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Cold Passion #1
Ice King
His heart is frozen, but his touch makes my body melt…
Notorious businessman Ansell Drake wants only money, power, and pleasure. He’s called the Ice King for a reason: nothing penetrates his frozen heart.
I first meet the Ice King when my fiancé William Crawford cheats on me, and I blow up both our lives in a spectacular and public fashion.
Ansell’s the one that steps up when I need someone the most. He gives me a place to stay and promises to keep me safe from my stupidly wealthy, aggressive, and rabidly angry former-fiancé.
But Ansell does nothing for free. He’s got a price, and I’m not sure I can afford it.
The Ice King terrifies me. He’s beautiful and mysterious but there’s danger lurking behind those emotionless blue eyes. He asks too much, demands even more, and if I refuse to obey then I’ll face the wrath of my former-fiancé all on my own.
I’m stuck between a frozen monster and a white-hot devil, and I don’t know which will tear me to pieces first.
Notorious businessman Ansell Drake wants only money, power, and pleasure. He’s called the Ice King for a reason: nothing penetrates his frozen heart.
I first meet the Ice King when my fiancé William Crawford cheats on me, and I blow up both our lives in a spectacular and public fashion.
Ansell’s the one that steps up when I need someone the most. He gives me a place to stay and promises to keep me safe from my stupidly wealthy, aggressive, and rabidly angry former-fiancé.
But Ansell does nothing for free. He’s got a price, and I’m not sure I can afford it.
The Ice King terrifies me. He’s beautiful and mysterious but there’s danger lurking behind those emotionless blue eyes. He asks too much, demands even more, and if I refuse to obey then I’ll face the wrath of my former-fiancé all on my own.
I’m stuck between a frozen monster and a white-hot devil, and I don’t know which will tear me to pieces first.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2022
1142 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Hamel
200 books2,546 followersI'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.
I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter
Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup
I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter
Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 1, 2022
This was a very interesting story with perfectly hateful and villainous villains, one being the h's own father; also, an intruiging H who comes to life and an h who finally finds the life she's always wanted. This is a story with a broken engagement, a cheating ex fiance who gets violent with the h and a hero who saves her just as she ultimately saves him.
Marie, the h, has been raised by a controlling father who always demanded more of her. No matter how hard she tried, how good she did, it was never good enough. She's a bit broken wanting someone to love her for herself. She wants to succeed on her own and not because of who her father is, but she's always acceeded to his wishes ... until she breaks her engagement to the man her father always expected her to marry, angering not only her father, but her former fiance and his family as well.
The H, Ansell, is known as the ice king. He's a successful and wealthy man who did some terrible things to get where he is. Events in his young life have left him emotionless. He has buried them so deep, for so long, that he no longer feels any emotions, not worry or fear, happiness or sadness, he has no empathy for anyone ... Until Marie.
It starts small, anger when she's attacked by the ex. He doesn't know why, and he's not sure how to even handle it, but he wants more and finds himself offering to help her when her ex's family threaten her and are trying to ruin her and anyone involved with her. What ensues is a beautiful story of a man who begins to learn to feel again. It's the story of a woman who's attracted to him, but doesn't want him or anyone else to suffer for her problems and mistakes. It's an engaging story as they navigate their growing feelings all while trying to find a way to appease her father and the ex's family, keep her safe and get her life back on track.
Loved all the characters. If I have any complaints, it's that I thought the reason Baptist hated the ex's family was a bit lame. I think it needed to be more dramatic (e.g. led to the death or suicide of his father/mother), to cause that level of hate. Still a great story. 4 stars.
Marie, the h, has been raised by a controlling father who always demanded more of her. No matter how hard she tried, how good she did, it was never good enough. She's a bit broken wanting someone to love her for herself. She wants to succeed on her own and not because of who her father is, but she's always acceeded to his wishes ... until she breaks her engagement to the man her father always expected her to marry, angering not only her father, but her former fiance and his family as well.
The H, Ansell, is known as the ice king. He's a successful and wealthy man who did some terrible things to get where he is. Events in his young life have left him emotionless. He has buried them so deep, for so long, that he no longer feels any emotions, not worry or fear, happiness or sadness, he has no empathy for anyone ... Until Marie.
It starts small, anger when she's attacked by the ex. He doesn't know why, and he's not sure how to even handle it, but he wants more and finds himself offering to help her when her ex's family threaten her and are trying to ruin her and anyone involved with her. What ensues is a beautiful story of a man who begins to learn to feel again. It's the story of a woman who's attracted to him, but doesn't want him or anyone else to suffer for her problems and mistakes. It's an engaging story as they navigate their growing feelings all while trying to find a way to appease her father and the ex's family, keep her safe and get her life back on track.
Loved all the characters. If I have any complaints, it's that I thought the reason Baptist hated the ex's family was a bit lame. I think it needed to be more dramatic (e.g. led to the death or suicide of his father/mother), to cause that level of hate. Still a great story. 4 stars.
August 24, 2023
»I said you're mine. I mean it. You're not going down there, not while he's lurking around outside.«
★ ★
❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆
She was sweet but also a little bland and boring as a main character.
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒍
I couldn‘t relate to him. He was described as ice king, but there was nothing icy in his behaviour. Ansell instantly cares for Marie and this whole dangerous attitude was missing (or bad described).
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
It was okay.
Honestly I don‘t remember much from this book because it was so cliché and nothing special. The plot and tension between the main characters was lacking.
I liked the writing style because it‘s fluent and in consequence this was an easy and fast read.
This book wasn‘t what I hoped for but I think other people may like it.
PS: I loved other books from this author so please give her a chance if you didn’t like this book.
plot: 2/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 2/5
couple/tension: 2/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: cheating ex, protective and possessive hero, ceo, music agent, bad boy, age gap, arranged marriage, family drama
December 2, 2023
Marie is engaged to William Crawford, a man form a predominant family. She begins receiving emails showing pictures of her fiancée with other women. One moment leads to a huge mistake and Marie making a decision to go public with her ex's philandering. Now she is a hunted woman with the Crawford family furious with the smearing of their very public name. This is all on the cusp of pitching the band Pride to her boss Ansell Drake otherwise known as the Ice King.
Ansell should stay far away from Marie but his interest is peaked. She is in a world of trouble but Ansell wants to protect her. Every moment with Marie makes him feel something in his icy heart. These feelings unnerve him and he is not sure he can keep Marie safe from the Crawford's, but he has a plan, will it work.
This was intriguing but the chemistry between Ansell and Marie is hit or miss. There was also a couple of things that had me wondering what was going on. Great idea, just was a bit of a miss for me.
Ansell should stay far away from Marie but his interest is peaked. She is in a world of trouble but Ansell wants to protect her. Every moment with Marie makes him feel something in his icy heart. These feelings unnerve him and he is not sure he can keep Marie safe from the Crawford's, but he has a plan, will it work.
This was intriguing but the chemistry between Ansell and Marie is hit or miss. There was also a couple of things that had me wondering what was going on. Great idea, just was a bit of a miss for me.
August 24, 2022
Dark, intense, hot and delectable, Marie and Ansell's story had me firmly ensnared in its web and loving it. The chemistry sizzles, the heat scorches and the suspense keeps your nerves stretched to their limits. This is my freely posted, frank review.
September 9, 2022
so confused by this ending
I enjoyed this story but I had two issues with it. One the heroine kept making stupid decisions and putting herself in danger. Second the ending didn’t make sense to me. Instead of Marie marrying the cheating ex they married her sister to him? Then it ends? Why? What was the point? Poor Bella has to put up with cheating William for life? I don’t get it and feel like wasted all my time. I’m not satisfied with this ending at all.
I enjoyed this story but I had two issues with it. One the heroine kept making stupid decisions and putting herself in danger. Second the ending didn’t make sense to me. Instead of Marie marrying the cheating ex they married her sister to him? Then it ends? Why? What was the point? Poor Bella has to put up with cheating William for life? I don’t get it and feel like wasted all my time. I’m not satisfied with this ending at all.
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October 12, 2023Free 12 October 2023
September 18, 2022
3.5 stars
September 23, 2022
Not For Me
The FMC is awful. She has no backbone and is childish. The MMC, although alluded to as having mystery and drama surrounding him, is boring. The first smut scene has no clear consent and felt cringey. The entire plot is around this family trying to ruin the FMC after some stuff goes down but it seems like there is more to it and then it never pan out. I wanted more from the story, more from the characters, more from the smut scenes.
The FMC is awful. She has no backbone and is childish. The MMC, although alluded to as having mystery and drama surrounding him, is boring. The first smut scene has no clear consent and felt cringey. The entire plot is around this family trying to ruin the FMC after some stuff goes down but it seems like there is more to it and then it never pan out. I wanted more from the story, more from the characters, more from the smut scenes.
August 27, 2022
Twists & Turns
What a crazy read! So, good. More like a thriller than your normal stories from BB Hamel. Everyone is basically giving more on the blurbs, but it's best if you just read it for yourself. Seriously! Can't wait for the follow up! On to the next! #HappyReading 💖
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a crazy read! So, good. More like a thriller than your normal stories from BB Hamel. Everyone is basically giving more on the blurbs, but it's best if you just read it for yourself. Seriously! Can't wait for the follow up! On to the next! #HappyReading 💖
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
Unusual.
October 25, 2022
This one was an unexpected treasure. The storyline was as original as the characters. Sexy, a little intrigue, and a HEA. Music agent / bad boy / broken. She’s a determined rich girl with a lot of baggage.
August 31, 2022
The Ice King is a dark, twisted, and suspenseful read. A full-length standalone novel with cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA. An age gap trope, arrange marriage, that contains spanking, cheating, secrets, danger, blackmail, deception, death threats, betrayal, wealthy powerful families, family drama, anger, revenge, revelations, retaliation, power and control, manipulations, heartbreak, greed, surprises, love, steam, and acceptance. The story draws you in from the beginning of the chapter and keeps you hooked and invested with these characters as you travel the world of these wealthy and powerful people with twists and turns. It's mind-blowing and sinfully decadent.
Marie comes from a wealthy family and is engaged to be married married to William of the Crawford family another wealthy elite family. But her world is shattered when she receives of emails of her fiance with a series of different woman in an uncompromising position cheating on her. She was hurt but instead of confronting the cheating bastard she took the pictures to her friend Bella Baby who runs an online gossip blog numerous followers. When the story came out the repercussion for Marie was grave. She had her dad threatening to kill her for destroying the two families coming together. William tried to assault in an alley but Ansell her boss came to her rescue.
Ansell Drake is known as the Ice King. He's the owner of successful entertainment business agency, that search and procures new musical talents. He's handsome, wealthy, powerful, dangerous, tatted, ruthless and cold. Marie dad use is connections to get her a job with Ansell a prior to this mess. After Marie blow up her life Ansell offer to help fight the Crawford's and her dad. But Ansell help comes with a price. He has the means and the power to go up against these people. But The Ice King terrifies her. What do she do face wrath of her ex on her own? Or obey Ansell the frozen monster. Marie was able to thaw his heart a little. Their chemistry was explosive and carnal they sizzle off the pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marie comes from a wealthy family and is engaged to be married married to William of the Crawford family another wealthy elite family. But her world is shattered when she receives of emails of her fiance with a series of different woman in an uncompromising position cheating on her. She was hurt but instead of confronting the cheating bastard she took the pictures to her friend Bella Baby who runs an online gossip blog numerous followers. When the story came out the repercussion for Marie was grave. She had her dad threatening to kill her for destroying the two families coming together. William tried to assault in an alley but Ansell her boss came to her rescue.
Ansell Drake is known as the Ice King. He's the owner of successful entertainment business agency, that search and procures new musical talents. He's handsome, wealthy, powerful, dangerous, tatted, ruthless and cold. Marie dad use is connections to get her a job with Ansell a prior to this mess. After Marie blow up her life Ansell offer to help fight the Crawford's and her dad. But Ansell help comes with a price. He has the means and the power to go up against these people. But The Ice King terrifies her. What do she do face wrath of her ex on her own? Or obey Ansell the frozen monster. Marie was able to thaw his heart a little. Their chemistry was explosive and carnal they sizzle off the pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2022
As a child, Ansell had something broken inside him that turned him into the emotionless Ice King that he’s renowned for being these days. Both in business and his personal life. He simply doesn’t feel.
Until Marie Pearce came along.
On the day that she’s making a pitch for a prospective band to sign, in front of Ansell and his right hand man Baptist, the bottom falls out of her personal life. She discovers through a number of emails coming from an unknown source, that her fiancé has been cheating on her regularly.
Somehow holding it together, she pulls off her presentation with the passion that she feels about this band. They’re really good and deserve a break. Ansell Drake is the one to to give them that.
Afterwards, she goes to confront her fiancé William, but he denies everything. It’s all just a big joke to him. He’s from an ultra wealthy family and the marriage is more of a business arrangement between their fathers.
After one to many glasses of wine, she contacts a good friend and gossip columnist giving her the go ahead to let rip. But it backfires. William and his family have been humiliated and are out for blood.
When Ansell finds himself coming to Marie’s rescue, he takes her home to protect her. But in doing so, Ansell discovers that Marie awakens things he hasn’t felt before and he wants more….
This is a well written and enjoyable read about two damaged individuals that find themselves healing, simply by being together. Their passion is palpable, and their relationship moves forward quickly.
But Marie has stirred up a hornets nest and finds herself fighting for her life. More or less everyone she knows, including her own father, side with the money and power.
But Ansell is just as powerful and he’s determined to protect this beautiful young woman that is breaking down his icy barriers without even trying.
Brilliant.
Until Marie Pearce came along.
On the day that she’s making a pitch for a prospective band to sign, in front of Ansell and his right hand man Baptist, the bottom falls out of her personal life. She discovers through a number of emails coming from an unknown source, that her fiancé has been cheating on her regularly.
Somehow holding it together, she pulls off her presentation with the passion that she feels about this band. They’re really good and deserve a break. Ansell Drake is the one to to give them that.
Afterwards, she goes to confront her fiancé William, but he denies everything. It’s all just a big joke to him. He’s from an ultra wealthy family and the marriage is more of a business arrangement between their fathers.
After one to many glasses of wine, she contacts a good friend and gossip columnist giving her the go ahead to let rip. But it backfires. William and his family have been humiliated and are out for blood.
When Ansell finds himself coming to Marie’s rescue, he takes her home to protect her. But in doing so, Ansell discovers that Marie awakens things he hasn’t felt before and he wants more….
This is a well written and enjoyable read about two damaged individuals that find themselves healing, simply by being together. Their passion is palpable, and their relationship moves forward quickly.
But Marie has stirred up a hornets nest and finds herself fighting for her life. More or less everyone she knows, including her own father, side with the money and power.
But Ansell is just as powerful and he’s determined to protect this beautiful young woman that is breaking down his icy barriers without even trying.
Brilliant.
October 17, 2022
Yeah...No
This was just not my cup of tea.
This definitely has some dub-con vibes... and those just aren't my favorite stories to read. I don't see that as sexy of romantic...but, hey...your kink is not my kink.
Then, I couldn't stand Marie Pearce. She was as stupid and as wishy-washy as they come. I mean... when your own father threatens your life, is that really the person you choose to run to? She was so stupid, she made me angry. Then again, it could just be that the character was written so poorly. In one scene--well, actually most scenes--she's terrified of some thing or another, then in another scene she's talking about how she's stood up to bullies her whole life. GTFOH.
I sort of like Ansell Drake. Sort of. I have a soft spot for the broken/damaged/bad boys. But I think I got tired of hearing about his lack of emotions.
I kind of liked Baptist (although his part in this story took a turn for the ridiculous).
I didn't like the way this ended. It felt like the author was maybe stuck for a way to wrap this up with a HEA and just threw some stuff together. And I won't spend angry time talking about all of the typos.
