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On Thin Ice
Not yet published
Expected 26 Mar 26This sizzling, grumpy/sunshine forced proximity romance is perfect for fans of
Icebreaker
by Hannah Grace and Face Off by Chelsea Curto!
They can't keep skating around their feelings...
When disgraced Hollywood star Luca Vasvault is partnered with drama-averse professional skater Matilda Stevens on Stars on Ice, the pair get off to a less-than-smooth start. Matilda’s dazzling smile and generous spirit immediately set Luca on edge (surely no one can be that nice?) while Luca’s standoffish and brooding behaviour is making Matilda’s job unnecessarily difficult.
Despite their tension behind the scenes, though, there’s no denying their chemistry on the ice. And since Matilda and Luca both need to win for their own reasons, they strike a they’ll work together, playing up their “showmance”, to win the public’s love and better their chances of winning the competition.
After all, they’re both performers for a living. How hard can it be to pretend their feelings are real?
PRE-ORDER NOW!
They can't keep skating around their feelings...
When disgraced Hollywood star Luca Vasvault is partnered with drama-averse professional skater Matilda Stevens on Stars on Ice, the pair get off to a less-than-smooth start. Matilda’s dazzling smile and generous spirit immediately set Luca on edge (surely no one can be that nice?) while Luca’s standoffish and brooding behaviour is making Matilda’s job unnecessarily difficult.
Despite their tension behind the scenes, though, there’s no denying their chemistry on the ice. And since Matilda and Luca both need to win for their own reasons, they strike a they’ll work together, playing up their “showmance”, to win the public’s love and better their chances of winning the competition.
After all, they’re both performers for a living. How hard can it be to pretend their feelings are real?
PRE-ORDER NOW!
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 26, 2026
1686 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 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
January 17, 2026
★★★★★
- Figure skater good girl x Hollywood bad boy
- Grumpy x sunshine
- People pleaser fmc
- Forced proximity
- TV competition
I LOVE this book! Luca & Matilda are absolutely everything, and I’m obsessed with their grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
When disgraced Hollywood actor Luca Vasvault decides to go on the reality figure skating show Stars On Ice to fix his image, he is paired with the Matilda Stevens, the show’s too-perfect golden girl.
I was lucky to be an early beta reader of On Thin Ice, which means I have read this book more than once and I loved it more each time.
Luca is an absolute dream. He is the absolute worst to Matilda at the start lol, but this is dual pov so we get to see him slowly but surely fall head of heels for her! I absolutely love a man obsessed, and Luca would burn down the world for Matilda 👏🏼 He is a protective grump (you’ll be swooning every time he stands up for her 🥺) and a new favourite mmc.
I also love Matilda - she is a chronic people pleaser, and her character development through this book is so strong. You will absolutely want to shake her a few times early on, but by the end you’ll be so proud of how far she has come 🥹
This is definitely a slow burn with spice, and by the time it hits my goodness 🥵The dressing room scene will not be leaving my brain anytime soon x
I also absolutely love the side characters - Jack and Lily are the perfect complement to our MCs, and I’m hoping for their book next 👀
Thank you to Olivia & the publishers for giving me the chance to read this early!
- Figure skater good girl x Hollywood bad boy
- Grumpy x sunshine
- People pleaser fmc
- Forced proximity
- TV competition
I LOVE this book! Luca & Matilda are absolutely everything, and I’m obsessed with their grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
When disgraced Hollywood actor Luca Vasvault decides to go on the reality figure skating show Stars On Ice to fix his image, he is paired with the Matilda Stevens, the show’s too-perfect golden girl.
I was lucky to be an early beta reader of On Thin Ice, which means I have read this book more than once and I loved it more each time.
Luca is an absolute dream. He is the absolute worst to Matilda at the start lol, but this is dual pov so we get to see him slowly but surely fall head of heels for her! I absolutely love a man obsessed, and Luca would burn down the world for Matilda 👏🏼 He is a protective grump (you’ll be swooning every time he stands up for her 🥺) and a new favourite mmc.
I also love Matilda - she is a chronic people pleaser, and her character development through this book is so strong. You will absolutely want to shake her a few times early on, but by the end you’ll be so proud of how far she has come 🥹
This is definitely a slow burn with spice, and by the time it hits my goodness 🥵The dressing room scene will not be leaving my brain anytime soon x
I also absolutely love the side characters - Jack and Lily are the perfect complement to our MCs, and I’m hoping for their book next 👀
Thank you to Olivia & the publishers for giving me the chance to read this early!
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
February 7, 2026
* Re-read 2026*
What an absolute beauty of a book. I didn’t think I could love this book more but having now read the finished sparkly version, I am obsessed.
