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On Thin Ice
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26An actor hoping to fix his bad-boy reputation and a professional figure skater determined to win an ice-skating show begrudgingly team up in this sizzling, grumpy/sunshine romance.
Luca Vasvault thought he was finished with show business. A former child star now labeled the disgraced has-been of Hollywood, he moved to the UK to care for his dying mother. Until an opportunity surfaces that Luca can’t resist—the leading role in a remake of his mother’s favorite film. The catch? He needs to straighten out his image first.
His agent has the perfect plan to win the public's vote: sign Luca up for Stars on Ice, a figure skating competition where celebrities are paired with professionals. To give him his best shot at redemption, Luca's partnered with the show’s sweetheart, Matilda Stevens, a woman known for her unwavering composure, whistle-clean record, and winning smile.
Competitive figure skating was always Matilda’s mother’s passion, not hers. Secretly, she hates the show, and the last thing she needs is to spend sixteen weeks with Hollywood’s most notorious bad boy. Especially when Luca seems determined to make her life miserable with his surly looks and annoyingly handsome-even-when-scowling face. But victory comes with prize money that will let Matilda quit Stars on Ice once and for all.
With everything on the line, the two strike a deal: They will cast their differences aside and put on the showmance of a lifetime, both on and off the ice. After all, they're both performers for a living. How hard can it be?
Luca Vasvault thought he was finished with show business. A former child star now labeled the disgraced has-been of Hollywood, he moved to the UK to care for his dying mother. Until an opportunity surfaces that Luca can’t resist—the leading role in a remake of his mother’s favorite film. The catch? He needs to straighten out his image first.
His agent has the perfect plan to win the public's vote: sign Luca up for Stars on Ice, a figure skating competition where celebrities are paired with professionals. To give him his best shot at redemption, Luca's partnered with the show’s sweetheart, Matilda Stevens, a woman known for her unwavering composure, whistle-clean record, and winning smile.
Competitive figure skating was always Matilda’s mother’s passion, not hers. Secretly, she hates the show, and the last thing she needs is to spend sixteen weeks with Hollywood’s most notorious bad boy. Especially when Luca seems determined to make her life miserable with his surly looks and annoyingly handsome-even-when-scowling face. But victory comes with prize money that will let Matilda quit Stars on Ice once and for all.
With everything on the line, the two strike a deal: They will cast their differences aside and put on the showmance of a lifetime, both on and off the ice. After all, they're both performers for a living. How hard can it be?
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
10 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Olivia perfectly blends the glitz & glam of showbiz with raw emotional vulnerability. I am OBSESSED!!
You can feel the tension between these characters, their chemistry sparkles. Watching them grow individually and together through this story is magic!
You can feel the tension between these characters, their chemistry sparkles. Watching them grow individually and together through this story is magic!
December 11, 2025
the epidemic of “grumpy” heroes who are actually just nasty, prejudiced fucking human beings needs to be eradicated from the romance genre.
please and thank yewww.
please and thank yewww.
October 1, 2025
Truly obsessed, I think this book has made me fall in love with ice skating romances especially since it was also mixed with reality TV! This was so fast paced I didn’t want to put it down and I absolutely adored both characters and I wish I could be friends with them!
ARC Review
ARC Review
December 6, 2025
why are we still writing men treating women like trash just to force a grumpy x sunshine arc and then “redeem” them with the classic ~oh but he only acts like this bc of some tragic backstory~
yeah that’s not enough for me sorry
yeah that’s not enough for me sorry
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ngl im quite sad about this one as i really expected to love it. i LOVE figure skating and that alongside the struggles the fmc matilda was dealing with had me thinking this was the perfect book for me. unfortunately it was quite a bit of a letdown.
i love a grumpy x sunshine dynamic as much as the next girl but a thirty-four year old grown man behaving like a child is usually not my cup of tea. being hurt by someone in your past and that leaving you cautious is understandable, but come onnnn. the way luca treated matilda in the first third of the book was not just him being careful and not wanting to let anyone in, he was straight up mean and cruel.
the pacing also felt extremely choppy at times. instead of seamlessly moving from one part to another it seemed as if we were jumping from scene to scene.
the publisher very kindly provided this arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
i love a grumpy x sunshine dynamic as much as the next girl but a thirty-four year old grown man behaving like a child is usually not my cup of tea. being hurt by someone in your past and that leaving you cautious is understandable, but come onnnn. the way luca treated matilda in the first third of the book was not just him being careful and not wanting to let anyone in, he was straight up mean and cruel.
the pacing also felt extremely choppy at times. instead of seamlessly moving from one part to another it seemed as if we were jumping from scene to scene.
the publisher very kindly provided this arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2025
The perfect mix of grumpy x sunshine, filled with all the glitter and showbiz. The perfect amount of drama, spice and heartwarming moments that made me not want to put this down!
Absolutely loved this book, I have never read a ‘dancing on ice’ inspired romance book and this was the perfect one to start with, a nice change to previous sports romances!
I fell in love with every character, but especially Matilda. She was the happy, bubbly, always wants to please people (even when she shouldn’t) type of FMC and I couldn’t help but love her. Luca was the perfect grumpy, doesn’t like or trust anyone MMC that I always eat up. And together they were hotttt, the sexual chemistry was steaming up the pages.
Olivia writes a beautiful, captivating story that grabs you from start to finish. I really enjoyed the skating and dancing on ice vibes, and really liked how it was set in the UK, a nice change! I loved every moment, and am so excited for Olivias author debut!
ARC Review
Absolutely loved this book, I have never read a ‘dancing on ice’ inspired romance book and this was the perfect one to start with, a nice change to previous sports romances!
