Icebreakers 

The novel is written from two points of view: Anastaisia's and Nate's. I cannot express to you how well Hannah characterized both points of view. When I was reading the novel, I truly felt like I was in the mind of both Nate and Anastasia. I read some GoodReads reviews and, although I will say some of them are very entertaining with how they expressed their feelings about the book, as someone with zero romance book experience, I will say this book was quite good. I am not a huge fan of romance books, but I did find myself falling in love with the characters and their story. The read was very quick and the chapters were just right (not too long not too short). These were perks to the novel. The details were very, well........descriptive to say the least. But, hey, that's what you sign up for with a book like that 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

Personally, I felt like to connection between Nate and Asnastaisia grew to be so beautiful and endearing, something that I would definitely love in my life (lol!). What struck me most was how Hannah managed to incorporate a healthy relationship with mental health and communication. Although I have not read enough romance novels to say if this is a common theme in this genre; however, among other novels I've read, I noticed how well Hannah managed to give the characters personalities that are very honest and open with each other. It struck me because most books tend to make the lack of communication the downfall of a relationship, whether that's friendship or a relationship. However, in this book, that was not it, it was more realistic circumstances like jealousy than anything else.

 

Speaking of mental health, what I loved most about the book was how amazing Hannah did when talking about Anastasia's struggle with who she is. Meaning, how she struggles with anxiety with competitions and this need for perfection in her life. She even sought a therapist which blew my mind but what blew my mind even more was how Nate was completely understanding and supportive of her no matter how much she struggled, he was there for her. It was definitely very romantic.

 

I gave this book a 4/5 stars because although it was very good, there were times when I felt like certain descriptions really weren't necessary. I also thought there was a big gap between Nate's relationship with his father and his past relationship with his mother. I feel like there should have been more family descriptions on both ends. I also really did not like the ending as much as I thought I would. First, I felt like the ending was this happy ever after and although its nice to think about, I just didn't like how unrealistic it was. Maybe this is just me, as someone who enjoys nonfiction books, but I really felt that Hannah rushed it, like two years after the graduated from college Anastais was able to manage to get into the Olympics and then get pregnant and then get engaged?! That's a little too fast I think. It was definitely a little to "dreamy" for me but I guess that is the kind of book you sign up for when you read it 🤷🏻‍♀️☺️

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Anyway, if you are in the mood for something light-hearted romance novel, definitely give this book a go. If you decide to read it, leave a comment on Groups and tell BYC what you think.

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Happy Reading 💖

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