Icebreaker (Maple Hills, #1)

by Hannah Grace

[The Romantic Comedy Book Club]

It has taken me FOREVER to write this review and it still feels like I just finished this book yesterday. The layers upon layers between Nate and Anastasia burrow so deep into your psyche that you find yourself thinking about scenes long after you close the book. If you are a fan of Elle Kennedy and have finished the Off-Campus Series - consider this a second helping (yes, I am aware of the Briar U Spin-off).

For as long as she could remember, all Anastasia ever wanted to be was a figure skater. Now, with her partner Aaron, she finally has a chance of qualifying, moving her even closer to her dream of competing in the Olympics. Said dream quickly turns into a nightmare when the antics of the school's hockey team causes one of the only two rinks on campus to shut down, forcing the skaters and hockey players to split rink time. With competitions coming up, consolidated practice time and distractions are not an option, even if the drop dead gorgeous Hockey Captain is apologetic and determined to "make nice". As the hostility builds, the coaches come up with a bright idea to have an icebreaker exercise. Despite skepticism everywhere, it works and bonds are formed. All is well until one run-in leads to an unexpected connection. Reminding herself that she doesn’t do relationships and can live without the drama, Anastasia suddenly realizes there is something (or someone) else she can’t seem to live without.

Icebreaker is definitely one I will read again in the future. Again, it wasn’t the type of book that will have you weeping (fanning yourself – definitely) but it will get those gears moving and give you a lot to think about when it comes to love, life, relationships, friendship, hopes, and dreams.