A review by elvang
Hot Ice by Erin Zak, Aurora Rey, Elle Spencer

4.0

I enjoyed reading this anthology with an Ice Queen theme. I went in knowing I could count on Rey and Zak to entertain but the real surprise for me was Elle Spencer’s Private Equity, my favourite of the bunch.

Ice on Wheels by Aurora Rey

I don’t know much about roller derby but it certainly is a butch wonderland. The nicknames of the girls on the team are worth the price of the book alone. So entertaining.
Riley and Brooke go from warring blocker and jammer on opposing teams to warring team mates when Riley moves to New Orleans and joins Brooke’s team. Their attraction is undeniable and Riley does her best to push down the blocks Brooke throws up between them. Let the strategizing and gamesmanship begin. I did think the Hot Ice in this story was the big chip on Brooke’s shoulder. Grow up girl and see what’s right in front of you.

Closed Door Policy by Erin Zak

An age gap romance which flips the ice queen to the younger end of the gap. Easy to admire Caroline and root for her to find some happiness. Much harder to like the contrary Atlanta. From her perspective, I can understand her reticence to get involved with a student she is so clearly smitten with but her behaviour comes off more as immaturity and petulance. In hindsight, it's a good thing the ice queen is generally the older one in a couple. Makes me less likely to want to slap some sense into her. I did enjoy this read and all my emotional responses while reading it.

Private Equity by Elle Spencer

Julia Whitmore is a venture capitalist and Cassidy Bennett is her Chief of Staff. Sounds boring but when told in first person from the love struck Cassidy’s point of view it pops and sizzles. Her inner monologue is funny and endearing. Her attraction to her boss, the untouchable IQ herself makes for some great inner dialogue. The writing was lively and fun. Reminded me of Melissa Brayden and that's always a plus.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley