still plays plenty of video games and is a proud member of the Displaced Buffalo Sabres Fans group.

I think I start every sports book review with a statement about how much I love sport fiction. Graziadei was born in Buffalo, New York and raised on Sabres hockey and video games, using their free time to write books inspired by both. Icebreaker is an addictive sports fiction novel, about LGBT+ identity in sports, mental health, family and romance. A complex read.' - Publishers WeeklyĪbout the Author A.L. The author shoots and scores!' - Booklist 'A thoughtfully rewarding read for those who need one most.' - Kirkus Reviews 'Debut author Graziadei clearly knows the sport, but even readers who don't will enjoy a tale that's more than just enemies-to-lovers. 'Graziadei's empathetic first novel is richly plotted and handles its gay themes and hockey action well, making it a natural read-alike for Ngozi Ukazu's Check, Please! #Hockey (2018). This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path. When rivalry turns to something more, Mickey will have to decide what he really wants, and what he's willing to risk for it. The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, a contender for the #1 spot and Mickey's infuriating (and infuriatingly attractive) teammate. With a father and a grandfather who have gone down in NHL history, Mickey is almost guaranteed the league's top draft spot. Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. Graziadei's Icebreaker is an irresistible YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best-and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way. About the Book 'Content warnings: depictions of depression, anxiety, and dissociation, mild suicidal ideation, underage alcohol abuse, brief marijuana use, sports violence'-Page opposite copyright page.Ī.

Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei