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Lakewood Leopards #1
Iced Out
She's running from the truth. He's chasing a fresh start. Their meeting wasn't part of the game plan.
Lisa is not stalking Benjamin Estes, and frankly, she doesn’t have the time or energy to deal with whatever male ego makes him think she is.
She fled to Minnesota to reinvent herself, wanting nothing more than to keep a low profile. What she didn't count on was Benjamin Estes, rising star of the American Hockey League, running into her at every turn. He’s got a past he’s trying to escape as his brother, who was also his teammate and captain, died in a car crash caused by a fan-turned-stalker.
Their run-ins lead to confrontation, then an uneasy truce, and finally, romance...but Benji’s fame is a time bomb, and Lisa will be forced to choose between their relationship and the final secret she’s kept from everyone.
Iced Out is the first book in a planned series of interconnected hockey romance standalones. It's perfect for fans of contemporary romances with humorous banter, slow-burn romance, and more serious storylines. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy spicy sports romances such as Mile High, Consider Me, Long Shot, and Pucking Around.
Lisa is not stalking Benjamin Estes, and frankly, she doesn’t have the time or energy to deal with whatever male ego makes him think she is.
She fled to Minnesota to reinvent herself, wanting nothing more than to keep a low profile. What she didn't count on was Benjamin Estes, rising star of the American Hockey League, running into her at every turn. He’s got a past he’s trying to escape as his brother, who was also his teammate and captain, died in a car crash caused by a fan-turned-stalker.
Their run-ins lead to confrontation, then an uneasy truce, and finally, romance...but Benji’s fame is a time bomb, and Lisa will be forced to choose between their relationship and the final secret she’s kept from everyone.
Iced Out is the first book in a planned series of interconnected hockey romance standalones. It's perfect for fans of contemporary romances with humorous banter, slow-burn romance, and more serious storylines. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy spicy sports romances such as Mile High, Consider Me, Long Shot, and Pucking Around.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 23, 2026
Thank you to R&R Tours and Jayme Hunt for the digital gifted copy of this book.
A hockey player MMC, say less. I absolutely loved the setup and was hooked from all the run ins! I love that Benji thought Lyssa was stalking him when in reality she had no clue who he was. The misunderstandings and banter were a lot of fun. I also appreciated that this book actually had hockey in it! I loved watching the FMC’s growth. The side characters were all great too. A wonderful slow burn story of healing and love - a perfect balance of seriousness and swooning.
"I hope someday, you'll choose not to ice me out. I hope you'll choose me."
A hockey player MMC, say less. I absolutely loved the setup and was hooked from all the run ins! I love that Benji thought Lyssa was stalking him when in reality she had no clue who he was. The misunderstandings and banter were a lot of fun. I also appreciated that this book actually had hockey in it! I loved watching the FMC’s growth. The side characters were all great too. A wonderful slow burn story of healing and love - a perfect balance of seriousness and swooning.
"I hope someday, you'll choose not to ice me out. I hope you'll choose me."
June 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I am sat. Thank you so much Jayme for this gifted copy! This was such a fun read and I could not put it down. The tension, the banter, the plot. It literally checked all of my boxes and I cannot wait for more from this series!
July 23, 2026
Iced Out is a hockey romance with slow burn and unexpected moments. This is Lisa/Lyssa and Benji’s story filled with hidden identities/secrets and found family. Lyssa is trying to start over in a new place, while Benji is in the AHL mistaken her as a stalker. Their story goes from hilarious banter to budding friendships and slowly opening up to more. I love how strong and caring Lyssa is and how Benji is a complete cinnamon roll who will protect her and take his time with her. Their story will give you all the feels and will have you cheering for them. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more!!
I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance reader copy.
I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance reader copy.
July 17, 2026
4⭐️-
This one started off strong and had me hooked from chapter one. This is a hockey romance that follows a girl running from her past. Our MMC is a pretty famous hockey player with a past of his own. These two meet pretty quickly when Lisa moves to his town and he accuses her of stalking him after some coincidental run-ins.
The banter had me giggling and kicking my feet. I really enjoyed the side characters and loved how many scenes we actually got with actual hockey in it!
Predictable plot and a bit much on the spice for me personally, but still enjoyed this read a lot. I think the next books for some side characters will be really fun, so I’m excited about that!
Recommend if you’re looking for:
🏒annoyances to lover
🏒duel pov
🏒slow burn
🏒on the run
🏒hidden identity
🏒he falls first
🏒rescue romance (except she saves herself)
🏒found family
Thank you Jayme and RRBookTours for the gifted copy. All my thoughts are my own.
✨check triggers as this does cover heavy topics such as DV✨
This one started off strong and had me hooked from chapter one. This is a hockey romance that follows a girl running from her past. Our MMC is a pretty famous hockey player with a past of his own. These two meet pretty quickly when Lisa moves to his town and he accuses her of stalking him after some coincidental run-ins.
The banter had me giggling and kicking my feet. I really enjoyed the side characters and loved how many scenes we actually got with actual hockey in it!
Predictable plot and a bit much on the spice for me personally, but still enjoyed this read a lot. I think the next books for some side characters will be really fun, so I’m excited about that!
Recommend if you’re looking for:
🏒annoyances to lover
🏒duel pov
🏒slow burn
🏒on the run
🏒hidden identity
🏒he falls first
🏒rescue romance (except she saves herself)
🏒found family
Thank you Jayme and RRBookTours for the gifted copy. All my thoughts are my own.
✨check triggers as this does cover heavy topics such as DV✨
July 20, 2026
What started as a fun premise about a hockey player mistaking a woman for his stalker ended up delivering not only a cute romance with a swoon-worthy MMC, but also a thoughtful exploration of healing after an abusive relationship.
Lisa is running from a hidden past, so hidden that even the name she's using isn't her real one. Her journey toward healing from her horrific ex is met with so much understanding, patience, and unwavering support from Benji, making him an absolute all-star book boyfriend. It was heartwarming to watch Lisa find a place to belong and build a newfound family, not only with Benji but with the people around her as well.
The writing was easy to sink into, and the characters had the level of maturity I expect from real adults working through difficult situations. And bonus points for actual insight into the game of hockey; we get to see Benji and his team on the ice, which, shockingly, is something I feel is often missed in sports romance stories. This is definitely a hockey romance to add to your TBR if you enjoy romances that balance sweet moments with more serious topics for the characters to overcome.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lisa is running from a hidden past, so hidden that even the name she's using isn't her real one. Her journey toward healing from her horrific ex is met with so much understanding, patience, and unwavering support from Benji, making him an absolute all-star book boyfriend. It was heartwarming to watch Lisa find a place to belong and build a newfound family, not only with Benji but with the people around her as well.
The writing was easy to sink into, and the characters had the level of maturity I expect from real adults working through difficult situations. And bonus points for actual insight into the game of hockey; we get to see Benji and his team on the ice, which, shockingly, is something I feel is often missed in sports romance stories. This is definitely a hockey romance to add to your TBR if you enjoy romances that balance sweet moments with more serious topics for the characters to overcome.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2026
What a great read! Actual hockey happened in this hockey romance and I was down for every bit of it! Lyssa had a pretty dark past that had her running to Minnesota to hide and that's where she met the oh so charming Benji 😏 They were so great together !
I can't wait to see where this series goes from here!
I can't wait to see where this series goes from here!
July 22, 2026
3.5⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
This wasn't your typical hockey romance. It mixes romance with suspense and some darker themes. The plot was pretty predictable, but honestly, I didn't mind because I was invested in the characters.
This follows Benji, a professional hockey player, and Lisa, who has just moved to town while hiding from an abusive ex. After a few run-ins, Benji is convinced she's stalking him, which makes for a tension-filled start. I loved their banter, and even though Benji came off as a jerk at first, he completely won me over. He was so patient, respectful, and protective with Lisa. I loved that he always made sure she felt safe, comfortable, and in control. The way he paid attention to her needs and supported her was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I also loved all of the hockey scenes. It actually felt like a hockey romance instead of just mentioning hockey a few times. Benji's thoughtful dates were so sweet, and I loved watching Lisa slowly find herself again while helping Benji rediscover his love for hockey. Their relationship felt natural, and the slow burn made the payoff even better.
The found family was another highlight for me. I really enjoyed all of the side characters, and I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes. Even though I saw where plot was going, I was still hooked. The slow burn, chemistry, and spice were done so well.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Hockey Romance
➳❥ Annoyance to Lovers
➳❥ Hidden Identity
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Traumatic Past
➳❥ He Falls First
➳❥ Slow Burn
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“Is it possible that we’re both running away from different parts, and we just happened to run into one another?”
“I could call you a lot of things, little fighter. They’d be mostly filthy. But I want one of them to be your real name.”
“You’re with the wait.”
“What do you need, little fighter? Tell me, and I’ll give it to you.”
“All I’m asking is that if you’re going to give your heart to someone again, you pick me. Choose me.”
This wasn't your typical hockey romance. It mixes romance with suspense and some darker themes. The plot was pretty predictable, but honestly, I didn't mind because I was invested in the characters.
This follows Benji, a professional hockey player, and Lisa, who has just moved to town while hiding from an abusive ex. After a few run-ins, Benji is convinced she's stalking him, which makes for a tension-filled start. I loved their banter, and even though Benji came off as a jerk at first, he completely won me over. He was so patient, respectful, and protective with Lisa. I loved that he always made sure she felt safe, comfortable, and in control. The way he paid attention to her needs and supported her was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I also loved all of the hockey scenes. It actually felt like a hockey romance instead of just mentioning hockey a few times. Benji's thoughtful dates were so sweet, and I loved watching Lisa slowly find herself again while helping Benji rediscover his love for hockey. Their relationship felt natural, and the slow burn made the payoff even better.
The found family was another highlight for me. I really enjoyed all of the side characters, and I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes. Even though I saw where plot was going, I was still hooked. The slow burn, chemistry, and spice were done so well.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Hockey Romance
➳❥ Annoyance to Lovers
➳❥ Hidden Identity
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Traumatic Past
➳❥ He Falls First
➳❥ Slow Burn
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“Is it possible that we’re both running away from different parts, and we just happened to run into one another?”
“I could call you a lot of things, little fighter. They’d be mostly filthy. But I want one of them to be your real name.”
“You’re with the wait.”
“What do you need, little fighter? Tell me, and I’ll give it to you.”
“All I’m asking is that if you’re going to give your heart to someone again, you pick me. Choose me.”
July 18, 2026
My girl, L, deserves every single thing that Benji gives her. I absolutely loved this couple so much, and I am so happy that I got to read their story (and I am very patiently waiting to read her bestie, Andi's, story tooooo!!)
My first impression of Benji was drastically changed through their story, and I loved watching their slow burn turn into a full on fire. The way that he talks to her during each of her emotions, picks up on all of her tells, and listens to her just makes my heart sing. Even though these two had gone through their own personal hells, the way that they come together is just *so good* Plus all of the incredibly cute dates that he took her on without pressuring her and allowing her to run the show on the intimacy was something that all men should be taking notes on.
My heart seriously goes out to L through the story. I've unfortunately been in her shoes, but I am just so freaking proud of her growth and healing through the book. Though I do gotta side with her friends and recommend a therapist. ANYWAYS! I am just so proud of her for everything and I love how she went from icing out Benjamin to running into his arms.
Thank you so much to Jayme and R&R Book Tours for allowing me to read an e-copy of Iced Out! I cannot wait to read more of your work!
My first impression of Benji was drastically changed through their story, and I loved watching their slow burn turn into a full on fire. The way that he talks to her during each of her emotions, picks up on all of her tells, and listens to her just makes my heart sing. Even though these two had gone through their own personal hells, the way that they come together is just *so good* Plus all of the incredibly cute dates that he took her on without pressuring her and allowing her to run the show on the intimacy was something that all men should be taking notes on.
My heart seriously goes out to L through the story. I've unfortunately been in her shoes, but I am just so freaking proud of her growth and healing through the book. Though I do gotta side with her friends and recommend a therapist. ANYWAYS! I am just so proud of her for everything and I love how she went from icing out Benjamin to running into his arms.
Thank you so much to Jayme and R&R Book Tours for allowing me to read an e-copy of Iced Out! I cannot wait to read more of your work!
July 22, 2026
Lyssa and Benji's story was one heck of a wild ride. Things started off pretty rocky for our MCs. There was a small little meet cute that involved Winny, but both of them recovering from something traumatic in their past led to a few uncomfortable first meetings and a lot of misunderstandings.
I loved the dual POV in this story. It really enables the reader to witness and experience both sides of the story, as well as seeing how different people deal with trauma differently. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships that Lyssa was able to cultivate and grow, even given her past. The side characters and friends were so amazing, and one of my favorite parts of the story. And the snippets of her past that we received throughout the story just kept me hooked the entire time. I just wanted to keep reading to find out more and more.
I wish there was more to the ending! I loved experiencing Lyssa get herself back and be able to stand up for herself and trust herself to keep herself safe, but overall really enjoyed the story and hope we get to see more of Lyssa and Benji in the future!
If found family, hockey, reclaiming yourself, healing, and MMC falling first are tropes you love, then this should be added to the top of you TBR!
I loved the dual POV in this story. It really enables the reader to witness and experience both sides of the story, as well as seeing how different people deal with trauma differently. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships that Lyssa was able to cultivate and grow, even given her past. The side characters and friends were so amazing, and one of my favorite parts of the story. And the snippets of her past that we received throughout the story just kept me hooked the entire time. I just wanted to keep reading to find out more and more.
I wish there was more to the ending! I loved experiencing Lyssa get herself back and be able to stand up for herself and trust herself to keep herself safe, but overall really enjoyed the story and hope we get to see more of Lyssa and Benji in the future!
If found family, hockey, reclaiming yourself, healing, and MMC falling first are tropes you love, then this should be added to the top of you TBR!
July 22, 2026
“I hope someday, you’ll choose not to ice me out. I hope you’ll choose me.”
I thought this was a super cute and fun hockey romance. There are some heavy talks and flashbacks about domestic violence, so if that is a trigger I would probably skip this one. This is book 1 of what will be an interconnected series, secretly hoping for “lip foliage” guy nex (iykyk).
🥅 Slow Burn
🏒 Hockey Romance
🥊 Found Family
🥅 He Falls First
🏒 Secret Identity
🥊 She’s on the Run
🥅 Golden Retriever MMC
Benji and Lisa are adorable together. Benji is a sweet golden retriever MMC who would stop at nothing to protect those he loves. Including threatening poor innocent unsuspecting coffee shop workers as being stalkers. Lisa has just moved from out of town to escape her past and is instantly thrown into chaos. Trying to juggle healing and new relationships proves to be difficult but Benji is nothing but patient and kind, giving her all the time and space she needs to heal. But when her secrets come back to haunt her, will her new found strength be enough to keep her moving forward?
“I’ve just had my ass absolutely handed to me by a pint sized fighter with big blue eyes and more secrets than I can even begin to unpack.”
I thought this was a super cute and fun hockey romance. There are some heavy talks and flashbacks about domestic violence, so if that is a trigger I would probably skip this one. This is book 1 of what will be an interconnected series, secretly hoping for “lip foliage” guy nex (iykyk).
🥅 Slow Burn
🏒 Hockey Romance
🥊 Found Family
🥅 He Falls First
🏒 Secret Identity
🥊 She’s on the Run
🥅 Golden Retriever MMC
Benji and Lisa are adorable together. Benji is a sweet golden retriever MMC who would stop at nothing to protect those he loves. Including threatening poor innocent unsuspecting coffee shop workers as being stalkers. Lisa has just moved from out of town to escape her past and is instantly thrown into chaos. Trying to juggle healing and new relationships proves to be difficult but Benji is nothing but patient and kind, giving her all the time and space she needs to heal. But when her secrets come back to haunt her, will her new found strength be enough to keep her moving forward?
“I’ve just had my ass absolutely handed to me by a pint sized fighter with big blue eyes and more secrets than I can even begin to unpack.”
July 16, 2026
You know how some sports romances have the sport sitting quietly in the background, never really taking center stage? That is not this book, and I absolutely loved it.
Hockey is at the forefront of the story, woven seamlessly alongside a powerful journey of overcoming domestic violence.
Sprinkle in goodies like…
🏒 Slow burn
🩷 Secret identity
✨ He falls first
🐶 Emotional support dog
🤍 Found family
…and you have a book you don’t want to miss.
The third act (or should I say third period 😜😉) drama is short lived, which I was so happy about. We get right back to the story that matters most… Lisa and Benji.
Now I’m already counting down until the next book… Andi? 👀
Check your triggers!
Off page loss of a parent, loss of a sibling, stalking, DV (past w flash backs), and spiceeee but with the best before and after care!
Thank you for this ARC!
Hockey is at the forefront of the story, woven seamlessly alongside a powerful journey of overcoming domestic violence.
