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beckyrendon's review against another edition
4.0
On Thin Ice is an intricately woven story about two teens on different parts that merge at the worst time. It's about a budding relationship in a trying time. It even brings up bullying and hazing without the horniness of an after school special. It has aREAL feel. It doesn't feel hokey or fake. I appreciated the flow and the realistic nature of their reactions to what was going on around them.
On Thin Ice has made me want to read the other Juniper Falls stories.
On Thin Ice has made me want to read the other Juniper Falls stories.
angelreads's review against another edition
4.0
I received an e-arc of On Thin Ice by Julie Cross from Entangled: Teen via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.
I've read a couple of Julie Cross' books before picking up On Thin Ice, and while they aren't my favourite books out there. They are ones that I know, I can sit down and just enjoy. And On Thin Ice wasn't any different. this one was fun, emotional and just a nice read.
On Thin Ice follows Jake, the star and captain of the ice hockey team and prince of Juniper Falls. Everything that he has wanted is falling right into place. But then a hazing ritual goes wrong. Not only is Jake injured, but he has to deal with all the consequences that follow. Now Jake is assistant coach to the new girls' ice hockey team, and he is liking it more than he thinks.
Brooke is just trying to fit into her new town, but it's hard when everything is falling apart. Not only did she lose her dad, but her mum has also lost herself. And then Brooke joins the girls' ice hockey team. But the more time that Brooke and Jake spend together, the more they get to know each other. And the more time that they spend with one another.
I really enjoyed reading On Thin Ice, as I said before, it's one of those books that I can just sit down and read. The characters were enjoyable, the plot was very intriguing and the romance just warmed my heart. From the start, I really enjoyed both protagonists and I loved seeing them come together.
Brooke was a really interesting protagonist. The reader doesn't know too much about her from the start of the book, but as the novel goes on and Jake starts to learn more about her - so do we. Brooke was an easy character to get along with. Her pain was evident from the start, but that meant she was vulnerable and was easier to figure out. I really loved Brooke's character arc throughout On Thin Ice. At first, she is really closed off, but as the novel goes on, she makes friends and finds solace in Jake, she comes out of her shell. I adored that she played Ice Hockey. It was so much fun seeing a female hockey player.
Oh, Jake. My heart broke for him so many times throughout the book. Like Brooke, he has been through a lot of most people around him, don't know or don't understand. Jake is a very interesting character, and I think that is why I liked getting to know to know him so much. The reader can tell from the get-go how caring and sensitive Jake really is. I mean yes his a hockey boy through and through. But, there is another side to him that Brooke really brought out.
The romance in On Thin Ice was actually quite beautiful and sweet. Jake is a couple years older than Brooke and we don't see that much in YA, but it I think it really worked here. Brooke is younger and shy and Jake was great in bringing her out of her shell. They complimented each other really nicely, and the reader can see it as they both become themselves through the novel. The romance was slow and didn't move too fast, and I love that. They both go to know each other and really bond - which I don't see much anymore.
I also really enjoyed the other themes that On Thin Ice explored. The notion of family was something that was very present throughout the whole book. Both Jake and Brooke have very dysfunction families but in very different ways. Brooke's family is in pieces and she doesn't know what to do with her life because of it. Her dad isn't in the picture, and her mum, she needs help. Jake just feels like he has let down his family. But he also feels like his family has also let him down. It is all very complicated. On Thin Ice also explores the notion of toxic masculinity and how high school sports might influence the way that people think and conduct things.
Overall, I enjoyed reading On Thin Ice by Julie Cross. It was sweet, but also daring. It explores two different people and how they come together in strange circumstances. The romance was totally adorable and just put a massive smile on my face. The characterisation throughout On Thin Ice was really well done and I loved seeing both Jake and Brooke grow not only by themselves but as a couple. Pick this one up if you are looking for something that might just make you smile.
I've read a couple of Julie Cross' books before picking up On Thin Ice, and while they aren't my favourite books out there. They are ones that I know, I can sit down and just enjoy. And On Thin Ice wasn't any different. this one was fun, emotional and just a nice read.
On Thin Ice follows Jake, the star and captain of the ice hockey team and prince of Juniper Falls. Everything that he has wanted is falling right into place. But then a hazing ritual goes wrong. Not only is Jake injured, but he has to deal with all the consequences that follow. Now Jake is assistant coach to the new girls' ice hockey team, and he is liking it more than he thinks.
Brooke is just trying to fit into her new town, but it's hard when everything is falling apart. Not only did she lose her dad, but her mum has also lost herself. And then Brooke joins the girls' ice hockey team. But the more time that Brooke and Jake spend together, the more they get to know each other. And the more time that they spend with one another.
I really enjoyed reading On Thin Ice, as I said before, it's one of those books that I can just sit down and read. The characters were enjoyable, the plot was very intriguing and the romance just warmed my heart. From the start, I really enjoyed both protagonists and I loved seeing them come together.
Brooke was a really interesting protagonist. The reader doesn't know too much about her from the start of the book, but as the novel goes on and Jake starts to learn more about her - so do we. Brooke was an easy character to get along with. Her pain was evident from the start, but that meant she was vulnerable and was easier to figure out. I really loved Brooke's character arc throughout On Thin Ice. At first, she is really closed off, but as the novel goes on, she makes friends and finds solace in Jake, she comes out of her shell. I adored that she played Ice Hockey. It was so much fun seeing a female hockey player.
Oh, Jake. My heart broke for him so many times throughout the book. Like Brooke, he has been through a lot of most people around him, don't know or don't understand. Jake is a very interesting character, and I think that is why I liked getting to know to know him so much. The reader can tell from the get-go how caring and sensitive Jake really is. I mean yes his a hockey boy through and through. But, there is another side to him that Brooke really brought out.
The romance in On Thin Ice was actually quite beautiful and sweet. Jake is a couple years older than Brooke and we don't see that much in YA, but it I think it really worked here. Brooke is younger and shy and Jake was great in bringing her out of her shell. They complimented each other really nicely, and the reader can see it as they both become themselves through the novel. The romance was slow and didn't move too fast, and I love that. They both go to know each other and really bond - which I don't see much anymore.
I also really enjoyed the other themes that On Thin Ice explored. The notion of family was something that was very present throughout the whole book. Both Jake and Brooke have very dysfunction families but in very different ways. Brooke's family is in pieces and she doesn't know what to do with her life because of it. Her dad isn't in the picture, and her mum, she needs help. Jake just feels like he has let down his family. But he also feels like his family has also let him down. It is all very complicated. On Thin Ice also explores the notion of toxic masculinity and how high school sports might influence the way that people think and conduct things.
Overall, I enjoyed reading On Thin Ice by Julie Cross. It was sweet, but also daring. It explores two different people and how they come together in strange circumstances. The romance was totally adorable and just put a massive smile on my face. The characterisation throughout On Thin Ice was really well done and I loved seeing both Jake and Brooke grow not only by themselves but as a couple. Pick this one up if you are looking for something that might just make you smile.
things100's review
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I actually liked this book a lot more then I thought I would. I really liked how they are but hockey players and the characters had developed backgrounds and personalities
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Self harm
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Body horror
kristy_k's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
Brooke, the new girl in town, moves there to her grandmaβs after her dad is imprisoned and her mom spirals into depression. Jake, captain of the hockey team in a hockey town, suffers an injury after a hazing ritual gone wrong. They meet because of this incident and although first both wary of the other they soon develop a friendship that turns into more.
I think Brooke and Jake were great for each other. They both helped the other grow and gave them someone to talk to and lean on.
This book was more serious than I assumed it would be. It takes a look at the toxic environment some sports towns can posses and how they elevate stars above those of regular students and citizens. It doesnβt paint sports to be all bad though an for that I am grateful. There is a lot of good that can come from being on a team or playing a sport and I liked that that was still shown here.
I do wish we could have spent more time seeing Brookeβs family situation, as that seemed equally important, and wouldnβt have minded it being a little longer to squeeze that in.
While a part of a series and the previous main characters make appearances, this can be read as a stand-alone.
Brooke, the new girl in town, moves there to her grandmaβs after her dad is imprisoned and her mom spirals into depression. Jake, captain of the hockey team in a hockey town, suffers an injury after a hazing ritual gone wrong. They meet because of this incident and although first both wary of the other they soon develop a friendship that turns into more.
I think Brooke and Jake were great for each other. They both helped the other grow and gave them someone to talk to and lean on.
This book was more serious than I assumed it would be. It takes a look at the toxic environment some sports towns can posses and how they elevate stars above those of regular students and citizens. It doesnβt paint sports to be all bad though an for that I am grateful. There is a lot of good that can come from being on a team or playing a sport and I liked that that was still shown here.
I do wish we could have spent more time seeing Brookeβs family situation, as that seemed equally important, and wouldnβt have minded it being a little longer to squeeze that in.
While a part of a series and the previous main characters make appearances, this can be read as a stand-alone.
auburnedge's review
3.0
This was not what the blurb lead me to believe. Instead of a hockey romance this is about bullying, harrassment, and standing up for what is right. So just know that there is some darkness in here that isn't shown in the blurb.
If you enjoy a deep story with a side of romance then this might just be the book for you.
If you enjoy a deep story with a side of romance then this might just be the book for you.
storieswithsoul's review
5.0
I love this book so much. It is such a sweet and heartwarming story about teenagers who are trying to make the best decisions in life. They are not always right and they do silly things but ultimately they own up to their mistakes and try to make amends in any way possible. It is a story of a small town residents who are not used to having secrets. Yet, they are about to find out that even in small towns, full of nosy people, secrets do exist.
Jake is captain of the hockey team. He is the most popular guy in their school. Every girl wants to date him and every guy wants to be him. But that doesn't mean anything to him. All he wants is an opportunity to play the game he loves and graduate high school so that he may start college. He is looking forward to it. His life is simple and uncomplicated until one fateful night. Teenagers being teenagers make one little mistake and now Jake's peace of mind is gone. In this chaotic time the only person who understands him is the new girl. The girl everyone things is mute. Soo, Jake realizes that she is so much more than just a new girl in town and he find hismelf falling for her.
Brooke has been there and done that, she is not willing to go down that road again and date a popular guy. That can't end well but Jake is nothing like her ex-boyfriend. He is kind and considerate. He pays attention and he cares about the people around him. It might not be possible for her to resist his charm afterall. But life is not easy on her. She has secrets and her past still haunts her. She must find the strength to let go of the past so that she might be able to build a better future. Maybe with her new friends and people in her life she will at last learn to take chances again and live a little.
It is a very well-written story. I enjoyed it a lot and I think all YA fans will love it!
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Jake is captain of the hockey team. He is the most popular guy in their school. Every girl wants to date him and every guy wants to be him. But that doesn't mean anything to him. All he wants is an opportunity to play the game he loves and graduate high school so that he may start college. He is looking forward to it. His life is simple and uncomplicated until one fateful night. Teenagers being teenagers make one little mistake and now Jake's peace of mind is gone. In this chaotic time the only person who understands him is the new girl. The girl everyone things is mute. Soo, Jake realizes that she is so much more than just a new girl in town and he find hismelf falling for her.
Brooke has been there and done that, she is not willing to go down that road again and date a popular guy. That can't end well but Jake is nothing like her ex-boyfriend. He is kind and considerate. He pays attention and he cares about the people around him. It might not be possible for her to resist his charm afterall. But life is not easy on her. She has secrets and her past still haunts her. She must find the strength to let go of the past so that she might be able to build a better future. Maybe with her new friends and people in her life she will at last learn to take chances again and live a little.
It is a very well-written story. I enjoyed it a lot and I think all YA fans will love it!
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
taylorfennerwrites's review
4.0
Have I mentioned how much I love this series?? I was so excited when I heard the series would be continuing with On Thin Ice and the yummy Jake Hammond.
Brook is the new girl, the quiet girl with the messed up past and the screwed up parents, neither of which she wants to talk about. But that's okay, because she's really interested in listening lately. Meanwhile, Jake is finally a senior, top of the food chain in school and hockey. Captain is in his sights and he's hoping for a good scholarship. But with senior year comes a hockey team tradition Jake would rather forget about. When the tradition goes horribly wrong and Brooke witnesses the whole thing Jake and Brooke will form an unlikely truce that blooms into trading secrets and confiding in each other and eventually into love.
While they spend more and more time together Jake's life is imploding, his spot on the hockey team seems less important than before, and keeping quiet about things he thinks is wrong becomes increasingly harder while Brooke is just trying to start his life over again.
Overall, I loved this book so much and I was shipping Brooke and Jake from the beginning. The reader also gets to see the couples from the first two books but On Thin Ice is a standalone, you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one (even though I highly recommend Off the Ice and Breaking the Ice!). If you love Contemporary YA Sports Romance, this book is a must for you!
My Rating:
Cover: πππππ (I love the orange color of this cover and the couple depicting Brooke and Jake are perfect)
Summary/Tagline: ππππ ("Small town boy, meet city girl" is not a bad tagline but it doesn't tell much about the magnificent story inside or the struggles of the characters)
Characters: πππππ (Brooke and Jake are both well-developed characters with real-life struggles that they must overcome. I like Jake's struggle to make his father, his coach, his teammates, and the town proud of him while wanting to tell the truth about what really happened and the guilt and responsibility he feels. Brooke is adjusting to life in a much smaller town, her mother's depression, life with her grandmother who seems all up in her business, and her father's arrest - each in their own would be a major thing but she handles all of it so well.)
Worldbuilding: πππ It's contemporary YA romance. There isn't much worldbuilding to develop other than telling the reader that it's a small, hockey obsessed town. Like, really hockey obsessed. Not that it isn't done well, because it is. It's relatable when you live in a small town like I do.
