Mein Leseerlebnis

Das Buchcover des Liebesromans hat mich gleich angesprochen und da ich sports romances seit Jahren gerne lesen, habe ich mich auf die Liebesgeschichte von einer mir unbekannten Autorin gefreut. Doch leider war das Buch nicht mein Fall und ich habe das ihn nicht beendet.

An sich war der Schreibstil ok und ich konnte der Geschichte gut folgen, doch gleichzeitig konnte mich nichts so richtig packen. Dazu wirkte auf mich alles ein wenig zu flach und die Dialoge hörten sich nicht besonders authentisch an.

Zudem war auch der Humor nicht immer mein Fall. Es gibt ein paar Szenen mit der Heldin, in denen sie ziemlichen Unfug erzählt ohne es zu merken. Das sollte wohl charmant wirken, ich fand es eher befremdlich.

Zusätzlich fühlte sich Nicks Geschichte doch recht konstruiert an und nicht jedes Detail machte Sinn.

Nimmt man das alles zusammen, dann machte das Fertiglesen der hockey romance für mich keinen Sinn.

Abgebrochen.

Für wen?

Wenn ihr hockey romances mögt, dann könnte der Roman eine Versuch wert sein.

Schaut vor dem Kauf unbedingt in eine Leseprobe rein und achtet auf den Schreibstil und darauf, ob euch die Dialoge einfangen können. Und erwartet von dem Buch bitte eine recht normale Liebesgeschichte und kein Highlight des Buchgenres.

I'm going to start this review by saying that this book was really hurt by the fact that before reading it I read a similarly themed book that I loved too much. And I liked this book, but I finished reading it with the feeling that if I had read it after a different book I would have liked it a lot more. So I'm sticking with it and may well feel like rereading it in the future.

What is the story itself I enjoyed it very much. I adore sport romance with all my soul, and this one is super well constructed. Yes it's true that I think it has the cliché setting, but it doesn't get to super enhance it, still the main thing about it is there and makes you enjoy it a lot.

I loved the characters and enjoyed each one of them. Above all I think the characters are very special when they are separate, which sometimes in romance books that fails, and here I think the characters are very well built precisely because of that.

In short, it is a great romance book super well written and with very well built characters. Besides the way it is narrated I think it is very good, it has a very cool rhythm and that goes totally with the style of the novel.

Thank you to Netgalley, Katie Kennedy
and the publisher for sending me a copy of Hearts on Thin Ice to read and review!

Nick Sorensen is a Hockey player who went through something very traumatic and he is trying his best to navigate a tremendous loss and being the only survivor.
Physically Nick is ready to get back on the ice, but mentally he still not In the best place…
His apartment is completely empty, apart from a single chair and a mattress on the floor.

Alyssa Compton is a talented up-and-coming interior designer, She has a horrible boss and a dream to start her own business one day.
Luckily Alyssa isn’t afraid of a challenge!

The pair meet unexpectedly and with a push from Nicks coach he hires Alyssa to decorate his apartment. At first things are rocky but as they spend more time together, they start to really get to know each other and help each other heal.

I really enjoyed Hearts on Thin Ice, the character development and how it handles some heavy topics but also a sweet romance that will have you laughing out loud!

Overall, I loved this book and I look forward to reading more books by Katie Kennedy in the future!


✨Grumpy/sunshine
✨Hockey romance
✨Found family
✨Forced proximity
✨Dual POV

Hearts on Thin Ice, marketed as a debut sports romance-
My rating is 4.5 stars

This would have been a 5 star review had the novel actually had actual hockey game play written into it, since it is marketed as a sports romance. The MMC, Nick, is on an NHL team and his teammates are written into the plot line but there isn’t really much hockey playing.

With that said, this novel is still an outstanding read!! I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. The book focuses on Nick and Alyssa and the relationship that develops between them but, also deals with tragedy, grief and healing. It was quite beautiful to read.

Nick is the sole survivor from a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of his five best friends and teammates. He is living with survivor’s guilt, although existing would be a more accurate verb than living. He meets Alyssa when his hockey coach requires him to hire an interior designer to get his home straightened away. He had moved into a new apartment after he left physical rehabilitation and had only a recliner and a mattress in his home. Alyssa had no idea what she was in for when she took Nick on as a client…

The plot line and story are so strong in this novel. The author writes so well and tells this story in a way that made it impossible for me to put this book down. The journey through grief and healing was written beautifully and done with such grace and, done in a way that the story didn’t feel too heavy and depressing. Nick and Alyssa have incredible banter, I loved each of their senses of humor. The evolution from workplace to friends to lovers was seamless. The support characters hit that found family trope hard with the hockey teammates. And that Stacey. Wow, did I really dislike her. The way Nick would “do anything to win” against her was hilarious. I loved seeing her get what she deserved. I also really liked the romance between Nick and Alyssa. It wasn’t perfect and they had a lot of ups and downs, but such is life. Especially when each main character has some previous trauma and baggage to unpack. The end was perfect, with both Nick and Alyssa pushing each other in the necessary direction, in their own unexpected (but loving,) way.

I really, really loved this novel. Katie Kennedy came out with a banger of a debut novel, I just wish it would have been marketed a little bit differently so the expectation when I picked this up would have been realistic. I’ll be watching for future novels written by the author. She’s a damn good writer.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley and am leaving my review voluntarily.

"Hearts on Thin Ice" by Katie Kennedy is a swoony hockey romance filled with laughs and memorable pucks.

A very cute Hallmark type of read. i read this in one sitting. The writing style, the characters I was really intrigued by it all. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for something cute

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. Between the heavy reliance on the miscommunication trope and actually having a fear of flying myself this book either had me stressed or frustrated with the characters.

This is a wonderful love book. I loved it, it was unique and special and it warmed my heart.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

So, I figured this would be a bit intense given the subject matter, but I was still somehow surprised to be crying literally immediately upon starting and then also multiple times throughout.

The way both Nick and Alyssa are throwing themselves desperately forward while trying to pretend (to others and to themselves) that they’re unfazed is heartbreaking and devastating to watch. They find kindred spirits in each other almost immediately and it’s exactly what both of them need.

But then they REFUSE to communicate like adults and they just keep spiraling aggressively. There were multiple points where even THEY were admitting there was no actual point to their miscommunication, which is … a lot.

They make each other laugh, and unfurl, and feel safe. And I cried.

Knowing this a debut, I tried to be more open minded. I think this is a decent story and stab at a hockey romance. Nick’s story was the best developed part of the story. It was great to see him finally talk about his trauma and enjoy his life finally. Seeing him be there for his teammates and his team for him was a nice part of the book.

Alyssa’s story was not the strongest. The scene with her mom at thanksgiving did nothing to help resolve her trauma. They barely communicated and Alyssa decideds that good enough for her. I also hated how she was introduced. She was made to look like an idiot and I don’t think anyone is that naive to believe the story about a chicken or the whole potato thing.

Personally, I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope and there was way too much of it in this book. Like just freaking talk instead of walking away from each other.

There were other minor things, like formatting and missed quotation marks that I hope are fixed in the final copy.

This was a very cute romance book. I love a good hockey romance and this one was very sweet. I liked how the characters supported each other in their growth and processing their various traumas. This was a fun quick read, but it felt like it was just missing a little something. Maybe it’s because the ending felt a bit rushed. I thought the writing was very good and the characters were well developed.

I thought this was a little short and wished that certain scenes were longer or that there were more moments of their relationship growing.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute Hallmark style romance book, that's really feel good and ends in such a cute way that had me kicking my legs and grinning like a fool. I loved watching our main characters fall in love with one another while they were working on their own issues and really growing as people throughout the book. It was sweet, fun, and just really adorable to read.

It's a bit of a shorter read, feels more like a novella over a full length novel which was nice because it wasn't too slow on building their romance, but still felt like it get the romance enough to bloom into something really sweet.

It was a lot of fun and a great read for the kind of day where you're curled up under a cozy blanket and warm drink!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

honestly a really cute story, just not my cup of tea. it's well written, the characters are fully fleshed and easy to love and i was deeply emotionally invested towards the end of it. i think my only complaint is that sometimes descriptions tended to go on a little longer than i deem necessary and that made the book seem to go by a little slower that i would've liked it to. but a delightful read!

An amazing story . It made me smile and cry . Nick is the only survivor of a plane crash that killed his best friend and teammates few months ago and left him with a broken leg and emotionally closed off . When he changes teams at his new place the only things he has are a chair and a matress . When his coach learns that he asks him to decorate his place so he ask the help of his teammate Devlin who introduce him Alyssa an interior designer . At first he is very negative but she is cracking his shell . Alyssa is working very hard so one day can open her own business but her boss is a very cruel woman . While they work together they share secrets to each other and they develope feelings . Will they be able to achieve their dreams and be happy together ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

I absolutely loved this story!! I am a sucker for hockey books and this one certainly did not disappoint. I loved the protagonists, their banter and stories were moving. My heart broke for Nick as we learned about the plane crash and struggle with losing his friends. I loved watching him grow as a character and learn to open up his heart and how he is worthy. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait to purchase this book when it gets released so I can reread it again. Thank you netgalley and publisher for the advanced copy.

This book packed a PUNCH!
It was so emotional, and I sobbed entirely too much!
Seeing Nick grief his best friend’s and learn to move one was too real and it was raw and painful BUT it was beautiful.
I loved seeing him open up little by little to Alyssa!
I absolutely adored Alyssa, she was the best heroine!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ / ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/4 stars)

Hearts on Thin Ice invites readers into a world of cutesy romance, an aesthetic perfect for winter. The story unfolds with Alyssa, our endearing female lead, whose humor and relatability add a comical charm to the narrative. I'm not sure I can mention specific moments, but the 10:07 moment cracked me up. We've all been there. When we pair her with Nick, an irresistibly fine male lead, their interactions create a wholesome and adorable atmosphere that makes this book a delightful read. And watch out, everyone - Nick Sorensen is coming in to be your new hockey book boyfriend.

Their relationship was sweet and quite charming - seeing how it evolved throughout their mistakes was wholesome for sure. In particular, the exploration of art as a shared interest between Alyssa and Nick adds depth to their connection, creating moments of genuine warmth and charm. Michelangelo, Monet - I definitely learnt a few things from this book too, which was definitely appreciated. I love how both were educated and were able to converse with each other easily.

The ending, while sweet, feels a tad abrupt, leaving the reader yearning for a more extended resolution. Additionally, the narrative leans into some miscommunication tropes, a common feature in romance, which might be a point of contention for readers seeking a smoother resolution. I'm not a big fan of this trope myself, which is why I'm a little uncertain on how to review it.

That being said, as someone who typically steers clear of light romance unless it serves as a subplot, Hearts on Thin Ice pleasantly surprised me. The book's adorable nature and the chemistry between Alyssa and Nick kept me engaged, making it a worthwhile venture into a genre I don't often explore. Thank you for the ARC!

Who doesn't love a good hockey romance?!?!? This novel had my heart. I need this to be turned into a film asap. I was swooning from the first page.

This one had a lot of potential but I thought the execution didn’t work well for me. The grieving and the healing could’ve been treated more delicately and more realistic. And I also thought it was quite boring 🫢 it lacked plot and layers. But thank you author and publisher and netgalley for giving me the arc to read and review. I’ll always be honest with my reviews…

This book is quite emotional but definitely nice to read. I couldn't fully connect with Alyssa but I enjoyed Nick's POV.
Hockey isn't the biggest focus since Nick had a very traumatic accident but in general it's a nice book to read and easy to read in one sitting.
It wasn't 100% for me but I would recommend it anyway. I'm sure there are quite a few people who would love this book