A review by lindsaymck
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

emotional funny lighthearted tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Nate Hawkins held this book together. It was a longer book than I think it needed to be, but he is the reason to read it. 

The beginning was slooooooow for me, so much so that I doubted the hype. The writing felt immature at first with Nate trying so hard with Anastasia out of nowhere and this insta-love situation. I think I was comparing this couple to Elle Kennedy’s Garrett Graham and Hannah from “The Deal,” whose build-up felt more natural. Both series start with the secretly sweet hockey captain and the headstrong, hard-working, and hard-to-impress leading lady falling hard for each other after she initially resists. 

Things definitely picked up when the spice started *spicing* and their chemistry finally clicked. Nate Hawkins is absolutely a man written by a woman and truly helped Stassie grow into a more likable character for me. During the first chunk of the book all I was thinking was that he could do better, but she changed for the better by befriending his teammates and falling for him. A memorable moment for me was when Nate saved her from the fall into the not-so-frozen lake and they put their love into words.

I think Stassie’s insecurities (especially from her skate partner’s verbal abuse regarding her being adopted and her success as a figure skater being the basis for her parents’ love) alongside Nate’s daddy issues set them up for being able to support each other and give the trust, communication, and love they each needed. I could’ve done without all the Aaron drama - what a manipulative A-hole - but like how Stassie takes back control and removes herself from that toxic partnership and evolves her relationship to her sport (and with food). 

I will definitely check out the other books, too, but can’t wait for Henry’s - I figured he’d be up next, but he’s #3! 
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