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Melting Point
There’s a Winter Olympic medal on the line. But their toughest challenge is resisting each other…
Enter Finn Bradley. They've had a 'friends forever' pact for, well, forever, so Sam pushes her growing feelings aside and tries to focus on training.
But when a major team sponsorship falls through, Sam needs to find funding, and fast. When they're told that pretending to be a couple will give them a better chance at finding sponsors, Sam and Finn agree to fake a relationship. They spend all their time together already, surely pretending to be a couple won't be a slippery slope…
There's only one problem. Finn's secretly been in love with her for years, and this Olympic season, he's decided that as well as a medal, he wants to win Sam over.
Chalet Girl meets Stephanie Archer in this spicy, fake dating, friends-to-lovers sports romance you need this Winter!
Enter Finn Bradley. They've had a 'friends forever' pact for, well, forever, so Sam pushes her growing feelings aside and tries to focus on training.
But when a major team sponsorship falls through, Sam needs to find funding, and fast. When they're told that pretending to be a couple will give them a better chance at finding sponsors, Sam and Finn agree to fake a relationship. They spend all their time together already, surely pretending to be a couple won't be a slippery slope…
There's only one problem. Finn's secretly been in love with her for years, and this Olympic season, he's decided that as well as a medal, he wants to win Sam over.
Chalet Girl meets Stephanie Archer in this spicy, fake dating, friends-to-lovers sports romance you need this Winter!
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2026
38 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 16, 2025
Thanks to the Publisher Avon books UK for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Where to start? This steamy winter romance has it all, best friends to lovers, fake dating, spice and reconnecting with family. This was the perfect feel good and cosy romance to curl up with on a grey and cold winter’s day. Sam and Finn they both friend zoned each other despite that not being what they want at all, all for a pact that they made when they were younger. I loved that Sam was speaking up for women in sport, she was passionate about it and about snowboarding. Finn was the perfect book boyfriend, thoughtful, kind and always there for Sam. I really wanted them both to win a gold medal, Sam’s dad has a lot to answer for. Would it hurt him to support and encourage her once in a while?
I really enjoyed this book, it was cosy and sweet, like a hot chocolate with cream on top complete with marshmallows and sprinkles. Was it too sugary? Nope not in the slightest, I can’t wait for Maya and Gabe’s book next.
Where to start? This steamy winter romance has it all, best friends to lovers, fake dating, spice and reconnecting with family. This was the perfect feel good and cosy romance to curl up with on a grey and cold winter’s day. Sam and Finn they both friend zoned each other despite that not being what they want at all, all for a pact that they made when they were younger. I loved that Sam was speaking up for women in sport, she was passionate about it and about snowboarding. Finn was the perfect book boyfriend, thoughtful, kind and always there for Sam. I really wanted them both to win a gold medal, Sam’s dad has a lot to answer for. Would it hurt him to support and encourage her once in a while?
I really enjoyed this book, it was cosy and sweet, like a hot chocolate with cream on top complete with marshmallows and sprinkles. Was it too sugary? Nope not in the slightest, I can’t wait for Maya and Gabe’s book next.
January 16, 2026
I loved this friends to lovers, fake dating, forbidden dual pov contemporary sports romance debut between a pro skateboarder and a ski jumper who are both competing in the 2026 Olympics. The women in sport rep was amazing!! The pressure of competing, the female friendships, the drive for sponsors and to win, added to all that was having her dad as her coach and her brother who was dealing with a life-changing injury that ended his skateboarding career. This was also good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Sarina Bowen's Gravity series. 10/10 recommend to help get you in the mood for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics.
October 3, 2025
Ouch, this was not a good read, sorry! The characters were behaving like children, the writing was really bad (way too many typos, em-dashes and unentertaining sentences). Also - considering this book featured Olympians that went on to win gold medals, their day to day life routine was not fit for Olympians at all, and I think the author should have known this. Who in their right mind eats lots of pizza and goes drinking during their qualis at the Olympics? I get it, they were in Italy, but this kind of lifestyle should happen after their competition. Normal athletes have strict diets and it was way too unbeliavable for me. Full review to come.
February 5, 2026
Thank you Avon Books UK for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I have always had a fascination with the Olympics and I love a good sports Romance so I was very excited to see this book end up on my shelf! While I did finish it and enjoy it, I don’t know if it’s one I’d recommend as a must read. It took me a bit to get into it due to some crafting issues but I did find myself wanting to know how the story would play out.
Synopsis:
“There’s a Winter Olympic medal on the line. But their toughest challenge is resisting each other…
February 2026: the Italian Winter Olympics. The only thing on Sam Harrington’s mind is winning her first medal for snowboarding.
Enter Finn Bradley. They've had a 'friends forever' pact for, well, forever, so Sam pushes her growing feelings aside and tries to focus on training.
But when a major team sponsorship falls through, Sam needs to find funding, and fast. When they're told that pretending to be a couple will give them a better chance at finding sponsors, Sam and Finn agree to fake a relationship. They spend all their time together already, surely pretending to be a couple won't be a slippery slope…
There's only one problem. Finn's secretly been in love with her for years, and this Olympic season, he's decided that as well as a medal, he wants to win Sam over.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Tropes—Friends to Lovers can be so underrated but it has SUCH high stakes! I love reading this trope.
The Setting/Stakes—Italy! The Olympics! Her dad is his coach! All great ingredients for a Romance novel.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The Writing—Unfortunately, I felt like the writing didn’t match the intensity of the story or the characters’ stage of life. It read a little young, and could have been a fantastic YA novel, but since i knew the characters were in their mid twenties, it kind of soured the experience for me. Everything felt in conflict with one another, especially the open door scenes since the characters read so young.
Felt a Bit Under Researched—I’ve read a lot of memoirs from Olympians and while I can suspend my disbelief to enjoy a book, there were a number of elements that just didn’t seem possible at the Olympic Games.
Underutilized the Coach Element—A major plot point is that her dad is his coach and that he told him to stay away from his daughter years ago. Yet they in a fake relationship for social media to land a lucrative sponsorship. I didn’t feel the stakes of this situation at all and it could have been left out and not changed the story at all.
Character Authenticity: 2/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 2.75/5
Content Warnings:
N/A
I have always had a fascination with the Olympics and I love a good sports Romance so I was very excited to see this book end up on my shelf! While I did finish it and enjoy it, I don’t know if it’s one I’d recommend as a must read. It took me a bit to get into it due to some crafting issues but I did find myself wanting to know how the story would play out.
Synopsis:
“There’s a Winter Olympic medal on the line. But their toughest challenge is resisting each other…
February 2026: the Italian Winter Olympics. The only thing on Sam Harrington’s mind is winning her first medal for snowboarding.
Enter Finn Bradley. They've had a 'friends forever' pact for, well, forever, so Sam pushes her growing feelings aside and tries to focus on training.
But when a major team sponsorship falls through, Sam needs to find funding, and fast. When they're told that pretending to be a couple will give them a better chance at finding sponsors, Sam and Finn agree to fake a relationship. They spend all their time together already, surely pretending to be a couple won't be a slippery slope…
There's only one problem. Finn's secretly been in love with her for years, and this Olympic season, he's decided that as well as a medal, he wants to win Sam over.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Tropes—Friends to Lovers can be so underrated but it has SUCH high stakes! I love reading this trope.
The Setting/Stakes—Italy! The Olympics! Her dad is his coach! All great ingredients for a Romance novel.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The Writing—Unfortunately, I felt like the writing didn’t match the intensity of the story or the characters’ stage of life. It read a little young, and could have been a fantastic YA novel, but since i knew the characters were in their mid twenties, it kind of soured the experience for me. Everything felt in conflict with one another, especially the open door scenes since the characters read so young.
Felt a Bit Under Researched—I’ve read a lot of memoirs from Olympians and while I can suspend my disbelief to enjoy a book, there were a number of elements that just didn’t seem possible at the Olympic Games.
Underutilized the Coach Element—A major plot point is that her dad is his coach and that he told him to stay away from his daughter years ago. Yet they in a fake relationship for social media to land a lucrative sponsorship. I didn’t feel the stakes of this situation at all and it could have been left out and not changed the story at all.
Character Authenticity: 2/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 2.75/5
Content Warnings:
N/A
January 10, 2026
A friends to lovers romance between Sam and Finn that takes place at the Winter Olympics.
This sports romance starts off quick that’s for sure! Within 14% the main characters are saying sod it and sleeping together, despite a seven year pact that they would remain strictly friends. For me, there wasn’t enough to change between them for this to happen. It was like I started reading the story already half way through; he’s pining for her, she thinks he’s smoking and they realise they’ve always been everything to each other… at 15% through the book.
My biggest peeve of the book was being told things rather than shown them. Our fmc, Sam, says things like “Argh! I’m so frustrated and angry”. I hate being spoon fed emotions!
10% into the book, we get from the mmc Finn, ‘“I do.” Finn's stomach flipped as he spoke. I do ... wedding vow words ...’
These are only two examples of the types of little things that stood out to me as perfect examples of telling rather than showing. We are being told how the characters feel, rather than deducing it from their actions and inner feelings. We are told 10% in that Finn is completely in love with Sam, leaving absolutely no room for mystery, build-up, yearning or rooting for the couple.
My final reason I didn’t enjoy this book was that I found it to be overall cringe. Sentences such as ‘He loved silly Sam as much as serious Sam; in fact, there wasn't a thing about her he'd change, not even when she was sassy Sam’ honestly made this a tough read. The dialogue seemed so fake and it ended up making this novel read like a caricature of a sports romance, which I think is a real shame for the whole genre.
This is probably my harshest review to date and I’m aware that this is a debut, and I would never want to knock anyone down. However, as a reviewer I have to to honestly say that this was not a great read and there are many other better sports romances out there to be discovered!
This sports romance starts off quick that’s for sure! Within 14% the main characters are saying sod it and sleeping together, despite a seven year pact that they would remain strictly friends. For me, there wasn’t enough to change between them for this to happen. It was like I started reading the story already half way through; he’s pining for her, she thinks he’s smoking and they realise they’ve always been everything to each other… at 15% through the book.
My biggest peeve of the book was being told things rather than shown them. Our fmc, Sam, says things like “Argh! I’m so frustrated and angry”. I hate being spoon fed emotions!
10% into the book, we get from the mmc Finn, ‘“I do.” Finn's stomach flipped as he spoke. I do ... wedding vow words ...’
These are only two examples of the types of little things that stood out to me as perfect examples of telling rather than showing. We are being told how the characters feel, rather than deducing it from their actions and inner feelings. We are told 10% in that Finn is completely in love with Sam, leaving absolutely no room for mystery, build-up, yearning or rooting for the couple.
My final reason I didn’t enjoy this book was that I found it to be overall cringe. Sentences such as ‘He loved silly Sam as much as serious Sam; in fact, there wasn't a thing about her he'd change, not even when she was sassy Sam’ honestly made this a tough read. The dialogue seemed so fake and it ended up making this novel read like a caricature of a sports romance, which I think is a real shame for the whole genre.
This is probably my harshest review to date and I’m aware that this is a debut, and I would never want to knock anyone down. However, as a reviewer I have to to honestly say that this was not a great read and there are many other better sports romances out there to be discovered!
February 10, 2026
“from the moment I met you, you felt like home to me, And every day since, every time we talk, train, or just hang out, I fall deeper in love with you-it's you, everything about you. How you see things, how you challenge me, how you live even when you're struggling-every minute of you makes me want to be a better man, one that you might one day take more seriously."
❄️🇺🇸👩🏼❤️👨🏻⛷️🏂🤍🍕🍷☃️
Omg I picked this one up on a whim because the cover was so cute, but I ended up absolutely loving it!! I truly could not put it down because I was so eager to see how Sam & Finn’s love story at the Winter Olympics would turn out. They were such perfect best friends to lovers and it was so clear to see how much they always cared for each other. I loved watching their friendship go from fake dating to real relationship. And I loved the setting in Italy and all the sports action with snowboarding and skiing in the Winter Olympics.
If you’re looking for a new spicy romance read especially this month with the Winter Olympics happening, I highly recommend this one! And I was so excited to see book 2 is coming later this year following Maya, I cannot wait!!
❄️🇺🇸👩🏼❤️👨🏻⛷️🏂🤍🍕🍷☃️
Omg I picked this one up on a whim because the cover was so cute, but I ended up absolutely loving it!! I truly could not put it down because I was so eager to see how Sam & Finn’s love story at the Winter Olympics would turn out. They were such perfect best friends to lovers and it was so clear to see how much they always cared for each other. I loved watching their friendship go from fake dating to real relationship. And I loved the setting in Italy and all the sports action with snowboarding and skiing in the Winter Olympics.
If you’re looking for a new spicy romance read especially this month with the Winter Olympics happening, I highly recommend this one! And I was so excited to see book 2 is coming later this year following Maya, I cannot wait!!
November 21, 2025
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
There’s a Winter Olympic medal on the line. But their toughest challenge is resisting each other…February 2026: the Italian Winter Olympics. The only thing on Sam Harrington’s mind is winning her first medal for snowboarding. Enter Finn Bradley. They've had a 'friends forever' pact for, well, forever, so Sam pushes her growing feelings aside and tries to focus on training. But when a major team sponsorship falls through, Sam needs to find funding, and fast. When they're told that pretending to be a couple will give them a better chance at finding sponsors, Sam and Finn agree to fake a relationship. They spend all their time together already, surely pretending to be a couple won't be a slippery slope… There's only one problem. Finn's secretly been in love with her for years, and this Olympic season, he's decided that as well as a medal, he wants to win Sam over.
Sam and Finn felt very similar throughout the book. Same interests, similar way of thinking. I would have liked more of a separation between their thought processes because other than small details, it was rather identical. When characters are unique, I can’t help but fall in love and with Sam and Finn, I liked them but that’s where it ends. I wasn’t rooting for them on the edge of my seat. A couple of times, I did roll my eyes at them, I have to admit. More separation and individuality for me would have certainly made my reading experience more enjoyable.
If you know me, you know I really enjoy a fake dating story. Mix it with being a sports romance and I am SOLD! The plot here isn’t too bad but I feel like the writing is just a little weak. I managed to read this at a steady pace but it felt like descriptions were lacking at times and certain scenes could have been stronger for more of an impact. The same goes for the characters, I feel. They are great and fun to read about, but there wasn’t much depth to them. When you’re discussing something that’s meant to be more intimate, or hard hitting, I was to really understand why it’s happening. Not glaze over important history and not truly discuss the impact. That said, I did like the romance here. Initially, it felt a little bit high school but when we moved past those first few chapters, it started to settle and became more enjoyable. I do feel that the spicy moments helped elevate the romance too. Without it, I fear it could have been a bit one note. There are mixed emotions about the ending. I liked how the issues resolved but the two chapters after felt a little unnecessary for me.
Overall, Melting Point is a sweet sports romance that’s great for this cold weather.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book.
There’s a Winter Olympic medal on the line. But their toughest challenge is resisting each other…February 2026: the Italian Winter Olympics. The only thing on Sam Harrington’s mind is winning her first medal for snowboarding. Enter Finn Bradley. They've had a 'friends forever' pact for, well, forever, so Sam pushes her growing feelings aside and tries to focus on training. But when a major team sponsorship falls through, Sam needs to find funding, and fast. When they're told that pretending to be a couple will give them a better chance at finding sponsors, Sam and Finn agree to fake a relationship. They spend all their time together already, surely pretending to be a couple won't be a slippery slope… There's only one problem. Finn's secretly been in love with her for years, and this Olympic season, he's decided that as well as a medal, he wants to win Sam over.
Sam and Finn felt very similar throughout the book. Same interests, similar way of thinking. I would have liked more of a separation between their thought processes because other than small details, it was rather identical. When characters are unique, I can’t help but fall in love and with Sam and Finn, I liked them but that’s where it ends. I wasn’t rooting for them on the edge of my seat. A couple of times, I did roll my eyes at them, I have to admit. More separation and individuality for me would have certainly made my reading experience more enjoyable.
If you know me, you know I really enjoy a fake dating story. Mix it with being a sports romance and I am SOLD! The plot here isn’t too bad but I feel like the writing is just a little weak. I managed to read this at a steady pace but it felt like descriptions were lacking at times and certain scenes could have been stronger for more of an impact. The same goes for the characters, I feel. They are great and fun to read about, but there wasn’t much depth to them. When you’re discussing something that’s meant to be more intimate, or hard hitting, I was to really understand why it’s happening. Not glaze over important history and not truly discuss the impact. That said, I did like the romance here. Initially, it felt a little bit high school but when we moved past those first few chapters, it started to settle and became more enjoyable. I do feel that the spicy moments helped elevate the romance too. Without it, I fear it could have been a bit one note. There are mixed emotions about the ending. I liked how the issues resolved but the two chapters after felt a little unnecessary for me.
Overall, Melting Point is a sweet sports romance that’s great for this cold weather.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book.
January 16, 2026
Finn Bradley has now been added to the list of book boyfriends™️. And he’s high on it.
🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵 MELTING POINT 🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷
Oh my lord. This book!
It just came out today and I’ve already finished it and have so many thoughts! The perfect balance of drama, friendship, love and a bit of lovely spice thrown in (which is written SO well, you know how fussy I am with the way spice is written) — it’s true and genuine love, not a cringe lustfest which made me so happy. 🥰
Let’s talk about the book. What a beautiful front cover. The cover was what instantly drew me in back in November. I knew I had to give it a go. Sam looking all stylish and Finn looking like a total 90s boyband god? Yes please. Sign me up 🏂
The plot itself was a blend of sports drama, romantic tension and of course, a happy ending. I know we’re due Maya’s story next but I am DESPERATE for another book of Sam and Finn. I am begging. This was like a teasing taste of them. I need more. 😩💝💕💗💕💓💕💖
Firstly, Finn. FINN. Totally gorgeous and swoony. This is how you write a truly amazing MMC! His yearning for Sam is everything. He is supportive, kind and willing to do what it takes for Sam’s dream of winning gold come true. Very reminiscent of Naveen and Flynn Rider. Finn is so careful with Sam— never making her uncomfortable or overstepping the line without her consent. I felt for him when others would bring up his track record with girls and assume things about him when he really wasn’t like that at all! :( Loved the tiny tidbit mentions we got of his mom, was sad to find out about his dad. The fact Finn used to do ballet? We need a whole other book of him being a dancer. Nothing is more attractive than a man who can dance! Pleaseeeee!
Sam. A fun and bubbly FMC who has a dream and wants it so badly. I could feel it radiating off the pages how much getting a gold medal meant to her. Sam’s internal thoughts about Finn were also relatable. I was shouting at her and Finn to just admit their feelings already. The shower scene took me by surprise and in the best way! Their chemistry was amazing. Best friends. Lovers. The best trope there is. Another thing that must be mentioned… Sam’s friendship with Maya was great. Usually in books it’s the FMC’s best friend who gets on my nerves a bit but Maya was cool.
Sam’s dad was pushing it. We do not like Jake Harrington, sorry! Sam deserved pep talks from him and support. I felt for her when she was having issues with him. Finn puts him in his place though, and I’m sure he changes for the better.
This book has earned itself a top spot on my bookshelves amongst some of my favourites. It really was such a fantastic read and since I read it in one sitting, I may do a reread to soak up all the swoony goodness. 😋
Cici, Amy— thank you for being so sweet and for listening to my waffling about how excited I was to read your book! Thank you for blessing me with Finn especially. 🥹🩵
🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵 MELTING POINT 🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷
Oh my lord. This book!
It just came out today and I’ve already finished it and have so many thoughts! The perfect balance of drama, friendship, love and a bit of lovely spice thrown in (which is written SO well, you know how fussy I am with the way spice is written) — it’s true and genuine love, not a cringe lustfest which made me so happy. 🥰
Let’s talk about the book. What a beautiful front cover. The cover was what instantly drew me in back in November. I knew I had to give it a go. Sam looking all stylish and Finn looking like a total 90s boyband god? Yes please. Sign me up 🏂
The plot itself was a blend of sports drama, romantic tension and of course, a happy ending. I know we’re due Maya’s story next but I am DESPERATE for another book of Sam and Finn. I am begging. This was like a teasing taste of them. I need more. 😩💝💕💗💕💓💕💖
Firstly, Finn. FINN. Totally gorgeous and swoony. This is how you write a truly amazing MMC! His yearning for Sam is everything. He is supportive, kind and willing to do what it takes for Sam’s dream of winning gold come true. Very reminiscent of Naveen and Flynn Rider. Finn is so careful with Sam— never making her uncomfortable or overstepping the line without her consent. I felt for him when others would bring up his track record with girls and assume things about him when he really wasn’t like that at all! :( Loved the tiny tidbit mentions we got of his mom, was sad to find out about his dad. The fact Finn used to do ballet? We need a whole other book of him being a dancer. Nothing is more attractive than a man who can dance! Pleaseeeee!
Sam. A fun and bubbly FMC who has a dream and wants it so badly. I could feel it radiating off the pages how much getting a gold medal meant to her. Sam’s internal thoughts about Finn were also relatable. I was shouting at her and Finn to just admit their feelings already. The shower scene took me by surprise and in the best way! Their chemistry was amazing. Best friends. Lovers. The best trope there is. Another thing that must be mentioned… Sam’s friendship with Maya was great. Usually in books it’s the FMC’s best friend who gets on my nerves a bit but Maya was cool.
Sam’s dad was pushing it. We do not like Jake Harrington, sorry! Sam deserved pep talks from him and support. I felt for her when she was having issues with him. Finn puts him in his place though, and I’m sure he changes for the better.
This book has earned itself a top spot on my bookshelves amongst some of my favourites. It really was such a fantastic read and since I read it in one sitting, I may do a reread to soak up all the swoony goodness. 😋
Cici, Amy— thank you for being so sweet and for listening to my waffling about how excited I was to read your book! Thank you for blessing me with Finn especially. 🥹🩵
December 2, 2025
Melting Point by Cici Williams
⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley & Avon for the ARC of this book.
Melting Point is a winter–sports romance that follows Sam, a 23-year-old snowboarder, and Finn, a 24-year-old skier, on the road to Gold at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
This book caught my eye as it had fake dating and secret pining with some friends to lovers mixed in, all which are tropes that I love. There was a lot of use of the miscommunication trope within the book also which did put me off as it isn’t my favourite trope. For such good friends it felt unbelievable at times that the main characters couldn’t or wouldn’t talk to each other about their feelings.
This book was heading for a 3 star for me until phrases like ‘swollen member’, ‘swollen staff’ and ‘steel sheath’ were all used within a couple of pages to describe Finns 🍆 . It completely ruined the spice for me. I powered through the remaining 20% of the book but it wasn’t the same.
Melting point was a cute (in parts) wintery read but unfortunately wasn’t for me.
#bookstagram
⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley & Avon for the ARC of this book.
Melting Point is a winter–sports romance that follows Sam, a 23-year-old snowboarder, and Finn, a 24-year-old skier, on the road to Gold at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
This book caught my eye as it had fake dating and secret pining with some friends to lovers mixed in, all which are tropes that I love. There was a lot of use of the miscommunication trope within the book also which did put me off as it isn’t my favourite trope. For such good friends it felt unbelievable at times that the main characters couldn’t or wouldn’t talk to each other about their feelings.
This book was heading for a 3 star for me until phrases like ‘swollen member’, ‘swollen staff’ and ‘steel sheath’ were all used within a couple of pages to describe Finns 🍆 . It completely ruined the spice for me. I powered through the remaining 20% of the book but it wasn’t the same.
Melting point was a cute (in parts) wintery read but unfortunately wasn’t for me.
#bookstagram
February 6, 2026
Yeah. This was good. Really good. Friends to lovers is a really inconsistent trope for me. Sometimes it hits and sometimes it doesn’t. But Cici Williams really nailed it. Even though Sam and Finn fight and struggle communicating how they feel in the moment, they work through their differences. The moments between Sam and her father were heart wrenching, and added some depth that I was not expecting. I would read this again in a heartbeat.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll start my review by noting that I fell quite naturally into the story and it flowed well at the very start, but the first scene continued for a long time and it felt like it never really ended in a sense. There wasn’t much of interest happening throughout the book, and even the competitions themselves were over in just a page. The pacing of the entire book just felt off.
The story is told over I think 5 or 6 days, and it just wasn’t enough. Everything was squeezed in, and yet there wasn’t much of anything at the same time.
This book fell very flat for me and I’d hoped for so much more.
Sports theme -
In terms of the sports theme itself, we barely got any of it. We didn’t see our main characters training or practising for the olympics at all (other than one gym session, but I mean actively practising their sport)
I was looking forward to all the time we’d spend with the characters on the slopes, but other than for a couple of seconds during the 2 or 3 competitions they did, we didn’t get a moment of it.
After we got one flashback scene of the main characters Sam and Finn as teens, I thought we may get to see more, especially of them discovering their love for skiing and snowboarding. But sadly not.
I didn’t feel immersed in the sport one bit. The winter olympics purely served as a backdrop. The snowy mountains and cosy lodges were a beautiful setting at least.
Competitions -
The competition was completely lacklustre. There was no build-up whatsoever. I didn’t feel like the intensity of the thrill and anticipation they would have experienced was captured. When I said that the competitions were covered in a page, I’m not exaggerating one bit. A series of maneuvers were listed that the characters performed, and then they’d win a medal and hug. The scenes were extremely short. We didn’t get any description of how it felt going down the slope, their plan for what moves they’d do, the panic or excitement they’d feel etc etc
Povs -
We follow the povs of both love interests, and yet we miss Finn winning a gold medal during the finals. I was shocked as this felt like such a pivotal moment. It completely glosses over the scene and mentions it in passing afterwards. I don’t even believe we’re explicitly told whether or not Sam attended his competition. The writing just felt lazy.
I really think this book would have been much better with only the one pov. It just didn’t work and was too much. We knew every inner conflict the other character was battling and it left no room for any sort of ‘mystery’. At every stage, Finn and Sam were each questioning the others’ intentions, but the reader already knew in detail what the other felt.
The miscommunication was so repetitive, and due to having both their povs, it just felt dragged out and exhausting.
I also just couldn’t differentiate between their personalities. They felt like the same person. Their thought processes were the same, and they were both insecure and timid.
They kept giving hints or confessing how they felt to each other and then second-guessing and doubting others’ feelings. This happened over and over.
The mixed signals were so confusing and stressful for both them and the reader.
And to top it off, I believe there were times when this book switched from third-person pov to first, which was very disorientating.
Telling and not showing -
This book suffered a lot from telling the reader what was happening and not showing.
My least favourite examples of this being character dialogue that the author will tell us occurred but then doesn’t write the scene:
“She took his phone and cajoled the group into laughing and smiling.”
“He was laughing at something Davide was saying about Valentina flirting with Finn.”
It’s so frustrating as the reader to be told “she said something funny” “we talked about this” but we don’t get to experience it. It really ruins the immersion and, again, just feels like lazy writing.
Writing -
There were also a lot of repetitive sentences and actions repeating information to the reader that had already been explained, often in the previous sentence.
I also noticed a lot of poor word choices and placement of these words. It took me out of the story as I feel like the repetitive use of words over five times in one paragraph should have been more carefully arranged or adapted.
Then there were the contradictory statements, which just baffled me at times. I remember there being such a confusing one that was so funny but I forgot to note it down. I started noticing them more and more afterwards though, especially ‘firmly yet gently’, which is a minor one I feel, but they liked to say it a lot.
The contradictions were mostly used when describing the characters’ emotions, such as:
“it was both electrifying, thrilling and making him worry.”
This use of descriptive words in threes was used a lot too:
“his solid body offered her warmth, strength and love.”
It made the writing feel very simplified, as well as the thoughts and emotions of the characters being over explained.
Characterisation -
In terms of emotions, the characters somehow also felt emotionless despite their emotions being laid out in threes over and over. The characters were easily swayed and didn’t hold on to their feelings or opinions for long. They moved on fast and reacted quite blandly to a lot of scenarios.
