Book Review: Center Ice (Boston Rebels, #1) by Julia Connors
There’s something inherently thrilling about diving into a new book that promises to expand on beloved characters from a previous series. That’s the feeling I had while picking up Center Ice, the inaugural book in Julia Connors’ Boston Rebels series. Having been captivated by her Frozen Heart series, particularly On the Line, I was eager to see what adventures awaited Jameson Flynn’s family and friends—and more specifically, how Audrey and Drew’s story would unfold. If you haven’t read On the Line yet, do yourself a favor and hit pause on this review. The context from that story adds vital layers to Center Ice, enriching your understanding of events that unfold in this new series.
That being said, Center Ice introduces us to Audrey, a single mother raising her five-year-old son, Graham. As intriguing as her journey is, I found the narrative didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations I carried in. The chemistry between Audrey and Drew—who returns to Boston under significantly complicated circumstances—had me hooked, but I found myself grappling with some plot discrepancies and pacing issues.
Let’s dig into the characters. Audrey is a fierce, resourceful businesswoman who has nurtured her family through many hardships. The relationship dynamics with her half-brother Jameson, a retired hockey player turned sports agent, lend a delightful familial warmth that is both compelling and realistic. Then there’s Drew—someone whose early life choices have a lasting impact on Audrey and Graham. While the tension between him and Audrey sizzled beautifully, I couldn’t shake the feeling that their reunion was rushed. Six years of silence abruptly transitions into declarations of love and a desire for a family, which left me questioning the depth of their connection as adults.
The pacing felt off, especially when in a matter of days, Drew goes from oblivious to suddenly wanting everything with Audrey. What happened to the slow burn? I craved flashbacks or even dialogue that could pull me deeper into their shared history and make their swift decisions more plausible. Not to mention, Drew’s character arc suffers from his absence and lack of communication—what seemed like immature behavior on his part made it hard to root for him, even when he began to redeem himself.
One bright spot was the character of Graham—who, while wise beyond his years, struck me as being perhaps too nonchalant about his newly discovered paternity. Where are the questions, the turmoil, or even the joy? My experiences as a parent led me to believe that a five-year-old would have a flurry of queries about such a revelation. Yet Graham seems to roll with it, leaving a slight gap in the emotional reality I was hoping to explore.
Connors’ writing remains engaging, with glimpses of humor peppered throughout. I found myself laughing out loud at Audrey’s determined spirit and the delightful banter between characters. There are moments of genuine warmth and camaraderie that made me smile, especially as Jameson and Lauren continue to serve as anchors between the two series.
In conclusion, while Center Ice offers an enjoyable read for fans of the Frozen Heart series, it left me craving more depth and nuance. If you cherish stories about family, love, and unexpected reunions—or if you’re a fan of the Boston Rebels already—this book is worth picking up. You might not find perfect resolutions to the questions it raises, but the foundation built here gives promise for the forthcoming installments. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book, hoping to delve into Jules Flynn’s story next, and just maybe see more of Morgans’ unfolding narrative, too!
Happy reading, everyone!
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