Thin Ice by Liana Laverentz
Release Date: April 5th, 2007
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Page Count: 373
Source: Directly from author for review
The last thing ER doctor Emily Jordan needs in her life is another man to let her down, and certainly not one who uses his fists in his work. She's seen enough of the results of violence in the world, and has no use for anyone who contributes to it.
Professional hockey player Eric Cameron has never met a woman who intrigued him so much. Emily Jordan has it all, brains and beauty, a home of her own, a career she excels at, a son who adores her, and loving friends and family to help her bring it all together in way Eric has longed to be a part of his entire life. The problem is this feisty, independent woman wants nothing to do with him and has no problem letting him know it.
The memory of Emily's healing hands despite her clear-cut opinion of him when she treats him after a post-game barroom brawl drives Eric to find the key to her wounded heart, but success would mean that Emily would have to give up all that she has and depend on a man who's life is anything but settled. Will Eric be able to win her heart despite her opposition to the only life he's ever known? Or when the season ends will he move on again -- alone?
What Stephanie Thinks: This book is just fabulous -- it portrays contemporary romance at its finest! Emily's dark past and her struggle to see through to Eric's affections are emotional in both a joyful and saddening way. Her journey of love and discovery both wrenches at my heart and lifts it up at the same time.
The hero and heroine are so realistic and more importantly, so lovable. Even with their individual flaws -- Emily's, being paranoia, and Eric's, being desperation -- I can't help but adore them. Not to mention Eric is an amazing alpha male. I swooned and fantasized and pretty much fell in love with him! The secondary characters, such as Emily's ex-husband and son, are incredibly fleshed out as well. As much as I love Robbie (son), I despise Ryan (ex), which says a lot because I want to pluck Robbie out of the book and adopt him. This just strengthens Laverentz's complete and well-developed characters -- personalities she creates that I am able to both love and hate. After all, characterization is key in fiction.
And the chemistry. Hoo boy! Maybe it's just me sweating bullets here, but it's hot hot hot! There's so much tension between them, both physically and emotionally, that it is often frustrating at times, but it all plays out A-okay in the end. Might I mention the sex is superhot too? I love how intimately sex is portrayed, but without getting too nitty-gritty (read: pornographic), which is ultimately the factor that separates romance from erotica. Somehow, less explicit love scenes make them hotter, and Thin Ice is proof of that.
Laverentz has a skilled voice that I'm now keen on getting to know better. Her dialogue is witty and entertaining, and it includes cunning twists and shocking revelations in a contemporary setting. Familial misunderstandings and secrets impede the delusion of the "perfect" life, in a way we all will be able to relate to and take home and to heart, as well. Overall, Thin Ice is a story about the power of love and family, and the best part, is that the characters come to life.
Stephanie Loves: "He didn't answer me then because he was afraid it was the wine talking, not my heart, and that I didn't know what I was saying or that I'd regret saying it in the morning.
The only thing I regret is being blind for so long."
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
Release Date: April 5th, 2007
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Page Count: 373
Source: Directly from author for review
The last thing ER doctor Emily Jordan needs in her life is another man to let her down, and certainly not one who uses his fists in his work. She's seen enough of the results of violence in the world, and has no use for anyone who contributes to it.
Professional hockey player Eric Cameron has never met a woman who intrigued him so much. Emily Jordan has it all, brains and beauty, a home of her own, a career she excels at, a son who adores her, and loving friends and family to help her bring it all together in way Eric has longed to be a part of his entire life. The problem is this feisty, independent woman wants nothing to do with him and has no problem letting him know it.
The memory of Emily's healing hands despite her clear-cut opinion of him when she treats him after a post-game barroom brawl drives Eric to find the key to her wounded heart, but success would mean that Emily would have to give up all that she has and depend on a man who's life is anything but settled. Will Eric be able to win her heart despite her opposition to the only life he's ever known? Or when the season ends will he move on again -- alone?
What Stephanie Thinks: This book is just fabulous -- it portrays contemporary romance at its finest! Emily's dark past and her struggle to see through to Eric's affections are emotional in both a joyful and saddening way. Her journey of love and discovery both wrenches at my heart and lifts it up at the same time.
The hero and heroine are so realistic and more importantly, so lovable. Even with their individual flaws -- Emily's, being paranoia, and Eric's, being desperation -- I can't help but adore them. Not to mention Eric is an amazing alpha male. I swooned and fantasized and pretty much fell in love with him! The secondary characters, such as Emily's ex-husband and son, are incredibly fleshed out as well. As much as I love Robbie (son), I despise Ryan (ex), which says a lot because I want to pluck Robbie out of the book and adopt him. This just strengthens Laverentz's complete and well-developed characters -- personalities she creates that I am able to both love and hate. After all, characterization is key in fiction.
And the chemistry. Hoo boy! Maybe it's just me sweating bullets here, but it's hot hot hot! There's so much tension between them, both physically and emotionally, that it is often frustrating at times, but it all plays out A-okay in the end. Might I mention the sex is superhot too? I love how intimately sex is portrayed, but without getting too nitty-gritty (read: pornographic), which is ultimately the factor that separates romance from erotica. Somehow, less explicit love scenes make them hotter, and Thin Ice is proof of that.
Laverentz has a skilled voice that I'm now keen on getting to know better. Her dialogue is witty and entertaining, and it includes cunning twists and shocking revelations in a contemporary setting. Familial misunderstandings and secrets impede the delusion of the "perfect" life, in a way we all will be able to relate to and take home and to heart, as well. Overall, Thin Ice is a story about the power of love and family, and the best part, is that the characters come to life.
Stephanie Loves: "He didn't answer me then because he was afraid it was the wine talking, not my heart, and that I didn't know what I was saying or that I'd regret saying it in the morning.
The only thing I regret is being blind for so long."
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
