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The Ottawa Otters #2
Check The Halls
She thought her future was set...until her past skated back into her life.
On paper, Madelyn Clairmont has it all: a dependable fiancé, a dream job in a new city, and a bright future planned. But when she comes face to face with the man who stole her heart a decade ago, she’s left wondering if the “perfect” life she’s planned is the one she’s meant to live.
Ben Michaels is known for being a player, both on and off the ice. But lately, the all-star NHL defenseman has been working hard to clean up his act. A chance encounter with Madelyn—the one who got away—only confirms what he’s always known: he never stopped loving her. Unfortunately for him, she’s engaged to someone else.
When Madelyn needs a host for her Christmas charity gala, Ben doesn't hesitate to step in—as a friend. But their time together stirs up old feelings and unanswered questions. She’s afraid of repeating past mistakes. He’s determined to prove he’s not the same man who let her go.
Love doesn’t always go according to plan and this holiday season, their second chance might be a real game changer.
On paper, Madelyn Clairmont has it all: a dependable fiancé, a dream job in a new city, and a bright future planned. But when she comes face to face with the man who stole her heart a decade ago, she’s left wondering if the “perfect” life she’s planned is the one she’s meant to live.
Ben Michaels is known for being a player, both on and off the ice. But lately, the all-star NHL defenseman has been working hard to clean up his act. A chance encounter with Madelyn—the one who got away—only confirms what he’s always known: he never stopped loving her. Unfortunately for him, she’s engaged to someone else.
When Madelyn needs a host for her Christmas charity gala, Ben doesn't hesitate to step in—as a friend. But their time together stirs up old feelings and unanswered questions. She’s afraid of repeating past mistakes. He’s determined to prove he’s not the same man who let her go.
Love doesn’t always go according to plan and this holiday season, their second chance might be a real game changer.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
552 people are currently reading
3701 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Gillis
9 books342 followersK.M. Gillis writes contemporary romance novels with laughs, spice, and happily ever afters.
She lives with her husband and daughter in Prince Edward Island.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmgillisaut...
She lives with her husband and daughter in Prince Edward Island.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmgillisaut...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
January 13, 2026
4.25⭐️
“There is not a place, time, dimension this woman could wander that I would not follow her to.”
₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
🏒 second chance romance
🐈⬛ high school sweet hearts
🏒 dual time lines
🐈⬛ Christmas themed
🏒 he takes care of her when she is sick
₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
This was such a cute fluffy romance. I loved their dynamic and their chemistry. The MMC was sooo sweet and loving. I loved how he supported the FMC in every aspect. The FMC was so relatable and sweet. I loved the side characters and their chemistry banter between them especially Sam he was sooo cute and I loved how the MMC was like a big brother to him.
“There is not a place, time, dimension this woman could wander that I would not follow her to.”
₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
🏒 second chance romance
🐈⬛ high school sweet hearts
🏒 dual time lines
🐈⬛ Christmas themed
🏒 he takes care of her when she is sick
₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
This was such a cute fluffy romance. I loved their dynamic and their chemistry. The MMC was sooo sweet and loving. I loved how he supported the FMC in every aspect. The FMC was so relatable and sweet. I loved the side characters and their chemistry banter between them especially Sam he was sooo cute and I loved how the MMC was like a big brother to him.
October 14, 2025
I LOVE a second chance romance, the history, the flashbacks - this did NOT disappoint! 😍
Thank you KM Gillis for the ARC & High Gravity Productions for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
⌛️ second chance with flashbacks
🏒 pro hockey player mmc
💙 reformed playboy
💼 director of operations & events fmc
✨ it’s always been you
🐱 a tabby cat named Cheshire
🎩 he calls her Madness
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting (Ottawa)
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.75 | 🌶️: 2.5 |
Ben & Maddy were high school sweethearts who didn’t make it, & are reconnecting 10 years later - and she’s engaged to someone else 🙃
(there is NO cheating in this, super important to me!)
Ben never hides that he’s still in love with Maddy, but also respects her & her relationship. They rebuild a friendship first, before becoming anything more (AFTER calling off her engagement).
What I loved most about this one was how honest Ben was from the start, and how he fully supported Maddy in giving her the time & space she needed 🥹 I also adored how he truly knew her better than anyone else did, even after so many years apart.
I adored all the side characters as well, getting to see Beth & Foster (from O Goalie Night - Ben’s sister + best friend), his teammates (excited for their stories!), and Sam + Elliot (a boy Ben’s mentoring, and his mother).
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis are such a great duo, and were perfect as Maddy + Ben!
Book 1 review: O Goalie Night
📖 Check the Halls by KM Gillis
📚 book 2 • Ottawa Otters series
🎙 narrated by: Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
Thank you KM Gillis for the ARC & High Gravity Productions for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
⌛️ second chance with flashbacks
🏒 pro hockey player mmc
💙 reformed playboy
💼 director of operations & events fmc
✨ it’s always been you
🐱 a tabby cat named Cheshire
🎩 he calls her Madness
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting (Ottawa)
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.75 | 🌶️: 2.5 |
Ben & Maddy were high school sweethearts who didn’t make it, & are reconnecting 10 years later - and she’s engaged to someone else 🙃
(there is NO cheating in this, super important to me!)
Ben never hides that he’s still in love with Maddy, but also respects her & her relationship. They rebuild a friendship first, before becoming anything more (AFTER calling off her engagement).
What I loved most about this one was how honest Ben was from the start, and how he fully supported Maddy in giving her the time & space she needed 🥹 I also adored how he truly knew her better than anyone else did, even after so many years apart.
I adored all the side characters as well, getting to see Beth & Foster (from O Goalie Night - Ben’s sister + best friend), his teammates (excited for their stories!), and Sam + Elliot (a boy Ben’s mentoring, and his mother).
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis are such a great duo, and were perfect as Maddy + Ben!
Book 1 review: O Goalie Night
📖 Check the Halls by KM Gillis
📚 book 2 • Ottawa Otters series
🎙 narrated by: Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
October 16, 2025
5 2.5
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE HOLIDAYS TO READ THIS!
There is something magical about KM Gillis. This entire story captured my undivided attention (which is not an easy task). Ben and Maddy "Madness" are high-school sweethearts. When Ben was drafted to the NHL - their relationship fell into the void. 10 years later, Maddy relocates with her fiancé to Ottawa. (SIDE NOTE - THERE IS NOOOO CHEATING). Running into Ben was not at all what she needed as she's already struggling with doubts about her engagement. A little bit of forced proximity and BOOM the sparks come to life!
Things I Loved
-Ben is a reformed playboy that isn't afraid to go after what he's always wanted.
-Maddy - I adored her! Working through her doubts and insecurities, refusing to settle, and letting herself love and be loved!!
-THE FLASHBACKS! Melt my heart.
"broom stick is stuck up her a.."
(^there is a slight inside joke regarding this quote, because I require villains worthy of my rage)
BETA Commentary: Completely binge worthy. Swoony. Great characters. Fantastic subplot. You had me feral against the bad guys, broken hearted with losing a parent, devastated when they were apart, hopeful when they reconnected. I melted in the spice and kicked my feet at every beautiful tender moment. Standing ovation. This one is a hit!
Original Mini Review: BETA READ - Full RTC. Y’all are gonna LOVE this. I couldn’t put it down.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE HOLIDAYS TO READ THIS!
There is something magical about KM Gillis. This entire story captured my undivided attention (which is not an easy task). Ben and Maddy "Madness" are high-school sweethearts. When Ben was drafted to the NHL - their relationship fell into the void. 10 years later, Maddy relocates with her fiancé to Ottawa. (SIDE NOTE - THERE IS NOOOO CHEATING). Running into Ben was not at all what she needed as she's already struggling with doubts about her engagement. A little bit of forced proximity and BOOM the sparks come to life!
Things I Loved
-Ben is a reformed playboy that isn't afraid to go after what he's always wanted.
-Maddy - I adored her! Working through her doubts and insecurities, refusing to settle, and letting herself love and be loved!!
-THE FLASHBACKS! Melt my heart.
"broom stick is stuck up her a.."
(^there is a slight inside joke regarding this quote, because I require villains worthy of my rage)
BETA Commentary: Completely binge worthy. Swoony. Great characters. Fantastic subplot. You had me feral against the bad guys, broken hearted with losing a parent, devastated when they were apart, hopeful when they reconnected. I melted in the spice and kicked my feet at every beautiful tender moment. Standing ovation. This one is a hit!
Original Mini Review: BETA READ - Full RTC. Y’all are gonna LOVE this. I couldn’t put it down.
December 29, 2025
3.5 🌟
Ben está tratando de poner su vida en orden, después de unos meses en los que está tratando de ser una mejor persona siente que por fin su vida está mejor hasta que un reencuentro inesperado con su ex, la chica que nunca olvido le dará una vuelta a todo su mundo.
En el primer libro Ben era un idiota, no me caía bien perooo aún así tenía curiosidad sobre su historia, el reencuentro con la ex se me hizo intenso así que sabía que había mucha historia interesante ahí y estaba emocionada por ver qué pasaba, fue muy entretenido todo, ver el cambio de Ben me gustó mucho se nota en serio la evolución, la parejita que se formó fue muy linda, vemos como ambos siguen sintiendo algo después de tantos años y ahora nada les impedirá estar separados.
El único perooo es que como a la mitad del libro le dice Te amo y eso se me hizo mega rápido 🤣 espera tantito hombre y la otra cosa que ya es más personal es que tiene varios capítulos en pasado presente y a veces esas historias me cuestan más.
Pd: estoy emocionada por los próximos que anunciaron.
Ben está tratando de poner su vida en orden, después de unos meses en los que está tratando de ser una mejor persona siente que por fin su vida está mejor hasta que un reencuentro inesperado con su ex, la chica que nunca olvido le dará una vuelta a todo su mundo.
En el primer libro Ben era un idiota, no me caía bien perooo aún así tenía curiosidad sobre su historia, el reencuentro con la ex se me hizo intenso así que sabía que había mucha historia interesante ahí y estaba emocionada por ver qué pasaba, fue muy entretenido todo, ver el cambio de Ben me gustó mucho se nota en serio la evolución, la parejita que se formó fue muy linda, vemos como ambos siguen sintiendo algo después de tantos años y ahora nada les impedirá estar separados.
El único perooo es que como a la mitad del libro le dice Te amo y eso se me hizo mega rápido 🤣 espera tantito hombre y la otra cosa que ya es más personal es que tiene varios capítulos en pasado presente y a veces esas historias me cuestan más.
Pd: estoy emocionada por los próximos que anunciaron.
December 15, 2025
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Contemporary Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating -4.5 rounded to 5 stars
★Review★
After being unsure of Ben in book 1 as he was a bit of an idiot, oh I loved him in this book.
I was a bit unsure about the FMC being engaged to someone else in the beginning, but you never really see much of their relationship, such as it was, and it certainly never verged into love triangle territory.
