We start out the book meeting Christian. Where is he and what has him mad? Who does Christian work for? What is his title? Who is the blue slurpee mystery woman? When the boys go to a sports bar for some bonding time, what happens? What happens to Lucky? What about Christian? Who is Serena? What is her background? I love her thoughts about her home vs. Christian's. Serena and Christian are a hoot to read! Talk about sizzling chemistry!!! I love that Christian is going to have to be explicit in his requests. When Nick points out who Serena's family is, what happens? Wait until you see what happens with Mike, Serena, Christian's father, Serena's mother, and her business. Enjoy!

Wonderful story with interesting characters made this hard to put down.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

This was written as a dual first person narrative as it tells the story of Serena Ellis and Christian Chase. The characters are described directly as Serena and Christian each describe them to us but sometimes differently. The conflict is a mixture of characters battling themselves, other characters and the societal world they live in. The theme includes some popular messages about love, power and corruption, survival, individual and society, and prejudice, but does this all in a unique way that includes some more modern issues including body size in women.

Christian Chase is coming off of a two stanley cups wins and has become chosen to bring the New York Nighthawks to the cup. He is chosen as team captain but has some issues with fellow players as they do not respect him at all. He is a round character and acts as our protagonist who goes through a dynamic change with one slurpee. His main confidante is fellow player and friend Nick, but he is all about protecting others. His main foil is fellow player Mike Gallagher, who is very dissatisfied with Christian coming to the team. Serena Ellis is a fashion designer who is all about making sure everyone feels comfortable in their own skin. She is from a rich and powerful family but has been disowned because of her choices. She is a round character and acts as our antagonist who goes through a dynamic change of not categorizing all sports players are the same. His main confidante is best friend Becca and her brother Lucas. Her main foil is her parents and anytime the media judges her because of her size. The exposition introduces us to Christian, Nick, Mike and the other players, it lays out the dynamics for the new Nighthawks team and a trip to the gas station lets us meet Serena. The rising action introduces us to Serena and Becca as they are at the bar where Christian has taken the team for a team bonding session. The climax is reached when we discover more about Christian and Serena’s past and they have allowed themselves to consume the chemistry. The falling action is the couple reaction to the media’s knowledge and wondering if they are doing the right thing. The resolution is all about the balancing of fashion and hockey.

The author’s idea are unique as the characters are not what you expect them to be and the whole team dynamics are different from most sport romances. The organization allows the flow to switch from Christian to Serena without the reader wondering where this scene came from. The word choice is not filled with sport or fashion lingo that the regular reader could not understand. Yes, I would recommend this book but only to specific readers, it is a steamy read, little details and a fair bit of character growth. This would not be the book for those looking for team unity, more emotionally based relationship or do not like discussing body issues.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. This is my first book that I have read by Tracy Goodwin and chose the book based on my love of hockey and the description. The book was very well written but I found I was not a huge fan of the writing style. It seems as though the author just kept reiterating the same thoughts and feelings over and over but just in different words. There was way too much inner dialogue by the main characters and not enough action with the plot.

I will say that this book did touch on some major issues that are important and that many people can relate too. Serena is not a skinny model but battles weight issues and self-consciousness. Christian deals with his own insecurities based on a not ideal upbringing. Many people will be able to relate to this which is what I did like about the book.

This book follows Chris, the captain of a new hockey franchise, and Serena, a new designer and daughter of New York big wig. Their meet cute is at a gas station where they literally run into each other. And as fate would have it, they find each other again at a bar. From there it is a whirlwind romance that gets hot and heavy fast. But Serena finds herself being attacked socially because of her body size and for "causing" issues with Chris' new team, which are being perpetrated by a jealous teammate. Chris doesn't handle it well and to protect Serena decides to break it off since he is the cause of her being in the spotlight. Both characters use the breakup to find themselves and figure what they need from each other. But Serena has to be able to forgive Chris which is not easy for her to do with her past.

Overall, a decent book and I loved the hard issues and characters. I just didn't like the repetitive nature of the same thoughts over and over again.

A great start to a new series. Christian our hero, has just been traded to an expansion team The New York Nighthawks. One of the things that was a surprise was that the the reader got an opportunity to see him take on the challenges of becoming the leader of this team. That challenge also provided a sub plot for the book. As for the heroine Serena, she's going through her own growing pains. Serena is an outcast from her wealthy family. Both Christian and Serena consider themselves not the best romantic choice for the other. Serena doesn't look like Christian's previous girlfriends and Christian wasn't born into a wealthy family. The two had great chemistry.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

Serena is an amazing woman who has her own business and, in spite of her upbringing, is compassionate and kind. She loves her brother and his husband, tolerates her parents, and loves her grandma. Serena is all about loving who she is. Despite not being stick thin, she wants women to be proud of themselves and designs clothes to support them in doing just that. She has a past where men and women have shamed her, and it has taken a while for her self-esteem to build to what it is. When she meets Christian, her world is turned upside down.

Christian is used to having women fall at his feet. Having won two Stanley Cups before, he's charged with helping his new team do just that... win another cup. But with teammates who want to challenge him, are unwilling to be team players, Christian has his work cut out for him. When he meets Serena, his world changes for the better.

