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Boundless Players #1
Icebound
Rhode Tremblay is Nashville’s Naughtiest Hockey Player—at least, that’s what everyone believes after the Tenerife Debacle.With a thigh tattoo that’s catnip for women and a wicked smirk that needs a warning label, everyone flocks to the NHL’s resident bad boy. Sure, Rhode accidentally set a yacht on fire while bringing a woman to the brink of ecstasy, but that happened over a decade ago. Now, at thirty-three, Rhode’s searching for something real. He’s ready to get down on one knee for the right person, but he has one rule—no dating anyone under thirty.Philomena “Nina” Alstyne has sworn off men who look like fallen angels on skates.The feisty art student is done molding herself to fit someone else’s life after her relationship fiasco. At twenty-two, Nina’s last semester of college is about her pottery dreams. Except, when one fateful accident forces Nina into a faux situationship with Nashville’s (Supposed) Naughtiest, all her curated plans crumble like a fragile sculpture. Rhode falls first, and he falls hard.There’s only one problem… Rhode thinks he’s fake dating a thirty-year-old doctor. As secrets get revealed, his biggest temptation quickly becomes off-limits, but Nina soon realizes the cross-stitching cat daddy is what the chaos in her soul craves—and Nina’s fiery passion might burn hot enough to melt Rhode’s icy boundaries.
376 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2024
873 people are currently reading
21135 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Trapp
2 books744 followersMeredith is a professional daydreamer that writes romance stories full of spice, smooches, and swoons. She lives in Texas with her favorite person, one lazy poodle, and a plethora of dying house plants. When she’s not writing, she’s reading about hockey players, possessive billionaires, or faeries with large wingspans--she's not picky when it comes to fictional men. You can usually find her walking beneath the Texas sun or spending time with her family at the lake. To stay up to date on Meredith's upcoming projects, connect with her on social media @authormeredithtrapp.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,545 reviews
February 17, 2024
This booooook. Rhode is such a romantic hero and I loved how hard he fell for Nina. There was a lot of push and pull because they’re both at points in their lives where they just don’t make sense to be together (he’s in his early 30s and a hockey goalie and she’s 22 in college about to start an art fellowship in another country). But the way they just care so much for each other!? Pay attention to each other!? Support each other!? Swooooon. And he does cross stitch? AND there are tattoos 👀
This was just such a good hockey romance and the support system Rhode has in his friends is everything. I neeeeed books about them now too!!!
Definitely check this out when it releases next week!!
This was just such a good hockey romance and the support system Rhode has in his friends is everything. I neeeeed books about them now too!!!
Definitely check this out when it releases next week!!
February 21, 2024
as a self-proclaimed sports romance girlie (with hockey being my fav), I’m so disappointed I didn’t love this debut.
it follows nina, a college art student, and rhode, a reforming playboy goalie. there is next to no plot aside from them gearing up from one event where they decide to fake date.
I think for me this didn’t work because it was so so overly tropey. I know nowadays that’s how most authors and people in the book space tend to talk about books (even me, I include them in my reviews!) but this one leaned way too heavily on the extensive list of tropes the author posts about. not only did it feel like this, but the book was so over-written. I started counting how many metaphors she used, but then lost track after counting 3 on one page. it was over-written and flowery to the point I was rolling my eyes.
in terms of the characters, rhode was so caught up with being older than her (I think it was like 10 years?) and her still being in college WITH HIS BABY SISTER. Idk, age gaps sometimes do it for me but when there’s a heavy inner strife about it and one is still in school? It’s a no for me, even with how “mature” nina was.
the mental health rep was pretty good. I liked the side characters and I’d be interested to see rhodes’ two friends’ books tbh. if she can cut it out with the metaphors.
thank you to the author and love notes pr for the arc in exchange for an honest review. It’s out now in ku.
it follows nina, a college art student, and rhode, a reforming playboy goalie. there is next to no plot aside from them gearing up from one event where they decide to fake date.
I think for me this didn’t work because it was so so overly tropey. I know nowadays that’s how most authors and people in the book space tend to talk about books (even me, I include them in my reviews!) but this one leaned way too heavily on the extensive list of tropes the author posts about. not only did it feel like this, but the book was so over-written. I started counting how many metaphors she used, but then lost track after counting 3 on one page. it was over-written and flowery to the point I was rolling my eyes.
in terms of the characters, rhode was so caught up with being older than her (I think it was like 10 years?) and her still being in college WITH HIS BABY SISTER. Idk, age gaps sometimes do it for me but when there’s a heavy inner strife about it and one is still in school? It’s a no for me, even with how “mature” nina was.
the mental health rep was pretty good. I liked the side characters and I’d be interested to see rhodes’ two friends’ books tbh. if she can cut it out with the metaphors.
thank you to the author and love notes pr for the arc in exchange for an honest review. It’s out now in ku.
March 8, 2024
4 stars
Hockey romances are my favorite sports romances. I don’t know what it is about them, but when I see a new one, I always want to read it! When I heard this was an age-gap sports romance I was all over it. Icebound was a great debut novel!
Rhode Tremblay is a goalie for Nashville’s NHL team and used to be a playboy. As he’s gotten older, he’s more focused on the game and his end game. Retiring, finding someone, and starting a family. When he meets Nina that is the last thing on her mind. She’s an art student getting ready to travel the world but she and Rhode have a reason to fake date after their initial meeting…
Oh, fake dating, when the feelings turn real. Sigh. It’s my favorite. I enjoyed this one. It was engaging, easy to read, and fun. There was some conflict with her sister that wasn’t my favorite, but aside from that I loved it. I’m hoping we get at least 2 more books. One for Cruz and one for Wyatt!
Hockey romances are my favorite sports romances. I don’t know what it is about them, but when I see a new one, I always want to read it! When I heard this was an age-gap sports romance I was all over it. Icebound was a great debut novel!
Rhode Tremblay is a goalie for Nashville’s NHL team and used to be a playboy. As he’s gotten older, he’s more focused on the game and his end game. Retiring, finding someone, and starting a family. When he meets Nina that is the last thing on her mind. She’s an art student getting ready to travel the world but she and Rhode have a reason to fake date after their initial meeting…
Oh, fake dating, when the feelings turn real. Sigh. It’s my favorite. I enjoyed this one. It was engaging, easy to read, and fun. There was some conflict with her sister that wasn’t my favorite, but aside from that I loved it. I’m hoping we get at least 2 more books. One for Cruz and one for Wyatt!
February 22, 2024
God this book was infuriating. Nina is probably the most annoying FMC I’ve ever read but this whole story was just stupid.
