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Off Ice #3
What It Must Be
Not yet published
Expected 10 Jul 25You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the season.
Bennett:
Scarlett Carlisle knocked me off my feet when I first met her, and after only one night together, I knew I was gone for that girl. That is, until I found out she was the daughter of the man who signed my paychecks.
It’s been years since that night, but when a particular cheeky redhead waltzes back into my life, I learn a couple of things. First, I’m a complete asshole. And second, I’d do just about anything to right my wrong with the one that got away… even get down on one knee.
What starts as an engagement of convenience quickly becomes something I decide I must make real. My bride’s heart is guarded, but I’m determined to tear down her walls and give her my everything.
Scarlett:
Forgetting a mind-blowing one-night stand is apparently very easy when he’s a complete jerk. And when your life turns upside down soon after.
But all that forgetting is wasted when I find myself in, let’s say, professional need of a husband and Bennett Wilson is more than eager to volunteer as tribute. There’s just one—or, rather two small things—I come as a package deal. So it’s not just my heart on the line in this mess, but theirs too.
Seeing Bennett give my sister guitar lessons and teach my little brother how to skate has my resolve slipping more and more each day. So, naturally, I decide our little arrangement needs some boundaries. Rules that the captain swears were made to be broken. I just hope that, when all is said and done, our hearts don’t become collateral damage.
What It Must Be is a spicy, marriage of convenience romance featuring a grumpy hockey captain and the single guardian he can’t help but drop down on one knee for.
Bennett:
Scarlett Carlisle knocked me off my feet when I first met her, and after only one night together, I knew I was gone for that girl. That is, until I found out she was the daughter of the man who signed my paychecks.
It’s been years since that night, but when a particular cheeky redhead waltzes back into my life, I learn a couple of things. First, I’m a complete asshole. And second, I’d do just about anything to right my wrong with the one that got away… even get down on one knee.
What starts as an engagement of convenience quickly becomes something I decide I must make real. My bride’s heart is guarded, but I’m determined to tear down her walls and give her my everything.
Scarlett:
Forgetting a mind-blowing one-night stand is apparently very easy when he’s a complete jerk. And when your life turns upside down soon after.
But all that forgetting is wasted when I find myself in, let’s say, professional need of a husband and Bennett Wilson is more than eager to volunteer as tribute. There’s just one—or, rather two small things—I come as a package deal. So it’s not just my heart on the line in this mess, but theirs too.
Seeing Bennett give my sister guitar lessons and teach my little brother how to skate has my resolve slipping more and more each day. So, naturally, I decide our little arrangement needs some boundaries. Rules that the captain swears were made to be broken. I just hope that, when all is said and done, our hearts don’t become collateral damage.
What It Must Be is a spicy, marriage of convenience romance featuring a grumpy hockey captain and the single guardian he can’t help but drop down on one knee for.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 10, 2025
20 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Grayce Rian
3 books99 followersGrayce Rian is a contemporary romance author from the Midwest. Her stories perfectly combine spice, angst, and sweetness to make readers swoon. When she’s not writing about your new, favorite book boyfriend, you can find her with her high school sweetheart, chauffeuring their three kids to every activity imaginable, or with her nose buried in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 4, 2025
BENNETT IS A MAN. period. i'll review this over the weekend
Grayce Rian has never disappointed me so #3 let's gooooo :D
Grayce Rian has never disappointed me so #3 let's gooooo :D
June 21, 2025
Honestly this might be ♾️ stars because I am literally obsessed with this book now.
I feel a book slump coming on after this masterpiece.
Full RTC BUT holy moly, add this one to your TBR please 🙌🏻
I feel a book slump coming on after this masterpiece.
Full RTC BUT holy moly, add this one to your TBR please 🙌🏻
June 29, 2025
A MILLION STARS. OKAY BENNY BOY.
all my favorite microtropes pulled into one but the OG tropes weren’t overshadowed.
I loved them. So damn much.
all my favorite microtropes pulled into one but the OG tropes weren’t overshadowed.
I loved them. So damn much.
