He’s a hockey player dealing with incredibly difficult things and she’s his new interior designer whether he likes it or not.

This book was just okay for me. I liked the story and the idea but something was just missing for me. I needed a little more between the characters I think.

Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an early copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

I’m a sucker for hockey romances and while I did enjoy this book,,,it really didn’t have much hockey in it. So for that reason it fell a little flat for me. Also, they are suppose to be grown ups correct? Some of their behavior and constant fighting made me feel like I was reading about high schoolers.

I do think all around, it’s a pretty enjoyable read though. I really liked Nick’s character. This book made me cried within a few chapters and also made me laugh a lot. I think a wide variety of readers will like this.


Tropes:
-past trauma
-sports romance
-found family

I really wanted to love this. The premise was exactly what I enjoy– hockey players and work-place romance. However, I just could not connect with story or the characters. The plot felt like it dragged at some parts, so chapters were merely page fillers and added nothing to the story. The characters lacked chemistry, and I found it hard to even want them to get together.

That being said, I did appreciate the fact that there were some conversations about mental health. We got to see Nick's struggles with PTSD and how he eventually healed from it. It's definitely deals with a heavier topic compared to other hockey-romances but I think the right target audience/reader would appreciate what this book was trying to do.

2 stars.

I really enjoyed reading Hearts on Thin Ice. I enjoyed the romance of the book, but the reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that there were some deep subjects in this book that if explored deeper, would have made for a much better, more believable story. I guess that if what you are looking for in a romance book is light for the most part, you will enjoy this book. I just wish the author had taken a deeper look at the trauma that both main characters had experienced in their lives. Still, a strong 4 stars for the love story. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

This book was pretty good. I felt SO many emotions, by 20% I was bawling my eyes out. Not my typical sport romance, I wasn’t a huge fan of the miscommunication. The character growth between the MMC & FMC was good, but their growth separately was phenomenal.

It heavily touched on survivors guilt, ptsd, healing & finding ones self again.

Kennedy introduces readers to Mia and Jake, two captivating protagonists whose chemistry leaps off the page. As they navigate the highs and lows of training and competition, Mia and Jake's romance unfolds with heart, humor, and genuine emotion. Kennedy's prose is as graceful as a skater's movements, capturing the beauty and intensity of the sport while also delving into the complexities of relationships and personal growth. With its engaging characters and enchanting romance, "Hearts on Thin Ice" is a perfect read for anyone who loves a story about following your dreams and finding love in unexpected places.

I loved Hearts of Thin Ice by Katie Kennedy. This is different from other hockey romances I have read as it was extremely sweet and dealt with deeper problems which I appreciated. The beginning was bit tough to get through but once I did, it was an easy, quick read. I loved the character growth and all of the teammates support. Overall, I wish there was another book to follow with this couple. I will say I was frustrated that they did not get together until the end but it made it even better when they finally did!

I wasn't expecting to go through so many emotions with this book!

It's pretty heavy from the get-go; Nick Sorensen was the only survivor of a small plane crash carrying him and his best friends. He feels tremendous survivor's guilt and is forced by his new coach to furnish his apartment and attend regular therapy appointments to help himself heal. This is where interior designer Alyssa Compton enters the picture, as she works with him to furnish and paint his apartment. Through this process, they share their experiences and help each other recognize their need to process and move on from their past traumas the best they can.

The found family between Nick and his new teammates was my favorite part of his character development.

I really enjoyed this quick read, but I do think the flow was a little choppy at times. I also wish Alyssa and Nick had a little bit more chemistry.

Sadly this book just wasn't for me; I unfortunately couldn't get into the writing style or connect to the characters

dnf @ 43%.

the writing is not bad, maybe a little bland. i personally feel no connection to the characters or their backstory, nor do i feel a lot of chemistry. there are a LOT of descriptions which i don’t really care for. it’s slow-paced, but not really slow-burn (it doesn’t feel like it’s leading up to anything). the cover screams silly little hockey romcom, but the book is actually trying to be a lot more serious. trigger warnings for grief & poverty. i could probably finish this if i really pushed myself, but i don’t really want to. i would recommend this to people who feel like reading a heavier novel with a little bit of romance.

thank you netgalley for the arc 💚

DNF
I really wanted to like this book as I love a good hockey romance but I just could not get on board,
Nick Sorensen is a pro hocky player and he falls for interior designer Alyssa Compton when he hires her to decorate his apartment.
I think i definitely judged a book by the cover with this one as I was expecting a light and fluffy romance but the author tackled a lot of heavy topics in this book. Which I was not expecting.
From what I read, (51%) i took that this is a slow burn romance, though however I do think there was not much chemistry between the characters. And I don’t think I really connected with them as much as i wanted to.
I do however think this book will reach its target audience, but it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove-Press for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Hockey romance, yes please!! Dual POV, even better!
Survivor's guilt plagues Nick, and he isn't coping well after a devastating plane crash. He's so sweet, and such a goofy character, but has baggage. Hearing him remember his best friends is refreshing. The beautiful bond the players have with each other is truly great. His friends being there for him was so nice, no questions asked.
Alyssa has such shame attached to her childhood, thanks to her mother. Overcoming this and asking for help is such a great character building. I loved her friendships as well:such understanding and sweet friends! I do wish we learned a bit more about her brother. Overall, I enjoyed this! Read it in 2 days! (Yes, there is spice and some language)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing group for this advanced copy for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The main characters - Nick and Alyssa - were quite likeable. This book is not like a traditional sports romance book. They’re very little hockey and just a little spice. The narrative was more plot driven which I quite enjoyed. However, some parts were a little over the top and I felt we’re not necessary.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is new to the genre.

Workplace romance
Sports romance
Hockey player falls for interior designer
Mental Health
Finding your place in the world
I really wanted a better connection between the characters to make this romance believable. I do struggle with the miscommunication trope. That being said this was a great debut!

This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the 2 main characters- Nick and Alyssa. There was more of a plot than your regular sport romance. I enjoyed it and will look for more books by her. Thanks for the advanced copy NetGalley. #NetGalley #HeartsonThinIce

Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for my advanced copy!

This was a sweet hockey romance. I felt so much for both Nick and Alyssa’s backstories, and I loved how they pushed each other to be better, almost stumbling into the conclusion the other person wanted them to make all along. This story tackles tough topics with sensitivity, charm, and humor. Loved!

Certainly, let me provide a version without emojis:

I want to express my gratitude to Netgalley, Katie Kennedy, and the publisher for sending me a copy of "Hearts on Thin Ice" to read and review.

Nick Sorensen, a hockey player, is dealing with a traumatic experience, trying to navigate a significant loss as the only survivor. While physically ready to return to the ice, mentally, he's still not in the best place. His apartment is completely empty, with only a single chair and a mattress on the floor.

Alyssa Compton is a talented up-and-coming interior designer, facing a difficult boss but dreaming of starting her own business one day. Alyssa isn't afraid of a challenge.

The two meet unexpectedly, and with a push from Nick's coach, he hires Alyssa to decorate his apartment. Initially rocky, their relationship evolves as they spend more time together, helping each other heal.

I really enjoyed "Hearts on Thin Ice." The character development and the handling of heavy topics alongside a sweet romance that induces laughter made it an engaging read.

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

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would recommend it if you're looking for (SPOILERS):
- m/f contemporary romance
- hockey romance
- fixing up a house
- PTSD representation

This was a soft and lovely romance with heavier elements of grief. Nick, the sole survivor of an airplane crash that killed his teammates and best friends, tries to prove he's mending by fixing up his apartment into a home. Alyssa is spunky and ready to dive into the project, and these two instantly connect. I enjoyed how they pushed each other, emphasizing the importance of therapy and portraying the messy reality of grief.

In the frosty world of professional hockey, where blades slice through ice and rivalries ignite like wildfire, “Hearts on Thin Ice” by Katie Kennedy invites readers to lace up their emotional skates and glide into the enchanting romance. This debut sports romance is a symphony of heartache, resilience, and unexpected love, set against the backdrop of frozen rinks and thawing hearts.

Meet Nick Sorensen. Once hailed as the fastest man in hockey, he now grapples with the aftermath of a devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of his closest friends. The ice that once fuelled his passion now threatens to swallow him whole. Physically, he's ready to reclaim his place on the rink, but mentally, he's skating on thin ice. His coach senses the fragility beneath Nick's stoic facade, and it's in this delicate balance that our story begins.

Meet Alyssa Compton. She’s an up-and-coming interior designer with dreams of creating beauty out of chaos. When Nick hires her to transform his barren apartment, which is now a space stripped bare by grief. Alyssa sees it as her chance to prove herself. Her demanding boss, the tantalizing promise of job security, and the opportunity to finally put down roots all converge in Nick's icy abode.

But Nick isn't the cooperative client Alyssa envisioned. He's infuriatingly stubborn, impossible to work with, and harbours secrets as deep as the frozen lakes of his past. As Alyssa battles her own insecurities and navigates the treacherous terrain of Nick's emotions, their interactions crackle with tension. Sparks fly, not just from the friction of clashing personalities, but from the warmth that seeps through the cracks in their icy defences.

Inviting, comforting, and tinged with vulnerability, Kennedy's prose is a cozy blanket on a chilly night. She deftly explores mental health, belonging, and the healing power of love. Nick's struggle with survivor's guilt is palpable, and Alyssa's determination to create beauty from pain is inspiring. Their chemistry simmers beneath every scene, building to a crescendo that leaves readers breathless.

Not just about romance; this book is about resilience and finding solace in unlikely places. Like in the hum of a sewing machine, the scent of freshly brewed coffee, or the warmth of shared laughter. Kennedy weaves these moments into the fabric of her narrative, creating a tapestry of hope and redemption.

The pacing is as brisk as a slapshot, propelling us through Nick and Alyssa's journey. We witness their tentative steps toward each other, the cracks in their icy hearts widening with every stolen glance and hesitant touch. And when they finally collide, the impact is seismic.

The supporting cast adds depth and humour, from Nick's gruff but lovable coach to Alyssa's quirky best friend. Each character contributes to the symphony, their notes harmonizing with Nick and Alyssa's melody.

As the story hurtles toward its climax, Kennedy doesn't shy away from the rawness of grief or the jagged edges of healing. She reminds us that love isn't a magic wand, but a choice and a commitment to thawing the frostiest corners of our souls.

A five-star read that leaves you craving hot cocoa and a cozy blanket, “Hearts on Thin Ice” is a reminder that even in the coldest of winters, love can ignite a fire that melts the iciest barriers. So grab your mittens, dive into this heartwarming tale, and let Kennedy sweep you off your feet.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the development of Nick and Alyssa's relationship. I wish we had more time to see them fully together before any rifts. Also, the third person threw me off a bit in this novel, but it was enjoyable still! They both had great individual development that was admirable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an ARC of this book!

I really wanted to get invested in Hearts on Thin Ice, because I LOVE a good hockey romance, but this book didn’t hit the mark for me. I can appreciate the spotlight on men’s mental health, which is not often talked about. The pacing felt very rushed, there was minimal hockey, and for me, the characters lacked chemistry and all around development. I was going into this thinking it’d be a light hockey rom-com given the Icebreaker comp and the cover, but that’s on me. I can see what the author was trying to set up, and I have no doubt that in the future, she’ll hit the mark.

This is not to say someone else wont enjoy it, though! Your mileage may vary.