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Bar Down #1
The Plot Pact
From best selling author Cali Melle comes a new hockey romance filled with scorching tension, witty banter and a deal for the season between a hockey player with a reputation and a romance author who needs the story of a lifetime.
She writes love stories for a living. He doesn't believe in love.
When a terrible case of writer’s block has her career on the line, bestselling romance author Jade Wilson needs inspiration—and fast. If she can’t find a new muse soon, the publishing deal she’s about to secure is off the table. With her deadline approaching, Jade thinks she’s out of options, until she runs into him.
The only thing Matteo “Matty” Ford commits to is being the best player on the ice. He’s the type of guy to visit your bedroom, but never your family. He dates, but not for love, and with his team on a losing streak, he knows he can’t afford any distractions.
Until his teammates suggest that maybe he’s the reason behind their dry spell. Since he’s sworn off romance, he hasn’t scored a single goal.
And now, he’ll do anything to turn that around.
Enter The Plot Pact. Matty offers to help Jade with research for her new book while she becomes his carefully controlled distraction. It’s temporary, strategic, and it comes with one ironclad rule: no falling in love.
But as the season unfolds, the lines between research and reality blur. She’s writing the best story of her career, his team is on fire, and the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore.
What began as a calculated decision becomes dangerously real. Now they have to decide: was it all just for the plot or are they ready to risk everything for a chance at something real?
She writes love stories for a living. He doesn't believe in love.
When a terrible case of writer’s block has her career on the line, bestselling romance author Jade Wilson needs inspiration—and fast. If she can’t find a new muse soon, the publishing deal she’s about to secure is off the table. With her deadline approaching, Jade thinks she’s out of options, until she runs into him.
The only thing Matteo “Matty” Ford commits to is being the best player on the ice. He’s the type of guy to visit your bedroom, but never your family. He dates, but not for love, and with his team on a losing streak, he knows he can’t afford any distractions.
Until his teammates suggest that maybe he’s the reason behind their dry spell. Since he’s sworn off romance, he hasn’t scored a single goal.
And now, he’ll do anything to turn that around.
Enter The Plot Pact. Matty offers to help Jade with research for her new book while she becomes his carefully controlled distraction. It’s temporary, strategic, and it comes with one ironclad rule: no falling in love.
But as the season unfolds, the lines between research and reality blur. She’s writing the best story of her career, his team is on fire, and the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore.
What began as a calculated decision becomes dangerously real. Now they have to decide: was it all just for the plot or are they ready to risk everything for a chance at something real?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2026
313 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Cali Melle
33 books1,405 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
April 24, 2026
If you are looking for an addictive, lighthearted hockey romance that hits all the right tropes, The Plot Pact by Calie Melle is a must-add to your TBR list. This story delivers with a blend of spice and humor, centering on romance author Jade Wilson, who is battling a serious case of writer's block, and Matteo "Matty" Ford, a hockey captain who has sworn off love to focus on his game.
When their paths cross, they make a pact to help support each other as Jade writes her new book if she agrees to support him during his hockey season. Yes, it’s a classic rom-com trope involving boundaries, a fake-but-is-it? situationship, and strict, no-falling-in-love rules that inevitably spirals into something much more dangerous (and real).
The chemistry is undeniable from the start, and Melle does not shy away from the heat—this is definitely not a slow burn! Beyond the romance, the banter is incredibly sharp and funny. I particularly loved the camaraderie between the characters, including the witty exchanges within Jade’s friend group and Matteo’s hockey team. One of the absolute highlights was seeing the hockey team form a book club to read Jade’s work. It was incredibly charming and added such a fun layer to the found family vibes.
One of my favorite elements was realizing that the quotes at the beginning of each chapter were actually snippets from the book Jade was writing all along. It added such a clever meta-layer to the story and made her journey with writer's block feel so much more immersive. I also really appreciated how Melle utilized text message conversations throughout the book. While text threads in some novels can feel random or unnecessary, the text and group chats definitely kept the pace moving quickly and were genuinely funny. They added a cohesive layer to the banter and really strengthened the overall plot.
The Plot Pact is a fun, feel-good read that balances emotional growth with plenty of steam and laughter. If you love light-hearted sports romances with spice, you won't want to miss this one.
Perfect if you love:
🏒 Hockey Romances
🔥 Sports Romances with Spice
✨️ Opposites Attract
💙 Hockey Captain MMC
👀 Reformed Playboy
🏒 Ex's Rival
📚 Writer FMC
📝 Dealing with Writer's Block
😂 Funny Banter
🩷 Found Family
✨️ Kindle Unlimited Sports Romances
Thank you to The Smuthood, and the author, Calie Melle, for an advance reader copy of this book for review consideration. I am writing this review voluntarily. These are my honest opinions.
When their paths cross, they make a pact to help support each other as Jade writes her new book if she agrees to support him during his hockey season. Yes, it’s a classic rom-com trope involving boundaries, a fake-but-is-it? situationship, and strict, no-falling-in-love rules that inevitably spirals into something much more dangerous (and real).
The chemistry is undeniable from the start, and Melle does not shy away from the heat—this is definitely not a slow burn! Beyond the romance, the banter is incredibly sharp and funny. I particularly loved the camaraderie between the characters, including the witty exchanges within Jade’s friend group and Matteo’s hockey team. One of the absolute highlights was seeing the hockey team form a book club to read Jade’s work. It was incredibly charming and added such a fun layer to the found family vibes.
One of my favorite elements was realizing that the quotes at the beginning of each chapter were actually snippets from the book Jade was writing all along. It added such a clever meta-layer to the story and made her journey with writer's block feel so much more immersive. I also really appreciated how Melle utilized text message conversations throughout the book. While text threads in some novels can feel random or unnecessary, the text and group chats definitely kept the pace moving quickly and were genuinely funny. They added a cohesive layer to the banter and really strengthened the overall plot.
The Plot Pact is a fun, feel-good read that balances emotional growth with plenty of steam and laughter. If you love light-hearted sports romances with spice, you won't want to miss this one.
Perfect if you love:
🏒 Hockey Romances
🔥 Sports Romances with Spice
✨️ Opposites Attract
💙 Hockey Captain MMC
👀 Reformed Playboy
🏒 Ex's Rival
📚 Writer FMC
📝 Dealing with Writer's Block
😂 Funny Banter
🩷 Found Family
✨️ Kindle Unlimited Sports Romances
Thank you to The Smuthood, and the author, Calie Melle, for an advance reader copy of this book for review consideration. I am writing this review voluntarily. These are my honest opinions.
April 22, 2026
Getting my review deleted won't change anything bestie. 🤭 I'm framing the email I got from Goodreads Community guidelines printed. 😘
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
No virgins
Manwhore/ playboy H
FWB arraignment (no falling in love rule)
OWD & OMD (ex is a rival)
HFN
It's so crowded on the seas!😊 Don't quit your day job girl. May this author have the day she deserves. ✨
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
No virgins
Manwhore/ playboy H
FWB arraignment (no falling in love rule)
OWD & OMD (ex is a rival)
HFN
It's so crowded on the seas!😊 Don't quit your day job girl. May this author have the day she deserves. ✨
April 22, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
This was one of those reads that just felt easy in the best way.
It pulled me in quickly and kept me there, like a story you pick up for fun and suddenly cannot put down. Matteo and Jade had that effortless chemistry that makes everything feel natural and a little bit consuming.
The whole “no feelings” setup was exactly the kind of chaos I love, and watching Matteo slowly lose that battle was so satisfying. He starts off all charm and zero commitment, then quietly turns into someone who feels a lot more than he planned. Jade balances him so well, she is grounded, driven, and easy to root for, even when she is struggling. Their banter really carries the story, and even though parts of the emotional conflict did not hit as strongly as I wanted, their connection made it easy to stay invested.
It leans into familiar tropes, but does it in a way that feels warm and fun rather than predictable. It is light, a little spicy, and full of heart, even if it does not dig as deep in the second half as it could have.
A solid, feel good read that I would easily recommend.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Cali Melle & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was one of those reads that just felt easy in the best way.
It pulled me in quickly and kept me there, like a story you pick up for fun and suddenly cannot put down. Matteo and Jade had that effortless chemistry that makes everything feel natural and a little bit consuming.
The whole “no feelings” setup was exactly the kind of chaos I love, and watching Matteo slowly lose that battle was so satisfying. He starts off all charm and zero commitment, then quietly turns into someone who feels a lot more than he planned. Jade balances him so well, she is grounded, driven, and easy to root for, even when she is struggling. Their banter really carries the story, and even though parts of the emotional conflict did not hit as strongly as I wanted, their connection made it easy to stay invested.
It leans into familiar tropes, but does it in a way that feels warm and fun rather than predictable. It is light, a little spicy, and full of heart, even if it does not dig as deep in the second half as it could have.
A solid, feel good read that I would easily recommend.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Cali Melle & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
April 14, 2026
[ arc review ]
matteo (matty) is a forward for the hillford ice hawks hockey team and jade wilson is a nyt best selling author (aka girlboss ofc). the hockey team has hit a rough patch, coincidentally during matteo's dry spell. And jade has hit writer’s block. and cue the meet cute, which was actually so romcom vibes, i loved it.
athletes and their superstitions… crazy? maybe. but this time it benefits both of them so why not… do it for the plot if I may? HAHAHAH no one’s laughing at my joke but me rn but anyways. matty offers to help jade with her book for research and inspiration purposes, while she basically is his distraction outside hockey, but not in THAT way… until, well as you can guess how that goes.
and you know i love me a good down bad man. matty is lowkey a sweetheart, like yeah he has a bad reputation that’s left to be desired buuuuuut I felt like he was actually willing to change his playboy ways to be with jade. she was a sunshine (with some cloudy days) type of girl, which so relatable and she seems to put a lot of pressure on herself, also relatable. but jade and matteo's banter and friendship (+ more) was so fun to read. oh guess what? they actually communicated when something felt off, HEY CRAZY I know, but it was great.
💌 hockey romance
💌 opposites attract
💌 friends (w/ benefits) to lovers
💌 he falls first & hard
overall, i really enjoyed this story and can’t wait for more in this series. i loved the team dynamic, and hope to see more of that book club.
the plot pact is the first book in the bar down series and releases april 17, 2026!!
matteo (matty) is a forward for the hillford ice hawks hockey team and jade wilson is a nyt best selling author (aka girlboss ofc). the hockey team has hit a rough patch, coincidentally during matteo's dry spell. And jade has hit writer’s block. and cue the meet cute, which was actually so romcom vibes, i loved it.
athletes and their superstitions… crazy? maybe. but this time it benefits both of them so why not… do it for the plot if I may? HAHAHAH no one’s laughing at my joke but me rn but anyways. matty offers to help jade with her book for research and inspiration purposes, while she basically is his distraction outside hockey, but not in THAT way… until, well as you can guess how that goes.
and you know i love me a good down bad man. matty is lowkey a sweetheart, like yeah he has a bad reputation that’s left to be desired buuuuuut I felt like he was actually willing to change his playboy ways to be with jade. she was a sunshine (with some cloudy days) type of girl, which so relatable and she seems to put a lot of pressure on herself, also relatable. but jade and matteo's banter and friendship (+ more) was so fun to read. oh guess what? they actually communicated when something felt off, HEY CRAZY I know, but it was great.
💌 hockey romance
💌 opposites attract
💌 friends (w/ benefits) to lovers
💌 he falls first & hard
overall, i really enjoyed this story and can’t wait for more in this series. i loved the team dynamic, and hope to see more of that book club.
the plot pact is the first book in the bar down series and releases april 17, 2026!!
April 17, 2026
I loved every single thing about this book 🥹 it almost felt like it healed something in me, Jade and Matteo are so so sweet.
They have the perfect meet cute, with an immediate connection and banter. They very quickly find out that they work well together, and that they can both benefit from helping each other out in their careers.
Matteo is such a breathe of fresh air, he’s so positive, happy and spreads so much joy around him. Even though he’s also a bit cocky and snarky, I think it goes sooo well with his persona. Jade is quite similar, but a bit more reserved, with a 0 tolerance for bullshit.
The fact that they communicate so well with each other is such a big thing, there’s no miscommunication, just two adults who express their thoughts and feelings (although they’re taking their sweet time hahah, but better late than never).
“Jade Wilson is everything I thought I never wanted… and everything I can’t imagine not having now.”
Thank you so much @authorcalimelle for the ARC, I ate this one up so quick!!
They have the perfect meet cute, with an immediate connection and banter. They very quickly find out that they work well together, and that they can both benefit from helping each other out in their careers.
Matteo is such a breathe of fresh air, he’s so positive, happy and spreads so much joy around him. Even though he’s also a bit cocky and snarky, I think it goes sooo well with his persona. Jade is quite similar, but a bit more reserved, with a 0 tolerance for bullshit.
The fact that they communicate so well with each other is such a big thing, there’s no miscommunication, just two adults who express their thoughts and feelings (although they’re taking their sweet time hahah, but better late than never).
“Jade Wilson is everything I thought I never wanted… and everything I can’t imagine not having now.”
Thank you so much @authorcalimelle for the ARC, I ate this one up so quick!!
April 4, 2026
The Plot Pact by Cali Melle eARC Review 💙
I have been absolutely feral for Matteo Ford’s story and it did not disappoint.
The cutest meet cute, which then leads to an agreement between Matteo and Jade which will benefit both of them. Jade needs a muse in order to come up with her next best selling book and Matteo needs a distraction to keep him performing how he needs to on the ice.
Cali’s writing is always a great time. This story was so sweet and filled with emotion, tension and amazing spice. This was such a fun time and I can’t wait for what Cali has in store for the rest of this Bar Down series.
What to expect:
Hockey Romance
Ex’s Rival
Reformed Playboy
Opposites Attract
Thank you so much Cali for the arc!
I have been absolutely feral for Matteo Ford’s story and it did not disappoint.
The cutest meet cute, which then leads to an agreement between Matteo and Jade which will benefit both of them. Jade needs a muse in order to come up with her next best selling book and Matteo needs a distraction to keep him performing how he needs to on the ice.
Cali’s writing is always a great time. This story was so sweet and filled with emotion, tension and amazing spice. This was such a fun time and I can’t wait for what Cali has in store for the rest of this Bar Down series.
What to expect:
Hockey Romance
Ex’s Rival
Reformed Playboy
Opposites Attract
Thank you so much Cali for the arc!
April 17, 2026
Such a good book and cute love story.
Thank you to the author for this early reading .
First of all I would like to say: how much I love second generation’s books.
This is the story of Matteo and Jade, but you know for sure Matteo from Cali’s previous series.
I loved so much this book, because the chemistry between the two characters was so good and honestly the banters made me laugh the entire reading.
For sure I can say that you have to read it, if you want something simple and cute to read, because this book was so funny and easy to read.
Thank you to the author for this early reading .
First of all I would like to say: how much I love second generation’s books.
This is the story of Matteo and Jade, but you know for sure Matteo from Cali’s previous series.
I loved so much this book, because the chemistry between the two characters was so good and honestly the banters made me laugh the entire reading.
For sure I can say that you have to read it, if you want something simple and cute to read, because this book was so funny and easy to read.
April 25, 2026
This one’s exactly what you pick up when you want something fun, a little spicy, and easy to fall into—but it also has just enough heart to keep you turning pages.
At first glance, the setup feels familiar: a romance author with writer’s block and a commitment-phobic hockey player strike a “no feelings” deal that obviously won’t stay that way. But honestly? It works. The chemistry between Jade and Matty carries the whole story, and their back-and-forth is where this book really shines. It’s sharp, playful, and feels natural—not forced or overly clever.
Jade is easy to root for. You feel her pressure, her frustration, and that quiet panic of possibly losing everything she’s worked for. Matty, on the other hand, could’ve been a cliché, but he’s more layered than expected. Yeah, he’s got the reputation and the ego, but there’s something a little softer underneath that slowly comes through as the story unfolds.
The “Plot Pact” is a fun hook, but what makes it work is how quickly the lines blur. What starts as research and a distraction turns into something messier and more real, and you can feel that shift happening—not all at once, but in small moments that build up. That tension is where the book really hits its stride.
The hockey backdrop adds energy without overwhelming the story. It’s there, it matters, but it never takes over. This is very much about the relationship—how it starts, how it grows, and how both of them have to confront the fact that they might actually want something real.
If there’s any downside, it’s that you can see where it’s heading pretty early on. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. You’re not reading this for surprises—you’re reading it for the ride.
Overall, it’s a solid, entertaining romance with great banter, strong chemistry, and just enough emotional weight to keep it from feeling shallow. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something light, engaging, and a little addictive.
At first glance, the setup feels familiar: a romance author with writer’s block and a commitment-phobic hockey player strike a “no feelings” deal that obviously won’t stay that way. But honestly? It works. The chemistry between Jade and Matty carries the whole story, and their back-and-forth is where this book really shines. It’s sharp, playful, and feels natural—not forced or overly clever.
Jade is easy to root for. You feel her pressure, her frustration, and that quiet panic of possibly losing everything she’s worked for. Matty, on the other hand, could’ve been a cliché, but he’s more layered than expected. Yeah, he’s got the reputation and the ego, but there’s something a little softer underneath that slowly comes through as the story unfolds.
The “Plot Pact” is a fun hook, but what makes it work is how quickly the lines blur. What starts as research and a distraction turns into something messier and more real, and you can feel that shift happening—not all at once, but in small moments that build up. That tension is where the book really hits its stride.
The hockey backdrop adds energy without overwhelming the story. It’s there, it matters, but it never takes over. This is very much about the relationship—how it starts, how it grows, and how both of them have to confront the fact that they might actually want something real.
If there’s any downside, it’s that you can see where it’s heading pretty early on. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. You’re not reading this for surprises—you’re reading it for the ride.
Overall, it’s a solid, entertaining romance with great banter, strong chemistry, and just enough emotional weight to keep it from feeling shallow. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something light, engaging, and a little addictive.
April 17, 2026
4,5 ✨
Is there crack in this book? I read this in less than 24h 😂
Hockey + book author = perfection
Full review coming soon!!
__
🏒💙 ARC Review of The Plot Pact by Cali Melle 💙🏒
First of all, a huge thank you to @authorcalimelle and @thesmuthood for this ARC - I devoured it in less than 24 hours (and no, not even on a weekend 😭). I was completely obsessed with these two 🫶
This book is such an easy, fun read, and as a hockey romance lover… this one just hit perfectly. And the fact that they made a *plot pact* to inspire her new novel?? Come on, that’s way too good not to love 🤭
The way their relationship developed felt so natural - I loved how they actually communicated, and how he never let her run away from things. Plus, that whole cozy family vibe? Absolutely adored it 💕
Now I just need Cali to write about *those two characters* next 👀 (pretty pleaseeeeee!)
This book is perfect for you if you like:
🏒Hockey Romance
⚡️Opposites Attract
😏 Reformed Playboy
💔 Ex’s Rival
🔥 Strangers to FWB
🤝 They Make a Deal
Is there crack in this book? I read this in less than 24h 😂
Hockey + book author = perfection
Full review coming soon!!
__
🏒💙 ARC Review of The Plot Pact by Cali Melle 💙🏒
First of all, a huge thank you to @authorcalimelle and @thesmuthood for this ARC - I devoured it in less than 24 hours (and no, not even on a weekend 😭). I was completely obsessed with these two 🫶
This book is such an easy, fun read, and as a hockey romance lover… this one just hit perfectly. And the fact that they made a *plot pact* to inspire her new novel?? Come on, that’s way too good not to love 🤭
The way their relationship developed felt so natural - I loved how they actually communicated, and how he never let her run away from things. Plus, that whole cozy family vibe? Absolutely adored it 💕
Now I just need Cali to write about *those two characters* next 👀 (pretty pleaseeeeee!)
This book is perfect for you if you like:
🏒Hockey Romance
⚡️Opposites Attract
😏 Reformed Playboy
💔 Ex’s Rival
🔥 Strangers to FWB
🤝 They Make a Deal
April 25, 2026
4.5 stars. So excited for the next gen of Aston Archers!
April 14, 2026
This book is the next generation to the Aston Archer series and I was so excited to read about Ford’s son!! Matteo was my favorite little boy in the first series and to get to read his love story was magical! I loved Jade and they were perfect for each other. Getting excited about the next book, super loved getting pieces of the parents and seeing how close all their children are was amazing! This book made me laugh out loud and definitely swoon. I absolutely recommend!
May 2, 2026
Was a little insta like but was cute and I enjoyed
April 19, 2026
Getting this ARC was exactly what I needed with the funk I've been in. And bonus that this is a next gen of the Aston Archer's series! I really loved every single thing in this book! From the meet cute to the friends with benefits and everything else, it got me giggling and kicking my feet!
I really loved the concept of the book. The arrangement that her and Mateo agreed on was so much fun to read about! Jade and Mateo's friendship was so cute and I loved how supportive and understanding they were with each other. And the communication between these two was perfect! Even though the two were afraid of attachment, they worked together really well as a couple. Also, I think what really made me love this more is how they helped each other find their spark with their passions again.
Special shout out to Mateo. I seriously love this man and he might be my favorite MMC that Cali Melle has written. From the getgo, he was doomed and fell so hard for Jade. I loved how he always kept her in mind and was considerate in every interaction. He’s such a gentleman and was absolutely perfect for Jade, always supporting her and helping her see her worth and talent. What made me standout was how he did everything to keep him and Jade together. He wanted the best of them and that meant doing things that scared both of them. Mateo has a heart of gold and is truly the best!
I feel like I say this every time Cali Melle drops a new book but this one has become my favorite. Last time I said this with Carson and Andi, but man do I love their son with his own book. Mateo and Jade are at the top right now! I can't wait to see what Cali comes up with next!
Thank you Cali Melle and The Smuthood for this ARC!
I really loved the concept of the book. The arrangement that her and Mateo agreed on was so much fun to read about! Jade and Mateo's friendship was so cute and I loved how supportive and understanding they were with each other. And the communication between these two was perfect! Even though the two were afraid of attachment, they worked together really well as a couple. Also, I think what really made me love this more is how they helped each other find their spark with their passions again.
