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Boston Bobcats #2
Fire and Ice
A spicy Fake Dating, Grumpy x Sunshine, hockey romance from bestselling author, Carly Robyn
One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that's bound to get messy.
Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She’s determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds—and her bank account—are stacked against her.
Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He’s content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won’t stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.
His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy—his sister’s friend and the one person he can’t seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.
But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they’re forced to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what if this isn’t fake anymore?
Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!
One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that's bound to get messy.
Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She’s determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds—and her bank account—are stacked against her.
Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He’s content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won’t stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.
His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy—his sister’s friend and the one person he can’t seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.
But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they’re forced to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what if this isn’t fake anymore?
Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!
382 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2026
About the author
Carly Robyn
6 books481 followersCarly Robyn writes contemporary romances with heart, heat, and humor. When she's not writing or reading, you can find her spending time with her family, scrolling through TikTok, exploring Chicago's restaurant scene with friends, watching a Grand Prix, taking a million photos of her dogs Quincy and Owen, or binge-watching anything true-crime related while drinking Diet Coke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 607 reviews
May 11, 2026
“𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.” 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝑰’𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒅𝒚
Who doesn’t love a grumpy goalie with his sunshine girl?!? This is already book #2 in the series, and each book follows a different hockey player. This one was freaking fun and spicy 🥵!! I am soooo weak for a fake dating trope, especially when the ex actually interacts with the couple, it makes it even better 😏
The plot was very simple: Cameron’s ex is back in town, and he wants nothing to do with her. So what does he do? He sets up a fake dating arrangement with his sister’s friend. Kennedy doesn’t want to, but after finding herself in a financial dilemma and with Cameron offering to invest in her bakery business, she agrees to the “relationship.”
I loved their banter and interactions from the start not only the fake dating aspect, but also how they slowly begin to get to know each other and the mini gestures they do for one another 🥹 He is celiac, and she remembers and bakes gluten free for him (agh, my heart). Meanwhile, he brings her care packages. They are both smitten from the start!!! OH and when the lines start to blur between them and things get spicy… helloooo 🔥 it was so good. The sofa scene that's all I am gonna say!!!!!
I think my favorite part of the entire book was that the ex actually played a real role. We often see fake dating used mostly as a display for others, but here, the ex truly pokes at their façade and even pulls a few “sabotages.” Literally true evil!!! It was awesome 😂 lol.
I recommend this to anyone who loves an emotional rollercoaster that gets you deep in your feels but enjoying the fluffy giddy moments as well hehe 💕 This had it all!!!!
tropes
🧡 hockey romance
🧡 grumpy x sunshine
🧡 fake dating
🧡 nhl goalie x baker
🧡 spicy spicy scenes
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
yep loved itttttttttttt !!!!! PERIOD Thank you Carly Robyn for sending me an eARC & book goodies!!
sports romance 🤝 me
Who doesn’t love a grumpy goalie with his sunshine girl?!? This is already book #2 in the series, and each book follows a different hockey player. This one was freaking fun and spicy 🥵!! I am soooo weak for a fake dating trope, especially when the ex actually interacts with the couple, it makes it even better 😏
The plot was very simple: Cameron’s ex is back in town, and he wants nothing to do with her. So what does he do? He sets up a fake dating arrangement with his sister’s friend. Kennedy doesn’t want to, but after finding herself in a financial dilemma and with Cameron offering to invest in her bakery business, she agrees to the “relationship.”
I loved their banter and interactions from the start not only the fake dating aspect, but also how they slowly begin to get to know each other and the mini gestures they do for one another 🥹 He is celiac, and she remembers and bakes gluten free for him (agh, my heart). Meanwhile, he brings her care packages. They are both smitten from the start!!! OH and when the lines start to blur between them and things get spicy… helloooo 🔥 it was so good. The sofa scene that's all I am gonna say!!!!!
I think my favorite part of the entire book was that the ex actually played a real role. We often see fake dating used mostly as a display for others, but here, the ex truly pokes at their façade and even pulls a few “sabotages.” Literally true evil!!! It was awesome 😂 lol.
I recommend this to anyone who loves an emotional rollercoaster that gets you deep in your feels but enjoying the fluffy giddy moments as well hehe 💕 This had it all!!!!
tropes
🧡 hockey romance
🧡 grumpy x sunshine
🧡 fake dating
🧡 nhl goalie x baker
🧡 spicy spicy scenes
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
yep loved itttttttttttt !!!!! PERIOD Thank you Carly Robyn for sending me an eARC & book goodies!!
sports romance 🤝 me
April 26, 2026
Solid hockey romance? ✅
Spicy? ✅
HEA? ✅
So we know we’re going to like it when the moody hockey player bags a cutie baker and they have a mutual beneficial armament (I can’t say fake-dating 😂) - and both of them should get what they need right? With a guaranteed HEA.. you already know they’re going to work this out so what makes this one worth reading?
The *ex*.
Our cutie, but broody, MMC Cameron has a past with serious emotional abuse from an ex. While it’s sad to read about - I LOVE how our main characters worked through his anxieties!!! Men don’t get to talk about that side enough and it’s a healthy dialogue which I loved!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: triggering emotional abus3
* Kindle Unlimited: - ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: yes!
**Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
Spicy? ✅
HEA? ✅
So we know we’re going to like it when the moody hockey player bags a cutie baker and they have a mutual beneficial armament (I can’t say fake-dating 😂) - and both of them should get what they need right? With a guaranteed HEA.. you already know they’re going to work this out so what makes this one worth reading?
The *ex*.
Our cutie, but broody, MMC Cameron has a past with serious emotional abuse from an ex. While it’s sad to read about - I LOVE how our main characters worked through his anxieties!!! Men don’t get to talk about that side enough and it’s a healthy dialogue which I loved!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: triggering emotional abus3
* Kindle Unlimited: - ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: yes!
**Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
Read
April 23, 2026Fire and Ice is now live! A spicy Fake Dating, Grumpy x Sunshine, hockey romance from bestselling author, Carly Robyn
One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that's bound to get messy.
Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She’s determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds—and her bank account—are stacked against her.
Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He’s content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won’t stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.
His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy—his sister’s friend and the one person he can’t seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.
But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they’re forced to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what if this isn’t fake anymore?
Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that's bound to get messy.
Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She’s determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds—and her bank account—are stacked against her.
Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He’s content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won’t stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.
His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy—his sister’s friend and the one person he can’t seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.
But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they’re forced to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what if this isn’t fake anymore?
Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
April 18, 2026
4.25⭐️
Fake dating will always get me, especially when it’s sunshine meets grumpy. This dynamic was done so well, and I was hooked from the start.
From their very first date, I knew they were it. The way she kept the conversation flowing while also being so thoughtful about his celiac? I was already sold. And then he turns around and gets her a period care package?? Yeah… they’re both just incredibly intentional and caring in a way you don’t always see, and I loved that so much.
His vindictive ex can absolutely kick rocks because she was the worst. Truly. I hope she enjoys all those phone calls.
The found family in this story was everything. Between the team and the FMC’s friend group, it added so much heart. And I will never get tired of a chaotic hockey boys group chat.
Fake dating will always get me, especially when it’s sunshine meets grumpy. This dynamic was done so well, and I was hooked from the start.
From their very first date, I knew they were it. The way she kept the conversation flowing while also being so thoughtful about his celiac? I was already sold. And then he turns around and gets her a period care package?? Yeah… they’re both just incredibly intentional and caring in a way you don’t always see, and I loved that so much.
His vindictive ex can absolutely kick rocks because she was the worst. Truly. I hope she enjoys all those phone calls.
The found family in this story was everything. Between the team and the FMC’s friend group, it added so much heart. And I will never get tired of a chaotic hockey boys group chat.
May 13, 2026
I know I gave this one and book 1 both four stars, but I enjoyed this one more. I felt more connected to Cameron and Kennedy. They had this simmering chemistry that was done SO well. I loved watching them both basically ignore each other because they knew that if they let the other person in their walls would come down. I love me some grumps and let me tell you Cameron was a GRUMP. BUT he was that way because of his past. He was SUCH a cinnamon roll *fake* boyfriend. I mean he sent Kennedy period care packages!! And then we had Kennedy who was SO impressively not ashamed of being herself EVER. She was loud and brash and hilarious and loved HARD. I loved the fake dating that got confusing with lines being crossed and them both wanting more. I loved watching them both slowly lower their walls for each other. I REALLY loved how there was no third act breakup. How much they both supported each other and wanted the best for the other. They were just great.
Cameron has his walls up for a reason. The woman he thought he wanted more with thoroughly HURT him, hence the walls and no relationships. But now his ex is back in the city and has set her sights on reuniting and righting her wrongs. Which is how Cameron ends up in a fake dating situationship with Kennedy. The woman he has been avoiding because he just KNOWS something could happen between them. She kind of scares him. And yet he is going to be the best fake boyfriend. He lets her use his kitchen. He sends her care packages. He takes her on nice dates. And all of a sudden this isn't feeling so fake anymore. Cameron finds himself wanting to do things to make her smile because he wants to not because he feels obligated. He finds himself wanting to kiss her. He has actually wanted to do that for a while but now he thinks she would let him. He finds himself wanting to protect her and support her and shout from the rooftops that she is his but like for real. But before that he wants HER. And lines get blurred in the best way. He has never experienced anything like this with someone. Trust and support. And so he lays it out there. He wants this to go places. And even when his ex tries to step in and make things out of nothing, Cameron knows that him and Kennedy will be solid because at the end of the day he loves her. And he would do anything for her.
Kennedy can't believe she is being turned down for a loan. She has everything she thought she would need and yet it wasn't enough. She knows she could be successful. She knows she could take her baking to the next level. She needs a miracle which is where Cameron Davies steps in. Her best friend's boyfriend's teammate. The hot, grumpy goalie. They decide to enter into a fake relationship that will help them both. He wants his ex off his back, and she needs a backer. What she appreciates about Cameron here is that he believes in her. And so here they are going on dates and holding hands and acting like they like each other when in reality they haven't interacted all too much. It's like they both knew that things would be serious if they did because Kennedy can't deny this attraction she has for him. She can't deny that now that she is getting to know him his grumpiness kind of makes sense. And how he is actually a genuinely nice person. He shows up for her time and time again, and she starts to realize that this is beyond something a fake boyfriend would do. And she realizes she doesn't want it to be fake. What they share together is too special. Too real for it be anything else. And when Cameron's past tries to get between them, she knows it won't matter because they have a solid foundation at this point. And she knows he believes in her.
I think my only challenge with this one was the plot with his ex happened at the end and then just kind of fizzled. I am wondering if we will learn more about that in the next book? Overall though I would recommend this for a perfectly paced, hockey romance with two MCs who find their person. I am looking forward to book 3- I am calling the playboy with Cameron's sister maybe??
Thank you to Valentine PR and Carly for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cameron has his walls up for a reason. The woman he thought he wanted more with thoroughly HURT him, hence the walls and no relationships. But now his ex is back in the city and has set her sights on reuniting and righting her wrongs. Which is how Cameron ends up in a fake dating situationship with Kennedy. The woman he has been avoiding because he just KNOWS something could happen between them. She kind of scares him. And yet he is going to be the best fake boyfriend. He lets her use his kitchen. He sends her care packages. He takes her on nice dates. And all of a sudden this isn't feeling so fake anymore. Cameron finds himself wanting to do things to make her smile because he wants to not because he feels obligated. He finds himself wanting to kiss her. He has actually wanted to do that for a while but now he thinks she would let him. He finds himself wanting to protect her and support her and shout from the rooftops that she is his but like for real. But before that he wants HER. And lines get blurred in the best way. He has never experienced anything like this with someone. Trust and support. And so he lays it out there. He wants this to go places. And even when his ex tries to step in and make things out of nothing, Cameron knows that him and Kennedy will be solid because at the end of the day he loves her. And he would do anything for her.
Kennedy can't believe she is being turned down for a loan. She has everything she thought she would need and yet it wasn't enough. She knows she could be successful. She knows she could take her baking to the next level. She needs a miracle which is where Cameron Davies steps in. Her best friend's boyfriend's teammate. The hot, grumpy goalie. They decide to enter into a fake relationship that will help them both. He wants his ex off his back, and she needs a backer. What she appreciates about Cameron here is that he believes in her. And so here they are going on dates and holding hands and acting like they like each other when in reality they haven't interacted all too much. It's like they both knew that things would be serious if they did because Kennedy can't deny this attraction she has for him. She can't deny that now that she is getting to know him his grumpiness kind of makes sense. And how he is actually a genuinely nice person. He shows up for her time and time again, and she starts to realize that this is beyond something a fake boyfriend would do. And she realizes she doesn't want it to be fake. What they share together is too special. Too real for it be anything else. And when Cameron's past tries to get between them, she knows it won't matter because they have a solid foundation at this point. And she knows he believes in her.
