Review of Forbidden Ice (Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance, #13) by Cynthia Eden
When I saw that Cynthia Eden had released another book in her Ice Breakers series, I felt an irresistible pull to dive right in. I’ve read a lot of her work and enjoyed most—especially Jinx, You’re It from the Trouble for Hire series, which remains a personal favorite. However, I’ve recently noticed a trend in Eden’s storytelling that is hard to overlook, and it did creep into my reading of Forbidden Ice. Still, the story of Jake and Wren was enough to keep me glued to the pages, wondering how it would all unfold.
At the heart of Forbidden Ice is a classic romance with a twist of suspense. Jake, previously introduced as Eb’s identical twin, has been in love with Wren since their teenage years. However, a misunderstanding about her relationship with his brother kept him at bay. When Wren finds herself in danger, a desperate call from Eb sends Jake rushing to protect the woman he’s always cared for. Here lies the compelling start to their story: fueled by desire and packed with action, it’s clear Jake is determined to claim Wren, regardless of his brother’s past connection.
I enjoyed both Jake and Wren, but I couldn’t shake the nagging ambiguity surrounding Wren’s relationship with Eb. It felt like a device to create unnecessary angst, and despite Eb’s clarifications about his feelings being platonic, the earlier romantic tension was a little off-putting. I found myself questioning the logic of Wren’s past kiss with Eb while she was supposedly waiting for Jake. Similarly, the trope of Jake having one-night stands while Wren was on a “waiting game” for him felt tired—why should she be the one to conform to an ideal when he was out exploring?
However, there are many aspects of the story that I genuinely appreciated. Jake’s obsessive love and protectiveness for Wren were highlighted beautifully, aligning with my preference for an alpha male who is deeply in love. Wren’s strength and independence set her apart from the usual trope of a female lead who merely seeks validation from a man. Her inner conflict, even when it led to constant stuttering of the word "f-father," showcased a relatable, multifaceted character.
The action and suspense did not disappoint, with twists that kept me guessing. However, I noted that the romantic scenes lacked the same polished flair present in Eden’s previous work. Still, the blend of tension and romance created an engaging story, even if certain elements felt a little familiar.
Cynthia Eden’s Forbidden Ice has enough thrilling action and heartfelt moments to keep readers engaged, despite some formulaic undertones. This book will likely resonate with fans who appreciate strong alphas and independent heroines, and it holds significant appeal for those invested in the Ice Breakers series. For me, it was a solid read, reminding me why I continue to enjoy Eden’s stories, even as I hope for a chance that her next adventure will surprise me in new ways. If you’re ready for a thrilling ride filled with romance and redemption, Forbidden Ice may just be the perfect escape.
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