Special shout out to Mateo. I seriously love this man and he might be my favorite MMC that Cali Melle has written. From the getgo, he was doomed and fell so hard for Jade. I loved how he always kept her in mind and was considerate in every interaction. He’s such a gentleman and was absolutely perfect for Jade, always supporting her and helping her see her worth and talent. What made me standout was how he did everything to keep him and Jade together. He wanted the best of them and that meant doing things that scared both of them. Mateo has a heart of gold and is truly the best!
I feel like I say this every time Cali Melle drops a new book but this one has become my favorite. Last time I said this with Carson and Andi, but man do I love their son with his own book. Mateo and Jade are at the top right now! I can't wait to see what Cali comes up with next!
Thank you Cali Melle and The Smuthood for this ARC!
April 23, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure to receive an ARC from the author of the book and The Smuthood, and I am leaving an honest review.
She needs a muse, he’s having needs a distraction. It’s a simple arrangement, until it isn’t.
This story follows Jade Wilson, a successful romance author who’s fighting writer’s block, and, Matteo Ford a hockey forward that having a hard time scoring on the ice, after the New Year’s Eve resolution not to have any distractions. They meet by chance twice and end up arranging a pact to help each other out.
The banter between the main characters is so good. Jade is so witty, so fast and intelligent. And Matteo doesn’t have any chance against her charm. He’s flirty, playful and respectful. They agreed not to catch feelings, but end up breaking that one rule. The way the author gave us this story made me connect with the characters: I felt Jade’s frustration and pressure to deliver a new book, and understood Matteo’s fear to have a new relationship. I love how they become friends with vulnerable moments and a ton of honesty. The way their relationship progresses felt so natural to me.
This was a easy, playful and fun read for me. If you love hockey romances, where the main characters communicate and are open to being vulnerable with each other, where the is a lot of tension and quick banter, this is a story for you.
Thank you Cali and The Smuthood for letting me be on this ARC Team.
She needs a muse, he’s having needs a distraction. It’s a simple arrangement, until it isn’t.
This story follows Jade Wilson, a successful romance author who’s fighting writer’s block, and, Matteo Ford a hockey forward that having a hard time scoring on the ice, after the New Year’s Eve resolution not to have any distractions. They meet by chance twice and end up arranging a pact to help each other out.
The banter between the main characters is so good. Jade is so witty, so fast and intelligent. And Matteo doesn’t have any chance against her charm. He’s flirty, playful and respectful. They agreed not to catch feelings, but end up breaking that one rule. The way the author gave us this story made me connect with the characters: I felt Jade’s frustration and pressure to deliver a new book, and understood Matteo’s fear to have a new relationship. I love how they become friends with vulnerable moments and a ton of honesty. The way their relationship progresses felt so natural to me.
This was a easy, playful and fun read for me. If you love hockey romances, where the main characters communicate and are open to being vulnerable with each other, where the is a lot of tension and quick banter, this is a story for you.
Thank you Cali and The Smuthood for letting me be on this ARC Team.
April 15, 2026
I love my hockey romances and a little friendship agreement goes a long freaking way. First the meet cute! Oh my gosh, from start to end this book was just pure sweet romcom energy and I loved it so much! I also just love it when the fmc is a romance writer but what was funny was that despite this, she was not a hopeless romantic, but in fact a realist who is afraid of attachment, especially to ahem “reformed” playboy athletes. In true romcom fashion their cute little plot pact soon becomes something much more and neither of them can resist the pull. BUTTT instead of a “fuck it” moment we get this super cute but also hilarious green flag moment when he pulls back and reaffirms boundaries which in my eyes, makes him EVEN HOTTER. Like Matteo was doomed from the second he met her, he was playing really and but two minutes of talking to her and he’s scoring hattricks on the ice, truly incredible and so adorable. One thing I loved was that each chapter started with a little quote from the story that he inspired her to write, which is Painted Inferno, an rivals to lovers artist romance. The plot was mostly full of sweet moments, but also a little bit of angst as Matteo has a dysfunctional childhood and we dive into his trauma. But it was a really lighthearted and super cute read that I recommended for any sports romance and romcom fan. I give it a 5/5
April 19, 2026
The Plot Pact
☕️👩💻🏒 I truly loved reading Jade and Matteo's story; it was impossible not to enjoy.
After the best meet cute I've read in a while, Jade and Matteo strike a mutually beneficial deal: Matteo helps Jade break through her writer’s block, while Jade becomes the perfect distraction to quiet Matteo’s overthinking on the ice. They have just one rule: don’t catch feelings.
Of course, that rule was never going to stand a chance.
What starts as a simple arrangement quickly evolves into something far more intimate with late night texts, calls, and visits that blur the lines between friendship and something more. Their progression from friends to friends with benefits felt natural, making the inevitable breaking of their one rule all the more impactful. Both struggle with deep rooted trust issues that test their relationship.
At its core, this story is about vulnerability—the kind that’s terrifying but necessary. Watching Jade and Matteo slowly let their walls down and learn to trust not only each other but also themselves is both tender and rewarding. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest risks, especially in love, are the ones most worth taking.
And that epilogue...swoon!
☕️👩💻🏒 I truly loved reading Jade and Matteo's story; it was impossible not to enjoy.
After the best meet cute I've read in a while, Jade and Matteo strike a mutually beneficial deal: Matteo helps Jade break through her writer’s block, while Jade becomes the perfect distraction to quiet Matteo’s overthinking on the ice. They have just one rule: don’t catch feelings.
Of course, that rule was never going to stand a chance.
What starts as a simple arrangement quickly evolves into something far more intimate with late night texts, calls, and visits that blur the lines between friendship and something more. Their progression from friends to friends with benefits felt natural, making the inevitable breaking of their one rule all the more impactful. Both struggle with deep rooted trust issues that test their relationship.
At its core, this story is about vulnerability—the kind that’s terrifying but necessary. Watching Jade and Matteo slowly let their walls down and learn to trust not only each other but also themselves is both tender and rewarding. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest risks, especially in love, are the ones most worth taking.
And that epilogue...swoon!
April 18, 2026
⭐️ARC Review⭐️
The Plot Pact by Cali Melle surprised me in the best way. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel seeing Carson and Andi older, since they’re the MMC’s parents, but it honestly didn’t bother me at all.
Matteo and Jade’s romance might be one of my favorites from Cali so far. They meet by chance in a coffee shop, and since Matteo is an NHL player, he becomes convinced Jade is his good luck charm after his performance improves following their meeting. It sounds a little silly at first, but it actually becomes a meaningful part of how their relationship develops.
I also loved that Jade is a bestselling author, and when she and Matteo enter a mutually beneficial arrangement to support their careers, it’s pretty obvious feelings are going to get involved, especially because they’ve both sworn off love. The side characters added a lot to the story, but my favorite part was how protective Matteo was of Jade and how firmly he stood up for her when it mattered most.
From start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down. The pacing was great, the format flowed so well, and Cali’s writing made it an engaging, easy read.
The Plot Pact by Cali Melle surprised me in the best way. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel seeing Carson and Andi older, since they’re the MMC’s parents, but it honestly didn’t bother me at all.
Matteo and Jade’s romance might be one of my favorites from Cali so far. They meet by chance in a coffee shop, and since Matteo is an NHL player, he becomes convinced Jade is his good luck charm after his performance improves following their meeting. It sounds a little silly at first, but it actually becomes a meaningful part of how their relationship develops.
I also loved that Jade is a bestselling author, and when she and Matteo enter a mutually beneficial arrangement to support their careers, it’s pretty obvious feelings are going to get involved, especially because they’ve both sworn off love. The side characters added a lot to the story, but my favorite part was how protective Matteo was of Jade and how firmly he stood up for her when it mattered most.
From start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down. The pacing was great, the format flowed so well, and Cali’s writing made it an engaging, easy read.