June 26, 2025
this was sweet!! i’m such a fan of grayce and she always writes strong stories & this was no different!
i really liked scarlett and bennett!! they had incredible chemistry and banter! i absolutely loved watching them get the happiness and life they deserved <3
i think bennett is officially my fav grayce mmc!! the way he stepped up and considered gunner & gemma when making decisions & always put them first was so so special <3
thank you luna literary for the arc!!
i really liked scarlett and bennett!! they had incredible chemistry and banter! i absolutely loved watching them get the happiness and life they deserved <3
i think bennett is officially my fav grayce mmc!! the way he stepped up and considered gunner & gemma when making decisions & always put them first was so so special <3
thank you luna literary for the arc!!
June 30, 2025
Infinity stars!!! This is an absolute top book of 2025 for me, and a top everything!!! I read this, finished, missed them and immediately read it again. It is like a warm hug in a book!
This has a lot of everything for everyone! Amazing spice. Hockey, hockey and more awesome hockey. An absolutely amazing family. A marriage of Convenience. And two characters that really love each other and care for one another sooooo much!
Scarlett is down on her luck and needs someone in her corner to just make life easier. Enter Bennett. Bennett, the man, the everything! What a match for Scarlett, but also Bennett needed Scarlett’s family to give him purpose and to expel that giant heart of his!
The book is everything. I laughed, I cried, we get lots of our favorite characters coming back to make us happy and swoon all over again. And we meet lots of new characters, which I can’t wait to get their stories, I’m looking at you Jax & Nathan!
I love this series, Grayce and her writing soooo much. I can’t wait to read this book over and over again. And let me tell you I actually did. I was lucky to BETA read this. Then I got the arc, read it, finished and immediately re-read it! It is so fantastic!
Please, please, please read this book. It is such a beautiful great feeling book. Like an instant warm hug, makes you smile ear to ear and has hockey! A million infinity stars!!! A must devour over and over again!
This has a lot of everything for everyone! Amazing spice. Hockey, hockey and more awesome hockey. An absolutely amazing family. A marriage of Convenience. And two characters that really love each other and care for one another sooooo much!
Scarlett is down on her luck and needs someone in her corner to just make life easier. Enter Bennett. Bennett, the man, the everything! What a match for Scarlett, but also Bennett needed Scarlett’s family to give him purpose and to expel that giant heart of his!
The book is everything. I laughed, I cried, we get lots of our favorite characters coming back to make us happy and swoon all over again. And we meet lots of new characters, which I can’t wait to get their stories, I’m looking at you Jax & Nathan!
I love this series, Grayce and her writing soooo much. I can’t wait to read this book over and over again. And let me tell you I actually did. I was lucky to BETA read this. Then I got the arc, read it, finished and immediately re-read it! It is so fantastic!
Please, please, please read this book. It is such a beautiful great feeling book. Like an instant warm hug, makes you smile ear to ear and has hockey! A million infinity stars!!! A must devour over and over again!
May 2, 2025
Full RTC but Scarlett and Bennett were perfection! Banter, chemistry, spice, and found family vibes were all amazing in this 3rd book of the Off Ice series!
June 22, 2025
The story starts with flashbacks to the protagonists from Grayce Rian's last book "What it Was", Griffin and McKenna's wedding. It continues six years later with two new protagonists, Bennett and Scarlett.
Bennett is the hard working and determined captain of Griffin's ice hockey team the Minnesota Wolverines. He's also known to be grumpy.
"Scarlett Carlisle. In place of the cute college student I met all those years ago, is a put-together woman in a white blouse, charcoal pencil skirt, and stilettos. Her once long and curly tresses have now been slicked back into a tight ponytail,though I'm glad to see she hasn't cut the locks I have longed to wrap around my fist once more. "
Scarlett is an orphan, she's also McKenna's cousin, guardian to her two siblings and granddaughter of the Wolverines owner, Joseph.
""Bennett, this is my granddaughter, Scarlett Carlisle. Scarlett, this is Bennet Wilson, the captain of the Wolverines." Record scratch. Come again? Did he just say captain? Bennett's jaw ticks as he holds out his hand for me to shake, and when I do, I can't help the shiver that slips down my spine from his warm touch. Unwarranted memories from that night six years ago cloud my vision."
This is a cautionary tale about jumping to conclusions and what an effect it can have on your life. It's also about righting wrongs. When Bennet realizes that he was wrong all those years ago, he does everything in his power to make it right. Will that be enough?
I loved Bennett's determination and Scarlett's caring and 'once bitten twice shy' nature. I also loved revisiting most of the cast of characters from the first book. Although a standalone story, it's richer if you have already read the first book.
Bennett is the hard working and determined captain of Griffin's ice hockey team the Minnesota Wolverines. He's also known to be grumpy.
"Scarlett Carlisle. In place of the cute college student I met all those years ago, is a put-together woman in a white blouse, charcoal pencil skirt, and stilettos. Her once long and curly tresses have now been slicked back into a tight ponytail,though I'm glad to see she hasn't cut the locks I have longed to wrap around my fist once more. "
Scarlett is an orphan, she's also McKenna's cousin, guardian to her two siblings and granddaughter of the Wolverines owner, Joseph.
""Bennett, this is my granddaughter, Scarlett Carlisle. Scarlett, this is Bennet Wilson, the captain of the Wolverines." Record scratch. Come again? Did he just say captain? Bennett's jaw ticks as he holds out his hand for me to shake, and when I do, I can't help the shiver that slips down my spine from his warm touch. Unwarranted memories from that night six years ago cloud my vision."
This is a cautionary tale about jumping to conclusions and what an effect it can have on your life. It's also about righting wrongs. When Bennet realizes that he was wrong all those years ago, he does everything in his power to make it right. Will that be enough?
I loved Bennett's determination and Scarlett's caring and 'once bitten twice shy' nature. I also loved revisiting most of the cast of characters from the first book. Although a standalone story, it's richer if you have already read the first book.
July 2, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
️韶️️
It’s safe to say that I devoured this beautiful marriage of convenience, hockey romance. It had all the elements that I enjoy reading in a romance. The story was beautiful, the plot to spice ratio was on point and the characters were lovable.
I also found a new favourite mmc in Bennett Wilson! How can you not fall in love with a man that steps up, shows up and is all in. He is the definition of a good guy and had me swooning. As good as he is, I also have to mention his mouth because that knew exactly how to use it and make you blush. Scarlett was also a great fmc. This woman had the weight of the world on her shoulders and tremendous responsibilities. She was strong and fierce. Seeing her be vulnerable was a beautiful part of this story. Together, Bennett and Scarlet had instant attraction, scorching hot chemistry and a strong connection.
I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books. While What It Must Be is book 3 in the interconnected Off Ice series, it reads well as a standalone.
I absolutely recommend this one!
I would like to thank Grayce Rian and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read and review What It Must Be.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
️韶️️
It’s safe to say that I devoured this beautiful marriage of convenience, hockey romance. It had all the elements that I enjoy reading in a romance. The story was beautiful, the plot to spice ratio was on point and the characters were lovable.
I also found a new favourite mmc in Bennett Wilson! How can you not fall in love with a man that steps up, shows up and is all in. He is the definition of a good guy and had me swooning. As good as he is, I also have to mention his mouth because that knew exactly how to use it and make you blush. Scarlett was also a great fmc. This woman had the weight of the world on her shoulders and tremendous responsibilities. She was strong and fierce. Seeing her be vulnerable was a beautiful part of this story. Together, Bennett and Scarlet had instant attraction, scorching hot chemistry and a strong connection.
I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books. While What It Must Be is book 3 in the interconnected Off Ice series, it reads well as a standalone.
I absolutely recommend this one!
I would like to thank Grayce Rian and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read and review What It Must Be.
June 24, 2025
ARC review- A happy he falls first romance.
I love the fact you meet the characters then skip 5 to 6 years where the FMC's life has dramatically changed and is trying to get her life back on track.
Bennett is he fall first all the way through the book and is the perfect person to help her with everything.
Hopefully Gemma gets her own book!
I love the fact you meet the characters then skip 5 to 6 years where the FMC's life has dramatically changed and is trying to get her life back on track.
Bennett is he fall first all the way through the book and is the perfect person to help her with everything.
Hopefully Gemma gets her own book!
June 22, 2025
I have read the previous books in the series and like them so I figured this would great too don’t get me wrong it was good but it wasn’t like the others. This is hockey marriage of convenience where the FMC is the new owner of the hockey team and a hockey player get married. The MMC has apart with the FMC and has always wanted more so this deal was just he ticket to make fall for him.
June 27, 2025
Your honour, I LOVE THEM!
Full review to come 🤍
Full review to come 🤍
June 29, 2025
ARC read!
full rtc!
5⭐️
another spectacular book by my bestie grayce!😘
full rtc!
5⭐️
another spectacular book by my bestie grayce!😘
Read
July 4, 2025ARC RTC
June 30, 2025
So far for now every one of the books in the Off Ice series is my favorite till the next one or this is a series of favorite books. I don't know what Grayce Rian puts in them but these stories are pure magic . What It Must Be is Bennett and Scarlett's story and I love it . It has a great plot with a plot twist that you didn't see coming at the very beginning , a wonderful characters and a great love story. Also all favorite characters from the first two books are all over the place and a part of Benny and Scar's story . Everything started at Griffin and Kenna's wedding when the grumpy hockey captain met his mystery redhead girl and had his chance with her only to be disappointed with the truth about her identity. Anyway he's knocked off his feet and even years later he can't forget her . When they meet again he's determined to do better and wright his wrongs . And redeeming Bennett was so sweet and swoony . When he found out that she's a single guardian to her younger sister and brother he makes everything to help her . Bennett was so good with Gunner and so overprotective of Gemma. And when he saw his chance to be in Scarlett's life permanently he takes it. I loved it how he thought first about Gemma and Gunner and their feelings and Scarlett was his priority no matter what.A major swoon. Their nicknames were so sweet and funny. But that pet name that Bennett gave Scarlett made me swooning every time. And Bennett may be sweet and swoony every minute but behind closed doors he has such a dirty mouth. And a few surprises that you didn't expected from Benny boy but Little Red loved them a lot. Bennett's father tried to mess with them but Bennett hold his ground and didn't let him break them . I so loved Scarlett's grand parents and the way they welcomed Bennett. Loved the antics of the boys and the group chats were hilarious. Their Vegas adventure was so good and so sweet. But the Paris one melted my heart . Because Bennett's grand gesture was a total surprise that you'll love . That epilogue was such a nice sneak peak in Bennett and Scarlett's future and hinted on another story that's coming and I can't wait for it . But I think that Jax and Taevyn's story is coming and I have so many questions after that plot twist at the wedding .
Thanks to the author and Luna Literally Management for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literally Management for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
June 27, 2025
Grayce writes it, I am going to read it.
What It Must Be was everything I could’ve dreamed it to be, from the grumpy Bennett to the one and only sassy Scarlett - you get the most spectacular couple. Then add in the single guardian aspect with Gemma and Gunner… everything about this book is *chefs kiss*.
When Bennett and Scarlett first meet, it’s fun and flirty, and oh so steamy - up until the night he finds out that she is not just anyone, she is THE Scarlett Carlisle, THE daughter of his hockey teams owner. After a few years ago by, the just so happen to cross paths yet again, but this time… Benny Boy learns the truth and refuses to let Little Red get away twice.
This marriage of convenience was done SO unbelievably well, and add in single guardian - honestly perfection. Grayce did a phenomenal job with each of these characters and created each of them with a personality that spoke to you. Watching Scar and Bennett navigate their engagement/marriage while also juggling being present and active in the kids lives was truly heartwarming. Bennett is the true definition of ���if he wanted to, he would”. His life goal was to make her dreams come true, and boy does he do just that for them all.
Side note - the spice was SPICING! Bennett and Scarlett are explosive together!
Grayce did an amazing job at setting up future books and really set the tone for the future of what’s coming… and I can’t wait to read each and every one! This book was everything, and I’m so grateful
to have had the opportunity to read this, but also get to continue watching past couples flourish!
You’re incredible, Grayce! You wrote this beauty! 🤍
What It Must Be was everything I could’ve dreamed it to be, from the grumpy Bennett to the one and only sassy Scarlett - you get the most spectacular couple. Then add in the single guardian aspect with Gemma and Gunner… everything about this book is *chefs kiss*.
When Bennett and Scarlett first meet, it’s fun and flirty, and oh so steamy - up until the night he finds out that she is not just anyone, she is THE Scarlett Carlisle, THE daughter of his hockey teams owner. After a few years ago by, the just so happen to cross paths yet again, but this time… Benny Boy learns the truth and refuses to let Little Red get away twice.
This marriage of convenience was done SO unbelievably well, and add in single guardian - honestly perfection. Grayce did a phenomenal job with each of these characters and created each of them with a personality that spoke to you. Watching Scar and Bennett navigate their engagement/marriage while also juggling being present and active in the kids lives was truly heartwarming. Bennett is the true definition of ���if he wanted to, he would”. His life goal was to make her dreams come true, and boy does he do just that for them all.
Side note - the spice was SPICING! Bennett and Scarlett are explosive together!
Grayce did an amazing job at setting up future books and really set the tone for the future of what’s coming… and I can’t wait to read each and every one! This book was everything, and I’m so grateful
to have had the opportunity to read this, but also get to continue watching past couples flourish!
You’re incredible, Grayce! You wrote this beauty! 🤍
July 4, 2025
I think this third one is my favourite so far in this series. The mystery girl we met in the previous book now that appears in Griff and McKenna’s bachelor and bachelorette party has her own book with Bennet and I’m completely in love with this couple, with this book and this author.
Scarlett is a force of nature, with a streak of bad luck few years ago, so now she (proudly) is the guardian of her siblings after a family tragedy.
She struggles with lots of pressure and loneliness.
When Bennet appears back in her life after six years he is determined to show her she can trust him and share the burden she’s carrying alone. During this book we are witness of their friendship and how they team up and their love. What started as an arranged marriage developed into… well, you have to find out it by yourself.
Tropes you can find in this book:
- hockey romance
- second chance romance
- grumpy/ sassy
- single guardian
- arranged marriage
- he falls first and hard
- she’s the one who got away
- dual 1st person POV
- no 3 rd act break-up
This book is clearly an open-door one. The chemistry between Scarlet and Bennet is undeniably and we are can see it in their sex scenes. And the subtle change between their intercourse (from sexual tension and lust to love and worship).
My ratings:
5/5⭐️2,5/5️
I’ve received this book as an ARC and I’d like to thank Grayce Rian and her team at Luna Literary for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.
Scarlett is a force of nature, with a streak of bad luck few years ago, so now she (proudly) is the guardian of her siblings after a family tragedy.
She struggles with lots of pressure and loneliness.
When Bennet appears back in her life after six years he is determined to show her she can trust him and share the burden she’s carrying alone. During this book we are witness of their friendship and how they team up and their love. What started as an arranged marriage developed into… well, you have to find out it by yourself.
Tropes you can find in this book:
- hockey romance
- second chance romance
- grumpy/ sassy
- single guardian
- arranged marriage
- he falls first and hard
- she’s the one who got away
- dual 1st person POV
- no 3 rd act break-up
This book is clearly an open-door one. The chemistry between Scarlet and Bennet is undeniably and we are can see it in their sex scenes. And the subtle change between their intercourse (from sexual tension and lust to love and worship).
My ratings:
5/5⭐️2,5/5️
I’ve received this book as an ARC and I’d like to thank Grayce Rian and her team at Luna Literary for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.
July 1, 2025
This series owns my heart. I've never read a book so fast, I couldn't put it down!
I was obsessed with book #1 & 2 of this series, so I had high expectations for this book, and Grayce Rian has definitely surpassed them!
Scarlett and Bennett, dare I say firecracker power couple?!
They were on fire from the moment that they met and had instant insane chemistry. Sadly, a misunderstanding kept them apart for years until forced proximity had them winding up into a marriage of convenience. Bennett, Captain of the NHL hockey team that Scarlett would be the owner of one day after taking over for her grandfather knew he wanted Scarlett. He knew she needed help, so he offered to marry her with a 3-year period with no emotional ties expected.
Scarlett had her hands full with raising her younger siblings so a man was the last thing on her mind, yet she could never say no to Bennett.
Their banter, relationship even when unclear was so beyond sexy, this book is so spicy.
Their little family unit was so beyond heartwarming.
I adored hearing more of past featured couples in books and how their stories keep progressing.
Can't wait for the next one! Thank you so much for the ARC Grayce! I loved it, so much and will be buying it of course because I'll need the book trophy!
I was obsessed with book #1 & 2 of this series, so I had high expectations for this book, and Grayce Rian has definitely surpassed them!
Scarlett and Bennett, dare I say firecracker power couple?!
They were on fire from the moment that they met and had instant insane chemistry. Sadly, a misunderstanding kept them apart for years until forced proximity had them winding up into a marriage of convenience. Bennett, Captain of the NHL hockey team that Scarlett would be the owner of one day after taking over for her grandfather knew he wanted Scarlett. He knew she needed help, so he offered to marry her with a 3-year period with no emotional ties expected.
Scarlett had her hands full with raising her younger siblings so a man was the last thing on her mind, yet she could never say no to Bennett.
Their banter, relationship even when unclear was so beyond sexy, this book is so spicy.
Their little family unit was so beyond heartwarming.
I adored hearing more of past featured couples in books and how their stories keep progressing.
Can't wait for the next one! Thank you so much for the ARC Grayce! I loved it, so much and will be buying it of course because I'll need the book trophy!
June 26, 2025
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Grayce for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading What It Must Be;
-Pro Hockey Player
-Marriage of convince
-Work place romance
-Grumpy x Sunhine
-Single guardian
This is book three of the Off Ice series! This just became my favorite book in this series! Like I added it to my top ten favorite books of 2025🙌
Scarlett & Bennetts chemistry was AMAZING! Her playfulness with his dominance/ softness they balanced each other out so well! I NEED me a Bennett! This man is perfection! Watching them evolve throughout the book melted me! Him, Scar , Gemma and Gunner made my heart so happy! I loved every minute of this book the plot was perfect , the amount of spice, I laughed, I got teary eyed lol Grayce hit the mark with this book, I have really enjoyed this series but this book was it!
Side notes:
-Her playful sassiness towards him
-Me & Gunner share birthdays lol
-Tracing game
Fav Quote:
•”She’s got skinny fingers”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases July 9th🩷
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Grayce for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading What It Must Be;
-Pro Hockey Player
-Marriage of convince
-Work place romance
-Grumpy x Sunhine
-Single guardian
This is book three of the Off Ice series! This just became my favorite book in this series! Like I added it to my top ten favorite books of 2025🙌
Scarlett & Bennetts chemistry was AMAZING! Her playfulness with his dominance/ softness they balanced each other out so well! I NEED me a Bennett! This man is perfection! Watching them evolve throughout the book melted me! Him, Scar , Gemma and Gunner made my heart so happy! I loved every minute of this book the plot was perfect , the amount of spice, I laughed, I got teary eyed lol Grayce hit the mark with this book, I have really enjoyed this series but this book was it!
Side notes:
-Her playful sassiness towards him
-Me & Gunner share birthdays lol
-Tracing game
Fav Quote:
•”She’s got skinny fingers”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases July 9th🩷
#bookstagram #romance #review
June 29, 2025
What It Must Be is the third book in the Off Ice series, and even though I haven’t read the second one yet, it absolutely stands strong on its own. I read the first book and loved it so I was excited to get into this one.
Grayce Rian’s writing is so effortless and immersive. I felt completely pulled into Bennett and Scarlett’s world—I could picture everything so clearly, like a movie playing in my head.
Bennett was absolute book boyfriend perfection. I was a giggling and swooning mess. The way he consistently showed up for Scarlett, made her feel safe, and proved his love time and time again? Unreal. He was everything.
Scarlett was such a standout heroine—strong, fierce, and independent, yet also beautifully vulnerable. Her character development was so satisfying and real. Watching her open up and grow alongside Bennett made their connection even more powerful.
This book had the perfect mix of emotion, chemistry, and heart. Grayce Rian just gets it. If you love loyal, swoony heroes and emotionally rich romances, you need to read this.
Grayce Rian’s writing is so effortless and immersive. I felt completely pulled into Bennett and Scarlett’s world—I could picture everything so clearly, like a movie playing in my head.
Bennett was absolute book boyfriend perfection. I was a giggling and swooning mess. The way he consistently showed up for Scarlett, made her feel safe, and proved his love time and time again? Unreal. He was everything.
Scarlett was such a standout heroine—strong, fierce, and independent, yet also beautifully vulnerable. Her character development was so satisfying and real. Watching her open up and grow alongside Bennett made their connection even more powerful.
This book had the perfect mix of emotion, chemistry, and heart. Grayce Rian just gets it. If you love loyal, swoony heroes and emotionally rich romances, you need to read this.
June 30, 2025
First - Thank you to Grayce Rian & Luna Literary for the chance to read this early!
WOW! This series just keeps getting better and better. What It Must Be took everything from What It Was and What It Should Be and ran with it. The chemistry between Scar and Benny was incredible. The banter and wit were so much fun, and can we talk about how sassy Scarlett is? A girl after my own heart! All of this is so well balanced by Bennett's compassion and softness with Gemma and Gunner - who are total show steelers (we need more Gem in the future please 🙏🤞). It was an absolute blast to get the original, now expanded, crew and really build on the found family.
I can't put my finger on it, but there is something I absolutely love about Grayce's writing style. I find myself immersed in the stories, and What It Must Be was so hard to put down. I love the callbacks (karaoke night, certain chess pieces ♟️😉), the Taylore Swift references, and all the raw emotions. Without a doubt, her books have quickly become some of my favorites.
WOW! This series just keeps getting better and better. What It Must Be took everything from What It Was and What It Should Be and ran with it. The chemistry between Scar and Benny was incredible. The banter and wit were so much fun, and can we talk about how sassy Scarlett is? A girl after my own heart! All of this is so well balanced by Bennett's compassion and softness with Gemma and Gunner - who are total show steelers (we need more Gem in the future please 🙏🤞). It was an absolute blast to get the original, now expanded, crew and really build on the found family.
I can't put my finger on it, but there is something I absolutely love about Grayce's writing style. I find myself immersed in the stories, and What It Must Be was so hard to put down. I love the callbacks (karaoke night, certain chess pieces ♟️😉), the Taylore Swift references, and all the raw emotions. Without a doubt, her books have quickly become some of my favorites.
June 25, 2025
THIS WAS AMAZING!! I love Grayce's writing so much. All the T-Swift easter eggs, 90's pop coulter! It made me giggle.
Scar and Benny!! Wow. I love them. The prolog at Griff and Kenna's wedding! I loved it. It had all my favorite tropes; hockey, billionaires, private jets, broody men, and found family!
Benny, I love how he stood up to his family, how he is cap, and how he really said I will never let her slip through my fingers again. Scar, wow what an amazing person. She is the guardian of her two siblings and has to put her dreams on hold due to tragedy. I loved learning about them both and their character development.
FRECKLES AND CIRCLEs. IYKYK.
Jax, I cannnnnnnot wait to know more about you. All these side characters. IM EXCITED.
Gunner and Gemma stole the show. It had me sending multiple DM's to Grayce BEGGING for more.
Thank you Luna and Grayce for the opportunity to read this early!
Scar and Benny!! Wow. I love them. The prolog at Griff and Kenna's wedding! I loved it. It had all my favorite tropes; hockey, billionaires, private jets, broody men, and found family!
Benny, I love how he stood up to his family, how he is cap, and how he really said I will never let her slip through my fingers again. Scar, wow what an amazing person. She is the guardian of her two siblings and has to put her dreams on hold due to tragedy. I loved learning about them both and their character development.
FRECKLES AND CIRCLEs. IYKYK.
Jax, I cannnnnnnot wait to know more about you. All these side characters. IM EXCITED.
Gunner and Gemma stole the show. It had me sending multiple DM's to Grayce BEGGING for more.
Thank you Luna and Grayce for the opportunity to read this early!
July 4, 2025
Benny boy! Omg all the swoon. Book 3 in the Off Ice series, a stand alone with interconnected characters, and what a bunch they are - Absolutely hilarious crew.
A second chance for Little Red and Benny Boy here, after 6 years! Life has changed so much in that 6 years for Scarlett and she had no idea who her ONS was until it’s time for her to take up shadowing her grandfather in prep to take over his role.
Bennett on the other hand knew who Scarlett was after their one night together but was too angry to seek her out.
He’s back inserting himself into her life like 6 years haven’t passed to make amends but Scarlett can no longer take that risk with her heart this time around. Benny is about acts of kindness and even if Scarlett didn’t fall in love with him, I’m pretty sure I would! He is swoon central! Great banter, sass and steam!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
A second chance for Little Red and Benny Boy here, after 6 years! Life has changed so much in that 6 years for Scarlett and she had no idea who her ONS was until it’s time for her to take up shadowing her grandfather in prep to take over his role.
Bennett on the other hand knew who Scarlett was after their one night together but was too angry to seek her out.
He’s back inserting himself into her life like 6 years haven’t passed to make amends but Scarlett can no longer take that risk with her heart this time around. Benny is about acts of kindness and even if Scarlett didn’t fall in love with him, I’m pretty sure I would! He is swoon central! Great banter, sass and steam!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
July 2, 2025
There is something so attractive about a man who not only falls for the girl but the people she loves as well.
Bennett and Scarlett are an incredible couple and watching them heal their pasts together, while growing into a beautiful family was everything. They are a second chance that neither knew they needed until they fall back into each other.
Bennett our MMC has not had an easy life with his controlling father and being the captain of a hockey team. However, when he meets Scarlett things seem to fall into place perfectly. That is until he messes up their could be moment and they go their separate ways. Watching him learn the truth and all that happened with Scarlett was wonderful. Seeing his connection with her siblings and how carefully he handles them was amazing.
Scarlett our FMC has been so much in such a short amount of time. Losing her parents, and raising her younger siblings while also figuring out the world of being an adult is no easy task. When she runs into Bennett again, she has no hope of anything happening. That is until she needs someone to help her take over the family business. Watching Scarlett heal and learn to lean on others was honest and real.
These two falling for each other was inevitable. Watching them create a beautiful little family that has so much love for each other is what everyone hopes for. They were always meant to be even if they needed to fall apart to fall back together again.
Bennett and Scarlett are an incredible couple and watching them heal their pasts together, while growing into a beautiful family was everything. They are a second chance that neither knew they needed until they fall back into each other.
Bennett our MMC has not had an easy life with his controlling father and being the captain of a hockey team. However, when he meets Scarlett things seem to fall into place perfectly. That is until he messes up their could be moment and they go their separate ways. Watching him learn the truth and all that happened with Scarlett was wonderful. Seeing his connection with her siblings and how carefully he handles them was amazing.
Scarlett our FMC has been so much in such a short amount of time. Losing her parents, and raising her younger siblings while also figuring out the world of being an adult is no easy task. When she runs into Bennett again, she has no hope of anything happening. That is until she needs someone to help her take over the family business. Watching Scarlett heal and learn to lean on others was honest and real.
These two falling for each other was inevitable. Watching them create a beautiful little family that has so much love for each other is what everyone hopes for. They were always meant to be even if they needed to fall apart to fall back together again.
July 1, 2025
What happened between Nathan and Gem? I need answers!!!! 😂 Overall the book is pretty good, the story is captivating, but I feel like it lacks a strong obstacle to overcome in order for them to be together, everything is resolved very easily. The story is pretty well written, it unfolds very well and is easy to read.
I loved Scar and Bennett, I loved the whole process of falling in love and giving each other a chance to love and be loved. The spice was very good, quite enjoyable to read. I'm super excited to read the next story! So I'll see you in the next book.
I loved Scar and Bennett, I loved the whole process of falling in love and giving each other a chance to love and be loved. The spice was very good, quite enjoyable to read. I'm super excited to read the next story! So I'll see you in the next book.
July 2, 2025
Firstly, I would like to say a major big thank you for the ARC opportunity in exchange for my honest review.
This was a really sweet read.
This was my first time reading anything written by grayce and it was really well written, strong and compelling right till the very end.
I loved scarlett and bennett, their chemistry and banter was incredible.
June 30, 2025
Ughhhhh Bennett and Scarlett were PERFECT! I was not ready for the story to be over! The way Bennett loves so loud and was there for Scarlett… so perfect!! I can’t wait to read the next one because I know it’s going to be GREAT ♥️
July 3, 2025
This was an amazing read and it was such a sweet book. I love everything about Scarlett and Bennetts unconventional relationship at first. I also really love how Bennett treats her. They are the absolute perfect couple in every way and I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2025
The book was fantastic quite related to my books. kindly review and rate my books.
June 26, 2025
I loved every moment of this book and the Playlist is spectacular
July 1, 2025
What It Must Be is definitely my favorite book of the year. Scarlett's story touched me deeply. Gunner and Gemma are so adorable while remaining true to their roles as children and teenagers. Moreover Bennett and Scarlett represent the love I'm looking for. Something powerful, undeniable, and consuming from the inside out. I can only recommend diving into this book to discover their beautiful story.
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