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Northwest Ice #2

The Love Penalty

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Sometimes there's a hefty price to pay when two opposites attract...
With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Jenkins is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs while daydreaming about finding a guy who sees further than skin deep and won’t shy away from her battered heart. So when a hot pro hockey player with a smile as vast as his skills takes a shine to her what’s a poor girl to do but fall in love?
Ryan Guillemette sure wasn’t looking for romance in a bookstore in his hometown but quickly becomes intrigued by the sassy Goth-like assistant with a snarky way with words. When an accidental kiss proves dangerously addictive she soon becomes embedded in his heart. But even as the romance heats up he’s torn. She’s not following God, and there are questions over her role in his grandfather’s accident at the retirement home. Can these two opposites make a match or should he call a permanent time out?
These two are about to learn that those who play with fire get burned, and there’s a hefty price to pay for forbidden attraction. The Love Penalty is the second book in the Northwest Ice Christian hockey romance series, and can be read as a standalone, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, and Susan May Warren.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2024

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About the author

Carolyn Miller

49 books972 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 28, 2024
Ever since I got to meet Sylvie in The Breakup Project, I have wondered about her story, so I'm thankful that another reader suggested this to the author! Sylvie is one of those characters that you don't normally see in Christian fiction, so it felt a lot more realistic to hear her side of things. This book is definitely grittier and may be beyond a few readers' comfort levels; however, it demonstrates that the power of God's redemption in a fallen world is not beyond anybody. I admit that there were some difficult scenes, but it was so worth it to see how everything played out. If you're wanting to see beauty come from ashes, this is one of those books where wading through messiness brings you to God's cleansing love.

The Love Penalty excels in sharing how God's grace covers over a multitude of sins, allowing us to always come back to Him; if you think about the title, it does extend beyond hockey. I recommend this book to those who want to see how Jesus can bring about complete transformation and new life in His followers. Sylvie and Ryan's journey isn't easy, and there are a lot of lessons to be learnt, making this both a compelling and convicting read. At the same time, their story is likely reflective of a lot of people who have struggles in their relationships, including Christians.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Carolyn Miller.
Author 49 books972 followers
Read
January 3, 2024
If you’re looking for a Christian book that blends faith, romance and hockey, then do yourself a favour and check out The Love Penalty. The power of God’s grace collides with the rawness of heartbreak and reality, and shows the need for Christian friendship and an open heart.

Profile Image for Brittany .
2,583 reviews181 followers
January 26, 2024
Oh, this book was amazing! Sylvie has been a colorful side character in a few of the earlier hockey books. She is best friends with Bree, yet not a Christian. The author did such a great job of wrenching my heart all over the place with this story…in the best of ways!

I loved the way Ryan saw Sylvie as a unique and kind person, right from the first moment he met her. He liked her style, which was different from everyone else, yet he didn’t let that define her for him. The problem arose when these two started seeing each other, after a miscommunication regarding whether Sylvie understood what it meant to truly be a Christian. These two had quite the connection and an attraction that began to build into some dangerous territory.

When the miscommunication over Sylvie’s salvation became clear, oh the devastation on both sides! The author really captured Sylvie’s heart in this story. Her desire to be loved and included, to belong, was tangled up with her horrifying past, making it hard to watch as she felt rejected by Ryan when he insisted they couldn’t be together if they weren’t both believers.

And Ryan went through some serious heartbreak in this novel, as well. I appreciated the way the author depicted these two as they both reeled from their breakup. Then, she rebuilt the story beautifully in what felt like a realistic and plausible way. There were so many beautiful moments in this book! It is one that will stay with me for many years to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Becky of Becky's Bookshelves .
551 reviews67 followers
January 23, 2024
The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller is the second book in the Northwest Ice Series. Sylvie’s life has never been easy. She longs for something more, but can not decide if she deserves it. She is just not one of the beautiful people. She loves taking care of her friend Bree’s kids. Ryan has loved and breathed hockey for many years. He is known for being very focused, and then he notices Sylvie.

I am a big fan of the author’s hockey books. This one is very good and a little rawer than the others in the series. Sylvie’s character is well developed and her backstory helps us understand her. I started off wondering about Sylvie and by the end wanted to give her a hug and have her for lunch.

Ryan is a great hero and we watch him transform during the story. His family is fabulous and I love how they demonstrate their faith in tangible ways. It is always fun to have a front seat to the world of hockey, and I enjoyed catching up with other characters from this series. It was fun to be visiting Canada! Aye!

