A college romance about an ice skater and the hockey captain she hates as they’re forced to share a rink. TikTok’s latest viral sensation, this swoonworthy romance will be loved by fans of Mariana Zapata, Elle Kennedy and Elena Armas.
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. She has a drive that few can match and, as she enters her third year on the Maple Hills ice skating team, everything is going according to plan.
Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the ice 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 ice skating team – including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him. But when her skating partner gets injured, Nate looks like her best option to advance in competition.
Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried. After all, she doesn’t have time for a relationship … right?
Format: Paperback
Pages: 448
Imprint: SIMON & SCHUSTER AUST
Publication date: 15/02/2023
Series: Maple Hills v1
Icebreaker
by Hannah Grace
Review by Josh
A surprisingly sweet but nonetheless spicy story centered around figure skater Anastasia and her enemy turned lover, the hockey team captain Nathan. When one of the two university ice rinks is put out of commission, they’re forced to share time together and organise around one another’s schedules, which can only lead to one thing: Romance.
The two hit it off relativity fast but Anastasia’s fear of commitment and Nathan’s need to be a hero mean it isn’t all smooth skating for the pair. I was pleasantly surprised however that their relationship, while the main focus of the book, isn’t the central point of conflict. That is instead saved for Aaron, Anastasia’s figure skating partner. Aaron is such a good portrayal of a narcissistic, controlling, egomaniac that you can’t help but root for his downfall. He works as the perfect shared source of discord for the pair as they work through their relationship.
The book features plenty of spice for those so inclined but also holds a sweet and heart-warming tale of a budding relationship amongst the stresses and complication of college and young adult life.
For fans of Enemies to lovers, Unmissable Close Proximity and Found Family tropes.
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