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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
♾️⭐
3.5🌶️
So you may (or may not) have met Chase and Zoe in 'Seal the Deal', but since then, I have been hankering for their story. My goodness... Does Hailey know how to write her men! I am forever ruined for all book boyfriends. Chase and Zoe were literally banter central and I was HERE FOR IT! 🙋🏻♀️
Can we just start off with Zoe? I just LOVE her! She is just that one friend you need, your ride or die partner for life. Sassy, real and loyal to a fault, she works as a PR executive for Pulse/Storm and the biggest headache (and liability) of them all is Chase... A thorn in her side, and the man who just can't seem to keep himself out the press.
Chase on the other hand has secretly been in love with Zoe for the past few years. When an unsavoury tape of his emerges from his past, management decide to take matters in their own hands via damage control - they want to show the world Chase has since settled and in a stable relationship. The lady in question? None other than his dream woman, Zoe. All you need is to fake itnto make it, right? 😉
Seriously, there's just something about a man down bad for his woman and Chase had it in spades! He was the ultimate simp if simps and I could not have loved him more! 😮💨🫠 The banter, the yearning, the chemistry, the push and pull between Chase and Zoe was just 🤌🏻*chef's kiss* UGH 😮💨 believe me when I say I lived for them moments!
I loved how time and time again Chase showed up in the moments that mattered the most, how he knew and anticipated Zoe's needs before she even knew herself and how raw, real and messy their love was. Chase saw through the mask Zoe wore to protect herself, and Zoe in time saw the real Chase that noone has ever seen. They both have pasts which they have to overcome and I'm glad they could lean on each other and be that person. Love definitely knew no bounds for them and my heart could not be more full for them 💗 Let's just say, carnations will forever remind me of their epic love (especially the white ones 🥹)
I honestly don't think Hailey can write a bad book cause this just blew my mind!! 🤯 When I didn't think she could top Jake and Charlie's story, she proved me wrong. Highly, highly recommend this read if it's the last thing you do 👀 Bring on Logan's book!!!! 📚
Thank you so much to Hailey and Luna Literacy for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻
3.5🌶️
So you may (or may not) have met Chase and Zoe in 'Seal the Deal', but since then, I have been hankering for their story. My goodness... Does Hailey know how to write her men! I am forever ruined for all book boyfriends. Chase and Zoe were literally banter central and I was HERE FOR IT! 🙋🏻♀️
Can we just start off with Zoe? I just LOVE her! She is just that one friend you need, your ride or die partner for life. Sassy, real and loyal to a fault, she works as a PR executive for Pulse/Storm and the biggest headache (and liability) of them all is Chase... A thorn in her side, and the man who just can't seem to keep himself out the press.
Chase on the other hand has secretly been in love with Zoe for the past few years. When an unsavoury tape of his emerges from his past, management decide to take matters in their own hands via damage control - they want to show the world Chase has since settled and in a stable relationship. The lady in question? None other than his dream woman, Zoe. All you need is to fake itnto make it, right? 😉
Seriously, there's just something about a man down bad for his woman and Chase had it in spades! He was the ultimate simp if simps and I could not have loved him more! 😮💨🫠 The banter, the yearning, the chemistry, the push and pull between Chase and Zoe was just 🤌🏻*chef's kiss* UGH 😮💨 believe me when I say I lived for them moments!
I loved how time and time again Chase showed up in the moments that mattered the most, how he knew and anticipated Zoe's needs before she even knew herself and how raw, real and messy their love was. Chase saw through the mask Zoe wore to protect herself, and Zoe in time saw the real Chase that noone has ever seen. They both have pasts which they have to overcome and I'm glad they could lean on each other and be that person. Love definitely knew no bounds for them and my heart could not be more full for them 💗 Let's just say, carnations will forever remind me of their epic love (especially the white ones 🥹)
I honestly don't think Hailey can write a bad book cause this just blew my mind!! 🤯 When I didn't think she could top Jake and Charlie's story, she proved me wrong. Highly, highly recommend this read if it's the last thing you do 👀 Bring on Logan's book!!!! 📚
Thank you so much to Hailey and Luna Literacy for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Yes
After meeting Chase and Zoe in Seal the Deal I knew I was going to be absolutely obsessed with these two. Zoe is such a hyper independent woman, who’s witty, strong willed, and takes no shit. And then we have Chase entering the chat who pushes her buttons to no ends just so he can get a reaction from her. He enjoys making her life just a little harder if only it put him in her orbit for just a little bit longer. From the start this book was sexy, hilarious, full of so much quick banter. I loved it. So many parts of this book had me cackling like a mad woman 🤣
Due to some past sexy shenanigans, Chase ends up finding himself in another PR scandal which leads to him and Zoe having to fake date for optics. With Chase’s very real feelings for Zoe in the mix, I think we can see where this might go 🤭 At one point in this book, Chase is negotiating their fake dating contract with the PR company and forces them to ensure that she suffers no blowbacks to her career. He says: “There, now we’re equals, baby.” If I wasn’t already all the way to the moon and back feral for Chase Walton, this statement right here, would have 10000000000% sealed my fate. He may appear carefree, only here for a good time, fuck boy bravado but beneath his playful is a man who will put Zoe before himself EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. and how can you not be utterly obsessed with him for that?!?
I love that throughout this book, Chase creates space for Zoe to be soft. She’s always felt that she’s had to be strong, be fine and keep carrying on. But he provides that safe space for her to land and let her walls down. He shows her that his love never wavers, even in times where she doesn’t feel like herself and she is struggling. And when Zoe remains stubborn about admitting her feelings, he is still there to remind her that he hasn’t left.
Now let’s talk about the spice: CHASE MF WALTON is an animal who loves to eat. The spice was on another level in this book and it was chefs kiss 😚🤌🏽 the filth that spewed from this man’s mouth was my favorite, his dirty talk was premium quality and I would express order that in a heartbeat if I could.
This book had me feeling all the range of emotions. One minute I am in a puddle of tears and next min I am drooling and panting. It was confusing but also very very hot. I think it’s safe to say I think Chase Walton altered my brain chemistry. In conclusion, my thoughts are that Hailey’s 2nd book is amazing it was perfect and it was everything i could have ever wanted out of Chaz. Thank you Hailey and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Due to some past sexy shenanigans, Chase ends up finding himself in another PR scandal which leads to him and Zoe having to fake date for optics. With Chase’s very real feelings for Zoe in the mix, I think we can see where this might go 🤭 At one point in this book, Chase is negotiating their fake dating contract with the PR company and forces them to ensure that she suffers no blowbacks to her career. He says: “There, now we’re equals, baby.” If I wasn’t already all the way to the moon and back feral for Chase Walton, this statement right here, would have 10000000000% sealed my fate. He may appear carefree, only here for a good time, fuck boy bravado but beneath his playful is a man who will put Zoe before himself EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. and how can you not be utterly obsessed with him for that?!?
I love that throughout this book, Chase creates space for Zoe to be soft. She’s always felt that she’s had to be strong, be fine and keep carrying on. But he provides that safe space for her to land and let her walls down. He shows her that his love never wavers, even in times where she doesn’t feel like herself and she is struggling. And when Zoe remains stubborn about admitting her feelings, he is still there to remind her that he hasn’t left.
Now let’s talk about the spice: CHASE MF WALTON is an animal who loves to eat. The spice was on another level in this book and it was chefs kiss 😚🤌🏽 the filth that spewed from this man’s mouth was my favorite, his dirty talk was premium quality and I would express order that in a heartbeat if I could.
This book had me feeling all the range of emotions. One minute I am in a puddle of tears and next min I am drooling and panting. It was confusing but also very very hot. I think it’s safe to say I think Chase Walton altered my brain chemistry. In conclusion, my thoughts are that Hailey’s 2nd book is amazing it was perfect and it was everything i could have ever wanted out of Chaz. Thank you Hailey and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
✨️Arc Review✨️
I need to start this by saying how dare you make me need book 3 within the first chapter of book 2😂 the audacity!
Okay so I was expecting Chase's chaos, meeting uncle Gary, and Zoe's sass and unwillingness to admit she wanted him, and I got so much more.
We get the banter and the hot sex we crave but we also get mental health rep, and character growth, and him falling first and being the definition of a safe place to fall. We get beautiful friendships, and a broader look into the "side" characters.
The kids are still present and Meadow is a whole unintentional menace and I love her.
I made a post while I was reading reacting to certain parts with no context cuz I try to avoid spoilers so check that out too 💜
Definitely read book one first, and don't forget the bonus chapters and the freequel!
I need to start this by saying how dare you make me need book 3 within the first chapter of book 2😂 the audacity!
Okay so I was expecting Chase's chaos, meeting uncle Gary, and Zoe's sass and unwillingness to admit she wanted him, and I got so much more.
We get the banter and the hot sex we crave but we also get mental health rep, and character growth, and him falling first and being the definition of a safe place to fall. We get beautiful friendships, and a broader look into the "side" characters.
The kids are still present and Meadow is a whole unintentional menace and I love her.
I made a post while I was reading reacting to certain parts with no context cuz I try to avoid spoilers so check that out too 💜
Definitely read book one first, and don't forget the bonus chapters and the freequel!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First I want to thank Hailey for the ARC! This is the second book in the Colorado Storm series. I haven’t read the first book (yet - but I just purchased it and will be reading it next), but had no issues keeping up with the other characters mentioned.
Tropes:
- Hockey romance
- One night stand
- Fake dating
- He falls first
- Golden retriever/black cat
If you like the he falls first/fake dating trope this book is for you! I don’t want to give too much away, but Chase finds himself in a little PR pickle & has to date Zoe, his kind of friend/PR exec. Add in a stalker, a handful of goofy friends and some big emotions & that’s my quick summary. The way I ate this book UP - it is such a cute feel-good read and the banter was top tier. 10/10 recommend I wish I could give it 100 stars. Already can’t wait for the third book to come out!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Death of parent
funny
hopeful
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
Great Banter
Black cat x golden retriever
He falls first
Friends to lovers
One night stand
Hockey romance
This was a fun read. I love hockey romance. This one was right up my alley. The spice and banter are on point.
MMC playboy, golden retriever, in love with her hockey player.
FMC PR executive, witty, friendly except with the MMC
The banter had me laughing and grinning wide. I love a sassy FMC. This was truly enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Black cat x golden retriever
He falls first
Friends to lovers
One night stand
Hockey romance
This was a fun read. I love hockey romance. This one was right up my alley. The spice and banter are on point.
MMC playboy, golden retriever, in love with her hockey player.
FMC PR executive, witty, friendly except with the MMC
The banter had me laughing and grinning wide. I love a sassy FMC. This was truly enjoyable. Highly recommend.
What an emotional roller coaster this book had me on! I didnt expect it to be so deep and emotional but here we are. First, if you are looking for a book with the best banter and teasing, this is it. I knew I would love Chase and Zoe's story after first encountering them in Seal the Deal. I was not disappointed - Make the Play has the perfect balance of fun, swoony romance, hot spice and even a dash of suspense/mystery. I just love Chase and the way he quietly and loudly show his love to Zoe and I love Zoe's sassiness, spirit, and strong attitude. Together, these two are just perfect for each other. They way they would go at each other with their jokes and banters are just equally entertaining and funny. So mang laugh out loud moments with the rest of the Colorado Storm teammates and love getting a glimpse of Charlie and Jake from Book 1. I appreciate that on the surface, Chase and Zoe would be an easy love story to write but the author added some complexities to their past lives that didnt make it easy and both had to fight for their love for each other and push through all the what ifs and trauma together. I highlighted so many of the love confessions and gestures that just made me swoon and awed. Love the glimpses we got for Logan and Lulu's book as well.
This whole series (these first 2 books) are so underrated and doesnt get talked about enough. I have read so many hockey/sports romances and this series is one of my favorites.
If you are looking for a book with all the vibes, heart and laughs, pick this one up. It is so freaking good.
This whole series (these first 2 books) are so underrated and doesnt get talked about enough. I have read so many hockey/sports romances and this series is one of my favorites.
If you are looking for a book with all the vibes, heart and laughs, pick this one up. It is so freaking good.
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC REVIEW
From the first chapter to the last i was genuinely hooked. Ive been curious about this entire connection since seal the deal. The brunch scence was so funny i couldnt stop laughing. The way chase is so protective of zoey is beyound sweet like his a goofball but not when it comes to her saftey. His love language is definitely Acts of service. His more of an action more than words guy. His the type of guy to buy something you mentioned only once on passsing cause he remebers everytging when it comes to her.
Zoey's fears was suttle but so valid and the way chase would notice when she was slipping and bring her right back. I loved how sure zoey was once they defined their relationship. She very much knew she had power over him and he would deop to his knees for her .
Overall This book was so funny with the witty banter and the entire i shouldn’t want him the way i do.
From the first chapter to the last i was genuinely hooked. Ive been curious about this entire connection since seal the deal. The brunch scence was so funny i couldnt stop laughing. The way chase is so protective of zoey is beyound sweet like his a goofball but not when it comes to her saftey. His love language is definitely Acts of service. His more of an action more than words guy. His the type of guy to buy something you mentioned only once on passsing cause he remebers everytging when it comes to her.
Zoey's fears was suttle but so valid and the way chase would notice when she was slipping and bring her right back. I loved how sure zoey was once they defined their relationship. She very much knew she had power over him and he would deop to his knees for her .
Overall This book was so funny with the witty banter and the entire i shouldn’t want him the way i do.
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
✨️ Received as an ARC ✨️
✔️ He falls first
✔️ Golden retriever x black cat
✔️ One-sided frenemies
✔️ Banter
✔️ Supportive MMC
I am deep in my "he falls first and hard" microtrope and BOY does this check that box. Zoe might say that they were frenemies, but that's not true from Chase's POV. He shows up in little ways even before they were fake/real dating. Zoe has past trauma that holds her back, but Chase is steady through it all.
The mystery aspect was not an aspect I anticipated in this romance book, but I enjoyed the extra dimension it added to the story. It made the story more than just a get together/break-up/make-up romance. As the author warned at the beginning, Make the Play did not have a large focus on hockey, which was not important to me but made sense in the timeline if that is influential to you.
I just wish we were able to see more details of Zoe working through her fears and trauma.
✔️ He falls first
✔️ Golden retriever x black cat
✔️ One-sided frenemies
✔️ Banter
✔️ Supportive MMC
I am deep in my "he falls first and hard" microtrope and BOY does this check that box. Zoe might say that they were frenemies, but that's not true from Chase's POV. He shows up in little ways even before they were fake/real dating. Zoe has past trauma that holds her back, but Chase is steady through it all.
The mystery aspect was not an aspect I anticipated in this romance book, but I enjoyed the extra dimension it added to the story. It made the story more than just a get together/break-up/make-up romance. As the author warned at the beginning, Make the Play did not have a large focus on hockey, which was not important to me but made sense in the timeline if that is influential to you.
I just wish we were able to see more details of Zoe working through her fears and trauma.
✔️ one night stand
✔️ “get it out of our systems”
✔️ fake dating
✔️ frenemies to lovers
✔️ fun banter
✔️ spice
✔️ good girl
✔️ crawl to me
✔️ eyes on me
Chase is a golden retriever professional hockey player who has been in love with her for years but has a playboy reputation. Zoe is a successful PR exec who is quick witted & friendly to everyone except him. They’ve known each other for years and have the best chemistry filled with playful banter and zingers. After Chase is in yet another PR crisis, the hockey team’s management decide that he needs a relationship to polish up his image which leads to Chase and Zoe entering into a fake relationship. Although the relationship is fake, Chase’s feelings are far from it and he will stop at nothing to ensure Zoe feels secure and is honest with herself.
I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately and this was exactly what I needed to get out of it. I found myself grinning while reading their banter and interactions, and swooning over how Chase shows love (acts of services). Although this was a hockey romance, the hockey portion of it was very back burner and really only supported the plot rather than being the entire plot which I really enjoyed. Overall, this is an easy 5 star read for me and Chase has instantly become one of my fave book boyfriends.