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Breaking Point: A Fake Dating Ice Hockey Romance
FAKE DATING, ICE HOCKEY, SPORTS ROMANCE
Hockey star Grayson Crawford is in hot water. Amidst grieving a family member, he can’t seem to pull his act together, threatening everything he’s worked so hard for—and the team he can’t live without. To clean up his image and prove he can change, he agrees to a PR relationship, but there’s only one woman he wants by his side.
Except, Bella Stratford couldn’t be a worse candidate. Only recently taking the role of his personal assistant to pay for her mother’s medical bills, she already has her hands full dodging puck bunnies and fixing Grayson’s messes. Not to mention her heart is under strict lock and key after life taught her that men cannot be trusted. But when her mother’s health gets worse, becoming Grayson’s fake girlfriend is the last solution left.
In public, they’re the perfect doting couple. In private, all those carefully drawn lines are beginning to blur. Because the shy, sweet man is not what she expected, and the guarded, caring woman just needs someone looking out for her. And with each stolen glance and tender kiss, their broken hearts might be starting to heal.
Hockey star Grayson Crawford is in hot water. Amidst grieving a family member, he can’t seem to pull his act together, threatening everything he’s worked so hard for—and the team he can’t live without. To clean up his image and prove he can change, he agrees to a PR relationship, but there’s only one woman he wants by his side.
Except, Bella Stratford couldn’t be a worse candidate. Only recently taking the role of his personal assistant to pay for her mother’s medical bills, she already has her hands full dodging puck bunnies and fixing Grayson’s messes. Not to mention her heart is under strict lock and key after life taught her that men cannot be trusted. But when her mother’s health gets worse, becoming Grayson’s fake girlfriend is the last solution left.
In public, they’re the perfect doting couple. In private, all those carefully drawn lines are beginning to blur. Because the shy, sweet man is not what she expected, and the guarded, caring woman just needs someone looking out for her. And with each stolen glance and tender kiss, their broken hearts might be starting to heal.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
608 people are currently reading
4821 people want to read
About the author
Mads Rafferty
6 books2,542 followersNever in a million years would I have thought my life would look like what it does today. If I told my younger self that I not only love to read but that I write books for a living … well let’s just say we would be attending her funeral. Books will forever hold a special place in my heart. At the age of nineteen, I immersed myself in the world of fiction and was lucky enough to be dragged out of a dark abyss. Books have been there for me through thick and thin, helping shape the person I am today and I hope for some, my books will do the same. In whatever capacity that may be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 459 reviews
September 7, 2025
6,000,000,000,000 STARS FOR THIS BOOK
I’m not writing the review yet but I don’t want someone to read this book because of me and think it’s happy and lighthearted so here are the triggers
TW: grief, heavy alcoholism, relapse of addiction, blood, death, one easily skippable spice scene around the 90% mark, and an intense hospital visit for the FMC
I’m not writing the review yet but I don’t want someone to read this book because of me and think it’s happy and lighthearted so here are the triggers
TW: grief, heavy alcoholism, relapse of addiction, blood, death, one easily skippable spice scene around the 90% mark, and an intense hospital visit for the FMC
September 19, 2025
“We've kissed more in private than in public. This has never just been a contract and you know it.”
ৎ⋆｡‧📖‧ 4.0★
── .✦ be aware of spoilers
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(idfc - blackbear)"
0:09 ━●────────── 4:05
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ
full playlist for bella & graysonღ
↬ The title does not lie this was in fact my breaking point.
↬ one of three books that has made me actually cry to a point were I was like I don't want to keep reading because I physically can't handle this anymore.
↬ I don't really know what my rating was going to be but since it is already a big achievement that this book made me cry so much because I never really cry because of books, sometimes I shed a couple tears but never like the ugly type of cry and this book did so I will stick to four stars
↬ The reason that I am unsure about my rating is because Bella was kind of pissing me of. I don't know she was denying the fact that there was nothing real to their relationship and it was only 'fake' to a point where it got me pissed of to a point where I had to put the book down for a couple days because I just couldn't enjoy the book anymore makes me question if I actually liked it.
↬ Grayson is such a sweet heart and deserves a big hug honestly. I think I have a weak spot for mentally unstable guys because I always feel so bad... His drinking addiction was not good tho I definitively don't approve of that but I could see where he was coming from. And when he found out that Bella her mom was sick he did so many things for the both of them that there is no way I could hate him.
↬ I stopped at like 90% because I just didn't enjoy reading it anymore and I thought this was such a beautiful book that isn't entirely focused on the romance aspect but also serious problems you might deal with in real life and I wanted my review to be based on my actual feelings and in that moment I just could not find the right mind space to read it. LITTLE DID I KNOW I SAVED THE SADDEST PART EVER.
