Where love melts the ice and dreams come to fruition. Welcome to the Carolina Fury, where passion thaws even the most frozen hearts.
Brooklynn Greene has it all—a successful salon, a close-knit group of girlfriends, and a life she loves. But there’s one thing she can’t seem to get out of her mind–her irresistibly charming neighbor. She can’t have him. He’s a dream. No, he’s the dream. Her neighbor is off-limits. At least, that’s the way that she sees it, and she’s tried to keep him at arm's length. But he needs her help. And it wouldn’t be neighborly to deny him. Even if it means playing his fake girlfriend. Forrest Westwood doesn’t worry. He lives his life the way that he wants, knowing that money is no object. The day he turns twenty-five, his trust fund is his. Life is going to be a comfortable one once his checks start coming in. He plays by his own rules. She’s everywhere. Across the street, in the stands, and his dreams. Life has a way of becoming complicated. The confident and independent woman is right in front of him. But can a fake relationship between them stay that way, or will the lines between pretend and reality blur as they play the most dangerous game of all—falling in love?
TROPES:
Alpha Male Hockey Hero Oblivious to Love Small Town Romance Fake Relationship Friends to Lovers
Hey there! I'm Hayley James. I’m an established romance author who has decided to have some fun writing in a different genre! I hope that you’ll come along with me for this new adventure. I know it’s going to be a sweet, sexy, fun ride… that is, between the pages, at least!
Born in a small farming community, I spent my childhood dreaming up wild stories while playing with my Barbie dolls.
I started my publishing journey in 2015, and I have not stopped. I’ve self-published over ninety books and have several series translated into foreign languages. I am so excited to bring this new-to-me-genre to life!
When I’m not writing, I spend my days being a professional chauffeur for my teenage sons and all of their activities which include robotics, golf, swimming, and music lessons, to name a few!
So, please sit back, relax, and enjoy the possessive alpha male ride!
In the vibrant world of North Carolina Fury, the ice rink may be cold, but the tension between Brooklyn and Forrester had been simmering for ages. From the very first book, they’ve danced around each other, locking eyes across crowded rooms, sharing secret smiles, and always managing to be just out of reach. Readers could feel the electric pull between them, but their hesitation kept the pages turning, their love a promise waiting to unfold.
Forrester, the strong and silent hockey star, has had Brooklyn on his mind for as long as he can remember. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to bridge that gap, too scared to cross the invisible line from friends to something so much more dangerous. Brooklyn, with her spark, her sass, and that irresistible charm, had her own reasons for holding back—what if she made a move and everything shattered?
But the stakes were raised when Forrester’s family called him back to the Hamptons for a weekend that screamed of expectations and family pressure. His parents wanted him to give up the sport, to settle into the life they’d planned for him—one without hockey, without passion. And he needed an escape, a shield. Enter Brooklyn. He asked her to be his fake girlfriend, and without a moment’s hesitation, she said yes.
What neither of them expected was just how real everything would feel. The chemistry between them, which had been carefully controlled, now exploded in the midst of champagne toasts and high society charm. Brooklyn was perfection, playing the role so well that Forrester’s family, for the first time, began to approve of his choices. Behind every stolen glance and shared laugh, emotions surged higher than ever before. Forrester’s family questioned his dedication to hockey, pushing him toward a different life, but Brooklyn stood by his side, unwavering, the perfect partner.
As the weekend unfolded, so did their feelings. What started as a simple favor soon became something much deeper—something neither of them could ignore. But to get to their happily ever after, they’d have to fight past their fears, the pressures of family, and the complexities of transitioning from best friends to lovers.
Their love story wasn’t easy, but the struggle only made their HEA (happily ever after) all the more satisfying. Brooklyn and Forrester had circled each other long enough, and their long-awaited romance was everything fans had hoped for. The tension, the passion, the slow burn finally igniting—this was the moment we had all been waiting for. Brooklyn, with her fearless heart, and Forrester, the book boyfriend of 2024, were a match made on the ice, and together, they were unstoppable.
Honestly, I read this book in one day. Mostly because I was enjoying the slow burn, then the relationship between Brooklyn and Forrest. This story went from me wanting to shake some sense into the two of these, to loving them so much, and then to wanting shake them again. But I did love the ending and the bonus chapters after the epilogue were great. This was sweet romance with a dash of angst but, thanks to two strong MCs, there is nothing that they can’t face. I had read the previous book in the series, and I had enjoyed it. But this book is now number one in this series. Brooklyn and Forrest were great characters.
Brooklyn has strength and even though her family has some money, she works hard for where she is. She is a co-owner of a salon with her friends, and even though she doesn’t always show up on time, she works late hours. She cares about her clients and she is close with the people who sit in her chair. She has strong feelings for her neighbor but she KNOWS that there is no way that he feels the same. Brooklyn is strong but she has such a good heart.
I can actually relate to Forrest. Family is such a crazy thing. Especially when your blood family wants to force you take a job you don’t want to do and wants you to separate yourself from the person you love. He also is attracted to his neighbor and thinks the only way that he might be able to develop a relationship is for her to pretend to be his girlfriend. But Forrest has a great found family in the other players and the women in their lives. I love that Forrest refuses to give up what he loves. It is so hard to tell your family that you are going to go against them and stick to that conviction when they do everything to control you. Forrest is so sweet. He’s protective and he has eyes only for Brooklyn.
I really enjoyed this book. If I had one issue, it would be that some things seemed to be skipped over and I really wanted to see how it played out, like at the women’s brunch or out skeet shooting. I think those would have been great scenes to read. I love the found family aspect and how Forrest leans of his family while his mother and father try so hard to push him back into the family business and the family lifestyle. There was some very nice spice and it wasn’t to long. But it also read quickly. It was a great romance with a dash of hockey
Forrest is a passionate and ambitious man who dreams of making it big in the hockey world. With his 25th birthday approaching, Jake is living the high life, spending money like water, fully convinced that his impending inheritance will secure his future. However, a surprising twist unfolds when he learns that his parents' wealth comes with strings attached: to receive the inheritance, he must give up hockey and work for the family business. This news sends him into a tailspin, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and aspirations. The emotional stakes heighten when he turns to his alluring neighbor, Brooklyn. In a desperate bid to win over his parents during a weekend family gathering, he convinces her to be his fake girlfriend. What starts as a calculated ruse quickly morphs into the undeniable attraction, they have always had for each other. The chemistry between Forrest and Brooklyn is hot, and their banter is playful and heartfelt. Brooklyn, a fiercely independent woman, challenges Forrest to embrace who he is rather than who he could become. Her unwavering support for his dreams is refreshing, and it becomes clear that their connection runs deeper than mere attraction. As the weekend unfolds, the boundaries of their relationship blur. James does an amazing job writing about love, ambition, and the search for happiness. This was a quick read and kept me on the edge of my seat as the relationship between Forrest and Brooklyn evolves. This is a read that combines romance and sports with a message about the importance of following one’s heart. I was cheering for them as they navigated the challenges of love and ambition. This book serves as a reminder that sometimes, the path to happiness lies in embracing who we are and what we truly desire. The epilogue ties the whole thing into a nice and perfect bow. Highly recommended!
