Melt The Ice

by Allison A. Andrews

Blurb to come

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 1, 2026

About the author

Allison A. Andrews is a wife and mother of one based in Brisbane, Australia.

​

Having always been an avid reader with an overactive imagination, when she isn't writing, she loves spending time with family and friends, travelling the world, and dreaming of the next story she can tell.

Reviews

[Paige Seach Sorrenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

This is book 2 in the Calgary Mounties series and BIG YES. This is a forbidden romance between personal trainer and goalie 🥵 the sexual tension was tensioning. Definitely read book one as we get a couple of events told from our MCs POV that we did see part of in book 1 and then we get a time jump. A ONE YEAR TIME JUMP. Dean has been falling for this girl for a year before our story picks up and what a ride. I also read this within a day and really enjoyed it.

Read on for more with possible spoilers

FMC: Alannah; she moves to Calgary for an assistant personal trainer position for our Mounties and finds herself coming across a very tall dark and handsome man in the coffee shop. Acting slightly out of character things progress and they spend the night together. Being one of the only women in the industry, she is also faced with a slimeball head trainer who is misogynistic and frankly a sexist asshole. With the threat of this romance costing her job, Alannah keeps things professional. Personally I felt like she did do a lot of push and pull at Dean, leading him on and made some not very nice comments about his character. I feel like she needed to address a particular family issue before she worked in the industry 🤷🏼‍♀️

MMC: Dean; Dean is now my favourite. I loved him. He lived her from a far, respected every choice Alannah made even though it hurt him. I felt so bad for this man (please don’t make me feel bad for a male 🙃) I wonder if his teammates were actually as close to him as he thought. The constant comments made about his sex life, when he didn’t really seem like a player in either books was saddening. Also them not knowing he’s actually really smart. The trivia scene made me want to give him a hug and tell him to get new friends 🥹 yes Dean didn’t always want to be upfront with injuries but with facing him getting older and younger players stepping up to replace him, I kinda understand not wanting to jump the gun in reporting an injury which might not be too bad.

Side characters: I again love Seth and Kylie and that they are already a committed couple. Got a little Lincoln and Adele but again they didn’t really seem like Deans friends, more like close colleagues 🤷🏼‍♀️ I am dying to know wtf is going on with Ander and Bethany? Arranged marriage? She’s blackmailing him? She gives up evil bitched who trapped a golden retriever 👀 with the introduction of Tierney, I’d like to see her navigate a new relationship with another hockey player, it’s giving teammates little sister/brothers teammate. I’m excited for Riley’s book and his background story

A special mention that the ending all blew up because of Alannah and her big mouth. She was the one telling everyone and I kinda hate when one person in the secret relationship has a support system and the other is alone in that. She also definitely needed to work on her feelings about her dad because Dean saying he’s usually in pain after a game, I felt like she was over reacting because of her fathers history and not Deans

[Evie Pavone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟

A big thanks to Allison A Andrews for the ARC reading copy of the 2nd book in the Calgary Mounties series.

An enjoyable read.
Written well.
Incorporated all the hockey team members well.
I just found the ending to be quick and abrupt it would have been great for a bit more detail about them getting back together and maybe the team ie. friends celebrating.
Loved the main characters both male and female, personalities.

Allison A Andrews is a wonderful Aussie Indie author who i recommend to all readers.

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Calgary Mounties Series.

This book is a forbidden Romance between sports trainer and Goalie 🥵🥵

The chemistry and tension was off the a charts from the moment the first set their eyes in each other

I read the book in a day I could not put it down it had me in a chokehold

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster I laughed, I cried and I was swooned and melted into a puddle with the spice

I loved Dean he wanted alanna so much that he loved her from afar and respected her choices but it hurt him so much
Alanna felt the same but being a female in a man's world she needed to make some choices and they hurt

The story flowed really well and I loved catching up with the characters from book 1
I loved Allison writing style and she continues to have me hooked on every word she writes.

I loved this book so much and now I can't wait for book 3

This is my honest review

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean and Alanna

Tropes:
* Sport romance (Hockey)
* Off-limits
* Forbidden

This book was devoured.
Alanna “Lahney” is hired as an assistant trainer, and the night before she starts, she lets a little loose and has a one-night stand…

Imagine her surprise when she finds out that the one-night stand guy is Dean, the goalie for the team she works for!

What I liked is that this wasn’t a story that was resolved in a matter of weeks/months.
There is a jump of 12 months before we get any further action.

There’s a toxic boss, a ‘framily’, a lot (and I mean, a LOT) of tension between Dean and Alanna. Despite his history, he’s a softie for her and would go to any lengths for her. Alanna is strong, but still has her weak moments, particularly when trying to navigate her way through a male-dominated career with a chauvinistic, misogynistic and toxic boss (plus workmates who benefit from his attitude, so do nothing.) I was actually glad when it was called out, but I would have liked to see more of an outcome from that aspect of the storyline.

It does have a bit of drama towards the end, kind of makes sense, still annoyed me a little, and due to the location in the book, it kind of was wrapped up way too quickly. It needed to happen earlier to really do the reunion justice.

But… a great group of characters, plenty of introductions, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Surely Anders and Bethany… heading to splitsville because she’s a shallow puck bunny who blackmailed him into marriage and is now faking a pregnancy, but then he finds someone real!!! Fingers crossed!

Thanks Allison for the advance copy.

[Danielle Hughes-Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ ARC Review - 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️

Allison has outdone herself with this book, I didn’t think she could top ‘On Thin Ice’ but she blew it out of the park. I loved every single page!! The chemistry and banter between the MC’s was utter perfection! Allison’s storytelling is everything and you can see she puts everything she has into writing her books. The characters are so relatable and the spice was chefs kiss!

Tropes -
🥅 Forbidden Romance
🏒 Found Family
⛸️ Grumpy Goalie
🥅 Workplace Romance
🏒 Feisty FMC
⛸️ NHL Hockey Romance
🥅 Slow Burn
🏒 He Falls First
⛸️ One Night Stand

I was so excited to read Dean’s story after him being such a grump towards the end of book #1 but it all makes perfect sense now. I love an MMC that Yearns for the FMC and Dean sure did plenty of that and more. He’s such a sweetheart. Alanna is a badass, she’s feisty and as a female athletic trainer working in a male dominated field she’s had to work so much harder to be recognised for her hard work. I loved them together and seeing their story unfold was beautiful.

Thank you Allison for letting me be a part of your street team and for this ARC, it was a pleasure and an honour to read. Already counting down the days till book #3

I received an advance copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Melt the Ice! This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and she continues to impress with her writing style and the way she handles tough topics (check your trigger warnings).

The story follows a couple who meet at a coffee shop and hit it off, spend the night together without talking about their job’s only to discover they actually work together—she’s a female athletic trainer for an NHL team, and he’s the goalie. Of course, sparks fly, they fall in love, experience some ups and downs, and eventually come to their senses.

If I had any criticism, it would be with the dialogue. At times, the characters’ word choices didn’t feel true to their native tongues. The author is Australian, and occasionally words were used for the characters that felt off. I’m not sure if I noticed it in her first book because of the native tongues of those characters. However, I’m American but lived in Australia for a while before moving back to the U.S. so the some of the word choices really stood out to me. It didn’t distract from the story, but it was noticeable at times.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and the chemistry between the characters. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Lynda Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melt The Ice

Wow, this book was really good. I love a well written sports romance, even if I don't know anything about that sport. And this one has wonderful main characters.

Alanna is a Kiwi girl who take up a job as an assistant trainer for a Canadian NHL Hockey team. She has to deal with a sexist boss who thinks women should be trainers. Dean is the goalie of said hockey team who fears that he is coming to the end of his career thanks to his mounting aches and pains.

I love that Allison has expertly written in the tension between these two, who even though they have strong feelings for each other, can't act on it due to the non-fraternization rules of the team. Watching these two navigate not only their feelings but the rules that they are obliged to follow, you feel their frustrations.

