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Dallas Demons #4

On Thin Ice

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Holly Johansson knows some things in her life are certain after college graduation:

1.) It’s a long road to become a full-time author. 2.) She’ll need to work to pay her bills. 3.) And Dallas Demons superstar Matt Rhinelander will never return her feelings.

Holly knows her unrequited crush on the partying hockey player is ridiculous. There’s no way Matt would be attracted to a woman who prefers nights in watching TV or reading books when he’s known for his frequent bar hops and fast lifestyle. Obviously he would never see her as anything other than his teammate’s little sister.

Yet Holly is drawn to the other side of Matt—the man she knows has always been thoughtful and easy to talk to whenever she’s been alone with him. It is this Matt that fueled the crush Holly has on him. And she knows it will always be just that—a secret crush.

Or will it?

Because when Matt helps Holly through a crisis, her heart begins to believe that there might be feelings on his part, too. After a night of hard partying puts Matt in jeopardy with the Dallas Demons, can Holly be the one to save him? And when Matt admits he sees her as more than Nate Johansson’s sister, will it put both of them on thin ice?

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2016

159 people are currently reading
231 people want to read

About the author

Aven Ellis

54 books830 followers
USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

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

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


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews634 followers
November 17, 2016
…And we drop the puck, actually we drop EVERYTHING for Aven Ellis’ ON THIN ICE! The Dallas Demons are back, and once again, unlikely love is in the air as another Demon is slammed into the boards by Cupid with an assist by a budding author with her own signature moves.
Holly has had a crush on Demon playboy Matt Rhinelander since the day her brother, Nate brought a very different Matt home for dinner. The Matt Holly secretly fell for is nothing like the party boy who is on his last chance to redeem himself or be traded. Although they are the same age, they couldn’t be more different. Holly suffers from social anxiety, would prefer to cozy up writing or reading and Matt’s picture is probably in the dictionary under the term ‘party animal.’ Yet when one huge social event sent Holly gasping for air away from the crowd, it was Matt who held her, listened to her and never made her feel like a freak. Could it be that Matt has a secret or two that he could only share with Holly?

Are they meant to live the fantasy that Holly writes about? They say that fiction mimics fact and just maybe these two can find a happy ever, but first they will have to face the gauntlet of insecurities, lies by omission and the wrath of a teammate who thinks his little sister is off limits.

For sure Aven Ellis has just outdone herself, again! Sweet romance, impossible dreams, secrets shared, souls bared and oh yes, there is Holly’s fabulous sock collection! How could Matt resist? The woman he has secretly longed for is right in front of him and it is her innocence, purity of heart and wickedly refreshing sense of humor that allows him to share his most painful thoughts. Learning to trust and be trusted has put Matt’s heart on his sleeve, but one nasty little secret will break not only his heart, but his fragile self-respect.

Can you say adorably sweet, passionately hot and completely sigh worthy? Ms. Ellis had me close to tears, practically swooning and ready to kick some big brother butt!

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

Series: Dallas Demons - Book 4
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing, LLC (November 30, 2016)
Publication Date: November 30, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Print Length: 289 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,372 reviews571 followers
November 12, 2016
One of the things I most look forward to, when starting a new book by Aven Ellis, is the knowledge that I will almost certainly end up with a book boyfriend from the story, as she writes the most loveable male characters. With On Thin Ice, I think it was a new record for me, I was in love with Matt Rhinelander before the end of chapter 3.

Matt is another of the Dallas Demons ice hockey players, and fans of the series will have seen him mentioned a bit in previous books. If you are new to the Dallas Demons, then rest assured this is definitely a standalone story. For fans though, all your favourite Demons and their girlfriends are present in this story, some in a bigger way than others.

Matt is just adorable, he manages to put Holly at her ease in an awkward situation, and seems to not mind any of her slight geekier behaviours. They are as different as chalk and cheese, but yet put them in a room together and they seem to bring out the best in each other.

