I Let a Stranger Pick My Smut. Here's What Happened. (So far...)

My first blind date with a book: Icebound. A hockey romance. New genre unlocked.

Okay so. I did it. I finally did the blind date with a book thing, and I'm not sure how I feel about my date yet, but I'm definitely not leaving early.

The book is Icebound. Hockey romance. Spicy. And by spicy, I mean you can open to almost any random page and blush.

I'm only a couple of chapters deep, and I genuinely cannot figure out if I love this book or if it's sending me into a spiral. Here's the thing about the main male character ... he reads like he was written by a woman. And I don't mean that as a criticism, I think? I genuinely cannot tell. He's this hot hockey guy who is also just... extremely aware of how hot he is.?

"If I wanted a one-night stand, I'd have one. My DMs are full of offers."

Sir. That is not something a good man has ever said out loud in the history of good decent men. He also points out his expensive shoes and his Rolex, tells us he wants a real relationship and is so much more than his amazing body, and has an obsession with bubble baths.? (Maybe this matters later in the book?)

I am so confused. Is he aspirational? Is he satirical? He's arrogant in a way that is absolutely annoying, but I keep reading, so clearly something is working.

& The spice 🌶🔥 is there. So obviously I'm not going anywhere.

I'll report back when I've finished it and had time to properly process my feelings. Currently sitting at a solid "I don't hate it, but I can't explain it. Am I reading Tumblr fanfic?" ... which honestly might not be a bad thing.

Verdict so far: Confused but invested. Will not be DNF-ing.