I'm a big fan of stories about girls playing traditionally male sports. Julie's Juniper Falls series are excellent examples of these. Like the others in the series, the kids in this one are real and relatable, have sparks growing between them and follow an interesting and satisfying story line. ( )

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Title: On Thin Ice
Author(s): Julie Cross
Character(s):
― Brooklynn “Brooke” Parker: 16 years old, Blonde, Brown Eyed
― Jake Hammond: Blonde, Blue Eyed
Setting: Juniper Falls, Minnesota
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: ―
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: ―
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
The blurb definitely brought me into this story and overall I can say it was a pleasant read. Please note that this series does fall into the Teen/Young Adult category, so if you're not into that genres then obviously this isn't for you (or me for that matter). “On Thin Ice” by the author Julie Cross touch based on realistic issues and it became easy to relate to at least one character and the premise of the story was intriguing enough to keep me holding on for a bit. Unfortunately this series falls into a genre I'm not particularly a fan of which cause me to dropped this series with the potential of picking this back up in the future.

( )

Just to be clear, my rating has almost nothing to do with Jake and Brooke's romantic journey. They were inoffensive enough, I suppose, but didn't possess much by way of personalities, let alone swoonworthy romantic chemistry. They were, however, effective at pushing the plot toward a highly satisfying exposure of the town's toxic hockey culture.

This culture is in evidence in the rest of the series, but as it provided a convenient source of conflict in both those books, I was never quite sure if I was supposed to find it problematic and want it to stop or just let it exist in the world of the books as a Plot Thing. Like you do.

But this book...well. Clearly, I am supposed to find it problematic (yay!) and cheer loudly (in my head) as almost the entire hockey team exposes what their town's drive to win at any cost has actually cost them. (Jake's speech is particularly rousing.) That is what earns my enjoyment of this book, though it arrives a little late in the game (pun totally intended) to compensate for the less-than-engaging romance. ( )

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is a voluntary review; all opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

This was the Juniper Falls story I was waiting for the most and it did not disappoint!

I love how all the themes from the last two novels accumulated into this one and got brought to the forefront. The whole hazing plotline was fascinating and realistically on point with things happening in society right now. Sports are great for many reasons but they can become toxic when priorities shift for those with authority and I love that this book explores that.

Jake has come a long way from the first time we met him and I loved his evolution in this story. He's the perfect vessel to highlight the dramatic plotline. He's a boy who has been taught and treated a certain way all his life and he starts to question it when his own morals and ethics start to bubble up.

Brooke is a great counterpart to that but she's also got her own solid character story. I would have liked her story to have been a little more elaborated on because it to had an important message but I was more than satisfied with what we go.

I'm sad to say goodbye to this series but this book was the game-winning goal to this fabulous hat trick of a YA sports series.

(But I totally wouldn't be upset if Rosie ever got her own book!)

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2lB
Actual Rating: 5/5 ( )

Julie Cross scores a hat trick with the third book in the Juniper Falls series, ON THIN ICE. Hockey captain, Jake Hammond, is tasked with helping coach the new girl’s hockey team after being injured during a hazing ritual. He discovers that there is more to life then hockey as he gets to know the new girl, Brooke Parker. This story is suitable for young adults. It takes place in Juniper Falls, Minnesota.

I liked Brooke. She has had to deal with a difficult home life situation that caused her to relocate from Austin, Texas to Juniper Falls to live with her grandma. She decides to try out for the new girl’s hockey team to fit in and make friends. I love Jake. He is brave and has great values. I appreciated that he owns up to his mistakes and takes a stand to do what is right. I like how Brooke and Jake get to know each other. They come into each other’s lives at a point where they really need each other to help them deal with their situations. To outsiders, they might seem like a strange couple, but they help save each other (literarily and figuratively).

Julie Cross does an amazing job with this novel. The name of the book is very clever. The plot was skillfully executed. The topic of hazing is relevant and important. ON THIN ICE is a story of courage and doing what is right. The novel had a perfect ending. I love how characters from the previous books (like Mike Steller) were tied to the outcome of this novel. This has become my favorite book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ( )