April 22, 2026
The Plot Pact is a cute, swoony, spicy romance! You won't be able to help but fall for the main characters! This book is about learning to trust in and allow yourself love and the way the author wrote it was absolute perfection!
Matteo and Jade are strangers but in their lives they both need some inspiration/distraction. Matteo is a star hockey player that can't seem to score a goal on the ice since swearing off dating. The team is on a losing streak and needs him to get back out there. Jade is a best selling author that has come down with a severe case of writer's block and is at risk of losing her book deal if she can't find something new and fresh to write. An absolutely perfect meet cute at the local coffee shop, another chance encounter at a bar, and one mutually beneficial deal later they have a Plot Pact! He helps her bounce ideas and she helps give him the off ice distraction he needs to be successful. No feelings, No s3x, just friends. Can they hold up the pact agreement or will they throw it all out the window?
Thank you so much, Cali Melle and The Smuthood for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book! I can't wait to see what's next!
Matteo and Jade are strangers but in their lives they both need some inspiration/distraction. Matteo is a star hockey player that can't seem to score a goal on the ice since swearing off dating. The team is on a losing streak and needs him to get back out there. Jade is a best selling author that has come down with a severe case of writer's block and is at risk of losing her book deal if she can't find something new and fresh to write. An absolutely perfect meet cute at the local coffee shop, another chance encounter at a bar, and one mutually beneficial deal later they have a Plot Pact! He helps her bounce ideas and she helps give him the off ice distraction he needs to be successful. No feelings, No s3x, just friends. Can they hold up the pact agreement or will they throw it all out the window?
Thank you so much, Cali Melle and The Smuthood for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book! I can't wait to see what's next!
April 11, 2026
This was the perfect light hockey romance between fantasy reads.
The Plot Pact is the first book in a new hockey series, with appearances from characters in Cali Melle’s previous series. I have not read the other series (yet) and can therefore confidently say this one does work on its own.
Jade is a romance writer with writer’s block. Matteo is a hockey player who doesn’t do love. So when a meet cute at a coffee shop brings them together, it’s the perfect set-up for their pact: to do it for the plot. But as they spend more time together, their unlikely friendship turns into real feelings. And sizzling chemistry!
I loved the premise and enjoyed the couple’s banter. And the hockey players’ book club group text has me eager for more of their stories!
Thanks to Cali Melle and The Smuthood for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
The Plot Pact is the first book in a new hockey series, with appearances from characters in Cali Melle’s previous series. I have not read the other series (yet) and can therefore confidently say this one does work on its own.
Jade is a romance writer with writer’s block. Matteo is a hockey player who doesn’t do love. So when a meet cute at a coffee shop brings them together, it’s the perfect set-up for their pact: to do it for the plot. But as they spend more time together, their unlikely friendship turns into real feelings. And sizzling chemistry!
I loved the premise and enjoyed the couple’s banter. And the hockey players’ book club group text has me eager for more of their stories!
Thanks to Cali Melle and The Smuthood for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
April 19, 2026
I was so sad when the Aston Archers series was over so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Matteo’s story! This was the perfect start to Cali’s second gen hockey series.
Matteo and Jade have an adorable meet cute that leads to a friendship where they make a pact that benefits the both of them. Matteo needs a distraction while off the ice and Jade needs inspiration for her most recent book. The only rule is neither one can catch feelings. Quickly, lines are blurred and neither one wants to pull out of their agreement.
Matteo is so sweet and had me swooning at how thoughtful he is! For someone that doesn’t believe in relationships, he really went out of his way to make Jade feel cared for and special. Jade is such a relatable FMC. She puts so much pressure on herself. I love how Matty helped her get out of her head.
This was such a sweet start to this series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!!
Thank you Cali for the arc!
Read if you love:
✨hockey romance
✨rival’s ex
✨reformed playboy
✨opposites attract
Matteo and Jade have an adorable meet cute that leads to a friendship where they make a pact that benefits the both of them. Matteo needs a distraction while off the ice and Jade needs inspiration for her most recent book. The only rule is neither one can catch feelings. Quickly, lines are blurred and neither one wants to pull out of their agreement.
Matteo is so sweet and had me swooning at how thoughtful he is! For someone that doesn’t believe in relationships, he really went out of his way to make Jade feel cared for and special. Jade is such a relatable FMC. She puts so much pressure on herself. I love how Matty helped her get out of her head.
This was such a sweet start to this series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!!
Thank you Cali for the arc!
Read if you love:
✨hockey romance
✨rival’s ex
✨reformed playboy
✨opposites attract
April 14, 2026
Matteo + Jade
-hockey romance
-ex’s rival
-reformed playboy
-opposites attract
-strangers to fwb
-he falls first & hard
this was a cute start to a potential fun next gen series! the backstories that drove both of the mcs decisions made this classic author needing help with writers block trope unique! i wish we'd have gotten a bit more of the tension that could come from ex's rival & more of the first gen connections tho!
-hockey romance
-ex’s rival
-reformed playboy
-opposites attract
-strangers to fwb
-he falls first & hard
this was a cute start to a potential fun next gen series! the backstories that drove both of the mcs decisions made this classic author needing help with writers block trope unique! i wish we'd have gotten a bit more of the tension that could come from ex's rival & more of the first gen connections tho!
April 23, 2026
4.5 🌟
Love me a second gen book. Started this last night and finished it my midday. Enjoyed this a lot. As a fan of the Aston archers series I’m excited to read their kids books now. Such a nice easy read and loved jade and matteo.
Love me a second gen book. Started this last night and finished it my midday. Enjoyed this a lot. As a fan of the Aston archers series I’m excited to read their kids books now. Such a nice easy read and loved jade and matteo.
April 18, 2026
Another hockey book that I couldn’t put down. I recommend reading this book if you like hockey romance.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
April 26, 2026
The Plot Pact (ARC review)
Thank you to Calli Melle for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review to come!
My rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 2/5 🔥
Thank you to Calli Melle for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review to come!
My rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 2/5 🔥
April 15, 2026
I LOVE a good second generation series & so far we are off to a great start! 😍
These 2 drew me in immediately bc i love when the characters convince themselves that they won’t catch feelings lol i always feel like it ramps up the tension immediately! I adored having all the other kiddos we got to see in the Aston Archers as well as getting all of our OG couples. I love when they can be woven in like that. I got feels for a few potential other couples & i can not wait to see how all these grown babies play out 😍💕
These 2 drew me in immediately bc i love when the characters convince themselves that they won’t catch feelings lol i always feel like it ramps up the tension immediately! I adored having all the other kiddos we got to see in the Aston Archers as well as getting all of our OG couples. I love when they can be woven in like that. I got feels for a few potential other couples & i can not wait to see how all these grown babies play out 😍💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC kindly porvided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Ranking: 4.5⭐
Cali Melle started this series in the best way possible! I loved that she chose Matteo to kick off this series about the second generation of the Aston Archers. I loved reading about Matteo & Jade falling in love despite their own rules, having interesting personal histories, charming chemistry, and plot twists I didn't see coming, but LOVED. I enjoyed how the author introduced the rest of the characters too and showed me what a beautiful and close-knit family they all are.
Jade was a very unique character, and a girl who is completely different from all the heroines Cali Melle has given me. I really enjoyed reading about her as a romance author: the way she struggles with writer's block and how she finds her inspiration in the most unexpected places, I loved her bold and courageous personality when she sets boundaries with Matteo, her flirtatious side, and also her more vulnerable side. I think the only thing that would have made me love this character even more would have been if the author had given me a little more insight into her personal life, especially regarding the situation that's mentioned repeatedly throughout the story.
