Fire, Ice, and Gold

Genre: Emotional Slow Burn Romance • Sports Romance • Second Chance • Contemporary

Two years ago, Olympic-bound figure skating partners Michael Carter and Elena Rivera were unstoppable—until a single moment shattered their trust and their hearts. Now, with the Olympics looming and his new partner sidelined by injury, Michael’s only hope for gold is the one woman who walked away from him…and the ice.

Elena has spent the last two years rebuilding her life in the shadows of the rink, teaching kids while quietly battling the depression that nearly broke her. When Michael shows up at her door with a plea and a promise, she’s torn between self-preservation and the dream they once chased together.

With a risky program, a six-week deadline, and unresolved feelings simmering just beneath the surface, Michael and Elena must navigate a storm of heartbreak, trust, and redemption. On the ice, they’ve always been fire and ice—but this time, they’ll need something stronger to strike gold.

⚠️ Trigger Warnings:

• Depression (Elena's mental health is a major theme, handled with care and honesty)

• Emotional cheating (non-physical, implied betrayal leads to the breakup)

• Abandonment and emotional trauma

• Anxiety and performance pressure

🔥 Spice Level: 2/5 (Slow Burn, Tender, Emotional)

The romance is deeply emotional and slow-building, with intimate tension and one passionate kiss before the story ends. The physical connection is implied more than shown, focusing on emotional healing, closeness, and reconnection. Think delayed gratification with intense emotional payoff.

35 pages, 7581 words