Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

You know that feeling when you step onto freshly zambonied ice? That perfect glide, the crisp sound of blades cutting through the surface? Yeah, that’s kinda how it feels diving into Hannah Grace’s debut novel “Icebreaker.” It’s smooth, it’s exhilarating, and honey, it’ll have you spinning faster than a triple axel.

Slicing Through the Plot

So, picture this: We’ve got Anastasia Allen, figure skating prodigy extraordinaire, who’s been busting her butt since she could walk to make it to Team USA. Girl’s got a full ride to the University of California, Maple Hills, and a spot on their figure skating team. Sounds like a dream, right?

Enter Nate Hawkins, captain of the hockey team and certified pain in Anastasia’s perfectly toned behind. Thanks to some rink drama (because of course), the figure skaters and hockey players are forced to share ice time. Cue the tension, the sass, and oh boy, the sexual chemistry that could melt the rink faster than a California heatwave.

When Anastasia’s skating partner hits a rough patch, guess who steps up to the plate (or should I say, glides onto the ice)? Yep, our boy Nate. And let me tell you, watching these two try to navigate their growing feelings while attempting not to kill each other on the ice? Pure. Entertainment. Gold.

Characters That’ll Have You Cheering from the Sidelines

Hannah Grace doesn’t just give us characters; she gives us people we wanna grab a hot cocoa with after a long day on the ice.

Anastasia Allen

Anastasia’s not your typical romance heroine. She’s driven, she’s focused, and she’s got a mouth on her that could make a hockey player blush. But underneath all that determination and sass? There’s a vulnerability that’ll have you wanting to wrap her up in a warm blanket and tell her everything’s gonna be okay.

Nate Hawkins

Now, Nate. Oh, Nate. At first glance, he’s your stereotypical hot-shot hockey captain. But Grace peels back those layers like a pro, revealing a guy who’s actually kind of a softie under all that muscle. His dedication to his team, his sister, and eventually to Anastasia? It’ll warm your heart faster than a post-practice shower.

The Supporting Cast

And can we talk about the supporting characters for a hot second? From Sabrina, Anastasia’s ride-or-die bestie, to the lovable misfits on the hockey team, Grace populates her world with people who feel real. They’ve got their own drama, their own quirks, and they add depth to a story that could’ve easily been just another sports romance.

The Chemistry That’ll Fog Up Your Goggles

Look, I’m just gonna say it: The sexual tension between Anastasia and Nate is hotter than friction-burned thighs after a long skate session. Grace knows how to build that slow burn, folks. The banter, the lingering looks, the “accidental” touches—it’s all there, and it’s delicious.

But it’s not just about the physical stuff. The emotional connection that grows between these two is what really sells it. Watching them lower their guards, learn to trust each other both on and off the ice—that’s the good stuff right there.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Rink

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another sports romance? Haven’t we seen this all before?” But here’s the thing: Grace manages to take familiar tropes and make them feel fresh. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the forced proximity, the “oh no, there’s only one bed” moment—it’s all there, but it never feels stale.

Maybe it’s the figure skating angle, which we don’t see as often in sports romance. Or maybe it’s just Grace’s writing style, which feels authentic and never takes itself too seriously. Whatever it is, “Icebreaker” manages to stand out in a crowded genre.

Style That Glides Smoothly

Speaking of writing style, let’s talk about how Grace puts words on the page. Her prose isn’t fancy or overly flowery. Instead, it’s straightforward, punchy, and often laugh-out-loud funny. The dialogue, in particular, shines. These characters talk like real college kids, complete with pop culture references and the occasional well-placed swear word.

The pacing is spot-on too. Grace knows when to linger on a moment and when to pick up speed. The result is a story that never drags but also gives you time to really sink into the emotions.

A Few Wobbly Landings

Now, no routine is perfect, and Icebreaker by Hannah Grace does have a few moments where it doesn’t quite stick the landing.

The conflict towards the end feels a bit rushed and could’ve used more development. And while the side characters are great, some of their storylines are left hanging, presumably to be picked up in future books.

There are also a few moments where the “new adult” label really shows—some of the drama can feel a bit, well, dramatic. But hey, that’s college for you, right?

The Judge’s Scores

All in all, Icebreaker by Hannah Grace is a strong debut that promises good things for the rest of the Maple Hills series. It’s fun, it’s sexy, and it’s got heart. If you’re a fan of sports romances, enemies-to-lovers stories, or just want something that’ll leave you with a goofy grin on your face, this one’s worth picking up.

Highlights:

• Strong, well-developed main characters
• Sizzling chemistry and satisfying slow burn
• Authentic college setting
• Fresh take on familiar tropes
• Laugh-out-loud humor

Room for Improvement:

• Some underdeveloped side plots
• Rushed conflict resolution
• Occasional over-the-top drama

The Cool Down

As we unlace our skates and wrap up this review, let’s take a moment to appreciate what Hannah Grace has accomplished with “Icebreaker.” It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about passion, dedication, and learning to trust both yourself and others.

It’s about finding your team—both on and off the ice. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

So, if you’re in the mood for a read that’ll have you feeling all warm and fuzzy (despite the icy setting), give “Icebreaker” a shot. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly find yourself Googling “adult beginner figure skating classes” at 2 AM. Trust me, been there, done that, got the bruises to prove it.

Looking Ahead: More Maple Hills Magic

For those of you already itching for more Maple Hills goodness, you’re in luck. Grace has followed up “Icebreaker” with two more books in the series:

• “Wildfire” – This one focuses on Anastasia’s bestie, Brynn, and a certain firefighter. Expect more banter, more steam, and probably fewer ice-related puns.
• “Daydream“—the latest in the series, rumored to feature some familiar faces from the first two books.

If they’re anything like “Icebreaker,” we’re in for more laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and characters that’ll feel like old friends by the time you turn the last page.

Final Thoughts: A Winning Routine

In the world of sports romance, Icebreaker by Hannah Grace stands out like a perfectly executed quadruple jump. It’s got all the elements we love—the tension, the passion, the triumph—wrapped up in a package that feels fresh and fun.

Hannah Grace has proved she’s got what it takes to compete in this genre, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she does next. So grab your coziest blanket, maybe a mug of hot chocolate, and get ready to fall in love with the world of Maple Hills.

Just remember: reading on ice is not recommended. Trust me on this one.