Forbidden Ice: A Frothy Mix of Romance and Suspense
Sometimes, a book just calls to you.
Cynthia Eden has this undeniable pull, especially for those of us who’ve enjoyed her previous works. I’ve dabbled in countless titles, and while my heart still beats for Jinx, You’re It from the Trouble for Hire series, I found myself intrigued by Forbidden Ice, the thirteenth installment in her Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance series. With its promise of heart-pounding action and tantalizing romance, I had to dive in.
This story revolves around Jake—Eb’s identical twin and Marley’s brother—and Wren, the girl who’s always held his heart. However, Jake’s chance to claim Wren comes with a twist of fate. When danger unexpectedly knocks at Wren’s door, Jake steps onto the scene just in time to save her. There’s an electrifying rush as he decides it’s finally time to fight for her affection, even if it means stepping on familial toes. The action doesn’t just begin; it escalates, and from that moment on, the journey unfolds with all the suspense and intensity fans of Eden have come to expect.
The romance between Jake and Wren shines with a passionate glow. I adored their dynamic—Jake is fiercely protective, and his obsession is refreshingly endearing. Wren, on the other hand, isn’t your typical wallflower. She’s layered, confident, and knows her worth, which elevates her character beyond mere romantic interest. However, a point of contention for me was the ambiguity of Wren’s past involvement with Eb. It felt contrived to inject angst, yet it left me a bit puzzled and asking, “Why did you kiss his brother, Wren?” This inconsistency occasionally jarred my immersion in the story.
Then comes the age-old trope of the “one-night stand” contrasted with Wren’s vow of purity for Jake. Can we retire that cliché, please? Why can’t both characters save themselves for one another? It felt like a missed opportunity for deeper character development, as these dynamics can offer so much more than they often do.
Eden’s writing style remains engaging, though I noticed the pacing could be uneven at times. The action and suspense are riveting, with some unexpected twists that kept me on my toes. I did have a slight disappointment concerning the ‘spicy’ scenes—they felt a bit less refined than in her earlier works. Nonetheless, memorable moments like Jake’s fierce determination to protect Wren echoed long after I turned the last page.
As a long-time fan, Forbidden Ice resonates with familiar rhythms: the action, the passion, and the exhilarating romance we love from Eden. Although some elements felt overly formulaic, her knack for storytelling means there’s still plenty to savor.
If you appreciate a love story with high stakes and dynamic characters, you’ll find enjoyment in Forbidden Ice. While it may not reinvent the wheel for Eden’s oeuvre, it certainly sweetens the overall experience for readers who thrive on romantic tension and suspense. For me, it’s a reminder of why I keep coming back—Eden knows how to weave a captivating tale, and despite a few flaws, I’m looking forward to what she delivers next!
Discover more about Forbidden Ice (Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance, #13) on GoodReads >>