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Coffee Sonata universe
Ice Queen
High school counselor Aislin Kennedy’s charisma and exuberance mask deep scars that prevent her from letting anyone too close. Instead, she throws herself into helping her students. CEO of a fashion conglomerate, Susanna Garry has been through three painfully public divorces, and to say she’s given up on love would be an understatement.
When Aislin agrees to help Susanna connect with her daughter, Cynt, surprising feelings awaken for both of them. But Aislin isn’t ready to trust again and Susanna’s track record is intimidating. If the past were to repeat itself, it could break Aislin for good.
Cover Artist: Gun Brooke
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
When Aislin agrees to help Susanna connect with her daughter, Cynt, surprising feelings awaken for both of them. But Aislin isn’t ready to trust again and Susanna’s track record is intimidating. If the past were to repeat itself, it could break Aislin for good.
Cover Artist: Gun Brooke
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
266 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
29 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Gun Brooke
44 books225 followersGun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 14, 2021
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Good fiction creates empathy.A book takes you somewhere and asks you to look through the eyes of another character or person and to live another life...'
3.5stars!
Poignant, enjoyable but a little perplexing at times, 'ICE QUEEN' will surely be an appealing read to many of Ms.Brooke's fans and any interested readers because of it's alluring title and the thought of an exciting storyline.
Reading the storyline was nice but i think Ms.Brooke kinda missed the opportunity of exploring the topic of bullying which happens more often than some parents want to believe in these well to do private prep schools -- but not doing this never ruin the rest of the storytelling.
Furthermore, this story can also be deemed as one of those rare story by Ms.Brooke that showed how she captures the utter joy felt by one person after meeting someone else not of her social stature but has a simple way about life, is passionate about her job and whose energy helps to bring back what really being loved feels like --- just not being looked at as a privilege uppity dame but as a mature woman who she might shape her life with forever.
Recommended!
**'Good fiction creates empathy.A book takes you somewhere and asks you to look through the eyes of another character or person and to live another life...'
3.5stars!
Poignant, enjoyable but a little perplexing at times, 'ICE QUEEN' will surely be an appealing read to many of Ms.Brooke's fans and any interested readers because of it's alluring title and the thought of an exciting storyline.
Reading the storyline was nice but i think Ms.Brooke kinda missed the opportunity of exploring the topic of bullying which happens more often than some parents want to believe in these well to do private prep schools -- but not doing this never ruin the rest of the storytelling.
Furthermore, this story can also be deemed as one of those rare story by Ms.Brooke that showed how she captures the utter joy felt by one person after meeting someone else not of her social stature but has a simple way about life, is passionate about her job and whose energy helps to bring back what really being loved feels like --- just not being looked at as a privilege uppity dame but as a mature woman who she might shape her life with forever.
Recommended!
February 3, 2021
3.75 Stars. This was a chemistry filled romance. I’m a fan of Brooke. I have read around seventeen of her books and the lowest I have ever rated one is 3 stars. I think that really shows what a good author she has been over many years. While her sci-fi type books are my favorite, she knows how to write romance too. One of her romances I had a lot of fun with was her book Coffee Sonata. When I heard that this new book was going to take place in the Coffee Sonata universe, I was really excited to read it. You can read this book without reading Coffee Sonata, or any of the other books in this universe, but it was a real treat to see Mike, Viv, Eryn, and Manon again.
I found this story to be very easy to get into and the pace and flow felt really nice to me. If anything, the book flew by which means I lost track of time since I was enjoying myself. I found myself really interested in the teenage character and what she was going through at school. I think bullying storylines are important and I was anxious to know what happened. While we do eventually find things out, I do wish there was more done to work through and handle the whole situation. There were important discussions that I wanted to see happen and actions I wanted to see taken too. This storyline started so well that I’m disappointed that it wasn’t finished stronger. If it was handled better, this would have been a 4+ star book for me.
When the bullying storyline was kind of dropped, it seemed to be in favor of more romance. The romance started off strong, but for me the chemistry got even better as the book went on. This is the kind of strong chemistry and obvious spark that I want in my romances. And as other reviews have mentioned, these characters -while they tried to fight it- in the end they actually communicate together. Communication is so rare in WLW romance that when it actually happens, I’m always happily surprised.
I’m forever a fan of an ice queen character, and some good chemistry, so I’m not surprised to have enjoyed this. I think Brooke thought we would want more attention on the romance, but I do wish she would have stayed strong on the bulling storyline instead. If you have read Coffee Sonata, I would highly recommend reading this one too. If you are new to Brooke, and like romances with good chemistry, I think you will enjoy this one too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get some Brooke sci-fi soon.
I found this story to be very easy to get into and the pace and flow felt really nice to me. If anything, the book flew by which means I lost track of time since I was enjoying myself. I found myself really interested in the teenage character and what she was going through at school. I think bullying storylines are important and I was anxious to know what happened. While we do eventually find things out, I do wish there was more done to work through and handle the whole situation. There were important discussions that I wanted to see happen and actions I wanted to see taken too. This storyline started so well that I’m disappointed that it wasn’t finished stronger. If it was handled better, this would have been a 4+ star book for me.
When the bullying storyline was kind of dropped, it seemed to be in favor of more romance. The romance started off strong, but for me the chemistry got even better as the book went on. This is the kind of strong chemistry and obvious spark that I want in my romances. And as other reviews have mentioned, these characters -while they tried to fight it- in the end they actually communicate together. Communication is so rare in WLW romance that when it actually happens, I’m always happily surprised.
I’m forever a fan of an ice queen character, and some good chemistry, so I’m not surprised to have enjoyed this. I think Brooke thought we would want more attention on the romance, but I do wish she would have stayed strong on the bulling storyline instead. If you have read Coffee Sonata, I would highly recommend reading this one too. If you are new to Brooke, and like romances with good chemistry, I think you will enjoy this one too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get some Brooke sci-fi soon.
February 2, 2021
4.5
Loved it! The chemistry and passion between the main characters are most definitely there from beginning to end.
I didn't realize that 'Ice queen' is part of a series so it cant of made that much of a difference to the story. I will add the series, Coffee Sonata universe to my 'to-read' list!
Aislin Kennedy is a high school counselor, she has a history that stops people from getting too close. She throws herself into helping students. Susanna Garry, the CEO fashion conglomerate has been through some painful relationships and has given up completely on any form of relationship.
Aislin agrees to help Susanna connect with her daughter Cynt, surprising feelings awaken for both of them. Aislin can't seem to trust and doesn't want to open up and Susanna's track record is a bit too intimidating. Aislin just doesn't want the past to repeat itself. Cynt is also going through a tough time, she's trying to establish some form of relationship between herself and her mother, as well as deal with life as a teenager, and struggles with school.