I think my only challenge with this one was the plot with his ex happened at the end and then just kind of fizzled. I am wondering if we will learn more about that in the next book? Overall though I would recommend this for a perfectly paced, hockey romance with two MCs who find their person. I am looking forward to book 3- I am calling the playboy with Cameron's sister maybe??
Thank you to Valentine PR and Carly for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
When i finished the first book in this series I went straight to the next because Cam was such a joy to read. And his meeting with Kennedy was gold. He knows Ken is very 'grrr' so when Cam ex comes crawling back and try to win a date with him he asks her to bid on him. She does and they do go on that date. Its cute they have things in common and she makes sure the restaurant has gluten-free meals for him. It should have been the end of that but that ex keeps popping up and Cam does not want to be around her or get back together so he ask Ken to fake date him and he'll front money so she can get her kitchen/bakery off the ground. Win/win for both. And they were cute there relationship started off fake and turned real pretty fast.
I love that Ken stood up for her man and made sure the ex didn't scare her off. Or the drama she tried to pull at them.
The spice was good not to spicy and not to eh. We got a glimpse of the next couple. Or maybe couple.
No om/slight ow drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶.5
Slow-burnish
Tiny push/pull from H
Fake dating
Found family
Praise kink
celiac
Mentioned parent death
Safe sex
Hea
Epilogue
When i finished the first book in this series I went straight to the next because Cam was such a joy to read. And his meeting with Kennedy was gold. He knows Ken is very 'grrr' so when Cam ex comes crawling back and try to win a date with him he asks her to bid on him. She does and they do go on that date. Its cute they have things in common and she makes sure the restaurant has gluten-free meals for him. It should have been the end of that but that ex keeps popping up and Cam does not want to be around her or get back together so he ask Ken to fake date him and he'll front money so she can get her kitchen/bakery off the ground. Win/win for both. And they were cute there relationship started off fake and turned real pretty fast.
I love that Ken stood up for her man and made sure the ex didn't scare her off. Or the drama she tried to pull at them.
The spice was good not to spicy and not to eh. We got a glimpse of the next couple. Or maybe couple.
No om/slight ow drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶.5
Slow-burnish
Tiny push/pull from H
Fake dating
Found family
Praise kink
celiac
Mentioned parent death
Safe sex
Hea
Epilogue
May 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
April 23, 2026
I absolutely adored Cameron and Kennedy! I love a grumpy x sunshine moment and Cameron was suuuch and a grumpy goalie. Kennedy was hilarious with her take no BS attitude and her constant need to get Cameron chatting and answering her random questions. I was hooked on this story from the very beginning and enjoyed every moment of this book.
Can I also just say that I loved Kennedy's attention to Cameron's celiac needs? It's such a small but monumental show of love and support for him. Cameron is also so observant of Kennedy's needs and makes sure to show her. These two are so intentional about their love and support for each other and I love that so much. May this kind of love hit me like a fright train.
This was the perfect follow up to book one in this series! This set of characters are all so fun and lovable! I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes.
Can I also just say that I loved Kennedy's attention to Cameron's celiac needs? It's such a small but monumental show of love and support for him. Cameron is also so observant of Kennedy's needs and makes sure to show her. These two are so intentional about their love and support for each other and I love that so much. May this kind of love hit me like a fright train.
This was the perfect follow up to book one in this series! This set of characters are all so fun and lovable! I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes.
April 14, 2026
ARC review ✨
This was gooood! Solid 4.5 ⭐️
I was giggling and swooning my way through this 🤭 as you may know I’m a total sucker for hockey romance and this hit the spot.
Cam and Kennedy were amazing and I adored how supportive they were 🥹 Cam is so kind and considerate, I love him!!! Kennedy is hilarious, I loved her personality so much.
The banter and chemistry between them were unmatched and I had so much fun reading this. The supporting characters are also great and can’t wait to see who gets to go next 🤭
So if you like hockey romance, good banter and spice, with likable characters this is for you ✨
This was gooood! Solid 4.5 ⭐️
I was giggling and swooning my way through this 🤭 as you may know I’m a total sucker for hockey romance and this hit the spot.
Cam and Kennedy were amazing and I adored how supportive they were 🥹 Cam is so kind and considerate, I love him!!! Kennedy is hilarious, I loved her personality so much.
The banter and chemistry between them were unmatched and I had so much fun reading this. The supporting characters are also great and can’t wait to see who gets to go next 🤭
So if you like hockey romance, good banter and spice, with likable characters this is for you ✨
May 1, 2026
Stop what you’re doing and read this book right freaking now!!
Hockey goals. Goalie goals. Boyfriend goals. This book delivers on all of them.
It was pure perfection packed with laugh-out-loud moments, soft and tender scenes that hit you right in the feels, top-tier banter, and just the right amount of revenge on an ex to keep things extra satisfying.
Every piece of this story worked, and I was completely hooked from start to finish, to the point I didn’t want it to end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ very well-deserved stars!
Now please, I’m going to need the next one ASAP because I am more than ready to devour it.
Hockey goals. Goalie goals. Boyfriend goals. This book delivers on all of them.
It was pure perfection packed with laugh-out-loud moments, soft and tender scenes that hit you right in the feels, top-tier banter, and just the right amount of revenge on an ex to keep things extra satisfying.
Every piece of this story worked, and I was completely hooked from start to finish, to the point I didn’t want it to end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ very well-deserved stars!
Now please, I’m going to need the next one ASAP because I am more than ready to devour it.
April 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
First of all thank you to ValentinesPR and the author for the e-arc of the book!
I was so excited to start reading this book. I'll always love a hockey romance. The book got me right away. I was invested right from the start. The fake-dating also was so so good. I loved the dynamic between Kennedy and Cameron.
Don't get me started on Cameron, what a cutie. He and Kennedy, love it. The friendship and the romance was so so good. I really love how Carly wrote them and how we see Cameron opening up to Kennedy and the other way around.
I haven't read the first book, but I definitely will because I ate this one up. Also can't wait for the next book to come out.
I highly definitely reading this book if you want a: grump x sunshine, fake-dating, hockey romance kind of book.
But beware there is some explicit content in this book.
*advertentie
First of all thank you to ValentinesPR and the author for the e-arc of the book!
I was so excited to start reading this book. I'll always love a hockey romance. The book got me right away. I was invested right from the start. The fake-dating also was so so good. I loved the dynamic between Kennedy and Cameron.
Don't get me started on Cameron, what a cutie. He and Kennedy, love it. The friendship and the romance was so so good. I really love how Carly wrote them and how we see Cameron opening up to Kennedy and the other way around.