Sprinkle in goodies like…
🏒 Slow burn
🩷 Secret identity
✨ He falls first
🐶 Emotional support dog
🤍 Found family
…and you have a book you don’t want to miss.
The third act (or should I say third period 😜😉) drama is short lived, which I was so happy about. We get right back to the story that matters most… Lisa and Benji.
Now I’m already counting down until the next book… Andi? 👀
Check your triggers!
Off page loss of a parent, loss of a sibling, stalking, DV (past w flash backs), and spiceeee but with the best before and after care!
Thank you for this ARC!
July 26, 2026
This was a fun read! Lisa and Benji have this great banter and chemistry - I really liked how they annoyed each other at first and we get this really fun tension between them. We also get quite a bit of actual hockey, which I really enjoyed.
There are some emotional and darker moments too as they both have trauma in their pasts. We get some great character growth and I love how we see Lisa’s confidence starting to shine.
The found family vibes are strong here - I loved the other characters - from his teammates to her friend group they are supportive and funny and it definitely makes me excited to see where this series goes!
✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
👀Annoyances to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn
🏃♀️On the run
🎭Hidden Identity
❤️🔥He falls first
🩵Rescue Romance (except she saves herself)
💕Found Family
❤️🩹Grief & Trauma
🧊Sports Romance
There are some emotional and darker moments too as they both have trauma in their pasts. We get some great character growth and I love how we see Lisa’s confidence starting to shine.
The found family vibes are strong here - I loved the other characters - from his teammates to her friend group they are supportive and funny and it definitely makes me excited to see where this series goes!
✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
👀Annoyances to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn
🏃♀️On the run
🎭Hidden Identity
❤️🔥He falls first
🩵Rescue Romance (except she saves herself)
💕Found Family
❤️🩹Grief & Trauma
🧊Sports Romance
July 20, 2026
4 Stars
3 Spicy
Great hockey romance where he falls first and harder.
When Lisa moves to Minnesota she keeps accidentally running into local hockey star Benjamin Estes. They are in the same apartment building and she works at the bar and coffee shop he frequents. For past reasons he jumps to Lisa being a puck bunny at best, a stalker at worst. What he doesn't expect is a woman that wants no attention from him and would rather be ignored.
Lisa has a tragic background story and is escaping her past and starting fresh in Minnesota. I love her fire. She is offended and yet understanding when Benjamin is accusing her of stalking. While being confrontational isn't natural for her she really tries to stand her own and I love seeing her backbone throughout the book. Some strength isn't always shown in muscles.
The secondary/ found family characters from the hockey team are hysterical. I love how they support and tease each other. I'm hoping Book 2 is Grant's book. For those who love strong female bonds the 4 friends have a very Sex In The City vibe that I was all about!
Tropes
- Hockey romance
- MMC and FMC with tragic backstories
- FMC with past emotional and physical trauma
- Found family
- He falls first and harder
- HEA
3 Spicy
Great hockey romance where he falls first and harder.
When Lisa moves to Minnesota she keeps accidentally running into local hockey star Benjamin Estes. They are in the same apartment building and she works at the bar and coffee shop he frequents. For past reasons he jumps to Lisa being a puck bunny at best, a stalker at worst. What he doesn't expect is a woman that wants no attention from him and would rather be ignored.
Lisa has a tragic background story and is escaping her past and starting fresh in Minnesota. I love her fire. She is offended and yet understanding when Benjamin is accusing her of stalking. While being confrontational isn't natural for her she really tries to stand her own and I love seeing her backbone throughout the book. Some strength isn't always shown in muscles.
The secondary/ found family characters from the hockey team are hysterical. I love how they support and tease each other. I'm hoping Book 2 is Grant's book. For those who love strong female bonds the 4 friends have a very Sex In The City vibe that I was all about!
Tropes
- Hockey romance
- MMC and FMC with tragic backstories
- FMC with past emotional and physical trauma
- Found family
- He falls first and harder
- HEA
July 20, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. Had me hooked right from the first page! There's Lisa who is definitely running from something from her past.
Then you have Benji who is a hockey player and has some things that happened in his past too. Thos causes him to be suspicious and thinks Lisa is stalking him after several run ins with her.
The banter with them is so good. The more time they end up around each other, the more they realize there is something in each of their pasts. So good and the heat is definitely there between them.