Ben was all in for Maddie and made it clear he still loved her - I loved how excited he was once he realised he had a chance again - but was never pushy, just made it clear where he stood. A great sweet fun read. Loved the dual POV.
August 26, 2025
I received an advance copy of this book from K.M. Gillis in exchange for an honest review.
Check The Halls is book 2 in the Ottawa Otters series and can be read as a standalone! Ben and Madelyn find their way back to each other in this second chance hockey romance! When Madelyn moves to Ottawa with her fiancé, she lands her dream job as a Director of Operations and Events. Her first major assignment is planning this year’s Christmas gala and finding the perfect host to prove herself capable of handing this job. Finding the perfect host is harder than it seems, but after an accidental run in with her ex-boyfriend Ben, who happens to be the star player on the Ottawa Otters, she realizes he’s the perfect person to fill the role. Ben agrees to help and the two begin to work together as friends. But, as time progresses, old feelings start to resurface and the two realize that they may not have fully recovered from their past.
Tropes:
✵ Second-chance romance
✵ The one that got away
✵ Hockey Romance
✵ Dual POV
This book was so good!! The entire story had me giggling and kicking my feet! It had such a fun vibe, but there were also some sweet and emotional moments that made it even better. Madelyn has my dream job and I loved stepping into her world and seeing her conquer all the obstacles thrown at her! Ben was so cute and I just loved watching him fawn over Madelyn. The dual POV added so much to the story! I loved getting to see both sides of their relationship and how it grew, both in the past and present. The parallels between the younger and older versions were so cute! I love the little teaser for the next book (no spoilers here) and I will be counting down! If you’re in a festival mood and love a second-chance romance, and hockey players with soft hearts, this one’s worth picking up.
Check The Halls is book 2 in the Ottawa Otters series and can be read as a standalone! Ben and Madelyn find their way back to each other in this second chance hockey romance! When Madelyn moves to Ottawa with her fiancé, she lands her dream job as a Director of Operations and Events. Her first major assignment is planning this year’s Christmas gala and finding the perfect host to prove herself capable of handing this job. Finding the perfect host is harder than it seems, but after an accidental run in with her ex-boyfriend Ben, who happens to be the star player on the Ottawa Otters, she realizes he’s the perfect person to fill the role. Ben agrees to help and the two begin to work together as friends. But, as time progresses, old feelings start to resurface and the two realize that they may not have fully recovered from their past.
Tropes:
✵ Second-chance romance
✵ The one that got away
✵ Hockey Romance
✵ Dual POV
This book was so good!! The entire story had me giggling and kicking my feet! It had such a fun vibe, but there were also some sweet and emotional moments that made it even better. Madelyn has my dream job and I loved stepping into her world and seeing her conquer all the obstacles thrown at her! Ben was so cute and I just loved watching him fawn over Madelyn. The dual POV added so much to the story! I loved getting to see both sides of their relationship and how it grew, both in the past and present. The parallels between the younger and older versions were so cute! I love the little teaser for the next book (no spoilers here) and I will be counting down! If you’re in a festival mood and love a second-chance romance, and hockey players with soft hearts, this one’s worth picking up.
December 27, 2025
"Eres mi mejor amiga, mi País de las Maravillas y la chica de mis sueños. Sé que te llamo Madness, pero a veces siento que mi amor por ti es lo único en este mundo que tiene sentido."
Al principio tenía mis dudas sobre leer este libro porque la protagonista tiene pareja con la cuál esta comprometida y no soy fan de las cosas parecidas a triangulos amorosos pero me sorprendió bastante porque no se sintió así en ningún momento (tampoco hubo infidelidades) y no pasó nada hasta que ella dejo a su pareja y antes de que comenzaran una relación sentimental paso un tiempo importante.
Madelyn y Ben se reencuentran después de pasar años sin verse y resulta que ellos antes eran pareja pero por cosas de la vida se terminaron distanciando y a lo largo del libro hay pequeños vistazos del pasado que nos muestran como comenzó su amor y la razón por la que se separaron . En el presente Madelyn se esta adaptando a su nueva vida conviviendo con su prometido pero ella no se siente segura de la decisión que tomo al aceptar su compromiso y cuando Ben reaparece en su vida y la hace sonreír y sentirse relajada y plena por primera vez en años se da cuenta que tal vez el hombre con el que planeó casarse no es el correcto.
Desde el principio quería y necesitaba que Madelyn abriera los ojos y se separara de Derek no porque quería que estuviera con Ben, si no porque ella no era feliz con el y nunca la defendió del menosprecio que recibía constantemente de su madre, además el quería que ella se adapte en su vida y apoye en su carrera pero no quería hacer lo mismo por ella ¡Eso no era amor! estaba lejos de serlo. Ben era todo lo contrario a el y desde el principio se notaba que la amaba porque disfrutaba de escuchar sobre sus libros y admiraba la mujer en la que se convirtió, el realmente sentía orgullo por ella y definitivamente eran el uno para el otro ♥️
Al principio tenía mis dudas sobre leer este libro porque la protagonista tiene pareja con la cuál esta comprometida y no soy fan de las cosas parecidas a triangulos amorosos pero me sorprendió bastante porque no se sintió así en ningún momento (tampoco hubo infidelidades) y no pasó nada hasta que ella dejo a su pareja y antes de que comenzaran una relación sentimental paso un tiempo importante.
