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A review by idk_indigo
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
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 wasunlovable because she was adopted . That shit's kinda weird ngl. Also, where tf did Ryan go?
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Toxic friendship