Breaking the Ice

by Tali Spencer

For Matt Wasko, February in Wisconsin is the best time of the year, and ice fishing on Lake Winnebago is his idea of heaven. With shanty villages cropping up, barbeques on the ice, monster sturgeon to spear, and plenty of booze to keep everybody warm, things couldn’t be better — until a surprise storm hits and an uninvited guest shows up at his frozen doorstep.

Matt’s not happy to see John Lutz, a coworker who cracks lame gay jokes at Matt’s expense. But John’s flimsy new ice shelter got blown across the lake, and it wouldn’t be right to leave even a jerk outside to freeze. Would it?

In the close quarters of Matt’s fabulous ice shanty, between stripping off wet clothes, misadventures with bait, and a fighting trophy-sized walleye, the two men discover creative ways to keep the cold at bay. And when John confesses his long-running attraction, Matt must decide if he can believe in John’s change of heart — and crack the ice for a chance at finding love.

States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2017

About the author

I am fascinated by swords, mythology, and everything ancient and magical. Sword and sandals? I'm in! But I also love bodice-rippers, Regency romances, magical realism, pulpy detective stories, cozy mysteries, and South American literature.

Though I grew up as a bit of a nomad, I currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband and travel whenever I can. Every destination yields a story or three.

When not writing, I read everything (really, everything), experiment with food, and take long walks with my loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something is wrong with me when it comes to blurbs, I swear. In my rush to get this book, my brain ignored the cover and wording of the blurb and latched onto the word "ice"... I started this book thinking I was going to read a hockey romance (my weakness). I was wrong.

Once I adjusted to the fact that this was, indeed, a FISHING story, I found that I was pleasantly surprised.

Breaking the Ice is an enemies-to-lovers story, done with a sweet, home-town atmosphere and with lots of fishing details. You have to be in the mood for something more wholesome, maybe, to enjoy this one because it isn't go to blow your mind in a sexy, razzle-dazzle way.

It's a quick story, so the relationship development is not quite there, but I found it satisfying, nevertheless. If you are into ice fishing, then this is certainly the romance for you.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

[☆ Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was... okay, I suppose.

The story was fine, but if I'm 100% honest, fishing bores me to tears at the best of times, so a lot of the story left me wanting to fast forward to pages without rods, reels and bait.



I did like Matt's out and proud character, who never let taunts from John and his asshole 'friends' truly get to him. Well, not much.

And I did get where John was coming from, hiding in plain sight, with the rest of the hetero, male sheeple, but that's still not much of an excuse for his past good ole' boy behavior toward Matt.



What I wanted from the story was more in-depth conversations between Matt and John; however, if they did happen, they were off-page, which was disappointing.

The story went from them finally talking to a year-later HEA epilogue featuring their Big Gay Wedding , so I could've definitely used much more time seeing their relationship grow to get any genuine feels from this one.

Plus, the some of the dialogue in the ending was a wee bit corny for my tastes, which generally leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

The sexy bits consisted of one short bear skin rug scene right at the end, which was, again, fine, but nothing that blew my socks off.

So, as a short, the story was fairly average, but I doubt I'll remember much about this 2.75 star read a few days from now.

-----------------------------------------------

My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publishers in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

[SheReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tag Team Review with Sara!

3.5 HEARTS--Ice Fishing.

I knew of it, but this book is definitely an ode to the sport.

Let me tell you something. I'm the least sports appreciating person you might meet. And sadly, I'm surrounded by the sports people. My BFF is a fisherwoman. Like she takes joy in sitting around with live bait and catching fish any free time she can. Do I join her? Fuck no! I tune out the moment she mentions bait. So I took my fishing non-love to this book, it seems.

This book is a lot about the appreciation and dedication of the sport in a icy tundra of a Wisconsin town. That's the major selling point of this book.

Matt Wasko is small, college educated, out and proud, grandson of a revered family in his small town and works an office job in a factory. His co-workers and Matt bowl together and against each other on two teams. And other the other team is Matt's love interest, John Lutz. Lutz's team has a bunch of homophobic jerks and Lutz does nothing to shut those guys up. He joins in the lame jokes or laughs.

Matt can't stand them especially that good looking Lutz. Thankfully, he had a two week vacation away from the job and with his beloved frozen lake Winnebago. When Lutz shows up to his icy piece of heaven, it seems like Matt can't catch a break.

At the core of things, Matt is a good guy. And he can't be an asshole to anyone... even his nemesis. The thing is John isn't a bad guy, he makes poor choices and follows the crowd, so no one knows how deep he's in the closet.

The two make nice on the ice and discover shared geeky interests. But they also are attracted to each other. The romance part was cute. I thought the epilogue was a bit soon just because we don't get to spend as much time with the couple as we did with Matt. There is some hotness dropped in there. *coughs*intercrural *coughs*rimming *coughs*

The guys were cute. Lutz pulls his head out of his ass. Wasko was adorably snarky. I liked them (okay, I liked Wasko a little more) But the klutzy wooing was cute. Thank goodness, we get dual POV.

Overall, the love story is the love of Wisconsin. Never been to the state, but it read authentic.

And who doesn't love unicorn name dropping?

Recommended to readers who enjoy the ice fishing sport (or want to learn as this is chock full of info).



A copy provided for an honest review.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice fishing. I love ice fishing. The best turkey dinner I ever had was made on a cook stove in an ice house while watching the Vikings game on TV. Breaking the Ice with its backdrop of sturgeon fishing on Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago is totally in my wheelhouse.

For most of the year, Matt Wasko has to deal with "gay-bashing, corn-fed" homophobic idiots who comment on his glittery balls (bowling, that is), rainbow shoelaces and the beer he drinks with a unicorn on the label. But for two weeks every February, Matt goes ice fishing in the cozy ice shanty he and his grandpa built, surrounded by a community of friends (including Babe, the Grill Master, "capable of grilling seven kinds of meat at the same time on three grills"), beautiful sunrises and sunsets, augers, sturgeon spears, and lots and lots of beer:

On the ice, out on the lake, here in this house of memories, only then did he feel completely free of other people’s definitions. College boy. Management. Short. Young. Cute. Gay. He was a Wasko and a fisherman, dammit, and come Saturday he was going to join his people.

I loved the community that Tali Spencer creates in this story - you could probably go to any small town bar in Wisconsin and meet folks just like them - and liked how the relationship between Matt and John develops. There's only a few sex scenes - and they're more steam than red-hot sizzle - but they fit perfectly into this quirky heart-felt story. It's sweet and funny as all get-out, and I suggest you make some Wisconsin brats (boil 'em in butter and beer and throw 'em on the grill) and dig into "Breaking the Ice" - 4.5 stars!

I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a very nice story about a bully (not really a bully, but a coward closeted gay) and an out and proud gay guy who happened to like fishing a lot.
But I don't know anything about fishing. I think I was a bit loss in a fishing world for a while.
This is short, and I think for a short story, I liked the dynamic of John and Matt's relationship from enemy to lovers.
Not so much romantic time, but John's intention for stalking and tried to do the fishing with no knowledge about fishing at all was kinda cute. Stupid but cute.
The epilogue was a little bit over the top with a HEA guaranteed. But I'm not complaining much.
Sometimes I need to know about the MCs future as well.
Try this one.

* ARC is provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and fair review. No high rating required.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars rounded up.

This is a quick, low angst, low steam romance with a HEA.

Every February Matt Wasko takes two weeks off and goes ice fishing to get away from it all. Unfortunately this year one of his jackass co-workers follows him out to the ice. Turns out John Lutz, his nemesis, is actually very interested in Matt. John's definitely gotten off on the wrong foot, but is determined to try to put things right.

I liked that Matt is out and proud, the way he deals with the taunts and insults from his coworkers and John, and how he doesn't let them get him down for the most part.

Now keep in mind this is a really quick read so a lot happens in a very short span of time. Because of that I didn't really get over John's past behavior in time to buy their initial romantic interaction. I needed more conversations, more opportunities of how they interacted together, and more relationship growth. Instead the story moves from their first tentative romance moments and then jumps at hyper speed to the HEA.

It was okay overall but I wish there had been more.

Advanced Review Galley copy of Breaking the Ice provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breaking the Ice is a cute enemies to lovers story. Heavy on the ice fishing, low on the steam, and plenty of sass. I loved Matt's sass. Being the poster boy for out & proud in this small Wisconsin town doesn't even matter to Matt. He likes what he likes, does what he does and isn't going back in anyone's closet for anybody. John is new to town, and with all new people they find the popular people and try to fit it. Its what he did here, regardless of the homophone taunts could have been aimed back at him, he just wanted to fit in.

I know next to nothing about fishing. Its not in my wheel house and I'm okay with that. Matt explained enough for the both of us. I really enjoyed his style and delivery on such things. He was a forgiving person even though he didn't want to. I don't really know if I liked John personally. I feel like we got to see the glimpse of him in a bad way, but post making up and setting amends it kinda flew passed. I didn't get a feel of him like I would have liked to. This book is very much low on steam, which was another downer for me. They did move pretty quick together for my liking, or it could have been the second half of the book was rushed in my opinion.


It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't as exciting as I would have liked it to be. The relationship growth was all on page, and majority of the book was spent talking about Ice Fishing. I would have liked too see them work things out together and definitely on page. It kept me interested enough to finish so there's that. I think people would like it.

[Sara]

A Tag Team Review with SRAL!

4.5 Hearts

I have the biggest soft spot for boys in the closet. The deeper they are they softer I get. I also love a good enemies to lover’s story and this gave me both! Oh boy, my soft spot is a puddle of goo for John Lutz and I fell this story.

This was adorable. Sure, it’s short and things move fast and some things are told more than shown but I loved it. I adored Matt and would so bowl on his team. I loved his dedication to Sturgeon fishing even though I wouldn’t want to be a part of it. His dedication to ice fishing is also his loyalty to his family and mainly to his grandfather. It’s tradition and it’s in his bones so of course it would be the only thing John could use to really get Matt’s attention, right?

My poor sweet John. I will tell you now, when you meet him try not to judge him. I admit that I started too but I know all too well the ones who protests or is the loudest jerk about something usually has the most to hide and John is so hidden, you can’t see him. I felt for John, reading his reasons as to why he blends in with the crowd and tries to be one of the guys. He does it for self-preservation but when it interferes with his chance with someone he is romantically interested in, he decides to do the right thing and change his ways. OMG! John is so adorably awkward with his attempts to get Matt’s attention. I won’t spoil what he does but it was cringe worthy but swoony in only the way a romance can truly be. John lays it all out there in so many ways that Matt can’t help but be charmed even if he is cautious.

Matt is an amazing out and proud character. From knowing his past and how he made it to Wisconsin to how he learned how to fish and really handle himself, it’s no wonder John is drawn like a moth to a flame. On the surface, these two couldn’t be more opposite yet in their hearts, they are perfect for one another. I was truly happy that Matt not only decided to open his shanty to a freezing John but open his mind to John’s behavior and his heart to what John offered.

The community built within this romance was a pure joy to read. I loved the ice fishing folk along with everyone we meet at the local bars etc. The community was strong enough to believe that Matt and John would not only be accepted but revered as powerhouse couple in every way.

The story was sticky sweet and I ate it up just like I would a big ass stick full of cotton candy. Sure, I wanted more than what I got but that’s a nod to the author creating characters that I couldn’t get enough of. I would have loved a longer story with Matt and John and really seen the development of John coming out and how they handled the relationship as it evolved but I am stupidly happy with
what I got at the same time so content I shall be.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

John was an idiot -- an adorable one when he was trying to catch Matt's attention, but still ... an idiot. Matt was great; I loved him for being out and proud despite the bully that he experienced. The fishing activity was a bit technical for me, but it also made this novella different that other contemporary MM romance I usually read.

More thoughts MAYBE later

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Breaking the Ice
Author: Tali Spencer
Series: States of Love
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: April 19, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 86 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

For Matt Wasko, February in Wisconsin is the best time of the year, and ice fishing on Lake Winnebago is his idea of heaven. With shanty villages cropping up, barbeques on the ice, monster sturgeon to spear, and plenty of booze to keep everybody warm, things couldn’t be better—until a surprise storm hits and an uninvited guest shows up at his frozen doorstep.

Matt’s not happy to see John Lutz, a coworker who cracks lame gay jokes at Matt’s expense. But John’s flimsy new ice shelter got blown across the lake, and it wouldn’t be right to leave even a jerk outside to freeze. Would it?

In the close quarters of Matt’s fabulous ice shanty, between stripping off wet clothes, misadventures with bait, and a fighting trophy-sized walleye, the two men discover creative ways to keep the cold at bay. And when John confesses his long-running attraction, Matt must decide if he can believe in John’s change of heart—and crack the ice for a chance at finding love.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Review:
This is the second book in the States of Love series that I have read. It looks like each book is written by a different author and the setting is almost as important as the main characters. Breaking the Ice is a short story at 86 pages. It is a humorous, sweet unlikely love story. The setting of this story takes place during February in Wisconsin, Brrrrr. Matt Wasko’s passion is ice fishing on Lake Winnebago. An activity that started when he was sent to live with his grandparents during his teenage years. Matt is an openly gay man. He has a good job that he enjoys. He also has the comradery with his fellow ice fishing family. What he doesn’t have is a man to love. Gay men are as rare as the elusive prize winning walleye that Matt has been trying to catch for years. Matt also has an offensive co-worker, John, who takes every opportunity to get in Matt’s face and crack jokes about his sexual preferences. When John makes an attempt at ice fishing, Matt is forced to rescue him from freezing to death out on the frozen lake and that is where this story unfolds. The chemistry between Matt and John was a little hard for me to wrap my mind around. The pacing was good. This was and easy to read, humorous story that kept me entertained for a few hours. The ending was pretty predictable, but it was fun getting there. There was a stronger character development for Matt, but we did learn about John as well. Overall the story was cute. If you need a story to cool you off during the coming scorching days of summer, this might be the perfect story to keep you company while you bake in the sun.



PLOT: 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 3 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3 Stars



Review Copy of Breaking the Ice provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.

This was a cute, short story. My very first gay romance was an enemies to lovers story (One of Those Days) so I kinda have a soft spot for them, as long as they're written well. Matt and John would definitely be considered enemies. Coworkers, John has a bad habit of going along with 'the guys' when they throw out homophobic slurs to Matt, who's out and proud. Matt pretends it doesn't bother him but it's obvious that it does.

John wants to fit in at his new job so he goes along with the guys at work in hopes of them not looking too closely at him. You know where I'm going here. :) It takes a snowstorm over Lake Winnebago for John to make his true feelings known.

I went from hating John to liking him before it was over. There's an epilogue that I found kinda cheesy but it seemed to work for these guys.

Overall, a nice read.

This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wisconsin, I have to admit, is not a state I have ever visited, or know a lot about. Since all books in this series have been great at giving me a “local” flavor of whatever state of the US they are set in, I was looking forward to learning more about “The Badger State”. Of course, also typical for the ‘States of Love’ books, in addition to geographical detail and regional customs, I got to know two men and their struggle to find love as well. And boy do Matt and John know how to make things difficult for themselves.

Matt is not having an easy time at work, ever since John joined his company and keeps harassing him with anti-gay comments and “jokes”. Matt needs a break and is looking forward to his annual two-week vacation that he intends to spend spearing sturgeon from a hole in the ice. Not my idea of fun, but I certainly enjoyed Matt’s adventures and descriptions. There are lots of fishing details but then there are Matt and his friends who are hilarious and very loyal when someone is in trouble.

John showing up at the iced-over Lake Winnebago was a total shock, not just to Matt but to me as well. He’d never hinted at liking ice fishing, has not even remotely got the right equipment, and yet he settles close to Matt and his friends. Hmmm. It did make me wonder, and lo and behold, it doesn’t take long for John to be in trouble, Matt being the only one able to help, and for things to get really awkward for a while.

If you like watching tough, snarky guys who do not get along in the least figure out they actually like each other, if you enjoy reading about sports in and around an icy lake from the comfort of your armchair, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, educational, occasionally funny, takes its time getting to the “romantic bits”, and has some very hot action on a bearskin, then you might like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking the Ice is a sweet story about Matt, a PR manager, and John, a co-worker that is constantly tossing gay jokes around along with his buddies.
Matt is out and proud and has all sorts of pride posters and other tings tat scream gay in his office. His Ice Shack also has lots of bright pictures and he decorates over the top. Even his bowling balls are glittery and his shoelaces rainbows.

John is on the opposing bowling team and his friends told him Matt doesn't mind the gay jokes and slurrs. That he plays along.When he finds out Matt is taking two weeks off to go ice fishing, John heads out on the ice not knowing how dangerous it can be.

I loved Tali's details and descriptions of the ice-fishing and everything that goes on the frozen lake. It was very informative but not in a boring way.I fell in love with the other families and how they bonded during this time, especially the Tipps.

If you lie a feel-good, sweet romance, learning about different states and cultures, ice-fishing, co-worker romance and an allover fun sweet romance this is for you

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is a quick read, which I recommend you read in a nice warm place, because the ice cold will cause you to shiver. I can't say I am a huge fishing fan, but it wasn't really an overwhelming part of the story.

Matt is comfortable in his skin - thanks to a great Grandad it has to be said - but that doesn't mean he is hardened to prejudice. John has unwittingly made a huge mistake by offending the very man he is attracted to, and now has to try and get it all sorted out. He takes an extreme approach to showing Matt how he feels, but thankfully the icy atmosphere heats up just fine!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Breaking the Ice is part of Dreamspinner Press’ States of Love collection, a set of stories that each take place in a different state. Tali Spencer describes this book as “a love note to Wisconsin” and I think that is a good way to explain it. The state, the people, and the sport of ice fishing are all lovingly detailed and I think that really helped make the story work for me. We get a great sense of the culture and the vibe of the people who live near Matt, and the story feels very grounded in the sense of place. We also get lots of information on ice fishing. I am totally unfamiliar with the sport, so I found it quite interesting to hear all the little details, from how Matt furnishes his shanty, to the various regulations, to the parties they have out on the ice. If you aren’t into this kind of thing, I think this book may not work as well for you, as fishing is an extensive part of the story. But for me, I found it really interesting and it is what made the book for me.

The relationship end, however, fell a little flat. This isn’t a particularly long story, but it takes a while before Matt and John ever really interact more than superficially. The first part of the book is primarily focused on ice fishing and giving us the set up between the guys. It isn’t until they end up spending the night in Matt’s shanty that they ever really even have a conversation on page, and from there things escalate with breakneck speed. We go from Matt hating John and thinking him a homophobe to Matt seeing a potential future with John after what is just a couple of hours. After that, it isn’t so much that the relationship moves fast, as that we barely see any of it. Things are just told to us to sort of recap where the guys are in their relationship (even the one sex scene is told partly in recap), so I never feel like I really go to know these guys as a couple. I honestly think this story would have worked a lot better if Spencer didn’t try for the HEA and instead just let us see a thawing out of the tension and the moving forward, instead of taking these huge relationship leaps.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read for me. Having grown up in Northern Minnesota I grew up around ice fishing. So getting to read a book that was centered around ice fishing was a great joy for me.

Matt was a good character to follow along. And I must admit that Spencer did a great job at making me hate John’s character. But as the story progressed, I came to really feel for John. It was fun getting to follow along as John came into his own. And also getting to watch as Matt found out more about John was also enjoyable.

While I have mostly read Spencer’s fantasy books – I did still enjoy this read!

Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
I did enjoy this, even with all the fishing!
No real angsty moments despite the theme of the anti gay hassle that Matt receives.
Matt is openly gay and has a good circle of friends that accept him with all his sports and hobbies!
John is that typical repressed guy - hiding behind attitude. His fishing exploits are quite amusing!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet love story between Matt and John, and to Wisconsin ice fishing. The characters are all a hoot. Minimal bedroom scenes, which was fine, the story does well on it’s own.

Bought from dreamspinner

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Adorable :D

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! And now I know more about ice fishing than I ever thought I would - being a couch-potato Brit!

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like books with the characters growing closer because of getting snowed in. This was a cute little story that I did like.

[Duncan Husky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

When I read fiction that takes place in an area I know well, I always pay extra-close attention. If an author is going through the trouble of setting their story in a specific place, they’d better get it right or it takes me out of the story completely. And yes, I may still be salty about Jim Butcher’s geographical mishaps in Chicago in the first Dresden Files book, but that’s neither here nor there.

I’m pleased to say that Tali Spencer’s novella Breaking the Ice nails Wisconsin. I’ve been to many of these places (or places like them) and I’ve met these people , or people like them. The bulk of the story takes place in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, though I was amused at the brief passage that takes place in Milwaukee. I’ve been to that neighborhood, and I know exactly the type of house that was described.

John is from Milwaukee by way of Kenosha, now working north of Menomonee Falls. He’s done a great job of keeping a low profile as a gay man in an oh-so-straight blue collar, Midwestern world. Too good of a job, unfortunately, and he’s reaching a point in his life where he is realizing that maybe he needs to rethink that approach. Matt, on the other hand, is out and proud. He puts up with the gay jokes at work and at bowling league, and appears to thrive in spite of it. When he is out fishing on Lake Winnebago among friends, though, nobody cares if he’s gay, bi, or straight – he’s at home in “Waskoville”, an exuberant ad-hoc community that appears on the ice when it’s time to fish for sturgeon, a tradition dating back to his grandfather and carried on by Matt.

At its heart, this is a story of a guy who has screwed up his life, and trying to figure out what we can do to fix it. Watching the John and Matt work out something between them is adorable, and the happily ever after had me tearing up. If I had any complaint it’s that the events at the end of the story seem a bit rushed, but then it’s a novella, not a novel. I really enjoyed this story and happily recommend it!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweetheart of a catch.

It may be a short story but it is a prize catch!
My family used to drive up to Horicon to see and experience the Canada geese migration. UNBELIEVABLE! We would also go to Fond Du Lac for the fishing. Great fishing lakes in WI.
This story paints the residents of WI with an accurate brush. Outdoorsy, great fishermen and hunters, down to earth people. And, friendly!
All in all, a short but satisfying read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and I liked both the MCs but I really loved the setting, the community and reading about their favorite sport - ice fishing! This book was all about ice fishing in icy Wisconsin and I enjoyed it very much! I admit, having lived my whole life in Greece, it appeared pretty exotic to me.

[Sherry F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice. I don't know a single thing about fishing but it was informational as well as a good read.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was an interesting story. Matt has been looking forward to his vacation during sturgeon season and is highly disappointed when his coworker, John, shows up on the lake. When he gives John shelter he gets the opportunity to see a different side of the man than the one he has been working with for months.

So….basically John has been acting like an idiot trying to blend in and hiding himself. We see how much his actions have been hurting Matt and his presence at Matt’s refuge puts an immediate damper on things. John has really been hurting himself too but once he has a chance to admit his feelings to Matt he doesn’t want to hide anymore. These two jump pretty quickly into their relationship and it’s a little hard to believe that Matt is able to let go of John’s past actions, but they seem to build a pretty solid relationship. The community of people who gather to spear sturgeons and everything along with it are quite interesting.

Cover art by Anne Cain is a great background for this story.

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, sweet read. Though I guess in Matt's opinion it was not all favorable but I have my own opinion on that one.

Do you remember when you was younger and there was always this kid that used to pick on you and when you went home and told your mom about it. Your mom probably told you the same thing mine did, that the one you thought was mean in kindergarten that was picking on you was only doing so because they liked you and did not know how to say that, well that is my opinion on how Matt was treated by John when they first met.

Yes John is a grown man and yes John needed to man up and just let Matt know that he had a crush on him but I think that John was scared that he would be rejected for one and for another I think that John was scared of being in the place that Matt was in as far as being picked on by haters.

To say that Matt was not impressed with the way that John acted is like saying the sky is pink. In other words he was not impressed at all. It made Matt think that John was homophobic and that he something against gay people. So when Matt learns the truth, he is actually in shock I believe.

Can two men that seemingly have nothing in common find common grounds together and build a lasting relationship or has things started out on the wrong footing and there is no getting past it?

This book is one of those books that while you are reading it you find yourself smiling or laughing at some of the things and predicaments that John finds himself in. What makes it even more funny is the way Matt seems to get caught in the middle of the messes that John finds himself in. But in the end what made it such an amazing read was how these two men came together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think others will also. Great read!!!!!!!!!!

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I grew up in Wisconsin and have family not far from Fond Du Lac, Lake Winnebago, Fox River, and Green Bay area, so there’s a bit of nostalgia in reading this. Which means I also “get” the whole bowling, ice fishing, Friday Fish Fry’s/Boils and blue collar atmosphere. So from a setting standpoint, I thought the author totally nailed the background. Yes, people are that fanatical and quirky about bowling, fishing, fish fry’s, and their little cliques.

I greatly enjoyed the backdrop of ice fishing, trying to navigate on the ice, decorating one’s ice shack and spear fishing. The tie-in to the sturgeon situation was nicely and subtlety done.

As for our two main characters, Matt and John, I don’t think this quite fits the enemies to friend’s situation, because the dislike/hate isn’t two way. Without giving away too much, it’s more a matter of new guy misunderstanding the situation and making a total mashup of things.
I personally think short stories are some of the more difficult stories to write, because the author has to condense into 60 pages a plot, setting, emotions, some kind of conflict and a resolution. I thought Breaking the Ice did a quite fine job of hitting those benchmarks. Matt is a strong main character, comfortable in his own skin and his likes and dislikes. John less so, despite the confident good looks. When Matt and John are finally forced to confront one another, they both show their own kind of courage and I liked that.

I also liked how the first attempts at a budding romance ended up with minnows spilled all over the inside of an ice shack. Loved the awkward – and realistic – humor.

My only (teeny) complaint was with the ending. A bit too…saccharine for my tastes. Cute, totally, but a bit too much so. I won’t spoil the fun though, read for yourself and decide.

Overall
A heartwarming romance set on the ice of Lake Winnebago – there will be glitter bowling balls, rainbow shoelaces, a garishly decorated ice shack, and fish. Really big fish.

Enjoy! I certainly did.

Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Smut Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend Breaking the Ice by Tali Spencer to anyone who wants a vivid, simple and quick M/M read with some excitement, tugs on the heartstrings and deep feels.

Tali presents characters with depth and a breathtakingly well described location.

Read Full Review at Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter

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