What do you think?
Top Tier #4
Home Ice
Rafe Mikkelsen says yes to everything.
Yes, sir, to the coaches. Yes to the cameras. Yes when the team's PR people ask him to be seen around town with influencer Max Gregory a few times—fans love it, sponsors love it, it's harmless. At twenty, the league's most polite rookie has never once been the guy who makes trouble, and rumors about his relationship with a handsome celebrity is good for attendance at home games.
The only person who isn't charmed is Max's brother.
Niko's a carpenter who makes real things and has no use for fake ones. He isn't impressed that Rafe is famous. He doesn't care about hands, or points, or the aw-shucks farm-kid thing the whole city has fallen for. What Niko can't stand is watching a decent guy play a role that obviously isn't real.
Rafe has spent his whole life being agreeable and giving easy answers. He's good at it. It’s what everyone expects from him. But the costume that works on nineteen thousand strangers does nothing on the one man he can't stop thinking about—and sincerity, it turns out, is the only thing Rafe has that Niko might actually want.
A warm, funny, fake-dating hockey romance about a kid who's never told anyone no, the man who refuses to be lied to, and learning that home isn't a city or a farm or a frozen lake back in Saskatchewan.
Home is the one place no one needs you to be anyone but yourself.
Yes, sir, to the coaches. Yes to the cameras. Yes when the team's PR people ask him to be seen around town with influencer Max Gregory a few times—fans love it, sponsors love it, it's harmless. At twenty, the league's most polite rookie has never once been the guy who makes trouble, and rumors about his relationship with a handsome celebrity is good for attendance at home games.
The only person who isn't charmed is Max's brother.
Niko's a carpenter who makes real things and has no use for fake ones. He isn't impressed that Rafe is famous. He doesn't care about hands, or points, or the aw-shucks farm-kid thing the whole city has fallen for. What Niko can't stand is watching a decent guy play a role that obviously isn't real.
Rafe has spent his whole life being agreeable and giving easy answers. He's good at it. It’s what everyone expects from him. But the costume that works on nineteen thousand strangers does nothing on the one man he can't stop thinking about—and sincerity, it turns out, is the only thing Rafe has that Niko might actually want.
A warm, funny, fake-dating hockey romance about a kid who's never told anyone no, the man who refuses to be lied to, and learning that home isn't a city or a farm or a frozen lake back in Saskatchewan.
Home is the one place no one needs you to be anyone but yourself.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 5, 2026
4 stars
First things first, appreciation for the Greek heritage rep in this story. Everything mentioned, food and all was written by a person who knows his stuff. The repeat mention of Spanakopita made my stomach gurgle each time.😂🤤
This was a beautiful story. I liked the turn it took (I went in blind, I enjoy books better that way). So the fake dating was the set up, but the falling with the other brother was what made this good.
But.
I have to mention the writing style. The crisp, austir voice leaves things sounding robotic, no soul. I knew they would fall for each other because I was reading romance and not because there were clues in the story. It's like they were both in a fog until something needed to be done (I don't know if you get what I mean). That first kiss came out of nowhere. I read it back a few times and it never hit right.
But still, I liked the story and enjoyed the book.
The hockey was vibrant in this one.
First things first, appreciation for the Greek heritage rep in this story. Everything mentioned, food and all was written by a person who knows his stuff. The repeat mention of Spanakopita made my stomach gurgle each time.😂🤤
This was a beautiful story. I liked the turn it took (I went in blind, I enjoy books better that way). So the fake dating was the set up, but the falling with the other brother was what made this good.
But.
I have to mention the writing style. The crisp, austir voice leaves things sounding robotic, no soul. I knew they would fall for each other because I was reading romance and not because there were clues in the story. It's like they were both in a fog until something needed to be done (I don't know if you get what I mean). That first kiss came out of nowhere. I read it back a few times and it never hit right.
But still, I liked the story and enjoyed the book.
The hockey was vibrant in this one.
August 30, 2026
I am not going to say I did not like this one, but I feel like it is not up to par for a Declan Rhodes book.
One of the things I really like about Rhodes’ books is that he writes great character development. For Home Ice, I really do feel like that was missing.
This book felt very rushed.
Where were the conversations/thoughts about them falling in love? What, Niko took one look at Rafe and the way he handled Niko’s tools and that was it, he was in love? And he told his brother, Max, even before he told Rafe!?
I also am not even sure about the whole fake dating scenario-what was up with that?
