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Breaking New Ice: A Grumpy Sunshine Hockey Romance
She’s the sunny junior agent stuck babysitting hockey’s grumpiest star.
Too bad he’s her former celebrity crush—infuriating, irresistible, and completely off-limits.
Cassie Wells is a lifelong optimist. As a junior sports agent in a man’s world, she’s always had to fiercely believe in her dreams. Even when she’s overlooked for every promotion.
So when her boss hands her the assignment from hell—supervising his most difficult client, Cole Taylor, the icy star with the reputation problem—she can’t refuse.
Never mind that Cole was her teenage celebrity crush… until they first met and he shattered her hero worship with one rude remark.
Cole Taylor is one bad headline away from losing everything. The elite goalie has spent years chasing a cup for his hometown. But after a family crisis sends him spiraling, his team delivers an ultimatum: clean up his act or get traded.
The last thing he wants is a relentlessly sunny babysitter watching his every move.
But their fiery banter soon turns into temptation. With both their careers on the line, will choosing each other cost them everything? Or are some rules just begging to be broken?
A swoon-worthy, grumpy x sunshine hockey romance with lots of spice, sharp banter, and big emotions.
Too bad he’s her former celebrity crush—infuriating, irresistible, and completely off-limits.
Cassie Wells is a lifelong optimist. As a junior sports agent in a man’s world, she’s always had to fiercely believe in her dreams. Even when she’s overlooked for every promotion.
So when her boss hands her the assignment from hell—supervising his most difficult client, Cole Taylor, the icy star with the reputation problem—she can’t refuse.
Never mind that Cole was her teenage celebrity crush… until they first met and he shattered her hero worship with one rude remark.
Cole Taylor is one bad headline away from losing everything. The elite goalie has spent years chasing a cup for his hometown. But after a family crisis sends him spiraling, his team delivers an ultimatum: clean up his act or get traded.
The last thing he wants is a relentlessly sunny babysitter watching his every move.
But their fiery banter soon turns into temptation. With both their careers on the line, will choosing each other cost them everything? Or are some rules just begging to be broken?
A swoon-worthy, grumpy x sunshine hockey romance with lots of spice, sharp banter, and big emotions.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
May 4, 2026
Huge thanks to Evie Keaton for the chance to read and review Breaking New Ice
Releases on May 5
I would totally “babysit” Cole Taylor for a whole hockey season.. just saying. 😂🤷🏻♀️
My thoughts. Another fun one definitely.
Cole? Broody to the max. But has such a gentle side. Stargazing? So romantic ugh.
The slow burn was goooood, it was so refreshing to see two adults be able to communicate and navigate their feelings for each other, together. 👌🏼😩
The side characters were all fun and entertaining. Especially Noah, he holds a special spot in my heart for sure.
Quick read overall, definitely has some hot little spicy scenes. Highly recommend if you love any sport romance with a hot broody goalie.
4.0/5⭐️
I scowl, but—well. Fuck it. It’s not all bad. I think I’d smile more often if I knew it would make Cassie smile too.
Oh and Cole smiling? Highlight of the entire book. Hands down 😍
Releases on May 5
I would totally “babysit” Cole Taylor for a whole hockey season.. just saying. 😂🤷🏻♀️
My thoughts. Another fun one definitely.
Cole? Broody to the max. But has such a gentle side. Stargazing? So romantic ugh.
The slow burn was goooood, it was so refreshing to see two adults be able to communicate and navigate their feelings for each other, together. 👌🏼😩
The side characters were all fun and entertaining. Especially Noah, he holds a special spot in my heart for sure.
Quick read overall, definitely has some hot little spicy scenes. Highly recommend if you love any sport romance with a hot broody goalie.
4.0/5⭐️
I scowl, but—well. Fuck it. It’s not all bad. I think I’d smile more often if I knew it would make Cassie smile too.
Oh and Cole smiling? Highlight of the entire book. Hands down 😍
May 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW 🥳
(First a foremost, I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to read, rate, and review this for yall! Evie is going to do great things with this series)
Hockey romance ✅
Forced proximity ✅
Grumpy x sunshine ✅
Workplace romance ✅
This book has it all!!
This was so so good, I could not put this down! The banter between Cassie and Cole was EVERYTHING! The plot was to die for. Cole being Cassie’s (ex) celebrity crush made this ten times better. The spice to hockey ratio was a 10/10 in my eyes (yall know I love when hockey is a big part of books and not just a side thought). I fear this book was written for me 😩
(First a foremost, I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to read, rate, and review this for yall! Evie is going to do great things with this series)
Hockey romance ✅
Forced proximity ✅
Grumpy x sunshine ✅
Workplace romance ✅
This book has it all!!
This was so so good, I could not put this down! The banter between Cassie and Cole was EVERYTHING! The plot was to die for. Cole being Cassie’s (ex) celebrity crush made this ten times better. The spice to hockey ratio was a 10/10 in my eyes (yall know I love when hockey is a big part of books and not just a side thought). I fear this book was written for me 😩
May 6, 2026
ARC review and absolutely loved it!
This book is a fun and light hockey romance. The story follows a strong, independent woman and a tough but caring hockey player. Their chemistry is sweet, and the slow-building relationship keeps things interesting.
The writing is easy to follow, and the characters are likable. It mixes humor, emotion, and romance in a simple way that makes it an enjoyable read.
Overall, it’s a cute and relaxing story—perfect if you want something heartwarming and not too heavy.
This book is a fun and light hockey romance. The story follows a strong, independent woman and a tough but caring hockey player. Their chemistry is sweet, and the slow-building relationship keeps things interesting.
The writing is easy to follow, and the characters are likable. It mixes humor, emotion, and romance in a simple way that makes it an enjoyable read.
Overall, it’s a cute and relaxing story—perfect if you want something heartwarming and not too heavy.
May 14, 2026
I received an ARC copy of Breaking New Ice and am so glad I was given the chance. I love a good Hockey Romance and a grumpy x sunshine trope. Cassie and Cole definitely fit the bill when it comes to this, especially in the first quarter of the book. I really enjoyed how although Cassie has been through so much she prefers to be glass half full and that shows through the entirety of the book imo. I do wish Cole was a little more grumpy but at the same time he was doing an attitude turn around so it makes sense that he’s much less grumpy/standoffish than the beginning.
There was some good spice and I’d probably rate it 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I wish it was a little more spaced out. However for the amount of spice the scenes were usually unique to that moment and it wasn’t a paste and repeat which I enjoyed.
Completely separate note.. I really loved Noah’s character he really brought the two MC’s together and was definitely giving anxious golden retriever. So I can’t wait to see what Evie does with his character in future books!
Overall a really fun read! If hallmark had an adult hockey section I think this book could fit in it. It was really cute with a HEA and was just a good palate cleanser between any heavy book series! Loved that the FMC was valued amongst those who knew her and they were willing to stick by her!
There was some good spice and I’d probably rate it 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I wish it was a little more spaced out. However for the amount of spice the scenes were usually unique to that moment and it wasn’t a paste and repeat which I enjoyed.
Completely separate note.. I really loved Noah’s character he really brought the two MC’s together and was definitely giving anxious golden retriever. So I can’t wait to see what Evie does with his character in future books!
Overall a really fun read! If hallmark had an adult hockey section I think this book could fit in it. It was really cute with a HEA and was just a good palate cleanser between any heavy book series! Loved that the FMC was valued amongst those who knew her and they were willing to stick by her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
TFW he goes all the way back to the terminal to get her something he knows she’ll enjoy.
She may have been his fan, but he fell first 100%.
Cassie & Cole were everything that a hockey romance was made to be I enjoyed them so much! Their lowkey enemies to friends to lovers and partners on a team was such a fun ride.
Cassie may have started as the girl with the assignment to save his career, not only did she understand that assignment but Cole did too with his willingness to give up his career to save hers as well.
He fell for her hard and was obsessed with her. Not only with her, but with her happiness and her future and her career. His dream quickly became making sure hers came true as his did.
I loved every minute of it. I was on the ARC team for this book and I’m so thankful to Evie Keaton for the chance to read and review this book! I can’t wait for more stuff by her!
She may have been his fan, but he fell first 100%.
Cassie & Cole were everything that a hockey romance was made to be I enjoyed them so much! Their lowkey enemies to friends to lovers and partners on a team was such a fun ride.
Cassie may have started as the girl with the assignment to save his career, not only did she understand that assignment but Cole did too with his willingness to give up his career to save hers as well.
He fell for her hard and was obsessed with her. Not only with her, but with her happiness and her future and her career. His dream quickly became making sure hers came true as his did.
I loved every minute of it. I was on the ARC team for this book and I’m so thankful to Evie Keaton for the chance to read and review this book! I can’t wait for more stuff by her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
Review of advanced copy from author.
4⭐️
This was a quick rom-com and I loved it!
Cassie, is a junior sports agent and she has been assigned to “babysit” a grumpy all-star goalie in the NHL, Cole. Cole just so happens to be her ex celebrity crush.
Cassie is sweet and empathetic and turns out Cole is the same, but he just hides it with his rough exterior.
I loved getting to know all the characters in the book.
I thought this book had the right amount of hockey references and the right amount of spice.
4⭐️
This was a quick rom-com and I loved it!
Cassie, is a junior sports agent and she has been assigned to “babysit” a grumpy all-star goalie in the NHL, Cole. Cole just so happens to be her ex celebrity crush.
Cassie is sweet and empathetic and turns out Cole is the same, but he just hides it with his rough exterior.
I loved getting to know all the characters in the book.
I thought this book had the right amount of hockey references and the right amount of spice.
May 13, 2026
This book sucked me in from the beginning! I could cry because I loved Cassie and Cole so much! Not only were the main characters and their development top tier but the side characters were amazing! The mental health representation was executed so well and as someone who also deals with anxiety, I admired the way Cassie and Cole were there for Noah and so understanding of his needs. They didn’t let his anxiety define him and stood up for him. On top of that, Cole’s relationship with his sister Jess and supporting her ached my heart in the best way possible! If you are looking for a grumpy x sunshine hockey romance that includes mental health representation, forced proximity, and spice, I highly recommend Breaking New Ice by Evie Keaton!
May 1, 2026
I received an ARC copy for this book💙⛸️🤍 & I was really excited to read this one!! A hockey romance ? Celeb crush ? A strong independent Woman ? A grump sunshine duo ? All things I enjoy in a cute romance book !
I did rate this a 3 star I could even give it a 4/5 but for me this book felt a bit predictable and really big issues seemed to have really easy solutions! It seemed to drag on a bit as well !(could be me coming out of a reading slump also ) I also could have done with more GRUMPY moments for it to be described as a Grumpy sunshine! Because Cassie is DEFINITELY full of sunshine !But Cole hardly ever gave Grumpy moments after like the first couple chapters.
It felt like a “love” (lust) at first sight kind of moment rather than a build up kind of thing. Some may enjoy that but It’s not what I expected! 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for me because it took a while to actually get to that point and then became a bit of a cluster of spice at times (not complaining just would have preferred it spaced out more through out the book ) felt a bit like he was just lusting after her rather than yearning for a while!
I loveeee Noah ! He had a great story and I wish we would have seen more of him although he wasn’t the focus of the book his story was so real and he was very likable!
If you’re looking for a cutesy,cheesy light read that’s heavy on the hockey aspect this book would be perfect for you !! 🏒🥅⛸️💙🤍
I did rate this a 3 star I could even give it a 4/5 but for me this book felt a bit predictable and really big issues seemed to have really easy solutions! It seemed to drag on a bit as well !(could be me coming out of a reading slump also ) I also could have done with more GRUMPY moments for it to be described as a Grumpy sunshine! Because Cassie is DEFINITELY full of sunshine !But Cole hardly ever gave Grumpy moments after like the first couple chapters.
It felt like a “love” (lust) at first sight kind of moment rather than a build up kind of thing. Some may enjoy that but It’s not what I expected! 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for me because it took a while to actually get to that point and then became a bit of a cluster of spice at times (not complaining just would have preferred it spaced out more through out the book ) felt a bit like he was just lusting after her rather than yearning for a while!
I loveeee Noah ! He had a great story and I wish we would have seen more of him although he wasn’t the focus of the book his story was so real and he was very likable!
If you’re looking for a cutesy,cheesy light read that’s heavy on the hockey aspect this book would be perfect for you !! 🏒🥅⛸️💙🤍
May 17, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
Okay friends… I need to confess something first. 🙈
I honestly do *not* love reading on my Kindle. I know, I know… don’t come after me! 😂
So before even starting Breaking New Ice by Evie Keaton, I had already convinced myself I probably knew exactly how this story was going to go.
And wow… was I wrong.
I expected just another hockey romance, but this book completely surprised me in the best way possible. 🏒❄️ The storyline had so much more depth and heart than I anticipated, and I found myself genuinely excited to keep reading.
But the real stars? The main characters. I absolutely fell in love with BOTH of them. Their chemistry, growth, and connection had me fully invested, and I became their biggest sidelines cheerleader the entire time. 🥹
This was one of those books that sneaks up on you and ends up becoming such a fun, emotional read when you least expect it. Huge thank you for the ARC opportunity because this one definitely changed my expectations!
💬 QOTD: What’s a book you went into with low expectations that completely surprised you?
#BreakingNewIce #EvieKeaton #Bookstagram #ARCReader #HockeyRomance
Okay friends… I need to confess something first. 🙈
I honestly do *not* love reading on my Kindle. I know, I know… don’t come after me! 😂
So before even starting Breaking New Ice by Evie Keaton, I had already convinced myself I probably knew exactly how this story was going to go.
And wow… was I wrong.
I expected just another hockey romance, but this book completely surprised me in the best way possible. 🏒❄️ The storyline had so much more depth and heart than I anticipated, and I found myself genuinely excited to keep reading.
But the real stars? The main characters. I absolutely fell in love with BOTH of them. Their chemistry, growth, and connection had me fully invested, and I became their biggest sidelines cheerleader the entire time. 🥹
This was one of those books that sneaks up on you and ends up becoming such a fun, emotional read when you least expect it. Huge thank you for the ARC opportunity because this one definitely changed my expectations!
💬 QOTD: What’s a book you went into with low expectations that completely surprised you?
#BreakingNewIce #EvieKeaton #Bookstagram #ARCReader #HockeyRomance
May 12, 2026
Just in time for Stanley Cup season, Evie Keaton has dropped a new hockey romance, Breaking New Ice and it's available now in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.
Cole, a grumpy goalie, was basically Cassie's teenage celebrity crush and now her new job is keeping him in line. Which is going to be a challenge !
Keaton writes tension between Cole and Cassie that is fun, sharp, and chemistry-filled.
She had me hooked and reading for long stretches at a time.
The plot is entertaining and yep, the spice is HOT. Cole is one heck of a filthy-mouthed hockey man and I found myself putting him on my book boyfriend list quickly. What I really liked about Keaton's writing is that the romance and spice never overtook the plot
If you love forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn romance, strong FMCs, and hockey romance with plenty of tension, Put Breaking New Ice on your TBR immediately
#bookreview
May 12, 2026
When professional hockey goalie Cole’s off-ice behavior causes concern for the team’s front office, junior sports agent Cassie is charged with repairing his image, a task that the reader can see will be a challenge from the outset (RIP Cassie’s iced coffee).
In this grumpy/sunshine romance, Cole is the grumpy and Cassie is the sunshine…but that’s not all they are. Keaton does a great job of fully developing the main characters as three-dimensional people with aspirations and insecurities.
Keaton introduces serious themes without being heavy-handed or preachy but rather treats them as facts in the characters’ lives, things that shape their perspectives and actions. Woven in with these themes is some great banter between Cassie and Cole, as well as some chuckle-worthy inner monologues.
The tension between Cassie and Cole builds naturally, and the intimate scenes are just the right amount of spice for this type of book.
I have to say I loved the hockey game scenes included in the book. Many hockey romances I’ve read don’t include gameplay for various reasons, so it’s always fun when there’s a play-by-play to follow.
Overall this was a really fun read. I’m thrilled to have been part of the ARC team for Breaking New Ice, and I look forward to reading more from Evie Keaton!
In this grumpy/sunshine romance, Cole is the grumpy and Cassie is the sunshine…but that’s not all they are. Keaton does a great job of fully developing the main characters as three-dimensional people with aspirations and insecurities.
Keaton introduces serious themes without being heavy-handed or preachy but rather treats them as facts in the characters’ lives, things that shape their perspectives and actions. Woven in with these themes is some great banter between Cassie and Cole, as well as some chuckle-worthy inner monologues.
The tension between Cassie and Cole builds naturally, and the intimate scenes are just the right amount of spice for this type of book.
I have to say I loved the hockey game scenes included in the book. Many hockey romances I’ve read don’t include gameplay for various reasons, so it’s always fun when there’s a play-by-play to follow.
Overall this was a really fun read. I’m thrilled to have been part of the ARC team for Breaking New Ice, and I look forward to reading more from Evie Keaton!
May 2, 2026
A very cute book. I loved how there were no third act break ups, and how healthily all the characters dealt with their issues. And no communication problems was just amazing. It almost felt too unreal, but that’s not uncommon for romance books. Overall I loved the journey.
Thank you Evie Keaton for sending me an ARC!
Thank you Evie Keaton for sending me an ARC!
May 2, 2026
ARC REVIEW
3.5, rounded up
A good new entrant into the now-crowded landscape of spicy hockey romance. Many post-Game Changers books have, quite frankly, poor writing and limited attention to detail/research. Keaton rises above the fray with better writing and sense of character. I’ll continue reading the series when she publishes!
3.5, rounded up
A good new entrant into the now-crowded landscape of spicy hockey romance. Many post-Game Changers books have, quite frankly, poor writing and limited attention to detail/research. Keaton rises above the fray with better writing and sense of character. I’ll continue reading the series when she publishes!
May 10, 2026
ARC Review
I loved the intricacies and connections throughout the story. I’m obsessed with the way the MMC fiercely supports the FMC without pushing boundaries. The story was long but comes together beautifully (plus an extended timeline in the epilogue!)
I loved the intricacies and connections throughout the story. I’m obsessed with the way the MMC fiercely supports the FMC without pushing boundaries. The story was long but comes together beautifully (plus an extended timeline in the epilogue!)
May 12, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC book in exchange for an honest review. I thought the pacing and character growth in this book was phenomenal. I loved how Cole was able to acknowledge his worries and express them in a healthy and mature way with Cassie. Cassie and Noah’s relationship was so sweet and I loved how the author portrayed severe anxiety and how it’s okay to ask for help. Britt needs her own story ASAP and if her and Noah don’t get together I’ll be forever sad. I did think the relationship moved a little fast for my liking but I like how the characters acknowledge this aspect and work thru it on their own terms. Also letting Cassie continue to be a boss babe and work hard to make her own path was delightful. Overall this is an excellent read for any hockey smut reader and well worth your time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
This feels a little late to the game for ARC reviews because the book released May 5th however this was such a good hockey romance! And I've read plenty of specifically hockey romances to know. Like some just get it and others are kinda boring and seem to want to follow the current popular booktok trend. This book definitely got it! ✨
I definitely loved the dynamic between Cassie and Cole so much! I just love good dialogue and banter between characters because it makes me feel as if I'm not reading a book but I'm actually there. I loved that hockey was actually a big part of this as well and not just a little plot point to fill the space so it can qualify for this genre. And not to mention the spice, I liked that as well. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to get into hockey romances. And for a debut, it was amazing and I can't wait to see what else Evie Keaton has to write!!
