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Bexley U
Ice Bet
She’s the coach’s daughter and his rival’s newest target.
Aasher Matthews is everything I detest. Arrogant jock: check. Coy smirk: check. Too hot for his own good: check. To make matters worse, he plays hockey. Unfortunately for him, my father is his coach. Fortunately for me, I’m deemed untouchable.
The only common ground I have with hockey players is our love of the ice, so staying away from them will be easy-peasy.
Until I overhear their bet—who can get Coach’s daughter in their bed first?
I’m ready to bring the entire Bexley U hockey team to their knees. Instead of fleeing, I flirt. Instead of hiding, I run just so they’ll chase me. Luring my father’s players into a trap has a certain appeal to it.
Except, Aasher isn’t fooled by my feigned temptation. He has too much riding on a perfect season and has plans to join the NHL after winning the Frozen Four.
So he proposes our own bet.
If he wins, I stay away from his teammates and stop messing with their heads.
If I win, he tells my father—his beloved coach—about his teammates’ dirty plans for me.
But the more Aasher crosses the lines we’ve carved into the ice, the more I find myself letting him. The only problem is, someone else is in on our gamble, and they aren’t willing to concede.
Ice Bet is a spicy coach's daughter college sports romance. It is a complete stand-alone. The other books in the series do not need to be read in order, but you will see glimpses of future characters in each book.
Aasher Matthews is everything I detest. Arrogant jock: check. Coy smirk: check. Too hot for his own good: check. To make matters worse, he plays hockey. Unfortunately for him, my father is his coach. Fortunately for me, I’m deemed untouchable.
The only common ground I have with hockey players is our love of the ice, so staying away from them will be easy-peasy.
Until I overhear their bet—who can get Coach’s daughter in their bed first?
I’m ready to bring the entire Bexley U hockey team to their knees. Instead of fleeing, I flirt. Instead of hiding, I run just so they’ll chase me. Luring my father’s players into a trap has a certain appeal to it.
Except, Aasher isn’t fooled by my feigned temptation. He has too much riding on a perfect season and has plans to join the NHL after winning the Frozen Four.
So he proposes our own bet.
If he wins, I stay away from his teammates and stop messing with their heads.
If I win, he tells my father—his beloved coach—about his teammates’ dirty plans for me.
But the more Aasher crosses the lines we’ve carved into the ice, the more I find myself letting him. The only problem is, someone else is in on our gamble, and they aren’t willing to concede.
Ice Bet is a spicy coach's daughter college sports romance. It is a complete stand-alone. The other books in the series do not need to be read in order, but you will see glimpses of future characters in each book.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2023
About the author
S.J. Sylvis
25 books1,724 followersS.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 811 reviews
December 7, 2023
"The coach's daughter was always off-limits. Didn't matter the coach, or the girl… she was always off-limits."
Riley Lennon is off limits.
She is the coach's daughter and if Aasher isn't careful it could cost him everything.
His spot on the team, his future. Everything.
The coach told Aasher to watch out for Riley. To make sure no one messes with her.
So when some guys on the team make an "Ice Bet" with Riley as the prize, Aasher knows he needs to do everything so that it doesn't happen.
But what happens when the lines get blurred?
"And as much as it annoyed, I found myself thinking about her more often than not."
Aasher Matthews is Riley Lennon's own personal pain in the butt.
At least that's how Riley sees it.
She knows her dad is behind this, he's trying to protect her.
But Riley doesn't need anyone's protection.
Especially not Aasher's.
So when she learns she is the prize of this stupid "Ice Bet".
She'll make the hockey team regret they underestimated her.
Especially Aasher Matthews.
"Don't underestimate him? He shouldn't underestimate me."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Riley Lennon was too much work, and our effort went onto the ice. There was no room for anything else."
Aasher Matthews needs to make sure no one touches the coaches daughter. Which shouldn’t be a problem since Riley Lennon despises hockey players right? But what happens when lines start to blur and the ice starts to melt?
"I didn't know how to read Aasher, and it drove me wild."
This was my first S.J. Sylvis book but I promise you here and now that it will not be my last!!
I was laughing, I was crying, I was fanning myself with my kindle. Everything was happening and I loved it!
The banter was just *chef's kiss* and the spice was spicing people. IT. WAS. SPICING.
"Riley Lennon was a true player of the game, and up until now, I didn't even know we were playing one."
First we have Aasher Matthews. The only thing he cares about is hockey and fulfilling his dream of playing for the NHL. The only thing standing in the way? The coach's daughter who coach specifically asked Aasher to protect her. I mean talk about putting the guy in a tough situation?? But anyway I loved Aasher! He was broody at times and flirty all of the time and I loved that. And that boy can talk the talk let me just say that…
"Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you."
"I wanted to kiss her just to get her to shut her bratty mouth."
Riley Lennon might be one of my favorite FMCs. There I said it. I mean usually you have the shy girl who finds out about a bet and breaks down. NOT RILEY MF LENNON. This girl is the definition of "Paint The Town Red" by Doja Cat and I am here for every single second of it. Riley is another example of someone I would let run over me with her car and I would thank her and pay for the gas it took and fill up her tank. Just saying!!
"I wouldn't appear like an opponent to them. They were too blind to see me for what I really was: an enemy."
"Are you going to bend me over and spank me, Aasher?"
This playlist was fun, flirty, and also has some pump up songs which I feel go great with this book!!
(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4za...)
🎵 "Fictional" - Khloe Rose
🎵 "We Will Rock You" - Queen
🎵 "Better People To Leave On Read" - Emei
🎵 "she's all I wanna be" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Burned" - Grace VanderWaal
🎵 "Control" - Halsey
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "god sent me as karma" - emlyn
🎵 "W.I.T.C.H" - Devon Cole
🎵 "bad guy" - Billie Eilish
🎵 "Talk" - Retronaut, Salvatore Ganacci
🎵 "Cut The Cord" - Shinedown
🎵 "Just My Type" - The Vamps
🎵 "Trust Issues" - Emei
🎵 "Bloodshot" - Sam Tinnesz
🎵 "Don't Stop The Party" - Drunk Girl, Deanna
🎵 "Vigilante Shit" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "HUMBLE" - Kendrick Lamar
🎵 "White Flag" - Bishop Briggs
🎵 "Too Well" - Renee Rapp
🎵 "Confident - Rock Version" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "abcdefu (angrier)" - GAYLE
🎵 "Whatever It Takes" - Imagine Dragons
🎵 "You Don't Know Me" - Liz Gilles
🎵 "Fire On Up" - Paper Kings
🎵 "Looking At Me" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "…Ready For It?" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Tantrum" - Ashnikko
🎵 "Let It Rock" - Kevin Rudolf, Lil' Wayne
🎵 "Paint The Town Red" - Doja Cat
🎵 "Joke's On You" - Charlotte Lawrence
🎵 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Time Of Our Lives" - Pitbull, Ne-Yo
🎵 "Made You Look" - Meghan Trainor
🎵 "Look But Don't Touch" - Serayah
🎵 "Irresistible" - Fall Out Boy, Demi Lovato
🎵 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎵 "One Kiss" - Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris
🎵 "Let's Do This" - Outskrts
🎵 "Panic Room" - Au/Ra
🎵 "Heather" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Gilded Lily" - Cults
🎵 "Ashes" - Stellar
🎵 "Watch Me Shine" - Joana Pacitti
🎵 "Let's Go" - JAXSON GAMBLE
🎵 "Living Legend" - Club Danger
🎵 "Into It" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Shatter Me" - Lindsey Sterling, Lzzy Hale
🎵 "The Archer" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
🎵 "I Want You To Want Me" - Chase Holfeder
🎵 "doomsday" - Lizzy McAlpine
🎵 "They Don't Know About Us" - One Direction
🎵 "The Last One" - Maisie Peters
🎵 "smiling at ur text" - sad alex
🎵 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "Devil In Her Eyes" - Bryce Savage
🎵 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎵 "Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Unstoppable" - Sia
And Aasher, I swear all of the fanning of my kindle I blame on him thank you very much.
"Put your hands in front of you. Now spread."
