Thin Ice

The Elmwood Stories, Book 4

By: Lane Hayes

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

The hunky dad, the hockey coach, and a new start....

Bryson:

Elmwood isn't good for my love life. Hey, I'm a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small town living, but I haven't had a date in years. That's fine. My son is and always has been my number one focus.

Except now he's grown and gone. And its lonely.

Okay, yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he's off limits. Smitty's trouble with a capital T, and his baggage might outweigh mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after that night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal.

At least that's what I thought.

Smitty:

Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I cant remember the last time I wasn't in pain. My body needs a rest, but I can't go home. Everything has changed there, and I need a distraction. Stat.

So Elmwood.

Look, we all know I won't last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson's here.

There's something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad dad jokes that makes me feel alive again. I'm not in the market for forever. Been there, done that. I've risked my body, but I'm not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it.

Or do I?

Thin Ice is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a silver fox dad, the new hockey coach, and a fresh start on solid ground.

©2024 Lane Hayes (P)2024 Lane Hayes

Smitty & Bryson

While this wasn't my favorite of this series, this was a good story to read. I enjoyed how things developed for Smitty and Bryson. I especially liked listening to the audiobook and the great narration by Nick J Russo.

Really enjoyed this!

I love this small-town / hockey romance series....I love it even more because of Nick J. Russo.

Might be my favorite of the series!

While I thought the last book in this series was a bit rushed and underdeveloped, I *loved* this one! So great to see a “mature” character with real wants, fears, and desires. We barely saw Bryson in the previous books, so it was a delight to discover this sweet and silly man who had put his own needs wayyyy on the back burner for years. Smitty was more of a typical leading man — brawny, bold, supremely gorgeous and confident — but he meshed well with Bryson. Always great to revisit Elmwood and see the other couples thriving. Spot-on narration (as ever!) by Nick. Loved it all.

My favorite of the series!

Loved it! Great story that flew by! It was so good i finished it in one day. Definitely recommend this story and all others in the Elmood series. Narration was great as usual.

Funny and emotional, just how I like it!

This one is paritculalry entertaining!

Thin Ice is a small-town hockey romance. Two things I love in books! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, laughed on the hilarious dad jokes, and even shed a few tears.

Bryson and Smitty's story turns from a one-night-stand to friends to a fling and to more. I loved seeing them grow closer and slowly develop feelings, breaking down the other's thick walls.

The story is a tad hilarious, but I loved it for that. I mean, a dad gets together with his son's nemesis on the ice after a hockey game? It was funny and just a bit crazy, which made the whole book an entertaining read.
Smitty moves to Elmwood months later, and Bryson is forced to face his feelings and make friends with the new guy.
The small-town scene is everything the trope can offer with nosy neighbours, quaint little shops and beautiful places.

The characters are so complex and loveable! Smitty and Bryce both have their demons in their past they need to face and conquer to be able to feel the love that's brewing between them. But together they work and all the funny, spicy, sweet and emotional moments between them are wonderful.
I loved them interacting with their friends and family, showing their secrets and insecurities.
My favourite thing about Bryson is definitely the dad jokes and his unapologetic humour and laughter. It made him tangible and real.
Smitty quickly carved a place into my heart. His past could have made him bitter and distant, but he is this open and full of light person who cares deeply. Even if it took him a bit to see clearly.

Audiobook:
The narrator is fantastic!

Overall, this is an entertaining romance, and I love the setting. The huge plus is that the audiobook version is really 🔥.