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Providence University #1
Breaking the Ice
He’s moody, stubborn, and quite possibly the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.
And I’ve seen quite a few, but this one… I’ve been watching him since freshman year of college.
Word on the street is that he thinks women are too needy, too catty, and overall pains in the butt.
He’s about to meet his match.
As a curvy girl who’s had to work hard all of her life to be a ballerina in a world where I don’t often belong, I’m up for the challenge.
And he is soooo worth it.
Dark hair, piercing eyes, and a smirk that leaves me panting with weak knees? Yes, please. More.
But he’s not going to make it easy.
I wouldn’t expect him to.
First thing is first. Time to break the ice.
**The Providence University series is a stand-alone new adult series with an HEA for every book. This book was originally published as Breakaway in 2016.**
And I’ve seen quite a few, but this one… I’ve been watching him since freshman year of college.
Word on the street is that he thinks women are too needy, too catty, and overall pains in the butt.
He’s about to meet his match.
As a curvy girl who’s had to work hard all of her life to be a ballerina in a world where I don’t often belong, I’m up for the challenge.
And he is soooo worth it.
Dark hair, piercing eyes, and a smirk that leaves me panting with weak knees? Yes, please. More.
But he’s not going to make it easy.
I wouldn’t expect him to.
First thing is first. Time to break the ice.
**The Providence University series is a stand-alone new adult series with an HEA for every book. This book was originally published as Breakaway in 2016.**
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2016
1821 people are currently reading
2128 people want to read
About the author
Ali Parker
367 books2,056 followersAli Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello.
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
dnf
July 11, 2016NOT safety gang safe.
This free book was so not my thing. I DNF'd it after chapter 4 but should have put it down earlier.
Here's the first thing that I read that indicated I should give up on it at 6%. It's the hero's POV thinking about the heroine. "There was no way I would defile her the way some of the Ice Queen's begged for us to. Those girls were whores, but Aubrey sat in a class all to herself."
Lovely, these girls are good enough to use for sexual gratification but you look down on them? You call them whores? What a prize.
I should have stopped there but the book kept indicating that the hero hadn't been with any one in a long time and didn't do the ice bunny thing. I kept reading a little more.
at 11% here is another tidbit from our supposed hero. "Women were a handful, needy and childish most days of the week."
Yup, we've confirmed once again that he is Neanderthal.
Then a couple of pages later we have a descriptive scene with an OW going down on him because apparently a guy's just gotta release sometimes and hey, the girl offered and he's not the kind of guy to turn down what's freely offered. Not sure what happened to him saying he didn't do the puck bunnies but oh well. Of course he's thinking of our heroine after 30 minutes of this activity in order to come and the heroine's outside the door at the party as it happens and knows what went down.
This is not romance to me. This is so far from okay for me in what I want to read. Just yuck! To each their own, if all of this is okay for you then by all means give it a try.
This free book was so not my thing. I DNF'd it after chapter 4 but should have put it down earlier.
Here's the first thing that I read that indicated I should give up on it at 6%. It's the hero's POV thinking about the heroine. "There was no way I would defile her the way some of the Ice Queen's begged for us to. Those girls were whores, but Aubrey sat in a class all to herself."
Lovely, these girls are good enough to use for sexual gratification but you look down on them? You call them whores? What a prize.
I should have stopped there but the book kept indicating that the hero hadn't been with any one in a long time and didn't do the ice bunny thing. I kept reading a little more.
at 11% here is another tidbit from our supposed hero. "Women were a handful, needy and childish most days of the week."
Yup, we've confirmed once again that he is Neanderthal.
Then a couple of pages later we have a descriptive scene with an OW going down on him because apparently a guy's just gotta release sometimes and hey, the girl offered and he's not the kind of guy to turn down what's freely offered. Not sure what happened to him saying he didn't do the puck bunnies but oh well. Of course he's thinking of our heroine after 30 minutes of this activity in order to come and the heroine's outside the door at the party as it happens and knows what went down.
This is not romance to me. This is so far from okay for me in what I want to read. Just yuck! To each their own, if all of this is okay for you then by all means give it a try.
August 13, 2017
SHOOT AND SCORE!
Hot hockey player... beautiful ballerina... 3 years of lusting after one another... it all comes down to this.
I liked it... I really, really liked it!
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
Lucas, captain of the hockey team, is 3 months away from graduation. His path is set to move on to the pros, but is it his dream or that of his father's? And with his best friend and teammate's beautiful twin sister stealing away the heart he's kept so guarded... what will he do?
Aubrey, top notch dancer and Queen Bee of the Ice Queens, has been lusting after her twin brother's closed-off best friend for the 3 years she's been at Providence U. Though she's never been good enough for her mother or her dance instructor, what with her being "overweight" with "too many curves" for a dancer, can she be enough for someone like Lucas?
This book was a great, quick read. Told from dual POV's, we got to see both main characters develop their feelings and work through their issues. Though I really wanted more at the end. It felt a bit unfinished to me... but this is Book 1 in the series. Butterflies, blushing, tingles, and steamy scenes made this a read I couldn't put down.
Hot hockey player... beautiful ballerina... 3 years of lusting after one another... it all comes down to this.
I liked it... I really, really liked it!
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
Lucas, captain of the hockey team, is 3 months away from graduation. His path is set to move on to the pros, but is it his dream or that of his father's? And with his best friend and teammate's beautiful twin sister stealing away the heart he's kept so guarded... what will he do?
Aubrey, top notch dancer and Queen Bee of the Ice Queens, has been lusting after her twin brother's closed-off best friend for the 3 years she's been at Providence U. Though she's never been good enough for her mother or her dance instructor, what with her being "overweight" with "too many curves" for a dancer, can she be enough for someone like Lucas?
This book was a great, quick read. Told from dual POV's, we got to see both main characters develop their feelings and work through their issues. Though I really wanted more at the end. It felt a bit unfinished to me... but this is Book 1 in the series. Butterflies, blushing, tingles, and steamy scenes made this a read I couldn't put down.
May 4, 2016
4 sweet and low angst stars!
THIS BOOK IS FREE RIGHT NOW ON AMAZON! https://amzn.com/B01B9XNJP4
Set up: Lucas is a senior and the captain of Providence University’s hockey team and has been in love with Aubrey, his teammate’s twin, for three years. Lucas has tagged her as off limits though not only because of his teammate and best friend, but because he believes he is unworthy and all women, even Aubrey, are evil. Aubrey has been in love with Lucas for the last three years, but he acts like a jackass all the time which completely turns her off. Aubrey is in the dance program at Pro-U, much to people dismay since she’s “bigger”, and is the “Ice Queen” which is basically head of the puck bunnies/whore/groupies – though she is NOT any of those things. Aubrey keeps the groupies in line as well as the hockey team. The sexual tension between these two is intense. They both want to take a shot and see where things could lead, but both are scared that they are going to get hurt. What happens when they both take a chance?
Hero: 4/5 stars! Lucas is a pretty great hero. He’s not a manwhore or even has relationships. This is mainly due to the fact he keeps himself pretty closed off to everyone. His older brother, who was also a hockey player, distorted Lucas’s view on women making him believe they will all screw you over eventually. This way of thinking is always in the back of Lucas’s mind, but he never treats Aubrey like shit. He is great and upfront with her from the start. Lucas is a little broken but through Aubrey and her brother, he slowly comes to terms with things and realizes what he wants in life.
Heroine: 4/5 stars! Aubrey is a strong heroine that doesn’t have annoying tendencies. She perseveres and knows what she wants out of life despite what her mother or people in the dance program believe. She’s a great dancer, and I commend her backbone when other people are always trying to put her down. Her relationship with her brother is amazing and I completely envy that. The only thing I was wishing was that she put herself more out there to Lucas toward the ending. I felt that she was holding back, but instead I wanted her to be bold and tell him what she was feeling and thinking.
Sex scenes: 4/5 stars! Well written, albeit some strange choices. There are quite a few scenes, but I’m not sure they completely lived up to the sexual tension the MCs had. I wanted something a little spicier but that’s because I’m perverted. The first sex scene is which I found to be a very strange choice for the first time a couple is having relations.
Plot: 4/5 stars. Apparently everything is 4/5 stars. Super sweet read with low angst. I’m not a big angsty person but I felt there needed to be some more conflict somewhere for it to completely work. I love the all familial relations that were a part of the story. The secondary characters were wonderful. I really wish we would have gotten an epilogue though. Yes the MCs were together in the end but it felt unfinished a little.
What I loved: The MCs really made the story wonderful. They were both strong characters and I completely loved how they came together.
What I disliked: There wasn’t an epilogue which I thought it needed, and I felt like there needed to be a little more conflict between the MCs.
In short: A wonderful, sweet, low angst sports romance! If that’s your thing, grab this book!
Spoiler shit: :D
Condom use:
Sex w OW/OM:
Drug use:
Suicide:
THIS BOOK IS FREE RIGHT NOW ON AMAZON! https://amzn.com/B01B9XNJP4
Set up: Lucas is a senior and the captain of Providence University’s hockey team and has been in love with Aubrey, his teammate’s twin, for three years. Lucas has tagged her as off limits though not only because of his teammate and best friend, but because he believes he is unworthy and all women, even Aubrey, are evil. Aubrey has been in love with Lucas for the last three years, but he acts like a jackass all the time which completely turns her off. Aubrey is in the dance program at Pro-U, much to people dismay since she’s “bigger”, and is the “Ice Queen” which is basically head of the puck bunnies/whore/groupies – though she is NOT any of those things. Aubrey keeps the groupies in line as well as the hockey team. The sexual tension between these two is intense. They both want to take a shot and see where things could lead, but both are scared that they are going to get hurt. What happens when they both take a chance?
Hero: 4/5 stars! Lucas is a pretty great hero. He’s not a manwhore or even has relationships. This is mainly due to the fact he keeps himself pretty closed off to everyone. His older brother, who was also a hockey player, distorted Lucas’s view on women making him believe they will all screw you over eventually. This way of thinking is always in the back of Lucas’s mind, but he never treats Aubrey like shit. He is great and upfront with her from the start. Lucas is a little broken but through Aubrey and her brother, he slowly comes to terms with things and realizes what he wants in life.
Heroine: 4/5 stars! Aubrey is a strong heroine that doesn’t have annoying tendencies. She perseveres and knows what she wants out of life despite what her mother or people in the dance program believe. She’s a great dancer, and I commend her backbone when other people are always trying to put her down. Her relationship with her brother is amazing and I completely envy that. The only thing I was wishing was that she put herself more out there to Lucas toward the ending. I felt that she was holding back, but instead I wanted her to be bold and tell him what she was feeling and thinking.
Sex scenes: 4/5 stars! Well written, albeit some strange choices. There are quite a few scenes, but I’m not sure they completely lived up to the sexual tension the MCs had. I wanted something a little spicier but that’s because I’m perverted. The first sex scene is which I found to be a very strange choice for the first time a couple is having relations.
Plot: 4/5 stars. Apparently everything is 4/5 stars. Super sweet read with low angst. I’m not a big angsty person but I felt there needed to be some more conflict somewhere for it to completely work. I love the all familial relations that were a part of the story. The secondary characters were wonderful. I really wish we would have gotten an epilogue though. Yes the MCs were together in the end but it felt unfinished a little.
What I loved: The MCs really made the story wonderful. They were both strong characters and I completely loved how they came together.
What I disliked: There wasn’t an epilogue which I thought it needed, and I felt like there needed to be a little more conflict between the MCs.
In short: A wonderful, sweet, low angst sports romance! If that’s your thing, grab this book!
Spoiler shit: :D
Condom use:
Sex w OW/OM:
Drug use:
Suicide:
March 19, 2017
BORING. Jesus. Are all College/NA hockey romances the same? Cuz I swear I've read this plot. A lot.
Keep moving...nothing new to see here :(
DNF 70%
Safety: OW BJ the h all but walks in on. A 30 minute BJ at that. Why does this make me think the author has never given one in her entire life?
Keep moving...nothing new to see here :(
DNF 70%
Safety: OW BJ the h all but walks in on. A 30 minute BJ at that. Why does this make me think the author has never given one in her entire life?
Read
April 13, 2018After reading the negative reviews (thank you so much ladies!!!), I most definitely passed on this crappy read immediately! In this date & age to have fictional characters degrade & use women the way this so called "Hero" & his friends did, is a disgusting thing for me to read and no way entertaining! Any woman who is okay with that type of writing (especially of what we are standing up & fighting for these days in real life) is baffling to me.
Insert a sexual scene of Hero with OW, and that is where you lost me completely! In fictional reads, we want to be entertained, not disgusted or angered. I pick up reads to ESCAPE from real life, not have to read about scumbag male Heros that are a dime a dozen in real life.
And this is a FEMALE author who writes this s*#t??? Wow...just wow!
Insert a sexual scene of Hero with OW, and that is where you lost me completely! In fictional reads, we want to be entertained, not disgusted or angered. I pick up reads to ESCAPE from real life, not have to read about scumbag male Heros that are a dime a dozen in real life.
And this is a FEMALE author who writes this s*#t??? Wow...just wow!
April 28, 2016
They suppressed their feelings for three long years. Now on his last few months in college, Lucas White, the rising hockey star couldn't hide it anymore. Either he'd pursue his bestfriend's curvaceous sister, Aubrey, and forget about The Caps trading him. Or make his father happy and go to Washington to live his brother's dream for him.
Dancing diva Aubrey's got the rhythm and the stance, but her dance teacher McCraven was harsh with her, always pointing out her big arms and legs and heavy bossom. Heck, even her dance cronies bullied her and called her a hooker because she's the Ice Queen. The leader of the hockey team's bevy of girls. Not a great reputation, that's for sure.
They'd been keeping tabs of each other for the past three years. Now is the time to take it up a notch. To be or not to be, that is the question.
