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Written on Ice
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26For fans of ICEBREAKER meets A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER, but at an elite, gothic university with buried secrets.
She’s the figure skater. He’s the hockey player. And the only thing more dangerous than falling for each other…are the secrets buried beneath the ice.
Welcome to Valcérre. An elite university in the middle of the snowy mountains with the best hockey and figure skating programs in the world, and secrets no one talks about.
Luna Del Sol is the new figure skater trying to prove she belongs. As a Black Latina, she’s used to pressure. To skate like she has something to prove.
She didn’t come here to get distracted, but she wasn’t ready for Valcérre’s broody hockey star, who calls her an ice princess on her first day, like she’s just another pretty face, as if she didn’t fight for every opportunity she’s ever had.
Zayden Aldenhurst is the coach’s son, a legacy hockey star, and the only Black player on the team. Everyone thinks he has it all, but he’s just good at pretending. Until Luna walks in like a storm and reminds him of the things he tried to bury, and everything he shouldn’t want.
They’re supposed to hate each other until an anonymous message leads them to a hidden rink tied to a student who died five years ago.
No matter how hard they try to stay away, they are drawn back together like magnets. And the closer they get, the thinner the ice beneath them becomes. One crack, and everything could shatter.
She’s the figure skater. He’s the hockey player. And the only thing more dangerous than falling for each other…are the secrets buried beneath the ice.
Welcome to Valcérre. An elite university in the middle of the snowy mountains with the best hockey and figure skating programs in the world, and secrets no one talks about.
Luna Del Sol is the new figure skater trying to prove she belongs. As a Black Latina, she’s used to pressure. To skate like she has something to prove.
She didn’t come here to get distracted, but she wasn’t ready for Valcérre’s broody hockey star, who calls her an ice princess on her first day, like she’s just another pretty face, as if she didn’t fight for every opportunity she’s ever had.
Zayden Aldenhurst is the coach’s son, a legacy hockey star, and the only Black player on the team. Everyone thinks he has it all, but he’s just good at pretending. Until Luna walks in like a storm and reminds him of the things he tried to bury, and everything he shouldn’t want.
They’re supposed to hate each other until an anonymous message leads them to a hidden rink tied to a student who died five years ago.
No matter how hard they try to stay away, they are drawn back together like magnets. And the closer they get, the thinner the ice beneath them becomes. One crack, and everything could shatter.
- GenresSports RomanceRomance
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 24, 2025
352 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 16, 2025
Got this as an ARC read and it did not disappoint!! If you love a romance with palpable tension and a cozy winter setting, go head and pick this one up. Written On Ice gives slight enemies to lovers vibes (they dont totally hate each other) and Smardline perfectly captures the electricity between Luna and Zayden. You feel every shift in their relationship, and the descriptions/detailing of the moments where they physically feel the connection they have—the change in breathing, the racing heart, etc., is one of the best parts! The chemistry between the two is both crazy and undeniable, and the tension between them only intensifies with all the pressure they're both under. And the intimate settings? Chile those are 100% swoon worthy😭
While this is a romance, it does give a lil mystery which I really liked!! As they navigate their complicated personal struggles and intense chemistry, Luna and Zayden start to realize the school itself has some shadyyyyyy secrets. Thanks to some anonymous person, Luna and Zayden are basically led to expose the truth about Valcerre.
Smardline also does an amazing job at painting a picture of what the university and surrounding area looks like, I would visit for sure😂
While this is a romance, it does give a lil mystery which I really liked!! As they navigate their complicated personal struggles and intense chemistry, Luna and Zayden start to realize the school itself has some shadyyyyyy secrets. Thanks to some anonymous person, Luna and Zayden are basically led to expose the truth about Valcerre.
Smardline also does an amazing job at painting a picture of what the university and surrounding area looks like, I would visit for sure😂
November 4, 2025
I’m a bit tired of the way books are marketed by referencing other popular titles when the actual vibe doesn’t really match. In this case, the comparison to Icebreaker x A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder made me expect a blend of both when in reality I only found one of those elements. As an AGGGTM fan, I expected a similar touch, but the mystery aspect is only partially developed. I don’t mind that, 'cause every book develops in its own way, but when it’s marketed like this, you can’t help but expecting something specific. So, if the premise caught your attention because of those comparisons, just know that you’ll only get one side of it. However, if what draws you in is the atmosphere or the representation of BIPOC characters, then this might still be a good pick for you.
Rant aside, I have to say I did enjoy the story overall. It has its flaws: there were moments where the story felt too short and could have benefited from more depth to make the narrative feel more natural, and other moments that could have been trimmed. But overall, it’s a quick and engaging read if you’re looking for something to pass an afternoon with.
One of the book’s strongest points — and a major reason I requested the ARC — is its representation. I haven’t come across many stories featuring people of color in this particular sport, so it was refreshing to see how the author showcased a diverse cast without leaning on stereotypes. Because of the color of their skin, both main characters must constantly prove that they are deserving of the places they’ve earned, and this theme is handled with honesty and depth. There’s a strong message here about letting go of the need for external validation and learning to shine on your own, and I loved that.
Valcérre, the snowy elite university setting, is a cool concept, though I found some details a bit confusing at the start. It was also disappointing to see that the setting was later put in the background throughout the story. It could have been one of the central elements, making the narrative feel more unique and immersive. By the end, I felt it was just another reserved, wealthy school, so nothing particularly special.
Both protagonists are well-portrayed, carrying their own traumas and struggles, and while they try to handle them individually, they ultimately find comfort in each other. Luna, FMC, doesn’t leave me with too much to say. She’s likable, and I appreciated her dedication and passion for skating, but I would have loved to see more “therapy sessions”: not just with her family, but moments for her to reflect and work on herself. The story is too short to really show her personal growth, partly because everything happens so quickly. That said, I still didn’t quite understand how she could miss a clue in the mystery that was right in front of her.
Zayden, on the other hand, surprised me and left me with mixed feelings. He’s initially presented as a solitary, closed-off person, but after only a few exchanges with Luna, he suddenly opens up completely — almost like a different person — immediately kneeling at her feet. I understand that confessing your feelings can change you, but his transformation felt so sudden that it seemed inconsistent with his earlier characterization.
This ties into one of my main critiques: the romance. While cute, it leans heavily into insta-lust. — one look, one exchange, and Zayden is completely smitten with Luna. Their chemistry is intense, but I would have appreciated more emotional build-up and development before diving into physical attraction, especially since Zayden had been holding back until that point. Furthermore, the romance dominates most of the story, relegating the mystery to a subplot. Initially, the balance could have been interesting, but after a while, their interactions start to feel repetitive. The emotional connection that could have strengthened their bond gets a little lost, as much of their relationship alternates between confession/connection and physical intimacy, leaving me feeling that their growth wasn’t fully realized.
The mystery is where the book fell short for me. The premise — a hidden rink, dark secrets, and a mysterious death — sounded intriguing, but the plot never fully delivered on that promise. The mystery felt more like a subplot than a driving force, with only a handful of chapters focusing on it, while the rest of the story revolved around the romance. Although Luna shows interest in solving the mystery and Zayden tries both to keep it hidden and figure out who might be targeting them, it often felt like their priorities lay elsewhere. I think it was a missed opportunity, because the setting and themes of elitism, ambition, and hidden danger had so much potential. Zayden could have been portrayed as morally grey, given the background he’s hiding, but instead the story ends up feeling flat, and it doesn’t take long to figure things out. I’m not expecting something overly complex, but at the very least, the way the mystery was presented could have been more engaging and satisfying.
All in all, this was a fast-paced and enjoyable read, particularly if you’re looking for something light and romantic without focusing too much on the mystery. The story leans heavily into the romance at the expense of the suspense it promised, so if you were expecting an Icebreaker × AGGGTM blend, it might feel a little underwhelming. That said, the setting, character representation, and hints of intrigue still kept me engaged, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next, given how this book concludes.
Thanks Torch Lit Ink, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rant aside, I have to say I did enjoy the story overall. It has its flaws: there were moments where the story felt too short and could have benefited from more depth to make the narrative feel more natural, and other moments that could have been trimmed. But overall, it’s a quick and engaging read if you’re looking for something to pass an afternoon with.
One of the book’s strongest points — and a major reason I requested the ARC — is its representation. I haven’t come across many stories featuring people of color in this particular sport, so it was refreshing to see how the author showcased a diverse cast without leaning on stereotypes. Because of the color of their skin, both main characters must constantly prove that they are deserving of the places they’ve earned, and this theme is handled with honesty and depth. There’s a strong message here about letting go of the need for external validation and learning to shine on your own, and I loved that.
Valcérre, the snowy elite university setting, is a cool concept, though I found some details a bit confusing at the start. It was also disappointing to see that the setting was later put in the background throughout the story. It could have been one of the central elements, making the narrative feel more unique and immersive. By the end, I felt it was just another reserved, wealthy school, so nothing particularly special.
Both protagonists are well-portrayed, carrying their own traumas and struggles, and while they try to handle them individually, they ultimately find comfort in each other. Luna, FMC, doesn’t leave me with too much to say. She’s likable, and I appreciated her dedication and passion for skating, but I would have loved to see more “therapy sessions”: not just with her family, but moments for her to reflect and work on herself. The story is too short to really show her personal growth, partly because everything happens so quickly. That said, I still didn’t quite understand how she could miss a clue in the mystery that was right in front of her.
Zayden, on the other hand, surprised me and left me with mixed feelings. He’s initially presented as a solitary, closed-off person, but after only a few exchanges with Luna, he suddenly opens up completely — almost like a different person — immediately kneeling at her feet. I understand that confessing your feelings can change you, but his transformation felt so sudden that it seemed inconsistent with his earlier characterization.
This ties into one of my main critiques: the romance. While cute, it leans heavily into insta-lust. — one look, one exchange, and Zayden is completely smitten with Luna. Their chemistry is intense, but I would have appreciated more emotional build-up and development before diving into physical attraction, especially since Zayden had been holding back until that point. Furthermore, the romance dominates most of the story, relegating the mystery to a subplot. Initially, the balance could have been interesting, but after a while, their interactions start to feel repetitive. The emotional connection that could have strengthened their bond gets a little lost, as much of their relationship alternates between confession/connection and physical intimacy, leaving me feeling that their growth wasn’t fully realized.
The mystery is where the book fell short for me. The premise — a hidden rink, dark secrets, and a mysterious death — sounded intriguing, but the plot never fully delivered on that promise. The mystery felt more like a subplot than a driving force, with only a handful of chapters focusing on it, while the rest of the story revolved around the romance. Although Luna shows interest in solving the mystery and Zayden tries both to keep it hidden and figure out who might be targeting them, it often felt like their priorities lay elsewhere. I think it was a missed opportunity, because the setting and themes of elitism, ambition, and hidden danger had so much potential. Zayden could have been portrayed as morally grey, given the background he’s hiding, but instead the story ends up feeling flat, and it doesn’t take long to figure things out. I’m not expecting something overly complex, but at the very least, the way the mystery was presented could have been more engaging and satisfying.
All in all, this was a fast-paced and enjoyable read, particularly if you’re looking for something light and romantic without focusing too much on the mystery. The story leans heavily into the romance at the expense of the suspense it promised, so if you were expecting an Icebreaker × AGGGTM blend, it might feel a little underwhelming. That said, the setting, character representation, and hints of intrigue still kept me engaged, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next, given how this book concludes.
Thanks Torch Lit Ink, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2025
Getting to read Written on Ice ahead of its official release was genuinely special. I’m so grateful to Smardline S. for sharing this story with early readers it’s a rare privilege to witness something this compelling before it reaches the wider world.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Luna and Zayden’s dynamic. Their connection felt real and layered, and the story unfolds with a magnetic mix of tension, mystery, and emotional depth. The book blends the best elements of enemies-to-lovers romance, dark academia, and thriller think Icebreaker, The Secret History, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, all woven into something fresh and unforgettable.
I truly hope that once this book is out, more people get to experience it. You can feel the care and craft in every page, and it deserves to be read, talked about, and celebrated.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Luna and Zayden’s dynamic. Their connection felt real and layered, and the story unfolds with a magnetic mix of tension, mystery, and emotional depth. The book blends the best elements of enemies-to-lovers romance, dark academia, and thriller think Icebreaker, The Secret History, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, all woven into something fresh and unforgettable.
I truly hope that once this book is out, more people get to experience it. You can feel the care and craft in every page, and it deserves to be read, talked about, and celebrated.
October 14, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of being a Beta reader for Smardline. This book was truly amazing in so many ways. This was actually my first sports romance book I’ve ever read and I’m completely hooked now! Both Zayden and Luna as characters are so well developed as well has the background characters too, Annika was way favorite! The suspense in this book made me read as fast as I could.
The flashbacks of Luna and Zayden’s past are so heartbreaking but are so needed for this story to understand why the way they are today.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when Luna sasses Zayden in different languages but he still knows what she’s saying 😂. I had major flashbacks to Luc and Rylee.
I am so unbelievably excited for part 2 of this book! As always, thank you Smardline for your beautiful writing!
The flashbacks of Luna and Zayden’s past are so heartbreaking but are so needed for this story to understand why the way they are today.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when Luna sasses Zayden in different languages but he still knows what she’s saying 😂. I had major flashbacks to Luc and Rylee.
I am so unbelievably excited for part 2 of this book! As always, thank you Smardline for your beautiful writing!
October 20, 2025
⛸️🏒 ARC Review 🏒⛸️
“𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘺.”
—Luna
📖 Written on Ice by Smardline S.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
⛸️ Book One of Duet
🏒 Black Hockey Romance
⛸️ Dark Academia
🏒 Insta-Hate
⛸️ Uncovering Secrets
🏒 “I hate you!” 😏
⛸️ “Baby”
🏒 He 💦 in His Pants
⛸️ Slow Burn
🏒 Snowed In
⛸️ He’s Only Soft For Her
🏒 She Wears His Jersey
⛸️ He Takes Care of Her
🏒 So Much Tension
Luna is an aspiring figure skater and a new freshman at an elite private university. She was raised poor with a negligent mother, but is able to attend this school after her rich brother in law pays her tuition.
At the university, she’s inexplicably drawn to the broody hockey captain, but they seem to spark off of each other whenever they’re in the same vicinity. When they’re both texted by a mysterious number, they discover that their university has some dangerous secrets.
I went into this book completely blind and loved the whole ride. The beginning of the book was a little bubbly, but it progressively gets darker and more serious as the story progresses.
Luna and Zayden had great chemistry. Their banter started off antagonistic and evolved into a flirty love language. For a slowish-burn book, I will admit that some of their scenes had me fanning my face. 🪭 It took them a bit to get together, but once they did it was FULL SPEED ahead 🥵.
The cliffhanger was so brutal. I adore the hidden message that Zayden left us with 👀 I need to know what’s happening, like ASAP. 🙏 Book 2 can’t come soon enough.
TLDR: Bantery, broody hockey captain tries to hide his infatuation with the new figure skater. Spoiler: He fails 🤭
“𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘺.”
—Luna
📖 Written on Ice by Smardline S.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
⛸️ Book One of Duet
🏒 Black Hockey Romance
⛸️ Dark Academia
🏒 Insta-Hate
⛸️ Uncovering Secrets
🏒 “I hate you!” 😏
⛸️ “Baby”
🏒 He 💦 in His Pants
⛸️ Slow Burn
🏒 Snowed In
⛸️ He’s Only Soft For Her
🏒 She Wears His Jersey
⛸️ He Takes Care of Her
🏒 So Much Tension
Luna is an aspiring figure skater and a new freshman at an elite private university. She was raised poor with a negligent mother, but is able to attend this school after her rich brother in law pays her tuition.
At the university, she’s inexplicably drawn to the broody hockey captain, but they seem to spark off of each other whenever they’re in the same vicinity. When they’re both texted by a mysterious number, they discover that their university has some dangerous secrets.
I went into this book completely blind and loved the whole ride. The beginning of the book was a little bubbly, but it progressively gets darker and more serious as the story progresses.
Luna and Zayden had great chemistry. Their banter started off antagonistic and evolved into a flirty love language. For a slowish-burn book, I will admit that some of their scenes had me fanning my face. 🪭 It took them a bit to get together, but once they did it was FULL SPEED ahead 🥵.
The cliffhanger was so brutal. I adore the hidden message that Zayden left us with 👀 I need to know what’s happening, like ASAP. 🙏 Book 2 can’t come soon enough.
TLDR: Bantery, broody hockey captain tries to hide his infatuation with the new figure skater. Spoiler: He fails 🤭
October 21, 2025
ARC Review: I fell in love with the character’s . From the first chapter, I was sucked into the icy, gothic world of Valcérre University — set high in the snow-covered mountains, home of elite figure-skating and hockey programs. Luna Del Sol, a new Black-Latina figure skater arrives at Valcérre. Determined to prove she belongs just like everyone else, meanwhile, the legacy hockey star Zayden Aldenhurst — the coach’s son and only Black player on the team — is hiding pain behind his polish and public persona. 
Add in the anonymous message that leads her to a hidden rink, that she knew nothing about but Zayden knows it all too well, and it’s tied to a student’s death five years ago.
I was hooked to it once I knew broody Zayden only spoke to Luna.
It’s giving everything! If you are looking for a murder mystery romance, look no further.
Can’t wait for book two.
Add in the anonymous message that leads her to a hidden rink, that she knew nothing about but Zayden knows it all too well, and it’s tied to a student’s death five years ago.
I was hooked to it once I knew broody Zayden only spoke to Luna.
It’s giving everything! If you are looking for a murder mystery romance, look no further.
Can’t wait for book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
4.5/5 Stars ⭐️
Thank you Smardline S. and Torch Lit Ink for this ARC!
Written On Ice is very atmospheric and gives all the fall/dark vibes. Taking place in a snowy setting of a prestigious university where familial ties run deep. With this story, you get dark academia, romance, and mystery.
FMC, Luna, is there for figure skating and hoping to be Olympic worthy, while MMC Zayden, is the hockey team captain who is trying to be more than just the "coach's son."
Both have something to prove, and neither need a distraction; however, Luna and Zayden are drawn to each other which leads to them getting wrapped up in a secret that left one student dead a few years prior.
I was not expecting the ending to leave us on a cliffhanger like that.....so many questions that need to be answered in book 2.
Thank you Smardline S. and Torch Lit Ink for this ARC!
Written On Ice is very atmospheric and gives all the fall/dark vibes. Taking place in a snowy setting of a prestigious university where familial ties run deep. With this story, you get dark academia, romance, and mystery.
FMC, Luna, is there for figure skating and hoping to be Olympic worthy, while MMC Zayden, is the hockey team captain who is trying to be more than just the "coach's son."
Both have something to prove, and neither need a distraction; however, Luna and Zayden are drawn to each other which leads to them getting wrapped up in a secret that left one student dead a few years prior.
I was not expecting the ending to leave us on a cliffhanger like that.....so many questions that need to be answered in book 2.
October 20, 2025
First, I’d like to thank Smardline for the opportunity to read this ahead of release. It was an absolute pleasure!!
I was first interested with the book because it had all my favorite tropes in one and boy, was i not disappointed!! Luna and Zayden’s dynamic throughout the story had me hooked from the first chapter and never let me go! I love their banter and their making up hehe ;)
This was my first sports romance and i must say, i’m intrigued if this is how it is!! The imagery was beautiful and I wish this was a place I could visit fr. The descriptions of scenes, of places; my imagination didn’t have to do much to envision what was going on and I love that in a book.
I look forward to any future projects of Smardline’s!!
I was first interested with the book because it had all my favorite tropes in one and boy, was i not disappointed!! Luna and Zayden’s dynamic throughout the story had me hooked from the first chapter and never let me go! I love their banter and their making up hehe ;)
This was my first sports romance and i must say, i’m intrigued if this is how it is!! The imagery was beautiful and I wish this was a place I could visit fr. The descriptions of scenes, of places; my imagination didn’t have to do much to envision what was going on and I love that in a book.
I look forward to any future projects of Smardline’s!!
November 5, 2025
What I liked:
-The gorgeous cover
-That both POC main characters were athletes at an elite prestigious school
-The mystery aspect of the book
-Unraveling parts of the school’s sordid past
What I disliked:
-The book being described as Icebreaker meets A Good Girls Guide to Murder because it didn’t feel much like either
-The book felt very YA and the dialogue felt very unnatural to read and then all of a sudden there were spicy scenes
-We kept being fed an enemies to lovers storyline but it felt like insta lust the whole time
-aspects of the big mystery felt disjointed and underdeveloped
Overall I think this could have been way better with more storyline development because the concept is solid.
-The gorgeous cover
-That both POC main characters were athletes at an elite prestigious school
-The mystery aspect of the book
-Unraveling parts of the school’s sordid past
What I disliked:
-The book being described as Icebreaker meets A Good Girls Guide to Murder because it didn’t feel much like either
-The book felt very YA and the dialogue felt very unnatural to read and then all of a sudden there were spicy scenes
-We kept being fed an enemies to lovers storyline but it felt like insta lust the whole time
-aspects of the big mystery felt disjointed and underdeveloped
Overall I think this could have been way better with more storyline development because the concept is solid.
October 18, 2025
Super cute!
It is a fast read, instant attraction. Starts off very YA but moves into dark academia, romance smoothly. I’m an a sucker for a dark brooding guy who turns into goo for his girl. Give me all the YEARNINGGG 🥰
REPRESENTATION MATTERS!! The collection of minority characters that while facing the day to day obstacles of just being who they are without the over work of stereotypes is wonderful. It is very blatantly stated that we must work so much harder just to be considered near comparable and this story is setting it up nicely to prove that once we stop seeking outside validation we can truly shine and I LOVE that.
I feel like the author did a great job at framing plot lines that would typically be overlooked but will become major bullet points as the series continues.
I’m eager to return to this little island of Valcérre!
It is a fast read, instant attraction. Starts off very YA but moves into dark academia, romance smoothly. I’m an a sucker for a dark brooding guy who turns into goo for his girl. Give me all the YEARNINGGG 🥰
REPRESENTATION MATTERS!! The collection of minority characters that while facing the day to day obstacles of just being who they are without the over work of stereotypes is wonderful. It is very blatantly stated that we must work so much harder just to be considered near comparable and this story is setting it up nicely to prove that once we stop seeking outside validation we can truly shine and I LOVE that.
I feel like the author did a great job at framing plot lines that would typically be overlooked but will become major bullet points as the series continues.
I’m eager to return to this little island of Valcérre!
November 3, 2025
Note: This book is my first ARC read 🤭
-Honest review!-
This book left me wanting more. Since the first chapter, I was hooked, always wondering what’s coming next. And it did not disappoint.
This book was unlike any other that I have read. It gave off dark academia vibes and that fantastical aura. However, the romance and the mystery were definitely mixed into it very well! The plot evolved throughout the story, something new always being revealed. Now, did I expect some of the plot twists? Yes, and might I add that I was pretty proud that I did. Did I expect the ending? Perhaps also yes. But I like to think that it means a lot, that even though this story ended the way it did, that I still feel that this was one of the shortest books I’ve ever read. Not because it was short, but rather because of how fast-paced this book was. How invested I was, that I flew by the pages 😍🫠
First of all, the setting was just so.. whimsical.. in a dark, beautiful way, for lack of a better explanation. The first few pages were a hard read, and honestly, I thought that I’d just be struggling to get by the book. But, would you have it, everything seemed to fit right into my mind. The frozen lake, the buildings. Though, I did sort of hoped that there’d be more of a focus on the University itself, the world-building did not disappoint.
Secondly, the characters 😍
Luna was fire and ice, both the moon and the sun (iykyk 🤭) through and through. She wasn’t weak-willed, and was certainly one of the strongest FMC I’ve seen, emotionally, at least. She is such a risk taker and I love that for her 🫠
Zay, I both loved and hated. A “broody” male main character that is actually a soft teddy bear (and I don’t take it back 😌🙂↕️). To think about it, he’s more sunshine and storm than Luna is, but I don’t mind the nickname!
And not to forget our wingman and wingwoman (lovebirds—wait, who said that?? ☺️), Jasper and Sophie (not to exclude Annika and Cam of course). Love love love how much of a girl’s boy and girl’s girl they are 💗🎀 But seriously, I don’t stumble upon male side characters that aren’t all “nope, MMC won’t like or want me to.” So bonus!! And I hope they get their own story 🥹😍
Would recommend greatly to those who crave:
-Dislike to.. Love? 💋
-Spice 🔥
-Strong FMC 🖤
-Grumpy AND Sunshine (but only for her) MMC 💛
-Romance on Ice ⛸️🩵(she’s a figure skater, and he’s a hockey player—one that can skate-skate, at that)
-Nicknames 🫠🥹
-Murder Mystery🩸🔎
AND for those who aren’t afraid of cliffhangers, secrets, and the unknown ❤️🩹
Overall Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Honest review!-
This book left me wanting more. Since the first chapter, I was hooked, always wondering what’s coming next. And it did not disappoint.
This book was unlike any other that I have read. It gave off dark academia vibes and that fantastical aura. However, the romance and the mystery were definitely mixed into it very well! The plot evolved throughout the story, something new always being revealed. Now, did I expect some of the plot twists? Yes, and might I add that I was pretty proud that I did. Did I expect the ending? Perhaps also yes. But I like to think that it means a lot, that even though this story ended the way it did, that I still feel that this was one of the shortest books I’ve ever read. Not because it was short, but rather because of how fast-paced this book was. How invested I was, that I flew by the pages 😍🫠
First of all, the setting was just so.. whimsical.. in a dark, beautiful way, for lack of a better explanation. The first few pages were a hard read, and honestly, I thought that I’d just be struggling to get by the book. But, would you have it, everything seemed to fit right into my mind. The frozen lake, the buildings. Though, I did sort of hoped that there’d be more of a focus on the University itself, the world-building did not disappoint.
Secondly, the characters 😍
Luna was fire and ice, both the moon and the sun (iykyk 🤭) through and through. She wasn’t weak-willed, and was certainly one of the strongest FMC I’ve seen, emotionally, at least. She is such a risk taker and I love that for her 🫠
Zay, I both loved and hated. A “broody” male main character that is actually a soft teddy bear (and I don’t take it back 😌🙂↕️). To think about it, he’s more sunshine and storm than Luna is, but I don’t mind the nickname!
And not to forget our wingman and wingwoman (lovebirds—wait, who said that?? ☺️), Jasper and Sophie (not to exclude Annika and Cam of course). Love love love how much of a girl’s boy and girl’s girl they are 💗🎀 But seriously, I don’t stumble upon male side characters that aren’t all “nope, MMC won’t like or want me to.” So bonus!! And I hope they get their own story 🥹😍
Would recommend greatly to those who crave:
-Dislike to.. Love? 💋
-Spice 🔥
-Strong FMC 🖤
-Grumpy AND Sunshine (but only for her) MMC 💛
-Romance on Ice ⛸️🩵(she’s a figure skater, and he’s a hockey player—one that can skate-skate, at that)
-Nicknames 🫠🥹
-Murder Mystery🩸🔎
AND for those who aren’t afraid of cliffhangers, secrets, and the unknown ❤️🩹
Overall Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 28, 2025
Real rating: 2.5 to 3 stars.
Thanks for the ARC!
Intense romance, very insta-love, the MMC falls instantly in love with the FMC, once he sees her. It is a twin flame romance, so it fits but I needed more emotional development and more yearning, the romance was rushed and took the entire plot of the book away from what I thought was going to be as it was marketed as a good fit for fans of "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder".
The mystery was very lacking, I expected more from this idea of a secret rink and challenges, it didn't matter as much as the romance, so it made this book feel like it had a romance main-plot with a very miniscule mystery sub-plot. The main characters spend most of the book falling in love and "hating"/disliking each other instead of investigating the mystery.
The ideas were good: this academy with deeply hidden secrets and elitist categories, our main characters being driven to exhaustion just to prove that they belong in this place, was interesting and also brings up many important points about what society considers who can just be good and who has to be constantly proving themselves even if they are better. However, this wasn't properly implemented, so I kept wondering why they weren't actively concerned about the secrets and threats. Even if when they did investigate, it was only a few chapters (5 to 6 max), while the rest is just romance.
At first, I really liked the characters personalities and their pasts, but after a while they become repetitive (in the things they do and say), and the potential for emotional conection gets lost and replaced by physical connections, which isn't bad. But I believe that such scenes only work when you really care about the characters and believe in their romantic interactions, which wasn't the case for me.
Overall, a fast paced book that's entertaining and not bad (or with a bad storyline) just a little lackluster. I enjoyed it, but I wouln't consider it a mystery or dark academia book just because it's set in an academy that harbours a few secrets. It's a romance, with a sprinkle of hidden dangers. I am hoping the next books have more mystery, and that the main character is actually involve in the investigation.
Thanks for the ARC!
Intense romance, very insta-love, the MMC falls instantly in love with the FMC, once he sees her. It is a twin flame romance, so it fits but I needed more emotional development and more yearning, the romance was rushed and took the entire plot of the book away from what I thought was going to be as it was marketed as a good fit for fans of "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder".
The mystery was very lacking, I expected more from this idea of a secret rink and challenges, it didn't matter as much as the romance, so it made this book feel like it had a romance main-plot with a very miniscule mystery sub-plot. The main characters spend most of the book falling in love and "hating"/disliking each other instead of investigating the mystery.
The ideas were good: this academy with deeply hidden secrets and elitist categories, our main characters being driven to exhaustion just to prove that they belong in this place, was interesting and also brings up many important points about what society considers who can just be good and who has to be constantly proving themselves even if they are better. However, this wasn't properly implemented, so I kept wondering why they weren't actively concerned about the secrets and threats. Even if when they did investigate, it was only a few chapters (5 to 6 max), while the rest is just romance.
At first, I really liked the characters personalities and their pasts, but after a while they become repetitive (in the things they do and say), and the potential for emotional conection gets lost and replaced by physical connections, which isn't bad. But I believe that such scenes only work when you really care about the characters and believe in their romantic interactions, which wasn't the case for me.
Overall, a fast paced book that's entertaining and not bad (or with a bad storyline) just a little lackluster. I enjoyed it, but I wouln't consider it a mystery or dark academia book just because it's set in an academy that harbours a few secrets. It's a romance, with a sprinkle of hidden dangers. I am hoping the next books have more mystery, and that the main character is actually involve in the investigation.
October 25, 2025
Enemies, Ice, and Mystery — I NEED Book Two!
ARC Review: Written on Ice by Smardline S.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Smardline, and let me just say — she did her big one with this one!
We meet Luna Del Sol (love that name), a Black Latina figure skater who’s determined to prove she belongs, but she’s used to the pressure. I related to her instantly. As someone with a sports background, that feeling of always having to prove yourself and work a little harder than everyone else? Yeah… that hit home.
Then there’s Zayden Aldenhurst — the only Black guy on the team, the school’s hockey star, and the coach’s son. He’s dealing with more than he lets on, but he’s pretending he’s got it all together (aren’t we all, lol?).
Luna walks in like the storm he never saw coming. He calls her “Ice Princess” — and let’s just say, that nickname did not land, and she definitely let him know it.
Now, I don’t know why I thought this was a YA book… Girl, when I got to the smut, I was like, “YA where?!” 😭 She ate that up — and so did I! The tension cake she baked? I devoured it. Every. Single. Bite.
What surprised me most is that it wasn’t just romance — there’s mystery, secrets, and a darker edge that kept me hooked. Luna and Zayden reconnect through a strange text, and suddenly the university is hiding more than anyone realizes. Watching them unravel it all together? Chef’s kiss.
Big ups to Zayden for turning it around and being the man Luna needed. I loved how he showed up for her — protective, patient, and swoon-worthy. But that letter at the end? 👀😭 I was rooting for Zayden so hard, and now I’m questioning everything. The way Smardline dropped that twist right when I thought things were settling? Genius. It’s giving “I need book two right now” energy. I have theories, but I’m keeping them to myself until I see how she plays it out — because if it’s not from who we think it is… whew, Luna’s about to be in for it!
If you’re looking for a winter romance with suspense, mystery, and enemies-to-lovers tension all wrapped into one delicious story — and a cliffhanger that’ll leave you begging for more — this one’s for you.
ARC Review: Written on Ice by Smardline S.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Smardline, and let me just say — she did her big one with this one!
We meet Luna Del Sol (love that name), a Black Latina figure skater who’s determined to prove she belongs, but she’s used to the pressure. I related to her instantly. As someone with a sports background, that feeling of always having to prove yourself and work a little harder than everyone else? Yeah… that hit home.
Then there’s Zayden Aldenhurst — the only Black guy on the team, the school’s hockey star, and the coach’s son. He’s dealing with more than he lets on, but he’s pretending he’s got it all together (aren’t we all, lol?).
Luna walks in like the storm he never saw coming. He calls her “Ice Princess” — and let’s just say, that nickname did not land, and she definitely let him know it.
Now, I don’t know why I thought this was a YA book… Girl, when I got to the smut, I was like, “YA where?!” 😭 She ate that up — and so did I! The tension cake she baked? I devoured it. Every. Single. Bite.
What surprised me most is that it wasn’t just romance — there’s mystery, secrets, and a darker edge that kept me hooked. Luna and Zayden reconnect through a strange text, and suddenly the university is hiding more than anyone realizes. Watching them unravel it all together? Chef’s kiss.
Big ups to Zayden for turning it around and being the man Luna needed. I loved how he showed up for her — protective, patient, and swoon-worthy. But that letter at the end? 👀😭 I was rooting for Zayden so hard, and now I’m questioning everything. The way Smardline dropped that twist right when I thought things were settling? Genius. It’s giving “I need book two right now” energy. I have theories, but I’m keeping them to myself until I see how she plays it out — because if it’s not from who we think it is… whew, Luna’s about to be in for it!
If you’re looking for a winter romance with suspense, mystery, and enemies-to-lovers tension all wrapped into one delicious story — and a cliffhanger that’ll leave you begging for more — this one’s for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
💫eArc Review💫
Thank you to S. Smardline for this eArc!
Written on Ice by Smardline S
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5)
Written on Ice takes place at Valcérre University, an elite mountain school known for its powerhouse hockey and figure skating programs. The story follows Luna Del Sol, a Black Latina figure skater who doesn’t come from money and is determined to prove she belongs, and Zayden Aldenhurst, the hockey star and coach’s son who appears to have it all but carries his own hidden burdens.
Luna and Zayden start on very tense footing, with resentment, distrust, and friction galore. That tension pulls them into an unsettling mystery when anonymous messages lead them to a hidden ice rink connected to a student’s death five years earlier.
There was chemistry between Luna and Zayden, but the romance turned to spice much faster than I expected, and it felt awkwardly placed. The enemies-to-lovers vibe barely had time to breathe before becoming insta-lust, and while it seemed like there might be a deeper reason for that pull, it was never fully explored. I don’t mind spice, but I wish there had been more balance between romance, character development, and mystery.
That said, I absolutely loved the representation in this book. Seeing people of color as leads in figure skating and hockey, sports where representation is rare, was refreshing. The setting was another standout: Valcérre University and its surrounding mountains were beautifully described, perfectly capturing that dark academia, icy, suspenseful atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the mystery, which initially had me hooked, fell a bit flat for me. The story started strong, but by the middle, the focus shifted heavily toward romance, leaving the mystery underdeveloped. Overall, Written on Ice was a fast-paced and entertaining read that didn’t fully live up to its potential, but it has a solid foundation. I’m hoping the next book leans harder into the mystery and adventure while letting the characters and tension truly unfold.
Written on Ice comes out February 2026!
Thank you to S. Smardline for this eArc!
Written on Ice by Smardline S
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5)
Written on Ice takes place at Valcérre University, an elite mountain school known for its powerhouse hockey and figure skating programs. The story follows Luna Del Sol, a Black Latina figure skater who doesn’t come from money and is determined to prove she belongs, and Zayden Aldenhurst, the hockey star and coach’s son who appears to have it all but carries his own hidden burdens.
Luna and Zayden start on very tense footing, with resentment, distrust, and friction galore. That tension pulls them into an unsettling mystery when anonymous messages lead them to a hidden ice rink connected to a student’s death five years earlier.
There was chemistry between Luna and Zayden, but the romance turned to spice much faster than I expected, and it felt awkwardly placed. The enemies-to-lovers vibe barely had time to breathe before becoming insta-lust, and while it seemed like there might be a deeper reason for that pull, it was never fully explored. I don’t mind spice, but I wish there had been more balance between romance, character development, and mystery.
That said, I absolutely loved the representation in this book. Seeing people of color as leads in figure skating and hockey, sports where representation is rare, was refreshing. The setting was another standout: Valcérre University and its surrounding mountains were beautifully described, perfectly capturing that dark academia, icy, suspenseful atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the mystery, which initially had me hooked, fell a bit flat for me. The story started strong, but by the middle, the focus shifted heavily toward romance, leaving the mystery underdeveloped. Overall, Written on Ice was a fast-paced and entertaining read that didn’t fully live up to its potential, but it has a solid foundation. I’m hoping the next book leans harder into the mystery and adventure while letting the characters and tension truly unfold.
Written on Ice comes out February 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a Dark Academia dual POV story. Following a hockey player and a Figure Skater at a prestigious college in France on a remote island. This book features many mixed-race and biracial representations that I appreciate. Seeing and hearing these voices in this scholarly setting was refreshing. Our main characters have had a brief past encounter; only one remembers it, and we slowly learn more about it as the story progresses. They try to figure out the mystery behind who brought them together and the Shadow Rink. Our main girl, Luna, is not from the same background as many of her classmates at her new school. She has worked her whole life to get to this figure skating program and has something to prove. Our main male character is Zayden, a legacy hockey star on campus who is deeply misunderstood. We follow these two individually as they deal with their personal struggles, trying to prove their worth in their respective fields and in the social settings of the school and fractured familial ties. The two come together when a mysterious texter leads them not only to each other but also to the mysteriously abandoned Shadow Rink on campus. No one on campus will talk about it, and Luna is driven to uncover the story behind it, eventually getting Zayden on board to help her figure out who is toying with them through the anonymous messages.
This book leaves off on a cliffhanger that sets us up nicely for the next book—giving us a mix of new revelations, keeping the mystery alive, and adding new twists. I am excited to see how this series continues. I am also curious to see if there are any other potential romantic pairings or if the focus will stay on our main characters.
This book leaves off on a cliffhanger that sets us up nicely for the next book—giving us a mix of new revelations, keeping the mystery alive, and adding new twists. I am excited to see how this series continues. I am also curious to see if there are any other potential romantic pairings or if the focus will stay on our main characters.
November 8, 2025
The story centers around Zayden Aldenhurst and Luna Del Sol, a hockey player and a figure skater attending the prestigious Valcérre University.
She’s the new girl, the one who has worked really hard her whole life to be where she is, and he’s the hockey coach’s son, and his famous surname forces him to work twice as hard to prove his captaincy comes from skill, not legacy.
The chemistry between them is undeniable from the start. But the pressure to be the best—and the dark secrets buried beneath the university’s ice—threaten to tear them apart.
Smardline perfectly captures the struggle between ethnicity (both MCs are black), the reality of the elitist environment of the university and the pressure that comes with being a high performance athlete, all of that combined with coming from different unhealthy and traumatic upbringings.
One of my favorite parts of the book is how Zayden and Luna find refuge, peace, and solace in one another. Together, they create a small, safe bubble where they can open up, be vulnerable, and explore the magnetic pull that constantly draws them together.
The book nicely balances moments of high stress and uncertainty with scenes of calm and intimacy, weaving together romance, spice (which.... wow 👀), athletic tension, and a gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
And that cliffhanger? Let’s just say it left me as shocked as when Phoebe sees herself covered in chickenpox before her reunion date with Ryan.
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
She’s the new girl, the one who has worked really hard her whole life to be where she is, and he’s the hockey coach’s son, and his famous surname forces him to work twice as hard to prove his captaincy comes from skill, not legacy.
The chemistry between them is undeniable from the start. But the pressure to be the best—and the dark secrets buried beneath the university’s ice—threaten to tear them apart.
Smardline perfectly captures the struggle between ethnicity (both MCs are black), the reality of the elitist environment of the university and the pressure that comes with being a high performance athlete, all of that combined with coming from different unhealthy and traumatic upbringings.
One of my favorite parts of the book is how Zayden and Luna find refuge, peace, and solace in one another. Together, they create a small, safe bubble where they can open up, be vulnerable, and explore the magnetic pull that constantly draws them together.
The book nicely balances moments of high stress and uncertainty with scenes of calm and intimacy, weaving together romance, spice (which.... wow 👀), athletic tension, and a gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
And that cliffhanger? Let’s just say it left me as shocked as when Phoebe sees herself covered in chickenpox before her reunion date with Ryan.
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
November 5, 2025
Literally from paragraph one I was sucked into this dark, opulent, elite and interesting world that Smardline created!
It's incredibly hard not to love Zayden and Luna. Luna is so strong, fierce, and smart and although these are incredible things to be a lot of her independence unfortunately comes from a history of not having the support she needed while growing up. Beside her older sister using the word neglect is a fair statement, so when she enters the world of Valcérre she definitely and understandably has a wall up because why is the hottest hockey God here staring and calling her "Ice Princess" and why is this girl in her face warning her off him and what exactly is this school hiding?
Zayden.....oh Zayden, he is nothing like he initially appears to be. With being a legacy, having your hockey coach be your coach always and your father never and all the pressure that comes with feeling as if you always have to prove why your team captain well...heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Zayden & Luna didn't know it yet but they would shortly and passionately become everything to one another both able to break down walls and open up vulnerabilities with each other that nobody else was ever able to penetrate but these new lovers will not have an easy road because secrets, lies, betrayals and anonymous messages are quickly catching up and someone is always watching.
And that cliffhanger at the end, I DIED!
It's incredibly hard not to love Zayden and Luna. Luna is so strong, fierce, and smart and although these are incredible things to be a lot of her independence unfortunately comes from a history of not having the support she needed while growing up. Beside her older sister using the word neglect is a fair statement, so when she enters the world of Valcérre she definitely and understandably has a wall up because why is the hottest hockey God here staring and calling her "Ice Princess" and why is this girl in her face warning her off him and what exactly is this school hiding?
Zayden.....oh Zayden, he is nothing like he initially appears to be. With being a legacy, having your hockey coach be your coach always and your father never and all the pressure that comes with feeling as if you always have to prove why your team captain well...heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Zayden & Luna didn't know it yet but they would shortly and passionately become everything to one another both able to break down walls and open up vulnerabilities with each other that nobody else was ever able to penetrate but these new lovers will not have an easy road because secrets, lies, betrayals and anonymous messages are quickly catching up and someone is always watching.
And that cliffhanger at the end, I DIED!
November 30, 2025
I loved this book. It was just so good. Give me a great hockey romance, a touch of mystery, and strong, devoted characters and put them all together? That’s the perfect mix for me.
Our characters completely won me over. Luna, a figure skater and freshman at an elite private university, had my heart from the start. She’s grown up poor and neglected by her mother, and it shows in all the ways that make her easy to root for. I also adored her relationship with her sister those moments added so much warmth and depth.
And then we have Zayden, the silent, broody hockey captain. That man is an asshole, but a delicious one, and I loved every second of it. His past (and present) isn’t easy either, which made his rough edges feel earned. Luna and Zayden’s chemistry is off the damn charts the tension, the banter, the gravity pulling them together even when they want zero distractions. It’s irresistible.
The mystery element was intriguing, too. I’m so curious about the inner workings of this university and what’s really going on beneath the surface. And that ending? That cliffhanger was a killer. I need book two immediately, please and thank you.
The writing and pacing were both excellent. I was pulled in from the first page and devoured the whole thing in one sitting.
Huge thank-you to Smardline S. for this amazing ARC! I genuinely cannot wait for book two.
Our characters completely won me over. Luna, a figure skater and freshman at an elite private university, had my heart from the start. She’s grown up poor and neglected by her mother, and it shows in all the ways that make her easy to root for. I also adored her relationship with her sister those moments added so much warmth and depth.
And then we have Zayden, the silent, broody hockey captain. That man is an asshole, but a delicious one, and I loved every second of it. His past (and present) isn’t easy either, which made his rough edges feel earned. Luna and Zayden’s chemistry is off the damn charts the tension, the banter, the gravity pulling them together even when they want zero distractions. It’s irresistible.
The mystery element was intriguing, too. I’m so curious about the inner workings of this university and what’s really going on beneath the surface. And that ending? That cliffhanger was a killer. I need book two immediately, please and thank you.
The writing and pacing were both excellent. I was pulled in from the first page and devoured the whole thing in one sitting.
Huge thank-you to Smardline S. for this amazing ARC! I genuinely cannot wait for book two.
November 4, 2025
Thank you to author Smardline S. for the gifted eARC. These are my honest and personal thoughts.
Summary: The story follows Luna, a college freshman trying to make a name for herself on the Ice Skating Team. Zayden, a junior and Hockey Team captain, trying to keep his head down and please his father who is also his coach. Luna and Zayden are drawn to each other and despite their attempts not to be. All the while someone is trying to expose secrets related to the murder of a student and they find themselves in the middle of the storm.
Thoughts: I was not expecting this cliffhanger!!! So good! This story had so many layers and I enjoyed watching them all unfold. I am interested to see if Lunas family dynamics evolves in the next part of the series. Zayden’s family is so shady and I hate how he is treated. This murder is clearly only the tip of the iceberg in his family’s corruption. I will say though, I did find myself questioning their age throughout the story quite often. Outside of the spice, they seemed more like teenagers at times than college age. Overall you can definitely tell this is just the beginning of the journey and I can wait to see what happens next. This was a great read!
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
📖
Summary: The story follows Luna, a college freshman trying to make a name for herself on the Ice Skating Team. Zayden, a junior and Hockey Team captain, trying to keep his head down and please his father who is also his coach. Luna and Zayden are drawn to each other and despite their attempts not to be. All the while someone is trying to expose secrets related to the murder of a student and they find themselves in the middle of the storm.
Thoughts: I was not expecting this cliffhanger!!! So good! This story had so many layers and I enjoyed watching them all unfold. I am interested to see if Lunas family dynamics evolves in the next part of the series. Zayden’s family is so shady and I hate how he is treated. This murder is clearly only the tip of the iceberg in his family’s corruption. I will say though, I did find myself questioning their age throughout the story quite often. Outside of the spice, they seemed more like teenagers at times than college age. Overall you can definitely tell this is just the beginning of the journey and I can wait to see what happens next. This was a great read!
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
📖
November 7, 2025
❄️ Written on Ice ARC review ❄️
Valcérre is an elite university, home to the top hockey and figure skating programs. Luna, new to the school, is trying he best to find her place and prove she belongs there. Nothing will take her focus away from the ice, that is, until she runs into top hockey player, Zayden. The two avoid each other until anonymous messages pull them together. A hidden ice rink, and dark secrets are revealed to the two, bringing them closer together.
Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written on Ice is a dark academia romance. I was instantly drawn in by a dark, broody, atmosphere of the a school and the mountain town. I liked that the setting was a place that is cold all year round. It definitely fit the vibe of the story.
I really liked Luna. You could feel that she was passionate about skating and proving herself. I also liked Zayden. I liked that we got to see what it’s like for him being the coaches son. Their romance is a bit insta lust/ love.
The writing style was a bit of a challenge for me. It’s a lot of telling instead of showing.
I reccomen checking out Written on Ice if you like winter themed books, skating/ hockey romance, and dark academia settings.
Thanks you to Torchlit Ink and the author for the ARC!
Valcérre is an elite university, home to the top hockey and figure skating programs. Luna, new to the school, is trying he best to find her place and prove she belongs there. Nothing will take her focus away from the ice, that is, until she runs into top hockey player, Zayden. The two avoid each other until anonymous messages pull them together. A hidden ice rink, and dark secrets are revealed to the two, bringing them closer together.
Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written on Ice is a dark academia romance. I was instantly drawn in by a dark, broody, atmosphere of the a school and the mountain town. I liked that the setting was a place that is cold all year round. It definitely fit the vibe of the story.
I really liked Luna. You could feel that she was passionate about skating and proving herself. I also liked Zayden. I liked that we got to see what it’s like for him being the coaches son. Their romance is a bit insta lust/ love.
The writing style was a bit of a challenge for me. It’s a lot of telling instead of showing.
I reccomen checking out Written on Ice if you like winter themed books, skating/ hockey romance, and dark academia settings.
Thanks you to Torchlit Ink and the author for the ARC!
October 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this little gem! This was a new author to me and Smardline definitely has a new fan! I loved this book from the very beginning because I related so much to Zayden and Luna. Zayden is the coach's son and the captain but as the only Black player on his hockey team, he feels like he has to work ten times harder to prove himself worthy of his spot...same, Zayden! Same! Then you have Luna, who is feeling like an outsider at this elite university and trying to work her way through parental abandonment while trying to thrive in competitive ice skating. Their tension is so palpable and well written. I mean they can communicate through looks alone, come on! There's a murder mystery weaved into the plot and I throughly enjoyed the mystery but I would have been happy just reading Zayden and Luna living boring ass lives. That's how cute they were...and Luna was walking Zayden like a dog...in a good way! He liked it! haha! I smiled through the majority of this book and was still smiling when I reached the cliffhanger...and I am ready for book 2! Well done, Smardline! Well done!
November 3, 2025
A Black (biracial) hockey player and a Black (Afro latina) figure skater? And it's dark academia? I'm in!
Zayden is Valcérre's golden hockey boy. He has a broody shield up, but is secretly a golden retriever. Luna is an ice skater who had a rough childhood due to her mother's struggle with substance abuse.
The setting is chef's kiss. Because the story takes place on a fictional island north of Norway where the sun barely shines year round, and it's always freezing, it actually made sense that there was no one around on the grounds when the characters are sneaking out of their dorms. it's too darn cold!
The attraction is instant, but the romance is a slow burn.
As expected within the genre, there's a secret that someone is trying to keep buried and the suspense is woven throughout the story very well. A common theme for Luna and Zayden are their trust issues. I appreciated that we see them emotionally develop as individuals, as a couple, but also in regards to their friendships. I enjoyed the romantic and platonic chemistry between all the characters.
The cliffhanger pissed me off (in a good way) 😩 I'm already looking forward to the next book!
Zayden is Valcérre's golden hockey boy. He has a broody shield up, but is secretly a golden retriever. Luna is an ice skater who had a rough childhood due to her mother's struggle with substance abuse.
The setting is chef's kiss. Because the story takes place on a fictional island north of Norway where the sun barely shines year round, and it's always freezing, it actually made sense that there was no one around on the grounds when the characters are sneaking out of their dorms. it's too darn cold!
The attraction is instant, but the romance is a slow burn.
As expected within the genre, there's a secret that someone is trying to keep buried and the suspense is woven throughout the story very well. A common theme for Luna and Zayden are their trust issues. I appreciated that we see them emotionally develop as individuals, as a couple, but also in regards to their friendships. I enjoyed the romantic and platonic chemistry between all the characters.
The cliffhanger pissed me off (in a good way) 😩 I'm already looking forward to the next book!
November 4, 2025
Received this as an ARC. And, WOW! Gothic and Dark academia meets sports romance with killer spice and top tier yearning! Can it get any better than that. This story has beautiful emotion and depth while also mixing in comedic moments and beautiful banter. All the while, you get amazing representation and diversity in the characters.
Luna is has incredible personality and talent on the ice. Her heart, though damaged, is remarkably kind and genuine in her connections with people. While she is desperately trying to find where she belongs, she also carves out space for herself where others never did. Zayden is a remarkably strong and intense presence, both on and off the ice. His demeanor pushes people away but his loyalty is unyielding to the ones that get close. He feels so deeply while remaining so guarded. When these two enter a room together, it’s pure energy. From how they skate to how they feel and everything in between.
It is a pleasure getting to see there story unravel page by page. The pacing is excellent and the suspense adds so much excitement to an already amazing story. I would recommend this again and again.
Luna is has incredible personality and talent on the ice. Her heart, though damaged, is remarkably kind and genuine in her connections with people. While she is desperately trying to find where she belongs, she also carves out space for herself where others never did. Zayden is a remarkably strong and intense presence, both on and off the ice. His demeanor pushes people away but his loyalty is unyielding to the ones that get close. He feels so deeply while remaining so guarded. When these two enter a room together, it’s pure energy. From how they skate to how they feel and everything in between.
It is a pleasure getting to see there story unravel page by page. The pacing is excellent and the suspense adds so much excitement to an already amazing story. I would recommend this again and again.
November 8, 2025
Written on Ice by Smardline S. is a beautifully written and refreshing story with representation done right. 🙌🏾
I loved seeing a Black/biracial male hockey player and an Afro-Latina female ice skater — two sports where people of color are so often underrepresented. The author didn’t just include diversity; she made both characters star athletes while also showing the challenges they face navigating spaces where they feel they must work twice as hard. That part really stood out to me. 🏒⛸️
The world of Valcérre, the elite university near Norway, had such dark academia vibes. Smardline’s descriptions made it feel vivid and atmospheric — though I definitely wanted more of it!
If I had one small note, it’s that Zayden’s fall for Luna felt a bit sudden. A little more backstory about their first meeting might’ve helped it feel more natural. The mystery element was interesting but got overshadowed by the romance as the story went on.
Still, this was such an enjoyable read overall — and that cliffhanger?! 😳 Yeah, I’ll definitely be back for book two!
Thank you, Smardline S. & Torchlit Ink for the ARC! This is my honest review.
I loved seeing a Black/biracial male hockey player and an Afro-Latina female ice skater — two sports where people of color are so often underrepresented. The author didn’t just include diversity; she made both characters star athletes while also showing the challenges they face navigating spaces where they feel they must work twice as hard. That part really stood out to me. 🏒⛸️
The world of Valcérre, the elite university near Norway, had such dark academia vibes. Smardline’s descriptions made it feel vivid and atmospheric — though I definitely wanted more of it!
If I had one small note, it’s that Zayden’s fall for Luna felt a bit sudden. A little more backstory about their first meeting might’ve helped it feel more natural. The mystery element was interesting but got overshadowed by the romance as the story went on.
Still, this was such an enjoyable read overall — and that cliffhanger?! 😳 Yeah, I’ll definitely be back for book two!
Thank you, Smardline S. & Torchlit Ink for the ARC! This is my honest review.
November 9, 2025
ARC full of...Lies, Lust, and Blades on Ice ❄️🔥
I opened this thinking I was getting a cute, cozy college romance…
Instead, Smardline dropped me into an elite campus where wealth hides rot, secrets bleed, and attraction feels like danger in slow motion.
Valcérre University? Gorgeous. Pretentious. Cursed.
The kind of place where privilege is a weapon and every smile is rehearsed.
Luna is a powerhouse– Afro-Latina brilliance wrapped in bite. She’s discipline, ambition, and quiet rebellion.
Zayden? A walking sin in skates... grieving, guarded, and entirely too fine to be trusted.
Together, they’re chaos in motion.
Their chemistry is sharp enough to cut glass, they argue like foreplay and love like confession. Every scene hums with tension, and the air between them feels like it might crack.
The twists hit hard, the representation hit harder, and that ending? I’m calling the authorities because how dare you end it there.
It’s sexy, sharp, and just chaotic enough to feel real.
Dark academia never looked this good in melanin. 🖤🏒✨
I ate up every cold, dangerous, delicious page.
I opened this thinking I was getting a cute, cozy college romance…
Instead, Smardline dropped me into an elite campus where wealth hides rot, secrets bleed, and attraction feels like danger in slow motion.
Valcérre University? Gorgeous. Pretentious. Cursed.
The kind of place where privilege is a weapon and every smile is rehearsed.
Luna is a powerhouse– Afro-Latina brilliance wrapped in bite. She’s discipline, ambition, and quiet rebellion.
Zayden? A walking sin in skates... grieving, guarded, and entirely too fine to be trusted.
Together, they’re chaos in motion.
Their chemistry is sharp enough to cut glass, they argue like foreplay and love like confession. Every scene hums with tension, and the air between them feels like it might crack.
The twists hit hard, the representation hit harder, and that ending? I’m calling the authorities because how dare you end it there.
It’s sexy, sharp, and just chaotic enough to feel real.
Dark academia never looked this good in melanin. 🖤🏒✨
I ate up every cold, dangerous, delicious page.
October 26, 2025
Luna is an ice skater, Zayden a hockey player. It starts off as an enemy to lover but the tension/angst quickly builds from there. Smardline took so many things like enemies to lovers, dark academia, sport romance, mystery and threw it into one book. It all worked really well together and kept the story interesting. Smardline also gives a lot of background on Luna and Zayden which helps explains why they are the way they are.
I thought I was going to hate Zayden but I really liked him and especially could identify with him on not wanting to talk much. HA
“Talking wastes entertainment. People say too much, and most of it’s bullsh*t.”
The way Zayden takes care of Luna! Yes!! Everyone deserve that.
It does end in a cliff hanger so I need the next book to come out ASAP. I did reread the last chapter twice to understand Zayden’s note.
“She’s an ice storm. Unpredictable. Dangerous. Beautiful in the way lightning is right before it strikes.”
⛸️Afro Latina rep
🏒 Brooding hockey player
⛸️Family ties
🏒Therapy rep
⛸️Mystery/thriller
🏒Romance
I thought I was going to hate Zayden but I really liked him and especially could identify with him on not wanting to talk much. HA
“Talking wastes entertainment. People say too much, and most of it’s bullsh*t.”
The way Zayden takes care of Luna! Yes!! Everyone deserve that.
It does end in a cliff hanger so I need the next book to come out ASAP. I did reread the last chapter twice to understand Zayden’s note.
“She’s an ice storm. Unpredictable. Dangerous. Beautiful in the way lightning is right before it strikes.”
⛸️Afro Latina rep
🏒 Brooding hockey player
⛸️Family ties
🏒Therapy rep
⛸️Mystery/thriller
🏒Romance
November 2, 2025
Written on Ice - Smardline S.
I fell in love with this story. I love murder, mysteries or thrillers, and I love books in the academia setting. I also am a sucker for the hockey player X figure skater. I always think that those types of relationships are always so fun because of the differences but the similarity with the ice. I absolutely will be reading the rest of the series to find out what happened. All the characters were just so interesting. I’m not only love the main characters, but I loved the best friends and found family friend group. I can’t wait to see them again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 262 pages
Release Date 🌟 2/24/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Ice and Shadows, #1
Genre/Tropes ✨ Murder mystery, romance, college romance, figure skater x hockey player, BIPOC MCs, BIPOC representation
Favorite Character ☀️ Luna
Favorite Line 🌟 “One minute, you’re insulting me in front of your whole team, and the next, you’re out here giving me some emotionally repressed pep talk like you’re my therapist.“
I fell in love with this story. I love murder, mysteries or thrillers, and I love books in the academia setting. I also am a sucker for the hockey player X figure skater. I always think that those types of relationships are always so fun because of the differences but the similarity with the ice. I absolutely will be reading the rest of the series to find out what happened. All the characters were just so interesting. I’m not only love the main characters, but I loved the best friends and found family friend group. I can’t wait to see them again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 262 pages
Release Date 🌟 2/24/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Ice and Shadows, #1
Genre/Tropes ✨ Murder mystery, romance, college romance, figure skater x hockey player, BIPOC MCs, BIPOC representation
Favorite Character ☀️ Luna
Favorite Line 🌟 “One minute, you’re insulting me in front of your whole team, and the next, you’re out here giving me some emotionally repressed pep talk like you’re my therapist.“
November 3, 2025
Thank you to TorchLit and Smardline S. for this ARC copy!
Let me just say this was my first hockey romance and it did not disappoint! I usually don’t reach for hockey romances because the main characters never look like me or the kind of men I’d date, so I’m glad I could break the ice (pun intended 😏) with this one.
I absolutely loved Luna and Zayden’s dynamic and how their relationship built over time. I’ll never get tired of a dark and broody man, and Smardline wrote him perfectly.
And even though this is definitely a romance, I loved that it wasn’t just that. The backstory, character development, and mystery elements really kept me engaged the whole way through.
If I’m being honest, the smut did start to overpower the plot a little toward the end however it was still thoroughly enjoyable 👀
That last 10% though?? I kept tapping my Kindle, watching the page numbers disappear, realizing we still didn’t have all the answers… and then it ended. I knew a cliffhanger was coming, but I still wasn’t prepared. Now I need book two immediately because I have to know what happens next 😭
Let me just say this was my first hockey romance and it did not disappoint! I usually don’t reach for hockey romances because the main characters never look like me or the kind of men I’d date, so I’m glad I could break the ice (pun intended 😏) with this one.
I absolutely loved Luna and Zayden’s dynamic and how their relationship built over time. I’ll never get tired of a dark and broody man, and Smardline wrote him perfectly.
And even though this is definitely a romance, I loved that it wasn’t just that. The backstory, character development, and mystery elements really kept me engaged the whole way through.
If I’m being honest, the smut did start to overpower the plot a little toward the end however it was still thoroughly enjoyable 👀
That last 10% though?? I kept tapping my Kindle, watching the page numbers disappear, realizing we still didn’t have all the answers… and then it ended. I knew a cliffhanger was coming, but I still wasn’t prepared. Now I need book two immediately because I have to know what happens next 😭
November 9, 2025
Thank you for the Arc!
Okay, I enjoyed the book, I just feel like it could have been more fully developed. I haven’t read Icebreaker, but I have read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and it wasn’t giving that level of depth or tension.
I liked both characters, but there was a disconnect. I wanted more development from them, more insight, more emotional depth. We didn’t really get to know them. They felt surface-level, and the “enemies to lovers” angle didn’t fully land. It was mostly just them repeatedly saying they were a “distraction” or that they “hated” each other. If I had to read “I hate him” one more time, I was going to lose it.
The mystery also felt pretty flat. It was obvious who was involved, so the suspense never built. I think the story would have benefited from more background on Valcérre, too—why it matters, what its significance is.
Overall, it read very YA. For a moment, I genuinely thought the characters were in high school, the banter and conversations felt that young.
Beautiful cover, though.
Okay, I enjoyed the book, I just feel like it could have been more fully developed. I haven’t read Icebreaker, but I have read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and it wasn’t giving that level of depth or tension.
I liked both characters, but there was a disconnect. I wanted more development from them, more insight, more emotional depth. We didn’t really get to know them. They felt surface-level, and the “enemies to lovers” angle didn’t fully land. It was mostly just them repeatedly saying they were a “distraction” or that they “hated” each other. If I had to read “I hate him” one more time, I was going to lose it.
The mystery also felt pretty flat. It was obvious who was involved, so the suspense never built. I think the story would have benefited from more background on Valcérre, too—why it matters, what its significance is.
Overall, it read very YA. For a moment, I genuinely thought the characters were in high school, the banter and conversations felt that young.
Beautiful cover, though.
November 29, 2025
So listen…I read this book as an Alpha/Beta Reader and CONSUMED it. I loved Luna and Zayden story from day one. Their chemistry was off the charts. The tension was high and the mystery behind it all really added to the story. I love the dark academia vibes with the mysterious story behind the school and this rink.
Zayden…yeah I love him. I think I’m obsessed. He’s such a broken guy and Luna made him really see life differently. I love how he’s always doing the push and pull with her at first. And of course she is so not taking his BS.
Luna is MY GIRL! Queen energy. Her character was absolutely amazing. I loved how Smardline wrote her character. Luna is fierce, dedicated and she doesn’t back down.
I think what I liked most about this story is the way these two need each other so badly. Their connection is one of the most strongest ones I’ve read in a book in a while. It just shows how strong of a writer Smardline is. The way these two are made for each other is unmatched.
THAT KISS 👀. THAT BALCONY🥵THATTTT CABIN🔥🔥🔥
And then the ending 🫠.
Honestly I can’t wait for book 2.
Zayden…yeah I love him. I think I’m obsessed. He’s such a broken guy and Luna made him really see life differently. I love how he’s always doing the push and pull with her at first. And of course she is so not taking his BS.
Luna is MY GIRL! Queen energy. Her character was absolutely amazing. I loved how Smardline wrote her character. Luna is fierce, dedicated and she doesn’t back down.
I think what I liked most about this story is the way these two need each other so badly. Their connection is one of the most strongest ones I’ve read in a book in a while. It just shows how strong of a writer Smardline is. The way these two are made for each other is unmatched.
THAT KISS 👀. THAT BALCONY🥵THATTTT CABIN🔥🔥🔥
And then the ending 🫠.
Honestly I can’t wait for book 2.
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