The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller is a beautiful redemptive story that shares our need for the Gospel. The author does this not in a preachy way, but woven beautifully through the story. I highly recommend.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review




TW: Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse,
Profile Image for Susan.
675 reviews71 followers
January 2, 2024
I have absolutely enjoyed the hockey stories by Carolyn Miller. I first fell in love with her historicals, but have found that her contemporary stories are not only entertaining but inspirational as well. Readers will quickly fall in love with the hero in The Love Penalty and will hope Sylvie and Ryan overcome many difficulties and find a happy ending.

The Love Penalty is so much more than a romance, it is a wonderful story of grace and redemption. Carolyn Miller writes with a graceful pen as she tells Sylvie's story. Sylvie's view of the world has been shaped by an upbringing filled with neglect and abuse. Her journey of faith, in finding grace and value is compelling and heartwarming.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
54 reviews
January 1, 2024
Many feel out of place and lonely in a crowd. Carolyn Miller tells us the story of Sylvie, a young woman that has not felt the love of family, inclusion of true friends and questions where she fits in the world. She shows love in the only way she’s been taught to show it and faces rejection. It’s a journey to learning God’s love and where true self worth comes from.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book449 followers
February 18, 2024
Hot hockey player hero? Check.

Unique heroine? Check.

Swoonilicous kisses? Check.

Beautiful redemption? Check.

Time spent with fave characters? Check.

In short, The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller checked all the boxes for me when it comes to contemporary romance!

We’ve met Sylvie a couple of times already in the Original Six Hockey universe, and each time she’s drawn my curiosity. She’s a great friend to Bree and really good with kids, but also she seemed broken, as though she were hiding deep pain behind the edgy wardrobe and tattoos. As we truly dig down into all her layers in this book, I found that she’s clearly softer and more tenderhearted – and more vulnerable – than her exterior conveys. She IS hiding emotional pain as well as a desire for the kind of unconditional love she was never shown or modeled growing up. I loved how multidimensional Miller has made this heroine, and I really enjoyed getting to know Sylvie better on these pages. My heart ached for her to know the truest Love – not the kind you can find in another person but the kind only God offers. Miller writes this aspect of Sylvie’s story so tenderly, using characters who show her the love & grace of Jesus in action.

Ryan is the kind of hero who is easy to fall in love with, so it’s no wonder that Sylvie falls so hard for him so quickly. He’s an ‘All-American’ guy (even though he’s Canadian lol), has a family who loves each other & Jesus, and he’s a godly young man who surrounds himself with other godly hockey players who hold him accountable … even when he wishes they wouldn’t. He isn’t planning to fall in love… and certainly not with someone who challenges his Christian convictions. But that accidental kiss and the passionate kisses that followed make it easy to save important conversations like faith and values for later. Until it becomes clear that they aren’t on the same page and something needs to change. To be honest, I wanted to purse whomp Ryan a couple of times, though the story itself does that better than I could. But he also was one of the few who looked beyond Sylvie’s carefully crafted walls to see her heart, and I loved him for it. The journey that Miller takes Ryan on in this book caused me to reflect on the times I’ve jumped ahead of God instead of seeking His wisdom and direction, and I ended up seeing a lot of myself in Ryan after all… even the parts I wanted to purse whomp him for haha.

Bottom Line: The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller is more than just a wonderful contemporary romance – though it’s certainly that. It’s also a beautiful story of redemption, of introducing a broken heart to the Heart Healer. I loved Sylvie and Ryan together and as individually layered characters, and I absolutely adored Ryan’s parents. The storyline quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages, delighting in visits with familiar characters and enjoying the plot revolving around the current protagonists. I appreciated the clear presentation of the gospel and that Ryan wasn’t a ‘perfect’ Christian in contrast to Sylvie’s lostness. The flaws/sins in both characters spoke to me, and I am always a fan when grace takes the spotlight! A sweet love story that points to the true Source of love.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 21, 2024
This book is full of many lessons including faith lessons and life lessons. The story tugged on my heart and made me realize we all see things through a different life lens according to our circumstances, both past and present. Sylvie Mills has a past filled with neglect and heartache. She has never felt loved and cannot believe anyone would ever love her.

Ryan Guillemette is a professional hockey player who has been raised in a loving household with two loving parents. Ryan and Sylvie could not be more different if they tried. They are polar opposites in all ways, but they are drawn to one another. This is a messy romance made up of many bad situations and misunderstandings, but it is a sweet romance as well that will, at times, bring tears to your eyes.

I felt for Sylvie so many times in this story. She had emotional scars and had never had a family who loved her. She desperately wanted the kind of love of a family that she often scoffed at, but she put her dark shields up to protect herself from further hurt. She used sarcasm as a defense. Ryan was such a kind soul and a gentleman.

An inspirational message of forgiveness and redemption are rooted in this story. The lessons of careless judgment of others will break your heart, even as you realize you may be guilty of that same judgment. This one really hit home for me. I loved, loved, loved it. As an added plus for hockey fans, there is a lot of hockey action. The friendships also ran deep in this book, even those on opposing teams. This was more than a sports romance. It was so much more and will leave you feeling the need to self-reflect.

Thank you the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
979 reviews46 followers
February 6, 2024
Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller is the second book in the Northwest Ice Division and a definite must read if you love inspirational contemporary sports related romances.
Sylvie Jenkins was prejudged and misunderstood because of her many tattoos along with her Goth appearance. Her moody disposition didn't help either, but when professional hockey player Ryan Guillemette seems interested in her she is more than just a little intrigued.
This story had me on the edge of my seat while reading it because it had all the feels. To be honest there were times that I was completely frustrated with Sylvie and Ryan and wondered when they would just get their lives straight. These two couldn't be anymore different, but somehow they were able to get past their differences and find common ground that they both desperately needed to make their relationship work.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,206 reviews29 followers
January 17, 2024
The Love Penalty is book two in the Northwest Ice Division by Carolyn Miller. I loved so many things about this book. Sylvie lives a life where she is constantly judged by her appearance. She has a story of her own, but very few are interested in getting through her walls to discover the real heart behind her façade. She is surrounded by Christians, but still seeking and asking questions. The judgement she receives from many has been a barrier to her being open to a real salvation experience. I loved the genuine friends who walked alongside her and loved her unconditionally through everything. Ryan is intrigued and drawn to Sylvie. He sees the heart behind the wall and falls hard and fast. Both are in too deep before real and meaningful questions come to the surface and tough decisions need to be made. While it was painful to watch the hurt and brokenness, I love how they both took responsibility and time for their own growth needs. Real friendship is displayed in multiple ways and the beauty of the body of Christ shines through. As always, there are strong life messages that are gracefully and deftly handled with the Gospel. Why did I love this story in particular? Because it resonates with real life. Real people, encountering real issues, finding real solutions offered by the grace of God.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
Profile Image for Evelyn Foreman.
452 reviews21 followers
January 8, 2024
This series continues to thrill my very soul as I see the characters faced with so many real life challenges yet learning the truth of God’s love and steadfastness. Having come from a broken, dysfunctional past, Sylvie knew only one way to win a man’s affection, seduction. Being blinded by her wit, sassiness and beauty, Ryan found himself caught in her web, so close to relenting, turning his back on his Christian values, but drawing strength from the One who held his heart. Hopelessness didn’t begin to describe life moving forward for them both. Could the relationship somehow be redeemed? Would Sylvia ever come to know the love of Jesus, the only One to fill the void of emptiness? A story to captivate, encourage and tug on the heartstrings of everyone who turns the pages.
168 reviews
February 16, 2024
The Love Penalty is the second romantic story in the Northwest Ice series. What a well written deep book! Sylvie and Ryan make great leading characters for a beautiful love story with so much extra depth. Miller tackles the ugliness of abuse, prejudice, bowing before the Lordship of Christ and giving Him your struggles and the resulting freedom in Christ. The Love Penalty is filled with descriptions of characters and moments, which also brings about skillful character development, picturesque settings and great romance in their relationship.
Quote: "Shame was like fear, a whisper from the evil one who wanted people to shrink back and not trust that God’s forgiveness and grace was enough."
Profile Image for Ellie.
388 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
I loved The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller! It appealed to me because of the main character, Sylvie, not being the typical main character in inspirational romances as well as seeing several very positive reviews of the book. I am SO glad that I read it!! It was a delicious romance and had a side character, Ryan's mom, who added a lot to the story. I loved the Christian friend group aspect of the story, too.

I didn't read any other books in this series or Miller's first hockey series, but had not trouble reading this book as a stand alone. I am planning to read all of the first series as well as the first book in this series and am anxiously awaiting the next book to be released in this series. If you like contemporary Christian fiction, I highly recommend this book!
76 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2024
Ryan and Sylvie could have been voted the most unlikely couple to get together by anyone who knew them. He was Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes and she was Ms. Goth. "Love Penalty" is their story.

I could relate to the main characters -- my background would probably be more Ryan than Sylvie, but I could relate to some of her struggles. Their journey is so believable. Both Ryan and Sylvie have huge life lessons to learn. Just because Ryan has been so quiet and steady before doesn't mean he can't mess up with the best of them. And Sylvie? Well, Sylvie personifies the walking wounded. Both of them need to realize that there is always more with God. He is happy to meet you where you are and help you take the next step. BTW, have Kleenex available at about the 70% mark.

Highly recommended.
205 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2024
Though this book addresses some difficult subjects such as temptations, heartbreak, family problems, rejection, judgment, and more, the ability of the author to handle them with care and compassion is wonderfully demonstrated in a biblical manner. I heartily appreciate her ability to make the reader think about these issues while unflinchingly presenting them for examination from a biblical perspective. It was easy for me to sympathize with Sylvie and her struggle with rejection, as well as her restraint in the latter part of the book. The characters and their battles came alive from the pages in a realistic way that was encouraging and challenging. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next installment in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
248 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2024
This is the story of Sylvie and Ryan. Ryan is a pro-hockey player. When they meet, Sylvie is nanny for the children of one of his friends. They are mutually attracted to each other, but Ryan is a strong Christian and Sylvie is not. Sylvie does not really know what Christianity is or how to act around Ryan. She has never been attracted to “churchie” people because of their judgmental attitudes.

Beautiful story of redemption and romance. One lesson: God’s children do not all look alike, dress alike, or have the same background, but He loves each one equally.

I received a free advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
766 reviews10 followers
January 12, 2024
Sylvie and Ryan’s story is one of contrasts. Ryan was raised in a Christian family and is following his faith. He falls hard for Sylvie who is definitely different with her tattoos and spider jewelry. She feels unloved and alone. Can these two very different people figure out a life path together? Highly recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,752 reviews28 followers
January 29, 2024
I liked this contemporary Christian fiction romance. I liked that Sylvie was a strong woman but with some interesting vulnerabilities. I liked that Ryan was a very good hockey player and a really nice guy. I really enjoyed Heather, Ryan’s mother. I loved that she was not judgmental. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
781 reviews18 followers
January 12, 2024
I hesitated picking this book to read because I don’t like sports, but I do like Carolyn Miller’s writing. Great characters that seemed very real. Surprising plot made it a great story. I think for those who love ice hockey and Christian romance it would a nice read. I received a copy of this story but all opinions are my own.
9 reviews
January 25, 2024
I was glad to read more of Sylvie's story. It's not without tears and heartache as she struggles with deep wounds from the past. Her story of redemption is slow and steady as she learns what ultimate love looks like. It's a great reminder that God can use our smallest acts of kindness to make an impact in others lives.
472 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2024
I enjoyed this one. It was a much more serious issue than some of this author’s previous books. I really enjoyed how tastefully she handled it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Paige Pearson.
428 reviews
August 23, 2024
I loved seeing Sylvie again and was so glad she got her own story. There are some heavy emotions in this book, and I felt like those scenes were so well written.
Profile Image for Carol.
310 reviews
January 27, 2024
I really enjoyed The Love Penalty (Northwest Ice Division #2) by Carolyn Miller! I love hockey, especially the Red Wings! This is a great story with interesting and believable characters. There are even hockey players from previous books. But you can read this book as a stand-alone. I did go back to read the first book in this series (Fire and Ice) which is also a great read.

In this opposite attracts story, Sylvie and Ryan each have to deal with their differences in appearance and lifestyles. Overcoming self-doubts, mistakes in judgement and putting your life in the right order and learning to put your trust in God. Real people with believable issues.

Looking forward to reading more books in this series by Ms. Miller. I was given a copy of the book from the author/publisher and all thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica Wilhelm.
15 reviews
July 12, 2024
Kindness, love and hospitality open doors to those who have been hurt.

Sylvie has been hurt in many ways, and just wants to be accepted and loved.

Ryan is a follower of God, but learns that he can still make mistakes and get burned when playing with fire.

Sylvie and Ryan both find out, with the help of kindness, love and hospitality from others, that they can be forgiven and loved even after making mistakes.

Sylvie finds out that her worth is not in what has been done to her in her past or the mistakes that she has made. God delights in her and loves her, even after all she has done and gone through.

Ryan finds out even amidst his mistakes there’s still forgiveness so that he can start a fresh new chapter in his life.

Sylvie discovers that God delights in her and loves her, even after all she has done and gone through.

This book encourages me to love those whom I don’t fully understand but still need kindness and forgiveness and love.

This one went a little deeper and was more grittier, but life really isn’t all fluff and rainbows. Life can be uncomfortable and gritty sometimes. But just like Sylvie learns, no matter what we do, God still loves us anyways, and accepts us into His family.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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