↬ I will never forgive Mads Rafferty for choosing to write about bella missing the death of her mom by 3 minutes. THREE FUCKING MINUTES. Did you know everything you write is optional? YOU DID NOT HAVE TO BREAK ME LIKE THAT. Ever since I dealt with the death of someone very close to me I have not been handeling deaths in books very well, BUT THIS ONE? It was some type of different breaking point the tears just kept coming and coming.
↬ AND THEN THOSE LETTERS?? What do you mean her mom wrote letters for all her important days so she would feel like her mom was with her in some type of way, CRYING, CRYING, BREAKING DOWN, MORE CRYING.
↬ I am not okay after reading this book but I do think you should read it.
── .✦ pre-read🏒⭑.ᐟ
⤿ prediction: 4.0 ★
FINALLY BUDDY READING AGAIN !!! with bestiebae hannah♡
⤿ make sure to also check out her review: hannah her beautiful review
I wanted to read this because of the cover but then I read it's a FAKE DATING and ICE HOCKEY ROMANCE!!?? If you know me, you know I ABSOLUTELY LOVE fake dating and ice hockey romance so I have high hopes -> I have no idea what it's about so it's going to be a full surprise
September 21, 2025
4⭐
Buddy read with bestie mar۶ৎ
⤿ Check out her review!!
⋆˚꩜｡ Thoughts:
This story was so well written! Not cringe (though nothing is ever 100% cringe free), some highlight-worthy quotes and I won't lie I did laugh out loud a few times 🙂↕️
I really disliked the assistant dynamic in behind the net but because of these characters' situations it felt relevant to the story and not cliche like, 'oh no I need a job asap, wow a well-paying assistant job for a hot hockey player 😱'.
Honestly, Bella was annoying at times but I really felt for her and everything she was going through. I just wanted to give her a hug 🫂 And Grayson!!! He was so thoughtful! He spent 4 hours sorting gummy bears for her (lowk insane but who am I to judge), he paid her mums medical bills and he founded an animal rescue shelter !
The mental health representation in this book is TOP TIER! It was gut-wrenching but relatable and oh my gosh did I sob. Make sure to check the TW’s <3
This book also has:
- AI hate 👏👏
- Chronic illness rep
- Found family 🥹
- Funny text messages
This really isn't relevant at all but I did NOT vibe with the nickname. I understand the sentiment and the metaphor but every time he called her 'blaze' I pictured the monster truck 😭
My only critique is the last 15% & the ending felt rushed. I think because there were SO many things going on that were being wrapped up back to back. Lots of emotional plot lines that did have a big impact (as I said, I SOBBED) but could’ve been even more emotional if there was time between each point in the story for the reader to fully process and FEEL for the characters. Instead it wrapped up within like 5 chapters and the reader has no time to just...cry. And then it’s over, you’re reading the epilogue and the words ‘the end’.
Besides that, this book was so romantic and entertaining! Thank you Mar for reading this with me, I had so much fun 🫶🏻
Buddy read with bestie mar۶ৎ
⤿ Check out her review!!
⋆˚꩜｡ Thoughts:
This story was so well written! Not cringe (though nothing is ever 100% cringe free), some highlight-worthy quotes and I won't lie I did laugh out loud a few times 🙂↕️
I really disliked the assistant dynamic in behind the net but because of these characters' situations it felt relevant to the story and not cliche like, 'oh no I need a job asap, wow a well-paying assistant job for a hot hockey player 😱'.
Honestly, Bella was annoying at times but I really felt for her and everything she was going through. I just wanted to give her a hug 🫂 And Grayson!!! He was so thoughtful! He spent 4 hours sorting gummy bears for her (lowk insane but who am I to judge), he paid her mums medical bills and he founded an animal rescue shelter !
The mental health representation in this book is TOP TIER! It was gut-wrenching but relatable and oh my gosh did I sob. Make sure to check the TW’s <3
This book also has:
- AI hate 👏👏
- Chronic illness rep
- Found family 🥹
- Funny text messages
This really isn't relevant at all but I did NOT vibe with the nickname. I understand the sentiment and the metaphor but every time he called her 'blaze' I pictured the monster truck 😭
My only critique is the last 15% & the ending felt rushed. I think because there were SO many things going on that were being wrapped up back to back. Lots of emotional plot lines that did have a big impact (as I said, I SOBBED) but could’ve been even more emotional if there was time between each point in the story for the reader to fully process and FEEL for the characters. Instead it wrapped up within like 5 chapters and the reader has no time to just...cry. And then it’s over, you’re reading the epilogue and the words ‘the end’.
Besides that, this book was so romantic and entertaining! Thank you Mar for reading this with me, I had so much fun 🫶🏻
July 28, 2025
my rating: ★★★★★
aesthetic: 🏒⛸️🎨🖼️🦮🩺🏥🎡🥃❤️🩹🌳
Breaking Point by Mads Rafferty is a beautifully layered romance that perfectly blends emotional depth, playful banter, and magnetic chemistry. Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional hockey, this assistant x boss romance strikes every chord with precision and heart.
Both main characters are carrying trauma from their pasts, and it’s through their unexpected connection—first professional, then deeply personal—that we witness the slow, transformative power of healing. Their journey isn’t rushed. It’s tender, raw, and authentic, making every emotional beat feel earned. I found myself smiling through their banter one moment and wiping away tears the next.
Mads Rafferty has a way of writing romance that is fun and flirty without losing its emotional punch. There’s real pain behind the characters’ facades, and the way they show up for each other—despite their fears, flaws, and vulnerabilities—is what makes this book so deeply moving. It’s a story of redemption, trust, and finding hope in the most unexpected places.
If you’re a fan of sports romance with heart, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and characters who feel achingly real, Breaking Point will absolutely hit the mark. I’m so glad I got to experience this early—it’s one of those stories that stays with you.
aesthetic: 🏒⛸️🎨🖼️🦮🩺🏥🎡🥃❤️🩹🌳
Breaking Point by Mads Rafferty is a beautifully layered romance that perfectly blends emotional depth, playful banter, and magnetic chemistry. Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional hockey, this assistant x boss romance strikes every chord with precision and heart.
Both main characters are carrying trauma from their pasts, and it’s through their unexpected connection—first professional, then deeply personal—that we witness the slow, transformative power of healing. Their journey isn’t rushed. It’s tender, raw, and authentic, making every emotional beat feel earned. I found myself smiling through their banter one moment and wiping away tears the next.
Mads Rafferty has a way of writing romance that is fun and flirty without losing its emotional punch. There’s real pain behind the characters’ facades, and the way they show up for each other—despite their fears, flaws, and vulnerabilities—is what makes this book so deeply moving. It’s a story of redemption, trust, and finding hope in the most unexpected places.
If you’re a fan of sports romance with heart, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and characters who feel achingly real, Breaking Point will absolutely hit the mark. I’m so glad I got to experience this early—it’s one of those stories that stays with you.
July 17, 2025
Five stars isn’t enough.
This has got to be one of the most beautiful books I have probably ever read.
I did not get what I was expecting out of this book…it was so so much more!
It was so heartbreaking, gut wrenching and devastating while simultaneously being so romantic, sweet and filled with the most perfect characters ever.
I will not say a THING that would even remotely hint to the path this book goes on and follows because I promise you, you need to read this book and experience it for yourself.
If I didn’t believe in love before I read this, I’d be a convert.
Grayson is the epitome of perfect boyfriend material and is the sweetest cinnamon roll who was so beyond perfect for Bella.
I will think about this book daily and it will live in me for a long time to come.
This has got to be one of the most beautiful books I have probably ever read.
I did not get what I was expecting out of this book…it was so so much more!
It was so heartbreaking, gut wrenching and devastating while simultaneously being so romantic, sweet and filled with the most perfect characters ever.
I will not say a THING that would even remotely hint to the path this book goes on and follows because I promise you, you need to read this book and experience it for yourself.
If I didn’t believe in love before I read this, I’d be a convert.
Grayson is the epitome of perfect boyfriend material and is the sweetest cinnamon roll who was so beyond perfect for Bella.
I will think about this book daily and it will live in me for a long time to come.
July 18, 2025
♾️⭐️ (kindle)
I can’t believe I had the absolute privilege to read the ARC of this incredibly beautifully written book 🥹😭 right from the got go it had my heart strings being pulled and let’s say I was left crying at my desk at work 😭😭
There’s so many perfect aspects throughout this series that I could honestly spend hours talking about! That’s just how good this book is! Starting with Bella and Grayson! 😍 you can literally feel the tension and chemistry between these two!!!!! I was literally squealing like a high schooler, I was feeling like Layla!
I actually think this could be my top read for the year! I can’t get over how amazing this book is and I can’t wait for it to come out so others can experience it!
Mads you have absolutely nailed it! You should be so proud and I cannot wait for more! 🫶🏻🥹
I can’t believe I had the absolute privilege to read the ARC of this incredibly beautifully written book 🥹😭 right from the got go it had my heart strings being pulled and let’s say I was left crying at my desk at work 😭😭
There’s so many perfect aspects throughout this series that I could honestly spend hours talking about! That’s just how good this book is! Starting with Bella and Grayson! 😍 you can literally feel the tension and chemistry between these two!!!!! I was literally squealing like a high schooler, I was feeling like Layla!
I actually think this could be my top read for the year! I can’t get over how amazing this book is and I can’t wait for it to come out so others can experience it!