The story flows so well and even though there are many side characters, it's a hockey team after all, you don't get lost. Each of them are fully realised and they give depth to the story, giving our main characters people to bounce off.

This was the first of Allison's books (I have many on my TBR 🫣) that I have read and trust me, it won't be the last. Another amazing Aussie author to add to my must read list. A 5 star read for this one.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the arc ❤️
Jumping into this and wow one chapter in and I can tell the writing has improved so much since book one 👏
Same one-night-stand trope as the first book which was very same same, but honestly? I still didn’t mind it.
The sexual tension though?? So good. Absolutely carried 😮‍🔥
Sometimes it felt like Alannah was lowkey leading Dean on, and that frustrated me because Dean was by FAR my favourite. He loved her from a distance when she needed it most, stayed mature, respectful, and emotionally available the entire time. A king, honestly. Alannah really needed to either get with him or let him go. The back and forth was testing my patience and it took me out of it a bit.
Our beautiful side characters, Seth and Kylie were super cute in this one. If I can put in a request; I would love a prequel novella (give me a 0.5 PLEASE) so we can actually see their love story unfold. Still obsessed with Adele and Lincoln from book one too 🤍 can’t wait for book three I will be jumping into as soon as possible, so keen for Riley 🥵
Also… tell me there’s a book four that’s got more on Bethany because I need answers about whatever is going on with her and Anders 👀📖✨ manifesting a rebound with a normal person for him.

[Roxy Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melt The Ice

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶.5

Release Date 1st February 2026

Firstly thank you to Allison for allowing me to beta read Melt the Ice and also did arc read it aswell. This series has been amazing so far and can't wait to read book 3. You have written such a great book and series so far and definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next in the Calgary Mounties Series.

Allison, where do I even start with this book. This book had me completely hooked from the start. I absolutely enjoyed and loved the book so much. I was very lucky to beta read this last year and even reading it again before the release date it still warms my heart.

The amount of giggles throughout this whole book was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for more and more to happen. I absolutely loved Dean and Alanna and the chemistry they had. They were so cute together and cared very deeply for each other. The tension in this book was amazing and omg glad they had a happy ending. Will say this beware you will be utterly crushed throughout.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melt the Ice is a heartfelt, emotionally rich romance that balances vulnerability, chemistry, and healing beautifully. Allison A. Andrews delivers characters who feel real and deeply human—flawed, guarded, and slowly learning how to let their walls down. The emotional tension simmers just as much as the romantic one, making every interaction feel earned and meaningful.

What truly stands out is the way the story explores emotional growth and trust. The romance unfolds naturally, with moments that are tender, aching, and swoon-worthy without ever feeling rushed. Andrews’ writing is immersive and smooth, pulling you into the characters’ inner worlds and making it impossible not to root for them.

If you love slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and stories where love feels like a safe place rather than a quick fix, Melt the Ice is absolutely worth the read. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after the final page—soft, comforting, and quietly powerful. ❄️❤️

[Samantha Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison A. Andrews is one of those special writers where you know you’re going to love every book she writes, and Melt the Ice is no exception.

The story follows Adele, a Kiwi trainer who has been recently employed by the Calgary Mounties. She faces the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and constantly pushing back against patriarchal attitudes.

Before meeting the team, Adele meets a man at a local café and they form an instant connection. They talk for hours, their chemistry is undeniable, and they end up spending the night together. The problem? The man she was with is Dean - the goalie for the Calgary Mounties - and their relationship is strictly forbidden.

The story is filled with delicious will they/won’t they moments, simmering tension, and one ultimate question: will they risk it all for love?

[Amanda Reber-Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry between Dean & Alanna is undeniable! From the moment they meet it was just meant to be.

I loved the representation in women working in professional sports. The whole team was determined to show anyone who underestimated Alanna that they were incredibly wrong to do so.

