Book Review: Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton

Melting the Ice
Author: Jaci Burton
Series: A Play-by-Play Novel (Book 7)
Publication: Berkley Trade (February 4, 2014)

Description: BODY CHECK

Everything’s coming together for budding fashion designer Carolina Preston. Only months away from having her own line, she could use some publicity. That’s when her brother suggests his best friend as a model—hockey player Drew Hogan.

Carolina and Drew already have a history—a hot one, back in college. Unforgettable for Carolina, but for Drew, just another slap shot. This time, though, it’s different. His perfect body would be for professional use only. This time, she could use him.

Drew is all for it. He’s looking forward to the exposure. Plus, it would give him a chance to prove to Carolina that he’s changed. If only he could thaw her emotions, convince her to let down her guard and let him in just one more time…

My Thoughts: MELTING THE ICE was another sexy sports romance by a master of the genre. This one also explores the "wrong time, wrong place" trope as Carolina and Drew had a one-night stand as he is graduating from college. He goes off to work on his future as a NHL star leaving her heart-broken.

Fast forward some years and Carolina is a fashion designer who is ready to launch her own line and needs a male model with a reputation of his own. Her brother suggests his best friend Drew. Carolina is reluctant but can't deny that Drew's standing as a hockey star will help get needed publicity for her debut.

Drew has grown up and has never forgotten Carolina. He is a little conflicted because of the rule of not hitting on a friend's younger sister. He wants a chance to show Carolina that he is not the thoughtless douche that he was in college.

The romance almost goes astray because of how busy both Carolina and Drew are. They don't seem to have very much in common. Hockey and fashion don't usually mix. This is a story about love triumphing over these superficial differences.

Fans of sexy sports romances are the audience for this one.

Favorite Quote:

How foolish she'd been to thinks he could dress him, that Drew was like any other model she'd measured—like any other man she'd had in her house—and that she could be oblivious to his male form as she touched and turned him in every conceivable way so she could get his measurements.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.