Wildfire - Hannah Grace

                                                     (4/5 Stars)

So, am I like the last one to review this book? Maybe, but I'm going to tell you why.

I didn't think anything could top Icebreaker for me when it came to Hockey Romances. Normally, in series, everything feels a bit repetitive, but boy, did Hannah Grace put me in my place. This is honestly the first book I've read with a hockey player who's not the typical arrogant, overconfident MC. Russ, aka my little muffin, was such a refreshing character in contrast to Aurora.

I loved the setting of a summer camp to break away from the same placement of Icebreaker, which was heavily based in Maple Hills. The background element of it was enough. Russ and Rory mirrored each other in many ways, but my fave was the daddy issues and vulnerability of them both despite Rory being covert about it. The spice was there – the whole encounter started with the spice. It’s a nice type of spice somewhere between Hot Chicken Flavoured Ramen and Sriracha.

But most of all, I appreciate the lack of the breakup act. Oh my god, it literally gives me anxiety, so I'm glad Hannah Grace never made me go through that.

It was so refreshing to see a hockey player who didn’t want to be a hockey player at the end. Don’t even get me started on all the ‘I want to make it to the big league’ lines. Very overdone. Very last year. Seeing Russ want to stay in engineering is really reflected in his post of the goal keeper in his hockey games. Having hockey in the background made everything just that much better. It truly was the better book.

It was nice to see a glimpse of Nate and Stassie without making it into Icebreaker 2.0. Of course, JJ and Henry HAD to be there otherwise, duh. Xander and the dogs had my heart - I could almost picture them lounging next to me whilst I read the book.

The ending was chef’s kiss and I couldn't have asked for more. Obviously I’m not telling you what happened so go ahead and read it. Just put me in marketing now Hannah – I’m a genius. Now the real question is, does it top Icebreaker for me? Well, no, because they're two very different books with very different issues based lightly around the same setting. Nate and Stassie will always have my heart, but Russ and Rory have found a spot and will be residing them comfortably for the foreseeable future.

I cannot WAIT for the daydream to finally be on my bookshelf because Henry is a character I have been intrigued with since reading Icebreaker, and yes, I was a part of the thousands who hounded for his book. I'm so excited I can hardly wait. Between Hannah Grace and Tessa Bailey, I am overhyped.

Pick this up if you haven't already. It's truly a lovely read. If you have read it, what was your favourite part? Mine was Russ birthday!

Vivian.

Don’t forget to keep reading, because as long as you do, it’s making a struggling authors day that much better. Reach for the starts of success.