Icebreaker: A Novel (1) (The Maple Hills Series)

My surprise new favorite book

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! Read more