"You're already wet. And it's a fucking turn-on, Riley."
🏒 Tropes 🏒
⛸ Hockey Romance
⛸ Enemies to Lovers
⛸ Forced Proximity
⛸ Coach's Daughter
⛸ Forbidden Romance
⛸ Secret Romance
⛸ Bet Trope
⛸ Slow Burn
Riley Lennon is off limits.
She is the coach's daughter and if Aasher isn't careful it could cost him everything.
His spot on the team, his future. Everything.
The coach told Aasher to watch out for Riley. To make sure no one messes with her.
So when some guys on the team make an "Ice Bet" with Riley as the prize, Aasher knows he needs to do everything so that it doesn't happen.
But what happens when the lines get blurred?
"And as much as it annoyed, I found myself thinking about her more often than not."
Aasher Matthews is Riley Lennon's own personal pain in the butt.
At least that's how Riley sees it.
She knows her dad is behind this, he's trying to protect her.
But Riley doesn't need anyone's protection.
Especially not Aasher's.
So when she learns she is the prize of this stupid "Ice Bet".
She'll make the hockey team regret they underestimated her.
Especially Aasher Matthews.
"Don't underestimate him? He shouldn't underestimate me."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Riley Lennon was too much work, and our effort went onto the ice. There was no room for anything else."
Aasher Matthews needs to make sure no one touches the coaches daughter. Which shouldn’t be a problem since Riley Lennon despises hockey players right? But what happens when lines start to blur and the ice starts to melt?
"I didn't know how to read Aasher, and it drove me wild."
This was my first S.J. Sylvis book but I promise you here and now that it will not be my last!!
I was laughing, I was crying, I was fanning myself with my kindle. Everything was happening and I loved it!
The banter was just *chef's kiss* and the spice was spicing people. IT. WAS. SPICING.
"Riley Lennon was a true player of the game, and up until now, I didn't even know we were playing one."
First we have Aasher Matthews. The only thing he cares about is hockey and fulfilling his dream of playing for the NHL. The only thing standing in the way? The coach's daughter who coach specifically asked Aasher to protect her. I mean talk about putting the guy in a tough situation?? But anyway I loved Aasher! He was broody at times and flirty all of the time and I loved that. And that boy can talk the talk let me just say that…
"Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you."
"I wanted to kiss her just to get her to shut her bratty mouth."
Riley Lennon might be one of my favorite FMCs. There I said it. I mean usually you have the shy girl who finds out about a bet and breaks down. NOT RILEY MF LENNON. This girl is the definition of "Paint The Town Red" by Doja Cat and I am here for every single second of it. Riley is another example of someone I would let run over me with her car and I would thank her and pay for the gas it took and fill up her tank. Just saying!!
"I wouldn't appear like an opponent to them. They were too blind to see me for what I really was: an enemy."
"Are you going to bend me over and spank me, Aasher?"
This playlist was fun, flirty, and also has some pump up songs which I feel go great with this book!!
(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4za...)
🎵 "Fictional" - Khloe Rose
🎵 "We Will Rock You" - Queen
🎵 "Better People To Leave On Read" - Emei
🎵 "she's all I wanna be" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Burned" - Grace VanderWaal
🎵 "Control" - Halsey
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "god sent me as karma" - emlyn
🎵 "W.I.T.C.H" - Devon Cole
🎵 "bad guy" - Billie Eilish
🎵 "Talk" - Retronaut, Salvatore Ganacci
🎵 "Cut The Cord" - Shinedown
🎵 "Just My Type" - The Vamps
🎵 "Trust Issues" - Emei
🎵 "Bloodshot" - Sam Tinnesz
🎵 "Don't Stop The Party" - Drunk Girl, Deanna
🎵 "Vigilante Shit" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "HUMBLE" - Kendrick Lamar
🎵 "White Flag" - Bishop Briggs
🎵 "Too Well" - Renee Rapp
🎵 "Confident - Rock Version" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "abcdefu (angrier)" - GAYLE
🎵 "Whatever It Takes" - Imagine Dragons
🎵 "You Don't Know Me" - Liz Gilles
🎵 "Fire On Up" - Paper Kings
🎵 "Looking At Me" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "…Ready For It?" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Tantrum" - Ashnikko
🎵 "Let It Rock" - Kevin Rudolf, Lil' Wayne
🎵 "Paint The Town Red" - Doja Cat
🎵 "Joke's On You" - Charlotte Lawrence
🎵 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Time Of Our Lives" - Pitbull, Ne-Yo
🎵 "Made You Look" - Meghan Trainor
🎵 "Look But Don't Touch" - Serayah
🎵 "Irresistible" - Fall Out Boy, Demi Lovato
🎵 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎵 "One Kiss" - Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris
🎵 "Let's Do This" - Outskrts
🎵 "Panic Room" - Au/Ra
🎵 "Heather" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Gilded Lily" - Cults
🎵 "Ashes" - Stellar
🎵 "Watch Me Shine" - Joana Pacitti
🎵 "Let's Go" - JAXSON GAMBLE
🎵 "Living Legend" - Club Danger
🎵 "Into It" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Shatter Me" - Lindsey Sterling, Lzzy Hale
🎵 "The Archer" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
🎵 "I Want You To Want Me" - Chase Holfeder
🎵 "doomsday" - Lizzy McAlpine
🎵 "They Don't Know About Us" - One Direction
🎵 "The Last One" - Maisie Peters
🎵 "smiling at ur text" - sad alex
🎵 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "Devil In Her Eyes" - Bryce Savage
🎵 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎵 "Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Unstoppable" - Sia
And Aasher, I swear all of the fanning of my kindle I blame on him thank you very much.
"Put your hands in front of you. Now spread."
"You're already wet. And it's a fucking turn-on, Riley."
🏒 Tropes 🏒
⛸ Hockey Romance
⛸ Enemies to Lovers
⛸ Forced Proximity
⛸ Coach's Daughter
⛸ Forbidden Romance
⛸ Secret Romance
⛸ Bet Trope
⛸ Slow Burn
December 14, 2023
Nah I'm taking an entire star off because this is the second book I've read from this author where the MMC has sex with OW >>ON PAGE<< (multiple times), yet the FMC never has sex with anyone but the MMC. In fact, he actively blocks her from being with anyone. I don't care if the characters hookup with other people before they're together, but I don't want that ish detailed on page. It only makes me feel like the MMC doesn't deserve the FMC at all, especially when we're like halfway into the book and this stuff is still happening. Also especially when he's saying and doing some of the exact same things in bed with the FMC as he did with the OW. Meh.
Edit: adding on the fact that the MMC blocked her from being with a guy by reminding the guy in front of her that he had just been with another woman earlier that day when the MMC himself had just walked downstairs after being with another woman. I CANNOT WITH THIS. I get the whole reformed playboy thing or whatever, but let's not act like this guy is any better than any of the other jerks that wanted her.
Edit again: He effing pulled her into a pantry and kissed her right after he came downstairs from fcking another woman at a party a few weeks later. THIS IS NOT ROMANTIC, WTF??? Stop accepting ish like this from authors, please, I'd like to stop coming across it in books.
And on top of all that, this pseudo virgin trend lately where authors will settle for having a non-virgin FMC, but only if she's either 1) never had an orgasm with a previous partner, 2) no previous partner(s) was/were ever very good at sex, or 3) is celibate even years after a breakup until the manwh0re MMC comes along, is just annoying. I swear I need to stop giving my time to authors who continually write stuff like this, and every book I've read from this author has had this stuff in it.
Random note while reading: This guy even stands up for his FWB instead of the FMC?? He told his teammate not to call his occasional FWB a puck bunny because "it's degrading," right after he himself mentally thought that's exactly what she was. Yet this same guy had no problem with his teammates calling the FMC "Duster" multiple times, and even started using it as her nickname.
You're not selling me on this romance.
I read this for the blurb, because it specifically says that when she hears about the bet, she teases and plays them all until it messes with their hockey game. That's not what happens at all. After getting angry but then mostly ignoring it for a few weeks, everything she does is to taunt the MMC. She does this by occasionally using the other players here and there at like two parties, where she dresses up mostly to get a rise out of him. That's it. There's only one other person that gets drawn into all of this, and that's because he's skeevy and persistent.
