A review by bookishlychar
Center Ice by Julia Connors

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

In college Audry tutored Graham in calculus. They spent one night together, and he left the next day. Now, six years later, Graham is playing hockey back in his hometown and has come face to face with Audrey and a five-year-old little boy who looks exactly like him. Audrey doesn't want Graham involved with their son's life unless he can commit to being a parent. While Audrey and Graham start to navigate how he fits into her and her son's life, they start to have feelings for each other. The only question is can Graham have hockey and his responsibilities?  

I'm not generally a fan of the secret or hidden pregnancy tropes, but it worked in this story. I loved watching Graham fall in love with both his child and Audrey, it hit me right in the feels. It was interesting to watch how he tried to figure out how to manage all the different aspects of his life. I felt for Audrey. She wanted to let Graham in but has been disappointed so many times in her life that she doesn't want to bring that on her son too. 

What I loved most about the book was the family dynamics in it. Both Audrey and Graham come from involved families and I loved how supportive they were of each of them. 

This was my first Julia Connors book, but it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the start of this series and the chemistry and dynamics between both characters. 

read if you like: second chance, secret pregnancy, single mom, he falls first