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A review by sterling_sapphic_reads
Out on the Ice by Kelly Farmer
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
Out on the Ice by Kelly Farmer is a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance that tackles important topics like mental health, identity, and the complexities of love. Narrated by Chelsea Stephens, the audiobook adds an extra layer of depth to this already engaging story, making it an enjoyable listen for fans of sapphic romance and sports fiction.
Caro Cassidy, a former women’s hockey legend, is now dedicated to running an all-girls hockey camp and keeping her personal life private. In contrast, Amy Schwarzbach is all bright energy and charm, using her high-profile position in women’s hockey to advocate for causes she believes in. When Amy joins Caro’s camp for the summer, their initial chemistry turns into something much deeper, but both women have reasons to be cautious about letting love in.
I really appreciated the strong representation in this book. Having a half-Jewish, bi main character was fantastic, and the bi-representation felt authentic without being heavy-handed. The way the book handled discussions around mental health—covering anxiety, depression, and personal insecurities—added a realness that made the characters feel relatable and three-dimensional. Neither Caro nor Amy is perfect, and I liked that they both had flaws that made them more human and easier to connect with.
The slow-burn romance was filled with so much tension that I found myself wishing for a bit more on-page romance. The fade-to-black scenes, while well-written, left me wanting a little more in terms of intimacy, especially given how much build-up there was. That’s just a personal preference, but it’s a testament to how well Farmer created that chemistry between the two leads.
The pacing of the story is definitely on the slower side, so if you're someone who enjoys taking your time to get to know the characters, you’ll find a lot to love here. The hockey setting and the strong focus on the sport added an extra layer of excitement, especially if you're a fan of sports romances.
Chelsea Stephens did a good job with the narration, capturing the distinct voices of Caro and Amy and bringing the characters to life in a way that added even more depth to the story. I also loved the audiobook cover—it’s so cute and perfectly captures the spirit of the story!
This is a heartfelt and well-developed romance with characters you’ll root for, and I enjoyed seeing the emotional growth of both Caro and Amy throughout the book. Kelly Farmer has shown great promise with this one, and I’m excited to see what she has in store next!
Caro Cassidy, a former women’s hockey legend, is now dedicated to running an all-girls hockey camp and keeping her personal life private. In contrast, Amy Schwarzbach is all bright energy and charm, using her high-profile position in women’s hockey to advocate for causes she believes in. When Amy joins Caro’s camp for the summer, their initial chemistry turns into something much deeper, but both women have reasons to be cautious about letting love in.
I really appreciated the strong representation in this book. Having a half-Jewish, bi main character was fantastic, and the bi-representation felt authentic without being heavy-handed. The way the book handled discussions around mental health—covering anxiety, depression, and personal insecurities—added a realness that made the characters feel relatable and three-dimensional. Neither Caro nor Amy is perfect, and I liked that they both had flaws that made them more human and easier to connect with.
The slow-burn romance was filled with so much tension that I found myself wishing for a bit more on-page romance. The fade-to-black scenes, while well-written, left me wanting a little more in terms of intimacy, especially given how much build-up there was. That’s just a personal preference, but it’s a testament to how well Farmer created that chemistry between the two leads.
The pacing of the story is definitely on the slower side, so if you're someone who enjoys taking your time to get to know the characters, you’ll find a lot to love here. The hockey setting and the strong focus on the sport added an extra layer of excitement, especially if you're a fan of sports romances.
Chelsea Stephens did a good job with the narration, capturing the distinct voices of Caro and Amy and bringing the characters to life in a way that added even more depth to the story. I also loved the audiobook cover—it’s so cute and perfectly captures the spirit of the story!
This is a heartfelt and well-developed romance with characters you’ll root for, and I enjoyed seeing the emotional growth of both Caro and Amy throughout the book. Kelly Farmer has shown great promise with this one, and I’m excited to see what she has in store next!