Tawni’s Book Nook: Icebreaker by Hannah Grace – A Chillingly Good Romance with a Warm Heart
Romance books have a way of pulling me in, but when I saw the frenemies-to-lovers tension and figure skater vs. hockey player dynamic in Icebreaker, I knew I had to read it. Since starting my book blogging journey (you can read more about that here), I’ve been diving into different romance subgenres, and this one definitely caught my attention. In this Icebreaker book review, I’m sharing my thoughts on Hannah Grace’s steamy sports romance—what I loved, what could have been better, and why this book is worth adding to your TBR.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Icebreaker Book Review: A Story of Opposites—on and off the Ice
At its core, Icebreaker follows Anastasia Allen, an ambitious and fiercely independent figure skater, and Nathan Hawkins, the charming, easygoing hockey team captain. Their worlds collide when a rink mishap forces their teams to share ice time, leading to a clash of egos, witty banter, and, of course, undeniable chemistry. The frenemies-to-lovers tension was delicious, as both characters started off with their own preconceived notions about each other—only to realize there’s so much more beneath the surface.
I loved the contrast between their sports. Figure skating is all about precision, control, and perfection, while hockey thrives on aggression, speed, and chaos. Watching Anastasia and Nathan navigate their differences—both on the ice and in their relationship—made for such an entertaining dynamic.
Why I’m Giving It 4 Stars
While I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and character development, the middle of the book slowed down with repetitive scenes that didn’t add much to the story. I found myself wishing for more movement in the plot during that stretch. That said, once the story picked up again, I was completely hooked. The romance became deeper, the characters found their purpose, and the emotional stakes became stronger.
One of my favorite aspects of Anastasia’s journey was her willingness to attend therapy and prioritize her own dreams, even when facing challenges in her personal life. I also admired that, despite the struggles she faced both personally and professionally, she made an effort to be the bigger person. When it came to figure skating, she showed maturity by trying to be civil with someone she once considered a friend. Even though things had changed, she recognized the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture and handling things professionally. That level of growth and self-awareness made her character even more compelling.
And the friendships? Absolutely top-tier. The bond between characters felt authentic, supportive, and exactly the kind of friendships anyone would want in their own life.
Final Thoughts on This Icebreaker Book Review
Icebreaker is a fun, sexy, and heartwarming read that brings the heat both on and off the ice. If you love the frenemies-to-lovers trope, a sports romance with great chemistry, and strong friendships, this book is worth picking up. Just be prepared for a bit of a slow burn in the middle before things heat up again!
👉 Want to check it out for yourself? Read more about Icebreaker by Hannah Grace on Goodreads!
Have you read Icebreaker? What did you think of Anastasia and Nathan’s romance? Let’s chat in the comments!
💡 Next up in Tawni’s Book Nook: I’m finally tackling a thriller from my TBR! Stay tuned for my thoughts on That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally—because it’s time to see if I can handle the suspense!