Never Pucking Ending

On Ice #3

by B. Celeste

Jesse Clarkson has always held two things close to his heart—hockey and his stepsister Belle.



Except the friendship that blossomed between the two over the last fifteen years has grown into more, and so does the protectiveness he feels for the woman who suffers from chronic migraines and who’s been his number one fan for over a decade.



To the world, Belle is part of the family who rarely misses his games.



But to Jesse, she’s his whole world.



And the two must fight the potential backlash of admitting their true feelings or risk losing each other for good.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey Romance

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2026

About the author

B. Celeste is a new adult and contemporary romance author that gives voices to raw, realistic characters with emotional storylines that tug on the heartstrings.

She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.

Email: bcdwrites@gmail.com

Reviews

[Emmy Wong]

I love a stepsiblings romance and this one was adorable. From the very start they clearly had feelings for each other and wouldn’t admit it, but the things they did to support each other demonstrated their love more than words could ever express. There were some parts that were a little repetitive and dragged on but I do love some jealously to get that heat going. When Belle gets set up with her mom’s friends son, Jesse goes full territorial mode, in more than just a brotherly way. Belle is also such a great character, she’s opening her own bookstore which I love for her and i love a strong business woman. I do love a hockey man too, and while jealousy Jesse was hot, domestic Jesse is even better. He is such a green flag and always takes care of Belle during her migrants and builds her up when she’s feeling down. I loved the body positivity all throughout this book and how it embraced the struggles that so many woman face while also empowering women to love our bodies no matter what. Plot wise I did like the second book of this series better but this was still a very fun read and I give it a 4/5

[The Book Ssirren]

This was a sweet ending to this series. Jesse and Belle were great. Step siblings that never felt like they were family, but more best friends. So forbidden aspect was played out well. It was great seeing them slowly develop into more as time went on. I really enjoyed reading this one and was happy to see them finally get their happy.

[Fernanda Dzib]

4⭐️

I was waiting for this book since the moment I finished Thomas and Winter’s story 🙊💜 and I had the huge chance to get the arc of this series since Honor and Bodhi’s book, so reading Belle and Jesse’s story is a full circle moment and I really enjoyed it 🥹💜

Jesse and Belle were so perfect! I loved Belle so much, I could relate with her in so many ways and I just love her, she’s so sweet and beautiful and strong and she knows exactly what she wants and she works hard for it, and I love that Jesse was there for here to always support her and protect her 😩💜 their relationship is so pure and beautiful and so meant to be 🥹💜 Jesse is just perfect, the way he’s always there to support Belle and loving her is so precious, and I love how he was willing to take anything Belle was able to give to him, and how he was in cloud 9 when Belle finally gave him a chance 😩💜

Sometimes all you need is a cute, cozy, and addictive romance to have a great day, and this book is exactly that! I loved that there wasn’t unnecessary drama in the plot, and I was so thankful Jesse and Belle were communicating with each other, they were si in sync that it was perfect to read, and I love all the references about other books and music and books and I love Jesse was willingly learning everything Belle loved so they could share everything 💜🥹

I’m a little sad that this series came to an end, but now I have the perfect excuse to read all the three books again 🙊✨

[The Calm Chapter Mandi Wiencek]

🏒 Never Pucking Ending 🏒
(( Spoiler-FREE ARC Review))

Title- Never Pucking Ending
Author- B. Celeste
Genre- Contemporary Sports Romance
Series- On Ice Series Book 3

Trope City-
💜 Slow Burn
💜 Pro Hockey MMC
💜 Stepsiblings
💜 Plus Size FMC
💜 Forced Proximity

Jesse (MMC) is a professional hockey player living with his stepsister Belle (FMC). Their parents started their relationship while the two were in high school. They spent a decent amount of time being forced to live in the same home only to find they couldn’t imagine not living in the same home. Belle suffers from debilitating migraines and Jesse has always stepped in to aid in her care. He seems to always be the hero. They both feel some spark, but is that allowed? Can step siblings feel sparks? Assuming it to be nothing, Belle attempts to date different people her mom sets her up with. Nothing quite lands like that spark she feels for Jesse. Jesse doesn’t even attempt to date, knowing that his feelings are the real deal regardless of his defined relationship with Belle. There’s some good hockey player on the side, slow burn, comedic lightness, genuine health struggle and of course the burning question of whether this can work or not.

