What It Could Be

Off Ice #4

by Grayce Rian

Jackson:
She was more than the one that got away. More than my high school sweetheart. Taevin Gray was and always will be the only love of my life.
She’s a household name now, also known as the emo cowgirl of country music. But the secret title she holds that I revere most is my wife.
To most, we looked like we were young and naive back then—that what we had was simply puppy love. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I made vows that even in all our years apart I’ve never broken, and now more than ever I’m determined to prove I’ll always love her . . . whatever comes our way.

Taevin:
My life irrevocably changed in an instant, and I fear I will never be the same.
Just as I’m accepting my fate, in walks the man who I pushed away over a decade ago.
This is the second time Jackson Wilson has turned my world upside down, only this time I might not have the strength to push him away.
When I was eighteen, he was my everything until I broke his heart, and myself in return. Now, he’s back and hell bent on being my salvation once again. But some people aren’t worth saving, and after everything I’ve done and kept from him, I’m not sure I’m worthy of his reclamation. Though I’ve never wanted anything more.

What It Could Be is the fourth interconnected standalone novel in the Off Ice series. Readers will love this spicy romance featuring the music industry’s emo cowgirl and her hockey-playing estranged husband and their journey through young love, loss, heartbreak, hardships, and second chances.

Genres: Sports Romance

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 20, 2026

About the author

Grayce Rian is a contemporary romance author from the Midwest. Her stories perfectly combine spice, angst, and sweetness to make readers swoon. When she’s not writing about your new, favorite book boyfriend, you can find her with her high school sweetheart, chauffeuring their three kids to every activity imaginable, or with her nose buried in a book.

Reviews

[Book Addict Mands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Round of applause to the author for this absolute masterpiece. Never has a book made me laugh and cry so much in equal measure.

What it could be, is book 4 in the Off Ice series and is this book we finally get to know more about Bennett’s brother Jackson and his long lost love Taevin.

Childhood sweethearts, the two go their separate ways only to be reunited 10 years later at Bennett’s wedding. Having never fallen out of love with Taevin, Jackson is determined to support her through the fight of her life. After all, he can’t lose her again.

There are some brilliant tropes in this book including second chance, estranged spouses and forced proximity. The found family element is especially strong is this book. So much so it made me want to jump through the pages and become part of the Wolverine Family.

The author clearly put her heart and soul into this book. It was such an emotional rollercoaster but I loved it. This book does deal with some heavy topics such as cancer and infertility so please check your trigger warnings before diving in.

Grayce Rian - take a bow. I loved it!

What it could be is out on KU on the 20th Feb.

#arc #foundfamilytrope

[Alax Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Jax and Tae day to my girl, Grayce. WOW. This damn book. Infinity stars. Heartbreakingly beautiful. I’m going to do my best to try to even slightly convey how special it was and how much it meant to me. Jackson and Tae’s story will go down as one of my favorite books of all time. These two had me in an emotional chokehold throughout their entire journey and I loved watching them finally get to their happily ever after, after a decade of being apart and their love never wavering. And i loved that we got to see so much of that through the dual timeline. The fight it took to get to where they are. A story of love, and pain, and heartbreak, and loss, and anger. And I felt every bit of it. Taevin is strong as hell and she’s determined to face her battle with everything she has in her. And Jackson, whew this man. He stepped up from day one and supported and stood behind Tae no matter what it took or where it left him. He was her rock through and through. And the found family vibes in this series?! If you thought it before, just wait. The way their group rallies around Tae was absolutely everything. Grayce is a top tier author for me, and if you haven’t read the Off Ice series, you’re doing yourself an injustice. IMMACULATE.

Thank you to Grayce for an arc. The emotional depth and heart you put into this story shows. I’m so excited for the rest of this series and what’s to come for you!

read if you love:
second chance, infertility rep, estranged spouses, forced proximity, found family, rockstar romance, hockey romance

[Samantha Draws · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨ ♾️⭐️ I wish I had the words to explain how special this book was and how much I loved it! Jackson and Taevin fell in love as kids. They thought they had something special…that they would be together forever and even took vows to prove that…but life had different plans for them. Taevin skyrocketed into fame and Jackson made a name for himself in the NHL. From the outside their lives are enviable but there’s so much more buried deep. Tae unknowingly ends up signing at Jackson’s brother’s wedding and finally has to confront so many truths. Now that she’s back in his life Jackson refuses to leave her side. She pushed him away all those years ago but he never stopped loving her and is determined to figure out what broke them all those years ago. There are so many obstacles to overcome but thier connection hasn’t waned in all those years and with the help of thier crew surrounding them they are determined to make it through them all together and come out even stronger on the other side.

Man on man this story got me good. It was heartbreakingly beautiful and I adored every single minute of this story!! This series is honestly my Roman Empire series and Grayce Rian cannot write a bad book but the emotion and depth she put into this one was simply so special. In the words of Tae herself…I like to be emotionally traumatized by whatever I’m reading…and I couldn’t agree more! The found family vibes in this series is immaculate and I am obsessed with the way that they all welcome Tae into their circle despite the time that has passed or just meeting her. Jackson is such a rock for Tae and I just love the way he immediately steps in and refuses to leave her alone ever again. I could honestly go on forever about this book and the ways I love it!! I will never get enough of this series!

Tropes:
✨Second Chance
✨Hockey Romance
✨Estranged Spouses
✨Infertility Rep
✨Found Family

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell so in love with Jackson and Taevin, what an emotional rollercoaster this second-chance romance is. What It Could Be is the fourth interconnected standalone novel in the 'Off Ice' series.

High schooler Jackson sees Taevin, the pastor's daughter for the first time in church and it was instalove for him. He showed patience beyond his years while winning her over.

Something happened just before they were due to go to college that split them up and it would be 10 years before they spoke again.

""I was sick about it for weeks. You have to know, I never wanted to break us, but I didn’t see any other way.""

So much happens to Taevin during this story and her strength is admirable. But it's their unwavering love for each other that gives her the support she needs to conquer adversity.

""Tae, you never need to feel shy or embarrassed to ask me for something you want. I’ll always give you anything you desire.""

Jackson knows all of the right things to say to Taevin, who wouldn't want to hear that from their man?

Written in two timelines, the jumps from 'Then' to 'Now' are not at all jarring. In fact they're perfectly placed to move the story along. Even after Jackson becomes a pro Hockey player and Taevin a country music star the revelations keep coming.

Grayce Rian writes fantastic prose, and handles difficult subjects (check the triggers before you read this story), with great delicacy. She's an extremely talented author. I will very much be looking forward to reading her next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving a completely honest review.

[Briana Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Grayce for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️

What to expect when reading What it Could Be;
-Rockstar FMC
-Found Family
-Estrange Spouses
-Second Chance
-Infertility Rep
-Hockey MMC

This is book four of the Off Ice series! You get to follow Jackson and Taevin!!! Ten years and a lot of hurdles and a second chance to prove they belong together. This was such a beautiful story of love, strength and support system. Make sure to grab tissues because I definitely got teary eyed. Jackson I think just became my favorite MMC in this series. I could feel his love shooting off the pages and straight to my heart. I hope everyone gets to be loved like Jackson loved Taevin because that’s the definition of unconditional love. There is so much I could say about this book but this there is one take away I would want you to have it that. This was beautiful all the way around.

Side notes:
-he took notes
-five grand on cologne lol
-her waking up from anesthesia
-monthly subscription 😂

Fav Quote:
•”Jackson’s always catching me”
•”I’m gonna need to get you hands off my wife”
•”Turns out your kisses still make me weak in the knees”
•”there’s nothing holy about the things I plan to do to you while I show you my devotion”

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Feb. 20🤍

#bookstagram #romance #review

[Shay Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taevin and Jackson are heartbreak and healing at the same time. Their is story is tragic and beautiful, reminding readers that life is messy and difficult but so worth it.

Grayce Rian does an incredible job handling topics such as grief, loss, heartbreak and healing. She shows the humanness and messiness of it all through her characters in an incredibly relatable way.

Taevin is strong and vibrant. Watching her character development and learning to lean on Jackson again after so many years apart was beautiful. Getting to see them work through their past and heal together was amazing.

Jackson is such a steadfast and calming presence. Seeing how he handles Taevin and all she has gone through with such patience and respect was everything. His ability to admit when he made mistakes felt genuine and healthy.

Seeing these two work through their issues and talk was so important to the story. Yes, there were moments where you felt like it might not happen, but it was a human reaction to a situation. The hope that was woven in through the story was incredible.

This story was about life being messy and unpredictable but full of so many wonderful things as well. It was about setbacks and learning the grieve a life you thought you may have. It was relatable in so many ways.

Taevin and Jackson’s love story was learning to heal from heartbreak and setback and accept that life can still be beautiful in the wreckage of it all.

[Erika Wyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What It Could Be is a tear jerker dealing with real life issues in the most beautiful story.
Let me start off by saying if you don’t enjoy reading heavier topics this might not be for you.
If you’re okay dealing with real life topics grab your tissues and strap in. This one will take you on an emotional roller coaster.

Grayce doesn’t shy away from showing readers that life, love, and marriage aren’t easy. Jackson and Taevin don’t give up on their battles in life. And Tae needs Jax by her side as she embarks on the fight of her life.

Jax and Tae fall in love at 18, and they think their future is golden. It’s anything but.
Fast forward 10 years and Taevin walks back into Jackson’s life. This time Jax isn’t letting Tae walk away.

Thank you Grayce for the opportunity to read this ARC. I’ve loved this series and look forward to Walker’s book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I have loved the previous Off Ice books that I have read and I devoured this book. I will admit that I did have to stop a few times to get more tissues or get a drink because I was emotional. This book made me giggle, laugh out loud, groan, swear, and cry more than once. It was an emotional rollercoaster. Though it was in the best possible way. I loved Jackson and Taevin. Finding your forever person is hard, finding them in high school is even rarer. Making it to forever, almost impossible with all the external forces and two very demanding careers with hectic schedules and demands.

Taevin and Jackson were each other’s first girlfriend and boyfriend and they were determined to be each other’s last as well. They fell in love in a matter of months and had made so many plans for their future together. They were engaged and married before the summer ended after their senior year. That summer had challenges that neither had expected. Jackson had been drafted to their home states team even though they had discussed other teams in bigger cities far from Minnesota. Taevin had never planned on staying in Minnesota, she wanted Nashville, New York, LA where music was made. Taevin was also offered a recording contract that would require her to skip college and move closer to her label. This was a dream but it would mean Jackson would be leaving for college and she wouldn't be going with him. They gad talked about long distance being a possibility at some point but not so soon. With all these factors stacked against them the odds of winning were slim, even slimmer after toxic senator got involved.

A decade later, Jackson is still going through the motions outside of the rink. He dominates on the ice with the Wolverines but his life gas been dedicated to his love fir Taevin. He has tried to make all their dreams come true while waiting for her to come back to him. He has seen her in concert but their paths haven't crossed since she left. Papers were drawn up but never signed or filed by him. For ten years, he gas waited for his wife to come home. Then at his brother's wedding, she is there to sing for the first dance. She is finally in reach.

Taevin has experienced so much loss in her life, losing her mother at an early age, losing her father to grief and rigidity, leaving her husband for her career and his protection, and now losing part of herself to cancer. She has lost more than she is willing to admit. Collapsing after performing at the wedding wasn't in the plans but with Jackson there he was going to be at her side. There was no way ge was going to lose his wife twice. This time he vowed that he wouldn't let her push him away again. He was going to be by her side in sickness and health, till death do they part. Though Jackson was going to fight with everything he had to make sure that Taevin won the battle against her cancer. He wasn’t going to let her give up. He surrounded her with love and the support of their old friends, his teammates, and their families. The Wolverines took care of their own.

Day by day, Taevin and Jackson grew closer. They love they shared all those years ago hadn't faded but now it was growing stronger. As they rekindled their relationship, Taevin felt the need to reveal the secrets she gad been keeping for ten years. Jackson deserved to know about his father and what could have been. Jackson wasn't surprised about his father, given what he had put Bennett through when he started dating Scar. Jackson had to process but they put the past behind them and continued to revive their love throughout Taevin's battle. Jackson made her his priority and stood by her side every step of the way and tried not to interfere with her career decisions. Though her manager was a jerk and deserved a beat down. Good thing, Jackson's boss and teammates had their backs.

I loved Taevin and Jackson so much and enjoyed the epilogue. Now I want to read five years down the line but I'll settle for cameos in Walker's book. Little sister definitely needs to have her story told. I will definitely be adding the paperback to my cart because this one is a winner. Thank you Grayce Rian for the ARC and the opportunity to review. It is an honour to be part of your team.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What It Could Be by Grayce Rian absolutely gutted me in the best possible way. It’s a big, emotional second‑chance romance about childhood soulmates who don’t just find their way back to each other, but have to survive a lot of real‑world heartbreak to get there.

