| Title | : | Center of Gravity (Ice Tigers #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 318 |
| Publication | : | First published February 22, 2020 |
Emilia
According to others I live a fairy-tale life.
But what appears picture perfect on the outside can crumble on the inside. And holding up appearances is the number one rule for anyone carrying the Ravelli name.
But what if one reckless night changes everything?
Sent to Boston to manage the Ice Tigers’ franchise, can I break free from my overbearing grandfather?
Matt
I was betrayed and deceived. Now all I want is to win the Cup.
But what if the new team owner turns my world upside down?
Can Emilia convince me there’s more to this world than stickhandling?
Two lost souls.
A secret that changes their lives forever.
An unexpected love story.
Center of Gravity is the first book in the spirited Ice Tigers Hockey sports romance series but can be read standalone. If you like second chance romances, swoon-worthy characters, and triumphs over life challenges, then you’ll adore Isabella Cassazza’s story of unexpected connection.
Buy Center of Gravity to dig your blades into ice-cold tension today!
Reading Order Ice Tigers:
Falling for Gravity
Defying Gravity
Center of Gravity
Fighting against Gravity
Playing with Gravity
Center of Gravity (Ice Tigers #3) Reviews
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With “Center of Gravity” Isabella Cassazza continues to expand her Ice Tigers series, in which heiress Emilia Ravelli is sent overseas to prove herself worthy of taking over the Ravelli conglomerate.
After being betrayed, Matt Walker’s only focus is hockey. He’s only interest is in doing his best to help his team win the Cup. He’s not interested in women and he’s certainly not interested in the bombshell from Italy who’s taken over the Ice Tigers management. Not even if she has a secret that will turn his world upside-down.
To the outside world Emilia lives a picture perfect life, but in reality she struggles to find her place in her family’s high fashion corporation. She’s failed at every project she’d been given but being sent to the other side of the world to manage an NHL franchise could be her big break and prove herself to her grandfather. There’s only one tiny problem, she has a secret she won’t be able to keep for long.
Set against the inner workings of hockey management mixed with high fashion, the story is a nice story of two people who after many obstacles find in each other what they need. Even though it took a long while for Matt and Emilia to figure things out, eventually their relationship flows with sweet sexiness.
Center of Gravity is book #2 of the Ice Tigers> series by author Isabella Cassaza . It is a standalone hockey romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending. Sub-Genre: contermporary.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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More reviews -
Center of Gravity by Isabella Cassazza
Holy Hockey I love this book, Emilia Ravelli & Matt Walker are wonderful characters. Can't wait to read more of the Ice Tigers series, this Author is definitely on my to read list. I'm giving this book and Author a 5 Star Goal, SHE SHOOTS SHE SCORES. -
4 Stars
Center of Gravity is the first book in the Ice Tigers series, and my first read by Isabella Cassazza. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. But, having said that this story has intrigued me enough to want to go back and read the first book too, before continuing the series.
This is a sweet contemporary sports romance about finding love unexpectedly- with a couple of surprises thrown in to keep things interesting. The characters were well developed and endearing- making for a realistic and believable read that you won’t want to put down.
Emilia Ravelli has lived in her grandfather’s shadow for so many years trying to live up to his expectations and earn his respect. But no matter what she does, how much she sacrifices, nothing she does seems to please him. She feels like a failure. Keeping up appearances and shouldering all the expectation and responsibility is not only exhausting, but also a little lonely. So, when her latest project fails to live up to her grandfather’s exacting standards, again, Emilia is sent halfway across the world knowing that this new assignment will be her last chance to prove herself. She has a lot riding on its success. One small problem- the assignment means taking over the management of the Boston Ice Tigers hockey team, with no experience in sports management and no clue about hockey, Emilia really doesn’t like her chances of success- especially with the secret she’s carrying.
Matt Walker has thrown himself into his hockey career, trying desperately to leave behind all his personal dramas. He is focused on winning and definitely has no time for distractions. So, what happens when the new team manager arrives and turns his life upside down?
If you love sports romance, or romantic stories in general- then you really won’t want to miss grabbing a copy of this book to read, to uncover the secret and discover all the other captivating details for yourself.
Thank you, Isabella Cassazza! -
A fashion princess + a hockey God = two babies + a Vegas wedding.
Emilia has spent her whole life trying to make her grandfather, the only family she had left, proud. However, no matter how much she tried and sacrificed, it was never enough for the old school patriarchal man.
So, when she found herself pregnant from a one night stand, she saw it as the last straw, and the biggest failure and disappointment for her grandfather.
Until her life took an even more unexpected turn and she was asked to move to another country to manage a hockey team.
An pregnant amateur Italian stylist with zero knowledge on sports is a recipe for disaster...
All Matt wanted was to focus on his career in hockey to attempt to forget about his personal drama life. Emilia was the perfect one time distraction when he was at his worst. But little did he know their paths would cross again and their lives would forever be bound by the lives they created on a stormy drunken wild night of passion.
Sometimes, good things come out of bad situations, which is exactly the message Center of Gravity conveys. Two people who had most faith in life and in themselves managed to find both back thanks to one another.
You can always identify yourself to some aspect of the characters' lives or personalities, but above all, you can feel what they are going through while reading.
I had a very good time devouring this book and it gave me hope. The friendship between Tyler and Matt was a bonus, as well as all the Italian references.
I would gladly recommend this touching revisiting and realistic 5 star romance!
*ARC kindly provided by the author.* -
It's not always easy to get it right when writing a sports romance but Isabella Cassazza has produced a story that blends hockey with a great story!
Emilia Ravelli born and raised in Rome is the only grandchild to the Ravelli fashion fortune and has been groomed to take over the company when her grandfather dies. She wears the beautiful gowns is seen on the arms of the most eligibly men but its not real live and not what she wants. Emilia has always felt like a disappointment to her grandfather who has raised her since her parents and grandmothers' death in a car accident when she was a tiny child. When her grandfather buys the Ice Tigers she is sent to Boston to run the organisation and bring to the US the Ravelli designer clothes to a new market. However, Emilia is hiding a secret one that isn't going to please her grandfather!
Matt star of the Ice Tiger hockey team went to Rome on what was suppose to be his honeymoon but the wedding never took place. One drunk night with a beauty he meet in a thunder storm Matt thought nothing of it - it was just one night right? and he is never going to see the girl he only got the first name of 'Emilia' with the blonde hair and beautiful smile! he doesn't want another relationship all he wants now is to considerate on his career and winning a Stanley Cup.
Oops looks like things are about to get rather complicated for Matt Walker in more ways than one! -
Ever since she was a child it has been Emilia and her grandfather, but she is being to feel weighed down by trying to make him proud even if it doesn’t make her happy. When she finds herself heading to Boston to manage the hockey team he recently purchase she is already feeling out of her element and that was before finding out that one of the players is a man she spent one night with and the father of the baby she carries.
Matt has a painful past and isn’t about to venture down that path again and although he hasn’t forgotten Emilia and the night they spent together he wasn’t prepared to see her again let alone to find out that her family owns the team.
This story features two compelling characters whose past is affecting their present for very different reasons. Only they can decide what path they want their present and future to take and what truly will make them happy. -
3.5
This was a very slow burn, like embers. I like that it was different than most pregnancy and hockey romances, but there just didn’t seem to be a lot of chemistry between Emilia and Matt until closer to the end of the book. I didn’t feel like there was any growth of their romance.
There was a HEA, and once they were together it seemed to flow more, I just wish that I saw more progress before they officially were together.
I guess this one just wasn’t for me, though I would try another from this author.
Hockey, Italian, Sports, Forbidden, Pregnancy, Fake/Convenient Marriage -
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (3/21/2021)!🎁
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When Italian heiress Emilia Ravelli has a one-night stand with American Matt Walker, neither thought they’d see the other again. But fate, and someone else decides otherwise.
