Toe Pick...

The Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

2023 Frenzied Bibliophile Challenge Category: Romance

Stars: 4

Spice: 4; some graphic descriptions

Sexy Times: 4; they couple definitely good chemistry

Will you like this book? You might if you like:

• Hockey players

• College romances

• The Cutting Edge

• A cast of characters

• Elle Kennedy’s books

So this book was all over my Insta feed and after I read the description, I was like, sounds like The Cutting Edge, so I am here for that, all day any day. I could just hear Moira Kelly saying “toe pick.” I also love a book that is what I term “cozy.” Are they characters going to be hanging out with their friends and cooking? Are they going to be cuddling and spooning? Then sign me up; I love those types of stories, maybe because I always want a nap.

This was a fun read though it dealt with some serious issues (eating disorders and bullying). I wasn’t sure how I felt about the first third of the book, I didn’t really like either of the characters or their interaction with each other, but, I will say it got stronger as it went on. I can imagine the hardest part of writing is introducing readers to characters the author knows so well that sometimes it can feel like important pieces are left out. Still, I really enjoyed Nathan and Anastasia skating together and I loved how they each became such a cheerleader for the other. My highest compliment is that this reminded me a bit of “The Hook Up” by Kristen Callihan. This is another romance where the dude falls hard and fast and it takes a bit to convince the heroine that he is the one for her.

The spiciness was there as well as the chemistry, a task that isn’t always easy to accomplish. Also, there was a good balance between the sex scenes and the rest of the story; this wasn’t just two people going at it all the time. And there were some funny moments around them as well (hello Nutella).

I would say that I can see why people are enjoying this and why it is getting a lot of play on the Insta. I would recommend it for a fun, sexy read. Also, if you like Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series then you will like this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.