Dreams On The Ice - North Carolina Fury Series) Tropes 🔥Alpha Males 🔥 Hockey hero’s / romance 🔥Small Town 🔥Fake Relationships 🔥Enemies to lovers and all the feels Ok !! So I’m usually someone who reads dark themed romances pretty much 95% of the time . So of course it’s not often I get to pick up a love story that has the ability to put a smile on my face, to make me laugh out loud and even make me cry like a baby at times - all well I was rooting so freaking hard . But Hayley’s books do exactly that in spades . I absolutely adored both Forrest and Brooklyn together more than words can say . Both were not only so likable and relatable but the chemistry they shared was off the charts hot and all the angst , the humor , the witty banter , the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the drama , the obstacles, the family and friendships- all I can say is I seriously felt like I was on a emotional rollercoaster the whole way through. Haley James exceeded all my expectations once again and completely blew me away in all the best ways . This series really does just keep getting better and better and is a must read for anyone who is a lover of fake relationship and hockey romances ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book number 3 of the North Carolina Fury series and focuses on Forrest and Brooklynn. Brooklynn is a successful owner of a salon and Forrest is a player for the North Carolina Fury. He has been living life however he seems fit since he’s just waiting for his 25th birthday to hit to get his inheritance that will have him set financially for life. What he hadn’t realized is that in order to get his inheritance he has to give up everything that matters to him. When he finds out the stipulations, he turns to his neighbor, Brooklynn, for help. They end up posing as a fake couple for the weekend while attending one of his family’s events. What starts off as fake turns into so much more. One of the things I have absolutely loved throughout this whole series so far is the strong support system and strong friendships between all of the neighbors. They always have each other’s backs no matter what and are always there with unwavering support of each other. It is honestly so refreshing to see such strong core friendships. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dreams on the Ice was a pleasure to read and I found that I couldn’t set the book down until I had finished the book. I’m so thrilled to have been able to read this book. I don’t read very many hocky romances, but when I do, I absolutely enjoy reading them and I find them to be quite captivating from start to finish. Dreams on the Ice is well-written, well-balanced, and perfectly executed by author Hayley James. Dreams on the Ice is the third installment in the North Carolina Fury. Dreams on the Ice follows the story about Brooklynn and Forrest who are well-developed and perfectly executed throughout the book. Author Hayley James has created an amazing hockey romance story that captures my attention straight away. Dreams on the Ice is the first book that I have read by this author, and she did NOT disappoint in anyway whatsoever with this fantastic book. Dreams on the Ice is certainly a book that I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone who enjoys reading hockey romance stories. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing books by this fabulous author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me hooked from the first page; which is super surprising because I am not much for slow burn romances, but with Hayley James' writing, it just keeps me engaged. I really enjoyed watching Brooklyn and Forrest and seeing their relationship evolve. Her writing is sweet, with a dash of angst sprinkled on top. It was enough to keep me wanting more, even with the slow burn.
Forest: the passionate, ambitious hockey playing- wishing to make his big NHL breakthrough, but a twist hits him where it hurts, his wealthy parents attached strings to his inheritance- He has to walk away from Hockey and work for the family business full time.
harsh parents, crushed dreams, what's next? How about a fake Girlfriend. Enter Brooklyn. what starts out as a rouse to win over his parents turns into a passionate love story with undeniable chemistry.
Brookly is a fierce FMC, who is independent and she knows she doesn't need Forest, but she can't deny her feelings. and she challenges Forest and supports his dreams and its so adorable.
I cant get enough of the North Carolina Fury; keep 'em coming!
Brooklynn Greene is part owner of a successful salon, lives with a close knit group of girlfriends and enjoys her life. Her neighbor across the street is off limits but that doesn't stop her from wanting him.
Forrest Westwood is just waiting for his twenty-five birthday so he can get his trust fund his grandparents set up. He's a hockey player who basically has spent everything he's made so the trust fund would make his life easier. But it's not so easy since his dad controls it and wants him to give up his hockey career and work in the family business and of course there's also the girl his parents want him to marry, none of which he wants.
He decides to attend the family event his parents are on him to come to but he doesn't want to go alone so he talks to Brooklynn about posing as his girlfriend and going with. She agrees. Again nothing is as easy as it should be. This weekend changes everything between them but also causes problems for Brooklynn. Can they survive it all?
dreams on the ice is the third book in the north carolina fury series. it is also Available Now!!
this is such a cute and heartwarming story that had me glued to the book. forrest and brooklynn's story wasn't an easy one, there was definitely some struggles but honestly that all made their hea so much better in my opinion.
this book was very entertaining. the characters have incredible depth and growth and i can't forget the connection the two mc's share with eachother. both their friend groups definitely add some extra entertainment as well 😂.
this was the first book i read in this series and i will absolutely be going back to read the first two. i am also looking forward to the next installment this series.
read if you enjoy any of these tropes: 🏒 hockey romance 🏒 small town 🏒 friends to lovers 🏒 fake dating
thank you so much hayley james and wordsmith publicity for gifting me this e-arc.
This was not just another hockey story but a true love story and all the trials and triumphs a couple goes through for their happily ever after. This couple deserved it and lots more ~Jen
"Fake relationship romance novels don't get any better than this. There was nothing that I didn't love about Brooklynn & Forrest's story. The backwards & forwards between the pair were outstanding. I could feel the attraction they held for one another basically sizzle off the pages it was that good. They both were a bit hesitant to cross over the line to try something more, but family obligations for Forrest kind of forced their hand to at least ""pretend"". Pretend schmend - these guys were exceptional as a couple, and it was only a matter of time until they gave in to what they both really wanted. And let me tell you it, it was amazing to read. I am going to call it now - I probably won't read a better MMC as Forrest, he is utter perfection!!" ~Sharon
Brooklynn has been attracted to Forrest for a while but believes they are only destined to be friends. When he needs a girlfriend for a visit with his family, she is more than willing to be there for him but the more time she spends with him the more she realizes that there is nothing pretend about the feelings she has for him.
Forrest’s parents have his life all planned out and they do not include a professional hockey career. He is hoping that by bringing Brooklyn he will have ally as he tries to convince his parents that he wants to follow his dreams and not theirs but when it comes to Brooklyn he finds so much more.
The interactions between them are entertaining and the feelings between them are heartfelt. Forrest and Brooklyn are so supportive of each other as meet the challenges that life is throwing at them and emerge stronger because of it.
Fake relationship romance novels don't get any better than this. There was nothing that I didn't love about Brooklynn & Forrest's story. The backwards & forwards between the pair were outstanding. I could feel the attraction they held for one another basically sizzle off the pages it was that good. They both were a bit hesitant to cross over the line to try something more, but family obligations for Forrest kind of forced their hand to at least "pretend". Pretend schmend - these guys were exceptional as a couple, and it was only a matter of time until they gave in to what they both really wanted. And let me tell you it, it was amazing to read. I am going to call it now - I probably won't read a better MMC as Forrest, he is utter perfection!!
🏒ARC REVIEW🏒 Dreams on the Ice is friends to lovers romance with fun tropes such as fake dating, neighbors, small town romance just to name a few. Brooklyn is a successful salon owner and Forrest is a hockey player. Brooklyn has had her eye on Forrest for quite sometime but doesn’t want to ruin their friendship but it’s safe to say the feeling is mutual. Just shy of his twenty fifth birthday Forrest is a a pinch and needs a fake date in order to try and secure his trust fund. Get ready for a sweet and spicy ride with this slow burn romance!
Dreams on the Ice is NOW AVAILABLE! Don’t forget to add this read to your tbr on Goodreads!
Thank you Hayley and Wordsmith publicity for allowing me to read Dreams on the Ice!
4.5/5⭐️ To satisfy his demanding parents, Forrest requests for Brooklyn’s help to be his fake girlfriend at a huge event at the Hamptons. He does this in hopes that he can convince his parents to release his trust funds once he is 25.
The event turns out horrible but it is successful in one sense as it brings them closer. This is a spicy read so if you love spicy scenes, this book is a treat for you in many, many ways. 🔥
I also enjoyed the scenes with their respective friends as well. His blood family may be horrible but all Forrest needs is his amazing found family. I also loved the discussion between him and Brooklyn’s father, showing us how he has matured due to the family drama he experiences. The grand gesture from Forrest too was just what Brooklyn needs.
This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Forrest and Brooklynn’s story. Brooklynn is independent, with a successful career, good friends, and a life she loves, and Forrest is a charming hockey player, and her neighbor. Forrest asks Brooklynn for help by agreeing to a fake relationship, in order to claim his inheritance. This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, drama, lies, friends / lovers, fake relationship, engaging and realistic characters, passion, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to a spicy, entertaining, and heartfelt, small town romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Dreams on the Ice by Hayley James ⭐️4/5 🥰Alpha Males 🥰Fake Relationship 🥰Small Town 🥰Hockey
Who ever said that ice rinks are cold has never been in an ice rink with Brooklyn and Forrester. They had the ice melting with all of their tension. They have been dancing around each other from the very first book. Finally getting to see them come together was perfect. I was hooked in chapter 1.