Meanwhile, the MMC is hot and cold with her for 80% OF THE ENTIRE BOOK. And instead of being the strong, take no ish woman the blurb alludes to, she just bends to his will every single time. Even when he treats her horribly, when he kisses her minutes after fcking someone else, even when he decides when they speak or when she'll be ignored for days on end. She's weak asf.
"I felt the need to rectify my own shit by helping her with hers."
^^ He literally decides that he has to help the FMC get back on the ice to make up for what happened with his first girlfriend bc she also had an eating disorder that he didn't ever notice until it was almost too late. Yet later on, when the FMC is unsure where they stand because he's still being hot and cold, and she specifically asks him if he was just helping her to make up for his past, he tells her no. Um, according to my notes..........
Lastly, I'll never forgive this book for randomly having the FMC roofied by one of the players, and then not having any consequence given to him. He even admits it around witnesses, and her father finds out, and no one does anything to this guy. He gets kicked off the team, but it was for other stuff, but for that SMH.
Okay, and with that, I'll say that the last 12% of this book was good...but by then I didn't care anymore.
Edit: adding on the fact that the MMC blocked her from being with a guy by reminding the guy in front of her that he had just been with another woman earlier that day when the MMC himself had just walked downstairs after being with another woman. I CANNOT WITH THIS. I get the whole reformed playboy thing or whatever, but let's not act like this guy is any better than any of the other jerks that wanted her.
Edit again: He effing pulled her into a pantry and kissed her right after he came downstairs from fcking another woman at a party a few weeks later. THIS IS NOT ROMANTIC, WTF??? Stop accepting ish like this from authors, please, I'd like to stop coming across it in books.
And on top of all that, this pseudo virgin trend lately where authors will settle for having a non-virgin FMC, but only if she's either 1) never had an orgasm with a previous partner, 2) no previous partner(s) was/were ever very good at sex, or 3) is celibate even years after a breakup until the manwh0re MMC comes along, is just annoying. I swear I need to stop giving my time to authors who continually write stuff like this, and every book I've read from this author has had this stuff in it.
Random note while reading: This guy even stands up for his FWB instead of the FMC?? He told his teammate not to call his occasional FWB a puck bunny because "it's degrading," right after he himself mentally thought that's exactly what she was. Yet this same guy had no problem with his teammates calling the FMC "Duster" multiple times, and even started using it as her nickname.
You're not selling me on this romance.
I read this for the blurb, because it specifically says that when she hears about the bet, she teases and plays them all until it messes with their hockey game. That's not what happens at all. After getting angry but then mostly ignoring it for a few weeks, everything she does is to taunt the MMC. She does this by occasionally using the other players here and there at like two parties, where she dresses up mostly to get a rise out of him. That's it. There's only one other person that gets drawn into all of this, and that's because he's skeevy and persistent.
Meanwhile, the MMC is hot and cold with her for 80% OF THE ENTIRE BOOK. And instead of being the strong, take no ish woman the blurb alludes to, she just bends to his will every single time. Even when he treats her horribly, when he kisses her minutes after fcking someone else, even when he decides when they speak or when she'll be ignored for days on end. She's weak asf.
"I felt the need to rectify my own shit by helping her with hers."
^^ He literally decides that he has to help the FMC get back on the ice to make up for what happened with his first girlfriend bc she also had an eating disorder that he didn't ever notice until it was almost too late. Yet later on, when the FMC is unsure where they stand because he's still being hot and cold, and she specifically asks him if he was just helping her to make up for his past, he tells her no. Um, according to my notes..........
Lastly, I'll never forgive this book for randomly having the FMC roofied by one of the players, and then not having any consequence given to him. He even admits it around witnesses, and her father finds out, and no one does anything to this guy. He gets kicked off the team, but it was for other stuff, but for that SMH.
Okay, and with that, I'll say that the last 12% of this book was good...but by then I didn't care anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
I read this book in one day. ONE DAY. I freaking love Aasher so much.
December 11, 2023
Hockey player x figure skater
Coach’s daughter
Aasher & Riley were cute.
There was a lot going on here. Issues with exes on both sides. Ice bets. Eating disorder talk. Party drama. Sully 🤡
Banter 👍
🌶️🌶️
Coach’s daughter
Aasher & Riley were cute.
There was a lot going on here. Issues with exes on both sides. Ice bets. Eating disorder talk. Party drama. Sully 🤡
Banter 👍
🌶️🌶️
November 21, 2023
No man is going to speak to me like that and get away with it. Assholes are not cute - let’s stop supporting men who degrade women for being their own person.
Casually throwing in the FMC getting roofied? And there were no repercussions besides him getting punched in the face? Last time I checked that is ILLEGAL.
Casually throwing in the FMC getting roofied? And there were no repercussions besides him getting punched in the face? Last time I checked that is ILLEGAL.
November 6, 2023
4 STARS
I'm a sucker for a hockey romance and the blurb to this one totally hooked me. This was my first SJ Sylvis book and it definitely will not be my last. I fell hard and fast for her writing and characters. And this story? Deliciously addictive.
Aasher has his eye on the goal, literally. He has everything riding on his successful hockey career in college to make it to the NfL. And he has zero chances left after what happened in his previous school. So when his coach asks him to look after his daughter who is moving on campus and keep her away from the horny hockey players, he unwillingly says yes. What he doesn't expect is the daughter to be the ice queen who challenges him at every turn.
Riley is dealing with her own damage. Once a promising figure skater, she can't seem to so much as bring herself to be on the ice again. And when she overhears her father's l=players make an ice bet to get into her pants? She's planning on putting them through hell. Even when Aasher is running interference at every turn. He may not be in on the bet, but he's not her friend either. Until it changes, and he becomes something else entirely.
This was a delicious slow burn with the satisfactory moment when he finally goes "f*ck it" and I may or may not have squealed like a teenage girl when he finally says it. And the aftermath? MAMA. So good.
I loved the push and pull dynamic between them. I loved how he was there for Riley and helped her get back on the ice. I love how he stood up to her ex and I loved the way that Riley gave as good as she got herself.
My only quibble is the on the page sex scenes Aasher had with another girl. I am not a reader that gets bothered by the MC being a f*ck boy or being with other women before the heroine. I just don't particularly enjoy the detailed accounts of it because it just doesn't feel necessary to the story. Like it didn't add anything. It didn't take away from it either, but it just felt unnecessary to me.
Luckily this was just a small blip in what was a highly enjoyable read and it didn't phase me too much. Because once Aasher was all in with Riley, he was ALL in. The second their relationship takes a turn, he had eyes only for her.
This was such a fun, steamy, and satisfying read. I need to immediately read the first in this series and I already can't wait for the next one. Highly recommend for any fans of steamy hockey romance!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
You’re mine, and I’m done pretending that you’re not.”
I'm a sucker for a hockey romance and the blurb to this one totally hooked me. This was my first SJ Sylvis book and it definitely will not be my last. I fell hard and fast for her writing and characters. And this story? Deliciously addictive.
It totally fucked with my head.
Aasher has his eye on the goal, literally. He has everything riding on his successful hockey career in college to make it to the NfL. And he has zero chances left after what happened in his previous school. So when his coach asks him to look after his daughter who is moving on campus and keep her away from the horny hockey players, he unwillingly says yes. What he doesn't expect is the daughter to be the ice queen who challenges him at every turn.
Riley is dealing with her own damage. Once a promising figure skater, she can't seem to so much as bring herself to be on the ice again. And when she overhears her father's l=players make an ice bet to get into her pants? She's planning on putting them through hell. Even when Aasher is running interference at every turn. He may not be in on the bet, but he's not her friend either. Until it changes, and he becomes something else entirely.
This was a delicious slow burn with the satisfactory moment when he finally goes "f*ck it" and I may or may not have squealed like a teenage girl when he finally says it. And the aftermath? MAMA. So good.
He knew I was back. He knew I was remembering where we were and why he was touching me. I nodded shakily.
