in order to get to know one another better. I loved how Winnie often surprised him by remembering details that others missed. Although he doesn't talk often, he notices things about her as well. And then we have the teammates, with varying personalities, that add further depth to the story. A fun read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Great Opposites Attract Love Story
If you like stories that have a grumpy guy and a sunshiny girl, then this is the story for you. Banks Callaham is truly a grumpy guy and my heart just went out to him when you read how he grew up and how he expects the worse out of people. I mean, how can you not fall in love with this guy. Then we have Winnie Garrett, the sunshiny happy woman who teaches yoga to the hockey team and tends to see the good in everyone. These two could not be more different, but man were they made for each other. They may have started out as a fake couple, but you could quickly see that they were perfect together. Winnie was just what Banks needed in his life. She was there for him like no one else has ever been. I loved watching them fall in love with each other. Oh, and when Banks meets Winnie’s parents, oh my god, I could not stop laughing. Winnie’s mom is hilarious. Trust me on this. I also enjoyed getting to see more of the other players on Bank’s team and I can’t wait to get more of their stories.
If you like stories that have a grumpy guy and a sunshiny girl, then this is the story for you. Banks Callaham is truly a grumpy guy and my heart just went out to him when you read how he grew up and how he expects the worse out of people. I mean, how can you not fall in love with this guy. Then we have Winnie Garrett, the sunshiny happy woman who teaches yoga to the hockey team and tends to see the good in everyone. These two could not be more different, but man were they made for each other. They may have started out as a fake couple, but you could quickly see that they were perfect together. Winnie was just what Banks needed in his life. She was there for him like no one else has ever been. I loved watching them fall in love with each other. Oh, and when Banks meets Winnie’s parents, oh my god, I could not stop laughing. Winnie’s mom is hilarious. Trust me on this. I also enjoyed getting to see more of the other players on Bank’s team and I can’t wait to get more of their stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ice Cold Chemistry is the second book in Kendall Ryan's Off the Ice hockey series and as someone who loves a grumpy/sunshine this fits the bill! Winnie is a yoga instructor hired to help the Knights with their flexibility and when she starts is harassed by most of the team. Banks is a defenseman that nobody messes with. Banks and Winnie come up with a plan to fake date for the remainder of the season to help the team focus and for Winnie to be able to do her job.
I was so excited for Banks' and Winnie's book and I was not disappointed! I loved reading about them getting to know one another and understanding each other. It was heartwarming to witness Banks' character arc. Kendall Ryan always delivers a heartwarming feel good romance and this was no different! I could not stop reading! I highly recommend and cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you Kendall for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I was so excited for Banks' and Winnie's book and I was not disappointed! I loved reading about them getting to know one another and understanding each other. It was heartwarming to witness Banks' character arc. Kendall Ryan always delivers a heartwarming feel good romance and this was no different! I could not stop reading! I highly recommend and cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you Kendall for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this! So much! These two were so perfect for one another. Winnie and Banks! I couldn’t wait for Winnie’s story and I will say that this fake dating romance will absolutely blow your socks off.
Winnie Garrett is starting a al dream job with the New York Knights as a yoga instructor. She is excited for this but it becomes clear in the beginning that these players are going to be a problem, some of them. So when the quiet Banks Callahan witnesses them being immature hooligans to Winnie, he decides to fake date her so they back off. But what they both weren’t expecting was the feelings of rightness with one another. Ahhhh…watching these two fall…so so so GOOD!! I couldn’t get enough. Fake dating trope is slowly becoming one of my most favs. And this book gives us everything we love in romance. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for my advanced copy of this book.
Winnie Garrett is starting a al dream job with the New York Knights as a yoga instructor. She is excited for this but it becomes clear in the beginning that these players are going to be a problem, some of them. So when the quiet Banks Callahan witnesses them being immature hooligans to Winnie, he decides to fake date her so they back off. But what they both weren’t expecting was the feelings of rightness with one another. Ahhhh…watching these two fall…so so so GOOD!! I couldn’t get enough. Fake dating trope is slowly becoming one of my most favs. And this book gives us everything we love in romance. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for my advanced copy of this book.
Read
May 23, 2026Ice Cold Chemistry had me hooked from the start. I’m an absolute sucker for a grumpy x sunshine trope, and this delivered so well. Banks—the classic broody, emotionally closed-off hockey player—paired with Winnie, a literal ray of sunshine yoga instructor? Perfection.
The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING. The banter, the tension, the slow build… I was fully invested. You can really feel their connection, and it never felt forced or over the top.
