“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.”

this was one of the CUTEST romance books i’ve read, and it’s a hockey romance? swoon. 

charlie was so, so protective over her kiddos that the fierce way she loved and cared for them melted my heart. dealing with her unserious and emotionally abusive ex is a feat all on it’s own, especially with two young kids. although she’s strong, she isn’t the best at asking for help, which is totally understandable. when jake comes in and stands his ground saying that he’s on her side and not going anywhere no matter what, she has no choice but to accept his help (help that she secretly wanted to ask for). charlie has become one of my favourite book characters, and i’m so very glad i got the opportunity to meet her!

jake was everything charlie needed, and charlie and her kids were everything jake needed. they all complemented each other so well, and jake didn’t miss a beat when interacting with meadow and noah in the slightest. his insistence on being there for them and getting to know them was quite literally unconditional. not to mention how protective he became over them (and charlie) in such a short time. but honestly, i’d fall head over heels for those kids too, especially meadow (my fav!). his ability to lift charlie up and help her grow into her new life was everything to me, and she helped him be the best version of himself even when she didn’t know it. oh, and the stars that jake drew in his notebook? i. was. done. for. 

i absolutely adored their little inside jokes and nicknames, and the brownie thing??? so freaking CUTE! i can’t wait to read more of hailey’s work soon!

thank you so much to luna literary management and the author for the e-arc! 🌙

✧ he falls first
✧ found family
✧ second chance
✧ right person, wrong time
✧ single mom x hockey player