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Dallas Demons #2

The Definition of Icing

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Kenley Hunter finally has everything sorted out. Fresh from studying chocolate making in Europe, she's gambling everything on her new business, Confection Consultations.

All Kenley wants in life is people to take her seriously, to see the person on the inside rather than the blonde beauty on the outside. While pursuing her passion of chocolate, Kenley discovered people seek her knowledge. They see past the exterior and fall for the chocolate delights in front of them.

So with work as her focus, Kenley is ready to start her career in Dallas. Men are out of her recipe, because she fears that once they get past her looks, they’ll be disappointed in what they find. Kenley decides she's all about the chocolate now.

Or is she?

Because a chance meeting with new Dallas Demon hockey star Nate Johansson might change everything. Sent to Dallas in a blockbuster trade, Nate is somewhere he doesn't want to be, for reasons that have caused him heartbreak on multiple levels. Nate knows he will never trust a woman again after what happened to him in Minnesota.

But when he meets a woman with an intriguing name and a passion for chocolate, Nate isn't so sure about his theory. And he might just learn a definition of icing other than the one used in hockey with Kenley as his guide...

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2015

202 people are currently reading
420 people want to read

About the author

Aven Ellis

54 books831 followers
USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,617 reviews109 followers
June 18, 2015
3/3.5 Stars

This was a very nice and sweet romance. It was cute and contemporary.
I loved the beginning and how Kenley and Nate meet at a photo shoot. The photographer wants to use Kenley’s looks and sex her up and Kenley does not want any part of that and speaks her mind. Nate takes notice and is impressed. They start talking and Kenley asks Nate out. Nate shoots her down because he is not ready to date after something that happened to him back in Minnesota. The woman he loved cheated on him and it seems to linger in the back of his mind.
Kenley and Nate have another chance meeting and at this point Nate takes Kenley out on a date. Nate opens up how he is not ready to really get involved with someone so Kenley never pushes which leaves her second guessing their romance.

It was not a bad read. The book has its moments and then it felt like it was just going through the motions. I loved CONNECTIVITY (I am going to reread this little gem right now) and WAITING FOR PRINCE HARRY by Aven Ellis. They seemed to have that punch that made me feel happy, but at the same time the tension. I want to be teased and as well as tortured. Nate did not want to appear like he was pining, but his feelings obviously went deep for this other woman that cheated on him. The tension was supposed to be whether Nate would be able to move to a place where he could have a full and meaningful relationship with Henley and move past the woman who lied to him, but I do not want my hero to linger on how another woman cheated on him and how he has hold off on a relationship even though the woman in front of him is amazing. Don’t get me wrong…Nate was sweet, but I got frustrated with his trust issues.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Side note: As of the date of this post...THE DEFINITION OF ICING is on AMAZON UNLIMITED!
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews123 followers
February 1, 2020
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

You have no idea how excited I’ve been for this book. It’s book #2 of the Dallas Demons series. Waiting For Prince Harry starring Kylie and Harrison, was the first one and now we are back in Dallas.

Kenley Hunter is 24 years old and is starting out with her new “chocolate” business. Kenley is strong, driven, passionate, clever and all she wants for people to see her inside. Looks is not everything and her last relationship ended, because her ex only wanted her for her looks. That’s why she is taking a man sabbatical.
I liked Kenley from the start, her personality and passion really impressed me. And yes, she studied in Lucerne, Switzerland, so there is another connection ;)

During a photoshoot for the Dallas Detal magazine she first meets Harrison and Kylie (yay, thanks for that AVen) and then also Nate Johansson, the new star of the Dallas Demons. Kenley stands up for herself and Nate jumps in to support her. That is when their story starts…

Nate Johansson was traded to Dallas from Minnesota. He doesn’t want to be there and the reason for the trade also made him close the door towards women and a relationship in general. Nate is sexy, soulful, thoughtful, caring, passionate, strong and just awwwww – my newest book boyfriend ;)

Nate is hesitant when it comes to going out with Kenley, but that changes once they surprisingly meet again at Harrison’s home. They way their relationship develops is just amazing. Kenley’s friends and family is involved as well and the journey is full of surprises. Aven takes us on an emotional roller-coaster ride here! Kenley and Nate get to know each other more and more and share their past as well, it makes them understand the other person better and was so happy to see them both falling for each other. I adored how Kenley decribed how she feels about Nate and the added drama and misunderstanding made me read the whole night. This is a book you can’t put down, the storyline is seriously gripping!

