Deflected Hearts By Cali Melle Apr 2026

Upon discovering he is the father, August vows to be involved, but Poppy is hesitant to let him back into her heart to avoid being hurt again. Key Characters

A dedicated college hockey player with a "one-track mind" for the sport. Reviewers note his growth from a "f*ck boy" to a committed "hockey daddy" who eventually chooses his family over his career pressures. Deflected Hearts by Cali Melle

Unknown to August, Poppy is pregnant. She leaves town to finish her degree and raise the baby independently, wanting to avoid being a burden to his professional aspirations. Upon discovering he is the father, August vows

Months later, fate brings them together when August walks into the restaurant where Poppy is working while he is on a date with someone else. Unknown to August, Poppy is pregnant

Described as driven, independent, and vulnerable. She struggles to balance her education with her pregnancy while guarding herself against August's re-entry into her life. Critical Reception

Poppy and August share a casual, "no-strings-attached" relationship that ends when August, fearing his growing feelings will distract him from his hockey career, breaks things off.