Their character arcs as a whole felt underdeveloped and sudden, and like many things in this book, surface level.
Romance -
I’d have really loved to see the development of their friendship that led them to this point. We were thrown right into them being at the winter olympics and were immediately told by both povs that they’d loved each other forever.
I enjoyed the flashback scene of them at prom and think the book could have benefitted from more of these spread throughout to build a bigger, more fulfilling picture; an understanding of why they were best friends and what they had been through together to add some depth to their relationship.
There was a lot of push and pull between them, so much so that it was just irritating. They would quite clearly express their feelings for one another and then the next moment or scene act like they’d never even heard the other say it, and they must have just imagined it.
There was even what felt like it must have been three times where Finn revealed to Maya (Sam’s best friend) his true feelings for Sam, and each time Maya seemed to be suprised by this information, and behaved as if it was the first time he was telling her.
The first spicy scene between Finn and Sam occurred only 30% into the book and ruined any sort of exciting build-up for me. It felt very sudden and in a best friend’s to lovers romance where they’d loved each other since they were kids, I expected a lot more from it.
Fake dating -
In terms of the fake dating plot line, it just didn’t make sense.
Finn has kept his feelings for Sam locked tight away for two reasons: they made a pact to not let any feelings get in the way of their sporting careers, and Sam’s dad told Finn to keep his distance from Sam.
Finn needed the money he got from working under Sam’s dad (who is a coach) so he could provide for his family and give them a better life. He was too scared of disobeying his coach.
And yet when the fake dating idea is brought up because it would look good for PR, Finn agrees, even knowing it will be mean convining the entire sports world that he and Sam are dating.
The thought process they had was that Sam’s dad would never find out, as he doesn’t use social media. But surely if he’s at the winter olympics, anyone who follows Finn and Sam’s socials would see them dating and could mention it to the dad.
But even when Sam’s dad sees them cosying up and behaving like more than friends on multiple occasions, he just glares at Finn. There is a moment the dad confronts Finn, and then he immediately backs down.
There really was just no excitement or tension to this book at all.
The Dad -
It was also so random for the dad to suddenly switch from being called dad in Sam’s narrative to being referred to as ‘Jake’. The first time it happened (because it’s never explained why she calls him that. I can only presume its due to their strained relationship) I thought it was a completely different character who had entered the scene. We had only known him as ‘Dad’ prior to the change for multiple chapters.
I also didn’t understand why, if the dad was so horrible a person (due to abandoning their mother and Sam’s brother after they were disabled in a car crash and generally treating Sam heartlessly and dismissively) they even kept working with him?
I understand he was pivotal to their training when they were young. But I’m surprised that they stuck by him. I’m sure there must have been other options/routes they could have taken to stand their ground and not contribute to lining his pockets and furthering his coaching career when he’s so undeserving of profiting off their fame.
Her dad had also been neglecting her in favour of a new girl he was training. When Sam wins gold, her dad is nowhere to be found. In one of the final scenes, Sam feels affectionate for her dad and forgives him, and the dad is all of a sudden nice. It was completely unlike his character, and I truly don’t understand his motives as to why he was so harsh. There is no closure or explanation.
Lack of conflict/climax or resolution -
Finally, this book had no arc, no major conflict, and no resolution. The characters acted like they were changed people and that something pivotal had happened, but nothing happened.
There is a moment where Sam finds a snowboarding outfit that she is too scared to wear, even though it feels more her than the branded gear she has to wear. After ranking 4th place in one of her competitions, she is very unhappy. Very quickly that melts away though. She puts on the outfit, sees who she really is, does the next competition, and wins gold. It happened so fast and didn’t have any emotional impact.
What I liked -
I think the only part of this book I liked was the side character Maya, but even she was very overexaggerated in terms of her bubbliness and joking. It was such a loud contrast to Sam and Finn’s passiveness.
End -
Overall, there were just too many issues that continuously brought me out of the story. I think this book needed better structure and plot and some more finessing to make it flow better.
p.s Oh and I forgot to mention – and I guess the author did too – Finn’s aunt. She was introduced purely to be convienent for a small scene. When Sam comes round to Finn’s hotel room, Finn invites her into his balcony hot tub. Since Sam doesn’t have a costume, Finn says something along the lines of:
‘Don’t worry, my aunt just arrived to watch the olympics and she dropped her bags off here and in this bag there’s plenty of spare swimming costumes as she always brings extra in different sizes in case anybody forgets one.’
I don’t think I need to say anything more about this. The aunt was never seen again btw...
~
Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I read this book as an arc via netgalley in return for an honest review on the netgalley platform. This review on goodreads is my voluntary review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story is told over I think 5 or 6 days, and it just wasn’t enough. Everything was squeezed in, and yet there wasn’t much of anything at the same time.
This book fell very flat for me and I’d hoped for so much more.
Sports theme -
In terms of the sports theme itself, we barely got any of it. We didn’t see our main characters training or practising for the olympics at all (other than one gym session, but I mean actively practising their sport)
I was looking forward to all the time we’d spend with the characters on the slopes, but other than for a couple of seconds during the 2 or 3 competitions they did, we didn’t get a moment of it.
After we got one flashback scene of the main characters Sam and Finn as teens, I thought we may get to see more, especially of them discovering their love for skiing and snowboarding. But sadly not.
I didn’t feel immersed in the sport one bit. The winter olympics purely served as a backdrop. The snowy mountains and cosy lodges were a beautiful setting at least.
Competitions -
The competition was completely lacklustre. There was no build-up whatsoever. I didn’t feel like the intensity of the thrill and anticipation they would have experienced was captured. When I said that the competitions were covered in a page, I’m not exaggerating one bit. A series of maneuvers were listed that the characters performed, and then they’d win a medal and hug. The scenes were extremely short. We didn’t get any description of how it felt going down the slope, their plan for what moves they’d do, the panic or excitement they’d feel etc etc
Povs -
We follow the povs of both love interests, and yet we miss Finn winning a gold medal during the finals. I was shocked as this felt like such a pivotal moment. It completely glosses over the scene and mentions it in passing afterwards. I don’t even believe we’re explicitly told whether or not Sam attended his competition. The writing just felt lazy.
I really think this book would have been much better with only the one pov. It just didn’t work and was too much. We knew every inner conflict the other character was battling and it left no room for any sort of ‘mystery’. At every stage, Finn and Sam were each questioning the others’ intentions, but the reader already knew in detail what the other felt.
The miscommunication was so repetitive, and due to having both their povs, it just felt dragged out and exhausting.
I also just couldn’t differentiate between their personalities. They felt like the same person. Their thought processes were the same, and they were both insecure and timid.
They kept giving hints or confessing how they felt to each other and then second-guessing and doubting others’ feelings. This happened over and over.
The mixed signals were so confusing and stressful for both them and the reader.
And to top it off, I believe there were times when this book switched from third-person pov to first, which was very disorientating.
Telling and not showing -
This book suffered a lot from telling the reader what was happening and not showing.
My least favourite examples of this being character dialogue that the author will tell us occurred but then doesn’t write the scene:
“She took his phone and cajoled the group into laughing and smiling.”
“He was laughing at something Davide was saying about Valentina flirting with Finn.”
It’s so frustrating as the reader to be told “she said something funny” “we talked about this” but we don’t get to experience it. It really ruins the immersion and, again, just feels like lazy writing.
Writing -
There were also a lot of repetitive sentences and actions repeating information to the reader that had already been explained, often in the previous sentence.
I also noticed a lot of poor word choices and placement of these words. It took me out of the story as I feel like the repetitive use of words over five times in one paragraph should have been more carefully arranged or adapted.
Then there were the contradictory statements, which just baffled me at times. I remember there being such a confusing one that was so funny but I forgot to note it down. I started noticing them more and more afterwards though, especially ‘firmly yet gently’, which is a minor one I feel, but they liked to say it a lot.
The contradictions were mostly used when describing the characters’ emotions, such as:
“it was both electrifying, thrilling and making him worry.”
This use of descriptive words in threes was used a lot too:
“his solid body offered her warmth, strength and love.”
It made the writing feel very simplified, as well as the thoughts and emotions of the characters being over explained.
Characterisation -
In terms of emotions, the characters somehow also felt emotionless despite their emotions being laid out in threes over and over. The characters were easily swayed and didn’t hold on to their feelings or opinions for long. They moved on fast and reacted quite blandly to a lot of scenarios.
Their character arcs as a whole felt underdeveloped and sudden, and like many things in this book, surface level.
Romance -
I’d have really loved to see the development of their friendship that led them to this point. We were thrown right into them being at the winter olympics and were immediately told by both povs that they’d loved each other forever.
I enjoyed the flashback scene of them at prom and think the book could have benefitted from more of these spread throughout to build a bigger, more fulfilling picture; an understanding of why they were best friends and what they had been through together to add some depth to their relationship.
There was a lot of push and pull between them, so much so that it was just irritating. They would quite clearly express their feelings for one another and then the next moment or scene act like they’d never even heard the other say it, and they must have just imagined it.
There was even what felt like it must have been three times where Finn revealed to Maya (Sam’s best friend) his true feelings for Sam, and each time Maya seemed to be suprised by this information, and behaved as if it was the first time he was telling her.
The first spicy scene between Finn and Sam occurred only 30% into the book and ruined any sort of exciting build-up for me. It felt very sudden and in a best friend’s to lovers romance where they’d loved each other since they were kids, I expected a lot more from it.
