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  • Break the Ice

  • A Brother's Best Friend Sports Romance (Lakeshore U)
  • By: L A Cotton
  • Narrated by: Stella Hunter, Teddy Hamilton
  • Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (10 ratings)

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Break the Ice cover art

Break the Ice

By: L A Cotton
Narrated by: Stella Hunter,Teddy Hamilton
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Summary

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author L A Cotton comes a brother's-best-friend sports romance. Lakeshore U, where hockey is religion and the players are gods. Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?

When Aurora Hart moves in with her brother and his two teammates, it’s only supposed to be a temporary fix.

Enter Noah Holden. Cocky. Heartbreaker. With enough game to have every girl on campus falling at his feet.

When Noah’s best friend asks him to look out for his sister, he doesn’t expect to find her so resistant to his charm. Or find himself so interested in his new housemate.

He’s Lakeshore U’s biggest player. She’s quirky, shy, and 100 percent not his type.

Can Noah help Rory let go of the insecurities holding her back from embracing life? Or will he be unable to break the ice around her heart?

Break the Ice is a 100,000-word stand-alone novel set in the Lakeshore U series. It deals with sensitive issues that may be triggering for some listeners. Recommended for listeners 18+.

©2023 L A Cotton (P)2023 L A Cotton

What listeners say about Break the Ice

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

4 stars

This one was so cute and it actually was my first read by L.A. Cotton. Just has a good giddy feeling seeing the off-limits relationship of Aurora and Noah unfold. It follows Lakeshore U college hockey team that Aurora's brother Austin is on in which she gets involved with Noah (Austin's teammate/roommate) hence "off-limits." Its cute Noah calls Aurora "shortcake". There were also a couple different tough subjects listed which brings the emotional aspect of the story up a notch. I just think the story resolved and ended too soon.

Narrators in duet were Stella Hunter and Teddy Hamilton and they were soooo good perfect for their characters and I really loved this duet version.

I received this audiobook at my request from Forever and Always PR and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Listener received this title free

Noah & Aurora

Noah and Aurora are so opposite to each other that their love took everyone by surprise. Noah is a player and heartbreaker, Aurora is shy and an introvert. But both have been marked by those that are supposed to love them above all.
Despite loving their love story I can’t not mention how I was not happy with some of the side characters attitudes towards their relationship… sometimes not even friends are really that invested in you or your happiness.

I’m a huge Teddy Hamilton fan but I felt this was not one of his best narrations. Not sure if it was because of the many male voices he needed to narrate but sometimes the narration was slightly off for some side characters. Stella Hunter was brilliant as usual.

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Listener received this title free

Emotive hockey romance

Break the Ice is the second standard in the Lakeshore U series by L A Cotton. It follows the story of Aurora Hart, a college freshman, and Noah Holden, her brother's player teammate and roommate. The two are thrown together when Aurora needs a place to stay after her accommodation is flooded before the semester starts.

I enjoyed this story! The book is very much driven by the characters and their developments, which made it a little light on plot. Both Aurora and Noah have series childhood trauma they're trying to deal with, but they can't resist the pull they feel towards each other. They were very cute together, and I loved the way he made her feel beautiful and desirable. Noah's initial "she's not my type" was a bit of a turn off, which was never adequately explained away for my liking. I have to say, I was furious with Connor and Ella when they had their "intervention" with Noah. I couldn't believe what kind of friends would do what they did. I understand why they would raise concerns with Noah, but they didn't give Aurora the opportunity to give her own opinion. They pushed Noah into the third act breakup, which drove me insane! Furthermore, neither of them spoke about it for ages, just hiding their involvement. I don't know that Connor ever apologised!!
I felt as though the ending was slighrly rushed. There were only two or so chapters where Aurora and Noah were working things out, Noah was dealing with his dad, and they were telling Austin about their relationship. The epilogue came as a bit of a surprise, as I felt more needed to be said.

I really related to Aurora as a character. She's a I really related to Aurora as a character. She's a plus sized FMC and her struggles with food are a familiar topic to me, and so it really hit home. It felt very familiar, and completely genuine, and I loved her for this. None of her trauma felt forced, and how she reacted was so understandable.

Noah was also a good character, if a bit nondescript. He felt like the archetype playboy hockey player. He had some serious family trauma, but this came across as under-developed. The truth was mentioned in one conversation after several allusions to issue with his dad throughout the rest of the book. Then, when he was confronted with the decision he needed to make, we didn't get to see that or live that with him, unlike Aurora.

The narration was very well done by both Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter. It is done in a full duet style, where male voices were done by TH, and female voices done by SH. I've not found many other books narrated like this and actually I really liked it. I thought their voices blended really nicely, and it gave me the opportunity to really identify the characters. I felt closer to everyone in the story because they had a single voice. Both put narrators put good emotion into the difficult passages, and it was a great listen.

Overall, a good book, and I will probably go back and listen to the first story in the series and look for more by the author!

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Listener received this title free

4.5 🌟 Hot & emotional

This was such a good book!
Noah Holden is just everything! He is talented, gorgeous, sweet & has a great sense of humor. He is also broken and flawed and I love that!
Aurora is snarky & sassy and smart, she’s beautiful- but doesn’t believe it.
I love that they both had real relatable flaws.
They both opened up.
This was fun, sweet, hot and emotional. I can’t wait for the next story!

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Listener received this title free

Phenomenal!

This has to be one of the BEST audio books I've ever had the pleasure of listening to! These narrators really brought the characters to life and I loved every second!

Noah and Aurora's story will stay with me for a long time and I'm honoured I get to relive it through this audio whenever I want to! 😍🥰

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Listener received this title free

Amazing

“Break the ice” is the first book in the “lakesure u” series.

L A Cotton has yet again written a beautiful story that I couldn’t get enough of. Whatever L A Cotton writes guaranteed she will always suck me in and have my full attention.

“Break the ice” centres around Noah and Aurora. Noah is an absolute dream he’s the gorgeous hockey god. There is so much more to this boy and he will make you melt literally. Aurora is the total opposite of Noah. Aurora has a lot of insecurities and my heart just went out to her. Aurora is probably one of the most characters I have related to the most. I understood her feelings, I understood her insecurities. “Break the ice” is a deep moving romance that you won’t want to put down. I adored Noah and Aurora as a couple they were absolutely perfect for each other, there connection was soul deep and I found myself thinking about them long after I finished.

I am so excited to continue the rest of this series and I am throughly looking forward to reading Masons story.

I cannot recommend this series enough. I highly urge you all to read this series. It is absolutely fantastic.

The narration of this story is told in duel POV. Stella Hunter and Teddy Hamilton done an outstanding job with their narration and brought this masterpiece to life.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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    2 out of 5 stars
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don't both

I couldn't listen to this book, I didn't like the narration and the story wasn't great. I didn't finish it.

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Listener received this title free

Shortcake + Hotshot = 🔥



A brand new series- Lakeshore U.
I loved the Dual Narration- having both POVs just sucks you in more.

There are sensitive topics from eating disorders, family issues/ abuse and general insecurities...
It was refreshing reading about the lead Female character who had the issues she had, Lianne did a great job portraying the topics.

The Interactions between Noah and Rory gave me all the feels.. plus there are a couple of steamy scenes.

Great Audiobook

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Noah and Rory!

I am so obsessed with this Lakeshore U series so far.
@authorlacotton does such a phenomenal job interconnecting the characters in the series. While this is a stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading Bite the Ice and Ice Burn - Mostly because hot hockey studs, duh.

I adored the relationship between Noah and Rory.
Rory had a lot of insecurities, mostly about her weight, I like how LA did not make Noah obsessed over her “curves” like most writers do with plus size FMC. Noah wanted to get to know Rory for Rory and I found that so refreshing.

Again, i am really digging this series so far and I cant wait to dig into more of these characters!

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  • tiarareadsbooks
  • 11-05-23
Listener received this title free

cute hockey romance!

we love a hockey college romance book!

okay so this is my first book by L.A. Cotton and it was so good! I did this one on audio and it made me so happy that teddy was one of the narrators. he's one of my all time favorite. i really enjoyed this story of noah and aurora. i love a good opposties attract, and especially when they are college aged. you can really go many different directions and this one hit the spot for me. i got an ALC of this and i loved being able to hear the characters. i feel like there is a different experience when listening to it. i loved how romanctic noah was. it really was a nice surprise considering he is such a playboy. i loved how they started out as housemates and then rory’s brother asked him to watch out for her. rory was such a relatable character and it was easy to fall in love with her. they shared a lot of little moments that lead to them finding love. i loved seeing the character growth and i really enjoyed seeing them navigate their own issues and helping each other by supporting one another. this was a cute and fun story to listen to! i definitely recommend if you like hockey and college aged romance!

four stars / two chili peppers

tropes:

- hockey romance
- college aged
- brother's best friend
- forced proximity
- opposites attract
- curvy fmc

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Anelise
  • 10-05-23
Listener received this title free

Absolutely loved this one!

Stella Hunter was a new narrator to me and I enjoyed her a lot in this audiobook and Teddy Hamilton is there any question if he’d nail it as the male narrator? I absolutely enjoyed the narration of this audiobook.

This was my first LA Cotton book and I’m hooked. I loved how this story played out. From the beginning when you winced every time Noah opened his mouth to the stolen moments Noah and Aurora to when they finally figured everything out.

From the beginning I wondered how this would play out. Aurora’s brother Austin had to beg his roommates to let Aurora to move in when she was in a pinch. Noah stuck his foot in his mouth more than once which made me keep wondering come on how are you going to get Aurora when you say those things. But when push came to shove and he started getting protective of her I knew it was game on.

Noah was a player on and off the ice and Aurora had a few things in her past that negatively affected her and made things like having chemistry with a hockey player who has puck bunnies hanging on him something she doesn’t think is wise. These two both had things happen in their past that they had to mentally fight through to figure out how they can be together and be happy.

One scene that solidified me being an L.A. Cotton fan was when Noah came on Aurora and wrote his name in the cum to mark her🔥 why yes being territorial is quite the way to make me a fan.

One trigger I do want to mention is disordered eating

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  • LindseyM(LinzReadz)
  • 10-05-23
Listener received this title free

Duet Narration is everything!

Duet Narration >>>>

I enjoyed listening to this story so much! Noah had the transformation I am a sucker for. He went from the hot, playboy hockey player to the swoony hero you can’t help but love. Rory has just as amazing character development with some pretty tough things she had to deal with. These sensitive topics were handled very well and in the right way for both of these characters.

Noah and Rory’s banter had me chuckling to myself while listening. Their chemistry was addicting and I loved watching them grow together and fall in love.

I have fallen in love with this whole cast of characters and I can’t wait for the next book!

The duet narration was absolutely fantastic in this story and they brought the characters to life in the perfect way!

Grateful to have received a complimentary copy to honestly review.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • probablyalovestory
  • 10-05-23
Listener received this title free

Noah + Aurora, y’all! 🤍

I heart hockey rom, y’all. throw in some angsty new adult forbidden feels and I’m a goner!

Noah and Aurora are no strangers. in fact, he’s her brother’s teammate, right winger for Lakeshore U, and completely off-limits. this wouldn’t seem like a problem since they’re polar opposite—him with his chiseled abs and playboy ways, her with her generous curves and bookish quirks. but when Aurora is forced to dorm with her brother…and Noah (!!)…tension and attraction tumble into feelings and connection that neither can deny. this one is filled with all the new adult sports rom vibes we love! but also has depth and heart with Aurora’s deep rooted struggles with body image.

it was an absolute delight to read this story with my ears! Teddy Hamilton was a d r e a m and the duet style narration was perfection! 10/10 for all the audio goodness.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Sara Reads Romance
  • 09-05-23
Listener received this title free

You’ve got to read this!

Another hockey romance is in the books! This is my first time ever reading something by this author and I had no clue what to expect but I’m already dying to read more. Noah and Aurora won a little piece of my heart. I absolutely loved the banter between these two from beginning to end. The connection and chemistry that they have was so wonderful to watch blossom. Noah is your typically playboy hockey player who’s oh so dreamy! I mean what else can we ask for?! And sweet Aurora. I found Aurora so easy to identify with. She’s unbelievably kind, funny, and has a huge loving heart. I loved watching her confidence finally break free. This book was so easy to get into and I really want to read more books in this series, like right now. This group of friends is so much fun to get to know. I had the pleasure of being able to listen to this audiobook and I LOVE being able to listen to a book on audio. For me, it makes the reading experience, somehow even better. But obviously depends on who is narrating the book. Stella Hunter and Teddy Hamilton did such a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. I’ve listened to Stella Hunter narrate another book before and I just love her voice.Teddy Hamilton will forever be a favorite of mine, his voice is unlike anyone else, and is so comforting to hear.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Rachel (Rrbookreviews)
  • 07-05-23
Listener received this title free

Building up your girl

🏒 BOOK / AUDIO REVIEW 🏒
Review: 4/5 ⭐️
Steam: 2/5 🔥
Audio: 4/5 🎧

#breaktheice is book one in the #lakeshoreuseries by @authorlacotton

Noah: Jock. Playboy. Guarded. Noah doesn’t do repeat hookups or girlfriends. Hockey will always be his main focus, other than keeping his grades up at school. When his best friend and teammates sister moves in, he’s asked to watch out for her. But the more time he spends with her, the more he likes her. Can he keep his focus on his end goal or has Aurora changed his plans of what’s important?

Aurora: Curvy. Sassy. Self conscious. Aurora has been judged by her mother as long as she can remember. She never thought she was good enough for anyone. Especially herself. When she’s finally out of her mother’s shadow she wants to start fresh, but with housing issues she has to stay with her brother, who she has a strained relationship with and his friends. She’s convinced she doesn’t belong near them. So when the hockey playboy shows her attention more than a friend, she builds walls to protect herself. Can she see herself as beautiful and in a new light from true friends building her up or is the damage to her own perception broken beyond repair?

@narratedbyteddyhamilton and @stellahunternarrator did a great job with the narration. I thought they both portrayed the characters well and it was enjoyable to listen to. The biggest game changer was duet style. It’s my favorite to listen to and makes the audio experience so much better. I love that!

Overall the book was good. I thought that Aurora was relatable in multiple aspects through the book. It’s hard being confident in yourself while hearing negatives fly at you from someone who’s supposed to love you. Noah was great with her and trying to build up her self esteem. It was exactly what they needed. I also really enjoyed the friend group. Interested to see where this goes next.

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • Meg_inlove
  • 05-05-23
Listener received this title free

Forever obsessed with Teddy Hamilton!!

Tropes: college, sports, brother's friend/teammate, popular guy/shy girl, playboy, forced proximity

Break the Ice follows Aurora Hart a college freshmen who moves in with her brother and his hockey teammates. Noah Holden is Lakeshore U's biggest player and Rory is the shy girl who is not his type and resistant to his charm. They get off on the wrong foot and can't help but push each other's buttons. But when his best friend asks Noah to look after his sister, they form an unlikely friendship.

This was a fun college sports romance. It's a tale as old as time. Playboy athlete and the shy book worm. Cliche as it may be, it is definitely fun to read about. I love the tension we get when there's forced proximity and sneaking around which we got in this book. Rory's brother makes it very clear that she is off-limits but Noah can't help his draw to her. This was a quick and fun read and Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter knocked the audio out of the park!

TW: eating disorder

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Reading_Junkie28
  • 05-05-23
Listener received this title free

Loved it!

This book had me hooked from start to finish! Noah Holden is the guy every girl on campus wants. No one can resist him until Aurora. Rory isn’t like any other girl. She’s smart, quiet, and has insecurities she hides. When she moves in with her brother and his friends she definitely wasn’t prepared for the new lifestyle it would bring. Noah and Rory bring it all!!! The angst had me on the edge of my seat! Their chemistry together was igniting! I loved watching Noah break down Rory’s walls. I can’t wait for the next book!

The duel narration really brought this story to life! Stella and Teddy played the PERFECT Rory and Noah. They really gave me all the feels!!!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • m.boyea
  • 02-05-23
Listener received this title free

Great way to portray real life

This was such a great book! I loved the realistic way that ED’s were portrayed as well as the damage that one’s childhood can have.

I loved the growth between Aurora and Noah. The way that they had to learn to trust each other and let go of their own insecurities was very true to real-life. I felt like this book was one of the more realistic ones that I have read! Also, who doesn’t love a bibliophile, especially a romance bibliophile, as the MC!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Courtney O.
  • 30-04-23
Listener received this title free

loved it!

I really enjoyed this and the fact that Teddy Hamilton was one of the narrators just made it that much better. The characters, especially the FMC Aurora, were so loveable. Noah's character development was great and his persistence with Aurora was swoon-worthy. I'm really excited for the next book in this series to come out!