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Strictly on Ice
When falling in love comes with the risk of falling flat on your face ... Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is well known for her ‘ice queen’ persona in the press. On the face of it, perhaps Katie should have forgiven her former skating partner and ex-boyfriend, Alex Michaelson, for the accident that shattered both her ankle and their Olympic dreams – but she just can’t seem to let it go. When Katie reluctantly agrees to take part in a new TV skating show, it’s only because she’s desperate for cash. What she didn’t count on is the drama – not only is she partnered up with infamous love rat rugby player Jamie Welsh, but one of the judges is none other than Alex Michaelson himself. As the show progresses, will Katie be shown the hard way, once again, that romance on the ice should remain strictly off-limits?
245 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2021
14 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Helen Buckley
9 books25 followersEver since I was little I wanted to be a writer, to turn daydreams into books. Star in the Shadows is my first novel and I've signed a three-book contract with Choc Lit publishers to bring you more contemporary romances. I'm fascinated by fame, in love with Happy Ever Afters, and enthralled by slow-burn romances. I squeeze in time to write around looking after my two sons. Find out more about me on my website www.buckleybooks.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 8, 2021
4☆ Poignant, Inspiring and Beautifully Compelling!
If you love Dancing on Ice or just love dancing in general then this book is definitely right up your street! But don't be fooled by the cover this book is more than meets the eye!
Kate was a professional ice skater and former gold medalist, but after a tragic accident she thought she would never be able to skate again.... till now!
Until she's offered a place on a reality show.....Sport Star to Skate Star!
Where Professional Athletes are Paired with Professional Skaters and taught to skate with a chance of winning.
But Kate has never wanted to do anything like this before, but with her career over and the bills piling up, she doesn't have a choice but accept!
Ex Rugby Player Jamie hasn't had a job in a while and he's mental health is starting to take a toll on him, and his public image currently shattered.
So when he also gets invited to take part in the show, reluctantly he agrees.
This story isn't just about the light hearted side of dancing, it talks about mental health issues, loss, injury, media impact, starting over, personal growth, self love.
But it also features a heart warming slow build romance, friendship, competition and light hearted humour.
The story flits between Kate and Jamie, but we also get glimpses into their past life, career's, their passions and how their career's ended, which only strengthens the characters stories and made me warm to them even more.
The heartache, lies, trauma and loss they have both suffered really tugs at your emotions.
Overall Strictly on Ice is a Poignant, Inspiring, Beautifully Compelling story, dont be fooled by the title, this book packs a real punch and is so much more than just a Romance!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Choc Lit Publishing for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
If you love Dancing on Ice or just love dancing in general then this book is definitely right up your street! But don't be fooled by the cover this book is more than meets the eye!
Kate was a professional ice skater and former gold medalist, but after a tragic accident she thought she would never be able to skate again.... till now!
Until she's offered a place on a reality show.....Sport Star to Skate Star!
Where Professional Athletes are Paired with Professional Skaters and taught to skate with a chance of winning.
But Kate has never wanted to do anything like this before, but with her career over and the bills piling up, she doesn't have a choice but accept!
Ex Rugby Player Jamie hasn't had a job in a while and he's mental health is starting to take a toll on him, and his public image currently shattered.
So when he also gets invited to take part in the show, reluctantly he agrees.
This story isn't just about the light hearted side of dancing, it talks about mental health issues, loss, injury, media impact, starting over, personal growth, self love.
But it also features a heart warming slow build romance, friendship, competition and light hearted humour.
The story flits between Kate and Jamie, but we also get glimpses into their past life, career's, their passions and how their career's ended, which only strengthens the characters stories and made me warm to them even more.
The heartache, lies, trauma and loss they have both suffered really tugs at your emotions.
Overall Strictly on Ice is a Poignant, Inspiring, Beautifully Compelling story, dont be fooled by the title, this book packs a real punch and is so much more than just a Romance!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Choc Lit Publishing for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
April 11, 2021
If you are a fan of the television program, ‘Dancing on Ice’, then this will be a solid book-match for you! Just like the program, this book follows the televised competition, except this time the pairings are between sports personalities and the professional.
At first, I thought this book would be a sweet, romance story. However, Buckley offers a darker narrative and I think this made the story more enjoyable for me. Gone is the innocence of skating and (inevitably) falling in love, to be replaced by hidden behaviours and past secrets. Buckley has structured the narrative so that the first half of each chapter is in present day; the latter half switches to the past of both Katie and Jamie. It is here that we learn the truth behind these stars’ downfall and what made them lose favour with the public.
As I learned more about Katie’s past, her behaviour became more understandable. I sympathised with her throughout the story but did struggle to believe that she was only 23 years of age. In my opinion, Katie comes across as a lot older – it is like she has an old head on a young body. This is especially the case considering how much she has experienced at such a young age. I think her character would have worked if she was slightly more older; I think this also would add to the connection she establishes with Jamie during their training.
What I liked about this story was the fact that it was not solely about the ice skating competition. True, these scenes feature as the driving part of the narrative. but Buckley also focuses on the characters in the competition. I was particularly fascinated by the “behind the scenes” elements when we are witness to production and their driving to have ratings gold. The manipulation of the media and public interest was really shrewd and I was interested to see how production would cope after bombshell revelations.
I guess this book could be turned into a series to follow the next series of the ice skating program?! The novel concludes really well and finishes on a note of optimism for the future. It was lovely to see the change that Katie undergoes through the novel and I think the supporting cast of characters add to this sweet message. Both Katie and Jamie are strong protagonists and, whilst some elements of the story were a bit obvious, I was generally surprised by the direction that the narrative took. An enjoyable read.
With thanks to ChocLit and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At first, I thought this book would be a sweet, romance story. However, Buckley offers a darker narrative and I think this made the story more enjoyable for me. Gone is the innocence of skating and (inevitably) falling in love, to be replaced by hidden behaviours and past secrets. Buckley has structured the narrative so that the first half of each chapter is in present day; the latter half switches to the past of both Katie and Jamie. It is here that we learn the truth behind these stars’ downfall and what made them lose favour with the public.
As I learned more about Katie’s past, her behaviour became more understandable. I sympathised with her throughout the story but did struggle to believe that she was only 23 years of age. In my opinion, Katie comes across as a lot older – it is like she has an old head on a young body. This is especially the case considering how much she has experienced at such a young age. I think her character would have worked if she was slightly more older; I think this also would add to the connection she establishes with Jamie during their training.
What I liked about this story was the fact that it was not solely about the ice skating competition. True, these scenes feature as the driving part of the narrative. but Buckley also focuses on the characters in the competition. I was particularly fascinated by the “behind the scenes” elements when we are witness to production and their driving to have ratings gold. The manipulation of the media and public interest was really shrewd and I was interested to see how production would cope after bombshell revelations.
I guess this book could be turned into a series to follow the next series of the ice skating program?! The novel concludes really well and finishes on a note of optimism for the future. It was lovely to see the change that Katie undergoes through the novel and I think the supporting cast of characters add to this sweet message. Both Katie and Jamie are strong protagonists and, whilst some elements of the story were a bit obvious, I was generally surprised by the direction that the narrative took. An enjoyable read.
With thanks to ChocLit and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2021
It is always a rare treat to meet a book that surprises you. Here I was, expecting a laid back romance and what did I find? A story so evocative and nerve-racking that I finished half of it pacing through my room, kindle on hand, everything else forgotten. As you have rightly assumed, this is no story for work nights.
A seemingly innocent reality show and an opportunity for past lovers to reunite. What is there to go wrong? On one side, we have handsome, charismatic AlexMichaelson, the public's favourite and on the other, the clumsy Jamie Welsh, notorious for cheating his wife. Well, another lesson to not believe everything on the papers.
What makes this novel special is the delicate and daring way the author handled the issue of domestic violence and the exploitation of a young girl that made it close to reality. I have heard of similar things happening with actresses, especially those who taste fame at a very young age. Well, maybe we don't have to look that far for instances, it could be anyone around us, trapped and dependent with no way out.
From beginning to the very end, this had been an enlightening read and the narration which juxtaposed the present and the past only heightened the feeling that this is one of the best books I read this year.
A seemingly innocent reality show and an opportunity for past lovers to reunite. What is there to go wrong? On one side, we have handsome, charismatic AlexMichaelson, the public's favourite and on the other, the clumsy Jamie Welsh, notorious for cheating his wife. Well, another lesson to not believe everything on the papers.
What makes this novel special is the delicate and daring way the author handled the issue of domestic violence and the exploitation of a young girl that made it close to reality. I have heard of similar things happening with actresses, especially those who taste fame at a very young age. Well, maybe we don't have to look that far for instances, it could be anyone around us, trapped and dependent with no way out.
From beginning to the very end, this had been an enlightening read and the narration which juxtaposed the present and the past only heightened the feeling that this is one of the best books I read this year.
March 9, 2021
Loved, loved, loved this! When can this be a real show?! Playing on the reality success of Dancing On Ice, but with a twist, this was a wonderful story that puts 2 former sports stars together for a TV show and waiting to see what happens! Will there be arguments? Romance? And will it help them heal their pasts?
Katie is a former Olympic ice skater, whose career was tragically ended by an awful accident. She has spent the years since being unable to move on or forget her dreams, and that has led her to this stage in her life where she has to accept an offer from a TV show for the money. She has already refused previous offers, so it's a big coup for the TV show when she accepts this one.
And then there is Jamie, a former Rugby international, who has also suffered in the years after his career finished. They have both experienced major disappointments in the world of sport, so maybe that shared bond will allow them to relate to one another - and not to believe the press perceptions that have been allowed to grow over the years.
What I loved about this story was as well as the experience they both get from this reality show, we also see flashbacks into their previous lives - the training, the dedication, the sacrifices, the mistakes - and that really builds up the connection you have with them as characters. You can understand their reluctance to open up to one another in the beginning, but the more time they spend together,the more they begin to understand each other and realise there is more to them than they've been led to believe from press attention.
This was one of those books that I raced through and was reluctant to put down at all! It has the excitement of a real reality show as you see how they progress from week to week, alongside the human side of their story and some very shocking revelations that just goes to show you shouldn't believe everything you read about people!
Strictly Superb!!
Katie is a former Olympic ice skater, whose career was tragically ended by an awful accident. She has spent the years since being unable to move on or forget her dreams, and that has led her to this stage in her life where she has to accept an offer from a TV show for the money. She has already refused previous offers, so it's a big coup for the TV show when she accepts this one.
And then there is Jamie, a former Rugby international, who has also suffered in the years after his career finished. They have both experienced major disappointments in the world of sport, so maybe that shared bond will allow them to relate to one another - and not to believe the press perceptions that have been allowed to grow over the years.
What I loved about this story was as well as the experience they both get from this reality show, we also see flashbacks into their previous lives - the training, the dedication, the sacrifices, the mistakes - and that really builds up the connection you have with them as characters. You can understand their reluctance to open up to one another in the beginning, but the more time they spend together,the more they begin to understand each other and realise there is more to them than they've been led to believe from press attention.
This was one of those books that I raced through and was reluctant to put down at all! It has the excitement of a real reality show as you see how they progress from week to week, alongside the human side of their story and some very shocking revelations that just goes to show you shouldn't believe everything you read about people!
Strictly Superb!!
March 3, 2021
I was attracted to this book because I love Strictly Come Dancing. I have to admit I don't watch the ice dance version of it quite so much as I am always really nervous in case one of the contestants falls on the ice. This is what happened to the main character of this book, Katie. Katie was once an ice princess, an outstanding skater who could do no wrong, a gold medallist no less. But following a terrible accident which ended her career, she soon developed a reputation as an ice queen with a frosty attitude to the press. Her real life relationship with her ice dance partner Alex also turned cold as she refused to have anything more to do with him.
This was such an interesting story and there were several aspects to it which I didn't expect at all. Katie has really become down on her luck following her accident and it's only desperation for income that makes her take up a place on the TV reality show Sport Star to Skate Star. The idea is that all the celebrities involved have been sports stars or athletes and they train instead to become ice-skaters. Katie's partner is the handsome ex-rugby player Jamie who cheated on his wife - or so the tabloids would have you believe.
I enjoyed reading about both these characters, their motivations for getting involved in the show and following their progress from their initial practice and through the shows themselves. The friendly, and not so friendly rivalry, between the contestants was entertaining to read about. I particularly enjoyed the sections at the end of the chapters where we got to learn about Katie and Jamie in the past and what had led them to where they are right now. For both of them, it starts to become clear that things are not always how they have appeared.
Strictly Ice Dancing is a book for fans of Strictly Come Dancing, of course, and Dancing on Ice. It's a lovely slow burn romance with some more serious issues involved. It's an easy to read, enjoyable book with a really feel-good ending.
This was such an interesting story and there were several aspects to it which I didn't expect at all. Katie has really become down on her luck following her accident and it's only desperation for income that makes her take up a place on the TV reality show Sport Star to Skate Star. The idea is that all the celebrities involved have been sports stars or athletes and they train instead to become ice-skaters. Katie's partner is the handsome ex-rugby player Jamie who cheated on his wife - or so the tabloids would have you believe.
I enjoyed reading about both these characters, their motivations for getting involved in the show and following their progress from their initial practice and through the shows themselves. The friendly, and not so friendly rivalry, between the contestants was entertaining to read about. I particularly enjoyed the sections at the end of the chapters where we got to learn about Katie and Jamie in the past and what had led them to where they are right now. For both of them, it starts to become clear that things are not always how they have appeared.
Strictly Ice Dancing is a book for fans of Strictly Come Dancing, of course, and Dancing on Ice. It's a lovely slow burn romance with some more serious issues involved. It's an easy to read, enjoyable book with a really feel-good ending.
February 6, 2021
I found much to love about this book: the figure skating theme, of course, but also the slow-burn romance (my favourite kind) and an interesting structure that allows us to find out, in the second part of each chapter, what happened to Katie (most often) or Jamie when they were at the top of their respective careers instead of reluctantly paired for a Dancing-on-Ice-like TV show that might help them show they don't deserve the bad reputation the media gave them. We even get some glimpses into the production team's schemes. I really enjoyed all that... and the last couple of chapters were among my favourite parts, but I can't say why without revealing too much.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2021
'Ice Queen' Katie gets roped into a new celebrity ice skating show where her ex is on the judging panel. Helping break the tension is her skating partner, ex-rugby star Jamie.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is split between two narrators, with chapters dedicated to the current timeline, and revealing the history that still affects our main characters.
Katie is in her early twenties, but she has already lived a full life. With her stubborn determination, she became the best female skater in the UK; then became part of a pair that were supposed to be the new Torvill and Dean. With her professional partner and boyfriend Alex, they were heading for the Olympics.
