“You’re my favorite,” I whisper, leaning in to kiss her flushed cheek. “Even if I had crab hands?” “Even if you had crab hands, Anastasia.”
I loved Icebreaker. It was the fluffy but drama-filled spicy romance that really did feel up to the hype I saw online. The writing was strong and I was really immersed. I haven’t laughed out loud reading a novel in a long time this was that much fun.
BLURB:
A top ten bestseller and TikTok’s latest viral sensation, Icebreaker is a swoonworthy college romance about an ice skater and the hockey captain she hates as they’re forced to share a rink.
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. She has a drive that few can match and, as she enters her third year on the Maple Hills ice skating team, everything is going according to plan.
Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the ice hockey team, Nate Hawkins.
Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the ice skating team – including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him. But when her skating partner gets injured, Nate looks like her best option to advance in competition.
Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried. After all, she doesn’t have time for a relationship … right?
REVIEW:
Now I love a iceskating movie (hello Ice Princess) and this read like a swoon worthy romance movie. Nate is funny and kind, with a strong desire to protect those he loves, both the team and Stassie. Anastasia is a complicated person, who initially I didn’t particularly love but found myself really invested in her growth as I learned more about her past and how she evolved as a person. And the banter between them is top tier, at times I was howling. I think that is what this romance novel does better than some others, the characters, both main and supporting, feel really fleshed out. They’re flawed and distinct from one another. The friendships and dynamics between Stassie and the hockey team players was really fun, watching her find some really great friends as her relationship with Nate evolves.
The author doesn’t shy away from some more difficult topics either, from disordered eating to consent and coercive control. I think some of these elements could have been handled differently personally, but that’s just me, I think they were reasonable well executed. I will however say Aaron is the worst and he should’ve suffered far more for his heinous behaviour.
I don’t typically read a lot of contemporary romance but maybe I should after reading Icebreaker as this was the most enjoyable reading experience I’ve had in a long time. If you’re looking for a really fun, easy (and spicy) romance read then this sporty books might just be up your alley.
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family
- Sports Romance
- Spicy
“Looking at her makes me want to be the funniest guy in the room, so I can be the one to make her laugh.”
“Of course, I know you really well, Anastasia. You’re my favorite subject.”
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Sports Romance
Published 1st February, 2023.
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