Brooke is the new girl in school. Unfortunately, she just can't blend in quietly. She and her mom just moved here to live with her grandma. After what happened in Texas, she's sure to hear some talk about things.

Jake is all hockey business. It practically runs in his blood, with nearly every single guy in his family being players in school. What was supposed to be a typical tradition, quickly turned into a nightmare for Jake.

Brooke never expected to run into the lake to save Jake. Jake never knew the kid he tried to save and sent into the lake was deaf. Now with an injury that will take weeks to heal, Jake is worried he can't play and be scouted. But for Jake, that should be the least of his worries, now that he's in trouble for the accident. On top of it, he tries to buy off Brooke's silence in all this. Little did he know, Brooke wouldn't have said anything one way or another.

As Brooke's world starts to fall around her, her dad in jail, her mom needing to be in rehab. Things aren't easy for her and she didn't plan to pick up a boyfriend in the mist of all this. But Jake is really a sweet heart. He finds a way into Brooke's heart, melts down her walls, and becomes all hers.

This is one of the best books I've read this year. Truly heartfelt as the end nears, and its everything you could want in a good read.

A great YA book that’s more than just a hockey romance. Brooke and Jake both have to learn who they are and not who everyone thinks they are. The storyline is powerful and their romance is perfect.at

What a fabulous book!

I have enjoyed all the books in Julie Cross' Juniper Falls series, but Brooke and Jake's story is my favorite. They both struggle with recent events in their lives. Brooke with her mother's mental health after having to move back to Juniper Falls. Jake with the aftermath of a hazing incident that left him and another younger player injured.

I love that Cross does not shy away from difficult topics. Growing up is not all sunshine and rainbows, but, despite that, good friends and people to love can make such an impact on one's life.

Brooke comes out of her shell quite a bit as she learns to play hockey and gets to know Jake better. She was such a wonderful character. I think Jake's growth arc is my favorite part of the book. He grappled with decisions adults would have difficulty with and Brooke's support of him was amazing.

This book was received as an ARC from Entangled Publishing, LLC-Entangled: Teen in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a huge fan of sports romances and this one by far was so unbelievably well written that not only could I not stop reading but I can not wait until this book's release date to tell all of our teen readers about it. Everyone can connect with Brooke and Jake in their opposite lives, eventually in the unexpected way their paths crossing and then ending up falling for each other. I can't wait to tell everyone about it and I really hope this someday turns into a teen romance movie that all will enjoy.

We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This was the Juniper Falls story I was waiting for the most and it did not disappoint!

I love how all the themes from the last two novels accumulated into this one and got brought to the forefront. The whole hazing plotline was fascinating and realistically on point with things happening in society right now. Sports are great for many reasons but they can become toxic when priorities shift for those with authority and I love that this book explores that.

Jake has come a long way from the first time we met him and I loved his evolution in this story. He's the perfect vessel to highlight the dramatic plotline. He's a boy who has been taught and treated a certain way all his life and he starts to question it when his own morals and ethics start to bubble up.

Brooke is a great counterpart to that but she's also got her own solid character story. I would have liked her story to have been a little more elaborated on because it to had an important message but I was more than satisfied with what we go.

I'm sad to say goodbye to this series but this book was the game-winning goal to this fabulous hat trick of a YA sports series.

(But I totally wouldn't be upset if Rosie ever got her own book!)

On Thin Ice was one of those books that had me not wanting to stop reading, even when I should. Brooke is a young woman who is just trying to get by. Her mom is a shell of herself, her dad is in prison, and her grandma thinks she isn't all there. She tries to stay hidden at school and resents the fact that she has to talk to the school psychologist. When things get really bad at night, or she feels the walls closing in, she runs. Late one night, as she is running, she sees a group of high school boys by the lake. Some are clothed, others are only in their underwear. As she watches what is going on, one boy, Jake, gives a command for the others to run across the lake. As they take off, he yells at them to stop but one boy doesn't. He falls through the ice, wearing only his underwear and handcuffs and Jake tries to pull him out. The only problem, things don't go as planned and Jake ends up injured. All the others run off, but Brooke pulls Jake out of the water.
I really felt bad for both Brooke and Jake throughout this book. She had so many bad things happen to her in her home life that she tried to close herself off. Jake has always had anything he ever wanted, but he has to make a decision: take the blame on his own or admit it was a hazing ritual for the hockey team. Once they get to know each other, they form a tight bond. He becomes an assistant coach for the girl's hockey team and she learns how to play hockey. They each share secrets with the other.
I felt the way the first time came about was sweet and I also liked that it was Jake who was the innocent and not Brooke. When the guilt of what almost happened to the boy who fell through the ice gets to be too much, and he learns some things about the town history that he doesn't like, Jake has another decision to make. Finally fess up to what really went on that night (and risk his future) or sit back and watch it happen again and again. What transpires once he makes his decision and how he goes about that decision and everything that goes with it, was wonderful to see.
I highly recommend this book. i received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Disclaimer: This is the first book of Juniper Falls series that I read.

I loved the premise of the story. Young love, especially for opposites that attract are always a pairing that I like to read. I liked the romance progression between Brooke and Jake. I appreciated that they supported each other when they couldn't turn to anyone else. And I really enjoyed that Julie showed imperfections and vulnerability.

Young love can be serious, and there are heavier topics. It's gripping and suspenseful, but at times it was a bit much for me. Nothing to fault towards the author of this book, but at the time I read it, it wasn't what I was ready for.

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Jake and Brooke were so cute. I've loved this series - just the right amount of teenage angst and drama, sweet romance, and an interesting plot to keep things moving. I love Julie Cross!

On Thin Ice tells the story of Brooke and Jake through dual perspectives in Juniper Falls, a small town that lives and breathes hockey. Brooke is the new, big-City girl fresh out of Austin, Texas, just trying to fit in and not cause drama. Unfortunately she is thrust into the spotlight when she saves the high school varsity hockey superstar, Jake Hammond.

At times, I really enjoyed the story and found myself completely invested in the story, while at other times, I was bored and was waiting for the book to end. It’s definitely an interesting enough story, but I think it could have eliminated some of the extra plot lines that never really did much for me and just stuck with the hockey scandal one for a vastly simplified story that still packs a punch.

On Thin Ice by Julie Cross is the 3rd book in the Juniper Falls young adult series, and my first book by this author. This book takes place in Juniper Falls, Minnesota. Brooke Parker recently moved to town, with family issues she is trying to cope with. Jake Hammond is the it boy in town, who make a bad mistake. Brooke and Jake love hockey. I love this genre, there is something so innocent about first loves. I enjoy the quirky people and the serious situation in this book, along with watching the characters grow. I found this book to be a quick read, and recommend it to all readers who enjoy a sweet romance.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It’s no secret, I’m totally in love with Julie Cross’s books. Her characters always come with quirky personalities and I just can’t resist them.

Jake Hammond is the captain of Juniper falls hockey team and towns the crowned prince. He’s not what I expected and he’s very swoon-worthy. Jake is all about hockey. He keeps his head in the game and doesn’t get distracted. At the beginning of the season, something goes terribly wrong. A 100-year-old hockey hazing goes so badly Jake is left with more than a sore arm. As a punishment, he has to help coach the girl's hockey team.

Brooke is a broken version of herself. Her dad has gone to prison and her mum isn’t coping. They have moved back to Juniper falls to live with her grandmother but Brooke isn’t interested in adjustment. She is numb and only speaks when she wants to. Jake seems to be the only person she wants to share her words with.

On thin Ice put my heart in my throat a couple of times. It’s a gripping story and the suspense was making me want to read faster. This is a glimpse into a future where one choice changes everything. The truth doesn’t come out straight away and the characters have to live with the consequences of their words. It’s about doing what right.

Brooke needs a friend but the most popular boy in school isn’t the attention she wants to draw. You don’t always get to choose the person who is there for you. The pair finds a new found love for hockey. Neither was looking for love and the romance is more than sweet.

On Thin Ice is actually about hockey which doesn’t always happen in hockey romances. In fact, I learned more about the rules from this book than any other book I’ve read. I wouldn’t say I’m a pro but I really like the information. Brooke joins the girl's ice hockey team after Jake challenges her. It’s fun to see her learn what being part of the team means.

I’m a huge fan of Julie Cross’s books. This whole series is great. This can be read as a standalone, however, the characters from previous stories are part of the background in this book. I really like seeing how they are all doing.

This rating is easy for me. 5 out of 5. It’s great. It isn’t an easy story but it’s perfect. I loved the storyline and the characters came to life. High five!

Brooke’s life has fallen apart and she’s been uprooted from Texas to her grandmother’s home in Juniper Falls. Her mother is a shell of the person she used to be and Brooke feels totally on her own in this hockey-obsessed town. When she witnesses a hazing ritual that goes too far, she has local hockey star Jake Hammond seeking her out asking for her silence. Joining the new girl’s hockey team means she’s seeing a lot more of Jake and her determination to keep her head down and just get by doesn’t seem to be working.

Jake’s life has always centered around hockey and now, as a senior and captain of the team, his future seems set and everything he’s worked for is just within reach. All of that is in jeopardy when a freshman teammate is hospitalized, and all fingers are pointing to Jake. With mounting pressure from his father and his coach, Jake starts to question the win at all cost mentality of those around him and must choose between doing what’s right or doing what’s expected of him.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cross’s previous two entries in the Juniper Falls series. Her characters are usually well-developed and dealing with real life issues that are relatable. Plus, there’s plenty of swoony romance. In On Thin Ice there is a heavy focus on school athletics and the toxic environment that can develop when those in charge lose sight of the individual players and winning is the only goal. This often meant Jake was the linchpin at the expense of the development of Brooke’s character. Her background remained largely a blank slate and issues with her mother were glossed over. Even so, I was invested in Jake’s situation found myself wanting to give him gentle nudges to do the right thing. And while it seemed most of the adults and authority figures in his life had questionable ethics, I loved that his uncle Oz, also the town sheriff, was a steady force and was unwavering in his determination to make things right.

While this is the third in a series of companion novels, readers won’t have a problem if this is their first visit to Juniper Falls. There’s enough exposition to fill in the blanks. Those who have enjoyed the previous books will appreciate revisiting characters they already know – Haley, Fletcher, Claire and Tate are all there (and here’s a big cheer for Mike Steller’s role!) – and catch up with the latest in this small town. My hope is that Cross continues this series because I’m still wanting more of this cast of characters I’ve come to know and love.

3.5 Stars

Brooke, the new girl in town, moves there to her grandma’s after her dad is imprisoned and her mom spirals into depression. Jake, captain of the hockey team in a hockey town, suffers an injury after a hazing ritual gone wrong. They meet because of this incident and although first both wary of the other they soon develop a friendship that turns into more.

I think Brooke and Jake were great for each other. They both helped the other grow and gave them someone to talk to and lean on.

This book was more serious than I assumed it would be. It takes a look at the toxic environment some sports towns can posses and how they elevate stars above those of regular students and citizens. It doesn’t paint sports to be all bad though an for that I am grateful. There is a lot of food that can come from being on a team or playing a sport and I liked that that was still shown here.

I do wish we could have spent more time seeing Brooke’s family situation, as that seemed equally important, and wouldn’t have minded it being a little longer to squeeze that in.

While a part of a series and the previous main characters make appearances, this can be read as a stand-alone.

he juniper falls series is just so good. seemingly about hockey and teenagers, each book has tackled some serious issues in deep and thoughtful ways. jake and brooke are dealing with some heavy stuff in on thin ice.

and what makes jake such an interesting hero is the stuff that makes him tarnished. on the surface, he appears to be the all-american boy who has it all. but he's not perfect. he makes mistakes. costly mistakes that are a result of peer pressure and stupidity. but then he tries to turn it all around. he works hard to ensure that the mistakes that were made stop repeating themselves. and because of this, he comes out on top. and it's wonderful.

and brooke who is damaged and trying to find herself, in jake she finds someone who understands. someone willing to listen. someone who cares about her.

i can't gush about this book enough. it's just so good. i love these characters so much.

**on thin ice will publish on february 26, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (entangled teen) in exchange for my honest review.

On Thin Ice by Julie Cross
This is such a cute little book! I loved how all the characters where connected and the fact the series fits so seem less together. I want to read all of them!!!
 4 stars

Julie Cross scores a hat trick with the third book in the Juniper Falls series, ON THIN ICE. Hockey captain, Jake Hammond, is tasked with helping coach the new girl’s hockey team after being injured during a hazing ritual. He discovers that there is more to life then hockey as he gets to know the new girl, Brooke Parker. This story is suitable for young adults. It takes place in Juniper Falls, Minnesota.

I liked Brooke. She has had to deal with a difficult home life situation that caused her to relocate from Austin, Texas to Juniper Falls to live with her grandma. She decides to try out for the new girl’s hockey team to fit in and make friends. I love Jake. He is brave and has great values. I appreciated that he owns up to his mistakes and takes a stand to do what is right. I like how Brooke and Jake get to know each other. They come into each other’s lives at a point where they really need each other to help them deal with their situations. To outsiders, they might seem like a strange couple, but they help save each other (literarily and figuratively).

Julie Cross does an amazing job with this novel. The name of the book is very clever. The plot was skillfully executed. The topic of hazing is relevant and important. ON THIN ICE is a story of courage and doing what is right. The novel had a perfect ending. I love how characters from the previous books (like Mike Steller) were tied to the outcome of this novel. This has become my favorite book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I love this book so much. It is such a sweet and heartwarming story about teenagers who are trying to make the best decisions in life. They are not always right and they do silly things but ultimately they own up to their mistakes and try to make amends in any way possible. It is a story of a small town residents who are not used to having secrets. Yet, they are about to find out that even in small towns, full of nosy people, secrets do exist.
Jake is captain of the hockey team. He is the most popular guy in their school. Every girl wants to date him and every guy wants to be him. But that doesn't mean anything to him. All he wants is an opportunity to play the game he loves and graduate high school so that he may start college. He is looking forward to it. His life is simple and uncomplicated until one fateful night. Teenagers being teenagers make one little mistake and now Jake's peace of mind is gone. In this chaotic time the only person who understands him is the new girl. The girl everyone things is mute. Soo, Jake realizes that she is so much more than just a new girl in town and he find hismelf falling for her.
Brooke has been there and done that, she is not willing to go down that road again and date a popular guy. That can't end well but Jake is nothing like her ex-boyfriend. He is kind and considerate. He pays attention and he cares about the people around him. It might not be possible for her to resist his charm afterall. But life is not easy on her. She has secrets and her past still haunts her. She must find the strength to let go of the past so that she might be able to build a better future. Maybe with her new friends and people in her life she will at last learn to take chances again and live a little.
It is a very well-written story. I enjoyed it a lot and I think all YA fans will love it!

In the city of Juniper Falls hockey reigns supreme. When Brooke Parker’s father goes to jail, she and her mother return to her mom’s home town to live with her grandmother. With her mother’s downward spiral into depression Brooke turns to hockey to take her mind of her troubles and joins the brand new girls hockey team. Jake Hammond, captain of the Varsity boys hockey team, finds himself on the wrong side of the law when a 100 year old hockey tradition goes wrong. As punishment he has to be the assistant coach to the girls hockey team and finds himself drawn to Brooke, a girl who has obviously never played hockey but has some serious talent.

On Thin Ice explores a lot of tough subjects; bullying, depression, and suicide but the novel does a great job of putting a spotlight on these problems and allowing it’s characters to work their way to a solution in a very real, unforced way. Brooke’s family has gone through some really tough times and her life has been turned upside down, including moving to a small town. When she meets Jake after witnessing his teams traditional pre-season hazing she fights an attraction to him and who wouldn’t? Jake is also immediately curious about the “new” girl and when he finds himself her coach they take the time to explore a new friendship but also to help each other work their way through a land mine of adult responsibilities and feelings. Julie Cross did a great job of portraying these scenarios and as an adult myself I forgot I was reading a teen romance. The emotional impact was that good.

If you like sports novels/romances, this is a great one! There’s a good bit of hockey being played and those sports scenes were very well written. I could picture the action and feel the tension in those on the ice moments. Sports action scenes are not easy to portray and it really felt like Julie Cross had either played the game or was a huge fan. It was that good!

I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for a YA contemporary romance. It has some serious subject matter but an uplifting ending. Even though this is the third book in the series, you don’t need to read the first two. I didn’t, but I’m definitely going back to read them now. I’ve found a new author to love, yeah! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this ARC for my honest review and it was honest

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this early copy!

This was well done cute romantic read. The mixture of romance and sports was interesting to read about. I will be checking out more from this author in the future.

Note: I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Cross is an auto-buy author for me, which isn't typical as I usually read the Kindle sample before buying any book. I've read all the books in the Juniper Falls series, and I have to admit that this series isn't one of my favorites of hers. I was hoping to like On Thin Ice as much as I like some of Cross's other books, but this fell short of my expectations.

Overall, both Brooke and Jake fell flat for me. Brooke barely spoke, but somehow Jake was drawn to her. I didn't get how he could fall for her so easily when conversations between the two were few and far between. The hot guy that never wants to date because hockey is his life falls for the quiet and unassuming new girl? It all felt too cliched. Ultimately I found it difficult to get behind the romance between Brooke and Jake.

I did like how Cross handled the other issues in the book, hence the three star rating. She does a good job of portraying what life in high school is like and challenges that teens face. Overall, the writing was good but the characters in this just didn't do it for me.