Sandy M’s review of Icebreaker (New York Blades, Book 10) by Deirdre Martin
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 1 Feb 11
What an absolutely terrific read this is. Though the hero has the serious business of a brutality lawsuit pending against him, Deirdre Martin has given readers some fun, a lot of romance, and characters you can’t help but love. Especially the hero and heroine, who have to come to grips with all the changes their relationship will bring about.
Sinead O’ Brien is a workaholic. She has to be to make it in the male-dominated law business and firm where she’s the only female partner. Once she agrees to take on Adam Perry’s case and she gets to know him more, she discovers he’s just as job oriented as she. I enjoy so much how these two related, starting with her figuring he’s a bonehead since he’s not all that talkative. Adam is working his butt off to whip the Blades into shape to skate the Cup, something he’s never done in his long hockey career. So he does his job, keeps the players in line, but now there’s a certain attorney who’s on his mind more often than not.
There is attraction between them after a few in-office meetings, but neither act on that immediately. It grows each time they meet to talk about the case and eventually they take those meetings outside the law firm for a little fun after hours, despite Sinead’s guilt when she goes against the grain of her ethics about dating clients. They begin to loosen up with each other as they’ve never done before. I also like the way Sinead has to learn about Adam’s life, since he won’t give her much to work with for a jury, because he’s such a private person. What she learns from his family and friends in Canada only makes her heart more open to the man. And I fell more for him too learning about his generosity for his family and community and his guilt over something most friendships would never survive.
The legal aspects of the story work for me, of course, because of my former court reporting background, and I’m happy to say Ms. Martin did her homework and her scenes are right on; whereas the hockey scenes also work for me, but I have to take those on faith since I know very little about the game. But she makes it interesting and fun for a novice. I love the way Adam takes care of a cocky, self-absorbed player who doesn’t take the game seriously, and fans of the series will be happy to see some of their favorite players again. I also really like the family scenes in the book, though those embarrass Sinead when her plain-spoken mother grills Adam at a family dinner, and Adam himself is a little embarrassed after Sinead talks to his family. All of that, however, sheds light on how they’ve become the people they are, making them all the more charming to read about.
Once Adam and Sinead work things out – mostly his not understanding why she won’t stand up for herself at the firm, despite her trying to explain it’s different for her being a woman in a man’s world and having to work twice as hard to get where she is – I have to say that I like the way Ms. Martin solves their immediate issues. I think it works perfectly for this high-powered couple to settle down and begin really living. They’re a joy to read.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Good thing high-powered attorney Sinead O’Brien has a rule about never dating clients. Because Adam Perry, the newest star of the New York Blades—and her newest client—has her headed for the penalty box. If only she could prove he’s just another jock…
Adam’s been charged with assault after a borderline hit on another star player, but off the ice he’s a private, no-nonsense guy who knows the Blades are his last shot at Stanley Cup glory. Assembling her case, Sinead tries not to get distracted by Adam’s dazzling good looks or strong work ethic, but she quickly discovers that there’s a wounded man under that jersey, and she’s starting to fall for him—hard.
Now Adam’s having trouble focusing on the goal with Sinead in his sights. And Sinead is tempted to break her “no dating clients” rule. Can they play on their newfound feelings without penalties?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