The characters are genuine, sweet and just perfectly well lined out. They have a real background, influencing their acting. They are so much fun to read about and relate to. Kenley is like the best friend I wanna have and Nate is the guy I wanna fall in love with. Then there is Kenley’s mother Cici, my god she is hilarious and she loves Tumble, that’s all I can say. It’s great to get to know Kenley’s sister Amanda and her family too, Claire adds some funny moments here and there. Nate’s family comes to visit and especially his sister Holly makes a lasting impression. Lexi, is an awesome best friend, and I think we’ll hear from her soon ;)
Oh and then there are Harrison and Kylie of course, I loved these tow and their story was an wonderful start to the Dallas Demons Hockey series. This is the second book and there is more to come and I can say now, that this is by far my fave series ever! So much to look forward to.

Back to the story. Aven has a beautiful way to write, her style is engaging, gripping, emotional, touching, passionate, detailed, vivid, magical and oh so romantic! I could go on trust me…
The way Aven includes the genuine feelings of the characters is impressive. I felt like I was experience everything with Kenley and I just wanted to be there for her and help…

I’m a big ice hockey fan, so the hockey related story parts were awesome to read about. From the WAG’s suit, to Nate and Kenley’s ritual and the definitions at the beginning of each chapter (will get back to them after). This really makes me wanna re-read Waiting For Prince Harry immediately.

Ok, back to the chapter starts. At the beginning of each chapter there was either a definition about something sweet (Kenley) or something hockey related (Nate). It also kind of described something used or happening in the chapter.

There are so many memorable and magical moments in this story. It’s a tale about two people finally finding each other and realising what they really need and want in life – it makes them change their opinion about certain things really fast.

You’ll fall in love with this AMAZING book, the characters and the writing!

Aven’s characters and books always make me wanna have a life like the female characters in one of her stories. I might repeat myself but, Aven really knows how to engage the reader and she finds a way to make each and every single moment in her books memorable and unique. She definitely knows how to touch a heart!!!
Profile Image for Derna.
591 reviews290 followers
June 3, 2015
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***


The Definition of Icing is the second book in the Dallas Demons series by Aven Ellis and is Kenley Hunter and Nate Johansson story. And like the other books I have read by this author I loved it.

Kenley is a girl who wants to be taken seriously. She wants people to see beyond her looks. Nate is the hot hockey star, who's been traded to Dallas Demons, and right now Dallas is the last place he wants to be. Kenley and Nate have both been hurt in the past betrayed by someone they loved, and, as a result, both have their walls up! They both have put finding love and relationships on a back burner and choosing to focus on their careers. However, when Kenley and Nate meet by chance on a photo shoot the attraction is mutual, and sparks fly leaving both questioning what they want.

“I find myself falling under Nate’s intoxicating spell. And I see no way to stop it more to the point, I don’t know if I want to”

“I don't know if I'm ready for anything but one step at a time”


I adore Kenley and Nate’s story I loved Kenley passion for chocolate, oh and it transpires that her favourite film is my favourite film. ;-) And as for Nate he is a hot hockey player what is there not to love.

Kenley and Nate were two people whose fear and insecurities about love and relationships were holding them back and who needed to let go of their past so that it didn’t affect their future. They were a great couple smart and funny and I could the connection between them. Their relationship was sweet, fun, flirty, and passionate. Loved watching it grow and their walls crumble as the realised that they may have found someone special. They shared to many heartwarming moments that I read most of this book with a grin on my face.

“I know this is where I want to be right now”

The Definition of Icing, it was a cute love story that had a lovely mix of sweet, funny, flirty moment and low on the drama & angst but as always high on the romance. Also always there are some great secondary characters great seeing Kylie and Harrison again. Kenley’s Mother CiCi! Oh how I love this lady! She has me in stitches with what she says and does. Kenley’s flat mate Lexi is lovely such a great friend and I know that her story is a must read.

“How many times do I have to tell you there is no timetable for feelings?”

I loved the chocolate and hockey facts that Aven put at the start of each chapter. I can’t say that I have become a chocolate & hockey connoisseur, but I have learned a thing or two! Who knew what weird and wonderful flavours could be added to chocolate! My regular bar of Cadbury’s dairy milk seems positively boring in comparison to the things Kenley makes!

“Neutral Zone Trap ~ A type of defensive play”

“Carré ~ It’s like a little sample square of chocolate”


Overall, I loved this one. If you love romance stories that are low on the drama and angst, then Aven Ellis’s is your lady. I love this author her writing is faultless, entertaining and I have a lot of love for all characters she creates

I recommend you one ~ click today!

Oh, and one last thing, it’s very rare that I find a song that the sum up a couple and their relationship. But when I heard “I Love You by Avril Lavigne” while reading The Definition of Icing I just knew it was their song and was just perfect for them and their story.

You're so beautiful
But that's not why I love you
I'm not sure you know
That the reason I love you is you
Being you
Just you
Yeah the reason I love you is all that we've been through
And that's why I love you


The chorus from I Love You by Avril Lavigne


Profile Image for Lindsey Johnson.
42 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2017
My least favorite love story plot device is when a problem could be completely avoided if the characters would just talk to each other about a small misunderstanding. Otherwise, I liked the characters and it was a good read.
Profile Image for Elise Allen.
84 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2024
This was so cringe but so cute. A fun hallmark-like read!
Profile Image for Trish at Between My Lines.
1,138 reviews334 followers
February 5, 2016
This review was originally posted on [Between My Lines]I have a secret that I want to share! Whenever I need a little pick me up and an injection of romantic swoons in my reads, I turn to an Aven Ellis book. The Definition of Icing by Aven Ellis just like every other book that I’ve read by this author made me smile and happy sigh and charmed my bookish heart.



 

First Line of The Definition of Icing by Aven Ellis
 
“I think I’m melting”

 

Reasons I loved The Definition of Icing:
heart icon Chocolate Girl! I love that Kenley is an ambitious and creative chocolate consultant! I want this job! She runs her own business teaching people about the art of chocolate, runs tasting classes and helps organise chocolate statement pieces for parties. Mmmhhh, sounds like a delicious career!

 

heart icon Hockey Boy: Nate is protective and gentle and from the first moment we meet him, he displays both those traits. He has some issues (but nothing ridiculously melodramatic) and this causes him to push/pull a bit in the relationship but we can see just how much he is falling for Kenley.

 

heart icon Swoony romance: Together chocolate girl and hockey boy add up to a tasty and believable duo. They have chemistry in abundance, grow a fantastic friendship as well and I appreciated how they talked their way through the bumps on the road that they hit.

 

heart icon Cute chapter headings. Every chapter started with either a chocolate definition or a hockey definition and that just added to the cuteness feel and tied the chocolate/hockey themes together. It also gave a little heads up for what was coming next. And I adored when we got the definition of icing as it applied to both.
The Definition of Icing: A delicious, sweet coating for baked goods. Like iced sugar cookies

The Definition of Icing: Not sweet. When the puck is shot into the other end from behind the center red line and the opposing player gets to the face-off circle first.

 

heart icon Solid gang of friends: I love the warm friendships in this book, the gang are loyal, supportive and a lot of fun. I loved as well that we got to see this friendship develop and grow into something important that they all valued.  Lots of friendships in books are already established before we start, so it was refreshing to watch this one grow before our eyes.

 



 
Who should read The Definition of Icing by Aven Ellis?
I’d highly recommend this to all fans of contemporary romances with engaging characters that draw you in. Fans of Aven’s previous books such as Waiting for Prince Harry will no doubt love this one. And I also think it will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Rachel Hollis and Rachel Harris.

Thanks to Aven Ellis for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

 
Profile Image for Kristalyn Thornock (The Sarcastic Palmtree).
27 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2015
At First Sight
I absolutely LOVE the cover of this book. It is so fitting and I love the type of cover where we don't see the actual people and we can leave that up to our own imagination. It is a nice switch from what has become the normal these days.

Characters and Relationships
Nate and Kenley are both wonderful characters. From the very first chapter I loved how Kenley stood up for herself and how Nate backed her up because he didn't agree with what she was trying to be pushed into doing. As Nate and Kenley got to know each other better, it was apparent that both Kenley and Nate were the type of people that would do anything for someone they cared about. What better quality could you be looking for in a person?

I like it when characters don't expect others to change for them. People need to be accepted as they are and Kenley and Nate both had this quality as we all should in life. Kenley was very involved in getting her business going strong, which was something he liked about her. Their interactions were often times filled with laughter and I loved how both of their personalities came through in the writing. I sometimes have a hard time with one character or the other, but Aven made me fall in love with both Nate and Kenley from beginning to end.