I really did enjoy this story, it could have dealt with other issues within the storyline but I was just content with reading Aislin and Susanna's story, rooting them on to see if they get there happy ever after.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
Loved it! The chemistry and passion between the main characters are most definitely there from beginning to end.
I didn't realize that 'Ice queen' is part of a series so it cant of made that much of a difference to the story. I will add the series, Coffee Sonata universe to my 'to-read' list!
Aislin Kennedy is a high school counselor, she has a history that stops people from getting too close. She throws herself into helping students. Susanna Garry, the CEO fashion conglomerate has been through some painful relationships and has given up completely on any form of relationship.
Aislin agrees to help Susanna connect with her daughter Cynt, surprising feelings awaken for both of them. Aislin can't seem to trust and doesn't want to open up and Susanna's track record is a bit too intimidating. Aislin just doesn't want the past to repeat itself. Cynt is also going through a tough time, she's trying to establish some form of relationship between herself and her mother, as well as deal with life as a teenager, and struggles with school.
I really did enjoy this story, it could have dealt with other issues within the storyline but I was just content with reading Aislin and Susanna's story, rooting them on to see if they get there happy ever after.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
January 31, 2021
I love a romantic story with an ice queen as one of the main characters. It’s one of my favorite tropes, so when I saw the novel Ice Queen by Gun Brooke, I grabbed it right away. I’m happy I did because I really liked this tale.
This book tells the story of Susanna Durr, her daughter Cynthia (Cynt) and Aislin Kennedy. Susanna is the CEO of a major fashion conglomerate, but she’s having problems understanding her teenage daughter. Enter school counselor Aislin who met Cynt at a coffee shop one afternoon, and Susanna at a night club, where sparks erupted between the two strangers on the dance floor. Those sparks fly as they get to know each other, but both have had heartache in the past and are afraid to trust their hearts with the other.
This is not only an ice queen romance, but an age gap story as well. The two tropes go well together, and Ms. Brooke has done an excellent job incorporating these into the story. The main characters are all well developed. Cynt is written very realistically, trust me. I have years of experience with her age group.
This novel is part of the “Coffee Sonata Universe” series, and is set in the same world as the other books. This means a few of the secondary characters may be familiar to those of you who have read the other novels in the series. Happily, these stories are mostly self-contained in their own novels, so you can still enjoy this book even if you have not read the others yet. The other novels are equally good, so you will want to get the whole series anyway.
I recommend Ice Queen to anyone who loves a great age gap love story with an ice queen as a main character.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This book tells the story of Susanna Durr, her daughter Cynthia (Cynt) and Aislin Kennedy. Susanna is the CEO of a major fashion conglomerate, but she’s having problems understanding her teenage daughter. Enter school counselor Aislin who met Cynt at a coffee shop one afternoon, and Susanna at a night club, where sparks erupted between the two strangers on the dance floor. Those sparks fly as they get to know each other, but both have had heartache in the past and are afraid to trust their hearts with the other.
This is not only an ice queen romance, but an age gap story as well. The two tropes go well together, and Ms. Brooke has done an excellent job incorporating these into the story. The main characters are all well developed. Cynt is written very realistically, trust me. I have years of experience with her age group.
This novel is part of the “Coffee Sonata Universe” series, and is set in the same world as the other books. This means a few of the secondary characters may be familiar to those of you who have read the other novels in the series. Happily, these stories are mostly self-contained in their own novels, so you can still enjoy this book even if you have not read the others yet. The other novels are equally good, so you will want to get the whole series anyway.
I recommend Ice Queen to anyone who loves a great age gap love story with an ice queen as a main character.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 1, 2021
3.75 stars. I enjoyed all the books of Brooke I’ve read so far, but I had read none of her contemporary romances yet. With this book, I’m happy to see that I like those too! This book is part of the Coffee Sonata universe (the 5th book). I’ve read none of them, but had no trouble whatsoever reading this book, so it can be read as a standalone.
Aislin and Susanna get to know each other through Cynt (Susanna’s teenage daughter) who is having a hard time at school. Aislin is a counselor at a high school and immediately picked up on Cynt’s state of mind. Susanna is a CEO of a large conglomerate and has trouble connecting with Cynt and she doesn’t realize that there is more going on than just teenage rebellion. The attraction between Aislin and Susanna is immediately there, but they try to remain professional for Cynt, even if that’s not really working out.
There are ice queens that just don’t deal with emotions and don’t care about them (until they meet their special person), and there are people that that use an ice queen persona as a mask to protect them from being hurt. Susanna would be the latter, she has been hurt in the past, and she’s an expert in tuning out her emotions when her rational thought tells her it’s the smart thing to do. She’s not an ice queen through and through and Aislin quickly realizes this.
What I really enjoyed in this romance, was the play for power. Susanna is extremely rich and successful, but Aislin knows what she wants and she is not afraid to pursue it and even Susanna seemed surprised by Aislin’s actions from time to time. But then Susanna’s need for control surfaces and she takes the power back. This was fun to read and resulted in some great chemistry and some pretty steamy scenes.
There is quite a bit of attention for bullying in this book, which is excellent, as this is still such a difficult and important topic. However, as also mentioned in other reviews I feel I have to mention it as well, when there is an actual case of bullying going on, Aislin and Susanna take the easy way out instead of actually confronting the problem (on several fronts). Their way of dealing with the bullying felt like a missed opportunity.
A good ice queen romance with interesting characters and good chemistry. For fans of the Coffee Sonata universe, I believe there were several cameos. It actually made me curious about their stories and want to dive in the back catalog.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Aislin and Susanna get to know each other through Cynt (Susanna’s teenage daughter) who is having a hard time at school. Aislin is a counselor at a high school and immediately picked up on Cynt’s state of mind. Susanna is a CEO of a large conglomerate and has trouble connecting with Cynt and she doesn’t realize that there is more going on than just teenage rebellion. The attraction between Aislin and Susanna is immediately there, but they try to remain professional for Cynt, even if that’s not really working out.
There are ice queens that just don’t deal with emotions and don’t care about them (until they meet their special person), and there are people that that use an ice queen persona as a mask to protect them from being hurt. Susanna would be the latter, she has been hurt in the past, and she’s an expert in tuning out her emotions when her rational thought tells her it’s the smart thing to do. She’s not an ice queen through and through and Aislin quickly realizes this.
What I really enjoyed in this romance, was the play for power. Susanna is extremely rich and successful, but Aislin knows what she wants and she is not afraid to pursue it and even Susanna seemed surprised by Aislin’s actions from time to time. But then Susanna’s need for control surfaces and she takes the power back. This was fun to read and resulted in some great chemistry and some pretty steamy scenes.
There is quite a bit of attention for bullying in this book, which is excellent, as this is still such a difficult and important topic. However, as also mentioned in other reviews I feel I have to mention it as well, when there is an actual case of bullying going on, Aislin and Susanna take the easy way out instead of actually confronting the problem (on several fronts). Their way of dealing with the bullying felt like a missed opportunity.
A good ice queen romance with interesting characters and good chemistry. For fans of the Coffee Sonata universe, I believe there were several cameos. It actually made me curious about their stories and want to dive in the back catalog.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2021
Got the chemistry right, but could have focused on other things too.
High school counselor Aislin is besotted by Susanna after sharing a dance at a club. Aislin is reacquainted with Susanna when she discovers that the twice divorced conglomerate CEO is the mother of a troubled 14 year old Cynt whom she had befriended by chance at a coffeehouse.
I read this book without realising that this is the fifth book in the Coffee Sonota universe series. And even though there is absolutely no need to read the first four books at all, fellow sticklers for chronology would know how I feel, especially when characters from Coffee Sonata and Insult to Injury made small guest appearances.
Anyway, this is a low angst, non-fluffy romance that I lapped up almost immediately because this book falls into one of my favourite tropes - ice queens, of course. And I'd say Gun Brooke did the chemistry bit between the main characters right and I am so happy with it.
But I also noticed that the author chose simplicity over a complicated narrative, downplaying or disregarding everyone else in favour of focusing predominately on the relationship between the main characters themselves. This includes Cynt who centres this story as a neglected teenager at home and a victim of school bullying but her issues were addressed only half-heartedly. This also includes other side characters like Aislin's friends who could have had a chance to interact with Susanna even if its not to play a larger role accentuating the realistic differences in Aislin and Susanna's social circles.
But that being said, I am still positive about this book because the author delivered a good romance that has me wanting more of Aislin and Susanna.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
High school counselor Aislin is besotted by Susanna after sharing a dance at a club. Aislin is reacquainted with Susanna when she discovers that the twice divorced conglomerate CEO is the mother of a troubled 14 year old Cynt whom she had befriended by chance at a coffeehouse.
I read this book without realising that this is the fifth book in the Coffee Sonota universe series. And even though there is absolutely no need to read the first four books at all, fellow sticklers for chronology would know how I feel, especially when characters from Coffee Sonata and Insult to Injury made small guest appearances.
Anyway, this is a low angst, non-fluffy romance that I lapped up almost immediately because this book falls into one of my favourite tropes - ice queens, of course. And I'd say Gun Brooke did the chemistry bit between the main characters right and I am so happy with it.
But I also noticed that the author chose simplicity over a complicated narrative, downplaying or disregarding everyone else in favour of focusing predominately on the relationship between the main characters themselves. This includes Cynt who centres this story as a neglected teenager at home and a victim of school bullying but her issues were addressed only half-heartedly. This also includes other side characters like Aislin's friends who could have had a chance to interact with Susanna even if its not to play a larger role accentuating the realistic differences in Aislin and Susanna's social circles.
But that being said, I am still positive about this book because the author delivered a good romance that has me wanting more of Aislin and Susanna.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2021
3 Stars
Ice Queen is number five in the Coffee Sonata universe. I’ve not read any of the previous books and I never felt I was missing anything. For those who would be interested, it did seem like most of the main characters from the previous books made an appearance here.
Aislin is a counselor at the local public high school and meets Cynthia (Cynt) at coffeehouse. Cynt is going through some things at her private prep school and starts opening up to Aislin. When Aislin meets Cynt’s mother, Susanna, to discuss transferring schools they realize they recently encountered one another at a dance club. Their initial attraction from the club continues to grow and soon they start a romantic relationship.
I can’t say that I loved this one, or even liked it really but I can’t say I disliked it either. I found it to be average. I think most of my reasoning is because I liked Susanna, but I didn’t care for the reasoning behind some of her issues. I didn’t find her to be at all “ice queen” like. I found her to be more guarded and just busy with her work. She’s the CEO of a fashion conglomerate and has tens of thousands of people under her. My main issue, because of her work, is that that her relationships suffer because she is absent. She is an absentee mother and it sounds like that’s how she was in her previous marriages. She realizes it and while she does seem sad about it, she doesn’t really do anything to change it. I would think as a CEO with all her employees that she could delegate to make time for her family, or at least try. I just didn’t see how she’s going to be any different in the future for Cynt or Aislin.
As far as the romance goes, it’s a bit a slow burn with an age gap for those who are interested in that. I say it’s a slow burn but I was also surprised by how quickly the I love you’s came. A good part of their beginning interactions dealt with Cynt and her school issues. Both Aislin and Susanna are guarded with their hearts so them declaring love after less than two months was unexpected. I would have liked more depth to their relationship as most of it seemed superficial.
I did appreciate that the black moment doesn’t really happen and the drama is saved by them having an actual conversation. They’re open with their fears and discuss it like the adults they are.
Almost all of the other reviews have been mostly positive so I say read them and decide for yourself 😊
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Ice Queen is number five in the Coffee Sonata universe. I’ve not read any of the previous books and I never felt I was missing anything. For those who would be interested, it did seem like most of the main characters from the previous books made an appearance here.
Aislin is a counselor at the local public high school and meets Cynthia (Cynt) at coffeehouse. Cynt is going through some things at her private prep school and starts opening up to Aislin. When Aislin meets Cynt’s mother, Susanna, to discuss transferring schools they realize they recently encountered one another at a dance club. Their initial attraction from the club continues to grow and soon they start a romantic relationship.
I can’t say that I loved this one, or even liked it really but I can’t say I disliked it either. I found it to be average. I think most of my reasoning is because I liked Susanna, but I didn’t care for the reasoning behind some of her issues. I didn’t find her to be at all “ice queen” like. I found her to be more guarded and just busy with her work. She’s the CEO of a fashion conglomerate and has tens of thousands of people under her. My main issue, because of her work, is that that her relationships suffer because she is absent. She is an absentee mother and it sounds like that’s how she was in her previous marriages. She realizes it and while she does seem sad about it, she doesn’t really do anything to change it. I would think as a CEO with all her employees that she could delegate to make time for her family, or at least try. I just didn’t see how she’s going to be any different in the future for Cynt or Aislin.
As far as the romance goes, it’s a bit a slow burn with an age gap for those who are interested in that. I say it’s a slow burn but I was also surprised by how quickly the I love you’s came. A good part of their beginning interactions dealt with Cynt and her school issues. Both Aislin and Susanna are guarded with their hearts so them declaring love after less than two months was unexpected. I would have liked more depth to their relationship as most of it seemed superficial.
I did appreciate that the black moment doesn’t really happen and the drama is saved by them having an actual conversation. They’re open with their fears and discuss it like the adults they are.
Almost all of the other reviews have been mostly positive so I say read them and decide for yourself 😊
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2021
Ice Queen by Gun Brooke is part of the Coffee Sonata Universe so we return to idyllic East Quay. Our main characters are high school counselor Aislyn Kennedy, CEO of a fashion conglomerate Susanna Durr and her 14-year old daughter Cynthia (Cynt).
