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Walt's on Water #1
Icy Pour
Walt Bennet doesn’t take risks. He certainly doesn’t buy bars and he definitely doesn’t fall for handsome strangers.
But when an unexpected inheritance leads him to buy a neighborhood bar, he quickly realizes he’s in over his head. Desperate for help after his bartender is a no-show, he reluctantly accepts help from a charming stranger. What starts as a kind offer turns into something he never thought he’d take on – a walking, talking risk named Johnny Hudson.
Fresh from losing his job, Johnny finds himself at Walt’s on Water, a new neighborhood bar, watching a flustered owner try, and fail, to serve customers. Looking for a new start, Johnny takes a job with Walt, whose grumpy exterior hides more than what he lets on.
As they settle into life behind the bar, their friendship turns into something neither of them expected.
Set in 1980s Milwaukee, Icy Pour is a sweet and steamy MM novella about taking risks and finding love in unexpected places.
Icy Pour's Tropes Include:
MM Romance
Workplace Romance
Virgin MMC
Grumpy sunshine
Set in the 1980’s
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
But when an unexpected inheritance leads him to buy a neighborhood bar, he quickly realizes he’s in over his head. Desperate for help after his bartender is a no-show, he reluctantly accepts help from a charming stranger. What starts as a kind offer turns into something he never thought he’d take on – a walking, talking risk named Johnny Hudson.
Fresh from losing his job, Johnny finds himself at Walt’s on Water, a new neighborhood bar, watching a flustered owner try, and fail, to serve customers. Looking for a new start, Johnny takes a job with Walt, whose grumpy exterior hides more than what he lets on.
As they settle into life behind the bar, their friendship turns into something neither of them expected.
Set in 1980s Milwaukee, Icy Pour is a sweet and steamy MM novella about taking risks and finding love in unexpected places.
Icy Pour's Tropes Include:
MM Romance
Workplace Romance
Virgin MMC
Grumpy sunshine
Set in the 1980’s
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
136 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 16, 2026
4🌟 | 2🌶️
There’s something ridiculously charming about a romance that starts with a bad day, a bar, and two people who clearly weren’t expecting to find each other.
The 1980s setting gave this such a nostalgic feel, while Johnny and Walt’s instant connection made it an easy, feel-good read. Their first interactions had me smiling, and I was immediately curious to see where this unexpected connection would take them.
Johnny’s warmth and openness balanced Walt’s guarded, grumpy nature so well. Their chemistry was sweet, their banter was fun, and I especially liked watching Walt slowly let himself believe that happiness could actually be his. The harder realities of the time added some emotional depth without taking away from the softer, hopeful feel of their relationship. They just fit, and seeing them become each other’s safe place was probably my favorite part.
For a novella, there’s a surprising amount packed in here, although I definitely found myself wishing I had a little more time with them because their relationship moves pretty quickly. Still, their connection, the cozy bar setting, and that adorable ending made this such a lovely little romance to breeze through.
It left me with a smile and definitely made me curious about the larger world these two are part of.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Ellie K. Drake and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
There’s something ridiculously charming about a romance that starts with a bad day, a bar, and two people who clearly weren’t expecting to find each other.
The 1980s setting gave this such a nostalgic feel, while Johnny and Walt’s instant connection made it an easy, feel-good read. Their first interactions had me smiling, and I was immediately curious to see where this unexpected connection would take them.
Johnny’s warmth and openness balanced Walt’s guarded, grumpy nature so well. Their chemistry was sweet, their banter was fun, and I especially liked watching Walt slowly let himself believe that happiness could actually be his. The harder realities of the time added some emotional depth without taking away from the softer, hopeful feel of their relationship. They just fit, and seeing them become each other’s safe place was probably my favorite part.
For a novella, there’s a surprising amount packed in here, although I definitely found myself wishing I had a little more time with them because their relationship moves pretty quickly. Still, their connection, the cozy bar setting, and that adorable ending made this such a lovely little romance to breeze through.
It left me with a smile and definitely made me curious about the larger world these two are part of.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Ellie K. Drake and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 13, 2026
3.5⭐️ I have @Sandy Kay to thank for bringing me this story.🫶Overall, it’s a lovely, smutty, low-angst little palette cleanser.
A bit too sweet and conflict-light for my personal taste, though—that’s where the rating comes from.
Plus, rushing an HEA into a novella runtime makes everything feel too easy—and the 1980s setting is pure window dressing; swap it for any modern Bible Belt town and zero would change. Classic case of a full-length plot crammed into a novella. This needed 100 more pages of actual plot building to make the HEA land.
A bit too sweet and conflict-light for my personal taste, though—that’s where the rating comes from.
Plus, rushing an HEA into a novella runtime makes everything feel too easy—and the 1980s setting is pure window dressing; swap it for any modern Bible Belt town and zero would change. Classic case of a full-length plot crammed into a novella. This needed 100 more pages of actual plot building to make the HEA land.
September 11, 2026
Thank you Sandy for putting this on my radar! 💗
My brain candy are stories that feel like it's love at first sight or an instant connection where the MCs feel like they've imprinted on each other and immediately want to build a forever life with them and this little nugget of a story was exactly that for me, pure brain candy goodness. 🥰
Even tho there were a few instances where I wanted to slap Walt I do believe him and Johnny made a perfect pair.. and of course, since I adored the way these two were with eachother I wanted more of them but I had to settle for what we got.
The ending was super cute, all they were missing were rings to finish of the symbolism. 🥺
My brain candy are stories that feel like it's love at first sight or an instant connection where the MCs feel like they've imprinted on each other and immediately want to build a forever life with them and this little nugget of a story was exactly that for me, pure brain candy goodness. 🥰
Even tho there were a few instances where I wanted to slap Walt I do believe him and Johnny made a perfect pair.. and of course, since I adored the way these two were with eachother I wanted more of them but I had to settle for what we got.
The ending was super cute, all they were missing were rings to finish of the symbolism. 🥺
September 11, 2026
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Thank you to Love Notes PR and to the author for accepting me for this ARC. This book was very good. It was fast and an easy read. I enjoyed it a lot actually.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Thank you to Love Notes PR and to the author for accepting me for this ARC. This book was very good. It was fast and an easy read. I enjoyed it a lot actually.
September 11, 2026
A touching little tale set in a bar two men are working in, one gay and open, while the other, the owner, is very much in the closet. It's rather sad at times but still a nice read.
July 29, 2026
ALPHA / BETA READ FULL RTC
Where do I even begin with these two? Well first off, I can’t believe they’re finally here ! I’ve lived and breathed these two for what feels like forever. I had the absolute pleasure of alpha reading this book and then beta and arc reading them as well… and somehow I still miss them now. They’re so sweet, so much fun, and a book set in the 1980s just speaks to my soul. I can’t wait for everyone to read them!
This book can be read as a complete standalone. No need to read any of the Steel Riders before this one (although I would recommend, the audiobooks are PHENOMENAL!). Of course this means you can jump right in and see where Walt’s on Water got its beginning!
Because this is a novella, I don’t want to spoil too much. These two were strangers to quite literally love at first sight to soul mates very quickly. They’re perfectly perfect for one another, and really bring out the best in each other.
Johnny is a fun, free spirit who finds is true love in Walt, the grumpy, closed off bar owner who has no idea how to pour a decent beer 😂 add in a dash of some fun found family friends and some new bar regulars and you’ve got yourself a easy, fun, lighthearted read that will have you smiling (almost) the entire time. Being gay in the 1980s wasn’t easy.. but these two are what dreams are made of.
Enjoy! And keep your eyes out for what’s to come! 🧡
Where do I even begin with these two? Well first off, I can’t believe they’re finally here ! I’ve lived and breathed these two for what feels like forever. I had the absolute pleasure of alpha reading this book and then beta and arc reading them as well… and somehow I still miss them now. They’re so sweet, so much fun, and a book set in the 1980s just speaks to my soul. I can’t wait for everyone to read them!
This book can be read as a complete standalone. No need to read any of the Steel Riders before this one (although I would recommend, the audiobooks are PHENOMENAL!). Of course this means you can jump right in and see where Walt’s on Water got its beginning!
Because this is a novella, I don’t want to spoil too much. These two were strangers to quite literally love at first sight to soul mates very quickly. They’re perfectly perfect for one another, and really bring out the best in each other.
Johnny is a fun, free spirit who finds is true love in Walt, the grumpy, closed off bar owner who has no idea how to pour a decent beer 😂 add in a dash of some fun found family friends and some new bar regulars and you’ve got yourself a easy, fun, lighthearted read that will have you smiling (almost) the entire time. Being gay in the 1980s wasn’t easy.. but these two are what dreams are made of.
Enjoy! And keep your eyes out for what’s to come! 🧡
September 25, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | 🍺 MM Romance | 🌈 1980s | ☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine | 🍻 Workplace Romance | 💕 Opposites Attract | 🤍 Inexperienced MMC
I LOVED Walt and Johnny together. Their relationship was so tender and caring, and knowing this was set in the 1980s added so much to their story. I can’t imagine what it was like to fall in love and be in a gay relationship during that time, and I thought Ellie wrote their story with so much care.
The grumpy x sunshine banter had me laughing, but Johnny teaching Walt how to pour a proper pint with just the right amount of “head” had me giggling. Of course he had to teach him the proper technique. 🍺😂
I’m already head over heels for Ellie’s hockey series, and this little departure from hockey was perfection. I loved the cozy neighborhood bar vibes, Walt slowly letting Johnny into his life, and how sweet they were with each other.
Give me a time machine because I would love to post up on a stool at Walt’s on Water in 1980s Milwaukee and watch these two fall for each other. 🥹🍻
Microtropes + things I loved:
🍺 Teaching him how to pour the perfect pint with "head" 🤭
☀️ Sunshine MMC melting the grump
🤍 Firsts
🍻 Falling for your coworker
🥹 Tender, caring MMCs
🏳️🌈 Finding love in the 1980s
I LOVED Walt and Johnny together. Their relationship was so tender and caring, and knowing this was set in the 1980s added so much to their story. I can’t imagine what it was like to fall in love and be in a gay relationship during that time, and I thought Ellie wrote their story with so much care.
The grumpy x sunshine banter had me laughing, but Johnny teaching Walt how to pour a proper pint with just the right amount of “head” had me giggling. Of course he had to teach him the proper technique. 🍺😂
I’m already head over heels for Ellie’s hockey series, and this little departure from hockey was perfection. I loved the cozy neighborhood bar vibes, Walt slowly letting Johnny into his life, and how sweet they were with each other.
Give me a time machine because I would love to post up on a stool at Walt’s on Water in 1980s Milwaukee and watch these two fall for each other. 🥹🍻
Microtropes + things I loved:
🍺 Teaching him how to pour the perfect pint with "head" 🤭
☀️ Sunshine MMC melting the grump
🤍 Firsts
🍻 Falling for your coworker
🥹 Tender, caring MMCs
🏳️🌈 Finding love in the 1980s
September 18, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ellie K. Drake for the ARC — this review is my honest opinion.
Tropes: MM Romance Workplace Romance Virgin MMC Grumpy sunshine Set in the 1980’s Opposites Attract Forced Proximity
This was a great spicy novella. This book introduces you to Walt and Johnny. Walt opened up a bar recently and he's having a hard time. Johnny lost his job and finds himself at Walt's bar. After watching Walt struggle, Johnny says a few things that piss Walt off. Johnny decided to lend a hand since Walt was still struggling. Johnny did a great job bartending and ended up getting hired at Walt's bar. They're drawn to each other and end up dating.
Since the story's set in the 80s, it touches on the homophobia that was common during that era. Walt's battle to accept his own sexuality felt deeply genuine and heartbreaking. Johnny was such a good character. He supported Walt in both his professional and personal life. His lively vibe was a nice change from Walt's grumpiness.
That was a really good, quick read. If you're into MM romances with grumpy/sunshine vibes, I'd totally recommend this.
Tropes: MM Romance Workplace Romance Virgin MMC Grumpy sunshine Set in the 1980’s Opposites Attract Forced Proximity
This was a great spicy novella. This book introduces you to Walt and Johnny. Walt opened up a bar recently and he's having a hard time. Johnny lost his job and finds himself at Walt's bar. After watching Walt struggle, Johnny says a few things that piss Walt off. Johnny decided to lend a hand since Walt was still struggling. Johnny did a great job bartending and ended up getting hired at Walt's bar. They're drawn to each other and end up dating.
Since the story's set in the 80s, it touches on the homophobia that was common during that era. Walt's battle to accept his own sexuality felt deeply genuine and heartbreaking. Johnny was such a good character. He supported Walt in both his professional and personal life. His lively vibe was a nice change from Walt's grumpiness.
That was a really good, quick read. If you're into MM romances with grumpy/sunshine vibes, I'd totally recommend this.
September 6, 2026
The perfect spicy novella. It was the best way to get a glimpse of our two favorite bar owners from the Milwaukee Steel Riders series. Going all the way back to the 1980’s where it all began! I loved getting to know more about how Walt and Johnny got together and the back story of the bar. I just love love loved their story. It was the perfect quick read!
Thank you Ellie and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
Thank you Ellie and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
September 10, 2026
WALT AND JOHNNY!!!!! I have been annoying Ellie to give us a Walt and Johnny story since I first read them in Ice Contact in November 2024. After nearly two years of begging, she's finally giving the people what they want. This is the perfect, sweet and quick novella. I love a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and Walt and Johnny deliver. I absolutely loved getting to see their origin story and it makes me love their appearances in the Steel Riders series so much more. If any of the tropes are up your alley, this is sure to scratch an itch and it's SO fun if you have any Milwaukee, WI knowledge as there are all sorts of little Milwaukee Easter eggs throughout the story. I can't wait for Book Two. JUSTICE FOR SANDY!!!
As always, heaps of thanks to Ellie for trusting me with reading her book babies early, this time in alpha and beta form. Thanks to Ellie and Love Notes for the ARC copy.
As always, heaps of thanks to Ellie for trusting me with reading her book babies early, this time in alpha and beta form. Thanks to Ellie and Love Notes for the ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review of Icy Pour by Ellie K Drake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This standalone novella is the perfect prequel to the Milwaukee Steel Riders and gives us the story of how our favorite bar owners, Walt and Johnny, came to be and how Walt’s on the Water found its beginning. 🍻❤️
After Johnny loses his job, he somehow finds his way into Walt’s bar and straight into the life of a very flustered Walt. 😂 What starts as an unexpected meeting quickly becomes something neither of them knew they needed.
Even though this is a novella, SO much story is packed into these pages! Johnny was the missing piece Walt didn’t even realize he needed. He was there for Walt personally, professionally, and through every twist life threw their way. These two just fit supporting and challenging each other while bringing out the best in one another. 🥹❤️
They found each other at a time when life was throwing obstacle after obstacle their way, but they never had to face those challenges alone. When one stumbled, the other was there to lift them back up. When life knocked them down, they stood together and kept moving forward, side by side. Their love and unwavering support for each other made this such a sweet and heartwarming story. 🥹❤️
I absolutely loved getting to see how Walt’s on the Water came to be and getting a little more of the history behind two beloved characters. ❤️🍻 A quick read, but one that packs ALL the feels!
What to expect:
💼 Workplace Romance
😇 Virgin MMC
⛅️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🍺 Set in the 1980's
💞 Opposites Attract
🥰 Forced Proximity
#EllieKDrake #IcyPour #WaltsonWater #ARCReview #LivingMyBestBookishLife
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This standalone novella is the perfect prequel to the Milwaukee Steel Riders and gives us the story of how our favorite bar owners, Walt and Johnny, came to be and how Walt’s on the Water found its beginning. 🍻❤️
After Johnny loses his job, he somehow finds his way into Walt’s bar and straight into the life of a very flustered Walt. 😂 What starts as an unexpected meeting quickly becomes something neither of them knew they needed.
Even though this is a novella, SO much story is packed into these pages! Johnny was the missing piece Walt didn’t even realize he needed. He was there for Walt personally, professionally, and through every twist life threw their way. These two just fit supporting and challenging each other while bringing out the best in one another. 🥹❤️
They found each other at a time when life was throwing obstacle after obstacle their way, but they never had to face those challenges alone. When one stumbled, the other was there to lift them back up. When life knocked them down, they stood together and kept moving forward, side by side. Their love and unwavering support for each other made this such a sweet and heartwarming story. 🥹❤️
I absolutely loved getting to see how Walt’s on the Water came to be and getting a little more of the history behind two beloved characters. ❤️🍻 A quick read, but one that packs ALL the feels!
What to expect:
💼 Workplace Romance
😇 Virgin MMC
⛅️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🍺 Set in the 1980's
💞 Opposites Attract
🥰 Forced Proximity
#EllieKDrake #IcyPour #WaltsonWater #ARCReview #LivingMyBestBookishLife
September 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are familiar with Ellie Drake’s Milwaukee Steel Riders, you have met the couple in Icy Pour already. Ellie provides her readers with a fantastic throwback, giving us an insider's view to how Johnny and Walt started. I loved the connection between these two and how they bring out the best in each other. The way Ellie allows her characters to explore, not only each other, but themselves, and come to their own conclusions, is done in the best way and truly propels this story.
Walt doesn’t take chances, Johnny looks for them. When they first meet, Walt is flustered and questioning his decision on buying a bar. Johnny wants to help and isn’t shy to admit he sees something in him. As these two turn the bar into a success, the relationship that develops between them is sweet, romantic, and deeper than anything either has ever experienced. Yet taking place in the 80’s, Ellie doesn’t leave out the struggles that the gay community faced.
While a short story, it holds depth, layers, and the perfect 80s vibes. I was transported back to a time that was easily captured on page and seen in my mind. I loved how Ellie brought this to life. A wonderful story that reminds readers to take chances, trust yourself, and sometimes the best things happen from a risk.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🍺MM Romance
🧡Workplace Romance
🍺Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡1980s Throwback
🍺Virgin MMC
🧡Starting Over MMC
🍺Opposites Attract
🧡Forced Proximity
🍺Novella
If you are familiar with Ellie Drake’s Milwaukee Steel Riders, you have met the couple in Icy Pour already. Ellie provides her readers with a fantastic throwback, giving us an insider's view to how Johnny and Walt started. I loved the connection between these two and how they bring out the best in each other. The way Ellie allows her characters to explore, not only each other, but themselves, and come to their own conclusions, is done in the best way and truly propels this story.