I only hope Sunset Savage is better than this one.
This was just not my cup of tea.
This definitely has some dub-con vibes... and those just aren't my favorite stories to read. I don't see that as sexy of romantic...but, hey...your kink is not my kink.
Then, I couldn't stand Marie Pearce. She was as stupid and as wishy-washy as they come. I mean... when your own father threatens your life, is that really the person you choose to run to? She was so stupid, she made me angry. Then again, it could just be that the character was written so poorly. In one scene--well, actually most scenes--she's terrified of some thing or another, then in another scene she's talking about how she's stood up to bullies her whole life. GTFOH.
I sort of like Ansell Drake. Sort of. I have a soft spot for the broken/damaged/bad boys. But I think I got tired of hearing about his lack of emotions.
I kind of liked Baptist (although his part in this story took a turn for the ridiculous).
I didn't like the way this ended. It felt like the author was maybe stuck for a way to wrap this up with a HEA and just threw some stuff together. And I won't spend angry time talking about all of the typos.
I only hope Sunset Savage is better than this one.
October 25, 2022
Strong Start but fizzled
The beginning was very good, I enjoyed the Ice Kings character even if I felt we needed more background or instances where he was an actual asshole pre Marie.
Then Marie kept making poor decisions which she herself describes as stupid and emotional (while being insulted her father called her that exact thing previously) and the story became less enjoyable.
I wanted more Ice King relationship development.
The ending made no sense whatsoever. Marie was running for her life after being beaten and then they decide to have the sister marry the perp? With no fear he’ll be abusive to the sister? Seems like the author wasn’t sure how to end it and pulled something out of a hat.
The beginning was very good, I enjoyed the Ice Kings character even if I felt we needed more background or instances where he was an actual asshole pre Marie.
Then Marie kept making poor decisions which she herself describes as stupid and emotional (while being insulted her father called her that exact thing previously) and the story became less enjoyable.
I wanted more Ice King relationship development.
The ending made no sense whatsoever. Marie was running for her life after being beaten and then they decide to have the sister marry the perp? With no fear he’ll be abusive to the sister? Seems like the author wasn’t sure how to end it and pulled something out of a hat.
November 23, 2022
What happened?
I have been a fan of Hamel for a while but this book is a totally superficial work. The ice king is supposed to be so tough but the only one he is tough on is his woman. Just telling me a bit of back story, in no way convinces me. This could have been a good story but it was lifeless and scrubbed clean of all dark feeling. The ending made no real sense and left too many loose ends. Take a breather B.B. and get back to writing something worth reading. So sorry for the poor rating, but I feel like I am being generous because you really wasted my time. What happened?
I have been a fan of Hamel for a while but this book is a totally superficial work. The ice king is supposed to be so tough but the only one he is tough on is his woman. Just telling me a bit of back story, in no way convinces me. This could have been a good story but it was lifeless and scrubbed clean of all dark feeling. The ending made no real sense and left too many loose ends. Take a breather B.B. and get back to writing something worth reading. So sorry for the poor rating, but I feel like I am being generous because you really wasted my time. What happened?
October 7, 2022
misleading
Sorry but struggled with this book. It started off ok but it just fell kinda flat for me as a reader - the author described it as a dark possessive romance and I kept read thinking more was to come but was left disappointed at the barely there storyline and lack lustre characters. Most shocking was the ending -what was that???!! How did it even make sense and why would the main female character even want that for her sister,
or the sister for herself come to think of it?? Not one of B B Hamel’s best.
Sorry but struggled with this book. It started off ok but it just fell kinda flat for me as a reader - the author described it as a dark possessive romance and I kept read thinking more was to come but was left disappointed at the barely there storyline and lack lustre characters. Most shocking was the ending -what was that???!! How did it even make sense and why would the main female character even want that for her sister,
or the sister for herself come to think of it?? Not one of B B Hamel’s best.
March 15, 2023
Everyone was immature. Just ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
Ice King by B.B. Hamel is a stand alone contemporary-workplace-romance with a touch of darkness and a whole lotta family drama!
Our heroine, Marie Pearce, is a young talent scout working her way up in the music industry. She is trying to sign a beloved band, Pride, to Ansell Drake's entertainment company where she is employed. This is when Marie and Ansell first lock eyes. Marie successfully pitches the band but Ansell could tell she was a bit distracted during her presentation. They agree to watch a live performance to properly vet the band. What he doesn't know is minutes before the presentation she received anonymous emails informing her that her fiance has been cheating on her with multiple woman. Suddenly the future she thought she was going to live, with a man she thought she knew implodes in a very public way thanks to her impulsive decision to out her fiance using a local tabloid. In retaliation, her now ex-fiance's powerful and nefarious family pursue her, hell-bent on making her pay for their public humiliation.
Our hero, Ansell has a scary reputation. He is aloof, cold, calculating and intense. He cares for little because he simply can't. Having survived a traumatic childhood he doesn't know how to process emotion like the rest of us and has earned the moniker Ice King. I loved his haughty and indifferent attitude; even with Marie he seemed unsympathetic at times. While he was protective of her he was also honest with her about her situation and didn't immediately fall to his knees worshiping her... he saw Marie the way the reader saw her... toxic. It was rather refreshing; I enjoyed Ansell's character immensely!
Marie comes from wealth and has lived a privileged life thanks to her father's connections. She is blissfully naive and at times I found her decisions questionable. She has a consistent desire to put herself in harms way. As toxic as she is, Ansell still finds her fascinating.
"I’ve tasted a thousand women like her and more. And yet none have interested me so intensely and so quickly before." - Ansell Drake
B.B. Hamel expertly portrays the intense attraction and passionate desires of these two characters. This is a damn sexy duo!! Their magnetic chemistry is palpable and I thoroughly enjoyed the sexual tension along with every mind-blowing literary orgasm B.B. Hamel gave me!!
“You’re perfect,” he says quietly. “So fucking beautiful. Look at you. Destroyed and loving every minute of it. Are you at your lowest yet, Pearce? I want to get you there and bring you back out, still dripping and begging for more.” - Ansell Drake
5 stars for Ice King by B.B. Hamel - an impassioned, drama-filled, enjoyable escape. I look forward to reading more from this talented and deliciously enthusiastic author!
TW (provided within the book): This book contains graphic descriptions of sexual content, explicit violence, drug use, and past trauma. These scenes were written to create a more vivid, in-depth experience, but may be triggering for some readers. Read at your own risk.
Dual POV - Ansell and Marie
Sexual content - pain/pleasure, spanking, a bit of power play
No virgins
No cheating, sharing or ow drama
No true om drama - h's engagement isn't romantic, a business deal setup by their parents
Worth a mention IMO - h is slapped by her ex-fiance during a heated confrontation
Epilogue 1yr
Our heroine, Marie Pearce, is a young talent scout working her way up in the music industry. She is trying to sign a beloved band, Pride, to Ansell Drake's entertainment company where she is employed. This is when Marie and Ansell first lock eyes. Marie successfully pitches the band but Ansell could tell she was a bit distracted during her presentation. They agree to watch a live performance to properly vet the band. What he doesn't know is minutes before the presentation she received anonymous emails informing her that her fiance has been cheating on her with multiple woman. Suddenly the future she thought she was going to live, with a man she thought she knew implodes in a very public way thanks to her impulsive decision to out her fiance using a local tabloid. In retaliation, her now ex-fiance's powerful and nefarious family pursue her, hell-bent on making her pay for their public humiliation.
Our hero, Ansell has a scary reputation. He is aloof, cold, calculating and intense. He cares for little because he simply can't. Having survived a traumatic childhood he doesn't know how to process emotion like the rest of us and has earned the moniker Ice King. I loved his haughty and indifferent attitude; even with Marie he seemed unsympathetic at times. While he was protective of her he was also honest with her about her situation and didn't immediately fall to his knees worshiping her... he saw Marie the way the reader saw her... toxic. It was rather refreshing; I enjoyed Ansell's character immensely!
Marie comes from wealth and has lived a privileged life thanks to her father's connections. She is blissfully naive and at times I found her decisions questionable. She has a consistent desire to put herself in harms way. As toxic as she is, Ansell still finds her fascinating.
"I’ve tasted a thousand women like her and more. And yet none have interested me so intensely and so quickly before." - Ansell Drake
B.B. Hamel expertly portrays the intense attraction and passionate desires of these two characters. This is a damn sexy duo!! Their magnetic chemistry is palpable and I thoroughly enjoyed the sexual tension along with every mind-blowing literary orgasm B.B. Hamel gave me!!
“You’re perfect,” he says quietly. “So fucking beautiful. Look at you. Destroyed and loving every minute of it. Are you at your lowest yet, Pearce? I want to get you there and bring you back out, still dripping and begging for more.” - Ansell Drake
5 stars for Ice King by B.B. Hamel - an impassioned, drama-filled, enjoyable escape. I look forward to reading more from this talented and deliciously enthusiastic author!
TW (provided within the book): This book contains graphic descriptions of sexual content, explicit violence, drug use, and past trauma. These scenes were written to create a more vivid, in-depth experience, but may be triggering for some readers. Read at your own risk.
Dual POV - Ansell and Marie
Sexual content - pain/pleasure, spanking, a bit of power play
No virgins
No cheating, sharing or ow drama
No true om drama - h's engagement isn't romantic, a business deal setup by their parents
Worth a mention IMO - h is slapped by her ex-fiance during a heated confrontation
Epilogue 1yr
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
“Ice King” is a standalone dark romance by author B.B. Hamel. It’s an age-gap romance with a feisty heroine and an emotionless hero who suddenly becomes intensely possessive and protective. Together they travel a steamy, action-packed path to a happy conclusion.
Ansell is the owner of a successful entertainment agency, specializing in finding new musical talent. He’s a tough, tattooed taskmaster capable of coldly reducing anyone to tears. Marie’s father is a mover and shaker in the business world and managed to use his connections to get hi a job with Ansell’s agency a year before this story begins. Marie has been working hard and has a polished presentation to make about a band that she’s discovered and has been cultivating. It couldn’t be a worse time to start receiving emails with pictures showing her that the man she’s recently become engaged to has been cheating on her with multiple women. What she does next triggers a chain of events that she never could have anticipated. I’m trying to be intentionally vague about the plot at this point because it’s full of twists and turns you should discover on your own.
I liked this but I really would have enjoyed knowing more, particularly about Ansell. The information about his life that he eventually reveals to Marie is heartbreaking and explains his cold demeanor. But I wasn’t clear about why his interaction with Marie suddenly changes him; she wasn’t a new employee, and he’d hired her at the behest of her father so he wouldn’t have forgotten about her. The surprises at the conclusion were wild and dramatic but they came together so suddenly and seamlessly that I wasn’t sure what to make of it all. If there is a sequel to this book (and it was left so there could be), I’d certainly read it.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions. i also purchased a copy on Amazon.
Ansell is the owner of a successful entertainment agency, specializing in finding new musical talent. He’s a tough, tattooed taskmaster capable of coldly reducing anyone to tears. Marie’s father is a mover and shaker in the business world and managed to use his connections to get hi a job with Ansell’s agency a year before this story begins. Marie has been working hard and has a polished presentation to make about a band that she’s discovered and has been cultivating. It couldn’t be a worse time to start receiving emails with pictures showing her that the man she’s recently become engaged to has been cheating on her with multiple women. What she does next triggers a chain of events that she never could have anticipated. I’m trying to be intentionally vague about the plot at this point because it’s full of twists and turns you should discover on your own.
I liked this but I really would have enjoyed knowing more, particularly about Ansell. The information about his life that he eventually reveals to Marie is heartbreaking and explains his cold demeanor. But I wasn’t clear about why his interaction with Marie suddenly changes him; she wasn’t a new employee, and he’d hired her at the behest of her father so he wouldn’t have forgotten about her. The surprises at the conclusion were wild and dramatic but they came together so suddenly and seamlessly that I wasn’t sure what to make of it all. If there is a sequel to this book (and it was left so there could be), I’d certainly read it.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions. i also purchased a copy on Amazon.
August 25, 2022
This was an OK read, but the entire plot is very weird and all focused on the h in the story. This book holds a trigger warning, but I didn’t see a lot of what the trigger warning was for. Anyway, the h is in an arranged engagement because apparently her family, as well as the guy she’s engaged to are elite 1 percenters in the city and the marriage was arranged to join two elite families. She get photos of her fiancé cheating on her so she decides, rashly, to go to her friend who is a gossip blogger and give her the scoop. Then there’s blowback among the elites and the h’s name is dragged through the mud and both her father and the ex-fiancé’s family threaten her or at least she thinks she is going to be physically tortured by them and in fact this entire plot revolves around the h being threatened and her business reputation being “ruined.” Keep in mind, we aren’t talking about mob types here, but old money society people of Philadelphia. It’s just not a good plot and then everything is very oddly tied up in one sit down and everything is A-OK. A word about the H, he’s not a well developed character in the book and there was a lot missing for me in terms of identifying with him as a character. There’s stuff about him being in a room as a child, shades of him having killed people in his past, and basically being a hardened criminal, but now he’s a music rep and owns the company…go figure. A guy called the Ice King involved in a business that centers on music and the emotions it invokes..I don’t get it, it’s very random.
This gets 3.5 stars from me; the .5 star is for basing this story in my hometown and I loved that about this book.
This gets 3.5 stars from me; the .5 star is for basing this story in my hometown and I loved that about this book.
August 25, 2022
This is a great unique story! Marie is engaged to a wealthy man, William and their marriage has been arranged by their families for power and money. One day at work Marie gets one email after another with pictures of William cheating on her with multiple woman. When confronted William denies it’s him and tells Marie what to except of her life. Marie gets upset and ends up exposing all the pictures causing a media storm making Williams family look bad and her dad starts to lose clients from their powerful reaches. When William physically goes after Marie at a work event her savior is her boss, Ansell. He gets Marie to safety and takes care of her even though he never shows any emotions, nickname Ice King. It’s wonderful to see how Ansell slowly transforms into a new man with emotions and caring for a woman. Ansell is the only person who stands up for Marie and keeps her safe from her father, Willams family and their hit man who all want her gone. At work Marie gets her band a record deal and she becomes their manager only for all those out to end her make it that she has to give that up to make sure they succeed. Ansell and Marie start a relationship that is a bit dark and just right for them. When secrets are revealed Marie is confused and not sure who she can trust and things fall apart with her hitting the bottom before the pieces are put back together. The new undeniable love that Ansell has for Marie is one of a kind! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2022
𝐼 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝓍𝓎, 𝒾𝓉𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝑜���𝓎 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓁 𝒾𝓉𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻. 𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝐼 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑒𝓉 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑜𝓌, 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓌𝑜𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝓅𝓈, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓇-𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝒽𝑒𝑒𝓀𝓈, 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓎 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒, 𝒫𝑒𝒶𝓇𝒸𝑒. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓌, 𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓊𝑒, 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒹𝓇𝓎, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻*&𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹, 𝑔𝑜𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝑜 𝒻*&𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓊𝓁, 𝒾𝓉 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁𝓈 𝓂𝑒.
Ice King checked all my boxes and more. I couldn't put this book down.
Ansell is the Ice King; he has had a traumatic upbringing that molded him into the man he is today. He is Marie's boss and just promoted her to manage a new band she brought to his attention.
Before an important meeting at work, Marie receives an email showing pictures of her fiance cheating.
Furious, she goes to her friend, a gossip columnist, who lets her run the story. The only problem is that Marie's ex-fiance is from a very powerful family, and they aren't happy that she aired their dirty laundry.
Her fiance attacks her, and Ansell comes to her rescue. Marie makes Ansell feel things; he knows he should leave her alone and let her figure this out on her own, but he is drawn to her and wants to protect her.
You can never go wrong with a BB Hamel book her men are fierce and possessive, and I loved Marie and Ansell's story.
