Nick had lost him best friends in a plane crash and was wheelchair bound until he was able to go to rehab and get his function back. He is a professional hockey player and when he finally was able to heal he got back on a Detroit team and his teammates notice signs of depression. When his coach gave him an ultimatum either fix your apartment with one single chair or go to therapy he chose to get a designer. What happened when this designer helps with his apartment? Maybe she will help him heal in other ways?

I thought it was okay, a little slow but overall cute, quick read!

❥ hearts on thin ice — katie kennedy
★ ★ ★ ★

˗ˏˋ ♡ ´ˎ˗ genre : romance
˗ˏˋ ♡ ´ˎ˗ pages: 320
˗ˏˋ ♡ ´ˎ˗ ARC

⁀➷ ❝ 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺. ❞

synopsis —

nick sorensen had once been one of the fastest men in hockey—until the devastating plane crash that took the lives of his best friends, leaving him the only survivor. now he’s physically ready to get back on the ice, but his coach is concerned nick isn’t doing as well, mentally, as he says he is. case in nick’s apartment is completely empty, apart from a single chair and a mattress on the floor.

to prove he’s fine, really, nick hires alyssa compton, an up-and-coming interior designer, to decorate his space. alyssa’s thrilled at the chance to prove herself to her demanding boss—with job security at last, maybe she can finally put down roots and create a home for herself too. but nick turns out to be infuriatingly stubborn and impossible to work with, and just when alyssa decides to throw in the towel on the whole thing, nick shows up for her in a way she never could have expected.  

review —

so i went into this thinking it’d be a pure hockey romance but it’s really a contemporary romance with a splash of hockey romance in it, this story takes on with past trauma while BOTH main characters are healing and finding romance within eachother - which is truly beautiful may i add.

this was really hard for me to get into at first as it’s written in third POV and the whole thing with third POV for me makes me feel like it’s harder to feel a connection with the characters. the world building is absolutely beautiful in this book.

this was a good overall debut novel though, i did enjoy it and some bits did make me tear up.

**I RECEIVED AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

Tragically NIck Sorenson has lost all his friends in one horrible plane crash. The only thing left for him is hockey a sport which he is finally able to play after months of physical therapy. Having not only lost his closest friends but also being let go from his team, he moved to Detroit to play. Grief and loss swamp him at every turn. His team Captain made it clear that he either goes to counseling or he gets his apartment decorated. Nick picks the lesser evil and enlists an interior decorator, Alyssa.
This slow burn faces the hard subjects of grief and loss. Fully developed main characters allow the reader to watch as the cycle of grief unfolds including the desperate need for counseling. Unexpected plot twist with a character facing homelessness, the reader really roots this couple to find each other after lots of realistic miscommunication. Only 2 peppers with spice on the page.

DNF at 60%

This was a really cute book and I loved how easy it was to read! I love how it portrayed ptsd and anxiety and finding your peacefulness again.

It had spice, a sort of forbidden romance, forced proximity and it was really funny at times!

However I really struggled to find chemistry between these characters and the main gal, Alyssa came off (to me) a bit too pervy and not in a fun lighthearted way, and she came across a lot older than she was too. I struggled to finish this because at times I felt a bit lost in the plot and couldn’t connect with the story and characters.

However I would still recommend for others to give this a go and see if they’d like it as it is cute!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Katie Kennedy for allowing me to read this arc early and post an honest review. 🫶🏼

This was a good book. I did enjoy it and would recommend it because I liked the characters and the romance and banter were pretty good! If you are looking for a true hockey romance this is not the right book for you because there is not much hockey in it. But I didn't mind that. I still liked the story a lot.

Good idea, but with a lot of room for improvement

I was drawn to this book by the cute cover and as I love ice hockey stories but haven't read any in a while, I saw this as a sign to read "Hearts on Thin Ice" by Katie Kennedy.

First of all: If you have problems with certain topics, please read the trigger warning.

"Hearts on Thin Ice" was a fast paced RomCom like sports romance story that dealt with an important issue and I really liked Katie's concept. However, I did have some issues with her writing style.

I found Katie Kennedy's writing style to be very simplistic and superficial and unfortunately the same goes for the characters and the story. To be honest, I found it very difficult to connect with the characters. Unfortunately, I didn't manage it. I also completely missed the chemistry between Alyssa and Nick.

And her writing style was sometimes very poorly expressed, for example here:
"Alyssa's eyes grew huge. ' He's that guy? Oh my god. I thought he was all crunched up"

Unfortunately, "Hearts on Thin Ice" only gets 2 out of 5 stars from me.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I received an arc copy of this book for review. Thank you!


One of the realest feeling romance books I’ve read. Even with the mmc being a professional hockey player, his personality felt like that if a real person. Often times in romance books I find the characters hard to relate to, but I think a lot of us can relate to the grief and troubling emotions that Nick experienced. The fmc was also very personable, although I didn’t enjoy her as much as Nick. This story was so fun and such a quick read. Definitely added to the list of my favorite hockey romances.

As a hockey romance girly I'm always on the hunt for new ones to add to my collection and I'm pleased to say I'll be purchasing a physical copy of this one! The banter was top tier and I loved the dual POV. Even though I'm not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, I didn't mind it much here. Highly recommend!

Hearts on thin ice is one of my favorite hockey romances. The story, the characters, the humor… Nick and Alyssa will forever have me hooked. I cried, I laughed, I feared, I loved every moment of it. This book had me in tears on the third page (and at least 5 other). I knew I will love it, after the first chapter. It made me fan over these two so quickly. Nick has my heart, he’s absolutely amazing, a huge green flag (which usually not what I look for. I mean I’m a red flag girly for sure BUT Nick…) he and Alyssa are so funny, intelligent and the artsy in jokes... I don’t wanna spoil, but what I can tell you is that they will make you giggle and blush and kick your feet. I can’t wait for the release and buy a copy for me and my sister and probably for my best friend too.

Things that I liked about this story:
• The dual pov between Alyssa and Nick
• Their jobs - interior designer and professional ice hockey player
• Their core groups - Alyssa’s close group of girl friends and Nick’s team mates
• Seeing different forms of grief and how it manifests - Alyssa’s perfectionism and Nick’s minimalism

Things that weren’t my cup of tea:
• The miscommunication - for two people who don’t like being told what to do, they definitely made choices for the other before they were ready
• Alyssa’s employer - she was a nightmare!

Hey Hockey Town, do I have a book for you to read. From baked potatoes and chickens to stick taps and octopus, Katie Kennedy has penned a romance with depth and heart.

#HeartsonThinIce #NetGalley #KatieKemnedy #HockeyTown

Thank you to Alcove Press, Netgalley and Katie Kennedy for the arc
Nick and Alyssa are so adorable. She's stubborn and principled and he's locked away in his heart and mind after being the only team survivor of a plane crash
Alyssa is sent to him as his new interior designer but he's resistant because he has survivor's guilt.
Katie Kennedy writes a beautiful romance with lots of lighthearted fun too, despite covering some serious life issues. Alyssa grew up with a divorced parents, her father dying and having to live in a car with her mother and brother.
These two brought a lot of issues to each other but a friendship blossomed.
I love how the author created loveable characters that you want to be real, who have the compassion to help each other to overcome what they have to face.
This is a truly beautiful romance and I'll definitely read more by this author for sure
Kerry Kennedy Author

Absolutely adored this book. It was just the breath of fresh air I needed.

Well written, funny and engaging - I laughed and I teared up throughout.

Amazing read.

Katie Kennedy's debut novel, "Hearts on Thin Ice," is a poignant and heartfelt addition to the sports romance genre, blending emotional depth with the sweet, flirty charm of a workplace rom-com. At its core, it's a story about two people, Nick Sorensen and Alyssa Compton, who are trying to rebuild their lives — one as a professional hockey player dealing with immense grief and the other as an interior designer seeking to establish her identity and career. Kennedy does an admirable job in crafting a narrative that's both emotionally resonant and entertaining, striking a balance that's sure to captivate readers.

Nick Sorensen's journey is one of the central pillars of the story. Once a rising star in the hockey world, his life is irrevocably altered by a plane crash that claims the lives of his teammates and friends, leaving him as the sole survivor. Kennedy dives deep into Nick's psyche, exploring the guilt, isolation, and immense pressure he feels as he attempts to return to normalcy. The portrayal of his mental health struggles is both sensitive and realistic, avoiding clichés and providing an honest look at the journey of healing from immense trauma. His character arc is not just about returning to the sport he loves, but about learning to live and find joy again.

On the other side of this icy path is Alyssa Compton, an ambitious and spirited interior designer who sees Nick's apartment as a golden opportunity to prove her worth. Alyssa's character is crafted with as much care and depth as Nick's. She's not just a love interest; she's a woman with her own dreams, fears, and insecurities. Her passion for her work, coupled with her desire to create a sense of home not just for Nick but for herself, reflects a universal quest for belonging and purpose. Her interactions with Nick, marked by initial professional tension and evolving into something deeper and more personal, are a highlight of the novel.

The romance between Nick and Alyssa is built with a careful, slow-burning intensity. Kennedy takes time to develop their relationship, allowing them to move from client and contractor to friends and then lovers. Their dialogue sparkles with wit and emotion, bringing moments of levity as well as profound understanding. The push and pull of their relationship, filled with stubbornness, vulnerability, and growing trust, makes their journey towards love satisfying and believable.

Moreover, "Hearts on Thin Ice" doesn't shy away from exploring the broader implications of the characters' personal struggles. The novel delves into themes of grief, mental health, and the pressure of professional sports with a careful touch. It's evident that Kennedy has done her research, presenting these issues in a way that's respectful and insightful. The hockey backdrop provides a vibrant setting for the story, though the focus remains firmly on the characters' internal battles and growth.

Kennedy's writing style is engaging, with a knack for vivid descriptions and emotional depth. She captures the chill of the ice rink, the warmth of a well-designed home, and the rollercoaster of human emotions with equal skill. The pacing of the novel is well-measured, drawing the reader in with each chapter and building towards a satisfying conclusion.

One of the notable achievements of "Hearts on Thin Ice" is its ability to balance the sweet and the serious. The romance and chemistry between Nick and Alyssa are undeniable, filled with moments of tenderness, passion, and playful banter. Yet, the story never loses sight of the real issues at its heart. It's a testament to Kennedy's skill as a writer that she can weave these different threads into a cohesive and compelling narrative.

In conclusion, Katie Kennedy's "Hearts on Thin Ice" is a stellar debut, offering all the warmth and charm expected of a sports romance while also providing a thoughtful and touching exploration of recovery and love. The characters of Nick and Alyssa will stay with readers long after the last page, as will the message of hope and resilience that shines through their story. With its combination of emotional depth, engaging storytelling, and captivating romance, this novel is a must-read and heralds Kennedy as an exciting new voice in the genre. It earns a well-deserved four-star rating, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what Kennedy will write next.

Perfect romance for fans of Icebreaker. This cute interior designer x hockey player love story is a great addition to the sports romance catalog. Hearts on Thin Ice has characters who have adorable chemistry and are also great in their own right. You will wanna pick up this new romance asap.

Hearts on Thin Ice by Katie Kennedy ❄️❤️
Was such an amazing book. I love every single page!! Could not put this book down ❤️ it was one of my favorite romance books ever. I totally recommend anyone who picks up this book!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

I love a good sports romance, but I love interior design even more! I immediately picked this one up after reading the synopsis with the promise of a love story between an interior designer and her hockey player client. Unfortunately, Hearts on Thin Ice lacked everything I was looking forward to seeing in the book. The interior design aspect was not researched enough and the hockey them was a distant backstory. And the love story lacked chemistry and spark. I was thrown off by the very first kiss and when she randomly slept on his porch. Both characters were also dealing with heavy issues but o never felt connected enough to understand the character’s feelings. Overall, it came off as a bit cheesy. I appreciate the advance copy and wish I liked it more.

This was such a cute and fun romance! The character development was very good, and I loved following our protagonists as they got to know each other!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

Unfortunately I DNF about 60% in. Personally I didn’t enjoy the spicy scenes. I do enjoy spice but this was not my style.

I also love hockey romance and this didn’t hit the mark for me. I wanted more of the cocky attitude and romance up front to hold my attention.

This book sounded so fun and promising to me. I love romances with a sad aspect. Nick struggles with his trauma. But I felt like the story didn't turn out as good as it could be.

The characters felt a bit flat to me, and their romance lacked the excitement I was hoping for (especially their first kiss!? That was a little too unrealistic in my opinion.)

I also expected it to be a hockey romance, but there wasn't much about hockey. The cover (and tropes) made it seem like hockey was going to be a main thing in the plot, but I didn’t feel like it was a hockey romance.

I felt like there was no strong connection/banter between Nick and Alyssa.

I really enjoyed some funny scenes in the beginning and Nick's past was so interesting to me. I just think this book had so much more potential.

This book might not be my cup of tea, but I know other people will definitely love it. I prefer more depth and banter.