I fell in love with every character, but especially Matilda. She was the happy, bubbly, always wants to please people (even when she shouldn’t) type of FMC and I couldn’t help but love her. Luca was the perfect grumpy, doesn’t like or trust anyone MMC that I always eat up. And together they were hotttt, the sexual chemistry was steaming up the pages.
Olivia writes a beautiful, captivating story that grabs you from start to finish. I really enjoyed the skating and dancing on ice vibes, and really liked how it was set in the UK, a nice change! I loved every moment, and am so excited for Olivias author debut!
ARC Review
October 8, 2025
Opposites attract/grumpy sunshine but DANCING ON ICE? A definite yes.
Matilda and Luca are my new comfort characters. The tension? The build-up? Perfection. You'll love watching them fall for each other on the ice and wish you turn on the TV and watch them for real. Adding Olivia Belle to my auto-buy romance list.
This is a book for the people pleasers, for recognising how you've tailored your words and your actions for those around you and starting to learn how to live authentically without worrying what other people think of you. I read Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood recently that had a similar FMC, and I'm enjoying new releases showing characters who feel so real.
Matilda and Luca are my new comfort characters. The tension? The build-up? Perfection. You'll love watching them fall for each other on the ice and wish you turn on the TV and watch them for real. Adding Olivia Belle to my auto-buy romance list.
This is a book for the people pleasers, for recognising how you've tailored your words and your actions for those around you and starting to learn how to live authentically without worrying what other people think of you. I read Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood recently that had a similar FMC, and I'm enjoying new releases showing characters who feel so real.
November 25, 2025
4,5⭐️
I wasn’t expected it to be so good wow
J’appréhendais un peu le côté celebrity romance, mais j’ai finalement été agréablement surprise par ce roman. On plonge ici dans un « Danse avec les stars » version patinage, et j’ai tout de suite adoré ce set up. Matilda est patineuse pour l’émission, tandis que Luca est un acteur de renom dont la réputation a été ternie. Pour redorer son image, il décide de participer à l’émission, qu’il voit comme un tremplin pour la suite de sa carrière. De son côté, Matilda rêve enfin de satisfaire sa mère et de décrocher la prime qui lui permettrait de changer de voie.
Un grumpy famous MMC, en général, ça ne me fait pas rêver … mais pas cette fois. J’ai adoré Luca dans ce rôle. Une fois qu’on gratte sous sa façade, il devient tellement attachant, exactement le genre de personnage que j’aime ! Ce n’est pas vraiment un enemies to lovers, même si c’est vendu comme tel : les personnages se rencontrent pour le tournage, ne s’apprécient pas spécialement au début, mais ne se détestent pas non plus. Disons que Matilda tente de créer une amitié, tandis que Luca reste bien refermé sur lui-même, ce qui n’aide pas à créer du lien.
La relation se construit petit à petit au fil des mois, et j’ai trouvé ça crédible et bien mené. Luca ne se résume pas à sa célébrité, et Matilda essaie tant bien que mal de se détacher de son côté people-pleaser qui lui gâche un peu la vie. J’ai aimé les deux personnages (et les secondaires aussi, j’espère d’ailleurs qu’il y aura un spin-off sur eux 👀).
L’émission télé est réellement au cœur du récit, et c’est un vrai plus. Ce décor, assez rare en romance, apporte une belle fraîcheur et permet de maintenir l’intérêt du lecteur tout du long.
En bref, ce roman est une vraie réussite ! Si j’ai enlevé 0,5, c’est à cause des trois scènes de smut. Je préfère les romans closed-door, donc forcément, je les ai moins appréciées. Je pense même que l’histoire aurait été encore meilleure sans, mais si vous aimez les récits spicy, celui-ci devrait clairement vous plaire 💫
Pourquoi lire ce roman ?
⛸️ Parce qu’il est grumpy et elle sunshine
⛸️ Pour la tendresse de leur histoire
⛸️ Pour découvrir le dénouement de la compétition « Stars on Ice »
⛸️ Parce que ça se lit tout seul (et que la cover est absolument magnifique)
PS: il sort le 09/04/2026 ✨
Merci à NetGalley et Bantam Books UK pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏼
I wasn’t expected it to be so good wow
J’appréhendais un peu le côté celebrity romance, mais j’ai finalement été agréablement surprise par ce roman. On plonge ici dans un « Danse avec les stars » version patinage, et j’ai tout de suite adoré ce set up. Matilda est patineuse pour l’émission, tandis que Luca est un acteur de renom dont la réputation a été ternie. Pour redorer son image, il décide de participer à l’émission, qu’il voit comme un tremplin pour la suite de sa carrière. De son côté, Matilda rêve enfin de satisfaire sa mère et de décrocher la prime qui lui permettrait de changer de voie.
Un grumpy famous MMC, en général, ça ne me fait pas rêver … mais pas cette fois. J’ai adoré Luca dans ce rôle. Une fois qu’on gratte sous sa façade, il devient tellement attachant, exactement le genre de personnage que j’aime ! Ce n’est pas vraiment un enemies to lovers, même si c’est vendu comme tel : les personnages se rencontrent pour le tournage, ne s’apprécient pas spécialement au début, mais ne se détestent pas non plus. Disons que Matilda tente de créer une amitié, tandis que Luca reste bien refermé sur lui-même, ce qui n’aide pas à créer du lien.
La relation se construit petit à petit au fil des mois, et j’ai trouvé ça crédible et bien mené. Luca ne se résume pas à sa célébrité, et Matilda essaie tant bien que mal de se détacher de son côté people-pleaser qui lui gâche un peu la vie. J’ai aimé les deux personnages (et les secondaires aussi, j’espère d’ailleurs qu’il y aura un spin-off sur eux 👀).
L’émission télé est réellement au cœur du récit, et c’est un vrai plus. Ce décor, assez rare en romance, apporte une belle fraîcheur et permet de maintenir l’intérêt du lecteur tout du long.