Walt doesn’t take chances, Johnny looks for them. When they first meet, Walt is flustered and questioning his decision on buying a bar. Johnny wants to help and isn’t shy to admit he sees something in him. As these two turn the bar into a success, the relationship that develops between them is sweet, romantic, and deeper than anything either has ever experienced. Yet taking place in the 80’s, Ellie doesn’t leave out the struggles that the gay community faced.
While a short story, it holds depth, layers, and the perfect 80s vibes. I was transported back to a time that was easily captured on page and seen in my mind. I loved how Ellie brought this to life. A wonderful story that reminds readers to take chances, trust yourself, and sometimes the best things happen from a risk.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🍺MM Romance
🧡Workplace Romance
🍺Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡1980s Throwback
🍺Virgin MMC
🧡Starting Over MMC
🍺Opposites Attract
🧡Forced Proximity
🍺Novella
Review of advance copy received from Author
*****ARC READER REVIEW****
Icy Pour grabbed me by the collar and said “we’re healing through cocktails today.” Johnny gets laid off, wanders into a bar to sulk, and immediately stumbles into Walt the grumpy, broody, emotionally constipated Walt, who looks like he hasn’t slept since 1979. Their meet‑chaos had me kicking my feet like an 80s baby hopped up on Capri Suns even though I was born in the 90's but I digress.
Johnny becomes a bartender and suddenly this tiny bar turns into a whole emotional greenhouse. The book is short, the pacing is fast, but somehow Ellie packs in enough feeling to make me stare at the wall like I’m buffering. Johnny is out and soft and patient; Walt is trying to wrestle his feelings into a box labeled “NO THANK YOU.” Their banter? Adorable. Their chemistry? Had me fanning myself like a church aunt.
And the 80s setting??
Peak nostalgia.
Peak heartbreak.
Peak “oh no, this decade was beautiful and brutal at the same time.”
The judgment is there, the fear is there, but so is the support the friends who show up, stand tall, and love loudly. I cried. I smiled. I wanted to hug everyone.
Johnny and Walt are soulmates in the “we found each other exactly when we needed to” way, and watching Walt slowly accept joy felt like witnessing a flower bloom in real time. I’m obsessed.
And now I’m sprinting to the Milwaukee Steel Riders series like a gremlin because I need to know what these two are up to in the present day.
Icy Pour grabbed me by the collar and said “we’re healing through cocktails today.” Johnny gets laid off, wanders into a bar to sulk, and immediately stumbles into Walt the grumpy, broody, emotionally constipated Walt, who looks like he hasn’t slept since 1979. Their meet‑chaos had me kicking my feet like an 80s baby hopped up on Capri Suns even though I was born in the 90's but I digress.
Johnny becomes a bartender and suddenly this tiny bar turns into a whole emotional greenhouse. The book is short, the pacing is fast, but somehow Ellie packs in enough feeling to make me stare at the wall like I’m buffering. Johnny is out and soft and patient; Walt is trying to wrestle his feelings into a box labeled “NO THANK YOU.” Their banter? Adorable. Their chemistry? Had me fanning myself like a church aunt.
And the 80s setting??
Peak nostalgia.
Peak heartbreak.
Peak “oh no, this decade was beautiful and brutal at the same time.”
The judgment is there, the fear is there, but so is the support the friends who show up, stand tall, and love loudly. I cried. I smiled. I wanted to hug everyone.
Johnny and Walt are soulmates in the “we found each other exactly when we needed to” way, and watching Walt slowly accept joy felt like witnessing a flower bloom in real time. I’m obsessed.
And now I’m sprinting to the Milwaukee Steel Riders series like a gremlin because I need to know what these two are up to in the present day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Icy Pour 🍺
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Ellie K.Drake for trusting me with this ARC!🌙
After losing his job,Jonny found himself,serving drinks on a neighborhood bar,rather than drinking them.
An unexpected inheritance landed on Walt,& opening a bar was his first choice.But falling in love with your new employee,yes that was not on the papers.
Set in the 80s,Icy Pour takes back in a time that being queer was a crime and AIDS epidemic stigmatized men all around the fifty states.However,the love story that is between those pages,shows us,once again,that love is the greatest come back of all.
Jonny & Walt,two completely different men,will found themselves tangled up in a heartwarming love story,that personally had me in tears.Just to think,how many stuff they have to deal with,just because they love each other is just so sad to read about.However,their ending was worth every page read for me.
The narration was fast and quick,without eliminating any elements from the romance,we managed to have a full view of both our characters,in just this short amount of pages.
At the end,I will say this novella is such an atmospheric and powerful read,all packed in 120 pages,so grab your drink,and let Jonny and Walt guide you
Out On Sep,10th🌈
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Ellie K.Drake for trusting me with this ARC!🌙
After losing his job,Jonny found himself,serving drinks on a neighborhood bar,rather than drinking them.
An unexpected inheritance landed on Walt,& opening a bar was his first choice.But falling in love with your new employee,yes that was not on the papers.
Set in the 80s,Icy Pour takes back in a time that being queer was a crime and AIDS epidemic stigmatized men all around the fifty states.However,the love story that is between those pages,shows us,once again,that love is the greatest come back of all.
Jonny & Walt,two completely different men,will found themselves tangled up in a heartwarming love story,that personally had me in tears.Just to think,how many stuff they have to deal with,just because they love each other is just so sad to read about.However,their ending was worth every page read for me.
The narration was fast and quick,without eliminating any elements from the romance,we managed to have a full view of both our characters,in just this short amount of pages.
At the end,I will say this novella is such an atmospheric and powerful read,all packed in 120 pages,so grab your drink,and let Jonny and Walt guide you
Out On Sep,10th🌈
5⭐
September 20, 2026
[Exactly like when we poured that beer together - no judgment. No rush.]
Icy Pour by Ellie K Drake is a novella set in the 1980’s about our two favourite bartenders (if you’ve read Ellie’s sports romance series) - Walt and Johnny.
Walt sets to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by opening a bar that s a safe place, where he quickly figures out that he doesn’t have the experience to run a smooth operation. Johnny pulls up a chair at said bar after getting laid off from his job, with not much else on the go. As business picks up for the night, Walt is in over his head, and with the walk to back up his talk, Johnny steps in to help.
Since this is a novella, you know their connection is quick - there is banter, there is sass, there is spice and even a knight in checkered flannel. This story touches on some harder topics of what it may have been like being a gay man and couple in the 1980’s, and has me hopeful for a future story in the Milwaukee Steel Riders’ series where we see these two get married.
*manifesting this*
What to expect:
MM Novella
1980’s plot
Workplace romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Thank you Ellie K Drake and Love Notes PR for this opportunity to read Icy Pour before release day. This is my honest review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Icy Pour by Ellie K Drake is a novella set in the 1980’s about our two favourite bartenders (if you’ve read Ellie’s sports romance series) - Walt and Johnny.
Walt sets to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by opening a bar that s a safe place, where he quickly figures out that he doesn’t have the experience to run a smooth operation. Johnny pulls up a chair at said bar after getting laid off from his job, with not much else on the go. As business picks up for the night, Walt is in over his head, and with the walk to back up his talk, Johnny steps in to help.
Since this is a novella, you know their connection is quick - there is banter, there is sass, there is spice and even a knight in checkered flannel. This story touches on some harder topics of what it may have been like being a gay man and couple in the 1980’s, and has me hopeful for a future story in the Milwaukee Steel Riders’ series where we see these two get married.
*manifesting this*
What to expect:
MM Novella
1980’s plot
Workplace romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Thank you Ellie K Drake and Love Notes PR for this opportunity to read Icy Pour before release day. This is my honest review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2026
**Beloved Couple!**
*Icy Pour* is the first novella in the series *A Walt’s on Water*. This short prequel explores how Johnny and Walt found each other and fell in love. It begins on the first day *Walt’s On Water* opened, when Johnny was getting laid off from his factory job. He happened to walk in to grab a beer and made fun of the way Walt was pouring drinks, which ultimately led to Johnny getting a job by the end of the night.
I couldn't get enough of their love story! Walt, with his grumpy demeanor, was absolutely perfect, and Johnny's personality and charisma draw you in. It truly was love at first sight, transforming from strangers to lovers who perfectly balance each other with full support and understanding. I enjoyed the nostalgic return to the '80s, a simpler time, even though it wasn’t always easy to be true to oneself back then. Having the right people around you was essential, and Johnny was able to show Walt that. Over the years, they built a safe space for everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*Icy Pour* is the first novella in the series *A Walt’s on Water*. This short prequel explores how Johnny and Walt found each other and fell in love. It begins on the first day *Walt’s On Water* opened, when Johnny was getting laid off from his factory job. He happened to walk in to grab a beer and made fun of the way Walt was pouring drinks, which ultimately led to Johnny getting a job by the end of the night.
I couldn't get enough of their love story! Walt, with his grumpy demeanor, was absolutely perfect, and Johnny's personality and charisma draw you in. It truly was love at first sight, transforming from strangers to lovers who perfectly balance each other with full support and understanding. I enjoyed the nostalgic return to the '80s, a simpler time, even though it wasn’t always easy to be true to oneself back then. Having the right people around you was essential, and Johnny was able to show Walt that. Over the years, they built a safe space for everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2026
💼 Workplace Romance
⛅️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🍺 Set in the 1980's
💞 Opposites Attract
🥰 Forced Proximity
🧡 MM Novella
This was my first introduction to Walt and Johnny and after reading this novella, I can’t wait to read the rest of their story.
Set in 1980s Milwaukee we meet Johnny who has been let go from his job when he walks into a bar and is met with the grumpy, flannel wearing bar owner Walt. What was a day of let down has quickly turned into a day both of their lives change forever.
Johnny has been open about his sexuality for a while now but when he and Walt, who has kept his sexuality a secret, begin a relationship they must navigate the hard times that follow where their relationship is not widely accepted.
This is a story of finding oneself and accepting who you are and being honest about it, even when society is against you. A story where no matter what, you deserve to be happy and to be loved by the person you choose.
I want to give a special thank you to @lovenotes.pr and @elliekdrake for the opportunity to receive an arc to read the beginning of Johnny and Walt’s story 🧡
⛅️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🍺 Set in the 1980's
💞 Opposites Attract
🥰 Forced Proximity
🧡 MM Novella
This was my first introduction to Walt and Johnny and after reading this novella, I can’t wait to read the rest of their story.
Set in 1980s Milwaukee we meet Johnny who has been let go from his job when he walks into a bar and is met with the grumpy, flannel wearing bar owner Walt. What was a day of let down has quickly turned into a day both of their lives change forever.
Johnny has been open about his sexuality for a while now but when he and Walt, who has kept his sexuality a secret, begin a relationship they must navigate the hard times that follow where their relationship is not widely accepted.
This is a story of finding oneself and accepting who you are and being honest about it, even when society is against you. A story where no matter what, you deserve to be happy and to be loved by the person you choose.
I want to give a special thank you to @lovenotes.pr and @elliekdrake for the opportunity to receive an arc to read the beginning of Johnny and Walt’s story 🧡
Review of advance copy
This is a fluffy, few-high-angst-moments, but mostly low-angst read about a man with a dream who opens a bar and a stranger who walks in after being laid off from his factory job.
Walt’s on Water. Walt grew up in his grandfather’s bar and was sad not to be abe to inherit it/work it. Buys his own place…but has never actually *run* a bar. Enter Johnny, just laid off, sees Walt struggling to keep up and steps in to help. Connection, tension, misunderstanding explosion and calm-down…and a friendship grows. Into respect. Attraction. Chemistry. Taking a chance. And falling in love. Uh…fast. But… 🤷♀️🤭🥰
All set in a bar, and at one hockey game.
I enjoyed it. I did not have to think, at all. I had a good time. It’s surface level, but feels like a nice community and a place to be where eventually, “…everybody knows your name.” IYKYK.
HEA. Inexperienced bar owner, laid-off factory worker. Strangers to lovers. No OM action or drama; bi-awakening for Walt. One homophobic asshole, dealt with. Safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Walt’s on Water. Walt grew up in his grandfather’s bar and was sad not to be abe to inherit it/work it. Buys his own place…but has never actually *run* a bar. Enter Johnny, just laid off, sees Walt struggling to keep up and steps in to help. Connection, tension, misunderstanding explosion and calm-down…and a friendship grows. Into respect. Attraction. Chemistry. Taking a chance. And falling in love. Uh…fast. But… 🤷♀️🤭🥰
All set in a bar, and at one hockey game.
I enjoyed it. I did not have to think, at all. I had a good time. It’s surface level, but feels like a nice community and a place to be where eventually, “…everybody knows your name.” IYKYK.
HEA. Inexperienced bar owner, laid-off factory worker. Strangers to lovers. No OM action or drama; bi-awakening for Walt. One homophobic asshole, dealt with. Safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Walt and Johnny are a highlight of the Milwaukee Steel Riders series so getting their love story was perfect.
When Johnny loses his job and decides to go for a drink, he enters Walt’s bar on a whim and both their worlds turn upside down.
Walt buys a bar for nostalgic reasonings and can’t properly pour a beer to save his life. Johnny gives some flirty remarks and Walt feels like his life is kick started.
Johnny and Walt begin working together and feelings unravel quickly with their chemistry. Johnny talks Walt through all his fears and concerns of coming out without ever making him feel bad about being scared.
I really enjoyed this novella! These two were perfect together and loved getting hints of hockey in there. Johnny’s way of calming and reassuring Walt was so sweet - he wasn’t giving up on their HEA. Walt defending Johnny was the best! These two really belong together and love that we got their origin story!
Thanks to Ellie for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
What to Expect:
🧡 Workplace romance
🍻 Virgin MMC
🧡 Grumpy x Sunshine
🍻 Set in the 1980’s
🧡 Opposites Attract
🍻 Forced Proximity
🧡 Soulmates
When Johnny loses his job and decides to go for a drink, he enters Walt’s bar on a whim and both their worlds turn upside down.
Walt buys a bar for nostalgic reasonings and can’t properly pour a beer to save his life. Johnny gives some flirty remarks and Walt feels like his life is kick started.
Johnny and Walt begin working together and feelings unravel quickly with their chemistry. Johnny talks Walt through all his fears and concerns of coming out without ever making him feel bad about being scared.
I really enjoyed this novella! These two were perfect together and loved getting hints of hockey in there. Johnny’s way of calming and reassuring Walt was so sweet - he wasn’t giving up on their HEA. Walt defending Johnny was the best! These two really belong together and love that we got their origin story!
Thanks to Ellie for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
What to Expect:
🧡 Workplace romance
🍻 Virgin MMC
🧡 Grumpy x Sunshine
🍻 Set in the 1980’s
🧡 Opposites Attract
🍻 Forced Proximity
🧡 Soulmates
September 14, 2026
Oh, Walt and Johnny. 🥹 There was something so incredibly tender about these two that got me right in the feelings. I loved the softness underneath their relationship, especially the patience, trust, and care that developed between them. Johnny's warmth paired with Walt's more cautious heart just WORKED for me, and watching Walt slowly allow himself to want something he hadn't believed was meant for him made me ridiculously emotional.
And setting their story in the 1980s added an entirely different weight to that tenderness. Loving someone, choosing them, and allowing yourself to be fully known carries so much more vulnerability when the world around you isn't necessarily going to make that choice easy. Yet this never felt overwhelmingly heavy. It felt hopeful. Safe. Sweet. Like finding one person who makes being brave feel possible. For such a little novella, Walt and Johnny left me with a surprisingly big case of the warm fuzzies. 🥹🩵
Tropes:
🍻 Workplace Romance
☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🩵 Opposites Attract
🤍 Virgin MMC / First Gay Experience
🫶 Forced Proximity
✨ Soulmates
📼 1980s Setting
And setting their story in the 1980s added an entirely different weight to that tenderness. Loving someone, choosing them, and allowing yourself to be fully known carries so much more vulnerability when the world around you isn't necessarily going to make that choice easy. Yet this never felt overwhelmingly heavy. It felt hopeful. Safe. Sweet. Like finding one person who makes being brave feel possible. For such a little novella, Walt and Johnny left me with a surprisingly big case of the warm fuzzies. 🥹🩵
Tropes:
🍻 Workplace Romance
☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🩵 Opposites Attract
🤍 Virgin MMC / First Gay Experience
🫶 Forced Proximity
✨ Soulmates
📼 1980s Setting
September 16, 2026
ARC READER
Ellie has done it again! A short & sweet MM novella telling the story of Walt & Johnny was just what I needed to get my fix in the Milwaukee Steel Riders universe! (Even though you don't even need to read that series to follow this novella, this is set in the 1980's, prior to the Steel Riders).
I had the absolute pleasure of ARC reading this prior to its release and I'm already itching for the next installment! I even got the paperback last weekend during the Meet Me on North book crawl in Milwaukee and got to see Ellie and have her sign it for me! I love supporting local Wisconsin authors so any time I have the opportunity to do so, I'm going to take full advantage of it!!!
Since this is a novella, I'm not going to spoil too much, but just know that you should pick this up and read it ASAP!
Walt & Johnny are perfect for one another, and the spice, the way these two fall in love is magical. This'll have you smiling the entire time, and even giggling and kicking your feet. I absolutely love this couple, and look forward to more of them in the future!
I think anyone would love this, and I recommend that you pick it up!
Ellie has done it again! A short & sweet MM novella telling the story of Walt & Johnny was just what I needed to get my fix in the Milwaukee Steel Riders universe! (Even though you don't even need to read that series to follow this novella, this is set in the 1980's, prior to the Steel Riders).
I had the absolute pleasure of ARC reading this prior to its release and I'm already itching for the next installment! I even got the paperback last weekend during the Meet Me on North book crawl in Milwaukee and got to see Ellie and have her sign it for me! I love supporting local Wisconsin authors so any time I have the opportunity to do so, I'm going to take full advantage of it!!!
Since this is a novella, I'm not going to spoil too much, but just know that you should pick this up and read it ASAP!
Walt & Johnny are perfect for one another, and the spice, the way these two fall in love is magical. This'll have you smiling the entire time, and even giggling and kicking your feet. I absolutely love this couple, and look forward to more of them in the future!
I think anyone would love this, and I recommend that you pick it up!
September 17, 2026
Going into this novella, I knew that I was going to love Walt and Johnny's story. It's hard not to when you learn to love their meddling in the Steel Riders series, but Ellie really crushed it with this one. Set in the 80s, Walt has just opened his bar and his bartender no-shows the first week. After losing his factory job, Johnny walks in, gets behind the bar, and the rest is history.
Though it was a short book, the story in it really packs a punch. Walt is still closeted and hasn't come to terms with what he wants in his life, his attraction to Johnny, and just generally struggling with how he was raised and "expected to be." Johnny was able to break down those walls and meet Walt exactly where he was at, and it was just powerful. I love the two of them and am so glad Ellie decided to carry on with this mini-series so hopefully we'll get more glimpses of them.
Personally, I'd read this in publication order so you're able to fall in love with these two before you dive in, but you could read this as the first book if you really wanted. I just think it's fun to learn to love them first.
Though it was a short book, the story in it really packs a punch. Walt is still closeted and hasn't come to terms with what he wants in his life, his attraction to Johnny, and just generally struggling with how he was raised and "expected to be." Johnny was able to break down those walls and meet Walt exactly where he was at, and it was just powerful. I love the two of them and am so glad Ellie decided to carry on with this mini-series so hopefully we'll get more glimpses of them.
Personally, I'd read this in publication order so you're able to fall in love with these two before you dive in, but you could read this as the first book if you really wanted. I just think it's fun to learn to love them first.
Review of advance copy
The emotional depth in this book is not something I think I've ever seen in a novella. It may be short but its full of so much emotion and character, it is a true testament to Ellie's writing.
I also really enjoyed that this was set in the 80s. The parallel to queer culture between now and then feels so different yet underlying all of that, so similar.
The banter and witty one liners in this book are so so good! I should not be laughing out loud so much from words on a page.
How someone can be so filthy and then so caring within a blink of an eye I will never understand. But god Ellie does it good! The spice was so good and so much fun. The exploration of bodies was so beautiful and I loved that Walt was able to express himself and discover what he liked ...
When Johnny knew where Walt was. Immediate tears. How fucking good. Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Ellie for the opportunity to read this early. It is easily one of the best novellas I've ever read. Please do yourselves a favour and pick it up. Immediately 🧡
I also really enjoyed that this was set in the 80s. The parallel to queer culture between now and then feels so different yet underlying all of that, so similar.
The banter and witty one liners in this book are so so good! I should not be laughing out loud so much from words on a page.
How someone can be so filthy and then so caring within a blink of an eye I will never understand. But god Ellie does it good! The spice was so good and so much fun. The exploration of bodies was so beautiful and I loved that Walt was able to express himself and discover what he liked ...
When Johnny knew where Walt was. Immediate tears. How fucking good. Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Ellie for the opportunity to read this early. It is easily one of the best novellas I've ever read. Please do yourselves a favour and pick it up. Immediately 🧡
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the opportunity to read this novella as an ARC and I’m so grateful becaus this was an amazing reading experience. I haven’t read any of the other author’s books before but I definitely will pick up the main series becaus the writing style completely captured me.
But now, let’s talk about my boys Johnny and Walt ♡
This novella take place in the 80s, in a bar runned by Walt. He is… struggling, especially with the bell over the door. He knows its sound is the sound of a new customer and… you know… people… eww… I laughted so much, he’s so me to be honest. But he has a dream, a dream for his bar and the goal to turn it into a safe place, an home for his clients, like another special place of his past. And when Johnny enters announced by that bell, for both of them, everything change. From strangers, to coworkers, to everything.
Their story is so precious and even with all the difficulties in front of them, they found each other and they are not letting go.
I also loved the spice and the way their relationship grows and healed them. Oh my heart, they are so precious and I got so emotional in the end.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read this ARC.
But now, let’s talk about my boys Johnny and Walt ♡
This novella take place in the 80s, in a bar runned by Walt. He is… struggling, especially with the bell over the door. He knows its sound is the sound of a new customer and… you know… people… eww… I laughted so much, he’s so me to be honest. But he has a dream, a dream for his bar and the goal to turn it into a safe place, an home for his clients, like another special place of his past. And when Johnny enters announced by that bell, for both of them, everything change. From strangers, to coworkers, to everything.
Their story is so precious and even with all the difficulties in front of them, they found each other and they are not letting go.
I also loved the spice and the way their relationship grows and healed them. Oh my heart, they are so precious and I got so emotional in the end.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Ellie K Drake and Love Notes PR for the early reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
I've been craving Walt and Johnny's story since we first met them in Ice Block, so it's no surprise I devoured this book.
This is a dual POV story following Walt, the new owner of the bar Walt's on Water (who can't pour a beer to save his life), and Johnny, who was just let go from his factory job. These two are well known and beloved by Milwaukee Steel Rider series fans.
If you haven't read the Milwaukee Steel Riders series yet, no worries. Icy Pour takes place in 1986, so there are no spoilers (although there are Easter eggs!). You could read this book at any point in your MSR journey.
Icy Pour is coming September 10th!
What to expect:
💼 workplace romance
😇 virgin MMC
⛅️ grumpy x sunshine
🍺 set in the 1980's
💞 opposites attract
🥰 forced proximity
😉 light dominance and praise k!nk
3/5 spice
5/5 stars
I've been craving Walt and Johnny's story since we first met them in Ice Block, so it's no surprise I devoured this book.
This is a dual POV story following Walt, the new owner of the bar Walt's on Water (who can't pour a beer to save his life), and Johnny, who was just let go from his factory job. These two are well known and beloved by Milwaukee Steel Rider series fans.
If you haven't read the Milwaukee Steel Riders series yet, no worries. Icy Pour takes place in 1986, so there are no spoilers (although there are Easter eggs!). You could read this book at any point in your MSR journey.
Icy Pour is coming September 10th!
What to expect:
💼 workplace romance
😇 virgin MMC
⛅️ grumpy x sunshine
🍺 set in the 1980's
💞 opposites attract
🥰 forced proximity
😉 light dominance and praise k!nk
3/5 spice
5/5 stars
September 3, 2026
I went into Icy Pour completely blind to Walt and Johnny, and I think that made their story even more fun to discover.
I loved how confident Johnny was and how he knew exactly what he wanted, but it was the way he cared for Walt that really got me. There was so much tenderness underneath his confidence, and I loved watching that side of him come through.
