What do you think?
Rate this book
The Callistar Series
Thin Ice: The Callistar 1.5
“Should I tell you to be careful now, Hela, that things are hot in the kitchen?”
Every crew member on a small ship has to be carefully selected. Personalities clashing against one another, arguments erupting, every bit spells trouble in the depths of space. But what happens when you have the opposite?
Rick is the ships security officer, a heart of gold covered by a gruff exterior, he hides his true feelings burying them from the world. He’s meant to protect, to plan, to always be two steps ahead. So why can’t he execute this one, it’s simple, stay away from the galley.
Hela is the ships quartermaster. She orders supplies, keeps track of their stock, and also works the kitchen. Coming from a farming planet its second nature to know how to grow and then turn it into a dish. So why is it so hard to nurture a relationship with a man who needs the sun?
Every crew member on a small ship has to be carefully selected. Personalities clashing against one another, arguments erupting, every bit spells trouble in the depths of space. But what happens when you have the opposite?
Rick is the ships security officer, a heart of gold covered by a gruff exterior, he hides his true feelings burying them from the world. He’s meant to protect, to plan, to always be two steps ahead. So why can’t he execute this one, it’s simple, stay away from the galley.
Hela is the ships quartermaster. She orders supplies, keeps track of their stock, and also works the kitchen. Coming from a farming planet its second nature to know how to grow and then turn it into a dish. So why is it so hard to nurture a relationship with a man who needs the sun?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
B. Williams
7 books55 followersB. Williams is an American author that writes in several genres. The most prominent are urban fantasy and science fiction.
She prefers to settle in on a rainy day with an open keyboard and some music for noise as she types out her stories. Each one meant to be a world that one can step into and feel the characters and relate to their emotional journey.
When she's not writing, she spends time with her little family and reads to further her own abilities.
She prefers to settle in on a rainy day with an open keyboard and some music for noise as she types out her stories. Each one meant to be a world that one can step into and feel the characters and relate to their emotional journey.
When she's not writing, she spends time with her little family and reads to further her own abilities.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 17, 2024
This is a super sweet novella with a grumpy/ sunshine couple. It's a romance set in space as a standalone in the series.
Where the series really shone for me was the female main character. Hela was absolutely adorable and I wish she could be my buddy in real life. Rick was a great complement for her and seeing them come together was adorable.
Where the series really shone for me was the female main character. Hela was absolutely adorable and I wish she could be my buddy in real life. Rick was a great complement for her and seeing them come together was adorable.
October 17, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
If you are a sci-fi or romance reader, this is an amazing book to add to your tbr pile!
After reading book one, The Retrofit, I was ready for the slow burn romance of Thin Ice. Learning more about Rick and Hela and getting to see their romance *slowly* blossom had me kicking my feet while also crying. You don’t get into the drama of the characters like you do in other books, BUT you do get to see self-growth and learning to let others in and accepting help from those you love. The author did an amazing job talking about the struggles that people face in the real world, and bringing them to life in a different way.
If you loved The Retrofit, you will love this novella that brings us the connection between Rick and Hela.
Favorite Quote: He’d spoken about not being any good but to her he was a man who would go to the ends of the universe to protect those he loved.
Please!!! Before starting, read the trigger warnings at the start of the book. While none of this is happening in real life, some might still find the topics discussed in Thin Ice triggering.
This was an arc read for me, so I did receive an early e-copy of this book for free. My thoughts and review are 100% my own and are in no way swayed by the author.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
If you are a sci-fi or romance reader, this is an amazing book to add to your tbr pile!
After reading book one, The Retrofit, I was ready for the slow burn romance of Thin Ice. Learning more about Rick and Hela and getting to see their romance *slowly* blossom had me kicking my feet while also crying. You don’t get into the drama of the characters like you do in other books, BUT you do get to see self-growth and learning to let others in and accepting help from those you love. The author did an amazing job talking about the struggles that people face in the real world, and bringing them to life in a different way.
If you loved The Retrofit, you will love this novella that brings us the connection between Rick and Hela.
Favorite Quote: He’d spoken about not being any good but to her he was a man who would go to the ends of the universe to protect those he loved.
Please!!! Before starting, read the trigger warnings at the start of the book. While none of this is happening in real life, some might still find the topics discussed in Thin Ice triggering.
This was an arc read for me, so I did receive an early e-copy of this book for free. My thoughts and review are 100% my own and are in no way swayed by the author.
November 20, 2024
I loved Thin Ice so much! The book is about Rick and Hela and their lovely love story. I enjoyed this delicate and sweet friends-to-lovers story. The world building was wonderful and impressive. Rick and Hela's love story is touching. They are wonderful and complex characters, with histories they are trying to deal with to make their lives better together. The story is captivating and heartwarming. It is a gem of a book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2025
When I finished the Retrofit I really wanted to be able to learn more about the Callistar and the crew members. This book was exactly that. It was extremely helpful to see that there were crew files available to help you learn more about everyone on the ship. I loved learning about Rick and Hela and their yearning for one another. But do not be mistaken, this is a spicy novella 🌶️ and the spice is just right! 🤭 This cozy sci-fi gem is perfect for those that love character building, found family, yummy descriptions of food 🤤, spice 🌶️, and a low stress good time. I can’t wait for book 2!
October 12, 2024
4.5⭐️ I absolutely loved Rick and Helas story and getting to know more of the crew! I can’t wait to see where the story goes!!
March 6, 2025
I loved Rick. Definitely a fan. This book was well written and 🌶️🌶️
June 7, 2025
This was a brilliant read. I love the characters from the first book but Rick's story had me holding my breath on more than one occasion. I can't wait to see where the next book takes these unique characters.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
October 30, 2024
Thank you to the authors and their team for sending me and advanced copy.
I liked the retrofit. A lot. if you can't tell, I tend to enjoy character-focused plots and that's what the retrofit was. A well-written, cozy book, with well-rounded characters, and an interesting premise.
Thin ice had all but in novella form.
There's this weird feeling of familiarity I have now with these characters living in the Callistar, but that wasn't always the case. I have to admit, that towards the end of the Retrofit, I found their arrival kind of invasive and chaotic.
At the time, Kira was dealing with too much stuff, and Quinn's pov was conflicted about these other characters who were just, basically, invading his space since he's socially awkward. - he was feeling attacked, and I was feeling attacked for him - And so getting used to all of them by the end of the Retrofit wasn't easy, but I think Thin Ice breaks down everything more nicely.
I have to appreciate its pace because I felt this time I had the opportunity to get properly introduced to some of these other characters who make the Callistar more than a ship, they make it a home.
I think all characters, and yes, I'm including some secondary ones, have been well-written so far. I thought I would fall in love with Rick because, I mean, he's handsome! But I ended up falling in love with Hela.
I think it was easier for me to connect with her because she's like the epitome of hospitality and hard-work. As in manual labor. She's very sweet and loves to take care of people but she also makes others respect her boundaries. Like who wouldn't connect with someone like her? She's officially an anti miscommunication queen, always wanting to talk about issues and volunteering to find a solution.
I have to mention the use of details within this book because I think these were interesting. This time, we're seeing things through the eyes of Hela and Rick. And, so, we're getting more information about food and certain training techniques within this world, respectively. How social classes are affected, or might be affected by these, and how everything plays a role that ultimately benefits and impacts certain groups more than others. I think these smalls details add so much to the story in general. It expands world-building and helps with immersion.
Romance was open door explicit. I think the longing between these two character was handled beautifully, beautifully meant my right eye twitched every time something was about to happen and then didn't. So, yes, this was a whole journey romantically speaking between these two characters but at the same time it was so much more than that, and that's one of the reasons I love these series. There's time for romance, but within that romance something interesting always happens. These authors know how to throw a curveball.
So now the big question, can you read this one without reading the previous one? If you want a somewhat simple -not really-, cozy, sweet romance with grumpy/sunshine elements, you can totally go ahead and read it. However, I feel like you will be missing important context pertaining to our main male character and his past. Plus, other stuff I can't even mention. So you could, but why would you? When you have the Retrofit just right there waiting to be read.
4.5 stars Thin ice was a nice addition to the Callistar series. You get to know several characters in depth and you get more time to familiarize yourself with the big drama house that is the Callistar.
I liked the retrofit. A lot. if you can't tell, I tend to enjoy character-focused plots and that's what the retrofit was. A well-written, cozy book, with well-rounded characters, and an interesting premise.
Thin ice had all but in novella form.
There's this weird feeling of familiarity I have now with these characters living in the Callistar, but that wasn't always the case. I have to admit, that towards the end of the Retrofit, I found their arrival kind of invasive and chaotic.
At the time, Kira was dealing with too much stuff, and Quinn's pov was conflicted about these other characters who were just, basically, invading his space since he's socially awkward. - he was feeling attacked, and I was feeling attacked for him - And so getting used to all of them by the end of the Retrofit wasn't easy, but I think Thin Ice breaks down everything more nicely.
I have to appreciate its pace because I felt this time I had the opportunity to get properly introduced to some of these other characters who make the Callistar more than a ship, they make it a home.
I think all characters, and yes, I'm including some secondary ones, have been well-written so far. I thought I would fall in love with Rick because, I mean, he's handsome! But I ended up falling in love with Hela.
I think it was easier for me to connect with her because she's like the epitome of hospitality and hard-work. As in manual labor. She's very sweet and loves to take care of people but she also makes others respect her boundaries. Like who wouldn't connect with someone like her? She's officially an anti miscommunication queen, always wanting to talk about issues and volunteering to find a solution.
I have to mention the use of details within this book because I think these were interesting. This time, we're seeing things through the eyes of Hela and Rick. And, so, we're getting more information about food and certain training techniques within this world, respectively. How social classes are affected, or might be affected by these, and how everything plays a role that ultimately benefits and impacts certain groups more than others. I think these smalls details add so much to the story in general. It expands world-building and helps with immersion.
Romance was open door explicit. I think the longing between these two character was handled beautifully, beautifully meant my right eye twitched every time something was about to happen and then didn't. So, yes, this was a whole journey romantically speaking between these two characters but at the same time it was so much more than that, and that's one of the reasons I love these series. There's time for romance, but within that romance something interesting always happens. These authors know how to throw a curveball.
So now the big question, can you read this one without reading the previous one? If you want a somewhat simple -not really-, cozy, sweet romance with grumpy/sunshine elements, you can totally go ahead and read it. However, I feel like you will be missing important context pertaining to our main male character and his past. Plus, other stuff I can't even mention. So you could, but why would you? When you have the Retrofit just right there waiting to be read.
4.5 stars Thin ice was a nice addition to the Callistar series. You get to know several characters in depth and you get more time to familiarize yourself with the big drama house that is the Callistar.
July 20, 2025
I am so in love the with crew of the Callistar. They all have very different personalities and yet they are a family. They will fiercely protect each other, especially Rick, the ship’s security officer and Kiera, the Captain. Kira and Rick have a history together, the kind that comes from sometimes doing things you aren’t proud of for a man who had saved both of them, Toke. The two of them can have a whole conversation without talking, knowing exactly what isn’t being said out loud.
Now, this can be read as a standalone, but the buildup, the romantic tension, basically the whole crew wondering when Rick was going to get his head out of his butt and get together with Hela, makes this novella all the more satisfying.
Just know if you are a fan of the first book, this book will have you shouting “Yes!!!”, “Go on now…” and sighing at how pure and in the moment Hela is. Especially with Rick.
I would like to thank the authors and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily shared. As always, I wish you happy reading!
Now, this can be read as a standalone, but the buildup, the romantic tension, basically the whole crew wondering when Rick was going to get his head out of his butt and get together with Hela, makes this novella all the more satisfying.
Just know if you are a fan of the first book, this book will have you shouting “Yes!!!”, “Go on now…” and sighing at how pure and in the moment Hela is. Especially with Rick.
I would like to thank the authors and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily shared. As always, I wish you happy reading!
October 4, 2025
Spice: 2,5🌶/5🌶
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet and holding my breath.
I really loved Hela's sweet and warm personality, and Rick's rough and soft personality. Seeing them figure things out and grow together, how Rick learns that being vulnerable maybe isn't so scary with a loved one.
