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Ice League #4
Our Offseason
Duke Callahan thought he’d spend his offseason months partying with the Stanley Cup again. It never crossed his mind that he’d sustain a season-ending injury in the playoffs and end up back home trying to recover.
He hadn’t visited his old rink since he left for junior hockey seven years ago, but there’s not much else to do in Northfield, Minnesota with a concussion and broken ankle.
But when he wanders into the Ice League Arena looking for a summer coaching gig, he sees her…
But that wasn’t possible.
She moved to Canada for her figure skating around the same time he left for juniors. He tells himself it’s just his mind playing tricks on him… because all his memories of this place included her.
_______
Coming back home to train at the Ice League wasn’t Claire Kessel’s first choice, but neither was breaking up with her old skating partner.
Her new plan– find a better partner who will help her wrap up her skating career so she can finally start moving on with her life goals.
She knows she needs to stay focused this summer, but unfortunately, all focus goes out the window when she sees him.
She also knows that a better woman would’ve walked away with class… But she can’t stop seven years worth of a grudge from bursting forward.
Because Duke Callahan got the last word seven years ago, and she’d rather die than not get it this time.
He hadn’t visited his old rink since he left for junior hockey seven years ago, but there’s not much else to do in Northfield, Minnesota with a concussion and broken ankle.
But when he wanders into the Ice League Arena looking for a summer coaching gig, he sees her…
But that wasn’t possible.
She moved to Canada for her figure skating around the same time he left for juniors. He tells himself it’s just his mind playing tricks on him… because all his memories of this place included her.
_______
Coming back home to train at the Ice League wasn’t Claire Kessel’s first choice, but neither was breaking up with her old skating partner.
Her new plan– find a better partner who will help her wrap up her skating career so she can finally start moving on with her life goals.
She knows she needs to stay focused this summer, but unfortunately, all focus goes out the window when she sees him.
She also knows that a better woman would’ve walked away with class… But she can’t stop seven years worth of a grudge from bursting forward.
Because Duke Callahan got the last word seven years ago, and she’d rather die than not get it this time.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2022
215 people are currently reading
3301 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Kate
13 books443 followersAs a former competitive figure skater, S.C. Kate grew up in rinks and loves them as settings for her contemporary sports romance stories. She lives in metro-Detroit and still frequents arenas to cheer on her siblings during hockey games.
When not writing, she is obsessed with outdoor skating, iced coffee, and traveling around Northern Michigan.
When not writing, she is obsessed with outdoor skating, iced coffee, and traveling around Northern Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 20, 2022
bro really kept making the same mistakes over and over again??&;&/
February 4, 2023
Usually when I don't like the female character I ask myself: is it the misogyny? And just don't mention it. This time I am 99,9 percent sure it's her. The first pages start with her wanting to steal a dog as payback for breaking her heart. THEN 5 PERCENT LATER SHE TAKES THE MAIN CHARACTERS CRUTCHES (BROKEN FOOT) AND THROWS THEM OUT OF REACH. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. and she only feels bad because she later learns he also had a concussion (????????????). both characters were quite immature but Jesus this takes the cake lmao
January 6, 2023
4.5⭐️ enemies to lovers where they were never truly enemies 🥰. Love love loves Duke and Claire’s relationship, the rivalry and the way they both loved each other for so long despite masking their true feeling. What cuties. Great book
November 21, 2022
Loved it! Childhood enemies to lovers and a lot of miscommunication 💘
Loved the Taylor Swift references too💕
Super exited to see what is coming next
Loved the Taylor Swift references too💕
Super exited to see what is coming next
January 29, 2024
if you thrive for toxic relationships this is for you
I almost feel sorry for the without of this book because they think this is a love story. It’s the most toxic thing I’ve ever read, I kept thinking it would get better but the toxic behaviour from both the characters is until the end and then in the last chapter they just decide to stop and happily ever after. The story was making it out to be like they are meant to be, soul mates but if they can’t have one conversation without breaking up fighting it getting revenge by kissing other girls then that doesn’t seem meant to be to me.
I almost feel sorry for the without of this book because they think this is a love story. It’s the most toxic thing I’ve ever read, I kept thinking it would get better but the toxic behaviour from both the characters is until the end and then in the last chapter they just decide to stop and happily ever after. The story was making it out to be like they are meant to be, soul mates but if they can’t have one conversation without breaking up fighting it getting revenge by kissing other girls then that doesn’t seem meant to be to me.
May 24, 2023
I had super high hopes for this book, but I’m honestly over the miscommunication troupe, especially when it’s the entirety of the book. A majority of them together is bickering, which I’m also not a fan of.
I liked that we got to see glimpses of their childhood together and how they felt about one another. But Duke is really unlikeable. I do understand why he’s scared to be in a relationship but homeboy took no blame instead of just immediately apologizing. Also, making out with another girl on her birthday!? Don’t like how they breezed past that one.
I liked that we got to see glimpses of their childhood together and how they felt about one another. But Duke is really unlikeable. I do understand why he’s scared to be in a relationship but homeboy took no blame instead of just immediately apologizing. Also, making out with another girl on her birthday!? Don’t like how they breezed past that one.
July 4, 2023
junge beide so kindisch und lost
aber duke💀 WIE KANN MAN IMMER WIEDER DEN GLEICHEN FEHLER MACHEN UND SO UNREFLEKTIERT SEIN
aber duke💀 WIE KANN MAN IMMER WIEDER DEN GLEICHEN FEHLER MACHEN UND SO UNREFLEKTIERT SEIN
November 21, 2022
At one point the FMC Claire describes the actions as “whiplash” and that was the perfect word for me.
I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances, especially in this case because it seemed like Duke didn’t really think too much about her, but then claims he always thought they’d be together in the future.
Honestly I found Duke soo exhausting. He wants to be her friend, he wants to be more, he wants to break up, he wants forever, but still wants to break up. I understand his hang ups but there was like no moment of them peacefully getting along.
My biggest issue was when he uses OW to push her away. Or my favorite, when he uses OW to pull her toward him?? They’re at a party and he’s angry she’s hanging with another guy. And then he starts to have thoughts like he wants to be serious about her and there’s something he has to do. And I’m like oh finally, he’s going to make a move. What’s his move you ask?! Making out with his old high school girlfriend! Wow!! Thank you for that stupidity. He tells Claire his feelings like 2 minutes later and she forgives him instantly, UGH!
I felt like together they were immature. Claire was simultaneously strong at times and a doormat? I felt like Duke was soo annoying and she was always giving in. Even the end when she thinks he’s leaving again, *she* is the one to chase him.
So overall, the writing was good, the pacing was great, and I liked the flashbacks. But the couple itself was too back and forth for me to enjoy it! 🤣
P.S. I haven’t read the others in this series but wasn’t too lost. Also I was *super* surprised this was fade to black!! I think some spice would’ve helped! But that’s just me.
I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances, especially in this case because it seemed like Duke didn’t really think too much about her, but then claims he always thought they’d be together in the future.
Honestly I found Duke soo exhausting. He wants to be her friend, he wants to be more, he wants to break up, he wants forever, but still wants to break up. I understand his hang ups but there was like no moment of them peacefully getting along.
My biggest issue was when he uses OW to push her away. Or my favorite, when he uses OW to pull her toward him?? They’re at a party and he’s angry she’s hanging with another guy. And then he starts to have thoughts like he wants to be serious about her and there’s something he has to do. And I’m like oh finally, he’s going to make a move. What’s his move you ask?! Making out with his old high school girlfriend! Wow!! Thank you for that stupidity. He tells Claire his feelings like 2 minutes later and she forgives him instantly, UGH!
I felt like together they were immature. Claire was simultaneously strong at times and a doormat? I felt like Duke was soo annoying and she was always giving in. Even the end when she thinks he’s leaving again, *she* is the one to chase him.
So overall, the writing was good, the pacing was great, and I liked the flashbacks. But the couple itself was too back and forth for me to enjoy it! 🤣
P.S. I haven’t read the others in this series but wasn’t too lost. Also I was *super* surprised this was fade to black!! I think some spice would’ve helped! But that’s just me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series by S.C. Kate is so good! I'm sad that I've caught up and now have to wait for the next book 😫 I loved the first three books very much and enjoyed seeing glimpses of the characters from those books in this one! Duke and Claire's story was a frustrating one, that's for sure! I found myself very upset with Duke that he just wouldn't tell Claire how he felt. I think he caused a lot of unnecessary hurt with this. It was a victory when they finally ended up together! It was especially cool with this one because the reader was familiar with Duke from one of the previous books but now he's much older! Make sure to add this whole series to your TBR!
Read if you love:
🏒hockey romance
🏒friends/enemies to lovers
🏒childhood to adult love
🏒happily ever after
""I know you can take care of yourself,” I told her plainly. She narrowed her eyes at me in annoyance and placed her hands on her hips. I forced myself to keep eye contact and not stare at the skin exposed between her crop top and her leggings like a lovesick puppy; it would 100 percent break my resolve. “Then why the hell are you still staying here?” she demanded. I shrugged nonchalantly. “Just because you can take care of yourself doesn’t mean you have to.” 🩵
This series by S.C. Kate is so good! I'm sad that I've caught up and now have to wait for the next book 😫 I loved the first three books very much and enjoyed seeing glimpses of the characters from those books in this one! Duke and Claire's story was a frustrating one, that's for sure! I found myself very upset with Duke that he just wouldn't tell Claire how he felt. I think he caused a lot of unnecessary hurt with this. It was a victory when they finally ended up together! It was especially cool with this one because the reader was familiar with Duke from one of the previous books but now he's much older! Make sure to add this whole series to your TBR!
Read if you love:
🏒hockey romance
🏒friends/enemies to lovers
🏒childhood to adult love
🏒happily ever after
""I know you can take care of yourself,” I told her plainly. She narrowed her eyes at me in annoyance and placed her hands on her hips. I forced myself to keep eye contact and not stare at the skin exposed between her crop top and her leggings like a lovesick puppy; it would 100 percent break my resolve. “Then why the hell are you still staying here?” she demanded. I shrugged nonchalantly. “Just because you can take care of yourself doesn’t mean you have to.” 🩵
September 13, 2025
"You're not supposed to be my friend. You're supposed to love me. It's supposed to be you."
3.75 stars
This wasn't my typical read, but I am such a sucker for a hockey player/figure skater romance that I just had to pick it up. I haven't read the previous books in the series so I felt a little lost with the different couples, but I just LIVED for the drama between Duke and Claire. The rivalry between them was intense, but the sexual tension and attraction was undeniable...to everyone except Duke for most of the freaking book. In the end, I grew so annoyed with his constant back-and-forth bullshit and honestly thought he owed Claire more of a grovel and apology for playing with her emotions for so long. Claire was a badass, and I supported her every time she stood up for herself. Honestly, the teaser chapters for Claire's sister's book redeemed this story the most for me, but I don't think I'll be continuing this series🖤
Tropes: childhood rivals to hate-to-love-you, second/third/fourth chance romance, charming but clueless hero, outcast heroine, 'it's always been you', hockey player/figure skater romance, OTT possessive hero, will they/won't they, slight OW drama, slow burn, closed-door romance
May 16, 2023
* Duke and Claire annoy me as much as I enjoyed reading about them. I thought the prologue was unnecessary and when you finally got to it in the book, it honestly wasn’t as big of a deal as Kate made it seem.
* Duke is a lovable hockey player and you see more of a character development occur from Our Teammate to Our Offseason. Being back at the Ice League Arena gives the story a solid location for the love between him and Claire to grow.
* Claire is the one that got away, but Duke did it to himself back in the day. Claire is a strong woman who puts herself above others, except for Duke. Her head strong personality translates into her hard exterior that only Duke can break down.
* Yes Duke can be immature, but so can Claire — stealing his dog was just a catalyst used by the author to get them to finally communicate. Communication and miscommunication is a device Kate loves to use, but I wonder if it is always necessary to move the plot along.
* Duke is a lovable hockey player and you see more of a character development occur from Our Teammate to Our Offseason. Being back at the Ice League Arena gives the story a solid location for the love between him and Claire to grow.