Happy Pub Week! Thank you Grey’s Promotions and B. Celeste for sharing this arc with me! 🏒💜

[Cokiereads]

Belle and Jesse have been taking care of each other for years. Their friendship is close, they know each other backwards and forwards. (Their parents married while they were in high school). So when Jesse moves to a new team, Belle moves too. Her business (while not failing) isn't the place to run anymore.

New town, new team, and living together. What on earth can close proximity do?? A lot! Jesse has always been very protective of Belle (and a lot of people might notice it) and Belle cares a lot for him too.

When a new guy pops up in Belle's life I think this time it really puts Jesse's life into a tailspin. And with her new store Belle has really been thinking about the future. What's it going to look like? The characters are both in their 30s (which I LOVE) and I think that can be a confusing time for people if their lives have been recently changed.

You will love the relationship between these two even if its a lot more complicated than other friends. Because thats what these two are at the heart of it. Friends. But can they become more?

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Jesse and Bella’s story.
These two are stepsibling and have formed a great friendship. Jesse is a pro hockey player, who is protective and caring over Belle, who suffers from chronic headaches, and she is his number one fan always. When Jesse signs up for another town, Belle does not hesitate in moving with him, and their friendships develops into more.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, angst, tension, close proximity, stepsiblings, romance, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[BCBooks]

This book was just super sweet from beginning to end. Normally the female lead is my favorite character, cause I’m a girls girl and I always gotta root for my girl. And I totally was. Belle is a baddie, a business owner who knows what she wants out of her life and isn’t going to let anything stand in her way. I relate to Belle so much, as I too suffer from debilitating migraines that can last for days. But I don’t have a Jesse. And what I wouldn’t give to have a Jesse. Jesse is good from the moment we meet him and he does not disappoint us once. The support he shows Belle throughout this story is what every woman wants and deserves. So when I say that normally the female lead is my favorite, for Never Pucking Ending, my favorite character is not Belle, that honor is all for Jesse.

I plowed through this book. I really enjoyed the story, it’s a beautiful connection and deep love between two soul mates. There was the humor and spice that B. Celeste is so good at. I really enjoyed this one.

[Sarah LaFata]

I absolutely loved this third book in the On Ice series! We knew that there were sprinklings of things heating up from the previous books, so I was so happy that Belle and Jesse now have their own book! Never Pucking Ending has one of my most favorite tropes, forbidden romance! There was definitely a slow burn element as well. I love how Belle and Jesse showed up for each other time and time again. I also loved how they really didn’t care how others perceived their relationship. Never Pucking Ending is releasing on Friday, September 18, so make sure to give it a read when it’s out in the wild!

[Lisa Ann D.]

It would have been an ok read- just couldn’t stand the multiple Dobby & Harry Potter references- if someone still supports JKR at this point and time- 🤮

[Reading In the Red Room]

4.5…This is such a fun series. This book was definitely no exception. Jesse is a professional hockey player…who has a thing for his step sister. Belle is a business owner. She just closed one business and is ready for a fresh start…new business new life. She is also attracted to Jesse. But will these two figure out that their felling for each other is actually ok?!? This was a fun sports romance with a great story being told. Jesse was so incredibly sweet with Belle and ready took care of her. The banter was fun and the slow burning chemistry was definitely worth the wait.

[Jenna Lundberg]

🏒❤️ He Was Her Biggest Supporter Until He Realized She Was His Whole World ❤️🏒
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers

Sometimes you don't need a romance filled with betrayal, emotional devastation, and enough angst to make you question your life choices. Sometimes you just need two people who have loved and supported each other for years finally realizing that maybe what they have isn't quite as simple as friendship anymore. Never Pucking Ending was exactly that kind of book for me, and after reading a lot of darker romances lately, it was the perfect palate cleanser.

Belle and Jesse have been part of each other's lives for fifteen years. Their parents got together when they were teenagers, and over the years, their relationship developed into something incredibly close. They know each other backwards and forwards, they've always been there for each other, and Belle has been Jesse's biggest fan for years. So when Jesse moves to a new hockey team in Fairbanks, Belle moves too, especially since she's ready for a change with her business. Suddenly they're living together, starting over in a new town, and spending even more time with the person who has always been their safe place.

Because apparently putting two people with that much history under the same roof is a perfectly reasonable idea. 😂

And honestly? It was so good.

Jesse has always been incredibly protective of Belle, but that protectiveness takes on a whole new meaning once his feelings start becoming impossible to ignore. Belle has chronic migraines that can leave her debilitated for days, and the way Jesse knows exactly how to care for her during an attack genuinely melted me. As someone who also deals with debilitating migraines, this part of their relationship hit especially close to home for me. He knows her needs, notices the little things, and is simply there when she needs him without making her feel helpless.

Usually, I'm a girls' girl through and through, and I almost always find myself gravitating toward the FMC. Belle is absolutely a woman I would root for. She's strong, independent, owns her own business, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to work for the life she's building. I loved watching her start thinking about what she actually wants her future to look like and realizing that sometimes a major life change can make you reevaluate everything.

But Jesse?

That man was my favorite. 🥹

Jesse is good from the moment we meet him, and he never stops showing up for Belle. He supports her dreams, takes her migraines seriously, cheers her on, protects her when she needs it, and never makes her feel like she's anything less than capable. He isn't supportive only when it's convenient. It's simply who he is. And there is something incredibly swoony about a man who has spent years knowing the woman he loves so well that he can tell what she needs before she even asks.

He also happens to be very jealous when another man starts showing interest in Belle. 👀

And let's just say protective, jealous Jesse is a whole different level of hot.

What I loved most about Jesse and Belle, though, was that their relationship really is built on friendship. They aren't strangers suddenly falling for each other because they're attracted to one another. These two have fifteen years of memories, trust, inside jokes, support, and genuine affection behind them. Their feelings may have changed, but the foundation was already there.

That made the transition from friends to something more feel natural to me.

Yes, this is a stepsibling romance, and I know that trope isn't going to work for every reader. Their parents married when they were already teenagers, they aren't biologically related, and their relationship never had a creepy or inappropriate feel to me. What made it work was the amount of care B. Celeste put into establishing their history and showing why these two matter so much to each other before they ever cross that line.

The forbidden aspect also comes from knowing what their relationship could mean for the people around them. They aren't oblivious to the potential fallout, and I appreciated that they didn't treat everyone else's feelings like they didn't matter. There is a real fear of losing the friendship and family dynamic they've had for years if the romantic relationship doesn't work. That's what makes their decision to finally acknowledge their feelings carry some weight.

And can we talk about the romance? ❤️‍🔥

This book is definitely sweet, but B. Celeste still gives us plenty of heat once Jesse and Belle finally stop fighting what has been sitting between them. The slow build of all those years of buried feelings makes the payoff that much more satisfying, especially when you have a hero who has been quietly down bad for his best friend for approximately forever. 😂

I also loved the found-family atmosphere throughout the story. Jesse's hockey friends bring plenty of humor and personality, and I especially enjoyed the fact that they were basically watching these two circle each other while some of them were apparently already taking bets on when they'd finally figure things out. I also loved the little details sprinkled throughout the book, including Belle's romance bookstore, the Heated Rivalry references, and the stray cat she names Dobby. And yes, hockey players reading romance novels? I was absolutely here for that. 😂

The bookstore storyline was another favorite for me. Belle is building something of her own and figuring out what she wants her next chapter to look like, and I loved seeing that part of her life develop alongside the romance. The ending with the bookstore and the way Jesse supports her dreams was exactly the kind of warm, satisfying conclusion I wanted.

This was also the perfect final book in the On Ice series for me. B. Celeste gave Jesse and Belle a story that felt different from the usual hockey romance formula while still giving me the hockey setting, friendship, humor, heat, and found family I love. More than anything, it was a story about two people who have spent years being each other's person finally realizing that maybe they don't have to choose between friendship and love.

Sometimes your person has been standing beside you the entire time.

You just have to be brave enough to reach for them. ❤️

Never Pucking Ending was sweet, emotional, swoony, spicy, and just genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end. It gave me warmth, made me smile, and reminded me that sometimes a romance doesn't need huge drama to make you feel deeply invested in the couple.

And Jesse Clarkson?

Yeah. I would like one of those, please. 😂🏒❤️

Thank you to B. Celeste and Grey's Promotions for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alexia Gauthier]

What the puck will the family think? I was too busy turning pages.

4 ⭐️ | 2.75 🌶️

Is this book taboo? Yes.
Did I devour it in a day? Also yes.
Am I ashamed? Fuck no.

B. Celeste’s Never Pucking Ending, the third instalment in the On Ice series, serves up hockey, years of buried feelings, and a stepbrother romance that had me clearing my schedule with absolutely zero regrets.

Belle is our curvy girlie, living with chronic migraines and carrying a long-standing crush on Jesse. He’s the captain of the Fairbanks Fireflies, her stepbrother, and apparently a committed practitioner of having feelings and doing fuck-all about them. Until recently.

Now they’re adults sharing a home in Fairbanks, and all that history comes with them. The friendship. The loyalty. The feelings they can’t conveniently switch off just because admitting them would make the family group chat uncomfortable.

And that’s what makes this premise so delicious: the person you want is already woven into your life. What happens if reaching for more costs you the closeness you already have? How long do you keep pretending when “just family” stopped describing your feelings a long time ago?

Jesse’s protectiveness and the fact that Belle is his whole world? Yes, I’m listening. There’s something deeply appealing about being known beyond the easy, pretty moments; especially when chronic pain is part of your everyday life. Give me the longing, but give me a reason to care about the people doing it, too.

As for the stepsibling aspect: it didn’t put me off. They aren’t blood-related, and I was comfortable reading their romance. Karen, you can sit this one out. I had pages to turn. And turn them I did. One day. Gone. Clearly, my responsibilities needed to learn some independence.

There’s heat to enjoy, but the emotional stakes are a big part of the temptation. Years of wanting someone, the fear of what admitting it could cost, and the possibility of finally being wanted back? That’s a very persuasive combination.

A thoroughly enjoyable four-star read that scratched my forbidden-romance itch and kept me happily occupied until the last page. Messy feelings, fierce attachment, and plenty of oh, we’re really going there appeal.

Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for sending me the e-ARC, and congratulations to B. Celeste on the September 18th release! 🏒

[Lindsey Adams]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 3 in the On Ice series is here and B Celeste did a fantastic job in rounding out this series. I know that stepsibling romances aren’t everyone’s forte and can be viewed as taboo, but this book is written so well and definitely highlights the relationship to show the deep feelings our MCs have for each other. Never Pucking Ending reminds readers that love comes in all different shapes and sizes and sometimes finds you when you least expect it or years before you fully understand what is happening.

Jesse and Belle may be stepsiblings, but they have always had a special relationship. Looking out for each other was easy for them both and as they got older, they both realized the “sibling” love they should have is much more. Nothing about this book is written inappropriately or creepy. These two have just been able to grow their relationship in a very genuine, meaningful way. Belle works hard for what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. Jesse is her biggest fan and is always there to support and encourage her. He is also not afraid to step in to protect her if needed. He never wants to see her hurt, least of all by him. I will warn you, protective/jealous Jesse brings a new level of hotness to this story. IYKYK!

This book is truly a story that focuses on these two finding the ability to be together, despite the attention their relationship gleams from people. Yet they are very aware of this fact and B wrote it in a way that makes sense. They never try to convince others to agree with them, just accept their romance. They are not doing anything wrong. Different and unique, yes, but not wrong.

If you have been wanting to dip your toes into this trope within a forbidden romance, this book is a great place to start. Not once did this story hold a creepy vibe, just yearning, deep connection, and finding the person who completes you like no one else can. A lighthearted romance that you feel deeply, which made it a fantastic read.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
💜Taboo-ish Romance
🏒Forbidden Romance
💜Stepsiblings
🏒Curvy FMC
💜Protective MMC
🏒Forced Proximity
💜Chronic Migraine Rep
🏒in their 30’s

[Liz]

Sometimes you don’t want or need drama, angst, and emotional turmoil. Sometimes you just want a simple but beautiful romance between two people who are perfect for each other and this book delivers that. Jesse and Belle first met as teenagers when their parents got together, and they’ve been an important part of each other’s lives ever since. Even back then, Jesse had this naturally caring and thoughtful side that would remain such an important part of who he was as an adult. This was especially clear in the way he looked out for Belle when he discovered she suffered from severe migraines. The way he cared for her during an attack genuinely touched my heart, particularly as a fellow sufferer. Belle, meanwhile, became Jesse’s biggest supporter and personal cheerleader. Together they shared a really special friendship, closer than many siblings who shared the same blood, but there had always been that underlying frisson of attraction between them – not that either had ever acted upon it, something always held them back from taking that next step into a relationship not least of all worry of what other people might think.

This book was the perfect palate cleanser after reading a lot of darker romance recently - not that there’s anything wrong with that! Sometimes, though, you just need to recharge and reset with a story where there’s no major drama overshadowing the love. And honestly, that’s what worked so well for me. Because of all the history, trust and genuine affection behind them, their relationship development felt like a natural progression rather than a sudden development that appeared out of nowhere. Even the forbidden aspect was fairly low-key as Jesse and Belle hadn’t been children growing up as siblings, so their situation never felt quite as shocking as the setup might initially suggest.

Overall, this was a sweet, slow-burn romance built around friendship, familiarity and a love that had been quietly growing for years. The characters felt well developed, their connection made sense, and there was something really satisfying about watching them finally figure things out making for a lovely change of pace that left me smiling. Sometimes you really do just need a Never Pucking Ending kind of love.

[Jen Vazquez]

Fifteen Years of Pretending & the Cinnamon Roll Who Finally Snapped:

Jesse and Belle have been circling each other for fifteen years, and B. Celeste makes every one of those years feel earned. When Belle's mom married Jesse's dad back in high school, what started as a forced family dynamic slowly became the deepest friendship either of them had — and, quietly, so much more. Jesse's been hockey captain, protector, and Belle's built-in best friend for over a decade, all while trying (and failing) not to notice her.

Jesse is such a cinnamon roll with yummy hotness — soft and steady with Belle, ruthless on the ice, and never once interested in anyone else. That contrast is what makes him work: he's not brooding for the sake of it, he's just quietly, devastatingly loyal.

This is a slow-burn stepsibling romance that could easily have tipped into uncomfortable territory, but Celeste threads the needle beautifully — the tension is earned, the found-family dynamic (bookstore/bakery setting, rescued animals, meddling parents who clearly saw this coming before either of them did) gives the book real warmth, and the "everyone knows but them" trope is executed with genuine charm rather than frustration. The chemistry is a slow simmer that pays off in a deeply satisfying way, and the mild spice level keeps the focus on emotional intimacy rather than heat for heat's sake.

Belle's chronic migraines are woven into her character with care rather than used as a device, and Jesse's protectiveness never tips into overbearing — it reads as genuine devotion built over years, not weeks. A prickly business neighbor adds just enough external conflict to keep the pacing moving without distracting from the central relationship.

Book three of the On Ice series stands strong as a page-turner with a well-earned HEA. Highly recommend for readers who love a slow-burn, taboo-adjacent romance done right. Spice level 🌶️🌶️

[lowkeyreader]

Never Pucking Ending was such an emotional read, B. Celeste always brings that raw, heartfelt quality to her books and this one hit deep. Jesse and Belle's fifteen years of friendship slowly turning into something more is such a slow, tender build, and I loved that it didn't feel rushed, you really feel the weight of history between these two by the time real feelings finally come to a head.

Giving Belle chronic migraines added such a grounded, real layer to her character, she's not just the sweet stepsister who's always been Jesse's number one fan, she's dealing with something genuinely hard, and watching Jesse's protectiveness over her blur the line into something deeper felt so believable given everything they've been through together. The stepsibling dynamic gave their romance such a forbidden, loaded charge too, the fear of what the world and their family would think hung over every stolen moment.

B. Celeste's writing always finds a way to make the emotional stakes feel massive even in a quieter, slower story like this one, and the hockey backdrop gave Jesse's world just enough texture without overshadowing the real heart of the book, which is these two finally choosing each other despite the risk.

Only reason it's not a full 5 is I wanted a bit more time with the fallout once their relationship comes to light, felt like the backlash got resolved a little quickly given how much anxiety was built around it. But overall such a tender, angsty, well written read, and a strong finish to the On Ice series.

[Kirsty]

STOPPP this was so freaking CUTE 😭🏒💕 I absolutely adored Jesse and Belle!!

Fifteen years of friendship, growing up together, being each other’s person and then realising that maybe those feelings haven’t been very sibling-like for a LONG time??? I ate this up.

JESSE CLARKSON 🥹

The way this man loves Belle!!! She’s not just his stepsister or the girl who’s been sitting in the stands cheering him on for years. She is literally his WHOLE WORLD and you can feel it in everything he does.

His protectiveness over Belle, especially with her chronic migraines, absolutely melted me. He knows her. He knows what she needs, when she needs him and all those little things that come from loving someone for years and years before you’ve even admitted what that love has become 😭

And Belle being his number one fan for over a decade??? PLEASE. My heart couldn’t handle these two.

I loved the forbidden element because they KNOW people aren’t necessarily going to understand their relationship. There is so much history between them and so much to potentially lose, but at the same time… HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO WALK AWAY FROM YOUR PERSON?!

Jesse basically saying hockey is one of the most important things in his life but Belle is THE most important thing??? Goodbye. I’m done. 🫠💕

This was sweet, emotional, a little forbidden, super swoony and just gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings.

Jesse + Belle foreverrrrr 🏒🥹💕

[gena]

Never Pucking Ending was such a sweet and emotional read I enojyed! Jesse and Belle’s relationship completely stole my heart. I loved that they had so much history together and that their friendship, trust, and unwavering support slowly developed into something more.
Jesse’s protectiveness toward Belle, especially when she was dealing with her chronic migraines, was one of my favorite parts. He knew her so well and was always there when she needed him. Belle was just as supportive of Jesse, always cheering him on and believing in him. Their connection felt genuine and easy to root for.
I also loved the found-family feel throughout the story and that there wasn’t a ton of unnecessary drama. It was the perfect mix of sweet, emotional, and spicy. And I absolutely loved the playlist! 🎶 It added another layer to the story and made certain moments hit even harder.
There were a few spots where the pacing felt a little slow, and I would have loved a bit more tension, but overall I really enjoyed Jesse and Belle’s journey.
A heartfelt hockey romance filled with friendship, buried feelings, devotion, found family, and a love that was there all along.

Thank you to B. Celeste & Greyspromo for the ARC.

[Ashley]

Okay, this was the PERFECT ending to this series. 🥹❤️

I absolutely loved Jesse and Belle. Yes, this is a step-siblings-to-lovers romance, but the way B. Celeste handled their story was SO good.

One of my favorite things about B. Celeste’s books is how much depth her characters have. They’re never just their romance—they have emotions, struggles, and complicated situations to work through. And I love how the characters come together like a team when things get hard. It adds that little extra bit of magic to her books that I’ve come to love.

And yes, I’m going to say it… 👀

I’ve read a few step-sibling romances, but Jesse and Belle are definitely one of my favorites.

It wasn’t just their relationship that did it for me—it was their entire journey. The emotions, the romance, the complicated feelings, and the way everything was handled with so much care made their story hit differently.

B. Celeste gave Jesse and Belle so much more than just a forbidden romance. She gave them a story with heart, depth, healing, and love, and I loved watching their relationship develop.

Such an emotional and beautiful way to end this series. Jesse and Belle absolutely have my heart. ❤️‍🩹📚

[Ann]

*4 stars*
It definitely was a rollercoaster of emotions but it's been a while since I have read a story about this kind of romance. It had a good vibe and storyline between the two characters, Jesse & Belle, but I also the chemistry and blossoming love between them as we follow their lives. It definitely had many emotional moments but also lovely moments which held its own. A great mix of sports and romance.

Jesse and Belle have grown up together and always had each other's backs. With Belle's new job adventure, she's trying to move on from her past and hopefully venture into something that will bring good to the community. Her relationship with Jesse has always been platonic as he's her stepbrother but there has always been something underneath that she never explored. Jesse's been famous on his hockey team and wants Belle to succeed. He's never crossed a line with her but feelings have always been hidden underneath. As they live together, he's even more protective of her. But soon there is something that's changing between them but will they give their love a chance in the end?...

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥]

After having read both previous installments I couldn't wait for more from this series! I jumped back into the On Ice world as soon as I could. I really enjoyed this story so much!

Belle and Jesse's journey drew me right in! These two are stepsiblings that have a sweet bond. The thing is though, they have each other's hearts as well. Can they be together?

Jesse and Belle had me invested in their story from the start! I adored how close these two were to each other. I related to Belle in many ways. I felt for her as she dealt with pain from chronic migraines. I loved that Jesse was a hockey player. How caring he was with Belle just warmed my heart.

Belle and Jesse's connection and chemistry were all so wonderful! The way they showed up for each other and how they really paid attention to each other was beautiful to see. I was cheering them on to be together!

I appreciated the chronic migraine rep in this story.

With Never Pucking Ending, B. Celeste has created such an awesome stepsiblings romance that brought heart, realness, and feels! 💜

I adore this series so much!

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Melissa]

We finally get Jesse and his stepsister Belles story. Jesse was a year ahead of Belle in school. Belle had always noticed him and like everyone else had a crush on him. Then their parents started dating and got married. So Belle lived with Jesse for one year until he graduated and moved. They grew close in that year as friends and kept in contact while he was away playing hockey. Then Bell moved to where Jesse was playing and opened her bar/restaurant. When Jesse switched team Belle decided it was a good time to sell her bar and move with him and try something new. Now they live together and Belle is realizing that she and Jesse aren’t going to be able to have a relationship like she wants. When her mom sets her up with a guy Jesse doesn’t want her to date him. But he’s not yet willing to admit why he doesn’t want her dating someone else. I was glad to read their story. This is a slow burn step siblings romance. But the step siblings to me wasn’t as taboo as Belle and Jesse made it seem. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[De Smith]

From the very beginnings g this book held my heart in its hands. It’s such a sweet and heartwarming story. Jesse and Belle knew each other for forever. And their connection was so honest and meaningful. The way Jesse takes care of Belle, especially when she has a migraine, made me swoon hard and fast for him. They supported each other and were always there for one another it pulled on my heartstrings so hard I thought they’d snap. And I welcomed it. These two are such good people and care deeply about those in their lives. And all I wanted for them was happiness and peace. Watching things grow and change and develop for Jesse and Belle made me get more and more invested in their relationship. This book is the perfect balance between sweet and heat. And has such an amazing found family vibe that you will feel like a part of the group. While reading this book and even after I had finished I was filled with the same warmth of affection and acceptance that Jesse and Belle have for one another. And that made this book an even better read.

[Marsha Graniel]

Never Pucking Ending is a sports romance with friends to lovers and forbidden romance. This is Jesse and Belle's story, filled with hidden crushes and sweet swoon worthy moments. Jesse and Belle have been there for each other, and when their parents got married when they were in high school, their friendship got deeper. I love how close they are and how they protect each other no matter what. Jesse is one of the sweetest pro hockey players who is thinking about more than his career. Belle is such a sweetheart who wants to build her own career with the support of her family and friends. Together, they help each other achieve more than they thought, while slowly falling more for each other. Their story will have you feeling emotional and rooting for them to have their HEA. I also love the secondary characters and how they were there for them through all the conflicts. I really enjoyed their story and can't wait to read more.

I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance reader copy.

[l_romantsayreads]

From the first minute that Belle met her step brother Jesse he was looking out for her. Helping her with her migraines and making sure she had everything she needed.

Fast forward several years they are still supporting each other and hiding their feelings. It wasn’t until the moved back in with each other and the threat of Belle dating that Jesse realizes that he can’t hide this anymore.

