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On Thin Ice
I shouldn't be out with a blizzard looming on the horizon, but I have a skating competition to devote my time to now that I've had my heart broken, and going to the rec center so close to a storm seems like the perfect way to secure the rink for myself. Then my ex's best friend lumbers onto the rink in hockey gear while I'm trying to land a double axel, and I quickly realize I've made a grave mistake in thinking I could practice alone.
Cameron is just about the last person I want to run into right now. We've always hated each other, and we've both been just fine with that since we met a few years ago. Something's different this time, though. This time, it seems like he's trying to be less of a jerk, and he's looking at me like he wants to do something other than ruin my night...
On Thin Ice is a contemporary novelette that takes place over one snowy but very cozy night. Moderate angst with plenty of fluff and a sweet, happy ending.
Cameron is just about the last person I want to run into right now. We've always hated each other, and we've both been just fine with that since we met a few years ago. Something's different this time, though. This time, it seems like he's trying to be less of a jerk, and he's looking at me like he wants to do something other than ruin my night...
On Thin Ice is a contemporary novelette that takes place over one snowy but very cozy night. Moderate angst with plenty of fluff and a sweet, happy ending.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2021
14 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,281 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 13, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
this is the polished version of the WW giveaway and so some inconsistencies were fixed.
Despite that, I felt like it could have been done in a much better way.
I liked the premise but the execution was a bit... subpar.
I like Cameron, but I didn't like Chase. He was a diva and not the good kind.
Cameron's reason for "hating" Chase was believable... but that was it.
I didn't feel any connection towards the two MCs.
IMO, if it would have been just a bit longer, fleshed out a bit more, it would have been much better. It had the bones of a good story, but that was it.
this is the polished version of the WW giveaway and so some inconsistencies were fixed.
Despite that, I felt like it could have been done in a much better way.
I liked the premise but the execution was a bit... subpar.
I like Cameron, but I didn't like Chase. He was a diva and not the good kind.
Cameron's reason for "hating" Chase was believable... but that was it.
I didn't feel any connection towards the two MCs.
IMO, if it would have been just a bit longer, fleshed out a bit more, it would have been much better. It had the bones of a good story, but that was it.
January 26, 2021
The concept is nice but the execution left a lot to be desired.
There is a lot of contradictions. Chase was only dumped the week prior, and yet shortly after we are told that, he muses that he must have been alone for too long. Dude, you've been single for less than one week. And then you have Cameron thinking about how he never thought that Chase & Dan would last and in the next line he admits that chase would always be a part of his life because he would always be a part of Dan’s life.
And do you know what is probably worse than being dumped right before the biggest competition of the year? Having and sex without lube with a guy with a huge dick.
I also wouldn't say this was enemies to lovers. Cameon never hated Chase. And even though Chase apparently hates Carman, all it took was some conditioner to change his mind.
There is a lot of contradictions. Chase was only dumped the week prior, and yet shortly after we are told that, he muses that he must have been alone for too long. Dude, you've been single for less than one week. And then you have Cameron thinking about how he never thought that Chase & Dan would last and in the next line he admits that chase would always be a part of his life because he would always be a part of Dan’s life.
And do you know what is probably worse than being dumped right before the biggest competition of the year? Having and sex without lube with a guy with a huge dick.
I also wouldn't say this was enemies to lovers. Cameon never hated Chase. And even though Chase apparently hates Carman, all it took was some conditioner to change his mind.
February 10, 2021
It was a nice short, but honestly, I wouldn't have complained if it had been a full length novel. It had the potential, definitely.
February 6, 2021
Went from hate to love far too quickly and there were continuity issues with the description of Cameron
January 30, 2021
A sports romance! This was super cute. Chase is figure skater. Cameron is an ice hockey player. They hate each other - or so Chase thought. Until one evening during winter break, they have an unplanned encounter kn the ice rink.
Totally lived this story. Chase is gold - pretty AND sassy. And Cameron is secretly just a bid teddy bear.
While things moved pretty fast - this is a novelette - it was never unrealistic. Can recommend as a cozy winter read.
Totally lived this story. Chase is gold - pretty AND sassy. And Cameron is secretly just a bid teddy bear.
While things moved pretty fast - this is a novelette - it was never unrealistic. Can recommend as a cozy winter read.
January 26, 2021
This was part of the Winter Wonderland giveaways and up till now the book I enjoyed least.
The writing was okay I guess, but there were quite some things in the story itself that I didn't like.