I definitely loved the dynamic between Cassie and Cole so much! I just love good dialogue and banter between characters because it makes me feel as if I'm not reading a book but I'm actually there. I loved that hockey was actually a big part of this as well and not just a little plot point to fill the space so it can qualify for this genre. And not to mention the spice, I liked that as well. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to get into hockey romances. And for a debut, it was amazing and I can't wait to see what else Evie Keaton has to write!!
May 5, 2026
ARC Review: Review on my bookstagram as well tess_booknook
Release Day: May 5th, 2026
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
I first want to say a HUGE thanks to Evie Keaton for allowing me to be part of her ARC team. I know today is release day, but I wanted to make sure I put out my review. I love how Cassie was portrayed throughout this whole book. She works so hard and is a complete badass during this whole book. Taking on the role of "babysitting", the grumpy, cold goalie was not something she thought was going to happen at her job, or the reason she gets her dream job but the biggest shocker for her was falling in love with the one person she shouldn't. Both Cassie and Cole show their independence and how string they are individually and then how together they are even stronger and more successful when they work together. I love the Cassie was shown to be able to handle anything and everything without help from Cole, even though he would do anything and I mean absolutely anything to make her happy.
Release Day: May 5th, 2026
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
I first want to say a HUGE thanks to Evie Keaton for allowing me to be part of her ARC team. I know today is release day, but I wanted to make sure I put out my review. I love how Cassie was portrayed throughout this whole book. She works so hard and is a complete badass during this whole book. Taking on the role of "babysitting", the grumpy, cold goalie was not something she thought was going to happen at her job, or the reason she gets her dream job but the biggest shocker for her was falling in love with the one person she shouldn't. Both Cassie and Cole show their independence and how string they are individually and then how together they are even stronger and more successful when they work together. I love the Cassie was shown to be able to handle anything and everything without help from Cole, even though he would do anything and I mean absolutely anything to make her happy.
May 4, 2026
Review of ARC received by Author:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
This book was everything I wanted and more! I love books that can cover real and difficult topics while still being fun and lighthearted. Cassie is a junior agent trying to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry and Cole is the grumpy goalie with a bad image that she’s charged to help. Only no one knows that Cole’s image has taken a dive due to mental health struggles after a family emergency. This book is the perfect example of “he falls first and hard”. I could not get over how absolutely down bad Cole was for Cassie, and Cassie’s teenage crush on Cole coming back in full force was *chef’s kiss*. The way these characters support each other and push each other to be better is absolutely beautiful. A must read if you’re a fan of Becka Mack and Elle Kennedy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
This book was everything I wanted and more! I love books that can cover real and difficult topics while still being fun and lighthearted. Cassie is a junior agent trying to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry and Cole is the grumpy goalie with a bad image that she’s charged to help. Only no one knows that Cole’s image has taken a dive due to mental health struggles after a family emergency. This book is the perfect example of “he falls first and hard”. I could not get over how absolutely down bad Cole was for Cassie, and Cassie’s teenage crush on Cole coming back in full force was *chef’s kiss*. The way these characters support each other and push each other to be better is absolutely beautiful. A must read if you’re a fan of Becka Mack and Elle Kennedy
May 12, 2026
ARC Read
Breaking New Ice was such a fun, emotional hockey romance with the perfect balance of tension, spice, and heart. Cassie and Cole’s chemistry was immediate, but what really made this story stand out was the emotional vulnerability beneath all the banter and grumpy goalie energy. I loved watching Cole slowly fall first and become completely gone for Cassie. Add in forced proximity, strong character growth, and this was an easy win for me. 🏒✨
Breaking New Ice was such a fun, emotional hockey romance with the perfect balance of tension, spice, and heart. Cassie and Cole’s chemistry was immediate, but what really made this story stand out was the emotional vulnerability beneath all the banter and grumpy goalie energy. I loved watching Cole slowly fall first and become completely gone for Cassie. Add in forced proximity, strong character growth, and this was an easy win for me. 🏒✨
July 21, 2026
ARC Review 📖 Did someone say spicy sports romance? Cole & Cassie's chemistry is off the walls in this forbidden romance where the sunshine junior sports agent, Cassie, must supervise her teenage ex-celeb crush, grumpy star goalie, Cole. Can the couple overcome life's obstacles and be together even when it could jeopardize their careers? This sports romance is perfect for someone who loves a communicative and supportive couple. Lots of spice and a strong focus on their relationship with mental health representation.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3/5 stars 🌟
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3/5 stars 🌟
May 5, 2026
This review and more can be found on my Bookstagram & Booktok @ Ambeeandink!
Thank you so much to Evie Keaton for the review copy Breaking New Ice!
When I read the trope list for Breaking New Ice, I knew it was going to be a home run. Grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, hockey romance. If that doesn’t scream me, I don’t know what does. Then we find out Cole was Cassie’s celebrity crush as a teenager, and I was at work on a Friday night kicking my feet and giggling.
I loved how fully developed both Cole and Cassie were. As a reader, I felt like I really understood them. Cole’s backstory with his sister and his struggle between his life in the hockey league and being there for his family back in Maine will hit home for a lot of people. On top of that, the guilt he carries about what happened to his sister and how it holds him back added so much depth to his character. Cassie’s drive to make a name for herself in the sports world and establish herself in a male dominated field was so admirable. She truly felt like a ray of sunshine in a space that needs change and a breath of fresh air. I was rooting for her the entire time.
The dynamic between Cole and Cassie was so good. From the moment they meet, with Cole throwing that giant Dunkin iced coffee that lands them in this unexpected babysitting situation, I was hooked.
The banter and tension between them were done so well. There were so many moments where I was holding my breath just waiting for one of them to finally make a move. I loved that underneath Cole’s grumpy exterior, he is basically a giant teddy bear who would do anything for the people he loves, especially Cassie. And yes, the spice absolutely delivered. It balanced everything else perfectly and their chemistry was intense in the best way. Cole might honestly be climbing my list of favorite dirty talking hockey players.
Overall, I really loved Breaking New Ice and I am so excited to see what Evie writes next. I would love to get stories for some of the side characters we met along the way.
Thank you so much to Evie Keaton for the review copy Breaking New Ice!
When I read the trope list for Breaking New Ice, I knew it was going to be a home run. Grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, hockey romance. If that doesn’t scream me, I don’t know what does. Then we find out Cole was Cassie’s celebrity crush as a teenager, and I was at work on a Friday night kicking my feet and giggling.
I loved how fully developed both Cole and Cassie were. As a reader, I felt like I really understood them. Cole’s backstory with his sister and his struggle between his life in the hockey league and being there for his family back in Maine will hit home for a lot of people. On top of that, the guilt he carries about what happened to his sister and how it holds him back added so much depth to his character. Cassie’s drive to make a name for herself in the sports world and establish herself in a male dominated field was so admirable. She truly felt like a ray of sunshine in a space that needs change and a breath of fresh air. I was rooting for her the entire time.