Yes this a step brother/step sister romance and it’s done so well. Jesse is a hockey player and Belle is opening a romance bookstore after her prior business failed. They are sweet together and then very spicy when they finally give him.

But we also have heated rivalry references though out to book which was fun and she names the stay cat she finds Dobby.

One of my favorite parts was that his hockey friends were betting on them getting together.

I seriously loved the ending with the bookstore and how they were able to make it successful. All I can say is hockey stars reading romance novels 🔥.

[PFL]

Jesse and Belle's relationship in Never Pucking Ending, book 3 of the On Ice series in B. Celeste’s book describes the story of stepsiblings who have a deep friendship, shared history, and unwavering loyalty to one another which leads to more.

I especially appreciated the representation of Belle's chronic migraines and how her struggles were woven into the story with care and sensitivity. Their connection felt genuine, and the emotional moments were some of the strongest parts of the book.

While I enjoyed the romance and the undeniable chemistry between Jesse and Belle, there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow, and I found myself wanting a little more tension in certain parts of the story. Even so, the heartfelt character development and emotional payoff made the journey worthwhile.

Overall, Never Pucking Ending is a sweet, angsty hockey romance filled with friendship, devotion, and a love that refuses to quit.

[Itsmep]

I’ll be honest, I was a little hesitant about the stepsiblings aspect, but Jesse and Belle’s story was such a sweet, emotional read! I loved the years of friendship between them slowly turning into something more, especially with how protective Jesse was of Belle. Their connection felt genuine, and I really enjoyed seeing them navigate their feelings while worrying about how everyone else would react.

I also appreciated the representation of Belle dealing with chronic migraines because it added another layer to her character and their relationship. Jesse being her biggest protector while Belle had always been one of his biggest supporters was definitely a favorite part for me.

Overall, this was a sweet romance with plenty of emotion, tension, and that “we shouldn’t, but we can’t help it” feeling.

I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.

[Angela Durand]

🏒 Never Pucking Ending 🏒

B. Celeste is one of my favorite authors, so of course I had to read this one! ❤️ I’ve always loved her books, and this one did not disappoint.

I really enjoyed Jesse and Belle’s story. They’ve been close for fifteen years, but their friendship has grown into something more, and I loved seeing them try to figure out what that meant for both of them. Jesse was so protective of Belle, and I really liked that she had been his biggest supporter for years. ❤️

There was definitely some drama and complicated feelings with everything they had to risk by admitting how they felt, and of course there was some heat too! 🔥 I also really like how B. Celeste gives you the information you need throughout the story without making it feel like too much.

B. Celeste will always be an author I’ll keep coming back to. ❤️

Thank you so much to B. Celeste for the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts!

[ljamison]

This is the third book in the On Ice series. I have read all the books in this series and I must admit this is my least favorite of the series. Its a very sweet book of two people who are step siblings who have been each others lives for a very long time. They know how to support, care and be there for each other. Belle attends his hockey games and supports him. Jesse knows how to treat her migraines. Kudos on the correct representation of migraines ( I can personally recall having migraines that last 2-3 days) Maybe it was just a little hard for me to see these two together for so long and there be no feelings or desires. When Jesse decides to move, Belle moves too. A person usually doesn't consider uprooting themselves unless they are in love. This book is sickening sweet if you are look for low drama, and low angst. I loved the characters. Two of the nicest, thoughtful characters who were dedicated to their careers. It was a very fast read for me.

[Jackie Wright]

Never Pucking Ending is hockey player Jesse Clarkson and Belle’s forbidden romance. It’s book three in the On Ice Series and it didn’t take me long to get drawn in and become invested in this couple and their story.
Jesse loves Belle with all of his heart, she is the girl that cheered him on from the stands but she is also his stepsister and that makes her off limits. He loves everything about her and he knows exactly what she needs and she feels the same way about him as well as being his number one fan. He knows what he should do but the problem is walking away was never going to be an option……..
This is an entertaining, emotional and forbidden romance, I fell hard and fast for Jesse and I adored Belle but it was watching him care for her durning her migraines that touched my heart.