I absolutely loved the first book in this series and I quite enjoyed this one as well. For me it was not as good as the first book but it was still a fun and sweet read. I look forward to reading more form this author both form this series and whatever else she chooses to write. ( )

Annie is a physical therapist who meets Alec when he visits the hospital for the children. She looks a little like his late wife. She makes poor choices when it comes to men and he is not looking for a commitment. But they keep seeing each other and her mother keeps undermining her confidence until it comes to a head between them. They have to decide what is best for them.

I liked these characters. Annie needs to learn to communicate and tell Alec what she is thinking instead of making assumptions based on what her mother says. I like Alec's teammates. They are regular Cupids.

I plan on reading the other stories in this series. ( )

Note: this is the second book in the series. At the time of posting this review, Goodreads did not reflect that information. If you have a bit of reading OCD like me, you would probably want to know that info.

So this is my first hockey book, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Turns out, I liked the hockey players. But how could you not like a 6'5" gentle giant with bulging muscles and long blond hair? Even his name was cool. Alec "Sequoia" O'Meara. I liked everything about this widowed character, from his dedication to his deceased wife to his interaction at the children's hospital to his caring nature for all those around him.

Annie was okay at first. She had a great job and seemed really down to earth. But then things changed and she couldn't get out of her head long enough to see the good thing she had. So that really aggravated me, particularly around the 80% mark... where I Got so aggravated that I dropped the rating a bit. I am finding that I don't have any patience for these types of heroines lately.

Overall this was a quick romance that developed really fast to fit within the confines of the short book. I am glad I tried it out and I will definitely read more hockey books into the future.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars / 2 flames. ( )

This is an excellent quick read that is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Great writing and characters make this one you don't want to miss.

Alec O'Meara, professional hockey player, and Annie Davidson, physical therapist, meet one afternoon at the hospital when Alec is visiting young hospitalized fans! They have an immediate attraction but Annie is just out of a bad relationship and Alec hasn't been interested in anyone since losing his young wife to cancer. After spending more time together has Alec thinking it's time to move on and really begin living again. Now to get Annie over her insecurities.

I definitely recommend this one. ( )

Simmering Ice is a heartfelt and sweet romantic story. Alec O’Meara has not been interested in commitment since the tragic loss of his wife. A professional hockey player with a kind heart, Alec volunteers his time at a hospital to visit with his young fans. During his time there he runs into Annie Davidson, a physical therapist. Immediately he is struck by how much she resembles his deceased wife, but soon realizes the similarities between the two women ends there. There are instant sparks of chemistry between the two, but with Annie fresh out of a disastrous relationship and Alec avoiding the c-word a “happily ever after” ending may not be a foregone conclusion.

Simmering Ice is told via dual points-of-view, alternating between Alec and Annie. Both characters have strong narrative voices that draw the reader into the emotional and, in Annie’s case, psychological hurdles they must overcome to find happiness within each other. My heart ached for Alec and his loss. Alec’s grief is a tangible thing, and his struggle to let the past go and move on to a future with Annie is heart-rending.

“She’s special. And you have a hell of a lot in common with her. Don’t go writing her off like you’ve done with every other woman you’ve met since Tamara.”

As much as I empathize with Alec, I connected with Annie almost instantaneously. Thanks to Annie’s past relationship and the constant verbal snubs from her mother on her failings as a woman to keep a man, Annie is extremely insecure. The whole insecurity and disbelief that she is worthy of being loved unconditionally is something that I can totally relate to as well. It is definitely easier to believe the negativity over the positive things in life, so I found her battle to overcome these feelings very sincere and authentic.

“You have no idea how you affect men. And it’s not your looks alone. You’re funny and intelligent and clever and the bravest woman I’ve ever met.”

Simmering Ice is a well-written and inviting story about loss, hope, and love. Alec is definitely book boyfriend worthy. Hello! Have you seen the cover? Hot hockey player anyone? Shoot I’ll take one. I had a lot of fun reading about Alec and Annie. I need to go back and read the first book in the series though, since I started with this one. If you like your love stories with sexy athletic men you need to give this one a try.

**A great big thank you to Entangled Publishing, LLC for giving me the opportunity to review this book via NetGalley. ( )