Book Review - Playing Defense by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Playing Defense

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing 

Publication Date: 27th September 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

After a string of bad set-ups and boring dates, Reese Brannon is done with men. She’s focused on her job as a fitness model and blogger. Her life in the city is fun. She’s young. There’s no need to look for a man because she doesn’t want one. Especially when relationships usually end in heartbreak.

Jean-Pierre Rochat—known as JP— is done with women. All this Swiss hockey player has ever wanted is to fall in love, but his relationships never end with a happily ever after. Believing he’s always going to be dealt the friend card, JP is over it. If he’s going to be stuck in the friend zone, he’ll keep things casual for his new endgame.

But will one hot Dallas summer night change everything for Reese and JP?

Because when the two meet again when JP returns for hockey season, Reese finds her attraction to him hasn’t waned since their first meeting. Charming and intelligent, JP is different in all the right ways, but Reese realizes letting him in will make her vulnerable, something that terrifies her. JP never forgot Reese from their initial introduction last winter, and the sparks fly for him even more so the second time. But with Reese, his thoughts are anything but casual . . . 

Can JP and Reese let their guards down to take a chance on love? Or will this simply be a game of playing defense?

JP - You had me at Oreos

As I read the book there was a scene reasonably early into the book which was the one that made me fall head over heels in love with JP the romantic lead. It wasn't the biggest of romantic gestures, but it was so entirely sweet and perfect for Reese that I couldn't help myself. 

For yet again Aven Ellis has written a man who has turned into a delightfully sexy book boyfriend, and its what I love about her books, well that the sense of humour, the romance, the recurring characters in the series, and the way I feel as I read her books! 

This may be the 5th book featuring the Dallas Demons ice-hockey team, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Each book contains a fresh romance, but the previous characters are all present, so those following the series can see what happened after each book ends. 

I was utterly exhausted reading about Reese, as she is a fitness model and has to repeat various exercises over and over while being photographed, and she has a fabulous blog too. Due to her parents divorce, she is scared to fall in love and leave her heart vulnerable, at least until she connects properly with JP. 

JP has been present in a few of the previous Dallas Demons books, and I was starting to wonder if we would ever get a book featuring him,  He is Swiss, and besides being a top hockey player, he has so many hidden qualities that I loved discovering all about him. 

There is pure chemistry between Reese and JP, and I loved every single second of their story, and of Playing Defense. 

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - Save the Date by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Save the Date

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 17th May 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Chicago event planner Collins Brady knows how to make the magic happen for her clients. From elaborate weddings to cute baby showers, Collins knows what to do to make an experience breathtakingly perfect. In her mind, she adds the sparkle that makes everything shine.

If only she had that same sparkle in her personal life. 

While she’s good at her job, her true career dreams lie elsewhere. If she could do anything, it would be to become an equestrian riding instructor. That dream, however, is shelved due to practicality. And that’s not the only thing Collins has shelved. After ending a relationship with her college sweetheart, Collins has taken her heart out of the game, too. She wonders if that magical kind of love can exist. But maybe it’s only a fantasy.

Or is it? All of that changes the night she meets Luca Ballerini, the rookie goalie for the Chicago Buffaloes. Passionate and fiercely determined, Luca has only made time for hockey in his life—until he meets Collins. Her spark hasn’t escaped him, and now Luca wants something other than his hockey career.

But following their dreams and hearts isn’t always easy. Can Collins and Luca find a way to live their dreams with each other? 

Will love get past them? Or will this goalie make a perfect save of Collins’ heart?

What can I say that I haven't already said about a book by Aven Ellis? Save The Date is another highly enjoyable and truly pleasurable stories to read, and I am running out of new ways to try and explain just how much I love these books. 

In Luca Ballerini, the author has created another dream man, and given me yet another book boyfriend. He is wonderful and I was falling for him within the first few minutes of meeting him. He is a dedicated goalie that wants nothing more than to help Collins realise her true working dreams. He is willing to put up with Collins' addiction to Pumpkin Spice, and seems to love every single freckle on her face. He is a just a wonderful man to get to know and I really wish he was real!

Callie is working for her aunts event planning company and a lot of the laughs in the book come from the Momzilla of the wedding she is trying to plan, and also the pregnant mom in a baby shower, whose cravings seem to change by the second! 

It was fabulous meeting back up with Livy, Aubrey, Landon and Beckett from the first two books in the Chicago on Ice story, and seeing how they are progressing. However if you haven't read the others in the series, then don't worry as this can definitely be read as a standalone story.  

I loved how much time and effort Luca puts into being a goalie. I used to play that position in a different sport and can't help but wish I had his instincts, or determination to study to the opposition when I was younger.  Whenever Callie was around her horse, it was clear she was a different person and I was really enjoying the horsey side to this book. 

Save The Date is a easy, fast read that is pure escapism. I devoured it far too fast, as I was enjoying the story that much and I am already wishing I had more books by Aven Ellis to read (but I've read them all so far). 

Thank you so much to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - On Thin Ice by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: On Thin Ice

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 30th November 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Holly Johansson knows some things in her life are certain after college graduation: 1.) It’s a long road to becoming a full-time author. 2.) She’ll need to work to pay her bills. 3.) And Dallas Demons superstar Matt Rhinelander will never return her feelings.

Holly knows her unrequited crush on the partying hockey player is ridiculous. There’s no way Matt would be attracted to a woman who prefers watching TV or reading books when he’s known for his frequent bar hops and fast lifestyle. Obviously he would never see her as anything other than his teammate’s little sister.

Yet Holly is drawn to the other side of Matt—the man she knows has always been thoughtful and easy to talk to whenever she’s been alone with him. It is this Matt that fueled the crush Holly has on him. And she knows it will always be just that—a secret crush.

Or will it?

Because when Matt helps Holly through a crisis, her heart begins to believe that there might be feelings on his part, too. After a night of hard partying puts Matt in jeopardy with the Dallas Demons, can Holly be the one to save him? And when Matt admits he sees her as more than Nate Johansson’s sister, will it put them both on thin ice?

One of the things I most look forward to, when starting a new book by Aven Ellis, is the knowledge that I will almost certainly end up with a book boyfriend from the story, as she writes the most loveable male characters. With On Thin Ice, I think it was a new record for me, I was in love with Matt Rhinelander before the end of chapter 3. 

Matt is another of the Dallas Demons ice hockey players, and fans of the series will have seen him mentioned a bit in previous books. If you are new to the Dallas Demons, then rest assured this is definitely a standalone story. For fans though, all your favourite Demons and their girlfriends are present in this story, some in a bigger way than others. 

Matt is just adorable, he manages to put Holly at her ease in an awkward situation, and seems to not mind any of her slight geekier behaviours. They are as different as chalk and cheese, but yet put them in a room together and they seem to bring out the best in each other. 

Holly is a quiet sort, happiest when working on her fantasy novel, and can't believe it when she is being encouraged to spend a bit more time with Matt, her long term crush, even if the circumstances and reasoning behind it are less than honest. This is after they spend a lot of time together on New Years Eve and the relationship between them begins to change right from the beginning. 

I have spent a joyous couple of hours reading On The Ice, its a simply wonderful romance that you know what the overall outcome will most likely be, and as a result you can just relax and read the lovely journey that is discovering just how these two people with get to their HEA. 

Filled with witty banter, a love of socks, a sugar kitty, a social anxiety disorder, a love of planners, very easy to read writing and a romance between two people that is a joy to read about, On The Ice is another winning Dallas Demons book from Aven Ellis. 

Thank you so much to Aven Ellis for this copy of the book that I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 

Guest Post & Giveaway - Olympic Love by Aven Ellis - Booklympics

I’ve always been a HUGE fan of the Olympics. No matter what the sport is, I’ll watch it if it is part of the Olympic Games.  To me there is something so on-the-edge-of-your-seat about the Olympics. 
These athletes train for years, some practically their whole lives, just to have this one moment. I’ve held my breath while watching a gymnast bobble on the balance beam. The excitement of who will touch the wall first on the last lap of a swimming final.  I love when the underdog wins, a superstar is born out of nowhere, and the intense drama when things are in the balance. 

And now viewing is better than ever because nearly everything is televised. Yay! (Yes, I’m already preparing for some low word count days when the Olympics are on, LOL.) If you go to  https://www.olympic.org/ you can pre-prep your Olympic viewing experience. (YES I AM SERIOUS ABOUT MY GAMES PEOPLE.) On my “must see” list for Rio? Equestrian, Cycling, Gymnastics, Track & Field, Swimming and Diving. Oh, and football (which as an American I call soccer) because I will freely admit it, there are some super cute guys playing that sport. 

So my advice for getting the most out of it? Make your must watch list. DVR, DVR, DVR! Grab yourself a home country T-shirt (come on, an excuse to shop is never wrong, right? HA!) Try to watch a few new sports to truly have an Olympic experience. Make some Brazilian food on the night of the Opening Ceremonies.  And definitely keep a scorecard on your favorite outfits during the Opening Ceremonies. We’ll compare them later.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get ready for Rio!

Thank you so much Aven for explaining just what it is I also love about the Olympics in far better words than I was ever going to manage. I intend to be watching all those sports mentioned, except Soccer as Team GB don't have a team, as well as rowing, canoeing, some sailing, or anything that is being shown live, while waiting for the next session of those sports! And I also can't wait for the opening ceremony later today!

About Aven Ellis

Coffee with cream? Check. Soundtrack for work in progress pulled up on Spotify? Done. Ready to write another romantic comedy with a swoonworthy good guy hero, a heroine you cheer for, and a guaranteed happily ever after? You bet.

Hello, I'm Aven Ellis. I write hockey (and non-hockey) romantic comedies.  I love crafting characters, their words, their heartbreak and triumph, with laughs along the way. There is no bigger compliment to me than having someone tell me they laughed when reading one of my books. I want my books to be easy reading, a beach read, and an escape when you need one. 


In addition to writing, I'm passionate about reality cooking shows, the Duchess of Cambridge, the latest scent from Jo Malone (whatever it is, doesn't matter, I want it) and hockey. Or is that hockey players? Because they're hot.  I live in Dallas with my husband, daughter, and cat. And if it’s hockey season? GO STARS. 

Twitter | Facebook | AvenEllis.com | Aven Ellis on Amazon UK

Giveaway - Win an e-copy of The Aubrey Rules (Open Internationally)

Aven Ellis has generously offered an e-copy of The Aubrey Rules to one lucky winner. 

Giveaway open Internationally, all options are voluntary, but please do what they ask, as I will be verifying the winner. Giveaway closes 23:59 21/8/2016. Winner will be announced on twitter and emailed, and they will need to reply within 7 days, or forfeit the prize, and I will re-draw for a new winner.  Good luck everyone.

Win an e-copy of The Aubrey Rules (Open Internationally)

Book Review - Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Trivial Pursuits (Chicago on Ice Book 2)

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 20th April 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Landon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from. 
The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant. She had her heart shattered by a cheating athlete in college, and Livy vows she will never let her judgment lapse like that ever again. 

Yet Livy knows she can’t spend the rest of her life focusing on building her jewelry line during the day and her evenings playing TriviaPlayOrPass! on her phone, either. Even though she does have fabulous conversations with a player named Scott, it’s time to get back in the game—in real life. While Livy tries to figure out her career path in jewelry design, she knows it’s time to take a chance on romance again, too. 

But in a strange twist of fate, Livy finds herself getting to know Landy on a much deeper level. Sometimes people aren’t always as they appear to be. Just like a diamond, you have to look closely to see true clarity. 

As Livy unwraps the layers around Landy to see the man behind the image, will she have a change of heart? Can she leave her past behind for a future with Landy? Or is it all a game of trivial pursuits? 

Without fail, Aven Ellis is responsible for the majority of my book boyfriends, to the extent that I feel like I'm cheating on the last one, when I read a new book by her. There is just something about the male leads that get under my skin, from love at first sight. And Landon Holder is no exception, he is a sexy hockey player for the Chicago Buffaloes, but has so many layers under his public womanising persona, that are a pleasure to learn about. 

Livy is the heroine of the story, a jewellery designer and addict of the game TriviaPlayorPass, a trivia quiz app that she has been playing with virtual player Scott921. She chats with him while they play and loves trying to beat him, and sorts of wishes the conversations would turn a bit more personal. 

And then she sees Landon in an unexpected role and as they start to talk, you can tell there is a growing connection between them, 

Trivial Pursuits starts each chapter with a trivia question, which in most cases links well into the chapter its heading. I can't help but think it was a lot of fun to research this book with the trivia, and also  jewellery making techniques.

I love reading a book about soul mates, and its clear early on, even if you have never read a book by this author, that its heading towards a HEA, but I never mind knowing the expected outcome, when the story is as enchanting as this one. 

There is such a likeable cast of characters, including Aubrey from The Aubrey Rules, and there is also a mention of a Dallas Demon, from the author's other series.  Livy's family are quite lively and her nana is a real spitfire, and comes out with really unexpected things. The computer sex scene was hilarious and not what you may be thinking! 

Another unforgettable instance is all mentions of the puppy party, Livy's best friend Collins is organising. Anything involving this party will make your eyes roll, but also amused me greatly. 

Trivial Pursuits is a fantastic addition to Aven Ellis' already brilliant catalogue of books. A delight to read, to fall in love with and a fantastic way to spend part of my Easter holiday. 

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this advance copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Book Review - Breakout by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Breakout (A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance)

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: ARC supplied by author

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 4th November 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

While Texas is known for loving football, Lexi Stewart has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team. 

Lexi has an editing job for a corporate account, but it’s not fulfilling. Nor is her dating life, despite having the so-called help of The One Online Dating Service. Lexi knows there has to be more for her—on both fronts. She’s ready to take the next step, but it doesn't seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. 

Until a flying puck changes everything. 

Niko Xenakis is the new Dallas Demons TV producer, and he’s looking to make his mark in his new role and hopefully work his way back to his hometown of Baltimore. But once he meets Lexi, he might just change his mind on what he wants for his future . . . 

But the road to love is never easy, complicated by the fact that they both carry emotional baggage from the past in their hearts. Can these two “breakout”of the past to find love in the present? 

This book features everything you could want in a romantic comedy...Love, Romantic gestures, a gorgeous Greek man, humour, Thanksgiving and Christmas & recurring characters! What more could a girl want?

I was sort of tempted to finish the review there, as it really does sum up the book, but that may not be fair! I had another book already loaded and ready to start when Breakout appeared in my inbox, and the second I saw the email I knew I was reading this first. 

I just can not resist an Aven Ellis book, and with good reason, she lets me change book boyfriends every few months as there hasn't yet been a man she has written that I haven't fallen in love with. I will admit in this case, it took me a bit longer than normal to warm to Lexi and Niko, but once I had, I was hooked. 

For fans of the Dallas Demons series, let me assure you we do still see a bit of Harry and Nate, as well as Kenley, Ryan, Cici etc.. So all the loveable characters we already know. If you are new to the series, then this is a stand alone book, anything relevant is explained, but I would still urge you to consider reading the others at some point. 

The first meeting between Lexi and Niko is funny and fabulous, and sets the tone really well for their interactions for the rest of the story. They both have an issue they need to overcome to fully realise they are meant to be with each other, and have similar tastes in everything, including a great depth of "Saved By The Bell" knowledge. 

I loved the descriptions of some of Lexi's novelty pants and t-shirts, and felt they really helped add a different view to her character. Niko and Lexi also both have a very clear love of Ice-hockey and thanks to Niko, Lexi gets a chance at her dream job, although even that isn't without its problems. 

Watch out for the Casino event, where the whole gang are involved in a fantastic plan, I was also pleasantly surprised to see that there were the two big end of year holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas featured in the story, and I loved the Christmassy scenes too (especially at this time of year!). 

I don't think this is my favourite book by Aven, but with them all being so amazing, its hard to chose. I suspect my favourite is The Definition of Icing (purely because of Kenley and all the chocolate, as well as Nate!) but this is still a brilliant story, and Niko is just incredibly romantic. 

Thank you so much to Aven for this advance review copy. This was my honest review. 

Happy publication day to Aven Ellis. Breakout is out now!

Book Review - The Aubrey Rules by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: The Aubrey Rules

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed:  Ebook

Source: Review copy supplied by author

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 26th August 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

Some of the Aubrey Rules to Live By: 

*If I’m going to indulge in French fries, I must add extra time to the treadmill the next day. 
*Always keep your work and private life separate. 
*Being open to new experiences will never involve eating kale. 
*Never, ever date a professional athlete. 

For Chicago social media professional Aubrey Paige, the rules are everything. So much so that Aubrey has painstakingly written her rules for living into a polka-dot Kate Spade notebook that she carries with her at all times. It’s her personal guidebook to living her life. These rules are the Holy Grail—ones never to be broken. They guide her actions for everything, from dealing with workplace drama to finding a great guy to date. After all, these are her own rules, built from her life experiences and observations. So they have to be perfect, right? 

Or are they? 

Because when Aubrey meets a cute Canadian, she suddenly finds her rules being tested and challenged in ways she never dreamed possible. Beckett Riley is the shy, quiet, determined captain of the Chicago Buffaloes, a hockey team on the verge of turning the corner to becoming a winning organization. He’s Aubrey's opposite, with so many qualities that Aubrey had listed as ones she’d never want in a man. 

Yet Aubrey finds herself drawn to Beckett in ways she’s never known. And when she unexpectedly finds herself working with Beckett, she wonders if rules are meant to be broken after all . . . 

I feel I should start with a disclaimer. I am a humongous fan of Aven Ellis' books and I fear I may go a bit too gushy in describing this book to you all. What I will say with absolute certainty is I loved this book 3000% and I am completely in love with Beckett. 

My only fault with this book is that it had to end, but before that slightly off putting fact, you have a story filled with one of the best romances I have read this year. 

Beckett is a "nice guy", he is shy and awkward but also a fearsome captain for Ice-hockey team Chicago Buffaloes. He manages to in the course of the book, save the day once, produce one perfect date that made me go a bit weak at the knees, and then his plans for Valentines day, had me swooning. 

Aubrey is hilarious, she lives her life according to her "rules", but as she will soon discover rules are made to be amended and broken many times over. The Aubrey Rules listed in the blurb, are some of the key ones involved in this book, and they are all very relevant (even the mention of kale!). Each chapter starts with an Aubrey rule, but as the book goes on so does the number of edits she makes to the rule.

When I say this book is full of romance, I really do mean romance in the thoughtful gestures sense of the word and not the "50 Shades of Grey bodice ripper" meaning of the genre. It is book full of romantic moments between Beckett and Aubrey and keep making me say aww.

I have a feeling I was ultimately just a little jealous of Aubrey, after all she has met MY dream guy! I do know that Aven Eliis is making me seriously consider moving to Chicago, based on the amount of amazing book boyfriends that seem to live there. I have to believe its based on reality and that Chicago is full of men who are willing to see past the superficial, through to the real you!

In amongst the budding relationship between Aubrey and Beckett, is Aubrey's new job. She has a nightmare boss, but not necessarily in the way you would expect. You need to keep an eye on the boss, as she is definitely the villain of the book. 

Aven Ellis has proven once again that she is the "queen of book boyfriends" and of "happy ever afters" with this amazing feel good, loveable and enjoyable book. Anything that has me smiling and laughing from front to back, as well as falling in love with a fictional character (and a small crush on his team mate), is definitely a top book for me. 

Thank you so much Aven for this review copy. I am honored that you asked me if  I wanted an advance copy, and all views expressed in this review are my own and honest. 

Book Review - Waiting For Prince Harry by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Waiting For Prince Harry (Dallas Demons Book 1)

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 1st April 2014

Rating: 5 Stars

Twenty-four-year-old Kylie Reed has always been a rule follower. Organized and cautious to a fault, her dreams for life are often filed away for future use—when she has a house, when she meets her future husband, when she has been at her visual display job at a chic Dallas boutique longer. Kylie always has a reason for living her life in the future, not in the present, and fears not living her life to the fullest and reaching her dream of becoming a fashion designer. 

The only exception to rules, of course, would be running away with Prince Harry. But living in Dallas and not knowing Prince Harry make this a non-option. 

Or does it? 

Because when Kylie accidentally falls into the lap of a gorgeous ginger guy—yes, even more gorgeous than the real Prince Harry—all bets are off. Kylie’s life takes some unexpected twists and turns thanks to this encounter. Could this stranger be the one to show Kylie how to live in the present? 

I am a huge fan of Aven Ellis' books, partly because they are absolutely brilliant, and partly because she writes the most amazing male characters, that you can't help but fall in love with. I had just finished chapter two, when I tweeted Aven to let her know I may have fallen in love already with Harrison in this book!

Kylie Reed tends to live in the future, she has files for everything she wishes to achieve in the future, all her dreams and expectations, however she doesn't tend to live in the present. There is always a good reason for her to put off doing things until the future, until she falls into the lap of an incredibly sexy stranger. 

Kylie has always had a thing for Prince Harry, so when she makes a connection with her stranger, and then discoverers his name is Harrison (or Harry to his friends), and is also ginger, she can't help but feel its fate. 

The more I read and learnt about Harrison, the deeper I was falling for him myself.  The way he clearly cares about Kylie, is lovely to see and the incredible connection that the pair of them have is astounding. 

Harrison in Dallas at least has about the same level of celebrity that Prince Harry has in the UK. Everyone tends to want a piece of him, and yet its the private side of him that is so intriguing. He is everything you could want for in a man, and more.

Seeing Kylie's character develop as she falls deeper and deeper for her Prince Harry, and she grows as a person and starts living a bit more in the present is endearing. 

This is a the ultimate in romance books. Amazingly there are very few sex scenes, and there is a greater focus on the emotional connection between Kylie and Harrison than the physical.  Of course, it isn't all plain sailing, and I found myself willing them to sort out their differences.

If you haven't read anything by Aven Ellis before, and you have an e-reader, then please take a look at this or any of her other books. They are all fantastic, and I promise you will fall in love with a whole new group of book boyfriends. 

Coming Soon by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Aven Ellis' new book The Definition of Icing is out tomorrow. It is the second book featuring a sexy Dallas Demon player, and from what I have heard on the blogging grapevine, you will fall in love with Nate too. I am looking forward to reading this as soon as I can. 

Kenley Hunter finally has everything sorted out. Fresh from studying chocolate making in Europe, she's gambling everything on her new business, Confection Consultations. 

All Kenley wants in life is people to take her seriously, to see the person on the inside rather than the blond beauty on the outside. While pursuing her passion of chocolate, Kenley discovered people seek her knowledge. They see past the exterior and fall for the chocolate delights in front of them. 

So with work as her focus, Kenley is ready to start her career in Dallas. Men are out of her recipe, because she fears that once they get past her looks, they’ll be disappointed in what they find. Kenley decides she's all about the chocolate now. 

Or is she? 

Because a chance meeting with new Dallas Demon hockey star Nate Johansson might change everything. Sent to Dallas in a blockbuster trade, Nate is somewhere he doesn't want to be, for reasons that have caused him heartbreak on multiple levels. Nate knows he will never trust a woman again after what happened to him in Minnesota. 

But when he meets a woman with an intriguing name and a passion for chocolate, Nate isn't so sure about his theory. And he might just learn a definition of icing other than the one used in hockey with Kenley as his guide...