P
Palo Verde
April 30, 2026
Far, far above most genre romance novels
If you're looking for an ordinary hockey romance with pedestrian writing—this is NOT your book. If anything, this book leans towards the more literary sort of novel while remaining clearly in the mm romance mode. The writing is exquisite: nuanced, quiet, dealing with physical and metaphorical walls and the spaces between them. Hockey binds the characters together; it's detailed (indicating a deep knowledge of hockey or help from someone else who knows the sport) yet remains a quiet net that keeps the characters together and drives the story forward. The author acknowledges the influence of Rachel Reid and her Game Changers series of books with specific nods sprinkled into the story. Indeed, I find that Fresh Ice has the feel of the best of fanfiction—and there are incredibly talented writers producing excellent fanfiction. Bravo/brava to Riley Bauer! This story is something I'll remember.