Icebreaker, a debut novel by Hannah Grace, is an engaging book that explores the themes of love, lust, friendship, sacrifice amidst a backdrop of college sports. The novel is the first in a planned series based on the fictional University of California, Maple Hills (UCMH).
The Setting and Characters
Set on a college campus, the story follows the developing relationship between hockey player Nathan Hawkins and figure skater Anastasia Allen, two athletes who find themselves in a complex situation. The leading male protagonist, Nathan, is a driven senior hockey player and the captain of his team. Simultaneously, Anastasia or Stas, a junior year student, is preparing for her intended journey to the Olympics in figure skating.
The main characters are well-developed, multifaceted and relatable.
- Anastasia Allen : A competitive figure skater at the university, seeking to become an Olympic athlete. She battles anxiety, disordered eating, and an abusive relationship with her skating partner.
- Nathan Hawkins: The university hockey team’s captain, with prospects of joining the National Hockey League (NHL) upon graduation.
The Story
An unfortunate prank forces the hockey team to share a rink with the figure skaters, leading to a meeting between Anastasia and Nathan. Their relationship progresses from being enemies, navigating through intense sexual encounters to becoming friends. As the story progresses, Anastasia realizes she has feelings for Nathan.
Both characters show immense sacrifice for the sake of their respective sports and teammates. Nathan takes blame for something he did not do to save his team, while Anastasia continues to train with an unsupportive team-mate for the national championship.
Subplots and Character Development
A subplot involves Nathan’s challenging relationship with his father, adding depth to his character. On the other hand, Anastasia, who was adopted, feels an internal pressure to make her parents proud. This creates internal conflicts that are well explored throughout the book.
Their mutual support for each other during these tribulations strengthens their bond.
The other characters such as Henry, Nathan’s roommate, show significant progression throughout the story, adding a secondary viewing lens to the story.
Conclusions
The book concludes with Anastasia winning a gold medal in women’s singles, Nathan winning the Stanley Cup with the Vancouver NHL team, and the two getting engaged, marking a satisfying ending. Overall, “Icebreaker” is for any reader seeking a compelling, college-aged sports romance.