The dynamic between Cole and Cassie was so good. From the moment they meet, with Cole throwing that giant Dunkin iced coffee that lands them in this unexpected babysitting situation, I was hooked.
The banter and tension between them were done so well. There were so many moments where I was holding my breath just waiting for one of them to finally make a move. I loved that underneath Cole’s grumpy exterior, he is basically a giant teddy bear who would do anything for the people he loves, especially Cassie. And yes, the spice absolutely delivered. It balanced everything else perfectly and their chemistry was intense in the best way. Cole might honestly be climbing my list of favorite dirty talking hockey players.
Overall, I really loved Breaking New Ice and I am so excited to see what Evie writes next. I would love to get stories for some of the side characters we met along the way.
May 15, 2026
“𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣, 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚. 𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙩.”
Breaking New Ice by Evie Keaton
4☆
Yes, this is a hockey romance. But, it was so much more. It was soft, emotional, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 full of every day life (the ups & downs) and honestly… I ate it up.
Cassie is an absolute powerhouse. She’s ambitious, capable, and trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated industry without losing the warmth and kindness that makes her who she is. And I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 her because she is me. I am she. She’s proof that you don’t have to become cold to be successful. You can be sunshine 𝘈𝘕𝘋 unstoppable.
“𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙄 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧.”
Cole is our grumpy hockey star, who’s carrying grief and guilt like a shield. But, underneath the icy exterior and layers of bloodiness, is a secret golden retriever of a man, devoted and trustworthy to a fault.
“𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤.”
Cassie gets stuck managing Cole’s PR nightmare while chasing the promotion of her dreams, and what starts as “babysitting the hot mess athlete” slowly turns into trust, friendship, and a relationship built on genuine support. Teamwork LITERALLY makes the dream work. And while their chemistry is immediate, the slow burn is absolutely delicious.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚,” 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚. “𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚.”
What I LOVED was that neither of them “needed” the other to save them. They’re already strong on their own, but together they became this powerhouse A-team with freaking “let’s take on the world” energy.
The story balances romance, family dynamics, found family, mental health, and personal growth so well. It’s not just spice for the sake of spice, though the spicy scenes absolutely deliver 👀, it’s a full story with emotional depth and character development that actually matters.
✨ Sunshine FMC x grumpy hockey player
✨ Career-driven heroine + supportive MMC
✨ Slow burn with emotional payoff
✨ Found family, healing, and no unnecessary drama
Funny, heartfelt, and ridiculously easy to binge. Basically: Cole may have needed PR help, but their relationship completely stole the spotlight.
*Thank you to Evie Keaton for this arc opportunity.
Breaking New Ice by Evie Keaton
4☆
Yes, this is a hockey romance. But, it was so much more. It was soft, emotional, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 full of every day life (the ups & downs) and honestly… I ate it up.
Cassie is an absolute powerhouse. She’s ambitious, capable, and trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated industry without losing the warmth and kindness that makes her who she is. And I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 her because she is me. I am she. She’s proof that you don’t have to become cold to be successful. You can be sunshine 𝘈𝘕𝘋 unstoppable.
“𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙮𝙥𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙄 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧.”
Cole is our grumpy hockey star, who’s carrying grief and guilt like a shield. But, underneath the icy exterior and layers of bloodiness, is a secret golden retriever of a man, devoted and trustworthy to a fault.
“𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤.”
Cassie gets stuck managing Cole’s PR nightmare while chasing the promotion of her dreams, and what starts as “babysitting the hot mess athlete” slowly turns into trust, friendship, and a relationship built on genuine support. Teamwork LITERALLY makes the dream work. And while their chemistry is immediate, the slow burn is absolutely delicious.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚,” 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚. “𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚.”
What I LOVED was that neither of them “needed” the other to save them. They’re already strong on their own, but together they became this powerhouse A-team with freaking “let’s take on the world” energy.
The story balances romance, family dynamics, found family, mental health, and personal growth so well. It’s not just spice for the sake of spice, though the spicy scenes absolutely deliver 👀, it’s a full story with emotional depth and character development that actually matters.
✨ Sunshine FMC x grumpy hockey player
✨ Career-driven heroine + supportive MMC
✨ Slow burn with emotional payoff
✨ Found family, healing, and no unnecessary drama
Funny, heartfelt, and ridiculously easy to binge. Basically: Cole may have needed PR help, but their relationship completely stole the spotlight.
*Thank you to Evie Keaton for this arc opportunity.
May 19, 2026
This book was such a fun, bingeable hockey romance and honestly exactly what I wanted from a grumpy x sunshine story. Cassie and Cole had chemistry from the start, and I loved how their relationship developed from reluctant babysitter/client chaos into something genuinely sweet and supportive.
Cassie was probably my favorite part of the book. She’s working in such a male-dominated industry and constantly being underestimated, but she never loses her kindness or optimism. I really appreciated that her “sunshine” personality never felt naive or over-the-top — it felt intentional, especially considering everything she’s been through. She was confident, capable, and refused to apologize for who she was, which made her really easy to root for.
Cole definitely delivered on the broody hockey star energy, although I do agree he softens pretty quickly once Cassie gets under his skin. But honestly? It worked for me because underneath all the grumpiness he was just a deeply caring, overwhelmed guy trying to hold everything together. I loved seeing how supportive he was toward the people he cared about, especially Cassie. Their emotional connection felt just as strong as the attraction.
The banter and tension were SO good, and the spice was definitely there 🌶️🌶️🌶️. I also appreciated that the intimate scenes actually felt unique and emotional instead of repetitive. The story balanced the romance, humor, and heavier emotional moments really well, especially with themes surrounding family, pressure, reputation, and mental health.
Also, Noah absolutely stole scenes every time he appeared. Massive anxious golden retriever energy and now I desperately need his book.
Overall, this felt like the perfect comfort read — emotional without being too heavy, spicy without overshadowing the story, and full of heart. It gave me Hallmark hockey romance vibes, but for adults. If you love grumpy x sunshine, forbidden workplace romance, hockey players who are secretly soft, and FMCs you can genuinely admire, this is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie was probably my favorite part of the book. She’s working in such a male-dominated industry and constantly being underestimated, but she never loses her kindness or optimism. I really appreciated that her “sunshine” personality never felt naive or over-the-top — it felt intentional, especially considering everything she’s been through. She was confident, capable, and refused to apologize for who she was, which made her really easy to root for.
