Review of Icebreaker (UCMH, #1) by Hannah Grace
From the moment I stumbled upon Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker, the cover art and the buzz around it drew me in like a moth to a flame. Hockey romance? Yes, please! I had high hopes for this entry into the contemporary romance genre, imagining a blend of steamy moments and sweet, character-driven narratives. So, did this book live up to my (maybe overly optimistic) expectations? Well, let’s dive in.
At its core, Icebreaker revolves around Anastasia, a fiercely independent protagonist whose “grumpy” demeanor often felt more forced than authentic. I genuinely tried to connect with her—at times, she reminded me of a younger Monica Geller with her compulsive organization and competitive nature—but more often than not, her characteristics felt cliché and overdone. With lines like “You are the most annoying man I’ve ever met,” and Nathan’s quick retorts, it was evident that humor was meant to shine through their banter, but it often fell flat for me.
One of the standout elements in the book was the friendship between Ryan and Anastasia. While their dynamic was refreshing and heartfelt, it tragically took a backseat to the far more dominant romantic plot between Anastasia and Nathan, a relationship that felt overwhelmingly sex-driven. Sure, there were moments that hinted at deeper emotional connections—like when Nathan declares, “You’re worth defending”—but these moments were often overshadowed by the relentless focus on their physical relationship. The pacing suffered as a result; at times it seemed as though the plot was there just to serve as a backdrop for the intimacy provided, leading to repetitive story beats with little advancement.
The writing style was another aspect that elicited mixed emotions in me. Hannah Grace’s knack for creating vivid scenes was evident, but some of the dialogue came across as cringey—like something I might expect from early Wattpad days. Phrases like “It’s like he flicks a switch somewhere and suddenly it’s Niagara Falls between my legs” had me both laughing and groaning at the same time. While the humor was appreciated, it often felt misplaced amidst the attempts to develop more serious themes, like friendship and emotional depth.
A redeeming feature for sure was the portrayal of supportive friendships. Anastasia’s bond with Sasha added a delightful layer to the narrative, creating moments of genuine camaraderie amidst the chaos of romantic entanglements. It’s worth noting that even through the thick murk of romantic dramatics, the cookbook lessons taught by JJ livened things up, serving as a pleasant escape from the book’s more tedious moments.
Ultimately, while Icebreaker boasted potential with engaging side characters and a premise that tickled my fancy, it struggled under the weight of an inconsistent tone and lackluster plot development. Perhaps if you’re looking for something light-hearted and steamy—or if you’re a hockey fan wanting to dive into a contemporary romance—you might find some enjoyment here. As for me? I think it’s safe to say I’ll be sidelined for the rest of this series.
Readers seeking emotional depth or tightly woven narratives might leave a bit disappointed. However, if you’re in the mood for smutty banter and playful dynamics, Icebreaker could be just the distraction you’re after. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about Nathan’s tendency to infuriate!