An accident in their routine left Katie with a career-ending injury. She withdrew from the media spotlight, and swore she would never speak to Alex again. Until they are in a show together.
Jamie is in his thirties. A few years ago he was a notorious love-rat, who made a fool of himself by going on a bender before the World Cup final. After ruining his own career and marriage, he's now a washed-up, unfit ex-rugby player.
He agrees to go on the skating show, because he wants to put his past behind him. And his mum is a huge Dancing on Ice fan!
I really enjoyed this, and loved the emphasis on the growing friendship between Katie and Jamie.
I felt sorry for Katie - concentrating solely on her skill as a skater, she never had time to make friends, and never connected with the people she competed against. Having lost her father, and no contact with Alex, Katie is alone, and you get the feeling that she doesn't know how to maker friends.
Jamie on the other hand, has a big group of family and friends. To begin with, their training sessions only confirm Katie's 'Ice Queen' persona; but Jamie is just the support that Katie needs.
Strictly on Ice takes a very good look at the power of the media. Both Katie and Jamie have lived public lives, and both been the victim of the media's twisted stories, that the public have lapped up, thinking they know them.
I loved how Katie's story was approached. I don't want to say what happens, because that would spoil it; but the author did an amazing job of drip-feeding the truth behind everything.
It is such a timely story, and there was a great balance between the darkness and empowerment.
Jamie's story did take a bit of a back seat, and I felt that his character was there to support Katie. But that never bothered me, I still enjoyed his narrative.
I really liked the ending - two professional sports people that recognise what they want to achieve in their careers, and won't let their budding relationship get in the way.
I thought it made a refreshing change!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is split between two narrators, with chapters dedicated to the current timeline, and revealing the history that still affects our main characters.
Katie is in her early twenties, but she has already lived a full life. With her stubborn determination, she became the best female skater in the UK; then became part of a pair that were supposed to be the new Torvill and Dean. With her professional partner and boyfriend Alex, they were heading for the Olympics.
An accident in their routine left Katie with a career-ending injury. She withdrew from the media spotlight, and swore she would never speak to Alex again. Until they are in a show together.
Jamie is in his thirties. A few years ago he was a notorious love-rat, who made a fool of himself by going on a bender before the World Cup final. After ruining his own career and marriage, he's now a washed-up, unfit ex-rugby player.
He agrees to go on the skating show, because he wants to put his past behind him. And his mum is a huge Dancing on Ice fan!
I really enjoyed this, and loved the emphasis on the growing friendship between Katie and Jamie.
I felt sorry for Katie - concentrating solely on her skill as a skater, she never had time to make friends, and never connected with the people she competed against. Having lost her father, and no contact with Alex, Katie is alone, and you get the feeling that she doesn't know how to maker friends.
Jamie on the other hand, has a big group of family and friends. To begin with, their training sessions only confirm Katie's 'Ice Queen' persona; but Jamie is just the support that Katie needs.
Strictly on Ice takes a very good look at the power of the media. Both Katie and Jamie have lived public lives, and both been the victim of the media's twisted stories, that the public have lapped up, thinking they know them.
I loved how Katie's story was approached. I don't want to say what happens, because that would spoil it; but the author did an amazing job of drip-feeding the truth behind everything.
It is such a timely story, and there was a great balance between the darkness and empowerment.
Jamie's story did take a bit of a back seat, and I felt that his character was there to support Katie. But that never bothered me, I still enjoyed his narrative.
I really liked the ending - two professional sports people that recognise what they want to achieve in their careers, and won't let their budding relationship get in the way.
I thought it made a refreshing change!
April 5, 2021
Well, what a lovely read! This might not be the first book I’ve read based around a competitive TV show, but its focus on the world of ice skating was something a little different, and really quite fascinating.
Sport Star to Skate Star pairs up professional skaters with former athletes and sports stars, rather than the usual showbiz celebrities, and securing ice queen Katie as one of their professionals is a particular coup. She left the circuit after an injury that ended her career, and has shunned the limelight ever since, blaming her dance partner Alex for the accident that caused it and breaking off any contact. But she now really needs the money, and is paired up for the show with Jamie, an ex rugby star with a chequered past who’s as familiar with being in the tabloid headlines as often as she is, for all the wrong reasons. But the production team can see a way of boosting the press coverage of the show – with some really good insights into the rather nasty world of publicity and TV ratings – and the experience becomes considerably more uncomfortable for Katie than she ever expected.
I really felt for Katie – as well as losing everything along with her skating career, she carries the sadness of losing the father who nurtured her early career, and we get the opportunity to see how empty her life really is behind the frosty and forbidding exterior. Jamie’s an excellent character too – while he might carry some of the blame for the current low point in his life, he’s certainly not the bad boy and love rat painted by the press, and deeply regrets the loss of his marriage. Unlike Katie, he’s not entirely alone – he has a loving family, and the interactions between them allow you to see that he’s really rather more of a misunderstood nice guy.
The story’s told in the “now” and “then”, and I enjoyed the insights gained into the earlier lives and experiences of both characters – it helped them to be fully rounded, to understand how they both became so damaged, and to build sympathy for two individuals whose lives that have gone seriously wrong. Some of the issues were considerably more serious than I’d expected – this is much more than the light read it appears to be at first – and give real depth to the story and characters, with one particularly disturbing scenario extremely well handled.
The central romance is a slow burn one, an increasing trust and closeness both on and off the ice that gradually builds into something more, and I really did enjoy that. And I also particularly loved the last quarter of the book, which ties up the overall story quite perfectly – really heartwarming and thoroughly uplifting, satisfyingly emotional, and yes, a real lump in the throat and a few tears. I’ll very much look forward to reading more from Helen Buckley – this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sport Star to Skate Star pairs up professional skaters with former athletes and sports stars, rather than the usual showbiz celebrities, and securing ice queen Katie as one of their professionals is a particular coup. She left the circuit after an injury that ended her career, and has shunned the limelight ever since, blaming her dance partner Alex for the accident that caused it and breaking off any contact. But she now really needs the money, and is paired up for the show with Jamie, an ex rugby star with a chequered past who’s as familiar with being in the tabloid headlines as often as she is, for all the wrong reasons. But the production team can see a way of boosting the press coverage of the show – with some really good insights into the rather nasty world of publicity and TV ratings – and the experience becomes considerably more uncomfortable for Katie than she ever expected.
I really felt for Katie – as well as losing everything along with her skating career, she carries the sadness of losing the father who nurtured her early career, and we get the opportunity to see how empty her life really is behind the frosty and forbidding exterior. Jamie’s an excellent character too – while he might carry some of the blame for the current low point in his life, he’s certainly not the bad boy and love rat painted by the press, and deeply regrets the loss of his marriage. Unlike Katie, he’s not entirely alone – he has a loving family, and the interactions between them allow you to see that he’s really rather more of a misunderstood nice guy.
The story’s told in the “now” and “then”, and I enjoyed the insights gained into the earlier lives and experiences of both characters – it helped them to be fully rounded, to understand how they both became so damaged, and to build sympathy for two individuals whose lives that have gone seriously wrong. Some of the issues were considerably more serious than I’d expected – this is much more than the light read it appears to be at first – and give real depth to the story and characters, with one particularly disturbing scenario extremely well handled.
The central romance is a slow burn one, an increasing trust and closeness both on and off the ice that gradually builds into something more, and I really did enjoy that. And I also particularly loved the last quarter of the book, which ties up the overall story quite perfectly – really heartwarming and thoroughly uplifting, satisfyingly emotional, and yes, a real lump in the throat and a few tears. I’ll very much look forward to reading more from Helen Buckley – this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 16, 2023
3,5
Un libro simple pero tierno e inspirador. Bastante bien para un libro que encontré de pura casualidad buscando historias sobre patinadores.
Hay una linda variedad de personajes y mucho tea como es de esperarse de una historia que transcurre en un reality show.
Esta narrado intercalando capítulos del presente con capítulos del pasado que explican lo que le ocurrió a cada uno de los personajes por lo que te vas enterando de a poco cómo llegaron a ese punto. Me pareció una buena idea por parte de la autora pero me hubiera gustado que los capítulos del presente fueran un poco más largos, la mitad del libro fueron más cortos que los del pasado y a veces te olvidabas que los protagonistas se deberían estar enamorando. No sentí que el romance fuera apresurado pero si poco desarrollado, me faltaron más escenas de bonding entre los protagonistas.
De todas formas, el romance fue bello y en general fue una historia muy linda y rápida de leer.
Como patinadora amateur y fanática del patinaje le doy el visto bueno.
Un libro simple pero tierno e inspirador. Bastante bien para un libro que encontré de pura casualidad buscando historias sobre patinadores.
Hay una linda variedad de personajes y mucho tea como es de esperarse de una historia que transcurre en un reality show.
Esta narrado intercalando capítulos del presente con capítulos del pasado que explican lo que le ocurrió a cada uno de los personajes por lo que te vas enterando de a poco cómo llegaron a ese punto. Me pareció una buena idea por parte de la autora pero me hubiera gustado que los capítulos del presente fueran un poco más largos, la mitad del libro fueron más cortos que los del pasado y a veces te olvidabas que los protagonistas se deberían estar enamorando. No sentí que el romance fuera apresurado pero si poco desarrollado, me faltaron más escenas de bonding entre los protagonistas.
De todas formas, el romance fue bello y en general fue una historia muy linda y rápida de leer.
Como patinadora amateur y fanática del patinaje le doy el visto bueno.
June 28, 2024
Check TWs before you read this book!
I enjoyed this book so much. It was really fast paced and I read it in a day! There were so many parts I absolutely adored and parts that made me want to scream and throat punch a certain someone. I just wish that I could see more of the couple together. But it was fun and sweet.
I enjoyed this book so much. It was really fast paced and I read it in a day! There were so many parts I absolutely adored and parts that made me want to scream and throat punch a certain someone. I just wish that I could see more of the couple together. But it was fun and sweet.
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars
TW: domestic violence/emotional and physical abuse
This was a major impulse buy when I saw it on sale for 35c - I picked it up purely based on the cover and my excitement for Dancing on Ice’s return this month without even reading the blurb on the back.
Expecting a cutesy enemies/rivals to lovers style romance, I was really pleasantly surprised at the development of the plot in this book. It definitely took turns I wasn’t expecting and was more focused on Katie’s journey to reclaim her life than a new relationship. I was so glad Katie got her HEA and would recommend this as a quick and emotional read!
TW: domestic violence/emotional and physical abuse
This was a major impulse buy when I saw it on sale for 35c - I picked it up purely based on the cover and my excitement for Dancing on Ice’s return this month without even reading the blurb on the back.
Expecting a cutesy enemies/rivals to lovers style romance, I was really pleasantly surprised at the development of the plot in this book. It definitely took turns I wasn’t expecting and was more focused on Katie’s journey to reclaim her life than a new relationship. I was so glad Katie got her HEA and would recommend this as a quick and emotional read!
February 6, 2022
Tak tohle bylo velmi lovely. Na konci jsem čekala malinko větší boom, ale bylo to moc milé. Děj má dvě časové osy a krasne se navzajem doplnovaly, obě měly perfektní timing. S druhou třetinou začalo plno dramatu… Obecně je kniha spis drama než romantická novela. Mírně odtažitý styl psaní, ale to bude britskou angličtinou a tím ze je to psáno v er-formě. Ale moc se mi líbilo, ze autorka se soustředila na obě postavy. Oba měli něco do sebe.
August 30, 2021
I liked the characters and it ended well but the pain and fear Katie had to go through made me sick with dread for too much of the book for me to be able to enjoy it.
September 6, 2021
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Don’t be sidetracked by the lovely cover or the idea of an ice skating/ice dance competition show – Strictly on Ice packs a powerful, long-lasting emotional punch as we discover the reality behind the headlines of these two formerly famous (now infamous) sports professionals. Katie was on her way to a probable Olympic Gold medal along with her boyfriend and partner, Alex. But that was before the fall that ended Katie’s dreams and her career. She has blamed Alex for the accident and has never spoken to him from that disastrous moment onward. Jamie was riding high on the anticipation of a major rugby game the next day and let himself get so caught up in the moment the night before that one mistake would cost him everything. He’s lost his wife and his career.
Each agrees to go on the reality show for slightly different reasons, and neither expected what would develop between them.
Strictly on Ice is so many things wrapped up in one story. A romance, yes, but also a look into the darker side of sports the one beyond all the sparkly glitz that the public sees on competition day. And also, another look at just how badly the media can spin nothing into something that can destroy lives. I think if you pick up this book thinking you’re getting a nice little romantic adventure then you’re going to be gobsmacked rather quickly.
Katie and Jamie are real people in the sense that I’m sure we all can look at a celebrity we think we know all about because of the press… but the reality is far, far different. They have dealt with what happened to them in their own personal coping manner – neither is right nor wrong, it just is their way. As we continue through Strictly on Ice we’ll have the story of their developing relationship and the current competition… but we’ll also get (towards the end of that same chapter) a flashback look at what brought them to this place, Katie’s devotion to the ice above everything else and Jamie’s reality vs the media coverage. We’ll get to see what really happened slowly, surely until it all clicks together.
I, frankly, devoured this story in one night. It’s eye-opening at times, hopeful at other times, and filled with possibilities for the future. I think this story will surprise many readers, perhaps open a few eyes to the world behind the sport they love watching. There are very real issues discussed within this story, some will break your heart. Yet that only made Katie’s and Jamie’s journey more realistic, believable, and gave us the chance to have a bit of empathy for them. I enjoyed myself in this world very much. I hope you’ll take a chance on their romance, you’ll be surprised but you’ll also love every moment spent in their world – even the difficult ones.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Don’t be sidetracked by the lovely cover or the idea of an ice skating/ice dance competition show – Strictly on Ice packs a powerful, long-lasting emotional punch as we discover the reality behind the headlines of these two formerly famous (now infamous) sports professionals. Katie was on her way to a probable Olympic Gold medal along with her boyfriend and partner, Alex. But that was before the fall that ended Katie’s dreams and her career. She has blamed Alex for the accident and has never spoken to him from that disastrous moment onward. Jamie was riding high on the anticipation of a major rugby game the next day and let himself get so caught up in the moment the night before that one mistake would cost him everything. He’s lost his wife and his career.
Each agrees to go on the reality show for slightly different reasons, and neither expected what would develop between them.
Strictly on Ice is so many things wrapped up in one story. A romance, yes, but also a look into the darker side of sports the one beyond all the sparkly glitz that the public sees on competition day. And also, another look at just how badly the media can spin nothing into something that can destroy lives. I think if you pick up this book thinking you’re getting a nice little romantic adventure then you’re going to be gobsmacked rather quickly.
