Bellerose & Blinov On Edge

by Mary Van Winkle

The Dream Team's Worst Nightmare: A Reunion...

Marie Bellerose and Dmitry Blinov were America’s Sweethearts －the youngest Olympic gold medalists in the country’s pairs figure skating history. Then they broke up. No warning. No explanation. The dream team disappeared.

Ten years later, Dmitry is drifting and Marie’s skating solo toward scandal. When their old coaches pull strings for one last favor, neither can say no.

But going for gold together again means forced proximity, brutal practices, media attention, and reopening old wounds －and sparking new desire neither can ignore.

Their comeback could win gold…if they don’t kill each other first.

A sizzling slow-burn sports romance featuring:
-Olympic figure skating
-Former partners reunited
-Enemies to Lovers tension
-Forced proximity training
-Second chance romance
-Slow burn chemistry
-Fame, scandal, redemption

Genres: Sports

433 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2026

About the author

Mary Van Winkle may never finish that last class to complete her Masters degree, and she may never speak more than one language or ice skate with any decency...

But she did once move from Georgia to Colorado and she can drop some dictionary words on you if it excites you or tell you about her beloved cats who make cameos in Bellerose & Blinov On Edge. A writer, reader, reviewer and unapologetic Ravenclaw, she also wrote Finding Wonderland, the time travel-Alice In Wonderland hybrid of your dreams.

Stay connected with her on Goodreads and Instagram @maryvanwinkle_author

Reviews

[Diana Scott · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

OMFG!!! I HAVEN'T READ A MASTERPIECE LIKE THIS IS SO LONG. So I've been in a reading slump and thank you so much for getting me out!! 😍😍

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved it! I couldn’t put it down. Once I really got into I just had to see what happened! I love a good reunited love store and also enemies to lovers and this did not disappoint! It was so very well written and easy to fly through the pages!

[Julia Batts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bellerose & Blinov On Edge

⛸️Figure Skating Sports Romance
💛Enemies to Lovers
⛸️Slow Burn
💛Second Chance
⛸️Forced Proximity

This was such a delightful story. I had never read a romance between two Olympic Figure Skaters- and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It’s a beautifully epic love story told in a dual time line. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s emotional. The burn is so very slow but the tension is everything! I ate it up! I absolutely adored everything about this book. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR.

[Auj · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Update: Now Goodreads has half-ratings and even three-quarters ratings...😏

It sucks that Goodreads still doesn't have half-stars because this was definitely a 4.5 for me! (Though they are coming out or have already come out with the DNF shelf.)

I knew I was going to enjoy this book when 14-year-old Marie had an unrequited crush on her ice skating partner, 18-year-old Dmitry. I'm a sucker for young love. Dmitry marries his girlfriend, and a devastated Marie breaks their partnership and leaves Dmitry and the skating club in Salem behind.

Fast forward 10 years, Marie is a party girl and alcoholic. Dmitry's divorced and trying to figure out his next steps. Dmitry's parents, who are coaches, and Marie's grandmother plot to bring the two back together, and an enemies to lovers dynamic begins.

There's a lot of bickering that goes on almost too long. The romance is quite the slowburn and the book was almost too long for me, but the romance and HEA felt very well-deserved as a result. The ending made me teary multiple times and was beautiful.

I didn't understand what Marie saw in Dmitry so much when they were young besides looks, but he did grow on me as a hero. Marie was feisty and always had a mean, witty comeback for an ice skating competitor. There were also great secondary characters like Dmitry's parents and Marie's grandmother who brought a lot of humor to the story. I wrote "lol" multiple times in my notes. Moreover, I found Marie and Dmitry calling themselves "B & B" after their last names amusing.

Besides either one (mostly Marie) putting the brakes on their relationship, which was frustrating, as they had plans to break up after the Olympics in Milano, my biggest complaint about the book was that it could have used a pass with a proofreader as there were a few typos. "Hoarse" was written as "horse"; that's the only thing I recall on the top of my head. However, none of the typos were so egregious; I do understand that this was a long book and typos are bound to happen. I also wished the text messages could have been formatted better. The year headings with an Olympic circle and two figures were gorgeous, however. I thought it was crazy when the book caught up to the present, March 2026, and then reached into the future, 2030.

I loved the ice skating (I had to Google "kiss and cry") and found the idea of falling in love with your skate partner very romantic. I wish a book like this could be turned into a movie, so we could view the ice skating and choreography. I could tell that Mary Van Winkle did her research.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves romance, especially a good sports romance! I can't wait to read what Mary has for us next. (I wouldn't mind a romance for Lara, Dmitry's contemptuous sister.)

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the movie The Cutting Edge, you will enjoy this book. There’s nothing like an enemies-to-lovers romance on ice.

Marie Bellerose and Dmitry Blinor, or B & B as their fans affectionately call them, are America’s figure skating sweethearts. However, nothing is what it seems behind the scenes. Marie’s unrequited crush on Dmitry at 14 is sweet and immature, as 18-year-old Dmitry marries his girlfriend and drives Marie to walk away and work solo.

Ten years later, they are forced together again to save the rink owned by Dmitry’s parents and figure skating coaches. Marie has burned her bridges and is now an alcoholic, party girl, with her media crew mooching off her, and Dmitry is divorced and trying to find his way after dumping yet another skating partner.

Marie is very unlikeable with her fake hair, fake eyelashes, and self-centered attitude. Not to mention she is a hot mess coaxed by her bloodsucking entourage who insist on partying every night. Her loneliness is so glaring as she puts on a snarky persona for the cameras one minute and drowns herself in a bottle the next. It’s when she finally reaches rock bottom from a frightening drunken night that opens her eyes and refocuses on her life and career. She owes everything to Dmitry’s parents, and she is determined to go for the gold despite her dislike for her partner and the disapproval of the press.

Dmitry is a brooding skater with a temper. He’s past his prime as a skater and doesn’t even enjoy the sport anymore, but he needs to throw himself on the sword to help his parents. His love for his siblings is genuine, but his instant attraction to Marie is unconvincing. It’s when they start to respect and trust each other as partners and friends that the story picks up.

What I enjoyed most was Ms. Van Winkle’s knowledge of figure skating. The costumes, the programs, and the fans give this captivating story depth. I was mesmerized by the brilliant battle-scene program, imagining all their pent-up anger and tension displayed on the ice and beyond.

I recommend this book to all romance lovers, especially fans of sports romance. It’s a journey loaded with laughter, tears, and lots of sweet moments.

Thank you to Ms. Van Winkle for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

[Tabatha Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Did Like:
+The jump forward was necessary and well done. When I started this book I worried they’d be those ages for a long time. I’m really glad it flashed forward.
+The enemies to lovers thing was well done. The readers understand what happened but also completely believe these two genuinely hate each other. It doesn’t read like a fake “we hate each other” but more realistic.
+The ending works. Cute and believable.

Who Should Read This One:
-Sports romance fans who don’t mind a slow burn.

My Rating: 3 Stars

For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2026/09/...

[Mikayla Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters in this narrative are not just well-developed; they are emotional, complex, relatable, and infused with a delightful sense of banter that adds depth to their interactions. At the heart of the story is Marie Bellerose, a character who embodies the struggles and triumphs of a young athlete thrust into the unforgiving spotlight of competitive sports. From a tender age, Marie has navigated the complexities of growing up under public scrutiny, which creates a rich tapestry of conflict within her. She finds herself torn between her profound love for figure skating—a sport that demands excellence and dedication—and the yearning for a life free from the relentless pressure of competition and the expectations of those around her. This internal struggle is poignantly illustrated throughout the book, as readers witness Marie's emotional rollercoaster. Her journey is filled with moments of anger and frustration as she grapples with her circumstances, as well as tender, poignant exchanges with her grandmother that elicit both sadness and joy. Marie’s relatability lies in her multifaceted personality and her unwavering determination to excel in the sport she adores, making her a character that resonates deeply with readers.

Dimitry Blinov, on the other hand, serves as a refreshing counterbalance to Marie's intensity. He is a character infused with humor and charm, capable of eliciting laughter and smiles, while at times provoking frustration with some of his choices. Dimitry's journey through the challenges of adolescence, especially as he partners with someone younger in a high-stakes environment, showcases the pressures and responsibilities that come with being a young athlete. His loyalty to his family is palpable; he worries about their well-being and is deeply invested in the success of their family-owned ice arena, even though it is tied to painful memories at times. This complexity makes him relatable, as readers can empathize with his sense of duty and the weight of expectations he carries. The side characters, including family members, competitors, and members of the press, contribute significantly to the narrative, adding layers of humor, realism, and emotional depth. However, it is worth noting that some of these side characters could have benefited from more development to enhance the overall character arcs and enrich the story's tapestry.

The settings throughout the book are crafted with care, offering descriptive and immersive experiences that draw readers into the world of competitive figure skating. The author’s writing shines in its ability to convey vivid imagery and emotional resonance, allowing readers to visualize the intricate details of the ice rink and the characters' experiences. While there are a few typographical errors present, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. It is evident that the author has conducted thorough research into the sport of figure skating, skillfully weaving in technical aspects that both knowledgeable fans and newcomers can appreciate. This thoughtful approach ensures that readers can engage with the narrative without feeling the need to pause for external research, maintaining the flow of the story.

The plot itself is engaging and filled with a mix of entertainment, realism, emotional depth, and humor. However, there are moments when the banter between characters feels prolonged, which can hinder character development and disrupt the pacing of the overall plot. Additionally, certain plot points appear rushed or are mentioned without sufficient follow-through, which could leave readers longing for a deeper exploration of these elements and their significance to the overarching narrative. The evolving romance between Marie and Dmitry is particularly intriguing, as it transitions from friends and skating partners to adversaries, and eventually to a deeper, more complex relationship. Their bond is portrayed with a sense of realism that captures the ups and downs of young love, yet at times, their playful banter can feel excessive, making them seem more like teenagers than adults. This dynamic could stem from their unresolved issues from their teenage years, which might frustrate readers eager to see them mature both individually and as a couple.

Within the pages of this book lies a wealth of valuable lessons, addressing the highs and lows of figure skating in the public eye, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the pressures that accompany competition. It explores how these pressures can impact mental and physical well-being, as well as the decisions that arise from them. Themes of friendship, romance, trust, and the importance of communication are intricately woven into the narrative, emphasizing the need to confront the past to heal and grow in the present. One of the standout aspects of the book is the portrayal of the familial connections that shape both Dmitry and Marie. Their relationships with their families are depicted with depth, illustrating how these bonds motivate them to overcome obstacles and strive for personal growth, both on and off the ice.

Furthermore, the title of the book ties beautifully into the narrative, revealing its significance as the story unfolds. It becomes clear how the title reflects the journeys of Marie and Dmitry, particularly in relation to their timelines and character arcs. "Bellerose and Blinov On Edge" by Mary Van Winkle is not merely a sports romance; it is a profound exploration of second chances, friendship, competition, and the trials of growing up. This book comes highly recommended for readers who appreciate realistic sports romances featuring complex characters and plots that evoke a wide range of emotions—laughter, tears, excitement, and a genuine desire for the characters to succeed both in their sport and their personal lives.

[Tova]

*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a review

[Chloe West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deliciously emotional second-chance romance packed with tension, chemistry, and Olympic-level stakes. Marie and Dmitry’s history crackles on every page, blending ambition, heartbreak, and undeniable desire into a comeback story that’s impossible to put down. Compelling, romantic, and full of sharp edge-this one absolutely sticks the landing.

[Mary Van Winkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why not be the first person to write a review for my book? Why not tell you about Bellerose & Blinov as only I can? Why not? Let's start!

Well, if I'm talking about starts, B&B started early summer 2024 in a Goodwill (this is actually the story I promise to tell in my Author's Note which you'll know when you read B&B). The conversation went something very close to this:

My dad: There's a brand new doll in it's box for $3.
Me: I don't have space...and I don't know who that is...
My dad: Are you crazy?! She's brand new, in her unopened box and she's only $3!- buy her and look her up!

About fifteen minutes later I had inhaled a brief history of Katia Gordeeva (the figure skater the doll was based on) and her late husband, Sergei Grinkov's biographies and my life since has been transformed.

While Bellerose & Blinov On Edge is not based on G&G's lives or history, it is inspired by them: An elite figure skating pairs couple, Olympic medalists, two people paired together since childhood, an epic love story.

This is a book about resilience, the strength of family, forgiveness, and redemption. It's an enemies to lovers, slow burn, forced proximity, enemies to friends to lovers, figure skating sports romance with Winter Olympic goals. And. It features cameos from two of my real-life cats.

Intriguing, right?

Enjoy!