There were some wonderful supporting characters in this book as well, including Harrison and Kylie from Aven's book Waiting For Prince Harry. I look forward to hopefully seeing some of these faces in books to come.

Is This A Kissing Book?
We have some definite hot, swoony kisses going on in this one! What more would you expect from a super hot Dallas Demon hockey player? I have to mention that one of my favorite things about this book (and the other books of Aven's I have read) is that her sex scenes are all fade to black at just the right time. I know I may be alone in this, but I don't need every detail of what's happening in the bedroom and I love it when I don't have to bother skimming over a chapter because of it. I am always looking for clean NA/adult books so thank you Aven for that.

Don't Leave Me Hanging
There is no cliff hanger to this book and although it is in a series, you don't need to read the other book first to read this one. In fact, I read them out of order and they were both wonderful.

The Best Gems
-Dallas Detials
-The Definitions
-Chocolate With Curry
-Fancy Smores
-Hot Arms (Love those arms Nate!)
-Coffee House
-"You Betcha"
-Hockey
-Chocolate
-Tumble

The Sum Up
The Definition of Icing is a book that I enjoyed from start to finish. Aven's writing is delightful and funny and I devoured every page. Nate and Kenley were both adorable and fun and I loved sharing time with them while reading their story. If you love a smart, funny, romantic book, this is definitely one for you. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
May 9, 2015
AVEN ELLIS WRITES...AND SHE SCORES! THE CROWDS GO WILD!

What could a beautiful entrepreneur of chocolate confections and a smoking hot and hard driving hockey player have in common? Maybe they both want to be taken seriously as more than well-packaged eye candy. Beneath Kenley’s blonde goddess exterior is a woman driven to succeed on her merits as a business woman. Nate has just been traded to the Dallas Demon hockey team, leaving behind painful memories, yet not looking forward to life in the great state of Texas. Neither of these two have the desire to be hurt again, so the opposite sex is off the menu, until one gallant move on Nate’s part has Kenley ready to re-define the decadence of sweet delight and Nate ready to hand off his heart for the best play of his life.

Aven Ellis knows the way to my reader’s heart, combining three of my favorite topics for a hat trick with sweet romance, chocolate and hockey! Scene one, page one and I am all in, thanks to her ability to create a world that beckons you to enter, to take a behind the scenes peek at the human side of life, love and the tentative moves of a budding romance. She tops it all off with delightful characters that become people to care for, laugh with, cry with and want to play cupid for. There is never a lull in the action, although a few bad penalty calls may have been made, but that’s the way of love! Ms. Ellis writes to entertain and she has a gift for making her stories breathe with a refreshing style that screams read me and swoon.

I received an ARC edition from Aven Ellis in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Dallas Demons - Book 2
Publication Date: May 27, 2015
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Available from: Amazon
2,148 reviews30 followers
August 8, 2018
Just OK for me. Could have been a pretty good, sweet and fairly clean romance, and it was an entertaining read that kept my interest -plus it was a Kindle free read- but there were several things about it that just rubbed me wrong, or were flat-out personal peeves.

Both the H and h seemed very young. I know they're in their early twenties, but just some of the actions seemed irritatingly so.

On that note, I hate the stories where there really isn't a challenge, other than the characters' complete inability to actually communicate. Kenley flew off the handle and had total broken-heart meltdowns more than once, simply because she didn't actually TALK to Nate about what was going on. Like I said, very young characters. And from a reader's perspective, it gives the story a rather weird flow ("oh we hate each other" "oh we talked" "oh life is roses and rainbows").

I hate the "I'm so beautiful, woe is me" heroines. Kenley wasn't as annoying as some I've read, but it is a hard type for me to like or relate to. The women I've met in real life who fall in that category (strikingly pretty but still very intelligent) also have a lot of backbone. For as strong as we kept being told she was, Kenley didn't seem to have that, at least when it came to personal matters. She kept getting plowed over and spun about by her mom's opinions, even if it was in direct contrast to everything Nate had been doing/saying.

And the mom? Felt like she should have been more supportive. I know her own romantic history was rough, but it felt like she'd been basically telling her daughter for 2 years that her judgement when it came to men was crap. How is Kenley supposed to move forward?

Was glad that the sex scenes were all fade-to-black sort of moments - with this author's writing style, I don't think I'd've enjoyed Kenley's thoughts on sex. Did mean we got lots of Kenley's thoughts outside of the bedroom instead - thoughts on Nate's stubble and tattoo (LOTS of thoughts) and relationship angst instead.

