Fate on Skates

by Penny Fox

Ice is cold. Chemistry isn’t.

Roman
A last-minute call to the Olympics? Can’t say no to that.
It’s supposed to be fun, just part of the job.
Then I meet Nico.
He’s grace where I’m force. Quiet where I’m loud. And from the second he smiles at me, I’m done for. When I’m with him, the world narrows to only ice and heat and the way he fits against me—like he belongs.
Our short time together is never going to be enough.

Nico
The Olympics are my dream—and I finally have my chance at the gold.
I didn’t expect a grumpy American defenseman to become my favorite part of it, though.
Roman looks at me like I’m something rare. Something worth keeping. Sure, I’m breaking records, but this feels bigger.
We don’t talk about what happens after the closing ceremony…
We don’t need to.
Because this was always supposed to be temporary.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

Reviews

[Vanessa V · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5, rounded up because I had FUN)

Fate on Skates is the definition of “I sat down and suddenly it was 3 hours later”

This is for anyone who watched the Winter Olympics and had thoughts 👀

We’ve got:
⛸️ Nico & Roman bringing the instant chemistry
🏒 Big hockey player, even bigger softie (the corgi video calls?? I’m gone 🐶)
📏 Size difference that absolutely understood the assignment
💃 A Dirty Dancing lift… on ice… yes really
🌍 “I would move countries for you” level intensity

Is it deep? No.
Is it a little chaotic? Yes.
Did I eat it up in one sitting? Also yes.

This is your perfect palate cleanser: flirty, fast and just enough spice to keep things interesting.

Sometimes you don’t need emotional damage and you just need vibes… and a hot hockey player who’d cross borders ❤️

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something delightfully unpredictable about picking up a book by Penny Fox. You never quite know whether you’re about to be emotionally ambushed, thoroughly entertained, or left grinning like a fool at two in the morning. Fate on Skates manages to accomplish all three—preferably while you’re clutching a glass of water and fanning yourself with the nearest available paperback.

Set against the glittering chaos of the Olympic Games, the story pairs two athletes who could not possibly be more different if fate itself had tried harder. Roman, a hulking hockey defenseman, is the embodiment of the classic grump: stoic, intimidating, and built like a brick wall that occasionally growls. But beneath that icy exterior? Pure marshmallow—especially when it comes to the people he cares about.

Then there’s Nico, a figure skater so outrageously talented that his ego has every right to strut around like it owns the rink. Thankfully, it does so with such charm and theatrical flair that you can’t help but adore him. He’s dazzling, dramatic, and fully aware of his own brilliance—which, honestly, only makes him more entertaining.

Watching these two collide—one all brute strength and quiet devotion, the other a sparkling whirlwind of talent and confidence—is half the fun. The other half is the chemistry. It’s the kind that sneaks up on you: one moment you’re laughing at their banter, the next you’re reaching for that aforementioned glass of water because, well… things have heated up considerably on the ice.

Fox also populates the story with a cast of secondary characters who add warmth, humor, and the occasional dose of chaos. More importantly, the novel doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the very real stigma that still shadows LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports. It’s woven into the narrative with care, never overshadowing the romance but reminding us that the world still has work to do.

Because at the heart of it all lies a simple truth: people are just people. Talent, love, identity—none of it fits neatly into boxes, nor should it.

Fate on Skates is witty, heartfelt, and irresistibly charming—a romance that glides between humor, heat, and genuine emotion with the confidence of a gold-medal performance. And if it leaves you daydreaming about attending the next Winter Olympics… well, you won’t be the only one.

[BookishEchoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꪑꪗ ᥅ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙

Penny Fox – Fate on Skates: An MM Sports Romance

If you love hockey romance, this one is a must-read! 🏒✨

Tropes:
MM
Hockey player x figure skater
Insta-attraction
Feel-good vibes
Low angst
Size difference

(Also check out Wrecking Us for:)
MM
Friends to lovers
Awakening
Neurodivergent

✧──────✧

Nico and Roman’s story is packed with emotion and completely pulled me in from the start. Their connection felt natural, intense, and so easy to fall into. I loved the contrast between them,grumpy meets soft, force meets grace,and how perfectly they balanced each other.

The storytelling was engaging and flowed effortlessly. Getting both of their perspectives made their journey even more powerful, especially as they navigated their challenges and growing feelings. You really feel everything right along with them.

What stood out most was how smooth and addictive the story felt,it just worked. It had me in a total chokehold in the best way.

Overall, this story not only met my expectations,it exceeded them. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already excited to see what Penny Fox writes next! 💖

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful story between two different guys and falling in love can be inspiring. Roman and Nico's story a quick read, author created the ambiance of different characters/teams gathered for events of teams competing in all types of competitions that I felt a part of those vibes...liked that feeling...slow build of relationship, entertaining characters, great storyline and plot, engaging banter, wonderful chemistry. Liked the informative knowledge differences between ice skates and regular skates tidbits...I did NOT know this before hand...the scene between Nico and Roman iceskating was captivating, sweet and melted my heart...

I received a free copy and leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place during the Winter Olympics, this delightful MM romance follows Roman and Nico—two completely different athletes whose connection feels both fun and heartfelt. Roman, a quiet and physically imposing hockey player, contrasts perfectly with Nico, a confident and captivating figure skater who thrives in the spotlight. Their relationship builds with a mix of sharp banter, warmth, and undeniable chemistry, making their connection feel both natural and engaging. Their differences complemented each other, creating a dynamic that was equal parts entertaining and swoon-worthy. I really enjoyed this novella, especially with its lively cast of side characters and vibrant Olympic setting, which together create a charming, easy read that balances humor, emotion, and romance beautifully.

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love watching the Olympics. Summer/Winter, it doesn't matter, but my favorite winter sports are hockey and figure skating. When I discovered this book, I ran to download as soon as it was available. Roman and Nico are absolutely adorable. Roman is your grumpy defensive giant of a defensive man, who is so soft for those he loves. Nico is stupid talented and his ego supports every bit of that talent but in such a fun and charming way. Their story will have you laughing 🤣, fanning yourself as you get a drink of water 🥵 and figuring out how you can make a trip to the next Olympic games happen.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of this one was perfect! I kind of felt like I was part of the competitions myself! The comradery and comfortable banter between friends and teammates were all here. I love that Roman was such a big guy who seemed intimidating but completely cannot help but give away his soft side for Nico. I loved watching him fall for Nico who came across with the energy and confidence of the incredibly talented skater he was, but who was actually such a genuine guy. These two were opposite perfection in every aspect!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. 2 Olympians, one a figure skater, one a hockey player, fall in love at the Olympics. This one is an instant attraction, but they have real sweet moments of getting to know each other before they have sexy times. It looks like they are done after the Olympics but there is a HEA.
Story 5, Spice 4
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate On Skates is a fantastic sports romance.

Roman and Nico meet at the Olympics, but they are from different countries and know they can only have something for a short time. Even though it is a short time together it is a passionate and loving one. The big problem comes when the Olympics are finished if they can continue or if it was only meant as a fling together. Loved the story.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate on Skates is about Roman and Nico. They both compete in the olympics, Roman in the US hockey team and Nico is Canada’s star figure skater.

This was a lovely story and it was nice that there were also second romance at the side. Roman and Nico fell in love so quickly.


———————————————————————————
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect palate cleanser novella. I just loved both Roman and Nico. Both are Olympic athletes, Roman plays hockey for the US and Nico is a Canadian figure skater. They grow closer at the Olympics and both can't deny their magnetic chemistry. What will happen once the games end?

[matryoshkat.ᐟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

₊˚⊹ | 3.5 ★ read .ᐟ

Ever since I finished Heated Rivalry, I wished for a book like this to pop up and it finally happened and the figure skater is so damn cute he warmed my heart 😭 This was a satisfying read for me.

[Samantha Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this book. Nico and Roman's story was so so good. I couldn't stop reading this book. The characters were amazing I fell in love with them from the beginning and that never changed. Definitely recommend this book.

[Jessica Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy palette cleanser. Not bad by any means but definitely felt too rushed for me. It's marketed as a fast burn so I'm clearly the problem here. :P I love Penny Fox though. I recommend this.

[Bookstoregirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute

Short
Mm
Hockey / figure skating
Insta love
Sweet
Grumpy sunshine
Spice 3
Size difference
Quick read and very sweet.

[Elise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75⭐️

Sweet but too short

[Shelba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 6%.

This is very info-dumpy. It’s like an exposition crossed with the author just doing an ELI5 of hockey, the MC and the Olympics. It reads very young.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great MM sports read! Especially after just watching the winter Olympics. Figure skater meets hockey player. Loved the different dynamics in the sports, the "insider" info related to Olympic villages (whether real or made up), the support athletes show toward each other despite their sports being so different. Highly recommend.

[Natasha Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love Roman and Nico's whirlwind romance! And the chemistry between the two was 🔥🔥🔥! The "Dirty Dancing" scene was perfection!! 🥰😍