Heat it Up by Stina Lindenblatt (Off the Ice #1)
Released: June 14, 2016
Contemporary Romance
Diversion Books
Reviewed by Mandi
Sofia Phillips feels cursed. Her father cheated on her mother, her boyfriend cheated on her—she’s done with dating. A summer work-exchange program in Finland is the perfect escape. But instead of gaining experience as an athletic trainer, she’s cleaning toilets. Awesome. The trip is a disaster, and even better, she meets Kyle Bennett. In the sauna. Naked.
Sexy hockey player Kyle was the star right wing for an NHL team. But after an accident killed his wife and left him injured, Kyle has appreciated the “therapeutic” benefits of booze and puck bunnies. Now in Finland for the summer, he’s coaching in an elite hockey-training camp for teens. When Sofia’s grandmother decides to set her up with a nice Finnish man, Sofia recruits Kyle as her make-believe boyfriend. Neither expects their first kiss to sizzle. And neither expects, while stranded on an island during a storm, to have a scorching night of passion.
But as their charade, and then their attraction, develops into something deeper, the past comes back, threatening to destroy them. They must decide if their feelings for each other are strong enough to survive—or it will be game over.
I found this book to be so boring. I remember looking at the bottom of my kindle and I was only at the 40% mark thinking – omg I’m not even halfway done. I always lean towards hockey books and this being a new series and a new to me author, I wanted to try it. We don’t get much hockey action at all, although the series is called “Off the Ice” so I assumed we wouldn’t get much ice time.
Sofia is new is Helsinki on a work-swap program. Her grandmother lives in Helsinki and Sofia visited through most of her young years – the chance to travel to the country after her ex-boyfriend was caught cheating, is just what she needs. While cleaning a urinal at an apartment complex, she meets our hero, Kyle. He is also an American, in Helsinki coaching a youth hockey team. With a leg injury, his NHL career came to an end early. He got married very young and his wife died in a car accident. Kyle is ready for a new start as well.
These two meet, and like each other – but Sofia’s grandmother has also set her up with a man named Joni, and Joni gets upset that Kyle is in the picture. I did not enjoy this love triangle. Joni is super jealous of Kyle, and tries to undermine their relationship throughout the book. Sofia seemed so oblivious to it. She has trust issues – and makes them very aware to Kyle. Meanwhile, she shares a kiss with Joni. But what about your trust issues?? Joni is obviously trying to come between her and Kyle, and Sofia acts like everyone better be trustworthy around her – but her. She does nothing to take control of her relationship with Kyle. It was super annoying.
There is also this twist towards the end that made my eyes roll, big time. It involves Kyle and Sofia’s past.
The book just drags on and on and on. There is no witty banter or funny scenes. The characters don’t have any spark of personality. Really didn’t work for me.
Grade: D
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