“Open your legs.” Our eyes met, and my stomach hollowed. Aasher pushed the inner part of my knee, releasing himself from the vise grip I had on him.
“Good girl,” he whispered. “Now I’m going to need you to come for me.”
I loved the push and pull dynamic between them. I loved how he was there for Riley and helped her get back on the ice. I love how he stood up to her ex and I loved the way that Riley gave as good as she got herself.
My only quibble is the on the page sex scenes Aasher had with another girl. I am not a reader that gets bothered by the MC being a f*ck boy or being with other women before the heroine. I just don't particularly enjoy the detailed accounts of it because it just doesn't feel necessary to the story. Like it didn't add anything. It didn't take away from it either, but it just felt unnecessary to me.
Luckily this was just a small blip in what was a highly enjoyable read and it didn't phase me too much. Because once Aasher was all in with Riley, he was ALL in. The second their relationship takes a turn, he had eyes only for her.
This was such a fun, steamy, and satisfying read. I need to immediately read the first in this series and I already can't wait for the next one. Highly recommend for any fans of steamy hockey romance!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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November 14, 2023
4.25/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Tropes:
~ Hockey romance
~ Coach's daughter
~ Slow burn
What do you do when your hockey coach asks you to protect his daughter by keeping an eye on her and keeping the rest of your team away from her? Accidentally get too close and become obsessed? Yep.
I loved this book so much. Aasher Matthews is definitely a new book boyfriend I've added to my roster. ;)
GO READ THIS!
3/5 🌶️
Tropes:
~ Hockey romance
~ Coach's daughter
~ Slow burn
What do you do when your hockey coach asks you to protect his daughter by keeping an eye on her and keeping the rest of your team away from her? Accidentally get too close and become obsessed? Yep.
I loved this book so much. Aasher Matthews is definitely a new book boyfriend I've added to my roster. ;)
GO READ THIS!
December 23, 2023
DNF this book is shit
April 5, 2024
“Don’t you get it? I can’t control myself around you.”
Riley Lennon had nestled herself right next to my heart. You couldn’t live without a beating heart, and I was pretty certain I couldn’t live without her either.
This was so so cute.
I'm a sucker for the coach's daughter trope. Something about the forbidden romance and risking your place in the team for her just gets me every time.
It follows Riley and Aasher(idk why the double A I just called him Asher).
Riley is a figure skater and, you guessed it, the coach's daughter in the college she just transferred to.
Aasher is a hockey player and when his coach task him with the job to watch over his daughter and make sure she's okay, he agrees, thinking it'll be easy.
What he didn't think about is that some of his teammates made a bet on who'll sleep with Riley first, and now Aasher has a bunch of horny guys to keep away from her. Plus the fact that she overheard the bet and decided to tease them just as much to get back at them.
They could try all they wanted, despite my father’s threats, but none of them would ever get close enough to win their little ice bet. In fact, the entire Bexley U hockey team was going to have the biggest case of blue balls there ever was.
And so they make their own bet, if Aasher will manage to help Riley with her problem, she'll stop messing with his teammates heads
In between interfering Riley and his teammates, walking her home from parties to make sure she's okay, and late night sessions at the ice, they slowly get to know each other and trust one another with their past.
Riley is smart and ambitious and she's been through some tough times in her life. She swore off hockey players. But somehow Aasher made it past her walls and she learns to trust him more, and remember that not all hockey players are bad.
"You’ve found a way to get me to trust you.”
I wasn’t sure there was anyone that I trusted more than Aasher Matthews.
We could keep us a secret for the rest of my life, and I might just be okay with it if he kept looking at me like that.
The tension in this book was soo good! The push and pull and them resisting each other was so fun to read.
“Be here tomorrow night, seven sharp.” He put distance between us and walked away. With his back to me, I still heard the sharp warning. “And wear a fucking chastity belt.”
“I’m not tempting you to do anything. No one invited you here tonight.”
“You tempt me by breathing,”
I could see that he was teetering between right and wrong. But how could something that feels this good be considered wrong?
Aasher has more on the line. He can't mess with the coach's daughter and be kicked out of the team, or worse. But when he get to know Riley, the temptation is high. He tries and tries to keep his distance but in the end he can't stay away.
she was smiling at me. I hated myself for liking it.
I knew I was about to make a mistake, but having her in my hands felt so right
I stared at the penalty box, wanting to put her in there for all the trouble she was causing me.
There was no use in pretending that what I felt for her was only attraction. We weren’t even touching and my heart was skipping beats.
“I want you so fucking much that I can’t find it in me to stop.”
Ugh this man was killing me with his soft side and his hot side because he was 🔥
“Eyes on me.”
I died.
As for the side characters.
I loved the coach soo much! He reminded me so much of the coach from teen wolf! He was so funny and sassy with his players and so protective of Riley.
“She is off-limits. You got that?”
“Coach, I could fall on the ice during practice, get a critical concussion, forget my name and my family members, and still remember that your daughter is off-limits.” Efrain was only half-joking,
“So we can’t even be her friend?” I didn’t care to see who asked the question, and if Coach hadn’t tasked me with being his daughter’s glorified babysitter, I might not have cared to hear the answer.
“You? Absolutely not. You don’t know how to have friends who are females!”
“Let me guess, you also went somewhere other than here? I hope you two have someone to back that statement up.”
He smiled while wiggling his eyebrows. “Oh, we definitely do.”
“Not in front of my daughter!” Coach scolded Ford.
“That’s what your mom and I have been missing.”
“What?” Her cheeks ripened with embarrassment. She turned around and flipped a pancake.
“Your smile,” I said in a low voice. Fuck, did I say that out loud?
All eyes were on me. I waited patiently for Coach Lennon’s hand to make contact with the back of my skull. This is gonna hurt.
It was said that Theo was Aasher best friend, but he was barely in the book and with the gang when they hung out. Maybe it's because his book is the first in the series and I haven't read it, but still, if he's best friend he should be there.
Ford felt more like the best friend, and he was my favorite side character!! He was so funny and I loved how he was protective of Riley and was secretly rooting for her and Aasher and constantly helped them. Really excited for his book with a teammate's sister trope!
I smiled and decided that Ford was my favorite, even if my dad thought he was the most annoying on the team.
Same girl!
I pulled out my phone and sent a group text to my roommates, plus Ford because I’d never hear the end of it.
“She’s sitting with a few of her old friends.”
My skates dragged over the ice, and I found her immediately.
Ford threw his hands up. “How dare she?!”
Sutton was also great and a good friend and I really want her story too!
Maybe Mya from Riley's old school too? Because she seemed cool as well.
She and Sutton shared a sideways look. What was up with chicks having silent conversations that anyone with the XY chromosome couldn’t decipher?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please cure my 'starting a new book and stopping because it gets bored' slump.
Also I love coach's daughter
Riley Lennon had nestled herself right next to my heart. You couldn’t live without a beating heart, and I was pretty certain I couldn’t live without her either.
This was so so cute.
I'm a sucker for the coach's daughter trope. Something about the forbidden romance and risking your place in the team for her just gets me every time.
It follows Riley and Aasher
Riley is a figure skater and, you guessed it, the coach's daughter in the college she just transferred to.
Aasher is a hockey player and when his coach task him with the job to watch over his daughter and make sure she's okay, he agrees, thinking it'll be easy.
What he didn't think about is that some of his teammates made a bet on who'll sleep with Riley first, and now Aasher has a bunch of horny guys to keep away from her. Plus the fact that she overheard the bet and decided to tease them just as much to get back at them.
They could try all they wanted, despite my father’s threats, but none of them would ever get close enough to win their little ice bet. In fact, the entire Bexley U hockey team was going to have the biggest case of blue balls there ever was.
And so they make their own bet, if Aasher will manage to help Riley with her problem, she'll stop messing with his teammates heads
In between interfering Riley and his teammates, walking her home from parties to make sure she's okay, and late night sessions at the ice, they slowly get to know each other and trust one another with their past.
Riley is smart and ambitious and she's been through some tough times in her life. She swore off hockey players. But somehow Aasher made it past her walls and she learns to trust him more, and remember that not all hockey players are bad.
"You’ve found a way to get me to trust you.”
I wasn’t sure there was anyone that I trusted more than Aasher Matthews.
We could keep us a secret for the rest of my life, and I might just be okay with it if he kept looking at me like that.
The tension in this book was soo good! The push and pull and them resisting each other was so fun to read.
“Be here tomorrow night, seven sharp.” He put distance between us and walked away. With his back to me, I still heard the sharp warning. “And wear a fucking chastity belt.”
“I’m not tempting you to do anything. No one invited you here tonight.”
“You tempt me by breathing,”
I could see that he was teetering between right and wrong. But how could something that feels this good be considered wrong?
Aasher has more on the line. He can't mess with the coach's daughter and be kicked out of the team, or worse. But when he get to know Riley, the temptation is high. He tries and tries to keep his distance but in the end he can't stay away.
she was smiling at me. I hated myself for liking it.
I knew I was about to make a mistake, but having her in my hands felt so right
I stared at the penalty box, wanting to put her in there for all the trouble she was causing me.
There was no use in pretending that what I felt for her was only attraction. We weren’t even touching and my heart was skipping beats.
“I want you so fucking much that I can’t find it in me to stop.”
Ugh this man was killing me with his soft side and his hot side because he was 🔥
“Eyes on me.”
I died.
As for the side characters.
I loved the coach soo much! He reminded me so much of the coach from teen wolf! He was so funny and sassy with his players and so protective of Riley.
“She is off-limits. You got that?”
“Coach, I could fall on the ice during practice, get a critical concussion, forget my name and my family members, and still remember that your daughter is off-limits.” Efrain was only half-joking,
“So we can’t even be her friend?” I didn’t care to see who asked the question, and if Coach hadn’t tasked me with being his daughter’s glorified babysitter, I might not have cared to hear the answer.
“You? Absolutely not. You don’t know how to have friends who are females!”
“Let me guess, you also went somewhere other than here? I hope you two have someone to back that statement up.”
He smiled while wiggling his eyebrows. “Oh, we definitely do.”
“Not in front of my daughter!” Coach scolded Ford.
“That’s what your mom and I have been missing.”
“What?” Her cheeks ripened with embarrassment. She turned around and flipped a pancake.
“Your smile,” I said in a low voice. Fuck, did I say that out loud?
All eyes were on me. I waited patiently for Coach Lennon’s hand to make contact with the back of my skull. This is gonna hurt.
It was said that Theo was Aasher best friend, but he was barely in the book and with the gang when they hung out. Maybe it's because his book is the first in the series and I haven't read it, but still, if he's best friend he should be there.
Ford felt more like the best friend, and he was my favorite side character!! He was so funny and I loved how he was protective of Riley and was secretly rooting for her and Aasher and constantly helped them. Really excited for his book with a teammate's sister trope!
I smiled and decided that Ford was my favorite, even if my dad thought he was the most annoying on the team.
Same girl!
I pulled out my phone and sent a group text to my roommates, plus Ford because I’d never hear the end of it.
“She’s sitting with a few of her old friends.”
My skates dragged over the ice, and I found her immediately.
Ford threw his hands up. “How dare she?!”
Sutton was also great and a good friend and I really want her story too!
Maybe Mya from Riley's old school too? Because she seemed cool as well.
She and Sutton shared a sideways look. What was up with chicks having silent conversations that anyone with the XY chromosome couldn’t decipher?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please cure my 'starting a new book and stopping because it gets bored' slump.
Also I love coach's daughter
November 3, 2023
3.5 stars! Ice Bet is the second book in the Bexley U series, and after loving this author’s book Weak Side earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to get to it. This is a sports (hockey) romance, coach’s daughter, and she’s his rival’s newest target with a bet (who can get the coach’s daughter into their bed first).
“The only name I want to see on your back is mine.”
“But—”
“You’re mine, and I’m done pretending that you’re not.”
Aasher is the hockey hero in this one, he’s best friends with Theo (the hero of Weak Side). And the heroine is Riley, who happens to be the daughter of Aasher’s coach. Aasher’s coach lets him know that Riley is moving into the apartment across from him and asks for his help in keeping an eye out for her, while also reminding Aasher she’s off-limits. A bet goes around the team if who can get her into bed first, but they don’t realize she heard it all.
I did like that both players are on the ice in this one, him with hockey and her with ice skating/figure skating. Riley is nicknamed the “Ice Queen” since she’s often skating on the ice skating, but also described as unapproachable and icy. Neither are interested in one another at first, he’s only focused on Frozen Four and she’s not interested in hockey players after a situation in her past. They do form a bit of an unlikely friendship which leads to more once she confides in him about her past and starts to feel safe with him. I liked how he wants to help her get comfortable on the ice and get back on the figure skating team. If you aren’t a fan of seeing a hero with an OW before he’s with the heroine, just know we get talks and scenes of that. I sadly didn’t feel as much for this book as I did with the first book in the series. While this couple and their story didn’t work for me as well, I am still excited for more in this series in the future!
I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts in this review are my own. Ice Bet has a release date of November 9, 2023!
CW: eating disorder and previous sexual assault
“The only name I want to see on your back is mine.”
“But—”
“You’re mine, and I’m done pretending that you’re not.”
Aasher is the hockey hero in this one, he’s best friends with Theo (the hero of Weak Side). And the heroine is Riley, who happens to be the daughter of Aasher’s coach. Aasher’s coach lets him know that Riley is moving into the apartment across from him and asks for his help in keeping an eye out for her, while also reminding Aasher she’s off-limits. A bet goes around the team if who can get her into bed first, but they don’t realize she heard it all.
I did like that both players are on the ice in this one, him with hockey and her with ice skating/figure skating. Riley is nicknamed the “Ice Queen” since she’s often skating on the ice skating, but also described as unapproachable and icy. Neither are interested in one another at first, he’s only focused on Frozen Four and she’s not interested in hockey players after a situation in her past. They do form a bit of an unlikely friendship which leads to more once she confides in him about her past and starts to feel safe with him. I liked how he wants to help her get comfortable on the ice and get back on the figure skating team. If you aren’t a fan of seeing a hero with an OW before he’s with the heroine, just know we get talks and scenes of that. I sadly didn’t feel as much for this book as I did with the first book in the series. While this couple and their story didn’t work for me as well, I am still excited for more in this series in the future!
I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts in this review are my own. Ice Bet has a release date of November 9, 2023!
CW: eating disorder and previous sexual assault
April 30, 2024
We have 2 detailed scenes where the hero Aasher hooks up with another woman. And the heroine Riley sees him coming down the stairs with this OW another time. So 3 times he slept with OW and he stopped at like 39%.
Immediately after his second hookup with OW at a party, he cornered Riley and kissed her for the first time. That was just so ICKY to me. Just why?
Also, I felt that Aasher was a bit controlling telling Riley not to go to parties and commenting on her revealing clothes even though the OW was wearing even less.
I just got the ick from him.
I also feel like Riley’s eating disorder was only mentioned in passing and we didn’t see her struggle with it. Apparently she had an ED in the past and then she didn’t.
I had so much hope for this
Immediately after his second hookup with OW at a party, he cornered Riley and kissed her for the first time. That was just so ICKY to me. Just why?
Also, I felt that Aasher was a bit controlling telling Riley not to go to parties and commenting on her revealing clothes even though the OW was wearing even less.
I just got the ick from him.
I also feel like Riley’s eating disorder was only mentioned in passing and we didn’t see her struggle with it. Apparently she had an ED in the past and then she didn’t.
I had so much hope for this
January 12, 2024
DNF at like 35% MMC that has detailed sex with OW and an almost virgin FMC? I don’t mind that the MC’s had sex with other people before being together but I’ve had about enough that is always the FMC that is celibate from the moment she meet the MMC while him is with OW. Hate this trope, but most of all the MC’s, they were no likable at all, everything about this book is just no. How can this be classified as a sports romance when there is NO romance. This doesn’t even deserve the 1 star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
Asher & Riley🤍
November 19, 2023
I always really enjoy the coaches daughter trope, and Ice Bet was no exception.
I loved the perfect balance of hockey, figure skating, angst and smut 🤭.
I laughed out loud, gasped and my heart hurt. All the ingredients to a book for me to love it.
Bexley U hockey world is one you’re going to want to visit! I definitely recommend reading Weak Side first.
~ coaches daughter
~ forced proximity
~ college hockey romance
~ enemies to lovers
Thank you for much for sending this ARC, I am so grateful.
𝒜𝓋𝒶𝒾𝓁𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝟫𝓉𝒽 𝒩𝑜𝓋
I loved the perfect balance of hockey, figure skating, angst and smut 🤭.
I laughed out loud, gasped and my heart hurt. All the ingredients to a book for me to love it.
Bexley U hockey world is one you’re going to want to visit! I definitely recommend reading Weak Side first.
~ coaches daughter
~ forced proximity
~ college hockey romance
~ enemies to lovers
Thank you for much for sending this ARC, I am so grateful.
𝒜𝓋𝒶𝒾𝓁𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝟫𝓉𝒽 𝒩𝑜𝓋
October 27, 2023
rating: 3.6✨
I gotta say, I enjoyed Aasher and Riley's story better. I think this book was better executed than Weak Side.
Ice bet is 'coach's daughter' trope and I just love it when there's no third-act break up because of that reason.
While I did mildly, enjoy the story and characters, there's always something that's missing with Sammi's books. Fact is, she rushes feelings.
In this particular case, SPOILER, there's a scene where Aasher is at a party and he's fucking some girl and minutes later he's pulling Riley into a pantry and kissing her. A chapter later he has feelings, blah blah blah. And it's all just 180 degrees from there. Mind you, this is at 30% of the book!
While I didn't hate, I also didn't love it.
Another thing, what's up with authors writing sex scenes w ow? Spare me the details idgaf if he makes her come or not. While I don't care if the mmc is fucking around at the beginning, I don't really need to know every detail. It's weird.
Plot wise, nothing much happens till the very end. And it's resolved quickly.
The relationship between Aasher and Riley felt... steady? It was sort of hate to love, but not really. He didn't like her because of her dad and she disliked him because of her past. You get the point.
They soon become friends, she opens up to him—too quickly. They start to have a sort of relationship, but without really acknowledging it.
There's a push, pull thing going on. Mostly on his part.
You know, eventually he caved. It was cute.
It didn't feel like they had character development. Riley faced her fear, that was that. Aasher confronted his past, realized certain things, and that was that. I'm not sure if it was because the book was fast-paced, but everything was just so quick to be fixed.
Things happen, while also nothing happening?
The smut was alright too. Nothing special if you ask me. Although.... that scene at the rink.... the penalty box... whew.
But,
I'm internally screaming, because I can't wait to read Ford's book! I'll be patiently waiting for it, and praying that it's everything I hope it to be.
-
“I’m gonna win our bet, and I’m gonna cheer you on from the stands when you’re back in action.”
love to hear it. Or read it.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
I gotta say, I enjoyed Aasher and Riley's story better. I think this book was better executed than Weak Side.
Ice bet is 'coach's daughter' trope and I just love it when there's no third-act break up because of that reason.
While I did mildly, enjoy the story and characters, there's always something that's missing with Sammi's books. Fact is, she rushes feelings.
In this particular case, SPOILER, there's a scene where Aasher is at a party and he's fucking some girl and minutes later he's pulling Riley into a pantry and kissing her. A chapter later he has feelings, blah blah blah. And it's all just 180 degrees from there. Mind you, this is at 30% of the book!
While I didn't hate, I also didn't love it.
Another thing, what's up with authors writing sex scenes w ow? Spare me the details idgaf if he makes her come or not. While I don't care if the mmc is fucking around at the beginning, I don't really need to know every detail. It's weird.
Plot wise, nothing much happens till the very end. And it's resolved quickly.
The relationship between Aasher and Riley felt... steady? It was sort of hate to love, but not really. He didn't like her because of her dad and she disliked him because of her past. You get the point.
They soon become friends, she opens up to him—too quickly. They start to have a sort of relationship, but without really acknowledging it.
There's a push, pull thing going on. Mostly on his part.
You know, eventually he caved. It was cute.
It didn't feel like they had character development. Riley faced her fear, that was that. Aasher confronted his past, realized certain things, and that was that. I'm not sure if it was because the book was fast-paced, but everything was just so quick to be fixed.
Things happen, while also nothing happening?
The smut was alright too. Nothing special if you ask me. Although.... that scene at the rink.... the penalty box... whew.
But,
I'm internally screaming, because I can't wait to read Ford's book! I'll be patiently waiting for it, and praying that it's everything I hope it to be.
-
“I’m gonna win our bet, and I’m gonna cheer you on from the stands when you’re back in action.”
love to hear it. Or read it.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
November 9, 2023
4.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
S.J. Sylvis has quickly become a one-click author for me! I am absolutely loving this hockey series so much.
Ice Bet is book 2 in the Bexley U series following Aasher & Riley. Aasher is one of Bexley University’s top NHL prospects. He’s cocky & pretty much everything Riley can’t stand. She is the hockey coach’s daughter & brand new to Bexley U after a figure skating injury. Her dad offers up Aasher to keep an eye on her & make sure no one messes with her — meaning she is completely off-limits to the hockey team. Of course things get complicated quickly when a “bet” is made between the players to see who can get their hands on Riley first…
I LOVE a good coaches daughter/forbidden romance. To add to that, it’s enemies to lovers? Immediately yes. I just knew I was going to devour this book & I absolutely did. I loved Aasher so much. We all love a broken hero with a tortured past & he is no exception. He was so protective of Riley — even when he didn’t want to be & it was just so sweet. I couldn’t get enough of these two together!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Hockey Player x Figure Skater
- Coach’s Daughter
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Secret Relationship
- Slow Burn
2.5/5🌶️
S.J. Sylvis has quickly become a one-click author for me! I am absolutely loving this hockey series so much.
Ice Bet is book 2 in the Bexley U series following Aasher & Riley. Aasher is one of Bexley University’s top NHL prospects. He’s cocky & pretty much everything Riley can’t stand. She is the hockey coach’s daughter & brand new to Bexley U after a figure skating injury. Her dad offers up Aasher to keep an eye on her & make sure no one messes with her — meaning she is completely off-limits to the hockey team. Of course things get complicated quickly when a “bet” is made between the players to see who can get their hands on Riley first…
I LOVE a good coaches daughter/forbidden romance. To add to that, it’s enemies to lovers? Immediately yes. I just knew I was going to devour this book & I absolutely did. I loved Aasher so much. We all love a broken hero with a tortured past & he is no exception. He was so protective of Riley — even when he didn’t want to be & it was just so sweet. I couldn’t get enough of these two together!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Hockey Player x Figure Skater
- Coach’s Daughter
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Secret Relationship
- Slow Burn
April 8, 2024
I definitely liked the first book better (I loved Weak Side). This one didn’t feel like it had that much character or relationship development, made it feel quite flat to me. But I will be continuing the series because I enjoyed the first one so much.
November 1, 2023
Bexley U is one of my favourite Hockey worlds to be in! I love how this hockey team has all the banter and becomes protective of our FMC’s as well 🤭
Aasher and Riley’s story is everything. How they met, their forced proximity, their banter, character growth and THE TENSION 😮💨 the sweet moments and all the hockey.
I loved the way Riley works through her struggles and how Aasher is there by her side the whole way through. This book definitely hits on some tough topics.
The COACH ahh he even had his own moments that had me loving his character so much too but lets take a moment for Ford please. Ooof FORD really tried to steal the show here and I am so excited for his book next 😏
I loved his character!
"Daddy Theo will be fine," Ford grinned.
"Unless Daddy Number Two tells him."
- Hockey Romance
- Coach’s Daughter
- Secret Relationship
- Enemies to Lovers
- Slow Burn (but the good angsty kind)
“My thoughts were wrapped around her like a blanket, and my future was looking a lot like pretty blue eyes in the morning instead of stark-white ice beneath my skates.”
Aasher and Riley’s story is everything. How they met, their forced proximity, their banter, character growth and THE TENSION 😮💨 the sweet moments and all the hockey.
I loved the way Riley works through her struggles and how Aasher is there by her side the whole way through. This book definitely hits on some tough topics.
The COACH ahh he even had his own moments that had me loving his character so much too but lets take a moment for Ford please. Ooof FORD really tried to steal the show here and I am so excited for his book next 😏
I loved his character!
"Daddy Theo will be fine," Ford grinned.
"Unless Daddy Number Two tells him."
- Hockey Romance
- Coach’s Daughter
- Secret Relationship
- Enemies to Lovers
- Slow Burn (but the good angsty kind)
“My thoughts were wrapped around her like a blanket, and my future was looking a lot like pretty blue eyes in the morning instead of stark-white ice beneath my skates.”
December 13, 2023
I would have DNF’d but I pushed through due to my love of Weak Side (Book 1) and - spoiler alert - it just wasn’t worth the time or energy for Ice Bet.
I have a hard time believing this is the same author who wrote Weak Side. At 45%, I went back to Weak Side to read it again to make sure I didn’t remember that story incorrectly. Nope, I loved it and read Weak Side all over again. So, what happened here? It seems like ChatGPT wrote this book!! There are issues all across the book, overworked sentences and just random word choices. She “withered” under his touch. Withered? Or should it have been writhed? If she withered then isn’t the hero doing something wrong in the spice department?
Also, so much breath talk! “her beer breath brushed my face, “my minty breath escaped on a gasp”. “His breath was right against my cheek letting me know he was there” ….once you notice the breath stuff it’s so distracting and it’s almost in every chapter. The writing took a huge dive in Book 2 and was really immature. Again, was this ChatGPT?
You are nearly 47% through the book before either character stops their brat routine and starts revealing their traumatic backstories. That’s almost half the book! I’m sorry but character development and plot should be a bit faster than that so we can invest in the characters.
The spice? Not really there. The author goes dark with a lot of lines like, “and then he showed me all night.” Uh okay. Showed what? Can ChaptGPT not write spice yet? Trust me …the spice is barely there.
Also, this book takes place at the same time as Weak Side. But where was Theo? He’s the Captain of the team and the BFF and he’s in minor scenes? That’s not how hockey works or being a BFF to the main character. This would have been so much better if Theo and Claire were more involved or slight/cute nods to their story for fans. We know that these guys were all together with Claire at The Bex at this same time. Why no scenes linking it all together so it was clearly on a timeline?
I’m giving this book a 1 star rating because it’s a hot mess and a poor excuse for a hockey romance story. Instead, read Meghan Quinn’s Hockey Series for a perfect example of hockey players who bond with their own friendships and find love. Or, read Weak Side again!
I need the author to stop and take stock before publishing Ford’s story. There’s been a massive drop-off in quality of story from Weak Side to Ice Bet. This story just was NOT it.
Not with plot, characters, spice, hockey, NOTHING.
Ford has been introduced as the golden retriever of this group and he needs a good story. Please go back to the magic and writing style of Weak Side. We don’t need 146 pages of people commenting on their “breaths” and random, overworked and distracting sentences. Sometimes less is more!
I have a hard time believing this is the same author who wrote Weak Side. At 45%, I went back to Weak Side to read it again to make sure I didn’t remember that story incorrectly. Nope, I loved it and read Weak Side all over again. So, what happened here? It seems like ChatGPT wrote this book!! There are issues all across the book, overworked sentences and just random word choices. She “withered” under his touch. Withered? Or should it have been writhed? If she withered then isn’t the hero doing something wrong in the spice department?
Also, so much breath talk! “her beer breath brushed my face, “my minty breath escaped on a gasp”. “His breath was right against my cheek letting me know he was there” ….once you notice the breath stuff it’s so distracting and it’s almost in every chapter. The writing took a huge dive in Book 2 and was really immature. Again, was this ChatGPT?
You are nearly 47% through the book before either character stops their brat routine and starts revealing their traumatic backstories. That’s almost half the book! I’m sorry but character development and plot should be a bit faster than that so we can invest in the characters.
The spice? Not really there. The author goes dark with a lot of lines like, “and then he showed me all night.” Uh okay. Showed what? Can ChaptGPT not write spice yet? Trust me …the spice is barely there.
Also, this book takes place at the same time as Weak Side. But where was Theo? He’s the Captain of the team and the BFF and he’s in minor scenes? That’s not how hockey works or being a BFF to the main character. This would have been so much better if Theo and Claire were more involved or slight/cute nods to their story for fans. We know that these guys were all together with Claire at The Bex at this same time. Why no scenes linking it all together so it was clearly on a timeline?
I’m giving this book a 1 star rating because it’s a hot mess and a poor excuse for a hockey romance story. Instead, read Meghan Quinn’s Hockey Series for a perfect example of hockey players who bond with their own friendships and find love. Or, read Weak Side again!
I need the author to stop and take stock before publishing Ford’s story. There’s been a massive drop-off in quality of story from Weak Side to Ice Bet. This story just was NOT it.
Not with plot, characters, spice, hockey, NOTHING.
Ford has been introduced as the golden retriever of this group and he needs a good story. Please go back to the magic and writing style of Weak Side. We don’t need 146 pages of people commenting on their “breaths” and random, overworked and distracting sentences. Sometimes less is more!
February 15, 2024
- Coach’s daughter
- Off-limits
- College
- Hockey
- Slow burn
This is book two in the Bexley U series, but can be read as a complete standalone.
I’m struggling with this review. I didn’t hate this one, but I didn’t necessarily love it either. Truthfully, I found myself more interested in Riley’s journey of overcoming her past traumas than I was in the secret romance between her and Aasher. Their connection didn’t feel totally authentic to me in the beginning, but I will admit I was swooning for Aasher by the end and loved them together.
🚨Spoilers?🚨
Part of the issue for me was early on in the book there are two detailed sex scenes of Aasher with another woman. That relationship is described as a mutual no strings attached type of thing and is before anything happens with Riley…barley. Aasher proceeds to kiss Riley mere hours after hooking up with the OW (while thinking of Riley mind you) and that just left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥
I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
- Off-limits
- College
- Hockey
- Slow burn
This is book two in the Bexley U series, but can be read as a complete standalone.
I’m struggling with this review. I didn’t hate this one, but I didn’t necessarily love it either. Truthfully, I found myself more interested in Riley’s journey of overcoming her past traumas than I was in the secret romance between her and Aasher. Their connection didn’t feel totally authentic to me in the beginning, but I will admit I was swooning for Aasher by the end and loved them together.
🚨Spoilers?🚨
Part of the issue for me was early on in the book there are two detailed sex scenes of Aasher with another woman. That relationship is described as a mutual no strings attached type of thing and is before anything happens with Riley…barley. Aasher proceeds to kiss Riley mere hours after hooking up with the OW (while thinking of Riley mind you) and that just left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥
I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
“Are you gonna catch me if I fall?”
I’m in my hockey romance era where I can’t stop devouring all the pucking goodness. Oh my does Author SJ Sylvis’ Ice Bet slay! This story was insta-love … and I couldn’t love Aasher and Riley enough.
Hot hockey player … check
Alpha with touch-her-and-die persona … check
Untouchable coach’s daughter … check
Strong and stunning heroine … check
Forbidden romance … check
Delicious, red-hot tension … check
Broken but whole together … check
All the feels … check, check, check
The second installment of the Bexley U series, Ice Bet, is a hit! I fell head-over-heels in love with this hockey romance brimming with heart, heat, and strong hero and heroine who will bring you to your knees. Riley and Aasher are simply magical … bringing out the best in each other. I felt the push and pull, the burning angst, the steam and the soul.
Heart-melting and self-healing, Ice Bet is not only a love story, it’s a balm for the soul for anyone who has battled stereotypes and self-worth. My emotions were so vested in this romance. I reveled in feeling like a part of the hockey team with a birds-eye view in the stands, watching Aasher play, as I cheered for both the player, the game, and love. Ice Bet is a must read-romance … all the heart-hitting, soul-grabbing goals!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ heart-hitting, hockey-loving stars
➡️ https://amzn.to/46g5744
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
I’m in my hockey romance era where I can’t stop devouring all the pucking goodness. Oh my does Author SJ Sylvis’ Ice Bet slay! This story was insta-love … and I couldn’t love Aasher and Riley enough.
Hot hockey player … check
Alpha with touch-her-and-die persona … check
Untouchable coach’s daughter … check
Strong and stunning heroine … check
Forbidden romance … check
Delicious, red-hot tension … check
Broken but whole together … check
All the feels … check, check, check
The second installment of the Bexley U series, Ice Bet, is a hit! I fell head-over-heels in love with this hockey romance brimming with heart, heat, and strong hero and heroine who will bring you to your knees. Riley and Aasher are simply magical … bringing out the best in each other. I felt the push and pull, the burning angst, the steam and the soul.
Heart-melting and self-healing, Ice Bet is not only a love story, it’s a balm for the soul for anyone who has battled stereotypes and self-worth. My emotions were so vested in this romance. I reveled in feeling like a part of the hockey team with a birds-eye view in the stands, watching Aasher play, as I cheered for both the player, the game, and love. Ice Bet is a must read-romance … all the heart-hitting, soul-grabbing goals!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ heart-hitting, hockey-loving stars
➡️ https://amzn.to/46g5744
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
November 17, 2023
objectively this was a good book! it just wasn’t the book for me. sj’s writing is really good and the tropes are ones that i love, i just didn’t find myself connecting to the characters. it’s not that i wasn’t rooting for riley & aasher, but i didn’t necessarily find myself caring if they ended up together or not
i liked riley & aasher as individual people! they both had good backstories, and i liked that they had similar backgrounds
i’ve always wanted to read one of s.j.’s books and i’m really glad i did! overall, it was good!!
i liked riley & aasher as individual people! they both had good backstories, and i liked that they had similar backgrounds
i’ve always wanted to read one of s.j.’s books and i’m really glad i did! overall, it was good!!
November 17, 2023
3.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
This book was so fun and I didn’t even realize it was book 2 in the series! I definitely need to check out weak side (book 1) now! This was a super fun college hockey romance book with plenty of spice and charm. It was a perfect “palate cleanser” book for me in between fantasy books. Easy to read and very bingeable! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick and fun spicy hockey romance read this winter
3/5🌶️
This book was so fun and I didn’t even realize it was book 2 in the series! I definitely need to check out weak side (book 1) now! This was a super fun college hockey romance book with plenty of spice and charm. It was a perfect “palate cleanser” book for me in between fantasy books. Easy to read and very bingeable! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick and fun spicy hockey romance read this winter
February 23, 2024
⭐️3/5
🌶️1.25/5
Although I wanted to read Aasher's story and I was looking forward to it I felt it was a bit rushed, the plot I expected it to be something more exciting also the ending was very fast forward, I mean really?10 years? It was unnecessary... Anyway though because I wanted to read this story when it was announced & I was looking forward to it so much because I saw the development of this particular couple in the first book I had my hopes high, it's not that I was disappointed, the story was good it just needed something to make it look complete🤷♀️😌
🌶️1.25/5
Although I wanted to read Aasher's story and I was looking forward to it I felt it was a bit rushed, the plot I expected it to be something more exciting also the ending was very fast forward, I mean really?10 years? It was unnecessary... Anyway though because I wanted to read this story when it was announced & I was looking forward to it so much because I saw the development of this particular couple in the first book I had my hopes high, it's not that I was disappointed, the story was good it just needed something to make it look complete🤷♀️😌
March 8, 2024
This was very cute, a little cheesy, and delivered on the smut. I liked the ending, Riley and Aasher’s story was worth the read.
November 18, 2023
i’m not sure if i was under a spell when i read weak side or something but that was so much better than this???
both the fmc & the mmc said/did things that were uncalled for & idk i just really did not enjoy this & i wanted to :/
both the fmc & the mmc said/did things that were uncalled for & idk i just really did not enjoy this & i wanted to :/
January 1, 2024
this was terrible don’t make me elaborate further…
December 18, 2023
I couldn't wait to get back to Bexley U and S.J. Sylvis brought it again in Ice Bet. This forbidden, enemies to lovers romance was everything I thought it would be and then some. The banter, the playfulness, the angst. Aasher and Riley truly were perfect for one another, especially with how they started off. I really love how you first get a glimpse of them in the first book, Weak Side, and then jump into storyline without missing a beat.
The cherry on top for me was how supportive Aasher was of Riley without stepping on anyone's toes. He knows what it's like to be without something you love so much and was there every step of the way to help Riley grow and become strong again. Even when Riley wanted to put the hockey team in their place, Aasher always had the best intentions in mind for all involved. Overall I absolutely loved this story, the characters keep being on point, and I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book.
I received an early copy to review and am very thankful for the opportunity.
The cherry on top for me was how supportive Aasher was of Riley without stepping on anyone's toes. He knows what it's like to be without something you love so much and was there every step of the way to help Riley grow and become strong again. Even when Riley wanted to put the hockey team in their place, Aasher always had the best intentions in mind for all involved. Overall I absolutely loved this story, the characters keep being on point, and I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book.
I received an early copy to review and am very thankful for the opportunity.
April 23, 2024
Ice Bet is book 2 in SJs Bexley U hockey series. I could not wait to read this book and read this in less than 24 hours.
This story follows Aasher and Riley. Riley is coming to Bexley after dealing with some personal drama and a traumatic experience in her figure skating world. Riley is also the coaches daughter. She is moving into the apartment across from Aasher and some other hockey guys. Aasher is so cocky and has a goal of making it to the NHL. His coach makes a special request that involves his keeping an eye out on his daughter, and Aasher begrudgingly has to accept. Not to give too much away but there is also a bet goes around the team if who can get her into bed first, but they don’t realize she heard it all.
I think this book might be my new personality. I loved this one so much! Riley Lennon might be one of my favorite FMCs. I mean usually you have the shy girl who finds out about a bet and breaks down. NOT HER! She gave it right back to them!
I absolutely loved Aasher! He was broody (which is my favorite type of MMC) at times and flirty all of the time. He was so sweet ad caring how he helps Riley work through her struggles. And that boy can talk the talk let me just say that…that PB scene had me fanning myself.
Aasher and Riley’s story is everything. How they meet, their banter, and tension!! I ate it up! They form an unlikely friendship which leads to more once she confides in him about her past and starts to feel safe with him.
Thank you to SJ and team for an eARC. Please make sure your triggers before going into this one. They are some touches on some heavy topics. And if you aren’t a fan of seeing a hero with an OW before he’s with the heroine, just know there are scenes of that.
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Coach's Daughter
- Forbidden Romance
- Secret Romance
- Bet Trope
- Slow Burn
This story follows Aasher and Riley. Riley is coming to Bexley after dealing with some personal drama and a traumatic experience in her figure skating world. Riley is also the coaches daughter. She is moving into the apartment across from Aasher and some other hockey guys. Aasher is so cocky and has a goal of making it to the NHL. His coach makes a special request that involves his keeping an eye out on his daughter, and Aasher begrudgingly has to accept. Not to give too much away but there is also a bet goes around the team if who can get her into bed first, but they don’t realize she heard it all.
I think this book might be my new personality. I loved this one so much! Riley Lennon might be one of my favorite FMCs. I mean usually you have the shy girl who finds out about a bet and breaks down. NOT HER! She gave it right back to them!
I absolutely loved Aasher! He was broody (which is my favorite type of MMC) at times and flirty all of the time. He was so sweet ad caring how he helps Riley work through her struggles. And that boy can talk the talk let me just say that…that PB scene had me fanning myself.
Aasher and Riley’s story is everything. How they meet, their banter, and tension!! I ate it up! They form an unlikely friendship which leads to more once she confides in him about her past and starts to feel safe with him.
Thank you to SJ and team for an eARC. Please make sure your triggers before going into this one. They are some touches on some heavy topics. And if you aren’t a fan of seeing a hero with an OW before he’s with the heroine, just know there are scenes of that.
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Coach's Daughter
- Forbidden Romance
- Secret Romance
- Bet Trope
- Slow Burn
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