En bref, ce roman est une vraie réussite ! Si j’ai enlevé 0,5, c’est à cause des trois scènes de smut. Je préfère les romans closed-door, donc forcément, je les ai moins appréciées. Je pense même que l’histoire aurait été encore meilleure sans, mais si vous aimez les récits spicy, celui-ci devrait clairement vous plaire 💫
Pourquoi lire ce roman ?
⛸️ Parce qu’il est grumpy et elle sunshine
⛸️ Pour la tendresse de leur histoire
⛸️ Pour découvrir le dénouement de la compétition « Stars on Ice »
⛸️ Parce que ça se lit tout seul (et que la cover est absolument magnifique)
PS: il sort le 09/04/2026 ✨
Merci à NetGalley et Bantam Books UK pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏼
November 29, 2025
ARC review
4.5⭐️
Thank you @netgalley and @bantambooksuk for this arc! I feel so honored to have discovered this story early, it was also one of my most anticipated releases of 2026.
Luca, this Hollywood bad boy is nothing like the grumpy characters I've read before. What I loved most about this book is definitely his evolution: the author wrote it so well. At first, he's quite closed off but seeing him gradually open his heart and let down the walls he'd built around himself was beautiful. His honesty and sincerity healed something in me because these are values I hold dear to my heart too. And let's not forget Jack, Luca's manager and friend! He brought a dose of humor to the story.
Matilda, what an incredible woman whose life is turned upside down when she's assigned one of the biggest movie stars to be her partner in Stars on Ice. It's impossible not to become attached to her when you have so much in common. My heart ached for her so many times: she radiates kindness and pure goodness. She lit up Luca's gray world with her light. But she never says how she truly feels: she keeps a smile on her face even if it's fake, because she doesn't want to disappoint. She's a people pleaser and I think that's why she's such a relatable character. She deserves better people around her and she finally found Luca.
Through ice dancing together, they were able to reveal who they truly are, without having to meet the expectations of others.. It was a beautiful slow burn, full of tension with angst and tenderness. They weren't putting on an act and learned to trust each other through the book with small cute gestures. I'm convinced that Luca and Matilda will heal many people. I can't wait for everyone to discover their tumultuous but incredibly heartfelt story !!
4.5⭐️
Thank you @netgalley and @bantambooksuk for this arc! I feel so honored to have discovered this story early, it was also one of my most anticipated releases of 2026.
Luca, this Hollywood bad boy is nothing like the grumpy characters I've read before. What I loved most about this book is definitely his evolution: the author wrote it so well. At first, he's quite closed off but seeing him gradually open his heart and let down the walls he'd built around himself was beautiful. His honesty and sincerity healed something in me because these are values I hold dear to my heart too. And let's not forget Jack, Luca's manager and friend! He brought a dose of humor to the story.
Matilda, what an incredible woman whose life is turned upside down when she's assigned one of the biggest movie stars to be her partner in Stars on Ice. It's impossible not to become attached to her when you have so much in common. My heart ached for her so many times: she radiates kindness and pure goodness. She lit up Luca's gray world with her light. But she never says how she truly feels: she keeps a smile on her face even if it's fake, because she doesn't want to disappoint. She's a people pleaser and I think that's why she's such a relatable character. She deserves better people around her and she finally found Luca.
Through ice dancing together, they were able to reveal who they truly are, without having to meet the expectations of others.. It was a beautiful slow burn, full of tension with angst and tenderness. They weren't putting on an act and learned to trust each other through the book with small cute gestures. I'm convinced that Luca and Matilda will heal many people. I can't wait for everyone to discover their tumultuous but incredibly heartfelt story !!
September 30, 2025
On Thin Ice is a romantic, spicy, funny and totally captivating story. You know those books you can instantly picture as a movie? This is one of them. It’s so impressive for a debut, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
In the book, we follow Matilda Stevens, a professional figure skater on a competitive TV show called Stars on Ice, and Hollywood bad boy, Luca Vasvault, appearing on the show with the purpose of fixing his reputation. Luca gets paired with Matilda due to her pristine image and a reputation that is, quite frankly, the total opposite of his.
Despite a frosty start, the two strike up a deal to put on a showmance and increase their chances of winning. They both have their reasons for wanting to win, so how hard can it be to put on the performance of a lifetime both on and off the ice?
I had the best time reading this and I just know everyone in the romance bookish community is going to adore it. The build-up is fantastic and the tension is electric, and that’s really a credit to Olivia’s writing. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Matilda and Luca.
I am someone who loved Dancing on Ice growing up, and I also watch Strictly religiously to this day, so a rom com that takes place in that sort of setting was made for me, honestly 😂 It’s everything I never knew I needed!
Thank you so much to Olivia for sending me an e-ARC!
In the book, we follow Matilda Stevens, a professional figure skater on a competitive TV show called Stars on Ice, and Hollywood bad boy, Luca Vasvault, appearing on the show with the purpose of fixing his reputation. Luca gets paired with Matilda due to her pristine image and a reputation that is, quite frankly, the total opposite of his.
Despite a frosty start, the two strike up a deal to put on a showmance and increase their chances of winning. They both have their reasons for wanting to win, so how hard can it be to put on the performance of a lifetime both on and off the ice?
I had the best time reading this and I just know everyone in the romance bookish community is going to adore it. The build-up is fantastic and the tension is electric, and that’s really a credit to Olivia’s writing. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Matilda and Luca.
I am someone who loved Dancing on Ice growing up, and I also watch Strictly religiously to this day, so a rom com that takes place in that sort of setting was made for me, honestly 😂 It’s everything I never knew I needed!
Thank you so much to Olivia for sending me an e-ARC!
December 21, 2025
On Thin Ice is a slow-burn romance with strong character development that really shines in its leads. Luca and Matilda were perfectly suited for their roles, and I appreciated how thoughtfully their personalities and growth were written. Their dynamic felt authentic and well-matched, making it easy to stay invested in them as individuals.
That said, the pacing was uneven for me. The story dragged a bit in the beginning, taking longer than necessary to find its footing, and then the ending felt rushed compared to the slow build-up earlier in the book. While I enjoyed the journey overall, the balance between buildup and resolution could have been smoother.
This book will be especially enjoyable for fans of reality competition shows like Dancing with the Stars, as the atmosphere and themes capture that world well.
I received this book as an ARC from Random House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
That said, the pacing was uneven for me. The story dragged a bit in the beginning, taking longer than necessary to find its footing, and then the ending felt rushed compared to the slow build-up earlier in the book. While I enjoyed the journey overall, the balance between buildup and resolution could have been smoother.
This book will be especially enjoyable for fans of reality competition shows like Dancing with the Stars, as the atmosphere and themes capture that world well.
I received this book as an ARC from Random House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was closer to 4.5 stars. I had such a fun time reading this book! I always love a grumpy x sunshine book and this one was great! This book had all the feel good romance but occasionally got real and I loved the mix of it.
Matilda was a huge people pleaser which I'm sure will resonate with a lot of people. Reading about Luca helping her discover her inner strength and learn to put herself first sometimes was amazing. I loved watching her grow. And watching him go soft for her was so heart warming.
I think the romance is the best part obviously, but the ice skating and the reality show ended up being a really fun storyline too!
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!
Matilda was a huge people pleaser which I'm sure will resonate with a lot of people. Reading about Luca helping her discover her inner strength and learn to put herself first sometimes was amazing. I loved watching her grow. And watching him go soft for her was so heart warming.
I think the romance is the best part obviously, but the ice skating and the reality show ended up being a really fun storyline too!
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!
December 18, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ as someone who grew up watching dancing with the stars each week and loves figure skating, i was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book! unfortunately, i was repulsed by luca’s behavior in the first third of the story. i understand he was deeply betrayed by someone close to him whom he trusted, but that doesn’t excuse his unwarranted treatment of matilda. he could have been both guarded and cautious without being unkind. i mean, he was literally antagonizing her… at his big, grown age of 34? are we for real?? we are told matilda begins therapy again to address her people-pleasing tendencies which is so important! but why wasn’t luca also in therapy to confront his own issues? regardless, i really appreciated the open, honest, and vulnerable conversations between the characters after the initial conflict is resolved. a slow-burn romance filled with sizzling tension and delicious angst, heightened further by forced proximity and showmance elements. overall, the character growth and resolution were satisfying (though it is clear luca would still benefit from addressing his past with a professional).
thank you so much to netgalley and random house publishing group for providing me with this arc!
thank you so much to netgalley and random house publishing group for providing me with this arc!
August 7, 2025
Was so lucky to read an early copy as a beta reader in July 2024. This book is packed full of the best kind of grumpy x sunshine, with two glorious main characters and drama to boot. The steam is steaming and the glamour and glitter of ‘dancing on ice’ is captured in such an exciting way. So well written - a new favourite that’s for sure!
I cannot wait to be reunited with Luca and Matilda once again!
I cannot wait to be reunited with Luca and Matilda once again!
August 7, 2025
Read an early copy of this and honestly, I’m more of a fantasy reader and read the occasional romance but this was SOOOO good, like infinitey stars good.
I can’t even tell you how addictive this book is, Olivia is insanely talented and draws you in from the start.
Well done for such an incredible debut. I can’t wait to read what you come up with next!
I can’t even tell you how addictive this book is, Olivia is insanely talented and draws you in from the start.
Well done for such an incredible debut. I can’t wait to read what you come up with next!
August 7, 2025
Read an early copy of this in July 2024 and loved every second of it! I cannot wait for everyone to fall in love with Matilda and Luca and will be re-reading upon release 🤍
A steamy romance based around a dancing on ice inspiring competition? Tell me that doesn’t sound 10/10
A steamy romance based around a dancing on ice inspiring competition? Tell me that doesn’t sound 10/10
December 22, 2025
Dancing with the Stars meets fiqure skating; two of my current obsessions!
I understand that part of the Grumpy X Sunshine trope is quite literally GRUMPY, but the MMC was way too rude for my liking. I found him unlikable and just was not rooting for him.
I understand that part of the Grumpy X Sunshine trope is quite literally GRUMPY, but the MMC was way too rude for my liking. I found him unlikable and just was not rooting for him.
July 14, 2025
[#adgifted]
Thank you so much to Olivia for an advance copy of this to Beta read. This was my second time going through it (I did an early alpha read and loved!). My review is completely honest <3
I am utterly ✨ OBSESSED ✨ with On Thin Ice. I was a massive fan of Dancing On Ice so a romance novel with these vibes? SIGN ME RIGHT UP!
Luca is about to become your new favourite MMC (well, in April 2026 he will!). He is a true grumpy MMC, mistrustful of everyone and has no care in the world. Thrown together with sparkly, bubbly, people-pleasing Matilda and BAM - you have a perfect romance novel with enough sexual tension you'll be begging the characters to just get on with it... and, boy do they. The spice is spicing! 🥵
Olivia's writing is beautiful and captivating, pulling you into the story from the very first page. It truly is a magical piece of work; for a debut novel, she has absolutely smashed it out the park.
Mark your calendar's because On Thin Ice is coming out in April 2026 and it's going to very quickly become your new favourite romance.
Thank you so much to Olivia for an advance copy of this to Beta read. This was my second time going through it (I did an early alpha read and loved!). My review is completely honest <3
I am utterly ✨ OBSESSED ✨ with On Thin Ice. I was a massive fan of Dancing On Ice so a romance novel with these vibes? SIGN ME RIGHT UP!
Luca is about to become your new favourite MMC (well, in April 2026 he will!). He is a true grumpy MMC, mistrustful of everyone and has no care in the world. Thrown together with sparkly, bubbly, people-pleasing Matilda and BAM - you have a perfect romance novel with enough sexual tension you'll be begging the characters to just get on with it... and, boy do they. The spice is spicing! 🥵
Olivia's writing is beautiful and captivating, pulling you into the story from the very first page. It truly is a magical piece of work; for a debut novel, she has absolutely smashed it out the park.
Mark your calendar's because On Thin Ice is coming out in April 2026 and it's going to very quickly become your new favourite romance.
December 11, 2025
On Thin Ice 🧊
A big thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse for allowing me access to this arc!
Matilda Stevens is a professional ice skater, who happens to be on a competitive TV show called Stars on Ice, where they get paired up with different celebrities. She is thrown for a loop when she gets assigned to the most famous actor who has a bad reputation. Matilda is a ray of sunshine, she strives to make sure everyone around her is happy no matter what she has to do for them. She has a habit of not being able to tell anyone in her life no, even if it’s bad for her own mental health. She is an extreme people pleaser, throughout the book you see how it affects her life. I related to her many times throughout the book, due to this fact. Luca helps her with it, making her realize her happiness should come first in the end.
Luca Vasvault is a famous American actor, who has built a bad reputation around his name. In order to book a big role he joins Stars on Ice to clear his image. I loved how he was a very closed off grumpy character in the beginning of the book, but slowly you see him crack open. Allowing Matilda to see who he really is at his core. The author did an amazing job writing his character, where the readers are falling in love with him at the same time Matilda is. As a people pleaser myself the way he acted towards Matilda made my own heart melt.
I wanted to mention the side character Jack. I would love to get a book of his story! Jack was hilarious, and I loved how he acted with Luca. His character reminded me of Schmidt for New Girl. And I loved every scene we got with him.
As the weeks go on, we get to see how they are able to trust each other on the ice and off of it. How they slowly start to reveal who they are really at their cores, without any pressure of others. This was a lovely slow burn, the book was executed perfectly. It’s full of tension and angst. With small actions from both characters.
I’m so excited for everyone to read and fall in love with this book! 5/5 stars for me!
A big thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse for allowing me access to this arc!
Matilda Stevens is a professional ice skater, who happens to be on a competitive TV show called Stars on Ice, where they get paired up with different celebrities. She is thrown for a loop when she gets assigned to the most famous actor who has a bad reputation. Matilda is a ray of sunshine, she strives to make sure everyone around her is happy no matter what she has to do for them. She has a habit of not being able to tell anyone in her life no, even if it’s bad for her own mental health. She is an extreme people pleaser, throughout the book you see how it affects her life. I related to her many times throughout the book, due to this fact. Luca helps her with it, making her realize her happiness should come first in the end.
Luca Vasvault is a famous American actor, who has built a bad reputation around his name. In order to book a big role he joins Stars on Ice to clear his image. I loved how he was a very closed off grumpy character in the beginning of the book, but slowly you see him crack open. Allowing Matilda to see who he really is at his core. The author did an amazing job writing his character, where the readers are falling in love with him at the same time Matilda is. As a people pleaser myself the way he acted towards Matilda made my own heart melt.
I wanted to mention the side character Jack. I would love to get a book of his story! Jack was hilarious, and I loved how he acted with Luca. His character reminded me of Schmidt for New Girl. And I loved every scene we got with him.
As the weeks go on, we get to see how they are able to trust each other on the ice and off of it. How they slowly start to reveal who they are really at their cores, without any pressure of others. This was a lovely slow burn, the book was executed perfectly. It’s full of tension and angst. With small actions from both characters.
I’m so excited for everyone to read and fall in love with this book! 5/5 stars for me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
On Thin Ice was a satisfying mix of tension, yearning, and emotional growth. The slow burn? The sassy banter? Obsessed.
I really loved the dual POV, Luca’s in particular. Watching him quietly unravel for her while Matilda stayed outwardly calm and collected added so much depth to the tension between them. Luca was dry, fiercely protective, and loyal to his core. And Matilda… my heart. Her kindness, her people-pleasing, her desperate want for acceptance (especially within such a strained family dynamic) felt painfully real. I hurt for her, but I loved watching her slowly start to choose herself.
This book was a really fun blend of sweet, sassy, and sexy, with a setting that felt glamorous without ever tipping into over-the-top or super unbelievable.
At its core, this is a grumpy x sunshine romance done right. Slow burn tension, genuine emotional intimacy, and characters who actually do the work. Nothing about their relationship felt rushed or insta-lovey. It felt earned. I also really appreciated that neither of them had to sacrifice who they were, or their dreams, to make it work. Their happiness came from growth, not compromise.
As much as I loved the romance, this book also explores self-worth, boundaries, and what happens when you lose yourself trying to keep everyone else happy. I so appreciated the emphasis that love doesn’t have to be earned, and choosing yourself isn’t selfish.
Overall, On Thin Ice is a sweet and spicy comfort read with more emotional depth than I expected. If you love grumpy x sunshine, slow-burn tension, and skating/celebrity-adjacent vibes with true emotional maturity, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I walked away from this feeling happy and hopeful. And honestly, that’s always a win for me.
A big thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review <3
I really loved the dual POV, Luca’s in particular. Watching him quietly unravel for her while Matilda stayed outwardly calm and collected added so much depth to the tension between them. Luca was dry, fiercely protective, and loyal to his core. And Matilda… my heart. Her kindness, her people-pleasing, her desperate want for acceptance (especially within such a strained family dynamic) felt painfully real. I hurt for her, but I loved watching her slowly start to choose herself.
This book was a really fun blend of sweet, sassy, and sexy, with a setting that felt glamorous without ever tipping into over-the-top or super unbelievable.
At its core, this is a grumpy x sunshine romance done right. Slow burn tension, genuine emotional intimacy, and characters who actually do the work. Nothing about their relationship felt rushed or insta-lovey. It felt earned. I also really appreciated that neither of them had to sacrifice who they were, or their dreams, to make it work. Their happiness came from growth, not compromise.
As much as I loved the romance, this book also explores self-worth, boundaries, and what happens when you lose yourself trying to keep everyone else happy. I so appreciated the emphasis that love doesn’t have to be earned, and choosing yourself isn’t selfish.
Overall, On Thin Ice is a sweet and spicy comfort read with more emotional depth than I expected. If you love grumpy x sunshine, slow-burn tension, and skating/celebrity-adjacent vibes with true emotional maturity, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I walked away from this feeling happy and hopeful. And honestly, that’s always a win for me.
A big thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review <3
December 14, 2025
This book completely surprised me in the best way.
Luca is the definition of a grumpy, bad-boy actor with a reputation he’s absolutely earned. Bad press, bad decisions, and a career hanging by a thread. His last shot at fixing his image? Agreeing to compete on Stars on Ice, a celebrity skating show he only signs onto because he’s hoping it might help him land a role in a Dirty Dancing remake; his mother’s favorite film. (Yes, I melted.)
Enter Matilda: sunshiney, professional, people-pleasing queen and Luca’s skating partner. They don’t instantly hate each other, but they don’t click either, mostly because Luca has sworn off trusting anyone. And Matilda, being Matilda, refuses to let that bother her… even when it clearly does.
The slow burn here is painfully good. We don’t even get a first kiss until 64%, and somehow it makes every glance, touch, and moment of tension hit harder. Grumpy x sunshine done right. Bonus points for the “I can do that” woman x “I know” man who does it for her anyway microtrope 🤭. I was eating that up.
Luca protecting Matilda from the paparazzi? Obsessed. One of my favorite moments is when Matilda asks if he’s dating other women, quoting something a paparazzo yelled, and he immediately responds, “No, Stevens. I’m not dating anyone else.” When they aren’t even dating!!
What really sold this for me, though, is how quietly they heal each other. Luca learns how to trust again. Matilda learns that she doesn’t always have to be the one bending. Their relationship feels earned, not rushed, and the emotional payoff is so worth the wait.
Funny, tender, and full of delicious tension, On Thin Ice is a slow-burn romance that absolutely stuck the landing for me.
Luca is the definition of a grumpy, bad-boy actor with a reputation he’s absolutely earned. Bad press, bad decisions, and a career hanging by a thread. His last shot at fixing his image? Agreeing to compete on Stars on Ice, a celebrity skating show he only signs onto because he’s hoping it might help him land a role in a Dirty Dancing remake; his mother’s favorite film. (Yes, I melted.)
Enter Matilda: sunshiney, professional, people-pleasing queen and Luca’s skating partner. They don’t instantly hate each other, but they don’t click either, mostly because Luca has sworn off trusting anyone. And Matilda, being Matilda, refuses to let that bother her… even when it clearly does.
The slow burn here is painfully good. We don’t even get a first kiss until 64%, and somehow it makes every glance, touch, and moment of tension hit harder. Grumpy x sunshine done right. Bonus points for the “I can do that” woman x “I know” man who does it for her anyway microtrope 🤭. I was eating that up.
Luca protecting Matilda from the paparazzi? Obsessed. One of my favorite moments is when Matilda asks if he’s dating other women, quoting something a paparazzo yelled, and he immediately responds, “No, Stevens. I’m not dating anyone else.” When they aren’t even dating!!
What really sold this for me, though, is how quietly they heal each other. Luca learns how to trust again. Matilda learns that she doesn’t always have to be the one bending. Their relationship feels earned, not rushed, and the emotional payoff is so worth the wait.
Funny, tender, and full of delicious tension, On Thin Ice is a slow-burn romance that absolutely stuck the landing for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"She might not believe it, but she was a star and never failed to shine brighter than anyone else around her."
Dancing with the Stars meets the ice!!
Luca Vasvault needed to clean up his image as Hollywood’s bad boy to be considered for the lead role in the movie he wanted. He had sworn off relationships, keeping people at a distance, but everything changed when he was paired with professional figure skater, Matilda Stevens, for Stars on Ice.
I loved the slow burn buildup between Luca and Matilda, their chemistry both on and off the ice, the sweet and tender moments wrapped in spice. They had refreshingly open and honest communication as they defied expectations and established a foundation of trust. I loved how Luca let Matilda in and how she broke through the walls around his heart.
Matilda didn't know who she was anymore after spending so much time putting everyone else first, worrying if people would like her for who she was. This was her time to shine and I loved how she learned to stand up for herself, recognizing her worth and prioritizing her own wants and needs.
This book is for all the people pleasers, the overthinkers, the ones who sacrifice themselves to make others happy. It's a story about love and acceptance, honesty and trust, rediscovering who you really are and what you want from life. It's about being yourself, chasing your dreams and finding someone who loves you, all of you, exactly as you are, flaws and all.
✨️Grumpy x Sunshine
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Hollywood Bad Boy
✨️Figure Skater FMC
✨️He Falls First
✨️Slow Burn
*Special thanks to author Olivia Belle, Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for the ARC!
Dancing with the Stars meets the ice!!
Luca Vasvault needed to clean up his image as Hollywood’s bad boy to be considered for the lead role in the movie he wanted. He had sworn off relationships, keeping people at a distance, but everything changed when he was paired with professional figure skater, Matilda Stevens, for Stars on Ice.
I loved the slow burn buildup between Luca and Matilda, their chemistry both on and off the ice, the sweet and tender moments wrapped in spice. They had refreshingly open and honest communication as they defied expectations and established a foundation of trust. I loved how Luca let Matilda in and how she broke through the walls around his heart.
Matilda didn't know who she was anymore after spending so much time putting everyone else first, worrying if people would like her for who she was. This was her time to shine and I loved how she learned to stand up for herself, recognizing her worth and prioritizing her own wants and needs.
This book is for all the people pleasers, the overthinkers, the ones who sacrifice themselves to make others happy. It's a story about love and acceptance, honesty and trust, rediscovering who you really are and what you want from life. It's about being yourself, chasing your dreams and finding someone who loves you, all of you, exactly as you are, flaws and all.
✨️Grumpy x Sunshine
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Hollywood Bad Boy
✨️Figure Skater FMC
✨️He Falls First
✨️Slow Burn
*Special thanks to author Olivia Belle, Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐✰ (4.5 stars)
On Thin Ice is a sparkling grumpy/sunshine romance that blends the glamour of show business with the intensity of competitive skating. Olivia Belle delivers a story that is equal parts heartfelt, funny, and undeniably swoony.
- Characters: Luca, the disgraced former child star, is layered and vulnerable beneath his bad-boy exterior. His redemption arc feels authentic, and his chemistry with Matilda practically leaps off the page. Matilda, the consummate professional figure skater, is both relatable and admirable—her quiet resentment of the show adds depth to her character, making her eventual emotional thaw all the more satisfying.
- Romance & Banter: The forced partnership trope is executed beautifully. Their banter is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, while the slow-burn attraction builds with just the right amount of tension.
- Themes: Beyond the romance, Belle explores family expectations, public image, and the courage to pursue one’s own passions. These layers give the book more emotional weight than a typical rom-com.
- Pacing & Style: The narrative flows smoothly, balancing humor, spice, and heartfelt moments. The skating competition backdrop adds a fresh, cinematic quality that makes the story stand out.
If I had one minor critique, it’s that a few plot beats felt predictable—but the charm of the characters and the sizzling chemistry more than made up for it.
Final Verdict: A delightful, romantic escape with humor, heart, and plenty of ice-skating sparkle. Fans of grumpy/sunshine dynamics and redemption arcs will adore this one.
On Thin Ice is a sparkling grumpy/sunshine romance that blends the glamour of show business with the intensity of competitive skating. Olivia Belle delivers a story that is equal parts heartfelt, funny, and undeniably swoony.
- Characters: Luca, the disgraced former child star, is layered and vulnerable beneath his bad-boy exterior. His redemption arc feels authentic, and his chemistry with Matilda practically leaps off the page. Matilda, the consummate professional figure skater, is both relatable and admirable—her quiet resentment of the show adds depth to her character, making her eventual emotional thaw all the more satisfying.
- Romance & Banter: The forced partnership trope is executed beautifully. Their banter is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, while the slow-burn attraction builds with just the right amount of tension.
- Themes: Beyond the romance, Belle explores family expectations, public image, and the courage to pursue one’s own passions. These layers give the book more emotional weight than a typical rom-com.
- Pacing & Style: The narrative flows smoothly, balancing humor, spice, and heartfelt moments. The skating competition backdrop adds a fresh, cinematic quality that makes the story stand out.
If I had one minor critique, it’s that a few plot beats felt predictable—but the charm of the characters and the sizzling chemistry more than made up for it.
Final Verdict: A delightful, romantic escape with humor, heart, and plenty of ice-skating sparkle. Fans of grumpy/sunshine dynamics and redemption arcs will adore this one.
December 7, 2025
On Thin Ice is Dancing with The Stars meets The Cutting Edge, where troubled actor Luca is paired with people pleasing professional skater Matilda to compete for glory in the prestigious Stars on Ice competition.
Luca is desperate to repair a public image filled by scandal. He wants to prove he’s not the man the tabloids claim he is, but he refuses to make real connections or risk showing any vulnerability. Matilda, on the other hand, is fighting to win the competition that could finally free her from her toxic ex and lift her out of her mother’s shadow.
Thrown together under intense pressure, Luca and Matilda must learn to trust, communicate, and skate as one. Along the way, they challenge each other’s defenses, confront old wounds, and slowly dismantle the negative beliefs they hold about love and relationships.
In the spotlight and on the ice, they discover that sometimes the hardest battles and the greatest wins are the ones fought within.
Quick and easy read with lots of tension and life lessons on overcoming people pleasing.
Never skip the Acknowledgments!!!
Grumpy & Sunshine
Forced Proximity
People Pleasing FMC
Protective MMC
Dual POV
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC.
Luca is desperate to repair a public image filled by scandal. He wants to prove he’s not the man the tabloids claim he is, but he refuses to make real connections or risk showing any vulnerability. Matilda, on the other hand, is fighting to win the competition that could finally free her from her toxic ex and lift her out of her mother’s shadow.
Thrown together under intense pressure, Luca and Matilda must learn to trust, communicate, and skate as one. Along the way, they challenge each other’s defenses, confront old wounds, and slowly dismantle the negative beliefs they hold about love and relationships.
In the spotlight and on the ice, they discover that sometimes the hardest battles and the greatest wins are the ones fought within.
Quick and easy read with lots of tension and life lessons on overcoming people pleasing.
Never skip the Acknowledgments!!!
