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Milwaukee Steel Riders #2
Ice Block
Maggie James is a smart, ambitious, and career driven woman. When she realizes she’s stuck in a dead-end job, she dreams of opening her own branding company. After a brutal day at work, a one-night stand with a handsome Russian hockey player feels like just the escape she needs.
Vladi Volkov is the broody starting goalie for the Milwaukee Steel Riders, haunted by a painful past and a strict no-relationships rule. After getting benched, a strong pour of bourbon and a gorgeous woman seem like a solid game plan. But when he realizes Maggie isn’t just another hookup, emotions he’s worked hard to block come rushing to the surface panicking him into sneaking away in the middle of the night.
Seven months later they are stuck together at their best friend’s destination wedding: same island, one room, one bed. Maggie and Vladi are about to find out that unresolved chemistry, tropical heat, and shared hotel space are a dangerous combination.
Ice Block is a spicy, laugh-out-loud off-season hockey rom-com about two stubborn people who have zero chance of keeping things casual.
Vladi Volkov is the broody starting goalie for the Milwaukee Steel Riders, haunted by a painful past and a strict no-relationships rule. After getting benched, a strong pour of bourbon and a gorgeous woman seem like a solid game plan. But when he realizes Maggie isn’t just another hookup, emotions he’s worked hard to block come rushing to the surface panicking him into sneaking away in the middle of the night.
Seven months later they are stuck together at their best friend’s destination wedding: same island, one room, one bed. Maggie and Vladi are about to find out that unresolved chemistry, tropical heat, and shared hotel space are a dangerous combination.
Ice Block is a spicy, laugh-out-loud off-season hockey rom-com about two stubborn people who have zero chance of keeping things casual.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2025
33 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
July 14, 2025
Ice Block by Ellie K. Drake
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
Maggie and Vladi cross paths one day, and there's an undeniable spark between them. They end up having a one night stand, but then Vladi mysteriously disappears without a word. Fast forward a few months, and they find themselves reunited at their best friend's destination wedding. Maggie is still feeling hurt and angry about Vladi's sudden vanishing act, and to her surprise, when she checks in, she discovers there's no room reservation in her name—she has to share a room with Vladi!
Maggie is a captivating character—smart, fiery, independent, and confident. I love how she speaks her mind and isn't afraid to stand her ground with Vladi, always keeping him on his toes! On the flip side, Vladi is a bit of a grumpy, closed-off hockey player who's sworn off relationships. That first night with Maggie brought up some feelings he wasn't ready to handle, and he chose to run away from them. I get why he did it, especially after learning about his heartbreaking childhood trauma, which made me feel for him. When he slips up again, I find myself a bit frustrated with him. I was hoping for a bit more of an apology or effort to make things right, but I appreciated that he sought help from a psychiatrist and showed he was willing to work on himself.
The friendship dynamics in the story are fantastic! I loved how they tease each other and how their friends get involved in trying to meddle with Maggie and Vladi's relationship—it’s all so entertaining and had me laughing out loud. Some of the other hockey players had me intrigued, and after I read the sneak peek for the next couple, I can’t wait to read their story!
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️
Maggie and Vladi cross paths one day, and there's an undeniable spark between them. They end up having a one night stand, but then Vladi mysteriously disappears without a word. Fast forward a few months, and they find themselves reunited at their best friend's destination wedding. Maggie is still feeling hurt and angry about Vladi's sudden vanishing act, and to her surprise, when she checks in, she discovers there's no room reservation in her name—she has to share a room with Vladi!
Maggie is a captivating character—smart, fiery, independent, and confident. I love how she speaks her mind and isn't afraid to stand her ground with Vladi, always keeping him on his toes! On the flip side, Vladi is a bit of a grumpy, closed-off hockey player who's sworn off relationships. That first night with Maggie brought up some feelings he wasn't ready to handle, and he chose to run away from them. I get why he did it, especially after learning about his heartbreaking childhood trauma, which made me feel for him. When he slips up again, I find myself a bit frustrated with him. I was hoping for a bit more of an apology or effort to make things right, but I appreciated that he sought help from a psychiatrist and showed he was willing to work on himself.
The friendship dynamics in the story are fantastic! I loved how they tease each other and how their friends get involved in trying to meddle with Maggie and Vladi's relationship—it’s all so entertaining and had me laughing out loud. Some of the other hockey players had me intrigued, and after I read the sneak peek for the next couple, I can’t wait to read their story!
July 11, 2025
This book was such a fun ride, equal parts steamy, sweet, and surprisingly heartfelt! I went in expecting a classic hockey rom-com, and while it definitely delivered the laughs and spice, it also surprised me with how much emotional depth it packed in.
Maggie and Vladi? The banter was chef’s kiss. From their accidental one-night stand to being forced into close quarters again months later, their dynamic was everything I love—snarky, stubborn, and totally magnetic. And underneath the sass and slow-burn tension, there’s a really lovely story about growth, vulnerability, and healing.
I especially appreciated the way therapy and emotional self-work were handled, it gave both characters space to really grow instead of just relying on love to fix everything. That character development? So well done.
If you like a broody hockey goalie with a hidden soft side, an ambitious FMC who’s not afraid to stand her ground, and a tropical second-chance setup with one bed (yes, ONE bed!), this one is definitely worth the read 💙
Maggie and Vladi? The banter was chef’s kiss. From their accidental one-night stand to being forced into close quarters again months later, their dynamic was everything I love—snarky, stubborn, and totally magnetic. And underneath the sass and slow-burn tension, there’s a really lovely story about growth, vulnerability, and healing.
I especially appreciated the way therapy and emotional self-work were handled, it gave both characters space to really grow instead of just relying on love to fix everything. That character development? So well done.
If you like a broody hockey goalie with a hidden soft side, an ambitious FMC who’s not afraid to stand her ground, and a tropical second-chance setup with one bed (yes, ONE bed!), this one is definitely worth the read 💙
July 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I’m going to start this by saying that this book LITERALLY is my worst nightmare come to life 😂 but like.. make it fun. Because Maggie is an absolute bad b. So, let me explain.
Maggie and Vladi have a ONS, a very very VERY hot ONS. They do *almost* everything they set out to do in one evening and boy oh boy it was so hot.. well they both realize during their sexy time that they started to feel something was.. different here. And so what does Vladi do? He runs. No note. No word. Nothing. Just leaves.
So now that they’re forced to share a room in paradise for their besties wedding? Well it’s a freakin disaster. They’re both hurt, confused, a little angry(Maggie) and a lot resentful.
These two had me ABSOLUTELY howling. Maggie is a hot mess express, Vladi is Mr. Over protective and jealous, and they’re a match made in hell. They can’t agree on anything, they step on each others toes, and the sexual tension is HIGH!
Until one night. They just say “f**k it” and do it again. And it was also very very hot. Again.
I had such a good time with these two, they really just made the most of their time on vacation and the banter was on point. Maggie is my soulmate, I’m convinced. And although Vladi didn’t completely redeem himself for me by the end, I didn’t even care. He can do his thing.. I’ll marry Maggie any day.
I will say to no fault of the author that I’m not a huge fan of the grumpy/sunshine trope for this reason. The MMC doesn’t usually do ENOUGH for me to forgive him in the span of the book and in real life? You never get a second chance with me so again.. not the authors fault, just me being an unforgiving b myself 😂 not Vladis fault, he tried but I stopped caring after she gave him another chance and he blew it.