Hela and Rick is real with how they're feeling, and how they try to handle things makes them very relatable. And the spicy scenes made me smile and my jaw dropped, I really like how it's written and that it also shows how much they care for each other. I like how the story moves as it's easy to follow, and also that it's related to the series, but can also be read as a standalone. I recommend this books for someone who loves sweet romance, supportive found family and spicy scenes that makes you go YES.
I got this book for free as I was an ARC reader for the second book Long Odds, for an honest review.
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet and holding my breath.
I really loved Hela's sweet and warm personality, and Rick's rough and soft personality. Seeing them figure things out and grow together, how Rick learns that being vulnerable maybe isn't so scary with a loved one.
Hela and Rick is real with how they're feeling, and how they try to handle things makes them very relatable. And the spicy scenes made me smile and my jaw dropped, I really like how it's written and that it also shows how much they care for each other. I like how the story moves as it's easy to follow, and also that it's related to the series, but can also be read as a standalone. I recommend this books for someone who loves sweet romance, supportive found family and spicy scenes that makes you go YES.
I got this book for free as I was an ARC reader for the second book Long Odds, for an honest review.
November 22, 2024
Loved the story. There is another book before this and I may not have been confused as much as I was had I read that book first but it was still easy to get a handle on the story and the characters.
Reminded me a little of FireFly the movie with a crew living on a space ship.
I enjoyed the love story between Hela and Rick. Rick is very much the quiet brooding type and had a hard time letting others in and may end up running something because of it.
Hela is a funny sunshine easy to love character and I was happy how her story progressed. We learn more of Rick’s story than we do of Hela’s and I’m already wanting the never book because of how it ended!
Reminded me a little of FireFly the movie with a crew living on a space ship.
I enjoyed the love story between Hela and Rick. Rick is very much the quiet brooding type and had a hard time letting others in and may end up running something because of it.
Hela is a funny sunshine easy to love character and I was happy how her story progressed. We learn more of Rick’s story than we do of Hela’s and I’m already wanting the never book because of how it ended!
October 18, 2024
I think I’m obsessed with the Callistar series. I loved Retrofit and completely read thru it like my life depended on it. Thin Ice, I completely devoured. I love how this novella focuses on the lives of the other characters of Callistar without the reader getting confused or forgetting the significant events of the main book. The spice level in this novella was fantastic, chef’s kiss. The chemistry between Rick and Hela, it has be completely obsessed. The only complaint is that I want to read more.
January 3, 2025
This was a pleasure to read. I loved the dynamic between Hela and Rick. For a story that was short the characters are well fleshed out, their history explored and the pacing excellent. I loved that they had known each other for long and had a solid relationship before turning it sexual.
My one concern was I would rather have had their ages written into the story instead of having to go to the index. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My one concern was I would rather have had their ages written into the story instead of having to go to the index. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Super short and spicy. I loved seeing another pairing on the Callistar. It was very different from Kira and Quinn. I also loved getting Rick’s perspective especially about Quinn. I was not expecting Rick’s backstory. It was wild. And then the ending… 👀
November 1, 2024
A good read. Hela and Rick were a good readable couple. This sunshine/grumpy couple really shone in the end.
January 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Retrofit: The Callistar 1.0. In Thin Ice, B. Williams and J.J. White give readers a relatively short book (a novelette) with security officer Rick and the ship’s quartermaster, Hela, as the two main characters. We catch up with Kira, Quinn and the other ship personnel but the action and narrative primarily focus on Rick and Hela as they explore their relationship. Rick and Hela have a cordial connection and have been “friends” for a number of years. It is obvious that they hold each other in high esteem; however, they have never taken the step into the realm of the romantic. Readers gain more insight into Rick and Kira’s backstory and his reluctance to expose Hela to his dark past. Hela realizes that life is too short to let the past have a negative impact on the present and the future. But can she persuade Rick to let their relationship flourish, or will he always feel that he is unworthy of her love and devotion? While being relatively short, the authors move the story along with complex characters and poignant situations. I especially enjoyed the space travel aspects of the story and look forward to Rick’s decision about his past. How will he resolve the secrets he has uncovered? Hela made a remarkably resilient and supportive love interest; I am glad that Rick came to realize that he deserved a love like hers!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/thin-i...
https://theretiredreader.com/f/thin-i...
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews