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Aston Archers Hockey #1
Make Your Move
Falling for my brother’s best friend was not on my to-do list…
But neither was kissing him the night before he was traded to a team across the country.
Clearly, I didn’t think things through and I spent the past decade trying to bury the memory of him.
He left and I had no choice but to move on after he seemingly forgot about me.
I dove headfirst into my career and after a failed relationship left me a single mom, I had no time for any other distractions that came my way.
But when Lincoln Matthews walks back into my life, my carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
He’s my new roommate and no matter how hard I try to resist, old feelings resurface with a force I can’t ignore.
Lincoln has never been one to get involved and he doesn’t do long-term commitments, unless it's committing to a new hockey team.
But something about him is different now.
He’s everywhere I turn, everywhere I go, and just when I think I’ve managed to escape his orbit, he’s there, pushing me to give him a chance to prove not all guys are like my ex.
But am I ready to let him back in… or is it already too late to stop falling for him all over again?
But neither was kissing him the night before he was traded to a team across the country.
Clearly, I didn’t think things through and I spent the past decade trying to bury the memory of him.
He left and I had no choice but to move on after he seemingly forgot about me.
I dove headfirst into my career and after a failed relationship left me a single mom, I had no time for any other distractions that came my way.
But when Lincoln Matthews walks back into my life, my carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
He’s my new roommate and no matter how hard I try to resist, old feelings resurface with a force I can’t ignore.
Lincoln has never been one to get involved and he doesn’t do long-term commitments, unless it's committing to a new hockey team.
But something about him is different now.
He’s everywhere I turn, everywhere I go, and just when I think I’ve managed to escape his orbit, he’s there, pushing me to give him a chance to prove not all guys are like my ex.
But am I ready to let him back in… or is it already too late to stop falling for him all over again?
322 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2024
2688 people are currently reading
9770 people want to read
About the author
Cali Melle
32 books1,313 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 793 reviews
February 16, 2025
2.5⭐️
Objectively speaking, this should have been a cute read - no drama, no unnecessary third act breakup, etc. But I found a lot of things lacking. For starters, I've realised that the whole "it's always been you" trope doesn't do anything for me anymore if the hero is wishy washy. Lincoln kept saying how different Nova was and how even back then (when they were teenagers), he'd known that she was it for him. BITCH SHUT TF UP🤚🏻 If you were so sure about her being the love of your life, you wouldn't have been in denial about your feelings - at least at the present time - so don't gimme that shit about "iT's aLwAYs bEeN hER🤪." And of course, we have the classic "I've always been in love with you but I slept with other women in the years we've been apart" while the heroine has stayed celibate since she was pregnant. Yes buddy, I sure can see how much you love her lol😤
Idky but he kept saying these pretty words but I just wasn't feeling it. I couldn't feel the emotion and I most definitely did NOT swoon😀 Lincoln's behavior felt contradictory to me overall and honestly, I was really bored while reading this book. Maybe it just isn't for me ig. I need my heroes to be sure when it comes to their feelings for the heroine and not lie about it when he's been waxing poetry since the beginning of the book. Oh, and did I mention that he's "allergic" to relationships, says the heroine is different for him but still doesn't want to pursue a relationship with her? WHAT???? Like, make it make sense bruh😭 Idk but this was a very underwhelming read for me and the characters felt underdeveloped. The single mom aspect was good though and I'm intrigued by Nash and Riley's story - I think I might read it🤔
safety squad:
- no OW/OM drama (h's baby daddy is out of the picture and only appears once but the H puts him in his place. no OW drama)
- no cheating/sharing
- "it's always been you" (not really but okay)
- 10 year seperation (both MCs were with OP, h became a single mom but no other info on other partners; I'm gonna assume that she wasn't as sexually active as the H since the H's aversion to relationships and him being with a couple of other women during that period is mentioned a few times. h celibate for a little over 2 years, H celibate for 6 months🤡)
- brother's best friend
- secret crush (they shared a kiss 10 years ago but nothing else happened because the H moved away for his career/college and they didn't see each other until the present time)
- HEA (with engagement)
Objectively speaking, this should have been a cute read - no drama, no unnecessary third act breakup, etc. But I found a lot of things lacking. For starters, I've realised that the whole "it's always been you" trope doesn't do anything for me anymore if the hero is wishy washy. Lincoln kept saying how different Nova was and how even back then (when they were teenagers), he'd known that she was it for him. BITCH SHUT TF UP🤚🏻 If you were so sure about her being the love of your life, you wouldn't have been in denial about your feelings - at least at the present time - so don't gimme that shit about "iT's aLwAYs bEeN hER🤪." And of course, we have the classic "I've always been in love with you but I slept with other women in the years we've been apart" while the heroine has stayed celibate since she was pregnant. Yes buddy, I sure can see how much you love her lol😤
Idky but he kept saying these pretty words but I just wasn't feeling it. I couldn't feel the emotion and I most definitely did NOT swoon😀 Lincoln's behavior felt contradictory to me overall and honestly, I was really bored while reading this book. Maybe it just isn't for me ig. I need my heroes to be sure when it comes to their feelings for the heroine and not lie about it when he's been waxing poetry since the beginning of the book. Oh, and did I mention that he's "allergic" to relationships, says the heroine is different for him but still doesn't want to pursue a relationship with her? WHAT???? Like, make it make sense bruh😭 Idk but this was a very underwhelming read for me and the characters felt underdeveloped. The single mom aspect was good though and I'm intrigued by Nash and Riley's story - I think I might read it🤔
safety squad:
- no OW/OM drama (h's baby daddy is out of the picture and only appears once but the H puts him in his place. no OW drama)
- no cheating/sharing
- "it's always been you" (not really but okay)
- 10 year seperation (both MCs were with OP, h became a single mom but no other info on other partners; I'm gonna assume that she wasn't as sexually active as the H since the H's aversion to relationships and him being with a couple of other women during that period is mentioned a few times. h celibate for a little over 2 years, H celibate for 6 months🤡)
- brother's best friend
- secret crush (they shared a kiss 10 years ago but nothing else happened because the H moved away for his career/college and they didn't see each other until the present time)
- HEA (with engagement)
November 5, 2025
Very cute and fluffy hockey romance!
December 25, 2024
The book isn’t bad per se, but the characters lacked depth, which resulted in a surface level storyline.
October 11, 2024
• 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺
• 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱
• 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝟮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗹𝗱
• 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
• 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀
• 𝗡𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗽
• 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱
• 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞.
This was such a sweet fast read! I devoured this book!! I love Cali Melle's ability to write such relatable characters. And this book is full of so many! And they're all so lovable!
The build-up of the relationship between Nova and Lincoln might have been slow. And 10 plus years in the making... but the chemistry was FIRE!! I loved the angsty relationship between them!
These two were adorable together. Nova was a single mom, who was working hard and pouring all her extra time into her sweet daughter! And in walks Lincoln after being absent for 10 years and completely shakes up her life in the best way!
“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.”
I loved Lincoln's relationship with her daughter, Posey. This little girl could get him to do anything. If she wanted it, he gave it to her. Evenings filled with tea parties. Dressing up. And talking about their days. It was the sweetest!
And the way this man claimed the two of them! 👏👏
And when he got her daughter to calm down! 😭
“𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐨, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩.”
This is the first book in the Aston Archers series! Full of so many sweet moments. I can already tell this is going to be a series I'm going to love! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
October 12, 2024
✔️single mom
✔️roommates to lovers
✔️hockey romance
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️no 3rd act breakup
I don’t know what Cali puts into her books to make me love them so much but here we are with another book being added to my favorites. When I say I devoured this book in one sitting I’m not joking. This book and the couple it follows are just so unproblematic and that is a breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed until I had it. The FMC (Nova) is realistic about her journey with being a single mother and what parenting a 2 year old feels like in general but she isn’t a constantly whiny mess or portrayed as overly stubborn about being helped to an obnoxious degree. She’s just a normal person. The MMC (Lincoln) steps up for her because he loves her and her daughter, no questions asked, no expecting anything in return, including a relationship. The scene where Poe was throwing a tantrum and Lincoln stepped in to help made me cry because I have been there more times than I can count as a mom, and that scene in particular was so realistic I could feel what the characters were feeling.
Poe is adorable, and was written the way I expect a two year old to act. I love her nickname for Lincoln and how she wan’t just a prop in the story. It’s a pet peeve of mine when authors write kids and don’t understand how kids generally act and talk at different ages, but that isn’t something you have to worry about in this book.
Overall I highly recommend if you are looking for a solid single mom hockey romance.
⚠️For those looking for safety info: there is no 3rd act breakup, no OW/OM drama (Poe’s dad shows up briefly in the same public place as the MCs with his new family but he signed over his rights when Poe was born and wants nothing to do with them and Nova feels the same, there are no lingering feelings there), MMC isn’t a playboy (brief mention that there were a couple of past relationships in the 10 years the MCs were apart but no details), and there is no cheating at all (including exes). ⚠️
✔️roommates to lovers
✔️hockey romance
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️no 3rd act breakup
I don’t know what Cali puts into her books to make me love them so much but here we are with another book being added to my favorites. When I say I devoured this book in one sitting I’m not joking. This book and the couple it follows are just so unproblematic and that is a breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed until I had it. The FMC (Nova) is realistic about her journey with being a single mother and what parenting a 2 year old feels like in general but she isn’t a constantly whiny mess or portrayed as overly stubborn about being helped to an obnoxious degree. She’s just a normal person. The MMC (Lincoln) steps up for her because he loves her and her daughter, no questions asked, no expecting anything in return, including a relationship. The scene where Poe was throwing a tantrum and Lincoln stepped in to help made me cry because I have been there more times than I can count as a mom, and that scene in particular was so realistic I could feel what the characters were feeling.
