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Stick Side
She’s the girl of his dreams.
He’s the man she shouldn’t want but can’t resist.
After a decade in the NHL, Benjamin Logan is finally playing for the Chicago Challengers. With only a year to prove himself to his new team, he can’t afford distractions. And that includes stunning brunettes who make his heart race and draw feelings from him no one else ever has.
Once burned, twice shy, Melody McGuire is embracing a fresh start in a new city after being unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend. She’s nervous about dating anyone again after the way her last relationship ended, but she’s downright flustered when one of her father’s players starts sending warm smiles and flirty repartees her way.
Can the coach’s daughter and one of his star players really find happily ever after? Or will media sensationalism and deep-seated insecurities sabotage their budding romance and chance at love?
Stick Side is a sweet and spicy dual POV hockey romance filled with heart, humor, and happily ever after. It's the first book in the Chicago Challengers series.
He’s the man she shouldn’t want but can’t resist.
After a decade in the NHL, Benjamin Logan is finally playing for the Chicago Challengers. With only a year to prove himself to his new team, he can’t afford distractions. And that includes stunning brunettes who make his heart race and draw feelings from him no one else ever has.
Once burned, twice shy, Melody McGuire is embracing a fresh start in a new city after being unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend. She’s nervous about dating anyone again after the way her last relationship ended, but she’s downright flustered when one of her father’s players starts sending warm smiles and flirty repartees her way.
Can the coach’s daughter and one of his star players really find happily ever after? Or will media sensationalism and deep-seated insecurities sabotage their budding romance and chance at love?
Stick Side is a sweet and spicy dual POV hockey romance filled with heart, humor, and happily ever after. It's the first book in the Chicago Challengers series.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 15, 2025
I give Stick Side by Jillian Maclean a 3 out of 5 star rating. It is a quick and easy read, but the love story felt lacking and I found myself feeling disconnected from the characters.
Stick Side is the romance story of hockey player Ben Logan and physical therapist Melody McGuire. Ben plays for the Chicago Challengers and one of his coaches happens to be the father of Melody. They meet almost immediately and Ben is smitten with her from the get go, before even talking to her. This, in a nutshell, was one of my biggest challenges with the story. I’m not sure the trope of “slow burn” really fits since this couple goes from 0 to 100 in no time at all. For example, Ben caresses Melody’s face at their very first meeting (not even a 1:1 date, a group setting). This is before they say anything to each other outside of introductions. It felt VERY fast, Ben says to Melody “you’re it for me” when it seems like they barely know each other.
I also struggled with the dialogue. It seemed that all the characters ever spoke about was how much they liked each other. There are some interspersed chapters of text message exchanges between them that are cute, but it all seemed very surface level. I found myself wanting their conversations to be deeper with some attempts to learn more about each other, their families, their pasts, anything! I feel like there were missed opportunities to try to give some depth and substance to their relationship and the characters themselves. For example, Melody spends Thanksgiving with Ben at his family home. I would have loved to read some interactions between Ben and his parents or Melody and Ben’s parents, maybe helping the reader learn more about Ben as a child or seeing Ben’s parents “fall in love” with Melody as well.
Both of the main characters' dialogue doesn’t feel very realistic/relatable and honestly took me out of the intimate moments frequently. For example, at one point Melody asks Ben, “What has put this unhappy expression on your face so early in the morning?” At another point Ben says to Melody, “I like that you’re demonstrative with your affections…I will happily serve as your body shield as I meet your passions every step of the way.” I assume Ben speaking in this way is partially because the character went to Harvard and presumably has a larger vocabulary to choose from as a result, but to me it just felt like…people don’t talk like that (maybe I just hang out with the wrong people?). There were also some phrases used a few times that caught me off guard, such as “clapped eyes on you.” I had to google it and apparently it’s a British idiom for saying “laid eyes on you.” You learn new things every day!
Throughout the story I also found myself wondering, what is the conflict here? Neither main character really had any “flaws” introduced. Melody is more or less presented as a “perfect” woman and Ben as an all around good guy with no vices. I don’t recall that we ever learned why Melody’s previous relationship ended - this may have helped give some credence to her insecurities that come up towards the end of the story. Almost 400 pages in there is a hint of conflict - a media scandal involving Ben. It felt a bit abrupt that this, despite it very quickly being dismissed as not at all true, causes Melody to question if she can be with Ben, without talking to him at all. Based on the story up until this point it felt out of left field and like these types of doubts about being in the public eye and dating someone “famous” should have come up before. The resolution of the conflict is also a whiplash - over the course of a chapter change Melody no longer has these concerns. It appears that something changed in her thinking and the reader wasn’t really privy to what this may have been. They are right back to saying how much they love each other, with no discussion of her (brief) concerns. The conflict is introduced and resolved within the last 50 pages of the story.
The last thing I’ll say is, poor Nolan. Nolan is introduced as a potential competing love interest for Melody, but there isn’t really any development here and at no point does he really have any semblance of a chance with Melody. I found myself wishing that would have been explored a bit more.
TL;DR. Stick Side is an easy read with some cute moments, but I prefer a love story where the characters have more depth, relatable conversations and relationship development.
Stick Side is the romance story of hockey player Ben Logan and physical therapist Melody McGuire. Ben plays for the Chicago Challengers and one of his coaches happens to be the father of Melody. They meet almost immediately and Ben is smitten with her from the get go, before even talking to her. This, in a nutshell, was one of my biggest challenges with the story. I’m not sure the trope of “slow burn” really fits since this couple goes from 0 to 100 in no time at all. For example, Ben caresses Melody’s face at their very first meeting (not even a 1:1 date, a group setting). This is before they say anything to each other outside of introductions. It felt VERY fast, Ben says to Melody “you’re it for me” when it seems like they barely know each other.
I also struggled with the dialogue. It seemed that all the characters ever spoke about was how much they liked each other. There are some interspersed chapters of text message exchanges between them that are cute, but it all seemed very surface level. I found myself wanting their conversations to be deeper with some attempts to learn more about each other, their families, their pasts, anything! I feel like there were missed opportunities to try to give some depth and substance to their relationship and the characters themselves. For example, Melody spends Thanksgiving with Ben at his family home. I would have loved to read some interactions between Ben and his parents or Melody and Ben’s parents, maybe helping the reader learn more about Ben as a child or seeing Ben’s parents “fall in love” with Melody as well.
Both of the main characters' dialogue doesn’t feel very realistic/relatable and honestly took me out of the intimate moments frequently. For example, at one point Melody asks Ben, “What has put this unhappy expression on your face so early in the morning?” At another point Ben says to Melody, “I like that you’re demonstrative with your affections…I will happily serve as your body shield as I meet your passions every step of the way.” I assume Ben speaking in this way is partially because the character went to Harvard and presumably has a larger vocabulary to choose from as a result, but to me it just felt like…people don’t talk like that (maybe I just hang out with the wrong people?). There were also some phrases used a few times that caught me off guard, such as “clapped eyes on you.” I had to google it and apparently it’s a British idiom for saying “laid eyes on you.” You learn new things every day!
Throughout the story I also found myself wondering, what is the conflict here? Neither main character really had any “flaws” introduced. Melody is more or less presented as a “perfect” woman and Ben as an all around good guy with no vices. I don’t recall that we ever learned why Melody’s previous relationship ended - this may have helped give some credence to her insecurities that come up towards the end of the story. Almost 400 pages in there is a hint of conflict - a media scandal involving Ben. It felt a bit abrupt that this, despite it very quickly being dismissed as not at all true, causes Melody to question if she can be with Ben, without talking to him at all. Based on the story up until this point it felt out of left field and like these types of doubts about being in the public eye and dating someone “famous” should have come up before. The resolution of the conflict is also a whiplash - over the course of a chapter change Melody no longer has these concerns. It appears that something changed in her thinking and the reader wasn’t really privy to what this may have been. They are right back to saying how much they love each other, with no discussion of her (brief) concerns. The conflict is introduced and resolved within the last 50 pages of the story.
The last thing I’ll say is, poor Nolan. Nolan is introduced as a potential competing love interest for Melody, but there isn’t really any development here and at no point does he really have any semblance of a chance with Melody. I found myself wishing that would have been explored a bit more.
TL;DR. Stick Side is an easy read with some cute moments, but I prefer a love story where the characters have more depth, relatable conversations and relationship development.
November 27, 2025
Stick Side is an adorable hockey romance that sets up a world and team that I never want to leave. The Chicago Challengers have nestled into my heart and I’m so thankful that Jillian Maclean has more to come!
I had a unique experience being introduced to this series as I beta reader book 2. I loved the characters then and after reading this one, I love them even more. They are unique, fun, and their stories are all blossoming before our eyes.
As for Melody and Ben, so swooooony! A love story that will have you kicking your feet and laughing, and maybe a little bit of blushing :P
WHAT I LOVED MOST:
Melody’s voice is unique and fits her character so much. She is intellectual but warm and caring and her POV is refreshing as she navigates her relationship challenges.
The team! As a reader, we get to meet so many of the team mates and each time one was introduced I was excited to know what their story would be. Each one has a personality that expands beyond hockey jock, and the humor and camaraderie is perfect.
Ben is respectfully OBSESSED. As a woman who was wooed with pleasant persistence, I can appreciate a man who knows what he wants and is completely open about it. Sometimes love at first sight is real and Ben is a man confident and caring enough to communicate where his heart lies and regard boundaries as well.
The speed dating. You’ll see. It’s chef’s kiss!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“I envy that spoon right now,” Ben confessed, his voice a little more gravelly than it had been mere moments ago. He took his time withdrawing the utensil from her mouth but didn’t step away.
“Someone once told me that our eyes water when we yawn because we miss our beds and it makes us sad.”
“Mel eats chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Eric volunteered as he walked down the hallway, toweling his hair dry. “And often in between. She could give Willy Wonka a run for his chocolate-eating money.”
“Oh wow,” Ben said, clearly impressed. “So, it’s Doctor McGuire.” (WHO DOESN’T LOVE WHEN A MAN DEFAULTS TO DESERVED TITLES!?)
“I went for a cosmo,” Annie voiced. “I was hoping to harness my inner Carrie Bradshaw and bring myself some sex in this city.”
“Now, don’t let any of these guys make too good of an impression on you until I have a chance to take you out and sweep you off your feet, okay?”
“What do you think?” Ben asked in a voice that seemed all the more potent with her eyes closed. His rich baritone washed through her as dark chocolate goodness exploded on her tongue. (NOW I WANT CAKE!)
Stick Side is a debut novel that will surely turn into one of my favorite series. The balance of characters and sport made it a perfect hockey romance to me. 100000% recommend!
And one more thing, it’s clear through her words that the author appreciates chocolate and cooking and you should be warned you might get cravings as you read.
I had a unique experience being introduced to this series as I beta reader book 2. I loved the characters then and after reading this one, I love them even more. They are unique, fun, and their stories are all blossoming before our eyes.
As for Melody and Ben, so swooooony! A love story that will have you kicking your feet and laughing, and maybe a little bit of blushing :P
WHAT I LOVED MOST:
Melody’s voice is unique and fits her character so much. She is intellectual but warm and caring and her POV is refreshing as she navigates her relationship challenges.
The team! As a reader, we get to meet so many of the team mates and each time one was introduced I was excited to know what their story would be. Each one has a personality that expands beyond hockey jock, and the humor and camaraderie is perfect.
Ben is respectfully OBSESSED. As a woman who was wooed with pleasant persistence, I can appreciate a man who knows what he wants and is completely open about it. Sometimes love at first sight is real and Ben is a man confident and caring enough to communicate where his heart lies and regard boundaries as well.
