Melting the Ice
Book Description
When the icy veneer of a once-passionate relationship begins to crack, the heat of desire ignites once more. In "Melting the Ice," two former lovers are thrown together in a whirlwind of heated moments and unresolved feelings, pushing them to confront their past and the lingering attraction that still sizzles beneath the surface. As they navigate the treacherous waters of their new reality, every glance and touch threatens to reignite a flame they thought extinguished. Will they find a way to melt the ice between them, or are some wounds too deep to heal? Can true love withstand the test of time?
Quick Summary
"Melting the Ice" by Jaci Burton is a captivating contemporary romance that centers on Carolina Preston, an ambitious fashion designer, and Drew Hogan, a famous hockey player with whom she shares a complicated past. Having once been lovers in college, Carolina and Drew are suddenly reunited when he becomes the celebrity model for Carolina's new men's fashion line. Old feelings quickly resurface, sparking a passionate tension that neither can ignore. As they collaborate on Carolina’s high-profile project, the two struggle with trust, vulnerability, and the scars of their previous breakup. Navigating the challenges of fame, ambition, and the expectations of their careers, Carolina and Drew must decide if they can overcome their history and risk their hearts again for a chance at lasting love.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Second Chances at Love
Carolina Preston is an up-and-coming fashion designer determined to establish her reputation in the competitive industry. Her new men's line could be her breakthrough, and landing NHL star Drew Hogan as her celebrity model seems like a dream come true—except for their shared romantic history. Years earlier, a college relationship ended messily, leaving both with lingering wounds. Their business partnership forces them to interact closely, and the old chemistry between them quickly bubbles to the surface, reigniting unresolved feelings neither expected.
Balancing Ambition and Romance
Drew Hogan is not only a superstar on the ice but also a man haunted by his past with Carolina. Despite his fame and apparent confidence, he harbors doubts about opening his heart again. The project challenges Drew to move beyond his comfort zone and reexamine his priorities. Off the rink, he allows himself to be vulnerable, gradually rebuilding trust with Carolina and stepping out of his public persona to address personal regrets and desires.
The Power of Vulnerability and Trust
The emotional journey for both centers on learning to communicate honestly and forgive past mistakes. As they collaborate, Carolina struggles with balancing her fierce independence with the risk of intimacy, while Drew seeks to prove his loyalty. The two must decide if their ambitions can coexist with personal happiness or if their professional and personal lives are bound to conflict, forcing them to make hard choices about what—and who—is worth fighting for.
Overcoming Emotional Barriers
Public scrutiny and media attention intensify the pressure, making private moments rare and painful. Their burgeoning relationship becomes fodder for gossip columns, adding strain and miscommunication. Yet, these challenges ultimately push Drew and Carolina to confront what they truly want from life and love, leading to poignant moments of clarity about the importance of trust, support, and genuine connection over superficial success or applause.
The Pressures of Public Life
Ultimately, "Melting the Ice" is a heartfelt story about breaking free from fear, letting go of past hurts, and daring to seize second chances. Jaci Burton crafts a passionate, mature romance that highlights the hard work of rekindling love amid personal ambitions and public lives. Carolina and Drew’s journey underscores the transformative power of vulnerability and the hope that comes from melting away old defenses, making way for lasting intimacy and real happiness.