Mads you have absolutely nailed it! You should be so proud and I cannot wait for more! 🫶🏻🥹
Read
September 6, 2025for a book about grief, this book has no depth! dnf at page 52
September 4, 2025
4☆
“Because you’re the blazing fire that rekindled life within my heart, and I never want your flame to be extinguished.”
oh, i ate this one up. chefs kiss.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
two relatable characters, a story that felt natural. while their connection started as the assistant to the hockey player. it quickly turned into her being his fake girlfriend, but that only lasted so long. they couldn’t deny their feelings for one another. mostly grayson.
grayson and bella are two precious souls who find one another at the right time, when they truly needed the comfort of someone who just understood what the other was feeling. she was the one who motivated him to turn his life around before it was too late and he was th one who managed to get her to open her heart up again after being burned.
a man who’s good with animals? a man who spends time with your ill mother? reads to her? sets her up with an audible account so she can listen to her favorite thrillers? helps her write letters for the days she won’t be there? that’s a man after my own heart. he was perfect .
grayson, my love, welcome to my long list of favorite book boyfriends.
── .✦
so worth the read. i felt every emotion you could imagine. ps: he gave her the cutest nickname ever. blaze.
this story has a lot of heavy topics, ranging from, battling chronic illnesses, grief, alcoholism, and more. please check the trigger warnings.
“Because you’re the blazing fire that rekindled life within my heart, and I never want your flame to be extinguished.”
oh, i ate this one up. chefs kiss.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
two relatable characters, a story that felt natural. while their connection started as the assistant to the hockey player. it quickly turned into her being his fake girlfriend, but that only lasted so long. they couldn’t deny their feelings for one another. mostly grayson.
grayson and bella are two precious souls who find one another at the right time, when they truly needed the comfort of someone who just understood what the other was feeling. she was the one who motivated him to turn his life around before it was too late and he was th one who managed to get her to open her heart up again after being burned.
a man who’s good with animals? a man who spends time with your ill mother? reads to her? sets her up with an audible account so she can listen to her favorite thrillers? helps her write letters for the days she won’t be there? that’s a man after my own heart. he was perfect .
grayson, my love, welcome to my long list of favorite book boyfriends.
── .✦
so worth the read. i felt every emotion you could imagine. ps: he gave her the cutest nickname ever. blaze.
this story has a lot of heavy topics, ranging from, battling chronic illnesses, grief, alcoholism, and more. please check the trigger warnings.
July 29, 2025
My ARC REVIEW!!⭐️🫶🏽
Listen…. Idk where to start! Did I finish the book or did it finish me??? Grayson and Bella are perfection! Beautifully written! Amazing plot! And don’t get me started on the instant love but also slow burn!? The heart felt love being portrayed between all the main characters is so wholesome and amazing! I felt as if I was there apart of their world!
The feelings and things are So hard to put into a book! Mads you did your thing babes💓💓⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Listen…. Idk where to start! Did I finish the book or did it finish me??? Grayson and Bella are perfection! Beautifully written! Amazing plot! And don’t get me started on the instant love but also slow burn!? The heart felt love being portrayed between all the main characters is so wholesome and amazing! I felt as if I was there apart of their world!
The feelings and things are So hard to put into a book! Mads you did your thing babes💓💓⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2025
4.5 stars - this book was AMAZING! I literally read it in 24 hours (and I worked a 8hr shift) I could not put this down it was so addictive. The characters were so well written I wanted more after every chapter. The way it touched on grief and loss was so well done, it’s beautiful and heartbreaking and i loved every second of it.
August 23, 2025
4.5⭐️ this was everything and more!! the perfect slow burn fake dating ice hockey romance. golden retriever hockey player x black cat fmc. everything about this was beautiful, emotional and so filled with love. there wasn’t a single part of this book where i was bored, i was so invested the whole time, the slow burn was perfection, the characters were so beautifully written with so much depth to them. the perfect mix of fun and cute with tension, trauma and emotional scenes that left me crying for hours, thank you for such a beautiful story
⛸️🎨🦮🥃🏥🏒📖❤️🩹🐾🧁🪴
⛸️🎨🦮🥃🏥🏒📖❤️🩹🐾🧁🪴
July 27, 2025
I am grateful to have received this ARC from the author for review. As always, all thoughts & feelings are my own.
This story was both heartbreaking & insanely touching at the same time. We have our FMC, Bella, who is in the incredibly tough position of caring for her terminally ill mother after her father left them & our grieving MMC, Grayson, who feels immense guilt after the passing of a loved one. Bella comes to work for Grayson & the pair fall into fake dating situation to help Grayson repair his image. I thought the fake dating trope was a fantastic vessel for the pair (mostly Bella) to overcome their reservations about their feelings. The tension building throughout the book was fantastic with just one really well done spicy scene, but many moments of heat leading up to it. The black cat x grumpy sunshine trope is always a favourite of mine, I really appreciate the author showing us how Grayson allows space for Bella’s emotions & compulsions, supporting her with many aspects of her life to allow her to be soft and caring towards him. I loved Bella’s support of Grayson’s sobriety journey, and the way that Grayson battled his emotional turmoil and his desire to maintain his captaincy. The author did a fantastic job of portraying the various family dynamics as well as a fun, found family aspect within Grayson’s hockey team. And of course, a puppy feature. This was a well balanced sports romance, reminiscent of Icebreaker (only with more tears) and the Deal by Elle Kennedy. If you like a love at first sight, fake dating, grumpy x sunshine story, this one will be for you!
This story was both heartbreaking & insanely touching at the same time. We have our FMC, Bella, who is in the incredibly tough position of caring for her terminally ill mother after her father left them & our grieving MMC, Grayson, who feels immense guilt after the passing of a loved one. Bella comes to work for Grayson & the pair fall into fake dating situation to help Grayson repair his image. I thought the fake dating trope was a fantastic vessel for the pair (mostly Bella) to overcome their reservations about their feelings. The tension building throughout the book was fantastic with just one really well done spicy scene, but many moments of heat leading up to it. The black cat x grumpy sunshine trope is always a favourite of mine, I really appreciate the author showing us how Grayson allows space for Bella’s emotions & compulsions, supporting her with many aspects of her life to allow her to be soft and caring towards him. I loved Bella’s support of Grayson’s sobriety journey, and the way that Grayson battled his emotional turmoil and his desire to maintain his captaincy. The author did a fantastic job of portraying the various family dynamics as well as a fun, found family aspect within Grayson’s hockey team. And of course, a puppy feature. This was a well balanced sports romance, reminiscent of Icebreaker (only with more tears) and the Deal by Elle Kennedy. If you like a love at first sight, fake dating, grumpy x sunshine story, this one will be for you!
July 16, 2025
Wow—this book was one I didn’t know I needed until I turned the first page. It completely surprised me in the best way possible. From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the emotional depth, the relatable characters, and the beautifully written slow-burn romance that had me hooked all the way through.
The author did an incredible job of weaving heavy, personal themes into the storyline in a way that felt raw and honest, without ever feeling overwhelming or forced. It added so much substance and made the characters’ journeys feel incredibly real. I found myself connecting deeply with each of them, and by the end, they felt like people I actually knew and cared about.
The slow-burn romance was perfection—it built naturally and never rushed, allowing the tension and chemistry to grow in such a satisfying way. And it wasn’t just the main romance that stood out; every character brought something unique to the story, and I truly enjoyed seeing how their dynamics played out.
I honestly cannot wait for the next installment. I’m already so curious to see which character will be at the center of the next book. If it’s anything like this one, I know I’ll be absolutely obsessed. Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance with real emotional weight and well-developed characters.
The author did an incredible job of weaving heavy, personal themes into the storyline in a way that felt raw and honest, without ever feeling overwhelming or forced. It added so much substance and made the characters’ journeys feel incredibly real. I found myself connecting deeply with each of them, and by the end, they felt like people I actually knew and cared about.
The slow-burn romance was perfection—it built naturally and never rushed, allowing the tension and chemistry to grow in such a satisfying way. And it wasn’t just the main romance that stood out; every character brought something unique to the story, and I truly enjoyed seeing how their dynamics played out.
I honestly cannot wait for the next installment. I’m already so curious to see which character will be at the center of the next book. If it’s anything like this one, I know I’ll be absolutely obsessed. Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance with real emotional weight and well-developed characters.
July 28, 2025
5 stars does not do this book justice, this book was so beautifully written and full of emotion and passion and LOVE. I will never stop recommending this book and I’m so thankful I was able to read this arc 🩷
July 16, 2025
i was able to ARC read this (thank you mads!). i ate this book up. i love grayson and bella, i loved their chemistry. i love how well mads handled the topics in this book. this book had me laughing and then crying at times (also where do i send the therapy bill because that ending😭) i 100% recommend!
July 27, 2025
Received as an arc read! Absolutely loved it!!!! Such a beautiful story with such amazing characters. Probably the best character writing I’ve read in a long time!
August 1, 2025
Had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an arc! It was such a beautiful story.
The yearning and slow burn 🔥
The way grief was handled in this story was so real and heartbreaking ❤️🩹
Bella and Grayson’s story was amazing and I can’t recommend it enough. This got me out of my ice hockey slump. Grayson has set some pretty high standards!
The yearning and slow burn 🔥
The way grief was handled in this story was so real and heartbreaking ❤️🩹
Bella and Grayson’s story was amazing and I can’t recommend it enough. This got me out of my ice hockey slump. Grayson has set some pretty high standards!
September 8, 2025
Fake dating plus ice hockey? Absolute chaos in the best way. The banter was top-tier, the romance had me smiling like an idiot, and the whole thing was so fast-paced and fun I didn’t want to put it down. Total feel-good vibes from start to finish.
