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Fire on Ice
What would you do in your quest for glory? Madison Brinkley has been raised a competitor. She lives a regimented, but privileged life. This is her last chance at Olympic gold. But life is not what it seems... For Madison, living up to the expectations of her mother has become impossible, overshadowing her dreams of taking gold at the Winter Olympics. Everyone can see she’s lost the will to compete and one person isn’t afraid to tell her the truth. Zoe Claretto is a feisty newcomer and a fan favorite. She knows it won’t be easy to win a medal at the world’s most famous international sporting event, but she’s there for the love of figure skating. And, as it turns out, for the love of Madison. From rivals to friends, friends to lovers, Madison soon realizes there’s more to life than the path laid out for her. If she can open her heart to Zoe, she can pave her own way. And maybe, just maybe, go out a champion. When privilege and perfect technique meet passion and raw talent, things get hot on the ice in this lesbian romance!
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
35 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Jea Hawkins
30 books84 followersJea Hawkins writes sweet and spicy contemporary lesbian romance. She writes all her paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Lucy True.
Regardless of genre, if love conquers all, then she’d like to think her heroines can rule the world one day. An east coast transplant to the Midwest, she loves to write about complicated women and settings that feel like home. Her historical / contemporary romance, As Long As Love Lasts, has been nominated for a GCLS Literary Award.
Personal addictions include genealogy, autumn, cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and the Sims 3. She’s both an avid reader and gamer, and hopes readers don’t mind a few geeky references here and there in her work.
Regardless of genre, if love conquers all, then she’d like to think her heroines can rule the world one day. An east coast transplant to the Midwest, she loves to write about complicated women and settings that feel like home. Her historical / contemporary romance, As Long As Love Lasts, has been nominated for a GCLS Literary Award.
Personal addictions include genealogy, autumn, cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and the Sims 3. She’s both an avid reader and gamer, and hopes readers don’t mind a few geeky references here and there in her work.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 6, 2018
I took a break from the latest Brayden book because I may be a little excited about Olympic figure skating this year and a book centered on that was a delight. It's very timely.
For the most part, it was an enjoyable read. I think what held me back was Zoe, the main character. While saucy, obnoxious types usually amuse me, I found her pretty unlikable. Some of her insults were plain mean, so I didn't root for her rude tone unless she used it on people who earned it. Plus, she didn't know when to turn the jokes down a notch.
Madison, the other MC and love interest of Zoe, was well-rounded despite her insecurities. I could relate with her. I can see why Zoe would fall for her, but the love declarations felt a bit too soon. Their bits of dirty talk and mentions of wanting to kiss were hot, though. Thank you, Jea Hawkins for that!
I loved the outcome competition-wise and it got me excited for the Games, just as I'd hoped. I'm stuck in the 3.5 range for a rating and will probably have a clearer head for star allotment after I get more sleep, haha. Nice read!
For the most part, it was an enjoyable read. I think what held me back was Zoe, the main character. While saucy, obnoxious types usually amuse me, I found her pretty unlikable. Some of her insults were plain mean, so I didn't root for her rude tone unless she used it on people who earned it. Plus, she didn't know when to turn the jokes down a notch.
Madison, the other MC and love interest of Zoe, was well-rounded despite her insecurities. I could relate with her. I can see why Zoe would fall for her, but the love declarations felt a bit too soon. Their bits of dirty talk and mentions of wanting to kiss were hot, though. Thank you, Jea Hawkins for that!
I loved the outcome competition-wise and it got me excited for the Games, just as I'd hoped. I'm stuck in the 3.5 range for a rating and will probably have a clearer head for star allotment after I get more sleep, haha. Nice read!
January 20, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is the first book I read about figure skaters falling in love. I’ve only been dreaming of a book just like this for years and years! I was not disappointed. There were a few tiny little technical details that were off and only noticeable to a fraction of the population, but really well researched overall. And really really well written. The author writes beautifully. She totally captured the feeling of flying around the ice. There is no feeling like that in the world and she described it beautifully in Zoe’s passion.