The blushing, the uncertainty, the grumpy bar owner who suddenly has no idea what to do with his feelings… ADORABLE. Watching Walt slowly figure out what he wanted and allow himself to have it was probably one of my favourite parts.
I really enjoyed the 1980s setting too. It added another layer to their relationship, especially with them having to navigate being together during a time when being gay was far less accepted.
This was my first introduction to Walt and Johnny, and now I completely understand why they’re so loved. I’m definitely curious about the rest of the Milwaukee Steel Riders series now.
I loved how confident Johnny was and how he knew exactly what he wanted, but it was the way he cared for Walt that really got me. There was so much tenderness underneath his confidence, and I loved watching that side of him come through.
The blushing, the uncertainty, the grumpy bar owner who suddenly has no idea what to do with his feelings… ADORABLE. Watching Walt slowly figure out what he wanted and allow himself to have it was probably one of my favourite parts.
I really enjoyed the 1980s setting too. It added another layer to their relationship, especially with them having to navigate being together during a time when being gay was far less accepted.
This was my first introduction to Walt and Johnny, and now I completely understand why they’re so loved. I’m definitely curious about the rest of the Milwaukee Steel Riders series now.
August 28, 2026
I received an ARC.
I would give it 4.5 stars on here if I could. Stunning story about love and acceptance, learning who you are as a person and learning how to accept it. I really was blown away by how easily I was enticed by this book. I was able to read half the book in no time.
Johnny and Walt are obviously characters we've met in the Milwaukee Steel Riders series but reading their story felt different. It really shows where they started as a couple and how they grew into the version of them we met first time in Ice Contact. The story also perfectly captures social issues happening during that time period and how they were dealt with by those dealing with them.
Can't wait for the next book. I don't have a history of reading many Novellas, slowly starting to read more, but this will be top of the list for sure. Always will have love for Johnny and Walt.
I would give it 4.5 stars on here if I could. Stunning story about love and acceptance, learning who you are as a person and learning how to accept it. I really was blown away by how easily I was enticed by this book. I was able to read half the book in no time.
Johnny and Walt are obviously characters we've met in the Milwaukee Steel Riders series but reading their story felt different. It really shows where they started as a couple and how they grew into the version of them we met first time in Ice Contact. The story also perfectly captures social issues happening during that time period and how they were dealt with by those dealing with them.
Can't wait for the next book. I don't have a history of reading many Novellas, slowly starting to read more, but this will be top of the list for sure. Always will have love for Johnny and Walt.
Review of advance copy
Book: 4.25⭐️
Walt and Johnny are the perfect ones to start your MM romance journey with or just want a low angsty fun novella.
These two men were meant to be together. Johnny loses his job and he just happens to walk into Walt's bar. Now the kicker is.. Walt has no idea how to make drinks or even pour a beer correctly. After laughing at Walt 😅 Johnny steps up and shows him exactly how to pour a drink.
Lets just leave it at this:
"Such a good boy for me, aren't you?"
"Jesus Johnny. Why does that turn me on so much?"
"You have a thing for praise- good thing I'm here to deliver it."
Tropes:
🍺 MM novella
🧡 Workplace Romance
🍺 Virgin MMC
🧡 Grumpy x sunshine
🍺 Set in the 1980’s
🧡 Opposites Attract
🍺 Forced Proximity
Thank you Ellie K. Drake and Love Notes PR for the early copy. Above are my honest thoughts.
Walt and Johnny are the perfect ones to start your MM romance journey with or just want a low angsty fun novella.
These two men were meant to be together. Johnny loses his job and he just happens to walk into Walt's bar. Now the kicker is.. Walt has no idea how to make drinks or even pour a beer correctly. After laughing at Walt 😅 Johnny steps up and shows him exactly how to pour a drink.
Lets just leave it at this:
"Such a good boy for me, aren't you?"
"Jesus Johnny. Why does that turn me on so much?"
"You have a thing for praise- good thing I'm here to deliver it."
Tropes:
🍺 MM novella
🧡 Workplace Romance
🍺 Virgin MMC
🧡 Grumpy x sunshine
🍺 Set in the 1980’s
🧡 Opposites Attract
🍺 Forced Proximity
Thank you Ellie K. Drake and Love Notes PR for the early copy. Above are my honest thoughts.
September 4, 2026
Thank you to LoveNotes PR and Ellie K. Drake for this ARC!🩷
Ugh this novella was so good!! As someone coming in completely blind to Ellie K. Drake, you can 100% read this book as a standalone with no prior knowledge of the Milwaukee Steel Riders series.
Walt and Johnny’s story was perfect from beginning to end, and I was craving a full length book by the time I was 10 pages in. I love that we got to know the characters in such a short period of time (my copy was 197 pages) , and the author somehow made a beautiful slow burn romance happen in so few pages.
There was the perfect mix of romance/plot and smut scenes, and the smut scenes themselves were deliciously written.
Highly recommend this novella to any lovers of MM romance, love at first sight/insta-lust, stories set in the 1980s, or experienced/virgin couples!
Ugh this novella was so good!! As someone coming in completely blind to Ellie K. Drake, you can 100% read this book as a standalone with no prior knowledge of the Milwaukee Steel Riders series.
Walt and Johnny’s story was perfect from beginning to end, and I was craving a full length book by the time I was 10 pages in. I love that we got to know the characters in such a short period of time (my copy was 197 pages) , and the author somehow made a beautiful slow burn romance happen in so few pages.
There was the perfect mix of romance/plot and smut scenes, and the smut scenes themselves were deliciously written.
Highly recommend this novella to any lovers of MM romance, love at first sight/insta-lust, stories set in the 1980s, or experienced/virgin couples!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Johnny Hudson.. well well well, who knew you could bring out the grump and tame Walt like a squidgy marshmallow? Clearly, Ellie did and it's why she wrote you! We're back in the Ellieverse, and while Icy Pour is not a hockey romance (I'm slightly obsessed with the Steel Riders), it is kinda related and Walt and Johnny appear in those stories too, but this is where they all began and wow, what a beginning. Did I want to snuggle up and cuddle with these two together? Yes, Yes I did. I want a seat at the bar and to watch these two men fall ridiculously in love. When Walt defended Johnny's honour... welp! I had zero problems devouring this book in one sitting, lets face it, if you read chapter 1, you wouldn't stop either.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
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