Ice Prince

Playing for Keeps #3

by Nichole Rose

When life spins wildly out of control, a bossy hockey star and a curvy maid will find forever…or be forever ruined.

Theo Kline
I know everything there is to know about hockey.
Right now, I'd give everything just to understand her.
Charlotte Mabry is a curvy little goddess with the sweetest smile.
She's also my mother's boyfriend's favorite niece.
Dating her is off the table so I hired her to work for me instead.
I never expected to find her asleep in my bed.
Or for our first kiss to hit the news.
But I don't care who knows about us. She's mine now.

Charlotte Mabry
My mom always told me falling in love was easy.
But she left out important instructions.
Like what to do when your Prince Charming is a hockey star…
And you're a certified hot mess.
She also forgot to mention what to do when you find yourself homeless and falling asleep in his bed.
When I dreamed of Theo kissing me, I didn't expect it to end up like this.
Now the whole world is watching, and I'm one disaster away from infamy.
When he finds out the truth, he'll never look at me the same way again.
And I already know losing him will break me.

Warning
When this OTT hockey star falls for a hot mess, there's danger on the ice. Just kidding. But there is a lot of steam, which is basically the same thing. If you enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy, adorably sweet hockey stars, and hopeless heroines, you'll love Theo and Charlotte! As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a sticky sweet and guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey, Sports, Novella, Hockey Romance, Contemporary

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2021

About the author

Four-time award-winning author Nichole Rose writes deliciously dirty rom-coms, sports, and small-town romance, featuring relatable curvy women and the devoted alpha men who can't live without them. From obsessed billionaires to over-the-top hockey players to the firefighter next door, no one is safe from the hilarious, sassy women she sets loose on the world. She loves delivering relatable characters, hilarious banter, and enough heat to make you squirm.

Nichole also writes dark romance as Nichole Fallon.

When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud ringleader in the world’s most ridiculous chihuahua circus. She and her husband live in central Arkansas.

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

TROPES:
~instalove
~age gap
~forbidden
~grumpy x sunshine

This is a super cute hockey romance! It's about a maid and her hockey-playing boss. The heroine is shy but by the end, the hero has brought her out of her shell! I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to the others in the series.

SAFETY:
Ages: 19h, 30sH
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
HEA?: yes!

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

We back on the ice and it's Theos turn!! If you remember correctly from the other books theo is the one in love with his maid and hasn't made a move lol.

He messes up his house on purpose so she can stay longer and he in his house, but he doesn't make a move because she's his step fathers fave niece... and she does alot of pushing away and few things that made me not enjoy her.. which is a first because I love the heroines.. :(... I knew she had some problems because how she was treated by some family members but Theo was a Saint.. and he made sure she was safe when he found out her apartment caught on fire and she was dealing with a creep and sleeping in her car.

But not all is sunshine since he is a hockey player and paps are all around making them out their relationship before they even tell her uncle/his step dad. And I can't wait for the other guys I really want Kris story with his Pinning:( poor guy.

Tiny om drama (landlord stalker), no cheating, Slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Instalove
Age gap
Pinning
Push away from h
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, and steamy. Theo (early thirties) and Charlotte (19) have been circling around one another for 5 months and they were in love just as long. Theo's mom and Charlotte's uncle are getting married and her uncle told Theo from the beginning that she's off limits. Which he respected, thus the 5 months of keeping her as maid at his house but not really engaging with her. Based on Theo's POV he fell in love with her the first time he saw her.

Charlotte is a walking disaster, literally, every misfortune and accidents seems to follow her wherever she goes. 😂 She accidentally set her apartment on fire and got evicted by her creepy pervy landlord. And she ended up staying at Theo's house. She's been in love with him too, but gets tongue tied whenever he's around, so she tries to get away from him as fast as she can. And because of her keeping avoiding him, Theo thought that she doesn't like him.

But with the forced proximity, sexual tension, and chemistry between them, all the feelings they're hiding came out. Let's just say once they openly express their true feelings the tension snaps and things get intense and passionate between them.

Overall, this is a good and enjoyable read and the MCs are likeable. Charlotte is a strong and a nice character despite being a freaking trainwreck. 🤣And Theo is growly, protective, and over the top Alpha but not annoying. They both had me cracking up with their banter and I'm here for all of it.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a quick and easy reading escape and this was so it!

Ice Prince was an adorable, super sexy, curvy girl, instalove sports romance and I loved it!

Nichole Rose is my new reading obsession! Looking forward to more saucy reads! I’m giving Ice Prince the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Theo right off the bat. He was so sweet and so head over heels into Charlotte. The way he talked to her, the sweet dirty things. Overall I love their story, I love the protection and the fight he gave her.I loved she wasn't a pushover. Another winner for Ms Rose.

Reviewed by UnrulyReader
I was provided with an ARC of this book.

[Chalice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The couple: Theo and Charlotte

Romance genre: sports/age gap
Series: Playing For Keeps
Length: 153 pages

Plot: Theo is a tough guy on the ice, but Charlotte makes him melt. She's his housekeeper but she's also the niece of his mother's boyfriend. Her uncle has declared her off-limits and he's trying to stick to that. But desire is often stronger than taboo, and sometimes Charlotte really needs someone to save her from herself.

Commentary: Charlotte was a trouble magnet! But the ultimate was her apartment burning down (and of course Theo took care of that!) And I loved how he intentionally made his house dirty so he could keep her employed. This was sweet and hot just like the others in the series. I'm enjoying these hockey players (especially since the hockey is not described in detail - I'm definitely not a sports person!).

Previous book in the series: Ice Breaker

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I don't read sports books but this one sounded really good and to tell you the truth it was an excellent story. You have Theo who's a OTT alpha male, who is protective of Charlotte and in love with her. Charlotte is in love with Theo but she's a complete klutz but a curvy goddess. Theo wants Charlotte in his life so he hires her as his housekeeper and he keeps messing up his house. Great storyline and the characters were such a wonderful couple. I love the epilogues. I'll be watching for more of Nichole Rose's stories. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this story 😍😍😍 Theo is this calm and controlled pro athlete and he is so in love with a sweet and curvy hot mess 🤣🤣🤣 Opposites attract each other 😉 I loved how Theo loved Charlotte like she is with all her quirks and how she always gets into accidents. A sweet, steamy, romantic, funny and safe story with a sweet HEA and no real drama😍😍😍 Theo is a J/P alpha male that would do everything for his woman ❤❤❤❤

[Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

This one was just too sweet! Theo finally claims Charlotte after 5 months of loving her but not being with her. After finding her asleep in his bed, it's a done deal, Lol. Theo and Charlotte find their HEA. Cutest epilogue ever❤❤❤❤ 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Angelika Christou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read and we love curvy women representation! It was a little too fast into love for my taste but it was still enjoyable!

[Cat H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars.
Sexy, short, and sweet.

I love how Theo takes every chance to boost her confidence and protect her. Such a sweetheart.

I also love how he takes every opportunity to be a dirty, commanding alpha and fuck her brains outs with his filthy mouth spouting shit the whole time.

Totally worth the simple plot for the smut.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man must be tremendously, or pathetically in love to purposely mess up his home, to keep his cleaning lady coming back. But, that is exactly what, Theo Kline is doing to keep, Charlotte Mabry around. Charlotte is the niece of, his future stepfather. Theo has been in love with her, for a little over five months.

Pretty much since, setting eyes on Charlotte, but her uncle said, hands off. Out of respect, that’s what he has done. Stayed away although, he did hire her, to clean but is, never at the house. But, she is four days, a week. At least that way, Theo knows, she's safe. After five months she is, still extremely shy around him.

On this day, Theo is home early because he was injured during the game while fighting. He is out for what they call concussion protocol. Plus, he has to due, Kelsey's four stadium tours as community service for the fighting on the ice. Kelsey is the team, five feet nothing, PR person. Nobody defies her.

After, the game, and all the testing at the hospital, Theo is dead on his feet. During his lengthy discussion with, Kelsey he gets a whiff of, smoke with a mixture of, Charlotte. But, continues talking and the thought is gone. When Theo heads, to his room, it is like in the children’s story someone, is sleeping in his bed. And, she smells, like smoke.

Charlotte is hard to wake up. But, when, Theo does wake her, he finds out she started a fire in her kitchen, was evicted, and had to sleep in her car. So, while cleaning, Charlotte fell asleep. Charlotte feels the same about him, but she keeps a painful secret, that she feels can hurt, Theo. Most of all it, can break her heart.

This is for sure OTT but in a fun-loving way. Believe me, Charlotte may have her mini cyclone going on by herself, but the girl is spunky. She also likes her man taking control. Not in a bad way either. He wants to be her bubble wrap protection and cleanup crew for the rest of her life. He will not bail on her like her mom.

But, please know parents can get tired, and grown children have, to be aware and look around at their surroundings, too. For accountability yet, still know that home is a soft place to land, but not your ATM, bail, towing co., etc... Adulting is hard, and being a free spirit is nice as long as you prepare for the nots up above.👆

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Love it!! Nice, quick, short and sweet. I couldn't put it down. I was laughing so hard at some of the thing they said to each other. With an awesome HEA!!

