Friction: A Forbidden MM Olympic Figure Skating Romance

by K.C. Wells

Luka was built for control.
He chose the one thing that would destroy it.

Luka Davorin
On the ice, I know exactly who I am.
Every movement has a purpose. Every risk is measured. Every mistake carries a price.
Off the ice is different.
The federation that built me expects obedience. My country expects medals. And the truth about who I am has spent so long buried that sometimes I almost believe it’s gone.
Then I arrive in Milan and see Dean Foster again, and the things I’ve spent years ignoring start demanding attention.

Dean Foster
I’ve never had much use for reinvention.
I know who I am. I know how to compete. I know how to handle pressure.
Then Luka Davorin skates into my life.
One conversation becomes two. Then ten. A glance becomes a habit. The space between us gets smaller.
And suddenly certainty feels overrated.

Luka
We were never supposed to happen.
Different events. Different flags. Different worlds.
But the Olympic Village has a way of putting people exactly where they shouldn’t be.
The closer Dean gets, the harder it becomes to pretend this is temporary.
The media is paying attention.
My federation is paying attention.
And if I stop running from the truth, I could lose everything I’ve spent my life building.
The question is whether I’m finally ready to choose something for myself.

Different flags. Dangerous heat.

A high-heat MM Olympic romance featuring forbidden attraction, bi awakening, first times, quiet power dynamics, closeted athlete tension, and two men discovering that freedom can be just as terrifying as love.

Genres: Romance, Sports, M M Romance, Slow Burn

596 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

Reviews

[haletostilinski]

DNF @ 9%

Eh, I'm just not connecting with this and it's taking wayyyy too long to get these two talking and connecting, I'm really not feeling it and it's taken me 2 days just to get this far...I already started skimming too, so it's time for me to give up the ghost. I just want to be reading anything else and that's never a good sign. Maybe I'll give this author another chance in the future but this one just wasn't it for me.

[Ellie ♡]

Dean and Luka. Luka and Dean. I love them so much! These two completely endeared themselves to me. They created their own little bubble, fell in love and it was all so sweet and adorable. I love how they tease each other, have fun and laugh, and have these real, human interactions where we get to see them fall in love, even during the sex scenes. It all felt very intimate, sweet and real.

But outside their bubble, everything was more complicated for them, especially for Luka. I was completely invested in their story and in seeing how things would end up for them and the ending (for now) was perfect!

I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to read more in the second book.

[Eiji Reads]

In exchange of an honest review i got to read the ARC version of Fiction by K.C. Wells by the author.

What else can I say but just brilliant! Making an Olympic romance story and telling the characters story in such a delicate and balanced way that every character got their own time and place to fill their roles. The slow burning forbidden relationship between Luka and Dean is so good that every page of this book is beautifully writen.

Luka comes from the country Velkarya a country that never have taken an Olympic medal before, Luka and his skating partner Mila have the pressure of a whole nation on their shoulders as they start training for the big days when they compete for the top of the podium along side Team USA, from the first moment Luka hit the ice in Milan his eyes finds Dean the star and also the one everyone think will take the gold medal in Solo skating competition. Fast Luka realizing that Dean is going to be a distraction and a problem as everytime they both are on the ice its as if they both cant keep their eyes off each other.

Dean is on Team Usa ready to show the world why his skills on the ice among some of the best with his team and family all rooting for him he is ready but there is one distraction that keep him from doing his best on practice and when they hook up together after practice everything gets turned up ten fold as the attraction to each other is too strong to resist. Meanwhile Luka have to be careful as he is putting everything from his home to his carrier on the line for his fling with Dean, beeing in the closet always watched and observed both by his team that keep him in a strict line the pressure is immensely as their relationship slowly gets from only a fling to the full out burning relationship that start to slowly get harder and harder to keep a secret as everyone's eyes seem to be on them both during competition and practice.

This story is deffently on my favorite list for this years long list of amazing books that everyone should read. This book is pretty long with over 600 pages long but it also is worth every single page as each page is full of emotianl driven plot line and side characters that all follows the jouney Luka and Dean takes during the Olympics as they try to figure out their future after Olympics! A definite 5 star from me and a high recommendation as well!

Lastly i want to say Thank You to K.C. Wells for allowing me to read the ARC of this book!