Read this book for hockey and to see how they come together and learn of the past. A must read!
Then you have Benji who is a hockey player and has some things that happened in his past too. Thos causes him to be suspicious and thinks Lisa is stalking him after several run ins with her.
The banter with them is so good. The more time they end up around each other, the more they realize there is something in each of their pasts. So good and the heat is definitely there between them.
Read this book for hockey and to see how they come together and learn of the past. A must read!
June 20, 2026
Iced Out is finally yours as of today.
Iced Out has been a long time in the making. It's a pivot for me from fantasy to contemporary, and I spent a long time figuring out how to shift my writing to reflect this.
It's a romance first, yes, but it also deals with very heavy topics interspersed with humor and friendship.
And lastly, the reason I started it over a year ago: it's a love letter to my birthplace, Minnesota, and the sport I've loved and played since I was nine.
I'm so happy to share it with you now.
Iced Out has been a long time in the making. It's a pivot for me from fantasy to contemporary, and I spent a long time figuring out how to shift my writing to reflect this.
It's a romance first, yes, but it also deals with very heavy topics interspersed with humor and friendship.
And lastly, the reason I started it over a year ago: it's a love letter to my birthplace, Minnesota, and the sport I've loved and played since I was nine.
I'm so happy to share it with you now.
July 12, 2026
This is a great hockey romance book! It does deal with some heavier topics as the FMC Alyssa got away from an abusive EX and is starting her life over so definitely check TWs!
I love how these MCs start out with some instant hate because the MMC assumes she’s stalking him based on past trauma with a fan and how the FMC thinks he’s full of himself.
I like how the MMC takes things slow with the FMC and is patient with her even when he doesn’t want to be.
If you are looking for a sports romance, with rivals to lovers and he falls first you’ll enjoy Iced Out!
I love how these MCs start out with some instant hate because the MMC assumes she’s stalking him based on past trauma with a fan and how the FMC thinks he’s full of himself.
I like how the MMC takes things slow with the FMC and is patient with her even when he doesn’t want to be.
If you are looking for a sports romance, with rivals to lovers and he falls first you’ll enjoy Iced Out!
July 15, 2026
I haven’t done a hockey romance in a while and really loved this one! It sucked me in right from the start!
I really enjoyed the writing!
I loved both main characters. Their banter and chemistry was so good!
Both have trauma which brought more depth and heart to the story. It helped me connect to them more.
I loved the side characters, especially the hockey team and can’t wait to read more books in this series!
4 to 4.5 for me and only see the series getting better from here! A strong start!
I really enjoyed the writing!
I loved both main characters. Their banter and chemistry was so good!
Both have trauma which brought more depth and heart to the story. It helped me connect to them more.
I loved the side characters, especially the hockey team and can’t wait to read more books in this series!
4 to 4.5 for me and only see the series getting better from here! A strong start!
July 21, 2026
From the first chapter I was hooked and could not put this one down.
Their first meetings (which go so terribly wrong) led to the best hate banter and I was in tears from laughing so hard. But that hate pretty quickly leads to amazing slow-burn chemistry (and amazing spice).
I fell in love with the side characters so quickly and can't wait for more books in this series!
POV: Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
Tropes/Vibes:
- hockey
- slow burn
- annoyances to lovers
- he falls first
- hidden identity
- found family
Their first meetings (which go so terribly wrong) led to the best hate banter and I was in tears from laughing so hard. But that hate pretty quickly leads to amazing slow-burn chemistry (and amazing spice).
I fell in love with the side characters so quickly and can't wait for more books in this series!
POV: Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
Tropes/Vibes:
- hockey
- slow burn
- annoyances to lovers
- he falls first
- hidden identity
- found family
June 20, 2026
I loved this world so much and can’t wait to visit the other characters in the future!!
July 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! Especially being from Minnesota and the book was set in Minnesota! There's a part where they skate at the stadium and it was core memory of mine skating at the metrodome when I was younger!
The characters were great and loveable! I especially love the relationships between both the FMC and the MMCs and their friends. The found family in this book was amazing and I hope the others get their own stories 🥹
The story was entertaining and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I could not put this one down!
The characters were great and loveable! I especially love the relationships between both the FMC and the MMCs and their friends. The found family in this book was amazing and I hope the others get their own stories 🥹
The story was entertaining and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I could not put this one down!
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