Fake dating -
In terms of the fake dating plot line, it just didn’t make sense.
Finn has kept his feelings for Sam locked tight away for two reasons: they made a pact to not let any feelings get in the way of their sporting careers, and Sam’s dad told Finn to keep his distance from Sam.
Finn needed the money he got from working under Sam’s dad (who is a coach) so he could provide for his family and give them a better life. He was too scared of disobeying his coach.
And yet when the fake dating idea is brought up because it would look good for PR, Finn agrees, even knowing it will be mean convining the entire sports world that he and Sam are dating.
The thought process they had was that Sam’s dad would never find out, as he doesn’t use social media. But surely if he’s at the winter olympics, anyone who follows Finn and Sam’s socials would see them dating and could mention it to the dad.
But even when Sam’s dad sees them cosying up and behaving like more than friends on multiple occasions, he just glares at Finn. There is a moment the dad confronts Finn, and then he immediately backs down.
There really was just no excitement or tension to this book at all.
The Dad -
It was also so random for the dad to suddenly switch from being called dad in Sam’s narrative to being referred to as ‘Jake’. The first time it happened (because it’s never explained why she calls him that. I can only presume its due to their strained relationship) I thought it was a completely different character who had entered the scene. We had only known him as ‘Dad’ prior to the change for multiple chapters.
I also didn’t understand why, if the dad was so horrible a person (due to abandoning their mother and Sam’s brother after they were disabled in a car crash and generally treating Sam heartlessly and dismissively) they even kept working with him?
I understand he was pivotal to their training when they were young. But I’m surprised that they stuck by him. I’m sure there must have been other options/routes they could have taken to stand their ground and not contribute to lining his pockets and furthering his coaching career when he’s so undeserving of profiting off their fame.
Her dad had also been neglecting her in favour of a new girl he was training. When Sam wins gold, her dad is nowhere to be found. In one of the final scenes, Sam feels affectionate for her dad and forgives him, and the dad is all of a sudden nice. It was completely unlike his character, and I truly don’t understand his motives as to why he was so harsh. There is no closure or explanation.
Lack of conflict/climax or resolution -
Finally, this book had no arc, no major conflict, and no resolution. The characters acted like they were changed people and that something pivotal had happened, but nothing happened.
There is a moment where Sam finds a snowboarding outfit that she is too scared to wear, even though it feels more her than the branded gear she has to wear. After ranking 4th place in one of her competitions, she is very unhappy. Very quickly that melts away though. She puts on the outfit, sees who she really is, does the next competition, and wins gold. It happened so fast and didn’t have any emotional impact.
What I liked -
I think the only part of this book I liked was the side character Maya, but even she was very overexaggerated in terms of her bubbliness and joking. It was such a loud contrast to Sam and Finn’s passiveness.
End -
Overall, there were just too many issues that continuously brought me out of the story. I think this book needed better structure and plot and some more finessing to make it flow better.
p.s Oh and I forgot to mention – and I guess the author did too – Finn’s aunt. She was introduced purely to be convienent for a small scene. When Sam comes round to Finn’s hotel room, Finn invites her into his balcony hot tub. Since Sam doesn’t have a costume, Finn says something along the lines of:
‘Don’t worry, my aunt just arrived to watch the olympics and she dropped her bags off here and in this bag there’s plenty of spare swimming costumes as she always brings extra in different sizes in case anybody forgets one.’
I don’t think I need to say anything more about this. The aunt was never seen again btw...
~
Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I read this book as an arc via netgalley in return for an honest review on the netgalley platform. This review on goodreads is my voluntary review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
Melting Point delivers exactly what winter sports romance should: adrenaline, longing, and that razor-thin line between friendship and something much more dangerous. Cici Williams takes the familiar “friends-to-lovers” arc and tightens it with Olympic-level stakes, a fake-dating twist, and a delicious slow-burn that feels both inevitable and heart-clenchingly risky.
Sam Harrington is the kind of heroine you root for immediately—fiercely competitive, wildly dedicated, and so tunnel-visioned on earning her first Winter Olympic medal that she’s willing to freeze out any inconvenient feelings. She’s a snowboarder with grit, a touch of emotional avoidance, and a stubborn belief that love is a distraction she can’t afford.
Finn Bradley, meanwhile, is the quietly devoted best friend whose feelings have grown far beyond friendship while Sam’s back was turned. He’s thoughtful where Sam is intense, steady where she is stormy. Williams nails his internal struggle—the tension between wanting more and refusing to jeopardize the one person he cares about most.
Their dynamic is magnetic: playful banter layered with unsaid longing, years of shared history, and the kind of chemistry that feels like standing on the edge of a half-pipe, heart pounding. When a sponsorship crisis forces them into a fake relationship, the emotional stakes sharpen beautifully. Suddenly every playful touch has weight. Every photo op feels like a dare. Every night in that cozy Italian chalet becomes a test neither of them is sure they can pass.
What makes this book shine is the emotional control behind the spice. The heat is fun, flirty, and snowy-chalet-steamy, but the real impact comes from watching two athletes navigate ambition, vulnerability, fear of change, and the terrifying possibility of losing each other. Williams doesn’t rush their transformation; she lets it thaw slowly, allowing friendship to melt into something deeper one heated moment at a time.
By the final chapters, you feel every ounce of the risk—and every bit of the reward. Melting Point is warm, spicy, competitive, and unexpectedly tender. A perfect read for anyone who loves winter sports, irresistible tension, and a best-friends-to-lovers arc that sticks the landing.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sam Harrington is the kind of heroine you root for immediately—fiercely competitive, wildly dedicated, and so tunnel-visioned on earning her first Winter Olympic medal that she’s willing to freeze out any inconvenient feelings. She’s a snowboarder with grit, a touch of emotional avoidance, and a stubborn belief that love is a distraction she can’t afford.
Finn Bradley, meanwhile, is the quietly devoted best friend whose feelings have grown far beyond friendship while Sam’s back was turned. He’s thoughtful where Sam is intense, steady where she is stormy. Williams nails his internal struggle—the tension between wanting more and refusing to jeopardize the one person he cares about most.
Their dynamic is magnetic: playful banter layered with unsaid longing, years of shared history, and the kind of chemistry that feels like standing on the edge of a half-pipe, heart pounding. When a sponsorship crisis forces them into a fake relationship, the emotional stakes sharpen beautifully. Suddenly every playful touch has weight. Every photo op feels like a dare. Every night in that cozy Italian chalet becomes a test neither of them is sure they can pass.
What makes this book shine is the emotional control behind the spice. The heat is fun, flirty, and snowy-chalet-steamy, but the real impact comes from watching two athletes navigate ambition, vulnerability, fear of change, and the terrifying possibility of losing each other. Williams doesn’t rush their transformation; she lets it thaw slowly, allowing friendship to melt into something deeper one heated moment at a time.
By the final chapters, you feel every ounce of the risk—and every bit of the reward. Melting Point is warm, spicy, competitive, and unexpectedly tender. A perfect read for anyone who loves winter sports, irresistible tension, and a best-friends-to-lovers arc that sticks the landing.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2025
I loved this book! never read one by this author, and i wasn’t dissapointed!
friends —> lovers
Minimal spice
Great plot
Great banter
Cozy ❄️
Perfect for the winter & cold season bundling up with this book!
Don’t take yourself too seriously when reading this book, and you’ll love it. It really was a fun, cozy read!
bonus, since it’s fall, it was raining outside so i got to experience it sort of! i am in Minnesota! it’s cold here!
Also, will probably have to give this another reread it really was that fun when the snow starts hitting! ❄️🥰
Thank you to Avon Publishing & Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are my own & honest!
friends —> lovers
Minimal spice
Great plot
Great banter
Cozy ❄️
Perfect for the winter & cold season bundling up with this book!
Don’t take yourself too seriously when reading this book, and you’ll love it. It really was a fun, cozy read!
bonus, since it’s fall, it was raining outside so i got to experience it sort of! i am in Minnesota! it’s cold here!
Also, will probably have to give this another reread it really was that fun when the snow starts hitting! ❄️🥰
Thank you to Avon Publishing & Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are my own & honest!
December 12, 2025
Melting Point by Cici Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Melting Point by Cici Williams is the perfect book to curl up with this winter — think frosty slopes, friends-to-lovers heat, and a healthy dose of Olympic pressure. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Winter Olympics, the story follows Sam Harrington, a determined snowboarder with her eyes on her first Olympic medal, and her lifelong best friend Finn Bradley, a skier whose feelings have run deeper than friendship for far too long.
With their sponsorship in jeopardy, Sam and Finn strike a deal to fake a relationship – a classic setup that sparkles here with charm and tension. They already spend a lot of time together, so how much harder could pretending really be? However, Finn has been harbouring real feelings for years, and the closer they get to Olympic glory, the less “fake” their connection feels.
Beneath all the snowy action, the heart of the story is wonderfully warm. The way these two athletes show up for each other — on and off the slopes — makes their slow shift toward something more feel completely natural. The Olympic atmosphere adds a playful edge, with all the training demands and media frenzy creating tension that enhances the romance rather than competes with it.
Tropes for Melting Point:
❄️ Friends to Lovers
❄️ Fake Dating
❄️ Winter Olympics
❄️ Snowboarder x Skier
❄️ Sports Romance
A fun, flirty, and heartfelt romance that blends Olympic ambition with the age-old question: Is it worth risking friendship for love? If you adore friends-to-lovers tropes with fake dating and winter sports flair, Melting Point is a sweet, spicy treat you’ll want to devour under a cozy blanket.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Melting Point by Cici Williams is the perfect book to curl up with this winter — think frosty slopes, friends-to-lovers heat, and a healthy dose of Olympic pressure. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Winter Olympics, the story follows Sam Harrington, a determined snowboarder with her eyes on her first Olympic medal, and her lifelong best friend Finn Bradley, a skier whose feelings have run deeper than friendship for far too long.
With their sponsorship in jeopardy, Sam and Finn strike a deal to fake a relationship – a classic setup that sparkles here with charm and tension. They already spend a lot of time together, so how much harder could pretending really be? However, Finn has been harbouring real feelings for years, and the closer they get to Olympic glory, the less “fake” their connection feels.
Beneath all the snowy action, the heart of the story is wonderfully warm. The way these two athletes show up for each other — on and off the slopes — makes their slow shift toward something more feel completely natural. The Olympic atmosphere adds a playful edge, with all the training demands and media frenzy creating tension that enhances the romance rather than competes with it.
Tropes for Melting Point:
❄️ Friends to Lovers
❄️ Fake Dating
❄️ Winter Olympics
❄️ Snowboarder x Skier
❄️ Sports Romance
A fun, flirty, and heartfelt romance that blends Olympic ambition with the age-old question: Is it worth risking friendship for love? If you adore friends-to-lovers tropes with fake dating and winter sports flair, Melting Point is a sweet, spicy treat you’ll want to devour under a cozy blanket.
October 3, 2025
Rounded up from 3.75 stars
This was the third sports romance book that I’ve read, and while I’m still trying to find something to really like about the genre, I found this one to be particularly fun. I really loved that both of the main couple were athletes and training for the Olympics rather than having only one of them training. I also loved how they sort of used the sport to guide the romance rather than the sports aspect being the focal point. I keep saying sports but what I really mean is that they’re training for the Olympics.
I will say, I am a little confused. I thought this book was catered toward adults, but I got more YA from it. I’m not sure if this is something others have also experienced while reading, but just know that to me at least, this doesn’t necessarily feel like a new adult romance.
The fake dating trope gets me everytime. I felt it was especially fun in this one because they’re not doing it to make an ex jealous or get back at someone. They’re doing it for the publicity, so you can really feel when the romance starts to turn real because they’re stop faking it for the cameras. You know how in The Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss have the relationship going to get sponsors and to rebel, and then it turns real as the story goes on? This is literally that but with the Olympics instead of fighting to survive.
This was a cute read, and if you’re a fan of sports romance, I’d absolutely say give this one a try.
Thank you very much to Avon Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the third sports romance book that I’ve read, and while I’m still trying to find something to really like about the genre, I found this one to be particularly fun. I really loved that both of the main couple were athletes and training for the Olympics rather than having only one of them training. I also loved how they sort of used the sport to guide the romance rather than the sports aspect being the focal point. I keep saying sports but what I really mean is that they’re training for the Olympics.
I will say, I am a little confused. I thought this book was catered toward adults, but I got more YA from it. I’m not sure if this is something others have also experienced while reading, but just know that to me at least, this doesn’t necessarily feel like a new adult romance.
The fake dating trope gets me everytime. I felt it was especially fun in this one because they’re not doing it to make an ex jealous or get back at someone. They’re doing it for the publicity, so you can really feel when the romance starts to turn real because they’re stop faking it for the cameras. You know how in The Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss have the relationship going to get sponsors and to rebel, and then it turns real as the story goes on? This is literally that but with the Olympics instead of fighting to survive.
This was a cute read, and if you’re a fan of sports romance, I’d absolutely say give this one a try.
Thank you very much to Avon Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
Melting Point by Cici Williams is a fun, cozy romance perfect to read in winter. This book includes tropes like fake dating, forced proximity, and friends-to-lovers. The two main characters, Sam Harrington and Finn Bradley, have known each other ever since they were little. They both share the same love for snowboarding, a dream to get an Olympic Gold medal deal, and love for each other…
However, Sam and Finn make a 'friends forever' pact. They push their feelings aside for their dreams, and everything seems to be going smoothly until a major team sponsorship falls through. Sam needs this sponsorship; she is crushed, but Sam and Finn decide to agree to fake a relationship. Surely pretending to be a couple would get them the attention they need from their dream brands. They spend time with each other already. What would be so different about pretending to date?
I was originally drawn to this book because of its adorable cover and the premise of the plot. I mean, what's not to love about a snowboarding, sports romcom? However, this book took me a minute to get into. I wasn't loving Sam and Finn’s dynamic; I actually loved the side characters more. I couldn't connect well with the story, and I found myself not wanting to pick this book back up when I took breaks. To me, everything just seemed unfinished; there should have been more to the story. Overall, I do think this book is really cute, but it wasn't for me.
However, Sam and Finn make a 'friends forever' pact. They push their feelings aside for their dreams, and everything seems to be going smoothly until a major team sponsorship falls through. Sam needs this sponsorship; she is crushed, but Sam and Finn decide to agree to fake a relationship. Surely pretending to be a couple would get them the attention they need from their dream brands. They spend time with each other already. What would be so different about pretending to date?
I was originally drawn to this book because of its adorable cover and the premise of the plot. I mean, what's not to love about a snowboarding, sports romcom? However, this book took me a minute to get into. I wasn't loving Sam and Finn’s dynamic; I actually loved the side characters more. I couldn't connect well with the story, and I found myself not wanting to pick this book back up when I took breaks. To me, everything just seemed unfinished; there should have been more to the story. Overall, I do think this book is really cute, but it wasn't for me.
September 30, 2025
3.5/5
This was cute and fun and a super quick read.
This is a best friends to lovers romance that surrounds our two main characters training for the winter Olympics (one in snowboarding, the other in skiing).
Our two main characters decide to get into a fake dating situation to try and get more sponsorships. I thought that was such a fun premise (I can totally see an influencer romance novel doing something like that and I need someone to get on that). I am genuinely surprised that I haven't seen that yet and I thought it made for a really fun story set-up.
This was a super easy read, maybe leaning a touch to the older YA side since it was so east (but I don't mind reading an easy to read book, it didn't feel juvenile, just easy - if that makes sense).
This was a bit slow-burn and a bit cozy and I had a good time reading it. I would recommend for the upcoming winter months. And I will definitely be looking into more books from Cici Williams.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was cute and fun and a super quick read.
This is a best friends to lovers romance that surrounds our two main characters training for the winter Olympics (one in snowboarding, the other in skiing).
Our two main characters decide to get into a fake dating situation to try and get more sponsorships. I thought that was such a fun premise (I can totally see an influencer romance novel doing something like that and I need someone to get on that). I am genuinely surprised that I haven't seen that yet and I thought it made for a really fun story set-up.
This was a super easy read, maybe leaning a touch to the older YA side since it was so east (but I don't mind reading an easy to read book, it didn't feel juvenile, just easy - if that makes sense).
This was a bit slow-burn and a bit cozy and I had a good time reading it. I would recommend for the upcoming winter months. And I will definitely be looking into more books from Cici Williams.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 2, 2025
2.75 ⭐
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
Melting Point is a sports romance, centered around the Winter Olympics and two snowboarders, Sam and Finn.
I'm a big sports romance lover but unfortunately this wasn't for me, the whole sports part sounded like an after thought. They are two snowboarders competing in the Olympics, but it seemed like they were just two friends on holiday in Italy that went snowboarding for fun. Their friendship was very cute, and I think they had a lot of potential but there was a lot of miscommunication and even when they actually communicated with each other they somehow convinced themselves the other meant something else. The spicy scenes were also very awkward, I don't know if it was me or the author's writing style but I had to push through them.
It was a cute read, but I wouldn't pick this up again and it wouldn't be on my recommendations list if a friend asked for a sports romance rec.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
Melting Point is a sports romance, centered around the Winter Olympics and two snowboarders, Sam and Finn.
I'm a big sports romance lover but unfortunately this wasn't for me, the whole sports part sounded like an after thought. They are two snowboarders competing in the Olympics, but it seemed like they were just two friends on holiday in Italy that went snowboarding for fun. Their friendship was very cute, and I think they had a lot of potential but there was a lot of miscommunication and even when they actually communicated with each other they somehow convinced themselves the other meant something else. The spicy scenes were also very awkward, I don't know if it was me or the author's writing style but I had to push through them.
It was a cute read, but I wouldn't pick this up again and it wouldn't be on my recommendations list if a friend asked for a sports romance rec.
October 5, 2025
This was such a sweet, cosy, fluffy read. If you’re looking for a gorgeous easy to read romance you’ve come to the right place!
Tropes include:
❄️sports romance
❄️friends to lovers
❄️flirty banter
❄️he fell first
❄️fake dating
A little spicy, very sweet and a whole boat load of adorable moments in a snowy cosy setting.
I’m not really a sports romance girly anymore as I find the genre a little slow and predictable but this story was written so well and the characters really charmed me.
Sam & Finn have lived rent free in my brain for the last week and i’ve loved every minute. Finn is an absolute cinnamon roll MMC. So loveable and sweet. Sam? She’s an absolute girl boss and I LOVE to see it. 🤭
Thankyou so so much to AVON books and the gorgeous Cici for the opportunity to read this book ahead of the publishing date. This one comes out January 2026. ❄️
Thankyou AVON, Cici, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tropes include:
❄️sports romance
❄️friends to lovers
❄️flirty banter
❄️he fell first
❄️fake dating
A little spicy, very sweet and a whole boat load of adorable moments in a snowy cosy setting.
I’m not really a sports romance girly anymore as I find the genre a little slow and predictable but this story was written so well and the characters really charmed me.
Sam & Finn have lived rent free in my brain for the last week and i’ve loved every minute. Finn is an absolute cinnamon roll MMC. So loveable and sweet. Sam? She’s an absolute girl boss and I LOVE to see it. 🤭
Thankyou so so much to AVON books and the gorgeous Cici for the opportunity to read this book ahead of the publishing date. This one comes out January 2026. ❄️
Thankyou AVON, Cici, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2025
I have been in a book slump for months, I just couldn’t get into anything. When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I grew up skiing, so I really enjoyed the winter sports aspect of it.
Sam was sweet, fun, and unproblematic. I really appreciated how she knew she could accomplish things, but she let all the pressure get to her head. I felt like I really related to her.
Finn is goofy, kind, and considerate. I really enjoyed him as our MMC.
Maya was a fun character for me, but she had some cringey dialogue.
I wish we got a bit more of Harper and Becky as I like the competition aspects of sports romance.
The conflict with Sam’s dad fell short for me. There wasn’t much resolution or growth for him. There wasn’t an honest conversation between himself and Sam, which I was expecting in the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. The pacing was a little wacky to me, but that’s my only real complaint.
Sam was sweet, fun, and unproblematic. I really appreciated how she knew she could accomplish things, but she let all the pressure get to her head. I felt like I really related to her.
Finn is goofy, kind, and considerate. I really enjoyed him as our MMC.
Maya was a fun character for me, but she had some cringey dialogue.
I wish we got a bit more of Harper and Becky as I like the competition aspects of sports romance.
The conflict with Sam’s dad fell short for me. There wasn’t much resolution or growth for him. There wasn’t an honest conversation between himself and Sam, which I was expecting in the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. The pacing was a little wacky to me, but that’s my only real complaint.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to Avon Books UK for the advance reader copy of Melting Point by Cici Williams.
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. These two friends and athletes had made a pact to remain friends as they focus on achieving their Olympic dreams. When their chemistry is noted and it's suggested they pretend to be together to help with securing sponsorship, the two are soon thrown into the world of fake dating. This complicates their longtime pact and the feelings they’ve tried to set aside are soon very difficult to resist.
The Olympic setting is really fun for this romance. Sam and Finn are adorable and really do have such great chemistry. I really adored their development from friends to lovers. It has a truly HEA ending for our MCs.
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. These two friends and athletes had made a pact to remain friends as they focus on achieving their Olympic dreams. When their chemistry is noted and it's suggested they pretend to be together to help with securing sponsorship, the two are soon thrown into the world of fake dating. This complicates their longtime pact and the feelings they’ve tried to set aside are soon very difficult to resist.
The Olympic setting is really fun for this romance. Sam and Finn are adorable and really do have such great chemistry. I really adored their development from friends to lovers. It has a truly HEA ending for our MCs.
November 30, 2025
Thank you #NetGalley, Avon books, and Cici Williams for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
IMMEDIATELY loved the dedication page. However the rest of this book fell very very flat.
I liked the premise behind this book but I don’t think it’s realistic at all. There’s no way that olympians go out and eat pizza and do shots before a final run for a gold medal.
I also felt like the prose was very very long winded. There were multiple paragraphs that felt redundant.
IMMEDIATELY loved the dedication page. However the rest of this book fell very very flat.
I liked the premise behind this book but I don’t think it’s realistic at all. There’s no way that olympians go out and eat pizza and do shots before a final run for a gold medal.
I also felt like the prose was very very long winded. There were multiple paragraphs that felt redundant.
November 30, 2025
I loved the friends to lovers plot, how you need to remember to have fun doing what you love.
Read
September 25, 2025Sam Harrington siempre soñó con ganar una medalla olímpica. Después de años de entrenamientos, sacrificios y la constante presión de un padre que nunca parece verla brillar, finalmente tiene su oportunidad en los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno en Livigno, Italia.
A su lado está Finn Bradley, su mejor amigo desde la adolescencia y confidente en cada caída y triunfo. Juntos hicieron un pacto: nada de romances que interfieran con sus metas. Pero la cercanía, la complicidad y un inesperado acuerdo para fingir ser pareja frente a la prensa empiezan a poner ese pacto en riesgo.
Mientras los focos se encienden y las rivalidades en la nieve se vuelven cada vez más intensas, Sam y Finn descubrirán que lo más difícil no es alcanzar la gloria olímpica, sino decidir si están dispuestos a apostar por un amor que puede cambiarlo todo.
___
Según Finn, siempre estuvo enamorado de Sam, pero como habían hecho un pacto de no enamorarse hasta conseguir una medalla de oro, ella respetó ese acuerdo. El problema es que, en lugar de demostrarle que valía la pena romperlo, él se la pasa acostándose con cuanta mujer se le cruza en el camino y todo esto frente a Sam. A ella él también le gustaba, pero justamente al ver ese comportamiento no cree que sus sentimientos sean reales, porque lo único que ve es a Finn coqueteando con todas.
Tampoco se trató bien el tema de Jake, Leo y Becky. El papá (de Sam) que era su entrenador, ignoraba constantemente a Sam y la hacía perder en competencias. Leo, su hermano, como estaba comprometido con Becky (la otra alumna de su padre), apoyaba todo lo que este decía y hacía, sin importar si lastimaba a Sam. Al final, cuando Sam decidió dejar de escucharlos, ganó el oro. Sin embargo, nunca hubo una verdadera conversación sobre cómo la afectaron esos malos tratos, y fue ella quien terminó perdonando y fingiendo que nada había pasado.
Además, se revela que el padre también tuvo parte de culpa en que Finn nunca le confesara nada a Sam, ya que lo había amenazado con perjudicar su carrera aprovechando sus contactos si no se mantenía alejado de ella. Y aunque se entiende el tema del perdón como forma de no cargar con lo que no le correspondía, resulta poco creíble que Sam simplemente olvide todo y continúe teniendo relación con ese señor cuando este no le importaba arruinarle la vida.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
A su lado está Finn Bradley, su mejor amigo desde la adolescencia y confidente en cada caída y triunfo. Juntos hicieron un pacto: nada de romances que interfieran con sus metas. Pero la cercanía, la complicidad y un inesperado acuerdo para fingir ser pareja frente a la prensa empiezan a poner ese pacto en riesgo.
Mientras los focos se encienden y las rivalidades en la nieve se vuelven cada vez más intensas, Sam y Finn descubrirán que lo más difícil no es alcanzar la gloria olímpica, sino decidir si están dispuestos a apostar por un amor que puede cambiarlo todo.
___
Según Finn, siempre estuvo enamorado de Sam, pero como habían hecho un pacto de no enamorarse hasta conseguir una medalla de oro, ella respetó ese acuerdo. El problema es que, en lugar de demostrarle que valía la pena romperlo, él se la pasa acostándose con cuanta mujer se le cruza en el camino y todo esto frente a Sam. A ella él también le gustaba, pero justamente al ver ese comportamiento no cree que sus sentimientos sean reales, porque lo único que ve es a Finn coqueteando con todas.
Tampoco se trató bien el tema de Jake, Leo y Becky. El papá (de Sam) que era su entrenador, ignoraba constantemente a Sam y la hacía perder en competencias. Leo, su hermano, como estaba comprometido con Becky (la otra alumna de su padre), apoyaba todo lo que este decía y hacía, sin importar si lastimaba a Sam. Al final, cuando Sam decidió dejar de escucharlos, ganó el oro. Sin embargo, nunca hubo una verdadera conversación sobre cómo la afectaron esos malos tratos, y fue ella quien terminó perdonando y fingiendo que nada había pasado.
Además, se revela que el padre también tuvo parte de culpa en que Finn nunca le confesara nada a Sam, ya que lo había amenazado con perjudicar su carrera aprovechando sus contactos si no se mantenía alejado de ella. Y aunque se entiende el tema del perdón como forma de no cargar con lo que no le correspondía, resulta poco creíble que Sam simplemente olvide todo y continúe teniendo relación con ese señor cuando este no le importaba arruinarle la vida.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 5, 2025
Melting Point by Cici Williams was a heartwarming friends to lovers romance set in the exciting Winter Olympics! Finn and Sam are so beautiful together. They fit each other's broken sides perfectly. I dont come across a lot winter sports in my sports romance reads and it was definitely something unique.
Sam and Finn made a pact on the night of her prom that they will stay just friends till they win an Olympic medal. Her father is a legendary coach and Finn was training under him too. Years have passed and they both had moments when they wanted to break the rules. Finn fell harder and faster. But this Olympics is her last chance to prove herself to her father and to the world. Things get complicated when their friendly photos go viral. Fake dating is a slippery slope, specially when they were both hiding their feelings
I feel so sad for Sam Her father abandoned their family after a massive accident left her mother paralytic and her brother injured enough to stop competing. He gives preferential treatment to her competitor in the team. She is missing sponsorship. She is angry and desperate and hurt and she is losing focus, spining out of control, letting others ness up with her head. She can be really immature a lot of times. Finn is the more solid and stable part of their relationship. Always supportive and caring and protective. He is a great book boyfriend. The sports gave an adrenaline filled boost to the slow burn.
The book has new adult romance vibes through the characters are in mid 20s. I felt like being stuck in a loop a lot of times. It was two steps forward and one step back with Sam. Everything was tied in a neat bow at the end even Sam's dysfunctional relationship with her father and brother. The secondary characters can be distraction. It definitely wasnt very spicy. It might be due to my high expectations. We had a lot of monologue those could be avoided.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Sam and Finn made a pact on the night of her prom that they will stay just friends till they win an Olympic medal. Her father is a legendary coach and Finn was training under him too. Years have passed and they both had moments when they wanted to break the rules. Finn fell harder and faster. But this Olympics is her last chance to prove herself to her father and to the world. Things get complicated when their friendly photos go viral. Fake dating is a slippery slope, specially when they were both hiding their feelings
I feel so sad for Sam Her father abandoned their family after a massive accident left her mother paralytic and her brother injured enough to stop competing. He gives preferential treatment to her competitor in the team. She is missing sponsorship. She is angry and desperate and hurt and she is losing focus, spining out of control, letting others ness up with her head. She can be really immature a lot of times. Finn is the more solid and stable part of their relationship. Always supportive and caring and protective. He is a great book boyfriend. The sports gave an adrenaline filled boost to the slow burn.
The book has new adult romance vibes through the characters are in mid 20s. I felt like being stuck in a loop a lot of times. It was two steps forward and one step back with Sam. Everything was tied in a neat bow at the end even Sam's dysfunctional relationship with her father and brother. The secondary characters can be distraction. It definitely wasnt very spicy. It might be due to my high expectations. We had a lot of monologue those could be avoided.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
December 31, 2025
This confirmed for me that I need to read more sports romances! I haven’t read a winter sports romance before, and this is set in 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy between a skier and snowboarder who made a pact as teens to always put their disciplines above a relationship. This involves fake dating, in order for Sam and Finn to secure funding, and a friends-to-lovers dynamic 🏂
The setting of this one was lovely - wintry Italy, cosy bars, fairy lights, lots of snow ❄️ My favouriteee character was the team’s social media content creator, Maya, who was truly the perfect friend! There were also some interesting dynamics explored between Sam and her father and brother. This was a dual POV romance, which is typically my favourite choice of writing, but this was written in third-person and unfortunately the two POVs felt identical - similar thought processes, personalities, events/locations etc so it would’ve worked best as one.
Sam and Finn were very lovely, this was fluffy and sweet! A great palate cleanser with great chemistry. Melting Point has some spice, but not gratuitously and I think it does add to the story. A lot of miscommunication as they are golden retrievers afraid to lose their best friend! Would’ve loved to see more of their competitions, training regimes, and experience of being elite athletes because snow sports are so cool! Further exploration of their family dynamics would’ve also provided richer emotional depth. But will definitely tune into Maya’s book because she’s so fun!
This was a great one to read curled up under my fluffy blankets in my fluffy socks and dressing gown - cosy, atmospheric, and good fun! ✨
Thank you to @avonbooksuk & @netgalley for my copy! (ad/pr)
- Lara <3
The setting of this one was lovely - wintry Italy, cosy bars, fairy lights, lots of snow ❄️ My favouriteee character was the team’s social media content creator, Maya, who was truly the perfect friend! There were also some interesting dynamics explored between Sam and her father and brother. This was a dual POV romance, which is typically my favourite choice of writing, but this was written in third-person and unfortunately the two POVs felt identical - similar thought processes, personalities, events/locations etc so it would’ve worked best as one.
Sam and Finn were very lovely, this was fluffy and sweet! A great palate cleanser with great chemistry. Melting Point has some spice, but not gratuitously and I think it does add to the story. A lot of miscommunication as they are golden retrievers afraid to lose their best friend! Would’ve loved to see more of their competitions, training regimes, and experience of being elite athletes because snow sports are so cool! Further exploration of their family dynamics would’ve also provided richer emotional depth. But will definitely tune into Maya’s book because she’s so fun!
This was a great one to read curled up under my fluffy blankets in my fluffy socks and dressing gown - cosy, atmospheric, and good fun! ✨
Thank you to @avonbooksuk & @netgalley for my copy! (ad/pr)
- Lara <3
November 11, 2025
While I enjoyed reading this book, overall it is a solidly mid-pack contemporary. While advertised on NetGalley as Adult Romance and Erotica, it really reads as a mild spice, new adult novel. While those genres are great, and I enjoy them as much as the next reader, getting over this book not feeling at all like I expected made getting into the narrative a bit difficult.
I liked:
* Great setting-romance in the Olympic Village is fun and the wintery atmosphere made for a cozy read.
* Good tropes-friends to lovers, he falls first, first loves reunited and fake relationships all make an appearance-we love the tropey romance for a reason and this did not disappoint.
* An HEA that makes some sense-there is some tension and conflict, but no one has to act wildly out of characters or do an unpredicted personality inversion to make it all work in the end.
I didn't enjoy:
*Slightly too tropey supporting characters. The tragic brother, the unavailable father, the conflicted sports stars...eh, this could have gone better
*Immature behavior-this may be on me since I am running out of steam for how 20-somethings behave at the crone-esque age of 43, but some of this felt less like banter and competition, and more like tantrums and impulse control issues.
All together, the plot was OK, the spice was less spicy than promised and the setting was a delight. I would still say to cozy up with this fun winter read, but it is not 100% what's on the tin.
I liked:
* Great setting-romance in the Olympic Village is fun and the wintery atmosphere made for a cozy read.
* Good tropes-friends to lovers, he falls first, first loves reunited and fake relationships all make an appearance-we love the tropey romance for a reason and this did not disappoint.
* An HEA that makes some sense-there is some tension and conflict, but no one has to act wildly out of characters or do an unpredicted personality inversion to make it all work in the end.
I didn't enjoy:
*Slightly too tropey supporting characters. The tragic brother, the unavailable father, the conflicted sports stars...eh, this could have gone better
*Immature behavior-this may be on me since I am running out of steam for how 20-somethings behave at the crone-esque age of 43, but some of this felt less like banter and competition, and more like tantrums and impulse control issues.
All together, the plot was OK, the spice was less spicy than promised and the setting was a delight. I would still say to cozy up with this fun winter read, but it is not 100% what's on the tin.
November 16, 2025
Okay listen… I picked up Melting Point thinking “cute winter romance,” and instead I got Olympic level pining, fake dating chaos, and two best friends who are so in love it should win its own gold medal.
Sam Harrington is laser focused on winning a Winter Olympics snowboarding medal until life says “lol no” and throws Finn Bradley, her best friend of forever, directly into her emotional path. Their long standing “friends forever pact”? Yeah, that thing is melting faster than the snow under their boards.
Then comes the fake dating. Because of course the solution to a sponsorship crisis is to pretend to be madly in love while actually being madly in love but refusing to admit it.
I screamed, I kicked my feet, I yelled at Sam to PLEASE just look at Finn properly.
Finn? Oh he’s gone. Boy is radiating “I’ve been in love with you for years but I’ll suffer silently” energy. Soft King. I love him.
This book is the perfect winter romance:
❄️ Friends to lovers done RIGHT
❄️ Fake dating with actual yearning
❄️ Olympics drama
❄️ Snow, spice, and so much tension you could carve turns on it
Absolutely devoured it. Someone put Finn Bradley on the podium immediately.
Sam Harrington is laser focused on winning a Winter Olympics snowboarding medal until life says “lol no” and throws Finn Bradley, her best friend of forever, directly into her emotional path. Their long standing “friends forever pact”? Yeah, that thing is melting faster than the snow under their boards.
Then comes the fake dating. Because of course the solution to a sponsorship crisis is to pretend to be madly in love while actually being madly in love but refusing to admit it.
I screamed, I kicked my feet, I yelled at Sam to PLEASE just look at Finn properly.
Finn? Oh he’s gone. Boy is radiating “I’ve been in love with you for years but I’ll suffer silently” energy. Soft King. I love him.
This book is the perfect winter romance:
❄️ Friends to lovers done RIGHT
❄️ Fake dating with actual yearning
❄️ Olympics drama
❄️ Snow, spice, and so much tension you could carve turns on it
Absolutely devoured it. Someone put Finn Bradley on the podium immediately.
November 17, 2025
Solid 3 star read for me. This book is a contemporary romance, now this book is advertised of being an Adult Romance and Erotica... I would say its mild spice and a new age novel (just above a YA book but not quite Adult Romance). Please keep this in mind as I was thinking it was going to read difference as it was advertised as an Adult Erotic Romance but wasn't quite there (in my opinion).
What I enjoyed about this book was the wintery atmosphere. It was cozy and cute. This friends to lovers romance was just cute and the tension and conflict was well done. I felt that the they were a little immature which may be cause of the age gap from me(35) to the characters (early 20s). Some of the time the banter and competition felt less like that and more of tantrums and impulse control issues.
All in all, the plot was okay and I enjoyed my time reading it, even if the spice was less than promised. If you want a new adult cozy romance read I'd pick this one up.
Thank you Netgalley for this Advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
What I enjoyed about this book was the wintery atmosphere. It was cozy and cute. This friends to lovers romance was just cute and the tension and conflict was well done. I felt that the they were a little immature which may be cause of the age gap from me(35) to the characters (early 20s). Some of the time the banter and competition felt less like that and more of tantrums and impulse control issues.
All in all, the plot was okay and I enjoyed my time reading it, even if the spice was less than promised. If you want a new adult cozy romance read I'd pick this one up.
Thank you Netgalley for this Advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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