I’m so happy for them, and I did enjoy the book (walking red flags aside) and I’m SO damn excited for Jordan’s story! Bring on book 3!
🌶️🌶️
I’m going to start this by saying that this book LITERALLY is my worst nightmare come to life 😂 but like.. make it fun. Because Maggie is an absolute bad b. So, let me explain.
Maggie and Vladi have a ONS, a very very VERY hot ONS. They do *almost* everything they set out to do in one evening and boy oh boy it was so hot.. well they both realize during their sexy time that they started to feel something was.. different here. And so what does Vladi do? He runs. No note. No word. Nothing. Just leaves.
So now that they’re forced to share a room in paradise for their besties wedding? Well it’s a freakin disaster. They’re both hurt, confused, a little angry(Maggie) and a lot resentful.
These two had me ABSOLUTELY howling. Maggie is a hot mess express, Vladi is Mr. Over protective and jealous, and they’re a match made in hell. They can’t agree on anything, they step on each others toes, and the sexual tension is HIGH!
Until one night. They just say “f**k it” and do it again. And it was also very very hot. Again.
I had such a good time with these two, they really just made the most of their time on vacation and the banter was on point. Maggie is my soulmate, I’m convinced. And although Vladi didn’t completely redeem himself for me by the end, I didn’t even care. He can do his thing.. I’ll marry Maggie any day.
I will say to no fault of the author that I’m not a huge fan of the grumpy/sunshine trope for this reason. The MMC doesn’t usually do ENOUGH for me to forgive him in the span of the book and in real life? You never get a second chance with me so again.. not the authors fault, just me being an unforgiving b myself 😂 not Vladis fault, he tried but I stopped caring after she gave him another chance and he blew it.
I’m so happy for them, and I did enjoy the book (walking red flags aside) and I’m SO damn excited for Jordan’s story! Bring on book 3!
July 10, 2025
Beta/ARC review for Ice Block by Ellie K Drake
Thanks to Ellie and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity!
Featured tropes: enemies/frenemies to lovers, one night stand, forced proximity, vacation romance, only one bed, found family, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, possessive MMC, second chance
Trigger warning: the author has a pretty comprehensive list at the front of the book. Check it out before reading if you have any concerns.
Review: 5/5
Hooooo boy. Olivia and Hayes were fun. Maggie and Vladi were HOT!
Things I liked:
- The found family that was established in Ice Contact really follows through in Ice Block. We get all of the characters we met in book one and learn just a little more about all of them and even get to meet a new character or two.
- BOUGIE!! I just love Jordan Boucher. He was so fun with Vladi previously and in this book, he's next level. I am foaming at the mouth for his book. Just absolutely feral for it. He and his future FMC are sure to make waves in the Milwaukee Steel Riders universe.
- Maggie and Vladi were such a hot pairing. They're both intense (albeit in different ways) and they both aren't afraid to ask for what they want. Their first encounter is just one thing after another and all subsequent encounters bring the heat too. The way these two are hot for each other is just next level. Their characters also brought a fun bit of angst to their story given their falling out which was a nice twist from the relatively low angst Ice Contact, not to mention the trauma Vladi is still harboring from his childhood, which again, adds to the angst and tension through the story.
- Ellie really is great at weaving comedy into her characters. They have such unique and big personalities. And those personalities shine through when they all interact with one another. I just love the dynamics they all bring to the table and how that makes for such fun dialogue and quick banter.
Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- Captain Carlos can choke on a big one.
Honestly, I really just love reading for Ellie. I know going into a book with Ellie that I'm going to have a good time and probably laugh every other page. Ellie's books are great for when I'm not wanting something dark and just want a little boost of happy serotonin for my brain and Ice Block fits that bill.
Thanks to Ellie and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity!
Featured tropes: enemies/frenemies to lovers, one night stand, forced proximity, vacation romance, only one bed, found family, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, possessive MMC, second chance
Trigger warning: the author has a pretty comprehensive list at the front of the book. Check it out before reading if you have any concerns.
Review: 5/5
Hooooo boy. Olivia and Hayes were fun. Maggie and Vladi were HOT!
Things I liked:
- The found family that was established in Ice Contact really follows through in Ice Block. We get all of the characters we met in book one and learn just a little more about all of them and even get to meet a new character or two.
- BOUGIE!! I just love Jordan Boucher. He was so fun with Vladi previously and in this book, he's next level. I am foaming at the mouth for his book. Just absolutely feral for it. He and his future FMC are sure to make waves in the Milwaukee Steel Riders universe.
- Maggie and Vladi were such a hot pairing. They're both intense (albeit in different ways) and they both aren't afraid to ask for what they want. Their first encounter is just one thing after another and all subsequent encounters bring the heat too. The way these two are hot for each other is just next level. Their characters also brought a fun bit of angst to their story given their falling out which was a nice twist from the relatively low angst Ice Contact, not to mention the trauma Vladi is still harboring from his childhood, which again, adds to the angst and tension through the story.
- Ellie really is great at weaving comedy into her characters. They have such unique and big personalities. And those personalities shine through when they all interact with one another. I just love the dynamics they all bring to the table and how that makes for such fun dialogue and quick banter.
Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- Captain Carlos can choke on a big one.
Honestly, I really just love reading for Ellie. I know going into a book with Ellie that I'm going to have a good time and probably laugh every other page. Ellie's books are great for when I'm not wanting something dark and just want a little boost of happy serotonin for my brain and Ice Block fits that bill.
July 11, 2025
WHAT IN THE MELISSA JOAN HART!?! ❤️❤️❤️
I could not have loved this damn book more! Nom nom nom, there were literally no crumbs left. 🍪 Devoured this sequel in less than 48 hours. Of course had to stay up well past my bedtime when the enemies became lovers with the good 'ole 1 bed trope. 🛌
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, sports romance (off season), grumpy/sunshine l, 1 bed trope
___
🌟Favorite things in the book without context:
Pringles Can - IYKYK!!
"Are those my fucking panties"
Melissa Joan Hart
“Put your goddamn c*ck in me. Do your fucking worst.”
___
I actually loved this book more than her first, "Ice Contact," which I feel like is unusual for a sequel! Could also be a stand alone too - but I would recommend reading in order! Honestly can't wait for book 3 to drop in 2026!
I could not have loved this damn book more! Nom nom nom, there were literally no crumbs left. 🍪 Devoured this sequel in less than 48 hours. Of course had to stay up well past my bedtime when the enemies became lovers with the good 'ole 1 bed trope. 🛌
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, sports romance (off season), grumpy/sunshine l, 1 bed trope
___
🌟Favorite things in the book without context:
Pringles Can - IYKYK!!
"Are those my fucking panties"
Melissa Joan Hart
“Put your goddamn c*ck in me. Do your fucking worst.”
___
I actually loved this book more than her first, "Ice Contact," which I feel like is unusual for a sequel! Could also be a stand alone too - but I would recommend reading in order! Honestly can't wait for book 3 to drop in 2026!
July 19, 2025
This was such a good read!! It was so funny and steamy and emotional too. I am completely obsessed with Maggie and Vladi!! They have this amazing chemistry and connection…but after one very steamy night together they and up as frenemies…
I loved our 2 MCs - she is smart and driven and goes after what she wants. He is brooding and grumpy but underneath has a heart of gold…and unresolved trauma. My heart broke from him and what he had been through.
