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The Closed Off Captain
Chloe has carved out her niche as the dedicated PR agent for the Green Thunder, a top AHL hockey team. She’s come a long way since she first asked the team’s captain, Gunner, out on a date—and got shot down. Now, she’s all business, focused on maintaining the team’s stellar reputation.But when a delusional fan accuses Gunner of being the father of her unborn child, his world is thrown into chaos. With his career hanging in the balance, he turns to Chloe for an unconventional a fake relationship. Initially resistant, Chloe ultimately agrees, but only under her strict set of rules.
As they play the part of a couple, the line between pretense and reality starts to blur, igniting feelings Chloe thought she’d buried. But when Chloe is targeted, Gunner refuses to stick to her rules, and everything spirals out of control. Caught between past rejection and new possibilities, Chloe must confront her fears and decide if she can truly trust Gunner with her heart.
This is a full-length romance with fade-to-black scenes—all the tension, sizzle, and romance without the spice.
As they play the part of a couple, the line between pretense and reality starts to blur, igniting feelings Chloe thought she’d buried. But when Chloe is targeted, Gunner refuses to stick to her rules, and everything spirals out of control. Caught between past rejection and new possibilities, Chloe must confront her fears and decide if she can truly trust Gunner with her heart.
This is a full-length romance with fade-to-black scenes—all the tension, sizzle, and romance without the spice.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
51 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 17, 2025
🏒 The Closed-Off Captain Review
📚 Plot Snapshot
When a scandal puts hockey star Gunner’s career on thin ice, PR expert Chloe agrees to a fake relationship to rehab his image—on her terms. But as chemistry builds and real danger emerges, the line between pretend and real starts to blur, challenging their carefully guarded hearts.
🖋️ Writing Style Vibe
Snappy, modern, and totally on-brand for a sports romance—easy to follow and fun to sink into.
❤️ My Highlights
✨ This is hands-down my favorite in the series (yes, I’ve read them all!).
✨ Gunner’s a quiet, serious grump—but the good kind. He knows what he wants and respects boundaries.
✨ Chloe is a strong FMC—career-driven, loyal to her grandparents, and misunderstood by most of the WAGs until now.
✨ Loved how Gunner cared for her in a way that wasn’t overbearing but intentional.
✨ Their relationship evolved gradually and sweetly—no unnecessary drama.
✨ Jenna’s scandal didn’t drag the plot down (thankfully), and the suspense twist at the end was handled well.
✨ I also appreciated the final resolution with Chloe and the other women—it gave the story a warm, full-circle close.
🤔 What Fell Flat
Nothing significant—but a bit more development for some of the side characters could’ve added more emotional depth. Still, the story wrapped up satisfyingly.
⭐ Final Rating + Shelf Status
Solid 4 stars — a keep and a satisfying way to wrap up the series.
Read Well. Live Well. Love Deeply 💖📚
📚 Plot Snapshot
When a scandal puts hockey star Gunner’s career on thin ice, PR expert Chloe agrees to a fake relationship to rehab his image—on her terms. But as chemistry builds and real danger emerges, the line between pretend and real starts to blur, challenging their carefully guarded hearts.
🖋️ Writing Style Vibe
Snappy, modern, and totally on-brand for a sports romance—easy to follow and fun to sink into.
❤️ My Highlights
✨ This is hands-down my favorite in the series (yes, I’ve read them all!).
✨ Gunner’s a quiet, serious grump—but the good kind. He knows what he wants and respects boundaries.
✨ Chloe is a strong FMC—career-driven, loyal to her grandparents, and misunderstood by most of the WAGs until now.
✨ Loved how Gunner cared for her in a way that wasn’t overbearing but intentional.
✨ Their relationship evolved gradually and sweetly—no unnecessary drama.
✨ Jenna’s scandal didn’t drag the plot down (thankfully), and the suspense twist at the end was handled well.
✨ I also appreciated the final resolution with Chloe and the other women—it gave the story a warm, full-circle close.
🤔 What Fell Flat
Nothing significant—but a bit more development for some of the side characters could’ve added more emotional depth. Still, the story wrapped up satisfyingly.
⭐ Final Rating + Shelf Status
Solid 4 stars — a keep and a satisfying way to wrap up the series.
Read Well. Live Well. Love Deeply 💖📚
June 3, 2025
I have been not so patiently waiting for Gunner's book ever since Two Tickets. He might be my favorite player on the team. The Closed Off Captain is the third book in The Green Thunder Series. It can be read alone but is best enjoyed as a series.
