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Skate It Till You Make It: Red flags, fake dates and gold medals collide in this feel good wintery romcom!
The weather might be icy, but the tension is red-hot!
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?
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?
Audible Audio
Published February 3, 2026
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About the author
Rufaro Faith Mazarura
2 books155 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 171 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!
February 5, 2026
#gifted 🎧MacmillanAudio
☺️ I loved it! A must add to your romance playlist. All the good stuff executed beautifully. 🌿| the growth✨the yearning✨the banter. Ugh so good✨
❄️Fake Dating
🩵Forbidden Love
🏒Ice Hockey Romance
💪🏾 Women Athletes
⛸️Winter Olympics
☺️ I loved it! A must add to your romance playlist. All the good stuff executed beautifully. 🌿| the growth✨the yearning✨the banter. Ugh so good✨
❄️Fake Dating
🩵Forbidden Love
🏒Ice Hockey Romance
💪🏾 Women Athletes
⛸️Winter Olympics
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.
February 7, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura.
This was a perfect book to read in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. I was initially attracted to both the cover and the blurb. I love hockey and I enjoy romance books and this one featured the Winter Olympics and people of color - a female Black British ice hockey player, no less! What a timely story!
Ari Shumba is a player on Great Britain's women’s hockey team, a team that has strived and finally made it to the Olympics. They know they’re not a powerhouse like some of the other teams (Canada, United States, Sweden, etc.), but they are motivated to succeed. When their captain is badly injured and cannot play, Ari is shocked to be named Captain.
The other main character is an American photographer, Drew Diamini, who is stunned at his good luck (and a family connection) to be at the Olympics too. He’s trying to prove himself.
Ari and Drew meet at a party in London on New Year’s Eve and hit it off but go their separate ways, figuring they will never see each other again. But of course, they do. At the Olympics. Ari is trying to avoid her ex, also on the Great Britain Olympic team (snowboarding), and asks Drew to be her fake boyfriend. Complications ensue, of course.
Both Ari and Drew have interesting backstories and family issues, which added depth to the book. I enjoyed all the details of the Olympic village atmosphere and how Ari dealt with the issue of the women’s team getting less training time on the ice than the men’s team. I also liked that the ending was a Happy For Now ending, because both of these people had to figure out how to move forward with their careers plus their geographical challenge.
The audiobook was well narrated by a new-to-me narrator, Lillie-Pearl Wildman. She did a nice job with both the female and male roles.
NOTE: I have no idea why the author decided to set this book in St. Moritz, Switzerland instead of northern Italy, where the actual 2026 Games are happening.
This was a perfect book to read in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. I was initially attracted to both the cover and the blurb. I love hockey and I enjoy romance books and this one featured the Winter Olympics and people of color - a female Black British ice hockey player, no less! What a timely story!
Ari Shumba is a player on Great Britain's women’s hockey team, a team that has strived and finally made it to the Olympics. They know they’re not a powerhouse like some of the other teams (Canada, United States, Sweden, etc.), but they are motivated to succeed. When their captain is badly injured and cannot play, Ari is shocked to be named Captain.
The other main character is an American photographer, Drew Diamini, who is stunned at his good luck (and a family connection) to be at the Olympics too. He’s trying to prove himself.
Ari and Drew meet at a party in London on New Year’s Eve and hit it off but go their separate ways, figuring they will never see each other again. But of course, they do. At the Olympics. Ari is trying to avoid her ex, also on the Great Britain Olympic team (snowboarding), and asks Drew to be her fake boyfriend. Complications ensue, of course.
Both Ari and Drew have interesting backstories and family issues, which added depth to the book. I enjoyed all the details of the Olympic village atmosphere and how Ari dealt with the issue of the women’s team getting less training time on the ice than the men’s team. I also liked that the ending was a Happy For Now ending, because both of these people had to figure out how to move forward with their careers plus their geographical challenge.
The audiobook was well narrated by a new-to-me narrator, Lillie-Pearl Wildman. She did a nice job with both the female and male roles.
NOTE: I have no idea why the author decided to set this book in St. Moritz, Switzerland instead of northern Italy, where the actual 2026 Games are happening.
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 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 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Adorable Olympic story about a female hockey player from Great Britain and an aspiring photographer from the US. I loved the fact that it was set in the current time. While 3rd person POV is not my favorite, it was well written and enjoyable.
I would actually give this audiobook 3.5 stars. Lillie-Pearl Wildman is a new to me narrator and did a good job.
Rufaro Faith Mazarura is a new to me author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
I would actually give this audiobook 3.5 stars. Lillie-Pearl Wildman is a new to me narrator and did a good job.
Rufaro Faith Mazarura is a new to me author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
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.
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!
February 2, 2026
New release just in time for the Winter Olympics! Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the gifted audiobook!
I loved this take on a hockey romance featuring a Black female hockey player from Great Britain and a Black photographer from the US. As Ari says early on in the audiobook "I don't need to date a hot hockey player, I AM a hot hockey player!"
I loved the representation of women in a male dominated sport. I loved the atmosphere of the Olympics and the village and the friendships.
The characters are relatively young (early 20s) so keep that in mind when going in that they're not making the best decisions (bad secret keeping) and are a little immature. But getting past that, this is a delightful and fun listen.
I really liked the narrator doing Ari's voice though I do wish with Drew's perspective that we could have gotten a dual narration with an American male doing his voice.
I loved this take on a hockey romance featuring a Black female hockey player from Great Britain and a Black photographer from the US. As Ari says early on in the audiobook "I don't need to date a hot hockey player, I AM a hot hockey player!"
I loved the representation of women in a male dominated sport. I loved the atmosphere of the Olympics and the village and the friendships.
The characters are relatively young (early 20s) so keep that in mind when going in that they're not making the best decisions (bad secret keeping) and are a little immature. But getting past that, this is a delightful and fun listen.
I really liked the narrator doing Ari's voice though I do wish with Drew's perspective that we could have gotten a dual narration with an American male doing his voice.
February 3, 2026
The perfect read to kick off the winter Olympics! Starting on NYE in a chance meet-cute, our MCs go their separate ways after a midnight kiss. I love that SHE is the athlete, and a hockey player! He is still figuring out what he wants to do as he is dealing with family illness and care-taking. Now in the Olympic village, they have a serendipitous meet-up once again. Low-stakes and low-spice, I recommend this for all fans of the winter Olympics!
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 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!
February 6, 2026
Excited for the Winter Olympics? Need more hockey romance? This one’s sure to make you smile!
Ari and Drew have the best meet cute on New Year’s Eve when as strangers they share secrets between them thinking they’ll never see each other again. After one hot kiss, and going their separate ways, they’re surprised to run into each other at the Winter Olympics. Ari’s with the British hockey team, and Drew is a freelance photographer. Both of them are hoping to make significant inroads in their careers. The pressure’s on - Ari to prove she can be the captain and leader her team, and Drew to prove that dropping out of college to pursue his photography dreams is the right decision.
Everything about this story’s cute! Ari and Drew are likeable underdogs you want to cheer on. Mazarura gives these characters depth by splendidly balancing the romance with their individual storylines. Family is super important to them and they both have concerns they feel they are responsible for fixing.
Wildman is a delightful narrator who brings enthusiasm and a little sense of whimsy to her work. I kind of wish that it was dual narration to go with the dual POV because I think it would’ve been cute here.
Mazarura effortlessly addresses several topics from toxic relationships to familial boundaries to intense competition, all while delivering a sweet story of growing friendship, and falling in love. I enjoyed every moment of this audiobook and it did get me excited for the upcoming games. Definitely check this out!
Thanks @macmillan.audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Ari and Drew have the best meet cute on New Year’s Eve when as strangers they share secrets between them thinking they’ll never see each other again. After one hot kiss, and going their separate ways, they’re surprised to run into each other at the Winter Olympics. Ari’s with the British hockey team, and Drew is a freelance photographer. Both of them are hoping to make significant inroads in their careers. The pressure’s on - Ari to prove she can be the captain and leader her team, and Drew to prove that dropping out of college to pursue his photography dreams is the right decision.
Everything about this story’s cute! Ari and Drew are likeable underdogs you want to cheer on. Mazarura gives these characters depth by splendidly balancing the romance with their individual storylines. Family is super important to them and they both have concerns they feel they are responsible for fixing.
Wildman is a delightful narrator who brings enthusiasm and a little sense of whimsy to her work. I kind of wish that it was dual narration to go with the dual POV because I think it would’ve been cute here.
Mazarura effortlessly addresses several topics from toxic relationships to familial boundaries to intense competition, all while delivering a sweet story of growing friendship, and falling in love. I enjoyed every moment of this audiobook and it did get me excited for the upcoming games. Definitely check this out!
Thanks @macmillan.audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for this gifted audiobook!
This was the perfect read in time for the winter Olympics. I especially loved that our FMC was the athlete in this story and not the MMC. As someone who loves watching and supporting women's sports this was so fun. I am also a HUGE winter sports fan, especially hockey, so when I saw the blurb for this one I knew I needed it.
This book is more closed door, but I think the tension was well done between the MCs. I did get frustrated with both Drew and Ari and the lack of communication skills they showed at times (stop with the secrets!) but honestly, remembering their ages made it very on brand and appropriate I think. I loved Drew's sister too and I think the conversations about how hard it is for women in sports in this book really shined. I loved the friendships in this book.
There were a few minor things that for me personally didn't make sense, but I realize it was how we got certain plot points to move forward so it feels like nitpicking and I don't think it would ruin the enjoyment for most people.
Narration: Lillie-Pearl Wildman did a wonderful job narrating this. I am a big fan of single narration, and I think it especially works well for 3rd POV like in this one. She did a wonderful job with all the dialogue and different accents, imo. It was super enjoyable and I look forward to listening to more of her work!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a quick romance read that takes place at the Olympics!
This was the perfect read in time for the winter Olympics. I especially loved that our FMC was the athlete in this story and not the MMC. As someone who loves watching and supporting women's sports this was so fun. I am also a HUGE winter sports fan, especially hockey, so when I saw the blurb for this one I knew I needed it.
This book is more closed door, but I think the tension was well done between the MCs. I did get frustrated with both Drew and Ari and the lack of communication skills they showed at times (stop with the secrets!) but honestly, remembering their ages made it very on brand and appropriate I think. I loved Drew's sister too and I think the conversations about how hard it is for women in sports in this book really shined. I loved the friendships in this book.
There were a few minor things that for me personally didn't make sense, but I realize it was how we got certain plot points to move forward so it feels like nitpicking and I don't think it would ruin the enjoyment for most people.
Narration: Lillie-Pearl Wildman did a wonderful job narrating this. I am a big fan of single narration, and I think it especially works well for 3rd POV like in this one. She did a wonderful job with all the dialogue and different accents, imo. It was super enjoyable and I look forward to listening to more of her work!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a quick romance read that takes place at the Olympics!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun, romantic story about Ari, a black, female, powerhouse of hockey player who meets Drew, a student and photographer from the States. I love the instant chemistry between the two and the fun banter they have from the very beginning. I found myself rooting for these two and invested in how they matured into their better selves and overcoming their own personal adversities. I enjoyed reading the two POVs but wished the conversations [threats] between Drew and Harrison actually played out instead of being a rushed conclusion at the end. Personally, I don't see how Drew (a young man under 25), changed his conflict-avoidant and emotional suppressed personality in a week, but sure, it makes for a great story! I don't know much about hockey and was excited to read a novel centered around the sport! I just wish the book had more definite hockey scenes instead of just outlining the game. Overall, it was a great read that I enjoyed immensely!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early audio copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early audio copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this audiobook!
Two strangers meet at a New Year’s Eve party that turned into a shared kiss that would change the trajectory between the two in unexpected ways.
Ari (FMC) was headed to the Olympics as the underdog that was also trying to avoid her toxic ex-boyfriend. Drew (MMC) was taking a risk by dropping out of college and trying to take his shot at being a photographer at the Olympics. As fate has it they run into each other again. Ari was confronted by her ex and she saw Drew just in time to make him the fall guy. She tells her ex that Drew is her boyfriend. After the lie was told and bargains where made they decided they would agree to be a couple to help her avoid her ex and allow him to take photos of her and the team..
As any strangers to lover/fake relationship the truth comes out in more than one why.
Slow burn | Amazing banter | Strangers to lovers | | Fake relationship | Reverse Ice hockey romance
10|10 recommend
4.5 stars
Two strangers meet at a New Year’s Eve party that turned into a shared kiss that would change the trajectory between the two in unexpected ways.
Ari (FMC) was headed to the Olympics as the underdog that was also trying to avoid her toxic ex-boyfriend. Drew (MMC) was taking a risk by dropping out of college and trying to take his shot at being a photographer at the Olympics. As fate has it they run into each other again. Ari was confronted by her ex and she saw Drew just in time to make him the fall guy. She tells her ex that Drew is her boyfriend. After the lie was told and bargains where made they decided they would agree to be a couple to help her avoid her ex and allow him to take photos of her and the team..
As any strangers to lover/fake relationship the truth comes out in more than one why.
Slow burn | Amazing banter | Strangers to lovers | | Fake relationship | Reverse Ice hockey romance
10|10 recommend
4.5 stars
February 3, 2026
I loved that this book became available for free on amazon-kindle for members, just as it was listed on the goodreads February challenge lists!
That being said, I enjoyed this book; it was a sweet "romance" novel with a whole lot of Olympic excitement and hockey. I found Ari's character very relatable as to dealing with family issues, and the responsibilities of being the team captain. It was a story that you'll not want to put down until it is finished. <<<3.5 stars>>>
That being said, I enjoyed this book; it was a sweet "romance" novel with a whole lot of Olympic excitement and hockey. I found Ari's character very relatable as to dealing with family issues, and the responsibilities of being the team captain. It was a story that you'll not want to put down until it is finished. <<<3.5 stars>>>
February 6, 2026
3.5⭐️
A cute closed door love story just in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics🤭 although the story was cute, I had a few issues with it. Why start fake dating when both of them already kind of liked each other. Also drew keeping secrets even tho the whole foundation of their (fake) relationship was being honest with each other.
A cute closed door love story just in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics🤭 although the story was cute, I had a few issues with it. Why start fake dating when both of them already kind of liked each other. Also drew keeping secrets even tho the whole foundation of their (fake) relationship was being honest with each other.
Review of advance copy
I think this was a pretty light and enjoyable read, and really well-timed with the upcoming games. I did find the characters flat at times and the plot a bit predictable. It was, overall, a quick and pleasant read despite the moments I felt I was fighting to keep engaged.
Found that, particularly when their motivations were being tested and during some of their interactions with other characters, the aspects of the lead characters got confused and unclear.
What really shone for me was when they were doing what they both loved. Drew's photography (literally give me an entire book about his work and adventures) and Ari's stepping into a captain role and navigating the challenges of her new leadership were the highlight of this romance. This is when their characters felt the most solid, deep, real. Their connection to each other, dialogue specifically, was also nice at times. But I did feel that the actually romance was very "slow burn" without true resolution and because of that, the ending was unsatisfactory.
Found that, particularly when their motivations were being tested and during some of their interactions with other characters, the aspects of the lead characters got confused and unclear.
What really shone for me was when they were doing what they both loved. Drew's photography (literally give me an entire book about his work and adventures) and Ari's stepping into a captain role and navigating the challenges of her new leadership were the highlight of this romance. This is when their characters felt the most solid, deep, real. Their connection to each other, dialogue specifically, was also nice at times. But I did feel that the actually romance was very "slow burn" without true resolution and because of that, the ending was unsatisfactory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
God I love the Olympics!!!
February 4, 2026
This was a really cute story and I loved Ari and Drew's chemistry, however the story itself didn't offer me anything different than what I've already read in many other sports romances.
February 6, 2026
DNF 40%
I tried but this was not what I expected at all after her amazing debut novel. It was boring and they had no chemistry…
I tried but this was not what I expected at all after her amazing debut novel. It was boring and they had no chemistry…
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.
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