After reading this book, my first thought was, can I have Lucas for myself please? Damn, he's so hot and mighty and loyal, a good son and a great hockey captain, everything a girl wishes for. Sure, he's got all me panties twisted (oh yeah!) and can't help but think, is there another Lucas White i the universe? Because for sure, I won't let him go.
Aubrey's something, too. I love her relationship with her twin, Jayce and her friendship with Layla and the rest of the ice queens. She's not the stereotyped kind if woman who goes around sneaking up with every hockey player in Providence. She's loyal and caring and one-man woman who loves and respects her twin brother so much. (Although her mom is another story).
For the nth time, Ali Parker impressed me with her storytelling skills. I wonder how big her brain is, she can whip up a different story every day and you can't help but be dazzled and transfixed. Ali continues to write great new adult stories that make my head flip, eyes dance, mouth quiver and stomach churn with delight.
Breakaway was fun and exciting and very easy to read. Lots of quirky moments and unprecented conversations, not overly dramatic like other new adult stories I've perused. Plus the fact that I've always loved sports romances is a big plus. To date, this is my most favorite from Ali Parker's books.
Ali girl, you nailed it again!
Dancing diva Aubrey's got the rhythm and the stance, but her dance teacher McCraven was harsh with her, always pointing out her big arms and legs and heavy bossom. Heck, even her dance cronies bullied her and called her a hooker because she's the Ice Queen. The leader of the hockey team's bevy of girls. Not a great reputation, that's for sure.
They'd been keeping tabs of each other for the past three years. Now is the time to take it up a notch. To be or not to be, that is the question.
After reading this book, my first thought was, can I have Lucas for myself please? Damn, he's so hot and mighty and loyal, a good son and a great hockey captain, everything a girl wishes for. Sure, he's got all me panties twisted (oh yeah!) and can't help but think, is there another Lucas White i the universe? Because for sure, I won't let him go.
Aubrey's something, too. I love her relationship with her twin, Jayce and her friendship with Layla and the rest of the ice queens. She's not the stereotyped kind if woman who goes around sneaking up with every hockey player in Providence. She's loyal and caring and one-man woman who loves and respects her twin brother so much. (Although her mom is another story).
For the nth time, Ali Parker impressed me with her storytelling skills. I wonder how big her brain is, she can whip up a different story every day and you can't help but be dazzled and transfixed. Ali continues to write great new adult stories that make my head flip, eyes dance, mouth quiver and stomach churn with delight.
Breakaway was fun and exciting and very easy to read. Lots of quirky moments and unprecented conversations, not overly dramatic like other new adult stories I've perused. Plus the fact that I've always loved sports romances is a big plus. To date, this is my most favorite from Ali Parker's books.
Ali girl, you nailed it again!
April 28, 2016
Hero(s) rating: 2 stars
Heroine rating: 2 stars
Sexual tension rating: 2 stars
Sex scenes rating: 2.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 2.5 stars
Plot rating: 3 stars
Dialogue rating: 2 stars
Storytelling rating: 2 stars
Story ending rating: 2 stars
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 2 stars
I am so lost for words...
I mean...the ratings...other reviews...
Not even close.
Just...No.
Heroine rating: 2 stars
Sexual tension rating: 2 stars
Sex scenes rating: 2.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 2.5 stars
Plot rating: 3 stars
Dialogue rating: 2 stars
Storytelling rating: 2 stars
Story ending rating: 2 stars
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 2 stars
I am so lost for words...
I mean...the ratings...other reviews...
Not even close.
Just...No.
April 7, 2020
Wow and not in a good way.
Juvenile, poorly written, minimal engaging story. Could have been much better but there was no depth to the characters even though they could have had intriguing stories. Will not read any further in the series.
Juvenile, poorly written, minimal engaging story. Could have been much better but there was no depth to the characters even though they could have had intriguing stories. Will not read any further in the series.
January 3, 2022
The first finished read of 2022 is a fact!
This was overall an enjoyable read which helped me getting through a restless night haha.
Had some Really fun moments reading this book, but also thought that sometimes the writing was just a bit meh.. Don't know. The feelings I had throughout the book of 'This is Good' and 'hmmm' went up and down so I'm still not entirely sure what to think of it haha. Less than 3 stars is feeling wise a bit too low for me, but 4 stars too high. Sometimes there's no logic in rating for me, and just a feeling you know?
So yeah, a fun pick for when you just want something fast paced in between. Liked the palpable feelings between both characters a lot, the author did a good job on writing that down I think - which is important to me when reading a romance like this. At this point, I'm not entirely sure yet if I'll continue with the series. Maybe if I have another night of not being able to catch some sleep, I'll end up getting the 2nd installment, who knows haha. But atm I'm not like: NEED to have the next one asap!
This was overall an enjoyable read which helped me getting through a restless night haha.
Had some Really fun moments reading this book, but also thought that sometimes the writing was just a bit meh.. Don't know. The feelings I had throughout the book of 'This is Good' and 'hmmm' went up and down so I'm still not entirely sure what to think of it haha. Less than 3 stars is feeling wise a bit too low for me, but 4 stars too high. Sometimes there's no logic in rating for me, and just a feeling you know?
So yeah, a fun pick for when you just want something fast paced in between. Liked the palpable feelings between both characters a lot, the author did a good job on writing that down I think - which is important to me when reading a romance like this. At this point, I'm not entirely sure yet if I'll continue with the series. Maybe if I have another night of not being able to catch some sleep, I'll end up getting the 2nd installment, who knows haha. But atm I'm not like: NEED to have the next one asap!
life-is-too-short
April 28, 2017Ugh, I'm four chapters in and it's already hateful. Beautiful but curvy ballerina Audrey is the object of Hockey Captain's desire. But, she's too good for him (she is in love with him, his POV says she's too good for him); The hockey fans who are women and like sex are Ice Queens and they are all wh0res (language from the book) and women are messy and a ton of whining work. In a conversation in the fourth chapter, Audrey walk away from an erect Lucas, then the "head ice queen" offers him a release. This is all a bit misogynistic, and I can't take it.
I can't think of a reason to continue on.
I can't think of a reason to continue on.
April 22, 2020
This had potential to be better but.. I think Aubrey was a bit pathetic. She was trailing after Lucas like a little puppy. She gave in to him so fast after he did something that hurt her. And she let her mom talk shit to her. She could have defended herself a bit more. And Lucas he was alright I guess. He had a traumatic experience when he was younger. But I still think he needed a bit more development. He wanted Aubrey but told himself he couldn’t be with her. And it kept like that throughout most of the book. I didn’t really feel any chemistry between them either. Don’t think I’ll read anymore of this series.
July 31, 2016
I liked this one. I like this one a lot, obviously. If you look at the rating that is easy to tell. I'm starting to understand that Ali Parker novels have just the amount of angst that I like in them, along with telling a fantastic story. It's a sports romance with a "sort of" friends to lovers twist. I'm not really sure you could call them friends, but it's not that you could call them enemies either. I loved it and will be delving into the rest of the series as I have time.
Want to read
June 1, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/9/2021)! 🎁
September 1, 2019
4.5 כוכבים
ספר מקסים. העלילה מעניינת, הדמויות מקסימות.
פשוט נהנתי
ספר מקסים. העלילה מעניינת, הדמויות מקסימות.
פשוט נהנתי
January 18, 2017
Author who actually knows the sport
I started as a hockey girlfriend at age 16, became a hockey wife to that boyfriend at 21. I'm now a hockey mom for typecast 14 years to my 17 year old son and my daughter's boyfriend who is his teammate. Believe me, I know the game and so does this author. So hard to find an author who knows this sport. I enjoyed the story even though there were a few relationship issues that bothered me. It was still a good read.
I started as a hockey girlfriend at age 16, became a hockey wife to that boyfriend at 21. I'm now a hockey mom for typecast 14 years to my 17 year old son and my daughter's boyfriend who is his teammate. Believe me, I know the game and so does this author. So hard to find an author who knows this sport. I enjoyed the story even though there were a few relationship issues that bothered me. It was still a good read.
June 26, 2016
Breakaway ( Pro -U Series Book 1) -Ali Parker ( 5 Stars)
Lucas has been the Successful Captain and Ladies man for the Providence Friars Hockey Team for the past 3 years .On his last year he feels the pressure to get his team to the finals , pass the Torch and impress the coaches of the Pro Hockey Teams , but what he didn't factor into the equation is Falling hard for his best friend and team mates Sexy Sister Aubrey.
Can Lucas have it all ....The Girl of his Dreams & A Stellar Career as a Pro Hockey Player or is he just trying to impress his father by foreshadowing his brothers broken dreams ??
Aubrey is the fierce leader of The Ice Queens a group of College girls that are devoted to anything and everything the Team or it's members may desire , but her brother has made it known that she is the exception to that rule .
Working her toes to the bone as a Dance Student trying to impress her over - bearing mother and Dance instructor she begins to realize she's missing out on a lot of normal everyday Experiences...like going after the man she's been Salivating over for two years .Her Brothers best friend and Captain of the Hockey Team...Lucas .
Does Aubrey have a shot in Hell at winning the Love of a Hockey Champion or will their new found love be shattered by Ghosts from the past , controlling parents and Conflicting Career Choices ???
I Loved the start to Ali's new HEA College Hockey Romance series .I really enjoyed the fact that it is set in Providence , Rhode Island (lil' Rhody) where I was born and raised !
The Yearning and loss that both of these characters are feeling , all while they are trying to travel & navigate through their own sets of journey's to get through the most hectic and rewarding times of their lives is sometimes Heartbreaking to read .
The whole story just felt so real to life .
I loved the way the Author built up Lucas and Aubrey's Relationship , she made you almost burst with anticipation as to where ,when and if this couple was going to fully commit to each other .
The scenes between Lucas and Aubrey were intense and steamy with some sarcastic wit thrown into the mix which I enjoyed reading .
I also loved getting to know the other Guys on the Hockey team, because this is a series and sooner or later we will all get to know them one by one in their very own books .I just wish that there were more Hockey fights & Game scenes , but you never know that may very well be what Ali has up her sleeve for the upcoming books in the series ...I can't wait!!
Lucas has been the Successful Captain and Ladies man for the Providence Friars Hockey Team for the past 3 years .On his last year he feels the pressure to get his team to the finals , pass the Torch and impress the coaches of the Pro Hockey Teams , but what he didn't factor into the equation is Falling hard for his best friend and team mates Sexy Sister Aubrey.
Can Lucas have it all ....The Girl of his Dreams & A Stellar Career as a Pro Hockey Player or is he just trying to impress his father by foreshadowing his brothers broken dreams ??
Aubrey is the fierce leader of The Ice Queens a group of College girls that are devoted to anything and everything the Team or it's members may desire , but her brother has made it known that she is the exception to that rule .
Working her toes to the bone as a Dance Student trying to impress her over - bearing mother and Dance instructor she begins to realize she's missing out on a lot of normal everyday Experiences...like going after the man she's been Salivating over for two years .Her Brothers best friend and Captain of the Hockey Team...Lucas .
Does Aubrey have a shot in Hell at winning the Love of a Hockey Champion or will their new found love be shattered by Ghosts from the past , controlling parents and Conflicting Career Choices ???
I Loved the start to Ali's new HEA College Hockey Romance series .I really enjoyed the fact that it is set in Providence , Rhode Island (lil' Rhody) where I was born and raised !
The Yearning and loss that both of these characters are feeling , all while they are trying to travel & navigate through their own sets of journey's to get through the most hectic and rewarding times of their lives is sometimes Heartbreaking to read .
The whole story just felt so real to life .
I loved the way the Author built up Lucas and Aubrey's Relationship , she made you almost burst with anticipation as to where ,when and if this couple was going to fully commit to each other .
The scenes between Lucas and Aubrey were intense and steamy with some sarcastic wit thrown into the mix which I enjoyed reading .
I also loved getting to know the other Guys on the Hockey team, because this is a series and sooner or later we will all get to know them one by one in their very own books .I just wish that there were more Hockey fights & Game scenes , but you never know that may very well be what Ali has up her sleeve for the upcoming books in the series ...I can't wait!!
September 23, 2016
This was super super cute. Lucas and Aubrey have known each other for a couple years, so it really wasn't insta lovey. They also didn't have any stupid communication problems, which meant there was really nothing angsty going on. When it comes down to it, this just just a nice and quick read about a college romance with some fun sex scenes thrown in there. I'll definitely read more of this series, as well as some of Ali Parker's other books because I really like her writing.
June 13, 2016
3.5 Stars
I thought this book was better than the average New Adult book.
Here are my few issues:
I am a huge fan of new adult books involving sports and I like the male character to be an athlete (Especially hockey players). I love that premise. However, being a huge hockey fan, I thought that some of the hockey lingo was a bit off. Some of the terms she used and the basic description of the games weren't super correct. They weren't way off either but there were times where I found myself correcting (in my head) the hockey terms used. This however didn't ruin the book for me.
The main thing that I HATED was the idea of the "Ice Queens." Like WTF? They were basically an organized group of girls who were supposed to tend to every need (sexual or not) of the hockey players. Seriously like what the actual fuck was that? Nobody in the book seemed to bring up that fact that that is completely fucked up. I can't rap my head around that concept and how everyone is just okay with it. I'm not a person who looks down upon people who sleep around or have a lot of sex, but I am definitely not okay with woman being objectified like that.
Things I enjoyed:
I really liked both characters a lot. I also liked the side characters which is unusual for me. I usually hate the side characters, and find them extremely annoying. These ones I actually liked and cared about their story and their relationships.
The relationship between Lukas and Aubrey was really cute, but wasn't TOO cheesy. I felt it was realistic and their relationship involved REAL issues that people at their age would face when in a romantic relationship. I cared about the outcome of their relationship.
The good outweighs the bad in this book. (Don't get me wrong it's still New Adult)
I thought this book was better than the average New Adult book.
