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The Locke Brothers #1
Making The Save
You know the thing you’re not supposed to do in Vegas, yeah I did that. One minute this gigantic, bearded hockey player was saving me from being groped at celebrity golf tournament - the next, we were waking up in the same bed.
Married!
This is beyond a disaster. The whole world thinks I’m a flaky pop star serial dating her way through Hollywood bad boys (not true). Now I’m married to a grumpy hot hockey player after only one date. My publicist is trying to pull my career out of the tabloids so he says we have to stay married. Not a problem…just as long as I don’t fall for my fake husband.
Wyatt
I don’t do spontaneous. I don’t do love at first sight. I don’t do star crushes. Yet, somehow I ended up married to pop star, Sydney Malloy after the best night of my life in Vegas. She’s adorable and sweet. Our chemistry could melt ice. But she’s in a jam so we need to make this Vegas marriage look real. A trip to my remote cabin should make it seem like we’re on a prolonged honeymoon. Except when a racoon takes over the bedroom we’re left with one bed and a whole lot of attraction. We’re total opposites. I don’t want attention or red carpets. I play hockey. That’s it. So, the last thing I’m going to do is fall for my wife.
But what if I’m too late?
This is dedicated to all the ladies who are suckers for huge grumpy bearded hockey players who chop wood without a shirt.
Married!
This is beyond a disaster. The whole world thinks I’m a flaky pop star serial dating her way through Hollywood bad boys (not true). Now I’m married to a grumpy hot hockey player after only one date. My publicist is trying to pull my career out of the tabloids so he says we have to stay married. Not a problem…just as long as I don’t fall for my fake husband.
Wyatt
I don’t do spontaneous. I don’t do love at first sight. I don’t do star crushes. Yet, somehow I ended up married to pop star, Sydney Malloy after the best night of my life in Vegas. She’s adorable and sweet. Our chemistry could melt ice. But she’s in a jam so we need to make this Vegas marriage look real. A trip to my remote cabin should make it seem like we’re on a prolonged honeymoon. Except when a racoon takes over the bedroom we’re left with one bed and a whole lot of attraction. We’re total opposites. I don’t want attention or red carpets. I play hockey. That’s it. So, the last thing I’m going to do is fall for my wife.
But what if I’m too late?
This is dedicated to all the ladies who are suckers for huge grumpy bearded hockey players who chop wood without a shirt.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
214 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Shore
16 books202 followersI love cold wine, hot coffee and writing swoony rom coms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 15, 2024
4.25 stars
I dnf’d the first Hailey Shore book I picked up, but I’m gonna need to try that book again because this romcom was sweet, sexy and just plain ol’ delightful!
It’s a drunken marriage in Vegas story, between a pop princess that the press loves to tear down (Sydney) and a pro hockey player who is facing retirement (Wyatt). It could have been cheesy, but something about the characters felt really special. Their chemistry and dialogue had that naturally flirty ✨sparkle✨ that made this such a fun read.
I dnf’d the first Hailey Shore book I picked up, but I’m gonna need to try that book again because this romcom was sweet, sexy and just plain ol’ delightful!
It’s a drunken marriage in Vegas story, between a pop princess that the press loves to tear down (Sydney) and a pro hockey player who is facing retirement (Wyatt). It could have been cheesy, but something about the characters felt really special. Their chemistry and dialogue had that naturally flirty ✨sparkle✨ that made this such a fun read.
July 22, 2024
I was SO EXCITED to receive an ARC of Hailey’s new book. I’m a die hard Calico Cove fan, and was especially thrilled to find out her new series (The Locke Brothers) has a connection to the beloved town. ❤️
Wyatt and Syd are really enjoyable and give good grumpy/sunshine characteristics. They also give off major Taylor/Travis vibes 🥰
The side plots involving Liam, Nick, and Calico Cove were well done and make me excited for the next books in the series. (I’m soooo excited for Nick’s story! But also intrigued by Liam in the ending of the final chapter in this book 🤔)
My only complaint would be was that I felt the MFC was a bit too naive regarding basic sex things, which didn’t feel very realistic given her character, but that was minor. Overall I did really like her and appreciated having a hockey romance where the female was actually more famous (and in some ways more powerful) than the male.
Wyatt and Syd are really enjoyable and give good grumpy/sunshine characteristics. They also give off major Taylor/Travis vibes 🥰
The side plots involving Liam, Nick, and Calico Cove were well done and make me excited for the next books in the series. (I’m soooo excited for Nick’s story! But also intrigued by Liam in the ending of the final chapter in this book 🤔)
My only complaint would be was that I felt the MFC was a bit too naive regarding basic sex things, which didn’t feel very realistic given her character, but that was minor. Overall I did really like her and appreciated having a hockey romance where the female was actually more famous (and in some ways more powerful) than the male.
March 9, 2025
I’m so glad I’m a rereader. This book is just as loveable and charming as it was the first time I read it.
[¥][¥][¥][¥][¥][¥]
I said in one of my updates that this book seemed to be headed for a five star book. I’m very happy to say it made it.
Wyatt Locke is our hero. He’s a hockey player coming to the end of his career and he’s not sure how many years he has left before his before his body gives out. He’s got a few other things on his mind. The Stanley Cup playoffs are over and in the finals his team lost to his brothers team. The two of them are very close but there are limits. Plus with the very recent passing of their mother, Wyatt and brother Liam have just learned they have an older step brother their mother abandoned before she met their father. Family is everything to Wyatt so this is difficult to understand.
Sydney Malloy is a very famous and popular pop star who is going through a rough patch. At first I pictured her as kind of a Taylor Swift kind of character. But I’m NOT a Swiftie and indeed very tired of all the publicity and only know a few of her songs so I dumped those comparisons. She’s also a people pleaser to her own detriment at times.
Wyatt and Sydney meet at a celebrity golf tournament when he rescues her from a handsy kind of guy and the two of them go on to have a great time. When they get into the tequila which Sydney isn’t good with, well, they wake up the next morning married. Now they just have to figure out what to do. I’ve read this trope a number of times but this book is a whole other level. Rather than focus on the story, I’m going to focus on what makes this book so special.
Wyatt. Seriously he is such an amazing character. He’s smitten with Sydney right from the beginning. He was smitten even before he met her, being a fan. He becomes instantly protective of her, sensing a kind of vulnerability about her. He sees that very few people really care about her, instead use her and because she’s a sensitive person, she lets them. But in no time Wyatt will do anything for her. One can’t help loving that in a hero.
Sydney. As great as a hero as Wyatt is, she is a great heroine. She can see what a great person Wyatt is and she’s not used to any caring so much about her needs. She grew up poor with a single mother who only wanted to use her when she became famous and she’s been used ever since. But she has an inner strength about her and Wyatt gives her the confidence and to let her exercise that inner strength.
Secondary Characters. They are brilliantly written. First off is Liam, Wyatt brother to Wyatt. He doesn’t have a lot of page time but with what he does have, we NEED to read his book which is the next book. Their dad comes across as a dad who dearly loves his sons and wants them happy. Nick the half brother. Although he only has one scene, it’s impactful and leaves us wanting more. It’s mentioned he’s the protege of the hero from a previous book. Now that book needs I reread so I can see if Nick is in that book.
This is such a great feel good book. When reading it I guarantee you will be glad you read romance, thus discovered this treat. For sure it’s a reread book and already I’m happy knowing I’m not done with it.
[¥][¥][¥][¥][¥][¥]
I said in one of my updates that this book seemed to be headed for a five star book. I’m very happy to say it made it.
Wyatt Locke is our hero. He’s a hockey player coming to the end of his career and he’s not sure how many years he has left before his before his body gives out. He’s got a few other things on his mind. The Stanley Cup playoffs are over and in the finals his team lost to his brothers team. The two of them are very close but there are limits. Plus with the very recent passing of their mother, Wyatt and brother Liam have just learned they have an older step brother their mother abandoned before she met their father. Family is everything to Wyatt so this is difficult to understand.
Sydney Malloy is a very famous and popular pop star who is going through a rough patch. At first I pictured her as kind of a Taylor Swift kind of character. But I’m NOT a Swiftie and indeed very tired of all the publicity and only know a few of her songs so I dumped those comparisons. She’s also a people pleaser to her own detriment at times.
Wyatt and Sydney meet at a celebrity golf tournament when he rescues her from a handsy kind of guy and the two of them go on to have a great time. When they get into the tequila which Sydney isn’t good with, well, they wake up the next morning married. Now they just have to figure out what to do. I’ve read this trope a number of times but this book is a whole other level. Rather than focus on the story, I’m going to focus on what makes this book so special.
Wyatt. Seriously he is such an amazing character. He’s smitten with Sydney right from the beginning. He was smitten even before he met her, being a fan. He becomes instantly protective of her, sensing a kind of vulnerability about her. He sees that very few people really care about her, instead use her and because she’s a sensitive person, she lets them. But in no time Wyatt will do anything for her. One can’t help loving that in a hero.
Sydney. As great as a hero as Wyatt is, she is a great heroine. She can see what a great person Wyatt is and she’s not used to any caring so much about her needs. She grew up poor with a single mother who only wanted to use her when she became famous and she’s been used ever since. But she has an inner strength about her and Wyatt gives her the confidence and to let her exercise that inner strength.
Secondary Characters. They are brilliantly written. First off is Liam, Wyatt brother to Wyatt. He doesn’t have a lot of page time but with what he does have, we NEED to read his book which is the next book. Their dad comes across as a dad who dearly loves his sons and wants them happy. Nick the half brother. Although he only has one scene, it’s impactful and leaves us wanting more. It’s mentioned he’s the protege of the hero from a previous book. Now that book needs I reread so I can see if Nick is in that book.
This is such a great feel good book. When reading it I guarantee you will be glad you read romance, thus discovered this treat. For sure it’s a reread book and already I’m happy knowing I’m not done with it.
August 16, 2024
fake marriage?
I thought this book was really good. I loved Sydney and Wyatt, they’re such opposites but so perfect for each other! Their story drew me in from the start and it was hard to pull myself away. Loved all the characters!
I thought this book was really good. I loved Sydney and Wyatt, they’re such opposites but so perfect for each other! Their story drew me in from the start and it was hard to pull myself away. Loved all the characters!
August 1, 2024
This story is taking us just a little bit away from Calico Cove and, just like some people say ... What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas 😁.
Sydney is a famous pop star who marries a guy in Vegas. Even though this is a wild thing to do, she has to stay married to him for a while. Wyatt doesn't do spontaneous things, but marrying a beautiful pop star is something new. In order to fix the situation, they have to fake their marriage and convince the world that they are truly in love...and sometimes love surprises you in an unexpected way.
I have to admit, these two were perfect for each other. She is sweet, beautiful and sexy, and I wasn't surprised that Wyatt fell in love with her that fast. The chemistry between them was off the charts. He is so protective and caring, and I was swooned. It didn't take him a lot of time to show her what love is and encourage her to stand up for herself. I was really happy with the amount of spice and hot moments between them and I loved every single moment 🔥.