Nina and Gwen are the worst portrayal of sisters I’ve ever read. How is she gonna steal your bf, have overly loud sex with him while you’re in the next room, kiss ur new boyfriend and you STILL go and live with her and hang out with her even tho you’re claiming to hate her???????????? Also I’m sorry but if I know my sister has banged a dude there’s a 100% chance I’m not gonna bang the same dude. I mean who tf wants to share the same dick with their sister????? Does the author have a sister? Surely not.
And after all of this, he leaves Gwen anyways and everything between Nina & her is just forgotten and forgiven? Get out of here. 🙄🙄🙄
The whole plot of this is literally Rhode wanting Nina and then he deciding he doesn’t because he’s “too old and can’t give up hockey”. But then when he doesn’t want her, Nina really wants him and then she doesn’t because she’s going to Argentina. Literally 380 of back and forth. I definitely have whiplash. I honestly should’ve DNF’d this but I was so hopeful it would get better. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
I was going to give this 1 star bc I liked Micah and Patty Daddy but then Micah made me cry when he talked about his dad so I bumped it to 2 stars.
2 STARS and the only good thing about this was the side characters ffs 🤦🏻♀️
Nina and Gwen are the worst portrayal of sisters I’ve ever read. How is she gonna steal your bf, have overly loud sex with him while you’re in the next room, kiss ur new boyfriend and you STILL go and live with her and hang out with her even tho you’re claiming to hate her???????????? Also I’m sorry but if I know my sister has banged a dude there’s a 100% chance I’m not gonna bang the same dude. I mean who tf wants to share the same dick with their sister????? Does the author have a sister? Surely not.
And after all of this, he leaves Gwen anyways and everything between Nina & her is just forgotten and forgiven? Get out of here. 🙄🙄🙄
The whole plot of this is literally Rhode wanting Nina and then he deciding he doesn’t because he’s “too old and can’t give up hockey”. But then when he doesn’t want her, Nina really wants him and then she doesn’t because she’s going to Argentina. Literally 380 of back and forth. I definitely have whiplash. I honestly should’ve DNF’d this but I was so hopeful it would get better. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
I was going to give this 1 star bc I liked Micah and Patty Daddy but then Micah made me cry when he talked about his dad so I bumped it to 2 stars.
2 STARS and the only good thing about this was the side characters ffs 🤦🏻♀️
February 20, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Had this not been an ARC, I would have DNF at 20%.
I didn’t really care for either character and felt like I never connected with them because we never really got to know them very well. There was a lot of telling and not much showing. For example, he’s a cat daddy and he’s into cross stitch- quirky and cute, I liked it- but we’re told this and then it’s barely mentioned and we don’t know why/ how he got into it etc. The cat is hardly mentioned again.
I found it hard to imagine what they both looked like as there wasn’t much description of them- I’m not sure if this was deliberate or not.
Their meet cute was really original, but then a bit later we find something out that totally taints it.
The FMCs sister is really awful and treats her horribly, yet the FMC just kind of lets her walk all over her.
As the story went on it did start to improve a bit but was very up and down and repetitive at times. Not much really happened and we didn’t get to see much of them being together/ their relationship developing, time just kind of kept passing and then suddenly their relationship sped up towards the end of the book, but we still didn’t see much of them together. I did like them as characters more near the end but would have liked to believe their relationship and chemistry more than I did.
Some of the scenes were totally random (the sister and the fire extinguisher?!) and I found myself wondering if I’d missed something.
Throughout the book the age gap between the 2 main characters is a huge, huge deal constantly. I found this odd as the FMC was 22 but really not like your typical 22 year old, so the age gap never seemed like it should be an issue but it was constantly brought up, especially by the MC.
The best part about the story was the anxiety rep which was really well done.
Overall, I just couldn’t connect with this book and don’t think I will read any future books in the series. There are definitely some potential main characters for future books mentioned in here so I expect they will get stories at some point too.
I received an arc from the author and Love Notes PR in exchange for my honest review.
Had this not been an ARC, I would have DNF at 20%.
I didn’t really care for either character and felt like I never connected with them because we never really got to know them very well. There was a lot of telling and not much showing. For example, he’s a cat daddy and he’s into cross stitch- quirky and cute, I liked it- but we’re told this and then it’s barely mentioned and we don’t know why/ how he got into it etc. The cat is hardly mentioned again.
I found it hard to imagine what they both looked like as there wasn’t much description of them- I’m not sure if this was deliberate or not.
Their meet cute was really original, but then a bit later we find something out that totally taints it.
The FMCs sister is really awful and treats her horribly, yet the FMC just kind of lets her walk all over her.
As the story went on it did start to improve a bit but was very up and down and repetitive at times. Not much really happened and we didn’t get to see much of them being together/ their relationship developing, time just kind of kept passing and then suddenly their relationship sped up towards the end of the book, but we still didn’t see much of them together. I did like them as characters more near the end but would have liked to believe their relationship and chemistry more than I did.
Some of the scenes were totally random (the sister and the fire extinguisher?!) and I found myself wondering if I’d missed something.
Throughout the book the age gap between the 2 main characters is a huge, huge deal constantly. I found this odd as the FMC was 22 but really not like your typical 22 year old, so the age gap never seemed like it should be an issue but it was constantly brought up, especially by the MC.
The best part about the story was the anxiety rep which was really well done.
Overall, I just couldn’t connect with this book and don’t think I will read any future books in the series. There are definitely some potential main characters for future books mentioned in here so I expect they will get stories at some point too.
I received an arc from the author and Love Notes PR in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- College hockey romance
- Fake dating
- Age gap
- Reformed playboy
- He falls first
- Found family
Rhode is top tier book boyfriend coded AF. I absolutely loved the banter between Rhode and Nina! These two have my whole heart. 💜
Meredith did a really good job with her mental health rep in this story as well. It was emotional, gritty, and super relatable.
This book had it all -- plot, spice, humor, emotions.. it had me feeling EVERYTHING.
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- College hockey romance
- Fake dating
- Age gap
- Reformed playboy
- He falls first
- Found family
Rhode is top tier book boyfriend coded AF. I absolutely loved the banter between Rhode and Nina! These two have my whole heart. 💜
Meredith did a really good job with her mental health rep in this story as well. It was emotional, gritty, and super relatable.
This book had it all -- plot, spice, humor, emotions.. it had me feeling EVERYTHING.
March 17, 2024
1⭐️
Recap:
•hockey romance
•strangers to lovers (LITERALLY)
•Spice: 🌶️
•age gap (ALL THE MMC COMPLAINS ABOUT)
•fake dating (ish)
•grief (ish)
Those were the most torturous, tedious, drawn out, dull 380 pages I’ve ever read 😭 no seriously you could have taken out 350 pages and you’d still have no plot. AT ALL.
Because
THERE WAS NO PLOT.
