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I kissed a man in a hockey mask and… I liked it.



My twin brother swears that the man behind the mask is one of his three best friends. But he won’t tell me which one.



All he tells me is that each of his friends would be perfect for me. He has a rule for the perfect boyfriend.

The six six six rule.

Six feet tall

Six figures in the bank

Six inches… where it matters.



He’s right. His best friends are the most popular guys on campus, and they all make it clear I’m not welcome near them.



Only I’ve got nowhere else to go.



My past is a train wreck after I left my ex at the altar, escaped my father’s social media cult, and am on the run from my “fans” and … a stalker in a hockey mask.



Just when I thought I was free, my very life is in danger.



this is the first book of a 𝘸𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 dark 𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 series and ends in a cliffhanger. The heroine won’t have to choose between her different love interests. This story has dark elements, 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴 and fake datand it’s intended for readers 18+.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

907 people are currently reading
726 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Adams

68 books817 followers
Melissa Adams is from the UK but was born in Italy and grew up between the two countries. She’s now UK based and her day job is connected her other huge passion after writing and reading: flying. She lived in the US and got herself a super hot Yankee husband who followed her back to Europe.
Her obsessions: Yorkshire terriers and Norse gods!
She’s often heard saying that she never trusts people who don’t love animals.
Her passions have been reading and writing from an early age and her first adventure in writing was in journalism.
Melissa’s stories focus on the romance, on character development and on the sensual aspect of love. Summer romance is her absolute first love but every story she writes has a mystery twist because life is nothing but a mystery.
Here’s a link to her website for all the latest news about her and her writing: https://melissaadamsr.wixsite.com/web...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHwit...
IG: @melissa.adamsr
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melis...
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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5 stars
420 (38%)
4 stars
369 (34%)
3 stars
227 (21%)
2 stars
48 (4%)
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16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Jax.
90 reviews
September 10, 2025
The plot doesn't pickup until the last 50 pages and it wasn't even that good in the first place so maybe don't waste your time, at least until the second book is out if you're really interested. Oh yeah, that's because it's a series and not a fucking standalone like I thought it was🤦‍♀️. Annoyed doesn't even begin to cover the depth and breadth of my frustration upon realizing that this is a series. I only kept reading because I thought it was a standalone. Anyway, spoilers ahead!
This book has mad misogynistic energy in it, while somehow also being pro LGBTQ+ and pro-women??? The male characters take women hating to an uncomfortable degree, even when it's used as a plot point or stereotype. For example, two of the MMCs have been cheated on by past girlfriends and one in particular, Keene, is divorced due to a cheating wife; these characters speak about women being "the devil" (multiple times), "crazy" and "fickle creatures that are mentally unstable and unable to keep a promise". According to them, women are only good for one thing and that's a warm body that will have sex with them and leave afterward. Female side characters, also, discuss puck bunnies and how the "gold digging leaves a bad taste in their mouth". Conversely, Jamie, the "man-whore" character is very pro-women, when he offers them the one night special and respects their choices to hook up with whomever they wish. He would never call any woman a slut, but will let his boy degrade women as a whole. He will sit idly by and let his friend and teammate talk shit about "anywhere I turn, I see women lying, cheating and scheming to get their way without any regard for who they hurt" (direct quote from Keene to other MMCs and Bex's brother). These characters are not redeemable, they give "I'm on incel forums and listen to Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate" vibes. Being hurt by a past partner's actions is valid but becoming a misogynist because of it ain't it. If I heard a male friend speaking about women this way after being cheated on, we'd have a real come to Jesus moment and probably a referral to a therapist. I would've loved to see the other MMCs speak up and tell these idiots to cut the bullshit. Especially Luke, Bex's brother, he is gay and in a relationship with one of his teammates. Not that the onus of responsibility should be on the character that is in a minority group, but his father was an active homophobe that disowned his son because he caught him in flagrante with another boy. He understands how having so much disdain and hate toward a group of people can be hurtful and harmful. So it would make sense that he would tell his boys to grow TF up and stop spouting bullshit. Would love for this author to rework and make Luke a greater part of the book, maybe even cut out the first 200 some pages and start at the end. That is where the story really starts and gets interesting and could be reworked to flow better. Alas, it is most likely not in the cards. Good luck to all who read it 💙🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,530 reviews82 followers
July 12, 2025
I mean this was fine. The writing isn’t the best, but it reads really fast. I think there’s a lot better why choose hockey books out there. I did like the gay side characters though.
Profile Image for Mel { wolfsbanebooks.
208 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2025
Low rating cause this is half a book. Not everything needs to be a series. This book doesn't stand on its own. It's literally half of the book.
Profile Image for BLT.
601 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2025
Bex finally realizes that she can't breathe living under her father's roof, so she does what her brother did years prior, leaves. Unfortunately, she ditched out the day of her wedding to the guy her father picked out. Yeah, that never ends well.
Who was Bex' kiss? Who is the man in mask? Which mask you ask??? That's what I'm asking, there are a couple mask situations and I'm in! I am so in that I need more.
Just as long as it isn't Jason Vorhees I'm cool, because that would be my luck if I were Bex. haha
I am also on the hunt for Star Cove to return to college! Wink Wink
Profile Image for Melissa Hickman.
1,043 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2025
Awesome!!!!

Great start to a new series!!!! Bex is a great FMC who’s been dealt a bad hand. Luckily she has a wonderful brother on her side and three big, strong men who have taken an interest in her. I love the storyline and these characters are 🔥🔥🔥🔥Read this NOW!!!!!!
Profile Image for Sarah Elaine.
245 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
Yes

I found myself consuming this ridiculously fast. I love the pace and all of the characters! I need to know who Bex's stalker is. That threesome was so hot!

🌶🌶🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,529 reviews
November 7, 2025
.

So far the storyline is intriguing with a bit of mystery mixed in. I need so much more information about these characters.
Profile Image for Michelle Ann.
712 reviews30 followers
May 21, 2025
I can really count on Melissa Adams to give me a book that will have me absolutely hooked from the very beginning. This is a college hockey romance with a slightly darker tone to it.

Bex has run away from home, runaway from her soon to be husband at the altar and landed herself at her twin brother’s door step, so to speak. She needs to start her life over with no money, no job. So she seeks help. And finds herself sharing what seems to be a frat house type with his roommates. His 3 very hot college roommates who play hockey.

I’m in. I’m absolutely in love with all the characters. Give me book 2 please!
Profile Image for Kenadee Jones.
164 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2025
Firstly, Keene is an asshole, and it honestly made this book hard to read any time he was mentioned. Just like several incels and misogynists, he cites one woman's behavior as proof for the entire gender. He calls all women useless except for sex. What's worse is that he had a daughter! Meaning that he thinks that is what she will grow up to be like. It's ridiculous.
Especially since he tells this to a woman who has been through significantly worse than he has: social isolation, assault, sexual assault at the hands of strangers and Kurt, and financial abuse, all at the hands of men, and she still doesn't spew the crap he does.
Luke doesn't barely corrects him; in fact, he defends Keene to Bex, saying that he hasn't had a good female role model. You shouldn't have to have a good female role model to not spew bullshit about them. Luke even thinks Keene would be a good option for a boyfriend when the first thing Keene did to his sister was insult her. He also threatened her with physical violence by proxy, his cat. Luke redemption worthy qualities are that he risked friendships to find Bex a place to stay and set up Jaime, who is better than Keene or Connor as far as behavior towards women goes.
Jaime is super sweet in the relationship , worrying about her and correcting his behavior even if he still defends Keene. He even apologizes for not letting her stay. But he is also a bit of a hypocrite, he says he hates slut shaming but Keene literally does that in front of him and he says nothing. He makes up for a lot of his behavior when he defends Bex against other people who are being creepy like Tucker and the guys at the bar.
Connor originally irked me, he's so close to becoming like Keene. But he acknowledged that, even thinking about how he didn't want to be like him. He defended Bex at the bar too, and with Tucker.
The kisses were very hot, very descriptive. The sex scenes are explosive and extremely intimate.
Overall, I found this book hard to read. I hope Keene at least tries to make up for his actions in the next book. I really like Bex as a character(she's the whole reason I kept reading) and want her to be happy. I also look forward to seeing who is behind the mask.
Profile Image for ReadsBetweenKatNaps.
291 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2025
Good rule to live by…

