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booked_deafkailyn's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Icebound is an age gap, hockey romance and the author’s debut. It’s the first in a series of interconnected standalones and had me cheesing the entire time.
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 100% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously grow up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
They were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books rest of series!! I seriously cannot recommend this book enough!!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Infertility
gabs_parr's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Icebound was laugh-out-loud funny, medium-to-fast paced and fun while also capturing all of the feels in a feet kicking slow burn romance. Nina and Rhode shared a great story with SUCH a relatable and honest relationship roadblock that has everything and nothing to do with their age gap. Couples of all age differences have had these same difficult conversations and had to make the same decisions about their futures, either together or separately. I really admired he way it was handled with maturity and compassion, without flippancy or dramatics. Nina’s confidence by the way… love that for her. I think I said both “Get it, girl” and “Good for her” out loud at separate points 😂
Not to mention the true heart of the story: The Puck Buddies. The true reason I love hockey romcoms is for the green flag energy that is the brotherly, affectionate, protective, and fun love that is shared between the hockey team in any given series. These male friendships are the foundation on which hockey romcoms are built in my opinion. And Icebound is a masterclass in how to do teammates/ side characters well. Each man was so well defined from the others, with clear personalities, motivations, and contributions to the group and storyline. There were also small hints dropped for each character to prompt us to care about each boy’s book when their time comes. I DON’T EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT CHAPTER 32, MEREDITH. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID, YOUNG LADY 😩😭
I also want to quickly give an honorable mention to my LOVE for the familial relationships in this book. Both Nina’s and Rhode’s. They were complicated, messy, awkward, and difficult. But they were tender, and delicate, too. Beautifully crafted.
I highlighted THIRTY-FOUR quotes in this book!
Here’s a favorite talking about the nature and importance of siblinghood: “What I mean is that you were there the day I was born, and when our parents are gone, you’ll still be here. Our parents don’t get the end, and our partners won’t get the beginning, but you get it all. You’re my infinity.” 🥹 Made me want to cry and call my baby sister at 10:30 at night lol
And a favorite about romantic love: “The idea of fate bringing two strangers together is a pretty one, but love is stronger when it’s a choice.” UGH 🔪 meet ❤️, I mean COME ON! 🥹
Meredith Trapp’s Icebound is going to be a hit for fans of Meghan Quinn, Emily Henry, Julie Soto, and Stephanie Archer. Can’t wait for Patty Daddy’s story in book 2 😉🥰
Not to mention the true heart of the story: The Puck Buddies. The true reason I love hockey romcoms is for the green flag energy that is the brotherly, affectionate, protective, and fun love that is shared between the hockey team in any given series. These male friendships are the foundation on which hockey romcoms are built in my opinion. And Icebound is a masterclass in how to do teammates/ side characters well. Each man was so well defined from the others, with clear personalities, motivations, and contributions to the group and storyline. There were also small hints dropped for each character to prompt us to care about each boy’s book when their time comes. I DON’T EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT CHAPTER 32, MEREDITH. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID, YOUNG LADY 😩😭
I also want to quickly give an honorable mention to my LOVE for the familial relationships in this book. Both Nina’s and Rhode’s. They were complicated, messy, awkward, and difficult. But they were tender, and delicate, too. Beautifully crafted.
I highlighted THIRTY-FOUR quotes in this book!
Here’s a favorite talking about the nature and importance of siblinghood: “What I mean is that you were there the day I was born, and when our parents are gone, you’ll still be here. Our parents don’t get the end, and our partners won’t get the beginning, but you get it all. You’re my infinity.” 🥹 Made me want to cry and call my baby sister at 10:30 at night lol
And a favorite about romantic love: “The idea of fate bringing two strangers together is a pretty one, but love is stronger when it’s a choice.” UGH 🔪 meet ❤️, I mean COME ON! 🥹
Meredith Trapp’s Icebound is going to be a hit for fans of Meghan Quinn, Emily Henry, Julie Soto, and Stephanie Archer. Can’t wait for Patty Daddy’s story in book 2 😉🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Infidelity, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Infertility, Alcohol, and Child death
tguccione's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity, Child death, Car accident, and Infertility
ambercunningham's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book has one of the best, most realistic anxiety reps in a character I’ve read. Nina’s struggles made me feel so seen. Their banter, support, and communication skills were beautiful and made the push and pull of their journey so REAL and ANGSTY ugh this was such a beautifully done age gap romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Medical content, Mental illness, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child death and Infertility
Minor: Abandonment and Alcohol
the_love_librarian's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Icebound is an age gap, hockey romance and the author’s debut. It’s the first in a series of interconnected standalones and had me cheesing the entire time.
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 1000% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously show up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
Don’t even get me started on the bro relationships. Rhode/Cruz/Patty were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books!
I’ll definitely be on pins and needles for the next book in the series because I loved everything Nina and Rhode, and the author’s writing was solid too!
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 1000% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously show up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
Don’t even get me started on the bro relationships. Rhode/Cruz/Patty were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books!
I’ll definitely be on pins and needles for the next book in the series because I loved everything Nina and Rhode, and the author’s writing was solid too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infertility, Death, and Abandonment
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