Overall, I enjoyed reading "Making the Save".
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.
Sydney is a famous pop star who marries a guy in Vegas. Even though this is a wild thing to do, she has to stay married to him for a while. Wyatt doesn't do spontaneous things, but marrying a beautiful pop star is something new. In order to fix the situation, they have to fake their marriage and convince the world that they are truly in love...and sometimes love surprises you in an unexpected way.
I have to admit, these two were perfect for each other. She is sweet, beautiful and sexy, and I wasn't surprised that Wyatt fell in love with her that fast. The chemistry between them was off the charts. He is so protective and caring, and I was swooned. It didn't take him a lot of time to show her what love is and encourage her to stand up for herself. I was really happy with the amount of spice and hot moments between them and I loved every single moment 🔥.
Overall, I enjoyed reading "Making the Save".
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.
July 25, 2024
ARC review
Making the save tells the story of Wyatt, a hockey player who is first seen in the series' epilogue 20 years later at the end of Never Forever and Sydney, a pop star
They meet at a charity golf tournament and hit it off and ends up getting drunkenly married
Their grumpy/sunshine pairing was very sweet
I loved the way wyatt was protective and listened to Sydney when no one else in her circle ever did and the way they both supported each other
I loved the way Sydney's character changed and had the growth throughout the series
The moment she fired Tyler was amazing for me
The author did a really great job at setting up the foundation of this new series while also not shifting attention from the main couple
Sydney and Wyatt's story was full of joy and at times even a little heartbreaking and i enjoyed it a lot
Making the save tells the story of Wyatt, a hockey player who is first seen in the series' epilogue 20 years later at the end of Never Forever and Sydney, a pop star
They meet at a charity golf tournament and hit it off and ends up getting drunkenly married
Their grumpy/sunshine pairing was very sweet
I loved the way wyatt was protective and listened to Sydney when no one else in her circle ever did and the way they both supported each other
I loved the way Sydney's character changed and had the growth throughout the series
The moment she fired Tyler was amazing for me
The author did a really great job at setting up the foundation of this new series while also not shifting attention from the main couple
Sydney and Wyatt's story was full of joy and at times even a little heartbreaking and i enjoyed it a lot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
Omg! I received this as an ARC and let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down.
Wyatt and Sydney are something else and it was nice to see how Wyatt could support and make Sydney grow the way he did. She didn’t have that type of support and people had such a negative look at her in tabloids that she seemed to doubt herself and think that’s all she deserved. Wyatt helped open her eyes to how badass she really is. They had obstacles to endure, but they got there in the end. Just required a little tough love from Wyatt’s dad for him to see what the other people that cared for Sydney and Wyatt could see right out the gate.
Got to love brooding, lumberjack like, hockey playing men with their petite, fairy like, amazing pop star woman! HEA for this amazing couple.
Wyatt and Sydney are something else and it was nice to see how Wyatt could support and make Sydney grow the way he did. She didn’t have that type of support and people had such a negative look at her in tabloids that she seemed to doubt herself and think that’s all she deserved. Wyatt helped open her eyes to how badass she really is. They had obstacles to endure, but they got there in the end. Just required a little tough love from Wyatt’s dad for him to see what the other people that cared for Sydney and Wyatt could see right out the gate.
Got to love brooding, lumberjack like, hockey playing men with their petite, fairy like, amazing pop star woman! HEA for this amazing couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
4.5
This was so cute and emotional towards the end. I loved all the characters. They were so well written and it was easy to get attached to them.
What I loved about this is you could truly feel these characters falling in love. They were so funny and adorable together. A lot of times, I get bored during this part, but I didn’t here. I was completely invested in them and I loved them together.
I live for third act breakups as long as they are done well and this one totally made me cry. I was SO mad at Wyatt and if I was Sydney and I had heard what he said, I would have cut him loose immediately—especially after everything they had developed together. She freezes him out a little but not enough in my opinion. But once she completely cuts ties, I was happy because I wanted a good grovel from him. Did I get it? For the most part. I would have preferred a little begging maybe, but the ending was cute and I was happy with their HEA.
This was so cute and emotional towards the end. I loved all the characters. They were so well written and it was easy to get attached to them.
What I loved about this is you could truly feel these characters falling in love. They were so funny and adorable together. A lot of times, I get bored during this part, but I didn’t here. I was completely invested in them and I loved them together.
I live for third act breakups as long as they are done well and this one totally made me cry. I was SO mad at Wyatt and if I was Sydney and I had heard what he said, I would have cut him loose immediately—especially after everything they had developed together. She freezes him out a little but not enough in my opinion. But once she completely cuts ties, I was happy because I wanted a good grovel from him. Did I get it? For the most part. I would have preferred a little begging maybe, but the ending was cute and I was happy with their HEA.
July 31, 2024
✨ ARC Review ✨
A great start to this new spin-off series. I’m excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds and to read Liam and Nick’s books.
In the epilogue to Never Forever, the last book in the Calico Cove series, which set this new series 20 years into the future, Wyatt and Liam arrive in Calico Cove to find their half-brother, Nick. I thought that’s where Making the Save would be set. My expectation of Wyatt and Sydney visiting Calico Cove briefly distracted me from the story. I appreciated how the book set up the new series and kept adding hints to Liam’s story without overshadowing Wyatt and Sydney.
Wyatt and Sydney meet at a celebrity golf tournament in Las Vegas, and after a night of drinking, they wake up the next day married. Worried about Sydney’s reputation, they agree to stay married and fake their relationship.
Sydney’s character grew on me the more her character started to grow. I loved watching her find her voice and begin taking control of her life. I also loved how protective Wyatt was. He had to start caring for his family when he was young, so he’s used to always being in control. It was nice to see that moment with his dad when they talked about his childhood. Sydney didn't receive the same kind of closure about her mother; she hinted without fully opening up about how bad their relationship was. Though Sydney had no one in her life except her team, Beatrice stood out as a fantastic character who deeply cared for Sydney.
Wyatt and Sydney are great together, and there are a lot of cute and funny moments between them.
If you’re a fan of the Calico Cover series or new to Hailey Shore, I recommend this book!
Making the Save is the first book in The Locke Brothers series, and releases on August 1st, 2024!
✨ pop star x hockey player
✨ vegas wedding
✨ grumpy sunshine
✨ fake relationship
✨ only one bed
✨ dual pov
Thank you to Hailey Shore for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A great start to this new spin-off series. I’m excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds and to read Liam and Nick’s books.
In the epilogue to Never Forever, the last book in the Calico Cove series, which set this new series 20 years into the future, Wyatt and Liam arrive in Calico Cove to find their half-brother, Nick. I thought that’s where Making the Save would be set. My expectation of Wyatt and Sydney visiting Calico Cove briefly distracted me from the story. I appreciated how the book set up the new series and kept adding hints to Liam’s story without overshadowing Wyatt and Sydney.
Wyatt and Sydney meet at a celebrity golf tournament in Las Vegas, and after a night of drinking, they wake up the next day married. Worried about Sydney’s reputation, they agree to stay married and fake their relationship.
Sydney’s character grew on me the more her character started to grow. I loved watching her find her voice and begin taking control of her life. I also loved how protective Wyatt was. He had to start caring for his family when he was young, so he’s used to always being in control. It was nice to see that moment with his dad when they talked about his childhood. Sydney didn't receive the same kind of closure about her mother; she hinted without fully opening up about how bad their relationship was. Though Sydney had no one in her life except her team, Beatrice stood out as a fantastic character who deeply cared for Sydney.
Wyatt and Sydney are great together, and there are a lot of cute and funny moments between them.
If you’re a fan of the Calico Cover series or new to Hailey Shore, I recommend this book!
Making the Save is the first book in The Locke Brothers series, and releases on August 1st, 2024!
✨ pop star x hockey player
✨ vegas wedding
✨ grumpy sunshine
✨ fake relationship
✨ only one bed
✨ dual pov
Thank you to Hailey Shore for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2024
Basically hate read this. I have so many complaints I wouldn’t even know where to start but it was mostly just the fact that there were a bunch of little ones that added up. Was too lazy to try to find something else to read though and I wanted to stick through it.
1. He calls her babe. Ik this isn’t a big deal or anything I just hate this nickname in books it’s so lazy and cringey.
2. He calls her little girl at some point before they hook up and IT WAS GROSS. This one really made me stop and decide if I was gonna keep going but it was towards the end so I did.
3. There’s grumpy and then there’s a douche and the mmc, Wyatt, loved to push that line. He did not grovel enough at the end for the amount he spoke poorly about her and his own childhood difficulties doesn’t excuse it.
4. Some weird comments made by supporting characters like having the fmc look virginal for an award thing and she was like ‘I’m not anymore haha’ it was just once again… weird.
5. The mmc being ‘scared’ of the stylists with locks and some weird language going on there.
6. The amount of TikTok references. One of them was actually fine but the rest just had no purpose for being there???
7. The amount of times the word slay was said. Again, why?
8. As mentioned above, mmc is a a bit of an a**hole. But he was also just continuously putting the fmc down about the fact that she was famous and later he was like I was just insecure but it wasn’t addressed enough. Even in the epilogue he still says he wants to keep knocking her up so he doesn’t have to go to award shows. Where’s the romance?
9. They name their daughter Wyatt Jr. I hope this one speaks for itself.
10. The amount of editing errors. This typically doesn’t bother me an insane amount but it was just one more thing on top of everything else that annoyed me.
1. He calls her babe. Ik this isn’t a big deal or anything I just hate this nickname in books it’s so lazy and cringey.
2. He calls her little girl at some point before they hook up and IT WAS GROSS. This one really made me stop and decide if I was gonna keep going but it was towards the end so I did.
3. There’s grumpy and then there’s a douche and the mmc, Wyatt, loved to push that line. He did not grovel enough at the end for the amount he spoke poorly about her and his own childhood difficulties doesn’t excuse it.
4. Some weird comments made by supporting characters like having the fmc look virginal for an award thing and she was like ‘I’m not anymore haha’ it was just once again… weird.
5. The mmc being ‘scared’ of the stylists with locks and some weird language going on there.
6. The amount of TikTok references. One of them was actually fine but the rest just had no purpose for being there???
7. The amount of times the word slay was said. Again, why?
8. As mentioned above, mmc is a a bit of an a**hole. But he was also just continuously putting the fmc down about the fact that she was famous and later he was like I was just insecure but it wasn’t addressed enough. Even in the epilogue he still says he wants to keep knocking her up so he doesn’t have to go to award shows. Where’s the romance?
9. They name their daughter Wyatt Jr. I hope this one speaks for itself.
10. The amount of editing errors. This typically doesn’t bother me an insane amount but it was just one more thing on top of everything else that annoyed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
A topical romance that began with a drunken Vegas wedding after Popstar Sydney Malloy woke up next to ice hockey star Wyatt Locke with a ring on her finger. But although he might resemble a beast with his lumberjack size and full beard, Wyatt turned out to be more of a Prince Charming as he volunteered to play along and stay married to Sydney for the foreseeable future to protect her already tarnished reputation from the scurrilous attentions of the paparazzi.
The writing in Making the Save a fantastic flow to it in this grumpy/sunshine romance and with the majority of the story taking place in a remote mountain cabin, it allowed for the characters and their relationship to develop naturally without outside influences and also for some moments of humour, mainly Syd’s preference for critters remaining outside and not in her bedroom. Both Sydney and Wyatt were at crossroads in their lives, Sydney’s career was on the wane while Wyatt was considering the possibility of life after hockey. He’d spent his life taking care of people, first his family and then his team so it was second nature for him to step in and protect Syd. She felt safe enough with him to open up and be herself as he encouraged her to stand up for herself. There was some angst to their story, Sydney had major insecurities and found it difficult to trust which made her push Wyatt away, but she was also surprisingly naïve in other matters considering her background. And if one Locke wasn’t enough bubbling away in the background was a story involving Wyatt’s brother and the familiar sounding town of Calico Cove.
The writing in Making the Save a fantastic flow to it in this grumpy/sunshine romance and with the majority of the story taking place in a remote mountain cabin, it allowed for the characters and their relationship to develop naturally without outside influences and also for some moments of humour, mainly Syd’s preference for critters remaining outside and not in her bedroom. Both Sydney and Wyatt were at crossroads in their lives, Sydney’s career was on the wane while Wyatt was considering the possibility of life after hockey. He’d spent his life taking care of people, first his family and then his team so it was second nature for him to step in and protect Syd. She felt safe enough with him to open up and be herself as he encouraged her to stand up for herself. There was some angst to their story, Sydney had major insecurities and found it difficult to trust which made her push Wyatt away, but she was also surprisingly naïve in other matters considering her background. And if one Locke wasn’t enough bubbling away in the background was a story involving Wyatt’s brother and the familiar sounding town of Calico Cove.
July 30, 2024
Making The Save was an delightful, fun, and flirty read that kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Sydney and Wyatt were adorable together and I loved watching them navigate their spur of the moment marriage.
Sydney was the world’s biggest popstar, but she was extremely naïve when it came to matters of the opposite sex. When she wakes up married to Wyatt, she thinks it will be just be more tabloid fodder so she’s pleasantly surprised when Wyatt turns out to be different from the other people in her life. He stands up for her and protects her. He encourages her to be herself and gives her the strength to finally speak for herself. I loved how she blossomed under his attention.
Wyatt was a big, grumpy sweetheart. He was contemplating retiring from hockey because of the toll the sport was taking on his body and when he finds himself married to Sydney, it gives him a vision for the future. I loved his relationship with his family and how supportive they were of each other which led to Wyatt’s support of Sydney. These two were so good for one another and filled a space that both needed.
Full of fun, flirty banter and a steamy chemistry, Making The Save was an emotional journey of self-discovery for two wonderful characters. I loved Wyatt and Hailey and watching how much they grew throughout the story. This is the first book in the Locke Brothers series and it was a great read. Now I cannot wait to read about the fiasco that Liam has gotten himself into.
Sydney was the world’s biggest popstar, but she was extremely naïve when it came to matters of the opposite sex. When she wakes up married to Wyatt, she thinks it will be just be more tabloid fodder so she’s pleasantly surprised when Wyatt turns out to be different from the other people in her life. He stands up for her and protects her. He encourages her to be herself and gives her the strength to finally speak for herself. I loved how she blossomed under his attention.
Wyatt was a big, grumpy sweetheart. He was contemplating retiring from hockey because of the toll the sport was taking on his body and when he finds himself married to Sydney, it gives him a vision for the future. I loved his relationship with his family and how supportive they were of each other which led to Wyatt’s support of Sydney. These two were so good for one another and filled a space that both needed.
Full of fun, flirty banter and a steamy chemistry, Making The Save was an emotional journey of self-discovery for two wonderful characters. I loved Wyatt and Hailey and watching how much they grew throughout the story. This is the first book in the Locke Brothers series and it was a great read. Now I cannot wait to read about the fiasco that Liam has gotten himself into.
July 23, 2024
A new Hailey Shore release means automatic TBR so I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to review this as an ARC.
The Calico Cove series is amazing so I highly recommend reading it prior to reading this bc there is a slight time jump between the series and this new spinoff. I loved that this was a spin-off in the best way, taking place in locations other than Calico Cove but still held the same feelings from the previous books. Plus it’s all still in the same universe! This very grumpy/sunshine pairing was super sweet and I loved all the private time they got together. Plus there was an ANGSTY bit that had me holding back my tears in a nail salon. It really dives into family trauma mixed with career aspirations.
So why 4 stars? Well, after I read the extended epilogue after Calico Cove, I was sat and ready for Nick’s book right away. So I was disappointed that we’ll likely have to wait a while for his story so it took a little time to get adjusted to Wyatt and away from the Calico Cove world. I’m still looking forward to the next brother’s book but after the (imo) somewhat shocking pairing in the epilogue, my expectations were probably too high. It took me some time to believe the MCs were the right match for each other.
Nonetheless this is a SPIN-OFF and though it took a while for me to become invested in them as a couple, it’s still a very impressive start for this new series!
The Calico Cove series is amazing so I highly recommend reading it prior to reading this bc there is a slight time jump between the series and this new spinoff. I loved that this was a spin-off in the best way, taking place in locations other than Calico Cove but still held the same feelings from the previous books. Plus it’s all still in the same universe! This very grumpy/sunshine pairing was super sweet and I loved all the private time they got together. Plus there was an ANGSTY bit that had me holding back my tears in a nail salon. It really dives into family trauma mixed with career aspirations.
So why 4 stars? Well, after I read the extended epilogue after Calico Cove, I was sat and ready for Nick’s book right away. So I was disappointed that we’ll likely have to wait a while for his story so it took a little time to get adjusted to Wyatt and away from the Calico Cove world. I’m still looking forward to the next brother’s book but after the (imo) somewhat shocking pairing in the epilogue, my expectations were probably too high. It took me some time to believe the MCs were the right match for each other.
Nonetheless this is a SPIN-OFF and though it took a while for me to become invested in them as a couple, it’s still a very impressive start for this new series!
August 4, 2024
4 Crisis Mode Stars ⭐
She’s a pop princess and he’s a big burly professional hockey player. And just as I was despairing that two strangers were wedded in Vegas after an alcohol infused evening because how cliché is that, then Wyatt stole my heart. Is there anything sexier than a bloke manning up and not allowing his fake wife to face the music alone? Instantly I knew this was going to be a fun and flirty read!
Apart from grinning like a loon as Sydney and Wyatt navigate this huge blunder, I loved that these characters had substance. While Sydney’s career is on the brink and as Wyatt describes, that she’s constipated, AKA suffering from writer’s block, this sudden wedding isn’t exactly the best career move.
But Wyatt takes this all-in stride and presents himself as the perfect protector from the people who are supposed to be in Sydney’s corner. He may be grumpy and ballsy but a man who is smitten takes care of what’s his. This marriage might be initially a sham…but the growing feelings are real. And who could blame this vulnerable girl for falling so hard and fast.
Although I’m having withdrawals from Calico Cove, this spin off series still has a connection to the fictional town I’m obsessed with! Wyatt is the first Locke brother up, and if his big, gorgeous heart is anything to go by, I cannot wait for the other two man bears to follow!
She’s a pop princess and he’s a big burly professional hockey player. And just as I was despairing that two strangers were wedded in Vegas after an alcohol infused evening because how cliché is that, then Wyatt stole my heart. Is there anything sexier than a bloke manning up and not allowing his fake wife to face the music alone? Instantly I knew this was going to be a fun and flirty read!
Apart from grinning like a loon as Sydney and Wyatt navigate this huge blunder, I loved that these characters had substance. While Sydney’s career is on the brink and as Wyatt describes, that she’s constipated, AKA suffering from writer’s block, this sudden wedding isn’t exactly the best career move.
But Wyatt takes this all-in stride and presents himself as the perfect protector from the people who are supposed to be in Sydney’s corner. He may be grumpy and ballsy but a man who is smitten takes care of what’s his. This marriage might be initially a sham…but the growing feelings are real. And who could blame this vulnerable girl for falling so hard and fast.
Although I’m having withdrawals from Calico Cove, this spin off series still has a connection to the fictional town I’m obsessed with! Wyatt is the first Locke brother up, and if his big, gorgeous heart is anything to go by, I cannot wait for the other two man bears to follow!
July 31, 2024
‘Making The Save’ is the story of hockey player Wyatt, and famous pop star Sydney Malloy. They meet in Vegas and accidentally get married. They couldn’t be any more different. Wyatt is a major grump at the end of his career, and Sydney is a pop star who’s being harassed by the press. To help Sydney’s career, they need to stay married for a little longer.
I must admit, at first I thought.. not another accidental Vegas marriage.. but the further I got in this book the more I started to enjoy reading about these two characters. They where so different, and I loved there moments together. Wyatt definitely showed Sydney that she was so much stronger than she thought! And I loved that!
There where some very funny scenes that made me laugh as well. And the chemistry between Wyatt and Sydney was really good. We also got a look into some fun side characters, that made me really curious about the next books in this series.
Overall, a fun romantic story with some lovely characters.
3.5 stars
I must admit, at first I thought.. not another accidental Vegas marriage.. but the further I got in this book the more I started to enjoy reading about these two characters. They where so different, and I loved there moments together. Wyatt definitely showed Sydney that she was so much stronger than she thought! And I loved that!
There where some very funny scenes that made me laugh as well. And the chemistry between Wyatt and Sydney was really good. We also got a look into some fun side characters, that made me really curious about the next books in this series.
Overall, a fun romantic story with some lovely characters.
3.5 stars
July 25, 2024
In Making the Save, Hailey Shore has left Calico Cove...sort of. Although the characters are new, there is a crossover. You don't need to have read the Calico Cove series to appreciate this book (although you should, because it's fun!).
Wyatt is a hockey player who, while grumpy on the outside, is a caretaker by nature. Sydney is a popstar with secrets. When Wyatt saves her from a jerk at a celebrity golf tournament in Las Vegas, sparks fly and they end up married. With Sydney's reputation in the media in tatters already, this isn't helping matters. The two decide to lie low for awhile and hope the media moves on to other stories.
The attraction is there, but can the two fit into each other's busy lives? Can Wyatt learn to give up some control, and can Sydney stand up for what she needs?
You'll find yourself rooting for them, and it looks like the rest of the series is going to be exciting, from the glimpses we get in Making the Save! I can't wait!
Wyatt is a hockey player who, while grumpy on the outside, is a caretaker by nature. Sydney is a popstar with secrets. When Wyatt saves her from a jerk at a celebrity golf tournament in Las Vegas, sparks fly and they end up married. With Sydney's reputation in the media in tatters already, this isn't helping matters. The two decide to lie low for awhile and hope the media moves on to other stories.
The attraction is there, but can the two fit into each other's busy lives? Can Wyatt learn to give up some control, and can Sydney stand up for what she needs?
You'll find yourself rooting for them, and it looks like the rest of the series is going to be exciting, from the glimpses we get in Making the Save! I can't wait!
July 24, 2024
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
Wyatt and Syd are fantastic characters. Wyatt is the grumpy hockey player and Syd is the beyond famous pop star. The story does give off Travis/Taylor vibes but it's not overdone and it works really well in this story. I'm a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine pairing, so I was in heaven with this book. I love how protective Wyatt was from the start, and how he made sure to listen to her. Especially since no one else in her circle seemed to care. Throw in a drunk Vegas wedding?! Say less. This book would've been an instant click for me!
Hailey did a really great job of laying the foundation for this new series without taking too much attention away from the main couple. I'm excited to see Calico Cove again, as it's one of my favorite book series.
Wyatt and Syd are fantastic characters. Wyatt is the grumpy hockey player and Syd is the beyond famous pop star. The story does give off Travis/Taylor vibes but it's not overdone and it works really well in this story. I'm a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine pairing, so I was in heaven with this book. I love how protective Wyatt was from the start, and how he made sure to listen to her. Especially since no one else in her circle seemed to care. Throw in a drunk Vegas wedding?! Say less. This book would've been an instant click for me!
Hailey did a really great job of laying the foundation for this new series without taking too much attention away from the main couple. I'm excited to see Calico Cove again, as it's one of my favorite book series.
August 1, 2024
Absolutely adorable, it’s Vegas wedding, control freak, pop star, hockey player mayhem! Completely dialed in on cuteness, fun and spicy, just the right amount of comedy with that awkward he’s like a fish out of water feeling, and a totally heart melting ending that has you deeply in love with Wyatt and Sydney and every little aspect of their love story.
This is just such a fun read and I adore both Wyatt and Sydney. So opposite in personality it’s cute, but also so willing to do whatever to make sure the other is comfortable and taken care of. Love how protective Wyatt is, even when his controlling seems excessive, and Sydney is just the sweetest. It’s a perfectly sweet, just right spicy, fantastic read.
This is just such a fun read and I adore both Wyatt and Sydney. So opposite in personality it’s cute, but also so willing to do whatever to make sure the other is comfortable and taken care of. Love how protective Wyatt is, even when his controlling seems excessive, and Sydney is just the sweetest. It’s a perfectly sweet, just right spicy, fantastic read.
January 30, 2025
Vegas
Book one in this new series, I found this author back in May 2023 when I read Calico Cove series (8 books) I just noticed I have only read the first 5 so will return, this author liked to time jump at the end of each book, then you go back in next book (I'm not a fan of that so thats why not give rating)
A lot of time has past so I forgot until they talked of Nick in Calico Cove and I realised I have read a linked series (that happens to me a lot I read a lot) names sounded known to me.
This is a great read Wyatt meets Sydney and after a drunken night they make more drama (why couldn't they just date) this storyline has been told before, but this author made it fresh and interesting.
Liam is next (time jump back to see what he is up to in next book)
Book one in this new series, I found this author back in May 2023 when I read Calico Cove series (8 books) I just noticed I have only read the first 5 so will return, this author liked to time jump at the end of each book, then you go back in next book (I'm not a fan of that so thats why not give rating)
A lot of time has past so I forgot until they talked of Nick in Calico Cove and I realised I have read a linked series (that happens to me a lot I read a lot) names sounded known to me.
This is a great read Wyatt meets Sydney and after a drunken night they make more drama (why couldn't they just date) this storyline has been told before, but this author made it fresh and interesting.
Liam is next (time jump back to see what he is up to in next book)
July 26, 2024
After loving the Calico Cove series I was excited to read the new book/series. This one has Wyatt as the pro athlete and Sydney as the famous pop star (remind any one of current events?) They end up married after a night in Vegas and stay fake married to save her image. Wyatt is protective of Sydney while she tries to navigate being a famous pop star without any family support. He helps her stand up for herself and shows her what real love is. There is some angst in it which only adds to the story. The connection to Calico Cove is a great side story. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book. 5 stars from me.
July 29, 2024
You know what? I really enjoyed this book I don't normally go for books with like famous characters like singers or sports stars, it's normally just not my jam but I've read some calico cove books and enjoyed those and then I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book so I gave it a shot ! I was pleasantly surprised by how thoroughly I enjoyed this book!
Syd and Wyatt are so cute together, I love the chemistry and the comical moments between them. I laughed often at the things Sydney would say. Especially the "Santa Clause" moment I laughed and wheezed a lot, took me a minute to compose myself to read more lol.
Was amazing and I plan to read the next books in this series.
Syd and Wyatt are so cute together, I love the chemistry and the comical moments between them. I laughed often at the things Sydney would say. Especially the "Santa Clause" moment I laughed and wheezed a lot, took me a minute to compose myself to read more lol.
Was amazing and I plan to read the next books in this series.
August 6, 2024
Sydney is a pop star who met Wyatt a professional hockey player the day before at a golf event. They wake up after an incredible day then night together and are married. It seems best for her image for them to stay married for a period of time so she doesn't appear to have married on a drunken impulse. They stay married and really get to know each other. Being with Wyatt gave Sydney security and she found out a lot about herself while they were together. It was good to see Sydney stand up for herself with her manager. Good read! I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 1, 2024
Waking up in Vegas next to the broody hockey player married? Yes, that’s what happened tot Sydney. And she’s already got her reputation to think about as a famous popstar.
I loved this book. Wyatt is going overboard, just trying to protect Syd’s reputation. They have to sell that marriage to the world, but if the attraction is there, it isn’t hard to do that.
The time they spend in the cabin, you can really see their true personalities and the perfect fit they are for each other.
Throughout the book, there are some breadcrumbs to Liam’s story, so, I am very curious about that right now.
I loved this book. Wyatt is going overboard, just trying to protect Syd’s reputation. They have to sell that marriage to the world, but if the attraction is there, it isn’t hard to do that.
The time they spend in the cabin, you can really see their true personalities and the perfect fit they are for each other.
Throughout the book, there are some breadcrumbs to Liam’s story, so, I am very curious about that right now.
August 5, 2024
This and the potential to be a cute story- gruff hockey player marries pop singer in Vegas and saves her from troubled life. The problem was choppy writing and a bad plot. He takes her away to his cabin to let the media frenzy die down and they fall in love. Sweet. Except he’s an idiot who says something stupid about never wanting to marry “someone like her”, she overhears, he knows that she overhears and does nothing . Ugh. They never actually talk about it and everything goes haywire. Suffice to say, the plot is not good; the writing is choppy and the whole thing falls flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 8, 2024I was fortunate enough to be sent an ARC of this book but it took me awhile to post this review since it ended up being a DNF for me. I don’t think I even got past 10-12% of it. It was way too instalove for me? Main characters got married in Vegas and when they woke up in bed together the mmc was too nonplussed and gazing at her lovingly it was borderline creepy 😂 Far as I know they didn’t really interact much before that (like there’s no pre established relationship) so that kinda put me off. But what do I know I didn’t even get past the first quarter of the book 😅
January 26, 2025
This is a delightful, sweet, terrific love story. The wonderful characters elevate the usual drunken Vegas marriage plot. Loved their banter, sparkling chemistry as they fall in love. Wyatt protects Syd, is her badly needed friend; helps her reclaim her talent and strength; teaches her about making love. There are funny and touching moments too, like the raccoon under the bed. I will remember these characters and this charming story.
February 12, 2025
Making the Save
I really love this author's books. I'm glad to see the connection to Calico Cove continue with the Locke brothers. This story is just as enjoyable as all the other of her books. The characters are human, relatable, and interesting as are the plots of her stories. I am looking forward to continuing on to the next story in this series. Highly recommend this book.
I really love this author's books. I'm glad to see the connection to Calico Cove continue with the Locke brothers. This story is just as enjoyable as all the other of her books. The characters are human, relatable, and interesting as are the plots of her stories. I am looking forward to continuing on to the next story in this series. Highly recommend this book.
August 2, 2024
Wyatt, the hero, is a pro hockey player and Sydney, the heroine, is a pop singer. They meet at a charity golf tournament and make a real connection. They end up getting drunk and getting married. This is where the real fun begins. Taking this fake relationship to something more. Wyatt is rough around the edges, gruff and protective. Sydney lets her world and her image dictate her life. Up until this point, she just lets the people of her business run her life. Being in each-other’s lives makes both of them better people. This story does have a loose connection to the Calico Cove series which is icing on the cake.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. It gave me Taylor and Travis vibes in the absolute best way! I finished this book in 3 days and that’s unheard of for me. I read/listen to 15-20 books a month and this book is in my top 5 favorite reads this year. It’s an amazing start to a new series. The writing was fantastic. The character growth was perfect. Mostly, Hailey Shore nailed the conflict and emotion in this story. It had ALL the feels!! The emotion wasn’t surface level like many romances I read. It was deep and convincing and I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling it all. The connection between the hero and heroine was real and organic. I cannot wait for the next one!
I absolutely loved everything about this book. It gave me Taylor and Travis vibes in the absolute best way! I finished this book in 3 days and that’s unheard of for me. I read/listen to 15-20 books a month and this book is in my top 5 favorite reads this year. It’s an amazing start to a new series. The writing was fantastic. The character growth was perfect. Mostly, Hailey Shore nailed the conflict and emotion in this story. It had ALL the feels!! The emotion wasn’t surface level like many romances I read. It was deep and convincing and I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling it all. The connection between the hero and heroine was real and organic. I cannot wait for the next one!
August 10, 2024
Pop princess and the hockey player
An absolutely adorable fake marriage, opposites attract, rock star/hockey player, beauty and the beast book. So many tropes to love on top of grumpy/sunshine! Loved Sydney and Wyatt’s sizzling chemistry and all the steamy scorching hot shenanigans and that they each grew in their love for each other. So swoon worthy.
An absolutely adorable fake marriage, opposites attract, rock star/hockey player, beauty and the beast book. So many tropes to love on top of grumpy/sunshine! Loved Sydney and Wyatt’s sizzling chemistry and all the steamy scorching hot shenanigans and that they each grew in their love for each other. So swoon worthy.
January 18, 2025
Making The Save…loved it!
Wyatt and Sydney…I loved these two characters and the book. Yes…some of the book was typical of the Vegas weeding troupe but the way Ms. Shore wrote Wyatt and Sydney’s personalities made it fresh. Totally entertaining. I absolutely will read whatever comes next from this author.
Wyatt and Sydney…I loved these two characters and the book. Yes…some of the book was typical of the Vegas weeding troupe but the way Ms. Shore wrote Wyatt and Sydney’s personalities made it fresh. Totally entertaining. I absolutely will read whatever comes next from this author.
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