I’m going to start off by saying this is a review for the duet. For me this was like a 3 1/2 stars because man I loved the plot line. The FMC’s father was an evil genius on how he built himself up. I mean wow that was such a crazy ride on how he became the Emperor of his company. To think all that up and put it to paper was really impressive. The MMCs are reluctant at first sight, I mean they are typical men, she’s hot but they aren’t down with monogamy. Things change though and people catch feelings. I enjoyed all the multiple POVs. I have a feeling there was a series prior to this one that I must have missed reading and there will be another series after this one. Definitely happy with the amount of hockey mentioned and her brother was amazeballs. He and Shane were couple goals! Now potential spoilers because I have thoughts and questions…where I got lost and dragged was that her whole social media was based on dance. Her sponsorships were all dance, but we eventually hear her major was art and minor in dance? That was abrupt. Honestly if a controlling madman you ran away from gave you a phone wouldn’t you have ditched that right away? How did she contact her brother when it was stated she was blocked from him in all ways? She chases after the masked man who chokes her? Stalks her? Runs right up to the glass door? I was a bit disappointed at who the masked stalker was when it was revealed, it was kind of a given and a yawn. The confrontation at the end was anticlimactic. I was all psyched and thought here we go! Then it was like oh snap wtf is happening only to have it be a ba dum dum wha whaaa. I don’t want to give it away, but I can’t believe it ended like that. A book from inside the Pure Shine house’s perspective would have been pure gold.
Profile Image for Sarah.
206 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2025
Entertaining 10/10.
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.
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Unfinished series summary for myself for review:

- FMC runs away from contracted /forced marriage arrangement to her twin brother
- twin brother is a hockey star and lives with 3 other teammates. Without FMC present, they vote 3/4 no for her to stay past the weekend.
- Jamie (roommate) ends up getting in trouble with the dean and hockey coach bc he’s got a bad reputation of being a man whore, esp with the deans daughter. They cook up a plan to make it seem like he’s in a relationship so he’ll be focused only on hockey and academics (instead of partying and focusing on women). Team captain/ twin brother asks if his sister can play the role, but she has to stay with them and is given a job working in the new art center. Everyone agrees.
- twin brother moves into gamma frat house to live with his BF so FMC has the room to herself.
- fake relationship with Jamie lasts about 1 day before they start being not so fake
- Jamie notices the way FMC looks at Connor, another roommate/ teammate. Jamie asks if she’s interested in them both and she is. Ensues a moment between all 3 of them
- meanwhile, FMC is going through her own trauma if leaving her dads cult and quitting her own social media stardom. She has some hate comments on her old page that her dad now has control of (legally).
- FMC doesn’t get along with the other roommate, grumpy. He has a cat who also hates FMC, which is a great dynamic bc FMC has a pet fish. Natural prey to cat
- new art center has grand opening and goes great. At the end she’s packing up alone and gets attacked by a random in a hockey mask and uniform. She thinks it’s grumpy roommate but he says it’s not him. Ends with grumpy, FMC, and Connor going to review tapes and see if stalker is still in vicinity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for jennifer morton.
320 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2025
Wow, I absolutely loved this story, and i think it might be one of my favourite stories so far. We first meet Bex when she's a runaway bride, and God I totally felt for her at that moment. She's such a sweet girl and doesn't deserve what's happening to her as she runs away from not one but two mosters in her life. With a horrible father who's out to control everything in her life and Kurt, who's got no respect for women. This story has trigger warnings, but luckily, thanks to meeting three sexy guys, things will differently heat up. There's close proximity, a fake boyfriend, and a grump roommate.There's also Pleanty of funny moments as she gets to know the guys. you've got Jamie who's laid back and the fun guy in the group, Conner like keene is a bit more reserved when it comes to women but there's this instant attraction there both desperately tying to avoid and keene the grumpy guy who's having none of it when Bex is involved. Along with his cat poonani who is just as cranky as Keene. So i can't wait when he finally opens up to Bex. But with everything that's going on there's a danger lurking around the corner which I've got my suspicions on so I can't wait so see what happens next and if Bex and her guys get there happy ending.
Profile Image for Miss E.
600 reviews
May 29, 2025
I keep saying, this is the best MA has ever written - and it's true.
Their latest hockey romance has ALL the things.
Flawed characters, stalk3r, grumpy guys and hilarious and cute pets.
Bex comes running to her twin brother (Luke) when her life is turned up side down. Oh, my Gosh! I adore her brother LOL Gay men can be so cool and for once, the brother pushes her towards his friends in stedt of loosing his sh!t. LOVE it!

Anyway, Jamie, Conner and Keene are three very different guys, with their own reasons for not just jumping on the idea of a new roommate. Keene's cat definitely backs up her owner LOL
And Lady M! I'm pretty sure that portrays how special a bond you can actually have with a fish - if you just try.

Yeah, I'm in love with this book and highly recommend it for lovers of WhyChoose romance with dark3r elements.
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next!
This is not a stand-alone. It ends on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,512 reviews55 followers
May 31, 2025
Ice Me Out is the first book in The Six Six Six Rule Series. It is a dark, why choose, college, hockey romance with mystery, danger, intrigue, spice, wit, and more.

Bex is running away from an unwanted marriage ceremony and a controlling father. Jaime, Keene, and Conner are all hockey players, as well as Bex's twin brother, Luke's, friends and roommates. These four are awesome together and I cannot wait to see their relationships evolve.

The writing, flow, pace, and plot were amazing, as were the characters, character development, relationship development, storytelling, storyline, and world building.

This was a fantastic start to this new series. I especially loved the characters, the role the pets play in the story, and the comedic moments. I also enjoyed the mystery of who is behind the mask and who is the stalker. I'm very excited to find out what will happen in book two!
Profile Image for Chasity7474📚❤️.
394 reviews34 followers
June 25, 2025
I struggled to get into this book but after about 20% I was all in. I am mad at myself for not realizing the next book isn’t out yet and it’s not out till 2026. I will be adding a calendar reminder though so that’s says I would recommend this one!

Bex ran away from her arranged marriage. Her only family left is her twin brother Luke that she is estranged from thanks to her dad. She also has no friends thanks to her dad. When she calls Luke he agrees to let her come to him.

Luke has 3 roommates and they are all in the hockey team. Once Bex explains what happened he takes it upon himself to take care of her and does anything he can think of to save her…including upsetting his roommates.

Profile Image for Melanie.
719 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2025
Ice me out is a book one of a new series The Six Six Rule that takes us back to Star cove and is a dark hockey why choose romance by Melissa Adams. I am so glad to be back and reading another series set in Star cove and back with the hockey romance but with a darker theme. I love the stroyline that the female lead Bex has in this series. She is obviously running from her past and asks her brother for help this then leads us to her meeting his three room mates and hockey players. What could go wrong?. I won't spoil this but if you enjoy hockey romance with twist then you will enjoy this.


Profile Image for Libby Fowler .
608 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2025
Like all of Melissa’s books I absolutely loved this book and the ending has left me needing the next book asap!!
Bex runs to her twin brother Luke after running away on her wedding day to escape her abusive arranged marriage and to get away from their dad, Luke was kicked out beforehand for being gay… she feels guilty for not leaving with him. He moves her in with his 3 housemates Connor, Keene and Jamie, who all happen to be hot!! she has to fake a relationship with Jamie!
I loveee Jamie, Connor is okay, not that keen on Keene, hopefully in the next book that changes! Also the 666 rule made by Luke gave me a good laugh!
Overall a fab read and I am so excited to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Ashley Butler.
310 reviews
June 8, 2025
This was such an exciting beginning to the series, I was sad I couldn't keep reading. Bex has it rough, when she runs away from the life her dad has molded to her twin brother, Luke for help. Finding any way he can to help his sister, he sets her up in his frat house with his 3 roommates. Tensions are high when Jamie, Conner and Keene initially don't want her there but things get interesting. I feel for Bex to have lived as long as she has in her old life to finally be able to break away from that. Jamie and Conner seem like sweet guys and the vote is still out on Keene.... His cat too. Lol I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
699 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2025
Review for the duet

I don't really know how to review this duet. The best description I can think of is mediocre. The plot was a little out there but okay and unique enough. The problem was the repetitiveness of it all. I'm pretty sure it could have been one book instead of 2.
Secondly, it was a little boring. The characters lacked some depth and the fmc was way too cheerful for all what happened. It was a little unreal.
Lastly, the cat's name. I am by no means a prude and am definitely able to cuss like a sailor but I am Caribbean-raised and that name isn't punny like 'pussy', it's more vulgar, kinda like 'cunt'. And it grated on me that anyone would name a beloved pet that.
Profile Image for Sutton Briar .
674 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2025
-why choose
-hockey
-brothers friends
-cliffhanger

I discovered this book unexpectedly, and I am pleased that I did, as it was quite enjoyable. I particularly appreciate the depiction of the sibling relationship, and it's refreshing that the male characters are generally pleasant rather than entirely disagreeable. This deviates from the typical college bully trope often found in "why choose" narratives. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation is also something I value. I must admit, I strongly dislike the father character. My only minor wish is that the relationships within the book had explored greater depth.
Profile Image for Katie Welder .
95 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2025
I'm loving the rule of six six six...

Coming out of a rough situation with no money and no place to live, Bex seeks out her long separated brother for aid. Luke will do anything to help his sister and it shows. Including pushing her into the path of this friends.

This is a build-a-harem that allows things to happen more naturally. Add in the mystery of who she kissed and her mystery stalker, there is not shortage of plot to keep your attention. Of course we are loving our consent kings and the spice that goes with it.

Diving right into the next one. I need to find out how this all develops.
1,198 reviews7 followers
May 7, 2025
Loving this new college, hockey, why choose series. This one is a little bit darker as Bex runs from her father and arranged fiancé to her disowned twin brother. As she tries to figure life away from her father, Luke and his roommates try to help as best they can. She enters into a fake relationship with Jamie but is also attracted to Connor. Keene wants nothing to do with her, and she doesn’t disagree. The spice is a little slow to start as everyone gets to know each other, and the cliffy is a good one! Can’t wait for the next book!
15 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2025
Oh boy, we're back to star cove for another instalment. Back to hockey this time and I love the name drops from previous series interconnected. We meet the FMC and the boys for this duet. The backstory for Bex makes you feel for her especially when it catches up to the present. The boys are all completely different in personalities, Keene being my favourite (mainly because he has a cat and people that adore animals are always my favourites) but clearly has the most "growing" to do. The plot thickens with the added stressors and with the ending I'm now waiting for fall for the second part.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durant.
716 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2025
Ice Me Out is another brilliant ice hockey why choose romance, but with a darker twist.

Bex is a runaway bride escaping her controlling Father and restrictive life. When she runs to her ice hockey playing brother for safety, she doesn't expect to be attracted to his handsome teammates/roommates.

It was brilliant to be back in Star Cove, with familiar names being mentioned and the sororities. This spicy romance gives us all the teasing and panty melting moments and more, with a mystery element.

I can't wait for the final conclusion to this duet. I AM OBSESSED!
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,806 reviews18 followers
May 23, 2025
Ice Me Out

We are back at one of our favorite colleges, but oh wow things are not what they seem. This time around we meet Bex, and let's just say this story doesn't disappoint. She runs to her brother for help, and things get a bit messy. We have a nasty parent (instead won't spoil that for you) and couple of heartbroken guys, a playboy, and a girl who just wants to lay low. What could possibly go wrong? Add in a cat who doesn't like anyone, oh, and a stalker. And you have a book that you can't put down. Loved it.
2,607 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2025
Not even kidding here! Run to get this book! This is so good. I know I am a fan of this authors writing I can tell you already! The story is of Bex and she is done living with the parents and so she moves out and gets in touch with her brother. He wants what is best for her and tells her the six six six rule. If the guy does not have that he's not really worth her time. There's three guys who have taken a fancy towards Bex and oh this is when things heat up. This is book 1 and I can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for Megan.
105 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2025
This book was so good. I can't wait for the conclusion! The Fmc is running from alot of things, and runs to her long estranged twin. Luckily her twin brother is able to help her, and maybe even more lucky, he is best friends with 3 hockey hotties who happen to be his roomates.

Alot happens in this book, with ups and downs, and alot of twists and turns! I love the thriller element of this book and can't wait to find out who dunnit!
Profile Image for Rachel Trundle.
20 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2025
Melissa Adams knocks it out of the park again! If you don't want a little grit and angst in your men, this isn't for you but personally, they are my favorite types of characters. Her character development really sucks you in and makes you invested in each person. And while there is a cliff hanger, it's not brutal like it could be. And that 6-6-6 rule....I wish we could all follow that! I can't wait to read the next book in this series. It's already on my TBR!
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