**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is a voluntary review; all opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

Honestly, Julie Cross nailed it once again. This was a fantastic read from start to finish for tons of reasons.

I'll start with Fletcher because he really surprised me. Talk about layers! He was unlike any other character I've ever read and I immediately fell in love with him. I loved all his secrets and his little Fletcher-isms. He has this confidence about him yet he's vulnerable at the same time and I loved how Haley brought that out in him.

I'll be the first to admit, I didn't like Haley when we first meet her Off the Ice. But she had this great character development in that first novel and it carries right on into this one. This series really succeeds in focusing on individual character stories and growing these characters in a way that doesn't rely solely on the romance but enhances it.

What I mean is that these two challenge each other in a variety of ways and that drives their individual character growth. They aren't changing to be with the other person; they're changing because they need to grow up as people and break the box they've put themselves in to be a better individual--something I think gets lost in a lot of YA contemporaries but doesn't here.

It works here because this is very much a slow burn romance. These two have fantastic chemistry and attraction from the start but they take their time getting to those romantic feelings. Instead, they learn about each other and develop this understanding and respect that brings them closer together. You can't help but root for them to fall in love as you watch that.

The only reason this book isn't an outright 5/5 for me is that it was missing that little something. It's hard to pinpoint what that is but I think it's the fact that the plot seemed to be a little all over the place in the start. I just felt like it took awhile to get to the crux of what these two needed to figure out. The latter half of the novel is great--that's where all the development happens--but the first half just seems subdued when it could have been a little more enticing.

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2lB
Actual Rating: 4/5 ( )

Oh, this series--it continues to give me all. The. Feels. Seriously. All of them. I'd be perfectly okay if every single young adult in Juniper Falls got their own book--really.

I loved Fletcher and Haley. When the book opens on day one of summer school and her pen tapping is driving him nuts, my first instinct was, "but who's the heroine going to be?" and LOL, of course it was her! At first glance, these two couldn't possibly work...and for a lot of the book, Fletch would agree with you 100%. (Haley, naturally, is savvier than that. She figures it out much sooner.) It got harder and harder to watch him fight to keep himself apart from everyone, Haley included--that poor girl! Fortunately, he figures it out just in time, and oh that ending...

Happy sigh.

You could absolutely start the Juniper Falls series with this book, but so much of it will be that much more satisfying if you've read book one ( Off the Ice ) first. Haley was Tate's girlfriend for a lot of OTI, and other events from that one are alluded to from time to time. To be honest, I kind of wished I'd been able to binge read the series--re-read the first one before reading the second--because it's been awhile and the details of book one had grown a bit fuzzy in my brain. Plus, this series--have I mentioned that it gives me all the feels? ;)

Anxiously awaiting book three!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. ( )

Julie Cross lights the lamp with BREAKING THE ICE, the second book from the Juniper Falls series. Juniper Falls princess/cheer captain, Haley Stevenson, needs help with her Civics class. She decides scholarly hockey player, Fletcher Scott, is the perfect person to help her pass the class. However, Fletcher likes to stay out of the lime light, which will be impossible if he’s hanging out with Haley. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult audiences. It takes place in northern Minnesota.

BREAKING THE ICE is a fun story. Haley and Fletcher are opposites. She is popular and outgoing. Whereas, Fletcher likes to go unnoticed and keep to himself. Haley bulldozes herself into Fletcher’s life. I like Haley and Fletcher together. They both misjudge each other. I like that they eventually open up to one another.

My heart went out to Fletcher. His allergies are extreme. I know people with less server conditions and sympathize with what he goes through. Between his family and health issues, it is understandable why he wants to stay under the radar.

BREAKING THE ICE was skillfully written and flowed well. There were unexpected twists and pertinent issues. BREAKING THE ICE is a wonderful addition the Juniper Falls series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ( )