Holly is a quiet sort, happiest when working on her fantasy novel, and can't believe it when she is being encouraged to spend a bit more time with Matt, her long term crush, even if the circumstances and reasoning behind it are less than honest. This is after they spend a lot of time together on New Years Eve and the relationship between them begins to change right from the beginning.

I have spent a joyous couple of hours reading On The Ice, its a simply wonderful romance that you know what the overall outcome will most likely be, and as a result you can just relax and read the lovely journey that is discovering just how these two people with get to their HEA.

Filled with witty banter, a love of socks, a sugar kitty, a social anxiety disorder, a love of planners, very easy to read writing and a romance between two people that is a joy to read about, On The Ice is another winning Dallas Demons book from Aven Ellis.
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews123 followers
February 1, 2020
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

I have been excited for this book for a really long time. First of all, because it is part of Aven Ellis’ Dallas Demons series, 2nd because we know the main characters already and 3rd because Aven’s writing is always on point.

The story follows Holly Johansson, aspiring writer and sister of Nate Johansson. Remember him?! If not, you have to go read The Definition of Icing, book 2 of the Dallas Demon series. Holly has just graduated and now wants to become a writer. She is obsessed with planners and suffers from social anxiety. Not the best state for a New Year’s Eve Party. Nate and Kenley convince her though and she goes, but of course it’s difficult. When the panic attack starts Matt Rhinelander is there to help her and take care of her.

Matt Rhinelander is another hockey player of the Dallas Demons. He got traded to Dallas together with Nate and Holly fell in love with him, when they first met. Now, two years later, he is there for her. Matt however, is young, loves to party and likes girls. So are they even a fit?!

Nate and Harrison Flynn want Holly to help Matt get out of his bad habits and safe him. That’s when they start spending a lot of time together and one thing leads to another, Matt confesses his own feelings. Nobody knows it yet and it should stay that way for a while.

I absolutely adored all the scenes between Holly and Matt. He is amazing and really takes good care of her, and she helps him too. She sees the real Matt. Aven’s writing is full of emotions and feelings and she included them beautifully in this story.

Of course this story also has a black moment and it definitely is full of drama, for several reasons and on several levels. Holly is also writing a book and that story is Matt and her story in a way, which adds a lot to the storyline and the last few scenes.

The great thing about this book is that we get to read about Nate and Kenley again and we also get to know other characters, who will be featured in the next book, which is really exciting, I can’t wait.

The journey both characters go through is incredible and it’s so wonderful to see that they need each other to get through everything. The characters are great, very authentic, relatable and passionate. Cici is of course back and we also get to read about some animals, as well as hockey of course. Together with some romantic moments, family relationships, friendship and love this book is a really gripping, spellbinding and mesmerizing.

This book is the perfect combination of love, hockey, family, passion and excitement, just wonderful!! I got so hooked and never wanted to leave the story, it’s amazing.

Oh and before I forget: the title of the book is PERFECT.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews53 followers
November 30, 2016
On Thin Ice (Dallas Demons #4) by Aven Ellis Aven Ellis talleys a win with ON THIN ICE, the fourth book in the Dallas Demons series.  Aspiring author, Holly Johansson, has had a crush on her brother’s teammate, Matt Rhinelander, since she met him years ago.  She is convinced that he is her complete opposite and not interested in her, until he rescues her at a party.  This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
 
I loved Aven Ellis’ ON THIN ICE.  I could not put this book down.
Holly is a sweet character.  She recently graduated from Northwestern University and needs to find a job to support herself while allowing her time to fulfill her dream to become a fantasy writer.  She is from Minnestota but currently staying with her brother, Nate, in Dallas.  She has a secret that she has kept from everyone but confides in Matt.  Matt is a good guy, However, has gotten himself in some trouble by partying too much and is in risk of being traded.  He has his own issues and secrets that he discloses to Holly.  My heart went out to Matt and what he went through.  The two develop a relationship but keep it hidden to avoid a conflict with Holly’s brother.  The couple have many obstacles and challenges they face throughout the story. 
 
The plot had a lot of depth and was interesting.  ON THIN ICE is a believable and heartfelt story.  I enjoyed Holly’s Game Plan list.  I love how Matt adds to her lists.  I also, appreciated how Holly’s novel correlated to her life; although I admit, I found her story a bit chessy.  I love the lunches with CiCi.  That woman is a force to be reckoned with. Holly’s sock collection and Matt’s reaction to it were amusing.   I like that Holly and Reese Brannon befriended each other.  I would love to hear her story with JP Rochat.  I thought Matt’s nickname for Holly was sweet.  ON THIN ICE had a great ending.
 
I enjoy Aven Ellis’ writing style.  Her work is distinctive and fun.  I love her Chicago on Ice series.  This is actually the first book in the Dallas Demons series that I have read.  I will definitely continue to follow this series, and I want to back track and read the previous books, especially THE DIFINITION OF ICING, Nate’s and Kenley’s story.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
 
Profile Image for Derna.
591 reviews291 followers
January 21, 2017
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

On Thin Ice is the latest instalment in Aven Ellis’s Dallas Demons series. Aspiring author Holly Johansson (Nate’s sister) has had feelings Matt Rhinelander (Nate’s teammate) for a long time. Feelings that she has always believed were one side, until one New Years Eve when everything changes.

As with the previous books it the series I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance story that was pretty much drama free. Holly and Matt are cute together. I liked Holly; she was an endearing character her list at the start of each chapter were fun. Matt is a loveable rogue who had been through a lot, and I did feel for him at times. Actually, I felt for them both at times, due to Nate’s attitude I have always liked Nate, but in this one not so much. I know he meant well and wanted to protect his little sister, but I did feel it was a little condescending at times.

On Thin Ice was a heartwarming read with a delightful ending. With Holly and Matt’s story, Aven has captured all those feelings you get when you’re with that special person who truly sees the real you. The person who’s your first love, true love, forever love and has your heart.

If you like lighter books that are fun, entertaining, have a little bit of hotness and leave you feeling good and with a smile on your face then one-click an Aven Ellis book today.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Emma Star Crossed Reviews .
1,022 reviews295 followers
February 20, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Aven not only for a copy of this book but also for allowing me to be a part of her beta team and for letting me run this tour.

Aven has been planning Matt and Holly's story for such a long time that before I even started reading this book I felt like I already knew them. We have met both characters before in the earlier books in the season but their story doesn't really start until this book.

Matt is one of the youngest hockey players in the league. He never got a chance to grow up before he hit the big time so he as unwillingly become a role model. On the outside Matt looks like party guy who spends every evening with a different girl but deep down Matt is just scared. He's scared to let anyone in because he has been hurt in the past by the two people who are supposed to love you more than anything in the world.

Holly is a bookworm who dreams of nothing more than being an author. She knows that this is going to be a long, tough road but she also has the determination to make it. Holly seems like the compete opposite of Matt. She's an introvert, she hates parties and loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book in her Ravenclaw t-shirt, her yoga pants and her striped socks.

Aven's writing will have you hooked from the first paragraph and as you would expect if you have read any of her other books some very funny scenes that will give you tears of laughter.

I have been a fan of Aven's writing since her first book and she gets better with each story. Every time I think that she has just written her best book yet she tops it with another. Keep your eyes peeled for Sugar and Ice which is out at the end of the month.
Profile Image for Jo.
299 reviews46 followers
November 12, 2016
Another winner in the Dallas Demons series from Aven Ellis! I read this in one sitting - I fell completely in love with Matt Rheinlander and socially anxious Holly was my kindred sister. Full review to follow.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
November 19, 2016
This was an amazing book! it will make you have all the feels and you will definitely fall in love with these two and you won't come back from it until you finish the book! funny, sweet, hockey parts, it was a whole package of awesomeness!! totally worth the read!
Profile Image for Jen.
41 reviews
January 22, 2023
This read like my old Wattpad fanfictions. They’re together for a total of like 36 hours before the I love yous and drama starts. The whole book takes place in a month and the dialogue makes me ill.
Profile Image for Silvana.
239 reviews28 followers
January 10, 2017
Holly knows that finishing and publishing her debut novel are two priorities in her life. She is sister to Nate, the famous hockey player. Holly loves Nate but being celebrity’s sister isn’t always pleasant for her. Dealing with her problem at one party she stays alone with Mat, the man in whom she is crashed. Holly knows that Mat is more than he shows the world he is. She knows him like a kind and thoughtful man, not partying hockey player who dating different woman anytime he goes in public. Those women who Mat dates are models or look like models and Holly knows that she never will be his girlfriend.

I love this story about Holly and Mat because I love Aven Ellis calm tone and enthusiastic storytelling. Aven is the author who creates new and fresh characters. Her love stories are recognizable and engaging. I like how the things go with Holly and Mat, how they behaving when they are alone.

The characters are wonderful starting with friend’s zone and great sweet romance growing slowly between them. Holly is a smart girl, book lover, her modesty is reminded me how I am like her, and Mat is irresistible and under his “undercover” version is something different and sweet. I like how the story between them goes and makes me read till the end, but when the end comes I stand with sigh still holding my phone in my hands wanting more.

I recommend this book to everyone who likes well written romantic story which hooks you up till the end.

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
501 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2016
I loved this book so much! Aven has once again written a book that I can't put down. The characters are charming and quirky. The storyline is wonderful. And I swear my ereader is broken because I can't possibly be done with this book yet. Not even hockey games with hot I look forward to reading more in the series.

Note, I received an advanced copy of this book because Aven knows I will appear at her door and read over her shoulder if I had to wait too long. Love you Aven!!!!
Profile Image for Joana Dias.
185 reviews
March 31, 2025
Todas as protagonistas de Aven são garotas inspiradoras e bonitas que você teria sorte de ter como amiga. Com Holly Johansson, ela leva isso a um nível totalmente novo. Holly não só se sentiu como uma melhor amiga desde o início, como eu reconheci muito de mim mesma nela.
Holly é a heroína da garota peculiar e nerd.
Como um casal, eles enfrentam sua cota de obstáculos. Alguns podem ser um pouco previsíveis, mas quando ambos se abrem, você descobre que há muito mais neles - e em seu relacionamento - do que você imaginava. A conexão que eles têm é íntima, romântica eu simplesmente amo como ambos veem o melhor um no outro, mesmo quando eles mesmos não veem. Eu não conseguia pensar em dois personagens mais adequados um para o outro.
On Thin Ice me fez rir e chorar, e me deixou perdidamente apaixonada pela história de Holly e Matt.

"Sempre foi você. Tem sido você desde o dia em que entrei em sua casa no Dia de Ação de Graças, há dois anos. E quando eu a vi, seu rosto se iluminou com aquele seu sorriso. Aquele sorriso que tem me assombrado há dois anos. Você conversou comigo como uma pessoa normal, não como um jogador de hóquei. Você queria me conhecer."

"- Vou lhe dar um motivo para não dançar longe de mim. - declara ele.
Ele entrelaça seus dedos nos meus e eu não consigo respirar."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
232 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2019
I loved it

I love stories where you have to see past the mask the person is wearing to see the real person within. Holly has been "In Like" with Matt ever since her brother brought him home for Thanksgiving dinner two years ago. He's a wild child but he always takes the time to sit quietly with her because she is a quiet homebody who has social anxiety and now Matt is the only one who knows about her panic attacks.
Matt is on thin ice with the Dallas Demon's executive office, he's gone off on a drunken bender too many times and they are keeping an eye on him, they have asked Holly to be a spy but she said no, she would spend time with him voluntarily, but when Matt finds out about them offering her the job in the first place, it cheapens and maybe even cancels out what he thought was love that Holly was offering him, how can he believe anything she says now? I'm looking forward to the next book
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books63 followers
December 21, 2022
Romance, Friendship and Real Love

I recently mentioned that I liked stories where insecure people helped each other overcome their issues. That’s exactly what Ellis writes here.

She accurately portrays anxiety and deals honestly with the issue of family betrayal. Although the story line was completely predictable, the banter of Matt and Holly made me smile. And the appearance of a cat cafe didn’t hurt anything, either.

These characters prove their love in real ways - like caring for each other during a heath crisis. I prefer that to sexual attraction and romantic heat because that’s what endures in real life.

Now I may need to read the other books in this series. Obviously, that means you can read them in any order. And you should.
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,413 reviews17 followers
June 30, 2017
Uncaged Book Reviews:

Matt plays for the same hockey team as Holly’s brother Nate. But Holly has always had a crush on Matt and one day while Holly and her brother are invited to a big party. Holly has a panic attack and unfortunately for Holly Matt is there to witness it. This is a sport’s romance book featuring hockey players but also deals with real issues like panic attacks. As well as others and also features a cute animal charity. I hadn’t read the other book’s in this series. But you can easily pick up the story straight away. I think we all have a little of Holly or Matt in us enjoy. Reviewed by Jennifer
Full review at UncagedBooks.com
31 reviews
July 18, 2018
By far my favorite!

This story is by far my favorite, and that is saying a lot because I love all her books. I can relate more with Holly because of being an aspiring writer myself and having some social anxiety issues as well. The love between Holly and Matt is so true I can’t help but want the same. Someone who supports and accepts me as I am. I can’t wait for more from the author!
151 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2020
A Must read

Love the characters of this book. They make their own paths even though they are young. They had to fight through others thinking that they know what's best. And as a fellow ravenclaw I love holly and all her personality sparkles! And I love that Matt loved her too and that they were meant to be from the beginning! Matt has gone through so much in his life and so happy he found Holly.
Profile Image for Hannah Whiteman.
62 reviews
April 10, 2023
I love this series so much! So far this hasn't been my favorite one, but it is just so great that this 3 star is more like a 3.5 star because anything lower feels wrong. I love that this book is cheesy and sappy and all sorts of cringe! Its fairly clean, I would say high school and up maybe. It doesn't give explicit details on anything but the leading up is mentioned. Maybe a PG-13 rating?

I love this and would totally recommend the entire series!
1 review
August 11, 2025
Super- special cats

I have had cats all my life, so health issues are a part of them, just like people. One of my cats was diabetic and I didn't think I could give him Insulin injections twice a day, but with the help of my vet and her assistant, I learned to do it. Also, the specialist and emergency vet center were always helpful. Mention of special needs animals in a story was great to see!

338 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2019
This series just gets better and better! The only thing better would be more hockey action. That said, I love all these characters so much. All the emotions, actions and reactions are so realistic it's a relief to know I can trust Aven Ellis with my heart's investment in her stories. I know I will always get a good plot well worth the time I would spend reading it. Thanks for what you do!
5 reviews
April 17, 2020
Of all the books in the Demons series, I liked this book the most. Holly and Matt are a cute couple, with great chemistry. I liked their characters and felt a connection to both of them. It is a light, fun read, and I have the book in my reread list.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 1 book13 followers
December 2, 2016
Such a lovely book

Oh another amazing book by Aven Ellis! You will fall in complete love. How I love everyone on the Dallas Demon team.
Profile Image for Monique.
6 reviews
March 2, 2017
Sugary sweet

A story that most girls if certain age hope their lives emulate. Still a good catchy, enjoyable read. Kind of a story within a story.
Profile Image for Tai (Taylor’s Version).
10 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2023
I need to stop listening to millennials on this app telling me books are good. They are not. “Favorite book of the series” was the series a dumpster fire. Stop it. Matt slayed. Matt gets 2 stars.
315 reviews
June 13, 2024
I found the characters to just be ok. I liked the appendicitis episode to cause the whole keeping Matt in check story to come out. I found the virgin and super quick to sleep together to just be odd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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