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Ohio Rusties #2
Unthinkable
Jack Leroy, in love again? Unthinkable.
But when his daughter and her best friend get in trouble at school, the divorced dad of two and notorious hockey enforcer finds himself in the principal’s office.
There, he forms an unlikely alliance with the other kid’s mom, Mara O’Connell. She’s a single parent like Jack, except with a handful of chronic illnesses to manage, no NHL salary, and no co-parent in sight.
When Jack’s fourth nanny in a row quits and he’s banned from the nanny agency, he devises a mutually beneficial plan to solve their childcare and healthcare needs.
All they have to do is get married—and pretend to be in love so their kids don’t get a complex.
Jack might not think love’s in the cards, but he’s taken down a peg when he’s willing to do anything to protect their family. And his final bluff might be called when Mara gives him something he’s always wanted but never had.
Unthinkable is a marriage of convenience double single parent hockey romance with chronic illness and mobility aid representation. It’s the second book in the Ohio Rusties Hockey series.
But when his daughter and her best friend get in trouble at school, the divorced dad of two and notorious hockey enforcer finds himself in the principal’s office.
There, he forms an unlikely alliance with the other kid’s mom, Mara O’Connell. She’s a single parent like Jack, except with a handful of chronic illnesses to manage, no NHL salary, and no co-parent in sight.
When Jack’s fourth nanny in a row quits and he’s banned from the nanny agency, he devises a mutually beneficial plan to solve their childcare and healthcare needs.
All they have to do is get married—and pretend to be in love so their kids don’t get a complex.
Jack might not think love’s in the cards, but he’s taken down a peg when he’s willing to do anything to protect their family. And his final bluff might be called when Mara gives him something he’s always wanted but never had.
Unthinkable is a marriage of convenience double single parent hockey romance with chronic illness and mobility aid representation. It’s the second book in the Ohio Rusties Hockey series.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
563 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Dani Galliaro
14 books172 followersDani is a proud West Virginia native who gravitates toward nice little stories about people falling in love. She hopes to shift the narrative about Appalachia by telling stories of powerful everyday women from the region. She now resides in Southwest Ohio with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
February 14, 2025
Jack has been lurking in the background of the first book, and now it’s his turn in the spotlight! Fresh off a brutal divorce, he’s convinced love isn’t in the cards for him. Enter Mara: a sassy, no-nonsense single mom dealing with a messy ex, two kids, and a chronic illness that’s making life even harder.
This isn’t your typical hockey romance. I loved watching Mara and Jack fall for each other while figuring out how to be okay with their own needs. The struggles with health issues were portrayed really well too. My only tiny gripe is that this feels more like a Knights book than a Rusties one, since most of the action happens in LA with the Knights. The "moving" part also felt a bit rushed, and Ohio got only a brief cameo.
That said, I devoured it! The last few chapters flew by faster than I expected, but I loved Mara’s strength and how she and Jack found their way to each other. Pro tip: Read this before Unbreakable—you’ll actually see more of their Ohio life there than in this book.
This isn’t your typical hockey romance. I loved watching Mara and Jack fall for each other while figuring out how to be okay with their own needs. The struggles with health issues were portrayed really well too. My only tiny gripe is that this feels more like a Knights book than a Rusties one, since most of the action happens in LA with the Knights. The "moving" part also felt a bit rushed, and Ohio got only a brief cameo.
That said, I devoured it! The last few chapters flew by faster than I expected, but I loved Mara’s strength and how she and Jack found their way to each other. Pro tip: Read this before Unbreakable—you’ll actually see more of their Ohio life there than in this book.
March 6, 2025
This was such a joy to read!
The characters are well fleshed out and I quickly became invested in Jack & Mara's journey.
I was surprised with how easily Dani was able to weave in so many chronic issues without it becoming depressing or tedious.
Like Mara has all this sh*t going on with the meat sack she lives in, but doesn't let it hold her back or make her whiny like it does when some other authors do it. It was her day to day struggles just like so many humans in real life have, and she just deals.
I found that awesome!
Also there is some kissing and stuff going on *waggles eyebrows*
This badboy is out in the world and I highly recommend you get off your butt (or don't and use the interwebs) to get yourself a copy.
Much love to Dani and @happilybookedpr for hooking me up with an eARC😘
The characters are well fleshed out and I quickly became invested in Jack & Mara's journey.
I was surprised with how easily Dani was able to weave in so many chronic issues without it becoming depressing or tedious.
Like Mara has all this sh*t going on with the meat sack she lives in, but doesn't let it hold her back or make her whiny like it does when some other authors do it. It was her day to day struggles just like so many humans in real life have, and she just deals.
I found that awesome!
Also there is some kissing and stuff going on *waggles eyebrows*
This badboy is out in the world and I highly recommend you get off your butt (or don't and use the interwebs) to get yourself a copy.
Much love to Dani and @happilybookedpr for hooking me up with an eARC😘
February 8, 2025
This is the second book lately that has hooked me with the dedication alone! This was such a great book - I loved Jack and Mara and their kids so much and the side characters were amazing too!
Jack is such an interesting character. He seems like a complete a-hole jackass…but once you get past very bristling exterior…sigh…there is so much more to him beneath the surface. He is protective and will do anything for his family.
Mara has several different chronic conditions (EDS, POTS, MCAS) and I thought they were portrayed with care and authenticity. She is this wonderful character, living her life (and she’s a badass dom too!)
While this can be read as a standalone, there are connections to the Unintentional Puck Bunny series in L.A. and the Ohio Rusties hockey series in Columbus. I do highly recommend these other books!
✨Synopsis✨
Jack Leroy, in love again? Unthinkable.
But when his daughter and her best friend get in trouble at school, the divorced dad of two and notorious hockey enforcer finds himself in the principal’s office.
There, he forms an unlikely alliance with the other kid’s mom, Mara O’Connell. When Jack’s fourth nanny in a row quits and he’s banned from the nanny agency, he devises a mutually beneficial plan to solve their childcare and healthcare needs.
All they have to do is get married—and pretend to be in love…
✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
💘Single Parent x Single Parent
💍Marriage of Convenience
⚕️Chronic Illness Rep
☠️Touch them and 💀
💋She’s Dominate
🩶Morally Gray MMC
🔥Steamy Scenes
Jack is such an interesting character. He seems like a complete a-hole jackass…but once you get past very bristling exterior…sigh…there is so much more to him beneath the surface. He is protective and will do anything for his family.
Mara has several different chronic conditions (EDS, POTS, MCAS) and I thought they were portrayed with care and authenticity. She is this wonderful character, living her life (and she’s a badass dom too!)
