"Icebreaker" by A.L. Graziadei follows college freshman Mickey James III, a legacy hockey player under intense pressure to live up to his family's NHL legacy. The book explores Mickey's struggles with depression, anxiety, and bisexuality, as well as his complex relationships with his family, teammates, and rival Jaysen Caulfield. The writing style is described as easy-going and light, making it a quick and engaging read that delves into themes of mental health, relationships, and personal growth.

Characters:

The characters are relatable young men dealing with rivalries, family dynamics, and mental health challenges that resonate with readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is approachable and fluid, making it an easy and quick read that effectively conveys character emotions and interactions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a romance set against the backdrop of hockey, highlighting mental health issues and the journey of two rivals becoming more than just competitors.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in a college atmosphere, notably within the context of hockey, which enhances the authenticity of the sport and character experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and keeps the reader engaged, though some found the ending to be rushed and lacking resolution.

I have zero desire or motivation to play hockey or do anything other than acquaint myself with my new mattress, but I also have this all-consuming need to be on the ice. To prove myself worthy of my o...

Notes:

The book features a romance between two male hockey players, Mickey and Jaysen.

Mickey struggles with depression and anxiety throughout the story.

The narrative balances themes of mental health with sports and romance.

The story is set during their first year of college on a hockey team.

Jaysen is a talented player who started hockey for fun, contrasting Mickey's pressure to live up to his family's legacy.

There's a strong rivalry between Mickey and Jaysen for the top NHL draft spot.

The book includes themes of toxic masculinity and promotes emotional vulnerability.

Characters are portrayed as realistic and relatable, dealing with family dynamics and personal struggles.

It contains fade-to-black intimate scenes, making it accessible for younger readers.

The writing style is described as easy-going and engaging, making it a quick read.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include mental health issues, specifically depression and anxiety.

Has Romance?

The book features a significant romance plot, with the relationship between the two main characters being central to the story.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

A. L. Graziadei's Icebreaker is an irresistible YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best-and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way.

Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. With a father and a grandfather who have gone down in NHL history, Mickey is almost guaranteed the league's top draft spot.

The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, a contender for the #1 spot and Mickey's infuriating (and infuriatingly attractive) teammate. When rivalry turns to something more, Mickey will have to decide what he really wants, and what he's willing to risk for it.

This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path.

Ratings (16)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (30):

Read It (16)
Want To Read (11)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

andbud238

It Was OK

6 months

AFTG STANS RISE UP!!!!!!!!

such a good book, i loved the romance development, i loved how the mental health issue was discussed, i loved the found family energy it had and it reminded me so much of andreil (in a good way, not in a plagiarism type), i was just so happy to read it.

i feel like aftg fans will it this up!

3.5

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