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Melting Ice #4
Puck You Both
If you can't beat him, keep him. And his boyfriend.
WALL
There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee's goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I've been nailing it for eight years straight. It's public record. There's merchandise to prove it.
What a goaltender should never do is walk in on said goalie, hand deep in his winger's pants, and…stay.
So anyway, guess what just happened.
In my defense, observation is my craft and this was film study. Kind of.
The incognito-mode googling afterward was also film study. And then that time on a video call was…film study with live narration?
I've been straight for twenty-eight years. I'd like to speak to a manager.
PATRICK
They say you never know what you've got until it's gone. Turns out I had a blissfully uncomplicated life. Right up until Wall walked in and shattered it.
I'm not out, and it has never been a problem before. But now a man who hates me is knocking on my closet, and the possibility of the entire world finding out what I’m wearing is getting too real.
Even my code-red protocol—deny—won’t fly this time. Denial is hard to pull off when he catches you pressed against another man and, instead of stopping, you stare back and keep going.
So I do the next best thing—get Theo on board, lure Wall into my closet, and close the door behind.
It’s a chaotic process. An unmuted mic here, an “accidental” invitation there. One very strategically positioned chair.
Some men bury the hatchet. I'd rather keep mine.
Both of them.
THEO
Okay, recap for the rafters: my no-labels goalie arrangement has somehow acquired a no-labels plus-one, who's in a no-labels feud wit my original arrangement.
Nobody is labeling anything, which some might call an unhealthy environment.
Not me, though. Turns out, it’s my natural habitat.
See, I've spent my whole life being too much, too loud. Too Theo.
But one of these idiots likes running the show, the other one can't stop watching it, and I am, and I cannot stress this enough, the show.
They can hate each other all they want. None of my business, really.
Now, if you'll excuse me. There's a hockey sandwich about to happen and I'm the meat.
Puck You Both is a low angst, high-heat MMM Hockey Romance. It’s a part of Melting Ice series and can be read as a stand-alone.
WALL
There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee's goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I've been nailing it for eight years straight. It's public record. There's merchandise to prove it.
What a goaltender should never do is walk in on said goalie, hand deep in his winger's pants, and…stay.
So anyway, guess what just happened.
In my defense, observation is my craft and this was film study. Kind of.
The incognito-mode googling afterward was also film study. And then that time on a video call was…film study with live narration?
I've been straight for twenty-eight years. I'd like to speak to a manager.
PATRICK
They say you never know what you've got until it's gone. Turns out I had a blissfully uncomplicated life. Right up until Wall walked in and shattered it.
I'm not out, and it has never been a problem before. But now a man who hates me is knocking on my closet, and the possibility of the entire world finding out what I’m wearing is getting too real.
Even my code-red protocol—deny—won’t fly this time. Denial is hard to pull off when he catches you pressed against another man and, instead of stopping, you stare back and keep going.
So I do the next best thing—get Theo on board, lure Wall into my closet, and close the door behind.
It’s a chaotic process. An unmuted mic here, an “accidental” invitation there. One very strategically positioned chair.
Some men bury the hatchet. I'd rather keep mine.
Both of them.
THEO
Okay, recap for the rafters: my no-labels goalie arrangement has somehow acquired a no-labels plus-one, who's in a no-labels feud wit my original arrangement.
Nobody is labeling anything, which some might call an unhealthy environment.
Not me, though. Turns out, it’s my natural habitat.
See, I've spent my whole life being too much, too loud. Too Theo.
But one of these idiots likes running the show, the other one can't stop watching it, and I am, and I cannot stress this enough, the show.
They can hate each other all they want. None of my business, really.
Now, if you'll excuse me. There's a hockey sandwich about to happen and I'm the meat.
Puck You Both is a low angst, high-heat MMM Hockey Romance. It’s a part of Melting Ice series and can be read as a stand-alone.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 3, 2026
This was mostly exactly what you'd expect— a blend of smut and hockey, but there's some unexpected tenderness and domesticity that gives this book a lot of charm.
Who doesn't love the chemistry of a rivals-to-lovers trope? And this book starts off strong with this. The chemistry between Patrick and Wall is sizzling. Patrick's stoicism is well matched by Theo's blunt audacity. It creates a really interesting dynamic between the three of them. There is a lot of spice.
I confess, I found the triple perspective and shifting perspectives a little difficult to stay engaged with (this is a me preference issue, rather than a book issue).
The amount of hockey on the page is a delight and it is well written. I really enjoyed this. But, then, I do love a good goalie book.
Full of queer joy and unapologetic spice, yeah, it's a little predictable— relying on classic tropes— but it's fun and escapist.
Who doesn't love the chemistry of a rivals-to-lovers trope? And this book starts off strong with this. The chemistry between Patrick and Wall is sizzling. Patrick's stoicism is well matched by Theo's blunt audacity. It creates a really interesting dynamic between the three of them. There is a lot of spice.
I confess, I found the triple perspective and shifting perspectives a little difficult to stay engaged with (this is a me preference issue, rather than a book issue).
The amount of hockey on the page is a delight and it is well written. I really enjoyed this. But, then, I do love a good goalie book.
Full of queer joy and unapologetic spice, yeah, it's a little predictable— relying on classic tropes— but it's fun and escapist.
September 7, 2026
I loved this one, I always enjoy the side characters and how much humor they all bring. The only thing I was a little disappointed in was the chemistry balance... 😒
The chemistry between Patrick and Wall was there from the beginning and only got hotter but when it comes to Theo, I couldn't help but feel like he was the third wheel despite his character being so invested and honest. The dynamic between the three of them worked so well throughout the whole book but every time they got intimate, it felt as if Theo was just kind of there😶
The chemistry between Patrick and Wall was there from the beginning and only got hotter but when it comes to Theo, I couldn't help but feel like he was the third wheel despite his character being so invested and honest. The dynamic between the three of them worked so well throughout the whole book but every time they got intimate, it felt as if Theo was just kind of there😶
September 17, 2026
This was such a great, quick and fun read. It was a nice palette cleanser.
It had me laughing and kicking my feet! Theo is hilarious 😂 I loved how the 3 men came together almost seamlessly. They all meshed so well that it made me believe they were literally made for one another.
The way that they announced their relationship to the world was so simple but seriously made me cry, it was PERFECTION at its finest!
Definitely worth a read!
It had me laughing and kicking my feet! Theo is hilarious 😂 I loved how the 3 men came together almost seamlessly. They all meshed so well that it made me believe they were literally made for one another.
The way that they announced their relationship to the world was so simple but seriously made me cry, it was PERFECTION at its finest!
Definitely worth a read!
September 6, 2026
✨May contain spoilers✨
Oh man, this was such a fun ride and I was so glad that I picked this book up. This was such a rom com and I wasn’t expect to laugh so much.
Wall, Theo, and Patrick were absolutely perfect for one another. From the start of the book, I just knew these three were going to be a fun time.
It starts off when he catches his rivalry, Patrick, and Theo in a very compromising position. Patrick and Theo are also teammates as well as being together intimately. Wall should leave when he catches these two but nope, he doesn’t, and that’s when it gets fun because he’s so intrigued.
And then the beginning of the three starts and gosh, I was so intrigued of this building relationship. The spice is so hawt that I had to fan myself. It starts with phone calls then video calls and then FINALLY, Theo, Patrick and Wall are in person and boy, that first time.
I have to say that Theo was my favorite because man, what a brat he was! He was so fun and he was the one I was looking for the most commentary from.
And the found family was so perfect. Becker had me laughing when he had to keep their relationship a secret. I now need to go back to reading the rest of these books because this has my heart from start to finish.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Oh man, this was such a fun ride and I was so glad that I picked this book up. This was such a rom com and I wasn’t expect to laugh so much.
Wall, Theo, and Patrick were absolutely perfect for one another. From the start of the book, I just knew these three were going to be a fun time.
It starts off when he catches his rivalry, Patrick, and Theo in a very compromising position. Patrick and Theo are also teammates as well as being together intimately. Wall should leave when he catches these two but nope, he doesn’t, and that’s when it gets fun because he’s so intrigued.
And then the beginning of the three starts and gosh, I was so intrigued of this building relationship. The spice is so hawt that I had to fan myself. It starts with phone calls then video calls and then FINALLY, Theo, Patrick and Wall are in person and boy, that first time.
I have to say that Theo was my favorite because man, what a brat he was! He was so fun and he was the one I was looking for the most commentary from.
And the found family was so perfect. Becker had me laughing when he had to keep their relationship a secret. I now need to go back to reading the rest of these books because this has my heart from start to finish.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
September 28, 2026
This was such a great, quick and fun read. Definitely a nice little palate cleanser! It had me laughing, kicking my feet and completely invested in these three.
Theo is hilarious, and I loved how naturally the three of them came together. They all meshed so well that I genuinely believed they were made for each other. I also really loved how different each man was and how they each brought something special to the relationship.
I’m always a little nervous with throuple romances because it can be hard to make all three relationships feel equally important, but this one did it so well. Nobody felt like the third wheel, and every person brought something to the relationship while helping the others grow. I especially loved how possessive and devoted they were to each other.
And the way they announced their relationship to the world? It was so simple, but it completely caught me off guard and had me reaching for the tissues. It was one of those little moments that somehow says SO much without needing to be dramatic. I’m not going to spoil it, but the toothbrush reveal genuinely got me in the feels. Who knew a toothbrush could make me emotional?
The banter and humour were fantastic, the chemistry was great, and there was so much heart. I had such a good time with this one and will definitely be adding it to my reread pile.
If you love hockey, poly romances, possessive men and three people who are completely obsessed with each other, definitely give this one a read!
Theo is hilarious, and I loved how naturally the three of them came together. They all meshed so well that I genuinely believed they were made for each other. I also really loved how different each man was and how they each brought something special to the relationship.
I’m always a little nervous with throuple romances because it can be hard to make all three relationships feel equally important, but this one did it so well. Nobody felt like the third wheel, and every person brought something to the relationship while helping the others grow. I especially loved how possessive and devoted they were to each other.
And the way they announced their relationship to the world? It was so simple, but it completely caught me off guard and had me reaching for the tissues. It was one of those little moments that somehow says SO much without needing to be dramatic. I’m not going to spoil it, but the toothbrush reveal genuinely got me in the feels. Who knew a toothbrush could make me emotional?
The banter and humour were fantastic, the chemistry was great, and there was so much heart. I had such a good time with this one and will definitely be adding it to my reread pile.
If you love hockey, poly romances, possessive men and three people who are completely obsessed with each other, definitely give this one a read!
September 7, 2026
5 stars
It's been a while since I've read a MMM romance so good, this story is truly amazing.
This was also my first book from this author and it definitely won't be the last: the writing was flowing and, despite being more than 400 pages, it was a very fast and enjoyable read.
I have to admit I love MMM stories but I'm very demanding when it comes to this kind of romance: if I have just the hint that one of the characters is being left behind by the other two or if the relationship they have with him is put second to the one they have with each other, the book is dead to me.
None of that happened here: Patrick and Theo welcomed (or, should I say, lured) Wall into their arrangement and there never was any imbalance between them: the only thing that made Wall to be at a disadvantage compared to them was his lack of sexual experience with men.
Until he watched an intimate moment between Patrick and Theo, in fact, Wall had never thought about men that way. But that scene couldn't leave his mind and when the opportunity to watch another show arises again, Wall can't decline the invitation.
I liked very much Patrick's patience and determination, the exact opposite of Theo's loud impatience, I adored how he planned every little thing to captivate Wall's attention, like he built a spider web around him. I also loved very much the rules he set to always make Wall feel safe and cherished.
But it wasn't only Patrick Wall's object of desire: of course Wall was very interested in him, since they have been rivals for almost a decade. But Wallace was very much enthralled by Theo, feisty, chatty, beautiful, lovely Theo, with all his eagerness and honesty and openness.
The three men really complemented each others and they were each others' strongest supporters: they learned their partners' doubts and worries and they never failed to be present and take care of one another.
The physical scenes were undoubtedly hot, but I loved their emotional side the most: Wall's first times, encouraged and guided by Patrick and Theo, Patrick's bottoming that wasn't really about positions or roles but more about being vulnerable and completely trusting his partners. And Theo's commentaries through all their intercourses, making them laugh and relax and just being themselves with no pretence whatsoever.
What began as a show based on sexual exploration, in fact, soon it became a real possibility at happiness.
I must admit I was very curious to know how things started between Patrick and Theo, I hope there will be a bonus in the future letting the reader know the very beginning.
Next book will be about Petrov and I'm not going to miss it!
This book can be read as a standalone, I haven't read the previous ones but I still could enjoy the story. However, don't be like me and start with the first! All the other characters were amazing and I regret not having read their stories before this one.
Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
It's been a while since I've read a MMM romance so good, this story is truly amazing.
This was also my first book from this author and it definitely won't be the last: the writing was flowing and, despite being more than 400 pages, it was a very fast and enjoyable read.
I have to admit I love MMM stories but I'm very demanding when it comes to this kind of romance: if I have just the hint that one of the characters is being left behind by the other two or if the relationship they have with him is put second to the one they have with each other, the book is dead to me.
None of that happened here: Patrick and Theo welcomed (or, should I say, lured) Wall into their arrangement and there never was any imbalance between them: the only thing that made Wall to be at a disadvantage compared to them was his lack of sexual experience with men.
Until he watched an intimate moment between Patrick and Theo, in fact, Wall had never thought about men that way. But that scene couldn't leave his mind and when the opportunity to watch another show arises again, Wall can't decline the invitation.
I liked very much Patrick's patience and determination, the exact opposite of Theo's loud impatience, I adored how he planned every little thing to captivate Wall's attention, like he built a spider web around him. I also loved very much the rules he set to always make Wall feel safe and cherished.
But it wasn't only Patrick Wall's object of desire: of course Wall was very interested in him, since they have been rivals for almost a decade. But Wallace was very much enthralled by Theo, feisty, chatty, beautiful, lovely Theo, with all his eagerness and honesty and openness.
The three men really complemented each others and they were each others' strongest supporters: they learned their partners' doubts and worries and they never failed to be present and take care of one another.
The physical scenes were undoubtedly hot, but I loved their emotional side the most: Wall's first times, encouraged and guided by Patrick and Theo, Patrick's bottoming that wasn't really about positions or roles but more about being vulnerable and completely trusting his partners. And Theo's commentaries through all their intercourses, making them laugh and relax and just being themselves with no pretence whatsoever.
What began as a show based on sexual exploration, in fact, soon it became a real possibility at happiness.
I must admit I was very curious to know how things started between Patrick and Theo, I hope there will be a bonus in the future letting the reader know the very beginning.
Next book will be about Petrov and I'm not going to miss it!
This book can be read as a standalone, I haven't read the previous ones but I still could enjoy the story. However, don't be like me and start with the first! All the other characters were amazing and I regret not having read their stories before this one.
Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
September 9, 2026
Really, really beautiful
Normally I prefer MM stories, mostly because I think it's really hard to find MMM where every character is truly equally valued.
I love possessive, dedicated romances, where the Main Characters are all about each other, and nothing will ever make them leave each other. It's very hard to write a thruple and not give off 'I'm open to others' vibes.
I do keep giving them a go and I think I had three MMM, out of the 700 books I've read in the last two years, that have felt beautiful and as though all three were necessary to the relationship and made it better by being together. This is one.
This relationship is so carefully explored. Despite there being ample opportunity for a heavier value to be placed on two MCs - teammates, or goalies, or the two who were together first - every person in this added something wonderful to the relationship and felt valued by both other MCs, as well as helped the others grow.
I'm not going to spoil anything, but when you find yourself crying over a toothbrush, you know the writing is something special.
The sexy scenes are hot. The humour and banter is top tier. The heart, oh, the heart... I loved this and will be buying the book trophy so I can read it all over again.
Normally I prefer MM stories, mostly because I think it's really hard to find MMM where every character is truly equally valued.
I love possessive, dedicated romances, where the Main Characters are all about each other, and nothing will ever make them leave each other. It's very hard to write a thruple and not give off 'I'm open to others' vibes.
I do keep giving them a go and I think I had three MMM, out of the 700 books I've read in the last two years, that have felt beautiful and as though all three were necessary to the relationship and made it better by being together. This is one.
This relationship is so carefully explored. Despite there being ample opportunity for a heavier value to be placed on two MCs - teammates, or goalies, or the two who were together first - every person in this added something wonderful to the relationship and felt valued by both other MCs, as well as helped the others grow.
I'm not going to spoil anything, but when you find yourself crying over a toothbrush, you know the writing is something special.
The sexy scenes are hot. The humour and banter is top tier. The heart, oh, the heart... I loved this and will be buying the book trophy so I can read it all over again.
October 3, 2026
"Next time." My throat tries to close. I talk through it. "The two of you... Call me."
Silence from Milwaukee. Total.
With the last of my mental strength, I add, "Don't tell me when."
Ninety miles north, a man I've been at war with for eight years is holding a phone and, unless my ears are lying, still holding his breath.
Then Patrick exhales, long and slow, and I can hear the smile inside every drawn-out syllable as he says, "There he is."
Heat crawls up the back of my neck. "Don't."
"That wasn't a joke, Wallace." His voice has dropped somewhere warmer. "Noted. No warning."
I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the whole scenario, the DYNAMIC- delicious. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Theo, Patrick, and Wallace. I loved Wall's bi-awakening, and how he enjoyed watching his rival, Patrick- who is still in the closet- with Theo. After so many years against each other, how in the world a romance would bloom here I didn't know, but I was riveted. I also liked that the three of them had distinct personalities. And the chemistry was hot! I would LOVE to listen to this in audio someday! 5 stars
Silence from Milwaukee. Total.
With the last of my mental strength, I add, "Don't tell me when."
Ninety miles north, a man I've been at war with for eight years is holding a phone and, unless my ears are lying, still holding his breath.
Then Patrick exhales, long and slow, and I can hear the smile inside every drawn-out syllable as he says, "There he is."
Heat crawls up the back of my neck. "Don't."
"That wasn't a joke, Wallace." His voice has dropped somewhere warmer. "Noted. No warning."
I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the whole scenario, the DYNAMIC- delicious. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Theo, Patrick, and Wallace. I loved Wall's bi-awakening, and how he enjoyed watching his rival, Patrick- who is still in the closet- with Theo. After so many years against each other, how in the world a romance would bloom here I didn't know, but I was riveted. I also liked that the three of them had distinct personalities. And the chemistry was hot! I would LOVE to listen to this in audio someday! 5 stars
September 5, 2026
Loved the storyline. Just a couple of things that could have made it 5* The only romantic one was Theo he wore his heart on his sleeve. The other two seemed a bit stiff at times, and I’m not talking the kind of stiffness they’d enjoy. They never discussed their relationship. Patrick got over his no one must ever know I’m gay. Just suddenly yeah let’s tell everyone. They bought a house together but not one of them said “I love you”. The icing on the cake for me would have been when everyone gets a turn at being vers. Wall getting “drilled”, sorry for the bluntness, would have been a great detail because he was straight until he wasn’t. It would have been nice to explore that. It wasn’t explored.
September 18, 2026
I love Poly romances so much. The "meet cute" for these 3 was absolutely awesome. Going into this book I assumed it was two who had been in a relationship adding a 3rd. I was pleased to find out the "two" had only been hooking up for like a week. It felt way more of even playing field (nothing wrong with the former, this just worked really well for this story). I loved how different each man was.
September 14, 2026
This was a fresh take on hockey romance with a mmm relationship that develops as Wall walks in on 2 rival players and it changes everything.
It's a spicy rivals to lovers romance, with Bi-Awakening, exploration, voyeurism, and three povs with fun chemistry and unique personalities.
It's a spicy rivals to lovers romance, with Bi-Awakening, exploration, voyeurism, and three povs with fun chemistry and unique personalities.
September 15, 2026
The perfect low angst, high spice escape from reality!
Loved the dynamic of the 3 MMC's all together and in the individual pairings.
Theo's enthusiasm is infectious and I love how he brings out the fun in Wall and Patrick.
I would really recommend for a lovely escapism read ❤️
Loved the dynamic of the 3 MMC's all together and in the individual pairings.
Theo's enthusiasm is infectious and I love how he brings out the fun in Wall and Patrick.
I would really recommend for a lovely escapism read ❤️
September 4, 2026
This story was really sweet. I loved how different each of them are, but also so similar. The support all three of them get from the outside world is amazing to read and I loved the moments where they were up against each other on the ice. Thank you, GRR, for the ARC!
September 5, 2026
Another very good book by M.M. Phoenix.
As we have come to expect, the storyline, writing style, and structure of the story are perfect. The dynamics and chemistry between the MCS are superb again.
Another truly addictive book.
As we have come to expect, the storyline, writing style, and structure of the story are perfect. The dynamics and chemistry between the MCS are superb again.
Another truly addictive book.
September 26, 2026
Loved it! RTC
Did Not Finish
October 19, 2026DNF @ 45% - not really attached to any of the three guys
September 11, 2026
I really really needed a book like this after my last two left me sobbing! It was so damn fun and I laughed SO much! This story is bout Patrick Theo and Wall; Patrick and Wall are 8 year goalie rivals and Patrick and Theo are teammates! Everything changes when Theo is going to find his puck when he sees Patrick and Theo together he stands in the doorway watching unable to move and stop watching and Patrick notices too! This is the start of their connection they invite him to watch more and he does until he’s comfortable joining! This was so funny Theo is a hyper golden retriever and Patrick and Wall are stoic goalies who think before they react or speak but somehow they all fit together like a puzzle! Patrick is the one who takes care of them he handles them and he guides them but he’s never demanding but sometimes he needs to be taken care of too and that’s when Theo and wall take over! I still cried but in a very good way! When wall showed up to comfort Theo and brought him gas station flowers! When they posted their toothbrush cup with 3 toothbrushes together all on their socials to announce their relationship! How Wall told his mom and how Patrick told his dad! They found a way to keep Theo calm when he was waiting for his trade announcement they knew how to take care of each other so well! It’s spicy like very spicy but in the best way! When Wall is watching from the chair! When the three of them are on the ice alone in the arena and Patrick gives over control to Wall!! I like how they just fit together domestically like it was nothing!
I had so many fav parts and quotes!
"The jumbotron guy DMed me. He wants to know if he can use 'Big Tomato Energy' on a shirt."
"Nice pads. Did they come with the five-hole?" "Nice hair. Did it come with an apology?"
"Oh, you want to play?" I floor it. "EAT MY ENTIRE A$$, BEIGE DEMON."
The parrot stares at me. I stare back. "Oh. You're perfect," I whisper. "What the puuuuck!"
I look at Patrick. I look at Wall. I look at eight years of shootout insults, the save-percentage feud, the mic'd-up fiasco, the junior final Patrick keeps on a hard drive labeled ARCHIVE.
They're flirting. They've been flirting. For eight years. These two enormous, emotionally constipated disasters invented a professional rivalry as foreplay and got the entire league to buy tickets. I press both hands over my mouth. Petrov leans toward me. "What?" "Nothing." "You gasped."
I am one bad decision from biting a Chicago Wolf in a supply closet. “He’s excellent with his hands,” I say. Wall walks into the doorframe. God, I love charity.
Unknown: he's never going to admit he wanted you to stay so i will: come to milwaukee :smiling_face_with_horns_emoji:
Even now, getting taken apart one nerve at a time under his own kitchen island, he comes back after every beat to see how I'm doing. Whether I'm still here. Whether this is still yes. That, of everything tonight, is what finishes my denial off. The checking.
Me: serious question. that night on the call. did you like hearing him or watching him? Wall: Yes. Yes. I grab the nearest pillow, bury my face in it, and scream.
"Next time." My throat tries to close. I talk through it. "The two of you... Call me."
Patrick continues. "You watch. Nobody touches you tonight." He pauses, seemingly to gauge Wall’s reaction. When Wall gives him none, he adds, "And if anybody says stop, about anything, everything stops. No questions."
"The chair had angles. You did furniture math." Theo rolls onto his stomach, chin on his stacked hands, facing me. "He did furniture math for you." "I noticed," I say.
Patrick picks it up off the ground where I dropped it. "He didn't visit," he says. "He fit." The two words he budgeted knock the air out of me. "Yeah." My voice comes out small. "That." "If we do this… If this ever becomes a thing we're actually doing. It's not us-plus-guy, Patrick." "I'm not doing that to him. I'd rather stop now, while it would only break me a little." Patrick has gone completely still beside me. "No," he says after a long moment. "He's not a guest."
"Tonight is an exploration," he says. "That's the whole map. Nobody does anything that isn't asked for. Anything's a no until it's a yes." None of those words are sexy on paper, yet all of them are working on me anyway. Halfway through, I figure out why. He's thought about this. About me. In advance, carefully. Being planned for, it turns out, feels a whole lot like being wanted. And it feels fucking magnificent. "And a stop is a stop," he says. "One word, no questions."
"You—" He points at me, then at Patrick, wild-eyed, damp, and magnificent. "You're colluding."
I hold the glare. Wall holds the glare. To everyone else in the room: two men annoyed by a bird. "Kiss kiss. Kiss kiss."
I'm using the word loosely. Gas-station carnations, dyed a shade of blue no flowers have ever once been, plastic sleeve, price sticker still on, $6.99. "You drove ninety minutes to bring me gas station flowers?" Wall puts his hands in his pockets and shrugs his massive shoulders. "Your texts had a frequency problem." "My texts were hilarious." "They were. That's the problem."
"I'm watching their line change." He leans in closer. "With your heart?" I turn my head toward him slowly. The warning transmits. "Relax," he whispers. "Everyone thinks you're plotting murder. Very on-brand."
“Do you remember… Remember how you said I sounded lighter?” "I remember." “Well… There's a reason." "Oh?" One word, and then he leaves the space open. My grip tightens on the phone. "I'm seeing someone." "The red one, or the loud one?" I take a slow breath and close my eyes. “B— Both, actually."
I put my toothbrush in the cup. The three of them lean together, black and blue and gray, crowded and slightly ridiculous, and I stand there studying a cup made of plastic. There. The biggest thing I've said all morning, and I said it, without using words, to a sink.
"Sit back, Grześkowiak." Patrick’s just staring at me for a moment. His wrists have gone still in my hands. His pulse hasn't. It did something to him, something pleasant, I’m sure, and if that read is wrong, it's the first wrong read I've had all night. His next word confirms I’m not wrong. "Again." Something rolls over in my chest. I sweep my thumbs across the inside of his wrists, and repeat, quieter this time. "Grześkowiak."
"But losing the Vipers means I'd lose both of you, too." Patrick leans forward. "You wouldn't—" "Not at first, I wouldn't." My words come out fast now, faster than he can lay one of his reasonable hands over it. "I know you'd be wonderful about it. For some time. You'd come over every weekend, then every other weekend. Then something would come up, and you'd skip a few, and then we'd see each other every month, and then one day we'd all agree that it was too much, too far, and for the best." I start rapid-blinking to take back the stupid tear that has stupidly started forming. "And then that'd be it." "That would never happen," Patrick says, at the same time as Wall says, "You'd still be ours." Ours.
Becker changed the group name to: WOLVES PACK (+2 STRAYS). Becker added: P.G. Becker added: Theodore.
“I’m with Moreau and Wallace, both. Questions come to me, not to him." I nod at Theo, who has arranged himself on his stall bench like an exhibit.
Under all of it, from the far stalls, at a volume designed to be heard and denied: "Didn't need a press conference about it."
"No, no, no. Hold on." He raises both hands like a conductor. "Quiet, everyone. The man has notes." He crosses the floor and stops in front of Eric’s stall with his skates still untied. "A press conference? He said six words and gave you a travel update, you absolute expired coupon. You participation trophy with a mortgage—" the room is already going "—you know what an actual press conference is? It's what your agent begs for after every game. You, you, you human beige." He leans in a half inch. "He is the only reason your plus-minus can be read aloud without a priest present. So next time he tells you anything, you clap like Dziedzic, or you donate your jaw to somebody with something to say. May both sides of your pillow be warm forever, you rented thumb."
"This is for, ah. Mr. Gres... Grezko..." Papers shuffle. "Griee... Mr. Moreau’s—" A pause with a whole cliff in it. "—partner." Gzheh-SHKO-vyahk "Mr. Moreau? Why does it matter so much?" "Learn the man's name already. He's important to me."
Theo peels off his hoodie in the family box and stands there in a Wolves home WALLACE jersey with GRZEŚKOWIAK taped above the nameplate in hand-cut silver letters, each one a slightly different size. "Both my guys," he says, arms out. "One garment. Efficiency." "The letters are crooked," I tell him, ignoring whatever my heart is doing. He shrugs.
Theo laces his fingers through my right without looking away from the ice, and Linda Wallace takes my left, her grip tight and absolute. Three people holding on in a row. Eight years I tried to beat him. Tonight I'd give anything I have for him to win.
a Viper in enemy ink and a winger in a jersey with two names on it, both of a Viper in enemy ink and a winger in a jersey with two names on it, both of them wearing the last hour on their faces, waiting to be asked. As if there's a version of tonight where I don't ask. I reach out and pull them onto the ice. Theo hits me first, legs locking around my waist, hands on my ears, and kisses me in front of the team, the stands, the broadcast, and eleven million future views. The stands, mid-celebration, somehow find extra volume for it, a swell inside the roar, and Theo pulls back an inch and grins down at me with confetti in his curls. “Worth it,” he says. I let him slide down, and then there's Patrick. He comes to me slow across the ice, in street shoes, careful, and stops close. The noise pulls back, and for a second the only thing left is one face. "Good game," he says. I kiss him. Long, sure, both gloves dropped somewhere behind me, his hand coming up to the back of my neck. We spent almost a decade giving the cameras the war. They can have this too.
Patrick had it delivered the day we became owners, without telling anyone. Leather, high-backed, absurd on a dock, aimed at the water, and screwed to it now is a little brass plaque, his idea, engraved: WHERE IT ALL STARTED. Underneath, added by permanent marker in Theo’s handwriting: (ONE OF THE PLACES WHERE IT ALL STARTED).
I had so many fav parts and quotes!
"The jumbotron guy DMed me. He wants to know if he can use 'Big Tomato Energy' on a shirt."
"Nice pads. Did they come with the five-hole?" "Nice hair. Did it come with an apology?"
"Oh, you want to play?" I floor it. "EAT MY ENTIRE A$$, BEIGE DEMON."
The parrot stares at me. I stare back. "Oh. You're perfect," I whisper. "What the puuuuck!"
I look at Patrick. I look at Wall. I look at eight years of shootout insults, the save-percentage feud, the mic'd-up fiasco, the junior final Patrick keeps on a hard drive labeled ARCHIVE.
They're flirting. They've been flirting. For eight years. These two enormous, emotionally constipated disasters invented a professional rivalry as foreplay and got the entire league to buy tickets. I press both hands over my mouth. Petrov leans toward me. "What?" "Nothing." "You gasped."
I am one bad decision from biting a Chicago Wolf in a supply closet. “He’s excellent with his hands,” I say. Wall walks into the doorframe. God, I love charity.
Unknown: he's never going to admit he wanted you to stay so i will: come to milwaukee :smiling_face_with_horns_emoji:
Even now, getting taken apart one nerve at a time under his own kitchen island, he comes back after every beat to see how I'm doing. Whether I'm still here. Whether this is still yes. That, of everything tonight, is what finishes my denial off. The checking.
Me: serious question. that night on the call. did you like hearing him or watching him? Wall: Yes. Yes. I grab the nearest pillow, bury my face in it, and scream.
