20 Must-Read Ice Skating Romance Books That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet (Updated 2025)

The world of figure skating romance books has exploded in popularity, transforming the high-stakes drama of the ice rink into some of the most compelling and swoon-worthy stories in the genre. As of December 2025, the demand for stories featuring ambitious athletes, intense partnerships, and steamy off-ice chemistry continues to grow, with new releases scheduled for 2025 promising to deliver even more tension and heat. Whether you crave the slow-burn intensity of an enemies-to-lovers trope or the high-pressure environment of an Olympic dream, this list compiles the essential reads—from perennial favorites to the freshest upcoming titles—that capture the unique magic of romance on the ice. This deep dive into the figure skating romance subgenre is designed to give you instant topical authority, covering the key authors, must-read titles, and dominant tropes that define this captivating niche. Prepare to lace up your literary skates and find your next book obsession.

The Gold Medalists: Essential Ice Skating Romance Books You Must Read

The foundation of any great figure skating romance library rests on a few iconic titles that have set the standard for the genre. These books perfectly blend the demanding world of competitive skating with unforgettable romantic arcs, often focusing on the intense, close-quarters relationship of a pairs team or ice dancers.

From Lukov With Love by Mariana Zapata

Mariana Zapata’s *From Lukov With Love* is arguably the queen of the figure skating romance subgenre and the gold standard for the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers trope. It follows Jasmine Santos, a dedicated but struggling single skater, and Ivan Lukov, the arrogant, world-renowned pairs skater who suddenly needs a temporary partner.

Their partnership is a forced proximity nightmare, full of biting banter and simmering tension that takes its time to develop into a deep, emotional connection. This novel is a masterclass in patience, rewarding the reader with a deeply satisfying payoff.

The Red Hot Russians Series by Elizabeth Harmon

For readers looking for a series with a strong focus on the Olympic and international competitive circuit, Elizabeth Harmon’s *Red Hot Russians* series is a must-read. The books are known for their well-researched depiction of the sport and the intense drama of the figure skating world.

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A key entry in the series is *Pairing Off*, which centers on the complex dynamic of a pair of skaters aiming for Olympic glory. Harmon expertly captures the pressure, the politics, and the passion that comes with competing at the highest level.

Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton

Part of the *Play-By-Play* series, *Shot on Gold* brings together a figure skater and a hockey player, a popular crossover in the sports romance world. The story features a figure skater who is determined to win a gold medal and the hockey star who helps her train and, inevitably, falls for her.

This book offers a blend of two distinct ice sports, providing a fun contrast between the grace of figure skating and the ruggedness of hockey. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a slightly spicier, more direct romance.

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Fresh Off The Ice: New & Upcoming Figure Skating Romance Titles (2024–2025)

To keep your reading list fresh and up-to-date, these newer and highly anticipated releases are essential additions. These titles are driving the current conversation in the romance community, often introducing new tropes or higher-stakes drama.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace (2023/2024 Phenomenon)

While technically a 2023 release, *Icebreaker* dominated the 2024 reading lists and remains a high-demand title. It’s a quintessential figure skater/hockey player crossover, focusing on Anastasia Allen, an ambitious figure skater, and Nathan Hawkins, the captain of the hockey team.

When the figure skating rink is damaged, Stassie and her team are forced to share ice time with the hockey team, leading to a delightful collision of worlds and a steamy romance. This book is perfect for readers who love a light, fun, and fast-paced read with plenty of heat.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Upcoming 2025 Release)

Looking ahead to 2025, Layne Fargo’s *The Favorites* is generating significant buzz. This novel promises a darker, more psychological take on the figure skating world, focusing on the intense partnership of Olympic ice dancers Katarina and Heath Rocha.

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The story explores the high cost of fame and the secrets hidden beneath a perfect veneer when their long-term partnership abruptly ends, triggering a tell-all documentary. This is a must-read for those who enjoy a thriller element mixed into their sports romance.

Revolve by Bal Khabra

A more recent entry to the pairs skating subgenre, *Revolve* by Bal Khabra centers on Sierra, a figure skater in need of a new pairs partner for a comeback. Her only option is the one person who can match her skill—but who also happens to be her former rival.

This novel brings the classic 'new partner, old tension' dynamic to the forefront, exploring the challenges of rebuilding trust and chemistry under the intense scrutiny of the competitive world.

Beyond the Ice Dance: Exploring Figure Skating Romance Tropes and Entities

The appeal of ice skating romance lies in the unique tropes that the sport naturally provides. The close quarters, the intense training, and the public scrutiny create an ideal environment for dramatic and passionate love stories.

The Power of the Pairs Partnership (Forced Proximity)

The pairs skating and ice dance disciplines are built on forced proximity, making them a goldmine for romance writers. Skaters must spend hours a day in physical contact, relying on each other for safety during dangerous lifts and throws. This inherent intimacy is the backbone of many popular books, including *Crossing the Ice* and *Finding Her Edge* by Jennifer Comeaux, which both explore the deep connection between partners aiming for the Olympics.

• Key Entities: Jennifer Comeaux (*Crossing the Ice*, *Finding Her Edge*), Sarina Bowen (*Thrown for a Loop*), Elizabeth Harmon (*Pairing Off*).
• The Trope: Partners who are secretly in love, partners who hate each other but have undeniable chemistry, or partners who break up but must continue to skate together.

The Enemies-to-Lovers Rivalry

The competitive nature of figure skating lends itself perfectly to the enemies-to-lovers trope. The main characters often start as bitter rivals on the ice, only to be forced into a situation—like a temporary partnership or shared training space—that reveals a different side of their competitor.

The tension from their rivalry translates directly into romantic chemistry, creating a high-stakes, high-emotion narrative. *From Lukov With Love* is the most famous example, but the trope is also utilized in various MM (Male/Male) figure skating romances, like novellas by Keira Andrews.

• Key Entities: Mariana Zapata (*From Lukov With Love*), Keira Andrews (MM Figure Skating Novellas), Rebecca Jenshak (*Broken Hearts*).
• The Trope: Bitter rivals forced to work together, a new skater challenging an established champion, or a figure skater clashing with a hockey player (Icebreaker).

Figure Skater/Hockey Player Crossovers

A highly popular LSI keyword and trope is the crossover romance, where the graceful, disciplined world of figure skating collides with the rugged, team-focused world of ice hockey. This trope offers a 'sunshine vs. grumpy' dynamic, with the figure skater often being the more focused, high-strung character and the hockey player the relaxed, protective one.

This contrast in personalities and sports creates an instant source of conflict and humor, making books like *Icebreaker* and *Shot on Gold* huge hits with readers looking for a fresh spin on the sports romance genre.

• Key Entities: Hannah Grace (*Icebreaker*), Jaci Burton (*Shot on Gold*), Rina Kent (*Beautiful Venom* - Upcoming 2025).
• The Trope: Sharing the same rink, siblings or friends of the other sport's star, or a bet/dare that brings the two athletes together.

The Allure of the Ice Rink

The ice rink is more than just a setting; it's a character in itself. The world of competitive figure skating is inherently dramatic, filled with dazzling costumes, demanding choreography, and the crushing pressure of a single, four-minute performance. This backdrop elevates the romance, making the triumphs and heartbreaks feel monumental.

The best ice skating romance novels use this intense environment to explore themes of sacrifice, mental health, body image, and the pursuit of perfection. By setting a love story against the backdrop of Olympic dreams, authors like Elizabeth Harmon and Jennifer Comeaux manage to deliver both a thrilling sports narrative and a deeply emotional romance. If you’re looking for a genre that combines athletic drive with undeniable chemistry, the figure skating romance subgenre should be at the top of your reading list.