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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
~ARC REVIEW~
Honest opinion, you could tell this is a debut novel. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing I just feel like maybe the author hasn’t found their stride yet. For me I feel like we were saying the same exact sentence 20 times. The story is cute but it was too long. I feel like so much happened but also nothing at all
Honest opinion, you could tell this is a debut novel. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing I just feel like maybe the author hasn’t found their stride yet. For me I feel like we were saying the same exact sentence 20 times. The story is cute but it was too long. I feel like so much happened but also nothing at all
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This story is a sweet, emotional love story about how things can end up where they are supposed to when you have the courage to do the right things. Jake is absolutely swoon worthy. And Charlie's POV as a mom juggling everything and wondering if she's doing the right things by her children is perfect. Every woman needs a Jake, and I cannot wait for book 2!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really tried you guys! I skimmed from 65-75% and finally decided to move on.
I've seen a lot about of people who enjoyed this which is great and as a debut author I want to be supportive. The cover is what drew me in along with the tropes and I think there a glimmers of potential here.
My personal lived experience with an ex narcissist husband much like Alex and someone who ultimately abandoned his children I had some issues that I just couldn't get past with the plot being realistic enough that I get behind it.
As someone who went through a similar situation in that my ex husband who I originally shared care with post divorce decided he no longer wanted his kids I found this so hard to believe. I don't think many single moms would be this quick to allow a man into their children's lives this deeply even if they did have a history.
This was also not a second chance romance in my opinion. They may have had feelings for each other at one point in their lives but they were still only friends and teenagers. It's also been 12 years and while we are told often that Jake has been thinking about her all that time, we never hear the same about her feelings so I wouldn't call this a second chance, but rather a reconnection and it really didn't feel like she had been pining after him all that time.
This all factors in to the instalove aspect of this book. He's clearly all in basically from their first meeting, we get that on repeat....over and over, it's very repetitive. She is less all in at first and rightfully so but also doesn't really put up much of a guard in the end. I also found his "you're mine" moments to be over the top and almost possessive - and I can get behind a possessive man but not this quickly and I felt like she wasn't given much of a choice.
We got very little hockey in this hockey romance and I know she's setting up the next book with two of the side characters, but I felt like we needed to see more of the team aspect because the Thanksgiving scene was great and we meet all these people and I just wanted more of that!
I've seen a lot about of people who enjoyed this which is great and as a debut author I want to be supportive. The cover is what drew me in along with the tropes and I think there a glimmers of potential here.
My personal lived experience with an ex narcissist husband much like Alex and someone who ultimately abandoned his children I had some issues that I just couldn't get past with the plot being realistic enough that I get behind it.
As someone who went through a similar situation in that my ex husband who I originally shared care with post divorce decided he no longer wanted his kids I found this so hard to believe. I don't think many single moms would be this quick to allow a man into their children's lives this deeply even if they did have a history.
This was also not a second chance romance in my opinion. They may have had feelings for each other at one point in their lives but they were still only friends and teenagers. It's also been 12 years and while we are told often that Jake has been thinking about her all that time, we never hear the same about her feelings so I wouldn't call this a second chance, but rather a reconnection and it really didn't feel like she had been pining after him all that time.
This all factors in to the instalove aspect of this book. He's clearly all in basically from their first meeting, we get that on repeat....over and over, it's very repetitive. She is less all in at first and rightfully so but also doesn't really put up much of a guard in the end. I also found his "you're mine" moments to be over the top and almost possessive - and I can get behind a possessive man but not this quickly and I felt like she wasn't given much of a choice.
We got very little hockey in this hockey romance and I know she's setting up the next book with two of the side characters, but I felt like we needed to see more of the team aspect because the Thanksgiving scene was great and we meet all these people and I just wanted more of that!
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was an absolute masterpiece. Jake Brooks is the MOST perfect book boyfriend of all time. This book made me cry more than I thought humanly possible in the very best of ways. I loved every single second of this book. The way flashbacks were used to build the story was incredible. Every single interaction Jake had with Meadow and Noah made me feel like my heart was going to burst. Jake was so steadfast in his love for Charlie and her children and he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of that. This was SUCH a beautiful love story and it will definitely be reread over and over again. Plus the spice in this had me basically feral. Jake Brooks is everything a book boyfriend should be. I adored this book and I can’t wait to see what happens with Chase and Zoe in the future.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was such a fun read and a great debut novel by Hailey Rodger. Charlie and Jake were both lovable characters from the start of the book, and the growth they had on and off the pages flowed so naturally. I loved the communication in the book and the open conversations they had about their feelings, even when they thought they were hiding them well. And who doesn’t love a talented hockey player who steps up for his girl and her kids?? Can’t wait for more from this series, the build up for book 2 already has me impatiently wishing away the cold months for a new summer read.
Tropes:
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- He Falls First
- Second Chance Romance
- Spicy Hot Tub Scene
- Right Person, Wrong Time
- Talks Her Through It 🫡
- "Good Girl" 👀
- Dual POV
- Single Mom x Hockey Player
- Protective Cinnamon Roll
- MCs in their 30s
- Found Family
“Seal the Deal” kicks off the Colorado Storm series, and after this read, I’m 100% in for the rest! This book delivers all the best tropes—He Falls First, Second Chance Romance, Single Mom x Hockey Player, MCs in Their 30s, Found Family—and does them so well.
Charlie and Jake’s connection is something special. They first met as camp counselors at 18, and the flashbacks to their summer together were everything. Charlie is an incredible mom, doing whatever it takes for her kids, and Jake? He’s all in from the moment he sees her again. No games, no hesitation—just pure devotion to Charlie and her kids. And the way he steps up for Noah and Meadow? Absolute perfection. He’s patient, sweet, and everything their actual father isn’t.
And let’s talk about the chemistry—because WOW. Jake and Charlie together? Pure heat. The hot tub scene? Yeah, that one is unforgettable.
Zoe and Charlie’s friendship was another highlight—everyone needs a friend like Zoe. And don’t even get me started on Alex, Charlie’s ex. I’ve never wanted to punch a character more. He was the worst, and the way he treated Charlie and the kids was infuriating.
I cannot wait for Zoe and Chase’s book. Zoe is a force of nature, and I’m ready for more chaos, love, and fun with the Colorado Storm crew!
Thank you @haileyrodger.writes and @lunaliteracymanagement for the gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Swoony Hockey Hunk + A Single Mom Starting Over = Pure Magic!
Dedication: For anyone who's ever felt like they’re too much and not enough all at once, or felt they need to prove they're worthy of love. You aren’t. You don’t. I’m glad you exist.
Charlie (FMC): 31 • Marketing Guru • Mom of two •Stress Baker Aficionado • Coffee Queen • Stubborn • Lady Lightning •
Jake (MMC): 31 • NHL Player • Weakness for brownies • Protective Cinnamon Roll • Loyal • Captain Thunder •
Tropes:
🏒 Pro Hockey Player x Marketer
⚡️ Single Mom
🏒 Right Person, Wrong Time
⚡️ Second Chance Romance
🏒 It’s Always Been You
⚡️ Micro Flashbacks
🏒 Adorable Sidekicks (👦🏻👧🏼)
⚡️ Found Family
🏒 Hockey Romance
⚡️ They Wear His Jersey
🏒 Brownies as a Love Language
⚡️ MCs in their 30s
🏒 No 3rd Act Breakup
⚡️ Nicknames
🏒 Text Conversations
Rating: 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️(👅, praise, dirty talk, hand necklace, face seat, light impact play)
T/W: depression (referenced), absentee parent (referenced), separation (referenced), panic attack (on page), manipulation (on page), toxic ex-spouse dynamics (on page), absentee parent (referenced & on page), infidelity (not MCs, referenced), fighting (on page), lost child (brief, on page)
Hailey MF Rodger! This debut novel is a delightful, spicy, second-chance romance that hits all the right notes—nostalgic summer camp flashbacks, a swoon-worthy hockey player, a resilient single mom, and two adorable kids who will steal your heart.
Jake Brooks is the definition of down bad. He’s not just head over skates for Charlie, but also for her kids. His unwavering devotion, golden-retriever energy, and the way he just knows Charlie deserves the world? Absolute perfection.
Charlie’s journey was equally compelling. Healing from a failed marriage, trying to build a new life, and balancing motherhood while cautiously opening her heart again—it felt rewarding to watch her let love back in. And with Jake by her side? Chef’s kiss.💋
The summer camp flashbacks? The way their past echoed in their present made their love story even richer. And let’s not forget the friendships—Zoe deserves BFF of the year, and her flirtationship with Chase? I need more ASAP!
This book had swoon, spice, and a hero who proves that if he wanted to, he would. A fantastic debut—Hailey Rodger, I’ll be first in line for the next Colorado Storm book.
Swoony line:
“The dream I’ve been chasing my whole life is to feel the way you made me feel back then. Happy, safe. Cherished.”
“I love her in the cracks of time, in the pauses, in the places people forget to look. Even in the dark spaces where nothing else exists, she’s there. Filling everything.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Violence