Icebreaker: A Novel (The Maple Hills Series)

I normally read fantasy, romantasy, or pnr. This was my first sports romance read, and now I get what all the hype was about.This book has it all. Plot, awesome lovable (and loathable) characters and development, the writing style is fun and excellent quality with no errors, the vibes are spot on, and although I am new to sports romances, I'm confident the originality is high.Anastasia (FMC) is a collegiate pairs figure skater dealing with very real issues in realistic ways. Her growth and the arc of enemies-esque to lovers with Nate (MMC) may have started in a predictable way, but the characters were so real and well developed that everything else felt unique to this story.The romance, spice, humor, friendship and real-real talk are all very well balanced. I appreciate so much the author's focus on therapy and the MCs growing in a way where they can talk out their issues. Miscommunication is a huge trope in romance, and this was so refreshing and real.My only not was that at some points, the pacing felt a little on the slow end, but I wouldn't have it any other way in the end because now I want even more time with these characters!

Tropes/Key Points:✨Sports/College Romance✨Enemies to Lovers✨Warped Love Triangleish✨Dual POV3.5⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Blurb:Anastasia is a junior in college on track to be an Olympic Figure Skater. It’s all that she has worked towards since she was five years old. She managed to get a full scholarship, but her pairs partner wasn’t interested in furthering his career. So, as a freshman she was paired up with Aaron who was in the same boat.Stasis comes to win and nothing will get in her way. She has a meticulous schedule, regime and diet that will not be put off track for anybody or anything. Until she gets summoned along with the entire sporting department for a mandatory meeting that disrupts her day. This disruption continues when they are informed that Rink Two, the Hockey Teams Ice, is out for the count and they all have to share one ice rink.Nathan is the captain of the schools hockey team. He has never met a problem he couldn’t solve, that is until his ice rink is flooded and they have to share with the figure skating team. He sees Anastasia arguing with her coach after the meeting, and his attempt to smooth things over backfires in his face.Anastasia’s partner gets injured so Nathan steps in to fill the role. Swapping out a puck for a toe pick, the pair find themselves stuck together and closer than ever.Review:I don’t even know where to fully start here.The premise is amazing and reminded me of the movie “The Cutting Edge”. It’s a semi-accurate comparison but only in certain spots. I give this author credit though as she made it her own and it didn’t feel like a rip off of a timeless classic. I’m not even mad at the execution of the story, as it kept me hooked.One complaint though is the spice level. It comes out of the gate swinging and while it does calm down after chapter two until a bit later in the book, this was just too much for my personal preference. Not to mention that the first sexual encounter between Anastasia and Nate left much to be desired. She just used the bathroom dude and you knelt…. Well. You get it. 🤮My second complaint is the epilogue. It just wasn’t needed. I got to the last chapter of the book and thought I was done only for there to be a very predictable epilogue. I think the epilogue actually ruins the story and rushes achievements for the Main Couple. It felt out of place from what we learned through the book, like the author wanted it so it happened. The lady chapter would have been the perfect ending.One thing I absolutely loved about this story was the cast of characters. It wasn’t just about the main duo, it included such lovable hockey players on Nathan’s team and an amazing best friend for Anastasia. The author managed to flush out these characters and give them their own personalities and problems. It really felt like I could be in a room with a group of friends.Banter is also my weakness. Coming in strong with not only enjoyable back and forth between Ana and Nate, the way the hockey team comes together and ribs on each other was so perfect. There were multiple spots outside of the main couple that had me laughing. The team even accepted Ana and Lola into their group and they joined in on the fun of driving Nate crazy.I have to say that the way the author really delved outside of the romance to introduce complex backstories and emotions for these characters was really well done. Anastasia is in therapy and we see how her anxiety and obsessive planning became established. We see how it affects her daily life and even those around her. It wasn’t just a throwaway plot point, the author actually disperses it throughout the story in a great way.We also get to see some healing in regards to how Ana looks at food. This is such a delicate subject and I think it was handled so well. Of course, I’m coming at this from someone who has (luckily — but no shame to anyone who hasn’t been so lucky — I support you) never experienced trauma with food. I hope that the author truly did portray it in a healthy way and if not, can someone please educate me?The climax of the story was pristine but there were some moments that had me rolling my eyes. Development that we worked through only for it to be torn down to further the plot. But, that’s the way the stories are written so what can you do?Overall there were some really great moments through the book but it wasn’t enough to overpower the ending. The ending really ruined it for me and unfortunately that’s a big ding taking away from the rating.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace is the kind of romance that pulls you in with its sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of drama. Set in the high-energy world of college hockey, the story delivers a perfect mix of tension and tenderness between the two leads. The characters feel real, their struggles are relatable, and the romance is as steamy as it is sweet. Grace does a great job balancing the playful and emotional moments, making this a binge-worthy read. If you love sports romance with depth and charm, Icebreaker is a must.

“Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace has been making waves on TikTok, so naturally, I had to check it out. While the book delivers on the sweet and cozy romance it promises, it felt a bit too perfect for my taste.Nate and Anastasia are wonderful characters—he’s the epitome of the understanding, supportive boyfriend, and she’s strong and driven. Their relationship is filled with heartwarming moments and plenty of sugary sweetness, which makes it a great pick for those looking for lighthearted romance.However, for me, the lack of significant drama or tension left the story feeling a little one-note. The conflicts that do arise are minor and resolved quickly, which makes the romance feel like a fluffy rainbow unicorn—adorable, but missing the emotional grit that keeps me fully hooked.Overall, Icebreaker is a fun, feel-good read for fans of low-stakes romance. If you love swoon-worthy moments and a drama-free love story, this book will warm your heart. For readers like me, who crave a bit more action and complexity, it might feel a little too sweet.

This is definitely a romance. A spicy one. However, it’s ability to build the characters and plot while still holding onto the spice has been a delight compared to some of the more recently popular spicy books. I was able to meet and learn about the characters before being thrust into an outlandish sexual encounter for a change. Realistic romance resonates with the true romantic far more than the typical “modern day mommy porn”. Thanks for a sweet and sexy read with a good plot.