Also, can we talk about how refreshing it was that the drama didn’t get blown completely out of proportion? So many books drag things out unnecessarily, but this felt real and actually satisfying. It made me enjoy the story even more.
The writing was super easy to follow and flowed really well—I flew through it way faster than I expected.
Honestly, I loved this so much and I’m already hanging out for the next book in the series. If you love grumpy x sunshine with great chemistry and low-drama vibes, definitely give this one a go!
The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING. The banter, the tension, the slow build… I was fully invested. You can really feel their connection, and it never felt forced or over the top.
Also, can we talk about how refreshing it was that the drama didn’t get blown completely out of proportion? So many books drag things out unnecessarily, but this felt real and actually satisfying. It made me enjoy the story even more.
The writing was super easy to follow and flowed really well—I flew through it way faster than I expected.
Honestly, I loved this so much and I’m already hanging out for the next book in the series. If you love grumpy x sunshine with great chemistry and low-drama vibes, definitely give this one a go!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Two people, both focussed on their careers for different reasons, and to ensure that they get the best out of their careers, a fake dating pact is dreamed up. Banks Callahan needs to ensure that the team concentrates on winning the season, and Winnie Garrett needs the team to stop hitting on her in yoga class. A super fun hockey romance with a swoon worthy, yet grumpy, hockey hottie, and an adorable, happy and fun yoga instructor. And yes, even though it started off as fake, it would seem that opposites most certainly do attract, and the inevitable happens. A super slow burn, super sweet, funny, and at times emotional story that entertained me from start to finish. My heart broke for Banks, he didn’t have an easy upbringing, but the light that is Winnie is very much making up for that. I just hope that between them they don’t mess up a good thing. I’m loving this series so much. I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
June 17, 2026
Ice Cold Chemistry was such a cute, fun, and heartwarming hockey romance! I flew through this book and couldn't put it down. I'm a sucker for fake dating, and this book definitely delivered. I loved the characters, the romance, and the emotional depth woven throughout the story.
Winnie was exactly what Banks needed, and they were absolutely adorable together. Seeing Winnie slowly break down Banks's walls and help him realize he deserves love was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved watching their fake relationship slowly turn into something real. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their banter, sweet moments, and emotional growth kept me invested from beginning to end.
Kendall Ryan has given us another enjoyable romance, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This one is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to Kendall Ryan for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Winnie was exactly what Banks needed, and they were absolutely adorable together. Seeing Winnie slowly break down Banks's walls and help him realize he deserves love was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved watching their fake relationship slowly turn into something real. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their banter, sweet moments, and emotional growth kept me invested from beginning to end.
Kendall Ryan has given us another enjoyable romance, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This one is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to Kendall Ryan for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy
This is book two of the Off the Ice series by Kendall Ryan but can be read as a stand-alone book.
Winnie left a bad relationship and is having a fresh start as a Yoga instructor for a hockey team. They hope to reduce injuries for the players who attend her classes. When she starts all the younger and more annoying players can see is a pretty girl in suggestive poses as she does yoga. She tries to ignore them hoping it will go away.
Banks is a keep to himself, no friends needed huge Defenseman who lives and breathes hockey. He has reasons to be the way is, but he has no intentions of ever letting anyone close enough to share those reasons. That leads to abandonment and pain.
Banks agrees to be Winnie's fake boyfriend to get all the other guys to back off. Slowly, but surely the fake fades to real feelings. Enjoy this sometimes awkward but always fun romance of her trying to drag him into the light and him trying to avoid everything and everyone.
Winnie left a bad relationship and is having a fresh start as a Yoga instructor for a hockey team. They hope to reduce injuries for the players who attend her classes. When she starts all the younger and more annoying players can see is a pretty girl in suggestive poses as she does yoga. She tries to ignore them hoping it will go away.
Banks is a keep to himself, no friends needed huge Defenseman who lives and breathes hockey. He has reasons to be the way is, but he has no intentions of ever letting anyone close enough to share those reasons. That leads to abandonment and pain.
Banks agrees to be Winnie's fake boyfriend to get all the other guys to back off. Slowly, but surely the fake fades to real feelings. Enjoy this sometimes awkward but always fun romance of her trying to drag him into the light and him trying to avoid everything and everyone.
May 21, 2026
🏒 Hockey Player x Yoga Instructor
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 Opposites Attract
💕 Fake Dating
🏒 Wounded MMC
💕 Found Family
🌶️🌶️
Winnie and Banks’ relationship in Ice Cold Chemistry is a whirlwind, and I was hooked! I adored them together. They’re such opposites, but they complement each other perfectly. Banks’ deep pain was incredibly moving, and even though Winnie doesn’t realize it, she’s helping him heal. I loved seeing Banks start to envision a different future for himself than he thought possible. Winnie is pure sunshine and so easy to love. I felt for her as she navigated her new job and tried to be taken seriously by the players. The fake dating was fantastic, and their chemistry was undeniable. I love a good opposites attract, and this one delivered.
Special thanks to the author and Booksprouts for the gifted copy 💗
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 Opposites Attract
💕 Fake Dating
🏒 Wounded MMC
💕 Found Family
🌶️🌶️
Winnie and Banks’ relationship in Ice Cold Chemistry is a whirlwind, and I was hooked! I adored them together. They’re such opposites, but they complement each other perfectly. Banks’ deep pain was incredibly moving, and even though Winnie doesn’t realize it, she’s helping him heal. I loved seeing Banks start to envision a different future for himself than he thought possible. Winnie is pure sunshine and so easy to love. I felt for her as she navigated her new job and tried to be taken seriously by the players. The fake dating was fantastic, and their chemistry was undeniable. I love a good opposites attract, and this one delivered.
Special thanks to the author and Booksprouts for the gifted copy 💗
Review of advance copy
Banks and Winnie were such a fun grumpy/sunshine couple, and I couldn’t get enough of watching their fake dating arrangement turn into something so much more.
Banks stole my heart. Beneath all that grumpiness was a guy who had spent most of his life feeling like he didn’t really belong anywhere🥺. Seeing him find not only love with Winnie but also the found family and happiness he’d always deserved made this story extra special for me.🥲
Winnie was the perfect balance to Banks. Her sunshine personality, patience, and ability to see the man behind his walls made their relationship feel natural and believable. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones.
If you love hockey romance, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a hero who finally gets the happily ever after he’s been missing his whole life, definitely pick this one up. ❤️🏒📚
Banks stole my heart. Beneath all that grumpiness was a guy who had spent most of his life feeling like he didn’t really belong anywhere🥺. Seeing him find not only love with Winnie but also the found family and happiness he’d always deserved made this story extra special for me.🥲
Winnie was the perfect balance to Banks. Her sunshine personality, patience, and ability to see the man behind his walls made their relationship feel natural and believable. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones.
If you love hockey romance, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a hero who finally gets the happily ever after he’s been missing his whole life, definitely pick this one up. ❤️🏒📚
Review of advance copy
First off this is the most heart warming story you will read in your life! I, without word of a lie, was smiling big as I read it!
Gosh, the characters just…. How to actually find the words, felt like I’d known them my whole life!
Winnie, yoga teacher extraordinaire, has a new job teaching the Knights hockey team about flexibility. Her first days arent easy with constant inappropriate behaviour from the men, clearly behaving like boys…
Needless to say a fake relationship with grumpy Banks changes everything!
Gosh I loved these two so flipping much!
Winnie is sunshine personified and Banks has walls she keeps trying to break down!
This is one of those books that makes you laugh, sigh and be exasperated all at the same time!
An absolute must read! I highly recommend you one click!!
Gosh, the characters just…. How to actually find the words, felt like I’d known them my whole life!
Winnie, yoga teacher extraordinaire, has a new job teaching the Knights hockey team about flexibility. Her first days arent easy with constant inappropriate behaviour from the men, clearly behaving like boys…
Needless to say a fake relationship with grumpy Banks changes everything!
Gosh I loved these two so flipping much!
Winnie is sunshine personified and Banks has walls she keeps trying to break down!
This is one of those books that makes you laugh, sigh and be exasperated all at the same time!
An absolute must read! I highly recommend you one click!!
Review of advance copy
What a beautiful love story. Our sweet Winnie has her job cut out for her with her new job as the yoga instructor for the Knights hockey team. These men are like teenagers and it’s interfering with her job. When the most intimidation player, Banks, offers to help her she has no idea where that will lead them.
I feel for Banks. He was dealt a bad hand growing up so he doesn’t know how to love. Winnie intends to show him how.
This is a great story, wonderful characters with interesting supporting characters. It’s fun and funny with heart and a little heat. I can’t wait for the next book. I loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I feel for Banks. He was dealt a bad hand growing up so he doesn’t know how to love. Winnie intends to show him how.
