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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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:
No
MAKE THE PLAY – HAILEY RODGER
⭐️♾️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Happy release day to my book bestie!!! Hailey, I am SO FREAKING PROUD of you!! Beyond excited for what’s to come because HOLY SHIT BALLS (yes, I said it) you did the damn thing. 🙌💖
Alright babes, sit down. Grab a drink. Let me scream at you for a sec (with love). Because THIS BOOK?! This book owns me now. I won’t spoil anything, because y’all NEED to experience it for yourselves — but buckle in, because I’m about to fangirl.
I’m DEEP in my hockey romance era and Make the Play fed my trope-loving soul in the BEST way. Fake dating?? Hailey said “I’m giving you serotonin AND chaos,” and I ATE IT UP. I laughed. I blushed. I screamed into a pillow from secondhand embarrassment and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Live, laugh, love fake dating with an MMC who can’t hide his heart to save his life? Yes, please. 💅
Chase mf’in Walton — sir. You are now property of my brain. He is the acts of service KING. The way this man SHOWS UP?? He’s soft, he’s steady, he’s going to fight for Zoe even if she’s kicking, screaming, and throwing sass along the way. And that banter?! Top tier. I was giggling and kicking my feet like a teenage girl all over again. I cried. I wheezed. I stared at the wall when I finished. It was a full spiritual experience. 🫠
And Zoe? My little black cat queen. The energy she brings? Immaculate. She doesn’t make it easy, and I LOVE THAT. Watching her slowly let someone in, watching Chase earn her… chef’s kiss. 💋🖤
Hailey, you wrote a book that made me feel everything. And now I need it on my shelf like, yesterday. So besties… you already know what I’m going to say…
🗣️ RUN — Make the Play is LIVE & it’s a book you’ll fall hard for. Just like I did. 💘
medium-paced
Hailey Rodger did it again. This book was just as good as Jake and Charlie's story (book one), just as emotional, but funnier. Which fits for Zoe and Chase, who both deflect until they literally can't hold their emotions in anymore. I love that we learn more about both and Zoe isn't just the in control PR person, and Chase isn't just an annoying playboy like character. The banter is A+, and along with a bunch of other silly little scenes, I was giggling.
**ARC Review**
Make the Play (Colorado Storm #2) by Hailey Rodger
I couldn't get enough of Chase and Zoe's dynamic in Seal the Deal (book 1) so I was so excited for this book. I was not disappointed! Chase is an obsessed, chaotic Golden Retriever, who will do about anything to catch Zoe's attention. Zoe gives Chase hell, but she clearly enjoys their back-and-forth, and seems to love threatening him bodily harm. Sort of enemies to lovers, but their battle of wills is very much like flirting.
After years of banter and pretending not to get along, the tension finally snaps and Zoe gives in to Chase for ONE NIGHT ONLY. She's adamant that nobody can know or she'd lose her job. But, when Chase needs a PR makeover after an old *intimate* tape is leaked, Zoe's PR firm volunteers her as tribute to pretend to be his girlfriend to prove he's settled down! Now, She's fake dating Chase Walton, a man she "can't stand" (Sure, Jan.) and Chase isn't wasting this opportunity with his dream girl!
When Zoe starts getting weird messages, they fear she may have a stalker. Chase demands she move in with him for her safety, plus it will help sell the relationship! (I think even Zoe could admit that protective Chase is kinda hot!) These two have such amazing chemistry. It'll be a miracle if they can keep their hands to themselves!
I just love a down bad, pathetic MMC who's willing to beg. 😏
Chase's well known crush on Zoe goes much deeper than she assumes, but he's a patient man, and he doesn't want to settle for a fling.
He shows how much he cares time and again, and when things threaten to go sideways for Zoe, Chase does whatever he can to protect her from any fallout from this situation he got her in.
To quote the book: "We love a fake-dating-to-actually-dating arc. Very 'Hallmark if Hallmark had orgasms.'"
This book had heart, laughs, heat, and a little danger too!
Chase + Zoe Forever!
4.75⭐ 2🌶️
I read an advanced copy of this eBook, and this is my honest review. Thank you to Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
Make the Play (Colorado Storm #2) by Hailey Rodger
I couldn't get enough of Chase and Zoe's dynamic in Seal the Deal (book 1) so I was so excited for this book. I was not disappointed! Chase is an obsessed, chaotic Golden Retriever, who will do about anything to catch Zoe's attention. Zoe gives Chase hell, but she clearly enjoys their back-and-forth, and seems to love threatening him bodily harm. Sort of enemies to lovers, but their battle of wills is very much like flirting.
After years of banter and pretending not to get along, the tension finally snaps and Zoe gives in to Chase for ONE NIGHT ONLY. She's adamant that nobody can know or she'd lose her job. But, when Chase needs a PR makeover after an old *intimate* tape is leaked, Zoe's PR firm volunteers her as tribute to pretend to be his girlfriend to prove he's settled down! Now, She's fake dating Chase Walton, a man she "can't stand" (Sure, Jan.) and Chase isn't wasting this opportunity with his dream girl!
When Zoe starts getting weird messages, they fear she may have a stalker. Chase demands she move in with him for her safety, plus it will help sell the relationship! (I think even Zoe could admit that protective Chase is kinda hot!) These two have such amazing chemistry. It'll be a miracle if they can keep their hands to themselves!
I just love a down bad, pathetic MMC who's willing to beg. 😏
Chase's well known crush on Zoe goes much deeper than she assumes, but he's a patient man, and he doesn't want to settle for a fling.
He shows how much he cares time and again, and when things threaten to go sideways for Zoe, Chase does whatever he can to protect her from any fallout from this situation he got her in.
To quote the book: "We love a fake-dating-to-actually-dating arc. Very 'Hallmark if Hallmark had orgasms.'"
This book had heart, laughs, heat, and a little danger too!
Chase + Zoe Forever!
4.75⭐ 2🌶️
I read an advanced copy of this eBook, and this is my honest review. Thank you to Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5 ⭐️ 3🌶️
This book had so much more than I had anticipated. The stalking/harassment subplot (not the MMC) 🥲 oooffff I was not expecting anything that happened. We see Chase in Seal the deal as a jokester/goof, playboy. You could tell in book one that Chase is head over heels for Zoe. And we see Zoe as the strong, independent, fierce and steady friend to Charlie. The way Chase and Zoe’s relationship unravels is messy and imperfect but its so them! Chase is still haunted by a situation that happened when he was a kid but he tries to hide himself and his heart behind a mask of jokes and being a smug playboy but that is not who he is. The only person who has ever seen through the mask is the same woman he’s been following like a lost puppy for years. Zoe has her own trauma that she hides behind jokes, faux indifference, and hyper-independence. Chase is in another PR crisis that calls for a certain fake relationship. He takes this as a sign from the universe to use this fake relationship to make Zoe see whats in front of her and fall for him. They go through so much in the time they’re together. And Chase works so hard on getting Zoe to shed her walls but not in overtly pushy rude way. He was so patient and kept their usual banter but showed for her in so many little ways. The last 100 pages damn near broke me 😭 but the ending was hilarious and lovely. ☺️ this book is definitely one of my faves for the year. I do however wish she would’ve went into depth a little bit of Zoe’s relationship with her dad.
This book had so much more than I had anticipated. The stalking/harassment subplot (not the MMC) 🥲 oooffff I was not expecting anything that happened. We see Chase in Seal the deal as a jokester/goof, playboy. You could tell in book one that Chase is head over heels for Zoe. And we see Zoe as the strong, independent, fierce and steady friend to Charlie. The way Chase and Zoe’s relationship unravels is messy and imperfect but its so them! Chase is still haunted by a situation that happened when he was a kid but he tries to hide himself and his heart behind a mask of jokes and being a smug playboy but that is not who he is. The only person who has ever seen through the mask is the same woman he’s been following like a lost puppy for years. Zoe has her own trauma that she hides behind jokes, faux indifference, and hyper-independence. Chase is in another PR crisis that calls for a certain fake relationship. He takes this as a sign from the universe to use this fake relationship to make Zoe see whats in front of her and fall for him. They go through so much in the time they’re together. And Chase works so hard on getting Zoe to shed her walls but not in overtly pushy rude way. He was so patient and kept their usual banter but showed for her in so many little ways. The last 100 pages damn near broke me 😭 but the ending was hilarious and lovely. ☺️ this book is definitely one of my faves for the year. I do however wish she would’ve went into depth a little bit of Zoe’s relationship with her dad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent
This book had it all!!! It made me laugh. It made me swoon, and it even made me tear up a little. Zoe and Chase were so great together. The banter was hysterical, and I love how hard he fell for her first. They both healed each other’s broken parts, and it was so sweet. Their chemistry and the resulting spice was off the charts. Loved it!!!
I'd like to thank the author and Luna Literary Management for including me in the ARC team. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
What do I always say? You make me feel something - it's an automatic 5 star. And boy, did Hailey make me feel 😳😳😳. I'm pretty sure I read the last 20% of the book through a wall of tears.
This book was fast-paced and witty for the most parts. Zoe and Chase are friends. They might bicker and be mean to each other (well, Zoe....Chase is a golden retriever if I ever saw one), but at their core, they're friends. So when they have to pretend to be in a relationship to fix Chase's reputation off the ice, it shouldn't be too difficult, right?
This was honestly so, so good. The way Chase was so patient and determined and THERE for her 🥰🥰 *swoon* 🥰🥰. They both had a lot of trauma, and their walls were reinforced by years and years of being the strong or funny one when no one else saw under their masks. I loved how Hailey didn't try to tell us that time heals everything but instead showed that healing isn't linear.
So of you love these tropes:
🩷 fake dating
🩷 hockey player
🩷 frenemies to lovers
🩷 found family
You should definitely read this.
Awesome work again, Hailey, you nailed this one. I loved it 🥰
What do I always say? You make me feel something - it's an automatic 5 star. And boy, did Hailey make me feel 😳😳😳. I'm pretty sure I read the last 20% of the book through a wall of tears.
This book was fast-paced and witty for the most parts. Zoe and Chase are friends. They might bicker and be mean to each other (well, Zoe....Chase is a golden retriever if I ever saw one), but at their core, they're friends. So when they have to pretend to be in a relationship to fix Chase's reputation off the ice, it shouldn't be too difficult, right?
This was honestly so, so good. The way Chase was so patient and determined and THERE for her 🥰🥰 *swoon* 🥰🥰. They both had a lot of trauma, and their walls were reinforced by years and years of being the strong or funny one when no one else saw under their masks. I loved how Hailey didn't try to tell us that time heals everything but instead showed that healing isn't linear.
So of you love these tropes:
🩷 fake dating
🩷 hockey player
🩷 frenemies to lovers
🩷 found family
You should definitely read this.
Awesome work again, Hailey, you nailed this one. I loved it 🥰
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
“because it’s one thing to want her close. but it’s everything to keep her safe.”
this is single-handedly one of the best books i have ever read, and no, i am not exaggerating.
you know when a book just hits? when the banter is top tier, the tension is palpable, the spice is spicing, and you’re literally swooning over the characters? that’s exactly what happened in this book for me.
i have been yearning for zoe’s book since i finished seal the deal, and hailey absolutely DELIVERED!! the amount of highlights i have for this book needs to be studied, because i truthfully could not get enough of zoe and chase.
zoe was one of the best fmcs i’ve ever read, and i really loved that her personality didn’t change throughout the book, because it was such an important part of who she is. she could go toe to toe with chase on any given day and win the banter battle, and i was living for every single time she ate him up with her retorts and comebacks. i love when a “i don’t do relationships” person meets their soulmate who is so clearly down bad for them that they can’t hold it in, and that’s exactly what zoe and chase were. if anyone embodies black cat and golden retriever, it’s them.
chase, my sweet little golden retriever… i don’t think i’ve ever met a man who is more obsessed with their partner than he was obsessed with zoe. these two were simply made for each other, even when their arrangement was “fake”. his internal battle against himself had me giggling and kicking my feet because of how much i loved it. i love when men pine in books, and boyyyyy did he ever. the way he called zoe’s bluff every time she said she hated him was ridiculously hot for no other reason than his obsession with her was to die for. he couldn’t not be obsessed with her, and that was one of my favourite things about him.
some of my favourite lines that are definitely necessary to include (not in order):
“you’re disgusting…take off your pants.”
“i’ve been in love with zoe for years. quietly. pathetically. in that aching, too-scared-to-act-on-it kind of way. and tonight was the moment i realized she’s going to break my fucking heart.”
“she kissed me like it meant nothing, and i kissed her like it meant everything.”
“you always do that.”
“what?”
“find me in the noise.”
“you gonna punish him later?”
“i’m gonna strangle him with his own jockstrap.”
“i can’t breathe without her.”
thank you so very much to hailey for the e-arc! i will be yearning for books three and four from here on out until they’re released! 🏒
♡︎ fake dating
♡︎ found family
♡︎ one night stand
♡︎ frenemies to lovers
♡︎ black cat x golden retriever
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent
After being introduced to Zoe & Chase in Seal the Deal I was super excited to see that they would be the couple in book 2. These two were the definition of banter and it was such a good time experiencing the electricity zapping between them. As soon as Zoe finally gives in to one night with Chase, he finds himself in the middle of a PR storm, and who better to come to his rescue than Zoe herself?
Zoe finds herself (reluctantly, or so she claims) fake dating Chase to rebuild his image, and he's happier than ever having his dream girl by his side. The way he loved Zoe in silence for years will have you swooning so hard. This couple will give you all the feels, banter, and next level spice that your heart desires.
Hailey Rodger delivered another stellar story and has me anxiously awaking book 3.
Zoe finds herself (reluctantly, or so she claims) fake dating Chase to rebuild his image, and he's happier than ever having his dream girl by his side. The way he loved Zoe in silence for years will have you swooning so hard. This couple will give you all the feels, banter, and next level spice that your heart desires.
Hailey Rodger delivered another stellar story and has me anxiously awaking book 3.
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
ARC Review! As always, thank you to the author for the opportunity to read in advance!
Hailey Rodger has knocked it out of the park again with book 2 in her Colorado Storm series. Her first book, Seal the Deal blew me away and got a full 5 stars from me, and Make the Play is no different.
From the application of the Fake Dating and Frenemies to Lovers tropes to the absolutely ridiculous banter between these two characters (first experienced as side characters in book one, now dialed up x100) makes the reader want to scream right along with other characters “JUST *DO IT* ALREADY!!!” That’s some excellent writing, folks. Character driven, emotional, witty, exhilarating- this book and these characters are EVERYTHING
Hailey Rodger has knocked it out of the park again with book 2 in her Colorado Storm series. Her first book, Seal the Deal blew me away and got a full 5 stars from me, and Make the Play is no different.
From the application of the Fake Dating and Frenemies to Lovers tropes to the absolutely ridiculous banter between these two characters (first experienced as side characters in book one, now dialed up x100) makes the reader want to scream right along with other characters “JUST *DO IT* ALREADY!!!” That’s some excellent writing, folks. Character driven, emotional, witty, exhilarating- this book and these characters are EVERYTHING
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Grief