The speed dating. You’ll see. It’s chef’s kiss!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“I envy that spoon right now,” Ben confessed, his voice a little more gravelly than it had been mere moments ago. He took his time withdrawing the utensil from her mouth but didn’t step away.
“Someone once told me that our eyes water when we yawn because we miss our beds and it makes us sad.”
“Mel eats chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Eric volunteered as he walked down the hallway, toweling his hair dry. “And often in between. She could give Willy Wonka a run for his chocolate-eating money.”
“Oh wow,” Ben said, clearly impressed. “So, it’s Doctor McGuire.” (WHO DOESN’T LOVE WHEN A MAN DEFAULTS TO DESERVED TITLES!?)
“I went for a cosmo,” Annie voiced. “I was hoping to harness my inner Carrie Bradshaw and bring myself some sex in this city.”
“Now, don’t let any of these guys make too good of an impression on you until I have a chance to take you out and sweep you off your feet, okay?”
“What do you think?” Ben asked in a voice that seemed all the more potent with her eyes closed. His rich baritone washed through her as dark chocolate goodness exploded on her tongue. (NOW I WANT CAKE!)
Stick Side is a debut novel that will surely turn into one of my favorite series. The balance of characters and sport made it a perfect hockey romance to me. 100000% recommend!
And one more thing, it’s clear through her words that the author appreciates chocolate and cooking and you should be warned you might get cravings as you read.
October 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Debut author Jillian Maclean delivers a wonderful debut book with Stick Side. It is book 1 in her debut series Chicago Challengers. I am excited to see what comes from this series as book one was a joy to read and a wonderful introduction to this young author. Her first book contains insta-love, low angst, and banter that kept me turning the pages to see what was going to unfold between our two MCs. From the very moment they met, actually even before that, the connection between them was instant and obvious. Sometimes you just know and Jillian definitely reminds readers of the magic that is love within this story.
Ben and Melody can’t take their eyes off each other from the instant they lock on to each other. I adored how Jillian didn’t play games with our MCs and let readers know immediately they feel a deep pull towards each other. Although slow burns can be fun and the building of tension makes for a good read, the insta-love is needed and I was so happy for it in this novel. Ben doesn’t let the moment pass him over and is quick to let Melody know he is taken by her. The heart wants what the heart wants and although in real life this honesty would probably scare someone off, in the books, this was such a sweet moment.
The obstacle between these two is that Melody is the daughter of one of Ben’s hockey coaches. So basically, she should be off-limits, but Ben can’t stay away. As they get to know each other and create a deeper connection, Jillian throws in funny moments, adorable family moments, and slight drama when it feels Ben may have to choose hockey or Melody. Overall though the story remains filled with good intentions and no real conflict that leads the MCs to miscommunication or a third act breakup.
Being a brand new author, I can’t wait to see how Jillian grows into her voice and storytelling abilities. I look forward to getting to know more players on the team, fingers crossed Nolan is a MC in her next book. As Jillian develops her talent, I am excited to see stories with the same light hearted feel, but maybe deeper emotions and larger conflicts to overcome. A wonderful debut novel though that I enjoyed reading!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Feel Good Sports Romance
🩺Emotionally Available MMC
🏒You’re It For Me
🩺Witty Banter
🏒Coach’s Daughter
🩺Sweet and Spicy
Debut author Jillian Maclean delivers a wonderful debut book with Stick Side. It is book 1 in her debut series Chicago Challengers. I am excited to see what comes from this series as book one was a joy to read and a wonderful introduction to this young author. Her first book contains insta-love, low angst, and banter that kept me turning the pages to see what was going to unfold between our two MCs. From the very moment they met, actually even before that, the connection between them was instant and obvious. Sometimes you just know and Jillian definitely reminds readers of the magic that is love within this story.
Ben and Melody can’t take their eyes off each other from the instant they lock on to each other. I adored how Jillian didn’t play games with our MCs and let readers know immediately they feel a deep pull towards each other. Although slow burns can be fun and the building of tension makes for a good read, the insta-love is needed and I was so happy for it in this novel. Ben doesn’t let the moment pass him over and is quick to let Melody know he is taken by her. The heart wants what the heart wants and although in real life this honesty would probably scare someone off, in the books, this was such a sweet moment.
The obstacle between these two is that Melody is the daughter of one of Ben’s hockey coaches. So basically, she should be off-limits, but Ben can’t stay away. As they get to know each other and create a deeper connection, Jillian throws in funny moments, adorable family moments, and slight drama when it feels Ben may have to choose hockey or Melody. Overall though the story remains filled with good intentions and no real conflict that leads the MCs to miscommunication or a third act breakup.
Being a brand new author, I can’t wait to see how Jillian grows into her voice and storytelling abilities. I look forward to getting to know more players on the team, fingers crossed Nolan is a MC in her next book. As Jillian develops her talent, I am excited to see stories with the same light hearted feel, but maybe deeper emotions and larger conflicts to overcome. A wonderful debut novel though that I enjoyed reading!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Feel Good Sports Romance
🩺Emotionally Available MMC
🏒You’re It For Me
🩺Witty Banter
🏒Coach’s Daughter
🩺Sweet and Spicy
November 29, 2025
Sweet and fluffy sport romance. Ben and Melody have a deep pull towards each other from the beginning; and initially, the romance was adorable and I would absolutely love to go on a date with Ben, because, WOW a hunk AND a planner? Yes please! I did feel the conversations or yearning could have been a bit more as the book continued. During the first love scene, I felt it took light-years to actually get there (I wonder if Ben would get the Disney reference), and perhaps it could be seen as anticipation to some, I just wanted it to get there and not as if it's ok or take so long.
Character development was there, I enjoyed having the background details and meeting close friends. Conversations and dialogue between characters felt a bit surface level or too formal... At times I kept thinking, why is everyone so nice and almost too polite - even the conflicts were pleasant. Although, I was disappointed in Melody for the cop out during “the scandal".
This was a debut novel and will be part of a series. Overall, it was a very cute story and I love the sweet, adult disney romance vibes. I think the author has a great series here and book 1 was a good read! I am looking forward to the remainder of the series, especially if I am guessing correctlty who the love interest is!
Thank you to Jillian Maclean for the ARC and the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team! All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the publisher or the author. Available now!
Insta love | Sports romance | Coaches Daughter | Second Chances | Flirty Banter
Character development was there, I enjoyed having the background details and meeting close friends. Conversations and dialogue between characters felt a bit surface level or too formal... At times I kept thinking, why is everyone so nice and almost too polite - even the conflicts were pleasant. Although, I was disappointed in Melody for the cop out during “the scandal".
This was a debut novel and will be part of a series. Overall, it was a very cute story and I love the sweet, adult disney romance vibes. I think the author has a great series here and book 1 was a good read! I am looking forward to the remainder of the series, especially if I am guessing correctlty who the love interest is!
Thank you to Jillian Maclean for the ARC and the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team! All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the publisher or the author. Available now!
Insta love | Sports romance | Coaches Daughter | Second Chances | Flirty Banter
October 31, 2025
Nolan sale sobrando y más porque no es un mal tipo. Se me hizo injusto porque Jillian quería mantenerlo como amigo aun sabiendo que él quería algo más que amistad amistad. Lo peor es que no le decía que ya tenía novio, y le mandaba mensajes dando a entender que iba a salir con él; incluso aceptaba sus citas. O sea, sentía algo por Ben, pero tenía su colchón por si algo pasaba.
A eso se suma que cada que veía a Nolan mencionaba lo mucho que le gustaba físicamente y cómo su presencia la tranquilizaba. ¿Y se supone que la persona que ama es Ben? Además, cuando Nolan se entero de Ben le dijo claramente que estaba bien con ser su amigo para, cuando lo de Ben terminara, pudiera tener su oportunidad. Y la tarada de Melody se emocionó por eso.
A Ben le inventaron un escándalo y ella no tardó en dejarlo e irse de citas con Nolan, porque según ella no podía competir con todas las fans. Pero bien que ella sí podía salir con alguien que claramente quería acostarse con ella, pero que no fuera al revés, porque seguro ella hubiera hecho un numerito. Encima tenía a su otro amigo, Erik, quien también le coqueteaba y sabía que estaba esperando su turno.
Al final fue Nolan quien se fue, porque si no, Melody seguiría yendo a “citas de amigos” con él. ¿Se imaginan que Ben hubiera salido como amigos con alguna mujer que tuviera otras intenciones? Dudo mucho que Melody lo tomara bien.
Si fuera Ben, la hubiera dejado. Él merece algo mejor.
A eso se suma que cada que veía a Nolan mencionaba lo mucho que le gustaba físicamente y cómo su presencia la tranquilizaba. ¿Y se supone que la persona que ama es Ben? Además, cuando Nolan se entero de Ben le dijo claramente que estaba bien con ser su amigo para, cuando lo de Ben terminara, pudiera tener su oportunidad. Y la tarada de Melody se emocionó por eso.
A Ben le inventaron un escándalo y ella no tardó en dejarlo e irse de citas con Nolan, porque según ella no podía competir con todas las fans. Pero bien que ella sí podía salir con alguien que claramente quería acostarse con ella, pero que no fuera al revés, porque seguro ella hubiera hecho un numerito. Encima tenía a su otro amigo, Erik, quien también le coqueteaba y sabía que estaba esperando su turno.
Al final fue Nolan quien se fue, porque si no, Melody seguiría yendo a “citas de amigos” con él. ¿Se imaginan que Ben hubiera salido como amigos con alguna mujer que tuviera otras intenciones? Dudo mucho que Melody lo tomara bien.
Si fuera Ben, la hubiera dejado. Él merece algo mejor.
October 21, 2025
“And I catalogued every one of your many radiant smiles. Of which you have at least four different varieties, by the way.”
This is a really sweet and fluffy hockey romance. Yes there’s a little drama but honestly they are just sweet.
Ben is pretty swoony, he’s obsessed the minute he sees Melody and honestly I can’t find one fault with his character. I love the way he talks with her father, his coach. I love how he seems genuine and is so loving with Melody and caring of his friends. He honestly treats Melody like a Queen and his communication is top tier. Even when things get out in the press his first thought is her and how to make it right with her.
Melody was a little bit clueless, she didn’t realise she was beautiful and that men did in fact want more than friendship with her. You get to see the reasons for her hesitation, why she’s heart broken and not to eager to give it away again. She does get herself in a bit of a love triangle, although again, she’s pretty good with communication and tells both Ben and Nolan everything. She does seem a little lost but I like the way Ben helps find her. I also love how talented this girl is.
The side characters are fun and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them throughout the rest of the series.
A great debut book that has me ready for the rest!
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
“Tell me something. Is all this blushing normal for you, or is it me?”
This is a really sweet and fluffy hockey romance. Yes there’s a little drama but honestly they are just sweet.
Ben is pretty swoony, he’s obsessed the minute he sees Melody and honestly I can’t find one fault with his character. I love the way he talks with her father, his coach. I love how he seems genuine and is so loving with Melody and caring of his friends. He honestly treats Melody like a Queen and his communication is top tier. Even when things get out in the press his first thought is her and how to make it right with her.
Melody was a little bit clueless, she didn’t realise she was beautiful and that men did in fact want more than friendship with her. You get to see the reasons for her hesitation, why she’s heart broken and not to eager to give it away again. She does get herself in a bit of a love triangle, although again, she’s pretty good with communication and tells both Ben and Nolan everything. She does seem a little lost but I like the way Ben helps find her. I also love how talented this girl is.
The side characters are fun and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them throughout the rest of the series.
A great debut book that has me ready for the rest!
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
“Tell me something. Is all this blushing normal for you, or is it me?”
October 24, 2025
This book, and especially the writing style, reminded me of those good old Hallmark movies that were made after books you imagined written exactly like this - with long, drawn
-out descriptions of someone’s lingering gaze or admiring a male athlete’s body after a workout, sprinkled in with warm banter between people that forever make you rewatch the film when you need these ageless vibes of comfort and flirtatious coziness.
Melody and Ben practically sizzled together in their cuteness and compatibility.
Jillian Maclean is definitely an old soul trapped in a generation of 8 second videos and sports romance tropes.
This is one hockey romance that’s really a lot more about the charm of human spirit than just the underbelly of the competitive sport.
Thank you to Jillian Maclean for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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-out descriptions of someone’s lingering gaze or admiring a male athlete’s body after a workout, sprinkled in with warm banter between people that forever make you rewatch the film when you need these ageless vibes of comfort and flirtatious coziness.
Melody and Ben practically sizzled together in their cuteness and compatibility.
Jillian Maclean is definitely an old soul trapped in a generation of 8 second videos and sports romance tropes.
This is one hockey romance that’s really a lot more about the charm of human spirit than just the underbelly of the competitive sport.
Thank you to Jillian Maclean for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
----------
Follow for more of my reviews:
TikTok
October 13, 2025
Melody’s trying to rebuild after a breakup; Ben’s trying to find his footing in a new city. Their chemistry is immediate, but it’s the emotional pacing that makes it work. The text conversations are a highlight—funny and flirty, without feeling overdone.
There’s a gentle complication when one of Melody’s patients tries to play matchmaker with his grandson, adding just enough tension to keep things interesting. It’s not a love triangle—just a reminder that timing and intention don’t always line up.
Jillian Maclean gives us a romance that’s sweet and spicy. Ben becomes the kind of man Melody didn’t know she needed—steady, intentional, and willing to pull out all the stops to win her over.
If you like your contemporary romance with heart, humor, and a little emotional mess, this one delivers.
There’s a gentle complication when one of Melody’s patients tries to play matchmaker with his grandson, adding just enough tension to keep things interesting. It’s not a love triangle—just a reminder that timing and intention don’t always line up.
Jillian Maclean gives us a romance that’s sweet and spicy. Ben becomes the kind of man Melody didn’t know she needed—steady, intentional, and willing to pull out all the stops to win her over.
If you like your contemporary romance with heart, humor, and a little emotional mess, this one delivers.
October 16, 2025
Jillian Maclean’s debut and it is a sweet and spicy low-angst hockey romance. Ben Logan is new to the Chicago Challengers and once there, he quickly falls for Melody, his assistant coach’s daughter. She’s also new to town and works as a physical therapist. Ben falls hard and fast (instalove yes, maybe a bit of lovebombing). Melody is keen, but less certain of her feelings. Their romance is complicated by the way that hockey players are always in the public eye and how they are subject to gossip and innuendo, and also to predatory fans.
This feels like a lot of wish-fulfilment in how much of a green flag and good-guy Ben is, even though he plays in such a violent and testosterone-laden sport. Melody could do with a good shake, but her concerns and insecurities feel real.
All in all, a strong debut and I’m excited for Jillian to keep writing more romances.
Thank you Jillian Maclean for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
This feels like a lot of wish-fulfilment in how much of a green flag and good-guy Ben is, even though he plays in such a violent and testosterone-laden sport. Melody could do with a good shake, but her concerns and insecurities feel real.
All in all, a strong debut and I’m excited for Jillian to keep writing more romances.
Thank you Jillian Maclean for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
November 13, 2025
TLDR - Disney for Adults meets Hallmark movie vibes
Jillian Maclean's debut book is a sweet, low-angst slow burn romance with some spice that's very reminiscent of Hallmark movie vibes.
Laura Black Reads (another ARC reviewer) summarized the book so well - "Ben Logan is new to the Chicago Challengers and once there, he quickly falls for Melody, his assistant coach’s daughter. She’s also new to town and works as a physical therapist. Ben falls hard and fast. Melody is keen, but less certain of her feelings. Their romance is complicated by the way that hockey players are always in the public eye and how they are subject to gossip and innuendo, and also to predatory fans."
I'm really excited to see where the rest of this series goes!
ARC reader.
Jillian Maclean's debut book is a sweet, low-angst slow burn romance with some spice that's very reminiscent of Hallmark movie vibes.
Laura Black Reads (another ARC reviewer) summarized the book so well - "Ben Logan is new to the Chicago Challengers and once there, he quickly falls for Melody, his assistant coach’s daughter. She’s also new to town and works as a physical therapist. Ben falls hard and fast. Melody is keen, but less certain of her feelings. Their romance is complicated by the way that hockey players are always in the public eye and how they are subject to gossip and innuendo, and also to predatory fans."
I'm really excited to see where the rest of this series goes!
ARC reader.
October 27, 2025
This is a sweet story and I love a hockey romance. I’m not a huge fan of a slow burn and at times it felt like things dragged on a bit. I loved the characters and their chemistry. I did have a hard time buying into the emotional attraction beyond the physical chemistry however.
Overall it was cute.
The spicy scenes were surprisingly intense which also felt like a little bit of a disconnect from the rest of the book, but they were enjoyable, once they got going.
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
Overall it was cute.
The spicy scenes were surprisingly intense which also felt like a little bit of a disconnect from the rest of the book, but they were enjoyable, once they got going.
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
October 16, 2025
A brand new hockey series, a dual POV written in third person. A sweet and a little bit spicy sports romance between a pro hockey athlete and the coach's daughter. Ben and Melody hit it off from the get go and he definitely fell first but he had some stiff competition! Their text message chapters were the cutest! Low drama considering all the men vying for Melody's attention, Ben was mature enough to deal with it. Great little read!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
November 9, 2025
Melody and Ben are a powerhouse couple. Ben is the blueprint that all men should strive to become. Melody is the girl next door sheltered from the spotlight in which she’s been thrust.
I enjoyed getting to know Melody so much and to watch her come into her own at the end (I mean the VERY end). I did however find that her constant self-doubt and naivety can be a little tiring at times.
Ben was the ultimate, and y’all, I mean ULTIMATE of all time ultimate boyfriend. When that man fell for her, he fell hard! He treated her right, was self-aware, sexy as sin, and that body! If Melody ever leaves Ben I hope the author will write ME into the story!
I was missing some more of Melody at work. I think there was a missed opportunity in having her tie up some loose ends with the character Thom.
I’d like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.
I enjoyed getting to know Melody so much and to watch her come into her own at the end (I mean the VERY end). I did however find that her constant self-doubt and naivety can be a little tiring at times.
Ben was the ultimate, and y’all, I mean ULTIMATE of all time ultimate boyfriend. When that man fell for her, he fell hard! He treated her right, was self-aware, sexy as sin, and that body! If Melody ever leaves Ben I hope the author will write ME into the story!
I was missing some more of Melody at work. I think there was a missed opportunity in having her tie up some loose ends with the character Thom.
I’d like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
Stick side is a sweet love story that makes you believe that romanticism is still alive. Jillian's characters are compelling and relatable. I got attached to Melody right from the beginning and couldn't wait to see how her journey would end. All in all it was a fun and easy read, perfect for a cozy fall day with a hot cocoa and a thick blanket.
November 9, 2025
So I’ll be honest.
I love the story line, it’s cute and a fast read.
But I was not a fan of the 3rd person past tense, and honestly it was written too formal. I don’t feel like the dialogue was the way people actually talk, like I said too formal.
I love the story line, it’s cute and a fast read.
But I was not a fan of the 3rd person past tense, and honestly it was written too formal. I don’t feel like the dialogue was the way people actually talk, like I said too formal.
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