Finally, the hockey romance! I’ve read a lot of hockey romances, but this is the first, I think, that had a female hockey player. This is the third in the Snow & Ice Games series, but each can be read as a standalone.

Bronwyn is a college hockey player who’s made it on to the Olympics team for US women’s hockey, and Ash is the team coach. Though they’re at different colleges, women’s hockey is a small enough world that they are each familiar with each other, plus they’re both at colleges in the Boston area. When Bronwyn and her boyfriend break up in an incredibly public and messy way, Ash fears that it will tank her performance, and that of the team. So, naturally, he offers to be her distraction, to predictable results.

“’I’ll be your anchor. I’ll fill the gaps. If you feel like calling Brody, call me instead. If you usually eat lunch with him, I’ll meet up with you. There must be a hundred things you do every day that make you think of him. Don’t think of him, think of . . .’
Me. Think of me. ‘Uh, hockey.’
She smiles at me, a funny twisted-up thing that makes me think she’s trying not to laugh. Which is fine. She could totally laugh at me and I wouldn’t care. ‘So, you’re going to be the nicotine gum to my Brody cigarette?’
Whatever you do, do not think of being in her mouth. For fuck’s sake, I may have to move this clipboard lower if I get any more filthy ideas. But yeah, she’s got the gist. ‘Yep. Sure am.’”

First off – this is a taboo romance. Ash is the coach and Bronwyn is one of his players, so immediately there’s the issue of a power imbalance. There’s definite lines crossed, which may prove to be too squicky for some readers. While normally I’m not a fan of power imbalances like this, I think it was handled well enough that while I was aware of it, it was enough in the background that I could enjoy the romance part. One of the things that helped is that they’re not that far apart in age – Ash is in his late twenties and Bronwyn is in her early twenties.

The thing that didn’t help is that it felt like Bronwyn acted so much younger than her actual age, and Ash older. So, the thing that gets them together in a way that starts their relationship is that Ash offers to be a distraction from Brody – if Bronwyn wants to call Brody, she should call him, etc. This ends up with her calling him and coming over to his room in the middle of the night to cuddle… because she can’t sleep by herself. Also, their big breakup is spurred by Ash denying that he’s having inappropriate relations with anyone on his team, which, you know, she agrees is the only course of action he could take, because, yeah, this is hella inappropriate. Plus, Brody, Bronwyn’s boyfriend, was such an awful person and I don’t really understand why she stuck with him for so long, especially since she seems to rebound so quickly from him. It really made me wonder – I mean, obviously, Brody was no prince, but seriously, she went from one relationship to another, so it really made me question her judgment and maturity.

“Ash is really strong. Not in the could-bench-press-me way Brody was, but in a quieter way. I don’t think I’d be able to dedicate my life to helping people get better at something I used to love but could no longer do. How is he not bitter as fuck? I would be. I don’t even think there’d be anything wrong with that.”

It’s not like Ash doesn’t screw up, himself. Though he seems mostly able to separate his personal and professional interactions with Bronwyn, he does almost nearly blow it at one point. I especially loved his back story and that he suffered from chronic pain. It gave him a good reason for being such a young coach, and I admired his maturity and his love for the sport, especially in terms of women’s hockey versus men’s hockey. It feels, sometimes, like the physical consequences of playing high impact sports are not very well addressed in romances – and I get it, it can be a downer – but I thought this was done in such a masterful way to lend a lot of depth to the story.

Overall, though I may have had some issues with the trope, I did really enjoy this book. I hope Ms. Parker writes more women’s hockey books in the future!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Bronwyn is on the U.S. woman’s hockey team at the Snow and Ice Games (SIGs). She’s earned her spot as one of the best college players. Her boyfriend since age of 14, Brody, didn’t make the men’s squad, but he’s there to support his girl… Or is he? The guy’s a jerk, always making things about himself, and Bronwyn wishes he wasn’t in Denver.

Being asked to coach the U.S. woman’s team is an honor for Ash, who loves the finesse of the women’s game. Everything is going well, except he HATES Bronwyn’s boyfriend, who makes a nuisance of himself. Ash would like to tell him to take a hike, but he doesn’t want to upset his star player, who, by the way, Ash feels deserves so much better than Brody.

On the Edge of Scandal is the third love story of the SIG games from Ms. Parker. Once again she finds a great pairing that is just a bit on the outside of the norm. It’s also the third story with a significant age difference between the two main characters. While I don’t necessarily mind it, I am getting a bit tired of reading that particular theme.

I blazed through the story, which captured me right from the start. Because Bronwyn has a boyfriend, and since Ash is her coach, the romance takes some time to develop, which is a good thing. Each genuinely cares for and about the other, with Bronwyn’s attraction falling into place after she breaks up with her boyfriend. Their story is compelling, which made for quick reading.

So here’s the thing… Ash is her coach, and even though their relationship is completely consensual, there is still a huge power dynamic in play, no matter what Ash and Bronwyn think. I struggled with their relationship, just as Ash experiences the same concerns and doubts, driving home the taboo nature of their attraction. Then there are times that Bronwyn shows some immaturity, which really strikes home the age difference and the whole coach-student/athlete concern, amping up the ick factor for me. And honestly, timing is probably part of the issue, because I read On the Edge of Scandal as the Larry Nassar trial was going on, and it really poisoned me to the impacts of a person in power abusing his athletes.

In the end, I enjoyed On the Edge of Scandal, but struggled with the coach/athlete nature of the romance. I liked the connections between Bronwyn and Ash - when they are equals. I also enjoyed Ash’s coaching persona and how much he respected his team. I appreciate that the author took time in letting the relationship play out, giving readers an epilogue that shared the couples long-term plans. But, still… he is her coach.

My Rating: B/B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues

3.75☆
On the Edge of Scandal was an enjoyable story. That drew me in from the start, and kept me engaged. Even though it did loose me a little in the middle.

But the characters were likable, shared a spark, and a few hot moments. Plus it was very easy to read, relatively angst free and fairly sweet.

And I certainly thought it was a good addition to the Snow and Ice Games Series. And anyone who has enjoyed the previous two books in this series is sure to enjoy this one too.

On the Edge of Scandal
Snow and Ice Games #3
Tamsen Parker
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wasn’t as much of a fan of this one as I was the previous books in this series. I didn’t like Bronwyn in the majority of the book. I found her really needy and whiny. And Ash definitely isn’t an alpha male which is another reason I wasn’t that into this book.
But I’m not ready to give up on this author yet. I’m gonna finish this series and hope I enjoy the rest of the stories more than this one.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This started out really great. A story that builds on the the development of the characters is almost always going to win me over. The character build up for coach Ash Levenson is really solid. I felt like I had a good handle on who he was, where his feelings were coming from, and I really saw the affection he had for Bronwyn. The same could be said for Bronwyn, but not at the same level. With Bronwyn, I felt like I started to understand her, only to be infuriated by her decisions. 

Bronwyn is a really strong female character, excellent hockey player, with a great personality... when she's not second guessing herself or hanging around her boyfriend. The times where she's strong are counterbalanced by the times she's really not, and when she looses confidence in herself she becomes this other person all together. And honestly, to me, she read as really immature and childish at times. The more I read, the more I started to dislike her. It was like I had this instant affection towards her, only to have it turn around rapidly.

And speaking of her boyfriend... for someone who comes off as strong willed, sure of herself in almost all things, and a fierce competitor, I could not figure out why she put up with so much shit from that dude. Yes, they'd been together for a really long time, since both were really young, but how she was able to be so independent and amazing in every other aspect of her life, and then let him walk all over her, belittle her, and treat her like shit was beyond me. This made it even harder for me to connect with her.

The times when I really disliked Bronwyn were when she'd talk about how Ash was not her type, not the greatest looking guy, yet something made her want to "board that train". When Bronwyn and Ash do get intimate, it really felt like he was using him. And in reality, she was at first. She had no idea of his true feelings, and that's not her fault, but the way she comes off in her POV really rubbed the wrong way. The way things start between these two didn't sit well with me.

BUT! All of that was this back of my mind, simmering dislike for some things. For the rest of it, I found the story good. I liked the way Ash is so passionate about the way he coaches, how the women on the team play, that he is a positive coach for them, and his dedication to them. I wished there was more hockey in the book because those couple of times we get them on the ice were really fun. And while Bronwyn ends one long lasting relationship and dives head first into another the very next day without even realizing it, finding love after only a couple of weeks, I appreciated that Ash had this long budding crush on her. It helps the insta-insta love aspect of their story go down easier.

All in all I suppose this was not my favorite of the series, at least I don't think, but it's not my least favorite either.

On the Edge of Scandal by Tamsen Parker is the first book I have read from this author. The title pretty much says it all..... SCANDAL!

After an ugly and bitter breakup with her ex, Bronwyn needs a distraction to throw all of this behind her. What she least expects.... is to find it in her coach, Ash. Who started out as a mentor, a shoulder to cry on, becomes so much more.

They have to hide their newly relationship....
If it becomes public, they will lose both their careers.

This is the first book I've read by the author. Thankfully it doesn't appear that this series needs to be read in any particular order. The title really does say it all. After a very ugly and public breakup with her long term bothering Bronwyn needs a distraction. Enter her coach, Ash. What starts as moral support quickly gets into more than they bargained for. Can they handle what happens when their relationship becomes public?
The characters are engaging. Somewhat surprising at times that the big secret wouldn't have been common knowledge, but you can likely get past it.

i liked this one well enough. Where the book really shone for me is the characters' voice, as with the previous book the characters' personalities really shine through and both POV's were really distinct.

i dont know much about winter sports at all but i wasn't too lost with the hockey deets and in fact it was cool to learn about the differences between the mens and womens team, and other details about the games.

I have to admit Brownwyn ticked me off near the end of the book there because i jsut felt she was being ridiculous! and there were little moments where she'd say stuff that pisses me off: like she's comparing her ex, Brody's body to Ash and basically says his build (Brody's) means he's built like a man but he dsnt act like one? uhhh so is Ash less of a man because he's not all buff like Brody??? what even was that? and how does a man's build even have anything to do with him *being* a man like >.>

So while i was frustrated with her getting angry and Ash for what i felt was no reason, i still liked this one and i'll be reading the next book which i already have and is f/f so excited for that!

After a very public breakup with her boyfriend at the Snow and Ice Games, hockey player Bronwyn Perry has to get her head back in the game. Her coach, Ash Levenson, offers to help her in any way he can, including climbing into bed and just holding her. It isn't long before the relationship escalates and people begin to speculate about what is going on between the coach and his star player.

For those thinking that it's an older coach taking advantage of a younger woman, rest assured it is not. Ash is actually only in his late twenties, and Bronwyn, about to graduate college, is in her early twenties. Had he not been her coach, this would be a relationship society would accept. However, because of his position, a lot of people would frown up on it.

For the most part I liked the relationship between Bronwyn and Ash, however, I had an issue with Bronwyn. I found her too needy. She said she couldn't sleep without someone holding her, yet her boyfriend wasn't staying in the village with the athletes, so obviously they had spent nights apart before. Plus it was the first night after the breakup and she didn't even really try. If she had given it a few days she may have discovered that she would be fine on her own. When Ash needs to address the rumors about the pair and he denies them, she gets hurt, even though she acknowledges that he couldn't admit their relationship. He couldn't win either way. His denial also leads her to assume things that make her even more upset. I found myself a bit annoyed with how she overreacted about the whole situation. It made her come across as immature, especially considering she agrees they can't admit their relationship to anyone.

While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read either of the previous books and had no problems following along with this one.

Overall I liked the story, but I wasn't crazy about Bronwyn, which took away from the book. This book would be for those who enjoy sports romances, especially hockey.

**An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Anyone that's followed me knows how much I like hockey romances. However, all this time, I've never read one where the female was the hockey player. Why aren't there more role reversals on this concept? It's a great idea. So when I saw this on NetGalley, I had to read it.

Writing style was fine, but I did have a hard time dealing with plot and character elements. Bronwyn's neediness and the quick rebound from a major relationship she just ended had me wanting to send her to a psychologist.

Bronwyn is one hell of a hockey player in the USA women's team to the Snow and Ice Games in Denver. Her boyfriend of a gazillion years, Brody, is accompanying her, even though he didn't make the men's team to the games. Bronwyn isn't stupid, she loves Brody in her own way, a comfortable way that is more a force of habit than anything. She knows he's not good for her, and recognizes she's only using him as a warm body. 
Asher Levenson, the women's team SIG coach hates Brody's guts, and rightfully so, as the guy is obnoxious, demeaning, aggressive and simply doesn't appreciate what he has. He also isn't appreciating her as a player and probably never will. Being the most professional coach he can be, supporting his players and not abusing his power, Ash will do everything in his power to be there for Bronwyn after she rejects Brody's televised marriage proposal. Ash is also suffering from hellish pain and is self medicating (per his doctor's orders) until he can schedule surgery to help fix him. 

When Brody proposes and Bronwyn realizes this is the point where she must stand for herself, Ash is there, offering her anything he can do to help, like her calling him whenever she feels like calling Brody. In a way, this is Ash's dream come true, having dealt with his feelings for Bronwyn for years now. He is determined to still keep being professional.

Bronwyn gets to know Ash in a way none of the other players ever will; they cuddle when Bronwyn needs body heat, they talk about anything and everything and they eventually succumb to their mutual attraction. And then things turn yummy...

Knowing they must keep this relationship a secret, especially during the games, they're up for a challenge when Ash is confronted by the media about unprofessional conduct with his players.

Eeeep.

On the Edge of Scandal is a well written, emotional and swoony rollercoaster of a read. It's romantic and infuriating, it's fun and flowing, it's sexy and sweet. It's got just the right balance between sports and a romance. It's a wonderful read.

I could not get into this book, mainly I was turned off with the sexist comments so early on. I understood it was a plot device to make us dislike the (soon to be ex) boyfriend...but I couldn't get into it. It felt way over the top and due to that I was not loving it.

I have read a couple of other books by Parker and some I liked while others I did not. I love hockey romances so I wanted to give this one a try and was able to receive a copy in exchange for an honest review. I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. The story itself was fairly typical but I loved the characters so much (even though Ash seemed way older. The way he was written I was picturing more late thirties/early forties but that could be me). I started it in the morning over breakfast and could not wait for my work day to end so I could finish it.

I requested all books in this series, and I am sad to report, I didn't really like any of them. There was something off for me, and I can not put my finger on it. The writing was not really my favorite. I couldn't get into any of the books at all.

3.5 stars
There were a few things I liked about this book-I loved the dual POV-reading the hero's POV was insightful. It just read a little juvenile, the over the top boyfriend, the other girls all loving the head coach, the constant sneaking around.

DNF'd the book at 57%. Really couldn't get connected with the characters.

Ash kept a watchful eye over Bronwyn. With each breath he takes he can’t shake the thought she will be his. Watching her a relationship that causes more harm than good he stands in the shadows waiting for his chance. How can something so good be so wrong? She will be his but is it worth the scandal? An absolute must read!

I think this was my least favorite of the Tamsen Parker books I have read. it just didn’t have that tension i value so much, and i didn’t find myself really believing the relationship unfortunately. I love ice hockey, but this one fell a bit short of what I wanted when compared with the other Snow and Ice Games books.

In this installment of the Snow and Ice Games series, our heroine is Bronwyn Perry, a key member of the USA hockey team. The hero is her coach, Ash Levenson. This kind of power difference is usually a hard pass for me, but I liked these characters so much that this book largely worked for me (It helps that she’s 22 and he’s only 28). The SIGs start with Bronwyn dating her long term boyfriend, but they two have a very public, very ugly break-up. Bronwyn turns to her coach for emotional support that turns into something more. Honestly, this book was great for me until the last quarter. They have a fight, but it feels more manufactured to separate them than a truly believable turn of events. But I’d like to talk about the real deal-breaker, which might be minor to some, but it was major to me. During the key moment of the gold medal hockey game, the narration switches to Ash’s point of view. I will die on this hill: if your heroine is an athlete, her greatest accomplishments and cruelest defeats MUST be told from her point of view. I cannot even tell you how disappointed I was with how this moment was stolen from Bronwyn and given to Ash. I love heroines and I want all the books where women own their own accomplishments and stories, and this, for me, was an unforgivable stumble.

It's not a surprise I completely loved it. It's not a secret I'm obviously in love and obsessed with the Snow & Ice Games series. It's such a good series! There is not one book (from the ones I've read) that was off or anything. They are fast-paced and entertaining and they all have something special that you can't help but love. On the Edge of Scandal is a good follow up and I cannot wait to read the next one. I want to keep recomming everyone to pick them up because they won't regret.

On the Edge of Scandal follows the same sports event but this time from the point of view of the hockey's team. The heroine plays in it and our hero is the young coach. What I love about the most is that the hero is completely in love with the heroine, Bronwyn. You see it, you know it. Before her!!! I love when the hero falls first, because almost all the time the heroine falls first (or we only see her POV and thats the only thing we know) but when you have the hero's POV and we see that he's completely in since day 1, it's such a joy to read about!