This one fell flat for me, but I would not give up on the series.
As always, I loved the parts with the rest of the team and even Niko’s and Rafe’s family were great.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
One of the things I really like about Rhodes’ books is that he writes great character development. For Home Ice, I really do feel like that was missing.
This book felt very rushed.
Where were the conversations/thoughts about them falling in love? What, Niko took one look at Rafe and the way he handled Niko’s tools and that was it, he was in love? And he told his brother, Max, even before he told Rafe!?
I also am not even sure about the whole fake dating scenario-what was up with that?
This one fell flat for me, but I would not give up on the series.
As always, I loved the parts with the rest of the team and even Niko’s and Rafe’s family were great.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
September 2, 2026
A fake dating scenario is created to keep the media’s focus off a recently out player, Rafe. The fake boyfriend is a local influencer, Max, whose brother Niko is a quiet guy who repairs wood pieces.
They seem to fall in love at first sight, and although it’s never actually said, I feel like Max knew that was going to happen right from the start.
Best thing Tier's love for his cat, the cutest.
Very slow burn, maybe too slow for my taste but it's an easy reading
They seem to fall in love at first sight, and although it’s never actually said, I feel like Max knew that was going to happen right from the start.
Best thing Tier's love for his cat, the cutest.
Very slow burn, maybe too slow for my taste but it's an easy reading
August 21, 2026
I am loving this series and read this in less than a day / but this one felt rushed or not fully developed.
Also it was like they had a conversation about wood and they were in love?!?
I love the team though
Also it was like they had a conversation about wood and they were in love?!?
I love the team though
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fake dating scenario is created to keep the media’s focus off a recently out player
The series' appeal lies in its familiar characters, which give the narrative a richness that carries through the fourth installment of this five-book series. Nonetheless, Declan Rhodes's exceptional writing skillfully integrates a fake-dating scenario into a story centered on a publicity machine and his quiet yet extraordinarily talented woodworker brother. In this context, Rafe, a key member of the team, informs his colleagues of his sexual orientation. His agent and the team's public relations director suggest that he date a prominent influencer, diverting media scrutiny from his potential partners.
Max agrees to go out with Rafe, with arrangements in place for media coverage of their joint appearance and photographs. Over time, Rafe meets Niko, Max’s brother, whose woodworking expertise garners great admiration from Rafe. Both men harbor a subtle interest in each other, particularly since Rafe is known for being agreeable and a genuine team player.
The initial plan with Max is to mislead the media into overlooking Rafe’s true romantic interest, who develops a friendship with Niko, appreciating his woodworking skills and learning new techniques himself. As their friendship deepens, Rafe is invited to family gatherings with Max and Niko.
Rafe, embodying sincerity and politeness, captivates Niko, who, despite the pretense involving his brother, expresses a sincere desire to be with Rafe.
Mr. Rhodes’ portrayal of emotional depth within the characters—some developed within this narrative and others introduced and featured in previous works—contributes significantly to advancing the story toward a happily-ever-after conclusion.
Although the story does not contain a mystery, it presents a delightful account of two men who might not have otherwise met had it not been for the fake-dating scheme.
I eagerly anticipate the final installment in this series, where the characters from a hockey team serve as secondary figures supporting a different couple’s journey toward their own happy ending.
The series' appeal lies in its familiar characters, which give the narrative a richness that carries through the fourth installment of this five-book series. Nonetheless, Declan Rhodes's exceptional writing skillfully integrates a fake-dating scenario into a story centered on a publicity machine and his quiet yet extraordinarily talented woodworker brother. In this context, Rafe, a key member of the team, informs his colleagues of his sexual orientation. His agent and the team's public relations director suggest that he date a prominent influencer, diverting media scrutiny from his potential partners.
Max agrees to go out with Rafe, with arrangements in place for media coverage of their joint appearance and photographs. Over time, Rafe meets Niko, Max’s brother, whose woodworking expertise garners great admiration from Rafe. Both men harbor a subtle interest in each other, particularly since Rafe is known for being agreeable and a genuine team player.
The initial plan with Max is to mislead the media into overlooking Rafe’s true romantic interest, who develops a friendship with Niko, appreciating his woodworking skills and learning new techniques himself. As their friendship deepens, Rafe is invited to family gatherings with Max and Niko.
Rafe, embodying sincerity and politeness, captivates Niko, who, despite the pretense involving his brother, expresses a sincere desire to be with Rafe.
Mr. Rhodes’ portrayal of emotional depth within the characters—some developed within this narrative and others introduced and featured in previous works—contributes significantly to advancing the story toward a happily-ever-after conclusion.
Although the story does not contain a mystery, it presents a delightful account of two men who might not have otherwise met had it not been for the fake-dating scheme.
I eagerly anticipate the final installment in this series, where the characters from a hockey team serve as secondary figures supporting a different couple’s journey toward their own happy ending.
August 29, 2026
I have enjoyed this series so far, and this book is slightly different, but just as good. Usually a fake dating trope ends up with the two daters involved falling in love, and I really enjoyed the twist on this one. Rafe is a very likable character, polite, never refuses a request, friendly and personable, and I felt a bit innocent in a lot of ways. After coming out as gay, his team PR guy approaches him to spend time with Max, a local influencer, diverting attention from any possible romantic interest Rafe may have, keeping him out of the spotlight. All goes well until the subterfuge is revealed, causing backlash for Rafe. Things are complicated by Max’s brother Nico’s interest in Rafe, an interest reciprocated on Rafe’s part. Nico is older, very private, dedicated to his building or repairing quality wood pieces that utilize the techniques of a time of craftsmanship. Nico’s interests intrigue Rafe, teaching him some of the skills of his craft. That relationship develops very slowly amidst appearances by all the hockey team’s characters from previous books, lots of hockey strategy and game activity for hockey fans, and interesting information about woodworking and characteristics of some types of wood. I enjoy romances where I also learn interesting facts about random topics as an added bonus to the story, and this one delivered in several ways. The story kept me engaged and invested in the relationship between Nico and Rafe as it slowly developed over a period of time. The book has a lot of humor in it, too, and I found myself laughing out loud or to myself during several parts with lots of smiles along the way. The book is engaging and entertaining, one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I have learned that this author always delivers a book that will draw me in and keep me reading without stopping until the final page, immersed in the characters, the world building, and the relationships involved. If you like hockey, interesting characters, and romance to boot, Declan Rhodes doesn’t disappoint and any of his books can be counted on for a great story.
August 27, 2026
I love the way Declan writes. His stories happen between moments.
In Home Ice, two quiet men fall in love between the words spoken and the outside events taking place in their lives.
Rafe is a super-polite Canadian hockey player, a yes-man who likes to make people happy. Niko is quiet, unassuming, private, talented, and seemingly introverted.
Rafe and Max meet through a marketing/publicity scheme for Rafe’s hockey team after he publicly comes out. They’re supposed to be “fake” dating so the media will leave Rafe alone while Max gets some extra exposure. Through this arrangement, Rafe meets Max’s brother, Niko.
They seem to fall in love at first sight, and although it’s never actually said, I feel like Max knew that was going to happen. They fell in love over wood! Of all things... 😂
This book doesn’t have a lot of angst, no mystery, no stress—just two men who meet in an unconventional way, connect, and quietly fall in love without all the glitter and fanfare.
I love the moms in this series! I hope one day I get to call someone skinny and then make them eat my food! LOL
There were so many little moments in this book that I loved. The quiet conversations, the conversations implied but not spoken aloud, the way Rafe and Niko slowly found their way to each other. It just felt easy and genuine. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
...I dragged my mouth over his hip, avoiding the bruise, and he nearly shouted my name.
"The neighbors," he said.
"Are at work."
"What if they work from home?"
"Then they'll know my name," I said
In Home Ice, two quiet men fall in love between the words spoken and the outside events taking place in their lives.
Rafe is a super-polite Canadian hockey player, a yes-man who likes to make people happy. Niko is quiet, unassuming, private, talented, and seemingly introverted.
Rafe and Max meet through a marketing/publicity scheme for Rafe’s hockey team after he publicly comes out. They’re supposed to be “fake” dating so the media will leave Rafe alone while Max gets some extra exposure. Through this arrangement, Rafe meets Max’s brother, Niko.
They seem to fall in love at first sight, and although it’s never actually said, I feel like Max knew that was going to happen. They fell in love over wood! Of all things... 😂
This book doesn’t have a lot of angst, no mystery, no stress—just two men who meet in an unconventional way, connect, and quietly fall in love without all the glitter and fanfare.
I love the moms in this series! I hope one day I get to call someone skinny and then make them eat my food! LOL
There were so many little moments in this book that I loved. The quiet conversations, the conversations implied but not spoken aloud, the way Rafe and Niko slowly found their way to each other. It just felt easy and genuine. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
...I dragged my mouth over his hip, avoiding the bruise, and he nearly shouted my name.
"The neighbors," he said.
"Are at work."
"What if they work from home?"
"Then they'll know my name," I said
September 4, 2026
HOME ICE - DECLAN RHODES
This is book four in the Top Tier series, and while it can be read as a standalone, characters from the previous stories do play a big part of this fake dating romance.
As a rookie, Rafe has received helpful tips from Vargas throughout the series, and is able to handle the media while he hopes his coming out news dies down sooner rather than later. Part of the strategy from the Iron Hawks PR team is for Rafe to spend time “fake dating” a local influencer who has a positive following online. Since Rafe is a people pleaser, he agrees to the plan, and is happy to discover his new “boyfriend” is actually fun to spend time with.
While Max is thrilled with the increase of followers once he starts spending time with Rafe, his brother Niko is not a fan of the situation he has gotten involved in. When he meets Rafe, he is intrigued by the shy young man that Max is helping, and finds himself learning about hockey so he can understand what makes Rafe so appealing.
Niko shares some of his woodworking creations and how much his work means to him, and Rafe begins seeing a new side of himself as he learns more about this quiet man with amazing carpentry skills. They both step out of their comfort zones to meet half way and take a chance on love.
Like most Declan Rhodes books, he shares a great cast of found family that will make you laugh out loud, as well as realistic life changing moments that will engage the reader and make them eager for the HEA and impatient for the next book in the series. He is always worth reading.
This is book four in the Top Tier series, and while it can be read as a standalone, characters from the previous stories do play a big part of this fake dating romance.
As a rookie, Rafe has received helpful tips from Vargas throughout the series, and is able to handle the media while he hopes his coming out news dies down sooner rather than later. Part of the strategy from the Iron Hawks PR team is for Rafe to spend time “fake dating” a local influencer who has a positive following online. Since Rafe is a people pleaser, he agrees to the plan, and is happy to discover his new “boyfriend” is actually fun to spend time with.
While Max is thrilled with the increase of followers once he starts spending time with Rafe, his brother Niko is not a fan of the situation he has gotten involved in. When he meets Rafe, he is intrigued by the shy young man that Max is helping, and finds himself learning about hockey so he can understand what makes Rafe so appealing.
Niko shares some of his woodworking creations and how much his work means to him, and Rafe begins seeing a new side of himself as he learns more about this quiet man with amazing carpentry skills. They both step out of their comfort zones to meet half way and take a chance on love.
Like most Declan Rhodes books, he shares a great cast of found family that will make you laugh out loud, as well as realistic life changing moments that will engage the reader and make them eager for the HEA and impatient for the next book in the series. He is always worth reading.
September 9, 2026
When I read a book from Declan Rhodes, not only am I guaranteed a great love story but I know I am going to learn something new. I am forever impressed with the details and descriptions he provides his readers into the lives of his characters. This attention to detail, provides a sense of realism that is missing from most romantic fiction.
Home Ice is the fourth book in the Top Tier hockey series. This is a stand a lone novel but members of the team from previous books are featured in the storyline. When rookie player Rafe Mikkelsen, decides to come out the organization wants to get ahead of a media frenzy by fabricating a relationship for Rafe with home design influencer Max Gregory. Not one to rock to boat, Rafe agrees. He and Max get along but it isn’t until he meets Max’s brother Niko that this fake relationship gets complicated. The more time that Niko and Rafe spend together the more they fall for each other. This leaves a problem for Rafe. How can he have a fake relationship with one brother but start a real one with the other?
This is another great addition to the Top Tier series. I have enjoyed every book in the series and each one provides a refreshingly unique hockey novel. The protection and care Niko takes with Rafe is really touching and makes me want more with this couple.
I received and ARC for my honest review.
Home Ice is the fourth book in the Top Tier hockey series. This is a stand a lone novel but members of the team from previous books are featured in the storyline. When rookie player Rafe Mikkelsen, decides to come out the organization wants to get ahead of a media frenzy by fabricating a relationship for Rafe with home design influencer Max Gregory. Not one to rock to boat, Rafe agrees. He and Max get along but it isn’t until he meets Max’s brother Niko that this fake relationship gets complicated. The more time that Niko and Rafe spend together the more they fall for each other. This leaves a problem for Rafe. How can he have a fake relationship with one brother but start a real one with the other?
