Melting the Ice
Author: Jaci Burton
Reviewer: Nima
Rating: B-
What I’m Talking About:
As a general rule, Jaci Burton’s books are worth buying just for the covers. I think they need to generate a Play-by-Play Series calendar. Her latest installment, Melting the Ice, should be February, not only for Valentine emphasis in the book and its not-so-coincidental release date, but to represent those cold, cold nights when you want someone like Drew Hogan warming your bed.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a very quick read, perfect for a single afternoon when you’re snowed in and can’t face the chores that never go away. Unfortunately, that was my issue with the book—it’s so uncomplicated that it can be read that fast. It lacks drama unless the reader brings a great deal to the story.
One would think by the title that someone or some situation needs to be thawed out. The title is really only convenient to the fact that Drew Hogan is a professional hockey player who’s trying to win over work-obsessed Carolina Preston. I didn’t find her to be icy. She’s polite, successful, attractive, and focused, but not cold. For me, there was nothing to melt. The issues of their past were easily handled by a pair of seemingly mature adults (which was definitely refreshing) and eight years of distance from the incident which caused a rift between them. And they had a lot of steamy sex. Great sex. Definitely a lot of melting going on, but no ice.
Because of the physicality of the book, everyone is well-cut and toned, which makes for pleasant mental imagery. However, the only coldness I could really identify was a certain lack of emotion. Consequently, the climax of the book lacked impact. Still, it’s a solid “go to” for your next snowy day.
Rating: B- Liked It – But I had a few small issues
About the Book:
Everything’s coming together for budding fashion designer Carolina Preston. Only months away from having her own line, she could use some publicity. That’s when her brother suggests his best friend as a model—hockey player Drew Hogan.
Carolina and Drew already have a history—a hot one, back in college. Unforgettable for Carolina, but for Drew, just another slap shot. This time, though, it’s different. His perfect body would be for professional use only. This time, she could use him.
Drew is all for it. He’s looking forward to the exposure. Plus, it would give him a chance to prove to Carolina that he’s changed. If only he could thaw her emotions, convince her to let down her guard and let him in just one more time…
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Series: Play by Play #7
ISBN: # 978-0425262986
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/Netgalley
Purchase Info:
Melting the Ice (Play by Play #7)
Reviews in the Series:
Playing to Win by Jaci Burton (Play by Play #4)