A review by allisonbree
Beneath the Ice by L.A. Cotton

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.25

I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. 

We first met Connor in Break the Ice. He is the lovable defenseman, a roommate of Austin, and bonds instantly with Rory when she arrives. He and his girlfriend, Ella, are a constant presence in both Rory and Noah's story, and Harper and Mason's in book 2. They're the solid couple. Together for a year, deeply in love, and always there for their friends. Connor has signed with the Flyers, and Ella is going to move with him once they graduate and he begins his NHL career. 

Because they are introduced as unit and are always depicted as living their own happily ever after, I knew this book would be a doozy. 

As gut-wrenching as it was, I did 'like' reading about his time in the hospital from Connor's eyes. In On Thin Ice, Noah talked about Connor's injury and makes it seem like the doctor's couldn't decide what to do. But after reading Connor's side of things, the reality was that Connor couldn't decide what to do and his father's presence only confused him more. It's a minor thing, but that detail does track with Connor shutting everyone out. 

This book isn't my favorite out of the series. But I still absolutely loved it. There was so much more to Connor and Ella's relationship then what we see in the other books. Most books cover a couple finding one another, not an already solid couple facing major challenges and overcoming them to have their future together. It was a change of pace I didn't know I needed or wanted. And that alone, makes this book a standout.