While this can be read as a standalone, there are connections to the Unintentional Puck Bunny series in L.A. and the Ohio Rusties hockey series in Columbus. I do highly recommend these other books!
✨Synopsis✨
Jack Leroy, in love again? Unthinkable.
But when his daughter and her best friend get in trouble at school, the divorced dad of two and notorious hockey enforcer finds himself in the principal’s office.
There, he forms an unlikely alliance with the other kid’s mom, Mara O’Connell. When Jack’s fourth nanny in a row quits and he’s banned from the nanny agency, he devises a mutually beneficial plan to solve their childcare and healthcare needs.
All they have to do is get married—and pretend to be in love…
✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
💘Single Parent x Single Parent
💍Marriage of Convenience
⚕️Chronic Illness Rep
☠️Touch them and 💀
💋She’s Dominate
🩶Morally Gray MMC
🔥Steamy Scenes
February 10, 2025
very cute kids, there's 4 of them 2 from each side, badass single mom paired with single dad hockey player who is also extremely sweet with the kids. i honestly think H/h interactions with the kids were the best part of the book. solid chronic illness rep too. as for the their relationship, i went from rooting for them to being indifferent.
just wasn't a fan of few things H said/ did. he says h is not his type and his type is a "hot young thing, def not a mom" but dude's a father himself. and his ex wife is a massive bully who bullies and abuses all the nannies he hires for the kids, they literally quit their jobs and she also bullies everyone including his friends' wives, obv he can't take a stand against her. he does nothing like dude where's your balls ? not even a peep when his ex calls h a whore in front of him and he teaches his daughter to stand against bullies, make it make sense please. what pissed me off even more was that h is crying and he's mad because his ex used tears as a weapon, so how dare she cries. like????
there's a lot more i didn't like about him, he acted more like a child throwing tantrums at times. as for safety - he had lots of hookups before his wife, he's now divorced and has had a handful of hookups since then. h was with her ex husband only and no other details mentioned. his ex wife is a nasty creature.
just wasn't a fan of few things H said/ did. he says h is not his type and his type is a "hot young thing, def not a mom" but dude's a father himself. and his ex wife is a massive bully who bullies and abuses all the nannies he hires for the kids, they literally quit their jobs and she also bullies everyone including his friends' wives, obv he can't take a stand against her. he does nothing like dude where's your balls ? not even a peep when his ex calls h a whore in front of him and he teaches his daughter to stand against bullies, make it make sense please. what pissed me off even more was that h is crying and he's mad because his ex used tears as a weapon, so how dare she cries. like????
there's a lot more i didn't like about him, he acted more like a child throwing tantrums at times. as for safety - he had lots of hookups before his wife, he's now divorced and has had a handful of hookups since then. h was with her ex husband only and no other details mentioned. his ex wife is a nasty creature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
Overall, an okay story. There were times that it felt like the characters shifted their personality to fit a whole new storyline the author was trying to start, though, and it made it hard to fully like them the entire book. But there were some really good parts and a lot that I found interesting, especially the lite femdom exploration and Mara's health. The ending is where the book really lost me though and there were too many things that felt like they came out of nowhere to be shoved into the story just to make some dramatic finish.
February 14, 2025
#Review: Unthinkable - Dani Galliaro - ARC [21+]
3.8/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
The sports romance trope attracted me to read this book and thanks to Dani and Happily Booked Pr I was able to receive this early copy.
Mara is a recent single mom of two. In this same situation is hockey player, Jack. Their older kids were part of the same junior hockey team and where they befriended. But they will do something silly and end up to the principle's office. That's how Mara and Jack met and from where everything will start to change.
Because Mara had some health issues she had to deal with, but was sitting in pretty bad financial state. Here Jack will come in her rescue by suggesting her to marry him, to use his insurance. But only for that part, because Jack was pretty affected by his previous marriage, were he felt underprivileged and unworthy. But can he be unaffected by Mara's stong personality and charm?
This story was spicier than I've expected, having many intense moments were these two experienced new things together. It had a sensitive part too, following the problems both of them had to go through because of their past marriages or health problems. Jack had some temperamental issues, which transformed him in a total overprotective man, looking to take care of the ones he cared for.
Overall, I had a good time following the story of Jack and Mara, which had so many sides: from the lovely family parts, to crazy protective states or to some really steamy scenes. From my point of view, this is not recommended for readers below 21 years.
✨Tropes
#SingleDad
#SingleMom
#MarriageOfConvenience
#StrangersToLovers
#ProtectiveMMC
#Illness
#SportsRomance
#Hockey
3.8/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
The sports romance trope attracted me to read this book and thanks to Dani and Happily Booked Pr I was able to receive this early copy.
Mara is a recent single mom of two. In this same situation is hockey player, Jack. Their older kids were part of the same junior hockey team and where they befriended. But they will do something silly and end up to the principle's office. That's how Mara and Jack met and from where everything will start to change.
Because Mara had some health issues she had to deal with, but was sitting in pretty bad financial state. Here Jack will come in her rescue by suggesting her to marry him, to use his insurance. But only for that part, because Jack was pretty affected by his previous marriage, were he felt underprivileged and unworthy. But can he be unaffected by Mara's stong personality and charm?
This story was spicier than I've expected, having many intense moments were these two experienced new things together. It had a sensitive part too, following the problems both of them had to go through because of their past marriages or health problems. Jack had some temperamental issues, which transformed him in a total overprotective man, looking to take care of the ones he cared for.
Overall, I had a good time following the story of Jack and Mara, which had so many sides: from the lovely family parts, to crazy protective states or to some really steamy scenes. From my point of view, this is not recommended for readers below 21 years.
✨Tropes
#SingleDad
#SingleMom
#MarriageOfConvenience
#StrangersToLovers
#ProtectiveMMC
#Illness
#SportsRomance
#Hockey
February 8, 2025
I hadn't read the first book in the series. I did worry a wee bit that it would make this book make no sense. That was not the case. It was perfectly fine reading this first. I really enjoyed it. Hockey men. What is not to love? Really appreciated the disability rep as I am a disabled person also.
The story was written so well. Mara's chronic conditions were written about so sensitively and with such kind care. I have chronic pain with Fibromyalgia, Peripheral Neuropathy and Raynaud's Phenomenon aka Raynaud's Syndrome. So thank you Dani. The story flowed well and there were no lose ends by the time the story finished. It tied up perfectly.
The characters. I loved Mara. She's a chronic pain warrior. I can't imagine what it's like for her. Or anyone one with her condition - hyoermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). That just the tip of her ice berg but you will find out if you read it. She's a great disability rep.
Jack Leroy. Hello book boyfriend number 5 I think. I may have lost count. He had a dark side to him but he was such a sweet and caring man too. I liked him a lot. Plus hockey player. What's not to love!
The side characters were great and made the experience even more enjoyable.
The book was written in first person, dual POV format. Mara and Jack's. It was good having both perspectives. We got to see how Mara coped with chronic health conditions and we saw how far Jack would go to protect those he cares for.
I recommend this to all of you. Especially if you're a hockey romance fan!
The story was written so well. Mara's chronic conditions were written about so sensitively and with such kind care. I have chronic pain with Fibromyalgia, Peripheral Neuropathy and Raynaud's Phenomenon aka Raynaud's Syndrome. So thank you Dani. The story flowed well and there were no lose ends by the time the story finished. It tied up perfectly.
The characters. I loved Mara. She's a chronic pain warrior. I can't imagine what it's like for her. Or anyone one with her condition - hyoermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). That just the tip of her ice berg but you will find out if you read it. She's a great disability rep.
Jack Leroy. Hello book boyfriend number 5 I think. I may have lost count. He had a dark side to him but he was such a sweet and caring man too. I liked him a lot. Plus hockey player. What's not to love!
The side characters were great and made the experience even more enjoyable.
The book was written in first person, dual POV format. Mara and Jack's. It was good having both perspectives. We got to see how Mara coped with chronic health conditions and we saw how far Jack would go to protect those he cares for.
I recommend this to all of you. Especially if you're a hockey romance fan!
February 8, 2025
Love love loved this book! Dani know just how to make me fall in love with characters and their stories.
Mara is a recently new single mom to 2 children. She is barely making ends meet because the father isn’t around to help. She also has a chronic illness that hinders her from working sometimes. But man, she is freaking tough and bad@$$. Just because her first marriage didn’t work, she still believes in love and she is an amazing mother. I was not expecting her to be so dominant either.
Jack is also a single father, but the mother is in the children’s lives. He does not believe in love anymore and is still very bitter about how his first marriage went. He’s a big grump too. But, maybe he just needs someone to help soften him up and put him in line. 🤭 But he is very protective over those he cares for.
The two together are just the freaking best. Jack needs a nanny and Mara needs money. Will the two be more than a marriage of convenience or will it become more.
The banter is perfection and the spice was delicious. And I love the kids too! They just melt your heart.
4⭐️
2.5🌶️
Mara is a recently new single mom to 2 children. She is barely making ends meet because the father isn’t around to help. She also has a chronic illness that hinders her from working sometimes. But man, she is freaking tough and bad@$$. Just because her first marriage didn’t work, she still believes in love and she is an amazing mother. I was not expecting her to be so dominant either.
Jack is also a single father, but the mother is in the children’s lives. He does not believe in love anymore and is still very bitter about how his first marriage went. He’s a big grump too. But, maybe he just needs someone to help soften him up and put him in line. 🤭 But he is very protective over those he cares for.
The two together are just the freaking best. Jack needs a nanny and Mara needs money. Will the two be more than a marriage of convenience or will it become more.
The banter is perfection and the spice was delicious. And I love the kids too! They just melt your heart.
4⭐️
2.5🌶️
February 3, 2025
Overall it was a really enjoyable book. I loved the representation and the authentic way it wove into the story. The kids and family dynamic was absolutely adorable. My only thing was some of the fights/arguments gave me whiplash. Mara would seem understanding of Jack and how he needed to go slower, but then get extremely upset with him and continue to push even when he explained himself. Otherwise great story.
February 2, 2025
Unthinkable is a marriage of convenience double single parent hockey romance with chronic illness and mobility aid representation. It’s the second book in the Ohio Rusties Hockey series.
I ate this book up in one sitting.
Hockey romance with some Dom sub action! This was all so cutesie too with the kids and the way all of their relationships progressed! Love it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I ate this book up in one sitting.
Hockey romance with some Dom sub action! This was all so cutesie too with the kids and the way all of their relationships progressed! Love it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 8, 2025
Did I start my ARC read 24 hours before it released? Yes, yes I did! Was I worried some triggers might make me DNF? Yes, yes I was. Did I DNF? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
This book was SO well written. The story was amazing and literally had me laughing, gasping, and a little frustrated! The character development was absolutely incredible for both of the MCs. This book has so much to unpack but the author never makes topics that are very heavy feel that way,but also doesn’t take away from the importance of them. The sass that the characters were packed full of will have you laughing. Definitely was a different read for me with (his kinks) but enjoyed every bit of this book.
❗️Please be aware of the content warnings for this book❗️
This book was SO well written. The story was amazing and literally had me laughing, gasping, and a little frustrated! The character development was absolutely incredible for both of the MCs. This book has so much to unpack but the author never makes topics that are very heavy feel that way,but also doesn’t take away from the importance of them. The sass that the characters were packed full of will have you laughing. Definitely was a different read for me with (his kinks) but enjoyed every bit of this book.
❗️Please be aware of the content warnings for this book❗️
February 24, 2025
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Unthinkable by Dani Garo delivers a heartwarming tale about two divorcees and single parents who, having pain and heartbreak in the past, get the chance to experience the true meaning of love. Readers looking for a story featuring relatable characters—those who have experienced trauma, chronic illness, and disability— will appreciate Unthinkable.
When I chose to read Unthinkable, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series. However, I needed to not worry as it worked well on its own. In this installment of the Ohio Rusties series readers are given Jack and Mara's story. Mara a recent divorce (abandoned by her douchebag husband) and mother of two has a chronic illness that cause her to be in pain about 90 % of the time. Between raising her children and her illness she struggles to make ends meet. Despite all this she never gave up hope. She's one strong and determined female.
Jack a NHL hockey and single father of two doesn't believe in love. After his experience with his ex-wife, he has no intention of giving his heart to another woman. But of course, fate always has plans bigger than our decisions. He's grumpy but fiercely protective of those he cares about, and Mara and her children fell right into that category. Now Jack may feel that falling in love is not for him, but his heart never received that memo. The more time he spent around Mara and her children the harder he fell for her. However, denial was his constant companion.
Despite his grumpiness he possessed a heart of gold. His treatment of Mara through her illness will have readers swooning. He saw beyond her illness. It never bothered him and did all he could in his power to help her and make her life comfortable. He even offered to marry her so she could afford the expensive medical treatment. His treatment of the children both his and hers will warm the hearts of readers.
Unthinkable is a beautiful story that demonstrates the beauty of a relationship with the right person. The person who has your back through the good and the bad times. It's a story of love, family and healing. Although quite the emotional read, there were several scenes which will have readers laughing. Also, there were some steamy moments which showed the couple in a different light.