LIKE AT ALL. 🤦🏼♀️ (I wanna add GIFs but idk how to do that or what apps I need to download 😭)
This book was so stupid y’all. 🤦🏼♀️
This book is what would’ve happened if a dark romance novel had a child with non spicy contemporary hockey romances. Disturbing (and I’m not even a fan at all of Dark Romances).
I walked in expecting a swoon worthy top tier Icebreaker type of romance and instead—well, instead I got whatever the hell this was. This book was so disappointing and I’m mad. So so so so mad and this review is just me rambling on about how mad I am.
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If you’re still reading then don’t blame me. I warned you. Just as a safety precaution.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Oh well you’re digging your own grave at this point.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Firstly I wanna say:
Nina ruins everything.
I AM SO TIRED OF HER AS A MAIN CHARACTER. SHE IS THE EPITOME OF EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THIS WORLD. THIS BOOK MAKES ME SO MAD.
The main character keeps complaining about her anxiety and the love interest (who despite the synopsis tell us he fell first and harder barely shows the reader he’s in love) complains CONSTANTLY about their age difference that’s not so bad cuz he’s 33 and she’s 22. And the hockey lingo feels too overdone cuz it feels like the author has tossed around a bunch of terms firstly without offering ANY explanations of what these terms mean confusing those who aren’t regular hockey fans and secondly it’s so overdone that it feels like she wanted to make people believe she knows stuff about hockey (aka people like me). Furthermore, they don’t deal with the issue of her “anxiety” through proper CBT exposure and therapy sessions like Hannah Grace does, instead this author deals with the anxiety by making her character take meds and as someone who takes meds for insomnia and my add I know that’s not how this shit works. You need hours/months/years of therapy and self improvement and self awareness to deal with it.
Like the main characters sister passed away and she was like five and was like omg I’m gonna tattoo this sister’s name on my shoulder whom I barely remember cuz of my anxiety plus she had another sister (who the fmc treats like shit imo) who she found out got together with her ex AFTER she and him broke up and the main character was like “YOU BETRAYED ME YOU KNOW I HAVE ANXIETY AND YOU BETRAYED ME BY HAVING SEX WITH MY EX” and firstly what the hell does her anxiety have to do with this and secondly she’s her own person and she dated your ex AFTER you broke up with him so the whole betrayal thing is outrageous and exaggerated.
Omg i sound so negative but these are just my opinions and this book has potential I just think it should have gone through more than one editor cuz there were grammar mistakes too that disturbed me.
She was having a panic attack, recovered and the love interest WAS WORRIED, ASKED HER IF SHE WAS OKAY LIKE A NORMAL PERSON WOULD YKNOW?
And this was the main characters response:
"I don't need anyone's help, but I especially don't need your help. We're barely even together. All you do is give me orgasms. Yeah, they might be amazing, legendary even, but that's all you are to me, so no, I don't need your help, Rhode."
AND THE MAN IS LITERALLY IN LOVE WITH HER AND SHE IS BASICALLY TELLING HIM SHE ONLY CARES ABOUT HIM BECAUSE HE IS GOOD AT SEX WTF?!
I'm this close to losing my shit at her.
My reaction when I read that scene: 👁️👄👁️
Her sister kissed the love interest when she was wasted BEFORE THE MAIN CHARACTER EVEN KNEW HIM PLUS HE PUSHED GWEN AWAY and when the sister confessed NINA got mad. She is toxic as hell. I miss Stassie. She was so mature compared to this-this CHILDISH bitch.
I FEEL BAD NOW CUZ I KNOW I PROBABLY SOUND INSENSITIVE AS FUCK BUT I AM SO ANGRY AND MAD AND IMMA GO REREAD ICEBREAKER TO RESTORE MY FAITH IN HOCKEY ROMANCES CUZ THIS ONE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE AND A DISASTER AND IDK WHAT TO DO OTHER THAN CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP IN MISERY AND RAGE.
My reaction to this whole book: 👁️👄👁️huh?👁️👄👁���
this is the longest review I’ve ever written (except maybe for the Once Upon A Broken Heart series but that was a love review not a hate review) 😃
Recap:
•hockey romance
•strangers to lovers (LITERALLY)
•Spice: 🌶️
•age gap (ALL THE MMC COMPLAINS ABOUT)
•fake dating (ish)
•grief (ish)
Those were the most torturous, tedious, drawn out, dull 380 pages I’ve ever read 😭 no seriously you could have taken out 350 pages and you’d still have no plot. AT ALL.
Because
THERE WAS NO PLOT.
LIKE AT ALL. 🤦🏼♀️ (I wanna add GIFs but idk how to do that or what apps I need to download 😭)
This book was so stupid y’all. 🤦🏼♀️
This book is what would’ve happened if a dark romance novel had a child with non spicy contemporary hockey romances. Disturbing (and I’m not even a fan at all of Dark Romances).
I walked in expecting a swoon worthy top tier Icebreaker type of romance and instead—well, instead I got whatever the hell this was. This book was so disappointing and I’m mad. So so so so mad and this review is just me rambling on about how mad I am.
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If you’re still reading then don’t blame me. I warned you. Just as a safety precaution.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Oh well you’re digging your own grave at this point.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Firstly I wanna say:
Nina ruins everything.
I AM SO TIRED OF HER AS A MAIN CHARACTER. SHE IS THE EPITOME OF EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THIS WORLD. THIS BOOK MAKES ME SO MAD.
The main character keeps complaining about her anxiety and the love interest (who despite the synopsis tell us he fell first and harder barely shows the reader he’s in love) complains CONSTANTLY about their age difference that’s not so bad cuz he’s 33 and she’s 22. And the hockey lingo feels too overdone cuz it feels like the author has tossed around a bunch of terms firstly without offering ANY explanations of what these terms mean confusing those who aren’t regular hockey fans and secondly it’s so overdone that it feels like she wanted to make people believe she knows stuff about hockey (aka people like me). Furthermore, they don’t deal with the issue of her “anxiety” through proper CBT exposure and therapy sessions like Hannah Grace does, instead this author deals with the anxiety by making her character take meds and as someone who takes meds for insomnia and my add I know that’s not how this shit works. You need hours/months/years of therapy and self improvement and self awareness to deal with it.
Like the main characters sister passed away and she was like five and was like omg I’m gonna tattoo this sister’s name on my shoulder whom I barely remember cuz of my anxiety plus she had another sister (who the fmc treats like shit imo) who she found out got together with her ex AFTER she and him broke up and the main character was like “YOU BETRAYED ME YOU KNOW I HAVE ANXIETY AND YOU BETRAYED ME BY HAVING SEX WITH MY EX” and firstly what the hell does her anxiety have to do with this and secondly she’s her own person and she dated your ex AFTER you broke up with him so the whole betrayal thing is outrageous and exaggerated.
Omg i sound so negative but these are just my opinions and this book has potential I just think it should have gone through more than one editor cuz there were grammar mistakes too that disturbed me.
She was having a panic attack, recovered and the love interest WAS WORRIED, ASKED HER IF SHE WAS OKAY LIKE A NORMAL PERSON WOULD YKNOW?
And this was the main characters response:
"I don't need anyone's help, but I especially don't need your help. We're barely even together. All you do is give me orgasms. Yeah, they might be amazing, legendary even, but that's all you are to me, so no, I don't need your help, Rhode."
AND THE MAN IS LITERALLY IN LOVE WITH HER AND SHE IS BASICALLY TELLING HIM SHE ONLY CARES ABOUT HIM BECAUSE HE IS GOOD AT SEX WTF?!
I'm this close to losing my shit at her.
My reaction when I read that scene: 👁️👄👁️
Her sister kissed the love interest when she was wasted BEFORE THE MAIN CHARACTER EVEN KNEW HIM PLUS HE PUSHED GWEN AWAY and when the sister confessed NINA got mad. She is toxic as hell. I miss Stassie. She was so mature compared to this-this CHILDISH bitch.
I FEEL BAD NOW CUZ I KNOW I PROBABLY SOUND INSENSITIVE AS FUCK BUT I AM SO ANGRY AND MAD AND IMMA GO REREAD ICEBREAKER TO RESTORE MY FAITH IN HOCKEY ROMANCES CUZ THIS ONE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE AND A DISASTER AND IDK WHAT TO DO OTHER THAN CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP IN MISERY AND RAGE.
My reaction to this whole book: 👁️👄👁️huh?👁️👄👁���
this is the longest review I’ve ever written (except maybe for the Once Upon A Broken Heart series but that was a love review not a hate review) 😃
February 26, 2024
I wanted to enjoy this. I started following Meredith Trapp on Instagram when she first started adverstising the book months ago and haven't been waiting months for this. I really, really wanted to love it, but I really did not.
As debut books go, it's written okay. Some of the dialogue/narration was awkward, her overuse of metaphors were also written kind of weird, and the pacing could have been better.
For a romance book, I could not have cared less about the two main characters. I wasn't invested in their love story. Nothing really stood out to me. I didn't really care when they finally kissed (I didn't even realize they DIDNT kiss during the first spicy scene), and it felt like their relationship had no depth/growth. The amount of times they thought about fucking each other while not actually doing anything sexual got super annoying and repetitive.
I enjoy age gap romances, but not when the MMC spends 3/4 of the book fixating on it as a reason NOT to be with the FMC and then suddenly come to terms with it without any kind of inner reflection on why it really doesn't matter.
I think for me this book didn't work out because it felt OVERLY TROPEY. It used the extensive list of tropes way too heavily in the book, and some of them were only mentioned and never actually shown. Like, Rhode is a cat dad and does cross stitching. You get maybe one, possibly two, scenes each for those tropes, and then they are never discussed again. You dont even know what kind of cat he has, either, with felt super lacking to me.
A lot of the book felt very repeitive. Like I mentioned before, the amount of times they thought about sexual acts with each other when absoltuely nothing sexual was going on. The amount of times Rhode got disgruntled about their age gap. Rhode getting jealous and possesive over the smallest of things (which normally I love, but in this it bothered the hell out of me). How a chapter would start with "I haven't seen Rhode/Nina in a week and I miss him/her," only for them to show up in that chapter later on. There was never actually any separation SHOWN on the page.
A lot of their banter was eyeroll worthy, and too much of the dirty talk just made me cringe. It wasn't because it was overly sexual or anything, but who talks that much during sex?? Like, just shut up and fuck.
I *might* read the next book knowing it is about Patty now. I love single parent x second chance romance books, so we'll see.
I was hoping to enojy this book so much more than I did. The anxiety representation was done very well, too, but that also felt like it was overused. It felt like all she built Nina's character off of her anxiety and kind of just left out the rest of her personality.
As debut books go, it's written okay. Some of the dialogue/narration was awkward, her overuse of metaphors were also written kind of weird, and the pacing could have been better.
For a romance book, I could not have cared less about the two main characters. I wasn't invested in their love story. Nothing really stood out to me. I didn't really care when they finally kissed (I didn't even realize they DIDNT kiss during the first spicy scene), and it felt like their relationship had no depth/growth. The amount of times they thought about fucking each other while not actually doing anything sexual got super annoying and repetitive.
I enjoy age gap romances, but not when the MMC spends 3/4 of the book fixating on it as a reason NOT to be with the FMC and then suddenly come to terms with it without any kind of inner reflection on why it really doesn't matter.
I think for me this book didn't work out because it felt OVERLY TROPEY. It used the extensive list of tropes way too heavily in the book, and some of them were only mentioned and never actually shown. Like, Rhode is a cat dad and does cross stitching. You get maybe one, possibly two, scenes each for those tropes, and then they are never discussed again. You dont even know what kind of cat he has, either, with felt super lacking to me.
A lot of the book felt very repeitive. Like I mentioned before, the amount of times they thought about sexual acts with each other when absoltuely nothing sexual was going on. The amount of times Rhode got disgruntled about their age gap. Rhode getting jealous and possesive over the smallest of things (which normally I love, but in this it bothered the hell out of me). How a chapter would start with "I haven't seen Rhode/Nina in a week and I miss him/her," only for them to show up in that chapter later on. There was never actually any separation SHOWN on the page.
A lot of their banter was eyeroll worthy, and too much of the dirty talk just made me cringe. It wasn't because it was overly sexual or anything, but who talks that much during sex?? Like, just shut up and fuck.
I *might* read the next book knowing it is about Patty now. I love single parent x second chance romance books, so we'll see.
I was hoping to enojy this book so much more than I did. The anxiety representation was done very well, too, but that also felt like it was overused. It felt like all she built Nina's character off of her anxiety and kind of just left out the rest of her personality.
May 26, 2025
I mean I guess I’m a hockey girlie now.
February 22, 2024
there is not a single likable character in this book
February 4, 2024
Icebound is an age gap, hockey romance and the author’s debut. It’s the first in a series of interconnected standalones and had me cheesing the entire time.
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 1000% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously show up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
Don’t even get me started on the bro relationships. Rhode/Cruz/Patty were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books!
I’ll definitely be on pins and needles for the next book in the series because I loved everything Nina and Rhode, and the author’s writing was solid too!
TROPES: hockey romance; age gap (10+ years); reformed player/college student; mental health rep; hero who cross-stitches; fake dating stint; slow burn-ish; he falls first; found family; family drama; tattooed heroine
TRIGGER WARNINGS: anxiety/panic attacks on page; mention of infertility (not the H/h); mentions of sibling death; parental abandonment
Nina and Rhode, on paper, are very different people. He’s a veteran NHL player, and she’s a university senior art student. How these two meet is funny, sweet and unconventional, but also perfect for their personalities. Both struggle with having an idea of what their life should be like, but what happens when love sneaks up on them?
Nina and Rhode’s relationship was refreshing. They were upfront about where they were in life, but acknowledged that they wanted friendship….and couldn’t resist the chemistry that sparkled between them. Nina’s journey with anxiety is 1000% relatable, and Rhode’s pressure to prove himself is a place we’ve all been. Despite all that, the most romantic thing was watching these two continuously show up for each other, no matter the circumstance. They were each other’s person, and their actions showed it.
Don’t even get me started on the bro relationships. Rhode/Cruz/Patty were so supportive of each other as teammates and a found family, and I can’t wait for Cruz and Patty’s books!
I’ll definitely be on pins and needles for the next book in the series because I loved everything Nina and Rhode, and the author’s writing was solid too!
TROPES: hockey romance; age gap (10+ years); reformed player/college student; mental health rep; hero who cross-stitches; fake dating stint; slow burn-ish; he falls first; found family; family drama; tattooed heroine
TRIGGER WARNINGS: anxiety/panic attacks on page; mention of infertility (not the H/h); mentions of sibling death; parental abandonment
March 10, 2024
I’m not a fan of illustrated covers but I’m so glad I gave this story a chance. I fell in love with Nina and Rhode. An age gap and hockey romance. Amazing slow burn between these two who are attracted to one another but want different things in life. Their story made me feel, smile and swoon. Their first meeting was so good and I felt an immediate connection and chemistry between Rhode and Nina.
It was interesting to see them navigate through their feelings and their current path in life. Romantic feelings and love conquer all but here it took time and I didn’t mind it one bit cause the whole cast of characters were so strong. Especially Rhodes’ team mates Cruz and Patty stood out.
Meredith Trapp nailed this story! I’m so excited for what’s to come.
It was interesting to see them navigate through their feelings and their current path in life. Romantic feelings and love conquer all but here it took time and I didn’t mind it one bit cause the whole cast of characters were so strong. Especially Rhodes’ team mates Cruz and Patty stood out.
Meredith Trapp nailed this story! I’m so excited for what’s to come.
April 21, 2024
I LOVE THEM! 📖Icebound by @authormeredithtrapp this comes out in a few weeks so you better pre-order! I devoured this book in one day and I cannot stop thinking about it. It has fake dating, an anxiety rep, and ALL the feels. I was sobbing this morning finishing the last 20 pages and it was PERFECT. This is my chaotic review so I’ll post a more in depth review on goodreads. BUT RUN GUYS!!!!
Read if you like:
🏒Sports romance
🫶🏻Found family AND reconciliation with family
💗the most perfect FMC and MMC. I loved them BOTH!
🥲the best character development
👏🏻fake dating/age gap
🫠slow burn??? Felt like it lol
Read if you like:
🏒Sports romance
🫶🏻Found family AND reconciliation with family
💗the most perfect FMC and MMC. I loved them BOTH!
🥲the best character development
👏🏻fake dating/age gap
🫠slow burn??? Felt like it lol
February 13, 2024
4.5✨
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this. It's an age gap, semi fake dating, sports romance with anxiety rep and it's amazing.
I loved Rhode and Nina both as their own people and also as a couple. Nina has crippling anxiety that in crowded and overwhelming situations can almost completely take her out! And the way this was represented was done so well. I also loved the way Rhode reacted to this.
Every interaction between Rhode and Nina and every conversation was done so well. Also their character arcs as individuals were amazing to read, from who they were at the beginning of the book to who they were at the end was incredible. Huge growth from both of them.
I just had a fab time reading this and will definitely read more from Meredith in the future
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this. It's an age gap, semi fake dating, sports romance with anxiety rep and it's amazing.
I loved Rhode and Nina both as their own people and also as a couple. Nina has crippling anxiety that in crowded and overwhelming situations can almost completely take her out! And the way this was represented was done so well. I also loved the way Rhode reacted to this.
Every interaction between Rhode and Nina and every conversation was done so well. Also their character arcs as individuals were amazing to read, from who they were at the beginning of the book to who they were at the end was incredible. Huge growth from both of them.
I just had a fab time reading this and will definitely read more from Meredith in the future
February 11, 2024
I C E B O U N D
⭐⭐⭐⭐
wow, what a fun, light, sexy ride! rhode and nina were so sweet for each other and i loved the tension that we got from the get go.
rhode tremblay has been putting his playboy days behind him, preferring a night in with his cat than a night at the club - he's 33 and ready to settle down. on the way home from cutting a night out early, he calls a lyft and meets nina alstyne - a 22 year old potter who suffers from anxiety and his heading to argentina in a few months for a prestigious pottery residency.
sparks fly, and so do a few white lies. she's not a 30 year old neurosurgeon and he's not a sexy plumber, well he's not a plumber anyway. 🙃 circumstances arise that lead them to agree to fake date for mutual benefit, but soon those sparks ignite and they get caught in a blaze.
this is a really well written hockey, fake dating, age gap romance with tons of spice and tension, with heart and banter too. i love how they helped each other heal and supported each other. i liked how he was coming to the end of his career and she was just starting hers - it was an interesting comparison throughout the story.
this is a great debut novel and i am very much looking forward to what meredith writes next!
i'm so grateful to be part of the street team for this book. thank you for the arc @authormeredithtrapp @lovenotes.pr 🫶🏼
⭐⭐⭐⭐
wow, what a fun, light, sexy ride! rhode and nina were so sweet for each other and i loved the tension that we got from the get go.
rhode tremblay has been putting his playboy days behind him, preferring a night in with his cat than a night at the club - he's 33 and ready to settle down. on the way home from cutting a night out early, he calls a lyft and meets nina alstyne - a 22 year old potter who suffers from anxiety and his heading to argentina in a few months for a prestigious pottery residency.
sparks fly, and so do a few white lies. she's not a 30 year old neurosurgeon and he's not a sexy plumber, well he's not a plumber anyway. 🙃 circumstances arise that lead them to agree to fake date for mutual benefit, but soon those sparks ignite and they get caught in a blaze.
this is a really well written hockey, fake dating, age gap romance with tons of spice and tension, with heart and banter too. i love how they helped each other heal and supported each other. i liked how he was coming to the end of his career and she was just starting hers - it was an interesting comparison throughout the story.
this is a great debut novel and i am very much looking forward to what meredith writes next!
i'm so grateful to be part of the street team for this book. thank you for the arc @authormeredithtrapp @lovenotes.pr 🫶🏼
March 23, 2024
ARC REVIEW
wow wow wow this was such an AMAZING debut novel. I don’t only say this because Meredith is my friend, but because the emotions and feelings she was able to make me feel from words on paper???? I’m astounded, it was so so good
I loved Rhode’s character so much, I loved his little quirks and his hobbies and how he was truly just a LITERAL teddy bear. I loved him so much 😭 seeing how much he cares for his friends and for Nina, and how he cared about what Nina cared about, it was just beautiful to me. He seriously is the definition of this grumpy cinnamon roll that just will immediately steal your heart
And I ADORED Nina!!! Seeing a character struggle with anxiety, and having it written with such care and grace, it was so so well done and for that ALONE, this book is a five star. I loved how Nina’s character was always so forgiving, but when it really came down to it she didn’t let people walk all over her. There was such a grace and strength to her that I love in an FMC
And Rhode and Nina together??? Absolute perfection, as in I have no words. They were so patient with each other and I loved seeing them help each other through their struggles, they never made each other feel bad for what they were going through/had gone through. They just had such a loving and supportive relationship and I cannot get enough of them
wow wow wow this was such an AMAZING debut novel. I don’t only say this because Meredith is my friend, but because the emotions and feelings she was able to make me feel from words on paper???? I’m astounded, it was so so good
I loved Rhode’s character so much, I loved his little quirks and his hobbies and how he was truly just a LITERAL teddy bear. I loved him so much 😭 seeing how much he cares for his friends and for Nina, and how he cared about what Nina cared about, it was just beautiful to me. He seriously is the definition of this grumpy cinnamon roll that just will immediately steal your heart
And I ADORED Nina!!! Seeing a character struggle with anxiety, and having it written with such care and grace, it was so so well done and for that ALONE, this book is a five star. I loved how Nina’s character was always so forgiving, but when it really came down to it she didn’t let people walk all over her. There was such a grace and strength to her that I love in an FMC
And Rhode and Nina together??? Absolute perfection, as in I have no words. They were so patient with each other and I loved seeing them help each other through their struggles, they never made each other feel bad for what they were going through/had gone through. They just had such a loving and supportive relationship and I cannot get enough of them
April 2, 2024
Made it 50% through and just couldn’t push through anymore. I really wanted to like this book with the hype it was getting but I just felt a big disconnect. The anxiety rep is spot on and well written. The fact that Rhode kept bringing up the age gap was very cringy to me. And the banter just seemed off.
February 26, 2024
DNF 25%
Ooomph. The author describes a 33 yr old like it's time to prepare for the end of your life. Even OBGYNs give you until 35 before you are geriatric. It was so off-putting.
The anxiety disorder is represented well, but honestly, that's it.
There is no substance to these characters. I don't care about them. There are a lot of flowy descriptive words, but nothing that meant anything. At the point I DNF'd, he finds out about their true age gap and honestly end of the story, walk away, close the door, move on.
Ooomph. The author describes a 33 yr old like it's time to prepare for the end of your life. Even OBGYNs give you until 35 before you are geriatric. It was so off-putting.
The anxiety disorder is represented well, but honestly, that's it.
There is no substance to these characters. I don't care about them. There are a lot of flowy descriptive words, but nothing that meant anything. At the point I DNF'd, he finds out about their true age gap and honestly end of the story, walk away, close the door, move on.
June 24, 2024
before reading: oooooo fake dating it’s probably slow burn too-
“I like tall women, though, because it makes doggie style a hell of a lot easier on my knees, since I don’t have to bend as much.”- rohdesd!ck brain chapter 3
what happened to hello. how are you. my name is. WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT????? they kinda ate tho lmao I was entertained- feral is not the right by word to describe how I feel for this man 😔🧎♀️
NOW GIVE ME PATTYS BOOK RIGHT NOW 👹👹
“I like tall women, though, because it makes doggie style a hell of a lot easier on my knees, since I don’t have to bend as much.”- rohdes
what happened to hello. how are you. my name is. WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT????? they kinda ate tho lmao I was entertained- feral is not the right by word to describe how I feel for this man 😔🧎♀️
NOW GIVE ME PATTYS BOOK RIGHT NOW 👹👹
February 17, 2024
This is a cute spicy read. I enjoyed the story line but something fell flat for me. I’m not sure if it was the age gap getting mentioned a lot and it being repetitive or not being able to connect to the FMC.
February 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
I finished this book back in January, but I have been holding off posting this review in order to gather my thoughts.
Let me start by saying, I was super hyped to read this book! Meredith did an amazing job promoting this story and the excitement was positively contagious. This book started strong and I was super drawn into the storyline.
My main hesitancy was the age of our two main characters. Don’t get me wrong, I am ALL ABOUT age gap romances, but I have decided that I can no longer read romances where the FMC is under 25. I can’t do it. Not only this, but I have a really hard time relating to college-aged students. I was made aware that I had these feelings at about the halfway point while I was reading Icebound.
Not only this, but their relationship was a bit all over the place. From my memory, it seemed like Rhode and Nina were broken up or fighting more than they were together, which was a bit exhausting and hard to keep tabs on. It kind of played into the age of our FMC. And don’t get me wrong, I really do love spice, but when broken up, these two would talk about how much they missed each other’s taste ALL the time. Just no.
Besides the above points, I really did love the secondary characters in this story! The hockey boys were honestly the best. Their camaraderie was so heartwarming and I cannot wait to see more of them as the series progresses.
Despite my thoughts on Icebound, I am truly looking forward to seeing where this series goes and watching this author evolve! As of the day I’m writing this review, the synopsis was just revealed for book two, and boy, am I a sucker for a single dad/cowgirl romance!
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
I finished this book back in January, but I have been holding off posting this review in order to gather my thoughts.
Let me start by saying, I was super hyped to read this book! Meredith did an amazing job promoting this story and the excitement was positively contagious. This book started strong and I was super drawn into the storyline.
My main hesitancy was the age of our two main characters. Don’t get me wrong, I am ALL ABOUT age gap romances, but I have decided that I can no longer read romances where the FMC is under 25. I can’t do it. Not only this, but I have a really hard time relating to college-aged students. I was made aware that I had these feelings at about the halfway point while I was reading Icebound.
Not only this, but their relationship was a bit all over the place. From my memory, it seemed like Rhode and Nina were broken up or fighting more than they were together, which was a bit exhausting and hard to keep tabs on. It kind of played into the age of our FMC. And don’t get me wrong, I really do love spice, but when broken up, these two would talk about how much they missed each other’s taste ALL the time. Just no.
Besides the above points, I really did love the secondary characters in this story! The hockey boys were honestly the best. Their camaraderie was so heartwarming and I cannot wait to see more of them as the series progresses.
Despite my thoughts on Icebound, I am truly looking forward to seeing where this series goes and watching this author evolve! As of the day I’m writing this review, the synopsis was just revealed for book two, and boy, am I a sucker for a single dad/cowgirl romance!
