The Ice Kiss by L. Steele

*** Review ***

The Ice Kiss, penned by the talented L. Steele, is a sizzling rollercoaster ride through the world of hockey, love, and unexpected alliances. Having dabbled in Steele’s literary playground before, I eagerly delved into this book with high expectations. While it didn’t quite become my all-time favorite from the author, it certainly had its moments and left a lasting impression.

At its heart, The Ice Kiss is a classic hockey romance, telling the tale of Rick, the newly crowned team captain, and Gio, the sharp-witted PR manager, as they embark on a journey from roommates to lovers amidst a sea of chaos and competition.

The story kicks off with a dramatic breakup, prompting Gio to leave her old life behind and take on the role of PR manager for a hockey team. However, a comical mix-up results in her becoming roommates with Rick, the enigmatic captain of the team. To complicate matters further, there’s only one bed, and Gio’s cheating ex-boyfriend is now the captain of a rival team.

What follows is a whirlwind of emotions, chemistry, and unforeseen plot twists that keep readers on their toes. Steele masterfully weaves a complex web of secrets and ulterior motives, turning what initially appears to be a simple romance into an intricate puzzle. The story’s length may be a bit daunting, but it’s worth the ride for those who enjoy a deep dive into the characters’ lives.

Rick and Gio’s passionate and tempestuous relationship steals the spotlight. Their constant push-and-pull dynamic is a source of both frustration and delight. Gio’s fiery personality clashes with Rick’s stoic exterior, creating a magnetic tension that’s hard to resist. The slow burn between them keeps you eagerly turning the pages, waiting for that explosive moment when they finally give in to their desires.

One of the standout elements of the story is the fake fiancé trope, a brilliant twist that adds humor and complexity to the plot. Gio and Rick’s agreement to pretend to be engaged is equal parts entertaining and heartwarming, leading to amusing situations and heart-melting moments. And let’s not forget the champagne-loving Great Dane who unwittingly plays matchmaker, adding an adorable layer to the story.

As much as I enjoyed the overall narrative, there were moments when I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story. The initial pacing was a bit overwhelming, with multiple characters and nicknames making it challenging to keep track of who’s who. The intricacies of running the hockey team also left me slightly confused, but thankfully, the story quickly moved past these hurdles.

Despite these minor issues, watching Rick and Gio’s relationship develop and evolve was undeniably captivating. The gradual unfolding of their feelings and the shocking twists towards the end had me gripping the edge of my seat in disbelief. Steele’s talent for weaving unexpected plot developments shines brightly in The Ice Kiss.

In summary, The Ice Kiss offers a thrilling mix of steamy hockey romance, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a fake engagement leading to a heartwarming marriage of convenience. With a former marine turned hockey captain, forced proximity, possessive alpha hero, and the infamous one-bed situation, this book hits all the right tropes for fans of the genre.

While it may have taken a bit of effort to fully dive into the story, once you’re in, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and passion that’s hard to forget. So, if you’re a fan of hockey romance and love tropes that sizzle, don’t hesitate to pick up The Ice Kiss. It might just be the perfect addition to your reading list.