A review by m_esme_rized_by_books
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book actually lived up to the hype for me, and  was so much fun to read. I loved the main characters chemistry and banter, and how their relationship developed throughout the story. As an ambulatory wheelchiar user myself, I especially loved seeing the casual inclusion of having a side character (Robbie) being a wheelchair user, without it being his only personality trait. My only critique was there wasn't enough of him and Lola's characters, I loved them both and would happily read a whole book on their love story!
 
The reason this book doesn't quite hit 5 stars for me is because it frustrated me how awful Aaron's character was and how long it took for Anastasia to finally cut ties with him. Although I suppose maybe it was more realistic having her holding out hope for him changing for so long, after all the time she had invested in their friendship/skating partnership. My only other minor gripe with the story asides from Aaron's awfulness, was Nathan's "protective boyfriend" streak. Ugh. This is a personal preference for me I guess, but anytime he was angry about one of the other hockey guys having Stas's attention and got all ~protective~ over her... it just gives me the Ick. And it annoyed me because, all the protective bullshit asides, I really loved Nathan's character and his growth. And also my only other small critique, is I wish maybe 2 or 3 of the sex scenes had been cut, and replaced with scenes from the time period when Nathan was Anastasias skating partner, and they were sharing a bed, but not sleeping together. It bugged me how we only got a short paragraph or so where I think Nathan briefly mentions that while he misses the sex, him and Stas use that 2 week period talking to each other and having deep and meaningful convos, and getting closer. I would've loved to have actually had some scenes of those conversations, instead of just having it mentioned in passing. There were so many sex scenes in this story that I feel like it would've been fine to cut 2 or 3 in favour of showing Stas and Nate getting closer, rather than telling. That all being said, the sexy scenes were very well done and I still enjoyed them! There were just quite a few that it got a little bit repetitive for me after a while lol. I feel like I've spent too much of this review explaining the few parts I didn't enjoy, when I really did overall love this book. Would happily re-read it in years to come. I am looking forward to reading more from this author! My favourite parts of the book included: the skating and ice hockey stuff, I found it super interesting and it also gave me 'the ice princess' vibes (which is one of mine and my mums favourite movies, so it has a special place in my heart); the inclusion of a wheelchair user side character; the chemistry and banter between Nathan and Anastasia; and the inclusion of what felt like a realistic portrayal of someone who has been through a lot of therapy and is still learning and still finds it grueling. I have found in other rom-com type books, usually when a character is in therapy or has been in therapy, it's used in a not super realistic way. This book handled it really well and tenderly, which I appreciate. 
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