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Melting Ice #1
The Puck Contract
The contract said "pretend." My heart didn't get the memo.
Groover
The fan fictions were the last straw. As the only openly gay player on the team, I'm used to attention, but when fans start shipping me with my straight teammates, management has a "brilliant" get a fake boyfriend to stabilize my image and secure a major sponsorship deal.
Enter Mateo—a broke anthropology student who doesn't know a hockey stick from a broomstick. He's supposed to be the perfect fake straight, temporary, and contractually obligated to keep things professional.
But when practice kisses start feeling too real and my heart races every time he wears my jersey, I realize I'm breaking the most important rule in the don't fall for the guy who's only here for the paycheck.
Mateo
The arrangement was supposed to be Pretend to date a hockey player for three months, collect enough money to cover tuition, and move on with my life.
Easy went out the window the moment Groover's lips touched mine "for practice."
Suddenly I'm wearing his jersey backward for luck, getting jealous of his ex, and Googling "am I bi?" at 2 AM in incognito mode. What started as research into sports culture for my anthropology thesis is becoming a study in something I never expected.
With playoffs approaching and our contract ending, I have to make a Walk away with my tuition paid and heart intact, or admit that somewhere between the fake kisses and real feelings, I've completely pucked up by falling for a man who thinks I'm just acting a part.
The Puck Contract is a low-angst, high-heat bi-awakening Hockey Romance. It’s book 1 of the Melting Ice series, and can be read as a stand-alone.
Groover
The fan fictions were the last straw. As the only openly gay player on the team, I'm used to attention, but when fans start shipping me with my straight teammates, management has a "brilliant" get a fake boyfriend to stabilize my image and secure a major sponsorship deal.
Enter Mateo—a broke anthropology student who doesn't know a hockey stick from a broomstick. He's supposed to be the perfect fake straight, temporary, and contractually obligated to keep things professional.
But when practice kisses start feeling too real and my heart races every time he wears my jersey, I realize I'm breaking the most important rule in the don't fall for the guy who's only here for the paycheck.
Mateo
The arrangement was supposed to be Pretend to date a hockey player for three months, collect enough money to cover tuition, and move on with my life.
Easy went out the window the moment Groover's lips touched mine "for practice."
Suddenly I'm wearing his jersey backward for luck, getting jealous of his ex, and Googling "am I bi?" at 2 AM in incognito mode. What started as research into sports culture for my anthropology thesis is becoming a study in something I never expected.
With playoffs approaching and our contract ending, I have to make a Walk away with my tuition paid and heart intact, or admit that somewhere between the fake kisses and real feelings, I've completely pucked up by falling for a man who thinks I'm just acting a part.
The Puck Contract is a low-angst, high-heat bi-awakening Hockey Romance. It’s book 1 of the Melting Ice series, and can be read as a stand-alone.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
60 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 26, 2025
This is my first book by M.M Phoenix and I like the flow and airy writing. This has space to breath and I had a good time reading it. ✅
What happens when your team fake boyfriends you and you realize that he's actually perfect for you. What if then, your teammates accept and like him as one of their own? Then, you kiss, for practice, and he discovers he may not be as straight as he thought....
Add in the nosy press and paparazzi and developing feelings and you have a great story.
🖐️🛑SPOILER ALERT🛑🖐️
.
.
.
.
But.
The whole sponsorship thing..the way they had the power to decide a person's dating habits or otherwise. It felt so wrong. Just as bad as if they were controlling the gay player. And for that, points off.
I would have preferred Ansel say no to them and not them pulling the offer.
Plus, that ending was ..meh. So rushed and a little uninspired 🤔
Bad rom com stuff that was far from the good writing the rest of the book had.
What happens when your team fake boyfriends you and you realize that he's actually perfect for you. What if then, your teammates accept and like him as one of their own? Then, you kiss, for practice, and he discovers he may not be as straight as he thought....
Add in the nosy press and paparazzi and developing feelings and you have a great story.
🖐️🛑SPOILER ALERT🛑🖐️
.
.
.
.
But.
The whole sponsorship thing..the way they had the power to decide a person's dating habits or otherwise. It felt so wrong. Just as bad as if they were controlling the gay player. And for that, points off.
I would have preferred Ansel say no to them and not them pulling the offer.
Plus, that ending was ..meh. So rushed and a little uninspired 🤔
Bad rom com stuff that was far from the good writing the rest of the book had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
That was surprisingly cute! I’ve read a lot of this author’s short erotic novellas so when there was an opportunity to read the ARC of their upcoming full length novel, I jumped on it!
We follow Groover who needs a fake boyfriend to secure a sponsorship deal. And so enters Mateo, a straight anthropology student needing the money. These two were adorable!!! Things progress slowly, feelings find their way into the fake relationship (I know, shocking!), and when the lines get truly blurred, these two become even cuter!
I won’t lie, I thought there would more heat to this book based on what I new of the author previous work, but the amount we get works just fine. I they take their time to explore this side of their relationship and it felt realistic.
The drama toward the end of the book kinda felt weird because to me they already discussed where they stood, but in the end it was cute and romantic (and resolved quickly!).
I loved the side characters!!! I cannot wait for the next book that promise to be hilarious!
We follow Groover who needs a fake boyfriend to secure a sponsorship deal. And so enters Mateo, a straight anthropology student needing the money. These two were adorable!!! Things progress slowly, feelings find their way into the fake relationship (I know, shocking!), and when the lines get truly blurred, these two become even cuter!
I won’t lie, I thought there would more heat to this book based on what I new of the author previous work, but the amount we get works just fine. I they take their time to explore this side of their relationship and it felt realistic.
The drama toward the end of the book kinda felt weird because to me they already discussed where they stood, but in the end it was cute and romantic (and resolved quickly!).
I loved the side characters!!! I cannot wait for the next book that promise to be hilarious!
July 18, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ 4.5 Stars – A Heart-Melting Hockey Romance With All the Feels
The Puck Contract by M.M. Phoenix is the kind of book that makes you grin like a fool one moment and clutch your chest the next. It’s playful, emotional, and packed with more chemistry than a science fair on fire.
From the start, the main characters click—not just in the flirty, banter-filled way (though there’s plenty of that), but in a deeper, soul-level “I see you” kind of way. You can feel how much they care for each other, even when they’re pretending not to. It’s magnetic, messy, and completely swoon-worthy.
And then there’s the found family dynamic—chef’s kiss. The side characters aren’t just background noise; they’re a full-on support system, complete with chaotic group chats, teasing that comes from love, and those quiet moments where someone shows up just when it matters most. You can tell these people have each other’s backs, on and off the ice.
What really stood out to me, though, was how genuine the love felt. Every touch, every fight, every reconciliation—it’s layered with care and history. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about choosing each other over and over, even when things get complicated.
Why not a full five stars? Honestly, I just didn’t want it to end—I would’ve happily read another hundred pages of these two loving each other and making jokes over takeout. But that’s hardly a complaint.
If you’re into sports romance with real heart, sizzling chemistry, and a team that feels more like family, The Puck Contract absolutely delivers. Lace up, dive in, and prepare to fall hard. 💙🥅
The Puck Contract by M.M. Phoenix is the kind of book that makes you grin like a fool one moment and clutch your chest the next. It’s playful, emotional, and packed with more chemistry than a science fair on fire.
From the start, the main characters click—not just in the flirty, banter-filled way (though there’s plenty of that), but in a deeper, soul-level “I see you” kind of way. You can feel how much they care for each other, even when they’re pretending not to. It’s magnetic, messy, and completely swoon-worthy.
And then there’s the found family dynamic—chef’s kiss. The side characters aren’t just background noise; they’re a full-on support system, complete with chaotic group chats, teasing that comes from love, and those quiet moments where someone shows up just when it matters most. You can tell these people have each other’s backs, on and off the ice.
What really stood out to me, though, was how genuine the love felt. Every touch, every fight, every reconciliation—it’s layered with care and history. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about choosing each other over and over, even when things get complicated.
Why not a full five stars? Honestly, I just didn’t want it to end—I would’ve happily read another hundred pages of these two loving each other and making jokes over takeout. But that’s hardly a complaint.
If you’re into sports romance with real heart, sizzling chemistry, and a team that feels more like family, The Puck Contract absolutely delivers. Lace up, dive in, and prepare to fall hard. 💙🥅
May 5, 2025
2.5 stars.
Cute concept, terribly inconsistent execution. Standard fake boyfriend under contract becomes something real trope. Did this not go through an editor? Or was this cobbled together from LLM outputs? Motivations weren't consistent or realistic and too much development happened off-screen.
Why is Mateo their first choice for the fake bf role? Groover is supposedly the first/only out gay NHL player, but at least three current and former team mates either are dating or have dated men. The contract is supposed to be hush-hush but constantly gets discussed in public, to the point where most of the secondary characters know about it because they overhear it being discussed by various parties. PR wants content for socials to make the relationship seem more established/older - how does a photoshoot accomplish this when there's no attempt at costume changes? All the photos are obviously from the same time. The timeline keeps shifting - the three month term is almost up when pr did their halfway mark checkin. Mateo describes coming out to his family following his first public appearances, followed by another coming out via video chat weeks later. And the biggest inconsistency, the third act breakup is caused by Mateo overhearing discussion of the contract and deciding it's a fake relationship - but he knew about the contract from the get-go, he had even been receiving periodic payments. That was the whole point. They'd even discussed that their feelings were not part of the contract. So why is it suddenly some kind of betrayal?
Cute concept, terribly inconsistent execution. Standard fake boyfriend under contract becomes something real trope. Did this not go through an editor? Or was this cobbled together from LLM outputs? Motivations weren't consistent or realistic and too much development happened off-screen.
Why is Mateo their first choice for the fake bf role? Groover is supposedly the first/only out gay NHL player, but at least three current and former team mates either are dating or have dated men. The contract is supposed to be hush-hush but constantly gets discussed in public, to the point where most of the secondary characters know about it because they overhear it being discussed by various parties. PR wants content for socials to make the relationship seem more established/older - how does a photoshoot accomplish this when there's no attempt at costume changes? All the photos are obviously from the same time. The timeline keeps shifting - the three month term is almost up when pr did their halfway mark checkin. Mateo describes coming out to his family following his first public appearances, followed by another coming out via video chat weeks later. And the biggest inconsistency, the third act breakup is caused by Mateo overhearing discussion of the contract and deciding it's a fake relationship - but he knew about the contract from the get-go, he had even been receiving periodic payments. That was the whole point. They'd even discussed that their feelings were not part of the contract. So why is it suddenly some kind of betrayal?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
enjoyable even if the conflict makes no sense
This is a cute fake relationship story but the way the black moment happens and the non-hockey MMC reacts makes absolutely no sense. Like, there were ways to plot this that would have made sense, but this author took a sharp left into unnecessary miscommunication bc the main characters decided to ignore everything from before. The grand gesture literally has the hockey player apologizing to the non-hockey player about a contract THAT HE KNEW ABOUT AND WAS PAID FOR?! Like WHAT?!?! And the conflict initially starts bc two other characters are having some random conversation that makes a lot of assumptions but obviously was happening without the hockey player’s involvement. Like the whole thing doesn’t drag out thank goodness, but it also makes no sense. Luckily the MCs are charming enough that you can stick with it—especially since it happens very close to the end, so it’s not super drawn out. Otherwise I would have considered giving up on the read.
This is a cute fake relationship story but the way the black moment happens and the non-hockey MMC reacts makes absolutely no sense. Like, there were ways to plot this that would have made sense, but this author took a sharp left into unnecessary miscommunication bc the main characters decided to ignore everything from before. The grand gesture literally has the hockey player apologizing to the non-hockey player about a contract THAT HE KNEW ABOUT AND WAS PAID FOR?! Like WHAT?!?! And the conflict initially starts bc two other characters are having some random conversation that makes a lot of assumptions but obviously was happening without the hockey player’s involvement. Like the whole thing doesn’t drag out thank goodness, but it also makes no sense. Luckily the MCs are charming enough that you can stick with it—especially since it happens very close to the end, so it’s not super drawn out. Otherwise I would have considered giving up on the read.
April 16, 2025
This is book number 1 of the Melting Ice series and focuses on Groover (Ansle) and Mateo. Groover is an openly gay professional hockey player and is up for a very important sponsorship. The problem with that is that the company wants to see him be in a stable relationship so his PR and management team come up with a plan to hire a fake boyfriend for him to show the company that he is in a stable relationship. Mateo had always identified as straight but he discovered that he had an undeniable connection with Groover. I loved the development and progression of their relationship. It was a very natural and realistic development and they took their time exploring their feelings with each other. I also loved the friend circle they have surrounding each other! This was a fantastic story and an excellent start to the series! I can’t wait to read the next story in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2025
I really enjoy this author’s erotic novellas. I actually started this one thinking it would be the same delicious smutty goodness. I don’t know whether to be disappointed that there was more depth to the story instead of smut. I want it all!
I was digging the story until the manufactured drama at the end. I thought the characters understood how the relationship began and what it became after evolving. Then all of a sudden we have drama and uncertainty? It didn’t make sense. It ended well but it felt like the ending to a different story.
I’m not a hockey fan but I can’t wait for the next in the series.
I was digging the story until the manufactured drama at the end. I thought the characters understood how the relationship began and what it became after evolving. Then all of a sudden we have drama and uncertainty? It didn’t make sense. It ended well but it felt like the ending to a different story.
I’m not a hockey fan but I can’t wait for the next in the series.
November 7, 2025
4 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Melting Ice" but it can be read as a standalone novel. This was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I loved how the relationship between Groover and Mateo developed as they explored their feelings for each other; it felt so realistic. These two were perfect with and for each other, and their chemistry was strong. The story was well-written, and I really enjoyed their banter; some parts even put a smile on my face. This is a fake-relationship story with low angst, and it was a fun, satisfying read. Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Melting Ice" but it can be read as a standalone novel. This was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I loved how the relationship between Groover and Mateo developed as they explored their feelings for each other; it felt so realistic. These two were perfect with and for each other, and their chemistry was strong. The story was well-written, and I really enjoyed their banter; some parts even put a smile on my face. This is a fake-relationship story with low angst, and it was a fun, satisfying read. Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you enjoy it as well!
April 28, 2025
This was cute and I felt like the relationship developed very organically. But I did not like the ending much. I think I have read too many book where one of the MCs just does something silly because they overheard a conversation and decided to act on the bit they heard instead of having a conversation. I wish third acts breakups were done differently or none at all. But it was a good read overall.
April 17, 2025
Very cute read.
Great characters, good banter and spice.
The build up to the contract leak was expected however the drama between Groover and Mateo was confusing.
Solid ending with lead up to further stories in the series.
Great characters, good banter and spice.
The build up to the contract leak was expected however the drama between Groover and Mateo was confusing.
Solid ending with lead up to further stories in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
This was not bad, though it's probably more enjoyable if you like the fake boyfriend trope. I liked the characters and the relationship. I really didn't buy the - Mateo's actions didn't make a lot of sense.
April 21, 2025
het was wel oke hoor. maar het einde was erg afgeraffeld en er mocht wel meer tempo in het verhaal zitten. er zaten grappige stukjes in.
Read
April 23, 2025Dnf at 40% because it was too boring for me.
May 2, 2025
3.5! Very cute :) Groover and Mateo. Fake dating for hockey pr reasons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
If you like fake dating, with no angst. This story is for you. Banter between the two also made me laugh on occasion.
May 16, 2025
Good, funny at times, but inconsistent storyline especially about the whole contract.
May 22, 2025
Interesting,
Plot well thought out, cute, maybe a little saccharine at times, but was the perfect little escapism book that caught my attention and kept me wanting to finish it.
Plot well thought out, cute, maybe a little saccharine at times, but was the perfect little escapism book that caught my attention and kept me wanting to finish it.
September 1, 2025
Funny
I love books that make laugh. This one had me giggling like a little kid. Can’t wait for the next book.
I love books that make laugh. This one had me giggling like a little kid. Can’t wait for the next book.
November 14, 2025
60% dnf
Nice, but it wasn't interesting enough to complete the whole book
Nice, but it wasn't interesting enough to complete the whole book
August 29, 2025
DNF few pages before HEA, and if you think I should persevere and power through, then no, I absolutely couldn't. :D
Or better, if I did, my strong annoyance towards Mateo would probably change to hate, and this book would lose another star in my rating.
Anyway, good points!
Competent writing, relationship development between main characters nicely done (mostly! see below for exceptions), team dynamics in Groover's team, banter. All really good, so I'm disappointed with the dive my enjoyment of the book took towards the end.
Bad points :
Groover: I don't feel like I know much about him except he's hockey player, gay, and too perfect to be real in many situations.. There's no depth or originality in him.
Mateo: completely overdone as a nerd with strong "chick lit girl with silly antics" vibes as a bonus. Nor my favorite, to be honest. It also took him far too long to accept his sexuality - open-minded scientifically inclined person shouldn't have that many troubles to face facts, IMO. And the rest of his likability was sacrificed by the author just to have BIG BIG drama near the end. Because his reaction to what he overheard was completely overblown and absolutely laughable, and made him look like a small kid instead of functional adult.
Too many authors do this, frankly. Are there really that many readers who prefer soap opera dramatics to likable heroes?
Other things I really didn't like :
There was never any discussion about roles in their sex life - is it really such a done thing that Mateo is bottom just because he's smaller, cute, and sort of silly? :D Like, really??? He has no experience with gay sex so I would expect him to want to experiment a little, and I would absolutely expect Groover as the experienced one to at least talk with him about options, not just go straight for his ass like the big muscled manly man who just won't lose his face by offering to bottom himself (strong heterosexual vibe detected!).
First meeting of Mateo and Groover - The PR team is so obsessed with this "campaign" that they force the heroes to attend meetings about their online presence (with diagrams and graphs and everything!) but they just can't be bothered to actually tell Groover there is a campaign already in place? :D
They don't introduce them prior to Mateo's first official appearance, don't check their chemistry, don't work with them on their backstory, negotiate the level of PDA acceptable for both sides, don't give them tips how to behave.... That's just absolute bullshit and I don't buy it. And the "meet-cute" manufactured in this way really wasn't good enough to justify this credibility loss.
And the smallest thing still big enough to get me out of groove with the story:
All this make believe relationship driven by the GM and PR team of Groovers' club. I don't know, aren't endorsements like this one mentioned in the scope of player's agent, and shouldn't he play main role in the negotiation? And I'm not even talking about having his client's back when his club forces him to do something so far behind his duties as their employee.
And that's it, gents :D Way too more letters than I wanted throw into this space anyway!
Or better, if I did, my strong annoyance towards Mateo would probably change to hate, and this book would lose another star in my rating.
Anyway, good points!
Competent writing, relationship development between main characters nicely done (mostly! see below for exceptions), team dynamics in Groover's team, banter. All really good, so I'm disappointed with the dive my enjoyment of the book took towards the end.
Bad points :
Groover: I don't feel like I know much about him except he's hockey player, gay, and too perfect to be real in many situations.. There's no depth or originality in him.
Mateo: completely overdone as a nerd with strong "chick lit girl with silly antics" vibes as a bonus. Nor my favorite, to be honest. It also took him far too long to accept his sexuality - open-minded scientifically inclined person shouldn't have that many troubles to face facts, IMO. And the rest of his likability was sacrificed by the author just to have BIG BIG drama near the end. Because his reaction to what he overheard was completely overblown and absolutely laughable, and made him look like a small kid instead of functional adult.
Too many authors do this, frankly. Are there really that many readers who prefer soap opera dramatics to likable heroes?
Other things I really didn't like :
There was never any discussion about roles in their sex life - is it really such a done thing that Mateo is bottom just because he's smaller, cute, and sort of silly? :D Like, really??? He has no experience with gay sex so I would expect him to want to experiment a little, and I would absolutely expect Groover as the experienced one to at least talk with him about options, not just go straight for his ass like the big muscled manly man who just won't lose his face by offering to bottom himself (strong heterosexual vibe detected!).
First meeting of Mateo and Groover - The PR team is so obsessed with this "campaign" that they force the heroes to attend meetings about their online presence (with diagrams and graphs and everything!) but they just can't be bothered to actually tell Groover there is a campaign already in place? :D
They don't introduce them prior to Mateo's first official appearance, don't check their chemistry, don't work with them on their backstory, negotiate the level of PDA acceptable for both sides, don't give them tips how to behave.... That's just absolute bullshit and I don't buy it. And the "meet-cute" manufactured in this way really wasn't good enough to justify this credibility loss.
And the smallest thing still big enough to get me out of groove with the story:
All this make believe relationship driven by the GM and PR team of Groovers' club. I don't know, aren't endorsements like this one mentioned in the scope of player's agent, and shouldn't he play main role in the negotiation? And I'm not even talking about having his client's back when his club forces him to do something so far behind his duties as their employee.
And that's it, gents :D Way too more letters than I wanted throw into this space anyway!
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