* Claire is the one that got away, but Duke did it to himself back in the day. Claire is a strong woman who puts herself above others, except for Duke. Her head strong personality translates into her hard exterior that only Duke can break down.
* Yes Duke can be immature, but so can Claire — stealing his dog was just a catalyst used by the author to get them to finally communicate. Communication and miscommunication is a device Kate loves to use, but I wonder if it is always necessary to move the plot along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Super fun read. I have loved this entire series so far but sometimes there’s timeline inconsistencies between the books that drive me up a wall. Overall if you’re looking for a story about two competitive folks that cannot seem to get their story going when they’re teenagers finally fall in love as adults.
Some favorite moments:
-he failed English class because of wanting to be there for her
-Duke trying to use Taylor swift as his way of explaining his love to her
-Claire stealing his dog.
I didn’t love how homeboy seemed to be pining over her and then literally makes out with a girl she doesn’t like because she was talking to another guy. It also killed me that he just would not communicate like I get you lost your phone but there was 10+ people you were with who could have texted her for you.
Some favorite moments:
-he failed English class because of wanting to be there for her
-Duke trying to use Taylor swift as his way of explaining his love to her
-Claire stealing his dog.
I didn’t love how homeboy seemed to be pining over her and then literally makes out with a girl she doesn’t like because she was talking to another guy. It also killed me that he just would not communicate like I get you lost your phone but there was 10+ people you were with who could have texted her for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
here we go folks.
okay this was so cute
i was excited for this one and it didn’t disappoint
their dynamic was adorbs and i loved the flashbacks they actually KILLED ME
im just not the biggest fan of these books cause i still feel like something is missing but it was def very good
i’m excited for her sister’s book 🤭
i started reading the little sneak peek at the end of duke and claire’s book and i thought it was gonna be addie and tyler and i was like EW WHAT NO I DONT LIKE THAT but then i saw that it was indeed casey and now im good 😹
okay this was so cute
i was excited for this one and it didn’t disappoint
their dynamic was adorbs and i loved the flashbacks they actually KILLED ME
im just not the biggest fan of these books cause i still feel like something is missing but it was def very good
i’m excited for her sister’s book 🤭
i started reading the little sneak peek at the end of duke and claire’s book and i thought it was gonna be addie and tyler and i was like EW WHAT NO I DONT LIKE THAT but then i saw that it was indeed casey and now im good 😹
January 11, 2023
This is a nice little spirt romance. This whole series is well written and the stories always get you in the feels.
This may just be because I'm from Australia but occasionally I find particular words or phrases that slow the reading down for me eg I grinded my teeth instead of I ground my teeth. But that is probably just one of those diversions that happens over time in the Englush language as it evolves in different countries.
This may just be because I'm from Australia but occasionally I find particular words or phrases that slow the reading down for me eg I grinded my teeth instead of I ground my teeth. But that is probably just one of those diversions that happens over time in the Englush language as it evolves in different countries.
February 18, 2023
And I thought the spelling and grammatical errors in the first book were bad
Ready here’s the summary: Claire gets mad, Duke gets mad, they have no idea how to communicate, they try to apologize, they end up screaming at each other, everyone cries, they resolve the issues, wait 1-2 business hours and repeat!
Also I’m glad the author finally decided on how to spell Claire because I was getting whiplash with how often it changed in the last book
Ready here’s the summary: Claire gets mad, Duke gets mad, they have no idea how to communicate, they try to apologize, they end up screaming at each other, everyone cries, they resolve the issues, wait 1-2 business hours and repeat!
Also I’m glad the author finally decided on how to spell Claire because I was getting whiplash with how often it changed in the last book
June 23, 2023
Loved the flashbacks that filled us in on Claire and Duke's story. Duke's back and forth about if he can handle the relationship or what he wants put your right in Claire's shows. I dove into this series while on vacation and as a former figure skater that now coaches, I felt like I was right there at the rink. Love that S.C Kate intertwines characters form the series into each book and builds off their stories.
December 3, 2023
The author forgot her own timeline! People are having babies in one book when their baby is already 1.5 years old in another storyline. This is a pretty big inconsistency and happened with two different kids. Really ruined it for me as these books were released within a year of each other so seems like this large error should have been caught. I also hate when all the rising action is based on characters not communicating well.
February 14, 2024
Their dynamic wasn't always the healthiest, making it necessary to have read the previous book if you want to not get too frustrated at one of the main characters. Easy to read but same as my last reviews, so much commentary on FMC's body. More comments on how fit and strong she is which was refreshing but still with the 'tiny, tiny, tiny'. Alas I burned through it pretty quick so it couldn't have been too bad!
September 9, 2023
I honestly remember this series being better… There were just a lot of holes and I was just left unsatisfied after finishing. I never really got the clear picture of what the characters were feeling. I still love a hockey romance though… that’s what’s saved it
Trope: Hockey, slow burn, childhood friends
🌶️:1/5
Trope: Hockey, slow burn, childhood friends
🌶️:1/5
December 2, 2023
Overall series overview: every book was a cute read! Didn’t want to put them down. I did feel like the actual writing itself wasn’t great. I found a few errors in every book I read.
ALSO- major mess up. In book 2 with TJ and Ellie, when they met Indie she was 1.5. In this book it said Indie was still a baby, but said Ellie and TJ had been married for years???
ALSO- major mess up. In book 2 with TJ and Ellie, when they met Indie she was 1.5. In this book it said Indie was still a baby, but said Ellie and TJ had been married for years???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
DNF’d. Not good. Skimmed through. Bleh. Again with the teeny tiny, smol, might blow away in the wind references for the FMC. Also… this girl is supposedly some independent woman with a backbone but literally the second that man kisses her she caves?? After his little nasty scheme with another seconds before?!?! NO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2022
This series is absolutely amazing. Each book just keeps getting better & better! I love that the author actually ice skates. It’s so hard to find a hockey/ice skating book that isn’t complete smut but you still get all the feels and this book does just that!
January 5, 2023
My Review
Definitely not a bad story. I liked the premise. I found that I liked and disliked and became ambivalent about the main characters at certain parts of the story. At certain points of the story, you could skip sentences and not lose your place.
Definitely not a bad story. I liked the premise. I found that I liked and disliked and became ambivalent about the main characters at certain parts of the story. At certain points of the story, you could skip sentences and not lose your place.
February 25, 2023
A good story
Another fun read in the ice league series. This book had hockey and pairs ice skating this time which was really interesting. I also loved snippets of the characters from all previous books.
Another fun read in the ice league series. This book had hockey and pairs ice skating this time which was really interesting. I also loved snippets of the characters from all previous books.
July 8, 2023
it had its good moments and bad but i honestly would’ve given up on Duke and his behaviour bc for whatever reason even just reading it triggered my fight or flight response and that rarely happens to me so i didn’t get a little frustrated with the things he did or maybe a lot frustrated
July 12, 2023
Eeeeeekkkkk
All I have to say and can say is just wow! We are getting to see our little brother be all grown up and fall in love. The little ball of rage finally found his calming spitfire. The way we get to see how trauma can be different for eating a person is just beautiful.
All I have to say and can say is just wow! We are getting to see our little brother be all grown up and fall in love. The little ball of rage finally found his calming spitfire. The way we get to see how trauma can be different for eating a person is just beautiful.
April 11, 2024
communication babes
Claire and Duke were so funny and just a thrill to read about. They’re so exciting and frustrating and communicating is key in everything.
You can’t over communicate. But if your Claire and Duke you can way under communicate.
Claire and Duke were so funny and just a thrill to read about. They’re so exciting and frustrating and communicating is key in everything.
You can’t over communicate. But if your Claire and Duke you can way under communicate.
November 20, 2022
This couple was super annoying. MMC was dumb AF and the FMC had no dignity.
November 20, 2022
Another one where she captures the rink setting so well! Loved the flashbacks from their childhood!
Can't wait to read Addie's story next
Can't wait to read Addie's story next
November 22, 2022
This book didn't quite live up to the first three but it was okay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews