Super cute! I adore Nick, He's so unintentionally sweet.

Publisher's summary
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 point? 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.
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.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book!

Hearts on Thin Ice
By: Katie Kennedy
Narrated by: Scarlett Everdeen, Nick Mondelli
Release date: 06-18-24
Publisher: Dreamscape Media

This was a quick little read. I liked the characters and learning about their motivations and pasts. I was a little surprised at the pacing of the relationship, and that kind of made me a little less invested in it. I think I was hoping for a little more of a build up to when they first got together. I think that made the conflict a little less believable for me. I really did enjoy all the shenanigans with Stacy, though.

Hearts on Thin Ice by Katie Kennedy is a sweet and emotional hockey romance!

Nick Sorenson is the only survivor of a tragic plane crash and grieving his lost hockey teammates but when he is forced to hire an interior decorator to work on his apartment. Alyssa tries to fix his apartment so that Nick feels better, yet they don't expect to fall for each other. Listening to this on audiobook, the narrators always add an extra level of emotion where you feel that the story adds more emotion and you feel the character's story deeper. It added an interactive layer to the story that really added to it. There's PTSD and grief rep that really tugs at your heart and you feel deeply for these characters and their journey to healing and learning to live with grief. I really liked how they helped each other and encouraged each other but also the theme in the book that talked about the importance of therapy and just how messy grief can be and nonlinear. They both bring color back into each others lives. I really liked that it was a different take on hockey romance and enjoyed their story. I only wish that the ending wasn't so short but other than that, a really great book!

I think this was a great concept with likeable characters, but the execution didn’t “wow” me. I would have liked a little more development and character growth and feel that the themes of the book were a bit too ambitious for the length. I was also disappointed that Nicks biggest progression in getting over Sammy’s death was largely facilitated by Alyssa’s hateful boss, Stacy. Speaking of Stacy, I felt that the central conflict in Alyssa and Nicks relationship was kind of ridiculous and Nicks response was even more ridiculous. I kept waiting for him to trash up or clutter the apartment to make it unappealing for her to shoot, but moving apartments was a more logical option? Then for Alyssa to get that upset about not having cookies ready for her free advertising? Overall, it was a fun read, if not a believable one, but I don’t plan to revisit.

Here’s a sweet sports romance about an interior design hopeful and a professional hockey player making a comeback that deals with mental health, homelessness, and the search for belonging - along with a little romance.

This isn’t like The Prospects (against which all sports’ romances are gaged for me now, as it is top tier) in that the actual ice hockey plays little part in the plot; however, the hockey players are integral in the plot.

There’s sexual tension and definite spice, though it relies on miscommunication to keep the leads apart or at odds, based mostly on issues surrounding self esteem and worth.

Nick is a sweetheart and his anguish after losing people so important to him is palpable. Alyssa is sweet but lacking sophistication, with a scrappy determination that pulls you in.

I enjoyed this one and if you’re into romance set in the sports’ arena, you should check it out!

——
Nick Sorensen was the sole survivor in a terrible plane crash. After losing his best friends, and the core of the young upstart’s professional hockey team, Nick faced months of rehab, relocation, and a new team. Situated in Detroit, he’s ready to get back on the ice. But mentally, living a monk’s existence, Nick needs to work on his mental health.

First step is to fill an empty apartment with personality. Coach’s orders.

Enter Alyssa Compton. She’s an up and coming interior designer working for the world’s worst boss. Hired to rehab his space, Nick and Alyssa hit it off, though he’s resistant and stubborn with every idea she throws at him.

But she can’t give up. Alyssa sees this high profile client as a stepping stone to escaping a stifling boss and starting her own shop.

After a difficult situation that threatens to upend Alyssa’s life, Nick steps up for her in a big way. Could this mean more than just professional success?

Thanks to @netgalley and @dreamscapemedia for the audiobook ARC. This one comes out June18, 2024.

⭐️ALC Review⭐️
Firstly the audiobook narrators were fantastic and I really enjoyed listening to them tell this wonderfully heartbreaking story. They conveyed the deep emotions and beautiful moments between our two MC's. Overall, I went in blind, after scanning the blurb and I'm happy I did because this was a gut punch of a book in the best way. I was laughing and crying most chapters (having experienced the loss of a best friend a few years ago) because Nick's grief and loss felt so tangible to me. The way you try to relieve the tension in moments when no one knows what to say, when you feel so overwhelmed you want to talk about anything else, but also want people to know the funny stories about your friend(s) that is no longer there to tell them. Just a great read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧

I was pretty surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
Nick is struggling because he survived a plane crash that his friends/teammates didn't. He put the time and work in so he could return to the ice, but his heart was still back on that plane with his mates.

His coach wanted him to care about something, so he suggested he make his apartment look like someone actually lived there. Or he was making him go to therapy.

Nick, still in denial, decides he will hire an interior designer.
Enter Alynna. I loved that she didn't really care who he was. She wanted to make his space his. But she has to do some digging when he doesn't want to help. In doing that, she is helping him heal.

I loved their dynamic. It wasn't always surface-level; it went deeper for both of them. The story takes us on a healing journey, but there are struggles, too. Communication isn't easy, and even more so when you're in denial from both sides.

I loved the narration. Both Scarlett and Nick gave us great performances and depth at times, which was great because it showed what both characters were going through.

4.5 stars

This book is such a curveball. I go in blind when reading and was expecting some light romcom hockey romance (which it was), but there is SO MUCH MORE to this book. Mental health rep, survivor's guilt, figuring out where you belong, shame/guilt of the past, and a heartbreaking MMC who you just can't help but root for and want to hug all the broken pieces back together.

The spice wasn't all that spicy, but the plot and characters and banter more than made up for it. This book really, really took me by surprise with how heavy it was while still remaining light. I absolutely will keep reading Katie (and hope that this turns into a series because there's more guys on the team that I'm curious about, but not sure if it would work well as a series due to the heaviness of the topics in this one and I'd hate to see this book be turned into a cotton candy, light and fluffy series when it's so much more than that).

I was lucky enough to be able to go between the book and the audio. Scarlett Everdeen and Nick Mondelli did a wonderful job. Scarlett was perfect for Nick. I do have to admit that his voice was a little odd during the spicy scenes. It was almost flat, but during the rest of the book he was perfect. Scarlett as Alyssa was phenomenal. She got the quirkiness of Alyssa and the snark in her voice.

Thank you, NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Dreamscape Media for the ARC/ALC.

I think that this was a 3.25 star read for me, which pains me to say. There were times that I definitely enjoyed this book and their stories - Nick and Alyssa both have a lot going on in their lives that have brought them to where they are. Moreso Nick, who is the sole survivor in an airline crash who took the lives of his five best friends.

I enjoyed going through the grief process with Nick and all of the emotions that followed that.

I will say that I felt like the characters, especially their relationship, was a bit undeveloped - I wanted more of their story and more details. I also felt like it got repetitive at times.

The narrators - Scarlett Everdeen and Nick Mondelli were good and I think they helped me get through the book a little quicker than I would have because of their narration.

Also, I feel like it should be noted that this book is told in Third Person POV, and I believe that is one of the reasons that I struggled a bit.

I’m in my hockey romance era so when I spotted this book, I had to request it. It didn’t quite meet expectations but that’s ok. I thought the hockey romance would have more focus, but it really takes a backseat to character trauma. It was well written and presented that provided a lot of depth to our MMC. But I found the story falling flat in spots. The production of the audiobook was well done.

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed and then other parts that fell flat for me. The author wrote the trauma that Nick went through and tried to deal with so well! I teared up every time Nick talked about what happened to his friends and how he felt he should have died with them. However, if I was on two plane crashes (or near crashes) you could never get me on a plane again.

Alyssa was an interesting character and I enjoyed how both characters had their own plots, it was very real how two people can be going through different things and how that affects them personally and in their relationships.

This plot did seem to drag on at times, and I think by the end I wanted their story to wrap up faster. Overall, this was a cute, heartfelt read that was fun to listen to!

Review posted to Goodreads 6/4 & @evelynlainebooks.

This one just wasn’t for me.

I found the chemistry to be off and a lot felt unresolved. The “steamy” parts were… awkward. I had to really push myself to the finish line.

If you’re looking for a fun, flirty hockey romance, this is much, much heavier. Also note that there’s not much hockey, rather more the characters talking about art and trauma.

I adored the cover for Hearts on Thin Ice and decided to take a chance on author Katie Kennedy. However; I felt there was missing connection between the characters and the descriptions sounded juvenile. Based on the first 15 percent of my listening experience, I decided to "not finish" this audio and move onto another story.

Thank you to Netgalley the Publisher, of Dreamscape Media, and the author Katie Kennedy for providing and allowing me to review this Audio-ARC. Which, I'm giving my honest and sincere review.

"Hearts on Thin Ice" by Katie Kennedy is a delightful romantic novel that captured my heart from the very beginning. The story follows the journey of Nick Sorensen, a pro hockey player who is trying to get back on the ice after a devastating plane crash that took the lives of his best friends. Nick is physically ready to play, but mentally, he struggles to find his way and move on from the tragedy that haunts him.

What I loved most about this book is the way that Kennedy brings the characters to life. Nick is a complex and brooding character, whose struggles and vulnerabilities make him incredibly endearing. I found myself rooting for him from the start, hoping that he would find the strength to overcome his inner demons and find love and happiness once again. His interactions with Alyssa, the up-and-coming interior designer he hires to decorate his apartment, are both infuriating and heartwarming. Alyssa is a strong and independent woman who is determined to prove herself in her career and create a home for herself. The dynamic between Nick and Alyssa is electric, and I loved watching their relationship unfold throughout the book.

One of the things that stood out to me about this book is the way it explores important themes such as mental health, belonging, and finding one's place in the world. Kennedy handles these topics with sensitivity and grace, weaving them seamlessly into the story. As someone who has struggled with my own mental health, I appreciated the way the author portrayed Nick's journey towards healing and self-acceptance. It resonated with me on a personal level and made me feel seen and understood.

The romance in this book is swoon-worthy and had me grinning from ear to ear. Nick and Alyssa's banter and chemistry leap off the page, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see how their story would unfold. The tension and slow-burn romance between them kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was left feeling satisfied and fulfilled by the end.

Overall, "Hearts on Thin Ice" is a charming and heartwarming sports romance that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, and poignant themes make it a must-read for fans of the genre. Katie Kennedy has crafted a beautiful love story that will stay with me long after I have finished reading it. I cannot recommend this book enough and will be eagerly anticipating more from this talented author in the future.

Okay, I’m not a sports girly so why is it that I enjoy these hockey romances? I blame my daughter. 😂
I loved the characters and the story as a whole. At no time did I get fed up and hit stop, and hey, that’s a win! I smiled through the entire audio and midway through I texted my daughter and told her she’d love this, so now it’s on her TBR. I can’t wait to read more in this world!

An athlete working through tragedy, an aspiring designer with low self confidence, and a happily ever after...Hearts on Thin Ice has it all.

Audiobooks can easily be ruined by a bad narrator - The choice of narrators for this one was spot on ... super articulate and in line with the theme of the book.

This book was the first I've experienced by Katie Kennedy and I look forward to reading more.

Hearts on Thin Ice by Katie Kennedy
Narrated by Scarlett Everdeen and Nick Mondelli
Rating: 2.5/5
Release Date: 1 June 2024

In this charming debut sports romance, a pro hockey player, Nick Sorensen, falls for an interior designer, Alyssa Compton. For fans of "Icebreaker" and "Set On You," this flirty workplace rom-com delves into themes of mental health, belonging, and finding one's way. Nick, recovering from a tragic plane crash that killed his best friends, struggles with his mental health despite being physically ready to return to hockey. His empty apartment prompts his coach to worry, leading Nick to hire Alyssa to decorate his space. Alyssa sees this as a chance to prove herself to her demanding boss and secure her own future. Initially, Nick's stubbornness frustrates her, but as they work together, he unexpectedly supports her in meaningful ways. Despite their rocky start, they find that love can thrive with the right teammate by your side.

Tropes:

Sports Romance
Grief & mental health
Rich vs Poor
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Miscommunication 
Found Family

This book had all the right foundations but ultimately fell short for me. The narrators were the real stars, carrying the story.

Despite the promising setup, several elements fell flat for me:

-She falls first, he falls harder: The attraction between them felt superficial. I struggled to believe in Nick's genuine interest in Alyssa beyond physical attraction.
-Sports romance: The hockey aspect seemed like an afterthought, lacking the depth I expected in a sports romance.
- Unexpected spice: The intimate scenes felt sudden and disconnected, lacking the necessary tension and buildup, making them awkward to listen to.

Despite these issues, the narrators did their best to bring the story to life and I can’t fault them.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author, Katie Kennedy, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Unfortunately this one just happened to fall a bit short for me, I believe the author had a really good story, but the execution just didn't hit the mark unfortunately. Thank you for the chance to review!

Sports romances are usually an easy read. Hearts on Thin Ice was unfortunately not that easy of a read. I like the two main characters Nick and Alyssa and how they interact with each other but the story just never fully grabbed me.

Nick is a professional hockey player who was the only survivor of a plane crash. He lost some of his teammates and his best friends. Going forward he didn’t know how to be happy because he was stricken with survivor's guilt. Alyssa is assigned to decorate Nick's apartment. Nick chose to have his apartment decorated since the coach gave him an ultimatum, decorate the apartment or go to therapy.

As Nick and Alyssa spend more time together their chemistry is undeniable and written well but there were so many parts of the story away from the core relationship that just dragged on for me.

I wanted Nick to be happy and I wanted him to find that with Alyssa. I just wish they would have been able to do that faster and not have their story dragged on.

If you like sports, specifically hockey romances then definitely give this one a look.

Do you like cheesy and corny rom coms? I think this one definitely fit the bill!! 😂 It was also the perfect amount. Not too much cheese, but enough to make this a really enjoyable listen for me! The narrators were also fantastic and made this audiobook a pleasant one for me!

The only thing that was annoying was the miscommunication troupe. It was so obviously that Nick and Alyssa needed to just TALK to each other! 😂😅 But I get it, because honestly miscommunication or misunderstandings are more reality than fiction right?!?

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🏒Sports Romance
🏒Grief & mental health
🏒Rich vs Poor
🏒Cinnamon Roll MMC
🏒Miscommunication
🏒Found Family

I received an advance listening copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.