Ice King checked all my boxes and more. I couldn't put this book down.
Ansell is the Ice King; he has had a traumatic upbringing that molded him into the man he is today. He is Marie's boss and just promoted her to manage a new band she brought to his attention.
Before an important meeting at work, Marie receives an email showing pictures of her fiance cheating.
Furious, she goes to her friend, a gossip columnist, who lets her run the story. The only problem is that Marie's ex-fiance is from a very powerful family, and they aren't happy that she aired their dirty laundry.
Her fiance attacks her, and Ansell comes to her rescue. Marie makes Ansell feel things; he knows he should leave her alone and let her figure this out on her own, but he is drawn to her and wants to protect her.
You can never go wrong with a BB Hamel book her men are fierce and possessive, and I loved Marie and Ansell's story.
September 3, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "ICE KING" OMG!!!
What a Dark twisted suspenseful intense drama, dealing with emotional turmoil, angst, revenge, cheating, payback, steam, deceit, betrayal, danger, twists that make for a very addicting read up the end.
Ansel Drake had something broken inside him when he was younger that turned him into emotionless Ice King he's know as both in his personal life & business, he's the owner of a successful entertainment agency, he specializes in finding new music talent.
Marie Pearce is a music promoter she discovers a new group she thinks Ansel might be able to help them but she never expected she'd him to save & protect her from herself when she get into trouble.
Marie finds out her fiance William Crawford was caught cheating with numerous women his family is from old money very wealthy it was an arranged marriage she decide to out him in public & Sent photos to gossip sites to get her revenge but things get kind crazy she being threatened & possibly could ruin her career.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written story I loved the chemistry between Ansel & Marie when everything comes out will they get their HEA you have to get this book to see you so won't be dissappointed it's a must have book for sure.
PHENOMINAL DARK TWISTED ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤
What a Dark twisted suspenseful intense drama, dealing with emotional turmoil, angst, revenge, cheating, payback, steam, deceit, betrayal, danger, twists that make for a very addicting read up the end.
Ansel Drake had something broken inside him when he was younger that turned him into emotionless Ice King he's know as both in his personal life & business, he's the owner of a successful entertainment agency, he specializes in finding new music talent.
Marie Pearce is a music promoter she discovers a new group she thinks Ansel might be able to help them but she never expected she'd him to save & protect her from herself when she get into trouble.
Marie finds out her fiance William Crawford was caught cheating with numerous women his family is from old money very wealthy it was an arranged marriage she decide to out him in public & Sent photos to gossip sites to get her revenge but things get kind crazy she being threatened & possibly could ruin her career.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written story I loved the chemistry between Ansel & Marie when everything comes out will they get their HEA you have to get this book to see you so won't be dissappointed it's a must have book for sure.
PHENOMINAL DARK TWISTED ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤
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October 6, 2024DNF @48%. This book was just too much. Simply too much going on, and it seemed all over the place. The execution just fell flat for me, which sucks cause, I really wanted to like this book, but from the very beginning, I struggled to connect with the characters and their actions.
Between the pure blandness that Marie gave off, she was also so passive. Nothing more than a simple fucking doormat. Utterly, she had no real personality. No backbone.
Then, you have Ansell. Ansell Drake. He’s a man who knows what he wants, and he takes it without apologies. He is dominant, assertive, and unapologetic about his desires.
Their chemistry is just so forced.
I will say it was a nice change to have a story/plot that involved a music agent because that's not something I can commonly find to read about…overall though, seriously, the plot was lacking. it just felt like. a string of cliches, one after the other. no depth or complexity to the story.
I guess overall, this book just simply put wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t get over the weak writing and the pacing, which just seemed so odd and off. The premise gets 👍🏾, but seriously the characters’ chemistry gets a fat ass 👎🏾.
You take the ex-fiance, the MMC, and then the FMC’s father himself, and just ICK. All around. All of them. Shit ass men.
Between the pure blandness that Marie gave off, she was also so passive. Nothing more than a simple fucking doormat. Utterly, she had no real personality. No backbone.
Then, you have Ansell. Ansell Drake. He’s a man who knows what he wants, and he takes it without apologies. He is dominant, assertive, and unapologetic about his desires.
Their chemistry is just so forced.
I will say it was a nice change to have a story/plot that involved a music agent because that's not something I can commonly find to read about…overall though, seriously, the plot was lacking. it just felt like. a string of cliches, one after the other. no depth or complexity to the story.
I guess overall, this book just simply put wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t get over the weak writing and the pacing, which just seemed so odd and off. The premise gets 👍🏾, but seriously the characters’ chemistry gets a fat ass 👎🏾.
You take the ex-fiance, the MMC, and then the FMC’s father himself, and just ICK. All around. All of them. Shit ass men.
August 26, 2022
Marie, who is engaged to William- a rich trust fund baby from old money, gets an email at work showing her pics of him cheating on her. When she confronts him, he denies everything, saying they’re photoshopped. Marie calls him a liar and breaks their engagement. She then decides to get revenge, calls her friend Bella who runs a gossip blog and gives her friend all the pics and details to post publicly. William is pissed, and shows up at a club where Marie and Ansel are watching a band, he pulls her outside and beats her and threatens to ruin her and her father. But when everyone turns against her she realizes her mistake, her own father is furious and threaten her.
Ansel, who is the owner of Drake Entertainment, an entertainment company that finds new bands. He’s cold and heartless, hence why they call him Ice King, but it’s from a sad and traumatic past. Anyways, he rescues Marie when William is beating her and takes her back to his apartment.
The chemistry between Ansel and Marie was good. Lots of sexy and steamy scenes! It took a bit but Marie was finally able to thaw this Ice Kings heart!
This was a good read, it’s got lies, betrayal, and love. I did have some questions that weren’t answered by the end though.
Ansel, who is the owner of Drake Entertainment, an entertainment company that finds new bands. He’s cold and heartless, hence why they call him Ice King, but it’s from a sad and traumatic past. Anyways, he rescues Marie when William is beating her and takes her back to his apartment.
The chemistry between Ansel and Marie was good. Lots of sexy and steamy scenes! It took a bit but Marie was finally able to thaw this Ice Kings heart!
This was a good read, it’s got lies, betrayal, and love. I did have some questions that weren’t answered by the end though.
August 28, 2022
“Ice King” is a standalone dark romance by an author known to weave a twisty and Turning plot that has you questing what’s next the whole time or going.. omg multiple times before you hit the end. This story has a fiesta and sassy heroine k owns her worth and cold and closed off hero who turns possessive and protective once he sees the FMC in a new light. This story has action, angst, lust and steam who grow to more and a kick ass ending.
Marie works for Ansell, after her father helped her get a job there. But is with William and recently engaged at the behest/kinda arrangement of her family and his family. (Williams is powerful). She learns he is cheating with multiple women and blows his spot up. (Would have done the same, he earned that shame). So know he is bitter, scary and the baddy type behavior from a powerful guy who doesn’t like hearing no. So now she is under Ansells protection and together they survive the ups and downs this author throws at them.
Love this author. They always deliver an amazing and addictive read.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
Marie works for Ansell, after her father helped her get a job there. But is with William and recently engaged at the behest/kinda arrangement of her family and his family. (Williams is powerful). She learns he is cheating with multiple women and blows his spot up. (Would have done the same, he earned that shame). So know he is bitter, scary and the baddy type behavior from a powerful guy who doesn’t like hearing no. So now she is under Ansells protection and together they survive the ups and downs this author throws at them.
Love this author. They always deliver an amazing and addictive read.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
B.B. Hamel’s Ice King book is a dark millionaire romance about talent scout Maire whose life suddenly implodes when she is anonymously sent pictures by email of her fiancé cheating on her. Rich, powerful families, use Marie as an expendable pawn in a dangerous game of retribution after she embarrasses not just her fiancé but his family and her own family. Marie has no idea whom she can trust. Her family? Her friends? Her ex-fiancé ‘s family? Ansell Drake, the owner of the talent agency where Marie works, has his secrets and skeletons in his closet that shaped his life as the ice-cold man who never outwardly displays emotions. Marie accepts Ansell’s help to keep her safe while she sorts out the disarray of her life. Can Ansell be trusted, or is it an ice-cold monster? Ice King is one of the best books BB Hamel has released. I was giddy to see music and rockstars in the book, which added credibility as the story unfolded. Full of twists and turns with pop-up surprises that all merge into the HEA in the end. Outstanding book!
August 29, 2022
Marie is engaged to a very wealthy, influential man, their marriage has been arranged by their fathers to solidify their power. Then Marie gets a series of emails/photos that shows her fiancé William was a serial cheater. So she exposes him and his cheating ways to social media, which explodes within her own family and William's. Ansell, the ice king, owns a successful entertainment agency specializing in musical talent and although Marie’s father got her the job at the agency, she has been working hard to bring on new talent. When she and Ansell are at a concert for some possible new talent, William attacks Marie and Ansell comes to the rescue. He promises to keep her safe from William's family, and over time these two grow closer and secrets are reveled. The characters are well written, compelling, the book fast paced, there is sizzle, steam, action, drama, twists, turns, and more. I would love to see more from this world especially from Bella Baby and Baptist. Outstanding read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2023
Marie never expected to find out about her fiancé cheating on her the way she did, and not before she was about to do one of the biggest presentations of her career. Marie is even more surprised when Ansell agrees to see the band. Marie acting on impulse gives the information to her friend for her gossip blog and things turn nasty.
When Ansell sees that Marie is being attacked, he decides to step in, he knows it’s not a good idea but he also doesn’t like entitled rich people thinking the can rule.
Marie is terrified of Ansell, he’s known as the Ice King and yet she sees that he is trying to protect her, sometimes she even sees a bit of a smile from him. Marie knows that she could take on her ex and his family by herself, but her father is also against her, when Ansell offers her help, she knows she has no other choice.
Helping Marie was a given for Ansell but what he didn’t expect was that he would start feeling things, things that made him want to protect Marie and make her his, but he knows they need to stop her being targeted and he needs to let her know about his past.
When Ansell sees that Marie is being attacked, he decides to step in, he knows it’s not a good idea but he also doesn’t like entitled rich people thinking the can rule.
Marie is terrified of Ansell, he’s known as the Ice King and yet she sees that he is trying to protect her, sometimes she even sees a bit of a smile from him. Marie knows that she could take on her ex and his family by herself, but her father is also against her, when Ansell offers her help, she knows she has no other choice.
Helping Marie was a given for Ansell but what he didn’t expect was that he would start feeling things, things that made him want to protect Marie and make her his, but he knows they need to stop her being targeted and he needs to let her know about his past.
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