Book Review: Why Icebreaker by Hannah Grace Is Worth the Hype

Icebreaker is about a figure skater, Annastasia Allen, and Nathan Hawkins, the Ice Hockey team Captain, and their frenemies-to-friends-to-lovers journey. It has nice little banters, the trying my best to be in her good books, and the trying but keep putting my shoe in my mouth moments. The book also takes us through how both, quite opposite personalities, overcome the obstacles of sharing 1 rink before their mega shows.

Book Blurb

Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills, and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.

Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.

Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team—including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him.

But when Anastasia’s skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.

Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried… because she could never like a hockey player, right?

The story presents a well-balanced mix of college life, romance, and friendship. The bond between Nathan and his team will give a very bromance vibe. Though as soon as the girls are added to the mix, it leaves behind nothing but mushy, heart-touching, and sweet moments of them all. 

The author has done a great job of not only introducing many characters but has also given beautiful short insights into their lives and characteristics, which never become overwhelming, nor do they make them so small that they become forgettable. The author has also done a great job at setting the stage for her upcoming books in the series by giving just enough insights on the characters that have satisfied the readers and left them wanting more at the same time.

Let’s Talk Spice

Apart from the storyline, one of the biggest questions any romance book fan will have is, does the book have smut? Yes, it does. It has a very satisfactory level of open-door smut. It is not a slow-burning book, so you, my lovelies, do not have to wait for half of the book just for a kiss.

Our college couple, like many others, experience high hormones, which definitely satisfies us readers. The smut doesn’t appear too frequently or in excessive detail, making it comfortable to read—and easy to skip for those who prefer to avoid it. I’d still recommend the audience be at least 16+, but that’s all I’ll say.

The story also includes a content warning, which I recommend everyone read before diving into the book. Content Warning: Disordered eating, Sexual content (consensual), Toxic friendships, Mental health (anxiety and stress), Near-death experience, Alcohol use.

Book Vibe

Speaking of toxic friendships, Hannah Grace has also very beautifully covered the different dynamics of friendships one goes through in college life, where some can be very toxic, not only mentally but even physically. On the other hand, they could also be so rewarding that you shall even form familial bonds, not only friendly.

This, coupled with all the party scenes contained in the book, gives it the perfect college romance energy. To a few, the book may seem a little slow once you reach the 80% mark, but let me tell you, the whole experience of the book was worth it for me.

The Takeaway

All in all, I like the book and would recommend it to all those who;

Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

⭐ 4.5/5 stars: Loved it!