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Ice Dance Duet #1
Ice Dance
Camden
They call him the Ice Prince of figure skating. Ren Hasegawa. He’s controlled, brutal, and beautiful, and he doesn’t look twice at me. I’m the one who’s too loud, too chaotic, the tattooed ice dance YouTuber. Our paths were never meant to cross.
Until Ren’s partner quits before a prestigious international competition and nobody else will work with him. His career could be over. He’s desperate.
The new gender open category gives him one final option . . . Me.
He hates me, but he needs me, and I’ve got debts to pay and a whole lot of people to prove wrong.
It should be simple—train, compete, win—but when Ren puts his hands on me, when we dance close on and off the ice, everything becomes complicated.
Ice dance doesn’t forgive mistakes. Have I just made the worst one of my life?
Ren
Camden Navarro is undisciplined, hot-blooded, and uncontrollable. He’s also my last chance to save my career.
We clash off the ice, but on it, there’s a heat to our dancing, and a passion I’ve never known. A passion I must resist.
In a sport where every fall is punished, I’m falling for a man I can never have.
Every step with him is dangerous. Every dance pulls him close. Every moment we share threatens to expose a secret I’ve spent my entire life burying.
Without him, my career is over. With him, my heart is vulnerable.
How much of myself am I willing to sacrifice to win?
Ice Dance: An Enemies-to-Lovers MM Figure Skating Romance.
Ice Dance is the first book in a spicy MM sports rivalry duet. Join Camden, the tattooed chaos skater, and Ren, the ice cold perfectionist, as they learn to ice dance together while battling to resist each other.
Their story contains secrecy, rivals to lovers tension, forced proximity, secret desires, emotional hurt/comfort, and scorching chemistry on and off the ice.
Please note, Book 1 is enemies to lovers. Book 2 is rivals to lovers. The duet ends with a HEA. Some scenes in the duet may be distressing, reader discretion is advised. The duet content includes, but is not limited to: alcohol use, drug use, themes of addiction, character death (not main characters), and mental health challenges.
They call him the Ice Prince of figure skating. Ren Hasegawa. He’s controlled, brutal, and beautiful, and he doesn’t look twice at me. I’m the one who’s too loud, too chaotic, the tattooed ice dance YouTuber. Our paths were never meant to cross.
Until Ren’s partner quits before a prestigious international competition and nobody else will work with him. His career could be over. He’s desperate.
The new gender open category gives him one final option . . . Me.
He hates me, but he needs me, and I’ve got debts to pay and a whole lot of people to prove wrong.
It should be simple—train, compete, win—but when Ren puts his hands on me, when we dance close on and off the ice, everything becomes complicated.
Ice dance doesn’t forgive mistakes. Have I just made the worst one of my life?
Ren
Camden Navarro is undisciplined, hot-blooded, and uncontrollable. He’s also my last chance to save my career.
We clash off the ice, but on it, there’s a heat to our dancing, and a passion I’ve never known. A passion I must resist.
In a sport where every fall is punished, I’m falling for a man I can never have.
Every step with him is dangerous. Every dance pulls him close. Every moment we share threatens to expose a secret I’ve spent my entire life burying.
Without him, my career is over. With him, my heart is vulnerable.
How much of myself am I willing to sacrifice to win?
Ice Dance: An Enemies-to-Lovers MM Figure Skating Romance.
Ice Dance is the first book in a spicy MM sports rivalry duet. Join Camden, the tattooed chaos skater, and Ren, the ice cold perfectionist, as they learn to ice dance together while battling to resist each other.
Their story contains secrecy, rivals to lovers tension, forced proximity, secret desires, emotional hurt/comfort, and scorching chemistry on and off the ice.
Please note, Book 1 is enemies to lovers. Book 2 is rivals to lovers. The duet ends with a HEA. Some scenes in the duet may be distressing, reader discretion is advised. The duet content includes, but is not limited to: alcohol use, drug use, themes of addiction, character death (not main characters), and mental health challenges.
Published October 10, 2026
About the author
Ariana Nash
59 books2,361 followersBorn to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 11, 2026
My first ice dancing romance! A good time was had. Nail biting anxiety until the very end!
We have calculated and professional meets free spirit, opposites on and off the ice and then throw in some high tension chemistry and plot twists.
Ren is controlled, and never lets anyone past the persona. Camden follows his body, and his performance shines because of it. Their sport was about all they had in common.
We had slow start, but it was worth it. The story develops them as skaters and people before it ever goes romantic. That buildup pays off, because when they finally acknowledge their feelings the heat is highhhhhh
And I loved how their training bled into the romance. You thought Ren only needed to lead on the ice? Guess again. They had to learn to flow with each other's bodies in the relationship the same way they did in their routines. Especially Ren learning to be honest with himself about his sexuality. Watch Camden, learn, adjust, repeat.
The tension doesn't let up until the very last second. It genuinely gave me anxiety. I ate it up waiting to see how they would resolve this.
I have to jump into book two immediately. I need Ren free from expectation, and Camden secure in the knowledge that his talent alone earned him his place, instead of his association with Ren.
We have calculated and professional meets free spirit, opposites on and off the ice and then throw in some high tension chemistry and plot twists.
Ren is controlled, and never lets anyone past the persona. Camden follows his body, and his performance shines because of it. Their sport was about all they had in common.
We had slow start, but it was worth it. The story develops them as skaters and people before it ever goes romantic. That buildup pays off, because when they finally acknowledge their feelings the heat is highhhhhh
And I loved how their training bled into the romance. You thought Ren only needed to lead on the ice? Guess again. They had to learn to flow with each other's bodies in the relationship the same way they did in their routines. Especially Ren learning to be honest with himself about his sexuality. Watch Camden, learn, adjust, repeat.
The tension doesn't let up until the very last second. It genuinely gave me anxiety. I ate it up waiting to see how they would resolve this.
I have to jump into book two immediately. I need Ren free from expectation, and Camden secure in the knowledge that his talent alone earned him his place, instead of his association with Ren.
October 9, 2026
I love all of Ariana's books. She has this dark talent for luring me into absolutely everything she writes. Silk and Steel, Primal Sin and, obviously, Prince's Assassin (my favourite!), are just a few examples of her work, because I've read ALL her books! But when she chooses to write contemporary romance, it's just incredible to read because you can really see how talented she is. Even outside her comfort zone of dark fantasy romance and urban fantasy, she still SHINES!
And if you don't know, she also wrote the SOS Hotel series, so she can write the most UNHINGED shenanigans ever!!! 😂
Camden and Ren are proof of that. I can't say the tropes and plot are entirely new, but somehow she makes me forget I have actual obligations and that my only purpose in life is to kiss, hug, bitch-slap, fan myself and occasionally want to murder these two idiots. 😂And I may or may not have shed a few tears during the competition scenes. They were SO emotional! 🥹
I LOVED this! Even though I don't understand a thing about ice dance, I was completely enthralled by the descriptions, the choreography, the music, the tension... EVERYTHING!
And these two are such adorable babies! I struggled a little with Ren because... boy, the internalised homophobia. The whole I can't, but I want to, but I can't situation. BOY, PLEASE. 😩 And then there's Camden, the bad boy with so much to prove, especially when he's skating side by side with Ren. And the chemistry between these two? DELICIOUS. I could eat it with a spoon. 🤌
Now throw in pain and suffering, mental health struggles, addiction, misunderstandings, meddling friends, a BAAAAAD father, and all the pressure of competition, and voilà! FIVE STARS, BABY! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Starting Off the Edge as we speak because after THAT ending, I have absolutely NO OTHER CHOICE!
Thank you, QUEEN, for this ARC! ❤️
And if you don't know, she also wrote the SOS Hotel series, so she can write the most UNHINGED shenanigans ever!!! 😂
Camden and Ren are proof of that. I can't say the tropes and plot are entirely new, but somehow she makes me forget I have actual obligations and that my only purpose in life is to kiss, hug, bitch-slap, fan myself and occasionally want to murder these two idiots. 😂And I may or may not have shed a few tears during the competition scenes. They were SO emotional! 🥹
I LOVED this! Even though I don't understand a thing about ice dance, I was completely enthralled by the descriptions, the choreography, the music, the tension... EVERYTHING!
And these two are such adorable babies! I struggled a little with Ren because... boy, the internalised homophobia. The whole I can't, but I want to, but I can't situation. BOY, PLEASE. 😩 And then there's Camden, the bad boy with so much to prove, especially when he's skating side by side with Ren. And the chemistry between these two? DELICIOUS. I could eat it with a spoon. 🤌
Now throw in pain and suffering, mental health struggles, addiction, misunderstandings, meddling friends, a BAAAAAD father, and all the pressure of competition, and voilà! FIVE STARS, BABY! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Starting Off the Edge as we speak because after THAT ending, I have absolutely NO OTHER CHOICE!
Thank you, QUEEN, for this ARC! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
✅ Characters
✅ Angst
✅ Hate to love / Sport rivalry
✅ Forced proximity (kind of)
✅ Grumpy x Sunshine vibe at times
✅ “I need you, but I can’t stand you”
✅ Quick pace
✅ Addictive plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: injuries, use of drugs (to manage pain), mention of homophobia
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
The vibe of this book felt more similar to Ariana’s first few series. It is a contemporary romance, but it has angst and darkness, and a delicious mix of tension and sexy romance, with fleshed-out characters that are so easy to love. I almost never read contemporary romance, yet Ariana Nash managed to get me hooked on Ren and Cam from the start, and I'm already starved for more of them. She remains an auto-buy author, and she proved that it doesn’t matter if she writes dark fantasy, action-packed urban-fantasy, silly paranormal, or angsty contemporary stories: I devour them all and ask for more every time.
Ren Hasegawa is the cold and brutally professional “ice prince”. His technique is impeccable, and he is always in control, but his coldness seems to drive all his partners away, and with only a few days before the qualifications for the Meridian Cup, he is forced to step out of his comfort zone if he wants to have any chance of being selected.
Camden Navarro is a little chaotic ray of sunshine, but with a dark shadow following him. He seems all light and free, being known for his freestyle ice dance that is so full of life, passion, and emotion; it is matched by no one. His sense of self-worth is very fragile, though, and we can see how easy it is for him to think that he is not good enough, and he is willing to put his heart and health in jeopardy to prove to himself and everyone else that he is worthy and he deserves to skate among the best in the world.
Cam is the wild and carefree skater, paired with the rigid and arrogant Ren, and their dynamic was delicious. Ren sees Cam as dead weight who will never have a good enough technique to be at his level, and Cam hates Ren for always looking down at him. Beneath that, though, it becomes clear quite early that Ren is attracted to Cam, despite trying his best to hide the fact that he is not straight, and Cam has never hidden the fact that he is bisexual. There is heat and a slow-building sexual tension between them, and I loved seeing them try to fight their feelings, only to be forced to show and feel their emotions if they wanted their on-ice chemistry to improve.
I like that despite the fact that things were complicated between Cam and Ren, there is no pointless miscommunication trope. They are both adults, and they manage to communicate, even if it is hard at times. It also forced them to be more open-minded and to consider each other’s goals and challenges. They also complement each other so well! I really hope they will get the chance to see it in the next book, and to realise just how good they can be for each other.
Cam and Ren started off as rivals with a strong dislike of each other, who were willing to put their animosity aside for the sake of winning the Meridian Cup, but they never planned on falling in love, and I adored seeing them fall for each other. It was intense, yet subtle, and I can’t wait for the next book! This book has a fast pace, a simple but addictive plot, and it is impossible not to love Cam instantly, and Ren… well, he eventually grows on you. 😉
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✅ Angst
✅ Hate to love / Sport rivalry
✅ Forced proximity (kind of)
✅ Grumpy x Sunshine vibe at times
✅ “I need you, but I can’t stand you”
✅ Quick pace
✅ Addictive plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: injuries, use of drugs (to manage pain), mention of homophobia
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
The vibe of this book felt more similar to Ariana’s first few series. It is a contemporary romance, but it has angst and darkness, and a delicious mix of tension and sexy romance, with fleshed-out characters that are so easy to love. I almost never read contemporary romance, yet Ariana Nash managed to get me hooked on Ren and Cam from the start, and I'm already starved for more of them. She remains an auto-buy author, and she proved that it doesn’t matter if she writes dark fantasy, action-packed urban-fantasy, silly paranormal, or angsty contemporary stories: I devour them all and ask for more every time.
I’d forgotten how tall Hasegawa was, from the last time he’d ignored me.
Ren Hasegawa is the cold and brutally professional “ice prince”. His technique is impeccable, and he is always in control, but his coldness seems to drive all his partners away, and with only a few days before the qualifications for the Meridian Cup, he is forced to step out of his comfort zone if he wants to have any chance of being selected.
Camden Navarro is a little chaotic ray of sunshine, but with a dark shadow following him. He seems all light and free, being known for his freestyle ice dance that is so full of life, passion, and emotion; it is matched by no one. His sense of self-worth is very fragile, though, and we can see how easy it is for him to think that he is not good enough, and he is willing to put his heart and health in jeopardy to prove to himself and everyone else that he is worthy and he deserves to skate among the best in the world.
”Trying is half the battle.”
“Hm, with you two, I think perhaps trying might be one-fifth of the battle. The rest is ego and hangups.”
Cam is the wild and carefree skater, paired with the rigid and arrogant Ren, and their dynamic was delicious. Ren sees Cam as dead weight who will never have a good enough technique to be at his level, and Cam hates Ren for always looking down at him. Beneath that, though, it becomes clear quite early that Ren is attracted to Cam, despite trying his best to hide the fact that he is not straight, and Cam has never hidden the fact that he is bisexual. There is heat and a slow-building sexual tension between them, and I loved seeing them try to fight their feelings, only to be forced to show and feel their emotions if they wanted their on-ice chemistry to improve.
I like that despite the fact that things were complicated between Cam and Ren, there is no pointless miscommunication trope. They are both adults, and they manage to communicate, even if it is hard at times. It also forced them to be more open-minded and to consider each other’s goals and challenges. They also complement each other so well! I really hope they will get the chance to see it in the next book, and to realise just how good they can be for each other.
Cam and Ren started off as rivals with a strong dislike of each other, who were willing to put their animosity aside for the sake of winning the Meridian Cup, but they never planned on falling in love, and I adored seeing them fall for each other. It was intense, yet subtle, and I can’t wait for the next book! This book has a fast pace, a simple but addictive plot, and it is impossible not to love Cam instantly, and Ren… well, he eventually grows on you. 😉
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early-dnf
October 7, 2026I tried to read a different book than everyone else seems to be reading. I was into ice dance being open for all pairs of any genders/people to compete, but, what is up with the inauthenticity of the presentation of ice dancing in general? No one competes with a new partner of a week, no one learns routines that fast/gets in synch with each other that fast. It just can't happen. And there is no individual ice dance competition, that's called men's and women's singles. There are no triple axels in ice dance. It's dance. The author says there will be a few moves included that aren't actually in ice dance, but...why? Why do that? I was so confused. Is this an alternate-world of figure skating with vastly different rules? Did I miss that?
I was so confused by the weird rules, and again, elite athletes getting drunk right before a major competition? What?
Just not for me.
I was so confused by the weird rules, and again, elite athletes getting drunk right before a major competition? What?
Just not for me.
Read
August 19, 2026OUT NOW!
OFF THE EDGE Out October 23rd.
*
Check my FB group for all the news, as it happens.
OFF THE EDGE Out October 23rd.
*
Check my FB group for all the news, as it happens.
October 7, 2026
Wow. Just... wow! GAY ICE DANCE! An actual MM sports romance where the sports element isn't just window dressing, but written with genuine athletic spirit! *Cliffhanger warning!
It features the classic 'opposites-attract', 'grumpy/sunshine' dynamic. Our MCs, Ren and Cam, are complete polar opposites in both personality and skating style: Ren is the notorious 'Ice Prince' raised under the crushing shadow of a strict three-time Olympic champion father, while Cam is a late-blooming underdog working his way up. After a series of twists while preparing for a new competition, they accidentally end up partnering for the new gender-open category.
The plot twists keep coming all the way through, and even at the 90% mark, I was still on the edge of my seat wondering if they'd actually pull it off! This is sports romance done right—zero gimmicks, pure suspense, and all the charm executed to absolute perfection! (The author uses a ton of skating terminology, which I think doesn't really affect your ability to follow along whether you have a background in it or not. Of course, if you're curious, you can always look up videos on YouTube or TikTok.)
I love it when my heroes have real lives and jobs outside of romance. I've always complained that so many gimmick-driven sports romances barely feature any athlete training scenes, but this book totally delivers! In fact, it covers a long, gruelling nine-month preparation period for the competition, showing how they go from locking horns to working together. Their shared hunger for victory and the urge to prove themselves make them deeply understand and fall in love with each other.
However, it's pretty easy to guess from the setup that the closeted ice prince is dealing with some internalized homophobia after years of suppression, which drives all the emotional push/pull between the MCs. But for my personal taste, his level of IH is totally digestible because his background actually backs it up. Plus, whenever we're in Ren's POV, you can just see what a soft, tender lover he is on the inside.
Now, onto what I think is one of the biggest flaws of the story: Ren's Japanese heritage is basically non-existent. I grew up consuming Japanese manga, anime, dramas and novels, and traveling all over Japan multiple times, so I'm pretty familiar with Japanese people and culture. Even for a Japanese-Brit born and raised in the UK, it's really hard for me to imagine him being as cold and borderline rude as Ren is on the surface—not to mention the complete lack of any cultural nuances. Honestly, making Ren Japanese (or any other East Asian) feels like a cheap excuse to justify his emotional constipation. (And let's be real, that part is painfully accurate 😅.)
Even though the author explains in the blurb that she trimmed down some of the stricter elements of ice dance, I still have to say: for an underdog like Cam who didn't even start skating until he was 16, making it to international pro competition is physically and financially impossible. He couldn't even make it if he sold both kidneys!
To see an author who spends 99% of her time writing fantasy and paranormal romance nail a contemporary/realistic setting with such solid execution is genuinely a pleasant surprise! Now, part two of the duet is coming out in about two weeks, and I can hardly wait!
It features the classic 'opposites-attract', 'grumpy/sunshine' dynamic. Our MCs, Ren and Cam, are complete polar opposites in both personality and skating style: Ren is the notorious 'Ice Prince' raised under the crushing shadow of a strict three-time Olympic champion father, while Cam is a late-blooming underdog working his way up. After a series of twists while preparing for a new competition, they accidentally end up partnering for the new gender-open category.
The plot twists keep coming all the way through, and even at the 90% mark, I was still on the edge of my seat wondering if they'd actually pull it off! This is sports romance done right—zero gimmicks, pure suspense, and all the charm executed to absolute perfection! (The author uses a ton of skating terminology, which I think doesn't really affect your ability to follow along whether you have a background in it or not. Of course, if you're curious, you can always look up videos on YouTube or TikTok.)
I love it when my heroes have real lives and jobs outside of romance. I've always complained that so many gimmick-driven sports romances barely feature any athlete training scenes, but this book totally delivers! In fact, it covers a long, gruelling nine-month preparation period for the competition, showing how they go from locking horns to working together. Their shared hunger for victory and the urge to prove themselves make them deeply understand and fall in love with each other.
However, it's pretty easy to guess from the setup that the closeted ice prince is dealing with some internalized homophobia after years of suppression, which drives all the emotional push/pull between the MCs. But for my personal taste, his level of IH is totally digestible because his background actually backs it up. Plus, whenever we're in Ren's POV, you can just see what a soft, tender lover he is on the inside.
Now, onto what I think is one of the biggest flaws of the story: Ren's Japanese heritage is basically non-existent. I grew up consuming Japanese manga, anime, dramas and novels, and traveling all over Japan multiple times, so I'm pretty familiar with Japanese people and culture. Even for a Japanese-Brit born and raised in the UK, it's really hard for me to imagine him being as cold and borderline rude as Ren is on the surface—not to mention the complete lack of any cultural nuances. Honestly, making Ren Japanese (or any other East Asian) feels like a cheap excuse to justify his emotional constipation. (And let's be real, that part is painfully accurate 😅.)
Even though the author explains in the blurb that she trimmed down some of the stricter elements of ice dance, I still have to say: for an underdog like Cam who didn't even start skating until he was 16, making it to international pro competition is physically and financially impossible. He couldn't even make it if he sold both kidneys!
To see an author who spends 99% of her time writing fantasy and paranormal romance nail a contemporary/realistic setting with such solid execution is genuinely a pleasant surprise! Now, part two of the duet is coming out in about two weeks, and I can hardly wait!
October 3, 2026
“I’d wanted to do more than dance with him. I’d wanted to pull him closer still, to smother his gasp with a kiss, to taste him in ways that were forbidden. And that could never, ever be allowed to happen.”
It feels rather fitting that the brilliant Ariana Nash, the author who introduced me to MM fantasy romance with Silk & Steel, should give me another enemies-to-lovers (contemporary) romance that was also VERY much my kind of book!
Ice Dance is Ren and Camden’s story: two very different skaters forced into a partnership neither of them particularly wants, and I loved watching all that hostility and tension slowly turn into something neither of them was prepared for. Their chemistry is fabulous, the banter and push-pull worked perfectly for me and there’s plenty of angst, emotion and heat along the way.
Did the inevitable third-act classic Ariana Angst™️frustrate the heck out of me? Of course it did! Did I also completely forget that this was part one of a duet and therefore walk unsuspectingly into THAT cliffhanger? Also yes!
Thankfully, I only have to wait until 23 October for book two, Off the Edge, because I absolutely need to know what happens next!
What To Expect:
🖤 MM romance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Figure skating
🖤 Opposites attract
🖤 Ice prince x chaos gremlin
🖤 Push/pull tension
🖤 Spicy times
🖤 Angsty
🖤 Cliffhanger but HFN
4.5 ⭐ rounded up to 5.
Recommended!
It feels rather fitting that the brilliant Ariana Nash, the author who introduced me to MM fantasy romance with Silk & Steel, should give me another enemies-to-lovers (contemporary) romance that was also VERY much my kind of book!
Ice Dance is Ren and Camden’s story: two very different skaters forced into a partnership neither of them particularly wants, and I loved watching all that hostility and tension slowly turn into something neither of them was prepared for. Their chemistry is fabulous, the banter and push-pull worked perfectly for me and there’s plenty of angst, emotion and heat along the way.
Did the inevitable third-act classic Ariana Angst™️frustrate the heck out of me? Of course it did! Did I also completely forget that this was part one of a duet and therefore walk unsuspectingly into THAT cliffhanger? Also yes!
Thankfully, I only have to wait until 23 October for book two, Off the Edge, because I absolutely need to know what happens next!
What To Expect:
🖤 MM romance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Figure skating
🖤 Opposites attract
🖤 Ice prince x chaos gremlin
🖤 Push/pull tension
🖤 Spicy times
🖤 Angsty
🖤 Cliffhanger but HFN
4.5 ⭐ rounded up to 5.
Recommended!
September 25, 2026
3.75 🌟
The second I saw 'Ariana Nash' + 'new release', I knew I needed to read this book. It was like seeing the bat-signal after a decade of peace and prosperity.
Well. Here we go again.
This was as infuriating as ever, filled with sizzling hot chemistry and tension. And, yeah, can't forget the exquisite yearning buried so deep they need a second book to dig it out. Oh the things I'm willing to endure to see these men get their gorgeous, gorgeous HEA 😩
On the other hand, Ariana's fantasy series worked better for me, despite how surprisingly very tame this one was by comparison. The actual ice dancing wasn't all that interesting to me - even without overly technical descriptions, I found myself zoning out a little. Or maybe I was too busy trying to anticipate the emotional blows.
Apparently I'm desperate enough to see how things will turn out for Ren and Camden in the next instalment, so I should probably buy some comfort snacks and a bottle of vodka just to be prepared.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions and ramblings are entirely my own.
The second I saw 'Ariana Nash' + 'new release', I knew I needed to read this book. It was like seeing the bat-signal after a decade of peace and prosperity.
Well. Here we go again.
This was as infuriating as ever, filled with sizzling hot chemistry and tension. And, yeah, can't forget the exquisite yearning buried so deep they need a second book to dig it out. Oh the things I'm willing to endure to see these men get their gorgeous, gorgeous HEA 😩
On the other hand, Ariana's fantasy series worked better for me, despite how surprisingly very tame this one was by comparison. The actual ice dancing wasn't all that interesting to me - even without overly technical descriptions, I found myself zoning out a little. Or maybe I was too busy trying to anticipate the emotional blows.
Apparently I'm desperate enough to see how things will turn out for Ren and Camden in the next instalment, so I should probably buy some comfort snacks and a bottle of vodka just to be prepared.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions and ramblings are entirely my own.
September 21, 2026
4,5⭐️
I loved the first book, the tension and the chemistry between Cam and Ren are just unbelievably good !!
Camden and Ren are just so different, they’re really opposite on the ice and outside of it, which goes really well with opposites attract. Ren is seen as the ice skater who is always changing partners after they leave me again and again, his seriousness, coldness, and stiffness do not help him much. Meanwhile, Camden is fighting for his talent and hard work to be recognised on the ice but he’s just seen as the bad boy of the ice and nobody takes him seriously. When circumstances lead them to try to dance together, they’re gonna start to share something else and understand each other a bit better. Between pressure, injuries, and again a lot of pressure they have to go the whole way and not look back.
And what an ending, I need to read book 2 ASAP !!
I received an ARC Copy of this book, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
I loved the first book, the tension and the chemistry between Cam and Ren are just unbelievably good !!
Camden and Ren are just so different, they’re really opposite on the ice and outside of it, which goes really well with opposites attract. Ren is seen as the ice skater who is always changing partners after they leave me again and again, his seriousness, coldness, and stiffness do not help him much. Meanwhile, Camden is fighting for his talent and hard work to be recognised on the ice but he’s just seen as the bad boy of the ice and nobody takes him seriously. When circumstances lead them to try to dance together, they’re gonna start to share something else and understand each other a bit better. Between pressure, injuries, and again a lot of pressure they have to go the whole way and not look back.
And what an ending, I need to read book 2 ASAP !!
I received an ARC Copy of this book, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
Review of advance copy
Ice Dance is the first book in the Ice Dance Duet series. This is the story of Ren and Camden. I love that this book is set in a sport that's not commonly used, ice dancing. I loved these guys and how perfect they are for each other. They are total opposites but tha actually works for Ren and Camden. I loved the chemistry between these two and watching them work together on and off the ice. There is lots of tension and angst in the story. Ariana Nash has a great writing style and pulls you into the story from the start. I really loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
October 6, 2026
Oh 👏👏👏👏👏 amazing
Auto-buy author for me and I swallowed this book whole. Ren is delicious, closed off but so damn adorable behind closed doors.
Cannot wait for book 2
Auto-buy author for me and I swallowed this book whole. Ren is delicious, closed off but so damn adorable behind closed doors.