I highly recommend this book - perfect timing with nationals just finished and the olympics coming up! This book was sweet and sexy and inspiring. I really really liked it. It was a blissful way to spend a few hours.
I highly recommend this book - perfect timing with nationals just finished and the olympics coming up! This book was sweet and sexy and inspiring. I really really liked it. It was a blissful way to spend a few hours.
January 22, 2018
Pretty good overall. If you can see past the plethora of angst, there is more than a few moments of tenders and good feels. Probably the first time I've read about two figure skaters :) Pretty good. But I pretty much like Jea's stuff so, guess it goes without saying.
February 1, 2025
2.75 stars
I was inspired to finally read this after watching the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I love the sport and had this book in my Kindle for quite a while.
While I appreciate the author’s efforts, there were many wasted opportunities here. It felt like almost no research was done on the sport itself and the lighting speed romance was far fetched. The sex scenes read like they were written by someone who had never had lesbian sex before and imagined what it might be like.
I did like the character of Zoe, though, and that she had a Hispanic coach.
Would love to see another romance featuring sapphic ice skaters as I think there’s tons of potential for conflict, angst and delicious romance!
I was inspired to finally read this after watching the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I love the sport and had this book in my Kindle for quite a while.
While I appreciate the author’s efforts, there were many wasted opportunities here. It felt like almost no research was done on the sport itself and the lighting speed romance was far fetched. The sex scenes read like they were written by someone who had never had lesbian sex before and imagined what it might be like.
I did like the character of Zoe, though, and that she had a Hispanic coach.
Would love to see another romance featuring sapphic ice skaters as I think there’s tons of potential for conflict, angst and delicious romance!
did-not-finish
February 2, 2018I won't rate this as it must be aimed at a young audience. It is written simply, with uncomplicated thoughts and the rush from competitor to love was rather quick. I don't know why I read as far as I did.
January 25, 2018
Fire on Ice puts competing skaters on a slippery path to love.
Jea Hawkins publishes very enjoyable lesbian romance novels. These books bring home the HEA in style. The characters and settings fill these books with charm.
Like most sport themed lesfic, there are some cliches on display in Fire on Ice. Zoe is the brash young skater who loves to perform. Madison, at twenty eight, will skate in her last Olympics. She's never won Olympic gold and her mother treats her like a disappointment. Madison's mother failed in her own skating career so she pins her hopes and dreams on her daughter. Madison faces the biggest choice of her life. Does she listen to Zoe and skate for herself or does she put on her game face to please her uptight mother?
With crisp clean writing and clear character development, Fire on Ice is a strong 3.5 stars. I will keep coming back for more books by Hawkins because they balance sometimes light content with a big heart.
Jea Hawkins publishes very enjoyable lesbian romance novels. These books bring home the HEA in style. The characters and settings fill these books with charm.
Like most sport themed lesfic, there are some cliches on display in Fire on Ice. Zoe is the brash young skater who loves to perform. Madison, at twenty eight, will skate in her last Olympics. She's never won Olympic gold and her mother treats her like a disappointment. Madison's mother failed in her own skating career so she pins her hopes and dreams on her daughter. Madison faces the biggest choice of her life. Does she listen to Zoe and skate for herself or does she put on her game face to please her uptight mother?
With crisp clean writing and clear character development, Fire on Ice is a strong 3.5 stars. I will keep coming back for more books by Hawkins because they balance sometimes light content with a big heart.
February 7, 2018
With the olympics starting tomorrow this was a perfect get ready to watch Read.
January 6, 2020
Nicely paced novella.
October 24, 2021
3.5 Rounded Up
I recently started taking ice skating lessons andso reasoned that, amongst my other resources, one surefire way to find out more about figure skating was by reading romance novels featuring it.
I enjoyed this book. I thought Madison and Zoe were both interesting and well-developed characters. In the reviews, someone mentioned a few inconsistencies that I completely glossed over because I was so invested in the story but that, in retrospect, I’m surprised didn’t stand out to me; like the age of characters and another’s relationship status. Though I did agree with someone else who thought thatZoe was just mean sometimes. She’s portrayed as having a blunt/straightforward personality, and sometimes it worked. But there were a few instances where it just seemed mean. Also, while I do think that “I love you”s happened a bit too soon, I did appreciate how they got there. And I loved watching Madison’s growth and, after their turbulent start, the strength and encouragement Zoe provided for her. This is a quick,n light read that I’d recommend.
I recently started taking ice skating lessons andso reasoned that, amongst my other resources, one surefire way to find out more about figure skating was by reading romance novels featuring it.
I enjoyed this book. I thought Madison and Zoe were both interesting and well-developed characters. In the reviews, someone mentioned a few inconsistencies that I completely glossed over because I was so invested in the story but that, in retrospect, I’m surprised didn’t stand out to me; like the age of characters and another’s relationship status. Though I did agree with someone else who thought thatZoe was just mean sometimes. She’s portrayed as having a blunt/straightforward personality, and sometimes it worked. But there were a few instances where it just seemed mean. Also, while I do think that “I love you”s happened a bit too soon, I did appreciate how they got there. And I loved watching Madison’s growth and, after their turbulent start, the strength and encouragement Zoe provided for her. This is a quick,n light read that I’d recommend.
August 6, 2023
3,75/5
OMG WHY DIDN'T I READ THIS SOOONER WTF!??!?THIS WAS DO GOOD
I loved it,I'm not going to complain about anything, I was taking laps at the tension. This was perfect, perfect, perfect.
OMG WHY DIDN'T I READ THIS SOOONER WTF!??!?THIS WAS DO GOOD
I loved it,I'm not going to complain about anything, I was taking laps at the tension. This was perfect, perfect, perfect.
March 7, 2024
Fire on Ice
Jea Hawkins is good at writing fun romances. I enjoyed this book from the beginning. Enemy to Lovers, you can see the spark. Both characters had good growth. It was slight angsty, which considering the necessary character growth is to be expected. I wish Hawkins would produce more books.
Jea Hawkins is good at writing fun romances. I enjoyed this book from the beginning. Enemy to Lovers, you can see the spark. Both characters had good growth. It was slight angsty, which considering the necessary character growth is to be expected. I wish Hawkins would produce more books.
February 3, 2018
As I write this, we are a week out from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea and I am immensely excited to be an armchair judge for all sorts of sports. After reading Fire on Ice, the women’s figure skating events will have an added layer of titillation. Are there any Madisons who have finally found their Zoes? Who has found not only someone to challenge her, but also someone to encourage and support her? Who has found someone to love and trust through all that chaos? And by that I refer to Madison Brinkley and Zoe Claretto.
Tall and lithe Madison Brinkley is 27 (nearly 28) years old and at the tale end of a successful skating career. She has one final shot at winning an Olympic gold, but she’s been on autopilot for a long time, all of the fun and passion having been sucked out of her life. To have any hope of winning, she’s going to have to remember what she loves about skating. Enter sassy up and comer Zoe Claretto — absolutely bubbling over with charisma and enthusiasm. A petite, curvy young woman, she’s shaking things up in the skating world with her rock music and colorful costumes. She's also shaking things up in Madison’s world with her sensuality and open honesty.
One of my biggest attractions to Jea Hawkins’ books is her skill at creating an incredible cast of characters used to deliver a phenomenal story. From the leading ladies, to the supporting cast, even to the audience which has still been given a personality and voice. I absolutely adore Madison and Zoe; they are such dynamic and beautiful characters filled with strengths and flaws which compliment the other woman in that way that just gave my heart warm fuzzies.
I also want to point out that Jea Hawkins doesn’t use a template to churn out book after book. Oh, sure there will be angst. And there will be love. But the storylines, the character interplay, the pacing, the crises, the climax, it’s all unpredictable and always refreshing. I never know what I’m getting into when I open a new one; which emotional combination will she be playing up. Although, if I’m being completely honest, the does cause a surge in my anxiety...totally worth it though.
Finally...aside from being a bookworm...I'm a HUGE geek I always love the game of finding when Jea drops some geekdom somewhere in the story.
Ramirez: “But remember this – when you’re out there, it’s not you against them. It’s you against yourself.”
