What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seattle Mavericks #4
A Game Plan For Love
Declan Monroe is searching for his zing.
For years, the tight end has hunted for a place to belong. His teammates have all found the loves of their lives, and after Declan loses the person closest to him, he’s left wondering if he’ll ever have a family of his own. Dozens of failed first dates and fizzled-out relationships have left him hopeless and alone.
Right when he’s ready to give up his search, he finds it—his elusive zing. Only, he didn’t expect to zing with Addie Gardner, the Seattle Mavericks beloved nutritionist. But when he saves her from a horrible first date, she offers him a trash can full of snacks, and the grief clouding his life fades, one thing becomes he’s found his person.
When Declan discovers Addie is a single mom to a five-year-old daughter, Nora, the missing pieces of his heart click into place. Suddenly, he can picture the life he’s dreamed for himself—with them. However, family dynamics are messy and complicated, and when Addie’s estranged parents want back into her life, Declan learns first-hand how the people you love the most possess the greatest power to hurt you. But the zing is never wrong, and if he’s going to convince Addie and Nora to stay forever, he’ll need to lean on his friends to pull off a game plan for love.
For years, the tight end has hunted for a place to belong. His teammates have all found the loves of their lives, and after Declan loses the person closest to him, he’s left wondering if he’ll ever have a family of his own. Dozens of failed first dates and fizzled-out relationships have left him hopeless and alone.
Right when he’s ready to give up his search, he finds it—his elusive zing. Only, he didn’t expect to zing with Addie Gardner, the Seattle Mavericks beloved nutritionist. But when he saves her from a horrible first date, she offers him a trash can full of snacks, and the grief clouding his life fades, one thing becomes he’s found his person.
When Declan discovers Addie is a single mom to a five-year-old daughter, Nora, the missing pieces of his heart click into place. Suddenly, he can picture the life he’s dreamed for himself—with them. However, family dynamics are messy and complicated, and when Addie’s estranged parents want back into her life, Declan learns first-hand how the people you love the most possess the greatest power to hurt you. But the zing is never wrong, and if he’s going to convince Addie and Nora to stay forever, he’ll need to lean on his friends to pull off a game plan for love.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
9 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Cubba
5 books88 followersNicole Cubba writes romance with the belief that every person deserves a happily-ever-after and her favorite stories are ones that reflect that sentiment. Nicole works as a marine biologist and has a deep passion for the ocean and the planet. When she isn’t in the lab, you can find her searching for new coffee shops, wandering in nature, and spending far too much time watching sports. She was born and raised in Michigan, but now lives in Massachusetts, close to the ocean.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 23, 2025
3.75/5 - A very sweet sports romance. She is a single mother to a five year old kid and the team's nutritionist and he's a player for the same team. I loved both the characters and loved how they understood each other and just complimented each other so good. When everyone assumed he was happy, she was able to see how much he was still hurting over the loss of his foster father. Him looking for his "zing" and his response to have experienced it was honestly so adorable.
Quite fast paced, one minute they are on their first date and the next he's setting up a trust fund for the kid. And there's no third act breakup which was nice. Not my usual kind of reads because this was too sweet, almost a tad too much but i still enjoyed it very much.
Safety - Book opens with him rescuing her from a bad first date. She tells him that the social media team thinks he's player because he goes on dates often but he's quick to tell her the truth that while he may have slept around some during his rookie times, he doesn't do that anymore because he's very serious about finding love and family. So most of his dates were first dates and him quitting after the lack of zing. He honestly didn't give the vibe of a hoe. Her baby daddy is a guy that failed to tell her that the condom broke and signed his right away when she told him about the baby. No ow/ om drama.
Quite fast paced, one minute they are on their first date and the next he's setting up a trust fund for the kid. And there's no third act breakup which was nice. Not my usual kind of reads because this was too sweet, almost a tad too much but i still enjoyed it very much.
Safety - Book opens with him rescuing her from a bad first date. She tells him that the social media team thinks he's player because he goes on dates often but he's quick to tell her the truth that while he may have slept around some during his rookie times, he doesn't do that anymore because he's very serious about finding love and family. So most of his dates were first dates and him quitting after the lack of zing. He honestly didn't give the vibe of a hoe. Her baby daddy is a guy that failed to tell her that the condom broke and signed his right away when she told him about the baby. No ow/ om drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Omg this book was so cute!
- Single mom to 5 year old (h is 27)
- Football player x nutrition coach
- He falls first and harder
- Broken hero
This was so good, I love a single mom book, and this did not disappoint. The H and h works for the same team, but never really had interaction other than passings when she handled his food. H lost a close friend he saw as his father, and is struggling. He desperately wants to feel the “zing” with someone, and when he starts talking to the h, the zing happens! And loved how he involved all his friends and their gf to make a plan to win her over.
Really liked how angry the h got when she finds out the H has the stomach flue (after talking care of h daughter when the little girl was sick), that she storms his house and tells him that she also wants to take care of him, and he has to tell her when he’s sick. And how he shortly after meeting the h daughter, he started decorating his guest room to become the daughters room!
Safety:
- He’s portrayed as a playboy in the media because he has gone on a lot of first date, but he doesn’t sleep with them, he just really wants to find a girl he can spend time with. Not mention when he’s last time was.
- H and h first really talk and see each other when he rescue h from a bad date. h has dated even tho she’s a single mom (loved this), but no info about her last time. Also loved how confident she was in the bedroom, for me, I got the feeling she has a lot of experience.
- h only worked for the team for a year, no info about how many dates he’s been on in that time, or if he has slept with anyone. But they never really talked before he saved her on and awful date, and since none of them were pining all this time, I’m okay with this.
- The daughters father was a ons and the condom broke, he didn’t tell her that. The father signed away his rights right away.
I was a little skeptical about his reputation as a playboy, buts it’s only dates, often ending after the first one. He hates this reputation but will have that instead of people finding out how desperate his has been for attention and a women to call his own. He has a lot of trauma from his childhood in foster care, and they was he has worked through his trauma was so good. He was a little playboy the first year as a rookie, but he saw how his action hurt the people around him, so he changed his behavior and started going in therapy.