This is another great addition to the Top Tier series. I have enjoyed every book in the series and each one provides a refreshingly unique hockey novel. The protection and care Niko takes with Rafe is really touching and makes me want more with this couple.
I received and ARC for my honest review.
September 18, 2026
'Home Ice' (Top Tier series, Book #4) (Kindle)
written by Declan Rhodes
September 2026
Another great installment in this intense, yet sometimes humorous, hockey series!
I won't bother with a play-by-play of the whole storyline... just want to recommend this whole series by one of my most favorite and creative writers.
I liked that side trip about Rafe (the hockey player) watching the woman weaving the tapestry, how it fascinated him, compelling him to purchase a finished weaving from her to bring home with him, taking it with him wherever he happened to be living.
And I liked that fact that Niko (the carpenter) saw the real Rafe, underneath the "nice guy" facade he has so carefully cultivated over years of playing hockey. Niko wasn't interested in fake anything, just the real thing; Rafe was learning to be real.
Appreciated another side character, the young boy who came to so many hockey games, standing front row holding his supportive sign for Rafe...until his mother stopped him coming to the games, when the shit hits the fan about Rafe not being who he said he was! ... Lies!
This is a wonderful series, so if you're a fan of hockey and hot men on cool ice, here's your ticket to ride!
(might I suggest starting with book one?)
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
written by Declan Rhodes
September 2026
Another great installment in this intense, yet sometimes humorous, hockey series!
I won't bother with a play-by-play of the whole storyline... just want to recommend this whole series by one of my most favorite and creative writers.
I liked that side trip about Rafe (the hockey player) watching the woman weaving the tapestry, how it fascinated him, compelling him to purchase a finished weaving from her to bring home with him, taking it with him wherever he happened to be living.
And I liked that fact that Niko (the carpenter) saw the real Rafe, underneath the "nice guy" facade he has so carefully cultivated over years of playing hockey. Niko wasn't interested in fake anything, just the real thing; Rafe was learning to be real.
Appreciated another side character, the young boy who came to so many hockey games, standing front row holding his supportive sign for Rafe...until his mother stopped him coming to the games, when the shit hits the fan about Rafe not being who he said he was! ... Lies!
This is a wonderful series, so if you're a fan of hockey and hot men on cool ice, here's your ticket to ride!
(might I suggest starting with book one?)
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2026
Very slow burn🗜🏒
I think to really get the most out of this story, a solid understanding of ice hockey play and carpentry is useful, maybe even essential. Rafe the young, clean cut, popular hockey player from Saskatchewan, seems to connect with Niko, the furniture restorer brother of his fake boyfriend, in a sensory appreciation of fine handcrafted workmanship way before they get physically involved.
Niko is such a private guy, the quintessential loner craftsman who can't stand the idea of his influencer brother actually filming even his workshop, let alone him, that I could pick up the buried struggle for him to give into a probable more public life if he and Rafe became a couple.
Very slow burn, with little open contact between the leads until the last third. Plenty of team camaraderie for Rafe, some chuckles over his teammate's obsession with his cat and heaps of blow by blow hockey play and woodworking projects. I thought Max was an exuberant foil for brother Niko and Rafe, who is really a no drama type of guy.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I think to really get the most out of this story, a solid understanding of ice hockey play and carpentry is useful, maybe even essential. Rafe the young, clean cut, popular hockey player from Saskatchewan, seems to connect with Niko, the furniture restorer brother of his fake boyfriend, in a sensory appreciation of fine handcrafted workmanship way before they get physically involved.
Niko is such a private guy, the quintessential loner craftsman who can't stand the idea of his influencer brother actually filming even his workshop, let alone him, that I could pick up the buried struggle for him to give into a probable more public life if he and Rafe became a couple.
Very slow burn, with little open contact between the leads until the last third. Plenty of team camaraderie for Rafe, some chuckles over his teammate's obsession with his cat and heaps of blow by blow hockey play and woodworking projects. I thought Max was an exuberant foil for brother Niko and Rafe, who is really a no drama type of guy.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 3, 2026
AS ALWAYS A GREAT READ FROM A GREAT SERIES!💕🏒🪵🪑🗜️
In the fourth book of the series we get a more in-depth and intimate look into rookie Ice Hockey player for the Iron Hawks- Rafe Mikkelson…
Coming out to the team leads to a fake relationship organised by PR with an influencer Max Gregory who inadvertently leads him to the love of his life!