Cynt is being bullied at her fancy private prep school and feels like she can’t open up about it to her mother, who is quite the workaholic. She meets Aislyn at the coffe shop and the two hit it off. Cynth can finally confide in someone. Aislyn suggests a transfer to her (less fancy but much nicer) public school might be a solution for Cynt. A talk to mom Susanne is in order, something Cynt is not relishing but Aislyn is there to pave the way. Turns out Cynt’s mom is the same hot woman she danced and flirted with in a nightclub a week before.
I liked the other books in the series and this one was enjoyable too. Mostly. Turns out I didn’t think Susanna was much of an ice queen to be honest. Workaholic yes, she is CEO of practically the whole East Coast so I thought she was doing pretty good with that. She could have presented much more as a mega bitch, but she didn’t.
I really liked the chemistry between Aislyn and Susanna and the sex was pretty steamy. I was a bit baffled by the drama towards the end because it made little sense. Also the epilogue was suddenly told from Cynth’s pov for the sole purpose of wrapping up her bullying adventure (something that would have had more impact had it been worked into the story). Now it felt like mustard after the meal.
A decent contemporary romance, Ice Queen will appeal to a lot of readers.
f/f pretty steamy
Themes: attraction strikes at YOUSHEME, Susanna is practically CEO of the whole East Coast, I want a Lovisa of my own, all the women from the Coffee Sonata series have a cameo, I felt that last sex scene was one too many.
3.5 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Cynt is being bullied at her fancy private prep school and feels like she can’t open up about it to her mother, who is quite the workaholic. She meets Aislyn at the coffe shop and the two hit it off. Cynth can finally confide in someone. Aislyn suggests a transfer to her (less fancy but much nicer) public school might be a solution for Cynt. A talk to mom Susanne is in order, something Cynt is not relishing but Aislyn is there to pave the way. Turns out Cynt’s mom is the same hot woman she danced and flirted with in a nightclub a week before.
I liked the other books in the series and this one was enjoyable too. Mostly. Turns out I didn’t think Susanna was much of an ice queen to be honest. Workaholic yes, she is CEO of practically the whole East Coast so I thought she was doing pretty good with that. She could have presented much more as a mega bitch, but she didn’t.
I really liked the chemistry between Aislyn and Susanna and the sex was pretty steamy. I was a bit baffled by the drama towards the end because it made little sense. Also the epilogue was suddenly told from Cynth’s pov for the sole purpose of wrapping up her bullying adventure (something that would have had more impact had it been worked into the story). Now it felt like mustard after the meal.
A decent contemporary romance, Ice Queen will appeal to a lot of readers.
f/f pretty steamy
Themes: attraction strikes at YOUSHEME, Susanna is practically CEO of the whole East Coast, I want a Lovisa of my own, all the women from the Coffee Sonata series have a cameo, I felt that last sex scene was one too many.
3.5 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 3, 2021
I have to admit that until the release of this I hadn’t been aware of Brooke’s romances, only her sci-fi work and therefore hadn’t taken the opportunity to read her work. I was pleasantly surprised by the book and enjoyed how it introduced important topics outside the main romance itself.
Aislin is a school guidance counsellor. She spends her spare time hitting the town with her friends. Susanna is a CEO of a fashion conglomerate and finds herself with very little time for relationships of any kind, including the time to build a good relationship with her daughter. They find themselves pushed together at a club when Susanna is entertaining some clients that just want to have fun.
Unbeknownst to Aislin, the friendship she’s struck up with a teenager in a coffee shop brings her back to Susanna in a professional capacity.
The development of the romance worked really well for me. It was always there, but both characters prioritised Cynt, Susanna’s daughter and her situation at first. This gave appropriate time for a bit of a slow burn. I also enjoyed the development of Aislin’s relationship with Cynt, there were some things I thought might be added to this to create drama later on in the storyline but I’m really glad to say that didn’t happen.
The bullying storyline was dealt with well. I think there were some elements I’d have preferred to have been closed off more fully as I felt neither Aislin or Susanna would have let it slide, but I can understand why Brooke chose to focus on the relationship rather than more explicitly discussing more of the reasons behind Cynt’s unhappiness.
As an ice queen character I really like Susanna. I found that she was in touch with how she came across to the world and I appreciated that. Both characters might have been a little bit slow at communicating with each other, but they did communicate and that was refreshing too.
I will definitely want to read about the characters that appear in this from the Coffee Sonata universe and explore Brooke’s romances further. I would recommend this to romance fans and those that are fond of ice queens.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Aislin is a school guidance counsellor. She spends her spare time hitting the town with her friends. Susanna is a CEO of a fashion conglomerate and finds herself with very little time for relationships of any kind, including the time to build a good relationship with her daughter. They find themselves pushed together at a club when Susanna is entertaining some clients that just want to have fun.
Unbeknownst to Aislin, the friendship she’s struck up with a teenager in a coffee shop brings her back to Susanna in a professional capacity.
The development of the romance worked really well for me. It was always there, but both characters prioritised Cynt, Susanna’s daughter and her situation at first. This gave appropriate time for a bit of a slow burn. I also enjoyed the development of Aislin’s relationship with Cynt, there were some things I thought might be added to this to create drama later on in the storyline but I’m really glad to say that didn’t happen.
The bullying storyline was dealt with well. I think there were some elements I’d have preferred to have been closed off more fully as I felt neither Aislin or Susanna would have let it slide, but I can understand why Brooke chose to focus on the relationship rather than more explicitly discussing more of the reasons behind Cynt’s unhappiness.
As an ice queen character I really like Susanna. I found that she was in touch with how she came across to the world and I appreciated that. Both characters might have been a little bit slow at communicating with each other, but they did communicate and that was refreshing too.
I will definitely want to read about the characters that appear in this from the Coffee Sonata universe and explore Brooke’s romances further. I would recommend this to romance fans and those that are fond of ice queens.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2021
This is possibly the best book I've read so far this year. Aislin and Susanna (the ice queen), the main characters, are simply delightful. On the plus side, we meet again some friends from the author's other books, especially the four main characters from "Coffee Sonata".
January 11, 2021
Wow, I loved this one. A bit of slow burn, but a nice break in to really nice relationship. I loved how Susanna and Aislin mesh so well together. They complimented each other so well, one can calm the other. Such a sweet story. And Cynt? Such a bright kid. I love her character as well. The 3 of them are just perfect family.
January 22, 2021
This book is the latest in the Coffee Sonata universe, characters from other books make an appearance in this one. It is not necessary to read the other books before reading this one.
Aislin is a 27-year-old high school counselor her charisma and cute appearance make it easy for her to connect with her students, but she doesn't let anyone in to love her. Someone in her past has left deep and ugly scars. When Aislin meets Cynt in a coffee shop she notices the girl is unhappy and strikes up a friendly conversation. Aislin would never have expected Cynt's mother to be the extremely hot woman she danced with at a club and just can't seem to get her out of her head. Susanna is the CEO of a fashion conglomerate, her nickname is the Ice Queen and she doesn't even really mind it. Jaded from two divorces and only focused on her job Susanna has a hard time connecting with anyone, her daughter, and any potential lovers. That is until Aislin, Aislin isn't afraid of the 13 years older Susanna, her icy tactics don't scare her. Aislin's honesty and frankness are what pulls Susanna in. Aislin helps Cynt and Susanna connect, while also developing and exploring her own feelings for the Ice Queen.
I get why Susanna is portrayed as the Ice Queen and nicknamed as such as well, but she really isn't. At some point in the book Aislin thinks the icy veneer comes from fear, and that is just it. It's a mask, a mask that has served Susanna well in her business, but not in her personal life. I really like how the author worked with this, how Aislin is never scared and gives as much ice as she gets. There is never any imbalance. I do have some questions left about what was going n with Cynt, there was bullying, and it worked well as a side story, but I could have done with a little more on this. Adding some depth to the mother-daughter relationship which is a vital part of this story. There is a lot of inner struggle going on with the characters and while they respect each other’s boundaries, the best moments in the book is where they cross those boundaries and really connect. It’s where the character development really happens.
At the 80-90% mark I could feel the inevitable drama coming, but low and behold, like proper adults they talked (or shouted) about it and worked it out. It is a believable moment, if it would have played out differently, I might have thrown my Kindle out of the window, so thank you Gun Brooke for not making me throw my Kindle.
Solid 3.75 star read.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Aislin is a 27-year-old high school counselor her charisma and cute appearance make it easy for her to connect with her students, but she doesn't let anyone in to love her. Someone in her past has left deep and ugly scars. When Aislin meets Cynt in a coffee shop she notices the girl is unhappy and strikes up a friendly conversation. Aislin would never have expected Cynt's mother to be the extremely hot woman she danced with at a club and just can't seem to get her out of her head. Susanna is the CEO of a fashion conglomerate, her nickname is the Ice Queen and she doesn't even really mind it. Jaded from two divorces and only focused on her job Susanna has a hard time connecting with anyone, her daughter, and any potential lovers. That is until Aislin, Aislin isn't afraid of the 13 years older Susanna, her icy tactics don't scare her. Aislin's honesty and frankness are what pulls Susanna in. Aislin helps Cynt and Susanna connect, while also developing and exploring her own feelings for the Ice Queen.
I get why Susanna is portrayed as the Ice Queen and nicknamed as such as well, but she really isn't. At some point in the book Aislin thinks the icy veneer comes from fear, and that is just it. It's a mask, a mask that has served Susanna well in her business, but not in her personal life. I really like how the author worked with this, how Aislin is never scared and gives as much ice as she gets. There is never any imbalance. I do have some questions left about what was going n with Cynt, there was bullying, and it worked well as a side story, but I could have done with a little more on this. Adding some depth to the mother-daughter relationship which is a vital part of this story. There is a lot of inner struggle going on with the characters and while they respect each other’s boundaries, the best moments in the book is where they cross those boundaries and really connect. It’s where the character development really happens.
At the 80-90% mark I could feel the inevitable drama coming, but low and behold, like proper adults they talked (or shouted) about it and worked it out. It is a believable moment, if it would have played out differently, I might have thrown my Kindle out of the window, so thank you Gun Brooke for not making me throw my Kindle.
Solid 3.75 star read.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
January 17, 2021
How excited was I to see a lesbian romance titled “Ice Queen” by Gun Brooke..Yes Please!! Plus I always love with Gun Brooke books past characters come in to play within the story and I always look forward to that.
Aislin Kennedy is a high school counselor and she is passionate about her role and her students. She meets 14 year old Cynt at a local coffee shop and her experience working with teens tells her there is more to the story then a girl waiting for her mom to pick her up after school.
“Ice Queen” Susanna Durr is the CEO of a fashion empire, twice divorced, she is at her wits end trying to connect with her daughter while trying to meet the demands of running her company. She would do anything for her daughter, she would even allow a charismatic and outspoken school counselor that Cynt can talk and can confide to...Even if Aislin brings out the most inconvenient feelings Susanna has ever had for another. That can be ignored, right?
I loved the chemistry and hot, hot, hot sex scenes between the two MC’s. Now the problem I had with the book was that a major part of the story line which was school bullying was glossed over and not really resolved until the very end. It was almost like it was forgotten and then was told hey you never resolved the bullying part and had to write a blurp to tie it in. So that was disappointing and hope to maybe one day see a future story about Cynt.
Overall I enjoyed the book but felt the forgotten plot hurt the overall story in the end.
I was given this ARC via NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. Many Thanks!
Aislin Kennedy is a high school counselor and she is passionate about her role and her students. She meets 14 year old Cynt at a local coffee shop and her experience working with teens tells her there is more to the story then a girl waiting for her mom to pick her up after school.
“Ice Queen” Susanna Durr is the CEO of a fashion empire, twice divorced, she is at her wits end trying to connect with her daughter while trying to meet the demands of running her company. She would do anything for her daughter, she would even allow a charismatic and outspoken school counselor that Cynt can talk and can confide to...Even if Aislin brings out the most inconvenient feelings Susanna has ever had for another. That can be ignored, right?
I loved the chemistry and hot, hot, hot sex scenes between the two MC’s. Now the problem I had with the book was that a major part of the story line which was school bullying was glossed over and not really resolved until the very end. It was almost like it was forgotten and then was told hey you never resolved the bullying part and had to write a blurp to tie it in. So that was disappointing and hope to maybe one day see a future story about Cynt.
Overall I enjoyed the book but felt the forgotten plot hurt the overall story in the end.
I was given this ARC via NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. Many Thanks!
February 7, 2021
Twitterpated
Aislin is a high school guidance counselor who meets a young girl, Cynt, in a coffee shop. It’s obvious to see the girl has a lot on her mind so Aislin sits with her and a friendship begins to blossom. It’s agreed that if Cynt can get her mother’s permission, they will continue to stay in each other’s lives. Later Aislin goes to a new club with her friends for a night of dancing. She sees a stunning woman exiting from a limo and is smitten… The woman is the ultra-successful Susanne Durr, so far out of Aislin’s world as can be but a girl can drool, right… Later when the pair have the chance to dance together, Susanne finds herself just as intrigued. A call from her housekeeper about a concern for her daughter pulls Susanne away from the club before the women can figure out what it is between them and they both think that will be the last they see of each other. Little do they know that this is just the beginning for them as they share a common connection…You will have to read it to discover the rest, but it’s not a hardship!
To say that I loved this book would be a huge understatement!!! My all-time favourite series is Ms Brookes’ romantic East Quay series and this book is another in that line!! I was so shocked and surprised to discover this making me utterly blissed out! The writing in this drama is on point and practically perfect from an editing standpoint as well as from a story view. It’s filled with lovely characters who are realistic and easy to care about. They have their problems and not all is smooth sailing but it’s so nice to watch them figure things out. I would love to have had more of the story, especially the part where they confessed their relationship to others but then again if I had my way, the book would have been 500 pages long lol. The wonderful women from the previous books, Manon, Eryn, Vivian and Mike as well as a few others are included in this wonderful tale just to make things that much more perfect. Having spent time with these old friends made me realize how much I missed them so I am off to re-read the series again! Give this one a try and see if you agree!
Aislin is a high school guidance counselor who meets a young girl, Cynt, in a coffee shop. It’s obvious to see the girl has a lot on her mind so Aislin sits with her and a friendship begins to blossom. It’s agreed that if Cynt can get her mother’s permission, they will continue to stay in each other’s lives. Later Aislin goes to a new club with her friends for a night of dancing. She sees a stunning woman exiting from a limo and is smitten… The woman is the ultra-successful Susanne Durr, so far out of Aislin’s world as can be but a girl can drool, right… Later when the pair have the chance to dance together, Susanne finds herself just as intrigued. A call from her housekeeper about a concern for her daughter pulls Susanne away from the club before the women can figure out what it is between them and they both think that will be the last they see of each other. Little do they know that this is just the beginning for them as they share a common connection…You will have to read it to discover the rest, but it’s not a hardship!
To say that I loved this book would be a huge understatement!!! My all-time favourite series is Ms Brookes’ romantic East Quay series and this book is another in that line!! I was so shocked and surprised to discover this making me utterly blissed out! The writing in this drama is on point and practically perfect from an editing standpoint as well as from a story view. It’s filled with lovely characters who are realistic and easy to care about. They have their problems and not all is smooth sailing but it’s so nice to watch them figure things out. I would love to have had more of the story, especially the part where they confessed their relationship to others but then again if I had my way, the book would have been 500 pages long lol. The wonderful women from the previous books, Manon, Eryn, Vivian and Mike as well as a few others are included in this wonderful tale just to make things that much more perfect. Having spent time with these old friends made me realize how much I missed them so I am off to re-read the series again! Give this one a try and see if you agree!
March 7, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gun’s Coffee Sonata is a favourite of mine, so I was happy to see another book in that ‘verse’. Like all of Gun’s stories, this features an age gap, and also features the Ice Queen trope. Susanna is a busy business woman who has trouble reaching her teenage daughter, Cynt. Cynt is attending a prep school and being bullied, she meets Alyssa, a high school counsellor by chance and they strike up a friendship. Alyssa also meets Susanna by chance and the two are immediately attracted to each other.
Cynt’s issues keep drawing Alyssa and Susanna together and they eventually start a relationship. This is interspersed with various cameos by the MCs of previous books, so we get updates on where many of them are now. I liked how the relationship between the MCs unfolded and that during multiple spots where a miscommunication would usually happen, they instead talked to each other and resolved their issues. Communications is so rare in lesfic, and I love when characters act like adults instead of children.
Cynt is also a great character, but I found the bullying storyline confusing. Both Alyssa and Susanna overhear conversations and suspect Cynt is being bullied, yet neither questions her about it. Susanna is very wealthy, so I refuse to believe she wouldn’t have had the principal fired for his actions alone. The epilogue was also weird, with Susanna suddenly referred to as ‘Mom’, as if it was from Cynthia’s POV, but it was still written in third person, so it was really disconcerting. The whole bullying thing was only revealed properly in the epilogue as well, and I couldn’t figure out why it was wedged in there.
Apart from that though, this is a nice, sweet, age-gap romance. Brooke fans will enjoy this. 3.75 stars.
Gun’s Coffee Sonata is a favourite of mine, so I was happy to see another book in that ‘verse’. Like all of Gun’s stories, this features an age gap, and also features the Ice Queen trope. Susanna is a busy business woman who has trouble reaching her teenage daughter, Cynt. Cynt is attending a prep school and being bullied, she meets Alyssa, a high school counsellor by chance and they strike up a friendship. Alyssa also meets Susanna by chance and the two are immediately attracted to each other.
Cynt’s issues keep drawing Alyssa and Susanna together and they eventually start a relationship. This is interspersed with various cameos by the MCs of previous books, so we get updates on where many of them are now. I liked how the relationship between the MCs unfolded and that during multiple spots where a miscommunication would usually happen, they instead talked to each other and resolved their issues. Communications is so rare in lesfic, and I love when characters act like adults instead of children.
Cynt is also a great character, but I found the bullying storyline confusing. Both Alyssa and Susanna overhear conversations and suspect Cynt is being bullied, yet neither questions her about it. Susanna is very wealthy, so I refuse to believe she wouldn’t have had the principal fired for his actions alone. The epilogue was also weird, with Susanna suddenly referred to as ‘Mom’, as if it was from Cynthia’s POV, but it was still written in third person, so it was really disconcerting. The whole bullying thing was only revealed properly in the epilogue as well, and I couldn’t figure out why it was wedged in there.
Apart from that though, this is a nice, sweet, age-gap romance. Brooke fans will enjoy this. 3.75 stars.
October 31, 2021
Set in the Coffee Sonata universe of characters, this story follows high school counsellor Aislin and fashion CEO Susanna's budding relationship. The two are brought together because Susanna's teenage daughter is being bullied at her prep school, and wants to transfer over to Aislin's public school. The two MCs are pretty interesting, and I thought the chemistry was good in the beginning, with hot intimate scenes for sure, but it started to fizzle. I think I am the outlier of reviews for that tidbit, many others thought the heat burned bright till the end. Like my review of Coffee Sonata, while the sex was fun, it was often overdone with the OTT language, the cheesy one-liners and "gazes burning into souls," that kind of thing. I can't imagine a more intense mood breaker than some of those, heheh. :p
However the story only lightly touches on the bullying teenage Cynthia experiences (her nickname is Cynt, and can we all agree that just doesn't work due to how close it is to, well, you know.). This was a disappointment, as I think that's where more complexity and better flow may have come into play if the author would have woven it in more effectively. Instead it was just given a quick paragraph in the epilogue. I certainly didn't want this to be main focus, but it was all but forgotten for half of the book. Her and her mother's rocky relationship is also left hanging.
The characters from other Coffee Sonata books make appearances as well, but again, more eye rolling with how unrealistic things get, with the quartet, the world class musicians that come for dinner and just happen to be BFFs with everyone, etc.
Overall, I did like it, but not overly. 3.25/5.
