Rep- Bi MC, Black gay LI, mentions of a poly relationship, lesbian Side couple, hispanic side characters, Black side character

There were good conversations on mental illness particularly when you lead a seemingly privileged lifestyle, queerphobia in male sport, parental/ social pressures and how women are often overlooked in sports even if they're better than male counterparts. I think that the author did a good job of discussing these issues in depth and incorporating them in between lighter scenes.

I loved the friendship and family dynamics in Icebreaker the most, they felt real and well developed. I appreciated Mickey's strong bonds with his sisters and how supportive they were of each other. The author also used the friendships between Mickey and his team mates to comment on issues such as toxic masculinity and the stigmatisation of mental illness in male sport which I liked. Hockey takes up the vast majority of this book and as someone who doesn't  know anything about the sport, I appreciate that it was done in a way that didn't confuse or bore me. 

I can't say I was entirely convinced by the enemies to lovers trope and it wasn't as much of a slow burn as I expect from books with this trope but Mickey and Jaysen were sweet regardless. The writing wasn't bad per se but it did have many cliche lines which read rather young and sometimes made me cringe. However, it's good enough and for a debut I can't fault it too much. 

In terms of the ending I think it was rather bitter sweet, I wanted a bit more since it  came of as rushed and underdeveloped but I can't say I was too dissapointed. I like that at the end the author chose to focus on what mattered most to the Mickey which was self acceptance and his relations with the people he cared about. 

Overall, i can't say this is a new favourite but it was a solid sports romance that dealt with many difficult issues quite well.