Unthinkable was a solid and satisfying read. Readers looking for a heartwarming story served up with humor, romance and some steamy moments should consider adding this book to their reading list.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
When I chose to read Unthinkable, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series. However, I needed to not worry as it worked well on its own. In this installment of the Ohio Rusties series readers are given Jack and Mara's story. Mara a recent divorce (abandoned by her douchebag husband) and mother of two has a chronic illness that cause her to be in pain about 90 % of the time. Between raising her children and her illness she struggles to make ends meet. Despite all this she never gave up hope. She's one strong and determined female.
Jack a NHL hockey and single father of two doesn't believe in love. After his experience with his ex-wife, he has no intention of giving his heart to another woman. But of course, fate always has plans bigger than our decisions. He's grumpy but fiercely protective of those he cares about, and Mara and her children fell right into that category. Now Jack may feel that falling in love is not for him, but his heart never received that memo. The more time he spent around Mara and her children the harder he fell for her. However, denial was his constant companion.
Despite his grumpiness he possessed a heart of gold. His treatment of Mara through her illness will have readers swooning. He saw beyond her illness. It never bothered him and did all he could in his power to help her and make her life comfortable. He even offered to marry her so she could afford the expensive medical treatment. His treatment of the children both his and hers will warm the hearts of readers.
Unthinkable is a beautiful story that demonstrates the beauty of a relationship with the right person. The person who has your back through the good and the bad times. It's a story of love, family and healing. Although quite the emotional read, there were several scenes which will have readers laughing. Also, there were some steamy moments which showed the couple in a different light.
Unthinkable was a solid and satisfying read. Readers looking for a heartwarming story served up with humor, romance and some steamy moments should consider adding this book to their reading list.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
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July 20, 2025I was so invested in this book and storyline. Marriage of connivence and hockey single dad. I wasn’t even bothered when he said I can’t / won’t love you even though all his actions said love. However the last few chapters just seemed off for me. I was like wait what is happening? Now we are moving and leaving the found family? Just seemed like a different book to me. Not mad I read it. I didn’t read book one and this was just a quick filler book before I jump fully back into the Jax Rays world!
May 20, 2025
I👏CANNOT👏RECOMMEND👏THIS👏SERIES👏ENOUGH👏
Holy H-E-🏒🏒
Fave read of 2025. I already know nothing will top this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Buckle up, and if you're like me, unhinged shit like this is your personal catnip." OHHHHKAY DANI GALLIARO 👏 I'm interested already.
I'm not going to do a mini blurb/recap because you can read that on your own or go in blind and read this book anyway 🫣 Here's my thoughts and review of the characters and writing ✍️
By chapter 14, I was already in love with Jack. I laughed out loud so many times, and I feel like I highlighted something he said in every chapter. Everything he said was hilarious, and he had that bad boy, broody hockey player thing going on. I was telling my husband all about this fictional man and that he had some competition with my new book boyfriend 😂. Before it even got serious, he said sweet and dirty things like "fuck, she'd probably hate how the locker room smelled. She's someone who smells sweet, and her hair smells like cookies. I know because I smelled her pretty fucking red hair when I hugged her and again when she was leaning against my guest bedroom door frame". I just LOVED how this man ate her up. He also had deep feelings that took a minute to process. "Mara made me feel things I'd never felt before, and I had no idea what to do with that."
By chapter 18, I was deceased. Omg. This man. Mara. They are perfect. He is SO sweet to her and so funny and asshole-y. When he asked her to marry him for the insurance and childcare, I lost it. He did it in a such a funny chaotic way that it was hard to tell if he was just fucking around or actually serious and of course he meant it. There were some very funny Jack moments like when she called him and he thought, "I stood up like she was the queen or something. Or do you kneel for a queen?" Oh, sweet boy, you'll be kneeling later on for Mara, don't you worry. Marriage of convenience can be a really cheesy and poorly done trope, but Dani Galliaro killed it. I cannot believe how beautifully this story was written, and the only bone I have to pick with her is why this isn't like 800 pages long 😂 I want more of them so badly. I love the disability rep for Mara, and I can't believe how tough she is to struggle with multiple chronic pain issues every single day and still be a mom full-time to her children and later on Jacks. I can't even imagine doing that and not just dying from the pain or wasting away mentally. When Jack first met her and obviously instantly liked her, he was so kind to her and so considerate of her health. He never once was discouraged to be with her because of it, and it wasn't an issue in the slightest. He just rolled with it, embraced it, and helped in any way he could. He saw her for who she is and what she could do, and one of the most heartfelt quotes he says is, "You do everything you can do. I see you. It's not your fault some stuff's hard for you. Your ex was choosing to be helpless, so you'd do it. " He not only saw her but saw the situation she was in with her ex for what it really was. Even on their wedding day, he went out of his way to make her a bridal worthy snazzy cane to go with her dress in case she needed it. Seriously, who does that? 😍 The relationship between them was 🔥 and I literally just cannot get enough. Even the way he hypes her up just had my heart melting. Everyone deserves this kind of love.
"You don't belong on the sidelines, Mara. You're always the main event"
*I was given this ARC from the author and became a member of her street team because I knew this was the book for me. I read Unbreakable a few weeks ago and was equally as obsessed with that, which is book one of the Ohio Rusties series, but can be read as a standalone. This is my honest review.
📚 Find me on Booksta + BookTok + Tome: @bookishsirensong – always down to scream about fantasy romances & ocean magic with fellow readers 💬🌊
Holy H-E-🏒🏒
Fave read of 2025. I already know nothing will top this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Buckle up, and if you're like me, unhinged shit like this is your personal catnip." OHHHHKAY DANI GALLIARO 👏 I'm interested already.
I'm not going to do a mini blurb/recap because you can read that on your own or go in blind and read this book anyway 🫣 Here's my thoughts and review of the characters and writing ✍️
By chapter 14, I was already in love with Jack. I laughed out loud so many times, and I feel like I highlighted something he said in every chapter. Everything he said was hilarious, and he had that bad boy, broody hockey player thing going on. I was telling my husband all about this fictional man and that he had some competition with my new book boyfriend 😂. Before it even got serious, he said sweet and dirty things like "fuck, she'd probably hate how the locker room smelled. She's someone who smells sweet, and her hair smells like cookies. I know because I smelled her pretty fucking red hair when I hugged her and again when she was leaning against my guest bedroom door frame". I just LOVED how this man ate her up. He also had deep feelings that took a minute to process. "Mara made me feel things I'd never felt before, and I had no idea what to do with that."
By chapter 18, I was deceased. Omg. This man. Mara. They are perfect. He is SO sweet to her and so funny and asshole-y. When he asked her to marry him for the insurance and childcare, I lost it. He did it in a such a funny chaotic way that it was hard to tell if he was just fucking around or actually serious and of course he meant it. There were some very funny Jack moments like when she called him and he thought, "I stood up like she was the queen or something. Or do you kneel for a queen?" Oh, sweet boy, you'll be kneeling later on for Mara, don't you worry. Marriage of convenience can be a really cheesy and poorly done trope, but Dani Galliaro killed it. I cannot believe how beautifully this story was written, and the only bone I have to pick with her is why this isn't like 800 pages long 😂 I want more of them so badly. I love the disability rep for Mara, and I can't believe how tough she is to struggle with multiple chronic pain issues every single day and still be a mom full-time to her children and later on Jacks. I can't even imagine doing that and not just dying from the pain or wasting away mentally. When Jack first met her and obviously instantly liked her, he was so kind to her and so considerate of her health. He never once was discouraged to be with her because of it, and it wasn't an issue in the slightest. He just rolled with it, embraced it, and helped in any way he could. He saw her for who she is and what she could do, and one of the most heartfelt quotes he says is, "You do everything you can do. I see you. It's not your fault some stuff's hard for you. Your ex was choosing to be helpless, so you'd do it. " He not only saw her but saw the situation she was in with her ex for what it really was. Even on their wedding day, he went out of his way to make her a bridal worthy snazzy cane to go with her dress in case she needed it. Seriously, who does that? 😍 The relationship between them was 🔥 and I literally just cannot get enough. Even the way he hypes her up just had my heart melting. Everyone deserves this kind of love.
"You don't belong on the sidelines, Mara. You're always the main event"
*I was given this ARC from the author and became a member of her street team because I knew this was the book for me. I read Unbreakable a few weeks ago and was equally as obsessed with that, which is book one of the Ohio Rusties series, but can be read as a standalone. This is my honest review.
📚 Find me on Booksta + BookTok + Tome: @bookishsirensong – always down to scream about fantasy romances & ocean magic with fellow readers 💬🌊
January 26, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and let me tell you, I’m so glad I did! This story had everything I could have wanted and more. A single dad with the biggest heart? Found family themes that hit you right in the feels? A man who loves her kids like they’re his own and absolutely loses his mind over her? The way he cares for her, supports her, and shows up for her in every possible way—it was perfection. Sign me up for all of it!
One thing I absolutely loved was the representation, especially Mara’s health journey. It was handled with so much care and authenticity, making her character feel incredibly real and relatable. The kiddos in this story completely stole my heart—every scene with them was either adorable, funny, or heartwarming. And the pacing? Flawless. From the first page to the last, there wasn’t a single dull moment. The story was so fast-paced and engaging that I devoured it in just three hours, unable to put it down for even a second.
Even though this is the second book in the series, I never once felt lost or like I needed to go back and read the first to understand what was happening. Dani’s writing is nothing short of stunning. She has this incredible ability to pull you into the story and hold your attention from beginning to end. The way she balances heartfelt, emotional moments with light humor and genuine romance is simply beautiful. And let’s not forget the touch of spice—it was just the right amount to make this romance stand out even more.
This book was truly a heartfelt and emotional read, and those small, candid moments scattered throughout made it even more special. Dani has created a story full of love, family, and healing, with characters who feel like they could step right off the page. If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances with depth, humor, and a little heat, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t recommend it enough!
One thing I absolutely loved was the representation, especially Mara’s health journey. It was handled with so much care and authenticity, making her character feel incredibly real and relatable. The kiddos in this story completely stole my heart—every scene with them was either adorable, funny, or heartwarming. And the pacing? Flawless. From the first page to the last, there wasn’t a single dull moment. The story was so fast-paced and engaging that I devoured it in just three hours, unable to put it down for even a second.
Even though this is the second book in the series, I never once felt lost or like I needed to go back and read the first to understand what was happening. Dani’s writing is nothing short of stunning. She has this incredible ability to pull you into the story and hold your attention from beginning to end. The way she balances heartfelt, emotional moments with light humor and genuine romance is simply beautiful. And let’s not forget the touch of spice—it was just the right amount to make this romance stand out even more.
This book was truly a heartfelt and emotional read, and those small, candid moments scattered throughout made it even more special. Dani has created a story full of love, family, and healing, with characters who feel like they could step right off the page. If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances with depth, humor, and a little heat, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t recommend it enough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
I loved this story! The Ohio series' characters just seem so realistic to me. I love rooting for them to get their happy endings. I loved that this story features a FMC who while medically fragile is also a badass woman who knows what she wants. Super empowering! I was lucky to get an ARC copy of this novel and can't wait for more from Dani!
July 2, 2025
I liked this book for the most part but chest feeder??? Really? 👎
February 9, 2025
This was such a fun, fast-paced sports romance-perfect if you need something to pull you out of a reading slump!
Jack is a divorced, grumpy, fiercely protective, tattooed hockey dad who's convinced he'll never love the way he once did. Mara is a kindhearted, struggling single mom whose son just so happens to be best friends with Jack's daughter. Their unexpected friendship slowly turns into something more, and I was so here for it.
Jack is also a professional hockey player, and the moment Mara goes to his first game? I was fully invested. I was grinning at my pages every time Jack couldn't stop smiling at her, talking about how he finally had someone in the stands cheering for him. My god, I love a good sports romance.
We have some pretty spectacular moments like belting out nickleback and creed on the way to a hockey game
*chefs kiss* and a guys locker room scene that left me fo The playlist that accompanies this book is so nostalgic and fun!
Now, the marriage of convenience plot point? It kinda came out of left field. Everything was moving along smoothly, feeling pretty realistic... and then suddenly, we went from zero to one hundred. Was it a bad thing?
Nope! It was wildly entertaining. But if I'm putting on my
"let's be critical" hat, yeah, it was a lot.
Read if you enjoy:
• Hockey romance
• Marriage of convenience
• Single dad x single mom
• Chronic illness and mobility aid rep
• Touch them and ☠️
Jack is a divorced, grumpy, fiercely protective, tattooed hockey dad who's convinced he'll never love the way he once did. Mara is a kindhearted, struggling single mom whose son just so happens to be best friends with Jack's daughter. Their unexpected friendship slowly turns into something more, and I was so here for it.
Jack is also a professional hockey player, and the moment Mara goes to his first game? I was fully invested. I was grinning at my pages every time Jack couldn't stop smiling at her, talking about how he finally had someone in the stands cheering for him. My god, I love a good sports romance.
We have some pretty spectacular moments like belting out nickleback and creed on the way to a hockey game
*chefs kiss* and a guys locker room scene that left me fo The playlist that accompanies this book is so nostalgic and fun!
Now, the marriage of convenience plot point? It kinda came out of left field. Everything was moving along smoothly, feeling pretty realistic... and then suddenly, we went from zero to one hundred. Was it a bad thing?
Nope! It was wildly entertaining. But if I'm putting on my
"let's be critical" hat, yeah, it was a lot.
Read if you enjoy:
• Hockey romance
• Marriage of convenience
• Single dad x single mom
• Chronic illness and mobility aid rep
• Touch them and ☠️
February 5, 2025
A chance meeting months before brings Jack to Mara's son's rescue.
Then, when your child and your child's best friend gets called into the principal's office, it reawakens the sparks fly between both Jack and Mara, and it's the beautiful start to a relationship.
They both come with baggage, as everyone does.
He has been burnt and thinks he can never love again, but to get his inheritance, must be married and provide a loving family to his children.
This is where Mara comes in... A marriage of convenience will get everything they both need. Him a family, her a job.
She falls in love, but he swears he can never love her back.
However, the strong FMC is femdom in waiting, while her grumpy hot daddy heavily tattooed hockey MMC is as soft as a Marshmallow wanting to s'mored.
He can finally be himself and not feel ashamed. Mara is caring and understands and never judges.
While I feel this story was not for me, it doesn't mean it's not good... just not for me. This book was easy to read, and I did finish it.
This is the second book in the Ohio Rusties Hockey Series. It can be read by itself. However, it's always better to read the other ones in the series!!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC, Dani!
Love Kailee x ❤️💋
Then, when your child and your child's best friend gets called into the principal's office, it reawakens the sparks fly between both Jack and Mara, and it's the beautiful start to a relationship.
They both come with baggage, as everyone does.
He has been burnt and thinks he can never love again, but to get his inheritance, must be married and provide a loving family to his children.
This is where Mara comes in... A marriage of convenience will get everything they both need. Him a family, her a job.
She falls in love, but he swears he can never love her back.
However, the strong FMC is femdom in waiting, while her grumpy hot daddy heavily tattooed hockey MMC is as soft as a Marshmallow wanting to s'mored.
He can finally be himself and not feel ashamed. Mara is caring and understands and never judges.
While I feel this story was not for me, it doesn't mean it's not good... just not for me. This book was easy to read, and I did finish it.
This is the second book in the Ohio Rusties Hockey Series. It can be read by itself. However, it's always better to read the other ones in the series!!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC, Dani!
Love Kailee x ❤️💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
Hockey, grumpy single dad, single mom with chronic illness, marriage of convenience, and spice that be spicing. What more could you ask for? A little stabbing...okay, got it. 😅 no not between the mc and fmc...he's not that unhinged. But Jack will protect those he loves even when he doesn't want to admit he's in love.
Jackie baby has some trauma from his first marriage as well as his childhood. Luckily for him, Mara can see the good through all that.
I really enjoyed Mara and Jack's story. It was in ways, relatable for me. And their kids were so dang cute too.
Once again Dani had me crying while reading their story. 😭
But yall, the spice was 🔥
The dirty talk, the praise, the kinks. Honestly you wouldn't expect such things from little Mara 😅
But Jack found out real quick and it helped bring him to life...and heal too.
Omg the punishment though during hockey practice....and the scene after practice when the guys were in the locker room. 💀💀💀
I couldn't stop laughing.
Okay okay, no more. I'll end up saying more than I should. But I did really enjoy this book.
Thank you so much Dani, @happilybookedpr and @sunnybabepr for the arc. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Hockey, grumpy single dad, single mom with chronic illness, marriage of convenience, and spice that be spicing. What more could you ask for? A little stabbing...okay, got it. 😅 no not between the mc and fmc...he's not that unhinged. But Jack will protect those he loves even when he doesn't want to admit he's in love.
Jackie baby has some trauma from his first marriage as well as his childhood. Luckily for him, Mara can see the good through all that.
I really enjoyed Mara and Jack's story. It was in ways, relatable for me. And their kids were so dang cute too.
Once again Dani had me crying while reading their story. 😭
But yall, the spice was 🔥
The dirty talk, the praise, the kinks. Honestly you wouldn't expect such things from little Mara 😅
But Jack found out real quick and it helped bring him to life...and heal too.
Omg the punishment though during hockey practice....and the scene after practice when the guys were in the locker room. 💀💀💀
I couldn't stop laughing.
Okay okay, no more. I'll end up saying more than I should. But I did really enjoy this book.
Thank you so much Dani, @happilybookedpr and @sunnybabepr for the arc. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
February 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have been so excited for Jack and Mara’s story and it certainly delivered.
I absolutely love how Dani captures chronic illness representation in this series. First with Jeanine in Unbreakable and now with Mara.
Full review:
Jack and Mara. What do I even say about Jack and Mara other than I absolutely loved them as a couple.
I don’t know what it is about Dani’s books but her characters always feel so relatable in a way not all characters do. I loved how raw and vulnerable they were with each other.
I loved how fiercely Jack loves his people and how he won’t back down if anyone he loves is in trouble. Though he started out as a grouch who never smiled it was so nice to see his softer side come out and him allow himself to be happy.
Mara is a rockstar. Being a single parent is no joke but to be a single parent with chronic illnesses is incredible. I thought that Mara’s conditions were portrayed with care and authenticity. It was great getting to learn more about the struggles of those with chronic pain while also learning more about conditions I don’t know anything about.
I honestly just loved the merging of these two families together. The way they just immediately clicked with each other’s kids was so heartwarming.
I am absolutely loving this series and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Thank you to Dani Galliaro and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have been so excited for Jack and Mara’s story and it certainly delivered.
I absolutely love how Dani captures chronic illness representation in this series. First with Jeanine in Unbreakable and now with Mara.
Full review:
Jack and Mara. What do I even say about Jack and Mara other than I absolutely loved them as a couple.
I don’t know what it is about Dani’s books but her characters always feel so relatable in a way not all characters do. I loved how raw and vulnerable they were with each other.
I loved how fiercely Jack loves his people and how he won’t back down if anyone he loves is in trouble. Though he started out as a grouch who never smiled it was so nice to see his softer side come out and him allow himself to be happy.
Mara is a rockstar. Being a single parent is no joke but to be a single parent with chronic illnesses is incredible. I thought that Mara’s conditions were portrayed with care and authenticity. It was great getting to learn more about the struggles of those with chronic pain while also learning more about conditions I don’t know anything about.
I honestly just loved the merging of these two families together. The way they just immediately clicked with each other’s kids was so heartwarming.
I am absolutely loving this series and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Thank you to Dani Galliaro and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2025
The first thing that attracted me to read this book were the tropes, because, just wow!!
• Marriage of Convenience
• Single Dad x Single Mom
• Hockey romance
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Chronic Illness & Mobility rep
I’ve never read a marriage of convenience between two single parents and finding this trope combination just tells me how freaking cute it is!! Both Mara and Jack have two kids each, totalling to 4 kids and it’s super sweet to see the dynamics, how the family of 3 each has became a family of 6 together🥰
The story had my attention from the start and I completed 50% of it in one sitting too! Later though, as the intimate scenes increased, a bit of my interest started wavering but that’s only because I’m not overly into their intimate relationship dynamics, just my personal preference, no judging or shaming for anyone that has what they have🩷 Keeping this aside though, the storyline is great, and I loved seeing how Jack gradually accepted the fact that he can love and deserves love, he just needed the right person, and that’s Mara. These two lifted each other up and supported each other through all the pain of the past and present <3
“You don’t belong on the sidelines, Mara. You’re always the main event.”
(this is definitely not something a man would say if he doesn’t love you, I’m very sure)
There’s humour and an entertaining to-and-fro banter between Mara and Jack, Jack caring for Mara’s needs is heartwarming and the love they give their own kids and each other’s kids is wonderful to read, I did hope we get some more of those scenes with Jack’s daughter or son with Mara but maybe @DaniGalliaro can write a bonus scene? (fingers crossed!!)
• Marriage of Convenience
• Single Dad x Single Mom
• Hockey romance
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Chronic Illness & Mobility rep
I’ve never read a marriage of convenience between two single parents and finding this trope combination just tells me how freaking cute it is!! Both Mara and Jack have two kids each, totalling to 4 kids and it’s super sweet to see the dynamics, how the family of 3 each has became a family of 6 together🥰
The story had my attention from the start and I completed 50% of it in one sitting too! Later though, as the intimate scenes increased, a bit of my interest started wavering but that’s only because I’m not overly into their intimate relationship dynamics, just my personal preference, no judging or shaming for anyone that has what they have🩷 Keeping this aside though, the storyline is great, and I loved seeing how Jack gradually accepted the fact that he can love and deserves love, he just needed the right person, and that’s Mara. These two lifted each other up and supported each other through all the pain of the past and present <3
“You don’t belong on the sidelines, Mara. You’re always the main event.”
(this is definitely not something a man would say if he doesn’t love you, I’m very sure)
There’s humour and an entertaining to-and-fro banter between Mara and Jack, Jack caring for Mara’s needs is heartwarming and the love they give their own kids and each other’s kids is wonderful to read, I did hope we get some more of those scenes with Jack’s daughter or son with Mara but maybe @DaniGalliaro can write a bonus scene? (fingers crossed!!)
February 7, 2025
Unthinkable was pretty much Unputdownable! Dani Galliaro writes books that just keep you hooked from beginning to end. I had a giddy smile on all the way through, I swear my cheeks were hurting at some point 😁
I loved the chronic illness rep with Mara's character. I was not familiar at all with her different conditions, but Dani was able to give enough information for us to grasp Mara's reality and her struggles, while not being too heavy on feeding us facts.
I absolutely adored Mara, she was fierce, funny and bossy and she never hesitated to put the big grouchy hockey player in his place!
Jack was hilarious! I mean, totally delusional and in denial, while also unhinged as hell. That thing with Mara's ex-husband? Omg, why dude? 😂
I loved Jack and Mara's dynamic and the I-hate-that-I'm-pretty-much-obsessed-with-you vibes. It gave us some angsty scenes, and the spice was very much worth it in the end 😁
There are so many good things to say about this book! I liked the kids and their relationship with each other, and the adults in their lives.
Unthinkable is definitely another winner from Dani Galliaro, and if you like hockey romance, single dad/mom, and marriage of convenience, I suggest you pick this one up!!
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
I loved the chronic illness rep with Mara's character. I was not familiar at all with her different conditions, but Dani was able to give enough information for us to grasp Mara's reality and her struggles, while not being too heavy on feeding us facts.
I absolutely adored Mara, she was fierce, funny and bossy and she never hesitated to put the big grouchy hockey player in his place!
Jack was hilarious! I mean, totally delusional and in denial, while also unhinged as hell. That thing with Mara's ex-husband? Omg, why dude? 😂
I loved Jack and Mara's dynamic and the I-hate-that-I'm-pretty-much-obsessed-with-you vibes. It gave us some angsty scenes, and the spice was very much worth it in the end 😁
There are so many good things to say about this book! I liked the kids and their relationship with each other, and the adults in their lives.
Unthinkable is definitely another winner from Dani Galliaro, and if you like hockey romance, single dad/mom, and marriage of convenience, I suggest you pick this one up!!
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
February 7, 2025
Wow this was amazing book but it’s the second book in the series and she explains how she deals with chronic pain and with a family ….
But when his daughter and her best friend get in trouble at school, the divorced dad of two and notorious hockey enforcer finds himself in the principal’s office.
There, he forms an unlikely alliance with the other kid’s mom, Mara O’Connell. She’s a single parent like Jack, except with a handful of chronic illnesses to manage, no NHL salary, and no co-parent in sight.
When Jack’s fourth nanny in a row quits and he’s banned from the nanny agency, he devises a mutually beneficial plan to solve their childcare and healthcare needs.
All they have to do is get married—and pretend to be in love so their kids don’t get a complex.
Jack might not think love’s in the cards, but he’s taken down a peg when he’s willing to do anything to protect their family. And his final bluff might be called when Mara gives him something he’s always wanted but never had.
But when his daughter and her best friend get in trouble at school, the divorced dad of two and notorious hockey enforcer finds himself in the principal’s office.
There, he forms an unlikely alliance with the other kid’s mom, Mara O’Connell. She’s a single parent like Jack, except with a handful of chronic illnesses to manage, no NHL salary, and no co-parent in sight.
When Jack’s fourth nanny in a row quits and he’s banned from the nanny agency, he devises a mutually beneficial plan to solve their childcare and healthcare needs.
All they have to do is get married—and pretend to be in love so their kids don’t get a complex.
Jack might not think love’s in the cards, but he’s taken down a peg when he’s willing to do anything to protect their family. And his final bluff might be called when Mara gives him something he’s always wanted but never had.
February 7, 2025
10 stars ⭐️
Dani you’re freaking killing me. This just keeps getting better and better.