Sent from her home to Boston to run the newly acquired Boston Ice Tigers, Emilia just knows she’s in over her head. After all, even though her father had been a hockey player, she knew next to nothing about the sport. Now, an entire organization is dependent on her to not run the organization, but to make sure they make the finals. If she fails, her grandfather, the head of the Ravelli Group, has no problem selling the team and bailing on them. He’s already made that abundantly clear. But that’s not all, when she’s going through the roster of players online, she sees him. The man she slept with that night. The one she only knew as “Matt”. The father of her unborn child. She’s now his boss.
When Matt sees the same temptress from that night in Positano, he’s floored. Never expecting to see those beautiful eyes again, he doesn’t know what to do. When she attempts to tell him that she’s pregnant, he slams the door in her face. According to all the articles he finds on her online, it seems like she’s with a different man each week, and in his mind, she probably doesn’t know who the father really is. Kind of like his cheating ex, the reason he was alone that night they met.
With tremendous pressure from her grandfather to make sure the team’s a success, launching multiple lines of Ravelli branded clothes, dealing with her pregnancy, and having to face the father of her child, who wants nothing to do with her, Emilia must pull herself together and prove to everyone that she can do it all, apparently alone.
This is a great story. I loved every bit of it. From the story line, to the characters, to the writing. I didn’t want to stop reading. When I discovered, at the end, that this is actually the second book in a series of standalones about the Boston Ice Tigers, I immediately went to Amazon and downloaded the first one. I loved reading Emilia and Matt’s story and rooted for them the entire time. And yes, I cried at the end with Nonno’s revelation. While reading, I kept wondering about Tyler, Lily, and Danny. They’re dynamic is interesting and I kept wanting to read about them as well, hoping that they’re story was next. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that their story was first. I can’t wait to read and get back into the world of the Boston Ice Tigers again. Well done!
I highly recommend if you’re a fan of hockey romance, HEA’s, and wonderful writing with great characters!
**I was given an ARC of this story and this is my honest review. -
I can hardly believe that this is only the second book from by Isabella Cassazza. Center of Gravity is simply amazing. This remarkably written story is an emotional journey of two people who truly need each other.
Emilia feels the pressure of being raised by her Old-World grandfather and never being quit good enough for him. You feel her slowly losing her lights because of the over baring personality of her grandfather. But a magical one-night stand and a chance to manage a Hockey team in Boston seem just what she needs to find herself.
Matt Walker is everything we need from a strong male character. Even though he is living his dream as professional hockey player his personal life is floundering. A trip to Italy that was supposed to be his honeymoon for a wedding that doesn’t happen leads him to a one-night stand with an Italian goddess. Matt is not an overtly alpha male, but you absolutely feel the power of who his and his determination.
Center of Gravity is truly a love story. It hits all the marks for me on what I want in a love story. Complex characters with so much to lose but if they just give each other a chance the rewards will be huge. Every page was addicting. I could not read this story fast enough. Center of Gravity is the second book in the Ice Tigers Hockey Romance series but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend Center of Gravity and give it a 4/5 star rating. -
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
Emilia gets a bit blindsided when her grandfather informs her that he bought a hockey team and that she is the one that he is sending to America to run it. Emilia's world is changing in leaps and bounds, and the last thing she needed was this move, but she is going to make the best of it, so with a very optimistic attitude she sets off on this new journey. As she is doing her research on the team, she is shocked to find out that the man that she had an amazing one night with is on the team she is about to take over. But for her what was an amazing night, may not have been the same for Matt.
Matt has no reason to trust women after being burned one too many times. When he left Emilia's bed, he didn't look back and now here she is, taking over the team that he plays for. When Emilia wants to talk, Matt doesn't want to give her the time of day, she is just the type of distraction he does not need. But will he change his tune when he hears her news?
This turned out to be a really good story! I picked this up since I had read the first book, and the two could not be more different. This was more of a slow burn, but still entertaining and pulls you in so you don't mind it. I give this 4 stars. -
4.5 Stars for Center of Gravity
This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m really left wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. I will certainly be going back to read book one in this series as well as checking her other works out as soon as time permits . I love a good Hockey romance and let me tell you this book did not disappoint in fact I loved everything about it.
Emilia has spent her life trying please the only family member she has left her grandfather but it seems nothing she can do pleases the man who seems to want very little to do with her so when he buys a Hockey team and sends her Stateside she is determined to make the Ice Tigers a success.
Matt Walker has lost everything he holds dear and the only thing left to fight for is a cup win is that all about to change when a firecracker from Italy takes over at the helm of his team.......
A world turned upside down, two lost souls and a secret that could change their lives forever make this a great read. I loved the characters and their story and I’m sure you will too so I urge you to one click this romance that will certainly appeal to all sports romance lovers as well as romance lovers. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author. -
Center of Gravity is the 2nd book in the Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Series by Isabella Cassazza. Each book can be read as a standalone but centre around a hockey team so characters will reoccur. I hadn’t read the first book in this series before reading this one but now that I have read the blurb of the 1st book I NEED to read it ASAP.
One thing I don’t usually mention when writing a review is the cover of a book but as this book has the beautiful Kamil Nizinski on the cover, it’s certainly worth a mention. He’s definitely a good muse to have when picturing Matt.
Matt is the captain of the Ice Tigers hockey team and is focussed on winning the Stanley Cup with his team. Emilia Ravelli is the new GM who just happens to have a bit of history with Matt and her appointment just might make Matt lose some of that focus.
I loved Matt and Emilia’s story. It’s filled with so much emotion. This book really tugs at the heart strings, particularly Matt’s relationship with his family. Emilia also has a difficult family relationship which adds to the stress she is under trying to prove to her family that she is a valued member of the family business.
I really loved the story line of this book. The author reels you in from the very start and doesn’t let you go. This is definitely a page turner. I couldn’t wait to see how Matt and Emilia’s story turned out and now I want to read more of this series. -
I absolutely love this story! It is filled with wishes, lost hope and amazing characters. This really pulled me in from the beginning and I could arely put it down. Each page I flipped drew me more into the lives of these two. Matt, who feels relationships with women are a terrible idea since they only let you down. I am thrilled we got chapters with his thoughts and feelings otherwise I would have labeled him a emotional jerk. Then there is Emilia who feels like everything in her life she fails at. She tries very hard to do the right thing only to let others and herself down. She wants people to love and recognize her for herself not her famous name. These two have a one night stand expecting to never see each other again but the universe has other plans for them.
This story brought me chills of delight as well as goosebumps from the desperation. I enjoyed and *felt* Each characters as they worked their way through this tricky development. Secondary characters are wonderful and full. This makes me want to delve more into this hockey series.
This is my first book by this author. I am impressed with the flow and naturalness of the story and characters. I recommend this story for not just lovers of hockey themes but those who want a real story that goes along with it. -
Emilia is a girl who has spent her time on earth trying to make her old school Italian grandfather proud, but boy is it a high mountain to hike. Matt has had enough personal drama that has left him with trust issues, so he decided to spend his energy focusing on his career in hockey, not women & relationships. He & Emilia hook up on drunken night, both believing it was that one time & they move on to other things, but fate had more in store for them. First of all, that night resulted in a big wonderful twist, but then, Emilia asked to pick up her life & head to another country to manage a hockey team, and guess who is on that team?! Center of Gravity takes the unexpected, possible bad situations which turn out to be the best thing that people didn't know they wanted at the time & I couldn't get enough of it. Not saying there aren't big complications that may or may not have people making some questionable decisions, but you know, it's still one of those fabulous journeys to read. I absolutely loved this story so much, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
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Sweet! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the second book in the An Ice Tigers Hockey series. This is also my first time reading one of Isabelle stories. This story is about Emilia and Matt. They met one very hot night in Italy. Then a few months later her grandfather bought a hockey team in the states. Also put Emilia in charge of the team. Here comes the heart stopper Matt is on that TEAM, yikes! Matt is living his dream as professional hockey player. While he has been hurt not too long ago by someone that was suppose to love him. Emilia and Matt have a lot of stressful issues to overcome. But can they overcome them? I love the chemistry between its off of the charts. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'm definitely going back and reading the first book in this series. OMG I love some really hot hockey players. Where can I find one at? Keep up the amazing work!