I normally hate third act breakups because it’s normally over their feelings not being discussed but in this case Dean & Alanna were both on the same page just how much they loved eachother but they just couldn’t be together because of risking her job. Them getting back together and seeing their future in the epilogue bought a massive smile on my face and allowed me to stop crying over the breakup haha.

I truly loved this series and will be impatiently waiting for Riley’s book

[Naes.bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I don’t know where to start! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! I was lucky enough to beta read this book and let me tell you arc reading this was just as good, no just as amazing as beta reading this book!
This book had me hooked from the very beginning, the amount of giggles and gasping I made throughout the book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and kicking my feet like a little kid.
I loved the chemistry between dean and alanna! They were so cute together and cared deeply for each other
The book was written beautifully and touched on a couple of tough topics and even had me questioning where and how the HEA would come in, I loved the ending of the book and can’t wait to the next book in the series!

[Teagan Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m here for the Goalie!
Effortless to read and easy to sink into.
Fast paced hockey romance with all the right tropes done well. A forbidden workplace set up, with Alanna a strong career driven FMC and Dean the grumpy goalie at the top of his game. Their one night meet cute before realizing they work together adds instant tension and the slow burn with him falling first is chefs kiss. Writing is effortless, fast paced, character driven and charming- balancing heat and heart. I enjoyed the short chapters, character depth and emotional rollercoaster. Secret dating, high stakes career choices and a satisfying hard earned ending made this a total win for me!! Minimal spice (but it didn’t need it!)

[Spice Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ ARC review

It’s good to see some down under characters in an ice hockey romance, and also good to see a Canadian setting.

I haven’t been too into MF romance lately but this one was quite enjoyable. A slight bit of lag halfway, and there are some of the usual MF characteristics, but it didn’t feel too bogged down by that and it all came together in the end.

Alanna is a take charge strong FMC, Dean the charming goalie god, fighting against their workplace attraction. It’s a slow paced slightly spicy trip for these two and I enjoyed
the interactions with their friend groups and workmates.

This is the only book I’ve read by this author, but I’m interested to see Adele and Lincoln’s story (first book in the series), and am looking forward to Riley’s too.

[Rebecca Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melt the Ice is the second book in the Calgary Mounties series. I haven’t read the first book in the series and was able to follow along easily.
I really liked the alternating chapters between the FMC and MMC, as it allowed the reader to see the same event from the two different perspectives.
There was a great tension between the FMC and MMC that the author was able to carry throughout the book.
I also loved the support from the team for the main characters, especially towards the back end of the book.
One thing that frustrated me in the book was the character of Trevor. I really wish that someone would have stood up to him.
This book had me wanting to go out and read Book 1 and I will definitely be hanging out to read Riley’s story.
I received an ARC and all opinions are my own.

[Shawna C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry between Dean and Alanna is beyond fire!!!! Alanna working in a man's world of limited female staff in their hockey world is fighting for her job and making sure nothing can screw it up and sent her packing. She meets Dean before ever realizing who he is and the fact that he is on the team she now works for. Keeping her job is even harder now because the sparks between these two are beyond ignited and more than ready to explode. Alanna gains new friends within her job and fights the attraction to keep her job.
The writing is so amazingly written that it pulls you into their world and you feel the sparks from a distance. Cant wait for the next story.

[mistys_bookobsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison you have done it again. I can honestly say that I absolutely love reading your books.
Melt the Ice is book two in the Calgary Mounties series and boy did it deliver.
We get a meet cute, a forbidden romance, forced proximity, grumpy goalie, feisty FMC, found family, workplace romance.

Dean loves playing hockey however he is struggling to come to terms with becoming older and his body keeping up with the demands.
Allana has just moved from NZ and is a feisty trainer. She is trying to survive with a boss that is sexist and proving that women belong as trainers in sports.

I fell in love with the Calgary Mounties in Chasing Horizons and have loved reading this series. I love the camaraderie of the team and how they are a family.
I love that there is acceptance and kindness from the WAGS (not all of them) towards Allana.

Dean and Allana have some major obstacles to overcome. Their relationship touches on some deep topics so please check the trigger warnings.

I can't wait for more Calgary Mounties!

[Sandy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written & enjoyable hockey romance read! Loved reading Calgary Mounties Book 2!

I was expecting the slow burn and tension to start from when Dean (grumpy goalie) and Alanna (sports trainer) first met so I was a bit unsure when the story picked up after ONE WHOLE YEAR. I wanted to feel ALLLL that tension in the first year but Allison didn't disappoint because it was all there since Dean is injured and has to be under the care of Alanna. Cue forced proximity, longing/secret stares, the tension, 'forbidden' love. I will eat that up.

Also a sportsman WITH BRAINS!? Very attractive.
Also fellow Aussie so love having Aussie/Kiwi moments!

[Shazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well it's easy to say I'm addicted to the Calgary Mounties! Book two in this series follows the grumpy Goal Dean and the gorgeous Kiwi Allana. These pair have such chemistry and the slow burn with all the flirty has you on the edge!

The banter between all the characters is sensational and I couldn't get enough of it.

I love that each book showcases a different member of the Mounties Ice Hockey team and their journey through life and finding love.

Looking forward to continuing this series as Allison writes them. Like with her Circle of Friends series, these books are interconnected standalones.

[Cope Durfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even with the 3rd act break up this book hit all the feels. Had me tearing up and honestly questioning how the HEA was going to come in. I loved how it all ended and cant wait for the next book and will be going back to read the first one in the series. Love the chapter names, more books should do this. Love the game play by play, feels like I am watching an actual game. Love seeing the mental health struggles from the players prospective of the new/younger guy taking his place and the realization from Alanna as his trainer.

[TheBoozyBookDragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I DEVOURED this book I’m not joking! The two MC’s in this book Alanna & Dean are great characters, they’re well rounded and I enjoyed reading their story. I was fully invested with them from the first page! The author took me on a ride where I laughed, cried and questioned my sanity along the way, but overall I loved this book and I am honoured that I was picked to be apart of the ARC team. I recommend getting this book when it drops on 1st February 2026!!

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

AHH i feel bad for saying 3 stars, dont get me wrong it was a good book it just wasn't for me sorry.

spice was 2
It was a good book but i just feel like every book that has the same worp lace trope is always the same. It can't happen but it does then it's all secrets ect.

tropes/triggers
work place
forbidden
strangers to lovers
workplace sexism
mention of alcoholism (parent)
mention of death (parent pass)

[Naiomi Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another extremely well written ice hockey rom com by Allison. Even with some really hard topics this was written with love and understanding.

It’s great to see the relationships within the Mounties and their partners also moving in the right direction and having lots of depth.

I can’t wait to read more about the Mounties.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so so much ! it started with one of my favourite tropes a one night stand with someone you work with !!! the tension from there just sky rocketed. The forbidden romance trope is one of my favourites and Allison wrote this so well. thankgosh this was a happy ending but beware you will be utterly crushed throughout.
I already can't wait to read this again.

[Ashley Cutshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forbidden workplace romance between Dean the Mounties Goalie and Alanna the Mounties trainer.

The chemisty between Dean and Alanna was off the charts. And man those spicy scenes were spicing.

I loved every moment of their story. The emotional rollercoaster you are taken on. From the highs and lows, i was laughing and crying along with the story.

[Sara Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Knowing that these three women have come here to simply support me is more than I know what to do with” I love how there is a we listen and don’t judge from this group of characters and they give each other so much support. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed this story so much.

[Jen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I always love when I get to see prior characters again and when found family plays a big role in the story. I loved their chemistry and their longing. I loved watching the grumpy goalie fall for the trainer. Great book. Round up due to no half points.

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!!! First the story of Kylie/Seth and then Addie/Lincoln in the first book. Then this story of Alanna/Dean. So good!!!! Can’t wait for book 3!!!

[Jill McBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this as an ARC read and I absolutely devoured this! I could not put it down.