This book was so emotional for me. As a single parent who doesn’t have much support, this made me bawl in multiple different places. Mostly in a good way. To see the development of these characters and how much Liam stepped up to the plate so easily not just for their shared child but for Jack as well….🥹 this is such a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 stars but I round up.

Second chance sports romance with an unplanned pregnancy.

This was enjoyable to read & very enlightening regarding chronic illnesses, especially when it comes to how many of them are not visible. Worth the read & the chemistry between the Liam & Ellis is palpable.

Melting for You was such a wholesome, feel-good read. It’s a second-chance accidental pregnancy story that follows Ellis and Liam — and honestly, I adored them. The whole vibe of the book was lighthearted and easy, perfect if you’re looking for something sweet without a ton of heavy drama.

Liam completely stole my heart. He was so adorable with how he immediately stepped up and treated Jack like his own. Watching him be there, so naturally and lovingly, was one of my favorite parts. It just made the story even more heartwarming.

Ellis’s fibromyalgia was also an important part of the book, and I really appreciated how it was handled. It was shown realistically — how it impacts her daily life — but it never felt like her whole identity or the whole point of the story. It just made her character feel even more real.

Overall, Melting for You was such a comforting, sweet read. It’s the kind of book you finish with a big smile on your face. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something cute and a little emotional in the best way.

I throughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

First of all, many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC granted to me. Another great and compelling sport romance to the reading list! I liked the way the authr had include the chronic illness fybro, since My mother's been suffering from it , so I like when I find stories that talk about it.

"A single mom with a chronic illness and a professional hockey player meet ten years later after a breakup that left both of them heartbroken. The sparks are still there, but will they be able to make it the second time around, especially when a night together results in an accidental pregnancy?"

I enjoyed this debut novel and found it a nice, light-hearted second-chance romance. Some may find Liam to be too sweet for their liking, but he was definitely my favourite character and a total gentleman. He was the whole forest - so sweet and supportive of Ellis and Jack.

I appreciate the chronic illness rep and getting some insight into what individuals with fibromyalgia face daily and how it can affect a pregnancy. It was very informative.

The only tiny gripe was the way Jack spoke and behaved. It made me think he was closer to ten, and I had to keep reminding myself that he was actually five. Maybe he is mature for his age?

If you love:
• sports/hockey romance
• second chance
• single mom
• accidental pregnancy
• he falls first
• found family
• chronic illness rep

Then I would recommend giving this book a read!

Thank you to Tegan Phillips and Hera Books for an ARC copy of this book in return for a review.

This book had me melting all the way through! I cried in the prologue. It got me right in the heart. I related so hard to the authors descriptions of chronic illness. I felt every symptom- she depicted it so well that I think readers without chronic illness will feel deeply connected to the character and be able to empathise with her. The NHL star is down bad for his college girlfriend- his dream girl! The fact that she is chronically ill only makes him love her more for how strong she is. But he also sees her weak moments and knows when to step in and help her or just hold her. He sees her for who she is not as her illness- which is something she sometimes struggles to do for herself.

If there is one thing I have a soft spot for, it is a good hockey romance, and Melting For You delivers just that. Tegan Phillips combines second chance romance, unexpected parenthood and the chaos of professional sport to create a warm, emotional and utterly entertaining story.

When Ellis bumps into her ex, Liam Ruinsky, ten years after their break up, sparks fly straight away. He is still the charming, larger than life ice hockey player she remembers, and although their lives are wildly different now, their chemistry is impossible to ignore. What begins as a one off reunion quickly turns into something far more permanent when Ellis discovers she is pregnant.

What sets this book apart is the honest portrayal of Ellis’s struggles with chronic illness. It adds real depth to her character and makes her journey all the more compelling. She is strong, determined and navigating a complicated life with grace, even as everything is turned upside down. Liam, while still very much the goofy, charming hockey player type, shows surprising growth as he learns how to support Ellis and face up to impending fatherhood.

Their connection is undeniable, and watching them attempt to navigate coparenting while clearly still carrying unresolved feelings was both heart warming and occasionally heart wrenching. The story does not shy away from the messiness of real life, with family pressures, media intrusion and professional demands all playing their part.

Even if you know nothing about hockey, this book is easy to fall into. The sport provides a fun, fast-paced backdrop without ever overwhelming the more emotional moments. Plus, who can resist a cast of big, silly hockey lads being supportive and sweet behind the scenes?

Melting For You is a heartfelt, character driven romance that blends humour, love and vulnerability beautifully. Perfect for fans of sports romance with emotional depth and second chances that feel genuinely earned.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy of this book.

Ellis and Liam are soulmates. This was a very sweet and easy read. The accidental pregnancy trope can be upsetting for some but this was written in a great manner that only added to the story.

Melting for You is a second chance romance between a florist with chronic pain and a hot as heck hockey player. They were together in college but she gave him up so he could be drafted in another state. 10 years later they run into each other and that’s where this story starts.


I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE REPRESENTED IN A BOOK BEFORE THIS. I honestly did not understand how important representation is in literature and media until I read this book. I’m married, mother of 4 and on disability due to a severe neck injury and lupus. I related to absolutely everything the FMC went through. From questioning her worth to her loved ones as a person to trying to figure out how to parent and wait for pain killers to kick in. It was eerily similar. I’m really lucky to have met my Prince Charming before I got sick, but I can assume that it’s really hard to put yourself out there like that when you’re also dealing with chronic illness. Ellis frustrated me a few times because I wanted her to so bad just let go and allow herself to be loved. More than once I was frustrated with Liam because he was being too passive. It all worked out in the end, so that’s what matters.

I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC from NetGalley, and it’s one of those stories that blooms beautifully as it unfolds. A heartfelt blend of found family, second chance romance, and surprise pregnancy, it gently pulls you in and wraps you up in its warmth.

When Ellis runs into her ex, Liam—a charming, golden retriever-type NHL star—after a decade apart, it sets off a chain of emotional and life-changing events neither of them expected. What follows is a tender, realistic look at co-parenting, rekindled chemistry, and navigating life's curveballs with courage.

What truly stood out to me was the thoughtful and authentic representation of a single mum living with chronic pain. It was handled with care, and added emotional depth to Ellis’s journey. The banter between Ellis and Liam is another highlight—sweet, funny, and full of that second-chance spark that makes your heart ache in the best way.

Add in a wise and lovable five-year-old, meaningful friendships, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like a warm hug, and you’ve got a story full of heart, healing, and hope. An uplifting, feel-good read I truly enjoyed.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I like the representation of chronic pain and especially chronic pain and pregnancy/motherhood.

On the other hand, for most of the book it felt like the romance took a backseat to all of that. I think it's an important think to talk about and ro represent, but the cover and the description of the book implied a more light-hearted romcom.

The relationship between Jack and Liam was great and I also loved all of the side characters.

Overall I enjoyed the book even if I wanted a bit more focus on the romance.

🌶️: 2/5

This was a great book! It is a wonderful romance but it also covers some hard topics really well. I would highly recommend this book.

Liam and Ellis were college sweethearts. Liam was a star ice hockey player and Ellis was a young woman struggling to get through the day with her chronic illness when they break up. 10 years later they meet at a club and their lives are very different. Liam is playing professional hockey in the NHL and Ellis is a single mum to her son Jack. They decide to have a one night stand and leave it at that but when Ellis discovers she’s pregnant a few weeks later, she realises Liam will not just be a one night stand.

Liam was such a sweetheart when he found out that Ellis was pregnant. So supportive and kind compared to her ex. Ellis has been through a lot in her life and she needed someone like Liam to just love and take care of her and that’s exactly what he did.

It was really great to see representation for people like Ellis who struggle everyday with chronic illnesses and how they have to fight so much harder than other people to do simple tasks and enjoy a normal life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

"Melting for You" by Tegan Phillips is a delightful contemporary romance that beautifully captures the complexities of love and personal growth. The story revolves around two relatable characters who find themselves navigating the ups and downs of their relationship amidst life's challenges. Phillips has a knack for creating vivid, emotional scenes that draw you in and make you feel every moment.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, and their journey is filled with heartfelt moments that resonate deeply. The author skillfully balances humor and tenderness, making it a joy to read. The supporting characters add depth to the narrative, enriching the overall experience.

What I appreciated most about this book is its exploration of vulnerability and the importance of communication in relationships. Phillips delivers a compelling message about the power of love to heal and transform, all while keeping the reader engaged with witty dialogue and relatable situations.

Overall, "Melting for You" is a charming read that will leave you with a warm heart and a smile. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that celebrates love in all its forms. Highly recommended!

With thanks to Netgalley UK, Hera Books and the author for the copy of the eARC to read ahead of publication.

4.5/5

There are many parts of this book that I love.

The very clear Own Voice of the FMC, Ellis, as someone living and parenting with chronic illness (fibromyalgia). The devoted second chance MMC, Liam *10 stars* He’s a keeper! Do Not Let Him Get Away!
I loved Liam naturally assuming the father role to Jack without realising what he was doing. Both as a partner and parent his protectiveness and lovesick puppy moments were delightful to read.

Props to Jack for being portrayed as a 5 year-old only child. His behaviours and some language reflected his circumstances. He had the dialogue that undid me when he had his man to man chat with Liam. I love the ice hockey team, and the ‘men for others’ attitude from Edge, Anders and Rook. Hey, I love that the ice hockey is so much of a background that I almost didn’t mention it!

Most of all, I loved the central message that you can be loved, you can be a fantastic parent, partner and business person and to accept support is not to be less.

What I was disappointed by was that the story lost its fluidity in the final third of the book as Ellis continued to be bogged in her own head. I appreciate this may have been a solid reflection of not only the physical but the mental health ups and downs of living with a chronic illness. I would love the author to trust their own writing to have established the extent chronic illness impacts the FMC and trust the audience to have engaged their empathy without the need to repeat dialogue or scenes.

Tegan Phillips is certainly an author I will keep an eye out for. I can see we have Lynsey and Anders or, even Edge and Cassie with stories waiting in the wings and I will be waiting eagerly to read their books.

This book goes so indepths on illness, not understanding even if you think you do and fears for so many different types of people. Tegan wrote a compelling story and made me excited for the next in the series. I maybe found myself a bit bored with some chapters but I appreciated them as being chapters for the people who need to hear it.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review.

P.s. I do think it could be a better cover as this looks young but there are some serious topics and I think it could be a bit better done.

A quick and easy read.
I do love that the author put her own health experience in this book as I had no idea what Fibromyalgia was until I read this.

I adored a hockey romance and this one hit! I really enjoyed seeing how the second chance romance developed and I’m a sucker for the accidental pregnancy trope when done right.

The mmc Liam is a complete softy for the fmc Ellis… she was the one that got away when they were in college and now he has a chance to make her fall for him again.

I thought the author did an amazing job at portraying the difficulties that can arise when a person has a chronic illness and it was done in such a tasteful way while still being realistic! Would definitely recommend!

I loved reading this ARC!! I loved every single character In the book! (Except Michael) I loved Ellis and Liam! They had amazing chemistry throughout the book and he was just obsessed with her😍 Also Liam and Jack where just the cutest! I loved their bond🩷 Ellis was such an amazing character to read about! She struggled every day with pain I couldn't even Imagine but still did her best for her family! I love a strong woman! And It was amazing how everyone supported her🥰The little family they became was just the absolute sweetest! The ending for them was perfect and I cannot wait for the next book In the series! If that little peek at the end Is anything to go by Its gonna be a good one😉
Thank you to Tegan and Netgalley for this ARC In exchange for my honest review❤️

Ellis and Liam reunite after 10 years apart and for Liam it’s a chance to win over the one that got away.

I really liked Liam and could tell how much he cared and loved Ellis. Ellis was tough for me to truly connect with. I liked that we got a heroine who is fighting a battle that needs representation but at the start of the book I just didn’t understand her. She is a strong woman fighting a daily battle and a single mom at that but some of her choices at the start of the book had me struggling to finish reading.

I will say that by the end of the book I did understand Ellis a little more so I am happy I pushed through and kept reading.

I had so much fun reading Melting For You! Tegan Phillips created such a sweet, swoony story that had me smiling the whole way through. The chemistry between the characters felt real, the banter was adorable, and it gave me all the cozy, feel-good vibes I love in a romance. Definitely a light, charming read I’ll be thinking about for a while.

Book Title: Melting for You
Author: Teagan Phillips
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Sports Romance, Chronic Illness Rep, Soft for Her, Found Family, He Fell First
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🤩The Vibe:
This book is Life As We Know It meets The Dealmeets a Pinterest board titled “hot hockey dads and emotional healing.” It’s warm and tender with just the right amount of angst, and somehow balances second chance heartbreak with hopeful forever in a way that feels both real and swoony. If you like your sports romances with heart, heat, and a man who never stopped loving her? This one’s for you. 🏒💙

👩‍❤️‍👨Main Characters:
Ellis Ainsley:
Strong, stubborn, and constantly in survival mode. Ellis is living with chronic illness, raising a son, and navigating a demanding career. She has real walls up—and for good reason. Watching her wrestle with vulnerability while learning to trust Liam again? Equal parts frustrating and beautiful. You root for her to believe she deserves the love being offered to her.
Liam Ruinsky:
NHL heartthrob, ultimate “fell first and stayed in love forever” king. Liam has been carrying a torch for Ellis since college and proves time and again that he’s not just back for the baby—he’s here for her. Loyal, tender, and so patient it hurts. Liam Ruinsky, you are HIM.

💕What We Loved:
- Surprise pregnancy that didn’t feel like a plot device—it grounded the story and gave it heart.
- Liam’s devotion to Ellis and her son Jack was so soft and genuine. Total book boyfriend material.
- Realistic chronic illness rep that added depth and authenticity to Ellis’ story.
- A full year-long timeline with no third-act breakup🙌—just the slow, imperfect process of choosing each other again and again.
- The side characters! Lyndsey, Aiden, and Edge deserve books of their own immediately.
- Found family vibes + team dynamics that made it feel like a whole little universe we want to return to.

🚫What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Ellis pushing Liam away so often got frustrating—especially when her actions and her words didn’t line up. Let the man love you, girl!
- All the potential for miscommunication made me wish for just one heart-to-heart a little sooner.

💬Favorite Quote:
“Being around Ellis Ainsley is like waiting for the sun to rise, like watching the first hings of light flow over the hills and brighten everything it touches. She bursts through the darkness of the night. That's why I call her Sunshine.”
— Cue tears and a blanket to cry into. 🥹

🤔Final Thoughts:
Melting for You is a debut that delivers. Teagan Phillips gives us a love story that feels lived-in—a romance built on history, healing, and the slow rebuilding of trust. It’s messy, hopeful, and filled with the kind of moments that remind you love isn’t always loud... sometimes, it’s just quietly showing up every day.
If you're in your hockey romance era and looking for a book with emotional depth, swoonworthy second chances, and a hero who’s ALL IN from page one? Don’t let this one skate past you.

This book was great. I thought the characters had a-lot of depth to them and i enjoyed the storyline overall. I enjoyed the way it started with them in college. so they had that 10 year history but some parts of it felt a little too far fetched. I get that this is fiction but it seems unrealistic for a hockey player to pine after a woman for 10 years, but not contact her once and cyber stalk her and then suddenly is 100% all in. ML is a huge green flag and gives single moms hope. The relationship he has with his teammates is fantastic. I would have actually loved to see more of the hockey player side to the storyline and more about him and his friends. The FL storyline had some deep moments, talking about her past, her illness and her insecurities, but I couldn't resonate with her unfortunately there was a little too much self sabotage happening. I LOVED her son but I also felt like his dialog and actions were more advanced than his age. Overall it was a great book! Kudos to the author!

*Arc review*

…well i just read that book in one sitting (havent done that in awhile)! While the book not be everyones cup of tea I love me some single mom romances. Ellis and Liam were perfect and im not gonna lie I was a little sad when it was over. Im hoping that little spoiler at the end means we get anders book next! I will definitely be reading this series start to finish!

The vibes are vibing with this one! I am one of the few who like the accidental pregnancy trope, and a second chance story always gets me! I also really appreciated the fibromyalgia element as I also live with chronic illness, and can relate to Ellis’s struggles. I felt their son also really added a lot of energy to the book and his character made sense! I really liked that his character had a purpose and wasn’t just a kid being added in to a book, he had more depth to him. I recommend picking this book up if you are interested in the tropes and also if you want to see more chronic illness representation!

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc. Sweet little hockey romance. I didn’t love the FMC as she was a bit whiny but I enjoyed the book and Liam was precious.

This was such a lovely book. Normally im not a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope but this book approached it so well. I was kicking my feet and giggling moments it was such a fun and light hearted read. The disbility rep felt so real and relatable Tegan done such a good job of bringing awareness in a real life way.

This was a lovely romance. I have been seeing a lot of hickey romances lately but this one stood out. It had a lot of heart Ellis and Liam are both great characters and a baby was thrown into the mix yet which really made it emotional and interesting to see how things played out. Very enjoyable and sweet sports themed romance.

Arc review

I really enjoyed this book.
It's a sweet story with a good storyline in my opinion.
The female character has fibromyalgia, which gave a lot of information about the chronic illness.
The male character is a ice hockey player.

- School sweethearts
- Ice hockey
- Single parent
- Pregnancy trope
- Bit of spice

Thank you so much for everyone involved for the arc!

I loved everything second of it!!! I don’t think I have read a book with a man that had that many green flags. This is the kind of book that is very serious but has you kicking your feet and giggling. I can say that I ended up melting for this book. Their little family is everything you can hope and wish for yourself.

Melting for you is a second chance romance and an accidental pregnancy book. It was a very cute book especially if you want something with no drama. Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

4⭐️

Such a heartwarming story❤️

There’s representation of people with chronic illnesses and it’s a big part of the story which I loved because I’ve never read that in a book before and I think representation like this can help a lot of people see themselves in a story, you know?

I wish Liam would be a little bit more fleshed out but nonetheless I think he was very sweet and the perfect MMC.

Some of the tropes are single mom, a little bit of fake dating and second chance romance.

Melting For You is a unique edition to the hockey romance world. I enjoyed both main characters and the growth they showed through out the book. I found Ellis and Luam to be very likeable and the struggles they looked to overcome to be understandable. My only real complaints are that I do think the book was a little too long. I think I that after the birth of Charlotte several of the chapters could have been combined. I am excited to see what may come next in this series.

This is a beautiful hockey romance that’s a second chance trope. We start of with the main characters in a relationship but stuff happens and they separate. Then we jump to 10 years later. They meet again under circumstances with a secret being kept hidden. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read and share my review.

Diez años después de una dolorosa separación, Ellis, ahora madre soltera y dueña de una florería, se reencuentra inesperadamente con Liam, su exnovio y actual estrella de la NHL. Una noche de pasión revive sentimientos del pasado, pero un test de embarazo positivo lo cambia todo. Mientras Ellis lucha con su salud y sus inseguridades, Liam está decidido a demostrarle que su amor por ella nunca desapareció. Con obstáculos personales, ambos deberán decidir si vale la pena arriesgarlo todo por una segunda oportunidad en el amor.


Me gustó el capítulo 36, cuando Liam le dice que ya no le importa el hockey, que le da igual, y que lo único que quiere es pasar tiempo con ella y sus hijos. Que no quiere perderse nada. No se retira, pero deja claro que lo más importante para él es su familia


Tengo curiosidad por la historia de Lindsey y Anders.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest