Icebreaker

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of disordered eating, emotional abuse, mental illness, and sexual content.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What struck you most about the college ice sports setting in Icebreaker? The contrast between the precise, artistic world of figure skating and the aggressive, team-based nature of hockey creates different environments for Anastasia and Nathan. Did this setting add tension to their relationship in ways that resonated with you?

2. The novel balances lighthearted romantic moments with serious topics like disordered eating, anxiety, and emotional abuse. Did you find this balance effective, or did you feel one aspect overshadowed the other? How does Icebreaker compare to other new adult romances like Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series or Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful Disaster in its handling of these themes?

3. Throughout the story, we witness characters forming deep bonds that transcend their biological families. Which “found family” dynamic resonated most with you, and why do you think this theme works so effectively in a college sports setting?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Anastasia uses her day planner as a therapy tool to control her anxiety. What strategies have you developed in your own life to manage anxiety or feelings of insecurity?

2. The novel portrays two very different types of jealousy: Aaron’s controlling behavior versus Nathan’s protective concern. Can you recall a time when you experienced or witnessed the distinction between possessive jealousy and protective concern in a relationship?

3. Nathan’s role as “the fixer” causes him to take on excessive responsibility for those around him. Have you ever found yourself in a similar position of taking on the weight of others’ problems? What did you learn from that experience?

4. At one point in the story, Anastasia must overcome her fear of being lifted on the ice after Aaron drops her. What fears have you had to confront in your life, and who helped you work through them? How did that process of overcoming fear change your perspective?

5. Cooking becomes a healing activity for Anastasia as she works to repair her relationship with food. What activities have played a similar role in your life when overcoming challenges?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Icebreaker gained popularity through social media platforms like BookTok. What impact do you think platforms like TikTok have had on reading culture and the types of books gain mainstream attention?

2. The novel features Anastasia struggling with disordered eating enabled and encouraged by her skating partner. In what ways does the book reflect broader societal pressures placed on athletes, particularly in aesthetic sports like figure skating?

3. The book showcases different forms of masculinity through characters like Nathan, Aaron, Henry, and Ian Hawkins. What statement do you think Grace is making about traditional and evolving concepts of masculinity in our society with these varied portrayals?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The novel alternates between Anastasia’s and Nathan’s perspectives throughout. What insights does this dual narration provide that would be missing from a single point of view?

2. Nathan’s dominating behavior in intimate scenes contrasts with his gentle nature in everyday interactions. What does this contrast reveal about his character, and how does it relate to the theme of gender-based power dynamics in the novel?

3. Room codes appear repeatedly as a motif throughout the book, representing access to private spaces and intimate relationships. How does this motif support the larger themes of trust and boundaries in the story?

4. The ice skating setting creates both literal and metaphorical opportunities for the characters to fall, be caught, and trust one another. In what ways does the author use this setting to enhance the emotional journey of the characters?

5. In the novel’s ending, Grace positions Anastasia achieving Olympic gold as secondary to her relationship satisfaction. In what ways does this reinforce or challenge the conventions of the romance genre? What might this prioritization suggest about traditional values in romance literature?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Write an alternative epilogue from Aaron’s perspective two years later. What might his life look like, and how might he reflect on his past behavior with Anastasia?

2. If you were casting a film adaptation of Icebreaker, which actors would you choose to play the main characters? What qualities would they need to capture the essence of Nathan and Anastasia?

3. The novel is the first in a planned series based at the fictional University of California, Maple Hills. Which secondary character from Icebreaker would you most like to see featured in their own novel, and what kind of romance would you envision for them?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources