Reviewed by Scotty
TITLE: Melting the Ice
SERIES: Portland Evergreens #1
AUTHOR: Beth Bolden
NARRATOR: Darcy Stark
PUBLISHER: Earl gray Publishing
LENGTH: 11 hours and 12 minutes
RELEASE DATE: October 21, 2024
BLURB:
Brody’s got enough on his plate.
Recovering from a knee injury he hopes won’t keep him off the ice. His team, the Portland University Evergreens, have a brand new coach, and he’s hoping to impress the legendary leader. Plus, he’s got to make a decision once and for all about playing professional hockey or using his love of science to go a totally different direction.
The last thing he needs is a sexual awakening at the large, calloused hands of his football player roommate.
Dean is big and brawny and taciturn, but he doesn’t need to words to woo Brody. He wants Dean, even if he thought he was straight. And Dean? Doesn’t matter that he’s never hooked up with a guy before, either.
They’re discovering new pleasures every night, while pretending during the day that they’re just roommates.
Except the heat burns so hot between them, it doesn’t just melt all the ice on Brody’s rink, it melts all his beliefs about who he is and what he wants.
But even more, it destroys the lie that he can’t fall hard for a guy. Because Brody is falling hard for Dean, and he discovers he’s not alone.
REVIEW:
“Melting The Ice”, the first book in the Portland Evergreens series by Beth Bolden, is a refreshing take on the college sports romance genre, exploring sexual identity and future aspirations wrapped in a sweet roommates-to-lovers package. The story avoids many of the typical college romance tropes, focusing instead on the genuine emotional journey of its two leads, instead of a barrage of frat parties.
Bolden introduces us to Brody, a college hockey player at a crossroads, juggling a knee injury, a new coach, and the weighty decision between professional sports and a career in science. His roommate Dean, a football player, adds another layer of complexity to Brody’s already full plate when their friendship evolves into something more. Both characters are wonderfully developed, with internal conflicts that feel authentic rather than manufactured for drama.
The romance develops naturally, with both men discovering their bisexuality through their growing attraction to each other. I like a good bi-awakening story, so having double the discovery was very enjoyable. Beth handles their sexual awakening with sensitivity and realism, allowing the MCs to explore their feelings without falling into stereotypical angst or denial.
Supporting characters, particularly the MCs’ friends, add depth to the narrative without overshadowing the central relationship, whilst setting up potential future books in the series. The dual sports aspect – mixing ice hockey and football – provides an interesting backdrop.
Darvy Stark’s narration is a highlight. His pleasant voice and excellent pacing were easy to listen to, while his ability to give distinct voices to both main and supporting characters helps follow long dialogue scenes. His emotional delivery adds depth to the dialogue and internal monologues.
In conclusion, “Melting The Ice” offers a nice blend of sports, romance, and personal growth. While it’s a low-angst read, it doesn’t lack emotional depth, and the combination of well-developed characters, natural relationship progression, and strong narration makes for an entertaining read.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: