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Skate It Till You Make It: Red flags, fake dates and gold medals collide in this feel good wintery romcom!
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26The festive, fake-dating romcom from the author of LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
💙 Ice hockey romance
💙 Inspiring female athletes
💙 Fake-dating
💙 Friends to lovers
💙 Winter Olympics
When Ari Shumba and Drew Dlamini meet on New Year's Eve, neither one is looking to fall in love.
Ari's the reluctant new captain of Team GB's women's ice hockey team, anxiously preparing for the Winter Olympics. And after dropping out of college to handle a family crisis, Drew's desperately trying to salvage his photography career.
The chemistry is instant, but with both of their lives spinning out of control, they know a relationship would end in disaster. So, as the clock counts down to midnight, they spill their messiest secrets and most alarming red flags, thinking that they'll never see each other again...
Until they accidentally cross paths at the Winter Games.
As toxic exes and fraught family dynamics threaten to sabotage the most important competition of their lives, they hatch an emergency plan to fake date and photograph their way through the Games. After all, there's no risk of falling in love if it is doomed from the start... right?
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PRAISE FOR SKATE IT TILL YOU MAKE
"Ari and Drew heat up the Winter Olympics in this gorgeous fake dating hockey romance. Rufaro deftly (stick)handles the couple's emotional journey with each other, friends, and family to a beautiful, heartwarming, and absolutely satisfying conclusion." - Lily Chu, author of The Stand-In and Drop Dead
"Skate It Till You Make It hit me straight in the heart. Reading about a woman fighting to carve her place in a male-dominated sport-especially in the high-stakes backdrop of the Winter Olympics-was as inspiring as it was exhilarating. Mazarura has crafted a captivating story that's fierce, romantic, and full of hope. It's the perfect read to kick off the Winter Games." - Kanitha P., author of All You Need is Gloves and the Full Throttle series
"Skate It Till You Make It balances fake dating, family drama, and above all, the sizzling tension between Ari and Drew, with effortless charm. A fun, fantastic read." - Grace Reilly, USA Today bestselling author of Wicked Serve
"I savored every delicious page of Skate It Till You Make It. Rufaro Faith Mazarura pulls off a hat-trick in her expert balancing of Ari and Drew's bewitching love story, the lush tension-filled backdrop of the Winter Games, and the question of what it really means to follow your dreams. This is a second gold medal-worthy book from Mazarura." - Pyae Moe Thet War, author of Here For A Good Time
💙 Ice hockey romance
💙 Inspiring female athletes
💙 Fake-dating
💙 Friends to lovers
💙 Winter Olympics
When Ari Shumba and Drew Dlamini meet on New Year's Eve, neither one is looking to fall in love.
Ari's the reluctant new captain of Team GB's women's ice hockey team, anxiously preparing for the Winter Olympics. And after dropping out of college to handle a family crisis, Drew's desperately trying to salvage his photography career.
The chemistry is instant, but with both of their lives spinning out of control, they know a relationship would end in disaster. So, as the clock counts down to midnight, they spill their messiest secrets and most alarming red flags, thinking that they'll never see each other again...
Until they accidentally cross paths at the Winter Games.
As toxic exes and fraught family dynamics threaten to sabotage the most important competition of their lives, they hatch an emergency plan to fake date and photograph their way through the Games. After all, there's no risk of falling in love if it is doomed from the start... right?
--------------
PRAISE FOR SKATE IT TILL YOU MAKE
"Ari and Drew heat up the Winter Olympics in this gorgeous fake dating hockey romance. Rufaro deftly (stick)handles the couple's emotional journey with each other, friends, and family to a beautiful, heartwarming, and absolutely satisfying conclusion." - Lily Chu, author of The Stand-In and Drop Dead
"Skate It Till You Make It hit me straight in the heart. Reading about a woman fighting to carve her place in a male-dominated sport-especially in the high-stakes backdrop of the Winter Olympics-was as inspiring as it was exhilarating. Mazarura has crafted a captivating story that's fierce, romantic, and full of hope. It's the perfect read to kick off the Winter Games." - Kanitha P., author of All You Need is Gloves and the Full Throttle series
"Skate It Till You Make It balances fake dating, family drama, and above all, the sizzling tension between Ari and Drew, with effortless charm. A fun, fantastic read." - Grace Reilly, USA Today bestselling author of Wicked Serve
"I savored every delicious page of Skate It Till You Make It. Rufaro Faith Mazarura pulls off a hat-trick in her expert balancing of Ari and Drew's bewitching love story, the lush tension-filled backdrop of the Winter Games, and the question of what it really means to follow your dreams. This is a second gold medal-worthy book from Mazarura." - Pyae Moe Thet War, author of Here For A Good Time
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
9673 people want to read
About the author
Rufaro Faith Mazarura
2 books139 followersRufaro Faith Mazarura is a British Zimbabwean writer who grew up in Birmingham and studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Surrey. She now lives in London and works as a podcast producer, bringing stories to life through audio, and has written and produced podcasts for the BBC, iHeartRadio and Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books. Let The Games Begin is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 22, 2025
I absolutely DEVOURED Ari and Drew’s story. Set in the 2026 Olympics, Ari is a hockey player for GB and Drew lands himself a photojournalist gig at the games after a legendary NYE party.
Ari and Drew on their own are facing challenging family dymanics, pressure to have it all together, and people in their lives that are hard to manage. But, after meeting at the NYE party & bumping into each other at the Games, they enter a fake relationship that spirals into a real, raw, and sweet relationship in the end.
I absolutely loved the closed-door aspect of this book, as hockey romance is known in general for it’s sex appeal. But, without the explicitly written scenes? This book still holds a sparkle and a sweetness to it that I absolutely enjoyed.
I also appreciated that the characters were young (21-22) and were going throigh the life crises that are normal around that time as it made their story all the more believable. Similarly, with both main characters being Black, the commentary on the expectations of Black women in sports dominated by white women was really something that I appreciated in this book more than anything. It felt as if this book was tackling so many ideas and prevalent topics but it did so in such a seamless way.
All in all, I adored this story, the characters, and the outcomes, and I think anyone who likes a good hockey romance will feel the same!
Ari and Drew on their own are facing challenging family dymanics, pressure to have it all together, and people in their lives that are hard to manage. But, after meeting at the NYE party & bumping into each other at the Games, they enter a fake relationship that spirals into a real, raw, and sweet relationship in the end.
I absolutely loved the closed-door aspect of this book, as hockey romance is known in general for it’s sex appeal. But, without the explicitly written scenes? This book still holds a sparkle and a sweetness to it that I absolutely enjoyed.
I also appreciated that the characters were young (21-22) and were going throigh the life crises that are normal around that time as it made their story all the more believable. Similarly, with both main characters being Black, the commentary on the expectations of Black women in sports dominated by white women was really something that I appreciated in this book more than anything. It felt as if this book was tackling so many ideas and prevalent topics but it did so in such a seamless way.
All in all, I adored this story, the characters, and the outcomes, and I think anyone who likes a good hockey romance will feel the same!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought this book was a clear step up from the author's debut, so I'm glad I picked this up! I felt like everything was fleshed out more and I found it easier to connect emotionally. I had a good time reading this, and it often put a smile on my face. I've been reading a lot of hockey romance, and it was super fun to read one about a Black female athlete. I found myself rooting a lot for the team to do well in the winter Olympics, even with Ari's teammates acting very immaturely for a large part of the story.
January 4, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
This book is coming out at the PERFECT time for the Winter Olympics. This follows a women’s hockey team captain and a photographer on a fake dating scheme at the Winter Olympics. There’s intertwined family dynamics at play, there’s lying, there’s love.
I really liked our MMC being interested in our FMC from the beginning and agreeing to fake date to help get her out of a hard situation with an ex. I didn’t love his constant lying - though I recognize he was in quite the pickle!!
Both had a lot of family trauma too (one was a huge trigger for me) and I still ended up really enjoying this story. I really liked how she dealt with the men’s hockey team getting more support. But My favorite part was how the womens hockey team came together.
Read this if you love - fake dating, complicated family dynamics, women’s hockey, badass women, Olympic setting!!
This book is coming out at the PERFECT time for the Winter Olympics. This follows a women’s hockey team captain and a photographer on a fake dating scheme at the Winter Olympics. There’s intertwined family dynamics at play, there’s lying, there’s love.
I really liked our MMC being interested in our FMC from the beginning and agreeing to fake date to help get her out of a hard situation with an ex. I didn’t love his constant lying - though I recognize he was in quite the pickle!!
Both had a lot of family trauma too (one was a huge trigger for me) and I still ended up really enjoying this story. I really liked how she dealt with the men’s hockey team getting more support. But My favorite part was how the womens hockey team came together.
Read this if you love - fake dating, complicated family dynamics, women’s hockey, badass women, Olympic setting!!
January 5, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for my #gifted ALC.
She’s an athlete, he’s an artist, and they both attend the Winter Olympics, which naturally leads to fake dating. This one was super cute and very on theme for the upcoming Olympics. I had fun with it, but I would’ve appreciated a little more depth and a little less miscommunication.
I really loved Ari and Drew’s chemistry and banter, but I could’ve done with a bit more honesty from Drew. Like, I get it, I really do, but all of these secrets are definitely going to blow up in your face, sir. As for Ari, she’s a Black hockey player, which of course comes with its own set of challenges. Those were mentioned occasionally but never truly explored, and I would’ve loved to see more of that… or honestly, have it left out altogether if it wasn’t going to be fully addressed.
But ya know what? I really enjoyed our "villian" Tanny. She is a super complex side character who absolutely stole my attention. I would love to explore her story more, so this is my formal request for her to get her own book.
She’s an athlete, he’s an artist, and they both attend the Winter Olympics, which naturally leads to fake dating. This one was super cute and very on theme for the upcoming Olympics. I had fun with it, but I would’ve appreciated a little more depth and a little less miscommunication.
I really loved Ari and Drew’s chemistry and banter, but I could’ve done with a bit more honesty from Drew. Like, I get it, I really do, but all of these secrets are definitely going to blow up in your face, sir. As for Ari, she’s a Black hockey player, which of course comes with its own set of challenges. Those were mentioned occasionally but never truly explored, and I would’ve loved to see more of that… or honestly, have it left out altogether if it wasn’t going to be fully addressed.
But ya know what? I really enjoyed our "villian" Tanny. She is a super complex side character who absolutely stole my attention. I would love to explore her story more, so this is my formal request for her to get her own book.
January 9, 2026
Such a sweet fake dating romance 🙂↕️💕 Not too spicy but very heartwarming bc of the fake dating and personal growth between the main characters Ari and Drew. I liked that they both had to overcome their issues with their families/friends and become more internally honest with what they want for their futures. Another thing I really liked about this was the Winter Olympics setting/plot point. I can’t recall a lot of black romances that have ever been centered around winter sports, but it was so refreshing reading that from the MCs povs. I ate this audiobook up too tbh. It think it would make for a nice vacation read/listen.
December 24, 2025
skate it till you make it • arc book review
🛍️ release date - february 3, 2026
⭐️ rating - 3/5
All of my Winter Olympics lovers stand up 😤❄️⛸️
This was a cute closed-door romance!! Forbidden romance and fake dating are my favorite tropes, so I was truly in my prime for most of this book. There were definitely spots that were slower than others and moments where I wanted to shake the main characters for not talking about their issues instead of pretending they didn’t exist.
I definitely think this could’ve benefitting from a dual narration or, at the very least, someone who has an American accent to take over for the mmc’s sections.
Thanks to @macmillan.audio for the early audio copy 🫶🏼
🛍️ release date - february 3, 2026
⭐️ rating - 3/5
All of my Winter Olympics lovers stand up 😤❄️⛸️
This was a cute closed-door romance!! Forbidden romance and fake dating are my favorite tropes, so I was truly in my prime for most of this book. There were definitely spots that were slower than others and moments where I wanted to shake the main characters for not talking about their issues instead of pretending they didn’t exist.
I definitely think this could’ve benefitting from a dual narration or, at the very least, someone who has an American accent to take over for the mmc’s sections.
Thanks to @macmillan.audio for the early audio copy 🫶🏼
January 27, 2026
This was a cute fake dating hockey Winter Olympics books! Ari & Drew were definitely really cute! I did love that Ari took ownership to step-up and show that she was team captain regardless of how the others felt. To make sure that the game/showmanship stayed at the forefront of their minds. It was great to see Drew has decided to venture into different area (photography) as he’s returned home to the states. To figure out what he wanted to do next. It’s no surprise that Drew & Ari definitely took many risks! I loved that this book showed Women in a male-dominated sport. I did hate that Ari shouldered everyone’s feelings, thoughts and was deemed the “fixer” of her family especially.
This was an ALC for me! So thank you Macmillan for it!
This was an ALC for me! So thank you Macmillan for it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars
New Year's Eve Meet Cute
Sports romcom
She's a Hockey Player (team Cap)
Fake Dating
Forbidden
Grief/illness
This is a cute hockey Romcom with light spice, lots of swoon and emotion. The forbidden aspect is his sister plays for a rival team and I think that was my favorite part of the plot. It brought the drama and the angst.
I didn't love the 3rd act breakup though and thought it felt like it was put in to add fluff to the story.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for my #gifted ALC.
New Year's Eve Meet Cute
Sports romcom
She's a Hockey Player (team Cap)
Fake Dating
Forbidden
Grief/illness
This is a cute hockey Romcom with light spice, lots of swoon and emotion. The forbidden aspect is his sister plays for a rival team and I think that was my favorite part of the plot. It brought the drama and the angst.
I didn't love the 3rd act breakup though and thought it felt like it was put in to add fluff to the story.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for my #gifted ALC.
January 23, 2026
Lillie-Pearl Wildman did a great job with the narration of this book! Ari and Drew have a meet-cute at a NYE party and sparks fly! They don’t see it going anywhere, but it’s such a happy coincidence that they run into each other at the Winter Olympics. Ari is thrust into a Captaincy that she is extremely hesitant to be happy for, and Drew is struggling in all areas but is happy to be photographing this event. Let me tell you they have a common thread and when that was revealed I was HOOKED. Drew helps shield her from her problematic ex, and Ari helps get him into hard-to-get-into areas of the Olympics. This audiobook was so good and I loved hearing their story/connection unfold. This is the perfect book to get you ready for the 2026 games coming up. Thank you Macmillan Audio for this gifted audiobook.
January 25, 2026
This was a firmly fine sports romance. If you read a lot of them, you'll be bored.
I found the plot and characters to be fine, if not a little boring. We had your basic fake dating plot (that didn't need to exist) combined with your normal family trauma drama sub plot. I thought them being at the Olympics was a little far fetched especially considering this was centered around England?
Thought Drew having that much access to the Olympic village as a photographer for the British National team instead of for the American one .....was interesting.
The romance is also a clean one, if that matters. I mean, idk. this book was fine. Nothing negative to say. I was just extremely whelmed.
I received an arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I found the plot and characters to be fine, if not a little boring. We had your basic fake dating plot (that didn't need to exist) combined with your normal family trauma drama sub plot. I thought them being at the Olympics was a little far fetched especially considering this was centered around England?
Thought Drew having that much access to the Olympic village as a photographer for the British National team instead of for the American one .....was interesting.
The romance is also a clean one, if that matters. I mean, idk. this book was fine. Nothing negative to say. I was just extremely whelmed.
I received an arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2026
This book is probably better if you don't know much about hockey. I definitely had to suspend some disbelief that the British Ice Hockey Teams (both mens and womens) qualified for the Olympics, and there were some other awkwardly phrased narratives around the hockey that altogether just distracted me a bit too much from the cute romance. Definitely recommend to people who don't know that much about hockey and are looking for a cute romance centered around the Olympics though!
December 24, 2025
God I love the Olympics!!!
December 28, 2025
This was such a great read. There's so much happening in this story that I found myself engaged the entire time. I loved the Winter Olympics aspect it was perfect for the winter season.
When our MC's have an impromptu night on a roof during New Years they find themselves divulging their secrets knowing they'll never meet again. Fast forward and they happen to run into each other during the Olympics. You find their friendship growing and becoming more as they fake date to get our FMC's toxic ex off her back. Both are dealing with family drama and secrets.
A fantastic listen! Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted audiobook.
When our MC's have an impromptu night on a roof during New Years they find themselves divulging their secrets knowing they'll never meet again. Fast forward and they happen to run into each other during the Olympics. You find their friendship growing and becoming more as they fake date to get our FMC's toxic ex off her back. Both are dealing with family drama and secrets.
A fantastic listen! Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted audiobook.
January 1, 2026
I was hoping for something a bit more spicy like the other sports romances I’ve read but this was still enjoyable. I wish the romance was a bit stronger though because the friendships in this book felt more important.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura (2026)
11h 13m narrated by Lillie-Pearl Wildman, 384 pages
Genre: Sports Romance > Hockey, Romantic Comedy, Black British Literature, New Adult
Rating as a movie: PG-15/R for adult language and content
Featuring: Ice Hockey, 2026 Winter Olympics, London, England; December 2025, Celibacy, Blind Date, Matchmaking, Fake Dating Trope - PR Relationship; Controlling Ex, Teammates, Canadian LI, Diverse Characters, Training Bootcamp, Women's Ice Hockey Team, Dual POVs, Olympians, Winter Holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve/Day; Madison Wisconsin; USC - University of Southern California; Los Angeles, California; New Year's Eve Party, Alzheimer's, Family Dynamics, Secrets, Photography, Siblings, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Sexism, Misogyny, Feminism, Vicenarians, Sex - Closed Door, Details Verbalize Later; Drama, Self-Actualization, Siblings, Grandparents
Songs for the soundtrack: "You Might Need Somebody" by Shola Ama, "One Night Stand" by Mis-Teeq, "Missing (Todd Terry Remix)" by Everything but the Girl, "Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger featuring Craig David, "Move Your Body" by Marshall Jefferson and Solardo, "New Year" by Sugababes, "Round Round" by Sugababes, "Black Mascara." by Raye, "Blue Lights" by Jorja Smith, "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, "Rush" by Troye Sivan, Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, "Airplane" by Cleo Sol, "SHAKE AH" by Tyla, Lotus by Little Simz, "As" by Stevie Wonder, "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, "Misty" by Ella Fitzgerald, "O Canada" (French: Ô Canada) by Calixa Lavallée and Adolphe-Basile Routhier (French, 1880), and Robert Stanley Weir (English, 1908); "We're Dancing" by P.Y.T., "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
Books and Authors mentioned: When Harry Met Sally... by Nora Ephron, Cleopatra by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Ranald MacDougall, and Sidney Buchman [based on] The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero [and] Histories by Plutarch, Suetonius, and Appian; The V.I.P.s (also known as Hotel International) by Terence Rattigan; Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇬🇧🇨🇦🇨🇭🇿🇼🏒⛸️🎉📸
My thoughts: 📱9% 10h 11m left [Chapter] 5 Ari, December 31, 2025 - I actually got about 2 minutes into this chapter and I had to just restart it and stop here it was going so well it just got corny I'm hoping it's just a moment. The narrator is amazing with accents, but the American ones don't fit the characters.
📱22% 8h 43m left [Chapter] 11 Ari, Opening Ceremony - Well, well, well, the plot thickens. I was not expecting this wrinkle. I thought it was going to go a different way [with their exes], but this is even better than what I thought.
📱55% 5h 6m left [Chapter] 26 Drew, Day 5 of the 2026 Olympics - The MMC is slow, he should have figured this out already. I am still struggling with this narrator even though she is good at transitioning an accent and giving every character a different voice the 4 Americans sound like little kids and do not talk like black people from Wisconsin it's just hard for me to get past this male character sounding like a 10-year-old boy from California, and his grandmother sounds 12.
📱82% 1h 59m left [Chapter] 39 Drew, Day 8 of the 2026 Olympics - My husband's presence is stopping me from reading, I just want to spend time with him. Hopefully, I can finish this story tonight. It's still just okay.
This story wasn't my cup of tea, but it was good. The characters are well-developed and their growth is meaningful. I wanted to shake Ari and Drew a few times, but they're young. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I think if you’re into Sports Romance or love the Olympics, this would be right up your alley. Everyone I know who reads Sports Romance likes them spicy, and this is a mild pepper.
11h 13m narrated by Lillie-Pearl Wildman, 384 pages
Genre: Sports Romance > Hockey, Romantic Comedy, Black British Literature, New Adult
Rating as a movie: PG-15/R for adult language and content
Featuring: Ice Hockey, 2026 Winter Olympics, London, England; December 2025, Celibacy, Blind Date, Matchmaking, Fake Dating Trope - PR Relationship; Controlling Ex, Teammates, Canadian LI, Diverse Characters, Training Bootcamp, Women's Ice Hockey Team, Dual POVs, Olympians, Winter Holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve/Day; Madison Wisconsin; USC - University of Southern California; Los Angeles, California; New Year's Eve Party, Alzheimer's, Family Dynamics, Secrets, Photography, Siblings, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Sexism, Misogyny, Feminism, Vicenarians, Sex - Closed Door, Details Verbalize Later; Drama, Self-Actualization, Siblings, Grandparents
Songs for the soundtrack: "You Might Need Somebody" by Shola Ama, "One Night Stand" by Mis-Teeq, "Missing (Todd Terry Remix)" by Everything but the Girl, "Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger featuring Craig David, "Move Your Body" by Marshall Jefferson and Solardo, "New Year" by Sugababes, "Round Round" by Sugababes, "Black Mascara." by Raye, "Blue Lights" by Jorja Smith, "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, "Rush" by Troye Sivan, Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, "Airplane" by Cleo Sol, "SHAKE AH" by Tyla, Lotus by Little Simz, "As" by Stevie Wonder, "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, "Misty" by Ella Fitzgerald, "O Canada" (French: Ô Canada) by Calixa Lavallée and Adolphe-Basile Routhier (French, 1880), and Robert Stanley Weir (English, 1908); "We're Dancing" by P.Y.T., "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
Books and Authors mentioned: When Harry Met Sally... by Nora Ephron, Cleopatra by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Ranald MacDougall, and Sidney Buchman [based on] The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero [and] Histories by Plutarch, Suetonius, and Appian; The V.I.P.s (also known as Hotel International) by Terence Rattigan; Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇬🇧🇨🇦🇨🇭🇿🇼🏒⛸️🎉📸
My thoughts: 📱9% 10h 11m left [Chapter] 5 Ari, December 31, 2025 - I actually got about 2 minutes into this chapter and I had to just restart it and stop here it was going so well it just got corny I'm hoping it's just a moment. The narrator is amazing with accents, but the American ones don't fit the characters.
📱22% 8h 43m left [Chapter] 11 Ari, Opening Ceremony - Well, well, well, the plot thickens. I was not expecting this wrinkle. I thought it was going to go a different way [with their exes], but this is even better than what I thought.
📱55% 5h 6m left [Chapter] 26 Drew, Day 5 of the 2026 Olympics - The MMC is slow, he should have figured this out already. I am still struggling with this narrator even though she is good at transitioning an accent and giving every character a different voice the 4 Americans sound like little kids and do not talk like black people from Wisconsin it's just hard for me to get past this male character sounding like a 10-year-old boy from California, and his grandmother sounds 12.
📱82% 1h 59m left [Chapter] 39 Drew, Day 8 of the 2026 Olympics - My husband's presence is stopping me from reading, I just want to spend time with him. Hopefully, I can finish this story tonight. It's still just okay.
This story wasn't my cup of tea, but it was good. The characters are well-developed and their growth is meaningful. I wanted to shake Ari and Drew a few times, but they're young. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I think if you’re into Sports Romance or love the Olympics, this would be right up your alley. Everyone I know who reads Sports Romance likes them spicy, and this is a mild pepper.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
—it's time for the Olympics, baby
—hockey-playing heroine/NOT-hockey-playing hero
—the messiness of love in your early twenties
The Basics:
When a teammate gets injured, Ari is unexpectedly thrown into the role of captain of Great Britain's Olympic ice hockey team. Trying her best to take on these new responsibilities, she's thrown off balance upon meeting Drew, who's in London for the holidays. Sure they'll never meet again, they reveal their red flags, bond, and—end up running into one another two months later at the Winter Games. With familial pressures (and messy exes) closing in, they decided to fake date through the Olympics... which can only end super easily, right?
The Review:
Of course I'm going to read an Olympics romance with a hockey player heroine. Obviously.
Generally speaking, I think Skate It Till You Make It does end up being the opposite of a lot the alpha-heavy, toxic hockey romances we've seen lately. And generally speaking, I'm not a fan of these romances—but this might have gone a little bit too far into the realm of "everyone is good" for me. Just because I wanted a bit more drama and intensity, however, doesn't mean it's wrong for everyone else.
This is the second Olympics-related romance I've read recently. I'm actually an Olympics fiend, especially the Winter Games. The reasons why are based in not only my interest in the sports (I don't closely follow most of them), but the drama inherent to them. Who will win? What's their story? How will we be surprised (because we always are)?
Ari's appointment as captain is in itself a huge surprise, and much her arc is about her trying not to crumble under the massive pressure, while also dealing growing and past loves. What adds to this in some ways is that she's rather young (as many Olympians are). And so it's not unrealistic that a lot of her romantic conflict is based on communication difficulties. I don't have an issue with that. But it does last for much of the story, and that sort of stacks on top of fake dating to the point that you are a bit like—well! Just be together!
This is a book that isn't without its emotional conflict (and the "villain", as they are, is quite interested and complex), but it's never heavy. It's cute! And I know a lot of us could use cute right about now. There's a sizable emphasis on family ties, with a fleshed out supporting cast; and while I don't think this was the wrong choice, per se, it did make the story feel a little less... passionate? You don't have as much time for Ari and Drew to be alone. It's a believable love story, but it's not intense.
And it is closed door. Closed door romances typically aren't for me (with notable exceptions). Here, I respect the choice... but I would've liked to have seen these two hook up. Especially because Ari is an athlete in a contact sport, and Drew obviously isn't. I feel like female athletes in sports like hockey are so often portrayed as these un-sexy creatures, and it would've been nice to see Ari being cherished in a more... physical way. Again, this wasn't a bad choice—it's just not mine.
The Conclusion:
A refreshing, sweet contemporary romance that will get you excited for the Olympics. I wish it had been a bit more high octane, personally, but I think those in need of something comforting right now will be really into it.
And the audiobook narration was lovely; I just really liked Lillie-Pearl Wildman's voice, to be honest!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—it's time for the Olympics, baby
—hockey-playing heroine/NOT-hockey-playing hero
—the messiness of love in your early twenties
The Basics:
When a teammate gets injured, Ari is unexpectedly thrown into the role of captain of Great Britain's Olympic ice hockey team. Trying her best to take on these new responsibilities, she's thrown off balance upon meeting Drew, who's in London for the holidays. Sure they'll never meet again, they reveal their red flags, bond, and—end up running into one another two months later at the Winter Games. With familial pressures (and messy exes) closing in, they decided to fake date through the Olympics... which can only end super easily, right?
The Review:
Of course I'm going to read an Olympics romance with a hockey player heroine. Obviously.
Generally speaking, I think Skate It Till You Make It does end up being the opposite of a lot the alpha-heavy, toxic hockey romances we've seen lately. And generally speaking, I'm not a fan of these romances—but this might have gone a little bit too far into the realm of "everyone is good" for me. Just because I wanted a bit more drama and intensity, however, doesn't mean it's wrong for everyone else.
This is the second Olympics-related romance I've read recently. I'm actually an Olympics fiend, especially the Winter Games. The reasons why are based in not only my interest in the sports (I don't closely follow most of them), but the drama inherent to them. Who will win? What's their story? How will we be surprised (because we always are)?
Ari's appointment as captain is in itself a huge surprise, and much her arc is about her trying not to crumble under the massive pressure, while also dealing growing and past loves. What adds to this in some ways is that she's rather young (as many Olympians are). And so it's not unrealistic that a lot of her romantic conflict is based on communication difficulties. I don't have an issue with that. But it does last for much of the story, and that sort of stacks on top of fake dating to the point that you are a bit like—well! Just be together!
This is a book that isn't without its emotional conflict (and the "villain", as they are, is quite interested and complex), but it's never heavy. It's cute! And I know a lot of us could use cute right about now. There's a sizable emphasis on family ties, with a fleshed out supporting cast; and while I don't think this was the wrong choice, per se, it did make the story feel a little less... passionate? You don't have as much time for Ari and Drew to be alone. It's a believable love story, but it's not intense.
And it is closed door. Closed door romances typically aren't for me (with notable exceptions). Here, I respect the choice... but I would've liked to have seen these two hook up. Especially because Ari is an athlete in a contact sport, and Drew obviously isn't. I feel like female athletes in sports like hockey are so often portrayed as these un-sexy creatures, and it would've been nice to see Ari being cherished in a more... physical way. Again, this wasn't a bad choice—it's just not mine.
The Conclusion:
A refreshing, sweet contemporary romance that will get you excited for the Olympics. I wish it had been a bit more high octane, personally, but I think those in need of something comforting right now will be really into it.
And the audiobook narration was lovely; I just really liked Lillie-Pearl Wildman's voice, to be honest!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Skate It Till You Make It promises icy tension and rom-com vibes, but what it ultimately delivers feels more like character-driven contemporary fiction with a romance woven through—and once I adjusted my expectations, I could better appreciate what this story does well.
Where this book really excels is in its depiction of women’s sports. The dedication, sacrifice, and pressure Ari faces—especially after being unexpectedly thrust into the role of team captain—are handled with care and realism. Competing at the Winter Games isn’t just a flashy backdrop; it’s central to Ari’s identity, her stress, and the choices she makes. I loved how much attention was given to the very real challenges women athletes face, from team politics to public scrutiny to balancing personal lives that don’t conveniently pause for competition.
Ari and Drew are flawed, but largely likable leads. Ari’s determination and guardedness make sense given everything she’s juggling, and Drew’s hesitation and desire for a reset give him a quiet, searching energy that works well against her intensity. Their New Year’s Eve meeting has great spark, and the snowy Winter Olympics setting adds a layer of tension and atmosphere that kept me engaged. By the time I reached the ending, it felt satisfying and earned, even if it took a winding road to get there.
That said, this is where the rom-com label didn’t quite work for me. The humor rarely landed, and there’s a lot happening outside of the central relationship. Between complicated exes, overinvolved families, and stress-inducing teammates, the romance often felt like it was sharing the spotlight—or outright stepping aside. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I finished the book feeling like this leaned more toward contemporary fiction than romance.
The fake-dating trope is there, and the chemistry exists, but it never fully becomes the emotional engine of the story. Instead, it runs parallel to everything else, which makes the love story feel quieter than expected.
I also listened to this on audio, and while I eventually adjusted, the narrator’s American accent was… rough. It was jarring at first and definitely pulled me out of the story early on, though it became easier to ignore as the book went on.
Overall, Skate It Till You Make It is a solid, thoughtful read with strong character work, an engaging Winter Games setting, and a satisfying conclusion. If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud rom-com, this may not fully hit that mark. But if you enjoy grounded, character-focused stories—especially ones that take women’s sports seriously—there’s a lot here to appreciate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
#SkateItTillYouMakeIt
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Flatiron Books for the copy of Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura, and to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook—which turned out to be the ideal way to keep up with this story during a week of snow days and general life chaos. This is a 4.25/4.5 read, rounded up here!
This is a fake-dating hockey rom-com set around the Winter Games, but it’s doing more than playing with tropes. Ari Shumba, unexpectedly named captain of Great Britain’s women’s hockey team, is navigating leadership, family pressure, and the very real experience of being a Black woman in a sport dominated by white women. Drew Dlamini, meanwhile, is in his own moment of recalibration—stepping away from a path that wasn’t working and trying to imagine a different version of adulthood for himself. They meet on New Year’s Eve, reconnect months later in the Alps, and decide that a fake relationship might be the simplest way through a tangle of personal and professional stressors.
What worked especially well for me was the attention to interiority—the quiet moments where each character is alone with their history, doubts, and expectations. The book handles themes of race, gender, and intersectionality in a way that feels continuous and grounded rather than performative. Ari’s leadership arc, in particular, felt thoughtful and earned, and Drew’s uncertainty about work and identity rang true for anyone who remembers the early-20s feeling of being behind some invisible schedule.
I also appreciated the closed-door romance. Even without explicit scenes, the chemistry builds slowly and convincingly, leaving space for emotional connection to do the work. The fact that both characters are 21–22 and very much in the middle of figuring things out made the story feel believable rather than overly polished.
This ended up being more than a light sports romance for me. It’s a story about second chances—at careers, at self-definition, at leadership, and at wanting something for yourself instead of for other people. The audiobook narration was well paced and easy to stay with, which suited the reflective tone of the story.
A quietly engaging read, and one I kept thinking about after I finished.
READ IF YOU LIKE:
Sports romance with substance
Fake dating that focuses on emotional growth
Stories about early adulthood, leadership, and identity
Olympic or elite sports settings
Romance that’s thoughtful rather than flashy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was provided an audiobook ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Skate It Till You Make It is a very topical romance for this moment with the winter Olympics in Milan coming up in just a week.
My Likes:
- I liked the representation in this book. I like that it was focused on Black female athletes and their successes & team dynamics.
- I liked Drew and Ari as individuals and together. They had a natural dynamic that worked and was very sweet.
- I liked that it was a closed door romance; in the current market of books competing to be the spiciest, us closed door girlies need some content out here.
- The audiobook narrator: I think she did a great job and had voices that suited the characters well!
My Hang-ups:
- The meet cute. It was a little too perfect, like they would've actually had to be reading each other's minds to guess some of the things they did about each other. And that instant chemistry and connection became very important as the basis of the relationship, putting the romance on a bit of a wobbly foundation for me.
- The villains were a little one note. Every romance/character arc needs it's obstacles, but in this book I found that certain characters were reduced to caricatures in service of Ari's character arc.
- As an American actually from Drew's home city, he is very clearly an American man written by someone who's probably never actually been to America, let alone Drew's city.
- This book is also HEAVY on the miscommunication trope and, unfortunately, what might be my least favorite brand of miscommunication: the characters are emotionally intelligent enough to know they should communicate, but simply... don't.
Overall, I liked this book and I think enjoyers of the fake dating trope in the mood for a wintery romance will be frothing at the mouth over this! I'm a bit more lukewarm, I gave it 3 stars.
Skate It Till You Make It is a very topical romance for this moment with the winter Olympics in Milan coming up in just a week.
My Likes:
- I liked the representation in this book. I like that it was focused on Black female athletes and their successes & team dynamics.
- I liked Drew and Ari as individuals and together. They had a natural dynamic that worked and was very sweet.
- I liked that it was a closed door romance; in the current market of books competing to be the spiciest, us closed door girlies need some content out here.
- The audiobook narrator: I think she did a great job and had voices that suited the characters well!
My Hang-ups:
- The meet cute. It was a little too perfect, like they would've actually had to be reading each other's minds to guess some of the things they did about each other. And that instant chemistry and connection became very important as the basis of the relationship, putting the romance on a bit of a wobbly foundation for me.
- The villains were a little one note. Every romance/character arc needs it's obstacles, but in this book I found that certain characters were reduced to caricatures in service of Ari's character arc.
- As an American actually from Drew's home city, he is very clearly an American man written by someone who's probably never actually been to America, let alone Drew's city.
- This book is also HEAVY on the miscommunication trope and, unfortunately, what might be my least favorite brand of miscommunication: the characters are emotionally intelligent enough to know they should communicate, but simply... don't.
Overall, I liked this book and I think enjoyers of the fake dating trope in the mood for a wintery romance will be frothing at the mouth over this! I'm a bit more lukewarm, I gave it 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ari and Drew hit it off at a New Year’s Eve party, never expecting to see each other again. After a great chat with all their embarrassing secrets, thinking they would never again have the opportunity to meet, they establish a connection and share a kiss at the stroke of midnight. A few months later when they’re at the Olympics together for different reasons, she a professional athlete and he a photographer, the two decide to fake date in order to help put a bathroom between she and her ex who was also a professional athlete attending the Olympics. With a close proximity of the Olympic Village, as well as the high stakes of the competition, the tension and attraction between Ari and Drew continues to build until they have to decide if this fake relationship is worth fighting for. As secrets come to light they have to decide what they want from this relationship. Ari is dealing with the responsibility of suddenly becoming captain of her team, as well as navigating the drama between her family back home, and Drew is struggling with where to turn next after dropping out of college to stay home and help with his grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis that’s progressing faster than expected.
The story handles a lot of great themes like positive relationships, found family, supportive, friendships, and putting your chest in someone worthy of protecting your heart. Overall, a sweet read and a great book to read as we get ready for the Olympics this year! I also really enjoyed reading about a female hockey player since all the other hockey romances that I’ve read are about male teams. There is one intimate scene which goes from kissing and then skims over and implies intimacy before moving onto the next morning. Not sure whether to call that a fade to black or a vague open door because there really is no description beyond kissing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for an advanced copy of this story, all opinions are my own.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
The story handles a lot of great themes like positive relationships, found family, supportive, friendships, and putting your chest in someone worthy of protecting your heart. Overall, a sweet read and a great book to read as we get ready for the Olympics this year! I also really enjoyed reading about a female hockey player since all the other hockey romances that I’ve read are about male teams. There is one intimate scene which goes from kissing and then skims over and implies intimacy before moving onto the next morning. Not sure whether to call that a fade to black or a vague open door because there really is no description beyond kissing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for an advanced copy of this story, all opinions are my own.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
January 6, 2026
Nothing like the holidays for listening to a rom-com based in the 2026 Olympics featuring a POC couple and the fake dating trope. I was fortunate to receive this fun story as an audiobook ARC and absolutely demolished it.
The story very quickly settled into classic rom-com territory, but it started out with some great lines that got me hooked. One was, “I don’t need to date a hot hockey player. I am a hot hockey player?” — Lillie-Pearl Wildman’s delivery was perfectly snotty for the scene, and I busted out laughing. It also summarizes in one quote the kind of social pressures the hockey women in this story are under. Not only are these athletes going to the Olympics for the first time, they have to deal with egos both on and off the ice that treat them unfairly because they are women while being dosed with the double-standard venom for being too feminine and not feminine enough while performing their vocation.
I also totally judged this book by its cover and ASSumed it would be two athletes falling in love. It patently is not. The story was better for that, imo.
There is plenty of family / non-sports drama to accompany the main sports storyline. Drew has a little sister and they were raised by their grandparents. That produced the gem: “… [she said] with the easy detachment of a youngest child.” Drew was blithely told how easy to brush-off his family issue was, which also made me laugh out loud. Eldest children DO often have it quite differently than the younger siblings, and need to get involved when younger siblings don’t, but the eldest also can be so blind to the simple but effective insight younger siblings have.
Which leads me to my light criticisms. These characters are SO young. They’re early-twenties adults that fall heavily into the lies-by-omission and communication failure traps that are obnoxious crutches both within fiction and without. Beyond that, I struggle with explaining why I find the ‘no communication’ trope so cheap. Maybe it’s related to how I tend towards “just talking about it” irl, but pretending to ignore things you need to tell others just adds to the mental load / checklist of things to do. It’s a common problem, but it’s also, dare I say, uninteresting. Sadly it sums up about 90% of the story’s tension, so while I enjoyed the sports aspects and characters’ senses of humor, the various plot climaxes were unexceptional.
That being said, the family drama Ari deals with is incredibly on point because it is so infuriating.
Great humor, nothing to write home about in terms of plot tensions. Still recommend if you need a rom-com!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who does not love a meet cute sports romance mixed with fake dating and just a touch of forbidden romance? Skate It Til You Make It delivers a fun blend of some of our favorite romance tropes while centering Black joy, ambition, and young love on an international stage.
At its heart, this story is about Black women athletes standing on the brink of the 2026 Olympics and the pressure that comes when everything is on the line. An unexpected injury shifts team dynamics right before departure, and Ari Shumba finds herself navigating a breakup, a toxic ex, and the weight of becoming team captain for Great Britain’s women’s hockey team as a first time Olympian. Watching her step into leadership while carrying so much personal baggage added real emotional depth to the story.
Drew’s storyline offered a thoughtful contrast. His journey of choosing between personal dreams and family responsibility felt grounded and relatable, especially as he tries to redefine his future during a season of transition. When Ari and Drew’s lives collide on New Year’s Eve and unexpectedly intersect again months later at the Olympics, their fake dating arrangement becomes a sweet and entertaining way to navigate complicated exes, family pressures, and high stakes competition.
The Olympic setting, the chemistry between Ari and Drew, and the celebration of Black athletes made this a fun and engaging young adult romance. My main critique was the inconsistency in the writing and pacing at times. With a few more final edits, this story could be even stronger and more polished than it already is.
Overall, this was a cute, trope filled sports romance that I enjoyed and would recommend to readers who love fake dating, athlete romances, and stories centered on ambition and growth.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of Skate It Til You Make It.
At its heart, this story is about Black women athletes standing on the brink of the 2026 Olympics and the pressure that comes when everything is on the line. An unexpected injury shifts team dynamics right before departure, and Ari Shumba finds herself navigating a breakup, a toxic ex, and the weight of becoming team captain for Great Britain’s women’s hockey team as a first time Olympian. Watching her step into leadership while carrying so much personal baggage added real emotional depth to the story.
Drew’s storyline offered a thoughtful contrast. His journey of choosing between personal dreams and family responsibility felt grounded and relatable, especially as he tries to redefine his future during a season of transition. When Ari and Drew’s lives collide on New Year’s Eve and unexpectedly intersect again months later at the Olympics, their fake dating arrangement becomes a sweet and entertaining way to navigate complicated exes, family pressures, and high stakes competition.
The Olympic setting, the chemistry between Ari and Drew, and the celebration of Black athletes made this a fun and engaging young adult romance. My main critique was the inconsistency in the writing and pacing at times. With a few more final edits, this story could be even stronger and more polished than it already is.
Overall, this was a cute, trope filled sports romance that I enjoyed and would recommend to readers who love fake dating, athlete romances, and stories centered on ambition and growth.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of Skate It Til You Make It.
January 17, 2026
A Winter Olympics fake dating romance - a perfect read for hockey romance enthusiasts or anyone looking for a cosy winter romance.
“We should trademark this and put it on a set of cards,” she joked. “Worst Foot Forward. The game to play to ensure you never fall in love with someone.”
This starts out with a New Years Eve party, so is perfect to read this time of year. Since it’s set in the Winter Olympics, the vibes of snow and cold weather are perfect for the season and make it a great book to read whilst we’re stuck in the colder months.
I really enjoyed their romance! Especially the diversion from the usual facets of the genre since she was the hockey player and he was the photographer. I liked that she was the athlete and he was the one chasing her around as she went for gold!
Drew dropped out of college following family health issues, and is slightly floundering on his future plans. Throughout the book he is pursuing his dream to be a photographer, whilst also supporting his sister at the Olympics (she’s also a hockey player). He’s torn between the duty to his family and his own goals.
“She was there for everyone, but it felt like nobody she loved was willing to sacrifice their time and energy to be there for her.”
Ari is the Team GB hockey captain - but also has to act as the family referee, a typical eldest daughter! She sets out the ‘fake dating’ scheme with Drew to try and send the message to her toxic ex that she’s unavailable. I love how determined she was to bring her team to success and the way she develops as a captain throughout.
I enjoyed their Winter Olympics setting - very atmospheric and portrayed the games well!
Overall a fun read perfect for the winter months!
ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
“We should trademark this and put it on a set of cards,” she joked. “Worst Foot Forward. The game to play to ensure you never fall in love with someone.”
This starts out with a New Years Eve party, so is perfect to read this time of year. Since it’s set in the Winter Olympics, the vibes of snow and cold weather are perfect for the season and make it a great book to read whilst we’re stuck in the colder months.
I really enjoyed their romance! Especially the diversion from the usual facets of the genre since she was the hockey player and he was the photographer. I liked that she was the athlete and he was the one chasing her around as she went for gold!
Drew dropped out of college following family health issues, and is slightly floundering on his future plans. Throughout the book he is pursuing his dream to be a photographer, whilst also supporting his sister at the Olympics (she’s also a hockey player). He’s torn between the duty to his family and his own goals.
“She was there for everyone, but it felt like nobody she loved was willing to sacrifice their time and energy to be there for her.”
Ari is the Team GB hockey captain - but also has to act as the family referee, a typical eldest daughter! She sets out the ‘fake dating’ scheme with Drew to try and send the message to her toxic ex that she’s unavailable. I love how determined she was to bring her team to success and the way she develops as a captain throughout.
I enjoyed their Winter Olympics setting - very atmospheric and portrayed the games well!
Overall a fun read perfect for the winter months!
ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2026
With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy just a week away, there couldn't be a more perfect time to dive into Skate It Till You Make It. This book is a total hat trick of fake dating, forbidden love, and high-stakes sports romance.
I listened to the audiobook version and was blown away. Even though it's a single narrator (Lillie-Pearl Wildman), she absolutely nailed the double POV. Her voice breathed so much life into the characters, giving Ari a distinct personality that felt vibrant and real.
As an eldest child and the designated "family mediator" myself, I felt a deep, personal connection to FMC Arikoishe "Ari" Shumba. Seeing her navigate the pressure of being the new captain while managing her family’s expectations was incredibly validating. The MMC, Drew Dlamini, is a breath of fresh air—an aspiring photographer who dropped out of college to care for his grandmother. He’s sweet, supportive, and provides a perfect calm to Ari’s high-stakes world, though his tendency to hide secrets from his family adds a layer of realistic tension.
It's authentic and descriptive. Mazarura writes with such authority on the adversity Black female athletes face in hockey. The behind-the-scenes Olympic Village details were visually stunning and made the whole experience feel immersive. It felt like getting a VIP pass to the games!
The transition from a "mutually beneficial" fake dating scheme to real, forbidden feelings was chef’s kiss. If you prefer a fade-to-black spice level, this hits that perfect sweet spot of emotional tension without being overly graphic. This is a heartwarming, feminist sports romance that stays with you long after the final buzzer.
Read if you love:
-Sports romance
-Fake dating
-Forbidden love
-Face to black spice
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listeners copy. All opinions are my own.
I listened to the audiobook version and was blown away. Even though it's a single narrator (Lillie-Pearl Wildman), she absolutely nailed the double POV. Her voice breathed so much life into the characters, giving Ari a distinct personality that felt vibrant and real.
As an eldest child and the designated "family mediator" myself, I felt a deep, personal connection to FMC Arikoishe "Ari" Shumba. Seeing her navigate the pressure of being the new captain while managing her family’s expectations was incredibly validating. The MMC, Drew Dlamini, is a breath of fresh air—an aspiring photographer who dropped out of college to care for his grandmother. He’s sweet, supportive, and provides a perfect calm to Ari’s high-stakes world, though his tendency to hide secrets from his family adds a layer of realistic tension.
It's authentic and descriptive. Mazarura writes with such authority on the adversity Black female athletes face in hockey. The behind-the-scenes Olympic Village details were visually stunning and made the whole experience feel immersive. It felt like getting a VIP pass to the games!
The transition from a "mutually beneficial" fake dating scheme to real, forbidden feelings was chef’s kiss. If you prefer a fade-to-black spice level, this hits that perfect sweet spot of emotional tension without being overly graphic. This is a heartwarming, feminist sports romance that stays with you long after the final buzzer.
Read if you love:
-Sports romance
-Fake dating
-Forbidden love
-Face to black spice
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listeners copy. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2026
🏒Audiobook Review of Skate It Till You Make It 📸
By Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Thank you so much to both @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC!
Synopsis:
🏒Ari Shumba is unexpectedly made captain of Great Britain’s women’s ice hockey team as they head toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, juggling sport, family drama, and a toxic ex.
📸At a New Year’s Eve party in London, she meets Drew Dlamini, an American photographer trying to restart his career, and they share an unexpected connection. Lillie Pearl Wildman did an amazing job of bringing both Ari and Drew to life!
🏒Months later in the snowy Swiss Alps, they run into each other again at the Olympics and agree to fake-date to help Ari avoid her ex and give Drew access to the athletes.
📸What was meant to be a simple arrangement soon blurs into something real, with complications from family, past relationships, and their own rising feelings.
Thoughts:
This was a fun, cozy sports romance with a great Olympic ice hockey setting that felt fresh and engaging. I loved Ari and Drew’s chemistry—the banter, vulnerability, and slow shift from fake dating to real feelings worked really well.
The only thing holding this back from 5⭐️ for me was the third-act breakup. It felt predictable and slowed the momentum, even if it ultimately supported the characters’ growth.
Overall, a heartfelt, wintry romance with strong chemistry and a unique sports backdrop—just expect a bit of emotional turbulence before the HEA.
Authors: Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Publisher: @macmillan.audio @macmillanusa
Release Date: February 3, 2026
4⭐️
2🔥
By Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Thank you so much to both @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC!
Synopsis:
🏒Ari Shumba is unexpectedly made captain of Great Britain’s women’s ice hockey team as they head toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, juggling sport, family drama, and a toxic ex.
📸At a New Year’s Eve party in London, she meets Drew Dlamini, an American photographer trying to restart his career, and they share an unexpected connection. Lillie Pearl Wildman did an amazing job of bringing both Ari and Drew to life!
🏒Months later in the snowy Swiss Alps, they run into each other again at the Olympics and agree to fake-date to help Ari avoid her ex and give Drew access to the athletes.
📸What was meant to be a simple arrangement soon blurs into something real, with complications from family, past relationships, and their own rising feelings.
Thoughts:
This was a fun, cozy sports romance with a great Olympic ice hockey setting that felt fresh and engaging. I loved Ari and Drew’s chemistry—the banter, vulnerability, and slow shift from fake dating to real feelings worked really well.
The only thing holding this back from 5⭐️ for me was the third-act breakup. It felt predictable and slowed the momentum, even if it ultimately supported the characters’ growth.
Overall, a heartfelt, wintry romance with strong chemistry and a unique sports backdrop—just expect a bit of emotional turbulence before the HEA.
Authors: Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Publisher: @macmillan.audio @macmillanusa
Release Date: February 3, 2026
4⭐️
2🔥
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ Review ✨ Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura; Narrated by Lillie-Pearl Wildman
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
First, props to the author for releasing Olympic romances in the appropriate Olympics years -- last spring Olympics, she had a Summer Olympics story; this time it's perfect for a Winter Olympics year!
This book starts at a New Years Eve party, where Ari, a hockey player on Britain's first woman's team to make it to the Olympics, and Drew, who recently dropped out of college and is taking photos at the party, meet on the rooftop just before midnight. They share all their worst secrets and red flags, knowing they'll never see each other again.
Until they do.
At the Winter Olympics a month later. As the last-minute captain of the team, Ari's trying to lead her underdog team as far as they can, and as a newly budding photographer, Drew's trying to fulfill his photojournalism tasks while building a potential future for himself in the field. The two decide to do a mutually beneficially fake dating relationship to keep Ari's awful ex away and to provide an insider photo series for Drew's portfolio.
There are more twists and turns along the way, along with a growing snowball of secrets, but you'll be sure to be gliding alongside the ice alongside them in this romance.
🎧 This is perfect for listening to as you go out for a winter walk or watch the Olympics!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5)
Genre: f/m sports romance
Setting: London and Switzerland at the Winter Olympics
Length: 11 hours 13 minutes
Pub Date: Feb 3, 2026
Read this if you like:
⭕️ hockey romance (female hockey player!)
⭕️ Winter Olympics
⭕️ behind-the-scenes in the Olympic Village
⭕️ family drama
⭕️ lots of snow, winter gear, and hot cocoa
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
First, props to the author for releasing Olympic romances in the appropriate Olympics years -- last spring Olympics, she had a Summer Olympics story; this time it's perfect for a Winter Olympics year!
This book starts at a New Years Eve party, where Ari, a hockey player on Britain's first woman's team to make it to the Olympics, and Drew, who recently dropped out of college and is taking photos at the party, meet on the rooftop just before midnight. They share all their worst secrets and red flags, knowing they'll never see each other again.
Until they do.
At the Winter Olympics a month later. As the last-minute captain of the team, Ari's trying to lead her underdog team as far as they can, and as a newly budding photographer, Drew's trying to fulfill his photojournalism tasks while building a potential future for himself in the field. The two decide to do a mutually beneficially fake dating relationship to keep Ari's awful ex away and to provide an insider photo series for Drew's portfolio.
There are more twists and turns along the way, along with a growing snowball of secrets, but you'll be sure to be gliding alongside the ice alongside them in this romance.
🎧 This is perfect for listening to as you go out for a winter walk or watch the Olympics!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5)
Genre: f/m sports romance
Setting: London and Switzerland at the Winter Olympics
Length: 11 hours 13 minutes
Pub Date: Feb 3, 2026
Read this if you like:
⭕️ hockey romance (female hockey player!)
⭕️ Winter Olympics
⭕️ behind-the-scenes in the Olympic Village
⭕️ family drama
⭕️ lots of snow, winter gear, and hot cocoa
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*3.75
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Skate it Till You Make It!
I had a good time with this book, the premise of fake dating during the winter olympics is soooo cool.
Black Women is Sports is always gonna be amazing, especially if the sport is a white dominated field. The need for Diversity within Hockey needs to continue to be talked about and I'm glad that Rufaro talked about this in her novel.
I definitely encourage readers into sports romances to check this out, I don't think I would recommend the audiobook just because the narrator's attempt at an American accent isn't the greatest. This would've been a great audio as a dual narrations though!
Ari is 100% one of my favorite FMC's, She puts everyone else before herself, she's known as a mediator which I (in somewhat of a biased opinion) think is such an underrated family role that goes unappreciated a lot. It was amazing for her to find someone who saw her not for the roles she played but for who she is as a person.
Drew is a dedicated MMC, he recently dropped out of college and isn't sure what to do with his life. This is a very relatable stage in life. Despite the losses he has experienced the opportunities and experiences he gains are heartfelt and really build his confidence as a character.
Their fake dating scheme was so cute, the book technically is spanned out in a week and given that it's during the Winter Olympics it happens to be very eventful but it's such a fun book to read.
I'm excited for everyone to read this, I just would recommend reading the physical or E-book version of this book to have it be more enjoyable.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Skate it Till You Make It!
I had a good time with this book, the premise of fake dating during the winter olympics is soooo cool.
Black Women is Sports is always gonna be amazing, especially if the sport is a white dominated field. The need for Diversity within Hockey needs to continue to be talked about and I'm glad that Rufaro talked about this in her novel.
I definitely encourage readers into sports romances to check this out, I don't think I would recommend the audiobook just because the narrator's attempt at an American accent isn't the greatest. This would've been a great audio as a dual narrations though!
Ari is 100% one of my favorite FMC's, She puts everyone else before herself, she's known as a mediator which I (in somewhat of a biased opinion) think is such an underrated family role that goes unappreciated a lot. It was amazing for her to find someone who saw her not for the roles she played but for who she is as a person.
Drew is a dedicated MMC, he recently dropped out of college and isn't sure what to do with his life. This is a very relatable stage in life. Despite the losses he has experienced the opportunities and experiences he gains are heartfelt and really build his confidence as a character.
Their fake dating scheme was so cute, the book technically is spanned out in a week and given that it's during the Winter Olympics it happens to be very eventful but it's such a fun book to read.
I'm excited for everyone to read this, I just would recommend reading the physical or E-book version of this book to have it be more enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Format: Audiobook (NetGalley ALC)
Skate It Till You Make It was my first book by Rufaro Faith Mazarura, and I ended up enjoying it far more than expected. The timeline‑style chapter titles pulled me in immediately especially since the story starts on December 31, 2025, the exact day I began reading. From there, the book moves toward the February 2026 Winter Olympics, giving everything a fun, real‑time momentum.
I loved seeing women in hockey centered so confidently. Ari Shumba gets pushed into the captain role after an injury on the team, and her leadership arc is one of the best parts of the book. She has to learn how to trust herself, set boundaries with girls she’s grown up with, and step into her power. It’s messy in the right ways and really satisfying to watch unfold.
The family dynamics add another layer of depth. Ari’s mother is still resentful of the father who left and started a new family, and that bitterness spills into her expectations of her daughters. Even as adults, Ari and her sister are still navigating that emotional fallout. The story captures something very real especially in African families about how parents sometimes blur the line between their relationship with each other and their relationship with their children.
The romance is classic fake‑dating: slow‑burn, a little chaotic, and ultimately sweet. It’s very low‑spice, but the character development carries it. This isn’t a book I would’ve normally picked up, but I’m glad I did, and I’d definitely read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars
That laugh sounded like sunlight, warm enough to make a swish winter night feel like spring."
"There is no place he'd rather be, than under her gaze."
"When it finds you, don't let it pass you by."
Big thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC. This is a cute quick read, if you are looking for a cute fake dating, photographer and hockey player story set in the Winter Olympic games, look no further and check this out. This gave all the cozy winter vibes! It was nice to read about a Black woman taking on the captain position of the hockey time, as Ari was navigating the new role, her family intense dynamics, and dealing with an ex that is insufferable, she took everything in high stride and tried her best to handle everything on her plate. Her struggle and mistakes made her character human and showed progress on how she got better as a captain and as a person that learned to stop being a people pleaser! Her journey was a rocky one but I like how Ari always stayed true to herself and did the best she could with the cards she was delt. The same can be said for Drew's character as well, I liked how he was so relatable when it came to stepping out on faith and living in the moment. His skills within the photography world was stellar and he was truly the best of the best, and reading about his journey as he learns how to go with the flow and take a chance in life was fun to read! I like how they both supported each other with their familial issues and were safe spaces for one another.
That laugh sounded like sunlight, warm enough to make a swish winter night feel like spring."
"There is no place he'd rather be, than under her gaze."
"When it finds you, don't let it pass you by."
Big thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC. This is a cute quick read, if you are looking for a cute fake dating, photographer and hockey player story set in the Winter Olympic games, look no further and check this out. This gave all the cozy winter vibes! It was nice to read about a Black woman taking on the captain position of the hockey time, as Ari was navigating the new role, her family intense dynamics, and dealing with an ex that is insufferable, she took everything in high stride and tried her best to handle everything on her plate. Her struggle and mistakes made her character human and showed progress on how she got better as a captain and as a person that learned to stop being a people pleaser! Her journey was a rocky one but I like how Ari always stayed true to herself and did the best she could with the cards she was delt. The same can be said for Drew's character as well, I liked how he was so relatable when it came to stepping out on faith and living in the moment. His skills within the photography world was stellar and he was truly the best of the best, and reading about his journey as he learns how to go with the flow and take a chance in life was fun to read! I like how they both supported each other with their familial issues and were safe spaces for one another.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am so grateful that we have a female POC author in closed-door romance! 💘
Ari and Drew meet on New years as she is about to be the captain the British women’s hockey team in the Winter Olympics. He is a photographer and little does Ari know, he is the brother of one of her rivals from the US team. It becomes mutually beneficial to fake date him to avoid her narcissistic Olympian ex, Harrison.
I am shocked at the amount of fake dating tropes that have arisen in 2026 romcoms. It is by far the most common trope that I am seeing for this year, despite the fact that fake dating almost never happens in real life. That aside, I enjoyed this very sweet story and loved the Olympic setting. I don’t know much about hockey, but I loved the storyline about female athletes, how they work together as a team, and the interpersonal relationships. Some really fun and inspiring minor characters. I also love a good kiss cam scene, and I really enjoyed the banter between Drew and Ari.
Audiobook review - I thought that the performance was well acted and easy to follow. Great narrator and the pacing is perfect for audio. This is the perfect winter romcom if you are looking for something lighthearted in the new year.
I might even watch Olympic women’s hockey instead of just figure skating and skiing this year!
Thanks to NetGalley and McMillan audio for the arc. Book to be published 2/2/26
#macaudio2025
Ari and Drew meet on New years as she is about to be the captain the British women’s hockey team in the Winter Olympics. He is a photographer and little does Ari know, he is the brother of one of her rivals from the US team. It becomes mutually beneficial to fake date him to avoid her narcissistic Olympian ex, Harrison.
I am shocked at the amount of fake dating tropes that have arisen in 2026 romcoms. It is by far the most common trope that I am seeing for this year, despite the fact that fake dating almost never happens in real life. That aside, I enjoyed this very sweet story and loved the Olympic setting. I don’t know much about hockey, but I loved the storyline about female athletes, how they work together as a team, and the interpersonal relationships. Some really fun and inspiring minor characters. I also love a good kiss cam scene, and I really enjoyed the banter between Drew and Ari.
Audiobook review - I thought that the performance was well acted and easy to follow. Great narrator and the pacing is perfect for audio. This is the perfect winter romcom if you are looking for something lighthearted in the new year.
I might even watch Olympic women’s hockey instead of just figure skating and skiing this year!
Thanks to NetGalley and McMillan audio for the arc. Book to be published 2/2/26
#macaudio2025
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