That being said, mistakes were made…and I love a great grovel/grand gesture!! No spoilers but I loved the ending so much!
I LOVE the girls friend group (and Vladi’s teammates) and how supportive they are. Ok yes there might be a tiny bit of meddling, but they are funny and want the best for them.
I think Bougie just might be the MVP…and his book is next!
✨What To Expect:
💖Romantic Comedy
🏒Hockey Romance
💋Frenemies to Lovers
💃🏼One Night Stand
🔥Forced Proximity
🛏️Only One Bed
❤️🔥Possessive MMC
🌦️Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Found Family
🏖️Vacation / Off-Season Romance
🥅Hockey Goalie x Graphic Designer
I loved our 2 MCs - she is smart and driven and goes after what she wants. He is brooding and grumpy but underneath has a heart of gold…and unresolved trauma. My heart broke from him and what he had been through.
That being said, mistakes were made…and I love a great grovel/grand gesture!! No spoilers but I loved the ending so much!
I LOVE the girls friend group (and Vladi’s teammates) and how supportive they are. Ok yes there might be a tiny bit of meddling, but they are funny and want the best for them.
I think Bougie just might be the MVP…and his book is next!
✨What To Expect:
💖Romantic Comedy
🏒Hockey Romance
💋Frenemies to Lovers
💃🏼One Night Stand
🔥Forced Proximity
🛏️Only One Bed
❤️🔥Possessive MMC
🌦️Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Found Family
🏖️Vacation / Off-Season Romance
🥅Hockey Goalie x Graphic Designer
August 5, 2025
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷, 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶.”
This book took me on a ROLLER COASTER RIDE! 😂 I couldn’t figure out if I loved or hated both main characters. They were both endearing and frustrating all at the same time. BUT…I will say….the FMC…I love her. I want to be her…sometimes….shes everything.
Vladi and Maggie are friends? By association. Their best friends are engaged and both have been warned to STAY AWAY from each other….so what do they do? Have a one night stand 🤭 I don’t listen either so YES! And let me tell you. This ONS was so hot…SO HOT! I couldn’t tell if I was more turned on by Maggie or Vladi…both of them were INTENSE! But…as the night wears on, Vladi realises that he’s feeling a little bit more than just momentary lust. So what does he do? He RUNS…the minute Maggie is asleep HE IS OUT! No note. No number. No explanation 😒 MEN! He can’t handle his feelings and just decides to run. When Maggie realises this she is FUMING. AND HURT….understandable.
After a few months, they find themselves unexpectedly seated next to each other on a flight to their best friends destination wedding. AWKWARD. Even worse, Maggie’s hotel room reservation mysteriously disappears and she’s forced to share a room with Vladi…hello one bed 🤭
Maggie is spicy and takes no 🤭 from anyone. Especially Vladi. But what I didn’t love is her loose lips. Did ANYONE in that resort NOT know what happened with them? Even the bartender got the low down on their bedroom activities. Maggie is a woman well in her 30’s , and this level of immaturity made no sense to me. It made me like her slightly less. Some things the world doesn’t need to know. I understood her telling her best friend. But literal strangers were fully in the know 😩
Vladi does apologise and eventually they give in to the insane chemistry between them. Maggie gives him a second chance and he messes up again 🫣 VLADI PLEASE!!! I get it. The man has issues. His past is heartbreaking. But at some point we need to realise that we can’t keep making stupid decisions. He also is in his 30s but it felt like I was reading a teenage boy…which…fair…most men act like that their entire life 🤷🏻♀️
I appreciated that he took charge and went to therapy…did a lot of self reflection. I personally could never forgive him, especially after giving him a second chance and he YET AGAIN, messes up. But that’s just me. This is fiction so I let it slide.
I loved the banter and playfulness between the two MC’s. I loved the family aspect and the friends and how invested they all were in the relationship. It made me laugh, made me roll my eyes, swoon and fan myself. All in all, a fun and spicy read. I can’t wait for Bougies book 😍😍
Thank you so much to Ellie K Drake and Luna Literary for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book 🩵
🏒Hockey Romance
🩵Frenemies to Lovers
🏒One Night Stand
🩵One Bed
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
🩵Broody MMC
🏒Sassy FMC
🩵Found Family
🏒Forced Proximity
🩵Mental Health Rep
🏒Protective Hero
🩵Touch Her & 💀
🏒Vacation Romance
🩵3rd Act Conflict
🏒Hockey Goalie Hero
🩵Graphic Designer Heroine
🏒Dual POV
🩵HEA
This book took me on a ROLLER COASTER RIDE! 😂 I couldn’t figure out if I loved or hated both main characters. They were both endearing and frustrating all at the same time. BUT…I will say….the FMC…I love her. I want to be her…sometimes….shes everything.
Vladi and Maggie are friends? By association. Their best friends are engaged and both have been warned to STAY AWAY from each other….so what do they do? Have a one night stand 🤭 I don’t listen either so YES! And let me tell you. This ONS was so hot…SO HOT! I couldn’t tell if I was more turned on by Maggie or Vladi…both of them were INTENSE! But…as the night wears on, Vladi realises that he’s feeling a little bit more than just momentary lust. So what does he do? He RUNS…the minute Maggie is asleep HE IS OUT! No note. No number. No explanation 😒 MEN! He can’t handle his feelings and just decides to run. When Maggie realises this she is FUMING. AND HURT….understandable.
After a few months, they find themselves unexpectedly seated next to each other on a flight to their best friends destination wedding. AWKWARD. Even worse, Maggie’s hotel room reservation mysteriously disappears and she’s forced to share a room with Vladi…hello one bed 🤭
Maggie is spicy and takes no 🤭 from anyone. Especially Vladi. But what I didn’t love is her loose lips. Did ANYONE in that resort NOT know what happened with them? Even the bartender got the low down on their bedroom activities. Maggie is a woman well in her 30’s , and this level of immaturity made no sense to me. It made me like her slightly less. Some things the world doesn’t need to know. I understood her telling her best friend. But literal strangers were fully in the know 😩
Vladi does apologise and eventually they give in to the insane chemistry between them. Maggie gives him a second chance and he messes up again 🫣 VLADI PLEASE!!! I get it. The man has issues. His past is heartbreaking. But at some point we need to realise that we can’t keep making stupid decisions. He also is in his 30s but it felt like I was reading a teenage boy…which…fair…most men act like that their entire life 🤷🏻♀️
I appreciated that he took charge and went to therapy…did a lot of self reflection. I personally could never forgive him, especially after giving him a second chance and he YET AGAIN, messes up. But that’s just me. This is fiction so I let it slide.
I loved the banter and playfulness between the two MC’s. I loved the family aspect and the friends and how invested they all were in the relationship. It made me laugh, made me roll my eyes, swoon and fan myself. All in all, a fun and spicy read. I can’t wait for Bougies book 😍😍
Thank you so much to Ellie K Drake and Luna Literary for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book 🩵
🏒Hockey Romance
🩵Frenemies to Lovers
🏒One Night Stand
🩵One Bed
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
🩵Broody MMC
🏒Sassy FMC
🩵Found Family
🏒Forced Proximity
🩵Mental Health Rep
🏒Protective Hero
🩵Touch Her & 💀
🏒Vacation Romance
🩵3rd Act Conflict
🏒Hockey Goalie Hero
🩵Graphic Designer Heroine
🏒Dual POV
🩵HEA
July 28, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶
🩵 Hockey 🏒 Romance
🔥 Possessive MMC
✨️ One Night Stand
🩵 Grumpy X Sunshine 🌞
✨️ Forced Proximity
🩵 Found Family
✨️ Only One Bed 🛌
✨️ ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
As soon as this hit my kindle I let out a huge squeal 😂. After the first book I have been waiting not so patiently for this beauty! I knew as soon as Vladi hit the page I was in for a ride 😉.
Maggie Fucking James was the perfect woman for Vladi. She didn't take anything off of ANYONE 👏! I absolutely loved the humor she had about Melissa Joan Heart. I couldn't stop giggling 😂 throughout the book when she mentioned MJH! I would say she definitely lived up to her nickname Vladi so lovingly gave her!
Lisichka was so perfect for Maggie. She was cunning and had a stealthy way about her! She may have not looked like she knew what she was doing but she always had something in her back pocket to quell any problem! The one problem she couldn't fix was the way Vladi made her heart and body feel!
Vladi was such a STUD 😍! I absolutely LOVED 😍 the energy Vladi had when it came to Maggie! He had it bad for Maggie 🩵. Even when neither wanted to fully admit they were into each other I really enjoyed the dance they had! Vladi AKA Wolfie was the man who definitely had an appetite!
I felt for Vladi and the struggles he dealt with but was so glad to know he still had a family in the men he played hockey with! These men gave him the family he didn't have along with the support he needed. I couldn't get enough of Vladi and his boys!
What I loved the most was how well Vladi and Maggie blended together when they finally let it happen! Their chemistry and banter was the best!! I always love that Ellie includes fun references throughout the book!!
As much as I enjoyed this book I am most excited about Bougie's book!! It's next and I cannot wait to see what he gets up to!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️🌶 /5
🩵 Spanking 👋🏻
✨️ Light Degradation 🥺
🩵 Breeding Kink 🤰
✨️ Anal 🫶🏻
🩵 Her Panties Are His Good Luck 🍀 Charm
Thank you so much to Ellie K. Drake for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 copy 🫶🏻. All opinions✨️ are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.
🌶️🌶️🌶
🩵 Hockey 🏒 Romance
🔥 Possessive MMC
✨️ One Night Stand
🩵 Grumpy X Sunshine 🌞
✨️ Forced Proximity
🩵 Found Family
✨️ Only One Bed 🛌
✨️ ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
As soon as this hit my kindle I let out a huge squeal 😂. After the first book I have been waiting not so patiently for this beauty! I knew as soon as Vladi hit the page I was in for a ride 😉.
Maggie Fucking James was the perfect woman for Vladi. She didn't take anything off of ANYONE 👏! I absolutely loved the humor she had about Melissa Joan Heart. I couldn't stop giggling 😂 throughout the book when she mentioned MJH! I would say she definitely lived up to her nickname Vladi so lovingly gave her!
Lisichka was so perfect for Maggie. She was cunning and had a stealthy way about her! She may have not looked like she knew what she was doing but she always had something in her back pocket to quell any problem! The one problem she couldn't fix was the way Vladi made her heart and body feel!
Vladi was such a STUD 😍! I absolutely LOVED 😍 the energy Vladi had when it came to Maggie! He had it bad for Maggie 🩵. Even when neither wanted to fully admit they were into each other I really enjoyed the dance they had! Vladi AKA Wolfie was the man who definitely had an appetite!
I felt for Vladi and the struggles he dealt with but was so glad to know he still had a family in the men he played hockey with! These men gave him the family he didn't have along with the support he needed. I couldn't get enough of Vladi and his boys!
What I loved the most was how well Vladi and Maggie blended together when they finally let it happen! Their chemistry and banter was the best!! I always love that Ellie includes fun references throughout the book!!
As much as I enjoyed this book I am most excited about Bougie's book!! It's next and I cannot wait to see what he gets up to!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️🌶 /5
🩵 Spanking 👋🏻
✨️ Light Degradation 🥺
🩵 Breeding Kink 🤰
✨️ Anal 🫶🏻
🩵 Her Panties Are His Good Luck 🍀 Charm
Thank you so much to Ellie K. Drake for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 copy 🫶🏻. All opinions✨️ are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.
July 11, 2025
Vladi and Maggie were more than I even imagined. I absolutely devoured this story. I felt connected to both MC's and was rooting for both of their successes. The rest of the friend group was top tier full of humor and love.
Thank you Ellie for an ARC!
Thank you Ellie for an ARC!
July 23, 2025
I received this amazing ARC by Ellie K. Drake
I didn't realize she had a book before this one called "Ice Contact." You definitely can read this book as a standalone. I wasn't confused. The story and characters still all made sense to me.
Something about hockey romance just satisfies my reading heart. Add a grumpy Russian goalie that nicknames you Lisichka 😍😍😍😍😍🫠🫠🫠 just melt.
Maggie is a smoking hot, independent woman with a dirty mouth. An amazing one night stand changes everything for them. Vladie struggles with the concept of love and because of his traumatic past wonders if he is deserving of it. Maggie, although she has a tough exterior not by choice but because life made her that way, still internally, she wants to be worthy of being loved and taken care of.
if you're into:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒One night stand
🏒 Forced Proximity one bed
🏒 Touch her, you die
🏒 Traumatic past
🏒spice 🥵🔥🌶🌶🌶🌶
Check this book out.
* I am sooooooo looking forward to Bougies story. The Legally Blonde scene had me dying. lol 😅🤣🤣🤣🤣
I didn't realize she had a book before this one called "Ice Contact." You definitely can read this book as a standalone. I wasn't confused. The story and characters still all made sense to me.
Something about hockey romance just satisfies my reading heart. Add a grumpy Russian goalie that nicknames you Lisichka 😍😍😍😍😍🫠🫠🫠 just melt.
Maggie is a smoking hot, independent woman with a dirty mouth. An amazing one night stand changes everything for them. Vladie struggles with the concept of love and because of his traumatic past wonders if he is deserving of it. Maggie, although she has a tough exterior not by choice but because life made her that way, still internally, she wants to be worthy of being loved and taken care of.
if you're into:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒One night stand
🏒 Forced Proximity one bed
🏒 Touch her, you die
🏒 Traumatic past
🏒spice 🥵🔥🌶🌶🌶🌶
Check this book out.
* I am sooooooo looking forward to Bougies story. The Legally Blonde scene had me dying. lol 😅🤣🤣🤣🤣
did-not-finish
July 13, 2025dnf @ 48%
sadly, this is a dnf for me. i don't think the trope of ONS -> i can't give you a relationship -> lovers is for me. i want my H's ALL in for the h from the start.
it was also really bothering me how EVERYONE knew the H/h's business because the h would NOT stop yapping to anyone who listened about their issues and would give intimate details about their sex life. i get telling best friends but she was telling anyone who listened!! (i.e. the bartender couple from book 1, a freaking client/friend she bumped into at the resort??, and then her besties would immediately tell their husbands as well). that is way too many ppl who know your business.
book 3 is bougie's book and i may skip that due to: 1) what kind of name is bougie? and 2) he's supposedly a big manwhore
as for safety - i do believe this book is safe and they are not with others since their ONS 7 mo ago. it had also seemed like it had been a minute for both since that original encounter as well. both are VERY experienced in the bedroom so no simpering virgin h here (thank god!)
- - -
i am so ready for maggie & vladi!
vladi - please be as awesome as hayes 🤞
sadly, this is a dnf for me. i don't think the trope of ONS -> i can't give you a relationship -> lovers is for me. i want my H's ALL in for the h from the start.
it was also really bothering me how EVERYONE knew the H/h's business because the h would NOT stop yapping to anyone who listened about their issues and would give intimate details about their sex life. i get telling best friends but she was telling anyone who listened!! (i.e. the bartender couple from book 1, a freaking client/friend she bumped into at the resort??, and then her besties would immediately tell their husbands as well). that is way too many ppl who know your business.
book 3 is bougie's book and i may skip that due to: 1) what kind of name is bougie? and 2) he's supposedly a big manwhore
as for safety - i do believe this book is safe and they are not with others since their ONS 7 mo ago. it had also seemed like it had been a minute for both since that original encounter as well. both are VERY experienced in the bedroom so no simpering virgin h here (thank god!)
- - -
i am so ready for maggie & vladi!
vladi - please be as awesome as hayes 🤞
July 10, 2025
Maggie and Vladi honestly have my heart and soul. I cannot believe this is Ellie's 2nd published book, I am shocked, she is such a talented author already. The book was hooking from the first page and oh has she got the spice nailed down. I loved reading this book, everything flowed perfectly, left me on edge needing to know more which is exactly what I look for in books.
Maggie and Vladi were warned to stay away from each other and they certainly did not listen which led to a passionate night together where Vladi dipped as soon as he could, leaving Maggie to hate his guts for weeks/months.
Maggie had one goal and that was to avoid Vladi at all costs. That plan tragically failed when she had to catch a flight to where their best friends would be having an actual wedding abroad with their family and friends after going and getting married on a whim. Who ends up being Maggie's seatmate on the flight? It could only be Vladi. That was a painful scene, to be honest. Even worse when they got to the hotel and Maggie's room was cancelled meaning she had to room with Vladi which caused enough tension between the two.
This book was filled with passion and tension and once Maggie let Vladi break down her walls and the same for Vladi, everything just seemed to work and I loved the before and after they got together which did take a while. Vladi definitely had a soft side which was just covered by his trauma and knowing it helped me understand him so much more and I feel that moment just changed everything between them.
This is the first book I have read by Ellie but I can certainly say I can't wait to read more of her books. I can't wait to see Maggie and Vladi in future books!!
Maggie and Vladi were warned to stay away from each other and they certainly did not listen which led to a passionate night together where Vladi dipped as soon as he could, leaving Maggie to hate his guts for weeks/months.
Maggie had one goal and that was to avoid Vladi at all costs. That plan tragically failed when she had to catch a flight to where their best friends would be having an actual wedding abroad with their family and friends after going and getting married on a whim. Who ends up being Maggie's seatmate on the flight? It could only be Vladi. That was a painful scene, to be honest. Even worse when they got to the hotel and Maggie's room was cancelled meaning she had to room with Vladi which caused enough tension between the two.
This book was filled with passion and tension and once Maggie let Vladi break down her walls and the same for Vladi, everything just seemed to work and I loved the before and after they got together which did take a while. Vladi definitely had a soft side which was just covered by his trauma and knowing it helped me understand him so much more and I feel that moment just changed everything between them.
This is the first book I have read by Ellie but I can certainly say I can't wait to read more of her books. I can't wait to see Maggie and Vladi in future books!!
July 6, 2025
ARC review
Why are goalies always so grumpy and hot!! Throw in no nonsense and giving away Russian nicknames and I’m in!
Vladi and Maggie (rhymes I like that) had a ONS but dear old Vladi decided on an early exit before he had to acknowledge any of his feelings. 2 months later they are thrown together in paradise at their best friends wedding and also coincidentally having to share a room! But now they both need to face their true feelings to see if they could have what they both truly want.
Oh Vladi. So stoic and Russian but his dry sense of human and protectiveness was swoon worthy. The story of his past was heart breaking so you understand why he is so against loving people but I’m so glad Maggie smashed through his defences.
Maggie is a hot mess and honestly I was here for it. She was independent but Vladi really tore down all of her walls (and dresses) so quickly that it left her vulnerable and emotional. They had a nice balance to each other and I loved that she didn’t let him back down and really gave it to him when he needed it.
Not much hockey because it was off season but lots of laughs and great rom com moments!
Why are goalies always so grumpy and hot!! Throw in no nonsense and giving away Russian nicknames and I’m in!
Vladi and Maggie (rhymes I like that) had a ONS but dear old Vladi decided on an early exit before he had to acknowledge any of his feelings. 2 months later they are thrown together in paradise at their best friends wedding and also coincidentally having to share a room! But now they both need to face their true feelings to see if they could have what they both truly want.
Oh Vladi. So stoic and Russian but his dry sense of human and protectiveness was swoon worthy. The story of his past was heart breaking so you understand why he is so against loving people but I’m so glad Maggie smashed through his defences.
Maggie is a hot mess and honestly I was here for it. She was independent but Vladi really tore down all of her walls (and dresses) so quickly that it left her vulnerable and emotional. They had a nice balance to each other and I loved that she didn’t let him back down and really gave it to him when he needed it.
Not much hockey because it was off season but lots of laughs and great rom com moments!
July 8, 2025
3,5 rounded up to 4 stars because of Bougie. While this is not Bougie's book but Bougie saved this book. Can't wait for his book.
I can't believe Vladi and Maggie were in their thirties because both of them were so immature. Their banters were good and their bedroom scenes were hot but they miscommunicated worse than teenagers.
I swear to God, I had had enough reading the words Russia and Russian. No offense to the country and its people but this book portrayed the most stereotypical things about them. I knew Vladi was Russian but enough said about them. Dammit even me now used those two words too much in this review. Oh one more word I've read enough due to overuse: "cracked knuckles".
I also had many second-hand embarrassment moments from this book. Gosh, I squirmed my body too much because of them.
Even though this book was not perfect and didn't give the best reading experience, I devoured this book. Mostly because I was curious how Vladi and Maggie pursued their HEAs. I also laughed many times because not gonna lie, this book was hilarious. Silly hilarious type of book.
Thank you to Ellie K. Drake and The Author Agency for the ARC.
I can't believe Vladi and Maggie were in their thirties because both of them were so immature. Their banters were good and their bedroom scenes were hot but they miscommunicated worse than teenagers.
I swear to God, I had had enough reading the words Russia and Russian. No offense to the country and its people but this book portrayed the most stereotypical things about them. I knew Vladi was Russian but enough said about them. Dammit even me now used those two words too much in this review. Oh one more word I've read enough due to overuse: "cracked knuckles".
I also had many second-hand embarrassment moments from this book. Gosh, I squirmed my body too much because of them.
Even though this book was not perfect and didn't give the best reading experience, I devoured this book. Mostly because I was curious how Vladi and Maggie pursued their HEAs. I also laughed many times because not gonna lie, this book was hilarious. Silly hilarious type of book.
Thank you to Ellie K. Drake and The Author Agency for the ARC.
July 3, 2025
Maggie & Vladi are my new favorite in this series! I was instantly hooked on this story and it was the perfect book to pull me out of a mini slump! After a steamy night together, Maggie wakes up alone, annoyed, and confused why Vladi left so abruptly while she was asleep. And then after never speaking of this night, Maggie is bound and determined to hate this man and avoid him any time she can. And I mean, I don't blame her one bit!
I LOVE Maggie's energy! She is a boss babe and I'm 200% here for it! I love that she speaks her mind and does what she wants. And then Vladi....this man is one big grumpy goalie, but I do have a little soft spot for him. He's had some trauma in his past, and I totally get why he reacts the way he does....but that doesn't mean I wasn't wanting to punch him when he was being an idiot! He might be grumpy, but his heart truly is so big for those he cares for and I love seeing that transition in this book!
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🩵One night stand
🩵Forced proximity
🩵Grumpy x sunshine
🩵Only one bed
🩵Possessive MMC
🩵Rom com
Thank you so much to Ellie Drake for letting me read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions! I am already excited for what's next in this series and cannot wait!
I LOVE Maggie's energy! She is a boss babe and I'm 200% here for it! I love that she speaks her mind and does what she wants. And then Vladi....this man is one big grumpy goalie, but I do have a little soft spot for him. He's had some trauma in his past, and I totally get why he reacts the way he does....but that doesn't mean I wasn't wanting to punch him when he was being an idiot! He might be grumpy, but his heart truly is so big for those he cares for and I love seeing that transition in this book!
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🩵One night stand
🩵Forced proximity
🩵Grumpy x sunshine
🩵Only one bed
🩵Possessive MMC
🩵Rom com
Thank you so much to Ellie Drake for letting me read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions! I am already excited for what's next in this series and cannot wait!
June 29, 2025
Screaming, crying, reading with my hands covering my eyes....this book was SO fun!
Maggie and Vladi are so fun, so chaotic, so uniquely them. I love them so much! Maggie is SUCH a force--independent while also having a vulnerable side. Vladi is a grumpy goalie with a gooey heart once you break through his walls.
I have never, in the course of one book, screamed from second hand embarrassment so many times. But my favorite part? The characters just rolled with it every single time. Like they DIDN'T just give me a heart attack, totally fine!
Also something fun about this book, the amount of meddling from our found friend group was next level. Vladi and Maggie weren't just our couple, they were EVERYONE'S couple, and the love of their friends made sure it stayed that way.
Ellie Drake's writing continues to be fun, witty, and engaging. I couldn't put the book down once I started!
overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
Maggie and Vladi are so fun, so chaotic, so uniquely them. I love them so much! Maggie is SUCH a force--independent while also having a vulnerable side. Vladi is a grumpy goalie with a gooey heart once you break through his walls.
I have never, in the course of one book, screamed from second hand embarrassment so many times. But my favorite part? The characters just rolled with it every single time. Like they DIDN'T just give me a heart attack, totally fine!
Also something fun about this book, the amount of meddling from our found friend group was next level. Vladi and Maggie weren't just our couple, they were EVERYONE'S couple, and the love of their friends made sure it stayed that way.
Ellie Drake's writing continues to be fun, witty, and engaging. I couldn't put the book down once I started!
overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
July 16, 2025
This was a cute and fun frenemies to lovers romance. It isn't a typical hockey romance that involves a lot of game time, practice etc. Instead it revolves around Vladi the broody closed off hockey goalie, his teammates, and of course Maggie the FMC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒One Bed
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒One Night Stand
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Frenemies to Lovers
"Now, come on my face like the fucking slut I know you are."
Maggie is a strong and independent woman who is trying to make a name for herself to start her own company one day. After some unfortunate news she is ready to let loose and have some fun after an event with none other than Vladi, the broody hockey goalie and the best friend of her best friends boyfriend. After one hot one night hookup things became tense which led to Maggie having some very harsh feelings towards Vladi. So when they are forced to shar a room in paradise at their best friend's wedding. She is determined to make him regret leaving her without a word. After some intense teasing and flirting the whole week the two make amends and seem to move forward, until it is time to head home. Vladi needs time to work on himself and his past trauma before finally being able to give Maggie the love she deserves. But once he figures it out, he uses Bougie to help him get his girl back in a way that will for sure make her heart beyond happy.
Thank you so much Ellie Drake and Luna Literary for gifting me an early reading copy of Ice Block. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒One Bed
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒One Night Stand
🏒Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Frenemies to Lovers
"Now, come on my face like the fucking slut I know you are."
Maggie is a strong and independent woman who is trying to make a name for herself to start her own company one day. After some unfortunate news she is ready to let loose and have some fun after an event with none other than Vladi, the broody hockey goalie and the best friend of her best friends boyfriend. After one hot one night hookup things became tense which led to Maggie having some very harsh feelings towards Vladi. So when they are forced to shar a room in paradise at their best friend's wedding. She is determined to make him regret leaving her without a word. After some intense teasing and flirting the whole week the two make amends and seem to move forward, until it is time to head home. Vladi needs time to work on himself and his past trauma before finally being able to give Maggie the love she deserves. But once he figures it out, he uses Bougie to help him get his girl back in a way that will for sure make her heart beyond happy.
Thank you so much Ellie Drake and Luna Literary for gifting me an early reading copy of Ice Block. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2025
ARC Reciew
4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can’t get enough of this series! The story flows so well & made me giddy. I have had a blast reading this! Ellie K. Drake, you have a real talent and sense of humor!
I am a sucker for a goalie, so when I knew it was going to be following Vladi, I was stoked. The character growth was nicely laid out. He gives big teddy bear vibes under his broodiness - but only for Mag. Maggie is a bomb ass FMC! I think she would be an absolute blast to hang out with (but I’d also probably be hungover and hurting from laughing so hard the next day). I love her confidence! Both of them together had me feeling alllll the emotions - dying laughing at their banter & sexual comments; empathy for the trauma they both encountered; the amount of STEAMINESS of them two 🥵
I absolutely can’t wait until book 3 🙊
4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can’t get enough of this series! The story flows so well & made me giddy. I have had a blast reading this! Ellie K. Drake, you have a real talent and sense of humor!
I am a sucker for a goalie, so when I knew it was going to be following Vladi, I was stoked. The character growth was nicely laid out. He gives big teddy bear vibes under his broodiness - but only for Mag. Maggie is a bomb ass FMC! I think she would be an absolute blast to hang out with (but I’d also probably be hungover and hurting from laughing so hard the next day). I love her confidence! Both of them together had me feeling alllll the emotions - dying laughing at their banter & sexual comments; empathy for the trauma they both encountered; the amount of STEAMINESS of them two 🥵
I absolutely can’t wait until book 3 🙊
July 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW—
Vladi and Maggie while they did have amazing chemistry I found it a little boring. And I really couldn’t get over her calling her heart/feelings “Melissa Joan Heart” 😬 I did really enjoy the plot and setting that it took place in. An off season hockey romance set in a tropical place was very refreshing and I really liked seeing Vladi and Maggie interact with the other players and spouses. I loved Hayes and Olivia from Ice Contact so it was really fun seeing their wedding festivities and get the banter from of them.
So while I didn’t love it like Ice Contact, and it fell a little short for me, I still enjoyed it enough to finish fully, and will look forward to the next in the series!
Thank you Luna Literary and Ellie K. Drake for the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy for an honest review!
Vladi and Maggie while they did have amazing chemistry I found it a little boring. And I really couldn’t get over her calling her heart/feelings “Melissa Joan Heart” 😬 I did really enjoy the plot and setting that it took place in. An off season hockey romance set in a tropical place was very refreshing and I really liked seeing Vladi and Maggie interact with the other players and spouses. I loved Hayes and Olivia from Ice Contact so it was really fun seeing their wedding festivities and get the banter from of them.
So while I didn’t love it like Ice Contact, and it fell a little short for me, I still enjoyed it enough to finish fully, and will look forward to the next in the series!
Thank you Luna Literary and Ellie K. Drake for the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy for an honest review!
July 12, 2025
I absolutely love a great second chance romance, especially when at least one of the main characters is a bit broken and finds themselves. Maggie and Vladi are Olivia and Hayes' best friends. They hook up after a gala event, he tells her that he doesn't do relationships and this is just one night. Valdi runs out after she falls asleep when he starts to feel this could be more and gets scared. He continues to ignore that feeling and her for months. Until it's time for Olivia and Hayes' destination wedding. Maggie hates him for how he just left and acts like they were never together but underneath it all, they both truly have feelings for each other. A reservation mishap leaves the sharing a room. They both begin to flirt with each other and try to make the other jealous. Will Valdi and Maggie realize they are perfect together?
July 14, 2025
Thank you to Luna Literary Management for this ARC! I really enjoyed getting into Maggie and Vladi’s love story. The contrast between Maggie’s feisty, hyper-independence and Vladi’s possessive, broody nature made for really great chemistry and spice 🤌🏻🔥💯. I appreciated how both Maggie and Vladi felt a combination of longing and emptiness prior to meeting one another, but in different ways. I did however get annoyed toward the last 20% of the book when Vladi was still getting in his own way, and multiple characters had to say the exact same thing about it. I was satisfied with the ending though, and I liked how therapy was approached/weaved into the lives of the characters.
I am definitely going back to read the first book in this series, and I am looking forward to the rest to come!
I am definitely going back to read the first book in this series, and I am looking forward to the rest to come!
July 12, 2025
"When Maggie fucking James is in my sight, there is nothing else. There is no one else. There is only you. There is no ocean here. There is no sun. There is only a goddess standing before me. My Lisichka. Mine."
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hello yes I love Vladimir Volkov.
I really loved the banter between Vladi and Maggie and seeing them slowly tear down each others' walls.
They're both stubborn, but they'll melt for each other.
I feel very much in my Ross vs. Rachel era again, where I don't think Maggie had any right to be mad at Vladi; but it made for some great moments with tonnes of banter and tension.
I'm here for it.
I absolutely adored getting to see Liv and Hayes again and them supporting their besties through their feelings.
Bougie is the MVP and I can't wait for his book! Poor baby boy just wants friends and love!
Thanks, Ellie K. Drake and The Author Agency, for the opportunity to read this eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hello yes I love Vladimir Volkov.
I really loved the banter between Vladi and Maggie and seeing them slowly tear down each others' walls.
They're both stubborn, but they'll melt for each other.
I feel very much in my Ross vs. Rachel era again, where I don't think Maggie had any right to be mad at Vladi; but it made for some great moments with tonnes of banter and tension.
I'm here for it.
I absolutely adored getting to see Liv and Hayes again and them supporting their besties through their feelings.
Bougie is the MVP and I can't wait for his book! Poor baby boy just wants friends and love!
Thanks, Ellie K. Drake and The Author Agency, for the opportunity to read this eARC!
July 11, 2025
You love me wolfie?" I've always loved you Lisichka."
Ong this book was everything
Maggie & Vladi were a perfect match ! But it didn't start off do perfect after fleaing from a unforgettable night Valdi shuts Maggie out leaving her hating him, but when they reunite when both their best friends get married and forced to share a room their connection comes back and God I was praying they'd end up together they're a perfect match !
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Loved this
Frenemies to Lovers
🔥One Night Stand
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Only One Bed
Ong this book was everything
Maggie & Vladi were a perfect match ! But it didn't start off do perfect after fleaing from a unforgettable night Valdi shuts Maggie out leaving her hating him, but when they reunite when both their best friends get married and forced to share a room their connection comes back and God I was praying they'd end up together they're a perfect match !
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Loved this
Frenemies to Lovers
🔥One Night Stand
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Only One Bed
July 16, 2025
This was my first Ellie Drake book that I have read and I really enjoyed it.
We met Maggie and Vladi in this book. Maggie is working at a dead end job and Vladi is a hockey player they have a one night stand together and proof Vladi disappears out of thin air without a word to Maggie. A few months later they meet up at a friend’s wedding of theirs Maggie is still hurt over what happened between them before but she ends up seeing where things go between them. I really loved reading there story.
We met Maggie and Vladi in this book. Maggie is working at a dead end job and Vladi is a hockey player they have a one night stand together and proof Vladi disappears out of thin air without a word to Maggie. A few months later they meet up at a friend’s wedding of theirs Maggie is still hurt over what happened between them before but she ends up seeing where things go between them. I really loved reading there story.
July 18, 2025
I loved Olivia and Hayes, the couple in Ellie K. Drake’s Ice Contact, the first book in her Milwaukee Steel Riders hockey romance series, but I think I love Maggie and Vladi of Ice Block even more if that’s possible. From their instant attraction, steamy chemistry and immediate feelings during their one night stand to their second chance at Olivia snd Hayes’s destination wedding, I rooted so hard for this couple. They absolutely brought out the best in each other. Thank you to Ellie K. Drake and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this early!
July 11, 2025
4 stars. A fun hockey romance with a friend group that is SUPERIOR, it has all the found family vibes.
✨Tropes✨
▫️He gives her a nickname in Russian
▫️One Night Stand🛌
▫️Hockey Romance 🏒
▫️Frenemies to Lovers
▫️Grumpy x Sunshine 🌞
Let’s talk about Maggie, fierce and independent, so much so that she was difficult to like, I didn’t feel like I connected with her at all. Vladi our broody Russian goalie, closed off and protective for a very good reason, one that will break your heart 🥺I adored him so much. We also love a man who works on himself to be the man our FMC needs.
As I mentioned before I didn’t really like Maggie but her and Vladi together 😍 they just clicked, the sexual chemistry is off the charts.
There is a third act breakup, sort of because they aren’t really together but are kinda working on it. So just be warned that their road to happiness is a work in progress.
Overall, it was a good book with a hot broody goalie but Maggie let it down a little.
P.S I need Jordan Boucher’s book like yesterday. I am already feral for that man.
Thank you TAA and Ellie for the ARC.
✨Tropes✨
▫️He gives her a nickname in Russian
▫️One Night Stand🛌
▫️Hockey Romance 🏒
▫️Frenemies to Lovers
▫️Grumpy x Sunshine 🌞
Let’s talk about Maggie, fierce and independent, so much so that she was difficult to like, I didn’t feel like I connected with her at all. Vladi our broody Russian goalie, closed off and protective for a very good reason, one that will break your heart 🥺I adored him so much. We also love a man who works on himself to be the man our FMC needs.
As I mentioned before I didn’t really like Maggie but her and Vladi together 😍 they just clicked, the sexual chemistry is off the charts.
There is a third act breakup, sort of because they aren’t really together but are kinda working on it. So just be warned that their road to happiness is a work in progress.
Overall, it was a good book with a hot broody goalie but Maggie let it down a little.
P.S I need Jordan Boucher’s book like yesterday. I am already feral for that man.
Thank you TAA and Ellie for the ARC.
July 25, 2025
I love my hockey romances. Interconnected series make the book so much better in my opinion. This is a grumpy/sunshine but not, since they are both stubborn 🤣
This book made me want to dive in and live in this world. There was so much heartbreak but also so much love between the characters. They had so much growth to do but they were too stubborn sometimes. Also favorite side character? Hands down it was Bougie 🤣
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book made me want to dive in and live in this world. There was so much heartbreak but also so much love between the characters. They had so much growth to do but they were too stubborn sometimes. Also favorite side character? Hands down it was Bougie 🤣
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
July 15, 2025
Now this book was fun and so hot!! Vladimir and Maggie burn up the pages soon after thir first encounter, but daft decisions by Vladi fed by his own issues from the past, leads to a frosty few months, on and off the ice! Enter a romantic wedding destination and forced proximity, and the stars are aligning for sparring to the nth degree!
This book is full of incredibly witty banter, heat, fabulous found family, the irrepressible Jordan Boucher, who I adore, and the sheer liveliness of our main characters in their own diffeways, and you have a book that sparkles, entertains and brings so many smiles! I loved it! 💖💖💖💖💖
This book is full of incredibly witty banter, heat, fabulous found family, the irrepressible Jordan Boucher, who I adore, and the sheer liveliness of our main characters in their own diffeways, and you have a book that sparkles, entertains and brings so many smiles! I loved it! 💖💖💖💖💖
July 24, 2025
Ellie K Drake had me eating this book up in one day!! Not only do we get a grumpy goalie, but we get a black cat who don't take shit from anyone.
Honestly I don't know who I had the hots for more Vladi or Maggie.
I read ICE CONTACT (the first in the series) right before I started this so everything was fresh and I LOVEDDD that our timelines brought us back to where it all started.
Not your typical hockey romance in the sense that it was set during the off season at their bestfriends destination wedding... but this also means it was the perfect summer read!!
Not only was I giggling and kicking my feet at these two, but I was also bombarding Ellie with live updates. Including all the tears. Getting to finally find out why Wolfie did what he did that upset Maggie so much and his reasoning behind it broke my heart.
I love love love both of these characters and I never thought l'd say this because of who our MMC will be but....I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3...the teaser at the end of the epilogue...OMGGG.
ICE BLOCK is out now and on KU!
So happy I pre ordered it!! This is a book l'll definitely read again.
Honestly I don't know who I had the hots for more Vladi or Maggie.
I read ICE CONTACT (the first in the series) right before I started this so everything was fresh and I LOVEDDD that our timelines brought us back to where it all started.
Not your typical hockey romance in the sense that it was set during the off season at their bestfriends destination wedding... but this also means it was the perfect summer read!!
Not only was I giggling and kicking my feet at these two, but I was also bombarding Ellie with live updates. Including all the tears. Getting to finally find out why Wolfie did what he did that upset Maggie so much and his reasoning behind it broke my heart.
I love love love both of these characters and I never thought l'd say this because of who our MMC will be but....I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3...the teaser at the end of the epilogue...OMGGG.
ICE BLOCK is out now and on KU!
So happy I pre ordered it!! This is a book l'll definitely read again.
July 15, 2025
Before I get into the main review I have to say that BOUGIE is hilarious and I alternated between wanting to smack him across the back of the head, laugh at his antics, or give him a big hug. He was the comic relief that was needed at times to keep things light.
I loved Olivia and Hayes from book one, Ice Contact, and was glad that they were featured heavily in this book along with other teammates we met in book one. This book could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book one first to understand the character dynamics. I re-read book one before reading this ARC to ensure I was remembering things correctly.
Maggie and Vladi keep each other and their friends on their toes. Never knowing if they were friends or enemies on a daily basis. When Maggie and Vladi met they both had a terrible day and wanted an escape from reality and they found it in each other for one night. Though they both caught feels and each reacted very differently. Maggie hoped that they could become more and became bitter by Vladi's reaction. Vladi ran scared because in his mind everyone who he loves leaves him. He turned his heart into a block of ice only letting in Hayes and his mother, even keeping his teammates at arms length.
Over the course of the next few months, they were forced to tolerate each other because their best friends were a couple and avoiding each other was impossible. Though Maggie did try and Vladi hated that Maggie hated him so much. Vladi didn't like this because he was drawn to Maggie but he felt that it was safer for them both.
When Olivia and Hayes plan a destination wedding, Vladi and Maggie are forced to put their differences aside for their friends. They agreed to be civil when needed but would avoid each other as much as possible. Little did they know that their friends were conspiring against them in an effort to get them together and admit that they would be better together than apart. Their fighting and banter was outstanding but sometimes you shouldn't mess with matters of the heart because you could trigger a chain reaction that could hurt far worse than a typical heartbreak.
Vladi's fear became too much and Maggie did what she had to do to protect herself from devastation. Only Vladi could decide if the risk was worth the reward and if it was he would have to face his fears. With the help of his teammates and a therapist, he attempted to do just that. He knew that he couldn't win Maggie back by being an overprotective and overbearing jerk. Once he felt ready he chose a grand gesture in hopes of winning his love back.
Maggie chose to put herself first and started actively working towards her dream and with the help of her friends she seemed to be on the right track. She seemed content but her heart was still broken and it felt like Vladi had given up. Little did Maggie know, Vladi was secretly working with their friends to secure her dream and hopefully win her back.
Did the Goalie get his girl? Read this spicy hockey romance to find out?
Thank you Ellie K. Drake and Luna Literary for the opportunity to review this book and allowing me to receive an ARC.
I loved Olivia and Hayes from book one, Ice Contact, and was glad that they were featured heavily in this book along with other teammates we met in book one. This book could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book one first to understand the character dynamics. I re-read book one before reading this ARC to ensure I was remembering things correctly.
Maggie and Vladi keep each other and their friends on their toes. Never knowing if they were friends or enemies on a daily basis. When Maggie and Vladi met they both had a terrible day and wanted an escape from reality and they found it in each other for one night. Though they both caught feels and each reacted very differently. Maggie hoped that they could become more and became bitter by Vladi's reaction. Vladi ran scared because in his mind everyone who he loves leaves him. He turned his heart into a block of ice only letting in Hayes and his mother, even keeping his teammates at arms length.
Over the course of the next few months, they were forced to tolerate each other because their best friends were a couple and avoiding each other was impossible. Though Maggie did try and Vladi hated that Maggie hated him so much. Vladi didn't like this because he was drawn to Maggie but he felt that it was safer for them both.
When Olivia and Hayes plan a destination wedding, Vladi and Maggie are forced to put their differences aside for their friends. They agreed to be civil when needed but would avoid each other as much as possible. Little did they know that their friends were conspiring against them in an effort to get them together and admit that they would be better together than apart. Their fighting and banter was outstanding but sometimes you shouldn't mess with matters of the heart because you could trigger a chain reaction that could hurt far worse than a typical heartbreak.
Vladi's fear became too much and Maggie did what she had to do to protect herself from devastation. Only Vladi could decide if the risk was worth the reward and if it was he would have to face his fears. With the help of his teammates and a therapist, he attempted to do just that. He knew that he couldn't win Maggie back by being an overprotective and overbearing jerk. Once he felt ready he chose a grand gesture in hopes of winning his love back.
Maggie chose to put herself first and started actively working towards her dream and with the help of her friends she seemed to be on the right track. She seemed content but her heart was still broken and it felt like Vladi had given up. Little did Maggie know, Vladi was secretly working with their friends to secure her dream and hopefully win her back.
Did the Goalie get his girl? Read this spicy hockey romance to find out?
Thank you Ellie K. Drake and Luna Literary for the opportunity to review this book and allowing me to receive an ARC.
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