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Aston Archers Hockey #3
Make Your Save
Falling for my ex-boyfriend’s brother was never supposed to happen… especially while I’m pretending to be his fiancée.
When I find Rowan Taylor’s infant daughter abandoned outside the hospital I work at, both of our lives are instantly flipped upside down. I’m only in Aston until my travel nurse assignment is up in a few weeks, but when I realize the star goalie needs my help, I can’t seem to walk away from him.
Even though his daughter was abandoned, he finds himself having to prove to the courts that he can provide a stable life for her… and to help his case, he convinces me to pretend to be his fiancée.
It’s the perfect plan to make him look like the family man he needs to be to get custody.
It’s supposed to be simple—just a few months of playing the part until I have to leave for my next nursing assignment, yet the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember it’s fake.
Rowan’s fiercely protective of his daughter, warm in ways I never saw before, and the quiet moments when he looks at me with that soft vulnerability? I can’t ignore it.
Somewhere between the late-nights and unexpected moments of tenderness, I start to feel things I shouldn’t. Things that make me question everything.
And falling for him?
Well… that was never part of my plan.
____________________________________________
From bestselling romance author, Cali Melle, Make Your Save is a fun and steamy interconnected standalone from the Aston Archers series. Each book can be read alone and follows a fictional professional player falling in love.
MAKE YOUR SAVE
Pro Hockey Romance
Single Dad
Fake Dating/Engagement
Ex’s Brother
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
When I find Rowan Taylor’s infant daughter abandoned outside the hospital I work at, both of our lives are instantly flipped upside down. I’m only in Aston until my travel nurse assignment is up in a few weeks, but when I realize the star goalie needs my help, I can’t seem to walk away from him.
Even though his daughter was abandoned, he finds himself having to prove to the courts that he can provide a stable life for her… and to help his case, he convinces me to pretend to be his fiancée.
It’s the perfect plan to make him look like the family man he needs to be to get custody.
It’s supposed to be simple—just a few months of playing the part until I have to leave for my next nursing assignment, yet the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember it’s fake.
Rowan’s fiercely protective of his daughter, warm in ways I never saw before, and the quiet moments when he looks at me with that soft vulnerability? I can’t ignore it.
Somewhere between the late-nights and unexpected moments of tenderness, I start to feel things I shouldn’t. Things that make me question everything.
And falling for him?
Well… that was never part of my plan.
____________________________________________
From bestselling romance author, Cali Melle, Make Your Save is a fun and steamy interconnected standalone from the Aston Archers series. Each book can be read alone and follows a fictional professional player falling in love.
MAKE YOUR SAVE
Pro Hockey Romance
Single Dad
Fake Dating/Engagement
Ex’s Brother
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2025
1116 people are currently reading
3547 people want to read
About the author
Cali Melle
39 books1,259 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews
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June 22, 2025
i had so much fun with this book!! such a bingable and sweet story <33
single parent will FORVER be one of my fav tropes ever!!! ex's brother has rlly been serving lately 😛
🤍┆ʚଓ pre-read ౨ৎ
this seems so cute and i love the cover!! ex's brother and baby 👀
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 april 4
thank you to the author for an arc <3
single parent will FORVER be one of my fav tropes ever!!! ex's brother has rlly been serving lately 😛
🤍┆ʚଓ pre-read ౨ৎ
this seems so cute and i love the cover!! ex's brother and baby 👀
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 april 4
thank you to the author for an arc <3
lost-interest-but-maybe-come-back
April 9, 2025This could definitely be my mood because this is the second one in a row, but I'm not engaged at all. I wasn't feeling even the attraction between the mcs and I was bored. Granted, I only made it 18%. But really, I should feel something by that point...right?
I put it under "lost interest but maybe come back" shelf but I honestly don't know if I will.
I put it under "lost interest but maybe come back" shelf but I honestly don't know if I will.
April 4, 2025
ARC review
Wow! I absolutely ate this book up and left no crumbs. I read this book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. I'm a sucker for a single Daddy. Rowan just took on the father role so well, with Hadley's help, of course. The slow-burn in this book was so freaking good. I'm talking like 70% in before they even kissed. I absolutely loved it. The tension and chemistry that built up was amazing. This is my new favorite book by Cali! I definitely recommend it!!
Thank you to Cali for this ARC for my honest opinion!
April 7, 2025
Make Your Save by Cali Melle
4,5/5⭐
2/5🌶️
This book was a delightful and charming read! Honestly, I fell in love with the cover first—look at it! I think it’s the cutest cover I’ve seen all year. But once I dove into the story, I found it was even better! The plot is pretty simple, but it’s executed so well. I adored watching the relationship between the main couple blossom. The chemistry between them is incredible! You can feel the tension in the air, and their romance is so sweet and swoon-worthy.
Hadley is a traveling nurse who loves to explore new places and experience everything the world has to offer. One day, she finds a baby with a letter indicating that the baby’s dad is Rowan, her ex’s brother. On a whim, she decides to take the baby to Rowan. When he finds that he’s a dad, he’s shocked and a bit panicked. He’s hesitant to raise a baby, and thankfully, Hadley offers to help him. That’s how their feelings for each other start to grow!
I loved how kind, caring, and compassionate Hadley is. When she tells Rowan about the baby, she knows he’ll be overwhelmed and steps in to support him, sharing everything he needs to know about caring for a little one. As they spend more time together, Hadley gets to know Rowan better and starts falling for him. Plus, with how much time she spends with his baby, Lucy, it’s impossible not to love her too.
Rowan's reaction to becoming a dad is a mix of shock and panic since he’s not sure how to juggle his crazy schedule with the demands of a baby. Luckily, Hadley is there to help him every step of the way. Watching him step up as a dad to Lucy was heartwarming. Despite his fears and uncertainties, he’s genuinely trying to figure it all out. I melted every time I saw a scene with him and Lucy.
Rowan and Hadley's relationship is a slow burn, with their first kiss happening around 70% of the way through, but it feels right for the story. I also loved seeing Rowan’s teammates—he wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and they were always ready to support him. The book had a great mix of funny moments, sweet scenes, and even some angst. Overall, it was a fantastic, light read with wonderful characters, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book!
4,5/5⭐
2/5🌶️
This book was a delightful and charming read! Honestly, I fell in love with the cover first—look at it! I think it’s the cutest cover I’ve seen all year. But once I dove into the story, I found it was even better! The plot is pretty simple, but it’s executed so well. I adored watching the relationship between the main couple blossom. The chemistry between them is incredible! You can feel the tension in the air, and their romance is so sweet and swoon-worthy.
Hadley is a traveling nurse who loves to explore new places and experience everything the world has to offer. One day, she finds a baby with a letter indicating that the baby’s dad is Rowan, her ex’s brother. On a whim, she decides to take the baby to Rowan. When he finds that he’s a dad, he’s shocked and a bit panicked. He’s hesitant to raise a baby, and thankfully, Hadley offers to help him. That’s how their feelings for each other start to grow!
I loved how kind, caring, and compassionate Hadley is. When she tells Rowan about the baby, she knows he’ll be overwhelmed and steps in to support him, sharing everything he needs to know about caring for a little one. As they spend more time together, Hadley gets to know Rowan better and starts falling for him. Plus, with how much time she spends with his baby, Lucy, it’s impossible not to love her too.
Rowan's reaction to becoming a dad is a mix of shock and panic since he’s not sure how to juggle his crazy schedule with the demands of a baby. Luckily, Hadley is there to help him every step of the way. Watching him step up as a dad to Lucy was heartwarming. Despite his fears and uncertainties, he’s genuinely trying to figure it all out. I melted every time I saw a scene with him and Lucy.
Rowan and Hadley's relationship is a slow burn, with their first kiss happening around 70% of the way through, but it feels right for the story. I also loved seeing Rowan’s teammates—he wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and they were always ready to support him. The book had a great mix of funny moments, sweet scenes, and even some angst. Overall, it was a fantastic, light read with wonderful characters, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book!
June 4, 2025
❝she's slowly infiltrating my heart and i'm not certain i stand a chance against this kind of warfare.❞
4★
4★
March 26, 2025
— ARC Review : 4.5 stars ✰
spice level : 3/5 🌶️
- tropes :
🧑🧒 single dad/found baby
🥅 hockey romance
❌ ex’s brother
💍 fake dating/engagement
: ̗̀➛ This was my first time reading an ex’s brother trope, and I really enjoyed it! What I liked most was that the story didn’t overly focus on the fmc’s past relationship with her ex. I honestly didn’t care much about how she broke up with the ex and ended up with his brother, so I appreciated that the book kept the attention on the present rather than unnecessary drama.
The story follows Hadley and Rowan. Hadley is a traveling nurse until one day when she sees a baby and a familiar name that brings back memories, she knows she has to take the baby to Rowan, her ex’s brother. Rowan is a star hockey goalie whose life takes an unexpected turn when he gets a call from his brother’s ex, telling him that his baby was left in the hospital’s safe deposit box. He’s nowhere near ready to be a father, but Hadley offers to help and everything changes.
I really appreciated that the book didn’t focus too much on the baby’s mother. Instead, it was about Rowan stepping up as a father, which was heartwarming to see. I also loved that he had a solid support system, including Hadley, who willingly helped him navigate this life-changing moment. The lack of unnecessary drama made the story even more enjoyable. As for the romance, it was definitely a slowburn because they didn’t even kiss until like 70% into the book. But that actually made their connection feel more realistic. The slow development of their relationship along with the spice felt natural rather than rushed. I also loved seeing Rowan’s growth especially when he quickly stepped up to protect and care for his daughter.
However, I wish we got more of Hadley’s backstory because sometimes it feels like she’s not really the main character in this book. I also would have loved more moments of Hadley and Rowan together without the baby in the scene, to build their relationship even further. But overall, it’s an enjoyable book. I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend it to everyone!
────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Cali Melle for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
spice level : 3/5 🌶️
- tropes :
🧑🧒 single dad/found baby
🥅 hockey romance
❌ ex’s brother
💍 fake dating/engagement
: ̗̀➛ This was my first time reading an ex’s brother trope, and I really enjoyed it! What I liked most was that the story didn’t overly focus on the fmc’s past relationship with her ex. I honestly didn’t care much about how she broke up with the ex and ended up with his brother, so I appreciated that the book kept the attention on the present rather than unnecessary drama.
The story follows Hadley and Rowan. Hadley is a traveling nurse until one day when she sees a baby and a familiar name that brings back memories, she knows she has to take the baby to Rowan, her ex’s brother. Rowan is a star hockey goalie whose life takes an unexpected turn when he gets a call from his brother’s ex, telling him that his baby was left in the hospital’s safe deposit box. He’s nowhere near ready to be a father, but Hadley offers to help and everything changes.
I really appreciated that the book didn’t focus too much on the baby’s mother. Instead, it was about Rowan stepping up as a father, which was heartwarming to see. I also loved that he had a solid support system, including Hadley, who willingly helped him navigate this life-changing moment. The lack of unnecessary drama made the story even more enjoyable. As for the romance, it was definitely a slowburn because they didn’t even kiss until like 70% into the book. But that actually made their connection feel more realistic. The slow development of their relationship along with the spice felt natural rather than rushed. I also loved seeing Rowan’s growth especially when he quickly stepped up to protect and care for his daughter.
However, I wish we got more of Hadley’s backstory because sometimes it feels like she’s not really the main character in this book. I also would have loved more moments of Hadley and Rowan together without the baby in the scene, to build their relationship even further. But overall, it’s an enjoyable book. I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend it to everyone!
────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Cali Melle for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 5, 2025
“When it comes to Lucy and Hadley, I’ll make as many saves as I have to.”
Hadley Reed is a traveling nurse. Currently, she is at Aston Hospital. While on her break, she discovers a baby left in the safe haven section of the hospital. When she checks on the baby, she sees that the baby has a note and a picture of hockey star Rowan Taylor stating he is the father. Hadley knows Rowan personally since she dated his brother in the past. Rowan’s life takes an unexpected turn when Hadley calls him to give him the news about his daughter. Rowan is nowhere near ready to handle this situation. Hadley then offers to help him for a few months. During that time, everything changes.
What I loved most about this story was the kindness that exuded from Hadley. That then caused a ripple effect to extend to Rowan. The relationship Hadley and Rowan had was based on trust, support, caring, and tenderness. Cali always gives us a new lesson to open our minds to, and this one hit the heart in a different way. I love that!
Tropes: Hockey, Fake Dating, Brother’s Ex, Surprise Baby, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn.
THANK YOU, CALI, FOR THE ARC
Hadley Reed is a traveling nurse. Currently, she is at Aston Hospital. While on her break, she discovers a baby left in the safe haven section of the hospital. When she checks on the baby, she sees that the baby has a note and a picture of hockey star Rowan Taylor stating he is the father. Hadley knows Rowan personally since she dated his brother in the past. Rowan’s life takes an unexpected turn when Hadley calls him to give him the news about his daughter. Rowan is nowhere near ready to handle this situation. Hadley then offers to help him for a few months. During that time, everything changes.
What I loved most about this story was the kindness that exuded from Hadley. That then caused a ripple effect to extend to Rowan. The relationship Hadley and Rowan had was based on trust, support, caring, and tenderness. Cali always gives us a new lesson to open our minds to, and this one hit the heart in a different way. I love that!
Tropes: Hockey, Fake Dating, Brother’s Ex, Surprise Baby, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn.
THANK YOU, CALI, FOR THE ARC
March 28, 2025
every time i finish one of cali’s books i’m like “wow this was cali’s best book!!!” and i fear this time is no different. i love her and i love this series so much <33
i always talk about how the boys are my favorite but i think hadley is my favorite of cali’s fmcs. rowan was obviously great but hadley stepped up without question when she didn’t have to. she was lucy’s #1 fan and supporter, and she did everything she could to make sure the baby was happy, safe, and where she needed to be <3
also something else i always say is that the next book is gonna be so good but i MEAN IT!! my jaw was genuinely on the floor when i realized who the book is gonna be about. you’re not ready for it!!!
thank you cali for the arc!!
i always talk about how the boys are my favorite but i think hadley is my favorite of cali’s fmcs. rowan was obviously great but hadley stepped up without question when she didn’t have to. she was lucy’s #1 fan and supporter, and she did everything she could to make sure the baby was happy, safe, and where she needed to be <3
also something else i always say is that the next book is gonna be so good but i MEAN IT!! my jaw was genuinely on the floor when i realized who the book is gonna be about. you’re not ready for it!!!
thank you cali for the arc!!
March 24, 2025
ARC review
Trope:
-Hockey Romance
-Fake Relationship
-Brothers Ex
-Surprise Baby
-Forced Proximity
-Slow Burn
Over all rating 4.25⭐️
1.5 🌶️
I really enjoyed this story. Hadley and Rowan were a great couple. The story starts with Hadley finding a baby in the hospitals safe haven with a picture of the father attached. And that picture would belong to of course, her ex boyfriend’s brother Rowan. Rowan and her tackle parenthood while getting twisted into a story they created while dealing with the baby, to of course actually fall in love by the end.
Also the teaser for the next book has me excited!
Thank you Cali for the opportunity to read this in advance.
Trope:
-Hockey Romance
-Fake Relationship
-Brothers Ex
-Surprise Baby
-Forced Proximity
-Slow Burn
Over all rating 4.25⭐️
1.5 🌶️
I really enjoyed this story. Hadley and Rowan were a great couple. The story starts with Hadley finding a baby in the hospitals safe haven with a picture of the father attached. And that picture would belong to of course, her ex boyfriend’s brother Rowan. Rowan and her tackle parenthood while getting twisted into a story they created while dealing with the baby, to of course actually fall in love by the end.
Also the teaser for the next book has me excited!
Thank you Cali for the opportunity to read this in advance.
Want to read
March 23, 2025Omg, the cover is so freaking cute, despite the MMC's body being disproportionately drawn lol.
May 1, 2025
this was cute. I didn’t feel super connected to any of the characters, but I thought it was an adorable easy read
March 20, 2025
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Cali for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Make Your Save;
-Fake Relationship
-Exs Brother
-Forced Proximity
-Single Dad
-Slow Burn
Okay this might be my favorite book in this series but that’s also so hard to say because each one has something I absolutely love.
Rowan & Hadleys story had pretty much every perfect romance story moment tied together in this book. I don’t wanna say too much without giving them all away, but they had their cute moments, they had their spicy moments, but I think my favorite moment was Alpha Rowan. My job was on the floor. Chemistry is a big thing for me and I absolutely love these two from start to finish. They just had each other‘s backs and it made my heart burst.
Cali’s writing it’s just so smooth. I just devoured this book. Should definitely read if you haven’t read book one and two do it they’re so good.
Side notes:
-my home Myles smith
-the “preview” 😂
-stoooooopppp I was hoping for a sense bewteeen with his hobby 😩😮💨
-protective Rowan
-book 4😳
Fav Quote: “Hey Had, you will be back right”
& “I do not creep”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases April 4th🩵
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Cali for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Make Your Save;
-Fake Relationship
-Exs Brother
-Forced Proximity
-Single Dad
-Slow Burn
Okay this might be my favorite book in this series but that’s also so hard to say because each one has something I absolutely love.
Rowan & Hadleys story had pretty much every perfect romance story moment tied together in this book. I don’t wanna say too much without giving them all away, but they had their cute moments, they had their spicy moments, but I think my favorite moment was Alpha Rowan. My job was on the floor. Chemistry is a big thing for me and I absolutely love these two from start to finish. They just had each other‘s backs and it made my heart burst.
Cali’s writing it’s just so smooth. I just devoured this book. Should definitely read if you haven’t read book one and two do it they’re so good.
Side notes:
-my home Myles smith
-the “preview” 😂
-stoooooopppp I was hoping for a sense bewteeen with his hobby 😩😮💨
-protective Rowan
-book 4😳
Fav Quote: “Hey Had, you will be back right”
& “I do not creep”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases April 4th🩵
#bookstagram #romance #review
March 24, 2025
ARC Review
About a 4.5 rating.
I loved Rowan and Hadley. While Rowan was initially hesitant about having a child, he quickly came around to it. I appreciated that he talked through the situation with Hadley. They discussed the what ifs of keeping Lucy and not keeping her.
Rowan ended up being an adorable father and I loved how his teammates were there for him. They are a family who have each other's backs.
Hadley was a strong and compassionate woman. I wish we knew more about her back story than we did. The only thing we learned about her past is that she and Rowan were from the same town and that she and Rowan's brother Beau dated for about 6 months a year prior to the story.
As someone with bipolar disorder, I tend to be hesitant when approaching a character with my disease. Too often, that person becomes demonized. They are the antagonist with little to few redeemable qualities. In the beginning of the story Beau is self medicating with drugs. He displays the worst characteristics someone may have. I'm glad that in the end he doesn't continue being the villain in the story. He's in recovery and making an effort to do better for himself and those around him.
Overall, not my favorite of the series, but still a very good book. Heads up, this is a very slow burn.
About a 4.5 rating.
I loved Rowan and Hadley. While Rowan was initially hesitant about having a child, he quickly came around to it. I appreciated that he talked through the situation with Hadley. They discussed the what ifs of keeping Lucy and not keeping her.
Rowan ended up being an adorable father and I loved how his teammates were there for him. They are a family who have each other's backs.
Hadley was a strong and compassionate woman. I wish we knew more about her back story than we did. The only thing we learned about her past is that she and Rowan were from the same town and that she and Rowan's brother Beau dated for about 6 months a year prior to the story.
As someone with bipolar disorder, I tend to be hesitant when approaching a character with my disease. Too often, that person becomes demonized. They are the antagonist with little to few redeemable qualities. In the beginning of the story Beau is self medicating with drugs. He displays the worst characteristics someone may have. I'm glad that in the end he doesn't continue being the villain in the story. He's in recovery and making an effort to do better for himself and those around him.
Overall, not my favorite of the series, but still a very good book. Heads up, this is a very slow burn.
April 6, 2025
Rowan and Hadley are the sweetest couple - you are just going to LOVE them 🥰
Rowan is the perfect cinnamon roll of a man and the cutest scared-new-dad you’ve ever seen. As soon as he realizes he’s sweet baby Lucy’s father, he jumps in with two feet, thanks to the help of nurse Hadley.
The two of them knew each other, since she had previously dated his younger brother. But being thrust into this new parent situation brings them closer than ever. And the chemistry is 💥!!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ & 🌶🌶/5 spice
Read if you like:
💍 fake engagement
💕 ex's brother
👨👧 single dad
🏠 forced proximity
🏒 hockey romance
If you like a spicy facetime, steamy pottery scenes and a perfectly delicious slow burn, this book delivers! I loved this one so much and I will DEF be going back to read the first two books in the series after this! Don't come at me - I know I'm a crazy person for reading out of order, but I'm so so glad I jumped in when I did. You're going to love this series!
Thank you so much to Cali Melle for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Rowan is the perfect cinnamon roll of a man and the cutest scared-new-dad you’ve ever seen. As soon as he realizes he’s sweet baby Lucy’s father, he jumps in with two feet, thanks to the help of nurse Hadley.
The two of them knew each other, since she had previously dated his younger brother. But being thrust into this new parent situation brings them closer than ever. And the chemistry is 💥!!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ & 🌶🌶/5 spice
Read if you like:
💍 fake engagement
💕 ex's brother
👨👧 single dad
🏠 forced proximity
🏒 hockey romance
If you like a spicy facetime, steamy pottery scenes and a perfectly delicious slow burn, this book delivers! I loved this one so much and I will DEF be going back to read the first two books in the series after this! Don't come at me - I know I'm a crazy person for reading out of order, but I'm so so glad I jumped in when I did. You're going to love this series!
Thank you so much to Cali Melle for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2025
This is hands down my favorite of the series! Each book just gets better and better!
Rowan is the goalie for the Aston Archers who isn’t looking for a serious relationship. Hadley is Rowan’s brother’s ex girlfriend that is in town temporarily for work as a travel nurse. When Rowan finds out he has a baby girl, he enlists Hadley’s help. As Rowan tries to secure full custody of her daughter, Lucy, he grows closer to Hadley. To make his case look better, they get fake engaged and it doesn’t take long until lines are blurred.
I absolutely ate this one up in one sitting! Rowan is sweet and has a secret talent for pottery which leads to a very hot pottery scene🥵 Not only does Hadley fall for Rowan but she also loves Lucy like she’s her own. This was a slow burn but the tension and chemistry was so good!
Make Your Save | Cali Melle | The Aston Archers series book 3 | 4•4•25
✨Single dad
✨Brother’s ex girlfriend
✨Hockey romance
✨Found family
Thank you Cali for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Rowan is the goalie for the Aston Archers who isn’t looking for a serious relationship. Hadley is Rowan’s brother’s ex girlfriend that is in town temporarily for work as a travel nurse. When Rowan finds out he has a baby girl, he enlists Hadley’s help. As Rowan tries to secure full custody of her daughter, Lucy, he grows closer to Hadley. To make his case look better, they get fake engaged and it doesn’t take long until lines are blurred.
I absolutely ate this one up in one sitting! Rowan is sweet and has a secret talent for pottery which leads to a very hot pottery scene🥵 Not only does Hadley fall for Rowan but she also loves Lucy like she’s her own. This was a slow burn but the tension and chemistry was so good!
Make Your Save | Cali Melle | The Aston Archers series book 3 | 4•4•25
✨Single dad
✨Brother’s ex girlfriend
✨Hockey romance
✨Found family
Thank you Cali for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
March 26, 2025
Make Your Save is the third book in the Aston Archer Hockey series but could be read as a standalone. It is a quick read and I finished in one evening. This book is full of heartwarming and sweet moments between Rowan, Hadley, and Lucy and I couldn't get enough of them. After finding out he has a baby, Rowan is ready to spiral off the deep end until Hadley reassures him that he can do this and she will help him get settled. But I do feel like this portrayed the reality of someone finding out they had an infant they had no clue about and the struggle to accept, process, and care for them. The slow burn between Rowan and Hadley is the literal definition of SLOW, but I do love when they finally give in! Also was loving that Rowan has a pottery shed, like can he get more adorable?!?!
What to expect:
-Hockey romance
-Surprise baby
-Ex's brother
-Fake dating/engagement
-Single dad
-Forced proximity
-Slow burn
-Found family
Thank you to Cali Melle for letting me read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for my opinions!
What to expect:
-Hockey romance
-Surprise baby
-Ex's brother
-Fake dating/engagement
-Single dad
-Forced proximity
-Slow burn
-Found family
Thank you to Cali Melle for letting me read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for my opinions!
August 9, 2025
Cute, but not memorable.😀
March 23, 2025
This book was very hard for me to get into, I really struggled at first because I just had a pretty deep dislike of the MMC. I don’t know why but the vibes he was giving throughout the other books and at the beginning of this book just didn’t jive
The only reason I kept pushing through was because of the FMC.
She is all the green flags, willing to put her life in her career at risk to help somebody who she only tentatively knows, and for a baby she has no real ties to.
Now that I read the entire book, I kind of think that the author purposefully made the MMC kind of unlikable.
You needed to see his change and how not only fatherhood, but being shown unconditional support changes a person fundamentally. If anything this book is an ode to how quickly one person can change your life, no matter how dire it seems, just by showing up for you.
The only reason I kept pushing through was because of the FMC.
She is all the green flags, willing to put her life in her career at risk to help somebody who she only tentatively knows, and for a baby she has no real ties to.
Now that I read the entire book, I kind of think that the author purposefully made the MMC kind of unlikable.
You needed to see his change and how not only fatherhood, but being shown unconditional support changes a person fundamentally. If anything this book is an ode to how quickly one person can change your life, no matter how dire it seems, just by showing up for you.
April 6, 2025
I loved this book so very much! Rowan was the perfect book boyfriend and Hadley was perfect! This story had me hooked from the first page and kept my attention all the way to the end! You just wanted them to love each other and have all the happiness! I’ve loved every Cali has written and I definitely recommend it!
May 1, 2025
kindle: 3⭐️ perfectly fine but also entirely average :/ somehow this was a single dad fake dating sports romance where we didn’t see much at all of him actually being a dad, going on fake dates, or being an athlete
though the moments we did get of him being a dad were pretty darn cute i will say
though the moments we did get of him being a dad were pretty darn cute i will say
April 2, 2025
I enjoyed the relationship between Hadley and Rowan however, Rowan just wasn't my favorite. I feel like he expected Hadley to stay and just take care of his baby.
Hadley was the queen of this book. She was so supportive and deserves the world!
I also had an issue with the the way they got Lucy. 😬 Please don't do that... Also they never tried to find the mom? Kinda weird.
Overall, not my favorite but not the worst. Hadley really saved this for me.
Hadley was the queen of this book. She was so supportive and deserves the world!
I also had an issue with the the way they got Lucy. 😬 Please don't do that... Also they never tried to find the mom? Kinda weird.
Overall, not my favorite but not the worst. Hadley really saved this for me.
