As of June 2025, this book has been updated, errors have been fixed and an epilogue has been added to both the kindle and paperback version. Download the Epilogue on my website if you already have the printed version.
Kimberly thought she had everything. A loving husband, a cozy home, a loyal dog, and a thriving career as a top figure skater and coach. But when her husband dies suddenly, her perfect world collapses, leaving her heartbroken and adrift.
Grief has a way of making the world feel smaller, until she quite literally bumps into Samuel, an old flame and the captain of the Vancouver Devils hockey team. He’s back in town, unexpectedly charming, and just the kind of distraction she didn’t know she needed. With a family wedding around the corner and no one to take, Kim agrees to bring him as her date.
She’s not ready to fall in love again. But Samuel’s warm smile, quiet strength, and those soul-searching eyes begin to break through the walls around her heart.
Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it and it’s the kind that changes everything.
Melanie Davies began writing when she was in her early teens, starting off first in vampire role play forums, she began to learn her voice and teach herself how to write creatively.
She looks forward to bringing more fictional worlds and characters to you. Writing has always been a dream of hers and one she is excited to achieve.
Be sure to follow her on social media to keep up to date with her future books.
Where do I start…. This book was such an amazing journey to read about. Genuinely I have never laughed and cried and felt so much happiness than I did when reading this book. Kimmy was such a strong character in this book with the things she was dealing with it was very inspiring. And the way Samuel provides so much support and is also basically the most perfect book boyfriend ever? This is definitely a book I will be reading over and over again. Absolutely wonderful job to Melanie Davies on such a beautiful first contemporary romance book! You did wonderful!
This was my introduction to this author but it won't be my last read by her. I really enjoyed the storyline. The characters and world building were well thought out. The ending felt a little rushed so I'm deducting part of a star and giving this 4.75stars and 2peppers. I would recommend this book.
4.25 stars….. Meet Me On The Ice, Melanie Davies, was an fast-paced, sweet, cute and enjoyable read! The story is about a girl called Kimberly who is an ice-skater and a hockey player called Samuel and they ran into each other after their junior high relationship ends and it just so happens that one of them needs a date to a wedding. The characters developed perfectly and the story line was great too. The story made me laugh, cried and lastly smiled. This is such a great book for coming up to the, or even during the festive season as it really gets you in the mood for Christmas.
It is well worth the read…..
Thank you to the Author Melanie Davies and her assistant Lisa Faulkner for the E-ARC of this amazing book…. I really can’t wait to read more of Melanie Davies books!
꧁𝔸ℝℂ 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎꧂ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meet Me On The Ice by Melanie Davies is a second chance/fake dating/ hockey romance. It honestly felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie with spice! Kimberly was a famous figure skater. Samuel is the captain of Canada's favorite hockey team. Kimberly is adjusting to life after losing her husband a year ago. On her very first day returning back to work she runs into her old high school sweetheart, Sam. He was her first love, and dumped her without any reason on prom night. It's ten years later and the attraction between them is still there! Kimberly's brother Joe is getting married and Kimberly needs a date. Kimberly's girlfriends decide that Sam can make up for standing her up at prom by attending her brothers wedding as her date. It was a fun quick read with more spice than I was expecting. I really enjoyed this book!
I totally felt as if I was reading a Hallmark Movie.
This second chance, fake dating, hockey romance was just everything!
Kimberly is finally returning to life after grieving her husbands death the last year. Her first day returning to work and who should she bump into? Her high school sweetheart, first love, and also first heartbreak, Samuel. Kim and Sam bump into each other a lot in this small town, much to her annoyance. After her friends determine that he can make up for standing her up at prom and never returning by attending her brothers wedding as her date, it’s all downhill from there as they try to rekindle a friendship. Will a PR scandal make them or break them?
Sam is kind, patient, and caring. Absolutely everything you’d want in a man. He is dreamy too! You’ll definitely find your next book boyfriend here! 🥰
Kimberly is dealing with a lot! Grief, guilt, confusion…she handles it all wonderfully is very open about it all with those she loves. Such a wonderful thing to have! Very strong FMC!
4/5 ⭐️ I was able to be an arc reader for “Meet me on the ice” and I loved it! This book had me going through all kinds of emotions. Ice skater, Kimberly, and hockey player, Samuel, being brought together again in this second chance romance was so amazing. Kimberly, not ready to date after the loss of her husbands, needs a date to a wedding and her friends convince her Samuel to be her date. This was a well paced read with a good amount of spice and romance. I loved the characters development and the story overall. If you want to laugh, cry a little and smile, this is a book for you.
Thank you to Melanie Davies and her assistant Lisa Faulkner for the E-ARC of this amazing book.... I am excited to read more of Melanie Davies books!
This was such a cute second chance hockey romance, and I did enjoy reading it. However, it didn't leave me speechless or on the edge of my seat. It was a cute palette cleanser but needed more.
Second chance, fake dating, grief, and hockey romance. SIGN ME UP I was a bit nervous reading something by an author who mainly writes fantasy, as I almost exclusively read contemporary hockey romance stories these days, but I’m so glad I have it a go. At first I HATED Sam, but I then realized I was viewing him mostly through Kimberly’s eyes and when in his perspective he was just so closed off. The character growth alone was so dope to be a part of. Learning about each of their traumas and griefs and seeing them share it with one another was special and had me reflecting on what-ifs from my own past. The good🌶️🌶️🌶️ started around 50% into the book and was steady with great story from then on.
This definitely ended on a cliffhanger and I need MORE. More of Sam & Kim. More on the families. More on what they have planned.
Kimberly Morgan retoma su trabajo de entrenadora de patinaje artístico después de pasar un tiempo de luto por la muerte de su esposo Luke. Al llegar, se topa con Samuel Jones, el nuevo instructor interino de Hockey, que fue asignado ahí por haberse peleado con un compañero de su equipo.
Kim y Sam fueron novios en la escuela, aun cuando Sam era un imbécil y era el bully de su hermano Joe. Pero todo terminó súbitamente cuando Sam la dejó plantada la noche del baile de graduación. Ahora de adultos y compartiendo el área de trabajo, Kim le pide a Sam que sea su fake date para la boda de su hermano.
Básicamente, me obligué a terminar de leerlo. Kim se supone que esta de luto, pero bastaron dos encuentros con Sam para que todo quedara olvidado. 🤣
Se supone que Sam tiene problemas con sus papás, y que se encontrarían en la boda, pero nunca lo 'vemos'. Esperaba toda una escena tras bambalinas. 🙄
En fin, tiene un par de escenas 🔥 pero nada memorable. Plots que se sienten inconclusos. Mejor saltenselo. La vida es muy corta, no sean como yo. 😅
Thank you both Author Melanie Davies and her assistant Lisa Faulkner for my arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Tropes ✨ ~ Small Town ~ Second Chance ~ Love After Loss ~ Fake Dating ~ Hockey Romance ~ Sweet
Summary 🤍 Kim, has had a rough last year. After her husband pasting away, Kim must get back to her life & job. As a figure skating coach.
She didn’t expect her first love Samuel, a hockey player on an “injury leave” to be there, as the new hockey team coach. She doesn’t want to know him, as he did something awful when they were younger.
To make it up to her, he agrees to be her fake date to her brothers wedding. Her brothers wedding is quite far away, alot can happen before then 😏
Thoughts💭 This book, omg it was so cute. Such a quick read, finished it in a day.
Kimberly- Poor thing, she loved her husband so much, and the way he went, wow. 😢 She is so strong to carry on. She had so much guilt about moving on, but I’m glad she found someone to bring her out, and get back to herself.
Samuel - He is so adorable, and protective. Felt so guilty for what he did to her, but after hearing why he did it, Omg poor thing. I’m just glad he opened up as well.
The two of them belong with each other and I’m glad they found each other again. 😍 I LOVE IT 💗
Favourite Quotes🗣️ ~ “I was pretty sure I loved her
~ “got too big for my boots”
~ “You’re not alone, Kim, You are surrounded by many, that I’m sure love you.”
~ “She was suddenly becoming the most important person in my life.”
~ “I think this hockey players d•ck has gone straight to her head.”
~ “I intend to be your last love.”
~ “Luke was my great love, Sam would be my last love and one I was meant to be with for the rest of my life.”
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
🏒high school sweethearts ⛸️ second chance/fake dating 🏒 no third act breakup ⛸️ love after loss 🌶️ sprinkled on top!
Kim had the life she always wanted…a great house, a dream career and a wonderful husband. Until her husband passed…we meet her a year later when she goes back to work as an ice skating coach. Day 1 of going back to work is hard enough but seeing your first love at your place of work is sure to make your day flip upside down!
Sam comes back home on a break from his hockey team to do some coaching of his own. He knew he’d eventually run into Kim, but on day 1? What are the chances of that happening? Kim is still mad at him for standing her up on prom night, but she is in need of a date to her brother’s wedding…Enter Sam, the willing ex-boyfriend who wants to make amends.
✨ My Thoughts ✨ What a sweet romance. I loved this story so much. It has the right amount of sweetness, romance, and spice. I absolutely love them together. I love how patient Samuel was. He didn't ever push. Kimberly definitely has a beautiful story. Watching her learn how to love again was breathtaking to see. This was fast paced but it didn't feel rushed. It all felt so natural. This one will definitely be a comfort read for me.
Meet Me On The Ice by Melanie Davies is a standalone. It is out now! It is a perfect read this holiday season. This book is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. I really can't recommend it enough.
✨ I want to thank Mel for a copy of this book. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
I love Melanie’s books, I could devour them all, and this one is no different! The real and raw story of Kimberly and the bad boy turned good guy, Samuel. Kimberly is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after her husband Luke passed away a year ago. When an old high school fling comes into town. After an outburst on the ice with a teammate, Sam has to help out some skaters in his home town. When Sam and Kimberly bump into each other and have a chat. Following the two’s meeting we see the romance blossom between Sam and Kim. It was so fun to see Sam be giddy over small things Kim did, or seeing Kim try to stop herself from falling for Sam. The entire book was just a cozy, spicy, winter romance! This second chance romance, he falls first, hurt and grief and more was so wonderfully written, I love Melanie’s writing.
"Meet Me on the Ice" by Melanie Davies is a captivating read that skillfully blends romance and adventure on the frozen canvas of an ice rink. Davies' vivid descriptions transport readers into the world of figure skating, making the sport come alive with every turn and jump. The characters are well-developed, and their emotional journey adds depth to the narrative. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and Davies' writing style is both elegant and accessible. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I reserve the fifth star for those stories that leave an indelible mark; nevertheless, "Meet Me on the Ice" is a delightful escape into a world of passion and grace.
This was my first and definitely not my last Melanie Davies book thats for sure!!!! Incredible!!! Absolutely love it 🥰 Very well written! Cant wait to read more of her work!!! Im a huge hockey smut fan and when I say I have just about read them all, this book is definitely in my top 20 and thats saying something considering how many there are lol!
This was my introduction to Melanie’s writing and holy shit!! This had me going through so many emotions. I am and will always be a hockey romance girlie but sprinkle in some fake dating and second chance and you have me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure! The writing? Amazing The cover? Stunning The character? Well thought out. The plot? Has you hooked
This was the perfect winter love story. The whole book just flowed so well. Sams understanding of how she will always love Luke is probably my favorite thing. The spice sprinkled in but not over the top just takes it to the next level, and the whole book has you feeling all the feelings!
Omg 😍What a sweet read 🥰 High school sweethearts with a Second Chance at love. Takes place during the holiday season. This book just made my heart happy! Would have loved to know what happens for them next ♥️Highly Recommend. Quick Read 📕 Hockey Player Overall Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Thank you to Melanie Davies for the ARC 😀
Book review: Meet Me on the Ice by Melanie Davies ❄️🏒⛸️
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
So, I did enjoy reading this - it’s a cute, spicy sports romance with second-chances, fake-dating, high school lovers tropes. BUT… I think it was lacking in the story and plot development. A lot of things were mentioned throughout the book that I feel like just didn’t have any explanation or closure to them. I also wasn’t a fan of the mmc’s description - not the physical description, his personality - I just couldn’t find myself swooning over him or the any of the romance scenes knowing what he’s done.
**not sure if this is a spoiler, but just warning now if you’d like to skip ahead to the next paragraph** basically, the guy’s an asshole and did some fucked up things and all of a sudden it’s fine; it wasn’t even JUST in high school, it literally happened in the present in the book.
For one of the instances, it was explained so I guess it’s understandable, but for everything else idk. Honestly, everything in the story felt rushed, and also considering the typos throughout it just made it feel even more so. I did receive this as an arc though so hopefully it got fixed before the release~ but other than that, the story was cute, there were just some major plot holes imo.
Such a cute, just fluffy book. I love an ice hockey/ figure skating duo and childhood lovers coming back together and growing. It had it happy and said moments, and daisy 💗 If you’re looking for a quick, cute and fluffy hockey romance, this is a good one. ⭐️: 3/5 📖: kindle (unlimited)
It’s not your typical Mel Davies book, but it’s a cute contemporary romance read. It has Christmas/winter vibes getting you ready for the holiday season. Ice hockey hottie returns home and runs into his high school sweetheart whose heart he broke on prom night years ago. Grieving young widow. Mutual love for the ice. Wedding date needed.
I wish it was a little longer in length to give a little more background on some things, but that is just a personal preference. It doesn’t really “take” from the story. Still a good, fun and sweet story, regardless!
Notes: briefly mentioned triggers - child abuse, sibling death, cancer, and childhood bullying - not shown/discussed for long periods.
Tropes: fake dating, past trauma, small town, hockey romance, self healing, brother’s bully, he falls first, second chance
A sweet and fun story. Second chance sports romance with redemption and healing. Even though it was a fast paced and easy read, the story had good depth and we got to know the characters really well. Loved this small town contemporary romance book. Laughed, cried and had so many great moments 😍
Lover - Taylor Swift Lo único malo con este libro es que acaba. Hubiera leído mil páginas más. Amé cada parte de este libro, la ejecución perfecta. La tensión sexual, la química. La forma en la que Sam pensaba en Kim, cada frase, pensamiento era poesía . Ese hombre me tenía sobre mis rodillas, es definitivamente la expectativa. La forma en que me engancho la historia... no podía dejar de leer.
I’ve loved you three summers…” Sam whispered in my ear, copying with the song and my heart melted a little. “I think you will find you’ve loved me longer,” “I never stopped. I mean it, Kim. It has always been you, since the first day I met you, when you got stuck with me.” “I know you loved Luke, and you might still be in love with him, I understand that. But.” He lifted my chin up to face him, his eyes glassy and just as beautiful as they’ve always been. Green with specks of brown in them. “I intend to be your last love. If you will have me.” I smiled as soon as he said the words. I knew in my heart what I wanted. He was my first love. Luke was my great love, but this…Sam would be my last love and one I was meant to be with for the rest of my life with. “I love you, too.” We had that moment to ourselves and although the music had been turned down, we continued to dance together. We would dance together forever.
“In this room filled with people, you’re the only woman I see right now,” he whispered in my ear.
I wanted Kim. I wanted her body against mine. I wanted her scent all over me. Her hands roaming free. I didn’t want anyone else. I had fallen. And hard. This new chapter of our lives would be different. We were grown, we had both been hurt and gone through the wars. I wanted to go through so much more with her at my side. As long as she’d have me.
I wanted to make her mine, only mine.
“I could get used to that.” “If you want to keep doing that, we can.” I replied and I meant it. I would continue to fall for her, in love with her and no matter how much I wanted to stop, it wasn’t going to happen. She was slowly completing me.
I already missed many years away from Kim and I didn’t want to miss anymore. She was suddenly becoming the most important person in my life. As much as I hated myself for admitting it, I was falling in love with her. Fast and unexpected. I had always been in love with her, puppy love as teens and now a mature healthy adult love. Now, I saw her for who she had become, and I wasn’t going to lose her.
“You have always been a constant. Now, I don’t know Luke or who you were when you were married. But this woman I know right now is stronger than ever before, confident, kind, funny and sexy to boot.” She laughed a little under her breath as she squeezed my hand. I wished she could see herself, the way I saw her. She took my breath away and no matter how much I continued to fight my head and my heart, they knew what I wanted, and I wanted her.
I would do anything that made her happy.
"Can you be at my side?” “I will be at your side for as long as you want me to be. I am here to stay.” She said.
Book Title: “Meet Me on the Ice” Author: Melanie Davies PubDay: November 25, 2023 Tropes: Hockey/Ice Skating Romance, Enemies to Lovers?, Forced Proximity Rating: 4⭐️ & 2🌶️ • Here I am minding my own business, scrolling through TikTok and a video comes up talking about this book. Not only have I never heard of this author, but I have never seen this book or cover before. So I was thinking “I know a lot of covers, how come I have never seen this before?”. After digging, I discovered that the book was published last week and it was the author’s first contemporary romance. Not only did I purchase the book (for a whopping $8.99 on Amazon), but I also started and finished the book yesterday! • Everyone knows how much I LOVE books with real-life themes in them and this one included grief and relationships after loss, as well as learning forgiveness and trusting that people have changed. If you want a super cute, easy to read Christmasy book, this could be for you. • Cheers to some of my favorite quotes: 1. “When deep down, I was pretty sure I loved her, in that teenager ‘bully the girl’ you like kind of way. Breaking her heart was the worst thing I could ever have done and I have had to live with that ever since”. 2. “DO YOU NOT REMEMBER THE HELL HE PUT YOU AND YOUR BROTHER THROUGH?! FOR YEARS!! AND, THEN HE DUMPED TOU THE NIGHT OF PROM!! AND YOU ARE NOW IN A SHOP WITH HIM?!” 3. “Sam, if I asked you to do something for me, would you? Anything, what is it? Would you… would you kiss me? Are you sure? I’m going to kick myself for this, I want to, and I would do anything to get you naked, but can I ask why? Tonight made me feel a bit braver (after drinking). Well in that case, we will be going upstairs, but to put you to bed”. 4. “Kimberly, if maybe one day, when we do end up sleeping together, I wanna fuck you senseless, but in order for me to do that, I need you to be sober and want you to want me as much as I want you”. 5. “Friends don’t touch each other like this. No, friends don’t do this”. 6. “I know Luke was your great love, but Samuel was your first love”. 7. “I wished she could see herself the way I saw her. She took my breath away and no matter how much I continued to fight in my head and my heart, they knew what I wanted, and I wanted her”.
I went back and forward on this for awhile, I want to give this a higher rating but I just can’t.
While I’m not a person who thinks books need to be super plot heavy, this was lacking even for me. I found a lot potentially interesting things that I thought would become a part of the plot line, but as I neared the end, I realized that none of it was going to be there.
I don’t think anything not happening in a book is a spoiler, but if you are worried about any minor spoilers, skip this next little bullet section below.
Things that felt unfinished * The charity game Sam was planning?? Like that was talked about a lot. Like where did it go? Why was it brought up if it was never there? * Kim training the teen skater’s for championship’s, I’d assumed it would’ve been in here somewhere. * Sam’s family relationship issues. I’m not digging into that without spoilers. * Kim’s skating career as a whole. * Kim’s brothers wedding… just felt weird and rushed? * Sam’s issues that brought him to where he was!!! Just poof, gone. Nowhere to be found.
It just felt like author just r”an out of characters on Twitter” and made it work with the ones she had. It needed more so badly. It just felt… abrupt? Incomplete?
One last negative note, maybe I need to re-skim the book, but I’m pretty sure that everything happens within the months of October and November because Kim’s brother wanted a Christmas themed wedding in November? It just felt odd for a holiday leaning book. At least all the people in these nearby towns for some reason had fall and Christmas decorations up simultaneously, which was mentioned at least twice. (If I’m wrong on this, let me know and I will redact it🤪)
But…. I did enjoy this! It was sweet and fun. I liked having a FMC that is a young widow. I could only imagine that feeling pain and resentment towards yourself in dating again is a real feeling of being a mourning wife moving on.
If you want something sweet with very light spice and nothing that’ll make you feel too much, this is a great quick read that I did enjoy.
"Meet Me on the Ice" by Melanie Davies is a beautifully crafted contemporary romance that captures a whirlwind of emotions, from laughter and tears to overwhelming joy. The journey of Kimberly, an inspiring ice skater, and Samuel, a charming hockey player, makes for an unforgettable read.
Kimberly, the protagonist, is a beacon of strength and resilience. Her journey through personal challenges is not just inspiring but deeply moving. Samuel, on the other hand, epitomizes the perfect book boyfriend with his unwavering support and endearing qualities. Their dynamic is a blend of support, understanding, and profound love.
The novel masterfully rekindles the spark of high school sweethearts in a second-chance romance that feels both fresh and heartfelt. The plot navigates the complexities of love after loss, and the fake dating trope adds a delightful twist to their story. The narrative is beautifully paced, blending romance and just the right amount of spice to keep the reader thoroughly engaged.
Character development is a highlight of this book, with both Kimberly and Samuel undergoing transformations that are not only believable but also relatable. The story is rich with emotional depth, making the reader experience a range of feelings from joy to empathy.
Melanie Davies has done a remarkable job in her debut contemporary romance, creating a story that resonates with anyone who believes in the power of love and second chances. The themes of love after loss, and the chance to reconnect with a past love, are explored with sensitivity and skill.
"Meet Me on the Ice" is a must-read for those who enjoy a heartwarming romance filled with genuine emotions and captivating characters. Melanie Davies' writing shines in this touching story of rekindled love, proving that sometimes, the most beautiful love stories are those that get a second chance.
⛸️E-Book Arc Review! 🏒 This is my first read by Melanie Davies and I was grateful to be able to read the e-book ARC. “Meet Me On The Ice” is such a refreshing contemporary romance read! The FMC is a previously competitive figure skater who is experiencing grief of her husband who had passed young. The MMC is a current NHL hockey player and team captain, also her high school ex-boyfriend, who just happens to be back in their hometown, temporarily at the same rink as the FMC. This romance has a little bit of variety trope wise; small town, fake dating, hockey romance, a touch of spice, and second-chance love after grief. Also LGBTQ+ representation within FMC best friend. It was honestly a quick read as it’s on the shorter side, but for a cute romance, that’s my preference, running at about 208 pages on my e-book ARC copy. I loved the balance between the two main characters where there was clearly a history of some “bad blood” but also tension from their romantic history. Factoring in the conflict from grief, family judgements and even the conflict of fame and the public eye. My only “complaint” (I don’t like to call it a complaint) is just the ending. The romance has a good ending, just I wish we had gotten a bit more. While things wrap up nicely, I crave to see the main characters more in their life that they had just grown into and those around them. Perhaps the author has future plans, time will tell! Overall, I’m happy with this read and can easily recommend it to other book readers.
Thank you so much to Melanie Davies and her team for allowing me to read an e-book ARC and for welcoming me into the reading group! I look forward to reading more from Melanie in the future and seeing where life takes her!
I would have never guessed that this was Melanie's first contemporary romance! 😍
If you're looking for an easy and fast-paced read look no further! 👀
Summary (without spoilers) 📖 Kimberly and Sam secretly dated in High School, until Sam stood Kimmy up on Prom night and disappeared for what she thought would be forever. Years later Kimberly is back to coaching in her hometown after grieving the death of her husband, Luke. As fate would have it, Sam, a famous hockey player who is on "leave" after beating up a teammate, is back home and helping coach youth hockey as a PR stunt. The two run into each other and well...you're just going to have to read what happens after that!
My Thoughts 💭 After reading "Unsteady" by Peyton Corinne (shameless plug), I was excited to get this ARC and continue my hockey romance obsession. The layering that Melanie gave both Kimberly and Sam made me invested in their lives separately as well as together. The topics of death and abuse can be overwhelming, but the way that Melanie introduced them in the book was natural and in a way that readers' can relate even if they hadn't been through the exact same circumstances.
The story didn't end in a cliffhanger, but I am hoping that we will be getting more Kimberly and Sam content in the future, fingers crossed. 🤞🏼
Melanie, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I'm excited to witness your writing career thrive! ♥️
Spice level 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes: -Second Chance 🥈 -Fake Dating 👩🏼🤝👨🏽 -Hockey Romance🏒⛸️ -Love After Loss 🖤