Melting the Ice

by Melody Heck Gatto

Publication Date: March 25, 2019

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Sports, Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Books2Read | Eden Books

Talia never imagined that at almost forty years old, she’d be newly single again. Not to mention picking up a sexy young man at a Pittsburgh bar. What she thought was a one-night stand, turned into night after night of the best sex she’d ever had. Even the news that he was a teammate of her brother couldn’t extinguish the desire she had for Harrison. Somehow, he had made himself a permanent fixture in her bed and was slowly moving in on her heart. He fawned over her like no man ever had before, and she was loving the attention, but she wasn’t ready to give her heart away so easily. Not after what she just went through. Harrison vowed off relationships. He was a self-proclaimed lifelong-bachelor. Talia was simply supposed to be a notch in his bedpost, a hook-up. But he was drawn to this woman with such an animal attraction.

Typically, he never bedded the same woman twice, yet he couldn’t get enough of Talia. At her age, she wasn’t looking for a new relationship. With Harrison, things quickly turned hot and heavy. She had her fun, and it was very fun, but now her divorce papers were finalized. It was time to figure out what made her happy, put on her big-girl pants and start the next chapter of her life. The only problem was, she knew exactly what made her happy – the one thing she shouldn’t want – Harrison.

About Melody Heck Gatto:

I was born and raised in the Steel City, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates. We are famous for Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Pierogis, saying “yinz”, and sandwiches with coleslaw and French fries on them (just to name a few). I live with my husband, teen son and fur babies. We are huge hockey fans and adore our home team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. During the hockey season, our lives revolve around the game schedule. I decided one day I wanted to write a fan fiction short story about my favorite hockey player. Eventually, I no longer had a fan fiction, I had a full-length story. Sure the idea got changed around a few times, and names got changed to protect the innocent…lol. And that’s where I started. I wrote one and the rest just followed.

I love hockey and I love romance novels, I didn’t even know there was a whole genre of books out there when I started writing my first novel. I love making the game part of the overall story (I love the whole experience of being at an NHL game, the noise, the food, the sound of the skates on the ice.) So expect the game to be part of my books. I spend time during the season at Penguins practices watching how they interact, talk, and work on the ice, to make my scenes as real to life as possible. My hope is even if you’ve never set foot into a hockey rink, you will feel as if you had while reading my books. My characters aren’t always rough and gruff, because not all hockey players are goons. I’ve had the chance to meet a few and they are awesome guys. So, I like to show a gentle and caring side along with the rough and tough. I am a Hallmark movie junkie. I adore the Christmas movies and all the cutesy (and sometimes cliché) romance, and I love to get swept away in it all. I also will binge watch my favorite tv shows BONES FRIENDS, LAST MAN STANDING, SUPERNATURAL, and CHICAGO PD.

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This 18 book collection by some of the most amazing authors was such a treat to read!  I loved the humor, heat, and you betcha - even the hockey that was represented in each story.  I have 2 book reviews that I am sharing from this collection for you below.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey:

Heartwarming and truly charming, this short and sweet story has us on our toes as we read about a couple who should be together, but have been apart.  Great read of sexy and fun. 

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas by Jami Davenport:

Little bit of suspense mixed in with a sweet holiday story that brings a lot of sexy charm to the table.  If you loved her men in their previous stories - you are going to be glad you grabbed this little bit of heaven.  I do recommend that you read the Game On In Seattle series first, however, to avoid spoilers.  Believe me this is worth it!  

Each short story included gives a unique and truly hockey flavored look at romance.  What I enjoyed most was that it gave me a chance to relax and enjoy love in my favorite sport.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

Melody Heck Gatto’s SHUTOUT is a heartwarming story and wonderful addition to the Renegades series. Goalie Dominic Zanetti has only ever loved his high school girlfriend, Hailee Valentine.  He is still confused to why she broke things off with him.  They are reunited in a different county three years later, and he is determined to win her back. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Pittsburgh and Vaughn, Ontario.  It is suitable for new adults and adult audiences.

Melody Heck Gatto does a great job with her character development.  Hailee is a likeable heroine.  She is an aspiring artist and art gallery owner who is determined to make it on her own.  She does not want to be a kept woman.  I like that her tattoos are designed by her.  Dom has always loved Hailee.  He was heartbroken and confused when she broke up with him.  He is a great guy with a big heart.  Okay maybe he’s not a great guy to the puck bunnies, but whatever; they got what they wanted from him.  I love how persistent he is with Hailee.

I love both Hailee’s Canadian (Mia) and U.S. (Alison) BFFs.  They both tell it as it is and not what she wants to hear.  They know her better than she knows herself.  They care about her and want what is best for her.

I appreciated that Tyler Kidd’s and Paige Martin’s from book three, PLAYING THE GAME wedding was in this story.  That made some interesting scenarios in the novel with both the bachelor party and wedding.  Plus, it was a nice tie-in to the earlier book. 

I enjoyed the plot.  I thought it was clever how Dom and Hailee are reunited.  I love that this couple gets a second chance. They have multiple obstacles to overcome.  I like that the misconception that tore them apart is cleared up.  I like how Hailee apologizes at the end of the story.  It was a cute ending. Melody Heck Gatto’s SHUTOUT was an excellent addition to the Renegades series.  I’m looking forward to reading what she comes up with next.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Melody Heck Gatto’s Zambonis and Mistletoe is a cute story to get you in the mood for Christmas, but it can be appreciated year round.  Set in Pittsburgh, this contemporary sports romance is suitable to both new adult and adult audiences. 

Renegades PR assistant Paige Martin (from book 3) invites her best friend, Rylee Davis, to a game.  After the event, Paige takes Rylee down to the ice where she twists her ankle and then meets Renegades General Manager, Nick Talon.  In book three, we learn that Rylee dated Paige’s brother, Scott, who passed away.  Since then she never had another relationship. 

There are a lot of cute Christmas scenarios throughout the book.  I love that both Nick and Rylee hear sleigh bells throughout the story.  Nick is very creative with the many ways he surprises Rylee.  His actions are very impressive and swoon-worthy.  He is a good guy who is very respectable.  I enjoyed the various signs and symbolism in the story.  Zambonis and Mistletoe is a touching story that is perfect for the holidays.

While you could follow this book as a stand-alone, I would at least read book three first because we are introduced to Rylee there.

Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.