This is grumpy x sunshine at its absolute finest, with the most relatable character I have ever had the joy of reading. Matilda is written in such a way that I could feel my own experiences and behaviours seeping out through the pages - she is kind, but with an overriding sense of people-pleasing which places her own happiness on the back burner. I adore her. Luca is absolutely glorious - I was swooning whilst reading - but also melting into a puddle when his story opens up, what a man. Their chemistry is incredibly written, and the spice is - well, rather warm.
I loved the ‘dancing on ice’ vibes of the show, and I loved the pop culture references throughout. Oh and I loved having a character to seethe about and hate.
An easy five stars, LOVED it!
*2024 read*
Was so lucky to read an early copy as a beta reader in June 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!
What an absolute beauty of a book. I didn’t think I could love this book more but having now read the finished sparkly version, I am obsessed.
This is grumpy x sunshine at its absolute finest, with the most relatable character I have ever had the joy of reading. Matilda is written in such a way that I could feel my own experiences and behaviours seeping out through the pages - she is kind, but with an overriding sense of people-pleasing which places her own happiness on the back burner. I adore her. Luca is absolutely glorious - I was swooning whilst reading - but also melting into a puddle when his story opens up, what a man. Their chemistry is incredibly written, and the spice is - well, rather warm.
I loved the ‘dancing on ice’ vibes of the show, and I loved the pop culture references throughout. Oh and I loved having a character to seethe about and hate.
An easy five stars, LOVED it!
*2024 read*
Was so lucky to read an early copy as a beta reader in June 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!
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!
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 🫶🏼
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!
October 14, 2025
I have now read this book twice and it is easily one of the best romance books I have read! Funny, spicy, heart-warming and impossible to put down from page one, I completely fell in love with these characters and can’t wait to see this book blow up when it’s released next year!
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
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 !!
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
February 5, 2026
I loved the concept of love blossoming during a new season of “Stars on Ice’,” and being a grumpy/sunshine trope excited me to no end. On Thin Ice didn’t disappoint. Bad boy, Luca has to prove he’s changed his out of control ways so he can get a part in the new Dirty Dancing movie. Side Note:Gen X’er here to say a Dirty Dancing sequel or remake is sacrilege. Luca has major trust issues due to a bad breakup and the excesses of Hollywood. Good girl Matilda, (love her name) is burnt out being a regular on the show, but family responsibility keeps her coming back. Both need to win the season for their own reasons, so already being teamed up works in their favor. I loved these two together, her softening his hard edges. Their banter was funny and the tension between these two was on point. Love a good slow burn. There is ex drama, he’s a major ass, but Luca stands up to him for Matilda in very swoon worthy ways. The technical parts about the ice skating moves was so interesting and you could tell author was knowledgeable. The descriptions made me feel like Matilda and Luca were right in front of me putting on their Grease medley. Very impressed and a definite recommendation.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC, as always the opinions are always mine.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC, as always the opinions are always mine.
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.
October 11, 2025
True pleasure to Beta read this book, Olivia's writing is beautiful. Cracking romance, loved both MMCs and couldn't put it down! There are definitely a few scenes I won't forget in a hurry 🥵
February 12, 2026
Thank you much for my ARC of this book, I have simply adored every second of it. Grumpy x Sunshine is a favourite trope of mine and Luca & Matilda are just the perfect fit. Watching Matilda become more confident and assertive throughout the story was definitely a highlight and I loved how Luca challenged her need to please people. Over to Luca, what a MMC, brooding dark and handsome with a fierce protective streak and desire to look after his family. I was so happy when we finally got to that scene with the ripped dress. IYKYK.
And now, when do we get Jack’s book?
And now, when do we get Jack’s book?
January 14, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
What a fun read! As a figure skating fan, I was excited to find this book and eager to read it. Matilda and Luca’s story was a joy to read, their characters were believable and I couldn’t get enough of them. If you like reality TV competitions and especially skating or DWTS, you’ll love this!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun read! As a figure skating fan, I was excited to find this book and eager to read it. Matilda and Luca’s story was a joy to read, their characters were believable and I couldn’t get enough of them. If you like reality TV competitions and especially skating or DWTS, you’ll love this!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2026
Loved this one! I didn’t want it to end.
I love a very grumpy man determined to keep his distance.
I also love any type of competition show or something similar.
I have no notes. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I wish I could read it all again from the beginning.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
I love a very grumpy man determined to keep his distance.
I also love any type of competition show or something similar.
I have no notes. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I wish I could read it all again from the beginning.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2025
Thank you Bantam Bell Books and NetGalley for the ARC
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
On Thin Ice was such a fun and engaging read, especially if you love reality show romance. I absolutely loved the Dancing with the Stars but on ice vibes it added a fresh and exciting twist that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The competitive setting brought great tension, and I really enjoyed seeing how the pressure of rehearsals, performances, and public scrutiny played into the romance. The chemistry between the main characters felt natural, and I loved watching their relationship grow alongside their time on the ice.
While a few moments felt a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. The atmosphere, emotional beats, and behind the scenes look at a high stakes skating competition made this such a fun ride.
Overall, On Thin Ice is a great pick if you enjoy sports romance, reality show drama, and a swoony love story with plenty of sparkle. I’d definitely recommend it and I’ll happily pick up more from Olivia Belle in the future. 💕
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
On Thin Ice was such a fun and engaging read, especially if you love reality show romance. I absolutely loved the Dancing with the Stars but on ice vibes it added a fresh and exciting twist that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The competitive setting brought great tension, and I really enjoyed seeing how the pressure of rehearsals, performances, and public scrutiny played into the romance. The chemistry between the main characters felt natural, and I loved watching their relationship grow alongside their time on the ice.
While a few moments felt a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. The atmosphere, emotional beats, and behind the scenes look at a high stakes skating competition made this such a fun ride.
Overall, On Thin Ice is a great pick if you enjoy sports romance, reality show drama, and a swoony love story with plenty of sparkle. I’d definitely recommend it and I’ll happily pick up more from Olivia Belle in the future. 💕
January 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity of reading this arc. ᢉ𐭩
Rating: ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
Review: This book took me a little bit to get into it just because i’ve been feeling slumpy but once I got to that 50% mark it went flying and I had to double check how far and fast I was reading. I looooove the sport of figure skating and just reading about them making dances and falling in love with each other was just chefs kiss. The tension with the dances and their growing attraction was amazing, you could see them growing their trust and their love. You also see Matilda learn how to be true to herself and start to live for what she wants in life and how Luca helped her with it. It was such a good book and now I just want to watch ice skating dances.
Rating: ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
Review: This book took me a little bit to get into it just because i’ve been feeling slumpy but once I got to that 50% mark it went flying and I had to double check how far and fast I was reading. I looooove the sport of figure skating and just reading about them making dances and falling in love with each other was just chefs kiss. The tension with the dances and their growing attraction was amazing, you could see them growing their trust and their love. You also see Matilda learn how to be true to herself and start to live for what she wants in life and how Luca helped her with it. It was such a good book and now I just want to watch ice skating dances.
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 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
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 17, 2025
So it's fair to say, romance isn't normally my go-to genre, but this was a great read! The author has an easygoing style of writing, making the book easy to get lost in. The story is excellent, and the characters are very relatable. I read the whole thing in one go, finding it hard to put down! I'd very highly recommend it - even if you don't usually read this type of book. Can't wait to see more from this author!
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!
January 22, 2026
[#adgifted]
Thank you so much to publishers for an advance copy of this. 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 publishers for an advance copy of this. 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.
January 31, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ this was SO much fun !!!
dancing on ice was my show as a kid, and this was everything i dreamed - the bad boy actor who needs to redeem his image so is partnered with the sunshine golden girl of ice dancing. The tension and yearning is delightful, and this has suuuch a delightfully slow burn 🔥
the perfect mixture of sweet wholesome romantic moments and sinfully sexy, tension filled moments between Matilda and Luca i was giggling the whole time
~~~
“Are you going to kiss me?' she whispered.
I didn't think twice. 'F*ck, yes!”
“Good girls who beg get to lie back and take it. Bad girls' - he pulled me off the vanity and into his body - 'get bent over and f**ked.”
“Holy shit.”
~~~
OBSESSED
thankyou penguin random house, transworld for the eARC <3
dancing on ice was my show as a kid, and this was everything i dreamed - the bad boy actor who needs to redeem his image so is partnered with the sunshine golden girl of ice dancing. The tension and yearning is delightful, and this has suuuch a delightfully slow burn 🔥
the perfect mixture of sweet wholesome romantic moments and sinfully sexy, tension filled moments between Matilda and Luca i was giggling the whole time
~~~
“Are you going to kiss me?' she whispered.
I didn't think twice. 'F*ck, yes!”
“Good girls who beg get to lie back and take it. Bad girls' - he pulled me off the vanity and into his body - 'get bent over and f**ked.”
“Holy shit.”
~~~
OBSESSED
thankyou penguin random house, transworld for the eARC <3
January 17, 2026
4.25 rounded up!!!
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