[DebbieReadsBooks]

I was gifted my copy of this book.

OOOOH! I loved this!!

Luka and Dean skate. Luka in the pairs, with a female partner, from a small, strict country. Dean in the individuals for USA. They'd never been formally introduced, but each had noticed the other at previous games. Luka tried hard, he really did, to hide his attraction to Dean and Dean was shocked by his attraction to Luka. Actions, though, have consequences but neither can stop the freight train of the final skate of the Olympics in Milan.

I loved the slow burn. Luka, for obvious reasons, tried to fight, he really did but some things are not stopped. Dean, once he gave over to his attraction, tried to hide it in public, but everyone noticed the way Dean watched Luka skating and vice versa.

It's emotional, heavy on the emotions actually and I loved we got it all cos both Dean and Luka have a say, in the first person. It changes a lot, but each change is clearly headed.

I'm a bit miffed though! I thought this was a complete story, and it's more a Happy For Now ending, rather than a HEA. Not a cliffhanger, either!

I liked that fact that the skating technical detail is kept low. Some sports books go heavy on the detail, and I don't always enjoy that, but here, you get enough for everything to flow, and you aren't bogged down by it all.

I do hope Mila and Donna get their HEA!

What I also loved about this, was what was not said. It was not said what would happen to Luka if he followed his heart and it became known about him and Dean. It was implied, and you are left to fill in the pieces with your knowledge of these types of countries: ones that put a lot of pressure on you to conform and act in a nice clean box. Chilling, that. well written but NOT said.

I loved this, I really did. I look forward to Luka and Dean getting that HEA soon, please!

5 full gold and silver medal stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Rosie]

Wow, what a book. it's a long read covering the ice skating teams at a winter olympics. Their professionl rivalry and cameraderie, alogside developing relationship betweem members of rival teams and the political and social barriers they need to overcome. Its a tear jerker of a love story, especially the parts where we realise the history of a skaters career starts before most children start mainstream school and affects every aspect of their lives until they reach this apex of their careers. This story of two skaters, their professional and personal stories are clearly laid out over 10 plus hours of reading. Its a delightful love story- (no spoiler this is what the author writes) with multiple characters supporting the story as she paints the journey with her words. There has obviously been a lot of research hours undertaken to pull this book together, descriptions of skating techniques, political views and policies, and the pressures that athletes at the top of their game are under are all covered making the relationship between the main characters leap out of the pages. I love the side characters and their relationships as they also develop and deepen, and the established friendships within opposing teams support the main characters. the cameraderie between opposing teams is really lovely. This book was a delight to read, I tried in one sitting but that did not do it justice, it took me a week. It is a beautiful love story with K.C's usual twists and turns that keep you guessing til the end.

Will I read it again, most definitely, I read carefully but know that with all future reads, and there will be plenty, I will discover gems that I may have missed the first time.

Would I recommend it - most definitely. 10/10 all the way

[Erica]

Friction by K.C. Wells From the very start of this slow burn story you are captivated by Luka,a champion pairs skater, who is very precise in movement, speech and emotions that is expected under the control of the Federation but when Luka sees Dean step out on the ice in Milan his carefully constructed world imploded. Dean has always known he was straight until he saw Luka in his carefully controlled style of skating and emotions that make him just want to tell him to breathe and live life to the fullest even though he doesn't know all the implications of what that would do to Luka’s life. As days go by they each seem unable to stop seeking each other out in public and in private to which Luka feels safe and a touch of freedom he longs for in Dean's arms. When the federation catches wind of possible distraction they force their observations and fear into Luka but with the help of the US team, his partner Mila and Dean he starts to hope for a future to be himself and just breathe. I loved this book so so hard in the way K.C. kept you on your toes and holding your breath with each meeting of Luka and Dean. With the swishing of the blades to the cold of the air on the ice I could see each sequence of the routines and the sounds of other skaters and audiences filling the air. You are right there with them rooting for each team to win it all. Many may say it’s a long story but with each page you just don’t want to put it down. The side characters Mila, Noah, Ethan and others are wonderful to help keep the romance undetected by the federation. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Karen]

Dean is an ice skater from the USA and Luka is from a country called Velkarya. Luka is very controlled by the federation as image and representation is everything in Velkarya. Although he has known he is gay since he was a teenager, Luka has hidden and not acted on that part of himself. It would not be accepted by his sport in his country. He skates in pairs with his partner Mila and they are hoping to be the first to get an olympic medal for their country.
Dean is a very successful singles skater and has a gold medal in his sights. He thinks he is straight but there is something about Luka that is drawing him in. They see each other at competitions and this story is set at winter olympics in Milan. They can't ignore how they feel.
There is a lot of tension when they compete in their respective competitions and I felt right there with them holding my breath!
Their attraction wins out and when they do get together they realise their feelings are strong. There is also a lot of tension around Luka. He is taking a big risk being with Dean and the will he/won't he allow himself what he wants. Dean is wonderfully protective of Luka and wants what is best for him. They both perform better after they get together and feel more free to feel and express themselves on the ice.
It's a long book but it kept me engaged all the way through and I needed to know what Luka would decide and what cam next after the olympics. A beautiful love story with great side characters and lots to think about. Highly recommended.

[Zane Kage]

Friction is a slow-burn love story, a romance that portrays two young men who find each other amid the political and social constructs and barriers of Olympic life.

Luka is cautious, does not step out of line, knows his role. And his country determines his role. But Dean opens his eyes to how things could be.

Dean is more free and seems unaware of the world around him as it applies to Luka.
From the start they only have eyes for each other, and I adored this aspect of their story. The pull between them was so strong amid everything else going on, and yes, there were bumps in the road, but they are getting there.

They bring awareness to each other. It’s an attraction from first sight that builds so beautifully. As their story grows, as their feelings grow, we have a tale of friendship, love, and found family. In addition, the side characters are essential, entertaining, and endearing. We have true friendship, true love, found family. People who step up when it matters most. And the the routines on ice? Such detail. I felt like I could “see” them.

Overall, a slow, steady pace over time to tell a difficult story. Was it worth it? Absolutely. As their feelings, hopes, and dreams, so did my feelings for them. The ups and downs, happiness and sadness, the fears, hopes, risks, I was right there with them, and I will continue to be when the next part of their story comes out. I am so looking forward to it!

*ARC*

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews)]

Luka is a tightly controlled skater whose life is built on obedience and medals, but seeing Dean Foster again in Milan shakes everything he’s tried to bury. Dean is confident and steady until Luka enters his life, turning conversations into habits and pulling them closer together. They come from different countries, different events, and different expectations, yet the Olympic Village keeps pushing them together. As media and Luka’s federation start paying attention, he has to decide whether risking everything he’s built is worth choosing something, and someone, for himself.

I loved this story and the way Luka and Dean were drawn together by a mutual attraction that neither of them could ignore — even though Luka’s federation and culture didn’t approve of him being gay, let alone being involved with Dean. Dean’s bi‑awakening was such a great touch, and Luka’s complete lack of past experience made their moments together feel even more special and intimate. I also adored the support from the other athletes in the Olympic Village, and Mila’s loyalty as Luka’s skating partner added warmth and strength to the narrative. The writing was excellent, with their thoughts and feelings clearly expressed and easy to understand. The emotions were beautifully described, making it effortless for me to feel them and be swept away. I honestly can’t wait to see what happens next in their story. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Bess]

Thank you KC Wells for giving me the opportunity of reading an ARC of this book

Well what can I say? This book was incredible. I highly recommend it.

Yes it is long and yes it is a slow burn, but that just adds to the anticipation and feel of the book, The pacing and dialogue are fantastic
.
Set at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Luka, a pairs figure skater from a small rigid country and Dean, a mens figure skater from America, navigate their attraction and the whole messiness of consequences stemming from it. Oh my gosh the chemistry, the pining and staring, so much staring!

Even though I am not familiar with skating competitions as such this was so well written I felt I was actually there. I loved the added extra Media narrative of the reporting and gossip of Social Media posts at the end of some of the chapters. This was so well written.

Dean is a wonderful character with emotional strength and maturity who really sees Luka, his struggles, his complicated and restrictive situation due to his country and federation. He is so caring, protective and loving. Luka has such a complex and difficult life and his character is so well explained, you feel his every emotion and his realisation that life can be different and accepting is so well written.

I loved this book and can't wait to read what happens in the second book, Thank you so much K.C.Wells

[Manon]

This one is a long one but an amazing long one. And it needs every paragraph and page to tell the story.

