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Cold War : A Steamy Enemies-to-Lovers College Hockey Romance

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He’s cold-blooded on the ice. She’s about to make him burn off it.

Maren Cole doesn’t do athletes. Especially not arrogant, brooding hockey captains who think the world owes them a standing ovation. But when her athletic training placement lands her on the Cold Blooded’ roster, she’s stuck with Callum “Cal” Reeves — six-foot-two of stubborn muscle, sharp jawline, and an attitude problem that makes her want to scream.

Cal doesn’t do distractions. Not with a championship on the line and his body one bad hit from ending his career. The last thing he needs is a sunshine-smiling trainer with fire in her eyes and opinions about everything. She’s off-limits. End of discussion.

Except the ice baths keep getting hotter. The late-night taping sessions keep lasting longer. And the way she looks at him when she thinks he’s not watching? That’s the most dangerous play of all.

When a scandal threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, Cal and Maren will have to protect their futures — or fight for each other.

Cold War is a steamy, full-length enemies-to-lovers college hockey romance with a grumpy captain, a fierce heroine, forced proximity, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Book 1 in Cold Blooded series. Can be read as a standalone.

Perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Elle Kennedy, and Peyton Corinne.

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2026

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About the author

Lucy Barbee

33 books6 followers

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5 stars
18 (38%)
4 stars
15 (31%)
3 stars
8 (17%)
2 stars
3 (6%)
1 star
3 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Wordsbetweencups ( Grace).
109 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2026
The first pages were interested, but soon I realised this is a drama, not a romance; and don't be fooled by the cover, because the story isn't about a figure skater, but about a doctor and a hockey player. It includes romance, but it's not the main focus, but you will find adverse situations that the lead characters must face both individually and as a couple. The characters are well-developed, and the dramatic plot keeps the reader's interesting. What I liked about the book was the way Maren and Cal supported each others, the unconditional friendship between the lead characters Jax and Tessa, and the sisterly love between Maren and Layla. I appreciated that the author included Tyler's perspective at the end of the book. One character I didn't like at all, even though he tried to redeem himself, was Dillon Price, as well as Dr. Reagan, who didn't know how to work in a group, and she did a crime. I recommend this book to anyone interested in dramas that include romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
551 reviews20 followers
June 13, 2026
This book is emotional, addictive, and absolutely overflowing with enemies-to-lovers hockey romance tension 👀🏒🖤

A team doctor who accidentally flips off the hockey captain before meeting him?

A grumpy hockey star hiding injuries and secrets?

A forbidden romance that could cost them both everything??

Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.

Maren was SUCH a fantastic FMC 👀🔥

Smart. Confident. Fiercely competent.

She's dedicated to her career and refuses to let anyone—including a stubborn hockey captain—make her job harder than it already is.

And honestly??

I loved that she never backed down.

Then there's Cal Reeves.

And WOW 🏒🖤

This man is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Between the pressure of his career, his family struggles, and the injury he's desperately trying to hide, he's constantly pushing himself past his limits.

The chemistry between these two was SO good.

Because from the very beginning, they clash.

Hard.

But underneath all the frustration, sarcasm, and tension is an attraction neither of them can ignore.

And once the walls start coming down?

WOW 👀🔥

The emotional depth in this story completely pulled me in.

The secrets, the career risks, the family drama, and the vulnerability hiding beneath Cal's tough exterior made every moment hit harder.

✨ If you love:
• hockey romance
• enemies to lovers
• he falls first
• grumpy MMCs
• forbidden romance

This one is emotional, steamy, addictive, and packed with unforgettable hockey romance tension 🏒🖤🔥.
1,341 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2026
This is the first sport book I read from this author, and I am all for it. She has captured the angst of a young adult as they are making their decisions as individuals in love, sport, career, family, and life.

Maren starts as a stubborn, sunshiny PT who has to do her placement with the hockey team. She is not happy to deal with them after a run in with Cal. He is the captain of the team, the golden boy, a grump with family issues and a shoulder injury that could end his dreams before they start.

They are perfect for each other as they are able to recognize where the other is failing or weak. Their attraction is hidden under banter and short encounters, especially as they need to keep all interactions professional. But as they work together and they get to know each other, the attraction bubbles, and the real story starts.

THe characters are so well crafted, as you see how they grow and mature as the plot progresses, They will be faced with a few twists, drama, and a few choices that will test their growth, trust, understanding, and love

An entertaining read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
5,913 reviews151 followers
May 17, 2026
Maren made me laugh. She had no idea who she was flipping off. Not until she realized he was the team captain of the hockey table she’d note be working for. Cal hides a lot in life. A torn shoulder, a strong father that surfaces, and so much more. But Maren sees right through things. I was immediately pulled in by Maren. She’s a little firecracker. And I loved the way she connected with Cal. Their back and forth had me. I was so immersed in this with one. Waiting to see where things were going to go with both of them. Cal and his shoulder…I really loved the way they slowly developed a friendship between them. A trust. And how it slowly blossomed. I also enjoyed those intimate moment’s. So nice and spicy. This story was devour worthy. Loved it.
3,050 reviews
June 11, 2026
Maren is the new physician on staff, while Callum is the hockey team's captain. After a heated first meeting they have to work together but also develop feelings as time goes by. A steamy read with loads of drama, secrets, OWYM (it's only a small age gap), enemies to lovers, grumpiness and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
969 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2026
Great story!

Cal is a hockey player in college wuth a 3.6 gpa. Karen is going to her new job as a doctor to treat athletes , when her car breaks down. A truck behind her honks as her head is under the hood. She gives him a middle finger salute. From then on it is hilarious, serious, and so full of many obstacles that would normally stop a relationship. Please read!
920 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2026
Some emotional challenges, choices the protagonists go through personally and professionally, unexpected connections and truths.
Some things are not as they've told, so until I find out the truth, it stirred unnecessary, undeserved fiery feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maeve.
8 reviews
July 6, 2026
fell for some booktok propaganda. i honestly think this was written by a robot. plot stinks, grammar is hot garbage. mad at myself
115 reviews
July 16, 2026
cute story

I love this for them. It’s the perfect mix of chaos and Jax is an amazing friend and so is the team and coach.
638 reviews
May 31, 2026
Marin and Cal

This was a very good story. It started off slow, and I had my doubts in the beginning because of the way the author was writing. everything was “it smells like coffee and bad decisions . and it was a style that I was having a hard time with, but then the flow began, and I got totally into the story of these two, which was really interesting and really good. Maren is a sports doctor assigned to work at the hockey team. Cal is the captain of the hockey team and has an injured shoulder. He has been hiding and taking pills to mask the pain, but Marin spots it right away and finally gets him to come around to fix both his shoulder and his life the two come together and get their happily ever after. I will absolutely read the next book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews