Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Icebreaker

Okay so I really enjoyed this, and the spice was perfect, but I didn’t quite love it.

I will give full credit for the eating disorder rep, and anxiety rep. The story definitely juggled a lot of elements and I appreciate that Nate didn’t miraculously become a figure skater, as that was a huge reason I didn’t want to read this. So yay for realistic plot points.

All in all a very fun, don’t think too hard spicy book, I would say spicy level on this is 4. (Multiple spicy scenes, and some kinks)

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beautyinherbooks's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

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mels_reading_log's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is the epitome of enemies to lovers!! I’m not just obsessed with her relationship with Nate, but with all the guys. I love the family they find together. This book is so sexy and sweet and just so good!! I definitely see why it’s everyone’s favorite hockey romance.

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idk_indigo's review

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was such a cute little book, and even though there was plenty of spice it still felt fluffy. The friendships she has with all the hockey boys is really heartwarming & so cute! Obviously, I love me some girly queen bestie time with the homegirls, but I guess boys can be friendly too...

I found myself perplexed with Aaron a lot of the time; on one hand, any character who is, like, that bad (ie., continuously tries to fuck shit up for the FMC at all times) is a bit of a writing red flag for me. Nobody is going that out of their way just to be a menace, like at some point the victim-always mentality is just silly. But also, Aaron is a man so, like, it makes sense to me.

The therapy aspect of the book was weird/interesting/kinda just felt thrown on, but obviously love me a self-actualized FMC queen! The eating disorder component was also... eh to me, but I love that it's a component of the book because mental health in romance is so slay!!!

Oh and side note but where the fuck is this taking place? Like, obviously it's in LA, but... where? They talk about driving to Malibu which like yeah could be anywhere; no mention of 405 traffic, plus they talk about being pretty close to the 5, but also they regularly go out to WeHo for parties/dancing... it for sure has to be North of the 2 (because rich kids), but also can't be too far away from UCLA, but also doesn't seem to be lots of hills & absolutely no mention of parking being difficult, so I'm just like... where does this take place? Geographically it just doesn't make sense to me. It is okay, though, because it's a work of fiction.

I have seen people complain about the lack of accuracy regarding figure skating. I know nothing about figure skating (except that it's pretty) so like honestly it didn't feel off to me at all. The trick with this is to just not know anything, it works pretty well methinks. What did feel off is why a school in LA would be known for ice sports? And also called Maple Hills, like? But like whatever. Also, call me jealous (green is my color, anyway), but I could not watch my partner figure skate with another man like that shit is sooo intimate.

Overall loved the vibes. Hated Aaron but also I think I would've at one point talked shit about people with Aaron. But then I'd feel guilty about it when he said some shit about his best friend/teammate/skating partner was

unlovable because she was adopted

. That shit's kinda weird ngl. Also, where tf did Ryan go?

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margaretwaltemath09's review against another edition

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funny inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It was a great book. It was relatable. The only part I didn't like is how in the epilogue she is pregnant only like 2 years after the book ends. I wish we could have seen more of her professional skating.

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