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Matt and Emilia don't meet under the best of circumstances and both have their own secrets. Neither knows who the other person is other than a first name. They meet in Italy and share a night together. Emilia has been raised by her powerful Grandfather but can't seem to do anything right in his eyes, so he sends her to Boston to manage the Hockey team he just bought. As Emilia is going through the personnel forms before a meeting she comes across Matt's page and is floored. Well now she knows who he is but stand by Matt your world is about to change.
There are so many hurdles to jump, and secrets, can they get through it together?
The author is new to me but certainly will be added to my list. I really liked this book. I thought it was well written and look forward to reading more of her work. -
After being betrayed, Matt finds himself in Italy. There, he has a one-night stand with a hot Italian woman before heading back to the US where his life is. More importantly...that's where his hockey team is. As a member of the Ice Tigers, his focus is on winning the next game and winning the cup.
Emilia is sent to Boston to run the Ice Tigers. Her grandfathers expects her to be successful and get the team to the finals. Imagine Isabella's surprise when her one-night stand from back home is listed as a player on the team. She and Matt need to talk, because their lives are about to be turned upside down. However, Matt wants nothing to do with Emilia or the news she brings to his doorstep.
This book was interesting to read. There is so much going on behind closed doors and behind the scenes that brings depth to characters that otherwise seem shallow on the outside. I enjoyed watching Emilia not only fight to prove herself to her family...but also to herself. And Matt has been burned in the past and does what he feels he has to in order to protect himself. I found their back and forth banter to be entertaining, while I was rooting for to get their acts together along the way. A good addition to the Ice Tigers series that I enjoyed reading. -
This is my first time reading something by Isabella Cassazza and I am so going back for more after I finish this review. This book was a perfect read for a rainy day. It has the slow burn romance with a sports theme and hot men and fun fashion to boot. Throw in babies and I pretty much am in heaven.
In Center of Gravity we find Emilia struggling to please and make her grandfather proud. Something that is even more crucial given his financial and social status. Things seem to take a turn for the worse when Emilia finds herself pregnant and being sent to America to manage the hockey team that her grandfather just met. She is hoping this might just be the start over moment she needed but when she gets there she discovers that the one night of fun that left her pregnant is actually a player on the team! The build up to the finale of the book was so perfect and written with a flow that had me engrossed to find out what would happen between these two. I can’t say enough good things about this read! -
Emilia Ravelli has a fairy-tale life but don't most girls dream of having that perfect life. Emilia is sent Boston to manage there NHL hockey team and holding up the Ravelli name and not embarrass her grandfather. Matt is a professional hockey player trying to win the Stanley Cup and really isn't looking for a relationship. Emilia and Matt have one night of passion and it changes there life forever. Can Emilia convince Matt that there’s more to life than playing hockey and these are two lost souls for a second at life. Will the give there relationship a chance??? Do they get there happily ever after??? Read this book to find out what happens with Emilia and Matt as the put there love on the line...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
I have not read any books by Isabella Cassazza before, after this book I will as this book had such a wonderful story line .
It is a beautiful story of love , love that sometimes you can't show, maybe you find it awkward or perhaps life has thrown a curve ball in your past ...
This hockey story kept my attention because it was unusual with so much happening .
Matt Walker was a dejected star hockey player his personal life hit rock bottom.
Emilia Ravelli a loyal grand daughter who works in the family business of fashion.
While Matt is holidaying in Italy is meets Emilia their chemistry explodes it's a night to remember , the next morning Matt has gone.
This is such a riveting read I devoured it in one sitting ....
I would recommend this book to all readers. -
Center of Gravity (An Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Book 2)
By Isabella Cassazza
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the story Center of Gravity (An Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Book 2) by Isabella Cassazza. It is a book that pulled me in from the beginning and I was hooked. It is an amazing romance story that had me not wanting to put it down until the final page. I loved the characters of Emilia Ravelli and Matt Walker. They have chemistry together. Will they get a HEA? Read this book to find out. My emotions went up and down the entire time I was reading this story. The story has heartwarming and romantic moments. Some moments had me smiling or laughing out loud. I also enjoyed reading about the additional characters who interacted with Emilia and Matt. I enjoyed how the Ice Tigers worked as a team and how they supported each other. Don’t miss out on an exciting and entertaining book. I would highly recommend reading it. -
Center of Gravity: A Standalone Friends-to-Lovers Sports Romance (An Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Book 2) by Isabella Cassazza
I'm not a hockey fan, but I seem to love hockey romance stories and this one did not disappoint me. There was something about Emilia and Matt's story that drew me in and kept me engaged until the end.
Emilia was not fulfilled, she wasn't happy in her job and felt like she could do nothing right. Matt had been burned before and was leary of women and relationships, especially relationships. Who knew one fateful night would change everything for both of them.
I really loved both of these characters for very different reasons. Emilia needed a push to discover her inner strength but once she found it she wasn't going to relinquish it for anyone or anything. Matt had a vulnerable side that dug it's claws into my heart. He had a lot more inner strength then he realized and once he found it and opened himself up there was no stopping him.
This book was my introduction to Ms.Cassazza, and I look forward to going back to read the first book in the series and keeping up with the Ice Tigers. -
This was a fun story. Both Emilia and Matt had their pasts that colored how they saw things, and their attraction was a quick and hot one, but circumstances brought them together to work everything out. I loved how Emilia was determined to prove her family wrong about her and to find something that she wanted to do. Matt was strong enough to accept his responsibilities and make the best of the situation. There were lots of hot, steamy moments as well as sweet, romantic ones. Not to forget the "smack upside the head" moments. I enjoyed this story and recommend it.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review. -
REVIEWER: CHANTELLE
RATING: 5 STARS
Sweet! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the second book in the An Ice Tigers Hockey series. This is also my first time reading one of Isabelle stories. This story is about Emilia and Matt. They met one very hot night in Italy. Then a few months later her grandfather bought a hockey team in the states. Also put Emilia in charge of the team. Here comes the heart stopper Matt is on that TEAM, yikes! Matt is living his dream as professional hockey player. While he has been hurt not too long ago by someone that was suppose to love him. Emilia and Matt have a lot of stressful issues to overcome. But can they overcome them? I love the chemistry between its off of the charts. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'm definitely going back and reading the first book in this series. OMG I love some really hot hockey players. Where can I find one at? Keep up the amazing work! -
Center of Gravity: A Standalone Friends-to-Lovers Sports Romance (An Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Book 2) by Isabella Cassazza. While this definitely can be read as a stand-alone without any confusion it made me excited to read book one for sure. This author is new to me but it definitely won’t be long before I read all the books. The characters are complex and relatable, they pull you into their story so completely I found myself lost in the pages for a few hours not wanting to put it down. It’s amazing how one night can change everything you know in life. Each page had me falling more and more for each character who brings something unique to the storyline. I was very happy to find this author and I’m so excited to read more. This story was definitely well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!
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Center of Gravity: A Standalone Friends-To-Lovers Sports Romance by Isabella Cassazza is the second book in the Ace Tigers Hockey Romance Series. This book is one of those that has such strong characters to it that the story is definitely all about them.
I loved Emilia and Matt. They were so interesting to read about. They had such a believable chemistry between them. I knew immediately that I wanted these to characters to find their happy ending because they just felt so right together.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed the writing style. The whole book had a really good pace about it. The story was great and the characters were just amazing. This is definitely a hit new series for me and I am excited to see what else this author has to offer!