Cole definitely delivered on the broody hockey star energy, although I do agree he softens pretty quickly once Cassie gets under his skin. But honestly? It worked for me because underneath all the grumpiness he was just a deeply caring, overwhelmed guy trying to hold everything together. I loved seeing how supportive he was toward the people he cared about, especially Cassie. Their emotional connection felt just as strong as the attraction.
The banter and tension were SO good, and the spice was definitely there 🌶️🌶️🌶️. I also appreciated that the intimate scenes actually felt unique and emotional instead of repetitive. The story balanced the romance, humor, and heavier emotional moments really well, especially with themes surrounding family, pressure, reputation, and mental health.
Also, Noah absolutely stole scenes every time he appeared. Massive anxious golden retriever energy and now I desperately need his book.
Overall, this felt like the perfect comfort read — emotional without being too heavy, spicy without overshadowing the story, and full of heart. It gave me Hallmark hockey romance vibes, but for adults. If you love grumpy x sunshine, forbidden workplace romance, hockey players who are secretly soft, and FMCs you can genuinely admire, this is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Evie Keaton for the opportunity to receive Breaking New Ice as an advanced copy!
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What can I say...I'm going to need to get a physical copy of Breaking New Ice to add to my shelf ASAP!! This is definitely one of my new favorite hockey romances; highly recommend! Cassie and Cole are perfection--no notes to be given. The tension, the banter, the loving looks I can see so clearly in my mind...it's all so. well. done.
☆ women in sports
☆ grumpy x sunshine
☆ dislike to lovers
☆ mental health awareness
☆ she fell first, he fell harder
☆ found family
I absolutely love the portrayal of Cassie as a total badass, but also a human ray of sunshine. So often, I feel like women are expected to be cold in order to be successful in male dominated fields. Cassie, however, proves that you can still be a good person and prioritize kindness while achieving your dreams. I also really loved that Cole supported her in that dream and fully cheered her on in any way that he could. Under that grumpy exterior, he truly is the biggest golden retriever boyfriend out there!
On that note, Cole and Cassie were both fully fleshed out characters, which I really appreciated. They were allowed to be humans with complicated backstories, and I felt like that added an extra level of depth to both the overall story and to their relationship as a whole. Additionally, they're both strong people before they meet; they aren't portrayed as needing the other in order to face their obstacles. No spoilers, but Cassie is perfectly capable of handling things without Cole, and I love that.
Finally, I really appreciated that the book wasn't just smut smut smut smut smut. Yes, there were some fantastic spicy scenes (kudos to you, Evie), but they weren't the whole storyline. There was depth, growth, and a whole storyline outside of those moments. Chef's kiss.
Evie Keaton, consider me a fan! If this is only your first book, I can't wait to see where you go next! Personally, I'm very excited for Landon's story lol.
--
What can I say...I'm going to need to get a physical copy of Breaking New Ice to add to my shelf ASAP!! This is definitely one of my new favorite hockey romances; highly recommend! Cassie and Cole are perfection--no notes to be given. The tension, the banter, the loving looks I can see so clearly in my mind...it's all so. well. done.
☆ women in sports
☆ grumpy x sunshine
☆ dislike to lovers
☆ mental health awareness
☆ she fell first, he fell harder
☆ found family
I absolutely love the portrayal of Cassie as a total badass, but also a human ray of sunshine. So often, I feel like women are expected to be cold in order to be successful in male dominated fields. Cassie, however, proves that you can still be a good person and prioritize kindness while achieving your dreams. I also really loved that Cole supported her in that dream and fully cheered her on in any way that he could. Under that grumpy exterior, he truly is the biggest golden retriever boyfriend out there!
On that note, Cole and Cassie were both fully fleshed out characters, which I really appreciated. They were allowed to be humans with complicated backstories, and I felt like that added an extra level of depth to both the overall story and to their relationship as a whole. Additionally, they're both strong people before they meet; they aren't portrayed as needing the other in order to face their obstacles. No spoilers, but Cassie is perfectly capable of handling things without Cole, and I love that.
Finally, I really appreciated that the book wasn't just smut smut smut smut smut. Yes, there were some fantastic spicy scenes (kudos to you, Evie), but they weren't the whole storyline. There was depth, growth, and a whole storyline outside of those moments. Chef's kiss.
Evie Keaton, consider me a fan! If this is only your first book, I can't wait to see where you go next! Personally, I'm very excited for Landon's story lol.
May 8, 2026
ARC Review
I haven't giggled this much while reading in such a long time. This was the perfect mix of heart warming and humorous, and honestly one of the best reads I've reviewed this year! Cassie is trying to create a name for herself in the industry, when she has to become babysitter extraordinaire to her celebrity crush. She has to save his dumpster fire reputation while working towards getting the promotion of her dreams. It sounds difficult at first, but they start to develop this earnest trust and respect that leads them to make profound self-discoveries.
There was something so endearing about the "being a team" aspect of all of the relationships throughout the book. From the parent/sibling/child relationships, to the teammate/found family bonds, there was something so sweet about every aspect of their connections. I loved the themes of trust, reconciliation, found family, and growth! Everything was tied together wonderfully by the ending, I had to read this in one sitting because I was so captivated.
Cassie and Cole's relationship was crafted so beautifully and their connection was my favorite thing about the book. They were each other's safe space, finding healing and strength through their own personal struggles. I loved how Cassie had a strong character and genuinely cared for those around her. Cole was a grump, but secretly had this amazing heart that was willing to sacrifice everything for those he held close. I really resonated with how misunderstood he was, and how he was revealed to have been an amazing mentor, friend, and supportive family member. I also appreciated how the author approached mental health and how thoughtful the writing was.
I am immensely grateful to the author for allowing me to preview this amazing book! I am so excited to see where she takes it from here!
I haven't giggled this much while reading in such a long time. This was the perfect mix of heart warming and humorous, and honestly one of the best reads I've reviewed this year! Cassie is trying to create a name for herself in the industry, when she has to become babysitter extraordinaire to her celebrity crush. She has to save his dumpster fire reputation while working towards getting the promotion of her dreams. It sounds difficult at first, but they start to develop this earnest trust and respect that leads them to make profound self-discoveries.
There was something so endearing about the "being a team" aspect of all of the relationships throughout the book. From the parent/sibling/child relationships, to the teammate/found family bonds, there was something so sweet about every aspect of their connections. I loved the themes of trust, reconciliation, found family, and growth! Everything was tied together wonderfully by the ending, I had to read this in one sitting because I was so captivated.
Cassie and Cole's relationship was crafted so beautifully and their connection was my favorite thing about the book. They were each other's safe space, finding healing and strength through their own personal struggles. I loved how Cassie had a strong character and genuinely cared for those around her. Cole was a grump, but secretly had this amazing heart that was willing to sacrifice everything for those he held close. I really resonated with how misunderstood he was, and how he was revealed to have been an amazing mentor, friend, and supportive family member. I also appreciated how the author approached mental health and how thoughtful the writing was.
I am immensely grateful to the author for allowing me to preview this amazing book! I am so excited to see where she takes it from here!
May 21, 2026
This might be one of my all time favorite hockey romance books to date. Who doesn’t love a grumpy goalie who breaks out of his miserable shell for an independent, career focused woman he calls sunshine? On top of that add real life issues that could easily break down any relationship, but instead unite them? Yes please in all formats.
Cole is the grumpy goalie for the Nor’easters that needs an attitude adjustment before it costs him his contract. Cassie is a junior sports agent who is up for a promotion and just needs something that will boost her over her competition. When Cassie goes with her boss to a meeting with Cole, they determine that she’s going to “babysit” him until trade deadlines to make sure he doesn’t lose his cool in a way that will lose him to the team. Forced proximity leads them to realizing maybe what the rest of the world sees isn’t truly who they are. As friendship blossoms into a whole lot more, they have to keep their relationship under wraps so they don’t damage either of their careers. When it all blows up in their faces, will they choose their careers, or each other?
This is definitely a hockey romance I will be buying in physical format because I just know I’m going to want to read it again. I love the hints through the second half of the book that lead me to think maybe Landon will have the next book in the series? Please, Evie, a hockey captain with southern charm? Give the girlies what they want!
TROPES:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hockey
Found Family
Enemies to Lovers
She Falls First/He Falls Harder
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Mental Health Issues (Anxiety/Panic Attacks)
Addiction and Recovery
Guilt
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Evie Keaton and Booksirens for the opportunity to read this eARC!
Cole is the grumpy goalie for the Nor’easters that needs an attitude adjustment before it costs him his contract. Cassie is a junior sports agent who is up for a promotion and just needs something that will boost her over her competition. When Cassie goes with her boss to a meeting with Cole, they determine that she’s going to “babysit” him until trade deadlines to make sure he doesn’t lose his cool in a way that will lose him to the team. Forced proximity leads them to realizing maybe what the rest of the world sees isn’t truly who they are. As friendship blossoms into a whole lot more, they have to keep their relationship under wraps so they don’t damage either of their careers. When it all blows up in their faces, will they choose their careers, or each other?
This is definitely a hockey romance I will be buying in physical format because I just know I’m going to want to read it again. I love the hints through the second half of the book that lead me to think maybe Landon will have the next book in the series? Please, Evie, a hockey captain with southern charm? Give the girlies what they want!
TROPES:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hockey
Found Family
Enemies to Lovers
She Falls First/He Falls Harder
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Mental Health Issues (Anxiety/Panic Attacks)
Addiction and Recovery
Guilt
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Evie Keaton and Booksirens for the opportunity to read this eARC!
May 7, 2026
I was thrilled to receive this book as an ARC from the author.
To sum it up in three words, sweet and spicy.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hockey romance
Women in sports
Dislike (her) to lovers
Found family
Drug abuse awareness (side character)
Mental health awareness (side character)
Slow burn
Cassie is upbeat, optimistic, a total ball of sunshine yet a complete badass. She’s an up and coming junior agent with a live for hockey while trying to hide the fact that her dad is a former big shot player. Cassie’s been tasked with helping Cole turn around the bad public image that’s been circling his career over the past year while trying to fight the crush she had on him since his rookie year.
Cole is the epitome of Grumpy Goalie. He has had a great run until he missed the phone calls letting him know his sister OD’d and was in the hospital. Now he’s wondering if hockey is worth missing so much and he’s missing practices and other team events because he doesn’t want to be away from his family.
The characters are well written. They have unique personalities and you learn what makes them tick. There’s no fading into the background or monotony with them.
Both MCs show character growth and personal development. Cole in how he finds balance between his personal life and hockey and Cassie in her self confidence and knowing her worth.
The story itself is a typical hockey romance, but a very well written one! The MCs meet and there’s instant chemistry. The slow burn leading up to the spicy scenes… *chef’s kiss (that one’s for you Britt!). While they run into some tension and trouble, I love that there’s an HEA with no third act breakup.
Congrats on your release Evie! I can’t wait for what comes next for this amazing hockey family!
To sum it up in three words, sweet and spicy.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hockey romance
Women in sports
Dislike (her) to lovers
Found family
Drug abuse awareness (side character)
Mental health awareness (side character)
Slow burn
Cassie is upbeat, optimistic, a total ball of sunshine yet a complete badass. She’s an up and coming junior agent with a live for hockey while trying to hide the fact that her dad is a former big shot player. Cassie’s been tasked with helping Cole turn around the bad public image that’s been circling his career over the past year while trying to fight the crush she had on him since his rookie year.
Cole is the epitome of Grumpy Goalie. He has had a great run until he missed the phone calls letting him know his sister OD’d and was in the hospital. Now he’s wondering if hockey is worth missing so much and he’s missing practices and other team events because he doesn’t want to be away from his family.
The characters are well written. They have unique personalities and you learn what makes them tick. There’s no fading into the background or monotony with them.
Both MCs show character growth and personal development. Cole in how he finds balance between his personal life and hockey and Cassie in her self confidence and knowing her worth.
The story itself is a typical hockey romance, but a very well written one! The MCs meet and there’s instant chemistry. The slow burn leading up to the spicy scenes… *chef’s kiss (that one’s for you Britt!). While they run into some tension and trouble, I love that there’s an HEA with no third act breakup.
Congrats on your release Evie! I can’t wait for what comes next for this amazing hockey family!
May 13, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Where 👏 to 👏 start 👏?! The man that you are Cole Taylor!!!
First and foremost, thank you so so so much to Evie and team for sending me the ARC. It was so special to get to read Cassie and Cole’s story ahead of the pub date.
Cassie Wells is a junior agent looking to land her next promotion. Her next assignment: babysit Cole Taylor, grumpy goalie extraordinaire who cannot seem to keep his name out of the press. If she’s able to turn his image around and avoid a trade at the end of the season for her boss’s client, the job is as good as hers. Should be easy, right?
I could not put this one down and candidly have reread it about three times already. I love these characters so much and could not get enough. Their maturity, ability to communicate with each other and navigate their feelings, and support for one other through their careers (without compromise) was so refreshing.
Cassie’s determination to not be overshadowed by her past, persistence to pave her way through a male dominated field (one cupcake at a time), and compassion for those around her make her one of my favorite female characters I’ve read in a while. Cole’s protectiveness over his sister and her healing, his mentorship to Noah through his hockey journey and anxiety, and undeniable love for his family (blood related and found) show that his hard, grumpy exterior simply acts as a shield against the giant softie he’s hiding inside. Page by page, Cassie’s sunshine defrosts Cole’s frozen heart. The two of them together is magnetic and the slow burn as they try to fight the chemistry between them is chef’s kiss 🤌.
Will be revisiting this one without a doubt and am anxiously awaiting news about the next book in the series! 💕🏒
Where 👏 to 👏 start 👏?! The man that you are Cole Taylor!!!
First and foremost, thank you so so so much to Evie and team for sending me the ARC. It was so special to get to read Cassie and Cole’s story ahead of the pub date.
Cassie Wells is a junior agent looking to land her next promotion. Her next assignment: babysit Cole Taylor, grumpy goalie extraordinaire who cannot seem to keep his name out of the press. If she’s able to turn his image around and avoid a trade at the end of the season for her boss’s client, the job is as good as hers. Should be easy, right?
I could not put this one down and candidly have reread it about three times already. I love these characters so much and could not get enough. Their maturity, ability to communicate with each other and navigate their feelings, and support for one other through their careers (without compromise) was so refreshing.
Cassie’s determination to not be overshadowed by her past, persistence to pave her way through a male dominated field (one cupcake at a time), and compassion for those around her make her one of my favorite female characters I’ve read in a while. Cole’s protectiveness over his sister and her healing, his mentorship to Noah through his hockey journey and anxiety, and undeniable love for his family (blood related and found) show that his hard, grumpy exterior simply acts as a shield against the giant softie he’s hiding inside. Page by page, Cassie’s sunshine defrosts Cole’s frozen heart. The two of them together is magnetic and the slow burn as they try to fight the chemistry between them is chef’s kiss 🤌.
Will be revisiting this one without a doubt and am anxiously awaiting news about the next book in the series! 💕🏒
Review of advance copy received from Author
ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC of this book. I absolutely loved it. I also enjoy adding more 5 star reads to my ARC list.
I really enjoyed the “complicated” hockey player and the junior agent troupe in this story. It worked out so well because of Cassie having a crush on Cole in the past and it also brought out more of that relationship being completely off-limits.
I’m always a fan when an MMC has something in his life that he has to overcome to see that he deserves to have his career and also a personal life. In this case I enjoyed the representation for what his Jess went through and how they both came out stronger from a not so happy situation. Also having the love from Cassie made Cole have a great life balance.
Cassie is my favorite kind of FMC. She works so hard for the things that she wants even though she might not believe that she will get them. Her non-existing relationship with her father could make any person feel that way. I’m glad with all the love and support Cole showed her that she was able to accomplish everything and also prove that she could. On a side note I also loved the friendship that formed between Cassie and Noah. It’s was that come through attitude that made her the perfect agent for Noah.
I’m really excited to hopefully see love stories for the other characters we got to meet in this book! Maybe seeing Miller, Landon, Noah or even Jess and Britt find their person would be a book I 100% would read. Whether it’s with a new person we haven’t met yet or even a best friend’s sister or friends to lovers that would be a lot of fun! Can’t wait for whatever hopefully comes next!!!! 😁
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC of this book. I absolutely loved it. I also enjoy adding more 5 star reads to my ARC list.
I really enjoyed the “complicated” hockey player and the junior agent troupe in this story. It worked out so well because of Cassie having a crush on Cole in the past and it also brought out more of that relationship being completely off-limits.
I’m always a fan when an MMC has something in his life that he has to overcome to see that he deserves to have his career and also a personal life. In this case I enjoyed the representation for what his Jess went through and how they both came out stronger from a not so happy situation. Also having the love from Cassie made Cole have a great life balance.
Cassie is my favorite kind of FMC. She works so hard for the things that she wants even though she might not believe that she will get them. Her non-existing relationship with her father could make any person feel that way. I’m glad with all the love and support Cole showed her that she was able to accomplish everything and also prove that she could. On a side note I also loved the friendship that formed between Cassie and Noah. It’s was that come through attitude that made her the perfect agent for Noah.
I’m really excited to hopefully see love stories for the other characters we got to meet in this book! Maybe seeing Miller, Landon, Noah or even Jess and Britt find their person would be a book I 100% would read. Whether it’s with a new person we haven’t met yet or even a best friend’s sister or friends to lovers that would be a lot of fun! Can’t wait for whatever hopefully comes next!!!! 😁
May 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the author for an ARC! All opinions are my own :)
As someone who will read basically any hockey romance, this book immediately sounded like something I’d enjoy. And thankfully, it absolutely delivered.
I really loved the dynamic between Cassie and Cole. The sunshine/grumpy energy worked so well, especially because Cassie never let Cole’s attitude intimidate her. Their banter was fun, natural, and had exactly the kind of tension I want in a sports romance.
Cole was definitely one of those characters who slowly grows on you. Underneath the reputation issues and icy exterior, there’s clearly someone struggling with pressure, expectations, and personal issues, and I enjoyed seeing those layers gradually unravel throughout the story.
But honestly, Cassie was probably my favorite part of the book. I loved how ambitious and determined she was, especially while trying to succeed in such a male-dominated industry. Even when she kept getting overlooked, she never fully lost her optimism, and I really admired that about her.
The romance itself was sweet, emotional, and nicely balanced with the hockey and career-related plotlines. I also appreciated that the story focused not only on attraction, but on trust, support, and emotional growth between the characters.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable hockey romance with great chemistry, engaging characters, and enough emotional depth to keep me invested the entire time. Definitely a fun read for anyone who loves sports romances with grumpy/sunshine dynamics and workplace tension.
As someone who will read basically any hockey romance, this book immediately sounded like something I’d enjoy. And thankfully, it absolutely delivered.
I really loved the dynamic between Cassie and Cole. The sunshine/grumpy energy worked so well, especially because Cassie never let Cole’s attitude intimidate her. Their banter was fun, natural, and had exactly the kind of tension I want in a sports romance.
Cole was definitely one of those characters who slowly grows on you. Underneath the reputation issues and icy exterior, there’s clearly someone struggling with pressure, expectations, and personal issues, and I enjoyed seeing those layers gradually unravel throughout the story.
But honestly, Cassie was probably my favorite part of the book. I loved how ambitious and determined she was, especially while trying to succeed in such a male-dominated industry. Even when she kept getting overlooked, she never fully lost her optimism, and I really admired that about her.
The romance itself was sweet, emotional, and nicely balanced with the hockey and career-related plotlines. I also appreciated that the story focused not only on attraction, but on trust, support, and emotional growth between the characters.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable hockey romance with great chemistry, engaging characters, and enough emotional depth to keep me invested the entire time. Definitely a fun read for anyone who loves sports romances with grumpy/sunshine dynamics and workplace tension.
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