Theo meets Charlotte because his mother is going to marry her Uncle John. Uncle John make it clear to Theo he's to keep his hands off Charlotte. Theo and Charlotte have an instant attraction to each other. Theo hires Charlotte to clean his house so he can keep an eye on her. The problem is he can't be at his house when she is cleaning. Theo makes sure to mess his house up whenever Charlotte is coming to clean. So Theo spends at much time as he can at the stadium. Charlotte is a mess herself, she's always is causing accidents. Charlotte has an accidental fire while she was at her apartment, she had fallen asleep while making curry. Charlotte is now evicted from her apartment, so she spends the night in her car. When she goes to clean Theo's house she falls asleep in his bed. Theo comes home to finding Charlotte sleeping in his bed. When she tells Theo what happened and that she has no place to go he lets her stay in his bed, with him in it too. They are both aching for each other. The next day picture surface of Theo and Charlotte together. So Theo tells Charlotte they are now dating and will be married when she is finished with college. When Uncle John finds picture of Theo and Charlotte he immediately comes home from vacation to find out what is going on. Uncle John finds out that things haven't been going in Charlotte favor. Theo tells Charlotte's Uncle John he is now going to take care of her. Theo and Charlotte have a phenomenal HEA!!

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book for so long and it did not disappoint! Theo and Charlotte's story was everything I could have wanted and more. Theo has been in love with Charlotte since he met her but her uncle who's marrying his mother said she's off-limits so he hires her to clean his house so that she's near him. Charlotte is going to school and working for Theo who she's hopelessly in love with but she thinks that she's too much of a mess to be with him since he's in the public eye as a professional hockey player. If her own mother felt she was too much and needed a break from her and her incidents why would anyone else want to keep her. Then she accidentally burns her apartment down and the sleazy landlord evicts her so she ends up sleeping in her car that night but she drains her battery so she goes to Theo's. Theo who got in a fight in the game and has a concussion comes home to find Charlotte in his bed. He tried to be good but now all bets are off he's keeping Charlotte and making her his whether her uncle John likes it or not. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this great story to see what happens as there are some surprises in store. I loved getting to see some past favorite characters and I hope that we get more members of the teams stories in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Príncipe do Gelo

Desde o primeiro livro a gente vem tendo vislumbres desse casal no estilo romance proibido e eu estava bem curiosa pra conferir essa história. Me surpreendeu positivamente, porque pela sinopse imaginei que seria mais puxado pro drama, mas apesar de realmente a mocinha ter passado por poucas e boas, o livro foi super leve, engraçado divertido.

Charlotte e Theo se amavam, mas um achava que o outro não suportava a sua presença, então se evitavam sempre que possível (o que era uma proeza, visto que ela limpava a casa dele). Mas quando o destino resolve dar uma mãozinha aproximando esses dois, eles não perdem tempo e não se desgrudam mais.

Assim como nos livros anteriores, também amei acompanhar o romance desse casal. E os personagens secundários são maravilhosos. Fiquei bem curiosa sobre o tio de Charlotte e a mãe de Theo. Adoraria ver um livro contando como rolou a história desses dois. Quem sabe um dia, né?!

[Michelle Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I have read all the hockey player book and this was amazing just like the rest of them. Theo is a growly, possessive, protective alpha in love with Charlotte. Theo is in love with Charlotte and even though her uncle says hands off, he finds a way to keep her close by hiring her to clean his house, which he purposely messes up to give her work. Charlotte is in Love with Theo and is afraid to bring her messes into his life. Theo is so good for Charlotte and will slay any dragons in her life to keep her happy. This book was funny and cute and steamy all rolled into an amazing book. I highly recommend this book to everyone! The whole series is wonderful. Can’t wait for Kris and Kelseys story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rmqbookqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10 stars I would☺️

Theo & Charlotte’s story was a whirlwind romance that had been building since the two met, and when they got together it was an explosion of everything sexy and sweet! This was such a satisfying read and I can barely put it into words to describe how much I loved it.

Both had such huge crushes on each other, and I loved that we did not have to wait long at all for some of the good action. Wink. Wink. 😂 This was a safety guaranteed romance, with great steamy scenes, and an amazing HEA! Man does Nichole Rose know how to make sweet Alpha’s who have amazing one liners and nicknames for their women. I loved Charlotte and how she literally brought Theo to his knees. The characters were amazing and it is definitely worth many many re-reads in the future.

[Shawna McAlerney Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo Kline is a hockey god. When he meets his new step-father's niece, he realizes that he's in love with her but not sure how to convince her. Charlotte is in love with Theo but there is no way he could want her. When her living arrangements change, she leans on Theo and he takes everything she gives him. Theo is over the top to make Charlotte fall in love with him, even if there are bumps along the way.

This book is seriously hot, alpha male. I LOVED this book and this whole series and can't wait to read the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice Melting

Theo Kline is a grumpy, gorgeous spaceman of a man. The only person who eases the grumpiness is Charlotte Mabry, his future step-father’s niece. So, the one woman he wants with all of his being is off limits. Still, he offers her a job as a house cleaner at his place, but this leads to him make himself scarce whenever she’s there to keep his hands off of her.
Charlotte is a curvy beauty who is a walking calamity. She’s the sweetest klutz one could ever meet. And she has the biggest crush on Theo. When circumstances lead her to fall asleep on Theon’s bed, it sets off a series of steamy, humorous events.

[Aspen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was better than I thought it would be but that's mainly because I thought Theo would be a player and I'm happy to see that he wasn't. My one complaint is the amount of times he calls Charlotte "little one" or "little fairy". I get it's a nickname and supposed to be sweet but it was a lot.

Other than that I wish there had been more with the issue with the landlord and less about them being intimate. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the sexy bits at all, I just prefer more plot in my books and I was hoping there would've been more of it when it came to the drama revolving around the landlord or even more when it came to her mother other than "they made up and everything is great".

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story. Charlotte has the worst luck in life but is super lucky in love. Theo was fun and amazing and I’m so glad Nichole is writing about this hockey team. Each one is so different but so fun to read about. These two both struggled to hide their true feelings for each other before Theo just said screw it! Charlotte needed someone bossy like Theo to believe her worth. I was happy to see by the end, she did. Loved it, cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA ReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

OTT instalove

TBR this if you love over the top Alpha males and instalove. Nichole Rose is my go to when I need an OTT, sexy, dirty talking man. Her books are full of steam and swoon.

I also think her epilogues are awesome.

I’ve a prince is about an OTT hockey player, Theo. He has been in love with Charlotte, his maid, for the last 5 months. Charlotte is a walking disaster in a cute curvy package. She too had been in love with Theo. Lucky for them, one of Charlotte’s disasters lands her at Theo’s house, asleep in his bed. His dream came true, and now she’s his forever

[Dorothy Holness · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😆

Oh so good. This book had me laughing, sighing, and just so in my emotions. Charlotte was a mess but she needed someone like Theo to show her she wasn’t useless or just in the way. He loved her in spite of her clumsiness, in spite of her flaws. I know there is at least two more books I hope coming with this series. I want so bad to read Kris and Kelsey story and now Jonas and Jamie woohoo 🎉 I am looking forward to that. These hockey players will have you laughing this is such a great series. Great job Nichole Rose.

[Mildred Campana · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Playing For Keeps please.

Finally we get Theo and Charlotte’s story. It’s another wonderful story of a two people who are a perfect fit. Charlotte thinks that she’s a walking disaster. Theo finally gives in to his feeling in time to keep Charlotte safe. A great story on how they get together. There’s some really funny scenes and also heartfelt ones. Another lovely story from Nichole Rose. I highly recommend and hopefully we get more stories of the other hockey players.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nichole Rose’s books and this one was no exception. Theo is the perfect mix of protective, loving, bossy and sexy. Charlotte is an amazing mix of brave, adorable and quirky. I love that all the books connect with each other and that you get peaks into the continuation of previous stories. Can’t wait for her next releases!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Charlotte and Theo and does not let go. Theo immediately falls for her when he first meets her and hires her to be his housekeeper. Charlotte is a disaster waiting to happen and is afraid to allow Theo into her life, even though she has fallen for him. What will it take for them to be able to spend time together?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved these two, Nichole's hockey series is awesome. Theo is such a sweetheart, messing up his house in order for Charlotte to spend more time there. Charlotte bless her heart, she is a "mess", she tries to do things right but something goes wrong.

I have not read a book by Nichole that I did not like, her stories always check all the boxes. Cannot wait for the other players' stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I wish I could read this book for the first time all over again! Just when I think I couldn’t love these hockey players more along comes Theo! I just adored him and Charlotte. They may be my new favorite of the series! Theo was so protective of charlotte yet tried everything in his power not to overwhelm her. And Charlotte was amazing doing her best even when everything was against her. Could not love this book more and I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the series!!

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

153 pages. Ugh, with every additional book I get more and more disappointed. Like, why include his punishment when he didn’t even DO IT ONCE the entire book? Also, how many times do u have to repeat that the heroine is a “clumsy, messy, disaster”. We get it! And honestly, for a clumsy messy disaster she only had one disastrous thing happen. I don’t know if I would recommend reading this book or continuing with this series.

[Karla Riendeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Charming #3

I LOVE this series! Hockey players who are not manwhores, what a brilliant concept! Theo is sweet and considerate with a good helping of bossy thrown in. Charlotte is sweet and naïve with her own share of bossiness. Together they’re beautiful. The plot is solid and not rushed, so enjoyable. I want more of these players, I need to read about Kris and Kelsey!💖💖💖💖💖