Madelyn y Ben se reencuentran después de pasar años sin verse y resulta que ellos antes eran pareja pero por cosas de la vida se terminaron distanciando y a lo largo del libro hay pequeños vistazos del pasado que nos muestran como comenzó su amor y la razón por la que se separaron . En el presente Madelyn se esta adaptando a su nueva vida conviviendo con su prometido pero ella no se siente segura de la decisión que tomo al aceptar su compromiso y cuando Ben reaparece en su vida y la hace sonreír y sentirse relajada y plena por primera vez en años se da cuenta que tal vez el hombre con el que planeó casarse no es el correcto.
Desde el principio quería y necesitaba que Madelyn abriera los ojos y se separara de Derek no porque quería que estuviera con Ben, si no porque ella no era feliz con el y nunca la defendió del menosprecio que recibía constantemente de su madre, además el quería que ella se adapte en su vida y apoye en su carrera pero no quería hacer lo mismo por ella ¡Eso no era amor! estaba lejos de serlo. Ben era todo lo contrario a el y desde el principio se notaba que la amaba porque disfrutaba de escuchar sobre sus libros y admiraba la mujer en la que se convirtió, el realmente sentía orgullo por ella y definitivamente eran el uno para el otro ♥️
November 24, 2025
4.5/5! Lowkey did not have high expectations for this book because I didn’t love Ben in book 1 but I ATE this up. Loved the “right person wrong time” trope and basically everything about how Ben knew that they should have been together but she was with somebody else. Sometimes those relationships can be icky because of the dynamic of “I need her” but I liked it a lot! Better than the first book imo
December 21, 2025
you know i love me a good second chance romance 😌
December 16, 2025
More 4 1/2 🌟 Such a great series and I just love Ben!
October 30, 2025
This was a classic 3 ⭐️ romance with an all-in MMC.
Maddie (30) and Ben (30) were high school sweethearts who broke up during college after her dad died and he was starting his hockey career in another city. Neither ever forgot the other and they bump into each 10 yrs later in Ottowa.
His is a professional hockey player and she is a PR exec w a fiance. They rekindle their friendship when he agrees to help with a fundraiser and she, in turn, realizes her fiance is a chump.
The tension comes from her realizing she needs to ditch the fiance and then deciding if she wants to risk her heart by trying again with Ben.
☺️No third act break-up
🗣️Communication - I adored how upfront Ben was from the beginning. He admitted that he was still in love with her out of the gate and always would be. He then proceeds to show her his love and devotion throughout the book.
🫣OM - Her fiance - she is with him for the first 40%+ of the story. Thankfully, there is no mention of their sex life. OW - we know that Ben was a significant player but that he left that life behind a while ago. He had a somewhat serious relationship with a model but he ended it way before he reunites w Maddie. It did bother me tbh that he wasn’t celibate a little longer; they mentioned that even tho he wasn’t picking up women in bars, he was still having hookups. And Maddie has to come face to face w his ex girlfriend and a prior partner. 😒
❤️. Devotion- Ben is ALL IN w Maddie. It’s clear that he only has eyes for no one else. He never cheated on her or looked at any women, even when they were kids. He never wanted to break up and will do anything for her.
👀. Flashbacks - The author flashes back to their teen years and we have short passages and see the progression and ultimate ending of their HS relationship.
🚫 No cheating. She doesn’t get w Ben until after she leaves the fiance. Neither have any interest in any other else.
🌲Character Growth - The story starts with Ben admitting that he’s been self centered in the past and thought the world revolved around him. This is important not just for the relationship w his Little Brother, Sam, but also in the context of Maddie’s HS breakup w him.
🌶️Spice - These two have chemistry and get together around 60%. It’s moderate.
👥. Dual POV; engagement 8 months later in epilogue
Little things:
- the nickname Madness. It’s sorta cute, but also overdone.
- cute humor between them, but also I don’t honestly know why he was soooo devoted to her. We don’t see a lot of small moments together
- it was cute when she drunk dialed him after braking up w the fiance. She was so giddy and happy. Lol
- Ben lets her and her giant orange cat use his apt and goes to live w friend to give her space. Claps for this
- they talked about her jealousy of other girls and how she never fit in with his HS teammates and that is never really addressed
- he is a big brother to a very cool little boy, Sam, and it was a nice inclusion and helped us see him as a full person
- how scared he was when she had appendicitis and how scared she was to be in the hospital ; how he supported her and calmed her down.
- at the end, when he missed the dress rehearsal for the gala bc he was trying to find Sam and she wasn’t jealous or mad, just genuinely worried for his safety
- all the Alice in Wonderland references and how he kept buying the books even when they weren’t together
- I just find myself scratching my head, bc what did she did she really do for him to show him support??
Maddie (30) and Ben (30) were high school sweethearts who broke up during college after her dad died and he was starting his hockey career in another city. Neither ever forgot the other and they bump into each 10 yrs later in Ottowa.
His is a professional hockey player and she is a PR exec w a fiance. They rekindle their friendship when he agrees to help with a fundraiser and she, in turn, realizes her fiance is a chump.
The tension comes from her realizing she needs to ditch the fiance and then deciding if she wants to risk her heart by trying again with Ben.
☺️No third act break-up
🗣️Communication - I adored how upfront Ben was from the beginning. He admitted that he was still in love with her out of the gate and always would be. He then proceeds to show her his love and devotion throughout the book.
🫣OM - Her fiance - she is with him for the first 40%+ of the story. Thankfully, there is no mention of their sex life. OW - we know that Ben was a significant player but that he left that life behind a while ago. He had a somewhat serious relationship with a model but he ended it way before he reunites w Maddie. It did bother me tbh that he wasn’t celibate a little longer; they mentioned that even tho he wasn’t picking up women in bars, he was still having hookups. And Maddie has to come face to face w his ex girlfriend and a prior partner. 😒
❤️. Devotion- Ben is ALL IN w Maddie. It’s clear that he only has eyes for no one else. He never cheated on her or looked at any women, even when they were kids. He never wanted to break up and will do anything for her.
