Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. She’s determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the odds—and her bank account—are stacked against her.
Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. He’s content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who won’t stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.
His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedy—his sister’s friend and the one person he can’t seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.
But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, they’re forced to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what if this isn’t fake anymore?
(ARC Read)
Some books hook you with drama, some with spice, but Fire and Ice pulled me in with personality. From the very first chapters, Kennedy and Cameron felt like real people I wanted to spend time with. Their banter is effortless, their chemistry sneaks up on you, and the emotional moments hit in a quiet, meaningful way that made this story incredibly easy to fall into.
Kennedy absolutely steals the show. She’s hilarious, unapologetic, and full of piss and vinegar. The kind of heroine who doesn’t get embarrassed, doesn’t back down, and definitely doesn’t let anyone influence her. Her one-liners are gold, her humor feels like armor at times, and her loyalty runs deep—if someone wrongs her people, they’ve automatically wronged her too. She’s adventurous, hardworking, and the kind of person you want to be friends with because life around her just seems brighter. Honestly? I don’t think I’ve ever read a character whose humor felt more relatable. Kennedy is loud, bold, and completely unforgettable, and Cameron never stands a chance.
“Never did I think that taking orders from this woman would become one of my favorite pastimes, but here we are.”
Cameron, on the other hand, is broody, quiet, and guarded. As an NHL goalie, he’s used to protecting the net and himself. He’s spent so much time alone, both on the ice and in life, that opening up doesn’t come naturally to him. But Kennedy? She crashes right through those walls with gluten-free baked goods, Bravo TV chatter, and a carefree attitude he didn’t realize he needed. Watching Cameron slowly soften—smiling more, staying on late-night calls, going to Costco together, counting her freckles, and calling her “Sweetheart”—was one of my favorite parts of the entire story.
“So are you touchy feely? A hand-holder?” She scrunches up her nose, the freckles bunching together. “Or are you going to slobber all over me like a Great Pyrenees? I need to know what I’m signing up for here.”
Their fake dating arrangement starts as something practical. Cameron needs help dealing with his toxic ex, and Kennedy needs financial support to grow her bakery and climb out of law school debt. But from the very beginning, nothing about their connection feels fake. The banter is effortless, the chemistry is undeniable, and their dynamic just works. Kennedy definitely wears the pants in this relationship, and Cameron enjoys it far more than he probably ever expected. He falls first, and watching him realize just how much he needs her in his life was incredibly satisfying.
“Yeah…and I hate to be the one to break it to you, Davies, but Kennedy wears the pants in yours, too.”
I swallow back a giggle, desperately trying to keep my expression neutral. “Yep. You’re totally pants-less. With your bare ass out and everything, baby.”
One of the things I loved most about this book is how uncomplicated their relationship feels, and I mean that in the best possible way. No unnecessary drama. No frustrating third-act breakup. Just two people building trust, communicating, and choosing each other. Their connection grows naturally from friendship into something deeper, filled with late-night conversations, reality TV marathons, baking puns, and the sweetest little moments that sneak up on your heart.
Kennedy’s personality brings humor and chaos, while Cameron offers steadiness and quiet devotion. Together, they balance each other perfectly. She helps him open up, and he supports her dreams without trying to take over. Their relationship feels mature, genuine, and incredibly swoony.
“You’re going to ruin me.”
“Good. It’s only fair since you’ve already ruined me.”
And the side characters? Absolute bonus. The team banter, found family vibes, and supportive friendships added so much warmth to the story. There’s also emotional depth layered throughout—Cameron’s loneliness, Kennedy’s financial stress, and the tension from his toxic ex—but it never weighs the story down. Instead, it adds just enough angst to make the payoff even sweeter.
The writing is engaging, the characters feel real, and the quiet, intimate moments linger long after you finish. Fire and Ice is fun, flirty, emotional, and completely satisfying. It’s a fake dating romance that somehow feels real.
More than anything, though, Kennedy is what made this book unforgettable for me. She’s bold, hilarious, fiercely loyal, and completely unapologetic about who she is. Her humor feels like both a shield and a superpower, and I loved how she never shrank herself to make anyone else comfortable. She’s the kind of character that makes every scene better, whether she’s delivering one-liners, standing up for the people she loves, or casually turning Cameron’s world upside down. Kennedy felt real, relatable, and refreshingly different, and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself more in a heroine. She’s exactly the kind of character that sticks with you long after you finish the book, and she’s a huge reason why Fire and Ice was such a standout read for me.
“Let yourself be proud without conditions or clauses. Stop waiting for permission from other people to feel good about what you’ve built.”
Release Date: April 23rd, 2026
Thank you to Carly Robyn and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC read!