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Holden Cove #2
Slash & Burn
Jill Jordan could not be any more off-limits.
A fact that her older brother—one of my best friends and the county sheriff—refuses to let me forget. But I don’t need the warning. I’m home for the summer to recover from an accident—one that broke my body and messed with my head. I’ve got three months to get back on the ice and prove I’m capable of leading my team again, or I can kiss everything I’ve ever worked for goodbye.
But when Jill and I are forced to team up on a community reading program, the sexy librarian is hard to hide from. She looks at me like she knows me. Like she sees right through the act I’m trying to pull off. When I finally trust her with the truth, she offers to help me in secret, because it turns out she’s got just as much riding on this as I do.
Getting to know Jill again—all grown up and more gorgeous than ever—has me skating on thin ice before I know it. Pretty soon getting caught by her brother is the least of my worries. With my dream on the line, I need to keep my head in the game, but Jill is more than just a distraction. And this is more than just a summer fling I can slash and burn.
***Slash & Burn is the second book in the Holden Cove Series. It is a stand alone hockey star/bookworm, forced proximity, best friend's little sister romance with a sweet and steamy HEA.***
A fact that her older brother—one of my best friends and the county sheriff—refuses to let me forget. But I don’t need the warning. I’m home for the summer to recover from an accident—one that broke my body and messed with my head. I’ve got three months to get back on the ice and prove I’m capable of leading my team again, or I can kiss everything I’ve ever worked for goodbye.
But when Jill and I are forced to team up on a community reading program, the sexy librarian is hard to hide from. She looks at me like she knows me. Like she sees right through the act I’m trying to pull off. When I finally trust her with the truth, she offers to help me in secret, because it turns out she’s got just as much riding on this as I do.
Getting to know Jill again—all grown up and more gorgeous than ever—has me skating on thin ice before I know it. Pretty soon getting caught by her brother is the least of my worries. With my dream on the line, I need to keep my head in the game, but Jill is more than just a distraction. And this is more than just a summer fling I can slash and burn.
***Slash & Burn is the second book in the Holden Cove Series. It is a stand alone hockey star/bookworm, forced proximity, best friend's little sister romance with a sweet and steamy HEA.***
Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
March 15, 2025
It took me a while to get into this one. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I wasn’t fully hooked right away, but once things started moving, I found myself more invested in Grady and Jill’s relationship. I liked how they understood each other in ways other people didn’t, and their dynamic had a nice mix of tension and support. Some of their moments together—both big and small—really stood out and made me root for them.
However, some of the conflict felt unnecessary. The drama with Jill’s ex didn’t add much to the story, and I wasn’t a fan of how Grady’s teammates reacted to his relationship. It’s a trope I’ve seen before, and it just didn’t add much for me.
Overall, this was a good read, but not a standout. It had some really enjoyable moments, but the slow start and added conflict kept me from fully loving it.
♡ 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 ♡
small town
hockey
best friend's little sister
bookworm/star athlete
crush to friends to lovers
forced proximity
thank you to love notes pr for the arc ♡
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ pre-read ♡⋆°｡⋆𐙚
⤷ just got the arc for Slash and Burn by Maddy Lowe and i’m already obsessed 🤭 a hockey player and a bookworm who are definitely not supposed to fall for each other?? give me all the tension, all the secret feelings, and every soft moment in between. i’m so ready for this
However, some of the conflict felt unnecessary. The drama with Jill’s ex didn’t add much to the story, and I wasn’t a fan of how Grady’s teammates reacted to his relationship. It’s a trope I’ve seen before, and it just didn’t add much for me.
Overall, this was a good read, but not a standout. It had some really enjoyable moments, but the slow start and added conflict kept me from fully loving it.
♡ 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 ♡
small town
hockey
best friend's little sister
bookworm/star athlete
crush to friends to lovers
forced proximity
thank you to love notes pr for the arc ♡
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ pre-read ♡⋆°｡⋆𐙚
⤷ just got the arc for Slash and Burn by Maddy Lowe and i’m already obsessed 🤭 a hockey player and a bookworm who are definitely not supposed to fall for each other?? give me all the tension, all the secret feelings, and every soft moment in between. i’m so ready for this
March 20, 2025
Slash and Burn - ARC Review 💙
5⭐️!! Wow - I loved this read so freaking much.
Tropes:
-small town
-NHL mmc/librarian FMC
-crush to friends to lovers
-forced proximity
-brothers best friend
-anxiety/mental health rep
Characters:
-Jill: love her directness and ability to see past the BS. I love the way she cares for Grady during his panic attacks. Her arc was so much fun to read!
-Grady: my new book bf tbh. So much depth to his character.
These characters legit feel real :) the banter between them is just SO down to earth, and their CHEMISTRY!!!! Chefs kiss!! 👩🍳😘💋
The book really focuses on the relationship built between the characters - the spice only adds to it, which I love.
The author does an incredible job depicting scenes of anxiety/panic attacks. Their feelings are palpable. Done absolutely beautifully.
So so easy to read, well edited. Totally recommend for a small town, sports romance where the characters have real depth and overcome personal struggles 💕
5⭐️!! Wow - I loved this read so freaking much.
Tropes:
-small town
-NHL mmc/librarian FMC
-crush to friends to lovers
-forced proximity
-brothers best friend
-anxiety/mental health rep
Characters:
-Jill: love her directness and ability to see past the BS. I love the way she cares for Grady during his panic attacks. Her arc was so much fun to read!
-Grady: my new book bf tbh. So much depth to his character.
These characters legit feel real :) the banter between them is just SO down to earth, and their CHEMISTRY!!!! Chefs kiss!! 👩🍳😘💋
The book really focuses on the relationship built between the characters - the spice only adds to it, which I love.
The author does an incredible job depicting scenes of anxiety/panic attacks. Their feelings are palpable. Done absolutely beautifully.
So so easy to read, well edited. Totally recommend for a small town, sports romance where the characters have real depth and overcome personal struggles 💕
March 25, 2025
Jill and Grady's love story was such an easy read. They were both so likable and genuine that I couldn't help but root for them. I loved Jill with her kind heart but also I wanted to hug her so much when it came to her social anxiety because I can relate to the feelings of being in a crowd, all eyes on you and the mortification and embarrassment that can feel insurmountable at time. I loved that even though she had her own issues to work through she still saw and took the time to see underneath the surface when it came to Grady because he needed a safe place to land after struggling with his own PTSD.
Riddled with laughs, sweet moments and great chemistry, Slash and Burn is a story that will definitely be re-read again in the future. Not only was it different and unique because of the heartfelt characters but I loved that it didn't follow the normal when it came to a brother's best friend trope or the summer fling plotline. Grady and Jill don't hide their relationship and they both agree to an end date for the summer fling, which is refreshing because we don't get set up with the cliche drama that these types of tropes usually give us.
I loved the message of hope and healing that we see for each of the MCs. It wasn't all rose tinted and feel good but it was real and a bit gritty and that made it all the more memorable. I loved it!
Favorites Bits:
🖤 Their out in the open relationship. No sneaking around.
🖤 The Ferris Wheel ride 😊 IYKYK
🖤 Grady finally getting his jersey on Jill 🩷
SAFETY INFO:
Riddled with laughs, sweet moments and great chemistry, Slash and Burn is a story that will definitely be re-read again in the future. Not only was it different and unique because of the heartfelt characters but I loved that it didn't follow the normal when it came to a brother's best friend trope or the summer fling plotline. Grady and Jill don't hide their relationship and they both agree to an end date for the summer fling, which is refreshing because we don't get set up with the cliche drama that these types of tropes usually give us.
I loved the message of hope and healing that we see for each of the MCs. It wasn't all rose tinted and feel good but it was real and a bit gritty and that made it all the more memorable. I loved it!
Favorites Bits:
🖤 Their out in the open relationship. No sneaking around.
🖤 The Ferris Wheel ride 😊 IYKYK
🖤 Grady finally getting his jersey on Jill 🩷
SAFETY INFO:
March 22, 2025
Hockey player falls for his best friend’s little sister in a forced proximity, sweet and spicy HEA romance.
They have know each other for years- she had a secret crush on him that never went away, he didn’t see her as anything but his best friend’s little sister. Now they are forced to work on a project that is crucial to both his hockey career and her library career. He finally sees her as the beautiful woman she is, but she is determined to
keep her life and dreams as they were before he was forced to be her partner on a the project. During their time working together, their past traumas come to light and it makes them relate to and understand each other a little better. They become friends and help each other deal with those traumas in little ways that eventually lead to big feelings. Grady and Jill each have to overcome big obstacles to be able to understand those feelings and what they mean to each other. They have to determine what their love story looks like and how they want to make it work without influence of anyone or anything else. ❤️
I loved the dynamic of the hot shot hockey player mmc and the shy bookworm fmc! Especially since they both have underlying trauma that is almost crippling on the best of days, yet somehow with each other they find a peace that stills the chaos.
They have know each other for years- she had a secret crush on him that never went away, he didn’t see her as anything but his best friend’s little sister. Now they are forced to work on a project that is crucial to both his hockey career and her library career. He finally sees her as the beautiful woman she is, but she is determined to
keep her life and dreams as they were before he was forced to be her partner on a the project. During their time working together, their past traumas come to light and it makes them relate to and understand each other a little better. They become friends and help each other deal with those traumas in little ways that eventually lead to big feelings. Grady and Jill each have to overcome big obstacles to be able to understand those feelings and what they mean to each other. They have to determine what their love story looks like and how they want to make it work without influence of anyone or anything else. ❤️
I loved the dynamic of the hot shot hockey player mmc and the shy bookworm fmc! Especially since they both have underlying trauma that is almost crippling on the best of days, yet somehow with each other they find a peace that stills the chaos.
March 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! I think Grady and Jill’s connection was super sweet, amazing banter, and overall just a good feeling story. I love how supportive they are of each other and how Jill helps Grady with his anxiety and panic attacks with no judgement or questions asked. Knowing the feelings herself, put her in a position where she could be there for Grady in a way that was encouraging, but also at his pace. Her patience with him was something that’s 100% desirable.
I love love love the librarian x hockey star story line and thought it was done wonderfully. Grady is an absolute sweetheart and I love how he was so supportive of Jill getting the recognition she deserves and going after her dreams. He was her #1 fan. And the spice? 🔥 had me feeling giddy and kicking my feet.
Overall this was a great, fun read. I felt connected to the characters and can’t wait for the next one!!
Tropes:
✨small town
✨NHL x librarian
✨crush to friends to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨brothers best friend
✨mental health rep
I love love love the librarian x hockey star story line and thought it was done wonderfully. Grady is an absolute sweetheart and I love how he was so supportive of Jill getting the recognition she deserves and going after her dreams. He was her #1 fan. And the spice? 🔥 had me feeling giddy and kicking my feet.
Overall this was a great, fun read. I felt connected to the characters and can’t wait for the next one!!
Tropes:
✨small town
✨NHL x librarian
✨crush to friends to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨brothers best friend
✨mental health rep
March 17, 2025
I really liked the banter in this one. I enjoyed reading this book so much more than the first one, actually.
Both carachters are relatable and I really liked the way they were able to see each other, behind the facade. The added drama was a bit of a nonsense, but I enjoyed it nonetheless, when Jill gave a piece of her mind to her ex-boyfriend, Adam.
I do hope book 3 is about Cash. He was there for a bit towards the end, but I was really intrigued.
Thank you The Author Agency and Maddy Lowe for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Both carachters are relatable and I really liked the way they were able to see each other, behind the facade. The added drama was a bit of a nonsense, but I enjoyed it nonetheless, when Jill gave a piece of her mind to her ex-boyfriend, Adam.
I do hope book 3 is about Cash. He was there for a bit towards the end, but I was really intrigued.
Thank you The Author Agency and Maddy Lowe for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
March 20, 2025
Librarian Lily is content appearing invisible to everyone around her, so when a summer reading enhancement program receives a boost from a professional hockey team, she’s reluctant to feature in any of the media posts, but also she really needs to have a win as budget cuts are looming which place her job in the crosshairs. One thing she didn’t count on? The celebrity hockey player she must work alongside all summer is her childhood crush and her brother’s best friend.
For saving a drowning man’s life, Grady was repaid with a horrific injury that placed him on injured reserve for the majority of the season. As a way to hopefully retain goodwill with management while he desperately tries to return to pre-injury form, Grady agrees to run with the reading program and is stunned to meet his cohort Lily, all grown up and making him sit up and take notice. His best friend, however, is quick to bar Grady from getting any notions about Lily.
Nature, however, has its own way of having its way, and Lily and Grady find themselves in more than a little mutual like. Will loyalty to his best friend keep Grady from pursuing happiness with Lily?
I received an advance reader copy from Love Notes PR, and I’m sharing my honest review.
For saving a drowning man’s life, Grady was repaid with a horrific injury that placed him on injured reserve for the majority of the season. As a way to hopefully retain goodwill with management while he desperately tries to return to pre-injury form, Grady agrees to run with the reading program and is stunned to meet his cohort Lily, all grown up and making him sit up and take notice. His best friend, however, is quick to bar Grady from getting any notions about Lily.
Nature, however, has its own way of having its way, and Lily and Grady find themselves in more than a little mutual like. Will loyalty to his best friend keep Grady from pursuing happiness with Lily?
I received an advance reader copy from Love Notes PR, and I’m sharing my honest review.
April 1, 2025
ARC Review
4.25⭐️
3🌶️
It took me a little to get into this book but honestly I’m so glad I stuck with it. I ended up loving this book. I loved the banter between the two of them and how they supported each other throughout the entire story.
4.25⭐️
3🌶️
It took me a little to get into this book but honestly I’m so glad I stuck with it. I ended up loving this book. I loved the banter between the two of them and how they supported each other throughout the entire story.
March 10, 2025
I enjoyed the mix of sweet moments and spicy ones. The characters had great development and I enjoyed the banter. I liked how they supported each other through their issues. It was a great storyline.
March 21, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up
“in that moment, she’d been the one thing i knew i could rely on. and i realized that maybe in my whole life, i’d never had that. not really.”
i wanted to love this book, but i fear it missed the mark for me.
the interactions between the main characters of this book felt so awkward to me that it made me feel secondhand embarrassment for them. there were a few lines that i thought were really immature and cringy, coming from adults, and i didn’t really connect with the characters at all.
i found jill to be wildly insecure to the point where it was really hard to read her chapters sometimes because of how self deprecating she was (literally doubting herself, her abilities, AND her job, yet praising grady for everything). nothing about her really stood out to me, aside from the fact that she was hellbent on helping grady sort through his panic attacks and fears, which was sweet. she also has two brothers, one of which she didn’t know the profession of until deep into the book, and the way she spoke about him wasn’t very nice. said brother felt a bit unnecessary in the grand scheme of things as well, but whatever.
grady had plenty of opportunities to tell jill how he felt about her, yet he didn’t. in fact, both of them could have told each other how they felt, but they just didn’t. it’s almost like neither of them considered how the other might feel, and i really didn’t like that. specifically, grady did something that most definitely hurt jill’s feelings, and had to ask himself “what if she’s really upset about this?”, and the fact that he had to ask himself that question just didn’t sit right with me.
i didn’t really feel their chemistry at all, but some of the spice was decent. the way they showed up for each other in different situations was really sweet, and the way they talked about each other was just as sweet. for example, grady said “i didn’t know how to explain it, but it was as if it didn’t hurt as much to be this version of myself when i had her hand in mine”. i loved the moments where they swooned over each other and gushed about how obsessed they were with one another.
joey, jill’s brother, absolutely disapproved of the idea of gray and jill together, and he wouldn’t let anyone forget it. this was so frustrating throughout the entire book because they’re all adults, so why does he have to have this “holier than thou” attitude when it comes to his adult sister? it felt very weird and extremely overprotective in an ugly way. the conflict with him and the extra drama added in didn’t really feel necessary, and it felt like the book was dragging a bit because of it.
all in all, i feel like their feelings for each other definitely could’ve been shared earlier on, sans the interrupting each other and jumping to conclusions (that happened a few times). also, jill’s brother needs to get a grip and cope.
thank you to love notes pr and the author for the e-arc! 💌
★ small town
★ forced proximity
★ best friend’s little sister
★ bookworm x star athlete
★ crush to friends to lovers
“in that moment, she’d been the one thing i knew i could rely on. and i realized that maybe in my whole life, i’d never had that. not really.”
i wanted to love this book, but i fear it missed the mark for me.
the interactions between the main characters of this book felt so awkward to me that it made me feel secondhand embarrassment for them. there were a few lines that i thought were really immature and cringy, coming from adults, and i didn’t really connect with the characters at all.
i found jill to be wildly insecure to the point where it was really hard to read her chapters sometimes because of how self deprecating she was (literally doubting herself, her abilities, AND her job, yet praising grady for everything). nothing about her really stood out to me, aside from the fact that she was hellbent on helping grady sort through his panic attacks and fears, which was sweet. she also has two brothers, one of which she didn’t know the profession of until deep into the book, and the way she spoke about him wasn’t very nice. said brother felt a bit unnecessary in the grand scheme of things as well, but whatever.
grady had plenty of opportunities to tell jill how he felt about her, yet he didn’t. in fact, both of them could have told each other how they felt, but they just didn’t. it’s almost like neither of them considered how the other might feel, and i really didn’t like that. specifically, grady did something that most definitely hurt jill’s feelings, and had to ask himself “what if she’s really upset about this?”, and the fact that he had to ask himself that question just didn’t sit right with me.
i didn’t really feel their chemistry at all, but some of the spice was decent. the way they showed up for each other in different situations was really sweet, and the way they talked about each other was just as sweet. for example, grady said “i didn’t know how to explain it, but it was as if it didn’t hurt as much to be this version of myself when i had her hand in mine”. i loved the moments where they swooned over each other and gushed about how obsessed they were with one another.
joey, jill’s brother, absolutely disapproved of the idea of gray and jill together, and he wouldn’t let anyone forget it. this was so frustrating throughout the entire book because they’re all adults, so why does he have to have this “holier than thou” attitude when it comes to his adult sister? it felt very weird and extremely overprotective in an ugly way. the conflict with him and the extra drama added in didn’t really feel necessary, and it felt like the book was dragging a bit because of it.
all in all, i feel like their feelings for each other definitely could’ve been shared earlier on, sans the interrupting each other and jumping to conclusions (that happened a few times). also, jill’s brother needs to get a grip and cope.
thank you to love notes pr and the author for the e-arc! 💌
★ small town
★ forced proximity
★ best friend’s little sister
★ bookworm x star athlete
★ crush to friends to lovers
March 21, 2025
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
Grady is a pro NHL player that sustained a torn rotator cuff while saving a man from drowning. He missed the last 6 games of the season and had surgery, but the recurring nightmares and fear of water are messing with him more than his physical injuries. He returns to his small town of Holden Cove to recover and is matched with one of his childhood friend's sister, Jill, for a community reading program between his hockey team and her library. She's off limits, but tell that to the instant chemistry that sparks between the couple.
Jill needs the program to go well to keep her job, and the last thing she needs is to be paired with her school girl crush, Grady. Especially if it means public speaking and being the center of attention, which has always given her soul crushing anxiety. So, when she sees Grady having an anxious episode, she's able to soothe him and bring him out of it. It was sweet seeing big strong Grady vulnerable with Jill, and even sweeter seeing him allow her to help him. He opens up to her more than anyone else, and works to help her get out of her comfort zone, trust herself, and overcome her depression and anxiety after a bad breakup.
When they finally can't resist the chemistry between them, they decide to have fun for the summer and then return to their regular lives. Their flirty banter is adorable, and Jill's over-the-top protective big brother - with a badge, no less - was a hoot. Every girl needs a big bro like that. Well, within reason. But this is a rom com, and feelings get felt and things get more serious than expected. But Jill has no desire to leave Holden Cove or live in the spotlight, and Grady has never wanted anything in his life except hockey, until Jill. Will they figure it out?
This book is a quick, fun read and hits all the right notes in a sweet, spicy hockey romance. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I will certainly be reading more by her. I'll also be going back to read the first book in the series, Down & Dirty.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from The Author Agency. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
Grady is a pro NHL player that sustained a torn rotator cuff while saving a man from drowning. He missed the last 6 games of the season and had surgery, but the recurring nightmares and fear of water are messing with him more than his physical injuries. He returns to his small town of Holden Cove to recover and is matched with one of his childhood friend's sister, Jill, for a community reading program between his hockey team and her library. She's off limits, but tell that to the instant chemistry that sparks between the couple.
Jill needs the program to go well to keep her job, and the last thing she needs is to be paired with her school girl crush, Grady. Especially if it means public speaking and being the center of attention, which has always given her soul crushing anxiety. So, when she sees Grady having an anxious episode, she's able to soothe him and bring him out of it. It was sweet seeing big strong Grady vulnerable with Jill, and even sweeter seeing him allow her to help him. He opens up to her more than anyone else, and works to help her get out of her comfort zone, trust herself, and overcome her depression and anxiety after a bad breakup.
When they finally can't resist the chemistry between them, they decide to have fun for the summer and then return to their regular lives. Their flirty banter is adorable, and Jill's over-the-top protective big brother - with a badge, no less - was a hoot. Every girl needs a big bro like that. Well, within reason. But this is a rom com, and feelings get felt and things get more serious than expected. But Jill has no desire to leave Holden Cove or live in the spotlight, and Grady has never wanted anything in his life except hockey, until Jill. Will they figure it out?
This book is a quick, fun read and hits all the right notes in a sweet, spicy hockey romance. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I will certainly be reading more by her. I'll also be going back to read the first book in the series, Down & Dirty.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from The Author Agency. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2025
soo much fun
This one was my jam I love me a brother’s best friend. This was a fun small town hockey romance. We get an athlete and a bookworm forces to be in each other’s presence. Jill had a crush on her brother’s best friend Grady. Not only does he have to work closely with Jill but he has to deal with her sheriff brother telling him she is off limits. This was great the spark between them was sparking and the spice was just enough to get the tension between them solved. I am enjoying this series they are gettig better as we continue.
This one was my jam I love me a brother’s best friend. This was a fun small town hockey romance. We get an athlete and a bookworm forces to be in each other’s presence. Jill had a crush on her brother’s best friend Grady. Not only does he have to work closely with Jill but he has to deal with her sheriff brother telling him she is off limits. This was great the spark between them was sparking and the spice was just enough to get the tension between them solved. I am enjoying this series they are gettig better as we continue.
March 25, 2025
This was a lot different than I was anticipating for a hockey romance, the characters were a lot deeper than I thought they would be. I looooooved the tension that Jilly & Grady had through the entire book & how they supported one another through it all and without judgement - we all need a person like that 🫶🏻
March 19, 2025
"She was it. This was it. We were it. From now on."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jill and Grady are both going through their own bouts of anxiety, with Grady struggling with panic attacks and PTSD following a rather traumatic event.
Seeing these two combat their struggles by each others' sides, while being so accepting and accommodating of one another, was really lovely to see.
The struggles they faced felt real and as though I was experiencing it with them.
They were there for each other when they couldn't rely on anyone else, and I loved that.
I love these two with every fibre of my being.
Thank you, Maddy Lowe and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jill and Grady are both going through their own bouts of anxiety, with Grady struggling with panic attacks and PTSD following a rather traumatic event.
Seeing these two combat their struggles by each others' sides, while being so accepting and accommodating of one another, was really lovely to see.
The struggles they faced felt real and as though I was experiencing it with them.
They were there for each other when they couldn't rely on anyone else, and I loved that.
I love these two with every fibre of my being.
Thank you, Maddy Lowe and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this eARC!
March 22, 2025
Welcome back to Holdon Cove. It's been a minute. but boy was it worth the wait.
Slash and Burn is the second novel in the Holden Cove series but can be read as a complete standalone.
Here we find Grady (Cory's BFF from Down and Dirty), newly minted hockey hero, a name he earned after saving a man's life, which he hates, back home after a surgery that was needed after being the "hero"; however, it is not just his physical injuries that he is trying to heal from. He is paired up with Holden Cove's librarian to bring awareness to their reading program. What could go wrong, you ask? Well, it just so happens that the librarian is a smokeshow and the younger sister of his best friend, who is completely off limits.
Jill is trying to get her life back on track after her a-hole of an ex left her, but not before doing a number on her self-worth. IN an effort to get her life back on track, she has been paired up with a professional athlete for the summer reading program that she is the head of. However, when she comes face to face with the athlete she will be working with, she is unaware of just how much her life is about to change.
I really loved Jill and Grady's story. They were developed beautifully and you can see their growth. I appreciated the care and thoughtfulness that Maddy puts in when writing about the mental health that surrounds both of these characters and ultimately why I think that they gravitated toward each other. It is not brushed off and then all of a sudden they are better. Maddy is constantly reminding us that we are not broken or weak if we suffer from these invisible diseases. That getting help does not make us weak. and while yes, this is a love story, for me this was the biggest takeaway.
I like the development of Jill and Grady's relationship and that Grady confronts Joey about him and his sister before anyone else can. I loved their banter and the fact that you can tell that they have known each other for a long time. This was a sloooow burn and I was ok with that. That Grady showed her what a healthy relationship looked like was more important than the spice, but helllloooo spice!
I am not sure how I feel about AJ, Grady's teammate. I need to know what made him the way he is. And Cash (Jill's oldest brother)? seriously, that man just pops up out of know nowhere
This book did leave me with a lot of questions, and hopefully we get answers in the next one.
Thank You Maddy Lowe and The Author Agency for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Slash and Burn is the second novel in the Holden Cove series but can be read as a complete standalone.
Here we find Grady (Cory's BFF from Down and Dirty), newly minted hockey hero, a name he earned after saving a man's life, which he hates, back home after a surgery that was needed after being the "hero"; however, it is not just his physical injuries that he is trying to heal from. He is paired up with Holden Cove's librarian to bring awareness to their reading program. What could go wrong, you ask? Well, it just so happens that the librarian is a smokeshow and the younger sister of his best friend, who is completely off limits.
Jill is trying to get her life back on track after her a-hole of an ex left her, but not before doing a number on her self-worth. IN an effort to get her life back on track, she has been paired up with a professional athlete for the summer reading program that she is the head of. However, when she comes face to face with the athlete she will be working with, she is unaware of just how much her life is about to change.
I really loved Jill and Grady's story. They were developed beautifully and you can see their growth. I appreciated the care and thoughtfulness that Maddy puts in when writing about the mental health that surrounds both of these characters and ultimately why I think that they gravitated toward each other. It is not brushed off and then all of a sudden they are better. Maddy is constantly reminding us that we are not broken or weak if we suffer from these invisible diseases. That getting help does not make us weak. and while yes, this is a love story, for me this was the biggest takeaway.
I like the development of Jill and Grady's relationship and that Grady confronts Joey about him and his sister before anyone else can. I loved their banter and the fact that you can tell that they have known each other for a long time. This was a sloooow burn and I was ok with that. That Grady showed her what a healthy relationship looked like was more important than the spice, but helllloooo spice!
I am not sure how I feel about AJ, Grady's teammate. I need to know what made him the way he is. And Cash (Jill's oldest brother)? seriously, that man just pops up out of know nowhere
This book did leave me with a lot of questions, and hopefully we get answers in the next one.
Thank You Maddy Lowe and The Author Agency for the ARC in return for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
“𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.”
This was my first Maddy Lowe read. It was definitely cute but also definitely a very slow start, I almost…ALMOST gave up, but I hung in there and I’m glad I did.💙
Jill, sweet and sassy, scared of public speaking with crippling social anxiety, the small town librarian….Grady, the hot shot hockey hero…nursing an injury he sustained while helping someone and trying to get himself back into fighting shape to claim the title of captain for his hockey team.
The kicker ? Grady is Jills brothers best friend and teammate. And Jill has had a crush on Grady since they were kids. Make things even better? Grady’s team is paired up with Jills library to help them raise funds…and Grady is working up close and personal with Jill for this little project…it’s going to be one long summer!
Obviously, as time goes on, they both try to fight feelings but that only last so long. It is a very very slow burn. But when they do get there it’s HOT!
There were so many things I loved about this book. Mainly how both of their traumas and anxiety/PTSD was shown and handled. And, how they each cared for each other enough to be patient with each other. It was nice seeing an MMC struggle with mental health, often times we only see the FMC struggle, which isn’t reality. So it was nice to see the flip side of it all.
Here’s where things fell flat. I felt like this book had one too many obvious hockey romance things going on. It felt like we just took a bunch of what we liked from previous books and tossed it in. It was a very predictable read. Jill was a good character but also felt very immature. Her insecurities felt SO OVERWHELMING in the worst way. It made it hard to read at times. It sometimes felt like she was insecure, yes…but no matter what anyone told her she enjoyed the attention she got from the way she voiced her insecurities and just kept it going. It was infuriating at times. Grady was a good MMC but also lacked some emotional intelligence. He did and said some things that made me face palm, but he also acknowledged that it probably made her upset but didn’t care enough to fix it. Like huh? FIX IT!
Also, her brothers and the team? Trash. Throw them in the bin with her ex. There’s being an overprotective brother and then there’s being just a straight up garbage human and her brother was a garbage human. Point. Blank. Period.
This was a good read. Could have been better but I did enjoy it once I got into it 💙
🏒Hockey Romance
📚Brothers Best Friend
🏒Small Town
📚NHL x Librarian
🏒Crush to Friends to Lovers
📚Forced Proximity
🏒Mental Health Rep
📚Dual POV
🏒It Was Always You
📚Just For The Summer
🏒Golden Retriever MMC
“𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.”
This was my first Maddy Lowe read. It was definitely cute but also definitely a very slow start, I almost…ALMOST gave up, but I hung in there and I’m glad I did.💙
Jill, sweet and sassy, scared of public speaking with crippling social anxiety, the small town librarian….Grady, the hot shot hockey hero…nursing an injury he sustained while helping someone and trying to get himself back into fighting shape to claim the title of captain for his hockey team.
The kicker ? Grady is Jills brothers best friend and teammate. And Jill has had a crush on Grady since they were kids. Make things even better? Grady’s team is paired up with Jills library to help them raise funds…and Grady is working up close and personal with Jill for this little project…it’s going to be one long summer!
Obviously, as time goes on, they both try to fight feelings but that only last so long. It is a very very slow burn. But when they do get there it’s HOT!
There were so many things I loved about this book. Mainly how both of their traumas and anxiety/PTSD was shown and handled. And, how they each cared for each other enough to be patient with each other. It was nice seeing an MMC struggle with mental health, often times we only see the FMC struggle, which isn’t reality. So it was nice to see the flip side of it all.
Here’s where things fell flat. I felt like this book had one too many obvious hockey romance things going on. It felt like we just took a bunch of what we liked from previous books and tossed it in. It was a very predictable read. Jill was a good character but also felt very immature. Her insecurities felt SO OVERWHELMING in the worst way. It made it hard to read at times. It sometimes felt like she was insecure, yes…but no matter what anyone told her she enjoyed the attention she got from the way she voiced her insecurities and just kept it going. It was infuriating at times. Grady was a good MMC but also lacked some emotional intelligence. He did and said some things that made me face palm, but he also acknowledged that it probably made her upset but didn’t care enough to fix it. Like huh? FIX IT!
Also, her brothers and the team? Trash. Throw them in the bin with her ex. There’s being an overprotective brother and then there’s being just a straight up garbage human and her brother was a garbage human. Point. Blank. Period.
This was a good read. Could have been better but I did enjoy it once I got into it 💙
🏒Hockey Romance
📚Brothers Best Friend
🏒Small Town
📚NHL x Librarian
🏒Crush to Friends to Lovers
📚Forced Proximity
🏒Mental Health Rep
📚Dual POV
🏒It Was Always You
📚Just For The Summer
🏒Golden Retriever MMC
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
After reading Maddy’s debut novel, Down and Dirty, I couldn’t wait for this book! Slash and Burn is the second installment of Maddy’s Holden Cove series; bringing together some of my favorite tropes. The storyline is cute and romantic and I loved both MCs so much. I loved how these two let each other in, fully trusting and relying on one another, and finding what had been missing from their lives.
No good deed goes unpunished. This is definitely the case for Grady, who gets severely injured while saving someone from drowning. Now on the injured list, he returns home to recover, both physically and mentally. He wants to stay in the team’s good graces, so volunteers for a reading program at the local library. Then he finds out his partner on the project is his best friend’s little sister. Who he is quickly reminded is completely off limits to him.
Jill has grown up since high school. She still loves books, but has definitely caught the attention of Grady. When she finds out he is her partner on a project for work, on which she needs to succeed, she is flooded with memories of her crush on him back in high school. She can do this. He’s just Grady. But when Grady needs her help in more ways than one, she is right there supporting him every step of the way. She allows him to be just him, someone he can open up to and be vulnerable with. He also pushes her out of her comfort zone and helps her with some mental health issues.
As their relationship unfolds, their desire for each other increases. Maddy wrote another romantic story that has our MCs asking if they are willing to give up their individual dreams for a dream they have with each other. I found myself captivated by Grady and Jill’s story and was rooting for them the whole time. The overall book was well written, perfectly paced, and the spice was hit just right! I definitely recommend that you read this!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Small Town Romance
📚Crush to Friends to Lovers
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
📚Golden Retriever MMC
🏒Hockey Star x Bookworm
📚Unavoidable Proximity
After reading Maddy’s debut novel, Down and Dirty, I couldn’t wait for this book! Slash and Burn is the second installment of Maddy’s Holden Cove series; bringing together some of my favorite tropes. The storyline is cute and romantic and I loved both MCs so much. I loved how these two let each other in, fully trusting and relying on one another, and finding what had been missing from their lives.
No good deed goes unpunished. This is definitely the case for Grady, who gets severely injured while saving someone from drowning. Now on the injured list, he returns home to recover, both physically and mentally. He wants to stay in the team’s good graces, so volunteers for a reading program at the local library. Then he finds out his partner on the project is his best friend’s little sister. Who he is quickly reminded is completely off limits to him.
Jill has grown up since high school. She still loves books, but has definitely caught the attention of Grady. When she finds out he is her partner on a project for work, on which she needs to succeed, she is flooded with memories of her crush on him back in high school. She can do this. He’s just Grady. But when Grady needs her help in more ways than one, she is right there supporting him every step of the way. She allows him to be just him, someone he can open up to and be vulnerable with. He also pushes her out of her comfort zone and helps her with some mental health issues.
As their relationship unfolds, their desire for each other increases. Maddy wrote another romantic story that has our MCs asking if they are willing to give up their individual dreams for a dream they have with each other. I found myself captivated by Grady and Jill’s story and was rooting for them the whole time. The overall book was well written, perfectly paced, and the spice was hit just right! I definitely recommend that you read this!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Small Town Romance
📚Crush to Friends to Lovers
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
📚Golden Retriever MMC
🏒Hockey Star x Bookworm
📚Unavoidable Proximity
March 22, 2025
bruh I have no words. Honestly, upset with myself that I took longer than normal to finish this book (life just happens), but everything about it was so AMAZING that I'm left silenced.
another hockey romance for the books. I loved being able to read the love story unfold between Jill and Grady. From a little crush on your brother's best friend to becoming the perfect couple, I think everything that happened between Jill and Grady was beautiful. They were able to lean on each other the most during times in need and not only surpass any fears they had, but also become better people out of it. Also, Grady, to me, was just such a perfect boyfriend (my cinnamon roll mmc that's a freak in the sheets) that I'm glad Jill finally found someone that treated her right and with all the love she deserves.
I will say this story could be slow at times, and sometimes authors put a bit too much detail that isn't necessary for the story. In this case, EVERYTHING WAS NECESSARY AND SO PERFECT TO ADD that I felt like no detail was unnecessary and added to the enjoyment you got from reading the book.
I wish towards the end though we just got to see a bit more of Jill and Grady finally working through the hiccups and getting to be an actual couple that enjoyed their time together after becoming better versions of themselves. But, nonetheless, the ending did satisfy me very much, and I'm hoping we get to see them again in Maddy's next book. (please tell me there will be one)
overall, if you love a good hockey romance with a spicy cinnamon roll mmc, this is probably one you should add to your list.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3/5
Thank you LoveNotesPR and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! Being able to share my opinions is my favorite thing and I hope others can do the same and let me know what they think!
another hockey romance for the books. I loved being able to read the love story unfold between Jill and Grady. From a little crush on your brother's best friend to becoming the perfect couple, I think everything that happened between Jill and Grady was beautiful. They were able to lean on each other the most during times in need and not only surpass any fears they had, but also become better people out of it. Also, Grady, to me, was just such a perfect boyfriend (my cinnamon roll mmc that's a freak in the sheets) that I'm glad Jill finally found someone that treated her right and with all the love she deserves.
I will say this story could be slow at times, and sometimes authors put a bit too much detail that isn't necessary for the story. In this case, EVERYTHING WAS NECESSARY AND SO PERFECT TO ADD that I felt like no detail was unnecessary and added to the enjoyment you got from reading the book.
I wish towards the end though we just got to see a bit more of Jill and Grady finally working through the hiccups and getting to be an actual couple that enjoyed their time together after becoming better versions of themselves. But, nonetheless, the ending did satisfy me very much, and I'm hoping we get to see them again in Maddy's next book. (please tell me there will be one)
overall, if you love a good hockey romance with a spicy cinnamon roll mmc, this is probably one you should add to your list.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3/5
Thank you LoveNotesPR and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! Being able to share my opinions is my favorite thing and I hope others can do the same and let me know what they think!
March 22, 2025
From the blurb and the cover I was expecting Slash and Burn to be a romcom but what I got was a surprisingly emotional story. I knew I was going to enjoy it I mean a hockey player and a librarian in a romance with hints of the forbidden, what was not to like but the characters turned out to be more complex than I expected with both of them suffering from issues. The hero Grady had been injured not on the ice but when he rescued someone from drowning, nearly dying in the process. He’d been left with PTSD and a fear of water, and a resulting injury meant his career was on the line just as he’d been about to make captain, so he’d gone home to recuperate meeting up with his friend’s little sister Jill. Jill was the town librarian. She suffered from anxiety and depression, something that had been exacerbated by her ex which had left her family especially her brother overprotective even when it came to his friend, so he was none too happy when Grady and Jill begin working together on a program to save the library.
This was definitely a slowburn romance. There was already a familiarity between the two characters as they’d known each other as children so a friendship developed between them first of all so the dialogue between them felt natural and had a great flow. They provided support for each other with Jill being the only one to see the lasting effects his heroics had on Grady while he was quick to step in and deflect attention from Jill when it was about to overwhelm her but unlike her brother who wanted to wrap her in cotton wool, he was more supportive. The one thing that seemed out of place in their story was the reappearance of her ex which added some drama but seemed unnecessary although I suppose it did give her brother the chance to see Grady was the better option for his sister.
This was definitely a slowburn romance. There was already a familiarity between the two characters as they’d known each other as children so a friendship developed between them first of all so the dialogue between them felt natural and had a great flow. They provided support for each other with Jill being the only one to see the lasting effects his heroics had on Grady while he was quick to step in and deflect attention from Jill when it was about to overwhelm her but unlike her brother who wanted to wrap her in cotton wool, he was more supportive. The one thing that seemed out of place in their story was the reappearance of her ex which added some drama but seemed unnecessary although I suppose it did give her brother the chance to see Grady was the better option for his sister.
March 17, 2025
I am extremely grateful Maddy Lowe gave me a chance at this ARC, but because she also sent me book 1, Down & Dirty.
You never forget your real crush. And Grady was mine.
Slash & Burn is a Hockey/bookworm, best friend’s little sister, forced proximity romance. The hockey and librarian worlds combine beautifully 😊. Jill and Grady are thrust into a community reading program together while Grady is home for the summer recovering from an injury. Jill inadvertently stumbles upon a secret Grady has been hiding from everyone. She agrees to help him in secret while he does everything in his power to make the program a success for Jill. When Grady is getting help from Jill you slowly notice he’s also helping her in the most subtle ways. He slowly helps her find her voice and her power. Grady pushes her gently while showing her what she deserves and how to take it. Jill and Grady a beautiful give and take relationship & friendship.
I appreciate any book that has mental health rep in it, it isn’t subtle, it’s open, raw and devastating. Maddy Lowe did an amazing job with the representation.
I would never assume to know what was going on inside someone else’s brain. I was barely able to handle what went on in mine. But every time Grady let me in, shared a little more about what he was up against, I felt like the world was just the tiniest bit brighter. He was stronger than he realized, but I’d be there to remind him until he believed that again.
Every aspect of this book had me hooked! Hockey, bookworm, summer fling, romance, and the SPICE…it’s perfection 💙.
“Where the fuck did you learn to do that?” he asked, bewildered and sated, a sexy sort of adoration in his eyes. “I read,” I shot back.
I mean, come on…😏 This part is hot as f***! 🔥
The banter and interaction between the characters from both books is entertaining and it makes you want more of them together. I can’t wait to see where this series goes and who Maddy will choose to write about next 😊
⚠️check your trigger warnings before starting this book. Just in case the mental health description and events are too much.
You never forget your real crush. And Grady was mine.
Slash & Burn is a Hockey/bookworm, best friend’s little sister, forced proximity romance. The hockey and librarian worlds combine beautifully 😊. Jill and Grady are thrust into a community reading program together while Grady is home for the summer recovering from an injury. Jill inadvertently stumbles upon a secret Grady has been hiding from everyone. She agrees to help him in secret while he does everything in his power to make the program a success for Jill. When Grady is getting help from Jill you slowly notice he’s also helping her in the most subtle ways. He slowly helps her find her voice and her power. Grady pushes her gently while showing her what she deserves and how to take it. Jill and Grady a beautiful give and take relationship & friendship.
I appreciate any book that has mental health rep in it, it isn’t subtle, it’s open, raw and devastating. Maddy Lowe did an amazing job with the representation.
I would never assume to know what was going on inside someone else’s brain. I was barely able to handle what went on in mine. But every time Grady let me in, shared a little more about what he was up against, I felt like the world was just the tiniest bit brighter. He was stronger than he realized, but I’d be there to remind him until he believed that again.
Every aspect of this book had me hooked! Hockey, bookworm, summer fling, romance, and the SPICE…it’s perfection 💙.
“Where the fuck did you learn to do that?” he asked, bewildered and sated, a sexy sort of adoration in his eyes. “I read,” I shot back.
I mean, come on…😏 This part is hot as f***! 🔥
The banter and interaction between the characters from both books is entertaining and it makes you want more of them together. I can’t wait to see where this series goes and who Maddy will choose to write about next 😊
⚠️check your trigger warnings before starting this book. Just in case the mental health description and events are too much.
March 18, 2025
Slash & Burn was a really fun and entertaining story that had an emotional depth that pulled me right in. Grady is recovering from a shoulder injury and is sent to work with his hometown library for a publicity series encouraging children to read throughout the summer. What could have been surface level when he runs into Jill, our sexy librarian, who is also his best friend's little sister turns into so much more when she discovers that he is struggling with panic attacks and PTSD following a traumatic event.
Having experience with anxiety and panic attacks herself, Jill proceeds to help Grady work through it and he in turn finds a confidant in her. The mental health representation and acceptance in Slash & Burn is nothing short of perfection. Maddy wrote these characters at a level that makes them and their struggles feel so real and I could not get enough of the calm acceptance that Jill offered to Grady and that he offered back to her with her own fear of public speaking. These two showed up for each other and supported each other exactly where they were over and over and both of them took measures to help the other and that created a perfect foundation for their love story to build on. Grady and Jill felt like real partners and I loved that so much for both of them.
Jill had crushed on Grady since they were kids so having him felt impossible to her, but the way that Grady showed her that she was all he wanted made me swoon so hard. He supported her, encouraged her to follow her dreams, and helped her face her fears and I was so happy for Jill to get the man of her dreams and for Grady to find the woman he never saw coming that was his perfect match.
Thank you to Maddy Lowe and The Author Agency for the ARC.
Having experience with anxiety and panic attacks herself, Jill proceeds to help Grady work through it and he in turn finds a confidant in her. The mental health representation and acceptance in Slash & Burn is nothing short of perfection. Maddy wrote these characters at a level that makes them and their struggles feel so real and I could not get enough of the calm acceptance that Jill offered to Grady and that he offered back to her with her own fear of public speaking. These two showed up for each other and supported each other exactly where they were over and over and both of them took measures to help the other and that created a perfect foundation for their love story to build on. Grady and Jill felt like real partners and I loved that so much for both of them.
Jill had crushed on Grady since they were kids so having him felt impossible to her, but the way that Grady showed her that she was all he wanted made me swoon so hard. He supported her, encouraged her to follow her dreams, and helped her face her fears and I was so happy for Jill to get the man of her dreams and for Grady to find the woman he never saw coming that was his perfect match.
Thank you to Maddy Lowe and The Author Agency for the ARC.
Read
March 15, 2025 “Some things are worth the wait”
Summer fling with your brother’s best friend who happens to be a superstar hockey player? Yes, please!
Maddy Lowe writes stories with so much relatability and lovable characters! I was happy to be back in the Holden Cove universe.
—
this and that:
♡ brother’s best friend
♡ drive-in movie theaters
♡ dual pov
♡ forced proximity
♡ hockey player x librarian
♡ it was always you
♡ just for the summer
♡ open door spice
♡ small town
♡ sports romance
triggers:
☞ abusive relationship, not between mcs (past, off-page)
☞ anxiety x panic attacks
☞ ptsd from life-threatening incident
☞ manipulation x gaslighting, not between mcs (past, off-page)
notable quotes:
—
thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
—
♡ read my reviews for books in the series:
Down & Dirty (book one)
Slash & Burn (book two)
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Summer fling with your brother’s best friend who happens to be a superstar hockey player? Yes, please!
Maddy Lowe writes stories with so much relatability and lovable characters! I was happy to be back in the Holden Cove universe.
—
this and that:
♡ brother’s best friend
♡ drive-in movie theaters
♡ dual pov
♡ forced proximity
♡ hockey player x librarian
♡ it was always you
♡ just for the summer
♡ open door spice
♡ small town
♡ sports romance
triggers:
☞ abusive relationship, not between mcs (past, off-page)
☞ anxiety x panic attacks
☞ ptsd from life-threatening incident
☞ manipulation x gaslighting, not between mcs (past, off-page)
notable quotes:
—
thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
—
♡ read my reviews for books in the series:
Down & Dirty (book one)
Slash & Burn (book two)
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
March 17, 2025
Thank you to Lovenotes PR and Maddy Lowe for this advanced copy for an honest review in return! When I first started reading this, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get into it but once I did I was so locked in. I of course love seeing mental health representation in books and this author knocked it out of the park with the accuracy in representation of anxiety and panic disorders. I absolutely adored the Maine setting, after visiting Maine for the first time last summer, it was so fun to be able to actually visualize small town Maine and Peak’s Island having been there. This gave all the charm you want a small town setting to give, adding the professional hockey plot just added something even more special. Both characters showed so much growth individually, had so much patience and understanding with each other that they really felt like reading about real people. Jill truly brought Grady back to life and it was so beautiful to see, everyone deserves to have someone that makes them feel as safe as Grady and Jill felt to one another. And let me just say, Grady the man that you ARE! Ladies, no excuse for a man to not buy you a single bouquet of flowers when this man literally bought her EVERY flower to help her decide what her favorite is, if he wanted to he would. The only part of this book I had a hard time with was Joey. I understand that there has to be some tension for the brother’s best friend storyline but Joey was so overbearing it was driving me up a wall. Super cute story, swoon worthy male main character, and a small town that makes you wanna pack up and move to Maine.
March 22, 2025
~I was given this book as an arc, and
my review is my own honest opinion~
RATING: ☆☆☆½
I really liked the story of the two, but I had the feeling that the story was quite drawn out, while some sections that could have been expanded upon were kept quite short and cut off quickly
MY OWN SUMMARY:
Grady is a hockey player with the goal of becoming captain of his team. However, this path is pushed into the distance by an injury and a traumatic experience. While others see him as a hero because of this experience, he feels immense guilt and is haunted by nightmares. To promote his team, he agrees to work with a library to participate in lectures for children and lead them with a partner. What he doesn't expect, however, is who he will be working with: Jill, his childhood friend and the little sister of one of his oldest friends. Ever since he first saw her, he has been smitten. A shared future, however, is complicated by his trauma, his career, and an overprotective older brother
Jill is a librarian who's been tasked with running a reading program with a famous partner from the hockey industry to encourage more children to read and raise new funding. The problem? Her partner is all too familiar to her; he's her childhood crush, whom she's never been able to fully forget. The other problem? She suffers from anxiety disorders when she has to speak in front of large audiences or be the center of attention. This makes her job increasingly difficult. Add to that old and new feelings, a manipulative ex-boyfriend, an annoying older brother, old wounds, and the threat of losing her job
my review is my own honest opinion~
RATING: ☆☆☆½
I really liked the story of the two, but I had the feeling that the story was quite drawn out, while some sections that could have been expanded upon were kept quite short and cut off quickly
MY OWN SUMMARY:
Grady is a hockey player with the goal of becoming captain of his team. However, this path is pushed into the distance by an injury and a traumatic experience. While others see him as a hero because of this experience, he feels immense guilt and is haunted by nightmares. To promote his team, he agrees to work with a library to participate in lectures for children and lead them with a partner. What he doesn't expect, however, is who he will be working with: Jill, his childhood friend and the little sister of one of his oldest friends. Ever since he first saw her, he has been smitten. A shared future, however, is complicated by his trauma, his career, and an overprotective older brother
Jill is a librarian who's been tasked with running a reading program with a famous partner from the hockey industry to encourage more children to read and raise new funding. The problem? Her partner is all too familiar to her; he's her childhood crush, whom she's never been able to fully forget. The other problem? She suffers from anxiety disorders when she has to speak in front of large audiences or be the center of attention. This makes her job increasingly difficult. Add to that old and new feelings, a manipulative ex-boyfriend, an annoying older brother, old wounds, and the threat of losing her job
March 27, 2025
It was an okay story but just not for me. I did love a lot of elements of the story. I enjoyed the library partnership with the team. I thought that was a cute plot point in the story. I also loved the little moments that Grady showed Jill. The dates he took her on, and the way he helped her face her fears. I also loved the way Jill supported Grady and helped him through his drama. I felt like their friendship and relationship were getting stronger by the day. Their chemistry was really good and I loved seeing them come together by the end of the book. The healing in this story is so powerful! I loved seeing it come to life and also touching on the topics.
I didn’t like the over protective brother, but thats just because he was annoying. Like dude take seat. Also Adam…I did want him to be punched but thats just because of how he treated Jill.
For me personally, The story just dragged on. If was for sure a slow burn. It might be because im a mood reader, so I won’t put that on the author, but I felt like the story was just trialing on for a bit. The first half of the book just runs a bit slower for me so I didn’t feel as interested in it. Once I got to the second half of the book things picked up but mostly because of the burning question of what was going to happen was prevalent. There is a slight third act break up (sorta) but it’s definitely a happy ending.
I loved the bookstore that she creates and the name was so adorable.
I think the story was cute, and I’m happy i got to read it. Thanks for letting me read this book Love Notes PR. And thank you Maddy for sharing your story
March 21, 2025
“𝑀𝓎 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁. 𝐼𝒻 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇.”
There is nothing I love more than the girl getting her childhood crush.
These two had great chemistry and banter because they have that history together with him being her brother’s best friend.
Grady is the hometown hockey star that is healing from an injury outside of his career that has also given him PTSD that he is trying to hide as he starts his healing journey and his journey to getting the captain spot on his team.
Jill has this anxiety where she has trouble public speaking and as someone that deals with the same thing I connected with that right away. She is the definition of a wallflower and will do what ever it takes to stay out of the spotlight. She is also coming out of an horrible relationship when she is paired to work with the guy she has been in love with since she was like ten
They both have growth and they lean on each other. The way they help one another with their struggles will warm your heart and Grady will have you with heart eyes.
While this is the second book it can be read as a standalone.
~~What to Expect~~
🏒Small Town
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Professional Hockey MMC X Librarian FMC
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒High School Crush to Friends to Lovers
🏒Just for the Summer
🏒Mental Health Rep *Anxiety, PTSD
~~Quotes~~
📚Some part of me wanted to think that Jill Jordan clever, funny, never impressed, Jill Jordan had seen something in me back then that she liked.
📚I was made to read books, not give speeches about them.
📚One way or another, neither of us were coming out of this summer the way we came in.
There is nothing I love more than the girl getting her childhood crush.
These two had great chemistry and banter because they have that history together with him being her brother’s best friend.
Grady is the hometown hockey star that is healing from an injury outside of his career that has also given him PTSD that he is trying to hide as he starts his healing journey and his journey to getting the captain spot on his team.
Jill has this anxiety where she has trouble public speaking and as someone that deals with the same thing I connected with that right away. She is the definition of a wallflower and will do what ever it takes to stay out of the spotlight. She is also coming out of an horrible relationship when she is paired to work with the guy she has been in love with since she was like ten
They both have growth and they lean on each other. The way they help one another with their struggles will warm your heart and Grady will have you with heart eyes.
While this is the second book it can be read as a standalone.
~~What to Expect~~
🏒Small Town
🏒Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Professional Hockey MMC X Librarian FMC
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒High School Crush to Friends to Lovers
🏒Just for the Summer
🏒Mental Health Rep *Anxiety, PTSD
~~Quotes~~
📚Some part of me wanted to think that Jill Jordan clever, funny, never impressed, Jill Jordan had seen something in me back then that she liked.
📚I was made to read books, not give speeches about them.
📚One way or another, neither of us were coming out of this summer the way we came in.
March 27, 2025
I did not expect a lot from this book but I got so much! I thought this would be just another romance book with a classic happy ending but, god, I was wrong. And I am happy for it.
"I was made to read books, not give speeches about them."
I instantly fell in love with Jill, because she loves books (like me) and she will do anything to avoid being in public eye (exactly like me). Also having a crush since teen age (Hello, how many of us is the same?) and still kinda dreaming of him years later aaaand having a dream about owning a bookstore? This woman is perfect for me.
"I just want my life back."
This is where I fell in love with Grady and this story completely. Because I understand, I know how much anxiety and fear and past trauma can change your life and your behaviour and how tired you might feel sometimes. Like you just had enough of it and you just want it to end.
I loved how we could watch these two overcome obstacles that life put in their way and how they eventually learn how to work together and yes, we will get something more, because this is romance. However, I was surprised that we didn't have the classic HEA ending straight away, which was refreshing. There was also a scene at the end that literally made me cry. Don't ask me why, it just brought up a lot of emotions and I felt like I was the one living through this story and not just reading it.
It was an amazing book. If you love hockey, romances and couples that had to go through something together, you are in for a treat with this one.
"I was made to read books, not give speeches about them."
I instantly fell in love with Jill, because she loves books (like me) and she will do anything to avoid being in public eye (exactly like me). Also having a crush since teen age (Hello, how many of us is the same?) and still kinda dreaming of him years later aaaand having a dream about owning a bookstore? This woman is perfect for me.
"I just want my life back."
This is where I fell in love with Grady and this story completely. Because I understand, I know how much anxiety and fear and past trauma can change your life and your behaviour and how tired you might feel sometimes. Like you just had enough of it and you just want it to end.
I loved how we could watch these two overcome obstacles that life put in their way and how they eventually learn how to work together and yes, we will get something more, because this is romance. However, I was surprised that we didn't have the classic HEA ending straight away, which was refreshing. There was also a scene at the end that literally made me cry. Don't ask me why, it just brought up a lot of emotions and I felt like I was the one living through this story and not just reading it.
It was an amazing book. If you love hockey, romances and couples that had to go through something together, you are in for a treat with this one.
March 9, 2025
3.75⭐️
I enjoyed this one! I liked the first of the series, but there was just something about Slash and Burn that I enjoyed even more. I am a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope so that helped too.
Grady and Jill both needed to lean on each other to get over their fears that had been haunting them. I really liked that there was that initial attraction that lingered, but when it came down to it, the two of them were really just sweet people who wanted to support each other. I loved their interactions and outings, from the small, quiet moments to the bigger gestures. I definitely felt the chemistry between the two and admired the personal growth they made with their anxieties and traumas.
My only complaint was the added drama. Jill’s ex came back around and I truly hated every second he showed up. Definitely good writing to make me feel that way, but I didn’t see why he needed to come back other than to add conflict that I felt Grady and Jill were already working through. I also didn’t care for Grady’s teammates giving him a hard time about being in a relationship. This is more of a personal preference because I’ve always disliked the notion in sports romances that a relationship would get in the way of a professional athlete doing his job. It just takes me out of the story a bit.
But even with those things, this was a great read! Thank you to Maddy Lowe and The Author Agency for the ARC!
I enjoyed this one! I liked the first of the series, but there was just something about Slash and Burn that I enjoyed even more. I am a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope so that helped too.
Grady and Jill both needed to lean on each other to get over their fears that had been haunting them. I really liked that there was that initial attraction that lingered, but when it came down to it, the two of them were really just sweet people who wanted to support each other. I loved their interactions and outings, from the small, quiet moments to the bigger gestures. I definitely felt the chemistry between the two and admired the personal growth they made with their anxieties and traumas.
My only complaint was the added drama. Jill’s ex came back around and I truly hated every second he showed up. Definitely good writing to make me feel that way, but I didn’t see why he needed to come back other than to add conflict that I felt Grady and Jill were already working through. I also didn’t care for Grady’s teammates giving him a hard time about being in a relationship. This is more of a personal preference because I’ve always disliked the notion in sports romances that a relationship would get in the way of a professional athlete doing his job. It just takes me out of the story a bit.
But even with those things, this was a great read! Thank you to Maddy Lowe and The Author Agency for the ARC!
March 22, 2025
Ridiculously cute brother’s best friend romance! The chemistry and connection is on fire, the swoon factor is out of this world, and it radiates an irresistible charm, as a hometown hockey star and nation wide hero, and the super hot librarian he struggles to keep his hands off, find trust and a safe space in each other’s arms, heal broken pieces they thought might be shattered forever, and crank the spice levels up one risky public place at a time, wrapping right around your heart with every conquered panic attack, every thoughtful gesture, and every second of unwavering belief in each other, in an incredibly well done story.
I’m a total sucker for brother’s best friend and this one is so fantastic! Grady and Jill have insanely good chemistry from the second Grady realizes the woman he’s been eyeing up and down like a treat in the middle of the library is his best friend’s sister and it only gets better with every page. I love how they push each other, having a connection deep enough they can tell when its too much, the way they believe in each other shoots straight to your heart, and I adore and respect that while they heal each other they also put in the work to be okay for themselves kind of just giving each other that shove toward the first step. The story has a great mix of laughs, that protective thing you can’t help but go crazy for, and a balance between sexy and swoony that hits perfectly, making this an all around excellent read.
I’m a total sucker for brother’s best friend and this one is so fantastic! Grady and Jill have insanely good chemistry from the second Grady realizes the woman he’s been eyeing up and down like a treat in the middle of the library is his best friend’s sister and it only gets better with every page. I love how they push each other, having a connection deep enough they can tell when its too much, the way they believe in each other shoots straight to your heart, and I adore and respect that while they heal each other they also put in the work to be okay for themselves kind of just giving each other that shove toward the first step. The story has a great mix of laughs, that protective thing you can’t help but go crazy for, and a balance between sexy and swoony that hits perfectly, making this an all around excellent read.
March 8, 2025
4.5 stars - I received this as an ARC and have not read the first book in the series. Reading the first book definitely isn't necessary, but I did just enter the goodreads giveaway for a copy because I really enjoyed Maddy Lowe's writing style and character development.
Jill and Grady are both exception characters who are working through their fair share of anxieties and traumas but the way they support each other is exceptionally heartwarming. You can tell right from the beginning that these two truly CARE about each other. While both characters grew leaps and bounds throughout the book, watching Jill get to a point where she could stand up to Adam herself was truly amazing.
The overprotective brother thing didn't really do it for me (and I think there was something about the way his wife just let it all happen that really bothered me), but other than that I enjoyed every second of this book. And I like that once Jill and Grady decided they wanted to be together they didn't try to hide it from Jill's brother. I do wish we'd gotten a scene where Jill really tore him a knew one, but alas.
There are so many cute moments throughout this book and Lowe did a fantastic job of mixing them in with spicy scenes and also keeping the plot moving and smooth. I am looking forward to more from this author.
Jill and Grady are both exception characters who are working through their fair share of anxieties and traumas but the way they support each other is exceptionally heartwarming. You can tell right from the beginning that these two truly CARE about each other. While both characters grew leaps and bounds throughout the book, watching Jill get to a point where she could stand up to Adam herself was truly amazing.
The overprotective brother thing didn't really do it for me (and I think there was something about the way his wife just let it all happen that really bothered me), but other than that I enjoyed every second of this book. And I like that once Jill and Grady decided they wanted to be together they didn't try to hide it from Jill's brother. I do wish we'd gotten a scene where Jill really tore him a knew one, but alas.
There are so many cute moments throughout this book and Lowe did a fantastic job of mixing them in with spicy scenes and also keeping the plot moving and smooth. I am looking forward to more from this author.
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