Katie and Jamie are real people in the sense that I’m sure we all can look at a celebrity we think we know all about because of the press… but the reality is far, far different. They have dealt with what happened to them in their own personal coping manner – neither is right nor wrong, it just is their way. As we continue through Strictly on Ice we’ll have the story of their developing relationship and the current competition… but we’ll also get (towards the end of that same chapter) a flashback look at what brought them to this place, Katie’s devotion to the ice above everything else and Jamie’s reality vs the media coverage. We’ll get to see what really happened slowly, surely until it all clicks together.
I, frankly, devoured this story in one night. It’s eye-opening at times, hopeful at other times, and filled with possibilities for the future. I think this story will surprise many readers, perhaps open a few eyes to the world behind the sport they love watching. There are very real issues discussed within this story, some will break your heart. Yet that only made Katie’s and Jamie’s journey more realistic, believable, and gave us the chance to have a bit of empathy for them. I enjoyed myself in this world very much. I hope you’ll take a chance on their romance, you’ll be surprised but you’ll also love every moment spent in their world – even the difficult ones.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
January 31, 2022
3.5 stars ⭐️
As a figure skater myself (although nowhere near Katie’s level) I was SO excited to stumble across Strictly On Ice in my local The Works shop. Figure skating fiction is incredibly rare, especially for adults, so I was really looking forward to reading this!
The first half of the book I enjoyed throughly. Helen has a style of writing that is very descriptive, taking time to properly describe the appearance of each and every character so you can really picture them in your head. I especially loved the descriptions of food and scents within this book - I’d die for one of the banana milkshakes right now!
The second half of the book did disappoint me. The whole premise of the show felt rushed, and I would have really enjoyed more coverage of Katie and Jamie’s routines themselves. The author’s descriptive style would have really lent to writing more about their music, their costumes, how the routines actually went. Although that may be the figure skater in me, it was disappointing that most chapters started with the results of the week, and not the skating itself.
⚠️ TW here for rape, domestic abuse and gaslighting ⚠️
I also feel we could have very much done without the domestic abuse storyline. Reading it made me feel sick, and for a character that had already lost her parents and her chance at winning the olympics. What really threw me was the hints at and depiction of date-rape , I felt it was too much. Strictly On Ice would have still been a fun, fluffy read without any of that, and I do feel it spoiled it for me after the first half.
My final critique is that there were a LOT of secondary characters. Even after reading and re-reading introductions, I still got lost and tended to flick over any talk of the other contestants/skaters/judges/TV people as they all blurred into one!
Overall I did enjoy reading Strictly On Ice, and will look into Helen’s other books as I feel they will be my taste! Maybe my expectations were a little too high, but I would recommend it to other skaters and skating fans.
(Extra half a ⭐️ added for the fabulous detail of all the Lucozade she gets through during practice! Extremely realistic!)
As a figure skater myself (although nowhere near Katie’s level) I was SO excited to stumble across Strictly On Ice in my local The Works shop. Figure skating fiction is incredibly rare, especially for adults, so I was really looking forward to reading this!
The first half of the book I enjoyed throughly. Helen has a style of writing that is very descriptive, taking time to properly describe the appearance of each and every character so you can really picture them in your head. I especially loved the descriptions of food and scents within this book - I’d die for one of the banana milkshakes right now!
The second half of the book did disappoint me. The whole premise of the show felt rushed, and I would have really enjoyed more coverage of Katie and Jamie’s routines themselves. The author’s descriptive style would have really lent to writing more about their music, their costumes, how the routines actually went. Although that may be the figure skater in me, it was disappointing that most chapters started with the results of the week, and not the skating itself.
⚠️ TW here for rape, domestic abuse and gaslighting ⚠️
I also feel we could have very much done without the domestic abuse storyline. Reading it made me feel sick, and for a character that had already lost her parents and her chance at winning the olympics. What really threw me was the hints at and depiction of date-rape , I felt it was too much. Strictly On Ice would have still been a fun, fluffy read without any of that, and I do feel it spoiled it for me after the first half.
My final critique is that there were a LOT of secondary characters. Even after reading and re-reading introductions, I still got lost and tended to flick over any talk of the other contestants/skaters/judges/TV people as they all blurred into one!
Overall I did enjoy reading Strictly On Ice, and will look into Helen’s other books as I feel they will be my taste! Maybe my expectations were a little too high, but I would recommend it to other skaters and skating fans.
(Extra half a ⭐️ added for the fabulous detail of all the Lucozade she gets through during practice! Extremely realistic!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2021
What do you get when you pair an angry Ice Queen figure skater with a washed-up Love Rat rugby player? Lots of angst, insecurities, and a buttload of surprising hidden truths.
Katie is so lonely and trapped in a life she doesn't deserve. Her career as a figure skater was cut short when she broke her ankle in a fall and her skating partner left her. With no friends or family, she is barely scraping by when she gets an opportunity to skate again with an out-of-shape rugby player. It's not ideal, but the money is good and she is skating again with a titanium ankle. Unfortunately, her ex-partner and beloved media star Alex is a judge and wants her back.
With the support of his wonderful family, Jamie accepts the offer to skate on the new reality show to get out of the rut his life is in. However, his skating partner has been dubbed the ice queen by the media and it's not going to be easy. But he knows from personal experience that not everything is what it seems.
At first, Katie seems like a cold and disagreeable bitch, but when her story is slowly revealed my heart broke for her and her devastating secret as she goes home alone and just survives from day to day. Watching Katie's courageous admission to the public is inspiring and well done as it motivates her to become the star she is meant to be. Jamie is a good man who made some bad choices that led to losing his career and losing his wife due to his fame and the media. With their shared bond of past disappointments, sacrifices, and distrust of the media, Katie and Jamie's attraction slowly builds resulting in a rewarding ending.
The story effectively juxtaposes the present and past as we see the successes and hardships the two protagonists go through in their lives. I was also drawn to the competition to find out who wins from week to week.
I recommend this compelling and poignant book for those who believe in truth and love. It will shock you, anger you, and give you a happy ending.
Thank you to Ms. Buckley for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Katie is so lonely and trapped in a life she doesn't deserve. Her career as a figure skater was cut short when she broke her ankle in a fall and her skating partner left her. With no friends or family, she is barely scraping by when she gets an opportunity to skate again with an out-of-shape rugby player. It's not ideal, but the money is good and she is skating again with a titanium ankle. Unfortunately, her ex-partner and beloved media star Alex is a judge and wants her back.
With the support of his wonderful family, Jamie accepts the offer to skate on the new reality show to get out of the rut his life is in. However, his skating partner has been dubbed the ice queen by the media and it's not going to be easy. But he knows from personal experience that not everything is what it seems.
At first, Katie seems like a cold and disagreeable bitch, but when her story is slowly revealed my heart broke for her and her devastating secret as she goes home alone and just survives from day to day. Watching Katie's courageous admission to the public is inspiring and well done as it motivates her to become the star she is meant to be. Jamie is a good man who made some bad choices that led to losing his career and losing his wife due to his fame and the media. With their shared bond of past disappointments, sacrifices, and distrust of the media, Katie and Jamie's attraction slowly builds resulting in a rewarding ending.
The story effectively juxtaposes the present and past as we see the successes and hardships the two protagonists go through in their lives. I was also drawn to the competition to find out who wins from week to week.
I recommend this compelling and poignant book for those who believe in truth and love. It will shock you, anger you, and give you a happy ending.
Thank you to Ms. Buckley for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
April 12, 2021
Strictly On Ice by Helen Buckley is a heartwarming romance on ice! I really enjoyed this book.
Kate is a former Olympic ice skater. Her career ended when she had an accident, caused by her skating partner. Since then she has struggled to move on, being offered a part in a new TV skating show, she decides to accept...for the money.
She is paired with Jamie an ex-rugby player who has suffered after his career ended too. Kate didn't expect to be paired with Jamie, his reputation precedes him. Over the weeks of being in close contact and the intensive training they have to do for the show, they grow close as friends as they have both suffered heartache previously. As the story unfolds we also get to see flashbacks from their previous careers and lives. We see the dedication, the training, the sacrifices they made and even their mistakes along the way. This really gave me a connection with them and I saw them gaining a bond slowly. It was almost like a realisation dawning when they began to understand each other and see there is more depth to them than the media led them to believe. As the programme gets closer to the end the media attention intensifies and concentrates mainly on Kate and her ex-partner and off course Jamie. Can they cope with the pressure of everything and win this thing...and each other?
A fabulous read that had me entranced. I was carried away with Kate and Jamie on their ice skating journey as they skated their way through the show, improving as they went. I really had the feeling of being a part of a reality show but with the added extra of seeing their lifes at the same time. It ain't all strawberries and sunshine though, there are some truths told that just show...don't believe everything the media say or write.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Choc Lit publishers for the copy of the book.
Kate is a former Olympic ice skater. Her career ended when she had an accident, caused by her skating partner. Since then she has struggled to move on, being offered a part in a new TV skating show, she decides to accept...for the money.
She is paired with Jamie an ex-rugby player who has suffered after his career ended too. Kate didn't expect to be paired with Jamie, his reputation precedes him. Over the weeks of being in close contact and the intensive training they have to do for the show, they grow close as friends as they have both suffered heartache previously. As the story unfolds we also get to see flashbacks from their previous careers and lives. We see the dedication, the training, the sacrifices they made and even their mistakes along the way. This really gave me a connection with them and I saw them gaining a bond slowly. It was almost like a realisation dawning when they began to understand each other and see there is more depth to them than the media led them to believe. As the programme gets closer to the end the media attention intensifies and concentrates mainly on Kate and her ex-partner and off course Jamie. Can they cope with the pressure of everything and win this thing...and each other?
A fabulous read that had me entranced. I was carried away with Kate and Jamie on their ice skating journey as they skated their way through the show, improving as they went. I really had the feeling of being a part of a reality show but with the added extra of seeing their lifes at the same time. It ain't all strawberries and sunshine though, there are some truths told that just show...don't believe everything the media say or write.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Choc Lit publishers for the copy of the book.
April 9, 2021
Strictly on ice - @helencatherinebuckley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When falling in love comes with the risk of falling flat on your face ...
Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is well known for her ‘ice queen’ persona in the press. On the face of it, perhaps Katie should have forgiven her former skating partner and ex-boyfriend, Alex Michaelson, for the accident that shattered both her ankle and their Olympic dreams – but she just can’t seem to let it go.
When Katie reluctantly agrees to take part in a new TV skating show, it’s only because she’s desperate for cash. What she didn’t count on is the drama – not only is she partnered up with infamous love rat rugby player Jamie Welsh, but one of the judges is none other than Alex Michaelson himself.
As the show progresses, will Katie be shown the hard way, once again, that romance on the ice should remain strictly off-limits?
💭 My thoughts 💭
I really enjoyed the book and immediately felt like I knew the characters personally. I loved how to story developed with lots of drama and revelations throughout. I also like how Helen flicked between past and present to tell the back story of the history between Katie and Alex. Whilst reading this book I felt I was watching a behind the scenes documentary to the strictly on ice show. A lovely, slow burner romance that I would hugely recommend to all if your looking for a light, fluffy enjoyable read 💗
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When falling in love comes with the risk of falling flat on your face ...
Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is well known for her ‘ice queen’ persona in the press. On the face of it, perhaps Katie should have forgiven her former skating partner and ex-boyfriend, Alex Michaelson, for the accident that shattered both her ankle and their Olympic dreams – but she just can’t seem to let it go.
When Katie reluctantly agrees to take part in a new TV skating show, it’s only because she’s desperate for cash. What she didn’t count on is the drama – not only is she partnered up with infamous love rat rugby player Jamie Welsh, but one of the judges is none other than Alex Michaelson himself.
As the show progresses, will Katie be shown the hard way, once again, that romance on the ice should remain strictly off-limits?
💭 My thoughts 💭
I really enjoyed the book and immediately felt like I knew the characters personally. I loved how to story developed with lots of drama and revelations throughout. I also like how Helen flicked between past and present to tell the back story of the history between Katie and Alex. Whilst reading this book I felt I was watching a behind the scenes documentary to the strictly on ice show. A lovely, slow burner romance that I would hugely recommend to all if your looking for a light, fluffy enjoyable read 💗
January 8, 2023
There are quite a lot of reviews of this book. I chose this book because of its subject matter as my hobby is ice skating. On starting this book I thought it seemed to be plotless and story less and very much like celebrity TV. I began to wonder how low a star rating I was going to have to give it because nothing of any substance was happening. I very very rarely give up on books, a handful at the most.
However do not be fooled, this book is a wolf in sheep's clothing!
As the story progressed certain events started to happen and one character began to reveal their true self. I had to finish this book today because I left it in the middle of something happening. I kept wanting to tell the person affected to be careful etc. It's not a thriller but it is gripping and although not written in a fast paced way it slowly builds and you find yourself having to carry on reading because you are desperate for one of the characters.
This was an aspect of the book I was just not expecting!
All I can say is this novel needs to be read and if you recognise yourself in this book or anyone you know hopefully this will encourage people to get help and speak out.
I have another Helen Buckley to read at some point and if it is as good as this one it will be worth the wait. We are only at the start of this year and this book could well be high on my best books already. Such a good read and a definite recommend.
However do not be fooled, this book is a wolf in sheep's clothing!
As the story progressed certain events started to happen and one character began to reveal their true self. I had to finish this book today because I left it in the middle of something happening. I kept wanting to tell the person affected to be careful etc. It's not a thriller but it is gripping and although not written in a fast paced way it slowly builds and you find yourself having to carry on reading because you are desperate for one of the characters.
This was an aspect of the book I was just not expecting!
All I can say is this novel needs to be read and if you recognise yourself in this book or anyone you know hopefully this will encourage people to get help and speak out.
I have another Helen Buckley to read at some point and if it is as good as this one it will be worth the wait. We are only at the start of this year and this book could well be high on my best books already. Such a good read and a definite recommend.
August 30, 2021
I was persuaded to buy this book because the author shares a name with someone I work with, and it was on offer at 99p. I was not disappointed.
Katie Saunders is a former Olympic figure skater whose athletic career was cut short by a terrible accident. She has been forced by a lack of money to appear on a new celebrity ice skating show, very similar to Dancing on Ice but where the celebrities are former sportspeople (eg no soap stars, musicians etc).
Jamie Welsh is a former England rugby player who fell from grace after failing to score the winning try (I think) at the World Cup and being branded a love cheat which led to the failure of his marriage. Although significantly better off than Katie, Jamie has also been persuaded to appear on Strictly on Ice by the money as his luxurious home is not cheap to maintain and the celebrity endorsements have dried up.
The show's producers have decided to liven up the ratings by bringing on Katie's former doubles skating partner Alex Michaelson at the last minute as a judge to fuel public speculation about a potential romantic reunion.
Told partially in flashbacks and partially in real time, watch Jamie and Katie as they make their way through the series and deal with the events of the past.
I really enjoyed this and I would have loved for it to be longer.
Katie Saunders is a former Olympic figure skater whose athletic career was cut short by a terrible accident. She has been forced by a lack of money to appear on a new celebrity ice skating show, very similar to Dancing on Ice but where the celebrities are former sportspeople (eg no soap stars, musicians etc).
Jamie Welsh is a former England rugby player who fell from grace after failing to score the winning try (I think) at the World Cup and being branded a love cheat which led to the failure of his marriage. Although significantly better off than Katie, Jamie has also been persuaded to appear on Strictly on Ice by the money as his luxurious home is not cheap to maintain and the celebrity endorsements have dried up.
The show's producers have decided to liven up the ratings by bringing on Katie's former doubles skating partner Alex Michaelson at the last minute as a judge to fuel public speculation about a potential romantic reunion.
Told partially in flashbacks and partially in real time, watch Jamie and Katie as they make their way through the series and deal with the events of the past.
I really enjoyed this and I would have loved for it to be longer.
February 9, 2021
Initially a book with a subject about ice skating didn't appeal to me, my every attempt of balancing on two thin metal blades while keeping upright on ice was unsuccessful and painful. I quickly discovered this book is more about people than the intricacies of skating.
The plot for Strictly on Ice is based around a television series where professional skaters are invited to pair with athletes, train them to skate and together compete for a big money prize offering, for some, a way to promote a dwindling career.
The two main characters are Katie Saunders who retired from professional skating after suffering a career ending injury, and her partner in the tv programme Jamie Welsh, an ex-rugby player with a dubious reputation. During weeks of close contact and intensive training, Katie and Jamie develop a close friendship but both have suffered heartbreak in the past and keep their relationship unromantic.
As the television series continues towards the finals of the competition the attention of the media increases, particularly focusing on Katie's past relationship with her ex-skating partner, and Jamie's alleged misbehaviour.
An interesting storyline, light-hearted and easy to read, with a satisfactory end.
The plot for Strictly on Ice is based around a television series where professional skaters are invited to pair with athletes, train them to skate and together compete for a big money prize offering, for some, a way to promote a dwindling career.
The two main characters are Katie Saunders who retired from professional skating after suffering a career ending injury, and her partner in the tv programme Jamie Welsh, an ex-rugby player with a dubious reputation. During weeks of close contact and intensive training, Katie and Jamie develop a close friendship but both have suffered heartbreak in the past and keep their relationship unromantic.
As the television series continues towards the finals of the competition the attention of the media increases, particularly focusing on Katie's past relationship with her ex-skating partner, and Jamie's alleged misbehaviour.
An interesting storyline, light-hearted and easy to read, with a satisfactory end.
April 11, 2021
This is the story of Katie and is told over 24 Chapters. Now there two men mentioned within Katie's story and they are Alex and Jamie. Now both of these men are entwined in Katie's story in different ways. Both men are mentioned throughout the book.
Now throughout this book the story journey's from present to past, as the characters all have a history. This history is explored throughout this book and a warning needs to be given as the topic of abuse is evident in this history. The past needs explaining not only for the reader but also to allow the characters to overcome their past.
The book is intriguing and engaging for it's readers as hints of this past are given before you are taken for the first time. This book also allows readers to see a different side to these shows, giving them an insight that is interesting. Especially if you like these kind of shows.
Overall this story really grips its reader and keeps them guessing, especially when it comes to the ending. The book is addictive and keeps the reader attached wanting to know more and see how the story plays out. One thing is for sure, I will be keeping an eye out for more by this Author in the future
Now throughout this book the story journey's from present to past, as the characters all have a history. This history is explored throughout this book and a warning needs to be given as the topic of abuse is evident in this history. The past needs explaining not only for the reader but also to allow the characters to overcome their past.
The book is intriguing and engaging for it's readers as hints of this past are given before you are taken for the first time. This book also allows readers to see a different side to these shows, giving them an insight that is interesting. Especially if you like these kind of shows.
Overall this story really grips its reader and keeps them guessing, especially when it comes to the ending. The book is addictive and keeps the reader attached wanting to know more and see how the story plays out. One thing is for sure, I will be keeping an eye out for more by this Author in the future
April 12, 2021
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book that I couldn’t put down, as a former ‘rink rat,’ I love anything skating related from ice-dance to hockey.
At face value, it would be easy to write this book off as being a predictable take on a genre but dig deeper and there’s a lot more to this story than initially meets the eye. Yes, the usual tropes are there, has been rugby player meets former ice skater are they destined to be together?
I found the elements that looked at Katie’s journey to her catastrophic fall to be completely engaging and borderline terrifying. Given the recent media coverage of women’s vulnerability, this was a poignant story. It’s a shame that situations like this exist outside of fictional pages.
The friendship which forms between Jamie and Katie is gently built and becomes a central focus, giving both characters the strength to address their critics and emerge from the curse of bad press. This story certainly goes to show the power of the press and how a situation can be twisted in order to sell more copies.
I certainly recommend this book and hope that you will read it too.
This is a book that I couldn’t put down, as a former ‘rink rat,’ I love anything skating related from ice-dance to hockey.
At face value, it would be easy to write this book off as being a predictable take on a genre but dig deeper and there’s a lot more to this story than initially meets the eye. Yes, the usual tropes are there, has been rugby player meets former ice skater are they destined to be together?
I found the elements that looked at Katie’s journey to her catastrophic fall to be completely engaging and borderline terrifying. Given the recent media coverage of women’s vulnerability, this was a poignant story. It’s a shame that situations like this exist outside of fictional pages.
The friendship which forms between Jamie and Katie is gently built and becomes a central focus, giving both characters the strength to address their critics and emerge from the curse of bad press. This story certainly goes to show the power of the press and how a situation can be twisted in order to sell more copies.
I certainly recommend this book and hope that you will read it too.
April 17, 2024
I really thought I would like this one more than I did and ended up being super disappointed, and I have a lot of feelings about it.
It was super slow in the beginning and hard for me to get into and never really picked up. I’m not sure if it was the characters or the pacing of the story, but there were a few random narrative switches just for one sentence out of the blue that really were confusing and pulled me out of the story. There was also just something off putting about both Katie and Jamie’s personalities and the secondary characters being so unlikeable that made it a tough read.
Katie’s entire past relationship with Alex was baffling to me. I hated how she just passively let Alex get away with things he shouldn’t and apparently just kind of fell into the relationship with him with no say at all after he basically assaulted her with no consequences. She was just super frustrating as a main character who never stood up for herself.
There was also no connection or chemistry whatsoever between Katie and Jamie, and the relationship never even started to develop until the last few chapters.
It was super slow in the beginning and hard for me to get into and never really picked up. I’m not sure if it was the characters or the pacing of the story, but there were a few random narrative switches just for one sentence out of the blue that really were confusing and pulled me out of the story. There was also just something off putting about both Katie and Jamie’s personalities and the secondary characters being so unlikeable that made it a tough read.
Katie’s entire past relationship with Alex was baffling to me. I hated how she just passively let Alex get away with things he shouldn’t and apparently just kind of fell into the relationship with him with no say at all after he basically assaulted her with no consequences. She was just super frustrating as a main character who never stood up for herself.
There was also no connection or chemistry whatsoever between Katie and Jamie, and the relationship never even started to develop until the last few chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
Perceptive and thought-provoking story which is hard to put down.
It starts with the accident that ends Katie’s skating career (caused by her skating partner Alex). Her ankle was severely damaged & she has never forgiven him.
Forward to the present day and Katie has been invited to compete in a new reality TV programme (like Dancing on Ice). She needs the money so reluctantly accepts. She is paired with ex-rugby player Jamie who has demons of his own to get over.
Both Katie and Jamie were badly portrayed in the press and lies told about them. As a result, they are judged on those personas rather than who they are now.
The big twist to the TV programme is that Alex is one of the judging panel. Katie would never have agreed to take part if she had known he was there too.
Helen Buckley gives an accurate portrayal of an abusive relationship whilst managing to keep you guessing about how things will turn out with Katie, Alex, and Jamie. I loved the ending too.
It starts with the accident that ends Katie’s skating career (caused by her skating partner Alex). Her ankle was severely damaged & she has never forgiven him.
Forward to the present day and Katie has been invited to compete in a new reality TV programme (like Dancing on Ice). She needs the money so reluctantly accepts. She is paired with ex-rugby player Jamie who has demons of his own to get over.
Both Katie and Jamie were badly portrayed in the press and lies told about them. As a result, they are judged on those personas rather than who they are now.
The big twist to the TV programme is that Alex is one of the judging panel. Katie would never have agreed to take part if she had known he was there too.
Helen Buckley gives an accurate portrayal of an abusive relationship whilst managing to keep you guessing about how things will turn out with Katie, Alex, and Jamie. I loved the ending too.
January 29, 2024
I'm a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing but not really keen on Dancing On Ice. I may have to change my mind after reading this. I loved the off screen drama, the rivalry and back biting, the secret romances and tension and the sneaky manipulation from the studios.
I loved Katie as a character, there was so much more to her than the Ice princess persona the press had given her. She suffered a horrible injury which killed her Olympic career and she gas never spoken to her partner since, until he is brought in as a judge on the show. Over the course of the book you see why.
Jamie wasn't as rounded out as a character but he was a nice guy and undeserving of the bad press that plagued him. After a shaky start, he and Katie develop a mutual respect and friendship that helps them progress in the competition.
I was expecting a cutesy fluffy romance but this dealt with much darker issues such as abusive relationships, eating disorders, bullying and alluding to date rape so please be aware before reading.
The actual romance was such a slow burn it barely lit the page so a star knocked off for that, its almost more of a friendship than romance if I'm honest.
But I would like to read the others in the series, all focusing on different reality shows.
I loved Katie as a character, there was so much more to her than the Ice princess persona the press had given her. She suffered a horrible injury which killed her Olympic career and she gas never spoken to her partner since, until he is brought in as a judge on the show. Over the course of the book you see why.
Jamie wasn't as rounded out as a character but he was a nice guy and undeserving of the bad press that plagued him. After a shaky start, he and Katie develop a mutual respect and friendship that helps them progress in the competition.
I was expecting a cutesy fluffy romance but this dealt with much darker issues such as abusive relationships, eating disorders, bullying and alluding to date rape so please be aware before reading.
The actual romance was such a slow burn it barely lit the page so a star knocked off for that, its almost more of a friendship than romance if I'm honest.
But I would like to read the others in the series, all focusing on different reality shows.
April 15, 2021
When falling in love comes with the risk of falling flat on your face...
Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is well known for her ‘ice queen’ persona in the press. On the face of it, perhaps Katie should have forgiven her former skating partner and ex-boyfriend, Alex Michaelson, for the accident that shattered both her ankle and their Olympic dreams – but she just can’t seem to let it go.
When Katie reluctantly agrees to take part in a new TV skating show, it’s only because she’s desperate for cash. What she didn’t count on is the drama – not only is she partnered up with infamous love rat rugby player Jamie Welsh, but one of the judges is none other than Alex Michaelson himself.
As the show progresses, will Katie be shown the hard way, once again, that romance on the ice should remain strictly off-limits?
⛸⛸⛸
TW - domestic abuse
This was a book I proof-listened to the audiobook of. To be honest, anything by a publisher called ‘Choc-Lit’ I just thought bleugh, it’s going to be terrible and cheesy. Well it was cheesy, but it ended up being quite a good book. I thought I’d worked out what was going to happen, and in a way I did, but then when the curve ball of Alex being abusive to Katie popped up, that was a bit of a shock. It wasn’t the happy sappy love story anymore! I’m glad Alex got his comeuppance and in the end Katie had her Olympic dream and got the happy ending with Jamie that she deserved!
Former Olympic skating champion Katie Saunders is well known for her ‘ice queen’ persona in the press. On the face of it, perhaps Katie should have forgiven her former skating partner and ex-boyfriend, Alex Michaelson, for the accident that shattered both her ankle and their Olympic dreams – but she just can’t seem to let it go.
When Katie reluctantly agrees to take part in a new TV skating show, it’s only because she’s desperate for cash. What she didn’t count on is the drama – not only is she partnered up with infamous love rat rugby player Jamie Welsh, but one of the judges is none other than Alex Michaelson himself.
As the show progresses, will Katie be shown the hard way, once again, that romance on the ice should remain strictly off-limits?
⛸⛸⛸
TW - domestic abuse
This was a book I proof-listened to the audiobook of. To be honest, anything by a publisher called ‘Choc-Lit’ I just thought bleugh, it’s going to be terrible and cheesy. Well it was cheesy, but it ended up being quite a good book. I thought I’d worked out what was going to happen, and in a way I did, but then when the curve ball of Alex being abusive to Katie popped up, that was a bit of a shock. It wasn’t the happy sappy love story anymore! I’m glad Alex got his comeuppance and in the end Katie had her Olympic dream and got the happy ending with Jamie that she deserved!
March 9, 2021
I loved every minute of this novel. Fascinating insight into the less than glamorous world of competitive ice skating. Katie was at the top of her career and aiming for the gold medal with her partner Alex, when that dream was shattered. She blames Alex but loses everything. Whose fault was the accident and is she really the “ice queen” as named by the press? When she then has to skate with novice Jamie, who has his own unsavoury reputation, on national television, what could be the outcome? A fabulous first novel, I couldn’t put it down; it’s definitely a favourite of mine now and I will look forward to rereading again in the future. Highly recommend!
March 12, 2021
When the spotlights are off and the audience has gone home and lost interest, life for former stars is hard and thankless. Katie and Jamie have both been the darling of the crowds but have seen their worlds fold about them. In Katie's case, she was the (too) innocent party. Jamie got a reputation for playing hard both on and off the pitch. Both are now vulnerable and accepting roles on a television show is a very high risk undertaking. Add Katie's former partner and the pressure of television and social media to the mix and you have to be strong to survive.
This is a story with great characters, an interesting plot and the power to hook you from the very beginning. Don't miss it!
This is a story with great characters, an interesting plot and the power to hook you from the very beginning. Don't miss it!
January 8, 2025
This book was not what I expected- in a good way! I was expecting a sweet, low angst romance but what I got was an emotional and heartfelt story about Katie and Jamie - two people with secrets and emotionally scarred who come together and develop a wonderful friendship and relationship. We get glimpses into both their pasts and as you read about Katie’s, I sympathized with her so much. She had been through so much in her young life and to see her find happiness and trust in her friendship with Jamie was so endearing. She deserved so much more in life and I loved how Jamie encouraged her and supported her throughout her journey in the book. I was rooting for both her and Jamie to find self worth, happiness and love and the ending was perfect!
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