I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

Hearts on Thin Ice is a heartwarming and engaging read that offers a refreshing take on the sports romance genre. Katie Kennedy skilfully weaves themes of mental health, healing, and belonging into a charming love story that resonates on multiple levels.

Nick Sorensen is a compelling character whose journey from trauma to recovery is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. His struggle to come to terms with his past and find a new normal is both realistic and touching. Alyssa Compton, on the other hand, is a determined and relatable heroine whose own quest for stability and home complements Nick's narrative beautifully.

The chemistry between Nick and Alyssa is palpable from the start, with their interactions ranging from frustrating to tender. Their relationship evolves naturally, with moments of tension and humor that keep the reader invested. Kennedy's portrayal of their growing bond is nuanced, avoiding clichés while still delivering the emotional payoffs that romance readers crave.

The secondary characters add richness to the story, providing support and additional layers to the main plot. The inclusion of mental health as a central theme is handled thoughtfully, highlighting the importance of seeking help and the impact of emotional well-being on one's life and relationships.

Hearts on Thin Ice is a strong debut for Katie Kennedy, offering a well-crafted romance that addresses deeper issues with grace and authenticity.

I couldn't get into this at all unfortunately.

Thanks to NetGalley, Alcove Press
& Dreamscape Media for an advance copy

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After losing all of his friends in a plane crash that he miraculously survived, pro hockey player Nick Sorensen is struggling. Physically, he's ready to rejoin his team and play again, but mentally, he can't escape the nightmares. When his coach tells him that he needs to do something about his bare apartment, or else he's going to be benched, Nick hires an interior designer, and lets her do whatever she wants. The only issue, however, is that Alyssa Compton, is a woman on a mission, and if she proves herself with this job, she will be set for life. And she's not going to design someone else's home without their input. Clashing over everything from artwork, or paint colours, Nick and Alyssa's relationship soon turns from enemies to begrudging friends, to something more. But is Nick ready to open himself up again?

I really liked this book. Nick was such a heartbreaking character, and the way he struggled with his grief, but eventually managed to live for the future, and realise his friends would not want him to suffer like that, was breathtaking. He and Alyssa were truly made for each other, and though Alyssa could see that Nick was damaged, she never treated him as anything other than someone who could be loved, and who she loved. Everyone was there for Nick, and with Alyssa, he could achieve anything he wanted. This was such a great book.

Overall I had a fun time with the story, an enjoyable romcom that hit on some hard topics. The couple was enjoyable, though at times some scenes were a little too far fetched for my liking. This book took a little longer for me to finish, as when I put it down I had no want to pick it back up.

I’m not sure I would call this a hockey romance. There’s more about interior design than hockey which didn’t bother me but is something to bear in mind. However, this book wasn’t really for me. There wasn’t much chemistry between Nick and Alyssa and the miscommunication was beyond frustrating. Just one conversation would have solved everything. The fight they had using art instead of actual words was so stupid. I thought their pasts would add some depth to the characters but theres a lot of telling and not showing. We get told that they’re healing from their trauma but I wanted to see the actual character growth. The second plane issue was written so weirdly that I thought it was a dream at first. The sex scenes were so cringey, it felt like they were written by a teenager. The whole pirate and jolly roger thing nearly made me dnf and I kinda wish I had. It just needed some more fleshing out.

Nick Sorenson, a famous hockey player, was in a plane crash with his teammates and he was the only survivor. He was traded to another team and is struggling with his mental health. His coach is determined to help him but is requiring him to get his apartment space decorated rather than just having his mattress on the floor and one single chair. Alyssa Compton is the interior designer that he chooses but he does not make her job easy. In fact. he is determined to make it difficult and not agree with anything that she wants. Alyssa has her own struggles and her boss is beyond mean. She is hoping that this job will bring her job security, but Nick unintentionally gets her fired.

Thinking about what Nick went through really made me feel for him. I could not imagine. I liked how he did not get mad at Alyssa for things she suggested in his apartment that brought back memories of the plane crash, but just explained to her how they made him feel once he was better able to communicate. There was plenty of spice in this story and even though it was wrong to sleep with a client, Alyssa's boss opening the note on her flowers to find that out was also wrong. I loved the side characters she worked with at the party store and the hockey side characters were great too!

I was not prepared to love this dual POV, sports romance debut with GREAT emotional depth just as much as I did!! Nick Sorenson is the sole survivor of a tragic plane crash and grieving his lost hockey teammates when he is forced to hire an interior decorator to work on his apartment. Enter Alyssa who tries to make over his apartment in a way that Nick is comfortable with only to find herself falling for him. Steamy, swoony and perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Elle Kennedy, this was great on audio and I can't wait for more! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

While reading the first 50% of this book, I was recommending it to everyone in my life who loves romances with emotional heft. The exploration of both Nick and Alyssa's backstories had me tearing up at times, giving me the feeling of an Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez book. That being said, the second half of this book felt surface level, with the miscommunication trope driving the plot and distracting from what could have been a really powerful love story. I felt that the characters had no chemistry despite being set up well, leaving me wanting so much more from this as a whole by the end.

I love a good hockey romance, and this one checked all the boxes for me! It was fun and entertaining, and the characters were so enjoyable with their unique personalities. I definitely had a good time by the end of the book!

very cute romance, easy to read and a book that i was unable to put down. loved the storyline and character development, truly a book that i will recommend for my bookstore to purchase.

This book focuses on both main characters coming from backgrounds that have their fair share of obstacles. We didn’t get to see either character overcome those obstacles, we rather were told the obstacles they overcame.

Nick experienced a recent tragedy and overcame physical injuries to make his way back to the NHL. It was obvious that he was still experiencing the psychological impacts of the plane crash he was in, but I didn’t think there was as much impactful emotion as there could have been in this story. We also know that Alyssa had a hard childhood, with a lot of poverty. There wasn’t a good exploration into how it continues to impact her in her life and work. My heart broke for these characters, but I feel like I could have felt more if we delved more into the story.

I liked Nick and Alyssa together, but both of them struggled with communication so much. If they talked to each other, rather than skirting the issues, a lot of the problems they experienced could have been prevented. I did enjoy the found family aspect of the hockey family in Detroit and liked the few scenes we got with them.

Overall, I think this book wasn’t for me. If I am reading a book with tragic backstories, I want that to tear me up inside and I just didn’t get that from this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

2.5 Stars I love hockey romances and was excited to read this one, but sadly, it wasn't what I thought it would be. Based on the backgrounds of both the MCs, I expected more depth of emotion and more angst, and while it was sad at times as the MMC worked through grief, it wasn't pulling at my heartstrings. I also didn't understand the attraction between the MCs, Nick and Alyssa. It seemed like they had nothing in common, but then they found one thing in common and were suddenly in bed together. The thing that really made this a low rating was the miscommunication between the MCs. I don't get why they couldn't just talk about how they were feeling or ask the other instead of assuming. Alyssa especially was terrible as assuming that Nick was mad at her and declining him asking her out without giving an explanation.

I listened to the ALC while following along with the ARC. The stars are for the narrators, who did a great job with the dual POV narration.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a lot out of this one. It was another hockey romance as far as I was concerned, so sign me up, right? But I really enjoyed it and it was a fast, engaging read where both characters were vulnerable and relatable in ways.

Heartbreak and healing.

This is definitely a case of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. There is so much more in here than a simple hockey romance. Nick is the only survivor of a plane crash that killed his 5 best friends and teammates. He’s been wallowing in grief and guilt and had a long road of recovery from his physical injuries. To prove he’s getting better to his new team, he hired Alyssa to redecorate his all-but-empty apartment. Alyssa has baggage from her childhood and although they seem like an unlikely couple their interactions and empathy for each other escalate into a closer relationship. However, as they get to know each other from the initial interest through the development of designing Nick’s apartment as well as their relationship with one another, we see the beginning of healing and opening hearts.

This wonderful story of healing after tragedy. It’s a low-key, slow-burn romance between Nick and Alyssa. I was surprised by the depth of feelings at the beginning and found my heart aching for Nick often. I was captivated and had to see how they helped each other open up and let the world in. This story contains humor, tragedy, found family, team support, and learning to live again. This is the first Katie Kennedy book I’ve read and I’m looking forward to what comes next.

This cute hockey romance features our hockey player falling for the interior designer who makes over his place. It was a sweet story with the underlying importance of seeking therapy. I was able to listen to the audiobook while I read along and found the writing to be well structured and easy flowing. The audiobook narration was great too and perfectly clear. This debut book shows a lot of promise. I can't wait to read what Katie Kennedy writes next.

"There’s a reason they give a point for an assist ,” she said. “That’s the player who helps set up the goal.”“I’m aware,” Nick said . There was a faint smile in his eyes. Finally. “Because people need help. Even what’s-his-face Gretzky.”

My heart broke for Nick. I definitely cried at a few points in this one. Alyssa is the perfect amount of spunk to give Nick the push he needs. I loved everything about this one!

I was not expecting this book so have so many heavy emotions tied to it, but that is what made me love it. i found Nick and Amanda to be enjoyable characters that were both working through some real trauma. Amanda is trying to get to know him so she can accurately design his home for him, but in the process finds herself falling for him. Nick also has a similar experience, as he is finding that he is starting to feel comfortable with someone when he hasn't for some time now. These two share bits and pieces with each other and help each other work through their trauma in a respectful and paced way. I really enjoyed reading them getting to know each other and get closer, but loved their individual stories just as much if not even more. I will say that i was more invested in Nick's story. i found his grief to be, not difficult to read, but very much relatable in the sense of the thoughts and feelings you have. I really was his biggest cheerleader while reading!! This overall was a very reflective, emotional, and sweet story. Also stacy sucks.

Tropes:
NHL playing MMC/interior designer FMC
She’s decorating his house
Overcoming trauma/grief
Friends to ❤️
Found family
Slow burn
Romcom

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I’m in my hockey romance era so this book really hit the spot for me. I thought the characters were well rounded and likeable, but obviously still with enough flaws to keep the story interesting! The writing style was great, with good pacing and dialogue.

There were a lot of good ideas in this book, however, they just didn’t come together. This was an odd book because I liked the individual components of the storyline, the characters, and the idea of the romance but none of them connected well. I think there were too many ideas and too many side characters that nothing was done really well and everything was just okay. There was no chemistry with the romance. The characters just hit plot points as far as their relationship went and it felt really forced. I think this has the makings of a good story but it needs a heavy edit before it can get there. I would rather a few of the plot point and fewer characters all be done really well then just having characters for the sake of having a female friend group or a mean boss. 2.5⭐️, 2🌶