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A review by readclever
Hot on the Ice by Anna Sugden
3.0
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Anna Sugden for the opportunity to review a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Lily needs an investor for her growing chocolate business. Dante wants to earn back the trust he broke years ago. Why not help a former flame out with a worthwhile business?
I loved that Lily was a chocolatier with expansion plans. Knowing exactly what she likes based on customer feedback and potential investor interest. Plus, she constantly communicates with business partner Amy on any decision instead of miscommunication. A rarity in this book.
Food is a shared experience with Lily and Dante. There's one scene with a family recipe that made me heart happy. Perfect for the just post Valentine lull. There's something intimate in handing down tips and recipes to someone you love. Makes me root for a couple.
I gave the book a low three stars because there was too much plot and not enough romance. Don't get me wrong, I love some hockey talk. But some of the other plots cluttered the story. Too many moving parts. I felt like some of the reconnection was missing that spark and sizzle. Instead readers are constantly reminded of Dante's constant memories. Very Gordon Bombay.
I wanted a bit more bonding during tumultuous times. When your villain has a definite stalker edge plus frightening ambition, perfect bonding opportunities appear. But remain underutilized. Plus, Dante felt a little too pushy at times. I prefer honest groveling. Bone deep "I'm so sorry baby please forgive me by letting me show you I understand" groveling. It's not just grand gestures. Another level of emotional intimacy in listening to your partner.
That's not to say I disliked the book. I did! I loved the side characters. I'm invested in Noah and Jessie's story. I just wasn't as invested in Dante. And the writing style was very clunky at times with random bouts of filler or too much tell without show. Perhaps this would have been a second in a series instead of the first. Lily's friendships helped make me enjoy the book, though. They clearly were willing to take Dante to task when necessary. Even his friends and coworkers.
Lily needs an investor for her growing chocolate business. Dante wants to earn back the trust he broke years ago. Why not help a former flame out with a worthwhile business?
I loved that Lily was a chocolatier with expansion plans. Knowing exactly what she likes based on customer feedback and potential investor interest. Plus, she constantly communicates with business partner Amy on any decision instead of miscommunication. A rarity in this book.
Food is a shared experience with Lily and Dante. There's one scene with a family recipe that made me heart happy. Perfect for the just post Valentine lull. There's something intimate in handing down tips and recipes to someone you love. Makes me root for a couple.
I gave the book a low three stars because there was too much plot and not enough romance. Don't get me wrong, I love some hockey talk. But some of the other plots cluttered the story. Too many moving parts. I felt like some of the reconnection was missing that spark and sizzle. Instead readers are constantly reminded of Dante's constant memories. Very Gordon Bombay.
I wanted a bit more bonding during tumultuous times. When your villain has a definite stalker edge plus frightening ambition, perfect bonding opportunities appear. But remain underutilized. Plus, Dante felt a little too pushy at times. I prefer honest groveling. Bone deep "I'm so sorry baby please forgive me by letting me show you I understand" groveling. It's not just grand gestures. Another level of emotional intimacy in listening to your partner.
That's not to say I disliked the book. I did! I loved the side characters. I'm invested in Noah and Jessie's story. I just wasn't as invested in Dante. And the writing style was very clunky at times with random bouts of filler or too much tell without show. Perhaps this would have been a second in a series instead of the first. Lily's friendships helped make me enjoy the book, though. They clearly were willing to take Dante to task when necessary. Even his friends and coworkers.