Matteo is the character I was most eager to read about since this series was announced, and I was overjoyed when Cali introduced him as the first in the second generation to tell his story. I have to say, he exceeded my expectations! I loved reading about him from the very beginning of the book, trying to change his playboy image to focus on his career, his flirtatious and kind personality, and the way he falls head over heels for Jade. But I think what I LOVED most about Matteo was that the author gave me a guy with very complex feelings about his childhood and his relationship with his parents, because it was something I didn't expect, it broke my heart a little for him, and it gave his character a beautiful touch. Also, I loved that through Matteo, we could also see a bit of Carson & Caleb as responsible and loving parents.
Jade & Matteo have one of the most original love stories I've ever read: they propose a pact in which Jade will be Matteo's distraction so he can perform well in his games, while he becomes her main support, helping her rediscover her inspiration as a writer. It was a story I really enjoyed because this couple has a fun, sexy, and charming chemistry that captivated me from the first time. I really loved reading about them setting rules "not to fall in love," breaking them, and spending the most beautiful moments together. I also loved that Matteo included her in his circle, that she fit in so well, and that Cali Melle gave me a couple who know how to communicate and show each other what they feel.
📚Jade: 4/5
🏒Matteo: 5/5
📚Plot: 4/5
🏒Love story: 5/5
📚Secondary characters: 5/5
🏒Universe: 5/5
📚Cobver: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Puntuación:⭐
Cali Melle empezó ésta serie de la mejor manera! y me encantó que eligiera a Matteo para empezar con esta serie sobre la segunda generación de los Aston Archers. Me encantó leer a Matteo & Jade enamorarse a pesar de sus propias reglas, tener historias personales interesantes, una química encantadora y giros en la trama que no me esperaba, pero AMÉ. Además, disfruté muchísimo de la manera en la que la autora introdujo al resto de los chicos y chicas de esta serie y como me mostró la familia tan hermosa y unida que todos ellos son.
Jade fue un personaje muy peculiar, y una chica que es completamente diferente a todas las heroínas que Cali Melle me ha dado, me gustó mucho leerla como una autora de romance: la manera en la que lucha con su bloqueo de escritora y como encuentra su inspiración en el lugar menos esperado. También disfruté mucho su personalidad atrevida y valiente cuando le pone limites a Matteo, su lado coqueto y también el más vulnerable, creo que lo único que me hubiera hecho amar más a este personaje hubiera sido que la autora me diera un poco más de la vida personal de esta chica, especialmente de la situación que se menciona recurrentemente a lo largo de la historia.
Matteo es el personaje que más me moría por leer desde que se anunció esta serie y fui la más feliz cuando Cali nos lo presentó como el primero en la segunda generación en contar su historia, y tengo que decir que superó mis expectativas! Me encantó la leerlo desde el principio del libro intentando cambiar su fama de playboy para concentrarse en su carrera, su personalidad coqueta, amable y la manera en la que se enamora perdidamente de Jade. Pero creo que lo que más AMÉ sobre Matteo fue que la autora me diera aun chico con sentimientos muy complejos sobre su infancia y la relación que tiene con sus padres porque era algo que no esperaba, que me rompió un poco el corazón por él y que le dio a su personaje un toque hermoso. Además, me encantó que por medio de Matteo, también pudiéramos ver un poco de Carson & Caleb como padres responsables y amorosos.
Jade & Matteo tienen una de las historias de amor más originales que he leído: ambos proponen un pacto en el que Jade va a ser la distracción de Matteo para que pueda rendir en su carrera, mientras que él se convierte en principal ayuda recuperando su inspiración como escritora, y fue una historia que disfruté mucho porque esta pareja tiene una química divertida, sexy y encantadora que me atrapó desde su primer encuentro. Me gustó muchísimo leerlos poner reglas para "no enamorarse", romperlas y pasar los momentos más hermosos juntos, también me encantó que Matteo la incluyera en su circulo, que ella encajara tan bien y que Cali Melle me diera con ellos una pareja que sabe como comunicarse y demostrarse lo que sienten.
📚Jade: 4/5
🏒Matteo: 5/5
📚Trama: 4/5
🏒Historia de amor: 5/5
📚Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏒Universo: 5/5
📚Portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
Ranking: 4.5⭐
Cali Melle started this series in the best way possible! I loved that she chose Matteo to kick off this series about the second generation of the Aston Archers. I loved reading about Matteo & Jade falling in love despite their own rules, having interesting personal histories, charming chemistry, and plot twists I didn't see coming, but LOVED. I enjoyed how the author introduced the rest of the characters too and showed me what a beautiful and close-knit family they all are.
Jade was a very unique character, and a girl who is completely different from all the heroines Cali Melle has given me. I really enjoyed reading about her as a romance author: the way she struggles with writer's block and how she finds her inspiration in the most unexpected places, I loved her bold and courageous personality when she sets boundaries with Matteo, her flirtatious side, and also her more vulnerable side. I think the only thing that would have made me love this character even more would have been if the author had given me a little more insight into her personal life, especially regarding the situation that's mentioned repeatedly throughout the story.
Matteo is the character I was most eager to read about since this series was announced, and I was overjoyed when Cali introduced him as the first in the second generation to tell his story. I have to say, he exceeded my expectations! I loved reading about him from the very beginning of the book, trying to change his playboy image to focus on his career, his flirtatious and kind personality, and the way he falls head over heels for Jade. But I think what I LOVED most about Matteo was that the author gave me a guy with very complex feelings about his childhood and his relationship with his parents, because it was something I didn't expect, it broke my heart a little for him, and it gave his character a beautiful touch. Also, I loved that through Matteo, we could also see a bit of Carson & Caleb as responsible and loving parents.
Jade & Matteo have one of the most original love stories I've ever read: they propose a pact in which Jade will be Matteo's distraction so he can perform well in his games, while he becomes her main support, helping her rediscover her inspiration as a writer. It was a story I really enjoyed because this couple has a fun, sexy, and charming chemistry that captivated me from the first time. I really loved reading about them setting rules "not to fall in love," breaking them, and spending the most beautiful moments together. I also loved that Matteo included her in his circle, that she fit in so well, and that Cali Melle gave me a couple who know how to communicate and show each other what they feel.
📚Jade: 4/5
🏒Matteo: 5/5
📚Plot: 4/5
🏒Love story: 5/5
📚Secondary characters: 5/5
🏒Universe: 5/5
📚Cobver: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Puntuación:⭐
Cali Melle empezó ésta serie de la mejor manera! y me encantó que eligiera a Matteo para empezar con esta serie sobre la segunda generación de los Aston Archers. Me encantó leer a Matteo & Jade enamorarse a pesar de sus propias reglas, tener historias personales interesantes, una química encantadora y giros en la trama que no me esperaba, pero AMÉ. Además, disfruté muchísimo de la manera en la que la autora introdujo al resto de los chicos y chicas de esta serie y como me mostró la familia tan hermosa y unida que todos ellos son.
Jade fue un personaje muy peculiar, y una chica que es completamente diferente a todas las heroínas que Cali Melle me ha dado, me gustó mucho leerla como una autora de romance: la manera en la que lucha con su bloqueo de escritora y como encuentra su inspiración en el lugar menos esperado. También disfruté mucho su personalidad atrevida y valiente cuando le pone limites a Matteo, su lado coqueto y también el más vulnerable, creo que lo único que me hubiera hecho amar más a este personaje hubiera sido que la autora me diera un poco más de la vida personal de esta chica, especialmente de la situación que se menciona recurrentemente a lo largo de la historia.
Matteo es el personaje que más me moría por leer desde que se anunció esta serie y fui la más feliz cuando Cali nos lo presentó como el primero en la segunda generación en contar su historia, y tengo que decir que superó mis expectativas! Me encantó la leerlo desde el principio del libro intentando cambiar su fama de playboy para concentrarse en su carrera, su personalidad coqueta, amable y la manera en la que se enamora perdidamente de Jade. Pero creo que lo que más AMÉ sobre Matteo fue que la autora me diera aun chico con sentimientos muy complejos sobre su infancia y la relación que tiene con sus padres porque era algo que no esperaba, que me rompió un poco el corazón por él y que le dio a su personaje un toque hermoso. Además, me encantó que por medio de Matteo, también pudiéramos ver un poco de Carson & Caleb como padres responsables y amorosos.
Jade & Matteo tienen una de las historias de amor más originales que he leído: ambos proponen un pacto en el que Jade va a ser la distracción de Matteo para que pueda rendir en su carrera, mientras que él se convierte en principal ayuda recuperando su inspiración como escritora, y fue una historia que disfruté mucho porque esta pareja tiene una química divertida, sexy y encantadora que me atrapó desde su primer encuentro. Me gustó muchísimo leerlos poner reglas para "no enamorarse", romperlas y pasar los momentos más hermosos juntos, también me encantó que Matteo la incluyera en su circulo, que ella encajara tan bien y que Cali Melle me diera con ellos una pareja que sabe como comunicarse y demostrarse lo que sienten.
📚Jade: 4/5
🏒Matteo: 5/5
📚Trama: 4/5
🏒Historia de amor: 5/5
📚Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏒Universo: 5/5
📚Portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5
April 17, 2026
What a way to start a new series Cali Melle! I loved the fact that she chose Matteo to kick off this second generation of Aston Archers. I enjoyed reading about Matteo and Jade's journey of falling for each other even though they set rules for one another. Their personal histories are very intriguing, their chemistry is wonderful, and the twists and turns that were unexpected but LOVED. Cali did a great job of introducing the rest of characters and we got a really good glimpse of how close this team/found family really is.
Jade was a very complex character, but in a good way, she's also a girl who is so different from all the other FMC's Cali Melle has written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jade as a romance author. It was a really cool inside look on how an author can struggle with writer's block and how she discovers what sparks or brings her inspiration, which can be from unexpected resources. Jade has a fiery personality, which I love about her, and the boundaries she sets with Matteo were necessary for her. She's also super flirty, while having a vulnerable side, it was lovely to read. I wish we would have gotten more of an inside look into Jade's personal life, especially when it came to a particular situation that was talked about multiple times throughout the book and Jade's journey.
Matteo was the character I was most intrigued to read about since this series was announced, and I was super excited when Cali introduced him as the first MMC we were gonna read about in the second generation series. To be completely honest, he not only met my expectations but he exceeded them. I loved reading about him from the start the book. He's trying to change his playboy image and shift the focus on his career, Matteo's got flirtatious and kind personality (keeps you on your toes) and the way he falls head over heels for Jade, was just lovely to read. What I LOVED most about Matteo was that the Cali gave me and y'all (when you read the book) a male main character with has very complex feelings about his childhood and the relationship he has with his parents. I wasn't expecting it but it gives you a different perspective and understanding of his views on love, that is til Jade comes along. I enjoyed that because of Matteo we got to see a bit of the how Caleb and Carson are as parents, it was a nice touch to add as well as read about.
Jade & Matteo have a very original love story: they propose a pact in which Jade will be Matteo's distraction so he can perform well in his games (he was in one of the worst slumps of his career before he met Jade). On the other hand he becomes Jade's main support and source of inspiration as well as someone to bounce her ideas off of, while helping her rediscover her love for writing. It was a story I had a blast reading because this couple has a fun, sexy, and electric chemistry that captivated me and will hopefully captivate y'all from the get go. Reading about Matteo and Jade setting rules "not to fall in love," but breaking it anyway, and spending some really wholesome moments together was a real joy to witness. Who doesn't love a man that includes you in his circle? Jade fit in so well with Matteo and his friends/team/family. Cali Melle gave me a couple who know how to express what they think and feel about each other.
I really enjoyed The Plot Pact! It was a fantastic way to start Cali's brand new series! I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series plays out!
Thank you Cali Melle and Smuthood for the eARC for this book!
Jade was a very complex character, but in a good way, she's also a girl who is so different from all the other FMC's Cali Melle has written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jade as a romance author. It was a really cool inside look on how an author can struggle with writer's block and how she discovers what sparks or brings her inspiration, which can be from unexpected resources. Jade has a fiery personality, which I love about her, and the boundaries she sets with Matteo were necessary for her. She's also super flirty, while having a vulnerable side, it was lovely to read. I wish we would have gotten more of an inside look into Jade's personal life, especially when it came to a particular situation that was talked about multiple times throughout the book and Jade's journey.
Matteo was the character I was most intrigued to read about since this series was announced, and I was super excited when Cali introduced him as the first MMC we were gonna read about in the second generation series. To be completely honest, he not only met my expectations but he exceeded them. I loved reading about him from the start the book. He's trying to change his playboy image and shift the focus on his career, Matteo's got flirtatious and kind personality (keeps you on your toes) and the way he falls head over heels for Jade, was just lovely to read. What I LOVED most about Matteo was that the Cali gave me and y'all (when you read the book) a male main character with has very complex feelings about his childhood and the relationship he has with his parents. I wasn't expecting it but it gives you a different perspective and understanding of his views on love, that is til Jade comes along. I enjoyed that because of Matteo we got to see a bit of the how Caleb and Carson are as parents, it was a nice touch to add as well as read about.
Jade & Matteo have a very original love story: they propose a pact in which Jade will be Matteo's distraction so he can perform well in his games (he was in one of the worst slumps of his career before he met Jade). On the other hand he becomes Jade's main support and source of inspiration as well as someone to bounce her ideas off of, while helping her rediscover her love for writing. It was a story I had a blast reading because this couple has a fun, sexy, and electric chemistry that captivated me and will hopefully captivate y'all from the get go. Reading about Matteo and Jade setting rules "not to fall in love," but breaking it anyway, and spending some really wholesome moments together was a real joy to witness. Who doesn't love a man that includes you in his circle? Jade fit in so well with Matteo and his friends/team/family. Cali Melle gave me a couple who know how to express what they think and feel about each other.
I really enjoyed The Plot Pact! It was a fantastic way to start Cali's brand new series! I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series plays out!
Thank you Cali Melle and Smuthood for the eARC for this book!
April 22, 2026
MY RATING: 4⭐
BOOK FEATURES:
• Contemporary Romance
• Ex’s Rival
• Author FMC
• Hockey Romance
• Opposites Attract
• Strangers to FWB
MY THOUGHTS:
After reading a few of ARCs lately, I was a bit hesitant to start this book, because I didn’t have much luck with any of the books I read this month. I’m so glad I finally found a great story, since this was an exception! I loved every single moment of it. I read it in 3 days which is pretty fast for me.
Let’s start with the characters. Each of them was so well-written, and their personalities complemented each other perfectly, I couldn’t have imagined a better dynamic for this story. I enjoyed the plot, too, however, there were some unnecessary elements in it, in my opinion. For instance the ex’s rival trope. I don’t think we really needed it for the grand finale, it was probably just thrown in for extra drama, but it didn’t add anything to the main concept.
