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Icing on Top
Despite moving back home to be near family, Jeremiah Langfield tends to shut out any offers for help when it comes to his daughter, Charlie. He’s the only parent she has left and he’s determined to always be there for her, even if that means making sacrifices. Retiring early from the NHL had been an easy decision, but when he meets Charlie’s new hockey coach, he’s struggling to remember why relationships are off the table. Add on that Charlie adores her and Jeremiah finds himself on thin ice.
Zoe Daniels has been hiding from her past ever since one tragic event turned her life on its head and destroyed her hockey career. Stepping back into the world that hurt her is terrifying, but she can’t deny that hockey is, and always will be, the love of her life. The trick is allowing herself to lean on others for strength and to let them in as she finally faces off against her demons.
Zoe Daniels has been hiding from her past ever since one tragic event turned her life on its head and destroyed her hockey career. Stepping back into the world that hurt her is terrifying, but she can’t deny that hockey is, and always will be, the love of her life. The trick is allowing herself to lean on others for strength and to let them in as she finally faces off against her demons.
267 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2026
About the author
Kaitlin Collins
5 books30 followersKaitlin is an elementary teacher and avid traveler based in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She lives with a menagerie of pets, including her bunny (Artemis), leopard gecko (Bruni), and puppy (Ringo). Books and writing have been her escape for years. When she isn’t creating stories in her head, she is daydreaming about her next trip.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 18, 2026
4.5🌟 | 1🌶️
This was such a sweet, easy-to-read hockey romance that I read through in one sitting.
Jeremiah and Zoe’s connection felt natural from the start, and I loved how their relationship grew through friendship, trust, and mutual support rather than unnecessary drama.
Jeremiah completely stole my heart, especially his relationship with Charlie. Their father-daughter bond was adorable, and watching Zoe become part of their little world was just as lovely. I also really enjoyed the found-family feel and the way the story handled grief, trauma, and healing without becoming too heavy.
I especially appreciated how refreshing the lack of misunderstandings and third-act breakup was. This is a soft, closed-door romance with plenty of warmth, lovable characters, and just enough hockey to add to the fun.
A charming, cozy romance that made for the perfect quick read.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Kaitlin Collins and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was such a sweet, easy-to-read hockey romance that I read through in one sitting.
Jeremiah and Zoe’s connection felt natural from the start, and I loved how their relationship grew through friendship, trust, and mutual support rather than unnecessary drama.
Jeremiah completely stole my heart, especially his relationship with Charlie. Their father-daughter bond was adorable, and watching Zoe become part of their little world was just as lovely. I also really enjoyed the found-family feel and the way the story handled grief, trauma, and healing without becoming too heavy.
I especially appreciated how refreshing the lack of misunderstandings and third-act breakup was. This is a soft, closed-door romance with plenty of warmth, lovable characters, and just enough hockey to add to the fun.
A charming, cozy romance that made for the perfect quick read.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Kaitlin Collins and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
August 20, 2026
“ꜱᴇᴇɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀʟʟ ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ ᴏꜰ. ᴀɴᴅ ᴢᴏᴇ? ꜱʜᴇ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🚫
Okayyyyy, apparently we’re staying on my “I can read emotionally healthy men too” tour for another book. 😂🏒🩷
LOOK AT ME GROW.
Because Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins was sweet, tender, low drama and CLOSED DOOR…
And I still read the entire thing in one sitting.
WHO AM I?! 😭😂
You guys know hockey romance is basically its own food group in my reading diet at this point.
If there’s a hockey player on the cover?
I’m probably reading it.
Retired NHL player?
I’m listening.
Single dad retired NHL player???
👀
You have my attention.
And then you make the FMC a hockey coach?!
Okay Kaitlin.
SOLD. 🏒👏🏻
Jeremiah Langfield retired from the NHL early for one very important reason:
His daughter, Charlie.
🥹
He’s the only parent she has left, and this man has basically decided that if being EVERYTHING for Charlie means sacrificing parts of his own life…
So be it.
Dating?
Nope.
Relationships?
Absolutely not.
Asking his family for help?
Also apparently illegal. 🙄😂
Jeremiah is going to handle EVERYTHING HIMSELF because that’s what good dads do.
Sir.
No.
That’s what exhausted dads with control issues do.
LET PEOPLE HELP YOU. 😭
But the relationship between Jeremiah and Charlie absolutely melted me.
Because if there’s one thing that’s going to get me…
IT’S A GIRL DAD.
🧎🏻♀️🩷
The way he loves that little girl?!
The sacrifices he’s made for her?!
The fact that every decision he makes starts with “What’s best for Charlie?”
SIR.
I was supposed to be having a cute little hockey romance moment and now I’m emotional. 😭
Then Charlie gets a new hockey coach.
Enter…
ZOE DANIELS.
🏒👀
And Zoe isn’t just some random woman who happens to know hockey.
She HAD a hockey career.
She loved the sport.
It was part of who she was.
Until one devastating event changed everything.
Now she’s spent years hiding from the past and staying away from the world that hurt her.
So stepping back onto the ice as a coach isn’t just a job.
It’s part of her healing.
And I really appreciated that.
Because both Jeremiah AND Zoe are dealing with what happens when the life you planned suddenly isn’t available anymore.
They’re both athletes whose relationships with hockey changed for reasons outside of what they originally imagined.
Jeremiah chose to walk away for Charlie.
Zoe had her future ripped away from her.
And now they’re both trying to figure out…
Who am I when the thing that defined so much of my life isn’t mine anymore?
🥹
That added an emotional layer I wasn’t necessarily expecting from such a cozy romance.
But Kaitlin handles the grief and trauma gently.
It’s THERE.
It matters.
It shapes these characters.
But the story never becomes unbearably heavy.
Which made this such a perfect palate cleanser for me.
Because sometimes your girl has been reading too many serial k!llers, mafia men, stalkers, morally black psychopaths and relationships that would require approximately seventeen therapists to unpack.
😂🔪
And eventually my brain goes:
Can we PLEASE have one nice man?!
Jeremiah Langfield answered the call. 🫡😂
And what I really loved about Jeremiah and Zoe was how NATURAL their relationship felt.
There wasn’t some ridiculous manufactured reason keeping them apart for 300 pages.
They become friends.
They build trust.
They support each other.
They actually TALK.
And gradually Zoe starts becoming part of Jeremiah and Charlie’s little world.
🥹🩷
And CHARLIE LOVING HER?!
Stop.
Because there’s something about single-parent romance where the child develops their own relationship with the love interest that gets me every damn time.
I don’t just want to believe the couple belongs together.
I want to believe the FAMILY belongs together.
And I did.
The found-family elements throughout this story were probably some of my favorite parts.
Jeremiah has people who WANT to help him.
Zoe has people she can lean on.
And both of them have to learn that being strong doesn’t mean doing absolutely everything alone.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Also…
Can we discuss the complete lack of unnecessary bullsh*t?!
😂
No giant misunderstanding that could have been solved with a text message.
No overheard half-conversation.
No “I’m leaving you because I love you too much.”
And most importantly…
NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
THANK YOU.
Sometimes I don’t need my couple to implode at 83% just because we’ve reached the portion of the romance novel where someone apparently has to lose all critical-thinking skills.
They can encounter difficult things…
TOGETHER.
Wild concept. 😂
Now let’s address something else.
This is a closed-door romance.
I know.
Me.
The woman who usually sees “explicit and plentiful” and says add to cart.
😂🧎🏻♀️
But honestly?
It worked here.
Would I have complained if Jeremiah had demonstrated some additional off-ice skills?
Absolutely f*cking not. 👀😂
But the story didn’t NEED it.
The emotional intimacy between these two carried the romance.
And sometimes that’s enough.
I KNOW.
PERSONAL GROWTH. 😭😂
I also really appreciated the sports realism here.
Professional athletes don’t always get the perfect farewell.
Careers end early.
Injuries happen.
Priorities change.
Sometimes walking away is a choice.
Sometimes it absolutely isn’t.
And both Jeremiah and Zoe are navigating that loss of identity in different ways.
Hockey is still something they love.
They’re just learning that loving something doesn’t mean your relationship with it has to stay exactly the same forever.
That was probably one of the strongest parts of the story for me. 🏒🩷
Was this the kind of book that emotionally destroyed me and left me staring blankly at a wall afterward?
No.
Did I need it to?
Also no.
It was sweet.
Comforting.
Easy to read.
Emotional without being exhausting.
And sometimes after spending several books in the fictional depths of hell…
THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I NEED. 😂
If you love hockey romance, girl dads, hockey coach FMCs, retired NHL players, love after loss, grief and healing, found family, emotionally mature relationships, low drama and NO third-act breakup, this is such a sweet little read. 🏒🩷
Jeremiah may not be a morally questionable mafia man threatening to burn down a city for his woman…
But he’s a devoted girl dad who shows up for the people he loves.
And apparently…
I contain multitudes. 💅🏻😂
Now somebody hand me a morally bankrupt psychopath before people start thinking I’ve changed. 🧎🏻♀️🔪🖤
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🚫
Okayyyyy, apparently we’re staying on my “I can read emotionally healthy men too” tour for another book. 😂🏒🩷
LOOK AT ME GROW.
Because Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins was sweet, tender, low drama and CLOSED DOOR…
And I still read the entire thing in one sitting.
WHO AM I?! 😭😂
You guys know hockey romance is basically its own food group in my reading diet at this point.
If there’s a hockey player on the cover?
I’m probably reading it.
Retired NHL player?
I’m listening.
Single dad retired NHL player???
👀
You have my attention.
And then you make the FMC a hockey coach?!
Okay Kaitlin.
SOLD. 🏒👏🏻
Jeremiah Langfield retired from the NHL early for one very important reason:
His daughter, Charlie.
🥹
He’s the only parent she has left, and this man has basically decided that if being EVERYTHING for Charlie means sacrificing parts of his own life…
So be it.
Dating?
Nope.
Relationships?
Absolutely not.
Asking his family for help?
Also apparently illegal. 🙄😂
Jeremiah is going to handle EVERYTHING HIMSELF because that’s what good dads do.
Sir.
No.
That’s what exhausted dads with control issues do.
LET PEOPLE HELP YOU. 😭
But the relationship between Jeremiah and Charlie absolutely melted me.
Because if there’s one thing that’s going to get me…
IT’S A GIRL DAD.
🧎🏻♀️🩷
The way he loves that little girl?!
The sacrifices he’s made for her?!
The fact that every decision he makes starts with “What’s best for Charlie?”
SIR.
I was supposed to be having a cute little hockey romance moment and now I’m emotional. 😭
Then Charlie gets a new hockey coach.
Enter…
ZOE DANIELS.
🏒👀
And Zoe isn’t just some random woman who happens to know hockey.
She HAD a hockey career.
She loved the sport.
It was part of who she was.
Until one devastating event changed everything.
Now she’s spent years hiding from the past and staying away from the world that hurt her.
So stepping back onto the ice as a coach isn’t just a job.
It’s part of her healing.
And I really appreciated that.
Because both Jeremiah AND Zoe are dealing with what happens when the life you planned suddenly isn’t available anymore.
They’re both athletes whose relationships with hockey changed for reasons outside of what they originally imagined.
Jeremiah chose to walk away for Charlie.
Zoe had her future ripped away from her.
And now they’re both trying to figure out…
Who am I when the thing that defined so much of my life isn’t mine anymore?
🥹
That added an emotional layer I wasn’t necessarily expecting from such a cozy romance.
But Kaitlin handles the grief and trauma gently.
It’s THERE.
It matters.
It shapes these characters.
But the story never becomes unbearably heavy.
Which made this such a perfect palate cleanser for me.
Because sometimes your girl has been reading too many serial k!llers, mafia men, stalkers, morally black psychopaths and relationships that would require approximately seventeen therapists to unpack.
😂🔪
And eventually my brain goes:
Can we PLEASE have one nice man?!
Jeremiah Langfield answered the call. 🫡😂
And what I really loved about Jeremiah and Zoe was how NATURAL their relationship felt.
There wasn’t some ridiculous manufactured reason keeping them apart for 300 pages.
They become friends.
They build trust.
They support each other.
They actually TALK.
And gradually Zoe starts becoming part of Jeremiah and Charlie’s little world.
🥹🩷
And CHARLIE LOVING HER?!
Stop.
Because there’s something about single-parent romance where the child develops their own relationship with the love interest that gets me every damn time.
I don’t just want to believe the couple belongs together.
I want to believe the FAMILY belongs together.
And I did.
The found-family elements throughout this story were probably some of my favorite parts.
Jeremiah has people who WANT to help him.
Zoe has people she can lean on.
And both of them have to learn that being strong doesn’t mean doing absolutely everything alone.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Also…
Can we discuss the complete lack of unnecessary bullsh*t?!
😂
No giant misunderstanding that could have been solved with a text message.
No overheard half-conversation.
No “I’m leaving you because I love you too much.”
And most importantly…
NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
THANK YOU.
Sometimes I don’t need my couple to implode at 83% just because we’ve reached the portion of the romance novel where someone apparently has to lose all critical-thinking skills.
They can encounter difficult things…
TOGETHER.
Wild concept. 😂
Now let’s address something else.
This is a closed-door romance.
I know.
Me.
The woman who usually sees “explicit and plentiful” and says add to cart.
😂🧎🏻♀️
But honestly?
It worked here.
Would I have complained if Jeremiah had demonstrated some additional off-ice skills?
Absolutely f*cking not. 👀😂
But the story didn’t NEED it.
The emotional intimacy between these two carried the romance.
And sometimes that’s enough.
I KNOW.
PERSONAL GROWTH. 😭😂
I also really appreciated the sports realism here.
Professional athletes don’t always get the perfect farewell.
Careers end early.
Injuries happen.
Priorities change.
Sometimes walking away is a choice.
Sometimes it absolutely isn’t.
And both Jeremiah and Zoe are navigating that loss of identity in different ways.
Hockey is still something they love.
They’re just learning that loving something doesn’t mean your relationship with it has to stay exactly the same forever.
That was probably one of the strongest parts of the story for me. 🏒🩷
Was this the kind of book that emotionally destroyed me and left me staring blankly at a wall afterward?
No.
Did I need it to?
Also no.
It was sweet.
Comforting.
Easy to read.
Emotional without being exhausting.
And sometimes after spending several books in the fictional depths of hell…
THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I NEED. 😂
If you love hockey romance, girl dads, hockey coach FMCs, retired NHL players, love after loss, grief and healing, found family, emotionally mature relationships, low drama and NO third-act breakup, this is such a sweet little read. 🏒🩷
Jeremiah may not be a morally questionable mafia man threatening to burn down a city for his woman…
But he’s a devoted girl dad who shows up for the people he loves.
And apparently…
I contain multitudes. 💅🏻😂
Now somebody hand me a morally bankrupt psychopath before people start thinking I’ve changed. 🧎🏻♀️🔪🖤
August 14, 2026
This sounds like such a heartfelt hockey romance, balancing love, family, healing, and second chances beautifully.
Jeremiah Langfield has built his life around being the best father he can be to his daughter, Charlie. After retiring early from the NHL, he’s determined to put her first and doesn’t want to rely on anyone else. That all starts to change when he meets Charlie’s new hockey coach, Zoe Daniels. Despite his best efforts to keep relationships off the table, the connection between them becomes impossible to ignore—especially when Charlie quickly becomes one of Zoe’s biggest fans.
Zoe is carrying a painful past of her own. Once a promising hockey player, a tragic event destroyed her career and left her struggling to return to the sport she has always loved. Becoming a coach gives her a chance to reconnect with hockey, but facing the world she once walked away from means confronting the demons she has spent years avoiding.
I loved the emotional depth behind both characters. Jeremiah’s devotion to Charlie and Zoe’s journey toward healing give the romance so much more meaning than simply two people falling in love. They’re both learning that they don’t have to carry everything alone, and watching them slowly open themselves up to each other makes their relationship feel genuine and rewarding.
With hockey, family, healing, and a romance that puts both characters on thin ice, this sounds like a wonderful story for anyone who loves emotional sports romances with plenty of heart. Jeremiah and Zoe’s journey promises plenty of tenderness, vulnerability, and second-chance feelings—and I’m definitely intrigued to see whether they can overcome their pasts and find their happily-ever-after.
Jeremiah Langfield has built his life around being the best father he can be to his daughter, Charlie. After retiring early from the NHL, he’s determined to put her first and doesn’t want to rely on anyone else. That all starts to change when he meets Charlie’s new hockey coach, Zoe Daniels. Despite his best efforts to keep relationships off the table, the connection between them becomes impossible to ignore—especially when Charlie quickly becomes one of Zoe’s biggest fans.
Zoe is carrying a painful past of her own. Once a promising hockey player, a tragic event destroyed her career and left her struggling to return to the sport she has always loved. Becoming a coach gives her a chance to reconnect with hockey, but facing the world she once walked away from means confronting the demons she has spent years avoiding.
I loved the emotional depth behind both characters. Jeremiah’s devotion to Charlie and Zoe’s journey toward healing give the romance so much more meaning than simply two people falling in love. They’re both learning that they don’t have to carry everything alone, and watching them slowly open themselves up to each other makes their relationship feel genuine and rewarding.
With hockey, family, healing, and a romance that puts both characters on thin ice, this sounds like a wonderful story for anyone who loves emotional sports romances with plenty of heart. Jeremiah and Zoe’s journey promises plenty of tenderness, vulnerability, and second-chance feelings—and I’m definitely intrigued to see whether they can overcome their pasts and find their happily-ever-after.
August 16, 2026
Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins is the perfect sports romance when you’re looking for something short, sweet, and easy to read! 🏒❤️
It’s a short book that you can easily pick up when you want a quick read in between longer books. The writing is smooth and the story flows so effortlessly that I found myself flying through the pages. I actually finished it in one day, which definitely doesn’t happen very often for me!
I really enjoyed this one and loved how easy it was to get into. If you’re looking for a fun, quick sports romance that you can finish in no time, Icing on Top is definitely worth picking up! ⭐️
It’s a short book that you can easily pick up when you want a quick read in between longer books. The writing is smooth and the story flows so effortlessly that I found myself flying through the pages. I actually finished it in one day, which definitely doesn’t happen very often for me!
I really enjoyed this one and loved how easy it was to get into. If you’re looking for a fun, quick sports romance that you can finish in no time, Icing on Top is definitely worth picking up! ⭐️
August 20, 2026
A single dad retired goalie and his daughter’s new female hockey coach! Loved this one! I love how she is sting and independent but does the little things for his daughter.
September 29, 2026
This was such a fun + sweet read!
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 single dad
🏒 witty dialogue + chirps
🏒 supportive friendships
🏒 forced proximity
🏒 single dad
🏒 witty dialogue + chirps
🏒 supportive friendships
August 8, 2026
Gah I just LOVED this book so much!! I fell in love with these characters right away. Couldn’t put this book down!! It was the sweetest romance ever.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2026
Some books are like a warm hug after a long day, and Icing on Top is exactly that. As someone who loves romance stories that balance heart, healing, and genuine character connections, this book completely won me over from the very first chapter. What started as a quick read turned into a story I couldn't put down, and before I knew it, I had finished it in a single sitting.
At its core, it is a beautiful second chance romance centered around Jeremiah, a retired hockey player and devoted single father, and Zoe, a former hockey player who finds herself coaching Jeremiah's daughter, Charlie. Both Jeremiah and Zoe carry emotional scars from their pasts. Jeremiah is still learning how to live with the loss of his wife, while Zoe is trying to find her way back after experiences that left her questioning the future she once envisioned. Their journey together is not about fixing each other but about healing side by side, which made their relationship feel incredibly authentic and heartfelt.
What truly makes this story shine is its characters. Jeremiah is one of those rare romance heroes who feels impossible not to love. He is kind, patient, supportive, and completely devoted to his daughter. Rather than relying on grand gestures, he wins hearts through his everyday actions and unwavering love for the people around him. He radiates the kind of emotional maturity and security that makes him an unforgettable protagonist.
Then there is Charlie, the real scene stealer of the novel. As a young hockey goalie with a huge heart and plenty of sass, she brings humor, warmth, and joy to every chapter. Her relationship with Jeremiah is absolutely precious, and their father-daughter bond is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Watching Charlie gradually build a connection with Zoe added another layer of emotional depth that made the story even more special.
Zoe was equally easy to root for. I loved her resilience, vulnerability, and passion for hockey. Her growth throughout the novel felt realistic and inspiring. The way she slowly opened herself up to both Jeremiah and Charlie created some of the book's most touching moments.
One of Kaitlin Collins' greatest strengths is her ability to create found family dynamics that feel natural and sincere. The supporting cast added so much depth to the story, making the world feel lived-in and inviting. Every interaction reinforced the sense of community, support, and belonging that runs throughout the novel.
Although hockey serves as the backdrop, the sport never overwhelms the story. Even readers who aren't typically drawn to sports romances will find themselves invested because the real focus remains on the characters, their relationships, and their emotional journeys. The hockey elements enrich the narrative without ever requiring extensive knowledge of the sport.
The novel also handles heavier themes such as grief, anxiety, trauma, and life after loss with sensitivity and care. Despite these emotional topics, the book never feels overwhelmingly heavy. Instead, it offers a hopeful and uplifting exploration of healing, demonstrating how love, friendship, and family can help people move forward while still honoring the past.
Another aspect I appreciated was the romance itself. The chemistry between Jeremiah and Zoe is undeniable, but the relationship develops gradually and naturally. Their connection is built on trust, understanding, and emotional intimacy rather than physical attraction alone. This is a sweet, closed door romance, and honestly, the story never needed anything more because the emotional connection carried every scene beautifully.
Thank you Kaitlin and Happily Booked PR for the ARC copy!!
At its core, it is a beautiful second chance romance centered around Jeremiah, a retired hockey player and devoted single father, and Zoe, a former hockey player who finds herself coaching Jeremiah's daughter, Charlie. Both Jeremiah and Zoe carry emotional scars from their pasts. Jeremiah is still learning how to live with the loss of his wife, while Zoe is trying to find her way back after experiences that left her questioning the future she once envisioned. Their journey together is not about fixing each other but about healing side by side, which made their relationship feel incredibly authentic and heartfelt.
What truly makes this story shine is its characters. Jeremiah is one of those rare romance heroes who feels impossible not to love. He is kind, patient, supportive, and completely devoted to his daughter. Rather than relying on grand gestures, he wins hearts through his everyday actions and unwavering love for the people around him. He radiates the kind of emotional maturity and security that makes him an unforgettable protagonist.
Then there is Charlie, the real scene stealer of the novel. As a young hockey goalie with a huge heart and plenty of sass, she brings humor, warmth, and joy to every chapter. Her relationship with Jeremiah is absolutely precious, and their father-daughter bond is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Watching Charlie gradually build a connection with Zoe added another layer of emotional depth that made the story even more special.
Zoe was equally easy to root for. I loved her resilience, vulnerability, and passion for hockey. Her growth throughout the novel felt realistic and inspiring. The way she slowly opened herself up to both Jeremiah and Charlie created some of the book's most touching moments.
One of Kaitlin Collins' greatest strengths is her ability to create found family dynamics that feel natural and sincere. The supporting cast added so much depth to the story, making the world feel lived-in and inviting. Every interaction reinforced the sense of community, support, and belonging that runs throughout the novel.
Although hockey serves as the backdrop, the sport never overwhelms the story. Even readers who aren't typically drawn to sports romances will find themselves invested because the real focus remains on the characters, their relationships, and their emotional journeys. The hockey elements enrich the narrative without ever requiring extensive knowledge of the sport.
The novel also handles heavier themes such as grief, anxiety, trauma, and life after loss with sensitivity and care. Despite these emotional topics, the book never feels overwhelmingly heavy. Instead, it offers a hopeful and uplifting exploration of healing, demonstrating how love, friendship, and family can help people move forward while still honoring the past.
Another aspect I appreciated was the romance itself. The chemistry between Jeremiah and Zoe is undeniable, but the relationship develops gradually and naturally. Their connection is built on trust, understanding, and emotional intimacy rather than physical attraction alone. This is a sweet, closed door romance, and honestly, the story never needed anything more because the emotional connection carried every scene beautifully.
Thank you Kaitlin and Happily Booked PR for the ARC copy!!
August 23, 2026
A single dad, a female hockey coach, his daughter who immediately loves her, the romantic tension that practically writes itself. It could have been one of those stories where you're just waiting for the leads to admit what's obvious from page one, where the relationship feels inevitable in a way that makes it feel cheap. Kaitlin Collins didn't do any of that.
The pacing of Jeremiah and Zoe's relationship is genuinely one of my favorite things about it. They don't skip steps. There's this whole part of the books where they are just two professionals who respect each other, who are building something in their community together, and who happen to be circling closer and closer without either of them being ready to name it yet. That felt real. It felt earned. This one actually lets the slowness breathe.
Zoe as a coach matters to this story in a way that goes beyond her job being the meet-cute mechanism. She's good at what she does. Collins shows her being competent, being present, being someone who understands hockey from the inside out even while she's still processing her own complicated relationship with the sport. And then there's the women's league she builds with Jeremiah's support, which might be my favorite subplot in the whole book. Zoe's relationship with Charlie is also handled so well. It feels like a real attachment forming between a kid who needs reliable adults in her life and a woman who is, quietly, finding that being needed again is part of how she heals. The book also handles Zoe's arc with the sport itself with more nuance than I expected. Her complicated relationship with hockey, loving it while also associating it with real loss of what could've been for her professionally. The story lets her reclaim something without pretending the reclaiming is simple. I also particularly loved how when she was doing this, Miah let her do it on her own. He gave her space to come to terms with it.
Here's my one real wish for this book, I wanted more of their lives before. What were they like as players? What shaped them in the years we didn't get to see? Kaitlin drops enough that you can feel the weight of their respective pasts but I kept wanting to linger there longer. With Zoe especially, given that her past in hockey is so central to what she's working through in the present, I wanted to know more about who she was before everything changed, what she lost beyond the obvious, what she carried forward without realizing it. Same with Jeremiah. Who was he before early retirement, before single fatherhood, before he learned to be so careful with himself? I don't think the book suffers exactly for not going there but I would have loved a longer road.
Overall, I really really loved reading this book. I literally breezed through it and I am definitely seated for the next book in this series.
More Reviews : pagesofyue.com
Many thanks to Kaitlin Collins and happily booked PR for the opportunity to read this book in advanced. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The pacing of Jeremiah and Zoe's relationship is genuinely one of my favorite things about it. They don't skip steps. There's this whole part of the books where they are just two professionals who respect each other, who are building something in their community together, and who happen to be circling closer and closer without either of them being ready to name it yet. That felt real. It felt earned. This one actually lets the slowness breathe.
Zoe as a coach matters to this story in a way that goes beyond her job being the meet-cute mechanism. She's good at what she does. Collins shows her being competent, being present, being someone who understands hockey from the inside out even while she's still processing her own complicated relationship with the sport. And then there's the women's league she builds with Jeremiah's support, which might be my favorite subplot in the whole book. Zoe's relationship with Charlie is also handled so well. It feels like a real attachment forming between a kid who needs reliable adults in her life and a woman who is, quietly, finding that being needed again is part of how she heals. The book also handles Zoe's arc with the sport itself with more nuance than I expected. Her complicated relationship with hockey, loving it while also associating it with real loss of what could've been for her professionally. The story lets her reclaim something without pretending the reclaiming is simple. I also particularly loved how when she was doing this, Miah let her do it on her own. He gave her space to come to terms with it.
Here's my one real wish for this book, I wanted more of their lives before. What were they like as players? What shaped them in the years we didn't get to see? Kaitlin drops enough that you can feel the weight of their respective pasts but I kept wanting to linger there longer. With Zoe especially, given that her past in hockey is so central to what she's working through in the present, I wanted to know more about who she was before everything changed, what she lost beyond the obvious, what she carried forward without realizing it. Same with Jeremiah. Who was he before early retirement, before single fatherhood, before he learned to be so careful with himself? I don't think the book suffers exactly for not going there but I would have loved a longer road.
Overall, I really really loved reading this book. I literally breezed through it and I am definitely seated for the next book in this series.
More Reviews : pagesofyue.com
Many thanks to Kaitlin Collins and happily booked PR for the opportunity to read this book in advanced. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
I love discovering new authors. Whether they are new to me or releasing their debut novel, I enjoy getting to know new voices in my collection of books. Kaitlin Collins is a new to me author that I will definitely be reading more of. Icing on Top is her newest release and book 1 to her newest series, Love in Overtime. With sweet romance, learning to love after loss, and the most adorable little girl, this book is easy to fall into and enjoy. The lightheartedness is blended perfectly with the emotional turmoil both MCs are feeling, balancing the book’s tone perfectly.
Jeremiah and Zoe are both retired hockey players. Jeremiah retired from the pros to be a more present father to his daughter after the loss of her mother. Zoe retired after playing college hockey and still holds onto a lot of trauma surrounding her time within the game. Neither one can stay away from the game though. Neither do relationships, for different reasons, but once they meet, it is evident they have chemistry. I will always root for a book that puts a woman in a man’s profession and has her rocking it. Zoe being a kid’s hockey coach was a perfect touch.
Jeremiah’s daughter, Charlie, ends up on Zoe’s team, so these two spend a lot of time together. Finding out they share the feeling of losing a dream too soon, they quickly connect. While it is evident they are falling for each other, they each remain an arm’s length away, not wanting to get hurt or be the reason someone gets hurt. As they begin to let their walls down, the emotion becomes known and we learn what is really going on with them both. While this part made my heart hurt, it is needed to drive the story forward. Kaitlin does piece your heart together again, don’t worry about that.
Everything in this book is done so well. The emotional healing, the romance, and the found family vibes; all chef’s kiss. I cannot wait for more of this series and getting to know other characters better. The patience Jeremiah has with Zoe, the relationship Zoe and Charlie build, and the healing they both go through made this book hard to put down. I fully enjoyed this story and discovering Kaitlin as an author. I also do hope my prediction for the next couple in this series is correct!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩷Second Chance Romance
🏒Girl Dad MMC
🩷Hockey Coach FMC
🏒Retired Hockey Players
🩷Loss and Grief
🏒Healing Journey
🩷Love after Loss
I love discovering new authors. Whether they are new to me or releasing their debut novel, I enjoy getting to know new voices in my collection of books. Kaitlin Collins is a new to me author that I will definitely be reading more of. Icing on Top is her newest release and book 1 to her newest series, Love in Overtime. With sweet romance, learning to love after loss, and the most adorable little girl, this book is easy to fall into and enjoy. The lightheartedness is blended perfectly with the emotional turmoil both MCs are feeling, balancing the book’s tone perfectly.
Jeremiah and Zoe are both retired hockey players. Jeremiah retired from the pros to be a more present father to his daughter after the loss of her mother. Zoe retired after playing college hockey and still holds onto a lot of trauma surrounding her time within the game. Neither one can stay away from the game though. Neither do relationships, for different reasons, but once they meet, it is evident they have chemistry. I will always root for a book that puts a woman in a man’s profession and has her rocking it. Zoe being a kid’s hockey coach was a perfect touch.
Jeremiah’s daughter, Charlie, ends up on Zoe’s team, so these two spend a lot of time together. Finding out they share the feeling of losing a dream too soon, they quickly connect. While it is evident they are falling for each other, they each remain an arm’s length away, not wanting to get hurt or be the reason someone gets hurt. As they begin to let their walls down, the emotion becomes known and we learn what is really going on with them both. While this part made my heart hurt, it is needed to drive the story forward. Kaitlin does piece your heart together again, don’t worry about that.
Everything in this book is done so well. The emotional healing, the romance, and the found family vibes; all chef’s kiss. I cannot wait for more of this series and getting to know other characters better. The patience Jeremiah has with Zoe, the relationship Zoe and Charlie build, and the healing they both go through made this book hard to put down. I fully enjoyed this story and discovering Kaitlin as an author. I also do hope my prediction for the next couple in this series is correct!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩷Second Chance Romance
🏒Girl Dad MMC
🩷Hockey Coach FMC
🏒Retired Hockey Players
🩷Loss and Grief
🏒Healing Journey
🩷Love after Loss
August 26, 2026
Well, this was aggressively adorable. Icing on Top is basically what happens when you take a retired NHL player, an absolutely precious little girl, a woman trying to figure out what life looks like after the future she planned for herself disappears, and throw them all together until suddenly I’m emotionally invested in this tiny accidental family.
Charlie is easily one of the best parts of the book. She has SO much personality, and watching her relationship with Zoe develop adds way more to the story than just giving Jeremiah a cute kid for single-dad-romance points. The bond between the three of them is really what makes this work. Jeremiah is completely devoted to his daughter, Zoe fits into their world in a way that feels natural, and before long you’re basically sitting there like, 'Well obviously these people belong together. Carry on.'
I also really liked that Jeremiah and Zoe are both dealing with lives that didn’t turn out remotely the way they expected. There’s grief and disappointment underneath all the sweetness, but the book never turns into one giant emotional gut punch. It stays soft without feeling completely empty, and the hockey element actually matters to who these characters are instead of just existing so somebody can wear a jersey on the cover.
My biggest issue is that I could’ve used a little more time with Jeremiah and Zoe actually becoming Jeremiah and Zoe. The romance moves pretty quickly, and there were places where I wanted the story to slow down and let their relationship breathe instead of skipping ahead once the feelings started feeling. I liked them enough that I wanted MORE of them, which is simultaneously a compliment and the reason this stayed at 4 stars instead of climbing higher.
Also, if you’re expecting the usual spicy hockey romance situation, adjust accordingly because this one is very much on the wholesome side. The payoff here is the emotional connection, Charlie, and that little found-family bubble forming around all three of them.
Charlie is easily one of the best parts of the book. She has SO much personality, and watching her relationship with Zoe develop adds way more to the story than just giving Jeremiah a cute kid for single-dad-romance points. The bond between the three of them is really what makes this work. Jeremiah is completely devoted to his daughter, Zoe fits into their world in a way that feels natural, and before long you’re basically sitting there like, 'Well obviously these people belong together. Carry on.'
I also really liked that Jeremiah and Zoe are both dealing with lives that didn’t turn out remotely the way they expected. There’s grief and disappointment underneath all the sweetness, but the book never turns into one giant emotional gut punch. It stays soft without feeling completely empty, and the hockey element actually matters to who these characters are instead of just existing so somebody can wear a jersey on the cover.
My biggest issue is that I could’ve used a little more time with Jeremiah and Zoe actually becoming Jeremiah and Zoe. The romance moves pretty quickly, and there were places where I wanted the story to slow down and let their relationship breathe instead of skipping ahead once the feelings started feeling. I liked them enough that I wanted MORE of them, which is simultaneously a compliment and the reason this stayed at 4 stars instead of climbing higher.
Also, if you’re expecting the usual spicy hockey romance situation, adjust accordingly because this one is very much on the wholesome side. The payoff here is the emotional connection, Charlie, and that little found-family bubble forming around all three of them.
August 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌟
I swear to you that Kaitlin writes stories with the most heart, the most love, and with the biggest green flag MMCs. It’s so easy to fall in love with them when they are just so lovable. Jeremiah made ME feel safe, haha! This is a precious second chance at romance with a single dad and his daughter’s coach. Their relationship is just goals. The way that Kaitlin builds her found families is goals too. I can already tell you that I am needing more of our found family and I wouldn’t be opposed to a relationship between [redacted] and [redacted]! Sorry guys but I will not be spoiling anything for you…you need to read it and tell me if you agree! I’m sure you’ll know who I’m talking about! This is a sweet romance 🫑 with kisses only. No open door spice. This isn’t YA though. There’s strong language and innuendo. Thank you to the author for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. I think you will love this book if you love sweet, contemporary romances with lovable characters and a wonderful budding found family! Books like this are the PERFECT palate cleanser to read between heavier themed books. Speaking of heavier themes, this story does touch on anxiety, grief, and trauma and it’s truly beautiful. While this story is about two ex-hockey players, do not let that scare you off if you aren’t a hockey romance fan. I think you might be pleasantly surprised and you won’t be overwhelmed with “sports” that’s for sure. I hope you give it a try!!
“Maybe I would have stuck with hockey as a kid if I’d had role models like you to look up to,” she said.
My nerves made zero sense, but anxiety didn’t exactly care about logic.
“Position?”
“Goalie.”
“So he’s a freak. Okay, continue.”
5/5🌟
I swear to you that Kaitlin writes stories with the most heart, the most love, and with the biggest green flag MMCs. It’s so easy to fall in love with them when they are just so lovable. Jeremiah made ME feel safe, haha! This is a precious second chance at romance with a single dad and his daughter’s coach. Their relationship is just goals. The way that Kaitlin builds her found families is goals too. I can already tell you that I am needing more of our found family and I wouldn’t be opposed to a relationship between [redacted] and [redacted]! Sorry guys but I will not be spoiling anything for you…you need to read it and tell me if you agree! I’m sure you’ll know who I’m talking about! This is a sweet romance 🫑 with kisses only. No open door spice. This isn’t YA though. There’s strong language and innuendo. Thank you to the author for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. I think you will love this book if you love sweet, contemporary romances with lovable characters and a wonderful budding found family! Books like this are the PERFECT palate cleanser to read between heavier themed books. Speaking of heavier themes, this story does touch on anxiety, grief, and trauma and it’s truly beautiful. While this story is about two ex-hockey players, do not let that scare you off if you aren’t a hockey romance fan. I think you might be pleasantly surprised and you won’t be overwhelmed with “sports” that’s for sure. I hope you give it a try!!
“Maybe I would have stuck with hockey as a kid if I’d had role models like you to look up to,” she said.
My nerves made zero sense, but anxiety didn’t exactly care about logic.
“Position?”
“Goalie.”
“So he’s a freak. Okay, continue.”
August 4, 2026
Expected Release Date: August 17, 2026
Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins was such a comforting, heart-warming read! As someone who loves diving into ARCs without knowing too much beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. While it's part of an interconnected series, it works great as a standalone—giving me a sweet taste of this universe without feeling locked into a massive binge-read!
The story centers on Jeremiah, a widowed former athlete balancing grief while raising his seven-year-old daughter, Charlie. Then there's Zoe, a talented women’s league hockey player on the cusp of going pro, who becomes Charlie’s new coach. Bonded by their shared love for hockey and the reality of stepping away from their dreams earlier than expected, Jeremiah and Zoe form a deep connection. But as they spend more time together, will they give themselves a second chance at love?
What I Loved:
A Palette Cleanser: This was such a nice breather from heavy spice or high-stress romantic suspense. It’s an easy, sweet adult romance that hits all the right emotional notes.
Grief & Healing: Jeremiah’s journey through loss and moving forward for his daughter felt deeply realistic, tender, and beautifully handled.
Relatable Sports Realism: Both Jeremiah's and Zoe’s storylines reflect the raw, honest realities that many real-life athletes face when career paths shift unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts:
A tender, comforting adult romance about navigating grief, finding healing, and daring to give life—and love—a second chance. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR before release day!
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins was such a comforting, heart-warming read! As someone who loves diving into ARCs without knowing too much beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. While it's part of an interconnected series, it works great as a standalone—giving me a sweet taste of this universe without feeling locked into a massive binge-read!
The story centers on Jeremiah, a widowed former athlete balancing grief while raising his seven-year-old daughter, Charlie. Then there's Zoe, a talented women’s league hockey player on the cusp of going pro, who becomes Charlie’s new coach. Bonded by their shared love for hockey and the reality of stepping away from their dreams earlier than expected, Jeremiah and Zoe form a deep connection. But as they spend more time together, will they give themselves a second chance at love?
What I Loved:
A Palette Cleanser: This was such a nice breather from heavy spice or high-stress romantic suspense. It’s an easy, sweet adult romance that hits all the right emotional notes.
Grief & Healing: Jeremiah’s journey through loss and moving forward for his daughter felt deeply realistic, tender, and beautifully handled.
Relatable Sports Realism: Both Jeremiah's and Zoe’s storylines reflect the raw, honest realities that many real-life athletes face when career paths shift unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts:
A tender, comforting adult romance about navigating grief, finding healing, and daring to give life—and love—a second chance. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR before release day!
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Huge thank you to Kaitlin Collins and Happily Booked PR for the gifted eARC of Icing On Top to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Kaitlin Collins has done it once again! Icing On Top completely swept me off my feet and had my heart fluttering during the whole entire book. I am still getting into sport romances but hockey has become my go to sport to read about so I had high hopes I would love this one and I absolutely did.
Kaitlin has a way of making such amazing characters to come to life. Jeremiah and Charlie absolutely stole my heart. The daddy daughter duo were just perfect in every way. The way they loved one another, cheered each other on and overall were each others best friend just warmed my heart. Learning about Charlie’s mom, I really enjoyed how both Jeremiah and Charlie chose to always remember her and still keep her spirit alive. Also, having little Charlie as a female goalie in hockey was such a nice touch and I found myself feeling so proud of her!
With Zoe as the coach, it was only natural for the three of them to come together. What started off as sweet friendship turned into something much more and seeing how all three of them were perfect together just melted my heart. Not only did Jeremiah always put Charlie first, I also liked how Jeremiah and Zoe were there for each other especially when they opened up about their past. All three characters felt so relatable and so human that I couldn’t help but love them. The side characters were all incredible as well and I can’t wait to see more in book 2!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Kaitlin Collins has done it once again! Icing On Top completely swept me off my feet and had my heart fluttering during the whole entire book. I am still getting into sport romances but hockey has become my go to sport to read about so I had high hopes I would love this one and I absolutely did.
Kaitlin has a way of making such amazing characters to come to life. Jeremiah and Charlie absolutely stole my heart. The daddy daughter duo were just perfect in every way. The way they loved one another, cheered each other on and overall were each others best friend just warmed my heart. Learning about Charlie’s mom, I really enjoyed how both Jeremiah and Charlie chose to always remember her and still keep her spirit alive. Also, having little Charlie as a female goalie in hockey was such a nice touch and I found myself feeling so proud of her!
With Zoe as the coach, it was only natural for the three of them to come together. What started off as sweet friendship turned into something much more and seeing how all three of them were perfect together just melted my heart. Not only did Jeremiah always put Charlie first, I also liked how Jeremiah and Zoe were there for each other especially when they opened up about their past. All three characters felt so relatable and so human that I couldn’t help but love them. The side characters were all incredible as well and I can’t wait to see more in book 2!
August 17, 2026
Hockey, Healing & Second Chances — Review
I swear, Kaitlin writes the kind of romances that are just full of heart, and this one was no exception. Jeremiah and Zoe completely won me over.
Jeremiah is a single dad who has built his life around Charlie, and honestly, watching their relationship was one of my favorite parts. He’s such a massive green flag—kind, patient, thoughtful, and completely devoted to his daughter. He genuinely made me feel safe just reading about him. 😂
Zoe is carrying her own grief and trauma after losing the hockey career she once loved, so I really enjoyed watching her slowly find her way back to the sport and herself. Her journey made the romance feel like so much more than just two people falling in love. They were both learning to let people in and realizing they didn't have to handle everything alone.
And their relationship? So sweet. I loved how naturally it developed, especially with Charlie becoming such a big fan of Zoe. The budding found family was another huge highlight, and I already need more of these characters!
I also appreciated that the hockey aspect never overwhelmed the story. Even if you're not a sports-romance reader, I think this one could pleasantly surprise you. The focus is really on the characters, their relationships, healing, and finding love again.
With a single dad, daughter's coach, second chances, found family, lovable characters, and themes of anxiety, grief, and trauma, this was such a warm and emotional read. Definitely the kind of sweet romance that makes a perfect palate cleanser between heavier books. ❤️
I swear, Kaitlin writes the kind of romances that are just full of heart, and this one was no exception. Jeremiah and Zoe completely won me over.
Jeremiah is a single dad who has built his life around Charlie, and honestly, watching their relationship was one of my favorite parts. He’s such a massive green flag—kind, patient, thoughtful, and completely devoted to his daughter. He genuinely made me feel safe just reading about him. 😂
Zoe is carrying her own grief and trauma after losing the hockey career she once loved, so I really enjoyed watching her slowly find her way back to the sport and herself. Her journey made the romance feel like so much more than just two people falling in love. They were both learning to let people in and realizing they didn't have to handle everything alone.
And their relationship? So sweet. I loved how naturally it developed, especially with Charlie becoming such a big fan of Zoe. The budding found family was another huge highlight, and I already need more of these characters!
I also appreciated that the hockey aspect never overwhelmed the story. Even if you're not a sports-romance reader, I think this one could pleasantly surprise you. The focus is really on the characters, their relationships, healing, and finding love again.
With a single dad, daughter's coach, second chances, found family, lovable characters, and themes of anxiety, grief, and trauma, this was such a warm and emotional read. Definitely the kind of sweet romance that makes a perfect palate cleanser between heavier books. ❤️
August 22, 2026
4 STARS!
[Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins]
OVERALL FEELING:~
This book made me feel at ease. Like it comforted me and warmed up my insides. It's more of a shared experience of love with the reader (don't know if that makes sense), which I felt even through the pages! It felt like I was part of their family tbh...
CHARACTERS:~
The characters are really lovable and especially, Charlie (she's soooo adorableeee). I luv how all the characters don't particularly have like a 'bad side' to them. The past is sad for sure, but it's like they are moving on without letting the past bother them, but also not forgetting the past behind them. Baker + Hockey coach was not on my list!
PLOT:~
My lovely pretty little lady Zoe!!! I sobbed for her, my heart aches for her. WHYyyyyy!!! My gurl is still a diva nevertheless~ She's so strong mentally.
Luv how the family is completely hockey-coded. Charlie is pretty witty for her age and she is just a perfect model child to have, I think. How the characters get together is interesting, sure. But this is one of those books where I feel that the side characters (+minor characters) contribute like A LOT to the book. They r made in such a way that they stand out on their own. There are soo many cozy scenes all throughout this book like many cherries on top of a single cake. Charlie calling Zoe Mommy omggg, I screamed! Even in this romance, the underlying lesson is strong.
Read it at a very comfortable pace and it was a great read!
[Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins]
OVERALL FEELING:~
This book made me feel at ease. Like it comforted me and warmed up my insides. It's more of a shared experience of love with the reader (don't know if that makes sense), which I felt even through the pages! It felt like I was part of their family tbh...
CHARACTERS:~
The characters are really lovable and especially, Charlie (she's soooo adorableeee). I luv how all the characters don't particularly have like a 'bad side' to them. The past is sad for sure, but it's like they are moving on without letting the past bother them, but also not forgetting the past behind them. Baker + Hockey coach was not on my list!
PLOT:~
My lovely pretty little lady Zoe!!! I sobbed for her, my heart aches for her. WHYyyyyy!!! My gurl is still a diva nevertheless~ She's so strong mentally.
Luv how the family is completely hockey-coded. Charlie is pretty witty for her age and she is just a perfect model child to have, I think. How the characters get together is interesting, sure. But this is one of those books where I feel that the side characters (+minor characters) contribute like A LOT to the book. They r made in such a way that they stand out on their own. There are soo many cozy scenes all throughout this book like many cherries on top of a single cake. Charlie calling Zoe Mommy omggg, I screamed! Even in this romance, the underlying lesson is strong.
Read it at a very comfortable pace and it was a great read!
August 17, 2026
🎉 HAPPY RELEASE DAY! 🎉
ARC Review
🥅 Icing On Top 🧁
Book 1 in the Love In Overtime series
Written By: @booksbykaitlin
⭐ Overall: 5/5
📖 Plot: 5/5
👥 Character Development: 5/5
⏩ Pace: 5/5
🌎 World Building: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 0/5
First—thank you @booksbykaitlin and @happilybookedpr for the chance to read Icing On Top ahead of its release date! 🧁
My first time reading Kaitlin's work, and I absolutely loved this one! 💕
This was such a quick read, but it never felt short. Even with no spice, the tension, butterflies, and slow-building connection between Zoe and Jeremiah definitely came through the pages. 🦋
I especially loved that Zoe fell for Charlie first. 🥹💗 The way she naturally became part of Charlie and Jeremiah's lives felt so genuine, and watching her step into coaching youth hockey while facing her own painful past gave her character so much heart.
Jeremiah's journey through grief after losing his wife, Sadie, was also beautifully handled. I loved seeing both of them learn to lean on others, heal individually, and ultimately find something together. 🥅🩷
For such a short read, there was a really natural progression of both the individual character growth AND their relationship. This was such a sweet, heartfelt hockey romance! 🧁
Tropes & Vibes:
🥅Single Girl Dad x Youth Hockey Coach
🧁Second Chance at Love
🥅Former Hockey Players
🧁She Falls for His Daughter First
🥅Loss & Grief
🧁Dual POV
ARC Review
🥅 Icing On Top 🧁
Book 1 in the Love In Overtime series
Written By: @booksbykaitlin
⭐ Overall: 5/5
📖 Plot: 5/5
👥 Character Development: 5/5
⏩ Pace: 5/5
🌎 World Building: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 0/5
First—thank you @booksbykaitlin and @happilybookedpr for the chance to read Icing On Top ahead of its release date! 🧁
My first time reading Kaitlin's work, and I absolutely loved this one! 💕
This was such a quick read, but it never felt short. Even with no spice, the tension, butterflies, and slow-building connection between Zoe and Jeremiah definitely came through the pages. 🦋
I especially loved that Zoe fell for Charlie first. 🥹💗 The way she naturally became part of Charlie and Jeremiah's lives felt so genuine, and watching her step into coaching youth hockey while facing her own painful past gave her character so much heart.
Jeremiah's journey through grief after losing his wife, Sadie, was also beautifully handled. I loved seeing both of them learn to lean on others, heal individually, and ultimately find something together. 🥅🩷
For such a short read, there was a really natural progression of both the individual character growth AND their relationship. This was such a sweet, heartfelt hockey romance! 🧁
Tropes & Vibes:
🥅Single Girl Dad x Youth Hockey Coach
🧁Second Chance at Love
🥅Former Hockey Players
🧁She Falls for His Daughter First
🥅Loss & Grief
🧁Dual POV
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this book! Jeremiah and Zoe were so perfect together, and I was hooked from the very first chapter.
Jeremiah completely stole my heart. The way he loved and cared for Charlie was just the sweetest thing ever. He would do absolutely anything for his daughter, and seeing him put her first in everything made me love him even more. He was such an amazing dad, and Charlie was an absolute ray of sunshine.
I also loved Zoe so much. My heart broke for everything she’d been through, and watching her slowly heal and find her way back to the sport she loved was so emotional. Jeremiah never tried to rush her, and I loved how they both helped each other heal without even realizing it.
The chemistry between them was incredible, and all the little family moments absolutely melted my heart. Charlie and Zoe’s bond was adorable, and I couldn’t get enough of the three of them together. There were so many moments that had me smiling like an idiot.
This book had the perfect mix of romance, emotion, healing, and hockey, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. If you love single dad romances, protective heroes, found family, and stories about second chances and healing, you definitely need to pick this one up. It was such a beautiful read!
Jeremiah completely stole my heart. The way he loved and cared for Charlie was just the sweetest thing ever. He would do absolutely anything for his daughter, and seeing him put her first in everything made me love him even more. He was such an amazing dad, and Charlie was an absolute ray of sunshine.
I also loved Zoe so much. My heart broke for everything she’d been through, and watching her slowly heal and find her way back to the sport she loved was so emotional. Jeremiah never tried to rush her, and I loved how they both helped each other heal without even realizing it.
The chemistry between them was incredible, and all the little family moments absolutely melted my heart. Charlie and Zoe’s bond was adorable, and I couldn’t get enough of the three of them together. There were so many moments that had me smiling like an idiot.
This book had the perfect mix of romance, emotion, healing, and hockey, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. If you love single dad romances, protective heroes, found family, and stories about second chances and healing, you definitely need to pick this one up. It was such a beautiful read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Title: Icing on Top
Author: Kaitlin Collins
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🫑
✨📚 ARC Review 📚 ✨
Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for the gifted eARC! My review and thoughts are my own.
This is such a sweet contemporary romance! A retired NHL goalie is focused on raising his daughter, running an ice rink, and managing single dad life after losing his wife. He is trying NOT to notice how beautiful his daughter's new hockey coach is. Zoe is working two jobs to make ends meet, pay down debt, and was not looking for a relationship. A sassy little 7 year old 'chirper' brings these two together.
Come for the green flag MMC and cupcakes - stay for the heartfelt romance!
While the characters each deal with a past event (loss of a spouse and career ending injury), everyone handles things with patience and emotional intelligence. Everything works out for the characters without complication. There is no drama, third act breakups, or miscommunication, just a straightforward sweet (no spice) romance. Jeremiah and Zoe's story left me feeling warm and fuzzy - good vibes read 😊
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Single dad & his daughter's hockey coach
🩷 Former hockey players
🩷 She falls for his daughter first
🩷 Loss & Grief
🩷 Second chance at love
Author: Kaitlin Collins
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🫑
✨📚 ARC Review 📚 ✨
Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for the gifted eARC! My review and thoughts are my own.
This is such a sweet contemporary romance! A retired NHL goalie is focused on raising his daughter, running an ice rink, and managing single dad life after losing his wife. He is trying NOT to notice how beautiful his daughter's new hockey coach is. Zoe is working two jobs to make ends meet, pay down debt, and was not looking for a relationship. A sassy little 7 year old 'chirper' brings these two together.
Come for the green flag MMC and cupcakes - stay for the heartfelt romance!
While the characters each deal with a past event (loss of a spouse and career ending injury), everyone handles things with patience and emotional intelligence. Everything works out for the characters without complication. There is no drama, third act breakups, or miscommunication, just a straightforward sweet (no spice) romance. Jeremiah and Zoe's story left me feeling warm and fuzzy - good vibes read 😊
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Single dad & his daughter's hockey coach
🩷 Former hockey players
🩷 She falls for his daughter first
🩷 Loss & Grief
🩷 Second chance at love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed the storyline of this book and I thought that Zoe and Jeremiah great together. They’ve both been through a lot and help each other heal as they come together. I also loved the moments with Charlie, she was such a cute kid.
But I’m not sure this book was really for my demographic. It felt too YA for me. There was no spice at all, which is fine, I get its not for everyone. But it wasn’t even like there was implied close door spice, there was just some kissing and that’s it. It just really made me struggle to see how their relationship was progressing. I just had a hard time processing how two people in their 30s- one with a kid- go through this whole relationship without even the mention of sex. It also felt like the book was a bit too short and rushed at the end. There was one point where Jeremiah says that him and his late wife wanted more kids. But we never get a clear answer if Zoe wants more. It just kind of felt like the story wasn’t over.
But if you are looking for a YA read or want something with no spice- this was a good one.
I did receive this book as an ARC but this is my honest review
I enjoyed the storyline of this book and I thought that Zoe and Jeremiah great together. They’ve both been through a lot and help each other heal as they come together. I also loved the moments with Charlie, she was such a cute kid.
But I’m not sure this book was really for my demographic. It felt too YA for me. There was no spice at all, which is fine, I get its not for everyone. But it wasn’t even like there was implied close door spice, there was just some kissing and that’s it. It just really made me struggle to see how their relationship was progressing. I just had a hard time processing how two people in their 30s- one with a kid- go through this whole relationship without even the mention of sex. It also felt like the book was a bit too short and rushed at the end. There was one point where Jeremiah says that him and his late wife wanted more kids. But we never get a clear answer if Zoe wants more. It just kind of felt like the story wasn’t over.
But if you are looking for a YA read or want something with no spice- this was a good one.
I did receive this book as an ARC but this is my honest review
August 13, 2026
3.5 stars - will give detailed review later (8/12/26)
8/13/26 - thank you Happily Booked PR & author for my ARC.
This book is very sweet. Literally and figuratively, but I loved the cutesy vibes I was getting. It was such a good single parent romance, and the coach for the hockey team being a woman? Amazing. It was seriously so cute.
What I didn’t enjoy was the length. I felt we needed it to be longer, so the characters would be fleshed out more. I also felt that it felt too innocent. I don’t mind when there is no spice, but I felt like there was a lot of opportunity for there to be even closed door, but it was shortened and made almost too innocent. They’re in their 30s and someone has a child. Again, there doesn’t need to be spice for a book to be good, but it felt like the author wanted to add spice, but didn’t. It was just makeout sessions and I just don’t think grown adults would only makeout with the way they talked about one another.
I do think the dynamic of the found family and friends was so sweet. I also love the healing scenes for Zoe. It was very beautiful. Thank you again happily booked PR & author for my ARC!
8/13/26 - thank you Happily Booked PR & author for my ARC.
This book is very sweet. Literally and figuratively, but I loved the cutesy vibes I was getting. It was such a good single parent romance, and the coach for the hockey team being a woman? Amazing. It was seriously so cute.
What I didn’t enjoy was the length. I felt we needed it to be longer, so the characters would be fleshed out more. I also felt that it felt too innocent. I don’t mind when there is no spice, but I felt like there was a lot of opportunity for there to be even closed door, but it was shortened and made almost too innocent. They’re in their 30s and someone has a child. Again, there doesn’t need to be spice for a book to be good, but it felt like the author wanted to add spice, but didn’t. It was just makeout sessions and I just don’t think grown adults would only makeout with the way they talked about one another.
I do think the dynamic of the found family and friends was so sweet. I also love the healing scenes for Zoe. It was very beautiful. Thank you again happily booked PR & author for my ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Icing on Top was such a sweet, comforting read! 🥹💕 I went into this one without knowing much, which is honestly my favorite way to read ARCs, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
This is part of an interconnected series but works perfectly as a standalone. We follow Jeremiah, a widowed former athlete raising his daughter, Charlie, and Zoe, a hockey player whose own dreams have taken an unexpected turn. When Zoe becomes Charlie's coach, a connection between her and Jeremiah slowly develops.
I really loved how gentle and emotional this story was. After plenty of heavier reads, this felt like the perfect palate cleanser. The themes of grief, healing, and finding your way forward were handled beautifully, and Jeremiah's journey especially pulled at my heartstrings.
The sports aspect was another highlight, especially seeing how both characters dealt with their dreams not going exactly as planned.
Overall, this was a lovely story about grief, healing, and giving yourself permission to find happiness again.
This is part of an interconnected series but works perfectly as a standalone. We follow Jeremiah, a widowed former athlete raising his daughter, Charlie, and Zoe, a hockey player whose own dreams have taken an unexpected turn. When Zoe becomes Charlie's coach, a connection between her and Jeremiah slowly develops.
I really loved how gentle and emotional this story was. After plenty of heavier reads, this felt like the perfect palate cleanser. The themes of grief, healing, and finding your way forward were handled beautifully, and Jeremiah's journey especially pulled at my heartstrings.
The sports aspect was another highlight, especially seeing how both characters dealt with their dreams not going exactly as planned.
Overall, this was a lovely story about grief, healing, and giving yourself permission to find happiness again.
August 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the mix of romance, hockey, family, and second chances.
Jeremiah is such a caring dad, and I loved how determined he was to put Charlie first. His relationship with Zoe was sweet, especially because they both had their own struggles to work through. Charlie was also such a fun part of the story, and I loved how much she brought Jeremiah and Zoe together.
Zoe’s journey was probably my favorite part. She’s dealing with a painful past and trying to find her way back to the sport she loves. Watching her slowly learn to trust people again and let others support her made her story feel emotional and meaningful.
The romance had a nice slow-burn feel, with plenty of chemistry and some heartwarming moments. Overall, this was a sweet hockey romance with emotional depth, lovable characters, and a great found-family feel. Definitely a good choice if you enjoy sports romance, single dads, and second-chance healing.
I received a complimentary copy from Happily Booked and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Jeremiah is such a caring dad, and I loved how determined he was to put Charlie first. His relationship with Zoe was sweet, especially because they both had their own struggles to work through. Charlie was also such a fun part of the story, and I loved how much she brought Jeremiah and Zoe together.
Zoe’s journey was probably my favorite part. She’s dealing with a painful past and trying to find her way back to the sport she loves. Watching her slowly learn to trust people again and let others support her made her story feel emotional and meaningful.
The romance had a nice slow-burn feel, with plenty of chemistry and some heartwarming moments. Overall, this was a sweet hockey romance with emotional depth, lovable characters, and a great found-family feel. Definitely a good choice if you enjoy sports romance, single dads, and second-chance healing.
I received a complimentary copy from Happily Booked and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 24, 2026
Life can change unexpectedly in a matter of seconds, they are situations that are completely out of our control, leaving us with our dreams shattered, feeling defeated and hopeless.
We start grieving the life that we thought we would be living, we grieve a person we loss or the future we didn’t get to live, the life that we imagine.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it show us that no one is exempted from pain, heartbreak or mourning, that everyone had different ways to cope and go through grieving process.
Jeremiah sacrificed everything to be able to be present in his daughter life and Zoe looked for ways to fulfill a void in her heart, she find different ways to achieve her longtime dream.
Zoe never gave up and Jeremiah was always there to support her. Sometimes life doesn’t go our way but it teaches us that we never stop dreaming and reaching for happiness, life changes all the time and occasionally we need to make space for bigger dreams.
Jeremiah and Zoe helped heal each other, they transformed all the pain in hope.
We start grieving the life that we thought we would be living, we grieve a person we loss or the future we didn’t get to live, the life that we imagine.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it show us that no one is exempted from pain, heartbreak or mourning, that everyone had different ways to cope and go through grieving process.
Jeremiah sacrificed everything to be able to be present in his daughter life and Zoe looked for ways to fulfill a void in her heart, she find different ways to achieve her longtime dream.
Zoe never gave up and Jeremiah was always there to support her. Sometimes life doesn’t go our way but it teaches us that we never stop dreaming and reaching for happiness, life changes all the time and occasionally we need to make space for bigger dreams.
Jeremiah and Zoe helped heal each other, they transformed all the pain in hope.
August 12, 2026
🏒🧁ARC Review🧁🏒
Thank you Kaitlin Collins and Happily Booked PR for this ARC for Icing on Top, if this wasn’t complete heartwarming and healing, I don’t know what is!
Let me start with saying, I NEED MORE‼️ The way that the love blossomed and bloomed between Jeremiah and Zoe was the sweetest thing, and then you throw in Jeremiah’s daughter Charlie and her 7 year old cuteness I am now in a sugar coma from all the sweetness🫶
Their story was left wide open for MORE, which is perfect because that is exactly what I NEED, MORE 😏
Kaitlin covered the grief, loss and longing beautifully! Whether it was for loosing a spouse/mom or having your dreams just crumble right in front of you, she made sure to touch on these themes in a way that showcased the healing but also never forgetting 🫶
Tropes:
🏒Single Girl Dad
🧁Daughter's Hockey Coach
🏒Second Chance at Love
🧁Former Hockey Player
🏒Dual POV
🧁Loss & Grief
🏒She falls for his daughter first
Thank you Kaitlin Collins and Happily Booked PR for this ARC for Icing on Top, if this wasn’t complete heartwarming and healing, I don’t know what is!
Let me start with saying, I NEED MORE‼️ The way that the love blossomed and bloomed between Jeremiah and Zoe was the sweetest thing, and then you throw in Jeremiah’s daughter Charlie and her 7 year old cuteness I am now in a sugar coma from all the sweetness🫶
Their story was left wide open for MORE, which is perfect because that is exactly what I NEED, MORE 😏
Kaitlin covered the grief, loss and longing beautifully! Whether it was for loosing a spouse/mom or having your dreams just crumble right in front of you, she made sure to touch on these themes in a way that showcased the healing but also never forgetting 🫶
Tropes:
🏒Single Girl Dad
🧁Daughter's Hockey Coach
🏒Second Chance at Love
🧁Former Hockey Player
🏒Dual POV
🧁Loss & Grief
🏒She falls for his daughter first
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an early copy in return for an honest review.
4.5
I absolutely loved Jeremiah and Zoe. This was such a cute closed door romance. One of the best parts about this book was the realistic and gradual development of their relationship and the cuteness of Zoe and Charlie. I love how the author took the time for them to be friends first, slowly become more, and then broach the topic with Charlie (his daughter). One of my favorite parts about single parent romances is watching the love interest build a beautiful relationship with the child.
I also think she did a great job writing a widowed single dad. While he was obviously still thinking about her - he wasn’t pining and comparing her to Zoe. It was actually very refreshing and realistic for them all to have open dialogue about his late wife and she was still part of conversations.
This is a great story of how your life may not turn out the way you expected but it can still end up beautiful.
4.5
I absolutely loved Jeremiah and Zoe. This was such a cute closed door romance. One of the best parts about this book was the realistic and gradual development of their relationship and the cuteness of Zoe and Charlie. I love how the author took the time for them to be friends first, slowly become more, and then broach the topic with Charlie (his daughter). One of my favorite parts about single parent romances is watching the love interest build a beautiful relationship with the child.
I also think she did a great job writing a widowed single dad. While he was obviously still thinking about her - he wasn’t pining and comparing her to Zoe. It was actually very refreshing and realistic for them all to have open dialogue about his late wife and she was still part of conversations.
This is a great story of how your life may not turn out the way you expected but it can still end up beautiful.
Review of advance copy
Icing on Top by Kaitlin Collins was such a sweet and enjoyable romance! I loved the combination of hockey, family, and a second chance at love. The MMC Jeremiah and FMC Zoe had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Their journey felt emotional and genuine, especially as they worked through past hurts and learned to trust each other. Charlie was also a wonderful addition to the story and brought plenty of heart to the romance. The family dynamics made the book even more special and added some great emotional moments. Kaitlin Collins did a great job creating characters that were easy to root for and a story that kept me turning the pages. Overall, Icing on Top was a charming, emotional read with characters you can easily root for.
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
August 18, 2026
This book was everything I want from this genre. I was beyond invested in this story. It’s short and sweet and absolutely delicious. We’re given heat and tension and care and genuine connection. It was impossible to put this book down. Jeremiah is one of the best MMCs I have read to date. He’s dedicated to his daughter in such an endearing way. And is willing to make any sacrifice for her. He’s scarred but beautiful. I fell hard and fast for that man. Zoe is so relatable. She has her own damage from the past that she has to deal with but she doesn’t let it stop her. The connection and chemistry between them was off the charts and so heartwarming. And her bond with his daughter Charlie pulled at my heartstrings so hard. Everything about this dynamic felt so authentic and real. And watching things grow and develop had me swooning and blushing. This book’s ending felt perfect for this new family. And now I cannot wait for book 2 and to see what happens next.
August 24, 2026
4,25/5
This is my first book from this author, and I totally loved how she built a family and environment around two people who are trying to start a new life and decide to take a second chance at love.
Zoey lost her dream of playing professional hockey and deals with a bit of trauma for the time she spent playing it. Jeremiah had to leave his pro hockey career to focus on his kid. When they meet at the hockey arena but now under the umbrella of being coaches to juniors they are attracted to each other. THey both are now dedicated to his daughter and finding a new purpose in life and hockey.
They relationship grows organically from recognition to each other to a found family (this is a clean romance with a bit of innuendo), but they don't want to deal with more pain and try to fight the feelings that are quickly growing between them. It is going to take a lot of caring, understanding, and trust to lower their walls before giving into each other's love,
This is my first book from this author, and I totally loved how she built a family and environment around two people who are trying to start a new life and decide to take a second chance at love.
Zoey lost her dream of playing professional hockey and deals with a bit of trauma for the time she spent playing it. Jeremiah had to leave his pro hockey career to focus on his kid. When they meet at the hockey arena but now under the umbrella of being coaches to juniors they are attracted to each other. THey both are now dedicated to his daughter and finding a new purpose in life and hockey.
They relationship grows organically from recognition to each other to a found family (this is a clean romance with a bit of innuendo), but they don't want to deal with more pain and try to fight the feelings that are quickly growing between them. It is going to take a lot of caring, understanding, and trust to lower their walls before giving into each other's love,
Review of advance copy
This was such a cute hockey romance! I wish it had been a bit longer than it was! I didn't want the story to end. Collins did a great job blending lighthearted elements with very real grief, blended families, and personal trauma. She represented grief as well as trauma and anxiety. It was well-written and believable.
I will add here though that there were a few plot holes and some of them were not fully resolved. Maybe they will be resolved in the next book though!
I liked that the main characters were both retired hockey players and I especially liked Zoe because she was a badass who really took on a lot as a coach despite her trauma associated with playing hockey. Jeremiah represented a grieving single father well and watching him slowly open up to a relationship was really sweet.
I'll definitely read more books by this author!
I will add here though that there were a few plot holes and some of them were not fully resolved. Maybe they will be resolved in the next book though!
I liked that the main characters were both retired hockey players and I especially liked Zoe because she was a badass who really took on a lot as a coach despite her trauma associated with playing hockey. Jeremiah represented a grieving single father well and watching him slowly open up to a relationship was really sweet.
I'll definitely read more books by this author!
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