Book Review: Ice Shy (Ottawa Otters Legends #1) by K.M. Gillis

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Sports Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: K.M. Gillis
Publisher: Literary Lupin Publishing
Release Date: April 29th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Once burned…

Arthur “Ace” Stetson is a living legend. Once destined for a record-breaking NHL career, a devastating injury put him behind the bench instead. Now the league’s youngest head coach, his only goal is to lead the Ottawa Otters to their first Stanley Cup. It’s going to take discipline, focus, and zero distractions—like the beautiful, chaotic new team physiotherapist.

Elliot Baker runs on caffeine and blind optimism. The single mom has three jobs, a mountain of debt, and absolutely no idea what day of the week it is. Her new job offers the stability she and her son, Sam, desperately need…if she can survive working with the gorgeous tyrant, Coach Stetson.

He needs a physiotherapist who will put up with him. She needs to keep her job.

He thrives on structure. She goes with the flow.

He demands results. She knows broken things need time to heal.

The more time they spend together, the more their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. And for two people who’ve been hurt before, falling for each other might be the riskiest play in the book.

OH I LOVED THIS.

I am a previous enjoyer of the two earlier Ottawa Otter books (they are holiday themed, highly recommend). And I didn’t even know Ice Shy was coming and I’m so glad I saw a friend’s review because I would have missed out on another amazing hockey romance!! My new favorite from K.M. Gillis.

My favorite part was the MMC, Arthur. He’s grumpy for everyone but her and so down bad I can’t even. I loved that you can see his gruff outward demeanor but with his inner dialogue, just how much he cares and wanted to communicate that as well. He found genuine ways to look after Elliot and Sam and it was incredibly endearing and smile inducing every time.

I really liked Elliot as the FMC too. Besides a few too many why would you want to date me remarks, I loved her single parent strength and her ability to handle business. Especially when that involved asking for help.

And I loved seeing the other Otters. I loved Sam. I love so many moments!! I seriously gobbled this up.

I will say that the last chapter through me for a loop because it was an abrupt jump to the epilogue. But that was a minor foible.

Overall audience notes:

  • Hockey romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 3ish open door; light innuendo
  • Violence: mild
  • Content warnings: abusive parent (recounted, emotional abuse on page), abusive ex (recounted and on page), loss of a loved one (recounted)

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Book Review: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Non-fiction
Length: 311 pages
Author: Mel Robbins
Publisher: Hay House LLC
Release Date: December 24th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn’t you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.

In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can’t control and start focusing on what truly YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.

Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that’s made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. Within a few pages, you’ll realize how much energy and time you’ve been wasting trying to control the wrong things—at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals—and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.

Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion The Let Them Theory every step of the way.

Learn how

Stop wasting energy on things you can’t control. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Break free from fear and self-doubt. Release the grip of people’s expectations. Build the best friendships of your life. Create the love you deserve. Pursue what truly matters to you with confidence. Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions. Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment. . . and so much more.

The Let Them Theory will forever change the way you think about relationships, control, and personal power. Whether you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, start a new chapter, or simply create more happiness in your life and relationships, this book gives you the mindset and tools to unlock your full potential.

I ACTUALLY LIKED THIS A LOT.

I’m someone who doesn’t love self-help books because they rarely come off genuinely helpful. But it’s been years since I’ve read one and after I suggested my husband pick this up, I said I’d read it too, and I’m glad I did!

I think this truly had many sentiments that are applicable and realistic. I appreciated that this never made me feel like I was already failing. The stories are relatable and the science and research was laid out in an easy to understand format. There were multiple chapters that I felt like I could use the let them, let me reminder and have already used it in my life.

If you want help in feeling some peace and to stop letting everything around you dictate how you feel, I say it’s worth the read. I liked the audiobook (read by the author) but physical would have been nice to mark some passages.

Overall audience notes:

  • Non-fiction / self-help
  • Language: low

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Book Review: Princess of Blood (The Shards of Magic #2) by Sarah Hawley

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 512 pages
Author: Sarah Hawley
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Once a servant, now a princess, a young woman thrust into power challenges everything about the underground Fae realm in the next installment of Sarah Hawley’s new romantasy series.

Kenna Heron is still reeling from her lover’s betrayal and the threat of an impending war. With only her two closest–and most powerless–friends by her side, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Mistei while coming to terms with her new identity as not just Fae, but princess of her own house.

With the king dead, three candidates are vying for the right to wear the crown next. A princess who claims the throne as her birthright and two rebel princes, both of whom are depending on the support of Blood House to break the stalemate between them. Old loyalties fray as new, dangerous alliances form, and Kenna finds herself caught in a web of violence, deceit, and unexpected passion.

Kenna has the power to shape Mistei’s future… but someone’s willing to kill to make sure she never gets the chance.

WE GOT THERE.

I feel like this sequel meandered a bit for me. And kind of backed off of the romance too much. I don’t mind a long play at all, but it was missing that tension that I thought was built pretty well in the first book.

I did like this more than book one though because I stared to feel the vibe of a series vs. standalone and why I love a good longer series. I like the journey the FMC is on and her role in the world. She’s learning and falling down and the strength is building.

The romance I did get was good. I like these types of romantic ploys so I’m down for whatever happens next. I appreciated that the spice wasn’t over the top or forced into the story.

It was good and I’ll read the next book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy romance
  • Language: moderate+
  • Romance: open door
  • Violence: high

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Book Review: The Assassin’s Way by J.M. Kearl

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Rating: ★★★★.25
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 442 pages
Author: J.M. Kearl
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: June 18th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Never go out at night. Lock the doors. Ignore the screams.Those are the rules Aesira lives by to survive the monsters that stalk her village. But everything changes when it’s revealed she’s been born with the power to fight the vampires she’s spent her life fearing.

Aesira is thrust into the elite and secretive League of Assassins, where mercy is weakness and fear is forbidden. Now her survival depends on her ruthless trainer, Vander – the most dangerous assassin of them all. And the only thing more lethal than his blade is the desire he awakens in her.

Because the greatest threat in Nighthaven might not be the monsters lurking in the dark…

It might be him.

VERY GOOD.

I had a good time with this one. It felt like a different vampire romance than I’ve read and I loved seeing the story unfold. I should have caught on more but I also liked that I kept myself in the dark. It made the big moments all the more intense.

The world building was solid and I’m intrigued to see how that, alongside the magic system expands in book two. It’s not overtly complicated and it’s even better when there’s not copious info dumping.

I liked Aesira as a main character. She’s a pretty typical fantasy FMC with no skills and no romantic experience, but it’s fine. Aesira learns well and I liked her relationship with her family a lot.

Aesira’s chemistry with Vander was good. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated that this was a genuine slow burn. I know that Kearl tends to do open door romances so BLESSSSS that this is actually dragged out and you can feel the tension slowly ramping up and building. I have missed plots like this!!!

Also, the audiobook is duet narration so highly recommend that too. It is great. I also eye ball read this one so you honestly can’t go wrong with either option. Can’t wait for book two!!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy romance
  • Language: mild
  • Romance: heated kisses
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: loss of loved ones, blood/gore depiction, physical and weapons altercation

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