I haven't read the first book, but I definitely will because I ate this one up. Also can't wait for the next book to come out.
I highly definitely reading this book if you want a: grump x sunshine, fake-dating, hockey romance kind of book.
But beware there is some explicit content in this book.
*advertentie
May 10, 2026
I got to ARC read Fire and Ice by Carly Robyn and I’m absolutely obsessed with this book. 🤩
From the very first page I was completely invested in both Kennedy & Cameron and needed to know what was going to happen next. Kennedy instantly became one of my favourite characters because she’s so funny and passionate about the things she loves, which made her feel really genuine and easy to connect with. Cameron soon followed after, he’s definitely got a special place in my heart. I loved seeing him open up to Kennedy throughout the book. 🩷
The pacing was perfect the entire way through and it kept me hooked from start to finish. Honestly, I would’ve loved to read this in one sitting because every chapter made it impossible to put down. 😂 This was such a fun and addictive read and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time. 🙂↔️
Tropes:
🧁 fake dating
🎂 slow burn
🍰 celiac representation
🧁 dual pov
🎂 he falls first
🍰 grumpy x sunshine
Big thank you to Valentine PR & Carly Robyn for letting me ARC read this! I thoroughly enjoyed it! 🥰
From the very first page I was completely invested in both Kennedy & Cameron and needed to know what was going to happen next. Kennedy instantly became one of my favourite characters because she’s so funny and passionate about the things she loves, which made her feel really genuine and easy to connect with. Cameron soon followed after, he’s definitely got a special place in my heart. I loved seeing him open up to Kennedy throughout the book. 🩷
The pacing was perfect the entire way through and it kept me hooked from start to finish. Honestly, I would’ve loved to read this in one sitting because every chapter made it impossible to put down. 😂 This was such a fun and addictive read and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time. 🙂↔️
Tropes:
🧁 fake dating
🎂 slow burn
🍰 celiac representation
🧁 dual pov
🎂 he falls first
🍰 grumpy x sunshine
Big thank you to Valentine PR & Carly Robyn for letting me ARC read this! I thoroughly enjoyed it! 🥰
May 10, 2026
I’m not sure why I waited so long to read a book by Carly Robyn, but I’m glad I finally did. An all around very solid hockey romance. It’s pretty low stakes but that is what I was needing for a read. Fake dating is always so much fun even though I know exactly how it’s going to play out every time. The little things the characters would do for each other to prove they were paying attention to the likes and needs was sweet. I didn’t really connect with the fmc as she is very much the opposite of me, but it was still a fun read.
🤭 fake dating
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
✨ strangers to lovers
🥅 hockey
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
🤭 fake dating
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
✨ strangers to lovers
🥅 hockey
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
May 12, 2026
The grumpy goaltender for the Boston Bobcats, Cameron, proposes the plan to pretend to date Kennedy in return for Cameron investing in her bakery. Kennedy accepts since it would allow her to at last reach her goals. I adored Kennedy's sense of humor and honest nature. Their romance was beautiful, funny, spicy, and amazing. The teammates' text exchange was another thing I really enjoyed, but above all, reading about Cameron and Kennedy was a lot of fun. I adore this series and can't wait for more.
May 26, 2026
HOCKEY ROMANCE GOLD.
I devoured Fire and Ice in one evening
When I say I want 👏grumpy x sunshine👏
When I say I want 👏sports romance👏
When I say I want 👏banter that banters👏
When I say I want 👏fake dating👏
When I say I want 👏a man who falls first, genuinely champions her dreams and supports her professional goals while soaking in the warmth she radiates and ensuring she never feels alone👏
When I say I want 👏sizzling, undeniable chemistry where he’s so feral for her he *ahem* eats on her commercial kitchen counter👏
Yeah this book delivered🧡🏒✨
I devoured Fire and Ice in one evening
When I say I want 👏grumpy x sunshine👏
When I say I want 👏sports romance👏
When I say I want 👏banter that banters👏
When I say I want 👏fake dating👏
When I say I want 👏a man who falls first, genuinely champions her dreams and supports her professional goals while soaking in the warmth she radiates and ensuring she never feels alone👏
When I say I want 👏sizzling, undeniable chemistry where he’s so feral for her he *ahem* eats on her commercial kitchen counter👏
Yeah this book delivered🧡🏒✨
April 24, 2026
Kennedy Caplan is in the Bobcat hockey world now. Her best friend is now dating a player and the baker is finding herself around a lot of hockey players.
Especially Cameron Davies. Cameron is the team's goalie and he has a problem. His ex is back. His ex who broke him. His ex who is related to the teams owner. She cheated on him and now is back. And is aggressively pursuing him.
Cameron asks Kennedy to bid on him during a team auction and the "date" she wins ends... well, can't spoil it. But Kennedy is shocked to hear back from Cameron who has a proposition. Pretend to date him, and he'll financially back her dreams bakery. Win, win?
Kennedy is such a free spirit. I think that whatever she thinks comes immediately out. No filter. And Cameron? He's definitely grumpy energy. Not as free as Kennedy. How in the world can they make this work?
They really tore down the walls in this one. Kennedy shows Cameron what a good woman is.
Now there is a book one, but this can be read as a standalone!
Especially Cameron Davies. Cameron is the team's goalie and he has a problem. His ex is back. His ex who broke him. His ex who is related to the teams owner. She cheated on him and now is back. And is aggressively pursuing him.
Cameron asks Kennedy to bid on him during a team auction and the "date" she wins ends... well, can't spoil it. But Kennedy is shocked to hear back from Cameron who has a proposition. Pretend to date him, and he'll financially back her dreams bakery. Win, win?
Kennedy is such a free spirit. I think that whatever she thinks comes immediately out. No filter. And Cameron? He's definitely grumpy energy. Not as free as Kennedy. How in the world can they make this work?
They really tore down the walls in this one. Kennedy shows Cameron what a good woman is.
Now there is a book one, but this can be read as a standalone!
April 25, 2026
4.5 ✨ ARC Review!!
This was my first book by Carly Robyn and I absolutely loved it!! The chemistry between Cameron and Kennedy was SOOO GOOD! I could not put this book down! And the best part of this book was NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP 🥹 Definitely about to go read Maya and Cole’s book right now!
This was my first book by Carly Robyn and I absolutely loved it!! The chemistry between Cameron and Kennedy was SOOO GOOD! I could not put this book down! And the best part of this book was NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP 🥹 Definitely about to go read Maya and Cole’s book right now!
April 24, 2026
Why does she have to constantly walk on eggshells around his man??!!!
April 7, 2026
A TOP READ OF 2026!!!!! This world is one of my favorite places to go back to every time Carly releases a new book. I already want to read it again. 😭🫶🏼
Cameron Davies, I love you. But there’s another star here… KENNEDY CAPLAN, I adore you with my whole chest. MY GIRL. My grudge holding Queen. I’ve never read another character like her, and I never will. ALLLLLL the main character energy from her. THEY are perfection.
**I received an early copy of this book for author services purposes, and these are my honest thoughts.
Cameron Davies, I love you. But there’s another star here… KENNEDY CAPLAN, I adore you with my whole chest. MY GIRL. My grudge holding Queen. I’ve never read another character like her, and I never will. ALLLLLL the main character energy from her. THEY are perfection.
**I received an early copy of this book for author services purposes, and these are my honest thoughts.
April 27, 2026
NHL Goalie X Baker with Freckles
Tropes
🧊 Fake Dating
🔥 Dual Pov
🧊 Hockey Goalie X Baker
🔥 Celiac Representation
🧊 Sunshine X Grumpy
🔥 Slow burn with Spice
🧊 He falls First
🔥 Tattooed MMC
Part of a series - yes
Can be read as a standalone - yes
Spice 🌶️🌶️ / 5 (low/light spice level)
Things I loved
- I enjoyed the celiac representation, especially from the male athlete perspective. Getting his views on struggling to eat at restaurants and also feeling like a burden because he can’t eat gluten like other people can. His struggles really opened my eyes to the struggles that celiac people have, especially as someone who didn’t know much about celiac disease when I first started the book.
- I love group chat messages so seeing the boys talk about different issues in the camaraderie of the different players in the group chat was honestly so cute.
- I enjoyed the sunshine female main character that is Kennedy. I love that. She just said whatever she was thinking and doesn’t ever really get embarrassed. I think her brutal honesty is refreshing, especially when women are often put into boxes to be quiet and save face. Kennedy does not conform to the gender roles that are set in society and we’ll talk about sex openly, which I really appreciate, especially in modern society.
- This book had all my favorite tropes, including fake dating, sunshine and grumpy, hockey, dual pov and spice. Getting to see both sides of them falling in love with each other and trying to keep it cool because they’re supposed to be “fake” dating was everything for me.
- I think the foreshadowing of Jake’s problems, especially with his dad is going to be interesting to dive more into later on in the series. I enjoy when books set up certain elements for the next book or future books.
What I liked but felt like could be developed more
- I think I would’ve liked to have a Gigi confrontation. Especially when she went out of her way to be vile to Kennedy I feel like there should’ve been a confrontation about her actions. Or possibly Gigi running into Kennedy and Cameron later on when she’s not as successful as they are.
- I also would’ve loved a second epilogue with her actually being at the wedding with all the other Formula One drivers from Carly Robyn’s first series (Drive Me).
However, that’s really just nitpicking and just something I would like expanded, but the book was honestly amazing. It is a great contemporary romance. That is a quick read. Has a lot of banter along with cute butterfly, kick your feet moments.
🥅🧊🥅🧊
I would recommend this book to people who love Blind Side by Kandi Steiner. Both are sports romances with the fake dating trope. Spicy dual pov reads that lead to happily ever afters!
Tropes
🧊 Fake Dating
🔥 Dual Pov
🧊 Hockey Goalie X Baker
🔥 Celiac Representation
🧊 Sunshine X Grumpy
🔥 Slow burn with Spice
🧊 He falls First
🔥 Tattooed MMC
Part of a series - yes
Can be read as a standalone - yes
Spice 🌶️🌶️ / 5 (low/light spice level)
Things I loved
- I enjoyed the celiac representation, especially from the male athlete perspective. Getting his views on struggling to eat at restaurants and also feeling like a burden because he can’t eat gluten like other people can. His struggles really opened my eyes to the struggles that celiac people have, especially as someone who didn’t know much about celiac disease when I first started the book.
- I love group chat messages so seeing the boys talk about different issues in the camaraderie of the different players in the group chat was honestly so cute.
- I enjoyed the sunshine female main character that is Kennedy. I love that. She just said whatever she was thinking and doesn’t ever really get embarrassed. I think her brutal honesty is refreshing, especially when women are often put into boxes to be quiet and save face. Kennedy does not conform to the gender roles that are set in society and we’ll talk about sex openly, which I really appreciate, especially in modern society.
- This book had all my favorite tropes, including fake dating, sunshine and grumpy, hockey, dual pov and spice. Getting to see both sides of them falling in love with each other and trying to keep it cool because they’re supposed to be “fake” dating was everything for me.
- I think the foreshadowing of Jake’s problems, especially with his dad is going to be interesting to dive more into later on in the series. I enjoy when books set up certain elements for the next book or future books.
What I liked but felt like could be developed more
- I think I would’ve liked to have a Gigi confrontation. Especially when she went out of her way to be vile to Kennedy I feel like there should’ve been a confrontation about her actions. Or possibly Gigi running into Kennedy and Cameron later on when she’s not as successful as they are.
- I also would’ve loved a second epilogue with her actually being at the wedding with all the other Formula One drivers from Carly Robyn’s first series (Drive Me).
However, that’s really just nitpicking and just something I would like expanded, but the book was honestly amazing. It is a great contemporary romance. That is a quick read. Has a lot of banter along with cute butterfly, kick your feet moments.
🥅🧊🥅🧊
I would recommend this book to people who love Blind Side by Kandi Steiner. Both are sports romances with the fake dating trope. Spicy dual pov reads that lead to happily ever afters!
April 17, 2026
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩, 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙. “𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚.”
Fire & Ice by Carly Robyn
4.5☆
This book had me freaking hooked (no pun intended)—one of the best opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, he falls HARD hockey romances I’ve had the pleasure of devouring (pun absolutely intended).
Kennedy is an absolute force—bakery owner, chaos gremlin (affectionate), and running on pure determination while trying to keep her business afloat. She’s hilarious, bold, and unapologetically herself… but underneath it all, she’s loyal, thoughtful, and carrying real “prove them wrong” pressure that makes you root for her hard.
“𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙩. 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣.”