This was a sweet, slow burn of two individuals who are drawn to each other from the first encounter and forms a strong connection revolving around 🪵 working, friendship and choices…
I like how Rafe finds his own voice and learns the difference between being always agreeable to eventually making a choice first that resonates with him…
Nico is such a sweet, quiet, patient man who grounds Rafe and teaches him there are options before saying yes to everything…
I loved the banter of the teammates especially Vargas and then Trier and his cat Peaches who we will see a lot more of in the final book that will lead with Triers story!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.
In the fourth book of the series we get a more in-depth and intimate look into rookie Ice Hockey player for the Iron Hawks- Rafe Mikkelson…
Coming out to the team leads to a fake relationship organised by PR with an influencer Max Gregory who inadvertently leads him to the love of his life!
This was a sweet, slow burn of two individuals who are drawn to each other from the first encounter and forms a strong connection revolving around 🪵 working, friendship and choices…
I like how Rafe finds his own voice and learns the difference between being always agreeable to eventually making a choice first that resonates with him…
Nico is such a sweet, quiet, patient man who grounds Rafe and teaches him there are options before saying yes to everything…
I loved the banter of the teammates especially Vargas and then Trier and his cat Peaches who we will see a lot more of in the final book that will lead with Triers story!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for an honest non biased review.
September 4, 2026
Rafe the rookie on the team has come back after the break not expecting that coming out, will change his life.
From the moment the PR team mentioned the idea of fake dating, I thought it wrong. Rafe was a sweet guy who aims to please. But I loved the twist on the fake dating theme.
Niko is a craftsman extraordinaire, brother of Max. He is most happier when he has his plane in his hands, then be in the public eye, the opposite of his brother.
The more I read of this book, the more I got angry at Max and Rafe's PR team. But through all the noise, Rafe and Niko got closer. Its not trumpets and fanfares, it just happens. They bond and share interests
I was invested in Trier's cat and laughed at Varga being Varga, so glad he hasn't changed. Loved Rafe and Niko's parents and was so interested in learning all about Niko's work.
The team's involvement with Rafe and how he knew was supporting him and getting to see more of Heath and Kieran and the rest of the team.
So glad we are getting Trier's story and can't wait for more of Peaches
From the moment the PR team mentioned the idea of fake dating, I thought it wrong. Rafe was a sweet guy who aims to please. But I loved the twist on the fake dating theme.
Niko is a craftsman extraordinaire, brother of Max. He is most happier when he has his plane in his hands, then be in the public eye, the opposite of his brother.
The more I read of this book, the more I got angry at Max and Rafe's PR team. But through all the noise, Rafe and Niko got closer. Its not trumpets and fanfares, it just happens. They bond and share interests
I was invested in Trier's cat and laughed at Varga being Varga, so glad he hasn't changed. Loved Rafe and Niko's parents and was so interested in learning all about Niko's work.
The team's involvement with Rafe and how he knew was supporting him and getting to see more of Heath and Kieran and the rest of the team.
So glad we are getting Trier's story and can't wait for more of Peaches
August 25, 2026
This was such a warm and enjoyable addition to the series. I really liked Rafe and Niko together, especially because their relationship starts from something that is completely fake but quickly becomes the one thing Rafe actually wants to be honest about.
Rafe was such a sweetheart. He’s spent so much of his life saying yes and doing what everyone expects of him, so seeing him slowly realise that he can make choices for himself was lovely. Niko was the perfect person to challenge him, especially with his no-nonsense attitude and refusal to fall for the polished image everyone else sees.
I also really enjoyed the family interactions and getting to spend more time with familiar characters from the series. The fake-dating setup was fun, but it was the quieter moments between Rafe and Niko that really made this story for me.
A sweet, low-drama hockey romance about finding the courage to be yourself, with plenty of warmth, humour, and a satisfying HEA.
Rafe was such a sweetheart. He’s spent so much of his life saying yes and doing what everyone expects of him, so seeing him slowly realise that he can make choices for himself was lovely. Niko was the perfect person to challenge him, especially with his no-nonsense attitude and refusal to fall for the polished image everyone else sees.
I also really enjoyed the family interactions and getting to spend more time with familiar characters from the series. The fake-dating setup was fun, but it was the quieter moments between Rafe and Niko that really made this story for me.
A sweet, low-drama hockey romance about finding the courage to be yourself, with plenty of warmth, humour, and a satisfying HEA.
September 21, 2026
While I have read several of the author's series, this book strikes me to be a different sort of book than his Thunder Bay or Chicago books. It is a feel good story about a budding romance between a genuinely nice hockey player and a craftsman carpenter while most the other books focus on hockey players.
