Contemporary
![Hannah Grace - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_hannah_grace.jpg)
Icebreaker: A Novel (1) (The Maple Hills Series)
A TikTok sensation! Sparks fly when a competitive figure skater and hockey team captain are forced to share a rink.
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.
Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the 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 figure skating team-including Anastasia, who clearly can't stand him.
But when Anastasia's skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.
Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn't worried…because she could never like a hockey player, right?
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.
Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the 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 figure skating team-including Anastasia, who clearly can't stand him.
But when Anastasia's skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.
Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn't worried…because she could never like a hockey player, right?
Editorial Reviews
"Sweltering chemistry, sizzling banter and swoonworthy romance. Icebreaker melted me head to toe."
-Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception
-Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception
Readers Top Reviews
Hannah Jenni
What can I say. This book has all the feels. Nate's and Stassie's story had me hooked from the start. Two of the most likeable characters I've every had the pleasure to read. What I really love is that the fundamentals of their characters didnt change throughout the book, which so often happens in other books I've read. The more serious themes addressed in this book were handled really well. I particularly loved how incorporated the b characters were. That the relationships these two have with the hockey guys and her best friend always fit beautifully with the story and they never seemed just stuck in there. As a reader of dark romance sometimes in need a little light to break through my reading program and this book certainly delivered. Funny, sweet, and hot switch style spice, I really do recommend you give it a try x
Natasha Hannah
Ahhh 😱 I can’t even tell you all the ways I LOVE this book! This is my first book by this author, which I think is a debut (I could be wrong) though if it is, tell me how that’s possible because this book is incredible! I am more than a wee bit obsessed! - sports romance: hockey/ figure skater - Forced proximity - He falls first - Close friendship group - He takes care of her The mark is set high for me when it comes to sports romance and this one came along and ticked all them boxes. Never judge a book by its cover - this for sure is NOT lacking heat 😮💨👌🏻 Our two leads are Anastasia and Nathan and damn is there chemistry from the get go. Whether they are arguing, she’s ignoring him or he is trying to get her attention- the chemistry between them is sizzling 🥵 🏒 Nate is captain of the hockey team. He is seriously hot, caring, full of banter, looks out for not only his friends, team but also Anastasia whether she wants him to or not. So when one of his teammates is behind the drama that happened to their ice rink which now means they need to share with the figure skaters, he keeps his lips zipped. Probably not the best thing to do when you are promising her yous had nothing to do with it🥴 He is ready to do what ever it takes for her to give him a second chance, he’s jealous of his own teammates that get to talk with her and he is ready to get on his knees😏 Can Nate brake down her walls? Will he lose his dreams when he gets too close to her? 💃🏻 Stas is a competitive figure skater, with competitions coming up. The last thing she wants to hear is that she will have to share her rink with the hockey team. She is demanding, beautiful, strong, caring and totally gives banter as good as she gets it. She isn’t looking for a relationship, she is too busy her planner is all she needs. I absolutely loved how open and honest about everything she is. She has her issues, don’t we all but she is very open about everything and it makes her stronger! She wants Nate, that can’t be denied.. her body screams for him whenever he is around but she refuses to listen she has a plan and she’s sticking to it🙈 Will she let Nate in her strictly organised life? Will she have to choose between her future and him if she does? If there is a book with miscommunication- this isn’t it! At first there may be a wee bit of his she dating him or not but she quickly shuts that down. This book is beautiful, steamy and the friendships between them all man do I love them! Hen😍😍👌🏻 I could keep going on and on but no one wants to be here listening to my babble when you could be reading it. I am so greedy I could read more about them! I honestly can’t wait for the next in this series! Highly recommend🫶🏻
Sarah MillerNatas
I’ve been seeing tons of review for this book so I finally got took the time to read it, and it did not disappoint! Stassie, a competitive figure skater, and Nate, captain of the hockey team, meet after both a misunderstanding leads to both teams sharing an ice rink. When Stassie’s skating partner is injured, Nate steps up to help her train. After spending so much time together in the rink, things start to heat up between them. This book has everything- it’s adorable, funny, steamy, and you will love the characters in this book (except for one). Stassie is an adorable grump and Nate is attentive and supportive- you will love these two together. Definitely recommend this one! Read this one if you like: ♥️Reverse grumpy sunshine ♥️Sports romance ♥️Dual POV ♥️He falls first ♥️College romance ♥️Frenemies to lovers “Looking at her makes me want to be the funniest guy in the room, so I can be the one to make her laugh.” “Of course I know you really well, Anastasia. You’re my favorite subject.”
S.J. HolmesSarah
I decided to pick up this book because I needed something sweet to read, and what I got was sweet & SPiCY! In other words, this book was amazing! I think I could read about Anastasia and Nathan forever and never be disappointed. Their characters were just that good. The sass and banter between them had me laughing, while the connection and bond between them had me swooning. Not only them, but so many of the side characters piqued my interest. I REALLY hope we get books on all of them. I also wouldn’t mind if we got more about Nathan and Stassie too! 😍 If you are looking for a sweet and spicy read, with a swoon worthy book boyfriend, and sassy FMC, this is the right book!
jennifer sousaS.J
Figure skater Anastasia Allen has every minute of everyday scheduled and takes her planner everywhere. She determined, committed, and competitive, so when a prank closes one of the ice skating rinks and she’s forced to split her training time with the men’s hockey team, she was not happy. Enter hockey captain, Nate Hawkins. He’s cute, athletic, funny, determined to have Stassie and refuses to be another appointment in her scheduled day. Nate and Stassie have great banter and their spice was *chef’s kiss*. Between their confidence in themselves & each other, their competitiveness, and their constant jokes they both brought the main character energy! I loved how confident Stassie was in herself especially when it came to what she wanted and I loved how supportive and protective Nate was with her. Nate and Stassie weren’t the only ones that were funny. Their group of friends had me CACKLING. We love funny and supportive friends and what I loved so much was that as side characters they still played such a big role. Each of them had their own friendship with Stassie and these group of guys supported her and Nate so whole heartedly and it w Icebreaker is a good mix of lightheartedness, humor, and spice. In addition to that, Hannah did a great job of addressing important topics in a relatable and caring way. She took a whole cast of characters and made you love each one (except for one of them - Aaron, I’m looking at you👀)
Short Excerpt Teaser
Chapter One: Anastasia Chapter One ANASTASIA
"AGAIN, ANASTASIA!"
If I hear the words again and Anastasia together in a sentence one more time, it might be the thing that finally tips me over the edge.
I've been on the edge since I woke up this morning with a hangover sent directly from the pits of hell, so the last thing I need right now is more grief from Coach Aubrey Brady.
I focus on suppressing my annoyance, like I do every training session when she makes it her mission to push me to my limits. Rationalizing it's her dedication that makes her such a successful coach, I decide throwing my ice skates at her is something that should stay in my imagination.
"You're being sloppy, Stas!" she yells as we fly straight past her. "Sloppy girls don't get medals!"
What did I say about not throwing skates at her?
"Come on, Anastasia. Put in some effort for once." Aaron snickers, poking his tongue out at me when I shoot him a cold glare.
Aaron Carlisle is the best male figure skater the University of California, Maple Hills, has to offer. When I was offered a spot at UCMH and my skating partner wasn't, Aaron was luckily in the same position, and we became pairs. This is our third year of skating together and our third year of getting our asses kicked.
I have a theory that Aubrey is a Soviet spy. I don't have any evidence, and my theory isn't well developed. Developed at all, actually. But sometimes, when she's screaming at me to straighten my spine or lift my chin, I swear a slight Russian accent slips out.
Which is peculiar for a woman from Philipsburg, Montana.
Comrade Brady was a figure skating superstar in her heyday. Even now, her movements are delicate and controlled, and she moves with such grace it's hard to believe she can shout as loud as she does.
Her graying hair is always pulled back into a tight bun, which accentuates her high cheekbones, and she's always wrapped tight in her signature faux-fur black coat, which Aaron jokes is where she hides all her secrets.
The rumor is she was supposed to go to the Olympics with her partner, Wyatt. However, Wyatt and Aubrey were practicing those lifts a little too often, and she ended up holding a baby instead of a gold medal.
That's why she's been in a bad mood since she started coaching twenty-five years ago.
"Clair de lune" fades as Aaron and I finish our routine nose to nose, our chests heaving against each other as we try to catch our breath. When we finally hear a single clap, we move apart and skate toward what will undoubtedly be the source of my next headache.
I haven't even stopped moving when her green eyes lock on me and narrow. "When are you going to land your Lutz? If you're not going to deliver, it needs to come out of your long program."
Aside from Brady, successfully doing a quadruple Lutz and not landing on my ass is the current bane of my existence. I've been practicing for God knows how long, but I can't quite manage to nail it. Aaron can execute it flawlessly, which is why I convinced the choreographer to put it into our routine in the first place.
Pride is a foolish thing. It's incredibly foolish when it comes to figure skating, since when you get it wrong, you bounce your face off solid ice. I'd take face-planting over the annoying, fake-disappointed face Aaron pulls anytime it's suggested we take it out.
"It's coming, Coach," I say with as much fake enthusiasm as possible. "I'm getting there; it's not perfect yet, but I'll keep practicing."
It's a minor lie, a harmless one. I am getting there. What I've failed to mention is I'm only getting there off the ice, specifically when I'm attached to equipment that helps me get there.
"She's getting there," Aaron lies, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Just a bit longer, A.B."
It's nice for Aaron to be on my side and show a united front to KGB Aubrey. What he says in private is that the only way I'm going to pull it off is if I start doping and build a time machine to get my prepuberty body back.
She mutters something inaudible and waves us off flippantly. "I'll see you two back here tomorrow, and if you could both not be hungover, that would be great. I'm fairly certain eating Kenny's before training isn't going to get either of you onto the Olympic team. Understood?"
Shit. "Yes, Coach," we say in harmony.
Aaron is staring at his phone, waiting for me in the lobby when I finally exit the women's locker room.
"I fucking told you she'd know." I groan,...
"AGAIN, ANASTASIA!"
If I hear the words again and Anastasia together in a sentence one more time, it might be the thing that finally tips me over the edge.
I've been on the edge since I woke up this morning with a hangover sent directly from the pits of hell, so the last thing I need right now is more grief from Coach Aubrey Brady.
I focus on suppressing my annoyance, like I do every training session when she makes it her mission to push me to my limits. Rationalizing it's her dedication that makes her such a successful coach, I decide throwing my ice skates at her is something that should stay in my imagination.
"You're being sloppy, Stas!" she yells as we fly straight past her. "Sloppy girls don't get medals!"
What did I say about not throwing skates at her?
"Come on, Anastasia. Put in some effort for once." Aaron snickers, poking his tongue out at me when I shoot him a cold glare.
Aaron Carlisle is the best male figure skater the University of California, Maple Hills, has to offer. When I was offered a spot at UCMH and my skating partner wasn't, Aaron was luckily in the same position, and we became pairs. This is our third year of skating together and our third year of getting our asses kicked.
I have a theory that Aubrey is a Soviet spy. I don't have any evidence, and my theory isn't well developed. Developed at all, actually. But sometimes, when she's screaming at me to straighten my spine or lift my chin, I swear a slight Russian accent slips out.
Which is peculiar for a woman from Philipsburg, Montana.
Comrade Brady was a figure skating superstar in her heyday. Even now, her movements are delicate and controlled, and she moves with such grace it's hard to believe she can shout as loud as she does.
Her graying hair is always pulled back into a tight bun, which accentuates her high cheekbones, and she's always wrapped tight in her signature faux-fur black coat, which Aaron jokes is where she hides all her secrets.
The rumor is she was supposed to go to the Olympics with her partner, Wyatt. However, Wyatt and Aubrey were practicing those lifts a little too often, and she ended up holding a baby instead of a gold medal.
That's why she's been in a bad mood since she started coaching twenty-five years ago.
"Clair de lune" fades as Aaron and I finish our routine nose to nose, our chests heaving against each other as we try to catch our breath. When we finally hear a single clap, we move apart and skate toward what will undoubtedly be the source of my next headache.
I haven't even stopped moving when her green eyes lock on me and narrow. "When are you going to land your Lutz? If you're not going to deliver, it needs to come out of your long program."
Aside from Brady, successfully doing a quadruple Lutz and not landing on my ass is the current bane of my existence. I've been practicing for God knows how long, but I can't quite manage to nail it. Aaron can execute it flawlessly, which is why I convinced the choreographer to put it into our routine in the first place.
Pride is a foolish thing. It's incredibly foolish when it comes to figure skating, since when you get it wrong, you bounce your face off solid ice. I'd take face-planting over the annoying, fake-disappointed face Aaron pulls anytime it's suggested we take it out.
"It's coming, Coach," I say with as much fake enthusiasm as possible. "I'm getting there; it's not perfect yet, but I'll keep practicing."
It's a minor lie, a harmless one. I am getting there. What I've failed to mention is I'm only getting there off the ice, specifically when I'm attached to equipment that helps me get there.
"She's getting there," Aaron lies, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Just a bit longer, A.B."
It's nice for Aaron to be on my side and show a united front to KGB Aubrey. What he says in private is that the only way I'm going to pull it off is if I start doping and build a time machine to get my prepuberty body back.
She mutters something inaudible and waves us off flippantly. "I'll see you two back here tomorrow, and if you could both not be hungover, that would be great. I'm fairly certain eating Kenny's before training isn't going to get either of you onto the Olympic team. Understood?"
Shit. "Yes, Coach," we say in harmony.
Aaron is staring at his phone, waiting for me in the lobby when I finally exit the women's locker room.
"I fucking told you she'd know." I groan,...
