A review by bookishlybouv
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

When two top NHL draft prospects play for the same team, it’s cause for some interesting dynamics. They battle for that number one spot while having to work together, but the most interesting development is the heat radiating between them off the ice.

I love hockey, so fiction about hockey is amazing. Top it off with a romance between players, depression rep and you get a masterpiece! I loved watching Jaysen and Mickey fall for each other, and Mickey finding himself belonging on a team, not just because he is a third generation NHL prospect. There was also a really great family aspect to this novel, and discussion of how to be yourself when you’re standing in the shadow of what people want you to become.

The mental health rep felt realistic, in that it’s hard to reach out for help when you feel like you don’t know who you are anymore. Depression always feels insurmountable until you start to climb out of the darkness.

I want to see more of these characters as they navigate their future, but I think it was still the perfect ending. My heart is so full.

I really enjoyed the narrator, and would definitely recommend the audiobook!