Cannot wait for book 2
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided a free e-copy of the book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks, you for this!
Now this is the Ariana Nash that I remember. I liked her funnier stuff, but I prefer her darker more serious books. I felt this book was not dark at all compared to the others of this author. While there is some serious subjects, it is focused on the romance and the internal questioning and growing of the characters.
Ren Hasegawa is known as the “ice prince”, a dance skating champion. His career is in jeopardy when is partner quit on him before an important competition.
Camden Navarro is a freestyle ice dance that needs to be seen. He wants to be treated seriously and have a chance. People believe he is wild and chaotic.
A new never seen before open gender category on competition, The Meridian cup. Ren coach’s Dylan sees an opportunity and proposed that the two pair up. Of course, their two different personalities make them clash automatically.
Ren seems pretentious, arrogant and rigid, but the man is conflicted, he does see potential in his “rival” and is even attracted to him but wants to keep the attraction hidden, cannot have that kind of thought, it is a distraction that need to end before it goes to far.
I really enjoyed Ren & Camden characters. For Ren, the struggle was real, he is determined to win but he is not used to have emotions because of another person, his priority is usually skating. Camden is more easy going, he doesn’t wants to be second best, push the limits and make some choices during the book that might not be the best. At least those two are able to communicate, even if things get complicated.
Both of them started the book with a goal in mind, but this didn’t include falling in love.
There is a lot of push and pull between them, their relationship is not an easy thing. Camden is openly bisexual, while Ren is deep in the closet. The media are putting their noses in their business, believing their partnership to be a publicity stun.
I really enjoyed it and read it in only one day. I cannot wait to read the sequel found out about the Olympics!
Now this is the Ariana Nash that I remember. I liked her funnier stuff, but I prefer her darker more serious books. I felt this book was not dark at all compared to the others of this author. While there is some serious subjects, it is focused on the romance and the internal questioning and growing of the characters.
Ren Hasegawa is known as the “ice prince”, a dance skating champion. His career is in jeopardy when is partner quit on him before an important competition.
Camden Navarro is a freestyle ice dance that needs to be seen. He wants to be treated seriously and have a chance. People believe he is wild and chaotic.
A new never seen before open gender category on competition, The Meridian cup. Ren coach’s Dylan sees an opportunity and proposed that the two pair up. Of course, their two different personalities make them clash automatically.
Ren seems pretentious, arrogant and rigid, but the man is conflicted, he does see potential in his “rival” and is even attracted to him but wants to keep the attraction hidden, cannot have that kind of thought, it is a distraction that need to end before it goes to far.
I really enjoyed Ren & Camden characters. For Ren, the struggle was real, he is determined to win but he is not used to have emotions because of another person, his priority is usually skating. Camden is more easy going, he doesn’t wants to be second best, push the limits and make some choices during the book that might not be the best. At least those two are able to communicate, even if things get complicated.
Both of them started the book with a goal in mind, but this didn’t include falling in love.
There is a lot of push and pull between them, their relationship is not an easy thing. Camden is openly bisexual, while Ren is deep in the closet. The media are putting their noses in their business, believing their partnership to be a publicity stun.
I really enjoyed it and read it in only one day. I cannot wait to read the sequel found out about the Olympics!
October 12, 2026
"𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝙸'𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍.
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚢 𝚖𝚎.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚔.
𝚆𝚊𝚜 𝙸 𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝?"
This story is very different from what readers are used to seeing from Ariana Nash and not just because this is a contemporary romance. No, what sets this duet apart from the rest of her series is the focal point of the story. Nash books are usually plot driven with very detailed and convoluted plots. There are lots of OMG moments, varying degrees of angst, and often more than one betrayal. The romance is there, but it is not the center of the story. That is not the case in Ice Dance. Yes there is a plot, but that plot remains focused on our MCs. The majority of the story follows Ren and Camden as they navigate the situation they have found themselves in, including the starting point of their romance.
"𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚘𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚑𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖."
Ren was an interesting character. He's not the expressive or social sort so it was harder to get a read on him when we aren't in a chapter from his POV. Honestly? Camden is right that he comes off as a bit of a dick. Cam is much more likable in that he's super friendly and enjoys his extroverted dancing style. Where Ren is controlled, Camden is chaos. You would think those qualities would clash like hell and to be fair you would be right. Ren and Camden definitely do not get off on the right foot. Even when they finally can both admit to themselves there might be major feelings developing, outside pressures continue to hold them back.
"𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚐𝚘, 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚝, 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠. 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝙸 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝙸'𝚍 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝."
I'm glad that I have the second book in this duet already since, fair warning, the ending of this one is not going to be having you smiling and giggling with joy. I wouldn't even call it a cliffhanger, more of an ending where you know there is more to come. I'm interested to see where the next and final part of Ren and Camden's story takes us.
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚢 𝚖𝚎.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚔.
𝚆𝚊𝚜 𝙸 𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝?"
This story is very different from what readers are used to seeing from Ariana Nash and not just because this is a contemporary romance. No, what sets this duet apart from the rest of her series is the focal point of the story. Nash books are usually plot driven with very detailed and convoluted plots. There are lots of OMG moments, varying degrees of angst, and often more than one betrayal. The romance is there, but it is not the center of the story. That is not the case in Ice Dance. Yes there is a plot, but that plot remains focused on our MCs. The majority of the story follows Ren and Camden as they navigate the situation they have found themselves in, including the starting point of their romance.
"𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚘𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚑𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖."
Ren was an interesting character. He's not the expressive or social sort so it was harder to get a read on him when we aren't in a chapter from his POV. Honestly? Camden is right that he comes off as a bit of a dick. Cam is much more likable in that he's super friendly and enjoys his extroverted dancing style. Where Ren is controlled, Camden is chaos. You would think those qualities would clash like hell and to be fair you would be right. Ren and Camden definitely do not get off on the right foot. Even when they finally can both admit to themselves there might be major feelings developing, outside pressures continue to hold them back.
"𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚐𝚘, 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚝, 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠. 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝙸 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝙸'𝚍 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝."
I'm glad that I have the second book in this duet already since, fair warning, the ending of this one is not going to be having you smiling and giggling with joy. I wouldn't even call it a cliffhanger, more of an ending where you know there is more to come. I'm interested to see where the next and final part of Ren and Camden's story takes us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am obsessed with Cam and Ren!
I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of Ice Dance, and I warn y'all right now, do not start this book if you have anything important you have to do anytime soon. I started it before bed - big mistake - fell asleep reading it. Opened it before work - BIGGER mistake. It made me so grumpy to have to stop and do mundane tasks while these two vivid characters were lighting up the pages.
Ariana Nash fans who know her emotional dark romances or her quirky, fun paranormal ones may be surprised, as Ice Dance is like nothing else of hers I have read. Granted, I've not read her whole catalog, but Ren and Camden doing twizzles is a long way from exploding playing cards (Shadows o London), purple sex demons (SOS Hotel), and a world away from the twisted darkness of The Court of Pain duet. But - I cannot stress this enough - I am SO HERE FOR IT.
Cam and Ren come together like fire and ice, with all the steam you'd expect from such a clash. Cam is a tattooed freestyler with a reputation for having a messy life. Ren is the son of an Olympic figure skating medalist father, and the weight of that relationship — or the lack of one — makes him a perfectionist on and off the ice. Set in the world of ice dance, the details of the sport and their unlikely partnership drive the story forward and build tension until the very end.
Fair warning - this is the first book of a duet. The plot reaches its conclusion by the end but the two MCs are not yet together. I supposed it's a cliffhanger, but it's one where the reader's already hit the ground, not one that leaves us hanging in the middle of a scene or story arc. The good news is that the second book is due out soon - around the end of October, so finding out what happens next isn't going to take months. And I cannot wait!
I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of Ice Dance, and I warn y'all right now, do not start this book if you have anything important you have to do anytime soon. I started it before bed - big mistake - fell asleep reading it. Opened it before work - BIGGER mistake. It made me so grumpy to have to stop and do mundane tasks while these two vivid characters were lighting up the pages.
Ariana Nash fans who know her emotional dark romances or her quirky, fun paranormal ones may be surprised, as Ice Dance is like nothing else of hers I have read. Granted, I've not read her whole catalog, but Ren and Camden doing twizzles is a long way from exploding playing cards (Shadows o London), purple sex demons (SOS Hotel), and a world away from the twisted darkness of The Court of Pain duet. But - I cannot stress this enough - I am SO HERE FOR IT.
Cam and Ren come together like fire and ice, with all the steam you'd expect from such a clash. Cam is a tattooed freestyler with a reputation for having a messy life. Ren is the son of an Olympic figure skating medalist father, and the weight of that relationship — or the lack of one — makes him a perfectionist on and off the ice. Set in the world of ice dance, the details of the sport and their unlikely partnership drive the story forward and build tension until the very end.
Fair warning - this is the first book of a duet. The plot reaches its conclusion by the end but the two MCs are not yet together. I supposed it's a cliffhanger, but it's one where the reader's already hit the ground, not one that leaves us hanging in the middle of a scene or story arc. The good news is that the second book is due out soon - around the end of October, so finding out what happens next isn't going to take months. And I cannot wait!
Review of advance copy received from Author
- forced proximity
- closeted athlete
- rivals to lovers
This was such a refreshing change for a sports romance. There are so very few ice skating MM books, I loved this. This is (obviously) set in the world of ice dance, in a fictional world where 2 men can dance together. Ren is a skating superstar, haughty, closed off, and with a reputation for being difficult. Camden is up and coming, is more passionate and with a bad boy rep. Ren's trainer puts them together to compete in a new category when Ren's original partner gets injured. The two get closer as training moves on towards the big competition, but this is an Ariana Nash book so don't expect all smooth sailing. I really like both characters, and loved getting to know them better as the story went on.
They're both so different yet they complement each other perfectly, if they'd only realise it. More than once I wanted to yell at them just to talk to each other 😂 - but where would be the drama in that? And it IS dramatic, full of twists and turns, and that's not only on the ice. I felt for both of them and I'm glad it's a duet, cause I need more of these two and this world. This story does end on kind of a cliffhanger, but with a wee teaser for the next book, and hopefully I don't have to wait too long to get it.
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
- closeted athlete
- rivals to lovers
This was such a refreshing change for a sports romance. There are so very few ice skating MM books, I loved this. This is (obviously) set in the world of ice dance, in a fictional world where 2 men can dance together. Ren is a skating superstar, haughty, closed off, and with a reputation for being difficult. Camden is up and coming, is more passionate and with a bad boy rep. Ren's trainer puts them together to compete in a new category when Ren's original partner gets injured. The two get closer as training moves on towards the big competition, but this is an Ariana Nash book so don't expect all smooth sailing. I really like both characters, and loved getting to know them better as the story went on.
They're both so different yet they complement each other perfectly, if they'd only realise it. More than once I wanted to yell at them just to talk to each other 😂 - but where would be the drama in that? And it IS dramatic, full of twists and turns, and that's not only on the ice. I felt for both of them and I'm glad it's a duet, cause I need more of these two and this world. This story does end on kind of a cliffhanger, but with a wee teaser for the next book, and hopefully I don't have to wait too long to get it.
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ice Dance is such a fun combination of everything I love in an MM sports romance: enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, two completely opposite personalities, plenty of emotional baggage, and a romance that develops while these two are literally learning how to move together on the ice.
Camden Navarro immediately grabbed my attention. He’s loud, chaotic, tattooed, passionate, and seemingly everything Ren isn’t. He doesn’t fit neatly into Ren’s perfectly controlled world, and I loved that Camden refuses to make himself smaller just to fit into it. Beneath all that confidence and chaos, though, Camden has plenty weighing on him. His debts and determination to prove people wrong give him something real to fight for, and competing isn’t simply about winning for him.
Then there’s Ren Hasegawa — the complete opposite. The ice prince. Controlled, disciplined, beautiful, and seemingly impossible to get close to. Ren has spent years keeping everything under control, but being partnered with Camden starts challenging far more than his skating. Camden gets under his skin, pushes his buttons, and awakens feelings Ren has spent his entire life trying to bury.
Their relationship is where this story really shines for me. They start from such a difficult place, with Ren needing Camden to save his career while simultaneously being frustrated by almost everything about him. Camden knows Ren doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms, but instead of backing down, he brings his own personality into the partnership. They're constantly pushing against each other, but the ice forces them to trust one another. They have to learn each other's movements, anticipate each other's reactions and become completely connected during their performances. That creates such an interesting parallel with their emotional relationship.
Overall, Ice Dance is a great mix of passion, emotion and skating, with two very different men who somehow bring out exactly what the other has been missing. Looking forward to these two getting their HEA in book 2 of the duet 💕
Camden Navarro immediately grabbed my attention. He’s loud, chaotic, tattooed, passionate, and seemingly everything Ren isn’t. He doesn’t fit neatly into Ren’s perfectly controlled world, and I loved that Camden refuses to make himself smaller just to fit into it. Beneath all that confidence and chaos, though, Camden has plenty weighing on him. His debts and determination to prove people wrong give him something real to fight for, and competing isn’t simply about winning for him.
Then there’s Ren Hasegawa — the complete opposite. The ice prince. Controlled, disciplined, beautiful, and seemingly impossible to get close to. Ren has spent years keeping everything under control, but being partnered with Camden starts challenging far more than his skating. Camden gets under his skin, pushes his buttons, and awakens feelings Ren has spent his entire life trying to bury.
Their relationship is where this story really shines for me. They start from such a difficult place, with Ren needing Camden to save his career while simultaneously being frustrated by almost everything about him. Camden knows Ren doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms, but instead of backing down, he brings his own personality into the partnership. They're constantly pushing against each other, but the ice forces them to trust one another. They have to learn each other's movements, anticipate each other's reactions and become completely connected during their performances. That creates such an interesting parallel with their emotional relationship.
Overall, Ice Dance is a great mix of passion, emotion and skating, with two very different men who somehow bring out exactly what the other has been missing. Looking forward to these two getting their HEA in book 2 of the duet 💕
October 8, 2026
Couldn't put it down
Was I completely hooked? Absolutely. Did I thoroughly enjoy Cam and Rem's tortured romance? Completely. Can I wait a mere two weeks for the next one? Hardly.
Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, a bit of hurt/comfort, a buttoned-up Englishman with Japanese heritage paired with a Canadian free-spirited sort of chaos gremlin. Add in the pressure of the insular ice skating world watching and judging their every action from the start, the stress of breaking in a new partner (for Ren), and actually having a partner for the first time (for Cam), and to cap it all, those unwanted pesky emotions made an appearance too, and you've got Ice Dance.
Cam and Ren both pulled on my heartstrings, even though I felt there was so much more to learn about them. They both kept their pasts mainly to themselves, though we were given enough information to be able to form a general picture of their lives and background. They were ice and fire, complementing each other perfectly in their routine for the Meridian Cup competiton.
Ariana stated that she has taken liberties with the ice dancing side of the story but the changes she made didn't bother me. The essence of ice dance, the physical and mental discipline required, the long torturous hours of training, the exhaustion, were all conveyed, and it is called fiction for a reason.
I'm glad the second book is not far off, because I'm so invested in their story.
Was I completely hooked? Absolutely. Did I thoroughly enjoy Cam and Rem's tortured romance? Completely. Can I wait a mere two weeks for the next one? Hardly.
Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, a bit of hurt/comfort, a buttoned-up Englishman with Japanese heritage paired with a Canadian free-spirited sort of chaos gremlin. Add in the pressure of the insular ice skating world watching and judging their every action from the start, the stress of breaking in a new partner (for Ren), and actually having a partner for the first time (for Cam), and to cap it all, those unwanted pesky emotions made an appearance too, and you've got Ice Dance.
Cam and Ren both pulled on my heartstrings, even though I felt there was so much more to learn about them. They both kept their pasts mainly to themselves, though we were given enough information to be able to form a general picture of their lives and background. They were ice and fire, complementing each other perfectly in their routine for the Meridian Cup competiton.
Ariana stated that she has taken liberties with the ice dancing side of the story but the changes she made didn't bother me. The essence of ice dance, the physical and mental discipline required, the long torturous hours of training, the exhaustion, were all conveyed, and it is called fiction for a reason.
I'm glad the second book is not far off, because I'm so invested in their story.
October 2, 2026
From the moment Ren and Cam meet, you just KNOW these two are going to be GRAND.
The tension? IMMEDIATE.
The chemistry? INSANE.
The fact that they’re complete opposites? I ate it UP.
Ren is cold, blunt, perfectionist and follows every damn rule.
Cam is sunshine, chaotic, messy and basically freestyling his way through life.
And watching these two dance around each other—literally and otherwise—was MAGIC. You could feel the tension building with every moment, and I was completely invested in their journey.
Their dedication to their sport and winning that cup was incredible… even when that dream was slowly starting to break them.
Ice Dance gave me everything: tension, heart, passion, banter, sass, vulnerability and enough moments to have me sitting there with my heart in my throat.
I finished this breathless, slightly emotionally wrecked and VERY ready for more.
And thankfully… THEIR STORY CONTINUES IN BOOK 2.
The tension? IMMEDIATE.
The chemistry? INSANE.
The fact that they’re complete opposites? I ate it UP.
Ren is cold, blunt, perfectionist and follows every damn rule.
Cam is sunshine, chaotic, messy and basically freestyling his way through life.
And watching these two dance around each other—literally and otherwise—was MAGIC. You could feel the tension building with every moment, and I was completely invested in their journey.
Their dedication to their sport and winning that cup was incredible… even when that dream was slowly starting to break them.
Ice Dance gave me everything: tension, heart, passion, banter, sass, vulnerability and enough moments to have me sitting there with my heart in my throat.
I finished this breathless, slightly emotionally wrecked and VERY ready for more.
And thankfully… THEIR STORY CONTINUES IN BOOK 2.
October 15, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
A. Nash is a second pen name for author Ariana Nash and, between the two names, I have read everything that the author has published. While there are romantic elements in all of her books, the author says that this book is her first true romance. This story is character driven and contemporary, the relationship is in the forefront, and I’m fully invested.
The story is told in alternating POVs and I like to read that way and go deep into the heads of both characters. The setting is the world of ice dance and there are a lot of scenes of training and the men spend almost every scene together. Ren’s life is all about skating and only skating.
This is just part one of this duet and Cam and Ren’s story is far from over. I cannot wait to see all the angst and drama and heat as the men continue through more skating on their way to their HEA.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
A. Nash is a second pen name for author Ariana Nash and, between the two names, I have read everything that the author has published. While there are romantic elements in all of her books, the author says that this book is her first true romance. This story is character driven and contemporary, the relationship is in the forefront, and I’m fully invested.
The story is told in alternating POVs and I like to read that way and go deep into the heads of both characters. The setting is the world of ice dance and there are a lot of scenes of training and the men spend almost every scene together. Ren’s life is all about skating and only skating.
This is just part one of this duet and Cam and Ren’s story is far from over. I cannot wait to see all the angst and drama and heat as the men continue through more skating on their way to their HEA.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Review of advance copy
This was so good! I wasn’t ready for it to end! I’m so glad we’re getting book two so soon.
Everything about this had me wanting to keep reading! The MMCs were fantastic. The side characters were great - even the ones I didn’t like. The pacing was well done. This covers about nine months and I was hooked through all of it. I loved the ice dancing! The chapter with their performance at the end was one of my favorites.
I loved Ren and Cam! They had such great chemistry! They complemented each other so well. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow on and off the ice. Their first real interaction ends with Ren throwing a drink in Cam’s face and Cam trying to throw hands. They grow so close after the months they spend together.
Now the ending. I understood it and liked it but it made my heart hurt. I wasn’t ready for that. I’ll be reading the next one as soon as I can! Thank you to GRR for my eARC!
Everything about this had me wanting to keep reading! The MMCs were fantastic. The side characters were great - even the ones I didn’t like. The pacing was well done. This covers about nine months and I was hooked through all of it. I loved the ice dancing! The chapter with their performance at the end was one of my favorites.
I loved Ren and Cam! They had such great chemistry! They complemented each other so well. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow on and off the ice. Their first real interaction ends with Ren throwing a drink in Cam’s face and Cam trying to throw hands. They grow so close after the months they spend together.