So, yeah. It was a quick and sweet read. The H was likeable enough, and the h wasn't horrible. Never really clicked with them, though. Not one I'd read again, and I'm not in a particular hurry to read the next in the series. Still, this is all my personal preferences/biases coming through - you might enjoy this pair more than I did.
Profile Image for Anna.
300 reviews36 followers
October 18, 2015
I have been anxiously waiting for The Definition of Icing to be released. I absolutely love hockey, and I've been trying to find some great romance books that feature this awesome sport. What is extra nice, is that Aven Ellis knows her hockey, and it shows in this great story!

Now, first let me first say, you do not have to know anything about hockey to enjoy The Definition of Icing. The author even gives little definitions of some of the terms in the beginning of each chapter. You also get to read about hot hockey players, like Nate and Harrison (don't have to be a fan of the sport to appreciate those guys). ;)

There is also a whole other element to the story. Icing (as mentioned in the title) is not only a hockey term, but, as we know, it is also used in baking. And our main character Kenley is a chocolatier!! She makes all kinds of yummy chocolate treats and desserts for a living. So, not only do we get hockey terms, but we get baking terms as well! I learned a thing or two about chocolate and some of the things that go into making my favorite treat. My mouth was watering while reading this book, and I now have a mission to try some flavored chocolates.

I really liked the two main characters, Kenley and Nate. They were both good people, with great hearts. Kenley was a kind person, who has been hurt before, and wasn't ready to trust anyone. I could understand where she was coming from, and I admired the way that she picked herself and followed her dream of going to school and starting a business. Nate. Oh my goodness. I just loved this guy! He was so genuine, fun, and sexy. One thing that I found so refreshing was that both characters remained true to who they were and didn't try to change to please the other person!

I don't know if Aven Ellis is planning on writing another book in this series, but I would love to read a story about Lexi, Kenley's best friend (*wink*). I recommend The Definition of Icing to anyone looking for a fun, romance that will leave you smiling.

Profile Image for Maryline M's Bookshelf.
298 reviews21 followers
May 8, 2015
Advanced Reading Copy review - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com

She's back! Aven Ellis has treated us to a new fabulous installment in what's proving to be one of the best series ever: the Dallas Demons hockey romances! If you haven't read the first book, Waiting For Prince Harry, no worries: you can perfectly fall in love with The Definition Of Icing without having read the first one, but I would suggest reading them in order - it's just more fun.
It came as no surprise that I fell in love with Nate, Kenley and their story from the moment I started reading. Aven Ellis has a way of writing the girl you've always wanted to be - or wanted as a best friend - and the guy you've always wanted to date. Or at least dream about ;-)
In true Aven Ellis style, her characters are fun, interesting and original. Easy to relate to, but always surprising. Apart from the gorgeous main characters, she also introduces some hilarious new people and with every addition to their Dallas Demons world, you feel more and more like you're a part of their "family".
Get ready to be swept of your feet and to fall in love. [but make sure you have a stash of chocolate at the ready! Along with some tissues, maybe]
Profile Image for Kathryn Biel.
Author 27 books374 followers
May 12, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I loved this book. I read it in less than 24 hours, and am slightly sleep deprived because of it. Let's put it this way--a confident businesswoman who wants to be known for her brains rather than her beauty, a smokin' hot hockey player, and chocolate. Lots of chocolate. What's not to like? This is a sweet (with just enough spice, like milk chocolate with curry) romance. The perfect escape novel. Ms. Ellis remains one of my go-to authors, and she really hits it out of the park with this one. While Definition of Icing is #2 in the Dallas Demons series, it can easily be read alone (although I highly, highly recommend #1, Waiting for Prince Harry),and cannot wait for the next one!
154 reviews
January 25, 2021
what's not to like?

Aven Ellis always writes books that just make your heart smile! Nate and Kenley were just so much fun to watch fall in love. Kenley was strong and sure-of-herself (about everything but love). And who wouldn't fall in love with soulful and romantic Nate?! Such a fun, swoony read!