And then there’s Cameron Davies— grumpy and guarded. An NHL goalie who prefers quiet, control, and emotional distance. He’s basically a human “do not disturb” sign… until Kennedy bulldozes her way into his life with sunshine and gluten-free snickerdoodles. Not to mention, Cam has a special place in my heart, quietly dealing with his autoimmune— the silent struggle he goes through, not wanting to be a burden on anyone or treated any differently because of it 😭
The fake dating setup is freaking *chef’s kiss*. What starts as a mutually beneficial “let’s pretend” situation quickly turns into something real and a little dangerous. The chemistry is there for the heat, but it’s the little things that make it hit—the quiet support and noticing each other in ways no one else does.
“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩? 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.”
Their dynamic is peak grumpy x sunshine, with banter that snaps and emotional moments that sneak up on you. He falls first, but she crashes in right after, and it all feels natural instead of chaotic.
“𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨—𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙬, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣.”
There’s just enough angst to keep things interesting, toxic ex, personal struggles, emotional walls, but it never overwhelms the story. At its core, this is about two people choosing each other, over and over again, without unnecessary drama.
✨ Grumpy goalie x sunshine baker
✨ Fake dating that gets too real
✨ Found family hockey vibes
✨ Humor, heart, and perfectly placed spice
Cameron may be ice… but Kennedy was always going to make him melt.
*Thank you to Carly Robyn & Valentine PR for this arc opportunity!
Fire & Ice by Carly Robyn
4.5☆
This book had me freaking hooked (no pun intended)—one of the best opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, he falls HARD hockey romances I’ve had the pleasure of devouring (pun absolutely intended).
Kennedy is an absolute force—bakery owner, chaos gremlin (affectionate), and running on pure determination while trying to keep her business afloat. She’s hilarious, bold, and unapologetically herself… but underneath it all, she’s loyal, thoughtful, and carrying real “prove them wrong” pressure that makes you root for her hard.
“𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙩. 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣.”
And then there’s Cameron Davies— grumpy and guarded. An NHL goalie who prefers quiet, control, and emotional distance. He’s basically a human “do not disturb” sign… until Kennedy bulldozes her way into his life with sunshine and gluten-free snickerdoodles. Not to mention, Cam has a special place in my heart, quietly dealing with his autoimmune— the silent struggle he goes through, not wanting to be a burden on anyone or treated any differently because of it 😭
The fake dating setup is freaking *chef’s kiss*. What starts as a mutually beneficial “let’s pretend” situation quickly turns into something real and a little dangerous. The chemistry is there for the heat, but it’s the little things that make it hit—the quiet support and noticing each other in ways no one else does.
“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩? 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠.”
Their dynamic is peak grumpy x sunshine, with banter that snaps and emotional moments that sneak up on you. He falls first, but she crashes in right after, and it all feels natural instead of chaotic.
“𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨—𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙬, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣.”
There’s just enough angst to keep things interesting, toxic ex, personal struggles, emotional walls, but it never overwhelms the story. At its core, this is about two people choosing each other, over and over again, without unnecessary drama.
✨ Grumpy goalie x sunshine baker
✨ Fake dating that gets too real
✨ Found family hockey vibes
✨ Humor, heart, and perfectly placed spice
Cameron may be ice… but Kennedy was always going to make him melt.
*Thank you to Carly Robyn & Valentine PR for this arc opportunity!
May 24, 2026
Come for the celiac disease representation and faking dating, stay for the thigh riding!! I ATE this book up!!! If you aren’t aware, May is Celiac Disease Awareness month! I wouldn’t be doing myself justice as a Celiac if I didn’t highlight a book(or two) before the month was over!
Our MMC, Cameron, is the goalie for the Bobcats, and he also has Celiac Disease. If you aren’t sure what this is- it’s an autoimmune, disease, not a food allergy, where your body cannot process gluten(which is in literally everything). If a Celiac does consume gluten, our bodies do this thing where they destroy themselves from the inside out. It’s a very dangerous and painful disease. I really appreciate the effort Carly Robyn put in the story to show Cameron’s experiences. Not wanting to be a bother, food safety anxiety, the importance of cross contamination prevention, the deep gratitude that comes with inclusion. Kennedy our FMC always prioritized safe food for Cameron- we love to see that support in a partner.
Kennedy is such a spitfire and so funny, no wonder Cameron can’t resist. The line between faking dating and real feelings gets blurred pretty fast and it’s HOT. Good lord, the thigh riding to kick it all off and him sending her a period care package after seeing how much pain she experiences. That’s marriage material. Kennedy also helping Cameron work through some baggage from his previous GF(who is the worst), gave all the green flags! They always had each other’s backs and I loved that mutual support. Back to their chemistry though… SO GOOD. I was blushing… multiple times and just love to see characters that can’t keep their hands off each other. I could go on but we would be here for days tbh lol. This book is definitely one I’ll be rereading.
I’m going back to read book 1 in this series now for Cole & Maya because I’m pretty invested 😆. I’m also super curious about Jake & Sophie’s story too!
Our MMC, Cameron, is the goalie for the Bobcats, and he also has Celiac Disease. If you aren’t sure what this is- it’s an autoimmune, disease, not a food allergy, where your body cannot process gluten(which is in literally everything). If a Celiac does consume gluten, our bodies do this thing where they destroy themselves from the inside out. It’s a very dangerous and painful disease. I really appreciate the effort Carly Robyn put in the story to show Cameron’s experiences. Not wanting to be a bother, food safety anxiety, the importance of cross contamination prevention, the deep gratitude that comes with inclusion. Kennedy our FMC always prioritized safe food for Cameron- we love to see that support in a partner.
Kennedy is such a spitfire and so funny, no wonder Cameron can’t resist. The line between faking dating and real feelings gets blurred pretty fast and it’s HOT. Good lord, the thigh riding to kick it all off and him sending her a period care package after seeing how much pain she experiences. That’s marriage material. Kennedy also helping Cameron work through some baggage from his previous GF(who is the worst), gave all the green flags! They always had each other’s backs and I loved that mutual support. Back to their chemistry though… SO GOOD. I was blushing… multiple times and just love to see characters that can’t keep their hands off each other. I could go on but we would be here for days tbh lol. This book is definitely one I’ll be rereading.
I’m going back to read book 1 in this series now for Cole & Maya because I’m pretty invested 😆. I’m also super curious about Jake & Sophie’s story too!
April 30, 2026
Thanks to Valentine Pr and Carly Robyn for this arc!
Tropes:
🧡Alpha Hero
🩷Fake Relationship
🧡Forced Proximity
🩷 Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡Hockey
🩷Jealous Possessive
🧡Opposites Attract
🩷Slow Burn
🧡Hockey goalie x Baker
🇮🇹
Secondo libro della serie e dell'autrice che leggo (di cui una serie è già stata tradotta in italiano), avevo aspettative altissime per questo libro che sono state SUPERATE.
Ho amato la relazione tra i protagonisti (anche il fatto che ad un certo punto entrambi hanno dimenticato che la loro relazione era fake). Ho amato il personaggio di Cam e mi ha fatto tenerezza leggere delle sue ansie, delle sue reazioni quando ha capito che alcuni atteggiamenti che aveva visto e vissuto nella sua ex relazione (tossica) non erano per niente normali. Il fatto che abbia supportato subito Kennedy e l'ha aiutata a realizzare il suo sogno, a viverlo e goderselo senza paura dei pregiudizi altrui ha fatto salire il rating alle stelle.
Quindi, vi consiglio di leggerlo se avete voglia di leggere di Cameron Davies, goalie possessivo, e Kennedy Caplan, la baker migliore della città.
Questo è il secondo libro della serie, autoconclusivo, ma se volete seguire l'ordine vi consiglio di leggere il primo soprattutto se volete leggere di un'amante dei libri (che lavora in libreria) e un giocatore di hockey (sottone per lei dal primo sguardo)
🇬🇧
This is the second book in the series by this author (a series of which has already been translated into Italian). I had incredibly high expectations for this book, and they were EXCEEDED.
I loved the relationship between the main characters (even the fact that at a certain point they both forgot that their relationship was fake). I loved Cam's character, and I was touched by reading about his anxieties and his reactions when he realized that certain behaviors he'd seen and experienced in his former (toxic) relationship were anything but normal. His immediate support for Kennedy and his help in realizing her dream, living it and enjoying it without fear of other people's prejudices, skyrocketed my rating.
So, I recommend reading it if you want to read about Cameron Davies, the possessive doorman, and Kennedy Caplan, the best baker in town.
This is the second book in the series, a standalone, but if you want to follow the order I recommend reading the first one especially if you want to read about a book lover (who works in a bookstore) and a hockey player (who falls for her from the first glance)
Tropes:
🧡Alpha Hero
🩷Fake Relationship
🧡Forced Proximity
🩷 Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡Hockey
🩷Jealous Possessive
🧡Opposites Attract
🩷Slow Burn
🧡Hockey goalie x Baker
🇮🇹
Secondo libro della serie e dell'autrice che leggo (di cui una serie è già stata tradotta in italiano), avevo aspettative altissime per questo libro che sono state SUPERATE.
Ho amato la relazione tra i protagonisti (anche il fatto che ad un certo punto entrambi hanno dimenticato che la loro relazione era fake). Ho amato il personaggio di Cam e mi ha fatto tenerezza leggere delle sue ansie, delle sue reazioni quando ha capito che alcuni atteggiamenti che aveva visto e vissuto nella sua ex relazione (tossica) non erano per niente normali. Il fatto che abbia supportato subito Kennedy e l'ha aiutata a realizzare il suo sogno, a viverlo e goderselo senza paura dei pregiudizi altrui ha fatto salire il rating alle stelle.
Quindi, vi consiglio di leggerlo se avete voglia di leggere di Cameron Davies, goalie possessivo, e Kennedy Caplan, la baker migliore della città.
Questo è il secondo libro della serie, autoconclusivo, ma se volete seguire l'ordine vi consiglio di leggere il primo soprattutto se volete leggere di un'amante dei libri (che lavora in libreria) e un giocatore di hockey (sottone per lei dal primo sguardo)
🇬🇧
This is the second book in the series by this author (a series of which has already been translated into Italian). I had incredibly high expectations for this book, and they were EXCEEDED.
I loved the relationship between the main characters (even the fact that at a certain point they both forgot that their relationship was fake). I loved Cam's character, and I was touched by reading about his anxieties and his reactions when he realized that certain behaviors he'd seen and experienced in his former (toxic) relationship were anything but normal. His immediate support for Kennedy and his help in realizing her dream, living it and enjoying it without fear of other people's prejudices, skyrocketed my rating.
So, I recommend reading it if you want to read about Cameron Davies, the possessive doorman, and Kennedy Caplan, the best baker in town.
This is the second book in the series, a standalone, but if you want to follow the order I recommend reading the first one especially if you want to read about a book lover (who works in a bookstore) and a hockey player (who falls for her from the first glance)
April 23, 2026
Fire and Ice by Carly Robyn
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Carly Robyn and Valentine PR for this ARC. This is my honest review.
I absolutely loved Ice Ice baby, so I was very excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. Kennedy and Cameron’s dynamic was very different from Cole and Maya, but I loved it. I loved that it was different. It makes for such an interesting friend group. I’m obsessed with the found family and friendships in this series. I have a feeling this will be a series that sticks with me for a while after all the books are out and read. I suggest jumping on the bandwagon if you haven’t already.
Kennedy and Cameron are literally fire & ice, so the title is perfect. She’s sunshine and he’s grump. She is a main character and he would love nothing more than to be left alone and hide in the background. Throw in some fake dating, but real feelings. I’m sold!
I know this is fake, but why does it feel more real than anything I've had before?
I loved these characters individually as much as I loved them together. They both have things they are going through alone, but they decide to be “alone together” and be there for each other. They are exactly what the other needs. I’m so happy to have witnessed their love story. It’s also so sexy to see a man be so supportive of his woman’s dreams.
“It's so fucking sexy watching you in your element,"
This series is phenomenal. I’m swooning, laughing, crying, and just having a blast. Highly recommend reading!
Tropes:
1 cup of Grumpy x Sunshine
½ cup of Fake Dating
3 tbsp of He Falls First
1 tsp slow burn
3 cups of NHL Goalie x Baker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Carly Robyn and Valentine PR for this ARC. This is my honest review.
I absolutely loved Ice Ice baby, so I was very excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. Kennedy and Cameron’s dynamic was very different from Cole and Maya, but I loved it. I loved that it was different. It makes for such an interesting friend group. I’m obsessed with the found family and friendships in this series. I have a feeling this will be a series that sticks with me for a while after all the books are out and read. I suggest jumping on the bandwagon if you haven’t already.
Kennedy and Cameron are literally fire & ice, so the title is perfect. She’s sunshine and he’s grump. She is a main character and he would love nothing more than to be left alone and hide in the background. Throw in some fake dating, but real feelings. I’m sold!
I know this is fake, but why does it feel more real than anything I've had before?
I loved these characters individually as much as I loved them together. They both have things they are going through alone, but they decide to be “alone together” and be there for each other. They are exactly what the other needs. I’m so happy to have witnessed their love story. It’s also so sexy to see a man be so supportive of his woman’s dreams.
“It's so fucking sexy watching you in your element,"
This series is phenomenal. I’m swooning, laughing, crying, and just having a blast. Highly recommend reading!
Tropes:
1 cup of Grumpy x Sunshine
½ cup of Fake Dating
3 tbsp of He Falls First
1 tsp slow burn
3 cups of NHL Goalie x Baker
April 22, 2026
I’m crying as I’m finishing up the epilogue because this was one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I’ve read plenty of books about grumpy hockey goalies and sunshiny bakers (&/or other professions), but this one takes the cake as one of the BEST and one of the most emotional too. The first book the Boston Bobcats series had me hooked on Carly Robyn’s writing and it really shone through in this book. The characters had such fun, and unique personalities. I loved Kennedy so much, with her lack of filter, endless inappropriate jokes, and unhinged sarcastic comments that shouldn’t be funny but are. Cameron was also such a sweetheart, he’s a grumpy wall of stone on the outside, but on the inside he’s a man who just wants to be chosen and loved for who he is. I loved the representation of him being celiac, and how this big guy positively melted into a puddle when Kennedy demands people serve her man food that he can eat. The plot was amazing, I love a fake dating plot and I loved the tension but also the clear love in this one. The chemistry between Kennedy and Cameron is off the charts, I was swooning at how cute they were together, with their playful bickering but also fierce protectiveness of each other. Also I feel like I should add that there’s no third act breakup which was STUNNING by the way; because no, you don’t need them to randomly breakup to make your story emotional or entertaining. There are a couple plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat, but ultimately it’s an HEA, which was so damn well deserved. Please read this book, it’s perfect for any hockey romance lover and I give this a 5/5
May 15, 2026
This book was so good! Possibly the greatest grumpy/sunshine trope I've read, actually!! The MMC was perfectly broodily grumpy, and sunny Kennedy thawed him perfectly. (For some reason her cheery personality reminded me of Escoffier's character from the online game Genshin Impact, but it's probably just because she was a blonde baker.)
There was great banter also.
I was nervous about starting with Book #2 of the series, because I haven't read Book 1 yet, but it wasn't a problem at all. I'm definitely going to go back and read how Cole and Maya got together. I need a book for every player on this team, as well as Sloane and maybe even angry Coach Henderson (hey, having to deal with all those hockey players must be stressful and yet has the potential to be wildly entertaining, with endless potential for banter between the hockey players. I'm all about the banter! Plus, he probably has a wife who needs to rekindle her marriage, right? You know I'm right.)... so, anyway, I'm hoping that's the author's plan! This will be a great series!
There was great banter also.
I was nervous about starting with Book #2 of the series, because I haven't read Book 1 yet, but it wasn't a problem at all. I'm definitely going to go back and read how Cole and Maya got together. I need a book for every player on this team, as well as Sloane and maybe even angry Coach Henderson (hey, having to deal with all those hockey players must be stressful and yet has the potential to be wildly entertaining, with endless potential for banter between the hockey players. I'm all about the banter! Plus, he probably has a wife who needs to rekindle her marriage, right? You know I'm right.)... so, anyway, I'm hoping that's the author's plan! This will be a great series!
April 30, 2026
4.5 stars! ⭐️
This was such a fun read! This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and I just loved seeing these two characters come to life! After reading the first book I just KNEW I needed to find out more about Cameron and his grumpy self.
The banter and tension between Cameron and Kennedy was everythinggg! Grumpy x Sunshine, Fake Dating, He falls first?! LOVE 🫶🏼 seeing their characters grow together and realize the love they had for one another made my heart melt. Also had me giddy just how cute and funny/badass Kennedy was!
The writing in this book was beautiful and the perfect amount of slow burn
Thank you Carly and Valentine PR for the ARC! 🧡 loved this one and can’t wait to continue to see this world grow!
This was such a fun read! This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and I just loved seeing these two characters come to life! After reading the first book I just KNEW I needed to find out more about Cameron and his grumpy self.
The banter and tension between Cameron and Kennedy was everythinggg! Grumpy x Sunshine, Fake Dating, He falls first?! LOVE 🫶🏼 seeing their characters grow together and realize the love they had for one another made my heart melt. Also had me giddy just how cute and funny/badass Kennedy was!
The writing in this book was beautiful and the perfect amount of slow burn
Thank you Carly and Valentine PR for the ARC! 🧡 loved this one and can’t wait to continue to see this world grow!
April 24, 2026
I felt incredibly lucky to snag an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Carly Robyn’s “Fire and Ice”. Having already preordered it after falling in love with the first book, “Ice Ice Baby”, I had high expectations, and this sequel delivered pure joy.
The story follows Kennedy, an entrepreneur looking for capital to expand her bakery, and Cameron, a grumpy hockey player (who actually growls!) looking for a buffer to keep his ex at bay. Their solution? A fake-dating arrangement where Cameron invests in her business in exchange for her acting as his girlfriend.
In my book, Carly Robyn is the reigning queen of sports romance. She offers so much more than just "sports and spice" her characters possess genuine depth. I loved watching Cameron’s layers peel away to reveal the heart beneath the grumpiness. Robyn’s dialogue is masterfully crafted, and her humor is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you want hockey or F1, Carly Robyn is now the first name I’ll recommend.
The story follows Kennedy, an entrepreneur looking for capital to expand her bakery, and Cameron, a grumpy hockey player (who actually growls!) looking for a buffer to keep his ex at bay. Their solution? A fake-dating arrangement where Cameron invests in her business in exchange for her acting as his girlfriend.
In my book, Carly Robyn is the reigning queen of sports romance. She offers so much more than just "sports and spice" her characters possess genuine depth. I loved watching Cameron’s layers peel away to reveal the heart beneath the grumpiness. Robyn’s dialogue is masterfully crafted, and her humor is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you want hockey or F1, Carly Robyn is now the first name I’ll recommend.
May 4, 2026
Fun read, hockey romances can do no wrong in my eyes
This felt less fake dating and more just dating, issues were raised but not resolved but the characters were likeable and, as above, hockey romances can do no wrong
This felt less fake dating and more just dating, issues were raised but not resolved but the characters were likeable and, as above, hockey romances can do no wrong
May 18, 2026
4.5. I loved this one!!! I didn’t read the first in the series but honestly don’t feel like I needed to. I adored these characters and their banter. The FMC sometimes bothered me but also she was just being her whimsy self and we love that.
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