However the story only lightly touches on the bullying teenage Cynthia experiences (her nickname is Cynt, and can we all agree that just doesn't work due to how close it is to, well, you know.). This was a disappointment, as I think that's where more complexity and better flow may have come into play if the author would have woven it in more effectively. Instead it was just given a quick paragraph in the epilogue. I certainly didn't want this to be main focus, but it was all but forgotten for half of the book. Her and her mother's rocky relationship is also left hanging.
The characters from other Coffee Sonata books make appearances as well, but again, more eye rolling with how unrealistic things get, with the quartet, the world class musicians that come for dinner and just happen to be BFFs with everyone, etc.
Overall, I did like it, but not overly. 3.25/5.
January 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Rich divorcee (Susanna) with 14 year old daughter,(Cynthia) meets hot school counselor (Aislin) and they fall hard for each other. The counselor helps mother and daughter mend their disconnect. But it's more than that...it's a hot romance between two interesting characters with the side story involving the daughters social problems.
I don't agree with some of the reviews that stated they thought the author missed the chance to highlight the bullying aspect more. I thought it was a necessary side story and was described enough and dealt with using an investigation in the end.
I was more interested in finding out why Susanna had the ice queen tag. Of course we find out after a very sexy dinner with friends. That's when I started reading faster.
(I was a bit confused about the couple's at this dinner. They weren't described very much and I felt they were important to the story......and then later I discovered this is a series, and these are reoccurring characters. But don't be concerned, this can be read as a stand alone)
Rich divorcee (Susanna) with 14 year old daughter,(Cynthia) meets hot school counselor (Aislin) and they fall hard for each other. The counselor helps mother and daughter mend their disconnect. But it's more than that...it's a hot romance between two interesting characters with the side story involving the daughters social problems.
I don't agree with some of the reviews that stated they thought the author missed the chance to highlight the bullying aspect more. I thought it was a necessary side story and was described enough and dealt with using an investigation in the end.
I was more interested in finding out why Susanna had the ice queen tag. Of course we find out after a very sexy dinner with friends. That's when I started reading faster.
(I was a bit confused about the couple's at this dinner. They weren't described very much and I felt they were important to the story......and then later I discovered this is a series, and these are reoccurring characters. But don't be concerned, this can be read as a stand alone)
December 26, 2024
High 3+
October 20, 2022
This was a nice read. Another book I actually finished. (I DNF about 60 percent of what I buy, alas, because to be honest, my time is worth more to me than my money.)
I enter Ice Queen stories with some trepidation because I find that authors often cross a line into making their queen mean-spirited or unlikeable. This is also why I typically eschew enemies-to-lovers tropes, too. Call me old-fashioned but I think lovers--people--should be nice to each other, even if they have misunderstandings or begin at opposite poles of an encounter. In a good story, their appeal can lie in the way they engage with each other under duress, while still holding their own in a kind way.
And that's what happened in this case. The queen was reserved, which was totally okay, especially given she had been the object of unwanted public attention. The school counsellor held her own in the face of a formidable love interest. And the teenage girl was also right-on. The kid was a kid, and had some trouble talking to her mother, but she wasn't hateful or disrespectful to her.
So kudos on getting the characters right. Kudos on representing a way to hold your own without being nasty. I like it when a love story is actually loving.
I enter Ice Queen stories with some trepidation because I find that authors often cross a line into making their queen mean-spirited or unlikeable. This is also why I typically eschew enemies-to-lovers tropes, too. Call me old-fashioned but I think lovers--people--should be nice to each other, even if they have misunderstandings or begin at opposite poles of an encounter. In a good story, their appeal can lie in the way they engage with each other under duress, while still holding their own in a kind way.
And that's what happened in this case. The queen was reserved, which was totally okay, especially given she had been the object of unwanted public attention. The school counsellor held her own in the face of a formidable love interest. And the teenage girl was also right-on. The kid was a kid, and had some trouble talking to her mother, but she wasn't hateful or disrespectful to her.
So kudos on getting the characters right. Kudos on representing a way to hold your own without being nasty. I like it when a love story is actually loving.
March 30, 2021
I have not read many books by Gun Brooke, but the ones I have read I have enjoyed including Ice Queen. The one that I really enjoyed about this romance is that the two mains Aislin and Susanna have great chemistry. Brooke does a fantastic job showing how chemistry should be written. I like the class difference for the mains and that Susanna's daughter was actually likable (even though she was having major issues). I really did like this storyline and will continue to read Gun Brooke's books.
3.75 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
3.75 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
April 22, 2021
I needed more. I needed like 10 epilogues to be done with these characters and somehow I feel it wouldn’t suffice because the book was so good I couldn’t get enough of it.
Usually when I read about our beloved ice queens I tend to love the icy character but I do not get to care too much about the other one but Gun Brooke wrote Aislin so very perfectly that she was the perfect counterpart for Susanna and, goddesses, they work amazingly as a couple. Because Aislin reads Susanna, because she is scared but will face her and talk and won’t run from this very complex yet compelling woman. And an ice queen is less when not paired with a character that won’t stand their ground and this the author got perfectly.
So I needed more because Aislin and Susanna are perfect for each other and together and I want to see more of them, because even when I thought they were gonna fight or split up it didn’t happen because, again, both characters were honest and brave when it mattered.
Beautiful story!
Usually when I read about our beloved ice queens I tend to love the icy character but I do not get to care too much about the other one but Gun Brooke wrote Aislin so very perfectly that she was the perfect counterpart for Susanna and, goddesses, they work amazingly as a couple. Because Aislin reads Susanna, because she is scared but will face her and talk and won’t run from this very complex yet compelling woman. And an ice queen is less when not paired with a character that won’t stand their ground and this the author got perfectly.
So I needed more because Aislin and Susanna are perfect for each other and together and I want to see more of them, because even when I thought they were gonna fight or split up it didn’t happen because, again, both characters were honest and brave when it mattered.
Beautiful story!
March 16, 2021
I think that this is my first time reading a lesfic novel featuring an ice queen (I know...where have I been!) and I was really pleasantly surprised. I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between Susana and Aislin and was happy to find that it was more slow burn than a lot of lesfic I've read recently, and it suited the story really well! Although this is my first book in the Coffee Sonata universe I never felt lost plotwise or characterwise and I'm really eager to read more in this series! There were a few loose threads left at the end of the book that I would've liked wrapped up but overall this was a great first read from this author!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in return for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in return for an honest review!
February 14, 2021
This read tells the story of Susanna Durr, CEO of a fashion conglomerate with a strong and powerful personality, and an ice queen. Her daughter Cynthia (Cynt) is being bullied at her current school. Aislin Kennedy is a high school counselor with a wonderful and open personality. Susanna is having difficulty understanding her teenage daughter. Enter school counselor Aislin who meets Cynt at a coffee shop one afternoon, and Susanna at a night club, where sparks ignite between the two on the dance floor. Both have wounded hearts and are afraid to trust their hearts again. All three are in need of healing.
There is something to be said about watching an ice queen melt. What makes it interesting is how the melt unfolds. With the ingredients, teenager and high school counselor, it made for an interesting story. I was glad to see that the emphasis was on all three because I cared about all three, especially Cynt and the bullying she had to deal with. I hate bullies!
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
There is something to be said about watching an ice queen melt. What makes it interesting is how the melt unfolds. With the ingredients, teenager and high school counselor, it made for an interesting story. I was glad to see that the emphasis was on all three because I cared about all three, especially Cynt and the bullying she had to deal with. I hate bullies!
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
July 3, 2023
The ice queen herself had all the hallmarks of a proper ice queen. The main character was a power top, wealthy, guarded and all the qualities found in an ice queen. However, the flow of conversation, the scenarios, the inner monologue were all quite stilted, awkward and unmoving for me. I was just going through the motions of finishing the book until I reached, probably 50%? The part where one of the characters was de-icing their car. That was the first time I got remotely excited reading the book.
In summary, it was an ok read. I would have left it with 2 stars but there was flutter of heartbeat for me at some point during my read so I think 3 stars would be deserving. I don't hate it but I'm not moved by the story either.
In summary, it was an ok read. I would have left it with 2 stars but there was flutter of heartbeat for me at some point during my read so I think 3 stars would be deserving. I don't hate it but I'm not moved by the story either.
January 14, 2025
3.75 stars
June 26, 2021
My first book by Gun Brooke and I truly enjoyed it.
January 9, 2021
Aislin and Susanna meet at a club and share dance without realizing their lives is about to collide.
Aislin meets teenage Cynthia at a coffee shop and they talk but is quite surprise to see each other again they strike up a friendship Aislin realize something is bothering Cynthia when she meets her mother she surprises it’s the woman she dance with.
As she helps Susanna and Cynthia relationship the chemistry between her and Susanna is to hard to deny and they give in to their feelings but will they let both their past interfere with what’s going on in the present. This was a good read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Aislin meets teenage Cynthia at a coffee shop and they talk but is quite surprise to see each other again they strike up a friendship Aislin realize something is bothering Cynthia when she meets her mother she surprises it’s the woman she dance with.
As she helps Susanna and Cynthia relationship the chemistry between her and Susanna is to hard to deny and they give in to their feelings but will they let both their past interfere with what’s going on in the present. This was a good read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
March 13, 2021
Two women from different backgrounds and lifestyles fall for each other while trying to connect to a troubled teen. The women have an undeniable chemistry they can’t ignore which turns into a really endearing relationship. The communication is upfront and refreshing, until it isn’t. Fear threatens to break a good thing and when it does, communication breaks down.
Overall, it’s a really well written book that flows smoothly for the most part. The ending seemed a bit anticlimactic and rushed, but the epilogue hinted at the future security and happy ending I needed.
Overall, it’s a really well written book that flows smoothly for the most part. The ending seemed a bit anticlimactic and rushed, but the epilogue hinted at the future security and happy ending I needed.
January 21, 2021
Whenever Gun Brooke writes a book it will make my to read list. So far I have not been disappointed and this time is no different. She excels in writing characters you can connect with, her dialogue flows naturally from the pages and interactions/reactions in her story make sense.
In this book the relationship between Aislin and Susanne (who is not really such an Ice Queen) is one you as a reader can get behind., both are struggling with insecurities from the past, but the way they handle that rings true and for me a believable plot pulls me even more into the story: it could happen to me!
A point to take into consideration: in the beginning it felt like Cynth (Susanne's daughter) would have a bigger role in this story and considering the subject of her part of the plot that would have been better in my opinion. Now the rather serious problem of bullying is touched upon but as soon as Cynth fulfills her role as instigator for Susanne and Aislin to meet she and her problem fade to the background. In the epilogue it's mentioned that her bullying has stopped, but more of that process as well as more reconnecting between mother and daughter would add more depth to the book.
Nevertheless, a sweet romance I read with a lot of pleasure and would recommend to romance lovers who like contemporary books with an (slight) ice queen persona and class difference love story with a simple, realistic plot.
**** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
In this book the relationship between Aislin and Susanne (who is not really such an Ice Queen) is one you as a reader can get behind., both are struggling with insecurities from the past, but the way they handle that rings true and for me a believable plot pulls me even more into the story: it could happen to me!
A point to take into consideration: in the beginning it felt like Cynth (Susanne's daughter) would have a bigger role in this story and considering the subject of her part of the plot that would have been better in my opinion. Now the rather serious problem of bullying is touched upon but as soon as Cynth fulfills her role as instigator for Susanne and Aislin to meet she and her problem fade to the background. In the epilogue it's mentioned that her bullying has stopped, but more of that process as well as more reconnecting between mother and daughter would add more depth to the book.
Nevertheless, a sweet romance I read with a lot of pleasure and would recommend to romance lovers who like contemporary books with an (slight) ice queen persona and class difference love story with a simple, realistic plot.
**** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
January 22, 2021
I really love books written by Gun Brooke. When I read through “Ice Queen”, I was so happy that some of the characters from her previous books made an appearance in this one.
Brooke once again wrote a strong storyline (bullying, personal baggages) and the romance was amazing. Aislin was a happy character and she was good in finding excuses for other people while Susanna had an icy demeanor towards others (but not the extreme ice queen persona). Both the MCs were charming, witty, and relatable. They both complemented each other and the sex was HOT! I really like them together.
The epilogue was written in Cynt’s POV. It kind of differ from the way the book had gone so far (only Aislin and Susanna’s POV) but I think the author is preparing the readers for her next book (who knows?).
It was definitely a good read and would gladly recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
P. S.
You can read Gun Brooke’s previous books such as Coffee Sonata, Insult To Injury to know more about the women who was there during dinner ( Manon, Eryn, Mike, Vivian, Gail, and Romi). And also Soul Unique and Wayworn Lovers if you want to know about the other two women who were mentioned (Hayden Rowe & Giselle Bonnaire).
Brooke once again wrote a strong storyline (bullying, personal baggages) and the romance was amazing. Aislin was a happy character and she was good in finding excuses for other people while Susanna had an icy demeanor towards others (but not the extreme ice queen persona). Both the MCs were charming, witty, and relatable. They both complemented each other and the sex was HOT! I really like them together.
The epilogue was written in Cynt’s POV. It kind of differ from the way the book had gone so far (only Aislin and Susanna’s POV) but I think the author is preparing the readers for her next book (who knows?).
It was definitely a good read and would gladly recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
P. S.
You can read Gun Brooke’s previous books such as Coffee Sonata, Insult To Injury to know more about the women who was there during dinner ( Manon, Eryn, Mike, Vivian, Gail, and Romi). And also Soul Unique and Wayworn Lovers if you want to know about the other two women who were mentioned (Hayden Rowe & Giselle Bonnaire).
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