This book follows Chloe, the team's PR agent, and Gunner, the hockey team's captain. When Gunner has a crazy fan accuse him of fathering her baby Chloe has to step in and clean up the mess. This might involve Gunner and Chloe having to pretend to be in a relationship to prove to the world that there is no way he could be the father of the fan's child.
Chloe has been a point of interest for me since Two Tickets as well. She is a constant presence in all of the Green Thunder books and not one that is very likable. Chloe has a tough personality and is 100% committed to doing her job right. I loved getting to know her character better. By the end of the book, I loved her. We also learn that Chloe asked Gunner out when she first got the job and he turned her down. Gunner on the other hand I instantly loved. He is a man with a grumpy exterior but underneath it all there is some sweetness there. He is also fiercely loyal to those he loves.
Content: fade to black
This book follows Chloe, the team's PR agent, and Gunner, the hockey team's captain. When Gunner has a crazy fan accuse him of fathering her baby Chloe has to step in and clean up the mess. This might involve Gunner and Chloe having to pretend to be in a relationship to prove to the world that there is no way he could be the father of the fan's child.
Chloe has been a point of interest for me since Two Tickets as well. She is a constant presence in all of the Green Thunder books and not one that is very likable. Chloe has a tough personality and is 100% committed to doing her job right. I loved getting to know her character better. By the end of the book, I loved her. We also learn that Chloe asked Gunner out when she first got the job and he turned her down. Gunner on the other hand I instantly loved. He is a man with a grumpy exterior but underneath it all there is some sweetness there. He is also fiercely loyal to those he loves.
Content: fade to black
June 4, 2025
I was so excited to see Gunner get his own story in this closed-door hockey romance and it did not disappoint! Chloe has always come across as distant and a little sharp, but in this story, we get to see what’s underneath and I loved the layers that came through. Gunner’s patience, kindness, and the quiet way he shows up for her made me love him even more. He gives without demanding anything in return and always in the way she needs most.
After orchestrating fake relationships for other players to smooth out PR messes, Chloe never thought she’d end up in one herself—especially not with the one guy she’s always avoided. But now she and Gunner are not just fake dating… they’re fake engaged. And for Gunner, there’s nothing fake about it. He’s had feelings for her for a long time and takes every chance to prove it with protection, care, and yes, food. (Seriously, the man feeds her. Swoon.)
This story is such a sweet reminder that we don’t have to be like everyone else to be worthy of love. The right person will see you, accept you, and stand by you. A heartfelt addition to a series I’ve really enjoyed!
I read this as an advanced copy.
After orchestrating fake relationships for other players to smooth out PR messes, Chloe never thought she’d end up in one herself—especially not with the one guy she’s always avoided. But now she and Gunner are not just fake dating… they’re fake engaged. And for Gunner, there’s nothing fake about it. He’s had feelings for her for a long time and takes every chance to prove it with protection, care, and yes, food. (Seriously, the man feeds her. Swoon.)
This story is such a sweet reminder that we don’t have to be like everyone else to be worthy of love. The right person will see you, accept you, and stand by you. A heartfelt addition to a series I’ve really enjoyed!
I read this as an advanced copy.
July 2, 2025
Precious!
I loved Chloe and Gunner. Both are the silent- actions speak louder than words type. This made them perfect for each other- but also made it difficult for both of them to understand the thoughts of the other. It was a really sweet read! Chloe is a girl who is used to being perfect and working hard to get what she wants. She hasn’t been able to rely on anyone in her life, which contributes to her best (and worst) qualities. Gunner is such a caring and protective hero. He cares for others and does a lot for them- whether they fully realize it or not. The pair was so sweet. I’m used to reading characters that talk a lot; but I absolutely loved the silence of these two. It gave me a different read than normal, but an absolutely adored one! Great story! I look forward to more from this author! 🥰
I loved Chloe and Gunner. Both are the silent- actions speak louder than words type. This made them perfect for each other- but also made it difficult for both of them to understand the thoughts of the other. It was a really sweet read! Chloe is a girl who is used to being perfect and working hard to get what she wants. She hasn’t been able to rely on anyone in her life, which contributes to her best (and worst) qualities. Gunner is such a caring and protective hero. He cares for others and does a lot for them- whether they fully realize it or not. The pair was so sweet. I’m used to reading characters that talk a lot; but I absolutely loved the silence of these two. It gave me a different read than normal, but an absolutely adored one! Great story! I look forward to more from this author! 🥰
May 23, 2025
“The right guy has seen who you are, and isn’t threatened by your strength.”
I was interested to read about Chloe being the FMC because in the other books she seemed tough, but in this book I am so glad we got to see her open up and see different sides to her character. I really enjoyed her and Gunners story. I would have liked a few more chapters from Gunner's POV, but overall I really enjoyed this hockey romance.
Other things I liked
-fake engagement
-who hurt you?
-protective MMC
-feisty and strong FMC
-he takes care of her
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion and review.
I was interested to read about Chloe being the FMC because in the other books she seemed tough, but in this book I am so glad we got to see her open up and see different sides to her character. I really enjoyed her and Gunners story. I would have liked a few more chapters from Gunner's POV, but overall I really enjoyed this hockey romance.
Other things I liked
-fake engagement
-who hurt you?
-protective MMC
-feisty and strong FMC
-he takes care of her
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion and review.
July 14, 2025
This is the last book in The Green Thunder series. We finally get to see another side to Chloe and learn more about Gunner's upbringing.
His other teammates and their wives also appear, and you get updates on how their lives are going.
I enjoyed the story. I did feel it could use some editing. I also didn't appreciate that the author basically summed up the resolution of some major plot points in a monologue at the end. Chloe's diet was a huge issue throughout the entire book, and its resolution was just an afterthought at the end—the same with the stalker. I understand the romance was the focal point, but I feel there was an opportunity that was lost.
His other teammates and their wives also appear, and you get updates on how their lives are going.
I enjoyed the story. I did feel it could use some editing. I also didn't appreciate that the author basically summed up the resolution of some major plot points in a monologue at the end. Chloe's diet was a huge issue throughout the entire book, and its resolution was just an afterthought at the end—the same with the stalker. I understand the romance was the focal point, but I feel there was an opportunity that was lost.
May 31, 2025
Loved it
This is one of the first books with a fl i can relate to. And not because Chloe is a successful career woman, but because she's allergic to everythingand unfortunately I am as well. The struggle is very real and gluten free dairy free food is a true pain to deal with and your taste buds really do change when normal food makes you that sick. Which made Gunners care for Chloe really resonate. It was so sweet to see and the romance was really well done. I want more Green Thunder!
This is one of the first books with a fl i can relate to. And not because Chloe is a successful career woman, but because she's allergic to everythingand unfortunately I am as well. The struggle is very real and gluten free dairy free food is a true pain to deal with and your taste buds really do change when normal food makes you that sick. Which made Gunners care for Chloe really resonate. It was so sweet to see and the romance was really well done. I want more Green Thunder!
June 1, 2025
Absolutely loved this final book in A.J. Manney’s hockey series!
Gunner looked after Chloe and was so protective, Chloe had no problem standing up for her man, Chloe’s Grandma May was awesome and hilarious, Gunner’s mom was so sweet and like most hockey romances, the friend group within the team was fun!
If you’re one who likes tropes, you’ll see: workplace romance, fake engagement, only one bed, “who did this to you?”, he takes care of her. With it being 370 pages, there was depth and enough going on that I didn’t want to stop reading!
Closed door, no swearing
Gunner looked after Chloe and was so protective, Chloe had no problem standing up for her man, Chloe’s Grandma May was awesome and hilarious, Gunner’s mom was so sweet and like most hockey romances, the friend group within the team was fun!
If you’re one who likes tropes, you’ll see: workplace romance, fake engagement, only one bed, “who did this to you?”, he takes care of her. With it being 370 pages, there was depth and enough going on that I didn’t want to stop reading!
Closed door, no swearing
May 28, 2025
Another great book by A.J. Manney!
I loved how closed off Gunner was and how Chloe completely turned his life around. She is clearly a PR wizard and Hines how to pin a situation. Of course it didn’t hurt that Gunner was secretly crushing on Chloe, it’s just too bad the incident when they first met had such an impact on her.
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down (lol yes I was that invested in what’s going on with Gunner & Chloe).
I loved how closed off Gunner was and how Chloe completely turned his life around. She is clearly a PR wizard and Hines how to pin a situation. Of course it didn’t hurt that Gunner was secretly crushing on Chloe, it’s just too bad the incident when they first met had such an impact on her.
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down (lol yes I was that invested in what’s going on with Gunner & Chloe).
June 9, 2025
Love Hockey
A.J.Manney writes excellent stories, and her hockey stories actually contain hockey action. Win! Win! I absolutely love driven Chloe and her interactions with Gunner. His dialog is minimal, but his emotions and protective nature more than make up for it. The rest of the Green Thunder team is perfect in bantering and their own relationships. Great finish to a great series!
A.J.Manney writes excellent stories, and her hockey stories actually contain hockey action. Win! Win! I absolutely love driven Chloe and her interactions with Gunner. His dialog is minimal, but his emotions and protective nature more than make up for it. The rest of the Green Thunder team is perfect in bantering and their own relationships. Great finish to a great series!
June 11, 2025
This series gets better with every book!
This book is amazing. How the men in this series take care of their ladies is perfect. I especially loved this book with the strong silent guy who loves deeply while letting his love be a strong confident person. I appreciate that these are closed door romances that show the love without making the reader feel uncomfortable or dirty. A. J. Manney is my number one author.
This book is amazing. How the men in this series take care of their ladies is perfect. I especially loved this book with the strong silent guy who loves deeply while letting his love be a strong confident person. I appreciate that these are closed door romances that show the love without making the reader feel uncomfortable or dirty. A. J. Manney is my number one author.
May 30, 2025
Did not disappoint!
Did not disappoint! I've been anxiously waiting for our dear captain to get his own story and it's finally here! This is a clean story with lots of toe curling kisses. I love Gunner's pursuit of Chloe and the care he takes. Definitely worth reading. It can be read alone but better if read in order.
Did not disappoint! I've been anxiously waiting for our dear captain to get his own story and it's finally here! This is a clean story with lots of toe curling kisses. I love Gunner's pursuit of Chloe and the care he takes. Definitely worth reading. It can be read alone but better if read in order.
July 4, 2025
Checks all the Boxes!
If you like hockey romance with:
Found Family
Banter
Tension
Swoony kisses
Protective, Cinnamon Roll MMC
Intelligent, Strong FMC
Flawed but working on it
Just one Bed
Descriptive Kisses (some French Kissing) but 🚫🤬🚫🌶️
This is a must read. AJ Manney is always a good read!
If you like hockey romance with:
Found Family
Banter
Tension
Swoony kisses
Protective, Cinnamon Roll MMC
Intelligent, Strong FMC
Flawed but working on it
Just one Bed
Descriptive Kisses (some French Kissing) but 🚫🤬🚫🌶️
This is a must read. AJ Manney is always a good read!
November 11, 2025
A great conclusion to this series!
Im not a sports person, but this series has been so good and this was such a good close to the series. Finally, Gunner gets his story. I love the dynamic and even though the fake dating scenario has been in Sebastian and Aiden’s stories, the chemistry between Gunner and Chloe is unique and a delight to read.
Im not a sports person, but this series has been so good and this was such a good close to the series. Finally, Gunner gets his story. I love the dynamic and even though the fake dating scenario has been in Sebastian and Aiden’s stories, the chemistry between Gunner and Chloe is unique and a delight to read.
May 30, 2025
I enjoyed this novel so much! I had not read any of the books of this series yet. The story was incredible! I adore Gunner and Chloe! I am going to read all of the rest of the books in the series now. The story building was well done and I really was able to connect with all of the characters.
June 1, 2025
I enjoyed this until the the fake engagement was broken off, because then it’s not needed… but from there on, it was a bit of a slog. It wasn’t bad enough for me to quit, because I’d gotten far enough in and enjoyed the other ones. But dang, there were some parts that could have been cleaned up.
June 7, 2025
After "Two Tickets" I wasn't sure if I'd like a book with Chloe as the main character, but boy was I wrong. I loved how this relationship played out while having both MCs stay true to who they've been since the first book.
June 8, 2025
Oh, I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed watching Chloe and Gunner figure things out and get their HEA. It was also really neat to catch up a bit with the other players. Amazing story and I love it's clean adult read.
September 5, 2025
Great series! So well done and so classy!
Really great book and series. The Green Thunder Series is top notch. All FIVE STARS ON KINDLE!!!!
LOVED this group of guys and gals. Safe for late teens and adults. Refreshingly classy.
Really great book and series. The Green Thunder Series is top notch. All FIVE STARS ON KINDLE!!!!
LOVED this group of guys and gals. Safe for late teens and adults. Refreshingly classy.
June 8, 2025
3.75⭐️
honestly so sad this world is over going to miss the Green Thunder players 🥺🫶🏽
honestly so sad this world is over going to miss the Green Thunder players 🥺🫶🏽
July 15, 2025
I enjoyed this one!
August 25, 2025
GOATED GOATED GOATEDDDDDDDD
THE YEARNINGGGG OMG I NEED LOVED LOVED LOVED
THE YEARNINGGGG OMG I NEED LOVED LOVED LOVED
July 6, 2025
Absolutely love this series!! Gunner and Chloe’s story was so good. I loved their back story and how when you go back and pay attention, you can tell he has feelings for her early on in the series. He was so protective of her and always noticed what a good job she was doing. This book felt like a culmination of all those feelings finally being dealt with. So. Good!!!!
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