The tension between the MCs was great, I loved their dynamic. They totally completed each other, which felt really nice. I loved that they became friends first, even if they didn’t realize it right away – it made the transition into their relationship so much smoother. However, I found it strange when Matteo saw Jade for the first time and he instantly became obsessed with her. It gave off insta-love vibes, which didn’t really match the slow-burn pace of the plot. It felt too fast for me.
Something that bothered me was the lack of external plot. I mean, the story was more focused on their feelings and how they fell in love, but we didn’t get to know what Jade’s writing process was actually like or how he really helped her get inspiration, other than giving her a few ideas. I wish we could have read more about that aspect, too.
The contrast between Jade’s and Matteo’s friend groups was shown amazingly. I could totally relate to Jade’s friends and their energy, while Matteo and his friends were always fooling around every time they talked about Jade or her books, which was really funny at times.
I feel like there was only one problem with the writing style – the author struggled a bit with the male POV, because I could definitely tell this book was written by a woman. Matteo observed things that felt very much written from the „female gaze” (for example he noticed how Jade’s pupils were dilating) and he talked about his deep feelings with her father – which I think not many men would do in real life. Of course, exceptions exist, it’s just my observation, so don’t judge me for that.
Overall, I liked this story and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it in advance. I highly recommend it to anyone this cozy – and at times very spicy – read because it’s totally worth reading it.
Thank you Cali Melle and The Smuthood for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
• Alcohol Consumption
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Mention of Cheating (off-page)
BOOK FEATURES:
• Contemporary Romance
• Ex’s Rival
• Author FMC
• Hockey Romance
• Opposites Attract
• Strangers to FWB
MY THOUGHTS:
After reading a few of ARCs lately, I was a bit hesitant to start this book, because I didn’t have much luck with any of the books I read this month. I’m so glad I finally found a great story, since this was an exception! I loved every single moment of it. I read it in 3 days which is pretty fast for me.
Let’s start with the characters. Each of them was so well-written, and their personalities complemented each other perfectly, I couldn’t have imagined a better dynamic for this story. I enjoyed the plot, too, however, there were some unnecessary elements in it, in my opinion. For instance the ex’s rival trope. I don’t think we really needed it for the grand finale, it was probably just thrown in for extra drama, but it didn’t add anything to the main concept.
The tension between the MCs was great, I loved their dynamic. They totally completed each other, which felt really nice. I loved that they became friends first, even if they didn’t realize it right away – it made the transition into their relationship so much smoother. However, I found it strange when Matteo saw Jade for the first time and he instantly became obsessed with her. It gave off insta-love vibes, which didn’t really match the slow-burn pace of the plot. It felt too fast for me.
Something that bothered me was the lack of external plot. I mean, the story was more focused on their feelings and how they fell in love, but we didn’t get to know what Jade’s writing process was actually like or how he really helped her get inspiration, other than giving her a few ideas. I wish we could have read more about that aspect, too.
The contrast between Jade’s and Matteo’s friend groups was shown amazingly. I could totally relate to Jade’s friends and their energy, while Matteo and his friends were always fooling around every time they talked about Jade or her books, which was really funny at times.
I feel like there was only one problem with the writing style – the author struggled a bit with the male POV, because I could definitely tell this book was written by a woman. Matteo observed things that felt very much written from the „female gaze” (for example he noticed how Jade’s pupils were dilating) and he talked about his deep feelings with her father – which I think not many men would do in real life. Of course, exceptions exist, it’s just my observation, so don’t judge me for that.
Overall, I liked this story and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it in advance. I highly recommend it to anyone this cozy – and at times very spicy – read because it’s totally worth reading it.
Thank you Cali Melle and The Smuthood for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
• Alcohol Consumption
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Mention of Cheating (off-page)
April 17, 2026
"I couldn’t look away even if I wanted to. I’m completely captivated by her. Enchanted. Enamored. Obsessed.”
✔️pro hockey romance
✔️ex’s rival
✔️strangers to friends with benefits
✔️reformed playboy
✔️opposites attract
✔️he falls first and hard
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.75⭐️ rounded up
This is such a cute, low angst hockey romance! Matteo (Matty) (MMC) and Jade (FMC) have their meet cute at a coffee shop, at a time where they are both in need of a shakeup in their lives. Matty needs a distraction off the ice away from his teammates (superstitious hockey players…) and Jade needs inspiration for the romance novel she is supposed to be writing but has no idea where to start. He has never been interested in long-term relationships or love and she was burned by a hockey player before so athletes are a no-go for her. But when they can help each other, by becoming friends, there’s no harm in that right?
Their friendship eventually becomes a friends with benefits situation, but it never truly feels like that even though they’re trying to convince themselves that’s all they can be. Though Matty has a playboy reputation, it isn’t really true, and he is such a sweetheart and green flag. There are the typical “pro athlete is a playboy because he hasn’t settled down yet” rumors of course, but he doesn’t have eyes for anyone other than Jade once they meet (even when they don’t have a physical relationship yet). This is a second generation book, and you don’t have to read the Aston Archers series first, but there are several side characters (mostly the kids of those couples) that originate from that series. We originally met Matty in “Make Your Change” when he was five and his parents made their way back together after a one night stand and years apart. In this book we see Matty work through his feelings about his childhood and everything that happened when his dad came into his life, and I really liked seeing his perspective now that he is an adult.
I appreciate that these characters feel like real people, and they actually communicate with each other. Sometimes there are big things they keep close out of fear of rejection, but there’s no miscommunication here. They aren’t in a relationship (so they say) but let’s be real here, they are. Though the FMC needs some time to wrap her head around the idea of truly being together there isn’t a third act breakup. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and I’m excited to see where this series goes next!
*I am so grateful to be a member of Cali Melle’s ARC/Content Team! Thank you so much to Cali and her team for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️pro hockey romance
✔️ex’s rival
✔️strangers to friends with benefits
✔️reformed playboy
✔️opposites attract
✔️he falls first and hard
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.75⭐️ rounded up
This is such a cute, low angst hockey romance! Matteo (Matty) (MMC) and Jade (FMC) have their meet cute at a coffee shop, at a time where they are both in need of a shakeup in their lives. Matty needs a distraction off the ice away from his teammates (superstitious hockey players…) and Jade needs inspiration for the romance novel she is supposed to be writing but has no idea where to start. He has never been interested in long-term relationships or love and she was burned by a hockey player before so athletes are a no-go for her. But when they can help each other, by becoming friends, there’s no harm in that right?
Their friendship eventually becomes a friends with benefits situation, but it never truly feels like that even though they’re trying to convince themselves that’s all they can be. Though Matty has a playboy reputation, it isn’t really true, and he is such a sweetheart and green flag. There are the typical “pro athlete is a playboy because he hasn’t settled down yet” rumors of course, but he doesn’t have eyes for anyone other than Jade once they meet (even when they don’t have a physical relationship yet). This is a second generation book, and you don’t have to read the Aston Archers series first, but there are several side characters (mostly the kids of those couples) that originate from that series. We originally met Matty in “Make Your Change” when he was five and his parents made their way back together after a one night stand and years apart. In this book we see Matty work through his feelings about his childhood and everything that happened when his dad came into his life, and I really liked seeing his perspective now that he is an adult.
I appreciate that these characters feel like real people, and they actually communicate with each other. Sometimes there are big things they keep close out of fear of rejection, but there’s no miscommunication here. They aren’t in a relationship (so they say) but let’s be real here, they are. Though the FMC needs some time to wrap her head around the idea of truly being together there isn’t a third act breakup. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and I’m excited to see where this series goes next!
*I am so grateful to be a member of Cali Melle’s ARC/Content Team! Thank you so much to Cali and her team for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
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