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IceHawks #1
Breaking Point
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
About the author
Mads Rafferty
6 books3,114 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 2,262 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
April 20, 2026
4⭐️
I usually run the other way when I see covers like this — all cute and pastel, promising giggles and feet-kicking moments… and then delivering absolutely NOTHING. So yeah, trust issues were strong going in.
BUT — this one was a nice surprise 👀
Listen, the MMC is shy (not my usual jam, but I spread it on toast anyway 🍞). And honestly? It was refreshing. No endless inner monologues about banging the FMC every five seconds — THANK YOU.
Both characters have emotional baggage, so it’s not just sugary lovey-dovey fluff. What I appreciated the most? They talked like normal humans. No trying to out-quirky each other, no exhausting “look how witty I am” dialogue. Just… conversations. Revolutionary.
The spice was tasteful 🌶️
Could there have been more? Yes.
Did my inner hoe feel slightly underfed? Also yes.
Did I survive? Barely, but we move.
Overall: solid weekend read, unexpectedly cute, and I actually had fun — which, considering the cover, feels like personal growth 😂.
I usually run the other way when I see covers like this — all cute and pastel, promising giggles and feet-kicking moments… and then delivering absolutely NOTHING. So yeah, trust issues were strong going in.
BUT — this one was a nice surprise 👀
Listen, the MMC is shy (not my usual jam, but I spread it on toast anyway 🍞). And honestly? It was refreshing. No endless inner monologues about banging the FMC every five seconds — THANK YOU.
Both characters have emotional baggage, so it’s not just sugary lovey-dovey fluff. What I appreciated the most? They talked like normal humans. No trying to out-quirky each other, no exhausting “look how witty I am” dialogue. Just… conversations. Revolutionary.
The spice was tasteful 🌶️
Could there have been more? Yes.
Did my inner hoe feel slightly underfed? Also yes.
Did I survive? Barely, but we move.
Overall: solid weekend read, unexpectedly cute, and I actually had fun — which, considering the cover, feels like personal growth 😂.
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
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
I really wanted to like this but it was so poorly executed. There were so many issues talked about in the book but none of them were properly executed. Endometriosis, OCD, cancer, grief, lupus, alcoholism. There was potential for it to be done well but it sadly wasn’t. And the romance for the most part was insta lovey and boring in my opinion.
The thing that bugged me the most was Grayson being a boardaline alcoholic at the start and then agreeing to go to AA meetings and it was just never talked about again and even when he relapsed he just got better the next day?
I just feel like this would have been so much better if the author only focused on one or two issues and properly executed them. But that’s just my opinion !!!
The thing that bugged me the most was Grayson being a boardaline alcoholic at the start and then agreeing to go to AA meetings and it was just never talked about again and even when he relapsed he just got better the next day?
I just feel like this would have been so much better if the author only focused on one or two issues and properly executed them. But that’s just my opinion !!!
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 🫶🏻
November 5, 2025
for a book about grief, this book has no depth! dnf at page 52
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.
August 29, 2025
This is going to have to be a DNF at 32% for me. I really wanted to like this but the insta lust/love is CRAZY. Literally on their second meeting he is telling her he feels like she is the only person he can be himself around and still breathe. Then they’re writing incredibly flirty notes to eachother after two meetings, despite the second one really not going well. It felt like it came out of nowhere.
If you don’t mind the insta love/lust then you will probably enjoy this, but it’s just really not for me.
If you don’t mind the insta love/lust then you will probably enjoy this, but it’s just really not for me.
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.
February 11, 2026
i reached MY breaking point when the term “puck bunny” was mentioned for the 8th time in less than 100 pages
March 24, 2026
„𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘺���𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦“ 💐🕯️
it wasnt badly written and easy to read but overall, it was rather „okay" BUT Grayson is everything (and he definitely has something to do with it being 4 stars instead of 3) and somehow the whole vibe with the arrangement and the insta love was giving me wattpad.. but i still enjoyed and here is my recommendation: listen to frank ocean while reading this 🎧 thats like literally the best combo ever 💫☕️
also, i really liked bellas mother and im so excited for laylas and kierans book! bellas and graysons first meet was so iconic! its not even anything special about it but this is PEAK insta love (in a good way) like he just saw her and fell like HARD 🌟💌
„I care for you still, and I will (and I will) forever That was my part of the deal, honest We got so familiar Spending each day of the year White Ferrari (oh), good times In this life (life), in this life (life)“ - white Ferrari, frank ocean
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨:
𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 was relatable but not my favorite character. there was one thing about her i didnt understand for example: why did she buy (probably overpriced) latte in a cafe multiple times when she needed to find a job to pay for her mothers cancer treatments? like that makes no freaking sense!
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗼𝗻 is so precious, i dont know i love him sm and hes such a deep character. his friendship with her mother was so adorable! also his feeling of guilt is so relatable. ALSO hes that typa man who gets jealous when she says oh god during it 🤭😭
Let me show you some things he said about her or did:
• „Bending, I seal my lips against hers, cradling her like she's the most precious thing on this earth. Because, let's face it...she is." (its not even funny anymore I need my grayson)
• „MOM: is bella with you?
GRAYSON: of course
MOM: good, I like her. she's a keeper
GRAYSON: I know. I hope I get the pleasure of marrying her one day" (like they werent even dating back then 🤭😭 also, that was a chat)
• „When Bella stopped by the house this morning and slipped her shoes off, I took a quick peek at the size and ducked out to buy her a set of skaters." (omg hes everything)
• „That is until I step out my front door and see Grayson Crawford, standing on my porch holding a bouquet of lilies, with a slight tint of crimson staining his cheeks." (that man is HEAD OVER and we were like 30% in 💗)
Spoiler!!
Mads Rafferty showed so good what its like to lose your mom. "I will never feel her comfort again" that cut deep like i was unsure if she could do it well but she handeled grief in her book so good!
it wasnt badly written and easy to read but overall, it was rather „okay" BUT Grayson is everything (and he definitely has something to do with it being 4 stars instead of 3) and somehow the whole vibe with the arrangement and the insta love was giving me wattpad.. but i still enjoyed and here is my recommendation: listen to frank ocean while reading this 🎧 thats like literally the best combo ever 💫☕️
also, i really liked bellas mother and im so excited for laylas and kierans book! bellas and graysons first meet was so iconic! its not even anything special about it but this is PEAK insta love (in a good way) like he just saw her and fell like HARD 🌟💌
„I care for you still, and I will (and I will) forever That was my part of the deal, honest We got so familiar Spending each day of the year White Ferrari (oh), good times In this life (life), in this life (life)“ - white Ferrari, frank ocean
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨:
𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 was relatable but not my favorite character. there was one thing about her i didnt understand for example: why did she buy (probably overpriced) latte in a cafe multiple times when she needed to find a job to pay for her mothers cancer treatments? like that makes no freaking sense!
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗼𝗻 is so precious, i dont know i love him sm and hes such a deep character. his friendship with her mother was so adorable! also his feeling of guilt is so relatable. ALSO hes that typa man who gets jealous when she says oh god during it 🤭😭
Let me show you some things he said about her or did:
• „Bending, I seal my lips against hers, cradling her like she's the most precious thing on this earth. Because, let's face it...she is." (its not even funny anymore I need my grayson)
• „MOM: is bella with you?
GRAYSON: of course
MOM: good, I like her. she's a keeper
GRAYSON: I know. I hope I get the pleasure of marrying her one day" (like they werent even dating back then 🤭😭 also, that was a chat)
• „When Bella stopped by the house this morning and slipped her shoes off, I took a quick peek at the size and ducked out to buy her a set of skaters." (omg hes everything)
• „That is until I step out my front door and see Grayson Crawford, standing on my porch holding a bouquet of lilies, with a slight tint of crimson staining his cheeks." (that man is HEAD OVER and we were like 30% in 💗)
Spoiler!!
Mads Rafferty showed so good what its like to lose your mom. "I will never feel her comfort again" that cut deep like i was unsure if she could do it well but she handeled grief in her book so good!
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.
Did Not Finish
November 13, 2025⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ Dnf at 62%
Okay it started off really well and i actually enjoyed it despite my slump. And the tension between the two main characters was sooo good but after a while everything just started to get really cringy, just the way they were thinking and the way the friends group was talking. It all got really painful, and i was going to keep reading for the tension between them but eventually i just didn’t pick it up anymore and also because i was really busy and didn’t have much time, so i have decided to put it off right now.
Okay it started off really well and i actually enjoyed it despite my slump. And the tension between the two main characters was sooo good but after a while everything just started to get really cringy, just the way they were thinking and the way the friends group was talking. It all got really painful, and i was going to keep reading for the tension between them but eventually i just didn’t pick it up anymore and also because i was really busy and didn’t have much time, so i have decided to put it off right now.
October 2, 2025
why do people rate books like this so highly 😭 like have you not read Liz Tomford????
February 20, 2026
oh i loved this
it was so fast paced and cute and perfect
please read it
it was so fast paced and cute and perfect
please read it
April 7, 2026
five fucking stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i was so very hesitant about starting this. if you’re on booktok than you know the author. i’m not very keen on reading "booktok books" but i wanted to give it a chance, as everyone has been talking about this for a while now.
and i’m so glad i did. first of all, it’s hockey. so you bet i had this on my tbr, i’m a sucker for hockey romance books. this was PEAK fake dating, she works for him but the lines are blurry. HE WAS SO DOWN BAD FOR HER😭 this also had lots of sensitive topics. extremely hard and tough to read.
i did expect to cry towards the end. but not so soon into the book. i think it started around 60% and then i was a goner. it was so emotionally draining me and hard to process. idk it just got me. i was not well equipped to handle that
this book was so beautiful but oh so painful. it had everything i wanted. the perfect slow burn. the rightfully amount of flirting and banter. some amazing hockey moments. the sweet things grayson did for her all the damn time! HE READS TO HER MOM BECAUSE SHE CAN’T. please what the hell. he was so golden retriever. he fell first and HARD!! bella was such a breath of fresh air i want to hug her.
ugh i did not think i would love this as much as i do now. but it was perfect to a T. it gave me all the emotions. if i cry, and genuinely SOB and can’t breathe through the cries, well then it’s downright perfection.
**one thing i have to mention. i’d say this heavily has every microtropes and elements we are all obsessed about and can be seem as they were just thrown in there to please. idk if you’re picking up what i’m putting down.
but besides that, i ate this up and left my soul and heart behind. i ate every crumbs we were given with giggles and kicking feet. and puffy eyes. it had been a while since a book left me feeling like this. i’m so giddy and happy but also so devastated and sad. but it’s worth it i promise.
I AM BEYOND THRILLED FOR BOOK 2 COME MARCH 31ST
i was so very hesitant about starting this. if you’re on booktok than you know the author. i’m not very keen on reading "booktok books" but i wanted to give it a chance, as everyone has been talking about this for a while now.
and i’m so glad i did. first of all, it’s hockey. so you bet i had this on my tbr, i’m a sucker for hockey romance books. this was PEAK fake dating, she works for him but the lines are blurry. HE WAS SO DOWN BAD FOR HER😭 this also had lots of sensitive topics. extremely hard and tough to read.
i did expect to cry towards the end. but not so soon into the book. i think it started around 60% and then i was a goner. it was so emotionally draining me and hard to process. idk it just got me. i was not well equipped to handle that
this book was so beautiful but oh so painful. it had everything i wanted. the perfect slow burn. the rightfully amount of flirting and banter. some amazing hockey moments. the sweet things grayson did for her all the damn time! HE READS TO HER MOM BECAUSE SHE CAN’T. please what the hell. he was so golden retriever. he fell first and HARD!! bella was such a breath of fresh air i want to hug her.
ugh i did not think i would love this as much as i do now. but it was perfect to a T. it gave me all the emotions. if i cry, and genuinely SOB and can’t breathe through the cries, well then it’s downright perfection.
**one thing i have to mention. i’d say this heavily has every microtropes and elements we are all obsessed about and can be seem as they were just thrown in there to please. idk if you’re picking up what i’m putting down.
but besides that, i ate this up and left my soul and heart behind. i ate every crumbs we were given with giggles and kicking feet. and puffy eyes. it had been a while since a book left me feeling like this. i’m so giddy and happy but also so devastated and sad. but it’s worth it i promise.
I AM BEYOND THRILLED FOR BOOK 2 COME MARCH 31ST
March 25, 2026
♾️⭐️ (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! 🫶🏻🥹
January 3, 2026
i can’t believe he nicknamed her blaze
September 6, 2025
ugh it was good but I’ve already forgot everyone’s names
January 2, 2026
OMG, I need to scream about Grayson! This man had me absolutely swooning. I was blushing, kicking my feet, giggling, and crying because his love for Bella was just so perfect. From the moment he saw her, he knew she was his dream girl! Grayson's jealous side , his protectiveness, and the way he wanted to provide for Bella had me in a total chokehold. He was so set on Bella being his fake girlfriend, wanting no one else because she was his blaze 🥹
I loved how Bella was scared to tell Grayson about her mom, but he ended up being the best person she could have confided in! The way he instantly cared for Bella’s mom, reading to her, and getting her that Audible subscription with all her favorite books? Are you kidding me?! It was the sweetest thing ever. Also, Bella took a long time to confess her feelings, but I understood why. Grayson was so patient and never made her uncomfortable, always putting his feelings aside. It was so heartwarming. He was a real true lover boy 🖤
I loved how Bella was scared to tell Grayson about her mom, but he ended up being the best person she could have confided in! The way he instantly cared for Bella’s mom, reading to her, and getting her that Audible subscription with all her favorite books? Are you kidding me?! It was the sweetest thing ever. Also, Bella took a long time to confess her feelings, but I understood why. Grayson was so patient and never made her uncomfortable, always putting his feelings aside. It was so heartwarming. He was a real true lover boy 🖤
April 7, 2026
4.5⭐️
this was somehow even sadder the second time — my heart ached for all their grief.
original review:
ate this up and read it in one sitting! i was eager for this release and it did not disappoint.
breaking point is a hockey romance with depth, balancing grief and heavier emotions with those kick-your-feet-and-giggle moments.
the romance between grayson and bella was sweet and supportive as they each navigated their own struggles, and i loved watching him fall for her so fast and so hard.
i can already see the potential for a great found family here, and i can’t wait to see how it develops throughout the rest of the series.
it does lean into some familiar tropes and feels a little predictable at times, but i still really enjoyed it. perfect if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt, but still easy to devour.
this was somehow even sadder the second time — my heart ached for all their grief.
original review:
ate this up and read it in one sitting! i was eager for this release and it did not disappoint.
breaking point is a hockey romance with depth, balancing grief and heavier emotions with those kick-your-feet-and-giggle moments.
the romance between grayson and bella was sweet and supportive as they each navigated their own struggles, and i loved watching him fall for her so fast and so hard.
i can already see the potential for a great found family here, and i can’t wait to see how it develops throughout the rest of the series.
it does lean into some familiar tropes and feels a little predictable at times, but i still really enjoyed it. perfect if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt, but still easy to devour.
August 28, 2025
I have a rule that if I cry— it’s an immediate 5 stars, so thank you for the tears
October 10, 2025
It just kept being dragged out and the rating kept going lower and lower the more it went on
October 29, 2025
i guess if you like being the reason a man is able to breathe after having a total of two encounters then this book is for you
April 11, 2026
in a reading slump i will come back to this rest assured
UPDATE: i am fully dnfing this i have no further plans of coming back to thix book
UPDATE: i am fully dnfing this i have no further plans of coming back to thix book
unsafe
April 6, 2026Safety note - manwhore MMC, multiple mentions of his past ways, OW drama.
“puck bunnies” used 29 times
“puck bunny” used 13 times
“puck bunnies” used 29 times
“puck bunny” used 13 times
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 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💓💓⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 27, 2025
This was a mess of all the themes you could ever think of putting in a book. Pick something and stick with it JESUS
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.
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