Icebreaker: Maple Hills, Book 1 Book Review (2024)

Sex, Romance & Nudity

a lot

Lots of graphic, detailed, explicit descriptions of adult college students having sex with the intention of causing arousal, from both male and female perspectives of an opposite-sex relationship. Oral sex, manual stimulation, vaginal sex, masturbation, genital and manual penetration, stimulation with a shower head; many different positions specifically described and sex done in places like the back of an SUV full of passengers. Details about body parts, placement, and bodily functions are described with crude words like "clit," "t--ts," "p---y," "c---k," "d--k," "pr--k," "cum," and "precum." Detailed descriptions of the physical sensations of orgasm. Lots of sexual innuendo and banter. Mention of a past unwanted pregnancy. Good examples of consent and using condoms and birth-control pills.

Language

a lot

Near constant swearing includes: "ass," "a--hole," "bastard," "bitch," "bitched," "bitchiness," "bulls--t," "butt-ass naked," "clit," "c--k," "cum," "precum," "d--k," "d--knotized," "dips--t," "douchebag," "f--k," "f--king," "f--knugget," "hell," "ho," "jackass," "Jesus," "Jesus Christ," "Jeeeeeez," "little s--ts," "motherf--ker," "pr--k," "p---y," "slut," "slutty," "s--t," "s--thouse," "s--tty," "t--ts," and the middle-finger gesture.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

a lot

College students of legal age drink to excess a lot, in glamorous situations like a Vegas casino-themed birthday party, house parties, or a popular Hollywood nightclub. Characters often don't remember what happened or how they got to where they woke up. Consequences include hangovers, vomiting, and dealing with poor decisions. Playing beer pong is mentioned several times but not described, and adult situations come up in a game of Never Have I Ever. A character invents a way to incorporate drinking into playing Twister.

Violence & Scariness

a little

A fight with punching, shoving, knocking things over, and choking isn't detailed. Cuts on faces mention blood but aren't described. A punch in the face. An unwanted kiss. Punches to friends' arms while teasing. A character is in danger of drowning after falling through thin ice.

Products & Purchases

a little

Luxury consumer products to establish rich characters. A few food, beverage, and alcohol brands. A playlist in the front features a variety of pop and rap artists.

Positive Messages

some

Winning is worthless if you hate yourself for what you have to do to win. Recovery isn't linear; trust the process and forgive yourself when you make a mistake. Real love makes each partner better, and makes anything possible.

Diverse Representations

some

Both main characters are White. Nate's family is extremely wealthy. Anastasia's is middle class, and she's always known she was adopted. Nate's friend group includes his best friend and coach who uses a wheelchair; a teammate who's pansexual, has a name that reads as South Asian, and has a knack for making curry; and another teammate with brown skin, auburn curls, and two moms who's an art major. There are a few stereotypes and cliches, but overall the characters seem very individual, and it's refreshing to see such an accepting group of friends from the world of elite college athletes.

Did we miss something on diversity? .

Positive Role Models

a little

Neither Anastasia nor Nate are very likeable. Anastasia (Stas or Stassie) is a stereotype of a stubborn spitfire. Nate is a little against type as a caring jock, but he often goes too far out of jealousy or being too protective. As we get to know them they become easier to understand and sympathize with. They're surrounded by loyal, supportive friends, harsh coaches, and one villain.