"Next time." My throat tries to close. I talk through it. "The two of you... Call me."
Patrick continues. "You watch. Nobody touches you tonight." He pauses, seemingly to gauge Wall’s reaction. When Wall gives him none, he adds, "And if anybody says stop, about anything, everything stops. No questions."
"The chair had angles. You did furniture math." Theo rolls onto his stomach, chin on his stacked hands, facing me. "He did furniture math for you." "I noticed," I say.
Patrick picks it up off the ground where I dropped it. "He didn't visit," he says. "He fit." The two words he budgeted knock the air out of me. "Yeah." My voice comes out small. "That." "If we do this… If this ever becomes a thing we're actually doing. It's not us-plus-guy, Patrick." "I'm not doing that to him. I'd rather stop now, while it would only break me a little." Patrick has gone completely still beside me. "No," he says after a long moment. "He's not a guest."
"Tonight is an exploration," he says. "That's the whole map. Nobody does anything that isn't asked for. Anything's a no until it's a yes." None of those words are sexy on paper, yet all of them are working on me anyway. Halfway through, I figure out why. He's thought about this. About me. In advance, carefully. Being planned for, it turns out, feels a whole lot like being wanted. And it feels fucking magnificent. "And a stop is a stop," he says. "One word, no questions."
"You—" He points at me, then at Patrick, wild-eyed, damp, and magnificent. "You're colluding."
I hold the glare. Wall holds the glare. To everyone else in the room: two men annoyed by a bird. "Kiss kiss. Kiss kiss."
I'm using the word loosely. Gas-station carnations, dyed a shade of blue no flowers have ever once been, plastic sleeve, price sticker still on, $6.99. "You drove ninety minutes to bring me gas station flowers?" Wall puts his hands in his pockets and shrugs his massive shoulders. "Your texts had a frequency problem." "My texts were hilarious." "They were. That's the problem."
"I'm watching their line change." He leans in closer. "With your heart?" I turn my head toward him slowly. The warning transmits. "Relax," he whispers. "Everyone thinks you're plotting murder. Very on-brand."
“Do you remember… Remember how you said I sounded lighter?” "I remember." “Well… There's a reason." "Oh?" One word, and then he leaves the space open. My grip tightens on the phone. "I'm seeing someone." "The red one, or the loud one?" I take a slow breath and close my eyes. “B— Both, actually."
I put my toothbrush in the cup. The three of them lean together, black and blue and gray, crowded and slightly ridiculous, and I stand there studying a cup made of plastic. There. The biggest thing I've said all morning, and I said it, without using words, to a sink.
"Sit back, Grześkowiak." Patrick’s just staring at me for a moment. His wrists have gone still in my hands. His pulse hasn't. It did something to him, something pleasant, I’m sure, and if that read is wrong, it's the first wrong read I've had all night. His next word confirms I’m not wrong. "Again." Something rolls over in my chest. I sweep my thumbs across the inside of his wrists, and repeat, quieter this time. "Grześkowiak."
"But losing the Vipers means I'd lose both of you, too." Patrick leans forward. "You wouldn't—" "Not at first, I wouldn't." My words come out fast now, faster than he can lay one of his reasonable hands over it. "I know you'd be wonderful about it. For some time. You'd come over every weekend, then every other weekend. Then something would come up, and you'd skip a few, and then we'd see each other every month, and then one day we'd all agree that it was too much, too far, and for the best." I start rapid-blinking to take back the stupid tear that has stupidly started forming. "And then that'd be it." "That would never happen," Patrick says, at the same time as Wall says, "You'd still be ours." Ours.
Becker changed the group name to: WOLVES PACK (+2 STRAYS). Becker added: P.G. Becker added: Theodore.
“I’m with Moreau and Wallace, both. Questions come to me, not to him." I nod at Theo, who has arranged himself on his stall bench like an exhibit.
Under all of it, from the far stalls, at a volume designed to be heard and denied: "Didn't need a press conference about it."
"No, no, no. Hold on." He raises both hands like a conductor. "Quiet, everyone. The man has notes." He crosses the floor and stops in front of Eric’s stall with his skates still untied. "A press conference? He said six words and gave you a travel update, you absolute expired coupon. You participation trophy with a mortgage—" the room is already going "—you know what an actual press conference is? It's what your agent begs for after every game. You, you, you human beige." He leans in a half inch. "He is the only reason your plus-minus can be read aloud without a priest present. So next time he tells you anything, you clap like Dziedzic, or you donate your jaw to somebody with something to say. May both sides of your pillow be warm forever, you rented thumb."
"This is for, ah. Mr. Gres... Grezko..." Papers shuffle. "Griee... Mr. Moreau’s—" A pause with a whole cliff in it. "—partner." Gzheh-SHKO-vyahk "Mr. Moreau? Why does it matter so much?" "Learn the man's name already. He's important to me."
Theo peels off his hoodie in the family box and stands there in a Wolves home WALLACE jersey with GRZEŚKOWIAK taped above the nameplate in hand-cut silver letters, each one a slightly different size. "Both my guys," he says, arms out. "One garment. Efficiency." "The letters are crooked," I tell him, ignoring whatever my heart is doing. He shrugs.
Theo laces his fingers through my right without looking away from the ice, and Linda Wallace takes my left, her grip tight and absolute. Three people holding on in a row. Eight years I tried to beat him. Tonight I'd give anything I have for him to win.
a Viper in enemy ink and a winger in a jersey with two names on it, both of a Viper in enemy ink and a winger in a jersey with two names on it, both of them wearing the last hour on their faces, waiting to be asked. As if there's a version of tonight where I don't ask. I reach out and pull them onto the ice. Theo hits me first, legs locking around my waist, hands on my ears, and kisses me in front of the team, the stands, the broadcast, and eleven million future views. The stands, mid-celebration, somehow find extra volume for it, a swell inside the roar, and Theo pulls back an inch and grins down at me with confetti in his curls. “Worth it,” he says. I let him slide down, and then there's Patrick. He comes to me slow across the ice, in street shoes, careful, and stops close. The noise pulls back, and for a second the only thing left is one face. "Good game," he says. I kiss him. Long, sure, both gloves dropped somewhere behind me, his hand coming up to the back of my neck. We spent almost a decade giving the cameras the war. They can have this too.
Patrick had it delivered the day we became owners, without telling anyone. Leather, high-backed, absurd on a dock, aimed at the water, and screwed to it now is a little brass plaque, his idea, engraved: WHERE IT ALL STARTED. Underneath, added by permanent marker in Theo’s handwriting: (ONE OF THE PLACES WHERE IT ALL STARTED).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.75
(ARC)
I don't actually have much to say for this book, other than i really liked it. I thought Patrick, Theo, and Wall were really good together; each of them brought something different to the relationship, and it just clicked. As always, the side characters were great, the cute animals were cute and honestly, it was just an all-around great, low-angst, cute addition to this series and i hope we get more of it.
🌶️🌶️.75
(ARC)
I don't actually have much to say for this book, other than i really liked it. I thought Patrick, Theo, and Wall were really good together; each of them brought something different to the relationship, and it just clicked. As always, the side characters were great, the cute animals were cute and honestly, it was just an all-around great, low-angst, cute addition to this series and i hope we get more of it.
September 12, 2026
The characters should get 5 stars but something about how the book and sentences were written throw me off... Theo I adored from the start and Patrik and Wall were stoic wonderful but the story felt somehow lacking😩
September 3, 2026
Puck You Both
M.M. Phoenix
Ok wow so good!
Let me start by say SO MUCH FUN! In this MMM book we get so much entertainment, spicey scenes, amazing competition and a roaring great time. Two goalies on different teams. Wall and Patrick are rival goalie and Patrick and Theo are together and on the same team. It’s all the perfect laugh out loud disaster. The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled fr me om each book its felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: If you can't beat him, keep him. And his boyfriend.
WALL
There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee's goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I've been nailing it for eight years straight. It's public record. There's merchandise to prove it.
What a goaltender should neverdo is walk in on said goalie, hand deep in his winger's pants, and…stay.
So anyway, guess what just happened.
In my defense, observation is my craft and this was film study. Kind of.
The incognito-mode googling afterward was also film study. And then that time on a video call was…film study with live narration?
I've been straight for twenty-eight years. I'd like to speak to a manager.
PATRICK
They say you never know what you've got until it's gone. Turns out I had a blissfully uncomplicated life. Right up until Wall walked in and shattered it.
I'm not out, and it has never been a problem before. But now a man who hates me is knocking on my closet, and the possibility of the entire world finding out what I’m wearing is getting too real.
Even my code-red protocol—deny—won’t fly this time. Denial is hard to pull off when he catches you pressed against another man and, instead of stopping, you stare back and keep going.
So I do the next best thing—get Theo on board, lure Wall into my closet, and close the door behind.
It’s a chaotic process. An unmuted mic here, an “accidental” invitation there. One very strategically positioned chair.
Some men bury the hatchet. I'd rather keep mine.
Both of them.
THEO
Okay, recap for the rafters: my no-labels goalie arrangement has somehow acquired a no-labels plus one, who's in a no-labels feud with my original arrangement.
Nobody is labeling anything, which some might call an unhealthy environment.
Not me, though. Turns out, it’s my natural habitat. See, I've spent my whole life being too much, too loud. Too Theo.
But one of these idiots likes running the show, the other one can't stop watching it, and I am, and I cannot stress this enough, the show.
They can hate each other all they want. None of my business, really.
Now, if you'll excuse me. There's a hockey sandwich about to happen and I'm the meat.
The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
M.M. Phoenix
Ok wow so good!
Let me start by say SO MUCH FUN! In this MMM book we get so much entertainment, spicey scenes, amazing competition and a roaring great time. Two goalies on different teams. Wall and Patrick are rival goalie and Patrick and Theo are together and on the same team. It’s all the perfect laugh out loud disaster. The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled fr me om each book its felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: If you can't beat him, keep him. And his boyfriend.
WALL
There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee's goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I've been nailing it for eight years straight. It's public record. There's merchandise to prove it.
What a goaltender should neverdo is walk in on said goalie, hand deep in his winger's pants, and…stay.
So anyway, guess what just happened.
In my defense, observation is my craft and this was film study. Kind of.
The incognito-mode googling afterward was also film study. And then that time on a video call was…film study with live narration?
I've been straight for twenty-eight years. I'd like to speak to a manager.
PATRICK
They say you never know what you've got until it's gone. Turns out I had a blissfully uncomplicated life. Right up until Wall walked in and shattered it.
I'm not out, and it has never been a problem before. But now a man who hates me is knocking on my closet, and the possibility of the entire world finding out what I’m wearing is getting too real.
Even my code-red protocol—deny—won’t fly this time. Denial is hard to pull off when he catches you pressed against another man and, instead of stopping, you stare back and keep going.
So I do the next best thing—get Theo on board, lure Wall into my closet, and close the door behind.
It’s a chaotic process. An unmuted mic here, an “accidental” invitation there. One very strategically positioned chair.
Some men bury the hatchet. I'd rather keep mine.
Both of them.
THEO
Okay, recap for the rafters: my no-labels goalie arrangement has somehow acquired a no-labels plus one, who's in a no-labels feud with my original arrangement.
Nobody is labeling anything, which some might call an unhealthy environment.
Not me, though. Turns out, it’s my natural habitat. See, I've spent my whole life being too much, too loud. Too Theo.
But one of these idiots likes running the show, the other one can't stop watching it, and I am, and I cannot stress this enough, the show.
They can hate each other all they want. None of my business, really.
Now, if you'll excuse me. There's a hockey sandwich about to happen and I'm the meat.
The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
September 14, 2026
Story: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️— High spice
🍆MMM — Romance
📚Standalone (Book 4 in the interconnected Melting Ice series)
✏️First person — Triple POV
❤️Main tropes: Rivals to lovers • Bi-awakening • Hockey • Found family.
“And over Moreau's shoulder, calm as a save he's been tracking all night, Patrick Grześkowiak lifts his eyes and finds mine in the doorway. I don't breathe. And he doesn't stop.” — Wall (Chapter 1)
This book drew me in from the very beginning. By the end of Chapter 1, I knew I would deeply become invested, and fast! By Chapter 5, I was giddy and shifting in my seat from the tension between the three MCs. By Chapter 10, I couldn’t stop reading.
This story revolves around three rival hockey players: Theo and Patrick who play or the Vipers, and Wall (Wallace) who play’s for the Wolves. One night after a game between their teams, Wall walks in on an intimate exchange between Theo and Patrick, freezes in place, and watches. This moment becomes the turning point in their lives. Their PR managers get them into a joint charity campaign that brings them to work together and discover each other outside of hockey.
The characters were all lovable, and each brought something different to the relationship. My favourite was Theo. He completely won me over. He’s funny and very perceptive, but deep down he’s insecure and wounded, always feeling like he’s too much, too loud, and he covers it up with his babbling and eccentricities. He’s a cuddly bear I wanted to hold and hug tightly. I loved that, because of his fragile side, he took good care of Wall and wanted to make sure that, as they navigated their new dynamic, no one felt like a third wheel. Being French Canadian myself, it was also fun to see his “Québécois” personality shine through.
The spice was very spicy and so sweet at the same time! It moved the story forward, and we could feel the connection deepen between the MCs. It melted my heart when Patrick made sure he had Wall’s consent every step of the way as Wall slowly found his place with him and Theo. Patrick is the planner in the relationship, and he always made sure everyone was comfortable and that no one felt pressured.
There were many detailed hockey scenes throughout the story, which I also appreciated a lot. You could see them in action and really feel that it was a sports romance. Sometimes, I am disappointed when a sports romance barely shows the sport itself. But in this case, you could live some of the on-ice moments with them.
This book really made my romance-loving heart happy. It was easy to read and left me feeling content. If you love beautifully written poly relationships, cute moments, and swoony love stories, I strongly recommend this book. M.M. Phoenix was a new-to-me author, but now I want to read more, if not all of her work.
Spice: 4🌶️— High spice
🍆MMM — Romance
📚Standalone (Book 4 in the interconnected Melting Ice series)
✏️First person — Triple POV
❤️Main tropes: Rivals to lovers • Bi-awakening • Hockey • Found family.
“And over Moreau's shoulder, calm as a save he's been tracking all night, Patrick Grześkowiak lifts his eyes and finds mine in the doorway. I don't breathe. And he doesn't stop.” — Wall (Chapter 1)
This book drew me in from the very beginning. By the end of Chapter 1, I knew I would deeply become invested, and fast! By Chapter 5, I was giddy and shifting in my seat from the tension between the three MCs. By Chapter 10, I couldn’t stop reading.
This story revolves around three rival hockey players: Theo and Patrick who play or the Vipers, and Wall (Wallace) who play’s for the Wolves. One night after a game between their teams, Wall walks in on an intimate exchange between Theo and Patrick, freezes in place, and watches. This moment becomes the turning point in their lives. Their PR managers get them into a joint charity campaign that brings them to work together and discover each other outside of hockey.
The characters were all lovable, and each brought something different to the relationship. My favourite was Theo. He completely won me over. He’s funny and very perceptive, but deep down he’s insecure and wounded, always feeling like he’s too much, too loud, and he covers it up with his babbling and eccentricities. He’s a cuddly bear I wanted to hold and hug tightly. I loved that, because of his fragile side, he took good care of Wall and wanted to make sure that, as they navigated their new dynamic, no one felt like a third wheel. Being French Canadian myself, it was also fun to see his “Québécois” personality shine through.
The spice was very spicy and so sweet at the same time! It moved the story forward, and we could feel the connection deepen between the MCs. It melted my heart when Patrick made sure he had Wall’s consent every step of the way as Wall slowly found his place with him and Theo. Patrick is the planner in the relationship, and he always made sure everyone was comfortable and that no one felt pressured.
There were many detailed hockey scenes throughout the story, which I also appreciated a lot. You could see them in action and really feel that it was a sports romance. Sometimes, I am disappointed when a sports romance barely shows the sport itself. But in this case, you could live some of the on-ice moments with them.
This book really made my romance-loving heart happy. It was easy to read and left me feeling content. If you love beautifully written poly relationships, cute moments, and swoony love stories, I strongly recommend this book. M.M. Phoenix was a new-to-me author, but now I want to read more, if not all of her work.
September 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5 stars
This was my first time reading this author and unfortunately I don't think this was the book for me.
I absolutely love this type of story (M/M, reverse harem, why choose, all of it) So I really wanted to love this one, but sadly, I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I actually put it down several times and kept coming back to it, even restarting from the beginning more than once. Eventually, I made myself finish it because I really wanted to give it a fair chance.
There were definitely things I enjoyed! There was humor, some fun moments, voyeurism, plenty of spice, and I really liked the dynamic between the main duo. The smut was definitely a highlight for me.
However, I struggled with the characters themselves. They felt a little flat to me, and I never quite got the sense of their individual personalities. I also didn't really feel the chemistry between all three MMCs. Since two of them already had an established kind of relationship and the third character was mostly in the voyeur role, the dynamic sometimes felt more like an M/M + M situation rather than the three of them truly developing a connection together.
I really, really wanted to love this book. I tried several times to make that connection happen, but unfortunately, it just wasn't there for me. And that's okay! Not every book is going to be everyone's cup of tea, even when it has all the tropes we normally love.
That said I still gave it 3.5 stars because I enjoyed the spice and the dynamic between the main duo, and I can definitely see this working for readers who enjoy this particular setup.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinionand I think this time, my opinion was definitely VERY honest.
This was my first time reading this author and unfortunately I don't think this was the book for me.
I absolutely love this type of story (M/M, reverse harem, why choose, all of it) So I really wanted to love this one, but sadly, I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I actually put it down several times and kept coming back to it, even restarting from the beginning more than once. Eventually, I made myself finish it because I really wanted to give it a fair chance.
There were definitely things I enjoyed! There was humor, some fun moments, voyeurism, plenty of spice, and I really liked the dynamic between the main duo. The smut was definitely a highlight for me.
However, I struggled with the characters themselves. They felt a little flat to me, and I never quite got the sense of their individual personalities. I also didn't really feel the chemistry between all three MMCs. Since two of them already had an established kind of relationship and the third character was mostly in the voyeur role, the dynamic sometimes felt more like an M/M + M situation rather than the three of them truly developing a connection together.
I really, really wanted to love this book. I tried several times to make that connection happen, but unfortunately, it just wasn't there for me. And that's okay! Not every book is going to be everyone's cup of tea, even when it has all the tropes we normally love.
That said I still gave it 3.5 stars because I enjoyed the spice and the dynamic between the main duo, and I can definitely see this working for readers who enjoy this particular setup.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinionand I think this time, my opinion was definitely VERY honest.
September 13, 2026
This was fun! I am not always the type of person/reader to enjoy shenanigans, especially male+hockey shenanigans, but gosh, this had just the right blend of feels and laughs and reality and hockey and... ok, so the spice got heavy there at the end but it was "the good kind". A proper romance reader will tell you sex is a natural part of any good relationship and plays an important role, is an opportunity to show both character and relationship growth and generally is a crucial part of romance. The good books will prove this. But not all books are that good. So yeah, feeling like their teasing, almost slow-burn "getting-naked" scenes actually advanced the plot and showed some important things about these characters? Is this what books are supposed to do? Because this is nice.
I regret not seeing Theo and Patrick. We start the book with the two of them already in a "situationship" and that makes sense for how they involve... how Wall gets involved but I would have preferred starting with the two of them if it meant we saw how it all started from the beginning. Maybe if I read the first 3 books, seeing Theo and Patrick together could have been a suprise or something but honestly, even if, that still wouldn't be a good reason to skip that part. I think that I am (we are) more sensitive on equality in poly relationships so having two-thirds of the equation be assumed and already skipped over? Hmm...
But this book was really nice. Let's see if the first three books are just as good.
I regret not seeing Theo and Patrick. We start the book with the two of them already in a "situationship" and that makes sense for how they involve... how Wall gets involved but I would have preferred starting with the two of them if it meant we saw how it all started from the beginning. Maybe if I read the first 3 books, seeing Theo and Patrick together could have been a suprise or something but honestly, even if, that still wouldn't be a good reason to skip that part. I think that I am (we are) more sensitive on equality in poly relationships so having two-thirds of the equation be assumed and already skipped over? Hmm...
But this book was really nice. Let's see if the first three books are just as good.
September 17, 2026
4.25*s
I love romances because everything turns out with a HEA even in situations where they wouldn’t necessarily in real life. And if any one deserves a HEA its Theo. Being told he’s too much, too loud and not quite good enough to keep long term for a good part of his life … but he’s absolutely, unashamedly, and gloriously himself with Wall and Patrick. Sure, he’s waiting for it to all fall apart, not trusting that any of it is going to last, but you have to admire that he’s willing to just be him.
And they do love him. It takes Wall a bit to come to terms with what his feelings mean but he’s in it once he gets his head around what it means. I like how Phoenix has us there every step with Wall as he figures things out. I also love how, as much as Patrick goes into it feeling like he’s in charge, everyone finds a rhythm that has them fully participating and in a balanced relationship.
Like Love Pucktually, we get a delightful mix of humor and hijinks, with a heavy amount of steam, but also a touching story of people figuring out their place in the world and who they want by their side. Each of them has their own journey, their own way to get to a point that works for them all, but they are supported and celebrated by each other and those around them. None of them have to do any of this alone and I love that for them.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I love romances because everything turns out with a HEA even in situations where they wouldn’t necessarily in real life. And if any one deserves a HEA its Theo. Being told he’s too much, too loud and not quite good enough to keep long term for a good part of his life … but he’s absolutely, unashamedly, and gloriously himself with Wall and Patrick. Sure, he’s waiting for it to all fall apart, not trusting that any of it is going to last, but you have to admire that he’s willing to just be him.
And they do love him. It takes Wall a bit to come to terms with what his feelings mean but he’s in it once he gets his head around what it means. I like how Phoenix has us there every step with Wall as he figures things out. I also love how, as much as Patrick goes into it feeling like he’s in charge, everyone finds a rhythm that has them fully participating and in a balanced relationship.
Like Love Pucktually, we get a delightful mix of humor and hijinks, with a heavy amount of steam, but also a touching story of people figuring out their place in the world and who they want by their side. Each of them has their own journey, their own way to get to a point that works for them all, but they are supported and celebrated by each other and those around them. None of them have to do any of this alone and I love that for them.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
September 12, 2026
Review of an advance copy from the GRR. No incentive was provided in exchange for my honest opinion.
I went into this wart that it was going to be a 2+1 story. Heavy on the spice, and light on everything else. Which wouldn't have been a bad thing necessarily, just not particularly memorable. 3-POV story also had me more than a little wary. Authors regularly struggle to differentiate 2 character voices never mind 3.
Instead I get a 2 becomes 3 by inches (excuse the pun). Wall becomes a part of what Theo and Patrick recently formed together. There's definitely plenty of spice, but it's actually the emotional journey that I found far more interesting. Theo is the jokester, the entertainment at the party, who also knows that the comedy covers for so much insecurity. Patrick is a planner, everything has its place and routine. Wall has been default hetero until that's suddenly challenged by a chance encounter. Patrick and Wall's voicing does occasionally blur, but not enough to gripe.
I enjoyed the quiet humour that threaded throughout. Wall and/or Patrick winding Theo up about his driving, Theo pushing them out of their comfort zones with a game of Truth. But also the quieter moments where one of them knows that the other needs time to process something, but not space. To just be there, and understand when someone needs a hard truth served up, or to come to that conclusion themselves.
My first book by this author, I'm curious to read more.
I went into this wart that it was going to be a 2+1 story. Heavy on the spice, and light on everything else. Which wouldn't have been a bad thing necessarily, just not particularly memorable. 3-POV story also had me more than a little wary. Authors regularly struggle to differentiate 2 character voices never mind 3.
Instead I get a 2 becomes 3 by inches (excuse the pun). Wall becomes a part of what Theo and Patrick recently formed together. There's definitely plenty of spice, but it's actually the emotional journey that I found far more interesting. Theo is the jokester, the entertainment at the party, who also knows that the comedy covers for so much insecurity. Patrick is a planner, everything has its place and routine. Wall has been default hetero until that's suddenly challenged by a chance encounter. Patrick and Wall's voicing does occasionally blur, but not enough to gripe.
I enjoyed the quiet humour that threaded throughout. Wall and/or Patrick winding Theo up about his driving, Theo pushing them out of their comfort zones with a game of Truth. But also the quieter moments where one of them knows that the other needs time to process something, but not space. To just be there, and understand when someone needs a hard truth served up, or to come to that conclusion themselves.
My first book by this author, I'm curious to read more.
September 17, 2026
This is the fourth book in the Melting Ice series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This such a fun book to read. This quote from the book blurb lets the reader know exactly what kind of ride they are in for. "There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee's goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I've been nailing it for eight years straight. It's public record. There's merchandise to prove it." Even still, reading it again puts a smile on my face. This is the story of Theodore (Theo) Moreau and Patrick Grześkowiak and Wallace (Wall) . Theo and Patrick play for the Milwaukee Vipers. Theo is a winger and Patrick is their goaltender. Wallace on the other hand is on their rival team the Chicago Wolves. He too is a goaltender. When Wall and Patrick are selected as co-chairs for a joint charity campaign to support a dog shelter. Neither is crazy about working together once a month but neither can afford to be seen not wanting to help a dog shelter. There is no good PR way out of that nightmare. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed this book. I smiled throughout and actually laughed out loud at points. I openly admit that I love hockey stories but when you there are two goalies to enjoy; perfection! I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 2, 2026
I absolutely loved this!! Wall & Patrick & Theo were such a fun trio! I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did but I found myself laughing out loud throughout the entire book.
Wall & Patrick are rival goalies of 8 years and Patrick & Theo are teammates and lovers. Wall accidentally walks in on Patrick & Theo hooking up and instead of turning and leaving, is fascinated and stays and watches. This starts off their new dynamic- Wall watching while Patrick & Theo are together.
This is one of the hottest books I’ve ever read. It’s so spicy and the chemistry between the 3 of them was off the charts. When Wall finally lets go and gives in to his desires, it gets even hotter! I love how easily Wall accepts his new reality of wanting to be with not just a man, but two men. The open communication and honesty between all of them was a refreshing change.
I loved seeing all the past couples and all of their teammates. They were surrounded by such a loving and supportive group of family and friends, they didn’t second guess their relationship at all and I loved seeing that. Definitely one of the best MMM books I’ve read and I know it’ll be a book I reread often! I can’t wait to see what is happening with Petrov!
Wall & Patrick are rival goalies of 8 years and Patrick & Theo are teammates and lovers. Wall accidentally walks in on Patrick & Theo hooking up and instead of turning and leaving, is fascinated and stays and watches. This starts off their new dynamic- Wall watching while Patrick & Theo are together.
This is one of the hottest books I’ve ever read. It’s so spicy and the chemistry between the 3 of them was off the charts. When Wall finally lets go and gives in to his desires, it gets even hotter! I love how easily Wall accepts his new reality of wanting to be with not just a man, but two men. The open communication and honesty between all of them was a refreshing change.
I loved seeing all the past couples and all of their teammates. They were surrounded by such a loving and supportive group of family and friends, they didn’t second guess their relationship at all and I loved seeing that. Definitely one of the best MMM books I’ve read and I know it’ll be a book I reread often! I can’t wait to see what is happening with Petrov!
September 8, 2026
I loved this book, this author gets the balance between the swoon and smut just perfect. It’s really funny at times too. Theo is my favourite of the three, he’s full of chaos and keeps these two on their toes. Wall is exactly that, strong and firm, stands tall and supports those around him. Patrick very much the care giver and just as stoic as Wall. It’s an interesting mix as I expected both Wall and Patrick to bring the same vibe as each other but they are so different. I loved Patrick’s dominant side, very spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️. There dynamic is a lot of fun, they all compliment each other well and Theo definitely needs the two men to keep up with him. He thinks he’s too much but he just hadn’t found the right people to love him.
I loved how low key they kept everything, no big dramas to contend with and they’re surrounded by decent people. The two teams are a lot of fun and vibe really well with each other. Hendrix plays his part well as always. I enjoyed every page of this story and was sad to finish it, looking forward to the next story.
I loved how low key they kept everything, no big dramas to contend with and they’re surrounded by decent people. The two teams are a lot of fun and vibe really well with each other. Hendrix plays his part well as always. I enjoyed every page of this story and was sad to finish it, looking forward to the next story.
September 17, 2026
Puck You Both by M.M. Phoenix is an absolute triumph of heat, heart, and delightfully chaotic energy!
If there is one hill I am willing to die on, it is that Theo comes first, foremost, and at the absolute top of the list. He is my ultimate gremlin mode personified, and I encourage and adore every single second of it!
What makes this slow-burn romance so deeply satisfying is how methodical the journey is. The author gives you the space to truly fall in love with each character at their own pace-because, let’s be entirely honest, a dynamic like this doesn’t just magically happen overnight. The relationship is constructed in careful, deliberate layers... and by layers, I mean sexy steps that inject this story with staggering depth and scorching heat.
It is the kind of book that chains you to your seat, turning the pages faster and faster while making you feel like you are right there on the ice as a player in the situation. If you are craving a long-term outcome packed with sky-high heat, sharp-witted banter, and unforgettable characters, this one is an absolute must-read!
If there is one hill I am willing to die on, it is that Theo comes first, foremost, and at the absolute top of the list. He is my ultimate gremlin mode personified, and I encourage and adore every single second of it!
What makes this slow-burn romance so deeply satisfying is how methodical the journey is. The author gives you the space to truly fall in love with each character at their own pace-because, let’s be entirely honest, a dynamic like this doesn’t just magically happen overnight. The relationship is constructed in careful, deliberate layers... and by layers, I mean sexy steps that inject this story with staggering depth and scorching heat.
It is the kind of book that chains you to your seat, turning the pages faster and faster while making you feel like you are right there on the ice as a player in the situation. If you are craving a long-term outcome packed with sky-high heat, sharp-witted banter, and unforgettable characters, this one is an absolute must-read!
October 1, 2026
I don't think I've ever read a better MM(+) hockey romance novel than this one. I haven't read any of the others in this series yet, but I will be asap because this was absolutely phenomenal, and I loved every minute of it!!
The humor is off the charts, and I can not overstate how funny this whole book is while still managing to be sweet and authentic. The character development is so good! I quickly became attached to Wall, Theo, and Patrick (although Theo, the little maniac cinnamon roll, is my fave).
Despite the complexities of the relationship, it's honestly very low-angst, which was surprising. I prefer low-angst, so this just cemented how much I love this book.
The spice is open-door, but not filthy. I'd say 🌶🌶🌶 of spice, which is not a rating system I normally use, but I'm struggling to adequately describe what to expect on that front.
Overall, an excellent story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, I don't think there was anything particularly triggering. Just a lovely book that had me cracking up and kicking my feet throughout.
The humor is off the charts, and I can not overstate how funny this whole book is while still managing to be sweet and authentic. The character development is so good! I quickly became attached to Wall, Theo, and Patrick (although Theo, the little maniac cinnamon roll, is my fave).
Despite the complexities of the relationship, it's honestly very low-angst, which was surprising. I prefer low-angst, so this just cemented how much I love this book.
The spice is open-door, but not filthy. I'd say 🌶🌶🌶 of spice, which is not a rating system I normally use, but I'm struggling to adequately describe what to expect on that front.
Overall, an excellent story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, I don't think there was anything particularly triggering. Just a lovely book that had me cracking up and kicking my feet throughout.
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