I listened to Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei this week and it is one of the best stand-alone contemporary young adult books I’ve read in a while. Probably because it hits all my boxes:
- Sports anime vibes (in this case: hockey) . . . I love when people are just really good at sports?
- But also . . . canoncially queer sports anime vibes
- Enemies/rivals-to-lovers . . . they’re competing for the top draft pick but now are on the same team, oh no! (gush)
- Bisexual main character!
- Team-as-family
- Upper YA, takes place during freshman year of college. So college shenanigans and feelings.
- Important and relatable mental health storylines. This book has depth people!
- The sexual tension. I was literally yelling at my phone at multiple points. It was ridiculous(ly good).
- THE WRITING WAS FLIPPING LYRICAL AND FUNNY AND WELL-DONE
Look, I wish I could write books like this. But I’m so glad I get to read them. Excellent read.
With Love,
Natalie