Icing the Game Plan: A Grumpy x Grumpy Ice Hockey Romance

by Taylor Mitchell

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Taylor Mitchell is a midwest girl writing swoony contemporary romance with heart and heat. She currently resides in St. Louis with her husband and three children. She's works in social media and marketing by day, and writes men who are disgustingly down bad for their women by night.

Reviews

[Jessica Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 — ARC review

He’s got daddy issues! She’s got a drinking problem! They’re both incredible athletes with a lot going on! LFG!!!

But in all honesty — this was a super cute and very easy read (and perfect for my post-Olympic hangover reading needs).

Rhodes McKnight is a hot shot hockey captain with personal life drama and a temper problem. Monroe is a formerly Olympics-bound figure skater who is so, so done with the ice after a career-ending injury. Twist! Her dad is his coach!

I liked it for:
- a guy that will punch his annoying teammate in the face for her (before they’re even friends!)
- he falls first and she catches up
- black cat x grumpy golden retriever (— German shepherd???) energy
- a team full of future MMCs (looking at you, Beck!! but also will we see Jax redeemed??)

Only critiques:
- what do you mean my NHL team had to lose for the plot?
- would’ve liked more development/resolution with her mom
- more Elsie!!

[C.V. Betzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of the alpha and beta readers for this novel — I had the unique experience of seeing it from start to finish.

And what a WORTH IT wild ride it was. Rhodes and Monroe have you on your toes from the very first page. Taylor Mitchell has an ASTOUNDING talent for writing well rounded and dynamic characters. She doesn’t shy away from their struggles or their successes.

Besides? Who doesn’t love a rough and tumble hockey player who has eyes only for his girl? And who isn’t obsessed with a fiesty, witty, and not afraid to put you on your ass FMC?

If you loved Ice Princess growing up? Let me personally recommend it’s grown up counter part. 15/10 ⭐️

[Jessica Joyce]

5/5 stars!! I love a good sports romance, and this hockey romance absolutely delivered! Monroe and Rhode’s chemistry was electric from the start and I loved their character development throughout the story! If you love swoony hockey players and fiery female leads then this book is a must-read!

[Adam Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC reader and loved it!