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2024
The plot was good but I just couldn’t get over them breaking up every few chapters and why the male mc made their age gap out to be such a big deal. We get it. You don’t need to repeat it so often. Acknowledge it once. maybe twice. then move on. I'm not big on the age gap trope anyway but still.
This might be the slowest I’ve read a book which is surprising for me. I hope others enjoy it but it just wasn't for me.
This might be the slowest I’ve read a book which is surprising for me. I hope others enjoy it but it just wasn't for me.
February 23, 2024
Icebound by Meredith Trapp 🩵
A super entertaining and fun debut! Rhode is known as the rowdy hockey player, the one who was always getting in trouble and seen with a different woman every night. He's trying to prove he's moved on from that lifestyle though, ready for something real relationship-wise. He has a rule for himself to not date under 30... until he meets Nina. Nina has sworn off men and focusing on graduating from art school before figuring out what she wants to do next. One night fate brought them together and their joking and sarcastic flirting ends up causing them both to have some false understanding of the other. As they learn the truth about each other, it becomes harder to stay away.
I felt that Rhode and Nina were such complex and real characters. Both were at points in their lives where they are figuring out what their next move is supposed to be. Nina who was trying to figure out what she is going to do after she graduates and Rhode trying to decide if it is time for him to retire from hockey. They both had their things that brought them joy, Nina with pottery and her plants and Rhode with his cat and cross stitching (which I may or may not have suggested to Meredith when she asked about what the mmc should do in his free time 😉). I really enjoyed them both. They had this chemistry from the start as well. From their slightly disastrous meet cute to agreeing to be each others date to an event for both of their benefit. They were trying their best to ignore the tension between them and it was so fun to watch them finally give in.
What would have made me enjoy it a little more was if Rhode eased off the concern around their age gap sooner in the book. It was definitely an important plot point and something Rhode needed to mentally get over, but it dragged a little bit too long for me. There's always that fine line in an age gap romance.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from Meredith! This book set it up for a few of the lovable side characters to find their happy ever afters.
🥅 hockey romance
🤍 age gap (11 years)
🤭 jealousy
🐢 secret tattoos
👏🏼 a little bit of fake dating
🧠 anxiety rep
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
A super entertaining and fun debut! Rhode is known as the rowdy hockey player, the one who was always getting in trouble and seen with a different woman every night. He's trying to prove he's moved on from that lifestyle though, ready for something real relationship-wise. He has a rule for himself to not date under 30... until he meets Nina. Nina has sworn off men and focusing on graduating from art school before figuring out what she wants to do next. One night fate brought them together and their joking and sarcastic flirting ends up causing them both to have some false understanding of the other. As they learn the truth about each other, it becomes harder to stay away.
I felt that Rhode and Nina were such complex and real characters. Both were at points in their lives where they are figuring out what their next move is supposed to be. Nina who was trying to figure out what she is going to do after she graduates and Rhode trying to decide if it is time for him to retire from hockey. They both had their things that brought them joy, Nina with pottery and her plants and Rhode with his cat and cross stitching (which I may or may not have suggested to Meredith when she asked about what the mmc should do in his free time 😉). I really enjoyed them both. They had this chemistry from the start as well. From their slightly disastrous meet cute to agreeing to be each others date to an event for both of their benefit. They were trying their best to ignore the tension between them and it was so fun to watch them finally give in.
What would have made me enjoy it a little more was if Rhode eased off the concern around their age gap sooner in the book. It was definitely an important plot point and something Rhode needed to mentally get over, but it dragged a little bit too long for me. There's always that fine line in an age gap romance.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from Meredith! This book set it up for a few of the lovable side characters to find their happy ever afters.
🥅 hockey romance
🤍 age gap (11 years)
🤭 jealousy
🐢 secret tattoos
👏🏼 a little bit of fake dating
🧠 anxiety rep
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
January 24, 2025
3.5 stars! I really expected to love this one more than I did. It is the author’s debut so I definitely will read the next book out and give it a try too.
This is an age gap, hockey romance, reformed player x college student, with mental health rep and found family. Rhode is a 30-something hockey player who cross-stitches and is a cat dad, love to see it. Nina is a 22-year old college student, has tattoos, and lives with her sister who is dating her ex! Rhode and Nina are in very different places in their lives because of their ages and that really is a big conflict/factor for him, it’s brought up a lottttt. I just could not with Nina’s sister and her ex, like excuse me whatttt. Now the anxiety and panic attack rep was so well done, easily my favorite parts seeing that on page with the character. The relationship and the rest was fine, he’s very smitten and does sweet things but is also sooo quick to push away again because “she’s just so youuuung compared to him and he wants to settle down”.
CW: anxiety, panic attacks (on page)
This is an age gap, hockey romance, reformed player x college student, with mental health rep and found family. Rhode is a 30-something hockey player who cross-stitches and is a cat dad, love to see it. Nina is a 22-year old college student, has tattoos, and lives with her sister who is dating her ex! Rhode and Nina are in very different places in their lives because of their ages and that really is a big conflict/factor for him, it’s brought up a lottttt. I just could not with Nina’s sister and her ex, like excuse me whatttt. Now the anxiety and panic attack rep was so well done, easily my favorite parts seeing that on page with the character. The relationship and the rest was fine, he’s very smitten and does sweet things but is also sooo quick to push away again because “she’s just so youuuung compared to him and he wants to settle down”.
CW: anxiety, panic attacks (on page)
February 12, 2024
Icebound by Meredith Trapp
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Meredith Trapp's debut novel, "Icebound," is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. From the first page to the last, the narrative skillfully captures the essence of a captivating story that seamlessly blends age gap, fake dating, hockey romance, spice, and a poignant exploration of mental health.
As a fervent fan of hockey romances, I found "Icebound" to be a delightful treat that surpassed my expectations. Trapp masterfully weaves a tapestry of diverse elements, keeping the reader hooked with every twist and turn in the storyline. The multifaceted nature of the plot might seem daunting, but Trapp navigates through it effortlessly, ensuring that each component contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.
The real triumph of "Icebound" lies in its portrayal of the protagonist, Nina, and her battle with anxiety. Personally grappling with anxiety, particularly social anxiety, I found a profound connection with Nina's struggles. Trapp's portrayal of Nina's journey is not only authentic but also emotionally resonant. The author skillfully captures the intricacies of living with anxiety, making it a raw and relatable experience for readers who have faced similar challenges.
Nina's bravery in overcoming her fears serves as an inspiration, leaving readers with a sense of hope and empowerment. As someone who shares similar struggles, I appreciated the authentic depiction of mental health in the story, shedding light on the importance of resilience and self-discovery.
"Icebound" is a rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully balancing romance and the exploration of mental health. Trapp's writing style is engaging, and her ability to create characters that feel real is commendable. The novel kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself unable to put it down, eagerly turning each page to uncover the next layer of the story.
Thank you Meredith Trapp and Love Notes PR for this amazing arc!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Meredith Trapp's debut novel, "Icebound," is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. From the first page to the last, the narrative skillfully captures the essence of a captivating story that seamlessly blends age gap, fake dating, hockey romance, spice, and a poignant exploration of mental health.
As a fervent fan of hockey romances, I found "Icebound" to be a delightful treat that surpassed my expectations. Trapp masterfully weaves a tapestry of diverse elements, keeping the reader hooked with every twist and turn in the storyline. The multifaceted nature of the plot might seem daunting, but Trapp navigates through it effortlessly, ensuring that each component contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.
The real triumph of "Icebound" lies in its portrayal of the protagonist, Nina, and her battle with anxiety. Personally grappling with anxiety, particularly social anxiety, I found a profound connection with Nina's struggles. Trapp's portrayal of Nina's journey is not only authentic but also emotionally resonant. The author skillfully captures the intricacies of living with anxiety, making it a raw and relatable experience for readers who have faced similar challenges.
Nina's bravery in overcoming her fears serves as an inspiration, leaving readers with a sense of hope and empowerment. As someone who shares similar struggles, I appreciated the authentic depiction of mental health in the story, shedding light on the importance of resilience and self-discovery.
"Icebound" is a rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully balancing romance and the exploration of mental health. Trapp's writing style is engaging, and her ability to create characters that feel real is commendable. The novel kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself unable to put it down, eagerly turning each page to uncover the next layer of the story.
Thank you Meredith Trapp and Love Notes PR for this amazing arc!
June 19, 2025
Who would've thought a cross-stitching NHL goalie (yes, really!) would fall for his Uber driver — wait, make that a plumber and a doctor?
This book was seriously cute. I loved that it leaned into the hockey side of things more than expected, it gave the story an extra edge. The banter was nonstop, and while the back-and-forth of staying together and then not got a little too much for me at times, the chemistry and charm pulled it all together.
If you’re in the mood for a quirky, sporty romance with heart and humor, this one’s a total win!
This book was seriously cute. I loved that it leaned into the hockey side of things more than expected, it gave the story an extra edge. The banter was nonstop, and while the back-and-forth of staying together and then not got a little too much for me at times, the chemistry and charm pulled it all together.
If you’re in the mood for a quirky, sporty romance with heart and humor, this one’s a total win!
July 25, 2024
"Don't have sweet dreams. Have wild ones."
Icebound was such a great surprise for me. It has been quite some time since I last read a sports romance and since I was missing this genre I decided to pick this book up and, my God, I'm so glad I did! Before going into my actual review, I have to say Icebound has one of the most beautiful dedication sections I have ever read. It was the first time in my life I've highlighted a dedication message 😂 This book is also Meredith Trapp's debut novel and I was pretty impressed by the quality of this read.
Nina and Rhode are such amazing characters! They both have very distinct and strong personalities, the two came alive in my mind very quickly and I felt connected and interested in learning more and more about each of them. I did like Rhode a bit more than Nina, but how could I not? He's super dreamy and such an actual nice guy, I'd love to be friends (and more, haha) with him in real life. We also have some worthy of mentioning side characters that capture your heart as much as our main ones. Patty and his super cute baby girl, Betty, make you swoon very hard and I'm excited to know his book is the next one in the series. Cruz is such a captivating guy, he can get on your nerves sometimes but he hides a very intriguing story behind his sassy facade. I'm dying to read about what happens to him in the future and who will be the lucky girl who will finally make him settle down a notch. We also have Nina's sister, Gwen, who despite making some very bad and questionable decisions, shows character growth throughout the book and gives us some heartwarming moments along with her little sister. In regards to special times, we have many, many touching scenes of Rhode with his best friends, Patty and Cruz. I was almost crying at the end of the book because of a specific moment at a lake. Since it's a sports romance, I felt Meredith portrayed that well in regards to hockey matches throughout the book. I love when we see the actual sport where the main character is involved in making a more prominent appearance, instead of just using it as a means to tag a certain trope. Nina's parts with pottery and Rhode's cross-stitching were really cool and cute, respectively. I just have a tiny remark, which is I hoped we had more teammates present, at times I felt it was a bit weird that it was mainly Patty, Cruz and Rhode together when our main guy is supposed to be such a united team kind of guy. I get the author wanted to focus on them because they're the closest friends and will get books, but I felt there should be more teammates involved in many parts of the book even if they don't get their stories told in future works. I wanted to be shown Rhode's connection to his entire team more clearly, but that didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of Icebound.
There's also an age-gap in this book, I love this trope, but I didn't think it had that much of a forbidden aspect like it usually has with this type of romance. Rhode had a huge issue with that, mostly in the beginning of the book, but it was mainly both characters being in different places in their lives, more than them being afraid of what society would think of them together. The fake dating part is also kinda small, but it was still fun to read. Also, steamy like I love. In regards to that, I really enjoyed the spice in this book, it was well written and gave me all the feelings and butterflies as much as the cute and loving parts did.
Overall, I'm so glad I found a new romance author that writes stories just the way I like. I'm very excited to read whatever Meredith comes up with next, I became a fan!
✨ RATING
- C (characters): 10/10
- A (atmosphere): 9/10
- W (writing): 10/10
- P (plot): 9/10
- I (intrigue): 9/10
- L (logic): 10/10
- E (enjoyment): 9/10
↬ TOTAL: 9.43 = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💦 SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔖 TROPES:
- Age-gap (22 x 33)
- Fake dating
- Found family
- Hockey romance
- Reformed player
- Family drama
- Friendship to love
- He falls first
- Mental health rep
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: anxiety/panic attacks (on page), mentions of female infertility (side character), parental abandonment, mentions of sibling death, grief.
You're not holding me back. You're setting me free.
September 7, 2025
DNF
I am cleaning up my pile of books. And some books are the one I put it way deep into the stack.
So those books are usually from new authors I am not familiar with. Hence a lot of DNF.
Icebound is one of them.
2 stars
I am cleaning up my pile of books. And some books are the one I put it way deep into the stack.
So those books are usually from new authors I am not familiar with. Hence a lot of DNF.
Icebound is one of them.
2 stars
February 27, 2024
This book was not for me and I had to push through to even finish it. The meet cute was original and I liked it up till there but it all went down hill after that. None of the characters were likable at all, the main couple were barely in the same room together yet they fell in love???, the sister dynamic really really really annoyed me, and the age gap situation seemed redundant.
March 5, 2024
2.75 stars
I don’t remember anything icl
I don’t remember anything icl
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