Meet Samantha Smith: 24 years old, still a virgin (scared off men permanently since `the nipple ring incident') and a complete workaholic. She's full of issues, has hysterical bouts of laughter during panic attacks and lives for her work; but when her beloved Civic Hall is in danger of closing down and threatening to pull her from her comfort zone completely, she must face up to her fears and try and save the building. Aided by sexy ice skating pro Jimmy, a man full of issues of his own, does she have any chance of saving the hall?

I thought I didn't have much to lose by giving it a try and sure enough, it was a good way to pass the time. At first I thought Samantha's numerous issues would annoy me, and her older sister Cleo seemed like a bit of a cow too. As far as two sister's go, they really couldn't be more different and the contrast between them made for some humerous exchanges in the story. The novel certainly had both its funny and sad bits, but I really felt for Samantha by the end as it became clear how anxious and nervy she was- her spending her lunch hours alone and not having much of a life got to me, as well as her confiding her feelings to a stray cat- bless her. She was a bit of a different protagonist in that she wasn't some gorgeous size 6 blonde with a perfect life- just a normal girl, which made this story a bit of a fairytale over all.

The chemistry between her and pro-skater Jimmy was nice and believable- particularly as they start off as friends and he tolerates her many quirks and is patient with her- even with her constant rambling. He's a bit too perfect perhaps, but very nice all the same. I don't think I've read a novel about ice-skating before but it added a new dimension to the story too- though its clearly playing off the whole `Dancing On Ice' thing at the moment, which I'm not a fan off.

Secondary characters were developed well and the plot moved at a quick enough pace to hold my attention. Overall, I have read stronger chicklit, but this was a nice way to pass a few hours. Good escapism and a nice, believable romance with likeable leads.

*This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk* ( )

You can also read my review here: http://bookbybookreview.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-breaking-ice.html

Combine a story about an everyday girl, a 'has-been' gold medal skater and a wonky-eyed cat, and you have the perfect setting to a wonderful romantic story.

Mandy Baggot brings a breath of fresh air when she introduces Samantha Smith, as the main character in Breaking the Ice. Samantha isn't your typical run-of-the-mill girl with blonde hair, blue eyes and big boobs. She is so average that you probably wouldn't notice her if you were trying. It is so uncharacteristic of main characters these days that I was overjoyed. She is the perfect role model for anyone suffering the slightest bit of low self-esteem. If Samantha can do it, anyone can do it!!

Being a big fan of ice skating, it was really fun to have that in the background of the story. Jimmy Lloyd, being that dreamy athlete with all the baggage of a 'superstar' and all the looks of a god, is so nice that it seems almost unbelievable, but then again... that is the stuff dreams are made of, right?

The storyline of Breaking the Ice was very well crafted. While you felt you knew how the story was going to end, little bits and pieces would pop up and surprise you, taking you off track and making you guess if the ending really would be as you imagined.

Overall, this is a true fairy tale story with enough drama to keep you turning the pages. An awesome introduction to the writing of Mandy Baggot. I will definitely be picking up another book soon!! ( )