👀. Flashbacks - The author flashes back to their teen years and we have short passages and see the progression and ultimate ending of their HS relationship.
🚫 No cheating. She doesn’t get w Ben until after she leaves the fiance. Neither have any interest in any other else.
🌲Character Growth - The story starts with Ben admitting that he’s been self centered in the past and thought the world revolved around him. This is important not just for the relationship w his Little Brother, Sam, but also in the context of Maddie’s HS breakup w him.
🌶️Spice - These two have chemistry and get together around 60%. It’s moderate.
👥. Dual POV; engagement 8 months later in epilogue
Little things:
- the nickname Madness. It’s sorta cute, but also overdone.
- cute humor between them, but also I don’t honestly know why he was soooo devoted to her. We don’t see a lot of small moments together
- it was cute when she drunk dialed him after braking up w the fiance. She was so giddy and happy. Lol
- Ben lets her and her giant orange cat use his apt and goes to live w friend to give her space. Claps for this
- they talked about her jealousy of other girls and how she never fit in with his HS teammates and that is never really addressed
- he is a big brother to a very cool little boy, Sam, and it was a nice inclusion and helped us see him as a full person
- how scared he was when she had appendicitis and how scared she was to be in the hospital ; how he supported her and calmed her down.
- at the end, when he missed the dress rehearsal for the gala bc he was trying to find Sam and she wasn’t jealous or mad, just genuinely worried for his safety
- all the Alice in Wonderland references and how he kept buying the books even when they weren’t together
- I just find myself scratching my head, bc what did she did she really do for him to show him support??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
“No time spent with you could ever be wasted. Especially after knowing what time without you is like.”
✔️holiday romance
✔️hockey romance
✔️second chance
✔️reformed playboy
✔️it’s always been you
✔️she’s engaged to someone else (no cheating)
✔️no 3rd act breakup
I absolutely love the first book in this series (O Goalie Night) and I wasn’t sure if I would love this one as much because Ben (MMC) is the self absorbed brother of the FMC of that book, but honestly? This book delivers one heck of a redemption arc and blew my expectations out of the water. The only critique I had for O Goalie Night was that the epilogue serves as a set-up for this book rather than showing us that couple’s HEA, and that is something the author decided to forgo this time which makes me so happy. I love a good epilogue, and this book absolutely delivers.
Ben and Maddy (FMC) broke up ten years ago, and though they have both moved on (well, kind of…), life gets complicated when they find out they are in the same city again because his feelings for her never went away and she is engaged to another man. Don’t worry, there is no cheating in this book (not even emotionally, and I don’t think their friendship comes anywhere close to that line), and Ben is so respectful of the fact that she is with someone else. He definitely still loves her, but her happiness matters to him more and he won’t interfere or cause issues. When they need to work together for a charity gala that she is in charge of, they start spending (professional) time together and start to reconnect as friends, but when your soulmate is that close to you again after years apart it makes things just a tad complicated. When Maddy realizes that her life goal’s don’t match with her fiancé (who is more a roommate than a romantic partner) she knows she needs to make a change, but can she risk her heart again with Ben?
I love that we see more than a rekindling of their relationship, we see Ben grow up and realize that in a lot of cases he is in fact the issue. He is a golden retriever, but one who is (was, most of his changes are made off page between the timelines of book one and this book) incredibly self-centered and was never told no. He takes the initiative to change his attitude and life and it’s fun to watch his character development. He starts volunteering as a “big buddy” and we see his relationship with the preteen he is matched with (Sam) and how he is able to encourage him to open up and be a positive male role model for him. This series is excellent so far and I am so excited for the next book!
✔️holiday romance
✔️hockey romance
✔️second chance
✔️reformed playboy
✔️it’s always been you
✔️she’s engaged to someone else (no cheating)
✔️no 3rd act breakup
I absolutely love the first book in this series (O Goalie Night) and I wasn’t sure if I would love this one as much because Ben (MMC) is the self absorbed brother of the FMC of that book, but honestly? This book delivers one heck of a redemption arc and blew my expectations out of the water. The only critique I had for O Goalie Night was that the epilogue serves as a set-up for this book rather than showing us that couple’s HEA, and that is something the author decided to forgo this time which makes me so happy. I love a good epilogue, and this book absolutely delivers.
Ben and Maddy (FMC) broke up ten years ago, and though they have both moved on (well, kind of…), life gets complicated when they find out they are in the same city again because his feelings for her never went away and she is engaged to another man. Don’t worry, there is no cheating in this book (not even emotionally, and I don’t think their friendship comes anywhere close to that line), and Ben is so respectful of the fact that she is with someone else. He definitely still loves her, but her happiness matters to him more and he won’t interfere or cause issues. When they need to work together for a charity gala that she is in charge of, they start spending (professional) time together and start to reconnect as friends, but when your soulmate is that close to you again after years apart it makes things just a tad complicated. When Maddy realizes that her life goal’s don’t match with her fiancé (who is more a roommate than a romantic partner) she knows she needs to make a change, but can she risk her heart again with Ben?