I just don’t even know where to start. Jack was so grumpy and then turned into a softy and I loved all of that. He was so selfless the way he put Mara and her children first and the decision he made to help her out. I was so scared when she had her episode I was literally freaking out for her. I loved how genuine jack was with Hazel and Aspen. Jack and Hazey Mazey was everything to me. Adding the Emo into this was amazing 🥹🖤 This was so raw and the vulnerability that Jack and Mara had was really powerful in every way. Mara as a Dom… *My mouth dropped* I was gasping 🫢 non stop lol. The spicy 🌶️ on this honey was good. Another thing I loved was Jack being super protective of EVERYONE! This book has my heart. ❤️🖤
Cannot wait for the rest of the series. ❤️
Dani you’re freaking killing me. This just keeps getting better and better.
I just don’t even know where to start. Jack was so grumpy and then turned into a softy and I loved all of that. He was so selfless the way he put Mara and her children first and the decision he made to help her out. I was so scared when she had her episode I was literally freaking out for her. I loved how genuine jack was with Hazel and Aspen. Jack and Hazey Mazey was everything to me. Adding the Emo into this was amazing 🥹🖤 This was so raw and the vulnerability that Jack and Mara had was really powerful in every way. Mara as a Dom… *My mouth dropped* I was gasping 🫢 non stop lol. The spicy 🌶️ on this honey was good. Another thing I loved was Jack being super protective of EVERYONE! This book has my heart. ❤️🖤
Cannot wait for the rest of the series. ❤️
February 4, 2025
Tropes:
* single mom/single dad
* Hockey romance
* Chronically ill fmc
* Femdom
* Marriage of convenience
* Good Boy
Thank you so much to Dani Galliaro for another ARC. Also thank you to Sunny Babe PR!
This is the second book in Dani's interconnected series. I thought I fell in love with Dylan and Jeannie in Unbreakable but nothing could have prepared me for Mara and Jackie baby! The femdom in the book was not what I was expecting but I ate it up.
Mara is someone who deals with chronic pain and different illnesses and how Dani was able to portray her without making it overly done or insensitive was truly amazing.
The punishment during hockey practice.... Mara teach me your ways. That scene had me cracking up!!
* single mom/single dad
* Hockey romance
* Chronically ill fmc
* Femdom
* Marriage of convenience
* Good Boy
Thank you so much to Dani Galliaro for another ARC. Also thank you to Sunny Babe PR!
This is the second book in Dani's interconnected series. I thought I fell in love with Dylan and Jeannie in Unbreakable but nothing could have prepared me for Mara and Jackie baby! The femdom in the book was not what I was expecting but I ate it up.
Mara is someone who deals with chronic pain and different illnesses and how Dani was able to portray her without making it overly done or insensitive was truly amazing.
The punishment during hockey practice.... Mara teach me your ways. That scene had me cracking up!!
February 16, 2025
Book Rating: ⭐️3.75/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️3.5/5
This was a great addition to the Ohio Rusties series! Mara and Jack were such a cute and relatable couple. I especially loved Mara’s strength, her journey really tugged at my heart. As someone who deals with chronic illness and pain, I felt every bit of her struggle, making her story hit even harder.
One thing I always love about Dani’s books? Her characters feel real. Their struggles are so relatable that it’s easy to lose yourself in the story.
I will say the first half moved a little slow for me, especially while they were going through the move, but once the story picked up, I flew through it chapter after chapter.
If you love sweet & spicy hockey romances, this is a fun one to try, especially if you enjoyed book one!
Spice Rating: 🌶️3.5/5
This was a great addition to the Ohio Rusties series! Mara and Jack were such a cute and relatable couple. I especially loved Mara’s strength, her journey really tugged at my heart. As someone who deals with chronic illness and pain, I felt every bit of her struggle, making her story hit even harder.
One thing I always love about Dani’s books? Her characters feel real. Their struggles are so relatable that it’s easy to lose yourself in the story.
I will say the first half moved a little slow for me, especially while they were going through the move, but once the story picked up, I flew through it chapter after chapter.
If you love sweet & spicy hockey romances, this is a fun one to try, especially if you enjoyed book one!
January 27, 2025
Oh Jackie baby! Unthinkable lets us into Jack Leroy's life after his divorce and meeting Mara, his daughter's best friend's mom. He is drawn to her but told himself and could never get close or love again. They develop a friendship and it leads to him asking her for a marriage of convenience to help them both out. Mara wants love but soon accepts him offer. They make their marriage work for them. Through his hockey schedule and trade. Will it become real for him?
As always, the side characters and world are fantastic. I love this universe Dani has created .
As always, the side characters and world are fantastic. I love this universe Dani has created .
March 1, 2025
ARC Review ✨️
♡Mara & Jack♡
How I desperately wish I could read this for the first time again 😭😭😭😭 The dedication was absolutely perfect!!
"For the emo kids who were coding songs into your MySpace profiles
It was never just a phase, mom." So relatable and literally perfection! 🙌😍
The playlist was spot on to all of the feelings! It's one of the best playlists I've listened to yet while reading🙌😍 It definitely made my emo heart happy🎶
These characters were amazing and just so raw and genuine💞 Mara and Jack made such a great pair. Mara deals with chronic illness, and the author portrayed it so beautifully🥹
Tropes:
💞Single mom/single dad
💞Hockey romance
💞Marriage of convenience
💞Chronic illness & mobility aid rep
Thanks so much to the author and Sunnybabe PR for the ARC!
♡Mara & Jack♡
How I desperately wish I could read this for the first time again 😭😭😭😭 The dedication was absolutely perfect!!
"For the emo kids who were coding songs into your MySpace profiles
It was never just a phase, mom." So relatable and literally perfection! 🙌😍
The playlist was spot on to all of the feelings! It's one of the best playlists I've listened to yet while reading🙌😍 It definitely made my emo heart happy🎶
These characters were amazing and just so raw and genuine💞 Mara and Jack made such a great pair. Mara deals with chronic illness, and the author portrayed it so beautifully🥹
Tropes:
💞Single mom/single dad
💞Hockey romance
💞Marriage of convenience
💞Chronic illness & mobility aid rep
Thanks so much to the author and Sunnybabe PR for the ARC!
February 5, 2025
There is a lot to like about this book - Marriage of convenience, Grumpy single dad x Sunshine single mom, Hockey romance, Chronic illness and mobility aid rep - and yet Jack not being able to tell Mara that he loved her until very far in the book was frustrating for me. You should also know that Jack is somewhat morally grey even though his behavior is understood by Mara and the readers too. Thank you to Dani Galliaro and Happily Booked PR for the chance to read this book early!
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