Blue Lines and Lullabies

Mile High #0.5

by Jennifer J. Williams

Starting over at thirty in a new city isn’t easy—especially when your brother is an NHL player, your bank account is barely hanging on, and you end your first night in town with the hottest one-night stand of your life. I never planned on seeing Gabe again, let alone becoming the live-in nanny to his newborn daughter. But fate has a twisted sense of humor.

He’s a single dad overnight, I’m a former hockey-playing klutz with a degree in early childhood education, and somehow we’re both completely unprepared—and undeniable together. We agreed to keep things professional. But when I see him shirtless at 2 a.m. humming Britney Spears to his baby girl, professionalism gets really freaking hard.

This wasn’t in my plan. But maybe it’s exactly what I needed.


Blue Lines and Lullabies is a spicy novella that begins the Mile High Sports Series. It features a character mentioned in book one of the Eternity Series, Worth the Risk. You do not have to read Worth the Risk to read Blue Lines and Lullabies. Blue Lines and Lullabies features a brother's best friend, brother's teammate, single dad/nanny, found family book with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey, Romance, Novella, Hockey Romance, Forced Proximity

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

Reviews

[Bridget Daly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 💫 I needed something hockey related to get over my heated rivalry hangover and this didn’t do it!!!!!!

[Morgan West · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a cutie little story

I love a good smutty novella especially when it’s a brothers teammate, single dad x nanny like come onnn 👏🏼👏🏼 their chemistry was good, I was giggling like a little girl

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
​I’ll be honest: I don’t typically like sports romance, but this book officially got me hooked on the Mile High Sports series. It probably helped that the story didn't get bogged down in technical sports scenes or long explanations of how the game is played. Instead, the "blue lines" simply complemented a fantastic plot.
​I devoured this 0.5 prequel in one sitting! Gabe and Cassie are an absolutely adorable couple with chemistry that is off the charts. Fair warning: the spice level is a solid 5/5🌶. However, the spicy moments never felt forced; they truly added to the romance and connection between the characters. I also fell in love with the secondary characters and can't wait to see more of them. I’m starting Book 1 today!
​Check out my profile @TheLitWhisperer to follow my journey through the Mile High series!

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited book. Need I say more

[Annelize Kleynhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wtf did i just read in a good way

[Barbora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pohodovější čtení na odpoledne. Žádné drama a správný happy end.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. Gabe had some red flags and this novella made me cringe.

Hockey, brother's best friend, single dad, and probably other tropes that I didn't care for in this one.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Lines and Lullabies

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ Moving to a new city is exciting, but I'm freaked about following my brother to Colorado, where I have no apartment, job, or friends. So I decided to let off some steam on my first night here and invited a very attractive man back to my hotel room for some no-strings fun. But when he's nowhere to be found when I wake up, I chalk it up to a typical experience with guys.”

I really enjoyed this quick read! It made me want to come back for more and realize I need to read more of Jennifer’s books. Love the setting and the story line in general is good. It has the right amount of spice I like. And I recommend this novella 100%. Can’t wait for the next story.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Beeg Panda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The man sure loves his one night stands. The ow and h are 2 that we know of in recent months. Luckily the ow gave him a baby not STDs. That we know of. Hopefully he didn’t give her STDs, only a baby.
Otherwise it’s a cute start to a new series.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little novella treat was a quick read AND had a single dad that’s a hockey player? SAY LESS 🥰

[Morgan Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you are looking for a quick and spicy hockey romance!!

Love the characters and their story!

[bookbabe_18 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe Dawson is in desperate need of a nanny after the surprise of finding out he’s a dad. When his teammate recommends his new to town sister as the perfect candidate for the job, Gabe is shocked to see it’s the girl he had a one night stand with a few weeks ago. The girl he can’t stop thinking about.
Will they be able to move forward with their new professional relationship? Or will the tension be too much to ignore ?

Blue lines and Lullabies by Jennifer J Williams is the perfect book if you are looking for a fast paced/ instalove novella!
I loved the banter and humor in this books! The chemistry between the characters is so good! The relationship Cassie developes not only with Gabe but his daughter Mackenzie was my favorite!
It was a great balance of sweet and spicy and I ate it up!
I wish I could have had a full book of Gabe, Cassie and of course Mackenzie!

Can’t wait to read about Luca and Hannah next! 🥰

**Thank you the Jennifer J Williams and her team for giving me the opportunity to get the ARC for this book**

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Blue Lines and Lullabies
By: Jennifer J Williams

I’m a total fan girl for Jennifer so this book was definitely going to be a read for me! I loved it I love hockey romance and brothers best friend and this had both! Plus the nanny aspect 🫠

And Gabe is one fine guy so he is my pick for Snack Saturday!!

I loved this story it was so cute!! It was easy to read in fact I devoured it actually! I loved the way the Cassie and Gabe met and boy was there chemistry and sparks. I was sad how the next day he was gone through…

I felt so bad for Gabe he is a hockey player who’s world gets flipped upside down when he learns he is a dad and not only that he is now a solo parent because the mom died shortly after childbirth 🤧
I really loved the found family he has in his team mates and how they stepped up and supported him. But fate is tricky and when he needs a nanny it’s none other than the women he spent that amazing night with… she left before he got back from grabbing them breakfast ugh the miscommunication but that’s not all it’s his team mates sister.

I loved how Jennifer wove their story together as they raise a new born together I loved how Cassie really acted as if Kenzie was hers and she also honored her birth mom it was just beautiful! Another great story can’t wait for more!!!

Favorite Quote or moment:

As I push open my bedroom door, I find Cassie rocking slowly in the chair, quietly singing a lullaby to Mackenzie. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful and picturesque scene.
My heart breaks wide open for them, and I realize in such a short period, I've irrevocably fallen in love with Cassie.

“So far, I’ve come home three different times to new cats roaming around our house. As if I’d ever say no to my girls, and they know it. Once they bat their eyelashes at me, all bets are off."

🏒 Brother’s Best Friend
💋 Single Dad x Nanny
🏒 Found Family
💋 Hockey Romance
🏒 Short and Sweet and Spicy
💋 A Guaranteed HEA

[𝓐𝓪𝓼𝓱 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Lines and Lullabies by Jennifer J. Williams

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay, so imagine moving to a new city, deciding to let loose for one night, and ending up with a story that sounds straight out of a fanfic. That’s Cassie’s life now. She hooks up with this insanely attractive guy, Gabe, thinking it’s a one-and-done situation. Plot twist: Gabe’s not just any guy—he’s her brother’s teammate on the Denver Wolves NHL team. Oh, and he just found out he’s a dad to the cutest baby girl ever. Life comes at you fast, huh?

Gabe’s world does a 180 when he learns he has a daughter, Mackenzie, whose mother tragically passed away shortly after childbirth. Suddenly, this hockey player is in desperate need of a nanny. Enter Cassie, who’s not only perfect for the job but also the woman he can’t stop thinking about since that night. The universe really said, “Let’s make this interesting.”

Their chemistry? Off the charts. But it’s more than just physical. Cassie steps up, caring for Mackenzie like she’s her own, and honoring the memory of her birth mother. Gabe, meanwhile, is navigating the challenges of single fatherhood with the support of his found family—the team. The way their relationship evolves from a steamy encounter to a deep, emotional connection is both heartwarming and swoon-worthy.

This novella is a rollercoaster of feels, blending spice, sweetness, and a touch of angst. If you’re into hockey romances with a side of unexpected parenthood and a dash of brother’s best friend drama, this one’s for you. Plus, it’s a quick read, so perfect for when you need that romance fix without committing to a full-length novel.

Trigger Warnings:
• Death of a parent (off-page)
• Unexpected parenthood
• Brief mention of childbirth complications

Tropes:
• Brother’s best friend
• Single dad/nanny
• Found family
• Hockey romance
• One-night stand turns serious
• Instant connection
• Caring for an infant together
• Miscommunication leading to second chances

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie decided to make a big move by leaving her job, her life and moving to be with her brother in Colorado. The only thing she knew is that she would not be spending one night at her brother’s place, so she got a hotel room. That night while eating dinner at a bar, one thing let to another which led to an incredible night of passion with a stranger. Cassie never imagined that a short time later, she would become the nanny of that stranger’s newborn baby girl. How did that happen? Well you see that stranger wasn’t just anyone, it was her brother’s teammate. There no doubting right from the start that the passion they had one night could lead to a lifetime if all the cards were played right.

Gabe Dawson played it safe on the ice and off especially when it came to women. So the one night he got a very unexpected phone call… he was a dad!! He wasn’t sure how he would handle it but all it took was one look at the newborn’s face & the way she looked at him and he was a goner. Now he just had to figure out who would help him when he was doing his job. When his teammate suggested his sister, Gabe quickly agreed. That was until he found out the sister was the lady from the bar/hotel room that disappeared. Could they work through it all or would pride get in the way?

LOVED this book, it was next in the Mile High series after Worth the Risk. I could not put it down because I had a feeling right from the start that this book would be a page turner. The connection between the two was incredible. I also loved the fact that while the brother was protective, he wasn’t the usual way so many brother characters have been in other books. I also know he has his own story and we got a little tease of it in this book. Cannot wait to see where this is all going to go.

[M W · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

Gabe and Cassie meet one night at a hotel restaurant, and sparks fly and they have a great one night. Then, a couple weeks later, Gabe is called frol.the hospital letting him know he is a dad and the mother didn't make it. He scrambles, and his hockey teammates help him when he brings his daughter home . One of his hockey teammates' sister just moved to Colorado and can be a live-in nanny, and it's none other than Cassie.
The beginning had me right off the bat like I was wow this man and his dirty mouth, both characters in their 30s, but as soon as Cassie moved in the pacing and the dialogue felt odd. Like, I don't know it was like she realizes she was writing a novella and hit hyper speed. Their interactions were either hot or weird. Like the couple itself started to give me the ick, then she randomly through in the couple of the book that's next, and their storyline doesn't make sense. You can tell it was written after a series because it was surface level, which is fine. The moments when they would talk about the daughter were cute. If this was a normal length, the book probably would have dnf 40% in. Maybe if it was a full-length book, it would have been saved, but I guess will.never know, I will say that man is a talker during smex and she wrote that well.

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to a wonderful series.
On the night Cassie and Gabe met they both felt a connection, so many sparks flew and the way they felt about each other was instantaneous.
But the next morning Cassie wakes up and Gabe is gone, she feels gutted and foolish that she thought they had a connection and clearly feels he didn’t feel it to have left.
Gave arrived back from grabbing breakfast to find Cassie had vacated the hotel, he feels gutted and felt the same as Cassie.
Gabe is a hockey player whose life gets turned upside down when he finds out he's a dad to a beautiful baby girl and the mother died after complications of giving birth
His hockey family help him immediately providing all the baby would need goin forward.
The sister of one of his team mates helped tell them what was needed,
When one of his teammate suggests his sister as a nanny the last person Gabe expects to meet is the woman who disappeared after they spent an amazing night together.
At first they both feel anger and betrayal but as they argue they realise both jumped to conclusions and go forward as nanny and employee.
The way Gabe and Cassie navigate looking after a newborn together so natural and just heartfelt.
I enjoyed the epilogue of 4 yrs later to see the life they made together.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really heartwarming easy read. There's something special about the night Cassie and Gabe meet, the sparks fly and the way they communicate shows they're both feeling this is more than a one night thing. But the next morning Cassie wakes up and Gabe is gone.

Gabe is a hockey player whose life gets flipped when he finds out he's a dad to a beautiful baby girl whose mum died shortly after childbirth. His hockey family rally round and get him everything and more that a baby could ever need but Gabe is still in need of a nanny. When his teammate suggests his sister as a nanny the last person Gabe expects to meet is the woman who disappeared after they spent a beautiful night together and when he got back from going to get them breakfast she was gone.

The way Gabe and Cassie navigate a newborn together is written so beautifully and it really tugged on my heart strings when Cassie protects Kenzie as though she's her own and how they incorporate the memory of Kenzie's birth mum into their lives is just so thoughtful.

A thoroughly enjoyable short read that just has you feeling all warm and tingly.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️. 5

I enjoyed reading this one. It was easy and not too long. This is a Brothers Best Friend, Single Dad and Nanny/Boss Tropes.
Gabe is an Ice Hockey player. He is actually very kind and decent person.
Cassie is moving to where her brother is living and is a hockey player.
She makes a pit stop before getting to town and meets a handsome man. One wonderful night and a major mix up in the morning has left them with disappointment. 2 weeks later, both haven't forgotten each other. But Gabe becomes a father over night with a new born. I loved how he immediately stepped up and took responsibility. What I loved the most was how his teammates had his back and what they did for him 🥹. Then his best friend suggests his sister for in house Nanny as she needs a place and a job.
Yep it's none other than Cassie.
Now it's up to you to read and find out what happens next..
Their chemistry is still strong and their love is over flowing. I loved all the drama, spice, found family and band of brothers.
That epilogue was so adorable 😍.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie moved to Colorado to be closer to her older brother he’s a hockey player in wolves team.
She stayed in a hotel room because her brother‘s apartment is a bit messy.
The first night she arrived went at the restaurant downstairs there she met a guy they were talking and asked her if she’s a fan of sports, she didn’t say that her three brothers are hockey players.
She felt chemistry building between them, they decided not share their personal information other than their first names, one night thing and that’s it.
One day while he’s in practice,Gabe received a call from hospital, they asked him to go urgently because the person it’s not in good condition.
When he arrived they told him that the person gaved birth to a girl and died, the woman who 10 months back had a one night stand.
Now he has a baby to take care but he wants a nanny, his friend Grant said that his sister just transferred in Colorado and she need to find a work, when she went to his house she began to insulted him and he showed her the door.

A good book to read,highly recommended.

[The Lush Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted [Thank you to @jenniferjwiliams for allowing me early access to this story!]
⭐️4 🌶️3.5 💀 0

Source: ARC Get it February 28th on Kindle Unlimited

Tropes/Themes:
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Single Dad x Nanny
✨ Brother’s Teammate
✨ Found Family

What it’s about:
She’s just uprooted her life and moved to Colorado after her brother joined the NFL team there. Deciding to splurge for one night at a hotel before crashing on her brother’s couch, she ends up taking someone back to her room, but after a wonderful night together she wakes up and he’s just gone. That is, until her brother calls her and asks a favor, his teammate, well he needs a live-in nanny and it's urgent…

My Review:
This book FLEW BY. I started it before bed, stayed up too late and snuck in chapters during breaks throughout the day. Was finished with it by lunch! If that’s not a sign of a good book, I don’t know what is!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this novella. Gabe, Cassie and Mackenzie totally stole my heart. Ms. Williams’ characters are so well developed and described that the reader cannot help but become invested in the outcome. Gabe unexpectedly becomes a single Dad and his teammate recommends his sister Cassie to be his Nanny. They were both surprised to realize they had a fiery night together weeks earlier when Cassie first arrived in Colorado.

Gabe is inspiring as he navigates single fatherhood and bonding with Mackenzie. Despite the tragic loss of her mother, they create a new family dynamic.

I highly recommend this story to fans of hockey romances, single Dad/Nanny and even Brother’s Best Friend tropes you will not be disappointed. Looking forward to more about Gabe’s teammates finding their soulmates.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5

📌 Summary (No Spoilers!)
Why you will love this book…
🏒 Brother’s Best Friend
🔥 Single Dad x Nanny
🏒 Found Family
🔥 Hockey Romance
🏒 Short and Sweet and Spicy
🔥 A Guaranteed HEA

💭 My Thoughts:
This is such a cute read, the love for Kenzie is so sweet... it's not easy to step into that role and they both take it on without any question. The spice is perfect, and I can't wait to read the rest of the Mile High Series. Bring on the hot hockey boys! 😍

✨ Favourite Quote: "So far, I’ve come home three different times to new cats roaming around our house. As if I’d ever say no to my girls, and they know it. Once they bat their eyelashes at me, all bets are off."

🌀 Vibes & Aesthetic:
Cozy, Cute, Little bit spicy.

📖 Read if you like: Hockey romance, found family, soulmates finding each other.

[Maurisa Risareads221 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

We jump right into the action as Gabe sits next to Cassie at a bar she is having dinner at; near the hotel she is staying; on her way to reunite with her brother. They hook up and have an amazing night.

Gabe soon after finds out he is a dad in the most unexpected way. His hockey teammate recommends his sister to be his live in nanny. And in walks Cassie. His Cassie! Let the chaos begin.

This book is short steamy fun novella! Seeing Gabe become an amazing dad is incredible. Then add in the found family and steamy scenes and I loved it!!

#CoverReveal #BrothersBestFriend #SingleDadRomance #SmallTownRomance #JenniferJWilliams #FoundFamily #HockeyRomance #Novella #KindleUnlimited #NewBookAlert #Bookish #Booktok #RomanceBooks #SpicyRomance

[Charlene Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this fast-paced, sweet hockey romance! Who falls first? Honestly—both of them, and it’s adorable to watch unfold.

Gabe, the clueless but lovable new dad, is suddenly responsible for his precious baby girl and has no idea what he’s doing. Enter Cassie, his teammate’s sister, who swoops in to help—and instantly falls for the baby (and maybe Gabe too).

Cassie’s sweet and sassy personality pairs perfectly with Gabe’s endearing struggles, and even with a few small tensions and misunderstandings along the way, their story is heartwarming and fun from start to finish.

This novella has the perfect mix of romance, humor, and baby snuggles. It’s a quick, feel-good read that any romance lover could enjoy. Highly recommend!

[Kristi Lange · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute and quick little novella! Cassie and Gabe hit it off at a bar the first night Cassie moved to town and have a one night stand. Both wanted more but Cassie woke up and Gabe was gone (Gabe went to pick up breakfast and when he got back, Cassie was gone)

fast forward a few weeks later, Gabe gets a call that changes his life. He’s a dad and now he’s in need of a nanny during the hockey season. one of his teammates suggests his sister who just moved to town and doesn’t have a job or apartment lined up. But when the sister shows up? i’ll give you one guess who it is..

-single dad x nanny
-one night stand
-miscommunication (doesn’t take long to resolve)
-hockey romance
-teammates sister

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐
Cassie & Gabe
These two was so cute. I absolutely adore how Cassie knew what she wanted and went for it and how she stood her ground. I absolutely love her. Gabe was a absolutely sweet heart. Watching him become a dad after everything that happened and just falling in love with Kenzie was absolutely beautiful. I loved watching him step up and become the man he was supposed to be. I absolutely adore watching him & Cassie banter with each other with all the tension. I absolutely adore watching them become a family.

5/5 Recommend this book. This is a Novella and is super fast pace while not feeling like your missing anything. Its a beautiful story while dealing with a very hard topic but it was handle with very well sensitive and care.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute, fast paced hockey novella

Cassie needs a change in her life and decides to move closer to her NHL playing brother. Before she commits to living with him, she decides to spend one night in a hotel and has a spicy one night stand.
Gabe, is shocked to find that he is a dad to newborn when the mother passes away during delivery. As a busy NHl player, he’ll need a nanny for his daughter. Another shock comes when the proposed nanny ends up being the one night stand he couldn’t stop thinking about after he returned to an empty hotel room.
A few inconsistencies that made me look back in story but nothing major. Overall a quick fun read hinting at future books.
Cute, fast, insta love with some short term drama with a cute HEA.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insta connection from a one night stand that neither was expecting. Cassie has just moved to Colorado to be closer to her brother, meets a handsome hunk on her first night at her hotel and sparks really do fly between her and Gabe. Gabe is an NHL player who is teammates with Cassie’s brother, but neither disclose personal details that night.
A few weeks later and a giant curveball has fate playing Cupid, where Cassie takes up a live in nanny role to Gabe’s new daughter. A deliciously funny and spicy novella with the most perfect HEA. It’s a brilliant read!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own