I didn't really connect to the MC's, there was not much there for me to like about them. There was some sort of enemies to lovers going on, but not really. A bit of banter, a bit of "don't you dare think I might even like you", but it was over way too quickly and too easily.
It felt too much like insta love for me anyway, and I don't like that trope.
The writing was okay I guess, but there were quite some things in the story itself that I didn't like.
I didn't really connect to the MC's, there was not much there for me to like about them. There was some sort of enemies to lovers going on, but not really. A bit of banter, a bit of "don't you dare think I might even like you", but it was over way too quickly and too easily.
It felt too much like insta love for me anyway, and I don't like that trope.
September 30, 2022
Now he was staring at me, not like I had three heads, but like I hung the moon. It would be so easy to push him away, to chalk this up to desperation and loneliness, but that would be such a bald-faced lie, I knew it would be obvious. I would’ve never kissed Cameron out of desperation.
Lust, sure.
Then again, I’d never been one for lust. I was a hopeless romantic. I’d-- — Chase
Warnings: None of note
I enjoyed the very short On Thin Ice much more than I expected to. It is very simple and a lot of fun with just a sprinkle of something, not quite angst. Everything I need a piece of fiction. There is a degree of predictability to it but you know 🤷🏼♀️ I gave up caring about predictability in something this short years ago. For me its about the characters and chemistry. The whole story only has 3 real characters Cameron, Chase and the ghost that is Dan. Dan is Cameron's best friend and Chase's ex, he's not dead just not present. (Oh and a tertiary character that is there only to introduce a moment). The exceptionally limited cast is perfect for a snowed-in plot. The lack of other people locked in the rec centre with Chase and Cameron allowed for a frank and honest exploration of feelings. It always is, let's all be honest it's a trope for a reason.
Cameron and Chase are sweet as hell. The personalities of Chase and Cameron just work for me, misunderstood Cameron and prickly Chase. They are nearing a Grump/Sunshine dynamic but it's hard to execute in a work this short. I may or may not be projecting it a bit. They are almost inverse to what you may initially expect, though Chase as a solo figure skater needs that alpha dynamic. But it is easy to perceive just a bit of realism in both of them. I do like the reason for their long-term existing dynamic even if Chase doesn't easily admit it. Chase gets one of the cutest confession scenes, ok it's straight out of a teenage rom-com but you know the cliches are sometimes the best.
Some quotes I liked
• As my blades carved the rink, I entertained myself with imagining it was Dan's throat. A little violent, perhaps, but infinitely satisfying. — Ooof. Boy after my own heart. But given Dan broke up by text (with impeccably sh**ty timing) and Chase's alpha personality often a requisite for solo skating I do appreciate it. (Chase)
• Necessary, too. The guy was gorgeous and cruel to equal extremes. With his blond hair, piercing eyes, and chiseled jawline, he looked more like a leading man than a star forward, and it was pretty easy to see why he was the object of lust for every straight woman on campus, and more than a few of the guys, too. — This is Chase describing Cameron and it creates one helluva mental image. Cameron does the same for Chase later. They are both stunning in different ways. (Chase)
• My best friend was a dick.
I knew that better than anyone, considering that was why we got along. We had that in common, him and I. Of course, when it came to utter dickishness, I blew Dan out of the water. I mean, you really had to be a shitty person to have been lusting after your best friend’s boyfriend for the last three years.
And I wasn't even gay.
Sure, I’d watched some shit I stumbled upon online, and I’d liked it, but actually fucking a guy? I didn’t think I would ever do that. I didn’t even consider myself bi. What happened in my head was one thing. It didn’t count. Right? — Cameron has an interesting and very human sexual identity. He's also a bizarre mix of a realist when it comes to himself and an optimist when it comes to Chase. (Cameron)
"Alright. What’s your favorite band?”
“Kansas.”
“It is not!”
I just laughed at his incredulity. “What did you think it was?”
He considered it for a moment. “I don’t know. Nickelback?”
I wrinkled my nose in disgust. “Seriously?”
“Well, it’s Dan’s favorite.”
I sank back against the back of the couch and groaned, running my hands down my face. “Don’t remind me. I’m the one he dragged to all those concerts.”
“I take it you didn’t enjoy them.”
“Every song sounds the same!” I protested. “Hell, I think it is the same song, and everyone’s just too afraid to admit it.” — Chase and Cameron
A representative gif:
February 12, 2021
The Love He Hadn't Seen . . .
On a Friday night, the recreation center was empty and quiet. Chase was thinking about his ex who just broke up with him – by text – messing up their winter break plans at his family’s cabin. And unfortunately Dan broke up with him right before a huge competition which could very well affect his state of mind and performance as he competed. So Chase was not happy to see Cameron Meyer join him on the ice. Yet Cameron was different as he told Chase he intended to get his hockey practice in and that the rink was huge enough for both of them to practice. He then offered to work out a schedule with Chase for the rest of winter break. Chase was noticing Cameron’s uncharacteristic thoughtfulness this evening. And later, when he asked why Chase always seemed to think the worse of him, he truly seemed hurt, like Chase’s opinion of him mattered.
Cameron was not gay nor even bi, but he had been attracted to Chase for the past three years and hated himself for it. Since he couldn’t do anything about it, he enjoyed getting Chase angry at him. He was cute when he got flustered like that. It was odd that Dan, his best friend, didn’t bother to tell him he split up with Chase though. And for once, Cameron found himself not thinking first of his own caveman desire to make a move on the guy, but he actually was concerned about the hurt in Chase’s eyes and the pained look on his face when he told him about their split-up. Dan had always been a user, and Cameron was surprised he had stayed with Chase this long. Chase joined him in the breakroom to snack on the vending machine choices Cameron had gathered. They sat on the couch and even teased a little. And as Cameron contemplated how to finally let him know what he felt, it was Chase who leaned forward and kissed him! While Chase was trying to figure out why he had just done that, Cameron touched his face and crushed his lips against Chase’s, startling him from his own racing thoughts. Apparently both of them were stunned into silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. No one had ever looked at Chase the way Cameron was right now. Then Cameron wrapped his arms around Chase and pulled him into another long kiss.
Chase is still confused about his feelings, seeing a thoughtful and gentle Cameron he hardly recognized. Cameron told him he didn’t want to go back to pretending not to want him because of Dan. But it was Chase’s decision. He had already told Cameron this was a one-night-stand for him. He needs to search his heart now and discover how he really feels. But he already sensed that he wanted Cameron to mean what he just said to him. This Cameron was so unlike the one he thought he knew. Could he perhaps have a future with this one? Especially when Cameron whispered, “I’m not Dan. Give me a chance to prove that.”
The author did a good job in bringing out the characters’ feelings as they had this chance to start over and see the truth about each other and themselves. The pacing was perfect to build on that shaky beginning as it began to stabilize when they had the chance to focus on each other without distractions and realize there was much they didn’t know yet. Surprisingly, Cameron is the steady voice of reason who knows this is his rare opportunity, while Chase is seeing the real Cameron for the first time. Is he ready to try again with someone who puts him first and cares about him? Will he panic and walk away? Or will his head finally realize what his heart knew all along?
On a Friday night, the recreation center was empty and quiet. Chase was thinking about his ex who just broke up with him – by text – messing up their winter break plans at his family’s cabin. And unfortunately Dan broke up with him right before a huge competition which could very well affect his state of mind and performance as he competed. So Chase was not happy to see Cameron Meyer join him on the ice. Yet Cameron was different as he told Chase he intended to get his hockey practice in and that the rink was huge enough for both of them to practice. He then offered to work out a schedule with Chase for the rest of winter break. Chase was noticing Cameron’s uncharacteristic thoughtfulness this evening. And later, when he asked why Chase always seemed to think the worse of him, he truly seemed hurt, like Chase’s opinion of him mattered.
Cameron was not gay nor even bi, but he had been attracted to Chase for the past three years and hated himself for it. Since he couldn’t do anything about it, he enjoyed getting Chase angry at him. He was cute when he got flustered like that. It was odd that Dan, his best friend, didn’t bother to tell him he split up with Chase though. And for once, Cameron found himself not thinking first of his own caveman desire to make a move on the guy, but he actually was concerned about the hurt in Chase’s eyes and the pained look on his face when he told him about their split-up. Dan had always been a user, and Cameron was surprised he had stayed with Chase this long. Chase joined him in the breakroom to snack on the vending machine choices Cameron had gathered. They sat on the couch and even teased a little. And as Cameron contemplated how to finally let him know what he felt, it was Chase who leaned forward and kissed him! While Chase was trying to figure out why he had just done that, Cameron touched his face and crushed his lips against Chase’s, startling him from his own racing thoughts. Apparently both of them were stunned into silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. No one had ever looked at Chase the way Cameron was right now. Then Cameron wrapped his arms around Chase and pulled him into another long kiss.