Poe is adorable, and was written the way I expect a two year old to act. I love her nickname for Lincoln and how she wan’t just a prop in the story. It’s a pet peeve of mine when authors write kids and don’t understand how kids generally act and talk at different ages, but that isn’t something you have to worry about in this book.
Overall I highly recommend if you are looking for a solid single mom hockey romance.
⚠️For those looking for safety info: there is no 3rd act breakup, no OW/OM drama (Poe’s dad shows up briefly in the same public place as the MCs with his new family but he signed over his rights when Poe was born and wants nothing to do with them and Nova feels the same, there are no lingering feelings there), MMC isn’t a playboy (brief mention that there were a couple of past relationships in the 10 years the MCs were apart but no details), and there is no cheating at all (including exes). ⚠️
January 24, 2025
Debería ser un crimen penado con cárcel escribir algo tan IRRESPETUOSAMENTE MALO con una portada tan cute. Siento ASCO.
October 9, 2024
“Nova Simmons had always been my wish upon a star. And that’s why she would never be mine.”
Oh my goodness, this was so good. Such an amazing kickoff to the Aston Archers series! This was my first book by Cali and it most certainly will NOT be my last (especially after that sneak peek for book #2 in the series at the very end👀)
The book starts off with a flashback from 10 years ago before Lincoln moves away to go play for another hockey team in the NHL. Lincoln has always had a thing for his best friend’s little sister, and unbeknownst to him, Nova always did too. Both never acted on it but they shared the CUTEST moment before both went their separate ways.
Flash forward, Lincoln was traded to play for the same NHL team that his best friend (And Nova’s brother) plays for and he comes back home and ends up moving in with them. Hmm… I wonder what would happen if two people who had always had feelings for each other suddenly are reunited and turn into roommates??? 😇
Nova is a single mom and her and Poe’s relationship was so sweet and SO FREAKING HONEST. I truly have never felt more seen in a book with the struggles and challenges you endure when you have a toddler. Cali did a phenomenal job bringing to light how hard some days are and the feelings a mom can go through in the trenches. And how Lincoln shows up for her? PUT A FORK IN ME IM DONEEEE. And the name that Poe calls Lincoln is quite literally the cutest thing I had ever heard.
The way they find their way to each other was so sweet, so endearing, honest, vulnerable, and the chemistry was off the charts. I seriously loved it and I cannot wait to continue on in the series 🩷🩷🩷
Oh my goodness, this was so good. Such an amazing kickoff to the Aston Archers series! This was my first book by Cali and it most certainly will NOT be my last (especially after that sneak peek for book #2 in the series at the very end👀)
The book starts off with a flashback from 10 years ago before Lincoln moves away to go play for another hockey team in the NHL. Lincoln has always had a thing for his best friend’s little sister, and unbeknownst to him, Nova always did too. Both never acted on it but they shared the CUTEST moment before both went their separate ways.
Flash forward, Lincoln was traded to play for the same NHL team that his best friend (And Nova’s brother) plays for and he comes back home and ends up moving in with them. Hmm… I wonder what would happen if two people who had always had feelings for each other suddenly are reunited and turn into roommates??? 😇
Nova is a single mom and her and Poe’s relationship was so sweet and SO FREAKING HONEST. I truly have never felt more seen in a book with the struggles and challenges you endure when you have a toddler. Cali did a phenomenal job bringing to light how hard some days are and the feelings a mom can go through in the trenches. And how Lincoln shows up for her? PUT A FORK IN ME IM DONEEEE. And the name that Poe calls Lincoln is quite literally the cutest thing I had ever heard.
The way they find their way to each other was so sweet, so endearing, honest, vulnerable, and the chemistry was off the charts. I seriously loved it and I cannot wait to continue on in the series 🩷🩷🩷
October 21, 2024
If the color beige was a book it would be this book. The characters were flat and the conflict nonexistent but I guess it was fluffy at times.
October 5, 2024
You know what Cali Melle does right? Hockey romance! Every single hockey romance that I have read by Cali Melle is a straight banger and Make Your Move is not different!
Make Your Move is the first book in Cali's new interconnected hockey romance series called Aston Archers. The first book follows Lincoln and Nova. Lincoln and Nova have known each other since they were children. Lincoln is best friends with Nova's older brother Nash. After Lincoln has spent the last several years away playing for another hockey team, he was traded to the Aston Archers. Nash offered Lincoln to stay with him until he settles in and finds a place of his own. What Lincoln doesn't know if Nova also lives with Nash along with her two year old daughter Posey. Being back in Aston and around Nova, Lincoln realizes his feelings for Nova still exists.
Ok listen besties, I straight DEVOURED this one! This book is unproblematic with no third act break up. So can we get a round of applause for that one? Not only is this book unproblematic, the plot is sweet and the side characters only build on what is to come for this series which had me hooked. I absolutely loved Lincoln. He's been in love with Nova for years but of course she was severely off limits but he's done caring. The way that he was with not only Nova but her daughter made me swoon. He loved Posey like his own and was there to take the stress off Nova, which was so sweet. Also can we just talk about how Nash found out about his best friend and little sister... like you realize y'all are all roommates right? Getting freaky in a common area meant it was only a matter of time that Nash was going to walk in... but honestly Nash was very understanding. I loved how he told Nova that he couldn't pick a better man for her. Like ugh we love!
I'm going to be honest, this book had some of my favorite tropes. Which is the making of a 5 star banger. I personally believe the brother's best friend trope is so underrated. I will also say, I am so excited for what is to come with this new series by Cali. At the end of this book you get a little teaser of what is to come with the next book and let's just say I am already feral! Like I need that book like I need air!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Pro Hockey Romance
- Brother's Best Friend
- Single Mom
- Roommates
- Forced Proximity
- Mutual Pining
- Golden Retriever MMC
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Cali Melle for allowing me the pleasure to read Make Your Move as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review. I am so excited for what is to come with this new series!
Make Your Move is the first book in Cali's new interconnected hockey romance series called Aston Archers. The first book follows Lincoln and Nova. Lincoln and Nova have known each other since they were children. Lincoln is best friends with Nova's older brother Nash. After Lincoln has spent the last several years away playing for another hockey team, he was traded to the Aston Archers. Nash offered Lincoln to stay with him until he settles in and finds a place of his own. What Lincoln doesn't know if Nova also lives with Nash along with her two year old daughter Posey. Being back in Aston and around Nova, Lincoln realizes his feelings for Nova still exists.
Ok listen besties, I straight DEVOURED this one! This book is unproblematic with no third act break up. So can we get a round of applause for that one? Not only is this book unproblematic, the plot is sweet and the side characters only build on what is to come for this series which had me hooked. I absolutely loved Lincoln. He's been in love with Nova for years but of course she was severely off limits but he's done caring. The way that he was with not only Nova but her daughter made me swoon. He loved Posey like his own and was there to take the stress off Nova, which was so sweet. Also can we just talk about how Nash found out about his best friend and little sister... like you realize y'all are all roommates right? Getting freaky in a common area meant it was only a matter of time that Nash was going to walk in... but honestly Nash was very understanding. I loved how he told Nova that he couldn't pick a better man for her. Like ugh we love!
I'm going to be honest, this book had some of my favorite tropes. Which is the making of a 5 star banger. I personally believe the brother's best friend trope is so underrated. I will also say, I am so excited for what is to come with this new series by Cali. At the end of this book you get a little teaser of what is to come with the next book and let's just say I am already feral! Like I need that book like I need air!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Pro Hockey Romance
- Brother's Best Friend
- Single Mom
- Roommates
- Forced Proximity
- Mutual Pining
- Golden Retriever MMC
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Cali Melle for allowing me the pleasure to read Make Your Move as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review. I am so excited for what is to come with this new series!
October 27, 2024
Where is the chemistry between the couple??!
I feel like we saw the daughter but at the same time she wasn’t there at all.
And at around 70% I started to skip
I feel like we saw the daughter but at the same time she wasn’t there at all.
And at around 70% I started to skip
November 2, 2024
I genuinely felt nothing between these characters. They were so flat I zoned out while reading.
October 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶
💞 Brother's best friend
💞 Boy obsessed
💞 Roommates to lovers
💞 Single mom
These two hooked me right from the epilogue!
Nova is Lincoln’s dream girl, but there’s just one problem—she’s his best friend’s sister. After years of not seeing each other and him accepting that they would never happen, they end up getting way too close, and it’s hard not to entertain the idea again.
Their chemistry is off the charts, but they’re also so sweet together.
I loved seeing Lincoln with Poe, the way he cares for and bonds with Nova's daughter was so heartwarming.
These characters are so charismatic, both the main ones and the side characters (I’m super excited for the next book in the series).
Thank you so much, Cali Melle , for sending me this ARC!
🌶🌶
💞 Brother's best friend
💞 Boy obsessed
💞 Roommates to lovers
💞 Single mom
These two hooked me right from the epilogue!
Nova is Lincoln’s dream girl, but there’s just one problem—she’s his best friend’s sister. After years of not seeing each other and him accepting that they would never happen, they end up getting way too close, and it’s hard not to entertain the idea again.
Their chemistry is off the charts, but they’re also so sweet together.
I loved seeing Lincoln with Poe, the way he cares for and bonds with Nova's daughter was so heartwarming.
These characters are so charismatic, both the main ones and the side characters (I’m super excited for the next book in the series).
Thank you so much, Cali Melle , for sending me this ARC!
January 27, 2025
i’ll never get back the time it took me to read this
March 19, 2025
2.5 stars
October 10, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Release date tomorrow (10/11)
Tropes-
Single Mom to a sweet little girl
Brother's best friend
Hockey romance
Roommates
Forbidden
No 3rd Act Breakup
"Nova Simmons had always been my wish upon a star."
“My beautiful supernova…I need you to know, if we cross this line, there’s no going back, baby.”
✨️This book was such a short and sweet read. You could easily read it in a day! I love Cali Melle's writing style! Her stories just flow, and they're so easy to read! I'm a complete sucker for Brother's best friend, single moms, and forced proximity, so I was ALL IN! The chemistry and build-up between Nova and Lincoln was 🔥. Posey was the sweetest little girl 🎀 and Lincoln fell so easily for her. I loved the relationship that they shared. What I'm saying is, you should give this a read! It was such a sweet read! I definitely recommend 🫶
October 11, 2024
I am a sucker for a sports romance & Make Your Move is a sports romance with spice, emotion, & the good kind of tension! I really enjoyed seeing Nova & Lincoln grow individually (as they both sorted out their fears & feelings for the other) & as a couple (as they grew to trust each other & found how to balance their relationship with little Posey being in the picture). Poe was the sweetest addition to their story! She stole the scene anytime that she was in a part of the book. I loved that the terrible twos were also shown in all of their frustrating glory. I enjoyed the friendships between Nova & Riley as well as between Lincoln & Nash. The spicy parts were great & I felt that they did add to the chemistry of Nova & Lincoln. I thought that the epilogue was a very sweet scene as well. I am excited to see where Riley & Nash's story goes!
October 14, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
If you love the brothers best friend trope then this is your type of book… damnnn Linc had me hooked from the moment he joined the book. I could just tell Nova meant something to him.
Also Posey is the cutest little bubba ever and she made some scenes. Without her I don’t think the storyline would’ve worked the way it did.
I’m so excited to see how Nash grows in his book. Hockey romance yes please.
Thank you so much Cali for allowing me to review this book 🤍
If you love the brothers best friend trope then this is your type of book… damnnn Linc had me hooked from the moment he joined the book. I could just tell Nova meant something to him.
Also Posey is the cutest little bubba ever and she made some scenes. Without her I don’t think the storyline would’ve worked the way it did.
I’m so excited to see how Nash grows in his book. Hockey romance yes please.
Thank you so much Cali for allowing me to review this book 🤍
May 25, 2025
Eh. It’s just a bunch of pretty words. I don’t really get how there is a “it’s always been you” trope when that same character is “allegedly” allergic to relationships (we never see why, he never actually freaks out or panics, I honestly don’t get why he’s so averse to relationships when he seems pretty settled in this one… I guess just bc don’t call it a relationship?)
Idk. There’s no unnecessary drama but also there’s nothing really engaging me in the story.
Idk. There’s no unnecessary drama but also there’s nothing really engaging me in the story.
January 2, 2025
5/5 ⭐️s
DARE I SAY I'VE MET MY FAVORITE HOCKEY MAN THAT CALI HAS EVER WRITTEN?!
This book was such a great intro to the Aston Archers hockey series - if there’s one thing Cali never misses with, it’s hockey romances. She kills it every time.
Lincoln was the freaking cutest MMC. I was legit obsessed with him. Something about his brain only having space for Nova and Posey was the sweetest thing in the entire world. Posey had him wrapped around her little finger and I loved how comfortable he was with her from the start. You can tell her fell for posey and her momma.
Nova was such a bad a** FMC. I loved her character so much. She has so much strength and sass, and even in the hard moments she does everything she can to be the best mom to Posey.
I cannot wait for book 2!
💖brother’s best friend
💖single mom
💖he’s obsessed
💖hockey romance
💖roommates to lovers
💖forced proximity
💖golden retriever MMC
DARE I SAY I'VE MET MY FAVORITE HOCKEY MAN THAT CALI HAS EVER WRITTEN?!
This book was such a great intro to the Aston Archers hockey series - if there’s one thing Cali never misses with, it’s hockey romances. She kills it every time.
Lincoln was the freaking cutest MMC. I was legit obsessed with him. Something about his brain only having space for Nova and Posey was the sweetest thing in the entire world. Posey had him wrapped around her little finger and I loved how comfortable he was with her from the start. You can tell her fell for posey and her momma.
Nova was such a bad a** FMC. I loved her character so much. She has so much strength and sass, and even in the hard moments she does everything she can to be the best mom to Posey.
I cannot wait for book 2!
💖brother’s best friend
💖single mom
💖he’s obsessed
💖hockey romance
💖roommates to lovers
💖forced proximity
💖golden retriever MMC
October 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely ADORED this! What a great start to this new hockey romance series & it has definitely left me wanting more! Can’t wait to see what’s next 🫶🏻
Lincoln & Nova absolutely stole my heart. Their chemistry was undeniable & the tension between them was just so so good. I just loved that build up & when they finally gave in to their attraction for one another, it was truly explosive. I love a brother’s best friend/forbidden romance & I absolutely ate this up. I also love a “it’s always been you” trope & these two had me in my feels! Posey was also just the cutest & I love the family they became 🥹
I loved the relationship between Nova & Posey. I also have a toddler so during posey’s tantrums & the moments where Nova felt lost & didn’t know what she was doing, I saw myself & the same thought & struggles I face as well as a first time mom. Relating to her just made the story so special. I also enjoyed how fast paced this was & Cali keeps you locked in from the very beginning. Can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you Cali & team for the ARC 🩷
Tropes:
- Hockey romance
- Single mom
- Roommates to lovers
- Brother’s best friend
- Forbidden romance
- “It’s always been you”
- Forced proximity
I absolutely ADORED this! What a great start to this new hockey romance series & it has definitely left me wanting more! Can’t wait to see what’s next 🫶🏻
Lincoln & Nova absolutely stole my heart. Their chemistry was undeniable & the tension between them was just so so good. I just loved that build up & when they finally gave in to their attraction for one another, it was truly explosive. I love a brother’s best friend/forbidden romance & I absolutely ate this up. I also love a “it’s always been you” trope & these two had me in my feels! Posey was also just the cutest & I love the family they became 🥹
I loved the relationship between Nova & Posey. I also have a toddler so during posey’s tantrums & the moments where Nova felt lost & didn’t know what she was doing, I saw myself & the same thought & struggles I face as well as a first time mom. Relating to her just made the story so special. I also enjoyed how fast paced this was & Cali keeps you locked in from the very beginning. Can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you Cali & team for the ARC 🩷
Tropes:
- Hockey romance
- Single mom
- Roommates to lovers
- Brother’s best friend
- Forbidden romance
- “It’s always been you”
- Forced proximity
October 12, 2024
I liked this book a lot. I loved the chemistry between Nova and Lincoln. The scene with Nash and Lincoln having a tea party with Posey was adorable. I loved how good Lincoln was with Posey too. I loved that she called him Winky, it was hilarious. When Posey had a meltdown and Nova was about to have one too, I loved how Lincoln stepped in and helped her out by taking over with Posey. It gave Nova a break. My favorite part was the ending but I won't say why so it doesn't spoil the story. This was a great quick read and I enjoyed it.
October 17, 2024
Nova and Lincoln are my favorite. I’m excited for the next book.
October 7, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Bardzo zdrowa relacja bohaterów.
Bardzo zdrowa relacja bohaterów.
October 10, 2024
Brother’s best friend…Sign me up!
Cali never fails to have me seated when it comes to her hockey romances. They always tend to make me forget I’m reading and next you know I’ve finished the book. I’m a sucker for a bingeable story line! These two were seriously adorable. The years of him pinning from miles away? ADORABLE. It was so good to see them reconnect after years of being apart and still able to feel that spark between them. Did I mention she’s a single mom? Well, she is and I was absolutely obsessed the this little fireball! Poe and Lincoln’s little friendship was the cutest. Nova and Lincoln had me nervous tho…there were some close calls 🤣 but absolutely loved this story!!
Cali never fails to have me seated when it comes to her hockey romances. They always tend to make me forget I’m reading and next you know I’ve finished the book. I’m a sucker for a bingeable story line! These two were seriously adorable. The years of him pinning from miles away? ADORABLE. It was so good to see them reconnect after years of being apart and still able to feel that spark between them. Did I mention she’s a single mom? Well, she is and I was absolutely obsessed the this little fireball! Poe and Lincoln’s little friendship was the cutest. Nova and Lincoln had me nervous tho…there were some close calls 🤣 but absolutely loved this story!!
January 29, 2025
DNF. This was so one dimensional and boring. Did not want to push through.
March 3, 2025
that was not an enjoyable experience wow. the pacing was terrible and there was no chemistry at all between the main characters. i expected this to be a quick and fun read but it was just quick and nothing else, there was no plot, i felt no emotional connections, and the ending was so anticlimactic
Read
November 2, 2024not good unfortunately
May 1, 2025
2.25 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:Make Your Move *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 If you could see that I'm the one who understands you. Been here all along, so why can't you see? 🎶
Falling for her brother’s best friend was never in the plan—especially not when that kiss the night before he left for another team turned into a decade-long secret. After Lincoln Matthews (H) disappeared from her life, she moved on, focusing on her career and raising her son as a single mom.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
I just have a hard time believing Lincoln was into Nova that deeply the entire time, but only decided to act on it the night before he left?? And then he doesn’t come back for TEN YEARS—and somehow, they still have this intense, unresolved history like they’d been in each other’s lives the whole time?? Be serious 😩 Like no contact, no build-up, no interaction for a decade and we’re just supposed to believe the connection never faded? Listen, I think he was sweet with her daughter, but that’s about all I can say I loved about the book. The rest… just didn’t HIT.
Lincoln telling her he didn’t ask her to leave with him because she’d drop everything is such a cop-out. He supposedly kept his distance out of respect for his brother, but if he really respected her, he would’ve talked to his brother directly instead of avoiding his feelings. He was doing way too much for someone he didn’t know all that well; I didn’t like or love them.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
This is an easily forgettable story that left no real impression. AT ALL. 😬
･ ｡ﾟ☆:Make Your Move *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 If you could see that I'm the one who understands you. Been here all along, so why can't you see? 🎶
Falling for her brother’s best friend was never in the plan—especially not when that kiss the night before he left for another team turned into a decade-long secret. After Lincoln Matthews (H) disappeared from her life, she moved on, focusing on her career and raising her son as a single mom.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
“You’re going to do great things, Lincoln Matthews. I can feel it.”
“I hope one day I’ll see you again, but until then, I’ll think of you whenever I look up at the moon.”
I just have a hard time believing Lincoln was into Nova that deeply the entire time, but only decided to act on it the night before he left?? And then he doesn’t come back for TEN YEARS—and somehow, they still have this intense, unresolved history like they’d been in each other’s lives the whole time?? Be serious 😩 Like no contact, no build-up, no interaction for a decade and we’re just supposed to believe the connection never faded? Listen, I think he was sweet with her daughter, but that’s about all I can say I loved about the book. The rest… just didn’t HIT.
“We were at two different points in our life. If I would have reached out, I would have tried to convince you to come to Orchid City with me, and that’s not fair to you.”
Lincoln telling her he didn’t ask her to leave with him because she’d drop everything is such a cop-out. He supposedly kept his distance out of respect for his brother, but if he really respected her, he would’ve talked to his brother directly instead of avoiding his feelings. He was doing way too much for someone he didn’t know all that well; I didn’t like or love them.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
This is an easily forgettable story that left no real impression. AT ALL. 😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
#Review: *Make your move* - Cali Melle - ARC
4.6/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
[Really funny]
Of course I would sign up for an ARC when it comes to a book written by Cali Melle. I love her style and I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC for this book too💕. Thank you Cali and Wordsmith Pr for this opportunity!
Everything begins when Lincon finds out that he would be traded to another hockey team, across the country. Just before he left away, to play for his new team, he and Nova, his best friend's sister, share a steamy kiss which will remain in both of their memories.
10 years have passed since that kiss and both of their lives have changed, one way or another. The biggest change was for Nova, who became a mom for a very cute girl, Posey. This kid's father didn't want to take part of their lives, so Nova is raising her on her own.
Things got complicated when Lincon returns to his older team, and needs a place to stay. That's when Nash, Nova's bigger brother, just brings Lincon to stay with him and Nova. That close proximity is not the best idea when a strong attraction is still present between Lincon and Nova. A forbidden love is beginning to flourish, Lincon being afraid of Nash's reaction to this relationship.
One of my favorite parts were the ones where little Posey was present.💗 She was hilarious and the cutest kid ever! I also loved the cute relationship which was born between her and Lincon, clicking even from their first encounter🤭. Needles to say, another favorite part was the hockey gang, as usual🥰. This will always be one the things that I will absolutely adore in a sports romance book. They also brought the comedy in the story, along with little Posey.
This little story brought a big smile on my face but it kind of left me with that desire for the next book in this series🫠. Really cannot wait for it!
✨Tropes:
#SingleMom
#BrothersBestFriend
#SportsRomance
#FoundFamily
#Hockey
#BoyObsessed
#RoommatesToLovers
#ForcedProximity
#FirstLove
4.6/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
[Really funny]
Of course I would sign up for an ARC when it comes to a book written by Cali Melle. I love her style and I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC for this book too💕. Thank you Cali and Wordsmith Pr for this opportunity!
Everything begins when Lincon finds out that he would be traded to another hockey team, across the country. Just before he left away, to play for his new team, he and Nova, his best friend's sister, share a steamy kiss which will remain in both of their memories.
10 years have passed since that kiss and both of their lives have changed, one way or another. The biggest change was for Nova, who became a mom for a very cute girl, Posey. This kid's father didn't want to take part of their lives, so Nova is raising her on her own.
Things got complicated when Lincon returns to his older team, and needs a place to stay. That's when Nash, Nova's bigger brother, just brings Lincon to stay with him and Nova. That close proximity is not the best idea when a strong attraction is still present between Lincon and Nova. A forbidden love is beginning to flourish, Lincon being afraid of Nash's reaction to this relationship.
One of my favorite parts were the ones where little Posey was present.💗 She was hilarious and the cutest kid ever! I also loved the cute relationship which was born between her and Lincon, clicking even from their first encounter🤭. Needles to say, another favorite part was the hockey gang, as usual🥰. This will always be one the things that I will absolutely adore in a sports romance book. They also brought the comedy in the story, along with little Posey.
This little story brought a big smile on my face but it kind of left me with that desire for the next book in this series🫠. Really cannot wait for it!
✨Tropes:
#SingleMom
#BrothersBestFriend
#SportsRomance
#FoundFamily
#Hockey
#BoyObsessed
#RoommatesToLovers
#ForcedProximity
#FirstLove
October 11, 2024
⭐️: 8/10 🌶️: 2,5/5 😭: 1/5 🤣: 1/5
Relationship dynamic: Female - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual
Tropes:
🏒 Brother’s best friend
💜 Roommates
🏒 Single Mom
💜 He falls first
🏒 Hockey romance
“While you’ve been counting stars and studying the phases of the moon, I’ve been studying you—only you.”
(ESP) Cali arranca una nueva serie con todos los tropes que nos encantan y realmente no hay uno que falle en esta historia.
Lincoln es el mejor amigo del hermano mayor de Nova quien vuelve al pueblo para incorporarse en el equipo de hockey de éste. A su regreso encontrará una Nova cambiada que ahora es madre pero no ha perdido su fuerza apabullante. Entre ellos siempre hubo química y ahora viviendo juntos resulta imposible resistir a la atracción.
La autora nos brinda un romance precioso, muy bien llevado en sus tiempos y sin dramas innecesarios pero lo que más quiero recalcar es la perfecta representación que se hace de la maternidad en esta historia. Todas las lectoras que tengan hijos, con o sin pareja, se sentirán identificadas en algún momento de la lectura.
El amor que Lincoln siente por Nova y Posey nos hará enamorarnos aún más de él.
Muy buen inicio para esta serie con un libro absolutamente recomendable.
(ENG) Cali has done it again with a new book that's full of all the tropes we love! Every single one is a winner in this story.
Lincoln is best friends with Nova's older brother and returns to town to join his hockey team. When he gets back, he finds a changed Nova who is now a mother but hasn't lost her overwhelming strength. There has always been a special connection between them, and now that they're living together, it's impossible to resist the attraction!
The author gives us a beautiful romance, with a great pace and no unnecessary drama. But what I want to emphasise the most is the perfect representation of motherhood in this story. All readers who have children, with or without a partner, will feel identified at some point in the reading.
Lincoln's love for Nova and Posey is so beautiful, it'll make you fall head over heels for him too!
I'd highly recommend this book as a great start to the series.
💜 I'm so grateful to the author for sending me the eArc of this book! 💜
Relationship dynamic: Female - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual
Tropes:
🏒 Brother’s best friend
💜 Roommates
🏒 Single Mom
💜 He falls first
🏒 Hockey romance
“While you’ve been counting stars and studying the phases of the moon, I’ve been studying you—only you.”
(ESP) Cali arranca una nueva serie con todos los tropes que nos encantan y realmente no hay uno que falle en esta historia.
Lincoln es el mejor amigo del hermano mayor de Nova quien vuelve al pueblo para incorporarse en el equipo de hockey de éste. A su regreso encontrará una Nova cambiada que ahora es madre pero no ha perdido su fuerza apabullante. Entre ellos siempre hubo química y ahora viviendo juntos resulta imposible resistir a la atracción.
La autora nos brinda un romance precioso, muy bien llevado en sus tiempos y sin dramas innecesarios pero lo que más quiero recalcar es la perfecta representación que se hace de la maternidad en esta historia. Todas las lectoras que tengan hijos, con o sin pareja, se sentirán identificadas en algún momento de la lectura.
El amor que Lincoln siente por Nova y Posey nos hará enamorarnos aún más de él.
Muy buen inicio para esta serie con un libro absolutamente recomendable.
(ENG) Cali has done it again with a new book that's full of all the tropes we love! Every single one is a winner in this story.
Lincoln is best friends with Nova's older brother and returns to town to join his hockey team. When he gets back, he finds a changed Nova who is now a mother but hasn't lost her overwhelming strength. There has always been a special connection between them, and now that they're living together, it's impossible to resist the attraction!
The author gives us a beautiful romance, with a great pace and no unnecessary drama. But what I want to emphasise the most is the perfect representation of motherhood in this story. All readers who have children, with or without a partner, will feel identified at some point in the reading.
Lincoln's love for Nova and Posey is so beautiful, it'll make you fall head over heels for him too!
I'd highly recommend this book as a great start to the series.
💜 I'm so grateful to the author for sending me the eArc of this book! 💜
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