Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

 

"You have no idea, do you? The lengths I'd go if you'd let me. What I'd do to make you happy."

TW: disordered eating, mental health, toxic friendships, near-death experiences, death of a parent, slut-shaming

Release Date: November 22, 2022

Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

He's the one thing she couldn't plan for.

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? 

Review:

DEVOURED. RAVAGED. DEMOLISHED. 

I absolutely DEVOURED this book in less than 48 hours. I ate this shit up, licked my fingers clean, and left no crumbs. 

SCRUMPTIOUS. MOUTHWATERING. DELECTABLE.

This book was utterly SCCRUMPTIOUS. I had seen it all over Bookstagram and knew I needed to read it at some point. I was entirely underprepared for how magnificent it would be. 

 I had never read a proper sports romance novel and this definitely delivered. The ice skater x hockey player trope is so fantastic. This very much gives me Cutting Edge vibes. I'm so hooked. I need to read more of this trope! 

The chemistry between Anastasia and Nate is astounding. Their connection leaps off the pages! I know a lot of people did not like Anastasia at first but she is exactly what I expected when her character was first introduced. I really appreciated getting to know the depth of Anastasia, know her deepest-darkest thoughts, and watch her interactions/budding relationships with other characters. On the flip side, can I get an order Nate Hawkins to-go please? Thank you! He is the perfect book boyfriend. Nate is ABSOLUTELY written by a woman. 

"It's not porn. It's a romance book that happens to have a little bit of sex in it." You're damn right, Anastasia. HOWEVER, for a book that is set on the ice, the smutty parts in this book were STEAMING HOT. SPICY. MUY CALIENTE. Chef's kiss. While there was quite a healthy dose of smut in this book, it was more than just the physicality of these scenes. Both of our protagonists are very physical, sex positive people. There were many soft moments during sex that allowed good insight to the characters and their relationship with each other. While also being just damn right delectable. 

I was fully prepared for a cheesy, smutty romance (which it definitely was) but in the most delicious ways while also having our main protagonists tackle some really tough experiences together. This book touched on some very mature topics while also demonstrating very healthy, communicative relationships.

An abundance of amazing side characters: Lola, all the hockey players, the coaches, Nate's sister and Anastasia's parents. I felt like I was part of their little family, this little community. It was so funny and so amazing to read. Russ, one of the hockey players, is getting his own spin-off novel called Wildfire (set to come out late 2023). Anastasia's relationship, specifically, with Henry was so heartwarming. Henry is such a great character, I hope he gets his own spin-off novel too! Also, how amazing Anastasia's family is and how great her parents are with Nathan. So precious.

This book was phenomenal from start to finish. This easily gets 5 out of 5 bunnies without-a-doubt. We have your enemies-to-lovers, reverse grumpy x sunshine, sports romance, spicy, showcases healthy relationships, and down right hilarious. If you haven't read this yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I highly recommend you pick this up. It will not disappoint! 

*Also the playlist provided at the beginning of the book is FIRE. It is so good. 

Quotes: 

"Looking at her makes me want to be the funniest guy in the room, so I can be the one to make her laugh."

"You have no idea, do you? The lengths I'd go to if you'd let me. What I'd do to make you happy."

"Of course, I know you really well, Anastasia. You're my favorite subject."

"Don't give me that shit. I've seen what you have on your smutty bookshelf."

"You're my favorite," I whisper, leaning in to kiss her flushed cheek. "Even if I had crab hands?" "Even if you had crab hands, Anastasia."

"Let it all out. You're safe. I'm here."

"She's taught me communicating doesn't mean everything is perfect, it doesn't mean we don't disagree. It means we work through the imperfect bit together, and if we don't agree, we at least know why the other feels that way, even if it's not going to change our minds. We're still individuals, but we're individuals together, and I never knew relationships could be like this."

"Falling in love with Nathan Hawkins was not something I could have planned. No planner, iPad, or freaking sticker chart could have prepared me for my future. My imagination isn't capable of dreaming up this level of happiness." 

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

 

"You've found a very peaceful place here. A special place. You've planted something, and now its blossoming. Very nice. A good spot to rest. My thanks to you for letting an old-timer shade under the branches of what you've grown."

Release Date: February 2022 

Genre: Fantasy

Rating:

Summary: 

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But rivals old and new stand in the way of success-not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea of what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, a flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed up, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

Review:

This book is the embodiment of warmth. Warmth from a fuzzy blanket, a freshly brewed cup of coffee, pastries out of the oven, a big hug. 

I have fallen absolutely head over heels, so deeply in love with this book and its characters. From start to finish, it was the perfect escape from reality to this comforting, slice-of-life story. 

This book is not about epic battles and bloodshed. Those are stories from a time long ago. This is about re-writing your storybook. "Things don't have to stay as what they started out as." This book is about discovering your family, choosing your family. It is about finding home. All beautiful themes nestled between scrumptious descriptions of aromatic coffee and mouthwatering pastries.

Fun fact, when I am not reading and posting bookstagram content, I am a gamer. I won't spend too much time discussing gaming (as that is for an entirely different Instagram account of mine) but for 14 years, I played World of Warcraft. I grew up playing this magical game. I have since stopped playing the game but I have such fond memories. Legends & lattes immediately conjured those nostalgic memories. It felt like no time had passed at all. I really appreciate this book for transporting me to such a wonderful time in my life that I was always worried I'd never get to experience again. 

When reading this book, I always made sure to be accompanied by a warm beverage, tavern ambience music in the background, and dim-lighting. It really set the perfect scene for reading this beautiful story. I highly recommend. 

This book is comfort. It is warmth. It is peace. It is home. I urge you to take a break out of your busy schedule, pull up a cozy seat, and disappear into this wholesome tale. 

Quotes: 

"Things don't have to stay as what they started out as."

"After twenty-two years of adventuring, Viv had reached her limit of blood and mud and bullshit. An orc's life was strength and violence and a sudden, sharp end-but she'd be damned if she'd let hers finish that way. It was time for something new."

"People just sat around drinking it from these little ceramic cups, and I had to try it, and...it was like drinking the feeling of being peaceful. Being peaceful in your mind. Well, not if you have too much, then it's something else."

"Well, shit. Milky bean water. I'll be damned." 

"The combined aromas of hot cinnamon, ground coffee, and sweet cardamom intoxicated her, and as she brewed and smiled and served and chatted, a deep contentment welled up. It was a glowing warmth she'd never experienced before, and she liked it. She liked it a great deal." 

"She was smiling, and for the first time, the building, the city, this place...felt like hers. A place she'd still be tomorrow, the week after, next season, next year...home."

"You've found a very peaceful place here. A special place. You've planted something, and now its blossoming. Very nice. A good spot to rest. My thanks to you for letting an old-timer shade under the branches of what you've grown."

"What flames could not consume, never shall be extinguished."

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne

"You're the thousand-dollar dress on the rack in this thrift store and I can't believe no one's picked you up yet." 

Release Date: April 13, 2021 

Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

Ruthie Midona has worked the front desk at Providence Retirement Villa for years, living on-site at the beck and call of the wealthy residents-and the rare tortoises that roam the manicured lawns. She has her routine, and not much ever changes. Until she lays eyes on Teddy Prescot, the son of Providence's new owner and her new neighbor. Tall, tattooed, and with the most magical hair on Earth (just ask him), Teddy's in town saving up money to pursue his dream of opening a tattoo shop. He's the definition of risky, and Ruthie's dazzled at first sight-until he mistakes her for a little old lady. 

Luckily, Ruthie has the perfect revenge for Teddy's insulting first impression. Her most eccentric residents have just placed (yet another!) ad seeking a personal assistant to torment. The Parlonis are ninety-year-old, miniature menaces, and not one of their assistants has lasted a week. Ruthie knows a quitter when she sees one and is more than happy to offer up Teddy.

To Ruthie's surprise, Teddy proves to be the ultimate hire, charming his way through the entire villa and into her heart with his joyful, never-serious outlook on life. But with the future of Providence hanging in the balance, and Teddy's family's plans threatening to shatter Ruthie's safe little universe, will Teddy be there when it really counts? 

Review: 

Let me tell you, I was starting to question my judgement. I was starting to think, am I too picky? Should I be lowering my expectations and standards for books? Why am I having such a hard time falling in love with them? Second First Impressions swept me off my feet and had me mesmerized. This book made me realize that you must be patient while you're waiting for "the one." I am melting. My heart is an ooey-gooey mess filled with an abundance of warmth and love. This book was utter perfection and had me captivated from the start. 

This was another book I picked up on a whim while strolling through Barnes & Nobles (with no intention of picking up this book at all). I had picked this up alongside Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert in a fantastic buy one, get one 50% off. We love books and books that are a great deal! 

I was immediately drawn in by two things: tortoises and bad boys. What a combination. The premise and setting of this book are so unique and very niche. I adore books that bring me into someone's special little world. Sally Thorne was able to do just that, I felt intrinsically connected to the little world of Providence Retirement Villa. I also feel that this would be a phenomenal book to turn into a movie BUT ONLY IF IT IS WELL DONE. We will need Sally Thorne on set but I also volunteer my services to help with casting, directing, and production. Count me in. 

I do not even know where to begin with this review as I loved everything in this book from the first to the very last page. This was perfection. How many other words can I come up with for perfection? Flawless, sublime, magnificent, exquisite, immaculate. I am also writing this review with Taylor Swift's Lover playing on repeat because this song gives me the same vibes as Second First Impressions. Highly recommend. 

Ruthie Midona and Teddy Prescott are POLAR opposites who have this undeniable, electrifying chemistry...even if their first impressions of each other were not very good. Their connection literally leaps off the pages and into your heart. There is instant chemistry, but this is a SLOW BURN, baby. I am here for it, let me wait, let me stew, let me yearn. They are enemies, friends, then lovers. My absolute favorite. I will say that after this slow burn when Ruthie and Teddy finally were able to consummate their affections, that was a bit lackluster for me after waiting for so long. HOWEVER, Ruthie is fairly underdeveloped and inexperienced when it comes to relationships and especially intimacy. Once I remembered Ruthie's significant lack of experience and her previous poor encounter, the writing for the sex makes complete sense. This was not an experienced woman having sex. This is sheltered, young woman who was essentially experiencing her first time all over again...but the right way this time! That made me realize how precious this moment was and how carefully selected the writing was. I would have also loved Teddy's perspective of their first time together, especially since Teddy has the experience when it comes to sex but not to intimacy, not to romance. That would have been such a treat but I will be happy with Ruthie's perspective. 

The character development throughout this book from several characters! WOW! Applause, simply applause. I feel like I went on a journey with so many characters, even the antagonists of the book. I tend to prefer books that have flawed characters who experience development throughout the book. These flaws really humanize them and connect you to who they are but then you also get to grow with them throughout their story. This book is about never judging a book by its cover, growth, self-discovery. It is a book that features love but also shows love in many different forms of relationships. Melanie and Ruthie's new budding friendship, Ruthie's strained relationship with her parents, and Ruthie's relationship with Renata and Aggie. There were so many characters and so many storylines in this book and I was invested in every single one of them. I would have loved more insight into Teddy's relationship with his sisters, specifically Rose. I won't be too greedy though. I am very happy with how things ended, well...technically, the beginning of Teddy's relationship with his sister, Rose. 

I absolutely adored Renata and Aggie throughout the entire book. There were so many moments that made me laugh out loud, especially with Renata's quirks. The ultimate shock, they were LOVERS, not SISTERS! The LGBTQIA+ representation, I am here for it. I had a feelin toward the middle of the book that our beloved Parloni ladies were a lot closer than we had originally suspected but the reveal was even better. Such a sweet, heartfelt moment. 

Absolutely love the addition of the tortoises. As I work in veterinary medicine, the nods to the tortoises, sanctuaries, and Ruthie wanting to be a veterinarian, it really made me feel more connected to the characters and the story. It was so quirky and very adorable. Now that I am typing up this review, it does have me pondering: is the tortoise also a symbol of "slow and steady wins the race" in regard to Ruthie? Food for thought. 

I was looking at some reviews of Second First Impressions after I read it. I try not to read them before because I really do not like to have any pre-determined impressions or opinions of a book. It seems that there is a 50/50 divide of people who really love this book and people who hated this book. A lot of people seemed to feel that Ruthie was too boring, the romance was slow, there wasn't enough passion. I felt it was so refreshing. This book was such a breath of fresh air and really gave me the sense of coming home. It was such a sweet, tangible romance that I can grasp between my fingers and feel so deeply in my heart. The main character does not always need to be this super quirky, charming, fiery personality and the romance does not always need to be so passionate right away and the characters cannot keep their hands to themselves. I loved that it was quite the opposite of what I have been reading. It was very precious and very special. I did read someone stating that Ruthie and this book truly were the embodiment of the color beige, as if that is an insult. Beige truly is such a wonderful neutral color that can be so refreshing and looks wonderful with many colors, many different phases of life. Not everyone is a red, a neon green, or a hot pink, it is okay to be beige and to love being beige. 

Quotes: 

"You're the thousand-dollar dress on the rack in this thrift store and I can't believe non one's picked you up yet."

"Brown-eyed sublime being. She of soft, deep cardigan pockets. Bubble-bath taker. Pool jumper. Cheese provider. Sunset glower. Heaven sent."

"It hurts that you don't know you're lovely, exactly how you are. You don't need to change. You don't need to put on a dress, like it's going to fix something. You don't have anything that needs fixing."

"Don't seduce Ruthie if you don't plan on sticking around, because she's a tender treasure that must be protected at all costs."

"I always thought that love would feel like something gentle, but this isn't. I feel a clawing, desperate need to hold his heart in my hand and to fend off anything that might damage it."