I love that we see more than a rekindling of their relationship, we see Ben grow up and realize that in a lot of cases he is in fact the issue. He is a golden retriever, but one who is (was, most of his changes are made off page between the timelines of book one and this book) incredibly self-centered and was never told no. He takes the initiative to change his attitude and life and it’s fun to watch his character development. He starts volunteering as a “big buddy” and we see his relationship with the preteen he is matched with (Sam) and how he is able to encourage him to open up and be a positive male role model for him. This series is excellent so far and I am so excited for the next book!
October 11, 2025
Thank you, KM Gillis, for the opportunity to read the ARC! I absolutely loved O Goalie Night and was so excited to dive into Check the Halls as soon as it hit my inbox.
If you loved O Goalie Night, you’re going to adore Ben and Maddy’s story. For fans of second-chance romance, this one will leave the biggest smile on your face as these two find their way back to each other.
I don’t know what secret sauce KM Gillis puts in her stories, but I ate it up. Her books feel like a warm hug—funny, sweet, and full of heart. This is the kind of feel-good romance you can’t help but get lost in.
Ben and Maddy met in high school and were each other’s first loves. Life happens—Ben moves away after being drafted to the NHL, and Maddy decides to stay behind to finish her degree and stay close to her mom. It’s been ten years since their breakup, but they never truly got over each other. From the moment they run into each other again, you can feel the yearning, the pining, and the lingering regret. You never doubt for a second how deeply Ben and Maddy loved—and still love—each other. Their chemistry was palpable, and it was impossible not to root for them.
This is a book you read for the vibes, and let me tell you, the vibes are the cutest! Although it’s marketed as a holiday romance, Christmas isn’t a major focus—in fact, I barely noticed it—which makes this the perfect swoony read any time of the year.
Add it to your TBR ASAP!
4.5 ⭐️
If you loved O Goalie Night, you’re going to adore Ben and Maddy’s story. For fans of second-chance romance, this one will leave the biggest smile on your face as these two find their way back to each other.
I don’t know what secret sauce KM Gillis puts in her stories, but I ate it up. Her books feel like a warm hug—funny, sweet, and full of heart. This is the kind of feel-good romance you can’t help but get lost in.
Ben and Maddy met in high school and were each other’s first loves. Life happens—Ben moves away after being drafted to the NHL, and Maddy decides to stay behind to finish her degree and stay close to her mom. It’s been ten years since their breakup, but they never truly got over each other. From the moment they run into each other again, you can feel the yearning, the pining, and the lingering regret. You never doubt for a second how deeply Ben and Maddy loved—and still love—each other. Their chemistry was palpable, and it was impossible not to root for them.
This is a book you read for the vibes, and let me tell you, the vibes are the cutest! Although it’s marketed as a holiday romance, Christmas isn’t a major focus—in fact, I barely noticed it—which makes this the perfect swoony read any time of the year.
Add it to your TBR ASAP!
4.5 ⭐️
December 16, 2025
God damn I did it again in one go. it's banging to find a series you click with - it's less banging to realise that they're coming out yearly and you won't get to read them again till October next year !
I loveddddd Ben and Madelyn . These books are well written and really easy to get involved in (minor minor gripe that there's some missed some spelling and grammar errors). I like the world it's slowly building . I thought I could read the reveal coming from a mile away but was slightly off so that's a plus , and I enjoyed that there wasn't a 3rd act break down ?? just an overall enjoyable and memorable experience . Otters heading up in the rankings of favourite fictional teams !
I loveddddd Ben and Madelyn . These books are well written and really easy to get involved in (minor minor gripe that there's some missed some spelling and grammar errors). I like the world it's slowly building . I thought I could read the reveal coming from a mile away but was slightly off so that's a plus , and I enjoyed that there wasn't a 3rd act break down ?? just an overall enjoyable and memorable experience . Otters heading up in the rankings of favourite fictional teams !
January 16, 2026
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro. 😅
Si bien me gustó la relación de segundas oportunidades de Ben y Maddy, como se ve su evolución y como busca ser una mejor persona y un mejor hermano; no me pude quitar de la mente el Ben del primer libro. Es que me cayó tan mal en el anterior...🙊🙈
Pero a la par me gustaba como trataba a Sam, a Maddy y al gato (que no recuerdo su nombre ahora mismo 😂)
Si bien me gustó la relación de segundas oportunidades de Ben y Maddy, como se ve su evolución y como busca ser una mejor persona y un mejor hermano; no me pude quitar de la mente el Ben del primer libro. Es que me cayó tan mal en el anterior...🙊🙈
Pero a la par me gustaba como trataba a Sam, a Maddy y al gato (que no recuerdo su nombre ahora mismo 😂)
December 29, 2025
4.5. Ended a bit abruptly, but this was such a fun read. I really enjoy KM Gillis’s writing and how she crafts these characters. Cant wait for her books in 2026.
October 20, 2025
I didn’t love this. I think it’s a me problem though. I just don’t love second chance romance. I find it kind of boring. I did love the first in the series though, so I will be back for the next.
August 25, 2025
Review - Check the Halls by K.M. Gillis 🏒
I was sent an ARC of Check the Halls by the author for early review.
Madelyn has packed up her life in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to move in with her fiancé, Derek, in Ottawa. After a yoga class, a chance encounter with her high school sweetheart, enter Ben Michaels, has her reevaluating her engagement and if she is truly happy (the crazy MIL might also be playing a part here).
Meanwhile, Ben knows exactly what he wants, and it’s always been Madness (his super cute nickname for her). When Maddy needs to call in a last-minute favour for work, she knows exactly who to call. The book follows the story of Maddy and Ben reconnecting, but Maddy wonders if it could be something more, even though things ended poorly when Ben was drafted to Philly’s NHL team.
This book was everything a second-chance romance should be. The slow rekindling, zero cheating, and a woman clearly knowing her worth and never settling for less than she deserves both romantically and professionally. Something I really admire about K.M. Gillis’ writing is her ability to write a well-paced romance with no mid-book slump. I always want to know what happens next! Lovers of hockey and holiday romances alike will love her Ottawa Otters series. ALSO, plenty of Beth and Foster cameos if you are missing those two love birds.
Tropes:
💕 Second chance romance
😎 Reformed playboy
🫂 He takes care of her 😍 “It’s always been you”
🚫 NO cheating
🚫 NO major miscommunication
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub day is October 15 and there is a sneak peak at the end of who the next story is about (sworn to secrecy for now..!).
I was sent an ARC of Check the Halls by the author for early review.
Madelyn has packed up her life in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to move in with her fiancé, Derek, in Ottawa. After a yoga class, a chance encounter with her high school sweetheart, enter Ben Michaels, has her reevaluating her engagement and if she is truly happy (the crazy MIL might also be playing a part here).
Meanwhile, Ben knows exactly what he wants, and it’s always been Madness (his super cute nickname for her). When Maddy needs to call in a last-minute favour for work, she knows exactly who to call. The book follows the story of Maddy and Ben reconnecting, but Maddy wonders if it could be something more, even though things ended poorly when Ben was drafted to Philly’s NHL team.
This book was everything a second-chance romance should be. The slow rekindling, zero cheating, and a woman clearly knowing her worth and never settling for less than she deserves both romantically and professionally. Something I really admire about K.M. Gillis’ writing is her ability to write a well-paced romance with no mid-book slump. I always want to know what happens next! Lovers of hockey and holiday romances alike will love her Ottawa Otters series. ALSO, plenty of Beth and Foster cameos if you are missing those two love birds.
Tropes:
💕 Second chance romance
😎 Reformed playboy
🫂 He takes care of her 😍 “It’s always been you”
🚫 NO cheating
🚫 NO major miscommunication
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub day is October 15 and there is a sneak peak at the end of who the next story is about (sworn to secrecy for now..!).
December 25, 2025
(4.5 Stars) I loved the first book in this series, O Goalie Night, so much and I was incredibly intrigued by the characters who were the center of this book, so I jumped right into this one soon after finishing the first.
NHL superstar Ben Michaels, previously known to be a bad boy on and off the ice, is working hard to improve his his behavior on both fronts. Particularly because he spiraled for a bit last year after learning that his ex, Maddie, got engaged. She’s the only girl he ever loved and even after a decade apart, he’s never gotten over her. Madelyn Clairmont lives the perfect life on paper - dream job, dependable fiancé, and a life that’s all planned out. But when they accidentally run into each other it throws them both for a loop, and when Maddie needs a favor, Ben steps in to help. Could it be possible that they might get a second chance after all these years?
This is the second in the Ottawa Otters holiday hockey romance series and I loved it as much as the first. These are that great combination of fantastic storytelling, great tropes, characters that grow and discover themselves while they find their HEA. And I wanna talk about the BANTER. Ben and Maddie needle each other as only two people who know each other deeply and loved each other completely could do. Finally, it was amazing to get to return to all of the characters we love from the first book and check in on them again. It was simply so fun to read.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis are downright fantastic. I loved how they portrayed the banter, deep affection, and caretaking between Maddie and Ben. It is a stand-out narration.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
NHL superstar Ben Michaels, previously known to be a bad boy on and off the ice, is working hard to improve his his behavior on both fronts. Particularly because he spiraled for a bit last year after learning that his ex, Maddie, got engaged. She’s the only girl he ever loved and even after a decade apart, he’s never gotten over her. Madelyn Clairmont lives the perfect life on paper - dream job, dependable fiancé, and a life that’s all planned out. But when they accidentally run into each other it throws them both for a loop, and when Maddie needs a favor, Ben steps in to help. Could it be possible that they might get a second chance after all these years?
This is the second in the Ottawa Otters holiday hockey romance series and I loved it as much as the first. These are that great combination of fantastic storytelling, great tropes, characters that grow and discover themselves while they find their HEA. And I wanna talk about the BANTER. Ben and Maddie needle each other as only two people who know each other deeply and loved each other completely could do. Finally, it was amazing to get to return to all of the characters we love from the first book and check in on them again. It was simply so fun to read.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis are downright fantastic. I loved how they portrayed the banter, deep affection, and caretaking between Maddie and Ben. It is a stand-out narration.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 13, 2025
Madelyn's life seems set. She's scored the perfect job and is engaged to her fiance Derek. When she runs into her first love, Ben, Maddy starts to question her life and whether what she has, is really what she wants. When Ben is chosen as the new Ambassador for her company, Maddy is forced to spend more time with him.
Leaving the synopsis right there! This second chance romance was so sweet. To have superstar Ben being such a grounded all round nice guy made him into the perfect male lead. The growth in Maddy was evident as she finally realized what she wanted in life and I was cheering her on when she finally stood up for herself. The two main characters were sizzling together - their chemistry was off the charts! I loved hearing from all the fab side characters too and can't wait to continue the series with more from them.
Leaving the synopsis right there! This second chance romance was so sweet. To have superstar Ben being such a grounded all round nice guy made him into the perfect male lead. The growth in Maddy was evident as she finally realized what she wanted in life and I was cheering her on when she finally stood up for herself. The two main characters were sizzling together - their chemistry was off the charts! I loved hearing from all the fab side characters too and can't wait to continue the series with more from them.
October 18, 2025
I loved this second chance, dual POV, Hockey romance that takes place in the Fall into the holidays and sees two former high school sweethearts forced to work together on a charity fundraiser and navigating their long-held feelings while one is still engaged to another man. While at first that set up sounds a bit cringey, I promise Ben is nothing but ever always there for Madelyn as she works through her feelings and what she really wants. I loved the banter, the flashbacks, the teammate banter, the fat, grumpy cat and the way Ben worked hard to improve himself and give back to others, including signing up to be a Big Buddy to a chess-loving tween boy. Many thanks to the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
October 22, 2025
Second Chance Hockey Romance
I love when a man knows how he feels and isn't afraid to communicate it. Ben was top tier.
I loved both Maddy and Ben and while second chance tropes aren't on my list of favorites, Ben was just too good to not include this one on a list of faves.
I didn't love the mean girl coworker, but it didn't bother me too much.
I liked how their relationship ended realistically the first time and it wasn't overdramatic and how they reconnected.
I love when a man knows how he feels and isn't afraid to communicate it. Ben was top tier.
I loved both Maddy and Ben and while second chance tropes aren't on my list of favorites, Ben was just too good to not include this one on a list of faves.
I didn't love the mean girl coworker, but it didn't bother me too much.
I liked how their relationship ended realistically the first time and it wasn't overdramatic and how they reconnected.
October 3, 2025
Thank you, High Gravity Productions, for the ALC of Check The Halls by K.M. Gillis 🏒 ❤️
✨️Narrated by:
🎤 Andi Eloise (Maddy)
🎤 Brandon Francis (Ben)
✨️Audiobook release date TBA
Review:
Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis are quickly becoming one of my favorite narrator duos. They did a wonderful job with Maddy and Ben's emotions and with the voicing of the secondary characters! They make audiobooks a lot of fun. 😃
This book was so wonderful! I loved the unexpected encounter between Ben and Maddy and how things developed from there.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to high school, I think dual timelines are always fun.
I love that K.M. Gillis made Maddy and Ben such caring, generous, and empathetic characters. The things they did to make other people's lives better was ❤️❤️
I highly recommend the Check The Halls audiobook. The romance is great and the holiday spirit is definitely alive in this book. 🥰
✨️Narrated by:
🎤 Andi Eloise (Maddy)
🎤 Brandon Francis (Ben)
✨️Audiobook release date TBA
Review:
Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis are quickly becoming one of my favorite narrator duos. They did a wonderful job with Maddy and Ben's emotions and with the voicing of the secondary characters! They make audiobooks a lot of fun. 😃
This book was so wonderful! I loved the unexpected encounter between Ben and Maddy and how things developed from there.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to high school, I think dual timelines are always fun.
I love that K.M. Gillis made Maddy and Ben such caring, generous, and empathetic characters. The things they did to make other people's lives better was ❤️❤️
I highly recommend the Check The Halls audiobook. The romance is great and the holiday spirit is definitely alive in this book. 🥰
November 7, 2025
4 1/2 ⭐️
December 14, 2025
3 stars. Meh. Loved your ex for over 10 years, but was the biggest manwhore ever…
Was ok, but not my favourite.
Was ok, but not my favourite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
Je me suis attaché aux personnages de cette série. J’ai aimé les Avant/maintenant. Par contre, il ne faut pas s’attendre à une histoire de Noël. Pareil comme le premier livre, il y a deux passages qui parlent de Noël et c’est tout. Donc petite romance facile à lire, mais rien de trop christmassy.
September 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this second chance romance. I love all the characters and getting to learn more from book one. This book makes you feel all of the feels.
December 14, 2025
WHERE WERE THE HOLIDAY VIBES?
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I had a good time with this book. My favorite is the first one [for now] but I still had no problem picking this up and reading it as fast as I could. I love this hockey team and I’ve missed hockey romance!
I loved that the flashbacks only took up a few paragraphs each time. I don’t like long winded flashback chapters and this delivered on the little glimpses of the past and how they fell in love. And how communicative Ben was??? Good heavens YES. I LOVED IT. The man is so down bad. Y’all know that’s my kryptonite.
I did miss the holiday/Christmas moments. There were a few mentions but it definitely didn’t stick out enough in the plot to necessarily call this a holiday romance.
I’m still dialed into this series and I can’t wait for the next book!!
Overall audience notes:
- Hockey Holiday Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 3-4ish open door
- Violence: low
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I had a good time with this book. My favorite is the first one [for now] but I still had no problem picking this up and reading it as fast as I could. I love this hockey team and I’ve missed hockey romance!
I loved that the flashbacks only took up a few paragraphs each time. I don’t like long winded flashback chapters and this delivered on the little glimpses of the past and how they fell in love. And how communicative Ben was??? Good heavens YES. I LOVED IT. The man is so down bad. Y’all know that’s my kryptonite.
I did miss the holiday/Christmas moments. There were a few mentions but it definitely didn’t stick out enough in the plot to necessarily call this a holiday romance.
I’m still dialed into this series and I can’t wait for the next book!!
Overall audience notes:
- Hockey Holiday Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 3-4ish open door
- Violence: low
November 4, 2025
I got the a.L.C.This is so good.The narrators did such a good job.The writing was fantastic. I really liked this second chance. Love this one was a cut above the rest.
I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I am going to give you a hint. My book Loving heart cried a little more than normal at the end of this book.
Figure out why.
I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I am going to give you a hint. My book Loving heart cried a little more than normal at the end of this book.
Figure out why.
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