A review by thebookishmechanic
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Icebreaker - Hannah Grace 

My friends have been telling me to read this book for a while now, and to be completely honest I’ve been putting it off because I didn’t think it would really be my vibe. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong. 

“I’d say she’s going to ruin all other women for me, but I don’t think about anyone but her”

Icebreaker strikes a delightful balance between charming romance and steamy moments, enriched with witty banter and tender scenes. I was immediately captivated when Nate Hawkins entered the scene. Anastasia's observation that “Nate Hawkins was most definitely a man written by a woman” made me smile, as he reminded me of my own husband.

However, I felt the initial portrayal of Nate was misleading. We first meet him waking up from a drunken night, expressing a desire to become a better man, yet this playboy persona seems to vanish too quickly. Genuine character development doesn’t happen overnight and insta love shouldn’t change a characters entire personality from one page to the next. 

Anastasia on the other hand had a ton of reasonable and realistic character growth that was extremely relatable. Hannah Grace skillfully portrays Anastasia's anxiety in a way that resonates deeply. As someone who has experienced anxiety firsthand, it was refreshing to see it represented so authentically. There were moments when I wished I could reach into the book and give Anastasia a nudge—after all, she’s got the perfect man in front of her, but she’s distracted by a less-than-ideal roommate. Anastasia's struggles with food were also depicted with sensitivity and realism, reflecting challenges many face in a way that felt genuine and relatable. 

Overall, this book offers a light, enjoyable romance with lovable characters and an engaging plot.

My only significant gripe is the “surprise pregnancy” at the end, a trope I find quite off-putting and which slightly marred my overall enjoyment.