Here are my few issues:
I am a huge fan of new adult books involving sports and I like the male character to be an athlete (Especially hockey players). I love that premise. However, being a huge hockey fan, I thought that some of the hockey lingo was a bit off. Some of the terms she used and the basic description of the games weren't super correct. They weren't way off either but there were times where I found myself correcting (in my head) the hockey terms used. This however didn't ruin the book for me.
The main thing that I HATED was the idea of the "Ice Queens." Like WTF? They were basically an organized group of girls who were supposed to tend to every need (sexual or not) of the hockey players. Seriously like what the actual fuck was that? Nobody in the book seemed to bring up that fact that that is completely fucked up. I can't rap my head around that concept and how everyone is just okay with it. I'm not a person who looks down upon people who sleep around or have a lot of sex, but I am definitely not okay with woman being objectified like that.
Things I enjoyed:
I really liked both characters a lot. I also liked the side characters which is unusual for me. I usually hate the side characters, and find them extremely annoying. These ones I actually liked and cared about their story and their relationships.
The relationship between Lukas and Aubrey was really cute, but wasn't TOO cheesy. I felt it was realistic and their relationship involved REAL issues that people at their age would face when in a romantic relationship. I cared about the outcome of their relationship.
The good outweighs the bad in this book. (Don't get me wrong it's still New Adult)
June 29, 2017
The love story between Lucas White, elite college hockey player in his senior year, and Aubrey Moore, star ballerina in her junior year, was nice but tepid. It is set against a background of college culture where Lucas and his teammates have "groupies" (aka Ice Queens) who are loyal to the hockey team and "put out" whenever any of the guys "need a release". The guys refer to their Ice Queens variously as "whores", "hookers", or "sluts", but of course not to their faces. Aubrey is the leader of the Ice Queens insofar as she organizes their social activities, as a favour to her brother who is on the team, but she is SPECIAL because she doesn't "put out". She is also fine with her hero availing himself of the benefits of the other Ice Queens even though she has been lusting over him (and vice versa) over the past three years.
If this setup is acceptable to you, then MAYBE you would like this book better than I did.
If this setup is acceptable to you, then MAYBE you would like this book better than I did.
July 18, 2016
I don't even know where to begin....does this author have an editor? Or speak to herself, or other humans, out loud and hear what correct English sounds like? There were so many grammatical errors in this book it drove me insane. Parker doesn't know the difference between nouns and verbal adjectives (for ex: "You're a little bias,".....WTF?! It's biasED, onomatopoeia gone wrong?). Misuse of prepositions, using the word "where," when she should have used "while," verb/noun disagreement, etc. etc. Normally I wouldn't go on about this, but the glaring errors detracting from my minimal enjoyment of this book.
Which leads me to the story - flat characters, flat story, seriously ambiguous plot description. What semester are they in? Fall or Spring? First Lucas is three-months away from finishing, then they're in early winter, then they're wearing shorts and sandals, but getting into a car putting on the heat? Everything happened fast AF (Aubrey's audition for the spring recital for example. One second she's on the stage, and two sentence later it's over and decisions for auditions have been made). Characters were boring as hell, everyone cried at the drop of a hat for no clearly developed reasons, Lucas went from resisting his urges for Aubrey to openly pursuing her/falling in love within pages. I'm sorry I even wasted my time reading this poorly written drivel - the only redeeming part of this experience was that it was free on Amazon, so I didn't lose any money.
Which leads me to the story - flat characters, flat story, seriously ambiguous plot description. What semester are they in? Fall or Spring? First Lucas is three-months away from finishing, then they're in early winter, then they're wearing shorts and sandals, but getting into a car putting on the heat? Everything happened fast AF (Aubrey's audition for the spring recital for example. One second she's on the stage, and two sentence later it's over and decisions for auditions have been made). Characters were boring as hell, everyone cried at the drop of a hat for no clearly developed reasons, Lucas went from resisting his urges for Aubrey to openly pursuing her/falling in love within pages. I'm sorry I even wasted my time reading this poorly written drivel - the only redeeming part of this experience was that it was free on Amazon, so I didn't lose any money.
March 24, 2020
Another great read by this brother and sister duo. They once again bring strong characters with a hot chemistry in Aubrey and Lucas as well as bringing a strong cast of supporting characters. They do a great job developing the story and pulling you in with all the emotions flowing throughout. It's a story of grief and loss as well as addiction and suicide and the effects it has on everyone. My heart went out to Lucas and Aubrey as they struggle with the expectations put on them by others. Told in the dual POV shows both of their thoughts and emotions , their pain and uncertainty. I loved watching the walls come down as they come together and work through their issues. It's an emotional story,is well written and flows fluidly. I enjoyed and would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 25, 2020
BREAKING THE ICE (Providence University Book 1) By Ali Parker & Weston Parker
This new series is going to be very entertaining. Ali Parker & Weston Parker always deliver an entertaining, well written story, with great characters you care about. This is the story of Aubrey Moore and Lucas White. She is a ballerina dancer who is a junior at Providence University. He is the captain of the hockey team and a senior. She is also “Queen Bee” of the Ice Queens, a bunch of girls whose job is to support the hockey team. Aubrey has had a secret crush on the Lucas for years. He doesn’t date any of the girls as he thinks they are too needy. It’s complicated but can they make it work? I give this story 5 stars.
This new series is going to be very entertaining. Ali Parker & Weston Parker always deliver an entertaining, well written story, with great characters you care about. This is the story of Aubrey Moore and Lucas White. She is a ballerina dancer who is a junior at Providence University. He is the captain of the hockey team and a senior. She is also “Queen Bee” of the Ice Queens, a bunch of girls whose job is to support the hockey team. Aubrey has had a secret crush on the Lucas for years. He doesn’t date any of the girls as he thinks they are too needy. It’s complicated but can they make it work? I give this story 5 stars.
May 18, 2016
I received this for my honest review. Mainly I liked the fact both main characters had their own sports and very strong characters, Lucas as hockey captain and Aubrey as a ballet dancer as well as the other characters it gives you a great story.
It is told from both Aubrey and Lucas points of view, having known each other for a few years, although maybe from a slight distance, as a reader you are instantly able feel there is a strong connection between the two characters and the alternating points of views adds to the feel of the story and characters. I am never disappointed in Ali Parker's books and this is a great start to this series.
It is told from both Aubrey and Lucas points of view, having known each other for a few years, although maybe from a slight distance, as a reader you are instantly able feel there is a strong connection between the two characters and the alternating points of views adds to the feel of the story and characters. I am never disappointed in Ali Parker's books and this is a great start to this series.
November 24, 2016
2.5 stars. This book was a quick easy free read. It just wasn't anything special. The I've known you for 3 years and loved you from the moment we met but barely bothered to get to know you, wasn't my thing. There were some grammatical errors that detracted a little from the story but nothing drastic. I also was not a fan of the concept of the Ice Queens.
I love hockey and dance so I had expectations for this book and am disappointed that it never reached its potential. All and all there wasn't anything memorable about this story.
I love hockey and dance so I had expectations for this book and am disappointed that it never reached its potential. All and all there wasn't anything memorable about this story.
March 3, 2017
Both Lucas and Aubrey have parents who wants them to be the best at their sport. In his case his dad and her case her mum.
Next to dancing she also helps her twin brother manage the ice hockey queens. This brings her close to the team captain Lucas.
They are both in love with each other for three years but nothing has happened between them in the past.
In this book that changes in a big way. They start a hot relationship, will this relationship survive all the things happening?
For that you have to read the book.
Next to dancing she also helps her twin brother manage the ice hockey queens. This brings her close to the team captain Lucas.
They are both in love with each other for three years but nothing has happened between them in the past.
In this book that changes in a big way. They start a hot relationship, will this relationship survive all the things happening?
For that you have to read the book.
May 18, 2016
This might be closer to 3-1/2 stars. It was an entertaining story, but the editing issues kept pulling me out of the story. It was cute how Lucas and Aubrey finally acted on their 3-years-running crush, and it was nice for them both to achieve their dreams. While this was an entertaining story overall, I probably won't continue with the series. I know Aubrey's twin and bestie will probably be the focus of a future one, but I guess I just don't care enough to know what happens with them.
April 27, 2016
Good read.
I've been looking forward to reading this for awhile. It was good. Unfortunately it wasn't everything I thought it would be. Those reasons are my own, and I'm clearly in th minority. I loved the characters for he most part. The storyline was fantastic. This us a book I encourage anyone who likes college, NA, sports romances to definitely read this.
I've been looking forward to reading this for awhile. It was good. Unfortunately it wasn't everything I thought it would be. Those reasons are my own, and I'm clearly in th minority. I loved the characters for he most part. The storyline was fantastic. This us a book I encourage anyone who likes college, NA, sports romances to definitely read this.
September 6, 2016
This was a chore to read. The romance was immature. I did like the ballet though, but the characters, the plot, the story telling, and the pacing were not to my taste. The relationship didn't feel realistic, but none of these romance stories ever do for me. It was petty and the story felt forced and contrived.
March 25, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. Lucas is the star hockey player and a lot of girls want him. However, he happens to want Aubrey. The problem is that hd believes he isn't good enough for her. Thankfully throughout the book Lucas and his family are able to make amends. This helped him and Aubrey get their happy ending.
April 26, 2016
Oh my!!! This book is awesome. I loved it. Hard to put down. Lucas is one heck of a guy. He's hot. Lol.
I received a copy of the book for my honest review
I received a copy of the book for my honest review
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