Book Review of 'Fire and Ice' by Carolyn Miller

Happy Friday Bookworms!

This week has been a whirlwind in the Flores household as my in-laws have been in town. It's been years since they've been able to see us since they live eight hours away, so though the week has been pure insanity, it's also been a tremendous blessing, as I am truly blessed to have the best in-laws in the world!

I did manage to sneak away for a few moments of quiet time over the week and when I did I read the book that I am reviewing today, which was the best way to escape the chaos, even if it was only for a moment. So, please enjoy my thoughts on the first novel in Carolyn Miller's latest series and I hope you all are staying cool and have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Fire and Ice by Carolyn Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fire and Ice
Series: Northwest Ice Division #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 10, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Hannah Wade loves sports, so when injury is swiftly followed by an opportunity to be one of Calgary's first female sports analysts, she jumps at the chance. Trouble is, some of the old dinosaurs she works with thinks she's nothing but a fluff-piece, there to add ratings and stir controversy among the fiercely loyal hockey fans. She longs for the chance to prove herself, so when an opportunity comes along to interview newly traded defenseman Franklin James, she meets him, with disastrous effect.

Growing up with three sisters means Franklin thought he knew something about women, but nothing had ever prepared him for the sparkling firecracker that is Hannah. And yet her vibrant personality holds a sweetness and soft side, something that draws his interest and protectiveness when an interview goes south

Can these two overcome prejudice and see a way forward? And what has faith - or the lack of - got to do with anything? Fire and Ice is the first book in the new Northwest Ice hockey romance series, a sweet and swoony, slightly sporty, Christian contemporary romance series that continues the legacy of the Original Six, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh and Susan May Warren.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

My Review

This is how you kick off a series! Wow! I have been getting into sports romances recently and this novel really knocked it out of the park!

Franklin and Hannah have a second chance of sorts as they reconnect after a magical day ten years ago that was left their relationship unfinished, but they have another chance when Hannah, now a sports reporter, interviews Franklin when he joins a new hockey team. Their second first meeting is a disaster, but it brings them back in each others lives, and the second chance begins.

Franklin is not only having a fresh start in his career but he is also recently had a revival of his faith, which is always something I love to see. Franklin’s character was one that really spoke to me, and seeing him and the interactions with his super supportive and amazing family was some of my favorite parts of the novel.

My heart really went out to poor Hannah and the horrifying prejudice and abuse that she endured as she fights to further her career in the sports journalism world. The treatment she gets from her coworkers was infuriating to read, but Hannah handled it all so well. I also loved seeing her transformation as God uses those in her life to help breathe life back into her faith. I related a lot to Hannah and her struggles and seeing how she was able to overcome was truly inspiring.

This novel was a breeze to read and really does have all that you could want in a Christian Romance, though I do wish there was a touch more spice. The characters are relatable, and genuine, and it was a joy to experience a part of their stories. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series!

My Rating: ★★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour.

Connect with Carolyn by visiting carolynmillerauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!