Can't wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Jo.
299 reviews46 followers
January 3, 2016
Loved this sweet, funny and heartwarming romance. I loved Nate, and I can't wait for more of the Dallas Demons!
Review to follow.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
July 22, 2018
This was a predictable read. It was good enough to finish, but not to read again. The flow was a bit stop & go, the world building ok, the hockey sports theme was barely addressed which is what I wanted to see more of, so this really wasn’t a hockey romance, it just happened to be his career choice is how it came across. There was mention of her going to a few games to see him play but more in passing than much about the game, & a few mentions of him going to away games. I’m no fashionista, so the clothes descriptions were way over the top, more for a high maintenance rich person who cares about designer labels & being upper crust stylish. Most of it meant nothing to me as I’d never heard of some of them & wouldn’t know if the designer names were being used accurately. In fact, the clothes descriptions almost made the heroine seem shallow with name dropping. So that was a huge turn off for me, I prefer to wear my cheap jeans & t-shirts, I could care less what brand of clothes or hand bag she was wearing/carrying. The other gripe was the inner dialogue of the heroine. No sane adult goes around assuming/thinking the stuff she did. They hadn’t said the “love” word to each other yet, but she’s fantasizing about forever with him like a high school girl would do, only thing missing was her doodling “Mrs. Johansson” in a notebook. The hero is ok, definitely not the kind of book boyfriend I would fantasize about. So, no, I really wasn’t digging the characters. I did read Waiting For Prince Harry, & was not impressed with it either. I hoped this would be better. I don’t think I’ll read more from this author.
Profile Image for Harmony.
417 reviews7 followers
March 7, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4

I didn't like this book as much as I did the first one in this series. In some ways, it felt as if it was the same characters recycled with some minor tweaks. Also, the angst and drama was too much at times. These two were so emotionally stunted that I had a hard time with them. I think if we had been allowed a glimpse into his mind, then maybe I would have liked this book more.

My biggest issue with this book (which I realize now is the same issue I had with book 1) is that these character DO NOT COMMUNICATE. So much of the drama could have been avoided if somebody would have just opened their mouth and said something. They come off as childish and (as I said above) emotionally stunted because of it.

The majority of this book happens inside Kenley's head. We get pages and pages of her thoughts and her impressions and her freak outs. It got to be exhausting and skimmed some of it.

However in spite of all that, I still really enjoyed the story. I even had tears come to my eyes at times. Their romance is so sweet and I liked both the characters enough that I wanted them together. I wanted them to work this out and live their HEA perfect little book lives.

I just felt that Kenley got emotionally sucker punched too many times. It was painful (not in an emotionally gut-wrenching good way that happens in a book) to read at times.

It was awesome seeing glimpses into Harrison and Kiley's lives in this book.

The ending was sweet, I always love it when I get a good HEA in a book.
1,081 reviews10 followers
November 24, 2018
Cute, but a bit boring and predictable...

First, could there be a more self-serving, pretentious young woman who has internal monologues with herself about how beautiful she is, and how she hates how men and everyone can't see beyond her beauty? Yes, Kenley does portray herself as a nice girl, trying to be independent, confident and professional; however, there's a level of vanity involved when that girl knows just how beautiful she is, no matter how sweet and genuine she appears. She came across as a kind of perfect, gorgeous doll completely caught up in how beautiful people perceived her to be, and judged their reactions to her looks, ALL THE TIME. Not. We only got her POV, not Nate's, but come on! Kenley is portrayed as a completely unrealistic, perfect Barbie who would never, ever exist in this day and age. And don't even try to claim she has no ego! She thought quite highly of herself, with many contradictions thrown in, largely due to her crazy mother. No young woman with her looks, especially being so CONSCIOUS of those looks, would be so insecure and quick to doubt herself when faced with badmouthing from a source other than her object of affection. I wouldn't even believe the article or her mother's nasty comments unless verified from the horse's mouth. So, this story was pretty lame.
Profile Image for Crystal.
335 reviews
September 17, 2018
Another amazing hockey story from Aven Ellis. I absolutely love the characters she creates in all of her books. They absolutely suck you in and make you want to know more about them. Nate and Kenley are no exception. From their first meeting, when Nate swoops in like a knight in shining armor, to them forcing themselves into the dreaded “friend zone” to them realizing that they both are so far past the friend zone, I couldn’t put this book down. Nate was the one person who saw Kenley for who she was, he saw beyond the pretty face that was all others saw in her. He saw the smart, strong, witty woman she actually was. Nate was used to women throwing themselves at him. They just saw the hot hockey player with a big bank account. He was burned by the last person who he let in, so he was wary of letting Kenley in. But she saw past the bank account, and ripped abs. She saw Nate for who he truly was.
I loved every minute of this story!
Since I am reading this series out of order, I will definitely be backtracking to read the previous books, as we got a glimpse of one of the couples and I just need to know their story!
Profile Image for Imfullybooked2.
134 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2021
Love love this read!!

The way the story began already piqued my interest.  There are tons of swoony, sweet, passionate,  heart melting, romantic moments between the main characters Kenley and Nate. I was rooting for them all throughout the story hoping they would work out. Being open with each other helped them get to know each other better. They are both aware of their dating histories. But even this can't prevent complications and misunderstandings (mostly Kenley).


I found Kenley a bit insecure and has trust issues everything seems to bother her and makes her think something is true when it's not. Love how patient, gentle, understanding and so caring Nate is toward her.  I was so absorbed with this read from beginning til the end. The ending just made me feel all gooey and swoony ...such a romantic heart melting ending. Now i want to live in a cabin...such a romantic setting. This is a definite must read. I have to read the other books in the series.

Profile Image for Joana Dias.
176 reviews
March 31, 2025
Kenley é bonita e foi deixada com a insegurança de ser julgada pela sua aparência e não pela sua inteligência e pelos seus talentos no mundo dos negócios. Se juntarmos a isso uma má relação, sabemos que ela não está à procura de amor. Ela tem planos e eles não incluem um jogador de hóquei escaldante chamado Nate.

Nate ... ele não quer estar em Dallas e também já foi queimado pelo Cupido.... Mas passar algum tempo com Kenley começa a derreter o seu coração, tal como aqueles chocolates que derretem no calor escaldante do Texas.

São duas personagens bastante interessantes e das quais eu deixo sempre um espaço no coração, sem personagens que mesmo depois de ter acabado o livro continuava a pensa nelas e na sua história.
Entre o primeiro livro e o segundo este é o meu favorito. LEIAM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,220 reviews67 followers
July 21, 2018
Obviously this is not my genre, as this book has what I don't like in contemporary romance, full of tropes. The H is a jock, and he seems stupid, didn't know what was in his contract. The h is sugary sweet, very beautiful and she just wants to be recognised for her talent, bless her - which happens to be her passion for all things chocolate. I tried, I really did but within the first few chapters we were offered various miscommunications and just plain dumb conversations and actions, that cause issues between them. I dislike this and always feel that this is just lazy and not creative. As others liked this a lot, I guess it must be me.
232 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2019
I loved it

A great addition to the Dallas Demons Hockey series. Nate is a new member of the Dallas Demons hockey team after a trade that was needed when his relationship blew up. He has no plans to let his heart get involve again until he meets Kenley the queen of chocolate treats. Little by little she is cracking through the walls around his heart.
I cant wait to read more of the series
108 reviews
August 2, 2018
Good second book in series

I discovered this author when I read A Royal Shade of Blue and loved it! I immediately downloaded the first book in the Dallas Demons series and enjoyed Harrison and Kylie's story.

Although this book is standalone, I highly recommend that you read the books in order to get the maximum enjoyment.
151 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
Love this story!

This is a great book. I love these characters. I love reading a series book and reading about characters from other books and watching them grow. Kenley and Nate are really cute and great together. I like that they helped each other grow out of their pasts that have caused them hurt. Great romantic comedy!
31 reviews
July 16, 2018
Love!

Another good romance! This time with chocolate and hockey in the mix. Kenly and Nate are a beautiful couple who both come with baggage from previous relationships, but are willing to take the risk for true happiness with one another.
114 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2018
Cute book

With so many books out there that have folks jumping into bed on the second page, it's refreshing to have one that explores slow, easy beginnings. Definitely worthy of the 5 star rating.
545 reviews
July 30, 2018
Another great hockey romance!

Another great story from the author! Loved the back and forth between the 2 main characters and their overwhelming love of hockey and, eventually, each other!
Profile Image for Hijinx Abound .
4,941 reviews45 followers
Read
February 24, 2024
DEAR LORD WHY? If he called her “bae” one more time…
Being in the heroines head when all she does is overthink and talk herself in circles was torturous

The meet cute was great but it went off the rails from there.
Profile Image for Silvia.
358 reviews
July 21, 2018
3.5 stars. What ruined the story for me was h constant jumping to conclusions about ANYTHING that H maybe feeling/thinking/doing!
It was driving me mad . Very of putting
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