Icebreaker

De: A.L. Graziadei

Narrado por: Tom Picasso

Duración: 8 h y 29 m

Resumen del Editor

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 number one 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.

©2022 A.L. Graziadei (P)2021 Recorded Books

Surprising

At the beginning, I REALLY did not like the characters. Honestly I was a little put off almost at being introduced to a gay character so early on, but that was mostly because it kind of caught me by surprise. I was worried that the characters were going to be like that the whole book, and I wasn't about that life but once I got more into it... I couldn't stop listening. Every character had a relatable quality to them, and it didn't feel forced. Even the background characters quickly grew on me. especially their teammates. This book really does show a raw view of what it's like to have what I would call high functioning depression; it doesn't depict it as nothing more than feeling sad all day and crying yourself to sleep at night. As someone who has high functioning depression, it felt so raw. I could see myself in Mickey. Which also lead me to being annoyed by him. Then there was him struggling with his feelings for Jaysen. I've never had to deal with truly coming out (aro/ace, no one believes I exist) so it was difficult to truly understand his reasoning. Or it would've been had he not been an athlete. It's so hard to watch the heteronormativty of sports, even today, and that's what really made his character, his struggles, real to me. The only bad thing I could really say about this, and it's hardly on the author seeing as it's clear as day what this book is about, but the hockey. references. When you've never played, it's easy to sort of zone out during the play by play sections.

As for the narrator, phenomenal job. The one thing, as others have said, though was that it would've been nice to have a little bit more differentiation netween characters. Sometimes it was very ... deadpan.

I always get nervous reading LGBTQ+ fiction because a lot of it falls into the same stereotypes and tropes, but I honestly feel like this managed to stay away from that. It was a solid book through and through for me.

Idk

This made me cry, because it’s relatable. We have a protagonist that can be a jerk plenty of times, who has flaws and struggles. I love the way the author approaches the mental health issues that Mickey has. It’s an amazing story about learning to live with your own self and with others, of love, family, friends, and more.

Great portrayal of mental health issues

I was a little hesitant on this book because pulling off mental health issues in a tasteful yet sensitive way is hard. But as someone with depression this book hit so close to home. The way Mickey thinks is all too familiar to me and had me crying so many times. There’s also just a lot of minority representation that made me feel seen. All I have to say is make sure you are in the right head space if you’re someone who goes through similar issues.

came for a cute story left with so much more

that ending though!!! that deserved 5 star's on its own! that was very well done. made me scream and laugh!

what do i even say

I envy the relationship cauler and terzo have, and this book portrays depression better than anything ive ever read

Standard Enemies to Lovers Story Elevated by Quality Writing and Performance

This one checks the boxes as standard fare in what has practically become its own MM genre: college hockey rivals turned lovers. Great writing, particularly the character dialogue, and especially the narration, which is truly exceptional, elevate Icebreaker to a higher level. I will most certainly be on the lookout for other works by Graziadei because any story is in good hands with the writing chops on display here. Tom Picasso’s ability to speak in a half dozen distinct character voices, however, is a truly remarkable feat and he does it without using a bunch of thick accents to contrast those he portrays. It’s much more subtle. . His performance reflects truly advanced and remarkable oral interpretation skills. I recommend this book even if the story is one I’ve heard before. It’s hardly ever told this well.

Love this book!

Great story told from viewpoint of a knowledgeable hockey insider. The teen love, lust and angst are right at home among fierce play, from the main characters and their siblings. Excellent actor! Tom Picasso's narration sent me in search of more if his work. And I am scouting hockey tix, for the first time ever.

WHY DID THEY NOT SAY WHO GOT THE FIRST DRAFT PICK

CLIFFHANGER WHO BITCH IDGAF UR GAY ASF I WANNA KNOW WHO GOT FIRST DRAFT PICK? anyway 10/10 would reccomend

Cute but frustrating

I think overall it was a wonderful book. I’m not a fan of hockey so some of the terminology is lost on me, but doesn’t really matter much.

I say frustrating because I want the character to react or do something, not that the book is bad. I can relate a lot to the main character though and can understand how the thought process behind it works.

The book really does a good job of keeping you guessing though. A handful of twists and turns.

Fun

Tension between characters was excellent. Loved the mental health rep. Does what it does well.