I like the way Rhodes uses the names of hockey players from Thunder Bay series as players on the Chicago team. Whether it is intentional it permits the reader who is new to avoid learning about the past but it also permits those of us who read the other series to know why there is connection.
The plot which involves fake dating with the brother of the carpenter Niko is well-crafted and the side plots of Hungarian dance and revealed secrets are well done. I would argue though that the booing at the hockey player even after he scored more than his share of goals was overdone. Overall, I find this book to be exceptional.
I like the way Rhodes uses the names of hockey players from Thunder Bay series as players on the Chicago team. Whether it is intentional it permits the reader who is new to avoid learning about the past but it also permits those of us who read the other series to know why there is connection.
The plot which involves fake dating with the brother of the carpenter Niko is well-crafted and the side plots of Hungarian dance and revealed secrets are well done. I would argue though that the booing at the hockey player even after he scored more than his share of goals was overdone. Overall, I find this book to be exceptional.
August 23, 2026
Rhodes takes the story in a somewhat different direction with this novel, introducing a ‘fresh concept’ while retaining the camaraderie and team dynamics that readers have come to appreciate. The addition of a rookie to the team provides another interesting dimension to the story and adds to the evolving relationships among the characters…plus more.
For hockey enthusiasts, this is definitely a novel worth picking up. Hockey plays a central role throughout the book, and readers with a particular appreciation for the sport will likely find much to enjoy. Compared with Rhodes’s previous novels, however, the philosophical elements are less prominent here. The novel focuses more heavily on the world of hockey and the dynamics of the team, making for a somewhat different reading experience to which long-term readers may be accustomed.
For hockey enthusiasts, this is definitely a novel worth picking up. Hockey plays a central role throughout the book, and readers with a particular appreciation for the sport will likely find much to enjoy. Compared with Rhodes’s previous novels, however, the philosophical elements are less prominent here. The novel focuses more heavily on the world of hockey and the dynamics of the team, making for a somewhat different reading experience to which long-term readers may be accustomed.
August 30, 2026
This warm and heartfelt hockey romance delivers a wonderful mix of fake dating, self-discovery, humour, and genuine emotion. Rafe is an incredibly endearing character, a young rookie so accustomed to pleasing everyone that he has almost forgotten how to choose what he wants for himself. Niko is the perfect contrast—grounded, direct, and completely unimpressed by fame or carefully constructed appearances. Their slow-building connection feels natural, tender, and refreshingly sincere, with plenty of chemistry along the way. I especially loved Rafe’s journey toward finding his own voice and discovering that real love means being accepted exactly as you are. I will read anything that Declan writes.
September 2, 2026
4.6
This is a warm story, complete with family, teammates, a cat called Peaches, hockey, woodworking, humour and Vargas.
Tension arises via a plot to normalize Rafe, a young hockey phenom who is one of the nicest guys on the planet, but decides to come out via a quickie announcement in the locker room. How to handle this?
The resulting mashup with the fans and a disappearing management is handled smoothly. For me, coming off a series of hard edged hurt/comfort novels, this one is a welcome, soft landing.
His woodworking boyfriend goes through a rough patch. Be prepared to learn a little bit about the craft as a bonus.
Vargas is an outlier, funny, sarcastic, smart and unexpected. Rhodes uses him well as a foil.
Enjoyable!
This is a warm story, complete with family, teammates, a cat called Peaches, hockey, woodworking, humour and Vargas.
Tension arises via a plot to normalize Rafe, a young hockey phenom who is one of the nicest guys on the planet, but decides to come out via a quickie announcement in the locker room. How to handle this?
The resulting mashup with the fans and a disappearing management is handled smoothly. For me, coming off a series of hard edged hurt/comfort novels, this one is a welcome, soft landing.
His woodworking boyfriend goes through a rough patch. Be prepared to learn a little bit about the craft as a bonus.
Vargas is an outlier, funny, sarcastic, smart and unexpected. Rhodes uses him well as a foil.
Enjoyable!
September 4, 2026
I loved this installment. The action was hockey, the emotional arc went from gentle to intense to gentle, there was plenty of sly (and over the top) humor, we got to see all our favorite players from the team, and Max was a delight--as were the church ladies. There was a satisfying arc about a cat, lots of loving descriptions of woodworking, and above all, a truly lovely story about a man who says yes, a man who says no, and why they both change their minds.
There was a point at which I just couldn't see how the happy ending would come about. The pain was real, the disappointment visceral, and time it took to come to grips with what needed to be done was tough. But as usual in Declan Rhodes' books, honesty wins the day.
Please read this entirely wonderful book.
There was a point at which I just couldn't see how the happy ending would come about. The pain was real, the disappointment visceral, and time it took to come to grips with what needed to be done was tough. But as usual in Declan Rhodes' books, honesty wins the day.
Please read this entirely wonderful book.
August 23, 2026
Rafe is a rookie from Saskatchewan and has just come out to the team as gay. He keeps his head down and goes with the flow. Max is an attention ho. Max offers to "fake date" Rafe to keep the heat off Rafe and to avoid speculation as too he dates. The team's PR is on board, the only one not on board is Max's brother Niko. I really liked Nico's character; he's calming like still pond with a depth below. And Rafe really pays attention. What felt of to me was the public reaction to the news that it was fake. Max is the "influencer" and Rafe is pretty naive, yet the blame is heaped on Rafe and Max in portrayed as the victim.
August 26, 2026
Rafe is a hockey player who came out as gay to the public. He is set up to play fake boyfriends with Max, a charismatic, professional influencer. Through Max he meets his brother, Niko, a wood craftsman and the real attraction is there. The whole hockey team is wonderful, supporting and a joy to read about. Niko is a quiet man, one who says little but with meaning and worth in every word. Rafe has to be the nicest, sweetest man in the whole world, caring, honest and giving the shirt off his back. You couldn't ask for better people even though this is the most nonverbal couple you'll ever read about. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
September 8, 2026
Home Ice is the fourth book in the Top Tier series and is story about Rafe the rookie taken under the wing of Vargas. Rafe was a great supporting character in the other novels. I was excited for his story, but it was a little too slow for my taste. I was excited for the premise of the fake dating, especially when I realized he would fall for the brother Nico and not Max, his fake boyfriend. This was a good twist that I appreciated. While this was not my favorite, it was still well written and full of characters from the previous books to round it out. * I received an advance copy and voluntarily reviewed.
August 30, 2026
I would give this 4.5 stars rounded up. I loved both Rafe and Niko, and I thought the situation they were in brought about some nice tension too. As with all of Rhodes' books, everything is very understated. You have to read between the lines (and then some), but I like the gentle, subtle feel to his writing. I also appreciated that Rafe was unique compared to many of the other members of the team (and I enjoyed seeing all of them again too). And I really liked Niko and his quiet life. :)
All in all, this just really worked for me!
All in all, this just really worked for me!
September 6, 2026
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
3.5⭐️Rafe and Niko are sweet together and I really am enjoying this series, the characters are well done, and the hockey world building is well done. Fake dating isn’t my favorite trope and here I’m not sure it quite works, a silly and misguided PR stunt with Max. It’s a bit slow moving for me but a satisfying HEA for Niko and Rafe.
3.5⭐️Rafe and Niko are sweet together and I really am enjoying this series, the characters are well done, and the hockey world building is well done. Fake dating isn’t my favorite trope and here I’m not sure it quite works, a silly and misguided PR stunt with Max. It’s a bit slow moving for me but a satisfying HEA for Niko and Rafe.
August 22, 2026
Quick, sweet read with two very likable main characters, along with their supportive families. Not a lot of angst, not a lot of chaos, just a lovely romance with a bit of humor. Another good book by the author!
August 25, 2026
Good characters, but a bit more detail, especially about Niko, would have been better.
The plot didn't work and left things a bit creepy, which is too bad because these two guys deserved better.
But as usual it has Declan Rhodes well-observed easy banter.
The plot didn't work and left things a bit creepy, which is too bad because these two guys deserved better.
But as usual it has Declan Rhodes well-observed easy banter.
September 13, 2026
loved this story
I love Rafe and Nico’s story. I smiled, laughed, sighed and fell in love with these two men. This whole cast of hockey players and their families, made and found, are just amazing.
I love Rafe and Nico’s story. I smiled, laughed, sighed and fell in love with these two men. This whole cast of hockey players and their families, made and found, are just amazing.
Did Not Finish
August 21, 2026DNF @ 44% - I don’t buy the premise of this book.
August 26, 2026
Kind of inexplicable insta-love without much substance behind it. The side characters were better drawn than the main ones
September 2, 2026
I love this series and another great book from this author. I enjoyed it!
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