I love figure skating - watching, not skating myself. And then my favourite author decided to write a love story set in this world so it was a no-brainer to read it.

You have two very different characters, it shows it in the way each of them is written, in their voices, in their thoughts and their way how they act. And both fit together, Dean drags Luka out of his controlled self to finally be himself instead of what is expected and required of him by everyone else.

Falling in love wasn't part of the Olympic schedule, falling in love with a man even less. But Dean embraces it without hesitation, he takes it and not just goes with it but runs. It may be fast but it feels natural.

For Luka, falling for Dean is the worst and the best which happened to him. It goes against everything, his control, his obligations and expectations heaped on him. But it also frees him. It is beautiful to read how he evolves emotionally, how he is able to do what he wants and feels at last.
You want to hug him and not let go from the first couple of chapters onwards.

The book has also amazing secondary characters, I do hope we see them again.

This book also has the best "first time" I ever read.

[Deb Kel]

Ok so i swore i wasn't going to read anymore sports themed books but then KC releases this new one!
So of course i have to read Friction which completely pulled me in from the start. What I loved most was the contrast between Luka and Dean. Luka has spent his entire life following rules, controlling every aspect of himself both on and off the ice, while Dean brings a sense of freedom and possibility that quietly turns Luka’s world upside down.

Their connection builds beautifully throughout the story. There’s no rushing here just stolen moments, growing trust, and a relationship that feels more significant with every interaction. I found myself rooting for them from the beginning, especially as the pressure surrounding Luka intensified and the stakes became increasingly personal.

I actually really enjoyed the skating scenes as the atmosphere of elite competition felt vivid and immersive, and it was easy to picture the performances, the tension, and the excitement of the Olympic setting. The supporting characters also added so much to the story, particularly those who stood firmly in Luka’s corner when he needed them most.

Emotional, romantic, and full of hope, this was a wonderfully satisfying romance that kept me turning the pages and left me eager for the next book.

[Lacocolina]

I absolutely loved "Friction". The best part of the book is the pacing; it is incredibly fluid and you can read it in the blink of an eye, moving day by day alongside Dean and Luka at the Milan 2026 Olympic Games.

Even if you are not a fan of the sport or familiar with it, K.C. perfectly captures every single movement and feeling on the ice.

The chemistry between Dean and Luka is brutal. They are so cute when they constantly look for each other while training... without being subtle at all!

The chapters titled "Media" that are interspersed throughout the book (featuring TV and internet commentary) add total realism to the story, brilliantly reflecting today's culture of shipping and internet gossip.

But what truly elevates this book is its emotional maturity. It is beautiful to see how Dean understands Luka's complicated and restrictive situation due to the pressures from his federation and his country. There is a deep sense of selfless love and protection, where Dean prioritizes Luka's safety and well-being over his own desires, understanding that true love sometimes means never asking the other person to destroy their life for you.

A modern, romantic, deep, and highly recommended read!

[Edga]

What a beautiful story! It is so well written and absolutely overflowing with feels. Luka and Dean are so  perfect for each other, but they come from two totally different worlds. Luka is a deeply closeted skater carrying the massive weight of his strict home country, while Dean is a completely out and proud athlete. The moment they meet, their chemistry is off the charts, sparks fly, and Luka falls for a man for the very first time.
Because a public relationship would destroy Luka's career and put him in serious danger, they have to be incredibly careful. This sets up a forbidden slow burn romance that simmers beautifully for most of the book. What really grabbed me, though, was the hurt/comfort vibe. Dean completely becomes Luka's safe haven, protecting him from intense family pressure and giving him a safe place.
KC Wells’ writing flows so effortlessly, Friction is an absolute must read! It’s also a very a lengthy read, but worth every word. She is wonderful at delivering top class, emotional romance that hits you right in the feels. The passion and raw intensity between these two literally flies off the page. There's  a satisfying Happy For Now (HFN) ending, and I honestly cannot wait for the next book! I need to follow their story.

I received an ARC from the author.

[Maria]

4.5

I only knew this author from An English Bear in Berlin and, truthfully, I was expecting a Medaling / About to Bloom kind of book here. Didn’t know it was going to be more like Hush (but with less crime, guns and CIA involved).

Attraction is dangerous for Luka Davorin but Dean Foster is too good of an athlete to ignore.
What starts as admiration for Dean transforms in something that can end up destroying Luka.

This is a story about two men who both learn that life is different than what they were expecting it to be.

I do think this can be read as a standalone love story but I am looking forward to see what K. C. Wells cooks in the next book in this series.

[Zeoanne]

Review of advance copy received from the author.

Wow! Just, Wow! From the first page, this book grabbed me by alllll the feels. I started by thinking, 'Hmm, this is going to be a near impossible adventure in the end, being that Luka and Dean are from two different countries with thousands of miles in between'. But the more I read, the stronger the feelings came. In between the early chapters and the end-ish, I just felt so sorry for them, for the intolerance in Luka's country, the way the federation looked down on anyone who didn't comply with their rules, desires, and regulations, which, of course, are so antiquated. I was still rooting for their friendship, their relationship, their union, though. And I'm so damn happy it all worked out in the end. Will we see them again in future stories? I hope so, even as side characters.
I've always enjoyed Ms Wells' stories, and this one didn't disappoint.
These are my true feelings about this amazing, heartwarming, heartwrenching, fun story.
A true, well-deserved 5* and then some!

[Lesley]

There are a handful of authors I’ll read no matter what they write, and K. C. Wells is firmly on that list. She rarely lets me down, and this book was no exception. Set during the 2026 Winter Olympics, it follows the seemingly impossible romance between Luka Davorin of fictional Velkarya and Dean Foster of the USA. Impossible because of the countries they represent and the huge differences in their freedoms and expectations.
I read this over three days — not because it’s a quick read (it’s actually quite long), but because I was working and still couldn’t put it down. I didn’t even realise how long it was until I saw someone else mention it in their review. It never feels long; the story flows so well, and there’s no unnecessary padding. I found myself caring about all the characters, not just Luka and Dean. What’s going to happen with Ethan and Nathan? And Mila — Luka’s partner — has become just as important to me as the main couple. I’m really hoping we get more of her story in book two.

[Pat]

Friction is the first book in the Cold Blades series. Honestly, calling this book brilliant doesn’t even do it justice! I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t stop thinking about the main characters. They’ve been on my mind non-stop!

Luca is a figure skater from Velkarya, all under the federation's thumb. Then there’s Dean, a laid-back figure skater from the USA. The story unfolds during the Olympics in Milan, and that’s where their love story kicks off on the ice. Luca has noticed Dean before, but now it’s Dean’s turn to see Luca… and that’s when things really get going!

You can really feel the pressure they’re under, the love they share, and the risks they’re taking. The choices they make throughout are so intense. This story is fantastic! Everything I was hoping for actually happened!

And the kiss? So beautiful and amazing! This is seriously a 10-star read. I can’t recommend this fabulous book enough!

[Judy]

What an amazing book. I really enjoy all of KC Wells books. It was so emotional for these two characters. I loved them and all the side characters as well. Dean is our tried and true American singles figure skater. Luca is our very disciplined, “steady as they go” eastern European pairs figure skater. Luca has noticed Dean before but at the Olympics is where Dean first notices Luca. They chemistry is off the charts. Dean is slightly taken back since he has never been attracted to a man before, but that does not slow him down. The push and pull of the pressure at the Olympics and the total control Luka’s country has over his life brings the angst level up higher. The story was so well written and it needed all of the 600 pages. It felt like a very fast read to me. They of course get a great HEA and book number two following them into the future is on the horizon. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!

[ButtonsMom2003]

Friction is a complicated and captivating story. This is one chonky book coming it at around 137,000 words. It’s much longer than the books I normally choose to read but if K.C. Wells writes it I’m going to read it and boy was it worth every minute I spent loving it.

I have always enjoyed watching figure skating but I know nothing about it other than what commentators say. It seemed obvious to me that K.C. either knows the sport well or did a lot of in-depth research while writing Dean and Luka’s story.

There are a lot of emotional scenes in this book and I’m not going to rehash the blurb. Dean and Luka get a solid HFN in Friction but K.C. says that book two, New Edges will be coming in 2027 and I can’t wait!

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Amber]

I loved it!

I loved Friction by K.C. Wells. It's the first book in the Cold Blades series. I loved Luka and Dean's story. As I read the story, the author took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. I laughed, I cried, and I feel in love with all of the characters. I couldn't get enough, which is amazing because the story is super long. I'm used to reading books in the 220 range and this one is over 500. And I found out at the end of the book that I will get more of Dean and Luka as their story will continue in the next book and they will be skating pairs as partners. All I can picture is the movie Blades of Glory, which was awesome, and try to figure out who is going to be lifted and who will be the lifter or if they will be verse. I can't wait.

I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.

[Ashlee]

Dean and Luka story is one I didn't know I needed. The slow-burn forbidden love between them grows deep. The attraction between them is undeniably even when they are afraid of what will happen if found out. Luka up bring and culture makes him need a structure to his life but leaves him afraid of finding love. As finding the love he needs can be dangerous. Dean can have structure or not, but needs it for his career. Dean and Luka notice one another right away. Is it attraction or rivalry? It is a spark between them that cause a slow fire to burn between them. It is hot and heavy. Their story has an opposite attracts in a forbidden love but are exactly what the other needs. It gives me a hotter and heavier almost Yuri on Ice vibe.

[Cynthia M Brow]

Friction is the first book in the Cold Blades series. This is the story of Luka and Dean. Luka is a pairs figure skater from Velkarya a country where you have to hide being gay and Dean is a US mens figure skater. This story is set in the Olympic's in Milan. The blurb gives a great idea of what to expect from the story. This was such an emotion filled story. I loved the characters and descriptions of skating. These two are perfect for each other and their chemistry is off the charts. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book as a 5 star read.
received a free review copy

[Heather Duff]

Wow! This is an incredible romance that delves into the world Ice Skating Federations, Nation politics, and embracing yourself.

The length of the book seemed a little daunting at the beginning, but this story pulled me right in, and I never once questioned the length.

Olympic athletes from very different countries, and very different coaching. They have a wonderful connection, and that is what helps them find the strength to embrace themselves, their worth, and skill.

I love the political piece. Both in a broad sense, but also how it affects on an individual level. It adds such a wonderfully interesting aspect to the romance.

[Emma]

This was very special. Grabs you by the feels. Takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, hoping it doesn't completely wreck you by the time it finishes. Dean and Luka are fantastic MCs, but it also takes all of the others being great characters, it makes the book, the interplay between them all. The understory is actually quite serious, shows a lot of bravery, well done and well written. Glad there is a book two, want more of everyone please.

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

[stardragon]

Luka Davorian is on half of a pairs skating team from the Federation of Velkarya, his partner is Mila. Their country puts on them to win a gold medal in the Olympic games. Dean Foster is representing the USA team in the individual skate event. Usually Luka is very focused and controlled, unfortunately Dean is a distraction. This is the first book in a series Cold Blades and it is riveting. There is forbidden love, drama, romance, spice, supportive characters and the story will leave you wanting more.

[Saskia Veldhuis]

4.5 stars. A very lengthy story with a planned next book to make it even longer - and worth every word. The details were excellent, and I particularly loved the figure skating descriptions. The way Luka and Dean really had to struggle to understand each other due to the very different cultures they grew up in was really good. The side characters were superb. I'm really looking forward to the next book, there are a lot of promising plot lines. That said, this works well as a standalone and has no cliffhanger.

[Lisa]

Wow these two kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire book! There was just soo much tension and i felt like i was living through their fear of getting caught and living through the pressure of competing. Dean and Luka’s story was just amazing. Seeing them fall for each other was beautiful. I cant wait to read the next book and see where their relationship goes and what new challenges they will face together. Ive also got to say that i loved all the side characters too and hope we see more of them.

[Belinda Zamora]

Olympics and love

Luka is desperate to win gold at the Olympics, his country expects it of him, there's no room for failure.
Definitely no acting on his immediate and intense attraction to Dean, the American skater.
Dean has never been attracted to men before but he can't dismiss the undeniable attraction simmering between them.
Both have visions of gold on the horizon but realistically, only one team can win gold.
Will the fight for it ruin their chance at a HEA?

[Amy]

I cannot imagine having to censor every thought and action for fear of what the federation can do to you and those around you. I enjoyed this story of two very different worlds colliding and making sense of them. You could feel the tension between Luka and Dean, and I loved how everyone around them could see what they could not. I can't wait to read about what the future holds for them and those around them.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.