A review by bookedwithbay
Icebound by Meredith Trapp

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

𝐈𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨. 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨.”

I went into this book thinking it was just going to be your typical hockey romance. I was wrong. 

The mental health representation in this book is written perfectly. I have struggled with anxiety in the past, and this book (with Nina, specifically) was very relatable for me. 

Rhode & Nina have a push and pull relationship, and the age gap between them is a huge reason for that. They want different things. But the chemistry between them is undeniable, and it shows right away with how they meet. They’re honest and supportive of each others dreams, and are always there to have “big ears” and listen. 

I definitely wasn’t expecting to cry while reading, but as soon as the Japanese Whisky bottle (IYKYK) was mentioned.. a few tears were shed. 🥹 The friend group Rhode has is so supportive and it absolutely hit me right in the feels. 

TROPES: A cross stitching hero, specific tattoos, fake dating, mental health rep, age gap, slow burn(ish) and found family.