Now the ending. I understood it and liked it but it made my heart hurt. I wasn’t ready for that. I’ll be reading the next one as soon as I can! Thank you to GRR for my eARC!
September 18, 2026
This is a romance between 2 ice dancers. Ren is hard to work with, but very very good (British), and has had every partner he's ever worked with quit on him. Cam is good too, but his sunshiny opposite (Canadian). They work together on the same gender ice dancing contest.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, there is no HEA here - I assume that happens in the second book. This is a slow burn - these 2 really dislike each other for around the first half of the book. Once they finally get together (on and off the ice) they discover they work really well together. Just when things are going well, Cam injures his hip. Lots of keeping secrets and lying about it happen after that, and taking a lot of pain pills (that if he was drug tested would ruin his career).
I like the first part of the book a lot, but when it got to the drugs and the lying, I started to have a hard time with it. These characters have been thru the wringer, and I kinda feel like I have been too.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, there is no HEA here - I assume that happens in the second book. This is a slow burn - these 2 really dislike each other for around the first half of the book. Once they finally get together (on and off the ice) they discover they work really well together. Just when things are going well, Cam injures his hip. Lots of keeping secrets and lying about it happen after that, and taking a lot of pain pills (that if he was drug tested would ruin his career).
I like the first part of the book a lot, but when it got to the drugs and the lying, I started to have a hard time with it. These characters have been thru the wringer, and I kinda feel like I have been too.
September 30, 2026
Holy Yuri-on-ice-vibes batman! This was phenomenal and I need the conclusion yesterday. I need their HEA dangit!!
Will probably do a double review once the second half of this duet is out, because, let's face it, this is only half the story, hah.
Will probably do a double review once the second half of this duet is out, because, let's face it, this is only half the story, hah.
October 8, 2026
Ahhhhhhh this book was sooooo good! It ripped my heart right out. I love Cam so much! This was so well written with beautiful imagery and was so engaging. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked the pace of the book, their interactions, how the characters felt real to me, and how their chemistry started to develop. I like the mention of the songs, and the narration of the dance moves (even if I have zero clue about ice dance/skating). I liked the POVs, and how we get to know slowly the characters. I liked the side characters, and I disliked some of them too :D
I loved this book so much. I read it in less than 48h. And now I can't read any other book cuz I am just thinking about Cam and Ren the whole time. I am very close to go an reread it again, while I wait for book 2.
I loved this book so much. I read it in less than 48h. And now I can't read any other book cuz I am just thinking about Cam and Ren the whole time. I am very close to go an reread it again, while I wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy
***ARC***
I loved Cam and Ren! First the tension, then the chemistry of them together was crazy! Cam with his flair. Ren with his poise and grace. What could go wrong?? Ren is a deeply closeted gay man but Cam makes him want so much more. Its intense but so sweet. Cant wait for book 2 to see how it's going to end!
I loved Cam and Ren! First the tension, then the chemistry of them together was crazy! Cam with his flair. Ren with his poise and grace. What could go wrong?? Ren is a deeply closeted gay man but Cam makes him want so much more. Its intense but so sweet. Cant wait for book 2 to see how it's going to end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a good read. True opposites attract. Ren our driven, strict routine, cold ice prince. Cam our wild child. Together they were sooo good. I loved watching Cam lossen Ren up some, and Ren give Cam some structure. Together they were just too good. That ending. My eyes might have gotten a little damp. I can't wait for book 2, I need to see these two get their HEA! It's so deserved.
October 7, 2026
Everybody needs to read this Ren & Cam are perfect together but they just don’t realise yet.
It’s a rival to lovers to friends that ends in a HFN but get their HEA in book 2 which I hope isn’t to far off.
It’s a rival to lovers to friends that ends in a HFN but get their HEA in book 2 which I hope isn’t to far off.
Review of advance copy
Amazing read!
The first romance book by author Ariana Nash. I really loved it. I was completely immersed in the story of Ren and Camden.
Ren and Camden are both ice skaters, each with their own strengths. When they are pushed by outside forces to dance together on the ice, they have to put aside their differences in order to learn how to trust each other. Easier said then done, when Ren thrives on control and Camden prefers things to be loose. Combined with the extreme pressure these top sporters are under, in order to win a competition and make a name for themselves, this makes for an intense emotional read.
As the tension between Ren and Camden grows, will it result in a fight or a f*ck?
Despite this book being a romance, it has some of the darker elements Ariana is known for. Nothing really dark, but it did make the characters feel more real. I only wish we would have gotten to know them each a bit better outside their work. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, even though the story is clearly not finished yet. The second book is set to come out soon after the first, so we don't have to wait too long to read more about these men. It promises to be even more tense, as Ren and Camden have to choose between their love for each other and their career.
Perfect for readers of 'Heated Rivalry' and other MM sport romances.
The first romance book by author Ariana Nash. I really loved it. I was completely immersed in the story of Ren and Camden.
Ren and Camden are both ice skaters, each with their own strengths. When they are pushed by outside forces to dance together on the ice, they have to put aside their differences in order to learn how to trust each other. Easier said then done, when Ren thrives on control and Camden prefers things to be loose. Combined with the extreme pressure these top sporters are under, in order to win a competition and make a name for themselves, this makes for an intense emotional read.
As the tension between Ren and Camden grows, will it result in a fight or a f*ck?
Despite this book being a romance, it has some of the darker elements Ariana is known for. Nothing really dark, but it did make the characters feel more real. I only wish we would have gotten to know them each a bit better outside their work. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, even though the story is clearly not finished yet. The second book is set to come out soon after the first, so we don't have to wait too long to read more about these men. It promises to be even more tense, as Ren and Camden have to choose between their love for each other and their career.
Perfect for readers of 'Heated Rivalry' and other MM sport romances.
Review of advance copy received from Author
NO! Why is it finished?? I need more 😭
Oh my god, I loved this book. I loved Cam and Ren so much. I didn't want to put this down for even a second. The more I read, the more I needed to read.
Everything about this had me hooked. But the tension?! Ugh, this was so, so good.
I loved watching them struggle to meet each other halfway considering how completely different they are to each other, only to then explode into more. Watching them grow, as people, as athletes, together... I'm just so sad-happy in my little heart right now.
That ending. I optimistically hoped for a different ending and cried when it came. Thankfully, Ariana is merciful and book two isn't far behind. I can't wait! I can't wait to read more of Cam and Ren.
Oh my god, I loved this book. I loved Cam and Ren so much. I didn't want to put this down for even a second. The more I read, the more I needed to read.
Everything about this had me hooked. But the tension?! Ugh, this was so, so good.
I loved watching them struggle to meet each other halfway considering how completely different they are to each other, only to then explode into more. Watching them grow, as people, as athletes, together... I'm just so sad-happy in my little heart right now.
That ending. I optimistically hoped for a different ending and cried when it came. Thankfully, Ariana is merciful and book two isn't far behind. I can't wait! I can't wait to read more of Cam and Ren.
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