Embrace is the last book in the Off The Ice series, and what a finale it was! For the past three books, Kian has been the comedic relief character and in Revolve, we were introduced to Scarlett, Sierra's stoic roommate and friend. In Embrace, these characters deep emotional range is explored and we see a their character beyond surface interactions. I'm such a fan of the Dalton Universe Bal Khabra has created, the sense of commaraderie in the Hockey House seems so genuine and the female characters seem to build close connections with other women. The writing is easy to access and incredibly immersive, making for a genuinely fun reading experience.

This book is perfect for all Romance readers, particularly fans of sports romance, however, I encourage readers to check the triggers, especially regarding domestic violence and serious illness of parents. I really feel that this book, through Scarlett and Kian, tackles very serious issues beyond the scope of just a run-of-the-mill romance. Kian has had me laughing for the past three books, he is every bodies friend, goofy and kind. When it came time to read his own story, I found I just wanted to give him a (6 second) hug. I thought I would be getting a funny guy where the main issues his character would face would be Tabitha related, or focused intensely on coaches disapproval. I didn't predict this. The construction of his character as someone who must always paste on a happy face and be the comedic relief character, even when they are struggling was well communicated, explicitly through his internal dialogue and subtly in his actions and interactions. I also found it interesting how this manifested from his family who, in essence, infantilise him (side note: Kiyomi is the blueprint for the 'Eldest Daughter') and don't involve him in their major medical episodes. Scarletts character allowed for examination and criticisms of the social structures that enable slut shaming of women (and seemingly not men) and her responses to this in combination with her family struggles played such an important role in the story. Additionally, the negative long term impacts of domestic violence were embedded in to Scarletts character, I thought her career ambitions and volunteering were great ways to expand on and add depth to her character. Scarlett striving for recognition through fleeting physical relationships and academia have clearly evolved from the complexities and trauma of her childhood. In short, there are no 2D protagonists here.

The spice in this book doesn't really appear till well into the second half, and it was worth the wait. While at other points in the story, Scarlett has struggled to communicate, believing herself to be a 'bad girlfriend'. when it came to the steamy scenes, communication was respected. Whenever Scarlett asked for something, Kian listened and acted on it. It was almost as hot as his tattoos. I also really enjoy the diversity of the characters in this universe, being Japanese is incredibly important to Kians' character, woven in authentically and just making sense. Similarly with Scarletts Filipino heritage, these are stories about characters beyond the general scope of whiteness, reflecting the diversity of most higher education institutions.

I will miss this cast of characters, as we graduate from Dalton alongside them I hope we will get to return to this universe, even if we only get an Easter egg or a passing mention of these characters. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Bloomsbury ANZ for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.

My goodness I am obsessed with them! Kian is just the definition of golden retriever, I loved him so so much. Kian & Scarlett, are so different but similar in so many ways. I was extremely excited Kian got a book as he is this sunshine radiance that I just needed to know more about. But underneath all that sunshine is a broken boy, that was lonely and needed someone to love him and choose him.

The evolution of their friendship & relationship felt so natural and flowed incredibly well. Scarlett was complex and had some trauma she definitely needed to work through, I loved how supportive Kian was to her at all times. We LOVE a man who yearns AND communicates properly. I don't think this man had a single flaw, he was such a beautiful MMC and Scarlett was complex, a little broken but so incredibly strong & brave.

Scarlett, nearly lost me at the end but redeemed herself, it also was true to her character made sense for her to react the way she did and of course Kian is just the king of communication so he made up for it!

Can't believe this series has come to an end!

This friends to lovers, forbidden, hockey romance is sweet, sexy and simply fabulous. Embrace is book 4 in the Off the Ice series, and I enjoyed this one the most.

Kian and Scarlett were perfect together, with what starts out as tutoring sessions develops into something deep, comforting and real. Whilst the forbidden romance trope felt under explored,, there was so much else to enjoy in the story, I almost forgot this was part of it all.

Kian and Scar have heavy burdens to carry, and that brings depth to the story, but it’s the fun, banter and sexiness that make the story shine.

Thoroughly enjoyable, I completely devoured the book in a day as the characters and story captured me totally.

Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury ANZ and the author for the e-ARC of this story.

4.5 stars