Rocking Thin Ice

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sweet, slow, and angsty story about the relationship between a rock star and a figure skater. As the bad boy of figure skating, Blaze sacrificed his privacy and any kind of a personal life in his quest for Olympic gold. It’s only after he achieves his lifetime dream that he starts to realise how much he’s missed out on. Rock star Drake has had a crush on Blaze since he was a teenager. When his band kicks him out, Drake drives cross country for a chance to see his favourite skater perform live.

Blaze and Drake are fantastic characters. When they meet, Blaze’s cocky on-ice persona hides his insecurities and fears while an accidental pot-brownie overdose leaves Drake a little bit too honest and vulnerable. I loved the instant connection between these two and I love how much they actually have in common with each other. There is some heat in the story, but the focus is on the intimacy that slowly builds between Blaze and Drake.

My only reservation about this story is the pace and the lack of action. This is a slow read and the connection between the two men is full of angst and hesitation. Considering they both have fascinating jobs, I find it hard to understand the lack of excitement in the story. Most of the story happens while Blaze is on a break from training after the Olympics and Drake has been dumped from his band. The men have way too much time to talk themselves round in circles, analysing every detail of their lives and relationships. Some relief comes in the form of a short road trip and a family wedding, but I did find this a bit tedious at times.

I enjoyed this story overall, but it is a slow read. I love the characters – both Blaze and Drake are wonderfully complicated and beautifully written.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Given how much I enjoy sports romances and ones involving rock stars, this was always likely to be a win for me! Interestingly, both leads are taking downtime from the heights of their career commitments when they meet, so we get to see them without most of the usual thrills and frills. This makes it a fascinating combination of public figure off duty, but still with all the hang-ups that come from being used to the superficial life that they normally lead.

We get Drake, a rock star who is ready for commitment, and Blaze, whose trust was broken young and who is only prepared to rely on his brother, Luke. Somehow, following a rather funny laced-brownie affected introduction, these two start something. Neither dare define the something, but somehow it is enough to keep them testing the waters for more. It makes for some degree of slow burn, although they are pretty much inseparable from day one, so it is a confusing relationship for us as well as them!

I really enjoyed the side characters, from Taylor to Anna, they all contributed to helping each man recognise what they could see so clearly. If you like seeing behind the fame, the glory, and the hard work, then this will be a book for you.

Reviewers were provided a free copy of Rocking Thin Ice by Z. Allora to read and review.

Reviewed by Racheal for Diverse Reader

I love reading about new dynamic coupling! This one just happens to star a sexy rocker and a feisty take-no-crap Olympic Ice Skater. Z. Allora takes this story through crowds of screaming fans in the world of rock and roll tours, and onto the ice with the sounds of the crowds oohh's and awe’s as they watch their favorite ice skaters perform.

It’s the look at the “after” scenes. What secrets lie on the surface, who really is that person that the cameras want us to see? For Drake, coming out was never really the issue, it was the labeling that always upset him. He never understood why there needed to be a label on who he was or, for that matter, who anyone else was. He was attracted to who he was attracted too. So, by society labels he was considered bisexual. His best friend was trans and he was a bi guitarist with the biggest crush on a professional skater named Blaze. How was that for a teenage boy in high school? Drake didn’t have it as bad as most but at times he wished his parents could maybe refrain just a little from all the support.

Fast forward five years and now Drake is in a rock and roll band and is touring with a major headliner! Yes things could be a lot better if he didn’t have to deal with his worst enemy from high school being in the same band or the sleaze ball manager telling him that his sexual preference should be kept locked up because it could bring a bad image to the band. Thank goodness for modern technology so that he can still watch his favorite ice skater.

It only takes that one moment in life when everything changes and with nothing holding you back you take a chance you never thought you would, that brings you face to face with that one person you have always wanted to meet.

Blaze must be dreaming he had told himself as he looked beyond the congratulated pats to the wall where his dream fantasy stood. Drake in all his beautiful glory was here to see him. However, some fan made brownies, and their first encounter r was rather interesting to say the least. After, the scandal and heartbreak at another man’s hands Blaze swore that he would never allow another man into his life not to mention his heart.

These two are so completely opposite in every way possible but the two of them together is nothing more than magical. A rocker finally melting the heart of an ice skater and the ice skater giving the rocker his inspiration back for writing and enjoying his passion for music again.

I loved this emotional journey that rocker Drake Keys and skater Blaze Parker went on!
This is a very realistic view of how two people who have trust issues from past experiences take a leap with each other and navigate just trying to be together.
Blaze has never been in a relationship and doesn't plan on ever being in ine because of something that happened in the past. While, Drake is having issues just trying to be who he is and how to be that person in the music industry.
They meet in the most funny way that starts their journey together and helps break down their harriers with eac other. Blaze can not say no to Drakes tender and unselfish side. This part of Drake leads to some very tender, unselfish, and emotional sex scenes which Blaze has never had with anyone before.
The humor of Drakes friend Tyler and his parents are to die for!!
You will especially love Drakes coming out to his parents!!
Z. Allora has a fantastic and wonderful read!!. I didn't want it to end ans was heartbroken when I reached the last page. This will be a reread for me many times over and I hope to see them down the road again!

Damn, I love Z Allora's Rocking Thin Ice. There's just so much to enjoy about this story. Drake and Blaze's relationship makes for a super fun read. A rocker and a figure skater, oh hell yes!

Blaze is considered "the untouchable ice princess," never wanting more than a hookup. He never takes chances, never risks himself; he's a voulnerable and fearful man. He may be out now but he hides behind his snark and one night stands.

Drake, meanwhile is bisexual, which means dealing with some issues at times, including an ex. He's a man who wants an emotional connection with someone instead of hookup. Having been fired from his band, he takes the time to travel and meet the intriguing figure skater. He's long fantasized about the sexy skater and doesn't hesitate to pursue him. With the help of an accidental pot laced brownie incident, things start off for the couple.

Drake's pursuit of Blaze is entertaining, full of surprises and awkward moments. Despite avoiding relationships, meeting Drake slowly changes everything for Blaze. The pace at which the lines start to blur is fantastic. Both men have fears they're able to overcome with the help of the other, which always makes for a entertaining read. Their struggle to face these fears and accept love is beautiful and flows seamlessly.

It's a story of instant attraction, hesitancy, and a whole lot of baggage. Their relationship is memorable and enchanting. Both men make enormous development through the course of the book, and the romance is emotional and enjoyable.

Their story explores the bullshit involved behind the scenes in the music industry, as well as the politics of homophobia in figure skating. I definitely enjoyed both of these aspects.

The author doesn't skimp on the humor. Omg, Drake's parents are hysterical, making for an entertaining coming out scene. Truly a remarkable moment.

The author also includes some emotional and tender sex scenes, which are absolutely amazing. My favorite is the one that includes the beauty in the gift of rimming someone you love. It's a powerful scene for sure.

Rocking Thin Ice is a tale of beautiful surrender. This slow burn romance is definitely a great Z Allora read.