Their love story came with challenges but that’s what made this such a great read. This was book 3 in the North Carolina Fury series. I think this is my favorite so far. Brooklyn and Forrester might start as a fake couple to help Forrester out with his family but ohh boy those sparks are real and not at all fake. I would highly recommend this as your next read!
This story is so sweet and somehow over the top. Fake couple that turns into a real couple, it is just so sweet. I, at least, enjoyed it really much to read this one. Sports stories can be so fun to read and this one certainly lives up to the sport's theme, and friends theme and couples theme so just enjoy reading it. I enjoyed reading it enough to find it to be very deserving of the fabulous four stars I am giving it here.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the connection between Brooklynn and Forrest, I also loved that they were friends before anything more. My goodness did I not see some things coming, my heart hurt for them and I wanted to hug them both. I was so impressed with how strong Forrest stayed, how certain he was and that he was willing to fight for them no matter what. I really enjoyed seeing them work through things and with the support of her family and their friends they were able to get the life that wanted.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a super sweet fake relationship to love story! Brooklyn and Forrest have wanted each other for awhile, but refuse to go after it because of their friendship. When Forrest needs help with his family, Brooklyn jumps at the chance to help him.
Brooklyn and Forrest have a super sweet relationship. Their story is quick and fast paced. At times, they both could be a little much, but were so good together!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Brooklyn and Forrest have wanted each other but didn't act on it. This changed on a weekend at his parents. I can't say I like his parents and if anything it would be the opposite. However I do really like how Forrest puts Brooklyn first and does everything he can to protect her. He is successful and gets Brooklyn too. They are very happy together with her family and the family they made their own.
This was an awesome book. I enjoyed the fake to real love between the two MCs. It was so realistic. All the drama between the MMC and his parents was outstanding. It gave the book that angsty feeling. All the lies concerning the FMC and the drama surrounding her was intriguing. The ending was so sweet it made you want to reread the whole book. I highly recommend this book to all hockey romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forrest is the man Brooklynn can’t have. He’s a hockey player and her neighbor. But when he needs her help, who is she to deny him? Dreams on the Ice is a small town, hockey romance with a fake relationship (or at least, it starts that way). It’s a slow burn where Brooklynn and Forrest grow closer to each other and real feelings start to develop. I really enjoyed this book, I’m always in for a hockey romance and Forrest and Brooklyn are so cute together, it made me swoon.
More Carolina Fury goodness A great easy and quick read full of humour, witty banter sweetness, great chemistry, family drama, steam, angst, lies, romance and emotion. I really liked the journey of Brooklynn and Forrest, the ups and downs they navigated, the friend group, the unexpected moments and how realistic and relatable these characters were.
Forrest and Brooklyn's story was so good that I could not put it down but kind of regretted reading it all in one sitting because I didn't want it to end. Forrest asks Brooklyn for a huge favor that brings them closer and the sparks are undeniable. I am thoroughly enjoying this series so much.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet romance on the ice-cold icerink. The heat might just fly of Brooklyn and Forrester. Forrester seems to have it all but he's too scared to make a move on his neighbor Brooklyn. However now his family is calling in and asking him to settle down. Now he's asking Brooklyn to be his fake girlfriend. Great setup so you know what's gonna happen.
Dreams on the ice was Forrest and Brooklynn’s story. Life has a way of becoming complicated. Can a fake relationship between them stay that way, or will the lines between pretend and reality blur as they play the most dangerous game of all—falling in love? It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Blending charm, humor, and emotional depth, Dreams on Ice is a captivating read that delves into the challenges and joys of love. Its heartwarming story and relatable characters will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
This series and this close knit group of friends never disappoint. Brooklynn owns a hair salon with her friends and lives with some of them. She is very independent, a little sassy and has a major crush on her neighbor. Forrest is a professional hockey player and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. His parents are overbearing and controlling, so living with his teammates and best friends is a perfect solution. This book is a little emotional, a little cute…but most of all it’s very entertaining. These characters have amazing depth and incredible back stories that just added that much more to this amazing story. These two have an undeniable connection and I love how they stood up for each other…very sweet. Both set of friend groups never fail, they always add to the entertainment portion of this series. I am already looking forward to seeing what happens next.
In the vibrant world of North Carolina Fury, the ice rink may be cold, but the tension between Brooklyn and Forrester had been simmering for ages. From the very first book, they’ve danced around each other, locking eyes across crowded rooms, sharing secret smiles, and always managing to be just out of reach. Readers could feel the electric pull between them, but their hesitation kept the pages turning, their love a promise waiting to unfold.
Forrester, the strong and silent hockey star, has had Brooklyn on his mind for as long as he can remember. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to bridge that gap, too scared to cross the invisible line from friends to something so much more dangerous. Brooklyn, with her spark, her sass, and that irresistible charm, had her own reasons for holding back—what if she made a move and everything shattered?
But the stakes were raised when Forrester’s family called him back to the Hamptons for a weekend that screamed of expectations and family pressure. His parents wanted him to give up the sport, to settle into the life they’d planned for him—one without hockey, without passion. And he needed an escape, a shield. Enter Brooklyn. He asked her to be his fake girlfriend, and without a moment’s hesitation, she said yes.
What neither of them expected was just how real everything would feel. The chemistry between them, which had been carefully controlled, now exploded in the midst of champagne toasts and high society charm. Brooklyn was perfection, playing the role so well that Forrester’s family, for the first time, began to approve of his choices. Behind every stolen glance and shared laugh, emotions surged higher than ever before. Forrester’s family questioned his dedication to hockey, pushing him toward a different life, but Brooklyn stood by his side, unwavering, the perfect partner.
As the weekend unfolded, so did their feelings. What started as a simple favor soon became something much deeper—something neither of them could ignore. But to get to their happily ever after, they’d have to fight past their fears, the pressures of family, and the complexities of transitioning from best friends to lovers.
Their love story wasn’t easy, but the struggle only made their HEA (happily ever after) all the more satisfying. Brooklyn and Forrester had circled each other long enough, and their long-awaited romance was everything fans had hoped for. The tension, the passion, the slow burn finally igniting—this was the moment we had all been waiting for. Brooklyn, with her fearless heart, and Forrester, the book boyfriend of 2024, were a match made on the ice, and together, they were unstoppable.
Brooklynn hat zusammen mit ihren Freundinnen und Mitbewohnerinnen einen gut laufenden Salon und ist seit jeher in ihren Freund und Nachbarn Forrest verknallt. Doch Brooklynn ist sich sicher: Daraus wird niemals etwas. Doch dann bittet Forrest sie seine Fake-Freundin zu sein und auf einmal scheint das fake immer mehr in den Hintergrund zu geraten.
Nachdem in Band 1 und 2 die beiden Spieler der North Carolina Fury sehr intensive Charaktere waren habe ich hier damit gerechnet, dass Forrest ähnlich intensiv wird, aber er hat mich wirklich positiv überrascht. Ja, auch Forrest liebt Brooklynn mit allem was er hat, aber er ist weit weniger obsessiv als seine zwei Teamkollegen und ich fand das sehr erfrischend. Die Liebesgeschichte ist wie immer super schön und grundsätzlich war die Geschichte sehr angenehm zu lesen und kurzweilig. Die Kapitel haben genau die richtige Länge und die Nebenstränge sind wieder klasse ausgearbeitet. Hier und da hätte ich mir ein wenig mehr gewünscht, wenn ich ehrlich bin. Da wurde mir manchmal zu abrupt etwas abgehandelt. Aber - und damit habe ich wirklich nicht gerechnet - dieses Buch hat mich zum Weinen gebracht, weil ich die Geschichte von Brooklynn und Forrest so wunderschön und intensiv fand, dass mich die Wendung in der Geschichte tief berührt hat.
4/5 ⭐️ und klare Leseempfehlung für alle Hockeyromanze-Fans und die die es noch werden (wollen).