Taevin Gray is a country superstar, Jackson Wilson is an NHL player, and they’ve got a secret: they were married as teens and broke in the most painful way. When they collide again at his brother’s wedding, right as Tae collapses and is diagnosed with endometrial cancer, the book basically asks: what does “forever” mean when life has already taken so much?

This isn’t a fluffy read. It deals with miscarriage, cancer, infertility, hysterectomy, surrogacy, religious baggage, blackmail, revenge porn, and depression. But none of that ever feels like drama for drama’s sake. This book really sits with what those things do to a person: how Tae feels betrayed by her own body, how grief lingers for years, how faith can hurt and heal, and how hard it is to let someone love you when you feel “broken.”

What I loved most?
Tae and Jax as people.
Tae is prickly, stubborn, and soft all at once (a lot like me haha)
Jax is the golden retriever hockey boy who actually shows up when things get ugly, like missing practices and games to sit through chemo, asking real questions at appointments, and respecting her choices. Their chemistry is strong, but their emotional arc is even stronger.

That said, it is long and emotionally intense, so you have to be in the right headspace. There are multiple big issues in play, and if you prefer very light, low‑angst romance, this probably isn’t the one to pick up on a whim.

For me, though, it was worth every. Single. Page.
What It Could Be is about love that doesn’t look away when things get hard, its about the love that stays, even when it’s scared.
I closed the book feeling wrung out but hopeful, and honestly, I’m still thinking about these characters!

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately hooked from the prologue. After finishing What It Must Be, I was already desperate for Jackson and Taevin’s story, and Grayce Rian once again pulls you in from page one.

The dual timelines are so well done. The flashbacks are perfectly placed and add so much depth, especially when moments overlap with other characters’ stories. Getting a different perspective on events we’ve already seen (like the night Griffin and McKenna first got together) felt like such a bonus. It enriches the entire world she’s built.

Even early on, it’s clear Jackson has only ever had eyes for Taevin. Once she’s back in his orbit, nothing else matters, even after a decade apart. “Tae will always be the love of my life, and I refuse to let her be the loss of it.” That line made me fall in love with him.

I found myself bracing for heartbreak the deeper I got. Grayce has a gift for making you feel EVERYTHING. Taevin’s journey is raw and incredibly heavy at times. She’s endured the unimaginable, and the depth of her character is breathtaking. My heart broke for her again and again. But the love of the people around her made me feel so happy and hopeful for her, she deserved every person who was by her side.

And the way Jackson loves her: steady, unwavering, ready to move mountains without hesitation, is exactly what she deserves.

This story is hard, beautiful, emotional, hopeful, and completely consuming. I was on the edge of my seat while also content to just sit in each moment because the writing is that good. Grayce Rian is genuinely one of the most talented authors I’ve come across in the 500+ books I’ve read. Every one of her books has been five stars for me, and this one is no exception. I cannot wait for what she writes next!

Thanks to Grayce for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Katie Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
What It Could Be
By Gracye Rian

Tae will always be the love of my life, and I refuse to let her be the loss of it.

“There’s no moving on from you, Taevin. You made that impossible when you tattooed yourself on my soul.”

“I’ve never stopped loving you, Jackson, and I never will. I am yours until I take my very last breath, and even beyond that—my love for you is eternal.”

Okay Gracye Rian, you gave me a ticket to this emotional roller coaster and I just want to say, Thank You! Can I go again?! Taevin and Jackson had me in a chokehold the entire book! Pain, anger, love, all these emotions just pour off the pages for Taevin and Jackson.
This story is heartbreakingly beautiful. I’m not giving anything away on this review. Just know it’s a second chance beautiful love story. I am so truly honored to have been able to read this story. Thank you so much Gracye!

✨please make sure to check TW before reading, this story while so incredibly has some very heavy topics that are the base of the story.

Tropes:
Second Chance
Pro Hockey Player
Rockstar Romance
Estranged Spouses
Forced Proximity
Infertility Rep
Found Family

Spice Starts at: 31%

Spice: 3/4
Stars: 5/5 ♾️

Available February 20, 2026

[Payton Sowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s in moments like this, where I find myself completely speechless and left in awe. Grayce Rian, there is something you always do to my heart, and that it shatter it and heal it in the same book. What It Could Be was hands down another infinity star read for me, and a stark reminder as to why grayce is a top tier author. this story brought so much emotion, grieving a life they thought they would have, heartache, pain, sickness, childhood trauma. and yet this book was handled with such a tender heart and hand. taevin and jackson’s story is so heavy, yet the love between the two of them could never waiver. watching their story unfold was so special, and the way it was written in the “then” and “now” was perfection. It was like getting easter eggs throughout the story but not the whole thing at once. the flow of this story was so phenomenally done and it was so easy to follow. There is a million things I could say about this book, but it is yet again a book that I want everyone to experience for themselves. grayce, I am so proud of you for the love and strength you put into this book. You took such a heavy story, and brought out the most love. You are a true reflection of the good in the world. Thank you for this raw, real, tender, story. it was everything.

[Lemonnyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎤🏒What It Could Be by Grayce Rian🏒🎤

463 Pages

Off Ice Series Book 4

Holy Freaking Shit Balls! Just when I think that Grayce cannot hurt me anymore than she already has, she writes this! And man oh man is it not just perfect in everyway!

After the events at the end of book 4 I was so ready for what was coming to Jackson, but this did more for me than words can comprehend! I was kept up at night and on the edge of my seat during the day when I couldn’t carry on reading, and let me tell you... don't read this at work on your lunch break... absolute devastation.

This book bought back all out favourites characters from the previous in the series which always love! But in particular when we go back and see Katie! IYKYK! There was lots of tears shed in this book and i can't wait to read it all over again.

I would highly recommend this book as well as the previous books in this series! For fans of Second Chances, Pro-Hockey Player, Rockstar Romance, Estranged Spouses, Forced Proximity, Infertility Rep, Found Family and some very delicious Spicy goodness.

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m gonna need like several days to process and get over this incredible and inspiring book.

I am a crier. And Grayce is known to rip my soul apart in the best way through her writing, (still not over Katie). But this was tears on top of tears on top of tears. My soul ached for Taevin. From the first minute we get to know her I was rooting for her.

Grayce’s beautiful story telling had me wishing I could crawl into this book and hold Taevin and fight along with her. What a character. What fantastic writing Grayce.

And we can’t forget the absolutely incredible Jackson. This man is a fantasy! He is perfection. He did nothing wrong. He was the most supportive partner.

This book is stunning. It will rip your soul out, but have no fear, Grayce will put it all back together!

[Kathleen Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Hi Jackson, you’re my favorite. What a golden retriever. I usually don’t like rockstar romances, but this book really made me take back that statement lol. There are so many elements that are delicate and Grayce displayed them and sprinkled them throughout with such respect and dignity.

I loved going back in time and seeing their younger selves fall in love. I still hate the father of Bennett and Jackson. I think he should have died. The series isn’t over, maybe he will 🙈
😂.

Watching them fall in love again and hearing all the things they have down without eachother was beautiful. It is an emotional read so you need to be in the right headspace for this one. You will not be disappointed!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taevin and Jackson

Amazingggggg
This story really pulled on your heart strings——- from teenage love to breaking up over blackmail, to heartbreak to 10 years later reconnecting ♥️♥️

These characters were perfect, deep, heartfelt, loving, caring, only seeing eyes for eachother while together is just beautiful.

Their story made me tear up a few times throughout the book and I’m so happy they get their happy ever after — after so much stress in their lives!

All the side characters and characters from the previous books of course are in it—- love that shit♥️

Excellent second chance-Sports/ singer romance

[Karly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This story was beautifully heartbreaking I think is how I’d word it. Jackson and Tae and the road to their HEA. I cried, well sobbed several times. The found family in this series had me crying and how much they were there for Jax & Tae. Absolutely beautiful.

Full RTC.

[Annalee (annalees_reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taevin and Jackson broke my heart in the best way possible. Grayce Rian already made me cry plenty before, but this one was just on another level. My heart melted almost immediately at their contact, and I fell so hard for their struggles and love. This one now holds a special place in my heart, and I'm convinced this book may heal people on another level. The rockstar and sports player trope was just perfect to add to all the emotional topics. Honestly, if you want a unique book with second chances, estranged spouses, and infertility representation, this book is made for you.

[Michelle Graham | meshellreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two characters are special. This story is emotional and check your triggers. It is definitely a ride from start to finish. I had the pleasure of reading this story early and you could feel the pain and love in every word. Taevin and Jackson had a love that we all only hope to find in our lives. The way this man loved her even though she was out chasing her dreams. The way he showed up for her when they were brought back together. They both sacrificed a lot and dealt with so much together and apart. Getting their HEA was hard fought and so beautiful!

[Emilee Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come!! My favorite of the series😭😭