Book Review: Icebreaker (UCMH, #1) by Hannah Grace
As soon as I caught wind of Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, I was intrigued. The promise of a romance set against the backdrop of hockey, combined with quirky characters seemed just the right recipe for a fun escape. However, it quickly became clear that while the book tried to skate on thin ice, it often stumbled into a few pitfalls. With a rating of 1.75 stars, I can confidently say it left me feeling more frustrated than fulfilled.
From the get-go, we meet the protagonist, Anastasia, who unfortunately gives off strong "pick me" vibes. The promise of a fresh take on the female main character was enticing, but her stubborn grumpiness and dramatic tendencies felt forced at times. While I genuinely tried to connect with her, it became increasingly difficult as her inner dialogue often revolved around the absurdity of hockey stereotypes. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not as she oscillated between claiming to hate hockey players and then complaining about her sudden attraction.
One bright spot, however, was Ryan, whose supportive dynamics with both Anastasia and Olivia were refreshing. Their friendship was doled out with heart, and I wished there were more moments exploring that bond. Plus, the banter between Nathan and Anastasia sometimes sparked joy amidst the chaotic pacing and plotlines that seemed to spiral out of control into an overwhelming amount of smutty interactions, in lieu of actual character development.
The writing style had its merits, with some genuinely funny moments that reminded me of classic rom-coms. It often oscillated between laugh-out-loud cringy and endearingly relatable. I mean, how can you not chuckle at, “He’s in a Maple Hills Titans T-shirt and gray sweats, and I hate myself for being a woman swayed by a man in gray sweatpants"? But the relationship itself became mundane—too much emphasis on the physical connections detracted from what could have been a more plot-driven story.
“You’re worth defending. Every cut, bruise, every single pang of anger or frustration. It’s all worth it,” Nathan assures Anastasia, but these moments felt scattered and underexplored. The narrative rushed through their emotional arcs, leaving little room to develop their supposed "deep connection." The book felt more focused on the physical rather than the intricacies of a meaningful relationship.
In terms of pacing, Icebreaker had a maddening rhythm. The early chapters trudged along, sputtering into moments of stimulating engagement, only to fall back into repetitive sequences of intimacy. "Every other chapter" seemed to be the mantra for their encounters, and it did, at times, lead to some unintended hilarity. However, as a reader, I craved substance—something to sink my teeth into, beyond the incessant smut.
Moreover, with elements like mental health and friendship sprinkled throughout, I couldn’t help but feel that the novel had the potential for deeper exploration. Unfortunately, some important topics, like the eating disorder subplot, were introduced too late to resonate.
In conclusion, while Icebreaker (UCMH, #1) has its entertaining moments and charming characters, the overall experience ended up being more of a chore than a delight. If you love read-and-forget romances that lean heavily into smut with a side of humor, you might find some entertainment here. But for those searching for an enriching story with character depth and emotional pulls, you may want to leave this book on the shelf. I left it feeling as if I needed a lifebuoy—something to hold on to while wading through the endless waves of discontent.
Let’s just say, I won’t be making a trip to the rink anytime soon.
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