On Thin Ice (Lakeshore U #2) - LA Cotton

When Harper Dixon discovers her father is the Lakeshore U Lakers new assistant coach, she wonders if her life can get any worse.

Enter Mason Steele.

Arrogant. Cold. With enough ice around his heart to freeze anyone who gets too close.

When Mason proposes one night to exorcise the fiery attraction between them, the last thing he expects is to wake up to an empty bed the next morning.

Or to find himself unable to get his new coach’s daughter out of his thoughts.

He’s Lakeshore U’s broody left winger with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

She’s vivacious, persistent, and has puck bunny written all over her.

Can Mason stick to his biggest rule and keep Harper out of his head—and his bed?

Or will she be able to prove to him that sometimes skating on thin ice is worth the risk?

LA Cotton delivers a superior story in the Lakeshore U world, showcasing stronger writing, well-developed characters, and a well-paced narrative in ON THIN ICE. With Mason and Harper at the center of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, this book explores their journey and tackles themes of personal growth, redemption, and unexpected love.

The writing in ON THIN ICE stands out, displaying remarkable growth from the previous full length book in this series. The narrative flows smoothly, striking a balance between introspective moments and exciting character encounters, resulting in a quick read being that the readers won't be able to stop turning the pages.

Mason and Harper are a standout couple, they are so well fleshed out and layered. The enemies-to-lovers trope is beautifully executed, with their initial clashes grounded in genuine differences that create a strong foundation for their eventual romance. Their development from adversaries to lovers is both thrilling and believable, keeping readers captivated throughout the book. Mason's allure and Harper's resilience make them a dynamic pair, and their interactions are charged with tension and sizzling chemistry. Reading what both characters have gone through in their lives already at this young age makes the reader root for each to get their happy ending, and luckily they can find that in each other.

One of the book's highlights is the character of Scottie, Mason’s brother. The relationships he forms with other characters are endearing and make you appreciate this found family the hockey team has provided. Cotton handles Scottie's autism with respect and sensitivity, allowing him to become a cherished presence in the story. 

The spice elements in ON THE ICE are just so damn good, and these scenes really show the reader the impact and emotional stakes of this connection between Mason and Harper. The tension between the two main characters creates an irresistible pull, making it difficult not to feel invested in their journey. Mason is described and written in such an attractive way that made him practically leap off the page. His decision making skills however were a bit rusty, and caused issues where there didn’t need to be, which made me simultaneously want to slap him and root for him to come to his senses.

While the book excels in various aspects, as mentioned, one minor hiccup lies in the occasional repetitive dialogue. Some conversations feel redundant, reiterating certain points or sentiments unnecessarily. I found myself thinking “haven’t I read this line before?” and I had, a few pages earlier. It was definitely a mind trick but did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story in a significant way.

ON THIN ICE is a  well-crafted college hockey romance offers a satisfying blend of tension, personal growth, and heartfelt romance. Mason and Harper's journey from enemies to lovers is deeply rooted, making their connection all the more thrilling to read. If you’re looking for a quick sports romance, this is the perfect one for you. It can be read as a standalone but reading BREAK THE ICE builds up the characters for a more well rounded experience.

Rating: 4/5