Story: πππππ (This is not just a one-dimensional romance, or a sports romance. Yes, two characters fall in love, yes there is a sport that they both play, but it goes deeper than that. It talks about the weight of expectations, hopes, and dreams of the many being pinned on the few, how snap judgments in a small town can ostracize you whether the talk is true or not, generations of hazing within an organization (in this case a hockey team), and the influence of coaches and other adults on teenagers and how the pressure from them makes you question what is right or wrong.
Overall:
ππππ
4.4 of 5 Stars!
Brook is the new girl, the quiet girl with the messed up past and the screwed up parents, neither of which she wants to talk about. But that's okay, because she's really interested in listening lately. Meanwhile, Jake is finally a senior, top of the food chain in school and hockey. Captain is in his sights and he's hoping for a good scholarship. But with senior year comes a hockey team tradition Jake would rather forget about. When the tradition goes horribly wrong and Brooke witnesses the whole thing Jake and Brooke will form an unlikely truce that blooms into trading secrets and confiding in each other and eventually into love.
While they spend more and more time together Jake's life is imploding, his spot on the hockey team seems less important than before, and keeping quiet about things he thinks is wrong becomes increasingly harder while Brooke is just trying to start his life over again.
Overall, I loved this book so much and I was shipping Brooke and Jake from the beginning. The reader also gets to see the couples from the first two books but On Thin Ice is a standalone, you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one (even though I highly recommend Off the Ice and Breaking the Ice!). If you love Contemporary YA Sports Romance, this book is a must for you!
My Rating:
Cover: πππππ (I love the orange color of this cover and the couple depicting Brooke and Jake are perfect)
Summary/Tagline: ππππ ("Small town boy, meet city girl" is not a bad tagline but it doesn't tell much about the magnificent story inside or the struggles of the characters)
Characters: πππππ (Brooke and Jake are both well-developed characters with real-life struggles that they must overcome. I like Jake's struggle to make his father, his coach, his teammates, and the town proud of him while wanting to tell the truth about what really happened and the guilt and responsibility he feels. Brooke is adjusting to life in a much smaller town, her mother's depression, life with her grandmother who seems all up in her business, and her father's arrest - each in their own would be a major thing but she handles all of it so well.)
Worldbuilding: πππ It's contemporary YA romance. There isn't much worldbuilding to develop other than telling the reader that it's a small, hockey obsessed town. Like, really hockey obsessed. Not that it isn't done well, because it is. It's relatable when you live in a small town like I do.
Story: πππππ (This is not just a one-dimensional romance, or a sports romance. Yes, two characters fall in love, yes there is a sport that they both play, but it goes deeper than that. It talks about the weight of expectations, hopes, and dreams of the many being pinned on the few, how snap judgments in a small town can ostracize you whether the talk is true or not, generations of hazing within an organization (in this case a hockey team), and the influence of coaches and other adults on teenagers and how the pressure from them makes you question what is right or wrong.
Overall:
ππππ
4.4 of 5 Stars!
saschadarlington's review
5.0
4 1/2
If you asked me to name you a YA author who is constantly churning out quality books, hands down I would put Julie Cross at the top of that list. Between her Juniper Falls series (read my reviews for Breaking the Ice and Off the Ice) and her Eleanor Ames series (read my review for both Chasing Truth and Hiding Lies, sheβs crafted page-turning novels that make the reader think as well as provide a feel-good ending. On Thin Ice is definitely the best YA novel Iβve read so far this year.
Hockey is the most important thing in Juniper Falls. If you didnβt play hockey, itβs most likely you wouldnβt be remembered. As with everything that becomes an obsession, Juniper Falls hockey has a dark side, which is slowly revealed in On Thin Ice as Jake Hammondβs hockey career is put on ice (pun intended) and the aftermath of a hazing ritual, one that has gone on before the current players were even born comes to light.
read more: http://saschadarlington.me/2019/03/03/review-of-on-thin-ice/
If you asked me to name you a YA author who is constantly churning out quality books, hands down I would put Julie Cross at the top of that list. Between her Juniper Falls series (read my reviews for Breaking the Ice and Off the Ice) and her Eleanor Ames series (read my review for both Chasing Truth and Hiding Lies, sheβs crafted page-turning novels that make the reader think as well as provide a feel-good ending. On Thin Ice is definitely the best YA novel Iβve read so far this year.
Hockey is the most important thing in Juniper Falls. If you didnβt play hockey, itβs most likely you wouldnβt be remembered. As with everything that becomes an obsession, Juniper Falls hockey has a dark side, which is slowly revealed in On Thin Ice as Jake Hammondβs hockey career is put on ice (pun intended) and the aftermath of a hazing ritual, one that has gone on before the current players were even born comes to light.
read more: http://saschadarlington.me/2019/03/03/review-of-on-thin-ice/