Book Review: Forbidden Ice (Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance, #13) by Cynthia Eden
As a longtime fan of Cynthia Eden’s writing, I was both excited and apprehensive to dive into Forbidden Ice. Eden has a knack for crafting taut romantic suspense, and while I have adored many of her works—Jinx, You’re It from the Trouble for Hire series remains a personal favorite—her recent offerings have sparked a flicker of sameness that made me wonder if I might be stepping into familiar territory again. Nonetheless, the intriguing premise of Jake and Wren’s story drew me in, as did the promise of heat, intrigue, and a bittersweet twist on love.
The story centers around Jacob (Jake) and Wren, whose complicated history had my brain buzzing from the start. Jake, Eb’s identical twin and Marley’s brother—a character we’ve previously met in the series—has secretly loved Wren since their teenage years. Their connection is reignited when a cryptic message from Eb urges Jake to protect Wren from imminent danger. The immediacy of the threat propels Jake into a fierce desire to stake his claim, which launches them into a high-stakes journey filled with drama and action.
While the action was engaging, I found myself wrestling with some of the character dynamics, particularly the ambiguous feelings Wren carries towards Eb. I sensed the author aimed for added angst, but it left me feeling unsettled. Eb’s declarations of love, even if platonic, felt forced against the backdrop of a romantic entanglement with Jake. If Wren was always meant to be with Jake, why the kiss with Eb during their youth? It didn’t quite gel for me. These inconsistencies drew me out of the story when I wanted to be immersed.
Moreover, Jake’s wandering heart while Wren remains steadfast in her affections introduced a frustrating trope that felt rather played out. Why must one character be depicted as morally superior while the other indulges in fleeting romances? Such cliches pull me out of the narrative, even if Jake’s fierce devotion to Wren was electrifying. His protectiveness and obsession added depth and tension that kept me turning pages.
Wren stood out for her strength; she wasn’t your typical heroine needing rescue. With a solid backbone and clear understanding of her worth, she balanced Jake’s alpha disposition beautifully. However, her recurring stutter of “f-father” became a touch grating, momentarily distracting from her otherwise engaging character.
Eden’s writing retains that classic blend of tension and romance I’ve come to expect, but I found the spice missing some of the flair present in her earlier works—albeit tempered by heart-pounding twists that rekindled my interest. While the structure may feel formulaic, the charm of Eden’s storytelling still lingers, reminding me of just why I admire her work.
In summary, Forbidden Ice will resonate with readers who appreciate romantic suspense laced with action and alpha males, along with strong female leads. While it may not break any new ground, it delivers the engaging suspense and passion that fans of Eden have come to love. Personally, I walked away pondering the nuances of heart and choice, ever eager for what Eden has in store next. If you’re in the mood for familiar yet exciting territory, this book might be a good pick for you!
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