August 28, 2025
I have a rule that if I cry— it’s an immediate 5 stars, so thank you for the tears
June 12, 2025
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ 5 stars . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
I had the amazing opportunity to be a beta reader for this book! Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to be a part of this journey! :)
Wow! I am going to start this review off by saying this book was freaking incredible. If you liked the Deal by Elle Kennedy, this book is for you. Famous ice hockey captain, he falls first and harder, fake dating and forbidden workplace romance are just a few tropes in this story that stand out. This story is incredible.
This is my second book from this author, and both have stood out to me. Mads has a way of writing that makes the story and the world feel believable and real. In both books I have found it super easy to read for hours straight without needing to take a break. The whole story was believable and hooked me right in from the beginning. It was as though I was watching a movie in my head, I didn’t ever want this story to end.
⤷ I also thoroughly enjoyed the dual POV in this. It didn’t feel like too much to read both characters perspectives on the situations.
I loved this story so much. We focus on our main characters, Bella and Grayson, and their own experiences with grief. Grayson is grieving his brother, he feels guilty about the incident and cannot move on. Bella is dealing with her mother being on her deathbed, she deals with the thoughts and realisations that her mother won’t always be around. It was amazing getting to see our two main characters learn how to grow and move on together despite the difference in circumstances. We also got to see how they dealt with their grief and also reminded themselves of their loved ones, Grayson through his gardening and Bella through her art.
The side characters in this book felt so real. They were so entertaining, but did not get in the way of the story. I do hope that this becomes a series of interconnected standalones. I just know that Layla and Kieran would make for a great romantic story. I’m also interested to see what has changed between Cindy and Asher…
Separate point for Grayson Crawford. Wow. This man gave me butterflies, chapter 50 i’m looking at you 😛👀
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the emotions it brought out in me. I was nonstop crying in the last 10%, I felt so much for these characters and their stories. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about this book, definitely a new favourite romance of mine. The story felt real and I cannot wait to see what Mads can come out with next! ♡
I had the amazing opportunity to be a beta reader for this book! Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to be a part of this journey! :)
Wow! I am going to start this review off by saying this book was freaking incredible. If you liked the Deal by Elle Kennedy, this book is for you. Famous ice hockey captain, he falls first and harder, fake dating and forbidden workplace romance are just a few tropes in this story that stand out. This story is incredible.
This is my second book from this author, and both have stood out to me. Mads has a way of writing that makes the story and the world feel believable and real. In both books I have found it super easy to read for hours straight without needing to take a break. The whole story was believable and hooked me right in from the beginning. It was as though I was watching a movie in my head, I didn’t ever want this story to end.
⤷ I also thoroughly enjoyed the dual POV in this. It didn’t feel like too much to read both characters perspectives on the situations.
I loved this story so much. We focus on our main characters, Bella and Grayson, and their own experiences with grief. Grayson is grieving his brother, he feels guilty about the incident and cannot move on. Bella is dealing with her mother being on her deathbed, she deals with the thoughts and realisations that her mother won’t always be around. It was amazing getting to see our two main characters learn how to grow and move on together despite the difference in circumstances. We also got to see how they dealt with their grief and also reminded themselves of their loved ones, Grayson through his gardening and Bella through her art.
The side characters in this book felt so real. They were so entertaining, but did not get in the way of the story. I do hope that this becomes a series of interconnected standalones. I just know that Layla and Kieran would make for a great romantic story. I’m also interested to see what has changed between Cindy and Asher…
Separate point for Grayson Crawford. Wow. This man gave me butterflies, chapter 50 i’m looking at you 😛👀
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the emotions it brought out in me. I was nonstop crying in the last 10%, I felt so much for these characters and their stories. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about this book, definitely a new favourite romance of mine. The story felt real and I cannot wait to see what Mads can come out with next! ♡
July 28, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down it was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once! This book was the easiest five stars!
Breaking Point is hands down one of my favorite hockey romance books of all time. It’s so beautifully written, full of emotional depth, yet still manages to be light and sweet in all the right places.
Grayson Crawford absolutely stole my heart. Everyone deserves a man like him — he’s genuine, compassionate, funny, caring, and incredibly loving. He makes the perfect team captain and an even better book boyfriend! I especially loved the banter between him and his teammates — it added so much charm and humor to the story.
Bella and Grayson's love story was everything. The way they supported each other through their grief was raw and touching. Their connection felt real, and I loved watching them heal together. Bella was such a strong character, and she made a fantastic personal assistant — dedicated, grounded, and kind. Her bond with her mom was so heartwarming, and I also really loved her friendship with Layla. Layla was such a supportive and fun friend — she brought lightness and laughter in the heavier moments, and she always had Bella’s back. Their friendship added even more warmth to the story.
The team dynamics, the emotional journey, and the beautiful romance made this book unforgettable. Grayson’s tender, funny, and caring personality — especially with Bella — truly made the story shine.
Make sure to check trigger warnings before diving in, but if you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romance with a dose of hockey charm, this one’s for you.
Thank you to Mads Rafferty for the ARC copy I will always be thinking about this book! I can’t wait for the next IceHawks book!
Breaking Point is hands down one of my favorite hockey romance books of all time. It’s so beautifully written, full of emotional depth, yet still manages to be light and sweet in all the right places.
Grayson Crawford absolutely stole my heart. Everyone deserves a man like him — he’s genuine, compassionate, funny, caring, and incredibly loving. He makes the perfect team captain and an even better book boyfriend! I especially loved the banter between him and his teammates — it added so much charm and humor to the story.
Bella and Grayson's love story was everything. The way they supported each other through their grief was raw and touching. Their connection felt real, and I loved watching them heal together. Bella was such a strong character, and she made a fantastic personal assistant — dedicated, grounded, and kind. Her bond with her mom was so heartwarming, and I also really loved her friendship with Layla. Layla was such a supportive and fun friend — she brought lightness and laughter in the heavier moments, and she always had Bella’s back. Their friendship added even more warmth to the story.
The team dynamics, the emotional journey, and the beautiful romance made this book unforgettable. Grayson’s tender, funny, and caring personality — especially with Bella — truly made the story shine.
Make sure to check trigger warnings before diving in, but if you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romance with a dose of hockey charm, this one’s for you.
Thank you to Mads Rafferty for the ARC copy I will always be thinking about this book! I can’t wait for the next IceHawks book!
July 27, 2025
let me start this by saying mads you have done it again!
i am in absolute awe of this book.
i read it as a beta reader about a month and a bit ago and i knew as soon as the arcs came out i was going to read it again, and let me tell you this is going to absolutely be my new comfort read.
the emotional rollercoaster this book takes you on, one minute i’m laughing, the next swooning and the next absolutely sobbing.
this story follows bella and grayson.
bella is starting a new job as a big shot hockey players assistant. she is organised to a fault, a loyal friend, and loves to draw. she has some trust issues for good reasons and hates men (again for a good reason).
grayson is a hot shot hockey player falling down a spiral of grief. he is an animal lover, an absolute golden retriever at heart and will do anything to keep his spot on his dream hockey team.
with tropes like:
x fake dating
x pr relationship
x sports romance
x found family
x boss and employee
x he falls first
x golden retriever mmc
this book covers all of the best tropes imaginable.
if you want a swoon worthy romance with a side of balling your eyes out, then this is the read for you.
i can’t recommend this book enough.
5 stars through and through.
thank you again to mads for letting me read your baby <3
i am in absolute awe of this book.
i read it as a beta reader about a month and a bit ago and i knew as soon as the arcs came out i was going to read it again, and let me tell you this is going to absolutely be my new comfort read.
the emotional rollercoaster this book takes you on, one minute i’m laughing, the next swooning and the next absolutely sobbing.
this story follows bella and grayson.
bella is starting a new job as a big shot hockey players assistant. she is organised to a fault, a loyal friend, and loves to draw. she has some trust issues for good reasons and hates men (again for a good reason).
grayson is a hot shot hockey player falling down a spiral of grief. he is an animal lover, an absolute golden retriever at heart and will do anything to keep his spot on his dream hockey team.
with tropes like:
x fake dating
x pr relationship
x sports romance
x found family
x boss and employee
x he falls first
x golden retriever mmc
this book covers all of the best tropes imaginable.
if you want a swoon worthy romance with a side of balling your eyes out, then this is the read for you.
i can’t recommend this book enough.
5 stars through and through.
thank you again to mads for letting me read your baby <3
July 18, 2025
This is easily a 6 star read! ⭐️
“I don’t think so. You should see how that man stares at you,” she says wistfully. “How does he stare at me?” “Like you’re his reason for breathing.”
Bella is looking for a new job and ends up being an assistant for the hockey player Grayson Crawford. He is still grieving a loss and she needs a miracle so her mother can heal. And then one day - everything changes.
My heart was broken, healed, broken again and then healed again. I cried twice and my eyes burnt many more times. 😮💨 I want to hug both Bella and Grayson, they didn’t deserve what happend to them. But they definitely deserved each other!! 🤍 Grayson is the most perfect boyfriend for Bella and she is perfect for him.
Their best friends?! Amazing side characters! In general all his teammates? Lovely! The Groupchat? Even better!
I was hooked the minute I started reading and am so happy I picked it up! 🤍
I am so excited to see which characters we will get next, I have one couple I am rooting for! ❤️
Thank you Mads Rafferty for the ARC! 🤍
“I don’t think so. You should see how that man stares at you,” she says wistfully. “How does he stare at me?” “Like you’re his reason for breathing.”
Bella is looking for a new job and ends up being an assistant for the hockey player Grayson Crawford. He is still grieving a loss and she needs a miracle so her mother can heal. And then one day - everything changes.
My heart was broken, healed, broken again and then healed again. I cried twice and my eyes burnt many more times. 😮💨 I want to hug both Bella and Grayson, they didn’t deserve what happend to them. But they definitely deserved each other!! 🤍 Grayson is the most perfect boyfriend for Bella and she is perfect for him.
Their best friends?! Amazing side characters! In general all his teammates? Lovely! The Groupchat? Even better!
I was hooked the minute I started reading and am so happy I picked it up! 🤍
I am so excited to see which characters we will get next, I have one couple I am rooting for! ❤️
Thank you Mads Rafferty for the ARC! 🤍
July 21, 2025
Whew does this book take you on a beautiful emotional rollercoaster 😭
This book is soooooo much more than just a cute fun loving hockey romance! I think I felt just about every single emotion out there reading this book - love, joy, hope, anger, confusion, sadness. You name it, I promise you’ll feel it.
Grayson is indeed the perfect book boyfriend & I am whole heartedly obsessed with him as a character. He will absolutely make you believe in true love!
The banter between Grayson and Bella is top tier. The friendship between Bella and Layla is one to envy. And Grayson’s hockey teammates bring so much life and personality to the book!
I cannot believe I had the privilege to read this book early & I honestly cannot wait to read the rest of the series 💞
This book is soooooo much more than just a cute fun loving hockey romance! I think I felt just about every single emotion out there reading this book - love, joy, hope, anger, confusion, sadness. You name it, I promise you’ll feel it.
Grayson is indeed the perfect book boyfriend & I am whole heartedly obsessed with him as a character. He will absolutely make you believe in true love!
The banter between Grayson and Bella is top tier. The friendship between Bella and Layla is one to envy. And Grayson’s hockey teammates bring so much life and personality to the book!
I cannot believe I had the privilege to read this book early & I honestly cannot wait to read the rest of the series 💞
July 28, 2025
*received as an arc*
5 ⭐️ 🌶️
Emotional
Slow burn
Golden retriever MMC
Black cat FMC
Fake dating
He falls first
Wow. This book was perfection. This was not your typical hockey romance, it was so much better. Grayson had me swooning the entire time. I felt Grayson and Bella’s chemistry from the first time they met. The slow burn was EVERYTHING. I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. All I have to say is read this book if you want an emotional, epic love story.
5 ⭐️ 🌶️
Emotional
Slow burn
Golden retriever MMC
Black cat FMC
Fake dating
He falls first
Wow. This book was perfection. This was not your typical hockey romance, it was so much better. Grayson had me swooning the entire time. I felt Grayson and Bella’s chemistry from the first time they met. The slow burn was EVERYTHING. I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. All I have to say is read this book if you want an emotional, epic love story.
September 1, 2025
Read in less than 24 hours (which is not common for me) cause it was that good! The amount of tears I shed with this story ❤️🩹 This was my first sports romance too and as a person who is not into fluffy romances I highly recommend it. I will be reading this entire interconnected standalone series 🏒💕 (praying our next couple will be Kieran and Layla)
September 6, 2025
ugh it was good but I’ve already forgot everyone’s names
July 27, 2025
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book and i cannot wait to read the official copy, i was expecting this to be a fun lil hockey romance but it also had an amazing plot and made me feel so many emotions. love love love this book!
July 27, 2025
I absolutely loved Breaking Point. I was crying one minute and then laughing the next. At one point I was reading while my wife was asleep and had to force myself to not laugh out loud, so I didn’t wake her up. Grayson and Bella both grow so much throughout the book. I cannot wait to see what’s next in the Icehawks series!
July 28, 2025
It was an absolute honourr working with you on this release, i screamed when i opened my emails and saw the arc just sitting there, you had me reading every other moment during my holiday.
This book was gut wrenchingly amazing, i was fighting tears and cackling, or turning the next page like my own life depended on it, the dynamic between Bella and Grayson is everything i needed, their story was beautiful. It had emotional depth, characters that i was able to relate to and the slow burn? It gave me a break from the usual whiplash books i read.
I am so proud of you! This book is amazing, i cant wait for the world to read it and love it as much as i do🥹 can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!!
Much love xx
This book was gut wrenchingly amazing, i was fighting tears and cackling, or turning the next page like my own life depended on it, the dynamic between Bella and Grayson is everything i needed, their story was beautiful. It had emotional depth, characters that i was able to relate to and the slow burn? It gave me a break from the usual whiplash books i read.
I am so proud of you! This book is amazing, i cant wait for the world to read it and love it as much as i do🥹 can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!!
Much love xx
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