Chase is still confused about his feelings, seeing a thoughtful and gentle Cameron he hardly recognized. Cameron told him he didn’t want to go back to pretending not to want him because of Dan. But it was Chase’s decision. He had already told Cameron this was a one-night-stand for him. He needs to search his heart now and discover how he really feels. But he already sensed that he wanted Cameron to mean what he just said to him. This Cameron was so unlike the one he thought he knew. Could he perhaps have a future with this one? Especially when Cameron whispered, “I’m not Dan. Give me a chance to prove that.”
The author did a good job in bringing out the characters’ feelings as they had this chance to start over and see the truth about each other and themselves. The pacing was perfect to build on that shaky beginning as it began to stabilize when they had the chance to focus on each other without distractions and realize there was much they didn’t know yet. Surprisingly, Cameron is the steady voice of reason who knows this is his rare opportunity, while Chase is seeing the real Cameron for the first time. Is he ready to try again with someone who puts him first and cares about him? Will he panic and walk away? Or will his head finally realize what his heart knew all along?
May 22, 2021
Short & Sweet!
This was a short yet sweet romance between ice skater Chase and hockey player Cameron. Cameron has been in love and secretly lusting after Chase, his best friend’s boyfriend for the last 3 years they’d been together. So when Cameron finds out from Chase that his best friend Dan and Chase have broken up, he decides to pursue what he wants. Cameron wants Chase for more than the one night they spend together when they become stranded at their college rec center due to a blizzard. After a week of avoiding one another, Cameron shows up at the regional skating competition to present Chase with a dozen red roses, kisses him breathless and declares himself his boyfriend! They admit to wanting one another and wanting to be together! This was a good read and I’ve been binging Joel Abernathy’s titles! I have plans to continue to do so!
This was a short yet sweet romance between ice skater Chase and hockey player Cameron. Cameron has been in love and secretly lusting after Chase, his best friend’s boyfriend for the last 3 years they’d been together. So when Cameron finds out from Chase that his best friend Dan and Chase have broken up, he decides to pursue what he wants. Cameron wants Chase for more than the one night they spend together when they become stranded at their college rec center due to a blizzard. After a week of avoiding one another, Cameron shows up at the regional skating competition to present Chase with a dozen red roses, kisses him breathless and declares himself his boyfriend! They admit to wanting one another and wanting to be together! This was a good read and I’ve been binging Joel Abernathy’s titles! I have plans to continue to do so!
April 12, 2021
A very hot little short! The two do seem to get over their animosity fairly quickly, but there is the fact that one was doing it intentionally, and the other is perfectly willing to go for rebound sex. The way that they allowed it to turn into more was given time and worked out very sweetly. It still seems a bit sudden of a turn around but it was easy to be absorbed in the short.
August 9, 2021
You know how the majority of the time a novella isn't long enough well I should have definitely not expected a novellette to be lol This was steamy and not bad but in no way long enough for me to care about the characters or believe their chemistry.
April 7, 2021
I was really dismayed at sex with no condoms and no conversation about diseases.
June 9, 2025
Super short and sweet little story. I really needed this tidbit.
March 4, 2021
It was ok. A very short insta enemies to boyfriends story after a break up.
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this short, very sexy story. Although it's short, it is very well written, with enough character history and development to completely catch your interest and set the scene. There is plenty of snark, unexpected feelings, and a very steamy encounter. I'd love to see this short developed into something more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2021
This is an ex-boyfriends best friend, GFY m/m romance. It’s short and sweet and gets right to the good stuff. It’s an under 30 min read but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Chase and Cameron are a cute pair to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2021
On Thin Ice is a beautifully written sweet short story about Chase and Cameron. Chase, an ice skater, and Cameron, a hockey player, both stayed on campus for winter break and ended up snowed in at the rec center. While Chase was practicing on the ice Cameron was the last person he wanted to see. Cameron was the best friend of his now ex-boyfriend. I loved this story and Chase and Cameron together. Cameron kept his feelings for Chase to himself while he was his friend's boyfriend but now that they were broken up....all bets were off, for both of them. I would love to know more of their story. Definitely recommend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2021
Cameron is an hockey player, Chase an ice skater. They hated each other, but Cameron really didn't. One night they have an encounter at the rink. This was a good short story! I'm voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
February 9, 2021
Drawn in by the Ice Hockey player and shininess of the cover this was a short read that delivered exactly what the cover offered; an Ice Hockey player and a Figure Skater on ice, and off it! Not exactly an enemies to lovers because the main characters didn't really know each other before talking properly for the first time at the rink; but when they do everything falls into place and Chase's break up is not such a big deal.
This is a short novella with great pace and rhythm through out, cute characters, a bit of sass, a bit of comedy, a bit of snark, just enough conditioner, in fact a little bit of everything you might need in an MM book!
It's not perfect, the author has acknowledged that on his Facebook page but has made amendments so the copy you may have the updated version; however, it is totally readable and you will enjoy this book.
This is a great book if you have less than an hour to spare and fancy a feel good book to read. I totally recommend it xx
This is a short novella with great pace and rhythm through out, cute characters, a bit of sass, a bit of comedy, a bit of snark, just enough conditioner, in fact a little bit of everything you might need in an MM book!
It's not perfect, the author has acknowledged that on his Facebook page but has made amendments so the copy you may have the updated version; however, it is totally readable and you will enjoy this book.
This is a great book if you have less than an hour to spare and fancy a feel good book to read. I totally recommend it xx
February 11, 2021
This is a really short yet sweet book. Chase and Cameron are complete opposites and have "really disliked/hated" each other for years. Cameron is actually in love with Chase but can't say anything as Chase is dating Cameron's best friend. Chase is angry about being dumped via text by Dan after years of being together. These two are forced to spend the night together due to a snow storm and Chase is forced to reexamine his true feelings for Cameron. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what is in store next from Mr. Joel Abernathy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2021
Thank you for the winter wonderland read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Being dumped over the break wasn't bad enough it seemed as Chase discovers. When his nemesis wonders in the Ice rink while it was considered his time.
Cameron wasn't really sure just what about his self set the little spit fire Chase off, but he always did something to just get a rise out of him. Fate or Destinymust be shining on Cameron that snowy night but will it last? Quick short but sweet steamy read that still have a thrilling mini mishaps with both Cameron and Chase.
Cameron wasn't really sure just what about his self set the little spit fire Chase off, but he always did something to just get a rise out of him. Fate or Destinymust be shining on Cameron that snowy night but will it last? Quick short but sweet steamy read that still have a thrilling mini mishaps with both Cameron and Chase.
February 11, 2021
Great story
This was a very well written short story about enemies to lovers. Thinking that they have nothing in common, Cameron and Chase have always always been on opposite sides until they get snowed in together at the ice rink. I really enjoyed this story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
This was a very well written short story about enemies to lovers. Thinking that they have nothing in common, Cameron and Chase have always always been on opposite sides until they get snowed in together at the ice rink. I really enjoyed this story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
February 9, 2021
Really enjoyed this sweet fast read! My long time boyfriend dumps me right before winter break so I'm stuck at school, and might as well practice my program for the up coming skating competition, when my nemesis and my ex's bestfriend Cameron shows up at the rink. He's a big burly hockey player who despises me, the next thing I know we're snowed in together and thinking maybe he doesn't hate me after all but only time will tell where we go from here.
February 7, 2021
Might have been a good idea but execution leaves something to be desired. Crappy editing too. Enemies to lovers is usually one of my favorite tropes but this one rings hollow.
Problems? Cameron is described as having jet black hair and then a page later he’s blonde! Hockey games are referred to as matches. Cameron refers to Chase as his boyfriend after one night together and no communication for a week after? Skipping a game for a college athlete? No way. It’s all just thrown together. Too bad because the premise had me hoping.
Problems? Cameron is described as having jet black hair and then a page later he’s blonde! Hockey games are referred to as matches. Cameron refers to Chase as his boyfriend after one night together and no communication for a week after? Skipping a game for a college athlete? No way. It’s all just thrown together. Too bad because the premise had me hoping.
February 11, 2021
Opposites attract m/m romance. Nice.
Freebie from author.
Freebie from author.
February 5, 2021
Winter Wonderland download. Per the author, a novelette; less than an hour read for me. Alternating POV for Chase and Cameron which came across as juvenile blather, not what I expected for college seniors. Some editing- both spelling and continuity- might make the writing less jarring, but I've rounded up my 2.5 stars somewhat grudgingly.
January 31, 2021
3,5/5
Voilà une courte nouvelle sur deux jeunes sportifs qui ne se supportent pas et qui doivent gérer une très courte cohabitation car une tempête de neige a tout bloqué.
C'est certes sans surprise, mais c'était très sympa et la fin est toute mignonne ^^
Voilà une courte nouvelle sur deux jeunes sportifs qui ne se supportent pas et qui doivent gérer une très courte cohabitation car une tempête de neige a tout bloqué.
C'est certes sans surprise, mais c'était très sympa et la fin est toute mignonne ^^
January 27, 2021
I liked this book. It was cute!
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