I love a good hockey romance, but I struggled with this book. Nick is a great character, and Katie Kennedy did a great job writing/explaining the trauma and grief he was going through. However, I really struggled with Alyssa, and also her boss. I didn't end up finishing the book but I may in the future.

First of all, Hockey Romance? Hell yes! I love the cover and insantly knew I had to read this book, And I have to say it didn't disappoint! The beginning was a bit dramatic for my cup of tea but I'm used to it from all the other romance books as well, so I don't really mind that. The story itself was great and enjoyable to read.

This book was a great surprise! I’ve never read a sports romance before but this story has turned me into a fan of the genre. I would describe the pace of the book as medium to fast, the characters are so likable and the cute dialogues kept me giggling. In conclusion, I laughed, I cried and overall had a great time even though at some point I wished there had been a more complex conflict.

This is a five-star read that would break the ice on the coldest of hearts. I really liked the way that Alyssa doesn’t gloss over Nicks grief, she was hiding her own history, so that may be it, but then they both open up and it makes such a great and powerful read. Its not your typical sports romance, as it deals with some heavy deep subjects, but the author does that so well, and I will admit that final five, had me in buckets when they all piled in, when you get to the spot you will know what I’m talking about, it was a great way to wrap the story up, it was one of those ends that will stay with you. This is a great story and yes it has deep subjects, but they dare done well, and the romance blossoms and keep you upbeat. Don’t miss this great story, I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Nick just survived a plane crash that killed his friends and then he meets Alyssa during this very challenging time. Alyssa has been dealing with past trauma from her childhood. This book was very entertaining and I thought the main characters had great chemistry. I only gave this 3 stars because I thought the ending was a little rushed but besides that I really enjoyed this.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the arc of this book.

Truthfully, I went into this with low (and I mean really low) expectations, not because of this author specifically, but because of the dire state the hockey romance genre is in but I actually enjoyed this sorry. The first thing I liked was that it was written in the third person; I felt it allowed a gateway to understand Nick’s emotions even better that it would in first person. The second thing I enjoyed was how fleshed out Nick’s personality was and the pace his relationship with Alyssa progressed in. I also like that Alyssa could confide in Nick straight away. I’m not sure if this a stand-alone novel but I was intrigued by Nick’s teammates so maybe they would be an idea for another story / stories for the author.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC.

DNF

The romantic comedy Hearts on Thin Ice, written by Katie Kennedy, centers on hockey captain Nick Sorensen and interior designer Alyssa Compton.

I had high expectations for this book based on its cover and the tropes, but the only thing that made it worthwhile to read was the adorable cover.

I read far more than I ought to have, but only because I thought things might improve, which they didn't. There was far too much information provided, and Nick and Alyssa had no chemistry at all.

Overall, though it’s good that the author talked topics like trauma and anger, the book was mostly focused on these topics and offered very nothing else.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and to the author, Katie Kennedy, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*

Thank you Netgalley, publisher & Author for this ARC. Opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️

I really enjoyed this book! It follows Nick, a hockey player, who experiences a tragedy & loses a ton (injury, friends & his original hockey team). It also follows Alyssa, who is an interior designer. This book has some focus on tragedy but not being the main focus. It shows PTSD & healing.

The romance/banter was perfect. I was laughing at their interaction throughout this book. I disliked their miscommunication in some parts. I just didn’t understand the long time frame of not talking to one another.

Overall, this was a cute hockey romance. I would say this doesn’t have much hockey action in it besides describing the MMC’s career and “family.” This book goes into a lot more detail about arts, decorating and design. So in case, you’re looking for the hockey action.

Overall, if you like friends to lovers vibes with some background of hockey & interior designs/arts; you’ll enjoy this read.

I requested this book mostly because I love Hockey Romances and I am surprised to say I found this story surprisingly deep.

The characters are well-written, each with their own issues that make them easy to connect with. The main character's journey is quite deep, dealing with grief and finding comfort in unexpected places. I found this difficult because I still find this triggering having lost both of my parents, so check your TW for this before reading, I almost stopped because of this.

But sadly what made me stop was the miscommunication with the characters and all the mistakes they made, I know this is just a story but I thought it was too much, and I really don't enjoy that in a story.

I loved this one! I was looking for a good hickey romance to acquire and this definitely fit the bill. I love how our protagonist helps our love interest overcome tragedy in his life by helping his design his apartment. It took a little bit to get into but once I was deep in the story I began enjoying it more and more. This would make a sweet movie and I hope to read more from this author in the future.

Totally fell in love with this story! A new to me author and I will definitely be reading more of her books! You will fall in love with Nick and Alyssa, I sure did! 5 hot hockey stars for this one!
Nick was the lone survivor of a plane crash that killed his best friends. His hockey team gave up on him, and a new team picked him up. His coach feels he needs to make his apartment more of a home since his place is barely furnished. When he meets Alyssa at a teammates home and finds out she's an interior designer, he hires her to help him with his apartment, and from there their story begins!
I hate to give to much away in my reviews, but this story has it all! Nick is suffering, and Alyssa is just the person to help him move on, but will he allow himself to be happy? You need to read this story to find out! I can't wait to read more by this author!

Notes for Publisher: honestly I loved this universe. The writing was succinct and descriptive without being flowery. I loved the characters and the characterisation. Would have loved an epilogue or something to cinch it together instead of a fade to black moment at an emotional climax.

Wowee. Read this in a day.

The good:
- The banter, the relationship between the MC and MMC
- The focus on grief and PTSD without it becoming the main plotline
- The characters were fleshed out and you could understand their motivations
- The "plot" 👀

The less good:
- I felt like the book ended very abruptly, like there was a chapter or an epilogue missing. The latter fifth felt rushed
- I struggled to follow why Alyssa <spoilers>rejected Nick three times</spoiler>. I understood the first two but didn't follow the third. See above point

Other than that, a great read! Like an adult version of <I>Collide</>. 4.5 stars ✨

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC!

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Okay I'm only 56 pages in but I'm loving it so far! Maybe it's because I've been reading a lot of YA / college set novels but I'm enjoying the fact that the characters are whole ass people with likes and interests and <i>personality</i> beyond the fact that they're falling in love with xyz. It's nice to not have them reduced to their love interest.

This was a lovely, cute romance read that had me laughing and tearing up throughout.

Different to other hockey romance’s I’ve read as this book focuses more on the MMC’s mental health and trauma than on his hockey career itself, giving his character depth. He was an absolute sweetheart too, I found him and the FMC both very likeable.

I liked the romance in this book, as well as the more sad parts of it that really made you feel for the characters.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who likes a good hockey romance, or just a romance overall.

Thankyou for the chance to read and review this book!

This is absolutely charming. I cried, I had a few real belly laughs, and it was decently spiced. Can't wait to read more from this author!

I thank Netgalley, Alcove Press, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

One of the genres I read less frequently is romance, but when I do, I always look for something that blends the light side of the love story with something that leaves an impact.
When I came across this book, I was immediately intrigued by the aspect of mental health as a fundamental part of our protagonist's journey. After surviving a plane crash that cost him his team and best friend, we navigate through his mental condition and his sense of guilt for still being alive.
To assist him, Alyssa enters his life unexpectedly, an interior designer who helps him rearrange his home and somehow his life. Despite the fairly complex theme, the author managed to address it with simplicity, never sidelining the topic of mental health.
However, despite this, I would have liked to see more in this relationship; perhaps, I wished for a deeper exploration of Alyssa's past.
Honestly I would have liked a more in-depth psychological aspect.
Secondary characters remain in the background, and instead, I would have wanted to learn more about Nick's team and Alyssa's friends. But it could be just my personal preference. The book has a significant pro, being humorous at many points and easy to read, I managed to finish it in one evening.
If you enjoy this kind of book, then I absolutely recommend it.

"Hearts on Thin Ice" by Katie Kennedy is an emotionally charged and heartwarming novel that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. The story follows Nick Sorensen, a former hockey star who survived a devastating plane crash. As he battles to regain his physical prowess on the ice, it becomes clear that the wounds within his heart run deep.

Ms. Kennedy weaves a poignant tale of recovery and redemption, skillfully delving into the complexities of Nick's mental and emotional struggles. The novel excels in portraying the aftermath of trauma with sensitivity, offering readers a glimpse into the profound impact such events can have on one's psyche. Your heart will break and rejoice with this story.

Ms. Kennedy's storytelling is both engaging and evocative, creating characters who resonate with authenticity. Nick's stubbornness and Alyssa's determination make for a captivating push-and-pull dynamic that keeps readers invested in their emotional journey. The gradual thawing of Nick's icy exterior and the unexpected ways in which he supports Alyssa showcase the author's talent for crafting well-rounded and endearing characters. The supporting cast, including Janet, Alyssa’s BFF; Stacey, her boss-nemesis; and Devin, the hockey team captain, add to the fun and complexity.

"Hearts on Thin Ice" is a triumph for Katie Kennedy, delivering a powerful story of love, resilience, and the healing that can come from unexpected connections. With its well-drawn characters, engaging plot, and a touch of humor, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartening and satisfying tale of overcoming adversity and finding love in the most unexpected places.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

If there’s a hockey romance, I’m signing up to read it. It’s my niche now. I’m into it. And this one was a cute, easy read! It had some of my favorite aspects of a good hockey romcom: very unserious teammate bromances, abs, and…I’m currently deciding to add pirate costumes to that list. That needs to become a theme. The author gave depth and vulnerability to her hockey star too. He’s not just a jock, he’s an artist struggling with survivors guilt. And the way he progresses, with the help of acceptance and therapy, throughout the story was a really endearing twist to the pattern of typical sports romances.

I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, and let me tell you, there was a lot of it, but I feel like Michelangelo really made up for it! 😌😌😌 (If you know, you know.)

"Hearts on Thin Ice" is a compelling hockey romance that surprised me with its depth.
The characters are written with each their own scars and vulnerabilities that make them relatable and endearing. The protagonist's journey is particularly beautiful, as he navigate the challenges of grief and find solace in unexpected places.
The romance in "Hearts on Thin Ice" is not just about passion on the ice but also about the vulnerability that comes with opening one's heart.
Moreover, "Hearts on Thin Ice" addresses the common theme of miscommunication in relationships. Especially in the last 40% of the book. This is where the book lost me a bit.
Nearing the end the main characters where both making stupid mistakes and it took away some enjoyment of reading this book.
In conclusion, "Hearts on Thin Ice" is a delightful romance with surprising depts regarding loss and moving forward, but also fun an cute.
in the end 3,5 stars

Thank you for this ARC.

Adorable hockey romance! I recently read “I’m Your Guy” by Sabrina Bowen and I would describe this as similar but the heterosexual version with more trauma history to the characters. This comes from the MMC having survived a plane crash that killed his five best friends and team mates. I enjoyed the dynamics between the two main characters and how they fell in love. It was adorable and cute. I love a good hockey romance. If you’re looking for a meet cute happily ever after this is for you! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

The characters were warm and their individual storylines captivating, but while the romance was cute, many of the obstacles seemed contrived and easily avoidable. For example, not dating a client could have been a much more compelling factor/difficulty in Alyssa and Nick’s relationship. The writing style was easy to read but lacked complexity and nuance at times.