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sarahsbooklife's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Infidelity
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol
gabs_parr's review
- 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
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 😉🥰
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Infidelity, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Infertility, Alcohol, and Child death
tguccione's review
- 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
Moderate: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity, Child death, Car accident, and Infertility
ambercunningham's review
- 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
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
heartsandthrillerreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
For the nitty gritty, Rhode and Nina are so loveable. Rhode is a man who knows what he wants and is unashamed of who he is and what he loves. He may be a hockey player, but he's a cat daddy who dreams of marriage and kids and stability. Nina is a sweet college student with a creative mind, no nonsense, and a great representation of what anxiety feels like.
All of that being said, the big blocker for Rhode is that he's older than Nina. He constantly makes assumptions about her and keeps saying he's too old for her. For someone who seemed so enthralled with her, he could easily keep telling himself she's too young and ignore her. He worried far too much about what others thought, especially since she's 22, not 18. However, I do love that he doesn't play into the daddy kink. He wants Nina to be an equal. Theres a time and a place for that, and this suited them far more than him playing into that.
This is something special. I've read a lot of indie authors first novels and they don't always hit just right. This being the launching point is honestly incredible and makes me so excited for future releases.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child death and Infidelity