Despite loving each other, with their professional lives in turmoil, it will take all of their wits to be strong. And with forces outside of their relationship working against them, it is a tough road to plow. I really loved their story. It was somewhat predictable, but that was okay with me. I still really enjoyed their story and can't wait to see who gets the next one. I was slightly disappointed we didn't get more closure for Christian’s issues, but overall, this was a feel good story. I can't wait to see what or who is next.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I do love a good hockey romance and this one did not let me down. Christian is the new captain of the Nighthawks, an expansion team. One of his jobs is to foster a team environment, create unity among a bunch of guys who were on opposing teams just a year ago. It’s hard, but Christian knows that he can do it.

Serena is the lone black sheep in her family of overachievers. Born to privilege, she's had everything she's ever wanted, except for her parents to love her as she is. Thankfully, her grandmother is around to give her what she needs to foster and grow.

When Christian sets his sights on Serena, she's not sure if she can handle a relationship with a hockey star but soon realizes that life with him is much better than a life of regrets.

I can't wait for the second book in this series!!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series and gets off to a solid start. I greatly enjoy sports romances, especially hockey ones, so was delighted to get to read this book. It has an interesting twist, which I really enjoyed, as the female lead is not exactly what she seems. I did, however, find the size issue annoying after a while – I completely got it and understood Serena's concerns and hang-ups, but had also recognised her as a strong woman, and I felt she went down that rabbit hole more times that I found believable. The fashion side of her story is used well, as are her family issues, and obviously her grandmother's input into the romance is fun. At times, I also found Chris to give us too much of a stream of consciousness, the voice being very similar to Serena's. I felt that the signposting wasn't necessary, and somehow weakened his character in my view.

The use of an expansion team is useful as it gives all the players a level playing field on which to start out. It brings together a group of disparate players and coaches who have to feel their way and set the tone for the future, so the pressure is certainly greater on some of them. Christian and his best buddy Nick take the lead at the Nighthawks, and I enjoyed watching the team dynamics develop. It was well written and entertaining – no doubt there is more to come in future installments, but the world building works from the very start.

Overall this was a very good read, which will ensure that I look out for future releases and catch up with the progress of the men in this new team.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Sparks fly between confident hockey superstar Chris and strong, outspoken, fashion designer Serena right from their very first meeting. Chris and Serena are fun, sexy, and intelligent and together they are dynamite. They also both have insecurities they need to come to terms with, which are explored in an honest way that made the characters easy to relate to.

I am a sucker for a hockey romance and when we meet Chris, he is heading up a brand new team and the season hasn’t started yet. So while we don’t get much in the way of game play, the team and Chris’ life as a hockey player are crucial to the story. Serena is such a strong and compassionate woman, I just loved her.

Ice Hot is a great story and it is most definitely hot. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

Christian knows what he wants, and from the moment he sees Serena, it's her. I love hockey romances, and this one was no exception. I look forward to more New York Nighthawks novels!

I love hockey romances and this book is all that and more. Tracy Goodwin hits every emotion with such ease and intensity.

I loved Christian’s alpha side but completely fell in love with the tender side he showed Serena. My heart broke for Serena and all she endured. I just don’t understand how people can be so cruel, so hurtful. To me, Serena is the true hero. What a strong, beautiful character that everyone can learn from.

There were so many moments in this book that stand out. So many laugh-out-loud moments, so many heartfelt moments. So many oh-so-HOT and intensely intimate moments. Heartbreaking moments that brought tears to my eyes. And, of course, the absolute best is the romance.

**I requested and received an advanced copy, provided by NetGalley and the publisher, and I am voluntarily providing an honest review**

I used to love sports romances but the more I read, the more it became a bit hard to read about grown men acting like little kids with their overblown egos and heroines that accepted things too easily.

I'm so happy that I gave this book a chance because I loved Christian. He was a successful hockey player that wasn't a conceited a$$hat. I loved that he was relatable, considerate and dedicated to his woman. I love that we get a dual POVs. Knowing what he was feeling and thinking, right alongside Serena was awesome and let me connect with them both.

Serena was his perfect other half. She was smart, independent and an heroine that didn't allow her weak at the knees attraction to the Hero turn her into a doormat. When things take a turn for the worst for her, she calls him out and doesn't fall apart over it. I loved that about her.

Also it helped that Christian (once he came to his senses) didn't mince his words. Or try to defend his choices. He owns up to them and still comes back to beg for a second chance.

He also has the most romantic lines. It's hard not to love the guy when his actions, his words and his thoughts reflect a romantic at heart.

Memorable Moment: I'm sappy like that but I love that the blue Slurpee made a comeback. That it brought the whole story full circle was cute!

Would I recommend?
Yes, I loved that this was a safe read. No OW drama (which is hard to find in sports romance) and I loved that the H wasn't a player or manwhore. Christian (with that one exception aka the break up scene) was really a great hero.

Ice Hot is the first book in the New York Nighthawks series, and I have a feeling we will be getting stories for quite a few of these new players.

Christian is the captain & new face of the NY Nighthawks, a new expansion team about to embark on their first season. Coming off 2 back to back Stanley Cup wins he's planning to whip these new guys into shape and bring home a third cup. What he isn't planning for is Serena, who turns his life upside with one Slurpee.

Serena is working to make a name for herself in the fashion industry, trying to prove that size is just a number and be a voice for real women. After years of suffering from low self-esteem and trust issues she just can't believe that THE Christian Chase could want anything real from her. But he isn't giving up, and she starts to realize that she might finally get the career and the man.

I'm a sucker for hockey romance and this one caught my eye immediately. Unfortunately, it wasn't as successful as I hoped. The drama is off the charts, the characters who had me hooked at the beginning lost me a few chapters in, and I couldn't get behind their pairing. While I adored their banter the chemistry wasn't there in my opinion, and the relationship not only seemed forced but extremely rushed.

The storyline was well written and the characters were so well rounded that I was totally hooked throughout the entire book!

Ice Hot is the first book have read by Tracy Goodwin and I enjoyed every minute of it, so much that I didn't want it to end. It checked all the boxes for a must-read sports romance with interesting and relatable characters, great team camaraderie, family drama, both humor and poignancy, heartwarming romance and so much more.

I loved the instant attraction, sizzling chemistry and repartee between ice hockey star playboy Christian Chase and sexy curvy Serena Ellis.

If you enjoy well-crafted, exciting, passionate and sensual sports romance, don't miss Ice Hot. I look forward to reading more about the New York Nighthawks from this talented author.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my voluntary and unbiased review. I also purchased a copy of the book for my keeper library.

I love when characters are "out of the romance box". Meaning, a larger figured woman in a romance book.
I find it really refreshing. Top it off with a bit of comedy and confidence and you have one awesome h.
That being said, i felt she fell apart in the second half. While it was supposed to come off as "angst", it hit more towards immature and whiny.

Same thing with Chris. You have this "hockey god" but instead of his teammates kissing his ass, they're challenging him. I also liked that even though he was this "god" and had his money and looks and sports, he was really tender and had things to prove.

Overall it was a cute short story. and a good start to a series.

I had a really hard time getting invested in the book. Within the first few chapters of the book I knew it just wasn't for me.

Ice Hot is a good start to a new hockey romance series. The first introduction to the team is a bit abrupt, but we do get to see more of those characters throughout the story, giving us a chance to get to know them. The focus here is Christian and his love interest, Serena. Both characters are likable, and they each come with their own set of personal issues that make them feel unworthy of the other. I loved Serena's sass, and she comes across as a strong, assertive woman from the start, which is another plus. However, the talk about her size, especially from her, quickly grew repetitive and tedious, even a bit whiny. That aside, I did like the interaction between Chris and Serena, and they have great chemistry. The story is a good mix of sweet, sexy, and angsty without going too far overboard on the angst. All in all, this first book in the series is a solid start, and there are plenty of interesting characters to keep it going for awhile.

*I received this book free from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept.*

Christian appeared to be this ladies man who could get anyone he wanted. And he could, problem was he didn't really want any of them. He instead put his focus on his new team and trying to make them an actual team.

Serena is the girl who came from money, but could never live up to her parents idea of what she should be (or look like) so she basically walked away from the money and made her own way.

Thanks to a blue raspberry Slurpee incident not only did Christian and Serena meet, but they did it with a style no one could ever match. Right down to her strutting out in his shirt. Drool bib for Christian...definitely needed. LOL!

"Too late for peace. I have Slurpee goo in my underwear, you've frozen my lady parts, and now the ice is melting." She looks down at the blue puddle on the concrete. "Oh, God. It's dripping. It looks like I'm peeing a Smurf in public."

Ice Hot is sweet, spicy, and hilarious to boot. From drunken flirty moms to panties in pockets there was never really a dull moment. It was a great way to start a series and I can't wait to see what's in store for book two.

There are some books that you have an instant attraction to, and then there are others that you don’t. Sadly this book fell into the just can’t get past the “I’m a hockey God, I’m here to train the team to come together, the guys aren’t getting onboard with connecting as a team, I’m getting paid a lot of money because I’m good” blablabla. I usually love these types of books, but I just couldn’t get past the first 20% of this book. Doesn’t happen often that I don’t finish a book, so I might go back and try again at a later date, but it’s just not doing it for me at this point unfortunately.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Christian is leader in part of the Nighthawks hockey team. He has no trouble getting women except for Serena. Serena doesn't do one night stands or date jocks. After things take a turn, Christian and Serena end up spending a night together. Can Christian convince Serena to try for more? A good sports romance read that I recommend.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Serena & Christian's story is definitely hot. I have enjoyed the hockey romances I've read so far, & this book doesn't disappoint. I loved all aspects of the relationship & the surprises along the way. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I hope it's about Nick.

I'm loving all of these hockey romances and I absolutely love when the "bad boy" falls and falls hard. And it is hilarious when the h is willing to throw away her rules to just get closer but the H throws her for a loop. And this is exactly what happened here. Loved the story from start to finish.