Grumpy & Sunshine
Forced Proximity
People Pleasing FMC
Protective MMC
Dual POV
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like the idea of an ice skating version of Dancing With The Stars, where a celebrity is paired with a professional ice skater, especially to reform a bad boy and clean up his reputation (think sweetheart Rylee Arnold with Harry Jowsey)... however, this was NOT it. I was so excited for the premise because we desperately need good ice skating romances but this was truly not it. I really need authors to stop writing really awful MMCs under the guise of being a "bad boy" or "grumpy". It comes off as just cruel and mean, and not worthy of a redemption arc at all. If your book has me actively rooting against the MMC and actively hoping the two of them do NOT end up together, then the job was not done correctly. Full stop. And the excuse of trauma is not enough. I am really disappointed that this did not work out for me, because I was really looking forward to it and it had so much potential, but Luca was the worst MMC I have read in a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Belle, and Dell for the eARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Belle, and Dell for the eARC of this book.
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December 15, 2025Matilda is an ice skating professional on a reality tv show (think Dancing With the Stars but on ice). She is excited when she finds out that this season she is paired with the biggest star on the show. That means that she will have a real chance at winning, and the bonus for winning could give her the financial cushion to leave the show. Luca is a Hollywood bad boy who comes on to the show to rehab his image for a part. They both have strong reasons to want to win. But when they first meet, Luca finds Matilda's cheery attitude fake and they get off to a rocky start. But Luca slowly realizes that Matilda isn't hiding something, she's just a people pleaser. And Matilda realizes that Luca isn't just a anti social grump but someone who doesn't appreciate the (sometimes overly polite) social niceties. They become friends and then more. But they both really want to win, and need to keep their eyes on the prize.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.75 stars! On Thin Ice combines two of my favorite things in a book: figure skating & romance. I picked it up because I love the iceskating aspect in a book; I find it so interesting to read about.
I loved how this was different than a typical iceskating romance. Both individuals are not iceskaters. Instead, the MMC is an actor, and they team up for a show! This sets up an intriguing plotline for the reader. However, it did fall a bit flat. I think I was yearning for more drama. The plot didn't really go in any crazy direction. I probably could have guessed how it would all end up. I could say the same for the romance itself, also. It just did not stand out to me compared to other romance novel relationships.
Thank you NetGalley, Bantam Dell Books, & Olivia Belle for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. On Thin Ice will be released on April 7, 2026!
I loved how this was different than a typical iceskating romance. Both individuals are not iceskaters. Instead, the MMC is an actor, and they team up for a show! This sets up an intriguing plotline for the reader. However, it did fall a bit flat. I think I was yearning for more drama. The plot didn't really go in any crazy direction. I probably could have guessed how it would all end up. I could say the same for the romance itself, also. It just did not stand out to me compared to other romance novel relationships.
Thank you NetGalley, Bantam Dell Books, & Olivia Belle for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. On Thin Ice will be released on April 7, 2026!
December 10, 2025
✨️4.25/5
This book drew me in, I was hooked by yhe immediate drop in the showbiz business and how our characters entered a reality show with their own goals and grow in their own ways through their journey.
Matilda is a people pleaser and as a fellow people pleaser, I related to her so much, especially when she is dealing with her family and those situations. Then good girl persona that clashes but goes so well with our bad boy, Luca, phew it flew off the pages and held space in my brain. These two have the tension, the push and pull and add in the whole fact they are on a show and you have one heck of a story!
Highly enjoyed this one and thank you to NetGalley for providing this arc for me to devour ❤️
This book drew me in, I was hooked by yhe immediate drop in the showbiz business and how our characters entered a reality show with their own goals and grow in their own ways through their journey.
Matilda is a people pleaser and as a fellow people pleaser, I related to her so much, especially when she is dealing with her family and those situations. Then good girl persona that clashes but goes so well with our bad boy, Luca, phew it flew off the pages and held space in my brain. These two have the tension, the push and pull and add in the whole fact they are on a show and you have one heck of a story!
Highly enjoyed this one and thank you to NetGalley for providing this arc for me to devour ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an adorable read! As someone who is obsessed with Dancing with the Stars, it has the same kind of feel. I appreciated the behind the scenes look into this world. As Matilda shows us, it can be an ugly place. Living in her mother's shadows because she was forced to give up her career, Matilda is never good enough.
Meanwhile, Luca needs an image revamp after taking an acting hiatus for years. His manager thinks this will be the perfect way to get back into acting including one special project Luca wants to do for his dying mom.
Of course, the two have chemistry after Luca breaks down his walls and helps Matilda understand her people pleasing tendencies.
I really loved this one. Thanks Netgalley!
Meanwhile, Luca needs an image revamp after taking an acting hiatus for years. His manager thinks this will be the perfect way to get back into acting including one special project Luca wants to do for his dying mom.
Of course, the two have chemistry after Luca breaks down his walls and helps Matilda understand her people pleasing tendencies.
I really loved this one. Thanks Netgalley!
December 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read!
What’s not to love about a grumpy meets sunshine!!
And for those that complain about this trope, I think you fail to understand that a male’s backstory shouldn’t be held against him. If it was a women’s backstory that turned her into a grump then I think you would feel vindicated. Emotional equality should go both ways.
It was definitely a slow burn, and slower than I would have preferred. However, this did allow us to really get to know the characters, and I do appreciate the build up to fully formed characters.
Although we had to wait for the spice, it was well worth it!
A true romance story with tension, spice, heartbreak and finally redemption.
What’s not to love about a grumpy meets sunshine!!
And for those that complain about this trope, I think you fail to understand that a male’s backstory shouldn’t be held against him. If it was a women’s backstory that turned her into a grump then I think you would feel vindicated. Emotional equality should go both ways.
It was definitely a slow burn, and slower than I would have preferred. However, this did allow us to really get to know the characters, and I do appreciate the build up to fully formed characters.
Although we had to wait for the spice, it was well worth it!
A true romance story with tension, spice, heartbreak and finally redemption.
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