Zoe: “That is so Jedi of you.”
Tall and lithe Madison Brinkley is 27 (nearly 28) years old and at the tale end of a successful skating career. She has one final shot at winning an Olympic gold, but she’s been on autopilot for a long time, all of the fun and passion having been sucked out of her life. To have any hope of winning, she’s going to have to remember what she loves about skating. Enter sassy up and comer Zoe Claretto — absolutely bubbling over with charisma and enthusiasm. A petite, curvy young woman, she’s shaking things up in the skating world with her rock music and colorful costumes. She's also shaking things up in Madison’s world with her sensuality and open honesty.
One of my biggest attractions to Jea Hawkins’ books is her skill at creating an incredible cast of characters used to deliver a phenomenal story. From the leading ladies, to the supporting cast, even to the audience which has still been given a personality and voice. I absolutely adore Madison and Zoe; they are such dynamic and beautiful characters filled with strengths and flaws which compliment the other woman in that way that just gave my heart warm fuzzies.
I also want to point out that Jea Hawkins doesn’t use a template to churn out book after book. Oh, sure there will be angst. And there will be love. But the storylines, the character interplay, the pacing, the crises, the climax, it’s all unpredictable and always refreshing. I never know what I’m getting into when I open a new one; which emotional combination will she be playing up. Although, if I’m being completely honest, the does cause a surge in my anxiety...totally worth it though.
Finally...aside from being a bookworm...I'm a HUGE geek I always love the game of finding when Jea drops some geekdom somewhere in the story.
Ramirez: “But remember this – when you’re out there, it’s not you against them. It’s you against yourself.”
Zoe: “That is so Jedi of you.”
March 10, 2018
3.5, but I'm annoyed enough that I won't give it 4 stars. One MC has something of character development whiplash at first going from nice to cruel to smitten. It's weird. Also, this same character says she's 20, somehow is new to this level of skating (because she barely knows the other competitors), and is considered the rising star in the sport. At 20. Despite the absurdity of it, we all know that's ancient in ice skating to be considered new at that age. Impossible. 18 would be asking a bit much, but 20, just unbelievable in combination with what we're told. Also, I just realized they go out drinking too, and nothing is mentioned about the age being an issue, despite legal drinking age in the US being 21. At the end of the book, the epilogue is set two years later, that character is now magically 24. Funny. Math. This brings me to the next point; the other MC is 27/28. That's not really an age difference I like. I know it fits the half plus seven "rule," but I'm a firm believer in the additional rule that if you're 25/+, then you should be dating people who are at least 21.
I suspect the first MC is supposed to be 22, but regardless, at no point in time does the math work in this character's favor. Either too old to be in the position they're in within the skating world, or (for me) too young for the relationship, unless author really did mean to make them 22.
The skating parts were mostly fine and never seemed unbelievable, except for the age thing I discuss above. Overall the story was just a Meh for me.
Oh! And a side character talks about playing musical beds at Olympic Village, which nobody bats an eye over, then later apparently this character has a fiance back home they're crazy about. Seemed very out of alignment with what we're told. Several inconsistencies like this pop up with different things, and there's lots of odd loose ends. I don't enjoy such things in books. I pay attention, and errors like that often lower my enjoyment level of a book.
I suspect the first MC is supposed to be 22, but regardless, at no point in time does the math work in this character's favor. Either too old to be in the position they're in within the skating world, or (for me) too young for the relationship, unless author really did mean to make them 22.
The skating parts were mostly fine and never seemed unbelievable, except for the age thing I discuss above. Overall the story was just a Meh for me.
Oh! And a side character talks about playing musical beds at Olympic Village, which nobody bats an eye over, then later apparently this character has a fiance back home they're crazy about. Seemed very out of alignment with what we're told. Several inconsistencies like this pop up with different things, and there's lots of odd loose ends. I don't enjoy such things in books. I pay attention, and errors like that often lower my enjoyment level of a book.
May 6, 2018
Amazing!
This is a very well written tale about two women who start off as bitter enemies competing in the highest levels of figure skating. Madison is the seasoned veteran, while Zoe is a crowd favorite newcomer. These well developed characters come from very different backgrounds. Madison comes from privelege and money, while Zoe is from the working class. Madison is technical perfection and discipline. Zoe is raw talent and passion. Both are competing for a place on the USA Olympics team. All of this makes for an engrossing story that flows from the pages and right into your heart. This is book should be added to your must-read list.
This is a very well written tale about two women who start off as bitter enemies competing in the highest levels of figure skating. Madison is the seasoned veteran, while Zoe is a crowd favorite newcomer. These well developed characters come from very different backgrounds. Madison comes from privelege and money, while Zoe is from the working class. Madison is technical perfection and discipline. Zoe is raw talent and passion. Both are competing for a place on the USA Olympics team. All of this makes for an engrossing story that flows from the pages and right into your heart. This is book should be added to your must-read list.
January 11, 2025
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2025 🌈✨: Micro Trope Board - Accidental Admission of Love
4 stars. Cheesy but very cute ice skating romance. It's kind of rivals to lovers but not really as it's more one sided than anything. Zoe really dislikes Madison. Madison is controlled by her mother and is really misunderstood. I liked both characters. I thought the romance was adorable and I loved that Zoe really helped Madison grow as a person and instilled some self esteem and courage into her. That was lovely. They had great chemistry together and I also appreciated how they handled the third act drama. This was a fun read. Nothing amazing but it was entertaining and sweet.
4 stars. Cheesy but very cute ice skating romance. It's kind of rivals to lovers but not really as it's more one sided than anything. Zoe really dislikes Madison. Madison is controlled by her mother and is really misunderstood. I liked both characters. I thought the romance was adorable and I loved that Zoe really helped Madison grow as a person and instilled some self esteem and courage into her. That was lovely. They had great chemistry together and I also appreciated how they handled the third act drama. This was a fun read. Nothing amazing but it was entertaining and sweet.
April 14, 2018
2.5.
i wanted to love this one, but it just didn't work for me. the mc, zoe, is legitimately *mean* until she lets it slip she thinks madison is cute and suddenly madison is like "oh let's be friends" and within a day they're both in love with each other?? it wasn't believable.
also, at one point it's mentioned that at least madison (if not any others) has a new program for every *competition*. WHAT? that does not happen.
i wanted to love this one, but it just didn't work for me. the mc, zoe, is legitimately *mean* until she lets it slip she thinks madison is cute and suddenly madison is like "oh let's be friends" and within a day they're both in love with each other?? it wasn't believable.
also, at one point it's mentioned that at least madison (if not any others) has a new program for every *competition*. WHAT? that does not happen.
March 10, 2018
Э
Really liked this one Jea, every page so full of sincerity and believable truth. Makes one realise, even those at the very pinacle of their profession's or chosen sports, can and will go down the slightly unconventional road when sweet, true feelings beckons. Roy William Wright.
Really liked this one Jea, every page so full of sincerity and believable truth. Makes one realise, even those at the very pinacle of their profession's or chosen sports, can and will go down the slightly unconventional road when sweet, true feelings beckons. Roy William Wright.
May 10, 2023
This was soo cute, the writing wasn't the best but I absolutely loved the couple. I really liked how the story developed and although I do agree with some of the other reviews, I think it was really nice read overall.
January 22, 2018
Detailed score: 3.5 More details to come
February 2, 2018
I’m not sure how to review this book. I liked it, I never put a rate I don’t mean, but there were parts I couldn’t stand. Does it make sense? The thing is that even if some things didn’t make sense in my head I still liked it enough to have 4 stars
February 6, 2018
Fun read
I enjoyed this story and reading about the relationship between the women. I thought the way it developed was a lot of fun to read.
I enjoyed this story and reading about the relationship between the women. I thought the way it developed was a lot of fun to read.
April 15, 2020
Cute! I kind of expected more build-up before the start of the relationship, but the book is short enough that I understand why there wasn't more.
January 2, 2022
nothing super special if I'm being honest. also, I'm pretty sure there was some sort of racism against italians plotline??
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June 11, 2018My favorite parts of this were the internal monologues while skating!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews