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On Thin Ice
Win a free print copy of this book!
20 days and 03:02:34
15 copies available
U.S. only
An 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 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 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 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 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?
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Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dancing with the Stars but make it ice skating edition! ⛸️✨ This was such a cute love story that involves a grump and a sunshine girl ☀️
I do think that the whole “I’m mean to everyone” persona that the male character portrayed was a bit too much for my taste, because you also want to see a level of “I care for her” from the beginning, which you don’t really see. But let’s be real, we all love a little bit of toxic crumbs here and there 😅 (yes sue me I like it) If you love that as much as me then… lol read this.
I do love the yearning this man has for her after being mean lol 😮💨, as well as the whole competition you get as a plot besides their attraction to each other. Another thing I really liked was the vulnerability you see between them. He wants her to be honest, but it takes her time because she would rather have people around her be happy instead of herself, and that is something I can resonate with from my own experiences 🥺✨
The chemistry between them is super palpable 🔥 tbh I loved every second of it. The only thing that, for me, took it away from a 5-star read was what I mentioned about how his way of being mean and then becoming all apologetic is getting a bit old for me.
Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the romance scenes, especially the dressing room that was hot 🔥
Thanks DellRomance for my eARC! 📚💖
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𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ❀*･ after the winter olympics I need a figure skating book!
I do think that the whole “I’m mean to everyone” persona that the male character portrayed was a bit too much for my taste, because you also want to see a level of “I care for her” from the beginning, which you don’t really see. But let’s be real, we all love a little bit of toxic crumbs here and there 😅 (yes sue me I like it) If you love that as much as me then… lol read this.
I do love the yearning this man has for her after being mean lol 😮💨, as well as the whole competition you get as a plot besides their attraction to each other. Another thing I really liked was the vulnerability you see between them. He wants her to be honest, but it takes her time because she would rather have people around her be happy instead of herself, and that is something I can resonate with from my own experiences 🥺✨
The chemistry between them is super palpable 🔥 tbh I loved every second of it. The only thing that, for me, took it away from a 5-star read was what I mentioned about how his way of being mean and then becoming all apologetic is getting a bit old for me.
Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the romance scenes, especially the dressing room that was hot 🔥
Thanks DellRomance for my eARC! 📚💖
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ❀*･ after the winter olympics I need a figure skating book!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you netgalley & dell for the eARC—all are thoughts are my own!
✦ publication date: april 07, 2026
i was really excited to read this book because it promised a mix of figure skating and reality tv drama. the story follows luca vasvault, a former child star whose reputation in hollywood has taken a big hit. he moves to the UK to be with his dying mother and to honor her wish by acting in a remake of her favorite movie. to rebuild his image, luca joins a tv competition called stars on ice, where celebrities are paired with professional skaters. his partner is the beloved “people’s princess” matilda stevens.
unfortunately, the book didn’t live up to my expectations.
i think we need to move past the idea of mmcs treating the fmcs like trash because he's a grump and the only redeemable quality is that the mmc went through something in the past. please, trauma doesn't give an excuse to treat anyone like shit. free my girl maltida from this mess.
this book had a lot of potential, to be honest, but the mmc was such a manchild here i couldn't care about him at all.
⤿ dancing on ice/skating with the stars
⤿ movie star x figure skater
⤿ grumpy x sunshine
⤿ workplace/forced proximity
⤿ slow burn
⤿ protective mmc
⤿ people pleasing fmc
── ✦ 2.5 stars
✦ publication date: april 07, 2026
i was really excited to read this book because it promised a mix of figure skating and reality tv drama. the story follows luca vasvault, a former child star whose reputation in hollywood has taken a big hit. he moves to the UK to be with his dying mother and to honor her wish by acting in a remake of her favorite movie. to rebuild his image, luca joins a tv competition called stars on ice, where celebrities are paired with professional skaters. his partner is the beloved “people’s princess” matilda stevens.
unfortunately, the book didn’t live up to my expectations.
i think we need to move past the idea of mmcs treating the fmcs like trash because he's a grump and the only redeemable quality is that the mmc went through something in the past. please, trauma doesn't give an excuse to treat anyone like shit. free my girl maltida from this mess.
this book had a lot of potential, to be honest, but the mmc was such a manchild here i couldn't care about him at all.
⤿ dancing on ice/skating with the stars
⤿ movie star x figure skater
⤿ grumpy x sunshine
⤿ workplace/forced proximity
⤿ slow burn
⤿ protective mmc
⤿ people pleasing fmc
── ✦ 2.5 stars
April 27, 2026
If you love Dancing with the Stars, Disney on Ice, or the Winter Olympics ice pairs skating competition, this book is perfect for you. It brings that concept of an actor and an athlete being paired together to life in the best way possible.
The story follows Matilda, a people-pleasing ice princess and the daughter of an Olympic figure skater. She has been pushed relentlessly all her life to achieve greatness, always feeling like she comes up short while living to appease her mother’s expectations. Enter Luca, a Hollywood heartthrob and notorious bad boy actor.
I loved the grumpy and sunshine dynamic, and the way the author described the ice dancing choreography was incredible. Watching them go from dislike-to-lovers was a total slow-burn treat, but the real star of the show? The choreography. I was obsessed with how the author described their training—from the grueling practice sessions to their fiery, undeniable chemistry every time they performed together on the ice!
Beyond the cozy romance vibes, this book has so much heart. It handles mental health representation and the struggle to break free from people-pleasing and living up to family expectations with such raw, real vulnerability. The book operates on a slower pacing, but keep your eyes peeled—more than halfway through, there is a serious change in the drama that unfolds. I was genuinely shocked by how toxic her ex was, and the ridiculous way her sister and her mother treated her provided so much to unpack.
Overall, this was a fun ice skating romance that had me smiling with the banter and getting swept away with visualizing their stunning dance routines.
Perfect for fans of:
✨️ Dancing with the Stars
🥰 Disney on Ice
💙 Winter Olympics Ice Skating Pairs
✨️ Actor / Celebrity MMC
⛸️ Professional Figure Skater Athlete FMC
💛 Mental Health Representation
✨️ Breaking free from people-pleasing
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic
😍 Dislike-to-Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn with Spice
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine | Dell, for providing an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. I am writing this review voluntarily. These are my honest opinions.
The story follows Matilda, a people-pleasing ice princess and the daughter of an Olympic figure skater. She has been pushed relentlessly all her life to achieve greatness, always feeling like she comes up short while living to appease her mother’s expectations. Enter Luca, a Hollywood heartthrob and notorious bad boy actor.
I loved the grumpy and sunshine dynamic, and the way the author described the ice dancing choreography was incredible. Watching them go from dislike-to-lovers was a total slow-burn treat, but the real star of the show? The choreography. I was obsessed with how the author described their training—from the grueling practice sessions to their fiery, undeniable chemistry every time they performed together on the ice!
Beyond the cozy romance vibes, this book has so much heart. It handles mental health representation and the struggle to break free from people-pleasing and living up to family expectations with such raw, real vulnerability. The book operates on a slower pacing, but keep your eyes peeled—more than halfway through, there is a serious change in the drama that unfolds. I was genuinely shocked by how toxic her ex was, and the ridiculous way her sister and her mother treated her provided so much to unpack.
Overall, this was a fun ice skating romance that had me smiling with the banter and getting swept away with visualizing their stunning dance routines.
Perfect for fans of:
✨️ Dancing with the Stars
🥰 Disney on Ice
💙 Winter Olympics Ice Skating Pairs
✨️ Actor / Celebrity MMC
⛸️ Professional Figure Skater Athlete FMC
💛 Mental Health Representation
✨️ Breaking free from people-pleasing
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic
😍 Dislike-to-Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn with Spice
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine | Dell, for providing an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. I am writing this review voluntarily. These are my honest opinions.
February 16, 2026
i LOVEDDDD this one and had so much fun!!
i was a little scared going into it after seeing some reviews talking about how mean the mmc was but honestly i personally(!!) didnt find it worse than any other grumpy x sunshine book on the market?? those feelings they have are incredibly valid, to each their own but to be quite honest i was way more worried about her entire family + marks abhorrent behavior towards matilda than i ever was with luca!!!
the concept of this book basically being dancing with the stars but on ice was *chefs kiss*, i absolutely love to see a fresh spin on a sports romance as they start to get a little rinse & repeat after awhile so the originality + a great execution had me so engaged and bouncing off the walls excited over how much i loved luca & matilda.
this book was PEAK slowburn for me, my god the build up through out the story was like crack. i could not get enough of the tension, the lingering looks, the we cant do this, the flirting even when it was fake 🤭
this was such a strong debut book in my eyes and i cannot wait to see what else olivia has up her sleeve for future books!! hoping to see l & j have their time to shine eventually 😋
i was a little scared going into it after seeing some reviews talking about how mean the mmc was but honestly i personally(!!) didnt find it worse than any other grumpy x sunshine book on the market?? those feelings they have are incredibly valid, to each their own but to be quite honest i was way more worried about her entire family + marks abhorrent behavior towards matilda than i ever was with luca!!!
the concept of this book basically being dancing with the stars but on ice was *chefs kiss*, i absolutely love to see a fresh spin on a sports romance as they start to get a little rinse & repeat after awhile so the originality + a great execution had me so engaged and bouncing off the walls excited over how much i loved luca & matilda.
this book was PEAK slowburn for me, my god the build up through out the story was like crack. i could not get enough of the tension, the lingering looks, the we cant do this, the flirting even when it was fake 🤭
this was such a strong debut book in my eyes and i cannot wait to see what else olivia has up her sleeve for future books!! hoping to see l & j have their time to shine eventually 😋
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!
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
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
April 8, 2026
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!*
3.75 stars.
On Thin Ice was such a fun and emotional surprise!
I’m always a sucker for a good grumpy x sunshine romance, and this one delivered that dynamic so well. The contrast between the characters made their chemistry feel natural and engaging, and I loved watching their relationship slowly thaw and develop over time.
The ice skating/reality show setting added such a unique and entertaining layer to the story—it made everything feel a bit more intense and high-stakes, which I really enjoyed. There was a great balance between lighter, swoony moments and more emotional depth, especially as the characters started opening up and confronting their pasts.
I also really appreciated how addictive the story was—I found myself flying through it because I just needed to know how everything would unfold. While a few moments felt a bit predictable, the character growth and romance more than made up for it.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, slightly angsty, and very bingeable read, and I’d definitely recommend it if you love forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, and a touch of showbiz drama.
_______________________
An 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.
Yep, that's all I need to know!
I hope it's going to be as good as it sounds.
3.75 stars.
On Thin Ice was such a fun and emotional surprise!
I’m always a sucker for a good grumpy x sunshine romance, and this one delivered that dynamic so well. The contrast between the characters made their chemistry feel natural and engaging, and I loved watching their relationship slowly thaw and develop over time.
The ice skating/reality show setting added such a unique and entertaining layer to the story—it made everything feel a bit more intense and high-stakes, which I really enjoyed. There was a great balance between lighter, swoony moments and more emotional depth, especially as the characters started opening up and confronting their pasts.
I also really appreciated how addictive the story was—I found myself flying through it because I just needed to know how everything would unfold. While a few moments felt a bit predictable, the character growth and romance more than made up for it.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, slightly angsty, and very bingeable read, and I’d definitely recommend it if you love forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, and a touch of showbiz drama.
_______________________
An 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.
Yep, that's all I need to know!
I hope it's going to be as good as it sounds.
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 🫶🏼
April 14, 2026
*Re-read via audio on day of release*
Help, I listened to this audio in one day and I am unwell.
This was such a great dual narration spicy romance.
Luca - a misunderstood and very grumpy actor has shied away from the limelight for a while but now he needs some good publicity and his agent has put him forward for stars on ice (think dancing on ice vibes).
He is paired with the gorgeous and exceptionally talented Matilda, the sunshine to his stormy nature. Let’s just say that the two don’t hit it off, Luca is immediately suspicious of Matilda’s sunny nature. And, as a people pleaser, all Matilda wants is to do well on the show, get on with her partner and potentially win.
In this slow burn romance, chemistry slowly comes to the surface and there are some incredible spicy scenes worth waiting for. The tension will have you on the edge of your seat begging for them to, well, you know!
An excellent audiobook and story that I couldn’t get enough of.
Romance lovers this is a MUST listen!
———-
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
Help, I listened to this audio in one day and I am unwell.
This was such a great dual narration spicy romance.
Luca - a misunderstood and very grumpy actor has shied away from the limelight for a while but now he needs some good publicity and his agent has put him forward for stars on ice (think dancing on ice vibes).
He is paired with the gorgeous and exceptionally talented Matilda, the sunshine to his stormy nature. Let’s just say that the two don’t hit it off, Luca is immediately suspicious of Matilda’s sunny nature. And, as a people pleaser, all Matilda wants is to do well on the show, get on with her partner and potentially win.
In this slow burn romance, chemistry slowly comes to the surface and there are some incredible spicy scenes worth waiting for. The tension will have you on the edge of your seat begging for them to, well, you know!
An excellent audiobook and story that I couldn’t get enough of.
Romance lovers this is a MUST listen!
———-
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
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!
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?
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 !!
May 6, 2026
I'm not the correct audience for this story.
Keep that in mind when reading the following bitch-fit, please.
TL;DR? The characters are the problem here.
I don't really understand Luca's logic in the beginning of this story - he's decided, randomly, to just be mean to the FMC so he can keep her at a distance because she was too nice when he TESTED (ew) her by being a taciturn dick during their first meeting, which means she MUST be hiding something which means she's untrustworthy.
He's not a very likeable character - and it doesn't matter to me that he was burned before by another woman. That doesn't, and shouldn't ever, justify mistreating someone.
The fact that he needs his BFF and agent to act as a buffer to make him seem like a human and not a robot for the first 40% of this book drove me crazy. There's being broody and antisocial, and then there's just not having any personality beyond being a rude, angry, dickweed.
Matilda, for her part - massive doormat. The doormat to end all doormats! For her mother, for her sister, for Luca, for her ex, Mark, for the other performers on the show... Her thought is that if she's just pleasant with everyone, things will go smoothly, when what's ACTUALLY happening is she's being walked all over and dismissed and degraded at every turn. Gross.
Matilda is the sort of woman who's never learned the word 'no'. Never used it in her LIFE. Let me give you an example:
When other skater pairs - HER COMPETITION - comes over to ask for her help and pointers, she gladly and gleefully helps them, never fathoming that she even had the option of saying no. And when Luca calls her on it, explaining that they are in fact COMPETITION, she shuts down because she lacks even the capability of arguing with him.
She says she wants to win the competition - but she acts directly against her own (and Luca's!) self-interest time and time again because she has the backbone of a goddamned jellyfish. She was so fucking frustrating.
And what was Luca's response to this?
This woman baffled me. She was knowingly helping people who probably wouldn't do the same for her, and I couldn't work out why.
It made me want to lash out. "Do you do that a lot?"
"Do what?"
"Jump like an obedient dog when people tell you to?"
Oh - right - be MEAN to her and see how she responds. Perfect! 🤌
Matilda does not answer him - which is answer enough. She definitely KNOWS she's doing it. And actively doesn't even TRY to correct the behavior.
A few chapters later we learn that she's been to therapy for this issue - but stopped going when the therapist suggested limiting contact with the people who treat her like garbage.
Both of these people suck.
And needless to say, they have about as much chemistry as an eyeball and a cheese grater.
One needs his agent to run interference for him so he appears human. The other wouldn't say no to a gangbang if it promised to give her every STI in the world because she'd be too afraid of hurting the gang bangers' feelings.
If you looked at the cover of this book, you'd assume it's about ice skating. If you read the blurb, you'd assume it was about a competition where experts partner up with actors (a la Dancing with the Stars) for a TV show competition.
But honestly? It's really just about a woman who has no spine.
The WHOLE story is just about getting Matilda to realize she's allowing everybody ever to walk alllllllllllll over her to the point she's damaging herself and her dreams and eventually, her love life too.
It's about a man who's SO in love with brutal honesty that he takes Matilda's people-pleasing smiley facade as a personal affront, and then, after speaking to his mommy about it (who is a recovering people-pleaser herself) becoming Matilda's hype-man, giving her the backbone she needs to be a functional human being in society.
Look, I'm certain this book is for somebody.
But I am not now, nor have I ever been a people-pleaser. I am the exact opposite. I will hurt your feelings and walk away like nothing happened. I value honesty and standing up for yourself against aholes who'd walk all over you and tear you down for their own benefit. I'd rather have the knock-down drag-out fight and then move on with my life than exist in a perpetual state of "UwU, 🥺👉👈do they like me?!?!?!"
People like Matilda give me heartburn. People like Luca make me want to introduce them to a woodchipper.
I finished this book out of sheer spite - I wasn't about to let this BS story get the better of me.
Also I wanted to see if Belle had the cajones to actually write a storyline where the spineless jellyfish finally learns to stand up for herself.
Spoiler alert: Ehh. C+.
Kudos for sending the Jellyfish back to therapy - I just wish we'd gotten to see her attend.
Does the Jellyfish grow a spine, though? Mmmm.
Matilda does stand up for herself a time or two by the end. But it's not the empowered, explosive, hell yea you go girly moment I was hoping for.
We don't get to see Matilda's insipid cow of a sister, her harpy of a mom and that skeevy, scumbag pervert producer Mark get doused in kerosene and set on fire - which is, honestly, less than they actually deserve.
These books never go far enough for me. You spend 300 pages making me LOATHE these absolutely terrible people, then give me the most anticlimactic, pathetic redemption for the one they've wronged. When all of them should be in jail. Or at the bottom of the ocean. Or in a jail at the bottom of the ocean.
We don't even get to see Mark get fired from the show for sexual harassment - we only get to know that a complaint's been filed against him! There's no justice there!
At the end of the day, there wasn't really a plot I could latch on to. The competition was just a backdrop. Next time I wanna experience something evolving into a vertebrate, I'll turn on Animal Planet.
One last thing - The narrators. (I immersive read this so had both audio and text copies). The male narrator is American, but cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, do a British accent.
The female narrator was, I think, British - which suited Matilda, but again, she didn't even ATTEMPT the American accent.
Which just led to BOTH narrators pronouncing some things in such a bizarre way that if I had not had the text in front of me, would have completely confused me.
Just another audiobook that would have been a PERFECT candidate for a full-cast or at the very least, duet narration!
Keep that in mind when reading the following bitch-fit, please.
TL;DR? The characters are the problem here.
I don't really understand Luca's logic in the beginning of this story - he's decided, randomly, to just be mean to the FMC so he can keep her at a distance because she was too nice when he TESTED (ew) her by being a taciturn dick during their first meeting, which means she MUST be hiding something which means she's untrustworthy.
He's not a very likeable character - and it doesn't matter to me that he was burned before by another woman. That doesn't, and shouldn't ever, justify mistreating someone.
The fact that he needs his BFF and agent to act as a buffer to make him seem like a human and not a robot for the first 40% of this book drove me crazy. There's being broody and antisocial, and then there's just not having any personality beyond being a rude, angry, dickweed.
Matilda, for her part - massive doormat. The doormat to end all doormats! For her mother, for her sister, for Luca, for her ex, Mark, for the other performers on the show... Her thought is that if she's just pleasant with everyone, things will go smoothly, when what's ACTUALLY happening is she's being walked all over and dismissed and degraded at every turn. Gross.
Matilda is the sort of woman who's never learned the word 'no'. Never used it in her LIFE. Let me give you an example:
When other skater pairs - HER COMPETITION - comes over to ask for her help and pointers, she gladly and gleefully helps them, never fathoming that she even had the option of saying no. And when Luca calls her on it, explaining that they are in fact COMPETITION, she shuts down because she lacks even the capability of arguing with him.
She says she wants to win the competition - but she acts directly against her own (and Luca's!) self-interest time and time again because she has the backbone of a goddamned jellyfish. She was so fucking frustrating.
And what was Luca's response to this?
This woman baffled me. She was knowingly helping people who probably wouldn't do the same for her, and I couldn't work out why.
It made me want to lash out. "Do you do that a lot?"
"Do what?"
"Jump like an obedient dog when people tell you to?"
Oh - right - be MEAN to her and see how she responds. Perfect! 🤌
Matilda does not answer him - which is answer enough. She definitely KNOWS she's doing it. And actively doesn't even TRY to correct the behavior.
A few chapters later we learn that she's been to therapy for this issue - but stopped going when the therapist suggested limiting contact with the people who treat her like garbage.
Both of these people suck.
And needless to say, they have about as much chemistry as an eyeball and a cheese grater.
One needs his agent to run interference for him so he appears human. The other wouldn't say no to a gangbang if it promised to give her every STI in the world because she'd be too afraid of hurting the gang bangers' feelings.
If you looked at the cover of this book, you'd assume it's about ice skating. If you read the blurb, you'd assume it was about a competition where experts partner up with actors (a la Dancing with the Stars) for a TV show competition.
But honestly? It's really just about a woman who has no spine.
The WHOLE story is just about getting Matilda to realize she's allowing everybody ever to walk alllllllllllll over her to the point she's damaging herself and her dreams and eventually, her love life too.
It's about a man who's SO in love with brutal honesty that he takes Matilda's people-pleasing smiley facade as a personal affront, and then, after speaking to his mommy about it (who is a recovering people-pleaser herself) becoming Matilda's hype-man, giving her the backbone she needs to be a functional human being in society.
Look, I'm certain this book is for somebody.
But I am not now, nor have I ever been a people-pleaser. I am the exact opposite. I will hurt your feelings and walk away like nothing happened. I value honesty and standing up for yourself against aholes who'd walk all over you and tear you down for their own benefit. I'd rather have the knock-down drag-out fight and then move on with my life than exist in a perpetual state of "UwU, 🥺👉👈do they like me?!?!?!"
People like Matilda give me heartburn. People like Luca make me want to introduce them to a woodchipper.
I finished this book out of sheer spite - I wasn't about to let this BS story get the better of me.
Also I wanted to see if Belle had the cajones to actually write a storyline where the spineless jellyfish finally learns to stand up for herself.
Spoiler alert: Ehh. C+.
Kudos for sending the Jellyfish back to therapy - I just wish we'd gotten to see her attend.
Does the Jellyfish grow a spine, though? Mmmm.
Matilda does stand up for herself a time or two by the end. But it's not the empowered, explosive, hell yea you go girly moment I was hoping for.
We don't get to see Matilda's insipid cow of a sister, her harpy of a mom and that skeevy, scumbag pervert producer Mark get doused in kerosene and set on fire - which is, honestly, less than they actually deserve.
These books never go far enough for me. You spend 300 pages making me LOATHE these absolutely terrible people, then give me the most anticlimactic, pathetic redemption for the one they've wronged. When all of them should be in jail. Or at the bottom of the ocean. Or in a jail at the bottom of the ocean.
We don't even get to see Mark get fired from the show for sexual harassment - we only get to know that a complaint's been filed against him! There's no justice there!
At the end of the day, there wasn't really a plot I could latch on to. The competition was just a backdrop. Next time I wanna experience something evolving into a vertebrate, I'll turn on Animal Planet.
One last thing - The narrators. (I immersive read this so had both audio and text copies). The male narrator is American, but cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, do a British accent.
The female narrator was, I think, British - which suited Matilda, but again, she didn't even ATTEMPT the American accent.
Which just led to BOTH narrators pronouncing some things in such a bizarre way that if I had not had the text in front of me, would have completely confused me.
Just another audiobook that would have been a PERFECT candidate for a full-cast or at the very least, duet narration!
April 6, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you PRH audio for the alc and Ballantine for the arc.
4.5 Stars rounded up! I loved this ice skating romance and it was such a unique take on the sport! Matilda is an ice dancer on a reality tv show similar to DWTS, but obviously on ice. She is pure sunshine and honestly the most sweetest human to everyone around her...sometimes too nice to those that don't deserve it. Luca is a famous actor with a reputation that needs fixing in order for him to land a role that would make his ailing mother proud of him again. Luca and Matilda are paired for the show, and things are not so great to begin with. Luca is honestly a major jerk who clearly only wants to do the minimum, but also wants to win. Matilda wants to win so she an finely get out from under her mother's thumb and pressure and find what truly makes her happy.
Once they realize that winning is what they both want, things click into place and they climb quickly in the ranks. Hours upon hours of one of one training time lead to a close friendship. Knowing that playing up the flirting and possibility of relationship between them will help win the favor of voting fans, they kick things up a notch on screen...but it becomes obvious to them both that they want to explore each other off the ice as well. I love how protective Luca became of Matilda and really helped to use what she's been working on in therapy and not be afraid to disappoint the people around you. She starts to take what she wants and I loved watching her journey. Her mom, sister and the skeezy produced are pretty much the worst humans, and I loved watching Luca help her put them in their place. Luca's relationship with his mother was so sweet, as she battles ALS, she helps him realize what really makes him happy as well.
Thank you PRH audio for the alc and Ballantine for the arc.
4.5 Stars rounded up! I loved this ice skating romance and it was such a unique take on the sport! Matilda is an ice dancer on a reality tv show similar to DWTS, but obviously on ice. She is pure sunshine and honestly the most sweetest human to everyone around her...sometimes too nice to those that don't deserve it. Luca is a famous actor with a reputation that needs fixing in order for him to land a role that would make his ailing mother proud of him again. Luca and Matilda are paired for the show, and things are not so great to begin with. Luca is honestly a major jerk who clearly only wants to do the minimum, but also wants to win. Matilda wants to win so she an finely get out from under her mother's thumb and pressure and find what truly makes her happy.
Once they realize that winning is what they both want, things click into place and they climb quickly in the ranks. Hours upon hours of one of one training time lead to a close friendship. Knowing that playing up the flirting and possibility of relationship between them will help win the favor of voting fans, they kick things up a notch on screen...but it becomes obvious to them both that they want to explore each other off the ice as well. I love how protective Luca became of Matilda and really helped to use what she's been working on in therapy and not be afraid to disappoint the people around you. She starts to take what she wants and I loved watching her journey. Her mom, sister and the skeezy produced are pretty much the worst humans, and I loved watching Luca help her put them in their place. Luca's relationship with his mother was so sweet, as she battles ALS, she helps him realize what really makes him happy as well.
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.
April 19, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
This is what we need more of, reality show romances. I absolutely enjoyed this Dancing with the stars meets ice skating romance, and loved Luca and Matilda so much
This book was fun and easy to get lost in’s, and the premise was refreshing and something new for me. I’m also a people pleaser so I saw so much of myself in Matilda.
✨️Grumpy x Sunshine
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Hollywood Bad Boy
✨️Figure Skater FMC
✨️He Falls First
✨️Slow Burn
I didn’t know much about this book going into it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and how quickly it hooked me.
Matilda and Luca are so opposite that It made for great tension between them. With all the banter, forced proximity and swoon I truly enjoyed this book!
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
This is what we need more of, reality show romances. I absolutely enjoyed this Dancing with the stars meets ice skating romance, and loved Luca and Matilda so much
This book was fun and easy to get lost in’s, and the premise was refreshing and something new for me. I’m also a people pleaser so I saw so much of myself in Matilda.
✨️Grumpy x Sunshine
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Hollywood Bad Boy
✨️Figure Skater FMC
✨️He Falls First
✨️Slow Burn
I didn’t know much about this book going into it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and how quickly it hooked me.
Matilda and Luca are so opposite that It made for great tension between them. With all the banter, forced proximity and swoon I truly enjoyed this book!
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.
April 10, 2026
4.25/5 ⭐️
I saw my friend talking about this book and as always, i was influenced!! i just HAD to read it! Well thank you Gloria because this was such a good read 🤭
Let’s start with the whole Stars on Ice concept. Danse with the stars but make it ice skating ❄️ It was so original and i absolutely loved it! I love everything ice skating so i was hooked from the beginning
Matilda is my girl!! She’s such an amazing person with a heart of gold and she truly deserves the world!! Some things about her reminded me so much of myself, she’s such a relatable character and i love her sooo so much 💙
I’m not gonna lie, I was kinda scared thinking I wouldn’t be able to connect with Luca. He was way too mean for my liking about first but then he finally opened up and I finally got to meet the real Lucas. He’s such a caring man, doing all he can for the ones he loves 🤍
The chemistry between these two OMG!! The slowburn was everything (and this is coming from a girl who isn’t the biggest slowburn fan). They also had such cute scenes, my heart was burning because they’re truly so cute together!!
Congrats @oliviareadsandwrites on this amazing debut! can’t wait to read you next book 💙 and thank you @netgalley & @bantambooksuk for this arc!!
I saw my friend talking about this book and as always, i was influenced!! i just HAD to read it! Well thank you Gloria because this was such a good read 🤭
Let’s start with the whole Stars on Ice concept. Danse with the stars but make it ice skating ❄️ It was so original and i absolutely loved it! I love everything ice skating so i was hooked from the beginning
Matilda is my girl!! She’s such an amazing person with a heart of gold and she truly deserves the world!! Some things about her reminded me so much of myself, she’s such a relatable character and i love her sooo so much 💙
I’m not gonna lie, I was kinda scared thinking I wouldn’t be able to connect with Luca. He was way too mean for my liking about first but then he finally opened up and I finally got to meet the real Lucas. He’s such a caring man, doing all he can for the ones he loves 🤍
The chemistry between these two OMG!! The slowburn was everything (and this is coming from a girl who isn’t the biggest slowburn fan). They also had such cute scenes, my heart was burning because they’re truly so cute together!!
Congrats @oliviareadsandwrites on this amazing debut! can’t wait to read you next book 💙 and thank you @netgalley & @bantambooksuk for this arc!!
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 🥵
April 20, 2026
dancing with the stars but make it figure skating??? this was made for me!!! the people pleasing fmc hit a little too close to home though lol! what a debut! can’t wait to read what she does next!!
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.
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