May 10, 2025
so legally what we've done here is kidnapping but if the government doesn't have to follow laws and billionaires don't have to follow laws, my FMCs don't have to follow laws either and she ate with that kidnapping
April 5, 2025
”There's something about watching a man with a baby that has a way of making your hormones kick into overdrive. Who am I kidding? I've always been attracted to Rowan Taylor.”
✔️hockey romance
✔️surprise single dad
✔️ex’s brother
✔️fake engagement
✔️slow burn
✔️pro hockey player with a secret crafty hobby (seriously this might be one of my favorite scenes)
4.25 ⭐️
After the second book in this series fell a little flat for me, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one, but I definitely enjoyed it. Though you definitely have to suspend your disbelief (the FMC would never have gotten away with taking a baby out of the safe haven box and out of the hospital in real life), this is fiction and it made for an interesting conflict and set up for the story. I like that the MMC isn’t instantly likable/golden retriever, and that it takes him a minute to come around to being a dad, every thing he does when he finds out about Lucy (the baby) is realistic. He has his freak out moment like anyone in that situation would and then he steps up and becomes a father. He has no idea that the baby exists until she is dropped off at the hospital, and he was never expecting to become a parent, but he rises to the challenge and is determined to be the best parent he possibly can be for his daughter.
This book does a good job focusing on the MCs and the baby, rather than everyone else. The baby’s biological mother isn’t shown on page, and there is no drama there, just the facts about what happened. The FMC’s ex is the MMC’s brother, but that is really a non-issue as well. There is a brief (I’m talking 30 minutes or so) separation in the third act, some may consider it a breakup but I don’t personally. It’s a classic case of “she’s always planned on leaving but doesn’t want to and is sad he didn’t ask her to stay, and he won’t hold her back from her dreams by asking her to stay”. They just needed to communicate, honestly. They are sweet together, their relationship definitely takes time and is a slow burn in every sense but I liked watching them figure out life together.
✔️hockey romance
✔️surprise single dad
✔️ex’s brother
✔️fake engagement
✔️slow burn
✔️pro hockey player with a secret crafty hobby (seriously this might be one of my favorite scenes)
4.25 ⭐️
After the second book in this series fell a little flat for me, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one, but I definitely enjoyed it. Though you definitely have to suspend your disbelief (the FMC would never have gotten away with taking a baby out of the safe haven box and out of the hospital in real life), this is fiction and it made for an interesting conflict and set up for the story. I like that the MMC isn’t instantly likable/golden retriever, and that it takes him a minute to come around to being a dad, every thing he does when he finds out about Lucy (the baby) is realistic. He has his freak out moment like anyone in that situation would and then he steps up and becomes a father. He has no idea that the baby exists until she is dropped off at the hospital, and he was never expecting to become a parent, but he rises to the challenge and is determined to be the best parent he possibly can be for his daughter.
This book does a good job focusing on the MCs and the baby, rather than everyone else. The baby’s biological mother isn’t shown on page, and there is no drama there, just the facts about what happened. The FMC’s ex is the MMC’s brother, but that is really a non-issue as well. There is a brief (I’m talking 30 minutes or so) separation in the third act, some may consider it a breakup but I don’t personally. It’s a classic case of “she’s always planned on leaving but doesn’t want to and is sad he didn’t ask her to stay, and he won’t hold her back from her dreams by asking her to stay”. They just needed to communicate, honestly. They are sweet together, their relationship definitely takes time and is a slow burn in every sense but I liked watching them figure out life together.
April 6, 2025
Sweet single dad hockey romance
4⭐️ 2🌶️ Book 3 in the Aston Archers hockey series
Rowan is a pro hockey 🥅 🏒 goalie that doesn’t do relationships. Hadley is a travel nurse that used to date his brother. She finds a baby at the hospital w/a note that says the baby is his, so she calls him. Since her contract is up w/the local hospital, she agrees to stay at his home for a few months to help care for Lucy until she leaves for her next contract in California. They both grow to have feelings they won’t admit. I loved the sweet HEA, the found family with the hockey team and their wives/girlfriends, and the great spice.
"I couldn't care less about the bigger picture, not when I already have everything I'll ever need. The moon can keep the stars and the sun can keep the clouds."
"But then what do you get to keep?"
‘You. I just want to keep you.’
‘Can I tell you something?’
‘Always.’
‘Lucy isn't the only one who misses you.’
"I love you, Hadley Reed. And I don't want you to go."
"But you don't need me anymore.."
“But we do. Just not in the way we once did. We don't need your help, but we need YOU. I want to wake up every morning with you in my bed. I want to find you curled up on the couch with Lucy tucked in your arms.” ❤️
"I love you, Rowan. I've loved you for a long time. You made your save, now take me home."
Read this if you like:
*Hockey romance
*Single dad
*’Good girl’ 🥵
*Sweatpants 🫠
*pottery making scene 🔥
*Found family
I’m excited to get Carson’s story next in book 4.
4⭐️ 2🌶️ Book 3 in the Aston Archers hockey series
Rowan is a pro hockey 🥅 🏒 goalie that doesn’t do relationships. Hadley is a travel nurse that used to date his brother. She finds a baby at the hospital w/a note that says the baby is his, so she calls him. Since her contract is up w/the local hospital, she agrees to stay at his home for a few months to help care for Lucy until she leaves for her next contract in California. They both grow to have feelings they won’t admit. I loved the sweet HEA, the found family with the hockey team and their wives/girlfriends, and the great spice.
"I couldn't care less about the bigger picture, not when I already have everything I'll ever need. The moon can keep the stars and the sun can keep the clouds."
"But then what do you get to keep?"
‘You. I just want to keep you.’
‘Can I tell you something?’
‘Always.’
‘Lucy isn't the only one who misses you.’
"I love you, Hadley Reed. And I don't want you to go."
"But you don't need me anymore.."
“But we do. Just not in the way we once did. We don't need your help, but we need YOU. I want to wake up every morning with you in my bed. I want to find you curled up on the couch with Lucy tucked in your arms.” ❤️
"I love you, Rowan. I've loved you for a long time. You made your save, now take me home."
Read this if you like:
*Hockey romance
*Single dad
*’Good girl’ 🥵
*Sweatpants 🫠
*pottery making scene 🔥
*Found family
I’m excited to get Carson’s story next in book 4.
April 10, 2025
ARC Review
4.25/5 ⭐️
While on her way out for her lunch break, Hadley finds a baby girl in the hospital’s safe haven bin. There is a note, letter, and birth certificate with the baby. When she reads the note, she is shocked to find out it’s Rowan Taylor’s baby. Unsure what to do, she calls him and tells him to come to the hospital immediately.
Rowan hasn’t seen or heard from Hadley since the day he saw her in the hospital, when his friend’s wife was going through a life threatening delivery. When he arrives at the hospital and sees Hadley with the baby, he’s confused. He did not expect her to tell him the baby girl she found was his. In a state of shock and panic, he takes Hadley and the baby to the people he knows he can count on and trust - Lincoln and Nova.
When the paternity test comes back positive that the baby is his, Rowan is not sure what to do or what to think. He never really wanted kids but he can’t let her go into the foster system either. Hadley agrees to help him in any way she can. What she didn’t realize is that she would have to become his fake fiancée to help him keep full custody of his daughter. It’s temporary just like her time in Aston. But the more she’s around Rowan and his daughter, she can’t help but fall for them.
Rowan and Hadley’s story was so sweet! The way Rowan took care of and protected his daughter, Lucy, was adorable. At first he didn’t want kids, but when he finally held Lucy in arms, he melted and fell in love with her. Hadley is so kind to help Rowan with Lucy. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn. And who knew pottery could be so hot lol. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one, especially with the little sneak peek we got at the end of the book!
Thank you Cali Melle for the ARC!
4.25/5 ⭐️
While on her way out for her lunch break, Hadley finds a baby girl in the hospital’s safe haven bin. There is a note, letter, and birth certificate with the baby. When she reads the note, she is shocked to find out it’s Rowan Taylor’s baby. Unsure what to do, she calls him and tells him to come to the hospital immediately.
Rowan hasn’t seen or heard from Hadley since the day he saw her in the hospital, when his friend’s wife was going through a life threatening delivery. When he arrives at the hospital and sees Hadley with the baby, he’s confused. He did not expect her to tell him the baby girl she found was his. In a state of shock and panic, he takes Hadley and the baby to the people he knows he can count on and trust - Lincoln and Nova.
When the paternity test comes back positive that the baby is his, Rowan is not sure what to do or what to think. He never really wanted kids but he can’t let her go into the foster system either. Hadley agrees to help him in any way she can. What she didn’t realize is that she would have to become his fake fiancée to help him keep full custody of his daughter. It’s temporary just like her time in Aston. But the more she’s around Rowan and his daughter, she can’t help but fall for them.
Rowan and Hadley’s story was so sweet! The way Rowan took care of and protected his daughter, Lucy, was adorable. At first he didn’t want kids, but when he finally held Lucy in arms, he melted and fell in love with her. Hadley is so kind to help Rowan with Lucy. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn. And who knew pottery could be so hot lol. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one, especially with the little sneak peek we got at the end of the book!
Thank you Cali Melle for the ARC!
March 25, 2025
⭐️• ✨ Book Review - ARC REVIEW ✨•⭐️
🏒🥅 Make Your Save by Cali Melle
Book Review : 4.5⭐️
Spice Level : 2 🌶️
Guys, to say I'm obsessed with this story is an understatement.
I want to say Thank you to Cali Melle and team for the opportunity to get an ARC of this book!
First off let's start with the cover of the book.. 🥹.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story between Hadley and Rowan. They were both incredibly caring and full of love for each other. During a few challenging moments they faced, they both protected one another. This story beautifully illustrates that a strong relationship can be built on trust and open communication.
If you love a slow burn romance book, this is for you!
Rowan and Hadley respectively navigate the challenges of caring for each other and Rowan’s daughter, Lucy. Their time spent “playing house” quickly reveals the explosive tension between them, leading to a romantic relationship. Hadley is kind and selfless, and genuinely wants to support everyone, and Rowan is a walking green flag😍, he’s a loving and caring friend. Their relationship aligns perfectly with Lucy’s future, providing her with the nurturing and supportive environment she needs.
I loved how Rowan really dove into Fatherhood with zero hesitation (at first it was very overwhelming as it would for anyone) but he steps up and does what is needed to protect his daughter and make sure she grows up knowing she is loved.
The banter between them had me laughing and the relationship forming quietly had me crying. I just found this story so sweet to read and found myself wanting to read more of their story.
🏒🥅 Make Your Save by Cali Melle
Book Review : 4.5⭐️
Spice Level : 2 🌶️
Guys, to say I'm obsessed with this story is an understatement.
I want to say Thank you to Cali Melle and team for the opportunity to get an ARC of this book!
First off let's start with the cover of the book.. 🥹.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story between Hadley and Rowan. They were both incredibly caring and full of love for each other. During a few challenging moments they faced, they both protected one another. This story beautifully illustrates that a strong relationship can be built on trust and open communication.
If you love a slow burn romance book, this is for you!
Rowan and Hadley respectively navigate the challenges of caring for each other and Rowan’s daughter, Lucy. Their time spent “playing house” quickly reveals the explosive tension between them, leading to a romantic relationship. Hadley is kind and selfless, and genuinely wants to support everyone, and Rowan is a walking green flag😍, he’s a loving and caring friend. Their relationship aligns perfectly with Lucy’s future, providing her with the nurturing and supportive environment she needs.
I loved how Rowan really dove into Fatherhood with zero hesitation (at first it was very overwhelming as it would for anyone) but he steps up and does what is needed to protect his daughter and make sure she grows up knowing she is loved.
The banter between them had me laughing and the relationship forming quietly had me crying. I just found this story so sweet to read and found myself wanting to read more of their story.
March 30, 2025
I loved Hadley and Rowan's story. There are so many twists and turns with drama, romantic moments and hockey! Their story definitely is emotional but beautiful.
Hadley is a fiercely protective and amazing women trying to find herself while traveling as a nurse. I loved her taking care of baby Lucy and slowly letting down her own walls. Hadley fights her history and her future with Rowan. Rowan becomes protective of his found family. Rowan is so lost with baby Lucy but so willing to learn with Hadley's help. I giggled, cried and gasped at him navigating father hood while being a hockey player. I love the nickname he gives to Hadley! Rowan's flirty banter is ssoo good!
I loved this story and it is a quick read I could not put down! Rowan and Hadley's banter, pottery lessons, and navigating life with a newborn will keep you reading until the late hours/early morning. I highly recommend this book.
Hadley is a fiercely protective and amazing women trying to find herself while traveling as a nurse. I loved her taking care of baby Lucy and slowly letting down her own walls. Hadley fights her history and her future with Rowan. Rowan becomes protective of his found family. Rowan is so lost with baby Lucy but so willing to learn with Hadley's help. I giggled, cried and gasped at him navigating father hood while being a hockey player. I love the nickname he gives to Hadley! Rowan's flirty banter is ssoo good!
I loved this story and it is a quick read I could not put down! Rowan and Hadley's banter, pottery lessons, and navigating life with a newborn will keep you reading until the late hours/early morning. I highly recommend this book.
May 11, 2025
5 Stars — Had me grinning like a fool the whole time!!
Okay, Make Your Save absolutely delivered. I seriously devoured this in one sitting. Cali Melle just gets it. First off, I was so relieved that Hadley being Rowan’s brother’s ex wasn’t made into this huge, dramatic “forbidden love” disaster—like, thank you for not making me roll my eyes every five seconds. It was acknowledged, it mattered, but it wasn’t the whole thing. Refreshing!
Also, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the fake dating trope is not my jam. But this one?? So low-drama, so natural, and it didn’t drag out forever. Bless Cali for that. Hadley and Rowan felt real and warm and not like they were playing out some ridiculous rom-com script. They actually talked to each other. Imagine that!
I loved seeing the dynamic between all the characters again too—this series has such a great vibe, and now I’m desperate for book three. I need it in my hands like, yesterday.
Team Rowan forever.
Okay, Make Your Save absolutely delivered. I seriously devoured this in one sitting. Cali Melle just gets it. First off, I was so relieved that Hadley being Rowan’s brother’s ex wasn’t made into this huge, dramatic “forbidden love” disaster—like, thank you for not making me roll my eyes every five seconds. It was acknowledged, it mattered, but it wasn’t the whole thing. Refreshing!
Also, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the fake dating trope is not my jam. But this one?? So low-drama, so natural, and it didn’t drag out forever. Bless Cali for that. Hadley and Rowan felt real and warm and not like they were playing out some ridiculous rom-com script. They actually talked to each other. Imagine that!
I loved seeing the dynamic between all the characters again too—this series has such a great vibe, and now I’m desperate for book three. I need it in my hands like, yesterday.
Team Rowan forever.
March 31, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Tropes:
-hockey romance
-fake relationship
-brother's ex
-surprise baby
-forced proximity
-slow burn
Make Your Save is Cali's latest book and is Rowan and Hadley's story.
Hadley is a traveling nurse, and Rowan is a star hockey goalie. His life takes an unexpected turn when he gets a call that his brother's ex left his baby in the hospital safety box. He is nowhere near ready to take this responsibility, but Hadley offers help.
This story shows Rowan stepping up as a father and the support system he has. Hadley is a strong and kindhearted woman, I just wish we knew a little more of her backstory like we do with Rowan. Make Your Save is definitely a slow burn, but it makes their connection feel more real. It's definitely a sweet story.
Releasing April 4, 2025. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
-hockey romance
-fake relationship
-brother's ex
-surprise baby
-forced proximity
-slow burn
Make Your Save is Cali's latest book and is Rowan and Hadley's story.
Hadley is a traveling nurse, and Rowan is a star hockey goalie. His life takes an unexpected turn when he gets a call that his brother's ex left his baby in the hospital safety box. He is nowhere near ready to take this responsibility, but Hadley offers help.
This story shows Rowan stepping up as a father and the support system he has. Hadley is a strong and kindhearted woman, I just wish we knew a little more of her backstory like we do with Rowan. Make Your Save is definitely a slow burn, but it makes their connection feel more real. It's definitely a sweet story.
Releasing April 4, 2025. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
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