This is a great story, wonderful characters with interesting supporting characters. It’s fun and funny with heart and a little heat. I can’t wait for the next book. I loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Winnie Garrett is the new hockey team’s yoga instructor . She has sworn off men but team player Banks Callahan might test her in more ways than one. When the hockey players all seem to eager to join her class Banks decides to help her out. Maybe if they think she is dating him they will stop the ogling. Oh if you’re looking for a quiet MC that scares all his teammates but melts for Winnie this is the one to read. You get all those swoony feelings getting him to open up plus those feisty hockey boys antics are hilarious. I loved every minute of this grumpy/sunshine, faux dating romance. Told in first person and dual POV.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Banks is an Ice Hockey defense. He's silent, a loner, doesn't like to be touched, doesn't do feelings or relationships or casual hook ups. He raised in the foster care system, no one adopted him. He doesn't do feelings he just builds walls around himself.
Winnie is a yoga instructor who's wanting a fresh start after a bad break up, new job with the hockey team and no men.
Her first day indicates how her job is going to go unless something changes or she go elsewhere to work. Banks and Winnie come up with a plan and hope it doesn't backfire on them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Winnie is a yoga instructor who's wanting a fresh start after a bad break up, new job with the hockey team and no men.
Her first day indicates how her job is going to go unless something changes or she go elsewhere to work. Banks and Winnie come up with a plan and hope it doesn't backfire on them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Banks and Winnie were super cute. I loved the yoga instructor and hockey player dynamic. Some of the things those players were saying to her were super nasty, so I love that Banks came to her rescue while also empowering her.
I gave this three stars because I thought the chemistry was somewhat lacking. Things happened too fast, and I thought some parts at the end of the book felt out of place. I also wanted some more growth for Banks. Sure he had some…but there could have been more.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I gave this three stars because I thought the chemistry was somewhat lacking. Things happened too fast, and I thought some parts at the end of the book felt out of place. I also wanted some more growth for Banks. Sure he had some…but there could have been more.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2026
This book was really good.
Winnie got a job as a hockey yoga instructor. She is a single, hot woman. She was having all the hockey players hitting on her and making the class very rough.
Banks was one of the players that noticed that she was having issues with them. They both decided to have a fake relationship so the team would know that she was taken by Banks. She was his and not to be messed with. It started out fake, but soon they found out that they have chemistry.
Banks has past history of not trusting others and it's hard for him to lean on someone else. He is a grumpy guy and doestn talk much. When a trade is in talk for him, he doesn't communicate with Winnie. Then there is some drama that happens.
Ends in HEA
Winnie got a job as a hockey yoga instructor. She is a single, hot woman. She was having all the hockey players hitting on her and making the class very rough.
Banks was one of the players that noticed that she was having issues with them. They both decided to have a fake relationship so the team would know that she was taken by Banks. She was his and not to be messed with. It started out fake, but soon they found out that they have chemistry.
Banks has past history of not trusting others and it's hard for him to lean on someone else. He is a grumpy guy and doestn talk much. When a trade is in talk for him, he doesn't communicate with Winnie. Then there is some drama that happens.
Ends in HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
She’s the distraction the team can’t afford.
He’s the solution no one saw coming.
I absolutley adored this book. I mean, a grumpy sunshine, fake dating, sports romance! How can you go wrong? Banks and Winnie's story delivered on every front and in the end, left me with a huge smile on my face.
If you're a fan of hockey romances featuring finding love when you least expect it and just enough angst to keep you on your toes, you won't want to miss Ice Cold Chemistry. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the Off the Ice series!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
He’s the solution no one saw coming.
I absolutley adored this book. I mean, a grumpy sunshine, fake dating, sports romance! How can you go wrong? Banks and Winnie's story delivered on every front and in the end, left me with a huge smile on my face.
If you're a fan of hockey romances featuring finding love when you least expect it and just enough angst to keep you on your toes, you won't want to miss Ice Cold Chemistry. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the Off the Ice series!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this read! Banks and Winnie are so opposite, he's the grumpy quiet hockey player and she's the happy go lucky yoga teacher. Both have some pain in their past, his from being shuffled around from house to house as a foster kid, and hers from a past relationship. When these two formed a plan to have a fake relationship, I knew it wouldn't be fake for too long ,there seemed to be too much of a connection between them. And holy did it not last long, but the way he pulled her out of her pain from the past as she healed him was amazing to read about. He is a bit less grumpy now than when they first met.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hold on for this emotional rollercoaster of feelings. Banks was emotionally constipated, but Winnie opened him up to what he thought he could never have. He had a tough life growing up so his walls were high but Winnie managed to slowly bring them down. After things stared to get intense Banks proceeded to bring them back up. I shed a few tears with Winnie; it broke my heart a little. Over all it was really good. This was my third Kendall Ryan book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, I’ll patiently wait until July to get Archer’s book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy from the author.
I really really loved Winnie and Banks love story. I was so excited that they would be the next story in the series. I loved the grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, tough guy but soft for her, and protective boyfriend of it all. Not only was this such a cute love story it was also funny! The scene where banks meets Winnie’s family had me laughing out loud. It reminded me of gloves off in vibes, the stories were very different though. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!!
I really really loved Winnie and Banks love story. I was so excited that they would be the next story in the series. I loved the grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, tough guy but soft for her, and protective boyfriend of it all. Not only was this such a cute love story it was also funny! The scene where banks meets Winnie’s family had me laughing out loud. It reminded me of gloves off in vibes, the stories were very different though. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of the sweetest, wonderful hockey romances I have ever read. And a touch spicy! The MMC is a tough guy with a tough childhood that has shaped how he views love. The FMC has been burned by love in the past and the story of how they come together isn’t the typical fake dating romance. I loved the twists that come up and the emotions that the characters go through feel real and are extremely well written. It is a must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love a grumpy/sunshine trope. Banks is the grumpiest of grumps, never letting anyone in because everyone leaves!
Winnie is the new employee at the Knights hockey team, brought in to help the players with yoga. Unfortunately they are more interested in her body than doing yoga. Banks tells them to stop which has an effect as they are almost scared of him.
Winnie needs to have a way to stop the harassment happening again. Her friend, girlfriend of Bank’s teammate suggests fake dating Banks.
Surprisingly he agrees and slowly he allows her to break his walls down. One of his teammates Logan is like an excited puppy, really invested in their relationship and there are a few funny moments, like he says things like ‘Bankys has a girlfriend’ which Banks is almost annoyed with.
When trade talks mess with his brain the relationship suffers and to add insult to injury, rumours that’s their romance is fake messes with the team.
I love the way the author describes his childhood and how this moulded him into him expecting everyone to leave, so when Winnie doesn’t leave and fights for him they eventually get their HEA.
I read this in a day, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.
Winnie is the new employee at the Knights hockey team, brought in to help the players with yoga. Unfortunately they are more interested in her body than doing yoga. Banks tells them to stop which has an effect as they are almost scared of him.
Winnie needs to have a way to stop the harassment happening again. Her friend, girlfriend of Bank’s teammate suggests fake dating Banks.
Surprisingly he agrees and slowly he allows her to break his walls down. One of his teammates Logan is like an excited puppy, really invested in their relationship and there are a few funny moments, like he says things like ‘Bankys has a girlfriend’ which Banks is almost annoyed with.
When trade talks mess with his brain the relationship suffers and to add insult to injury, rumours that’s their romance is fake messes with the team.
I love the way the author describes his childhood and how this moulded him into him expecting everyone to leave, so when Winnie doesn’t leave and fights for him they eventually get their HEA.
I read this in a day, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winnie and Banks not what I expected. Winnie is the new hot yoga instructor for the hockey team. All the guys want to take yoga from her because of her looks. Banks keeps hearing all the things which are said to her and he thinks it's wrong. He comes up with an idea to get the guys to back off. What becomes fake actually turns into real but then Banks unconsciously sabotages it by thinking it's easier to let her go. They get it figured out and all is well. I love how the grumpy guy gets the girl. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 9, 2026
I dont think I will ever understand how Kendall writes such a captivating story every single time. Her tension and yearning and overall story writing is consistent and gripping. I have read just about everything in her catalogue and this is just as great.
This story follows Winnie and Banks. They work through a lot of their insecurities together and along the way we get an amazing story.
The spice in this was done so well and absolutely to the overall plot of the story without overwhelming the story.
I am so grateful to have received an ARC.
This story follows Winnie and Banks. They work through a lot of their insecurities together and along the way we get an amazing story.
The spice in this was done so well and absolutely to the overall plot of the story without overwhelming the story.
I am so grateful to have received an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winnie is ready for a fresh start. Her new job as a yoga instructor for an NHL team in New York comes with one rule: no relationships, no drama, just work.
Banks is the team's tough enforcer with a gruff reputation, but when Winnie finds herself needing a little help, he steps in. What starts as a fake dating arrangement quickly turns into an unexpected friendship, and watching their connection grow was both sweet and entertaining.
If you enjoy hockey romance, fake dating, and a grumpy hero with a soft side, this is a fun and easy read.
Banks is the team's tough enforcer with a gruff reputation, but when Winnie finds herself needing a little help, he steps in. What starts as a fake dating arrangement quickly turns into an unexpected friendship, and watching their connection grow was both sweet and entertaining.
If you enjoy hockey romance, fake dating, and a grumpy hero with a soft side, this is a fun and easy read.
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