A review by sometimesalyreadsbooks
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Oh, BookTok. What did I just read? I can't even say I didn't like this book. I did! But it felt like a Wattpad story that I came across, got invested in the characters and couldn't put down. Not an actual, professionally edited, published novel. Even then, I couldn't put it down and there were things I really liked about it. I really love a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. 

Buckle up and head's up, there are some spoilers below!



The good:
* The characters were pretty likeable to me! They were pretty well-fleshed out, sometimes maybe a little too detailed even (but I personally like that) and had their own ambitions. I would've liked Lola to have a little more substance, she just kind of felt "there" to be a best friend and nothing else.
* The dynamics between the characters were great. I loved the relationship that Anastasia had with all the "boys" and how they all came together to support each other at the end of the day!
* The "villain" was very realistically done and really sums up those posessive male friend types that I've met throughout my life. 

The bad:
* The writing, especially at first was hard to process. Just very wordy and no flow. I felt overwhelmed, and at the same time, nothing was happening?
* Very slow plot for a book this length
* The spice was VERY well-written, but absolutely random in nature and happened at the most confusing times - Like she just ALMOST DIED, I don't think ya'll should be doing that right now.

The cringe:
* "Stassie" - I just really don't like that nickname
* The Uber scene (oh my god, that was so uncomfortable, I almost DNF'd)
* When Nathan meets Anastasia and immediately forgets the girl he's been pining for for years. I mean, I get it, it happens, but I didn't like it.
* The incredible lack of hockey and ice skating in this book about a hockey player and an ice skater.
* THE EPILOGUE!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - I hate that trope and I hate that it happened to a character so adamant about her career and ADOPTING!

The hilarious:
* When Anastasia fell through the ice and I yelled "Haha, ICEBREAKER"
* Nathan buying "girly shit" and then it literally just being >basic hygiene items< like shampoo and body wash. Jesus christ. 
* "She has thoughts and opinions." Amazing. She's a human being, Nate.
* The chapter where Nate says "shit" about 400 times and then never says it the rest of the book. 
* Aaron wrecking himself (quite literally) and being too embarrassed to admit it causing almost a world war


Anyway, read it, or don't. But overall, I'm glad I did and it took me back to my Wattpad and fanfic days!

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