- Single mom to 5 year old (h is 27)
- Football player x nutrition coach
- He falls first and harder
- Broken hero
This was so good, I love a single mom book, and this did not disappoint. The H and h works for the same team, but never really had interaction other than passings when she handled his food. H lost a close friend he saw as his father, and is struggling. He desperately wants to feel the “zing” with someone, and when he starts talking to the h, the zing happens! And loved how he involved all his friends and their gf to make a plan to win her over.
Really liked how angry the h got when she finds out the H has the stomach flue (after talking care of h daughter when the little girl was sick), that she storms his house and tells him that she also wants to take care of him, and he has to tell her when he’s sick. And how he shortly after meeting the h daughter, he started decorating his guest room to become the daughters room!
Safety:
- He’s portrayed as a playboy in the media because he has gone on a lot of first date, but he doesn’t sleep with them, he just really wants to find a girl he can spend time with. Not mention when he’s last time was.
- H and h first really talk and see each other when he rescue h from a bad date. h has dated even tho she’s a single mom (loved this), but no info about her last time. Also loved how confident she was in the bedroom, for me, I got the feeling she has a lot of experience.
- h only worked for the team for a year, no info about how many dates he’s been on in that time, or if he has slept with anyone. But they never really talked before he saved her on and awful date, and since none of them were pining all this time, I’m okay with this.
- The daughters father was a ons and the condom broke, he didn’t tell her that. The father signed away his rights right away.
I was a little skeptical about his reputation as a playboy, buts it’s only dates, often ending after the first one. He hates this reputation but will have that instead of people finding out how desperate his has been for attention and a women to call his own. He has a lot of trauma from his childhood in foster care, and they was he has worked through his trauma was so good. He was a little playboy the first year as a rookie, but he saw how his action hurt the people around him, so he changed his behavior and started going in therapy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
I don't even know where to start on this - I am OBSESSED with this series now and it's all thanks to this book! Declan and Addie are such an amazing couple and its obvious from the start that they are perfect for each other. I love Declan's whole goal of finding someone that he "zings" with (and if you've read the other books in the series, its a whole thing!) as well as wanting a family since he never had one. Addie is such a fab FMC - even though I don't have kids, I really identify with a lot of her feelings throughout the book. I loved Addie not only finding her Prince Charming, but a whole crew of best friends especially best girlfriends. After everything she goes through, its so moving for her to find that!
If you've read the entire series, I think my absolute favorite thing is Declan's journey through all 4 books. I actually read this ARC, then went back and read the entire series to re-read this one again and it really hit so much more how much he grew and became such a green flag man!
I can't recommend this book & this entire series enough - possibly one of my favorite sports romances ever!
Thanks to the author for the ARC and chance to read & review!
🌶️🌶️.5
I don't even know where to start on this - I am OBSESSED with this series now and it's all thanks to this book! Declan and Addie are such an amazing couple and its obvious from the start that they are perfect for each other. I love Declan's whole goal of finding someone that he "zings" with (and if you've read the other books in the series, its a whole thing!) as well as wanting a family since he never had one. Addie is such a fab FMC - even though I don't have kids, I really identify with a lot of her feelings throughout the book. I loved Addie not only finding her Prince Charming, but a whole crew of best friends especially best girlfriends. After everything she goes through, its so moving for her to find that!
If you've read the entire series, I think my absolute favorite thing is Declan's journey through all 4 books. I actually read this ARC, then went back and read the entire series to re-read this one again and it really hit so much more how much he grew and became such a green flag man!
I can't recommend this book & this entire series enough - possibly one of my favorite sports romances ever!
Thanks to the author for the ARC and chance to read & review!
July 27, 2025
This was sweet…too sweet. He’s definitely a golden retriever to the max. I skimmed the last 20% bc it was a little too lovey for me. I prefer more angst and drama in the books I read but this is a sweet and easy pallet cleanser if that’s what you’re looking for!
May 13, 2025
I was very lucky to receive an eARC copy of this book.
I absolutely loved it, and did not want to put it down.
I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters.
Declan is one of the sweetest book boyfriends and I fell for him immediately, I loved the single mom trope. And loved seeing the development of Declan and Addies relationship and love. Add in five year old Nora and it made it that much better. I look forward to reading more of Nicole’s books in the future.
I absolutely loved it, and did not want to put it down.
I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters.
Declan is one of the sweetest book boyfriends and I fell for him immediately, I loved the single mom trope. And loved seeing the development of Declan and Addies relationship and love. Add in five year old Nora and it made it that much better. I look forward to reading more of Nicole’s books in the future.
May 21, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was the first book I have read from Nicole Cubba and it will not be my last! I’m sad I didn’t read the other books in this series first since this book completes the series. I was still able to enjoy and fall in love with this group anyway(I will be reading all the books in series)!
I am a former division 1 volleyball player, so Addie being a former player made her an instant favorite for me. I loved seeing her continue to have an impact in high level sports while having to pivot from her dreams while she created a new one for her and her daughter.
Declan had my heart from the very beginning. He was searching for his forever family and had the love of his teammates and their partners but was waiting to find his missing piece(or pieces).
Watching Addie and Declan find a way to bring their two completely different, complicated lives together was nothing short of magical. The way they chose each other, despite everything they had been through separately, felt like the kind of love that’s meant to be. It was messy, beautiful, and so full of heart.
This was the first book I have read from Nicole Cubba and it will not be my last! I’m sad I didn’t read the other books in this series first since this book completes the series. I was still able to enjoy and fall in love with this group anyway(I will be reading all the books in series)!
I am a former division 1 volleyball player, so Addie being a former player made her an instant favorite for me. I loved seeing her continue to have an impact in high level sports while having to pivot from her dreams while she created a new one for her and her daughter.
Declan had my heart from the very beginning. He was searching for his forever family and had the love of his teammates and their partners but was waiting to find his missing piece(or pieces).
Watching Addie and Declan find a way to bring their two completely different, complicated lives together was nothing short of magical. The way they chose each other, despite everything they had been through separately, felt like the kind of love that’s meant to be. It was messy, beautiful, and so full of heart.
November 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
100% insta love and I was sat for it
NFL player MMC + single mom FMC (nutritionist for his team)
No virgins (no clear history for either - there is mentions of him dating the FMC from the first book and not treating her well and she’s now married to his BFF but I didn’t read any of the previous books so I ignored it)
No cheating or OW/OM drama
HEA + epilogue
Safe and recommend for low-angst read
100% insta love and I was sat for it
NFL player MMC + single mom FMC (nutritionist for his team)
No virgins (no clear history for either - there is mentions of him dating the FMC from the first book and not treating her well and she’s now married to his BFF but I didn’t read any of the previous books so I ignored it)
No cheating or OW/OM drama
HEA + epilogue
Safe and recommend for low-angst read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 22, 2025single mom
January 17, 2026
Don’t ask me why I started with the 4th book but this was genuinely soo good and I’ve never read this author but this was such an easy and nice read.
Will DEF read the other books too soon
Will DEF read the other books too soon
May 31, 2025
I Loved A Game Plan for Love.
Declan was an interesting character. He had a rough childhood and works to make sure kids in the same situation have the resources they need. I loved his reaction when Nora gave him the garage can (IYKIK).
Nora was a single mom who worked with the team to provide food/smoothies. Her daughter was cute and I laughed every time the swear jar came up.
The way everyone took not only Nora in but her daughter was just amazing.
This was a well written book and I love @authornicolecubba writing.
thank you for the ARC of A Game Plan for Love.
Declan was an interesting character. He had a rough childhood and works to make sure kids in the same situation have the resources they need. I loved his reaction when Nora gave him the garage can (IYKIK).
Nora was a single mom who worked with the team to provide food/smoothies. Her daughter was cute and I laughed every time the swear jar came up.
The way everyone took not only Nora in but her daughter was just amazing.
This was a well written book and I love @authornicolecubba writing.
thank you for the ARC of A Game Plan for Love.
June 25, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was such a sweet, swoony, surpirse! The story was incredibly heartfelt and had me tearing up at moments. The romance had me gushing and feeling all fuzzy Inside! Declan Is such a sweet, kind, loving man I just die for his big heart! It had the perfect amount of spice and the chemistry between the two leads was *chef’s kiss!* If you love a feel-good romance with depth, heart and a touch of sports charm then this Is for you!
Huge thank you to the author for this ARC! Such a heartwarming read.
This book was such a sweet, swoony, surpirse! The story was incredibly heartfelt and had me tearing up at moments. The romance had me gushing and feeling all fuzzy Inside! Declan Is such a sweet, kind, loving man I just die for his big heart! It had the perfect amount of spice and the chemistry between the two leads was *chef’s kiss!* If you love a feel-good romance with depth, heart and a touch of sports charm then this Is for you!
Huge thank you to the author for this ARC! Such a heartwarming read.
May 24, 2025
Thank you so much Author Nicole Cubba, for giving me the amazing opportunity to read another ARC for your new upcoming Sports Romance Novel💜🏈🤩✨
“A Game Plan For Love”
The 4th Installment In The-
“Seattle Mavericks Book Series”
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Read!! The Author's creativity and beautiful dedication had me captivated straight away and especially since loving the MMC-Declan in the previous books, that just in seconds he had my book boyfriend list growing even longer💋✨(the way this book consumed me! cherishing every detail and atmosphere of love with the deep emotional histories of the main characters' paths and who they are today had me flipping through the chapters to discover a stunning story of a Sports romance, single mom, found family, Zinging moments, etc, that was written profoundly with two amazing main characters-
(✨💜Declan & Addie💜✨)As they experience many heartwarming touching moments together discovering each other and opening up, creating new memories! and love-filled adventures. Leaving you longing for more🤩
I seriously can’t get of enough of them!!🥹Nicole Cubba, truly made me fall so deeply in love with this book and every character in it! And here’s a preview of those beautiful two-
My girlie Addie💜✨embraces a beautiful soul and fiery yet powerful heart with a amazing sense of humor that definitely caught Declan “Zing” from the very beginning🥹reading her character and her emotional backstory and what she faced: She continues to push through with the love she has for Nora, her daughter, which is a shining example of love and joy, always putting her child's happiness first and providing unconditional love and protecting her at every chance is so precious🥹and her connection with Declan, showcases the profound impact of love, empathy, and kindness. A heartwarming and endearing quality that sets their relationship apart from others as their unique love story is continuously filling readers's hearts with limitless joy and affection every moment they’re on the page🥹💜
Declan, is such a sweetheart🥹✨A professional football player in the NFL💜That shares beautiful elements of love, compassion and generosity to those around him
With a lovely personality that lights up any room he enters! especially with his winsome charm, and tender beautiful words💋✨ Even with facing heartbreaking pasts, he continues to remain strong, profound and inspiring those around him with his unwavering love for his lover/found family and others, is so sweet! The love he showers for Addie & her daughter-(The way he's sweetly possessive, protective, and loyal over them every step of way, constantly showing love and what they both deserve in life🥹etc makes him even more attractive! That I seriously need him in real life ASAP!!💋💜✨
“I love you. Every day. From now until forever.” -Addie🥹✨
“A Game Plan For Love”
The 4th Installment In The-
“Seattle Mavericks Book Series”
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Read!! The Author's creativity and beautiful dedication had me captivated straight away and especially since loving the MMC-Declan in the previous books, that just in seconds he had my book boyfriend list growing even longer💋✨(the way this book consumed me! cherishing every detail and atmosphere of love with the deep emotional histories of the main characters' paths and who they are today had me flipping through the chapters to discover a stunning story of a Sports romance, single mom, found family, Zinging moments, etc, that was written profoundly with two amazing main characters-
(✨💜Declan & Addie💜✨)As they experience many heartwarming touching moments together discovering each other and opening up, creating new memories! and love-filled adventures. Leaving you longing for more🤩
I seriously can’t get of enough of them!!🥹Nicole Cubba, truly made me fall so deeply in love with this book and every character in it! And here’s a preview of those beautiful two-
My girlie Addie💜✨embraces a beautiful soul and fiery yet powerful heart with a amazing sense of humor that definitely caught Declan “Zing” from the very beginning🥹reading her character and her emotional backstory and what she faced: She continues to push through with the love she has for Nora, her daughter, which is a shining example of love and joy, always putting her child's happiness first and providing unconditional love and protecting her at every chance is so precious🥹and her connection with Declan, showcases the profound impact of love, empathy, and kindness. A heartwarming and endearing quality that sets their relationship apart from others as their unique love story is continuously filling readers's hearts with limitless joy and affection every moment they’re on the page🥹💜
Declan, is such a sweetheart🥹✨A professional football player in the NFL💜That shares beautiful elements of love, compassion and generosity to those around him
With a lovely personality that lights up any room he enters! especially with his winsome charm, and tender beautiful words💋✨ Even with facing heartbreaking pasts, he continues to remain strong, profound and inspiring those around him with his unwavering love for his lover/found family and others, is so sweet! The love he showers for Addie & her daughter-(The way he's sweetly possessive, protective, and loyal over them every step of way, constantly showing love and what they both deserve in life🥹etc makes him even more attractive! That I seriously need him in real life ASAP!!💋💜✨
“I love you. Every day. From now until forever.” -Addie🥹✨
May 15, 2025
🏈 ARC Review
Thank you, Nicole for giving me the opportunity to read my first ever ARC!
A Game Plan For Love
by Nicole Cubba
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Micro-tropes:
Sports Romance
Co-Workers/Workplace Romance
Found Family
Single Mom
Football Player MMC
No Third Act Breakup
Summary:
Declan Monroe is a football player dealing with grief and searching for a place to belong. Addie Gardner is nutritionist and single mom who’s been hurt by the estrangement of her parents. After Declan saves Addie from a disastrous date and Addie makes a kind gesture, the two find themselves growing closer. Along with Addie’s 5 year old daughter, Nora, they discover what they’ve been missing and where they truly belong.
Review:
This may actually be the sweetest book I’ve ever read. Addie and Declan are so perfect together and you just couldn’t help but root for them together and individually.
When I first started getting into the book, there were times I found myself unsettled reading about Declan’s feelings and quickly realized it was because they hit so close to home. His feelings of not knowing where he belongs and watching his friends look forward to the future while his felt so lonely, hit me right in the chest. That deep feeling of loneliness, even when there are other people around, dig so deep that it’s hard to see past. Getting to read Declan finding the love and the family he always wanted made my heart so happy, I could cry. Declan was one of the most vulnerable MMCs that I have ever read and I think it’s a nice change of pace from the usual “grumpy” MMCs (although I love both types).
Addie should be protected at all costs. Reading about how her parents treated her and Nora was so heartbreaking and she deserved so much better. As great as it was to see Declan get his happily ever after, it was just as great to see Addie get her’s. She deserved for someone to look after her the way she looks after everyone else.
I really like that there wasn’t a previous connection aside from being co workers. I feel like more often than not, you read about how one or both of the characters wanted the other for months or years prior. Even though that’s not a negative for me in books at all, this was another nice change of pace.
Addie and Declan had such a good dynamic right off the bat. I loved how he saved her from her date and corrected him when Declan said Addie works “with” him and not “for” him. Don’t even get me started on the care package. Reading about them helping each other heal from loneliness and abandonment was such a beautiful story. As far as the spice goes, two words, “Good Boy”.
If you’re looking for a sports romance with the sweetest MMC ever, found family, and no third act break up, I definitely recommend “A Game Plan For Love”.
Thank you, Nicole for giving me the opportunity to read my first ever ARC!
A Game Plan For Love
by Nicole Cubba
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Micro-tropes:
Sports Romance
Co-Workers/Workplace Romance
Found Family
Single Mom
Football Player MMC
No Third Act Breakup
Summary:
Declan Monroe is a football player dealing with grief and searching for a place to belong. Addie Gardner is nutritionist and single mom who’s been hurt by the estrangement of her parents. After Declan saves Addie from a disastrous date and Addie makes a kind gesture, the two find themselves growing closer. Along with Addie’s 5 year old daughter, Nora, they discover what they’ve been missing and where they truly belong.
Review:
This may actually be the sweetest book I’ve ever read. Addie and Declan are so perfect together and you just couldn’t help but root for them together and individually.
When I first started getting into the book, there were times I found myself unsettled reading about Declan’s feelings and quickly realized it was because they hit so close to home. His feelings of not knowing where he belongs and watching his friends look forward to the future while his felt so lonely, hit me right in the chest. That deep feeling of loneliness, even when there are other people around, dig so deep that it’s hard to see past. Getting to read Declan finding the love and the family he always wanted made my heart so happy, I could cry. Declan was one of the most vulnerable MMCs that I have ever read and I think it’s a nice change of pace from the usual “grumpy” MMCs (although I love both types).
Addie should be protected at all costs. Reading about how her parents treated her and Nora was so heartbreaking and she deserved so much better. As great as it was to see Declan get his happily ever after, it was just as great to see Addie get her’s. She deserved for someone to look after her the way she looks after everyone else.
I really like that there wasn’t a previous connection aside from being co workers. I feel like more often than not, you read about how one or both of the characters wanted the other for months or years prior. Even though that’s not a negative for me in books at all, this was another nice change of pace.
Addie and Declan had such a good dynamic right off the bat. I loved how he saved her from her date and corrected him when Declan said Addie works “with” him and not “for” him. Don’t even get me started on the care package. Reading about them helping each other heal from loneliness and abandonment was such a beautiful story. As far as the spice goes, two words, “Good Boy”.
If you’re looking for a sports romance with the sweetest MMC ever, found family, and no third act break up, I definitely recommend “A Game Plan For Love”.
May 11, 2025
I am.....slightly obsessed with Declan (ok, so I'm head over heels in love with him but I suppose I can share with Addie and Nora if they're willing). His character arc from the each book to the next has been one of my absolute favorite parts and his story clawed its way into my heart and made itself a home. I couldn't put this one down (or stop highlighting things) because I just wanted the happiest of endings for everyone and couldn't stop reading until I knew how it all turned out for them.
The relationships we see between Declan, Addie, and Nora (and everyone else) are some of the absolute best and felt real. I love everything about this book and the writing of these characters (Declan is also a fan of bird watching and so that makes him a top MMC in my eyes just hands down).
My favorite books are the ones that give me all of the emotions (and that I can't put down), and this one checked that criteria with flying colors. I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I was falling in love alongside the characters. This book, and the entire series, just reminds me of the softest, awkward, finding yourself, figuring things out together, parts of love. It all feels just so real and like you're with your best friends. This book makes me want to curl up under a blanket and get all the best vibes.
Nicole has done such a fantastic job with her stories that I didn't want the series to end since I just love the characters and their stories so very much. I love her storytelling, writing style, humor, and the emotions she weaves into your heart and soul.
While the series is all interconnected standalone, the best experience is really reading them all as you really get a sense of Declan (and others) growth, changes, and found family vibes. The emotional impact is just so high and I loved every second of it!
I loved this entire series and A Game Plan for Love was no different! This book (and the series) gets a highly recommend, 5 stars, going on my re-read shelf, absolutely loved it, from me!
I received an eARC of this book, but any reviews are entirely my own.
The relationships we see between Declan, Addie, and Nora (and everyone else) are some of the absolute best and felt real. I love everything about this book and the writing of these characters (Declan is also a fan of bird watching and so that makes him a top MMC in my eyes just hands down).
My favorite books are the ones that give me all of the emotions (and that I can't put down), and this one checked that criteria with flying colors. I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I was falling in love alongside the characters. This book, and the entire series, just reminds me of the softest, awkward, finding yourself, figuring things out together, parts of love. It all feels just so real and like you're with your best friends. This book makes me want to curl up under a blanket and get all the best vibes.
Nicole has done such a fantastic job with her stories that I didn't want the series to end since I just love the characters and their stories so very much. I love her storytelling, writing style, humor, and the emotions she weaves into your heart and soul.
While the series is all interconnected standalone, the best experience is really reading them all as you really get a sense of Declan (and others) growth, changes, and found family vibes. The emotional impact is just so high and I loved every second of it!
I loved this entire series and A Game Plan for Love was no different! This book (and the series) gets a highly recommend, 5 stars, going on my re-read shelf, absolutely loved it, from me!
I received an eARC of this book, but any reviews are entirely my own.
May 20, 2025
Book: A Game Plan For Love
Author: @authornicolecubba
Series: The Seattle Mavericks Book 4 (Standalone)
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Pages: 330
- Tropes -
🏈 Sport Romance
💜 Single Mom
🏈 Found Family
💜 Finding The Zing
🏈 Workplace
💜 “Good Boy”
- Favorite Quotes -
"Never stop dreaming, Adeline. Because you never know when life is going to guide you toward exactly what you've been hoping for."
"I'm choosing you, baby. And her. And us. I'm choosing me, and what makes me happy—that's you and Nora."
- Thoughts -
“The zing is never wrong.” That single sentence captures the heart and soul of this touching and deeply emotional love story.
Declan Monroe is a man who’s always been on the outside looking in — watching his teammates find love, longing for a family of his own, and aching for a sense of belonging. When he meets Addie Gardner, a single mom with a heart full of love (and snacks in a trash can), something shifts. That elusive zing he’s been waiting for? He finally feels it — and it’s her.
Declan and Addie’s story is one of healing, trust, and learning to believe that maybe, just maybe, you are worthy of the love you’ve always dreamed of. Watching Declan fall not only for Addie, but for her daughter Nora, was one of the sweetest, most satisfying emotional journeys I’ve read in a long time. Declan’s quiet vulnerability and Addie’s fierce strength complement each other beautifully, and their connection is the kind that lingers long after the last page.
The romance is gentle but deep, emotional yet playful, and yes — spicy in the most tender, affirming way (two words: Good Boy). I couldn’t stop highlighting quotes or rooting for these characters. Their bond feels real, earned, and above all, healing.
Nicole Cubba has created something truly special with this book and the series as a whole. Her ability to blend heartache and hope, humor and honesty, makes her a standout voice in contemporary romance. The love, care, and warmth she pours into her characters is undeniable — and unforgettable.
My Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶️
Couple: Declan Roosevelt Monroe and Adeline “Addie” Elizabeth Gardner
Children: Nora Gardner
Author: @authornicolecubba
Series: The Seattle Mavericks Book 4 (Standalone)
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Pages: 330
- Tropes -
🏈 Sport Romance
💜 Single Mom
🏈 Found Family
💜 Finding The Zing
🏈 Workplace
💜 “Good Boy”
- Favorite Quotes -
"Never stop dreaming, Adeline. Because you never know when life is going to guide you toward exactly what you've been hoping for."
"I'm choosing you, baby. And her. And us. I'm choosing me, and what makes me happy—that's you and Nora."
- Thoughts -
“The zing is never wrong.” That single sentence captures the heart and soul of this touching and deeply emotional love story.
Declan Monroe is a man who’s always been on the outside looking in — watching his teammates find love, longing for a family of his own, and aching for a sense of belonging. When he meets Addie Gardner, a single mom with a heart full of love (and snacks in a trash can), something shifts. That elusive zing he’s been waiting for? He finally feels it — and it’s her.
Declan and Addie’s story is one of healing, trust, and learning to believe that maybe, just maybe, you are worthy of the love you’ve always dreamed of. Watching Declan fall not only for Addie, but for her daughter Nora, was one of the sweetest, most satisfying emotional journeys I’ve read in a long time. Declan’s quiet vulnerability and Addie’s fierce strength complement each other beautifully, and their connection is the kind that lingers long after the last page.
The romance is gentle but deep, emotional yet playful, and yes — spicy in the most tender, affirming way (two words: Good Boy). I couldn’t stop highlighting quotes or rooting for these characters. Their bond feels real, earned, and above all, healing.
Nicole Cubba has created something truly special with this book and the series as a whole. Her ability to blend heartache and hope, humor and honesty, makes her a standout voice in contemporary romance. The love, care, and warmth she pours into her characters is undeniable — and unforgettable.
My Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶️
Couple: Declan Roosevelt Monroe and Adeline “Addie” Elizabeth Gardner
Children: Nora Gardner
May 10, 2025
I'm so glad we finally got to see Declan get his HEA! Bonus for me is that we got another STEM FMC in the series since Addie is a nutritionist for the team! Getting to know Declan throughout the series, there's no more perfect match for him than a single mom with a kid to give an instant family to someone that grew up in the foster care system. He has so much love to give, and he just needs people to give it to, and a ready made family is the perfect outlet. I loved how protective Addie got over him and his mental and physical well-being, too. It was nice to see someone trying to take care of him for once. Although this book is written as a stand alone, it is the last book in the series, and I highly recommend reading the first and third books in this series to get the full scope of Declan's transformation (don't skip out on the second book because that one is my favorite of the series, but it's less pertinent to Declan's storyline). Without reading the first book, you won't get how much Declan has emotionally matured since the series started, and without reading the third book, you won't get how low he was in grief before his book starts. Throughout the series, Declan talks a lot about being in therapy and the benefits of taking ownership of his mental health, and you can really see how that colors his decisions and thought processes throughout the book. We love an emotionally mature king! Extra bonus: no third act breakup! As with all books in the series, it's well written, good plot, and spicy. Excellent end to the series!
May 17, 2025
3.5 rounded up! ✨ Sweet, heartfelt, and left me curious about others in the series.
This is the fourth book in the Seattle Mavericks series. I realized early on I was probably missing some emotional context by jumping in with this one first. The term 'zing' and it's meaning felt odd, but I had missed context that was able to gain a bit more of as I read. It works as a standalone, but felt more like a stand along.
💭 I really enjoyed watching Declan fall for Addie and her daughter, Nora. Even though they work together, he doesn’t truly see her until he’s ready, and that shift felt thoughtful. His big and small gestures (I mean the hidden treasure in the console 😍) showed how deeply he cares for the people in his life. I appreciated how emotionally open he was (green flag), though at times, it felt a bit too frequent for my taste.
I also liked how Addie and Declan worked as a team, especially with Nora. Addie made space for him to step in where it mattered—not quite parenting, but close. And a good found family always gets me. The girl group in this one really brought that “friends you wish you had” vibe. (They were a part of what made me decide to round this up after my initial 3.5 rating.)
A light, fast, heartfelt read with some standout emotional moments, even if a few were a little too sweet and saccharine for my taste. Curious now to go back and start from book one!
💙 “I have never loved anyone the way I love you. The word doesn’t feel strong enough… It consumes me.”
This is the fourth book in the Seattle Mavericks series. I realized early on I was probably missing some emotional context by jumping in with this one first. The term 'zing' and it's meaning felt odd, but I had missed context that was able to gain a bit more of as I read. It works as a standalone, but felt more like a stand along.
💭 I really enjoyed watching Declan fall for Addie and her daughter, Nora. Even though they work together, he doesn’t truly see her until he’s ready, and that shift felt thoughtful. His big and small gestures (I mean the hidden treasure in the console 😍) showed how deeply he cares for the people in his life. I appreciated how emotionally open he was (green flag), though at times, it felt a bit too frequent for my taste.
I also liked how Addie and Declan worked as a team, especially with Nora. Addie made space for him to step in where it mattered—not quite parenting, but close. And a good found family always gets me. The girl group in this one really brought that “friends you wish you had” vibe. (They were a part of what made me decide to round this up after my initial 3.5 rating.)
A light, fast, heartfelt read with some standout emotional moments, even if a few were a little too sweet and saccharine for my taste. Curious now to go back and start from book one!
💙 “I have never loved anyone the way I love you. The word doesn’t feel strong enough… It consumes me.”
May 17, 2025
ARC Review ❤️
At first I wasn’t sure I was a fan of the term “zing” but as I continued through the story and understood the background of how the term became so important to Declan, I quickly became a fan. Declan and Addie were made for each other, but honestly I think Declan and Norah were made even more for each other. They are both exactly what each of them needed to be complete.
Declan-he is a man who grew up wanting to know what love was. The way this man wears his emotions on his sleeves was refreshing. He made me tear up several times in the book just because of how much emotion he shows. This is nothing something you read often and I truly loved it.
Addie-being a mom for the first time myself, I felt her strong mama heart she has. Her little girl is her world and letting other people in can be scary! But she deserves a supportive family regardless of genetics and she is lucky to be with one of the absolute best in their friend group. I loved reading her growth and breaking her strong walls down she’s built up the past 5 years.
Norah-she makes you smile continuously with her positive outlook on life. A true princess who gets her happily ever after.
I truly loved this story and all of the characters. The common life lessons in here, I appreciated because it makes it more real. PCOS, foster care, unsupportive parents, it was all real emotions. But also the love for Justin Bieber, a rewarding Kit Kat and hobbies made them just so good.
At first I wasn’t sure I was a fan of the term “zing” but as I continued through the story and understood the background of how the term became so important to Declan, I quickly became a fan. Declan and Addie were made for each other, but honestly I think Declan and Norah were made even more for each other. They are both exactly what each of them needed to be complete.
Declan-he is a man who grew up wanting to know what love was. The way this man wears his emotions on his sleeves was refreshing. He made me tear up several times in the book just because of how much emotion he shows. This is nothing something you read often and I truly loved it.
Addie-being a mom for the first time myself, I felt her strong mama heart she has. Her little girl is her world and letting other people in can be scary! But she deserves a supportive family regardless of genetics and she is lucky to be with one of the absolute best in their friend group. I loved reading her growth and breaking her strong walls down she’s built up the past 5 years.
Norah-she makes you smile continuously with her positive outlook on life. A true princess who gets her happily ever after.
I truly loved this story and all of the characters. The common life lessons in here, I appreciated because it makes it more real. PCOS, foster care, unsupportive parents, it was all real emotions. But also the love for Justin Bieber, a rewarding Kit Kat and hobbies made them just so good.
May 20, 2025
I can’t believe it’s been two years since this series began and now, here we are at the end. Nicole really did save the best for last. That’s saying a lot, because I didn’t think anyone could dethrone Deon as my favorite… but here we are!
I loved every single second of this book. Declan is officially my favorite Seattle Maverick. It’s wild to think about the Declan we met in book one compared to who he is now. He’s grown so much, and he truly deserved every single good thing that came his way, him being nervous talking to Addie omg I ate it up!!
As for Addie—I absolutely loved her. I appreciated how she let Declan into her and Nora’s life, even though she was scared and fiercely protective of their hearts, I also enjoyed her getting to know the ladies and it was funny how they replaced Declan with her so fast, and I loved how they stepped in to help her when she needed it!
Both Declan and Addie spent way too long longing for something they didn’t think they could ever have or deserved in Declan’s case, so when that “zing” moment happened, I had the biggest, goofiest smile on my face( yes the trash can was hilarious but it got the job done lol)
Do I even need to talk about the friend group? Maren never ever change!! I also loved how naturally Addie and Nora fit into the friend group—it felt so seamless and perfect. When I got to the acknowledgments and saw that the series was officially complete, I screamed, because I never want it to end, but I seriously can’t wait to see what comes next.
Pulled this question straight from the book lol
I loved every single second of this book. Declan is officially my favorite Seattle Maverick. It’s wild to think about the Declan we met in book one compared to who he is now. He’s grown so much, and he truly deserved every single good thing that came his way, him being nervous talking to Addie omg I ate it up!!
As for Addie—I absolutely loved her. I appreciated how she let Declan into her and Nora’s life, even though she was scared and fiercely protective of their hearts, I also enjoyed her getting to know the ladies and it was funny how they replaced Declan with her so fast, and I loved how they stepped in to help her when she needed it!
Both Declan and Addie spent way too long longing for something they didn’t think they could ever have or deserved in Declan’s case, so when that “zing” moment happened, I had the biggest, goofiest smile on my face( yes the trash can was hilarious but it got the job done lol)
Do I even need to talk about the friend group? Maren never ever change!! I also loved how naturally Addie and Nora fit into the friend group—it felt so seamless and perfect. When I got to the acknowledgments and saw that the series was officially complete, I screamed, because I never want it to end, but I seriously can’t wait to see what comes next.
Pulled this question straight from the book lol
May 18, 2025
Addie and Declan's story begins with him saving her from an incredibly horrible date. Their story blossoms over this novel slowly as they navigate each others feelings and adding a child to the equation can be an obstacle as well.
Will the kid like me? Would they want me to be their parent? Single parents are a package deal and Declan or Decy steps up to the plate in more ways than one. This soft spoken giant shows up for Addie when she needs it most and keeps showing up. His soft demeanor and attentiveness is what made my heart sing with joy. He is the type of person who deserves a family. Which he has found in his football friends and their wives and significant others.
Addie has had no one since the birth of Nora. No back up, no real outside help other than her babysitter when she needs a night to herself which she rarely does. Enter Declan, with his boat load of support and friends to help. She is not alone.
It is hard for her to accept that his friends are hers. But she does eventually. Because they keep showing up.
I loved this novel from beginning to end. The communication between the main characters was amazing, there was no issue that wasn't talked through and no hint of a 3rd act break up.
This was my 1st novel from Nicole Cubba but I will be heading to the backlog of her books because this one... She knocked it out of the park.
Will the kid like me? Would they want me to be their parent? Single parents are a package deal and Declan or Decy steps up to the plate in more ways than one. This soft spoken giant shows up for Addie when she needs it most and keeps showing up. His soft demeanor and attentiveness is what made my heart sing with joy. He is the type of person who deserves a family. Which he has found in his football friends and their wives and significant others.
Addie has had no one since the birth of Nora. No back up, no real outside help other than her babysitter when she needs a night to herself which she rarely does. Enter Declan, with his boat load of support and friends to help. She is not alone.
It is hard for her to accept that his friends are hers. But she does eventually. Because they keep showing up.
I loved this novel from beginning to end. The communication between the main characters was amazing, there was no issue that wasn't talked through and no hint of a 3rd act break up.
This was my 1st novel from Nicole Cubba but I will be heading to the backlog of her books because this one... She knocked it out of the park.
May 27, 2025
“𝙰 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙𝚜 𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.”
I need a moment to collect my thoughts because this was the most heart melting, tear jerking (happy tears) masterpiece of a romance. Nicole did a fantastic job bringing the Seattle Mavericks series to a close with our zing searching MMC, Declan. What fantastic character development he has gone through since book 1.
I’ve been waiting for Declan to find his zing and it was so worth the wait. Addie is such a strong FMC. A single mom to an adorable munchkin princess, Nora, and nutritionist for the Seattle Mavericks. Addie wears many hats and does it well but when Declan steps in to learn more about her, Addie gets butterflies but is hesitant to let someone in.
The romance is so raw and full of emotion. It will bring a smile to your face and happy tears to your eyes. Okay, maybe some butterflies too because it’s just too dang cute to watch these two fall into the zing with one another and become an adorable little family. Nora is the cutest princess around. She had me giggling so much. Also, we need to mention the rest of the gang. Found family with a solid group of friends that will be there through thick and thin.
Read if you enjoy:
🏈 sports romance
👑 single mom
💜 found family
🏈 workplace romance
👑 dual pov
💜 no third act breakup
🏈 “good boy”
I need a moment to collect my thoughts because this was the most heart melting, tear jerking (happy tears) masterpiece of a romance. Nicole did a fantastic job bringing the Seattle Mavericks series to a close with our zing searching MMC, Declan. What fantastic character development he has gone through since book 1.
I’ve been waiting for Declan to find his zing and it was so worth the wait. Addie is such a strong FMC. A single mom to an adorable munchkin princess, Nora, and nutritionist for the Seattle Mavericks. Addie wears many hats and does it well but when Declan steps in to learn more about her, Addie gets butterflies but is hesitant to let someone in.
The romance is so raw and full of emotion. It will bring a smile to your face and happy tears to your eyes. Okay, maybe some butterflies too because it’s just too dang cute to watch these two fall into the zing with one another and become an adorable little family. Nora is the cutest princess around. She had me giggling so much. Also, we need to mention the rest of the gang. Found family with a solid group of friends that will be there through thick and thin.
Read if you enjoy:
🏈 sports romance
👑 single mom
💜 found family
🏈 workplace romance
👑 dual pov
💜 no third act breakup
🏈 “good boy”
May 28, 2025
ARC Review – Thank you Nicole Cuba for the gifted eARC of A Game Plan for Love
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
This book is going to give you the zing. The best, warmest, most happy feeling. You will probably squeal and kick your feet at least once during this book, but honestly it will probably happen a few times. It is such a cute and sweet book with the best group of friends. I just want to be part of their friend group.
Declan is such a cinnamon roll character. He is thoughtful and caring. I love how he is constantly protecting Addie and Nora and putting both of them before himself. You can also see how much he loves his friends and how important they are to him. He is very sensitive, but it fits the storyline well. My heart ached for Declan and all that he had been through. I was so excited for him to find happiness with Addie.
Addie is a fantastic mother. She is selfless and works hard to give her daughter, Nora, the best life. I love that Nora was actually an important part of the storyline. It truly was a story about a single mom and her struggles. Like Addie, I have a 5 year old daughter, and I felt like Nora perfectly portrayed a five-year old girl. They can be feisty, sweet, and oh so inquisitive, which can lead to overstimulation. The struggle is so real. I love that Declan acknowledges this in the book, and tries to help take some of the pressure off Addie.
I loved watching the relationship between Declan and Addie develop. It was sweet with a little spice. I liked that we got to see many different facets of their relationship; how it was at work, with Nora, with his friends, and then when they were alone. Declan’s friend group is amazing. They were such fun supporting characters. Everyone deserves friends like them.
This is part of an interconnected stand-alone series. It is the final book in the series, but the first one I read. You definitely don’t need to read the other books first to understand what is going on, but I will be going back to read them. I can’t get enough of these characters.
*Read if you love*
🏈 Sports Romance
💜 Single Mom
🏈 Workplace Romance
💜 Dual POV
🏈 Found Family
💜 Happily Ever Afters
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
This book is going to give you the zing. The best, warmest, most happy feeling. You will probably squeal and kick your feet at least once during this book, but honestly it will probably happen a few times. It is such a cute and sweet book with the best group of friends. I just want to be part of their friend group.
Declan is such a cinnamon roll character. He is thoughtful and caring. I love how he is constantly protecting Addie and Nora and putting both of them before himself. You can also see how much he loves his friends and how important they are to him. He is very sensitive, but it fits the storyline well. My heart ached for Declan and all that he had been through. I was so excited for him to find happiness with Addie.
Addie is a fantastic mother. She is selfless and works hard to give her daughter, Nora, the best life. I love that Nora was actually an important part of the storyline. It truly was a story about a single mom and her struggles. Like Addie, I have a 5 year old daughter, and I felt like Nora perfectly portrayed a five-year old girl. They can be feisty, sweet, and oh so inquisitive, which can lead to overstimulation. The struggle is so real. I love that Declan acknowledges this in the book, and tries to help take some of the pressure off Addie.
I loved watching the relationship between Declan and Addie develop. It was sweet with a little spice. I liked that we got to see many different facets of their relationship; how it was at work, with Nora, with his friends, and then when they were alone. Declan’s friend group is amazing. They were such fun supporting characters. Everyone deserves friends like them.
This is part of an interconnected stand-alone series. It is the final book in the series, but the first one I read. You definitely don’t need to read the other books first to understand what is going on, but I will be going back to read them. I can’t get enough of these characters.
*Read if you love*
🏈 Sports Romance
💜 Single Mom
🏈 Workplace Romance
💜 Dual POV
🏈 Found Family
💜 Happily Ever Afters
May 20, 2025
I loved this one! Declan, a football player with a soft heart and a tough past, meets Addie, a fiercely independent single mom, and from the moment he saves her from a terrible date, their story unfolds with so much care and emotion! I absolutely LOVED Declan and seeing him fall not just for Addie but for her daughter Nora too was so heartwarming!
This book is such a beautiful journey of healing, love, and found family. Declan’s emotional growth and Addie’s vulnerability made their connection feel so real! Addies daughter, Nora, is also a sunshine-filled scene stealer who brings joy to every page! She was such a cutie and I loved her! It’s refreshing to see such a thoughtful representation of therapy, single parenthood, and genuine emotional intimacy without unnecessary drama!
Even though it’s the fourth in a series, it works as a standalone—but fair warning, you’ll want to go back and read the others after meeting this group! If you love golden retriever heroes, strong women, and heartwarming romance, this one’s perfect for you!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐞:
🏈 NFL sports romance
🪻 coworkers-to-lovers
🏈 single mom
🪻 “good boy”
🏈 pro-therapy athlete
🪻 found family
🏈 “searching for his zing”
🪻 dual POV
🏈 open door spice
This book is such a beautiful journey of healing, love, and found family. Declan’s emotional growth and Addie’s vulnerability made their connection feel so real! Addies daughter, Nora, is also a sunshine-filled scene stealer who brings joy to every page! She was such a cutie and I loved her! It’s refreshing to see such a thoughtful representation of therapy, single parenthood, and genuine emotional intimacy without unnecessary drama!
Even though it’s the fourth in a series, it works as a standalone—but fair warning, you’ll want to go back and read the others after meeting this group! If you love golden retriever heroes, strong women, and heartwarming romance, this one’s perfect for you!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐞:
🏈 NFL sports romance
🪻 coworkers-to-lovers
🏈 single mom
🪻 “good boy”
🏈 pro-therapy athlete
🪻 found family
🏈 “searching for his zing”
🪻 dual POV
🏈 open door spice
May 23, 2025
⭐ 5/5
🌶 Spice Level: 2/5
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, squealing, and crying. A Game Plan for Love seriously had me deep in my feels.
I couldn't put it down - okay, I did a few times, but only because I had to, not because I wanted to!
I’ve loved Declan since his first appearance in the series, and I was so excited to finally see him get his own love story. And wow, it did not disappoint.
This story will hit especially hard if you love:
•Single mom rep
•Sports romance
•Workplace romance
•Pro-therapy MMC (!!)
•Found family
•Dual POV
•Open-door spice
On a personal note, this book touched me in such a deep and unexpected way. My mom was a single mom until I was around five, and seeing Nora ask Addie (and later, Declan) the same kinds of questions I once asked my parents, it hit hard. It brought actual tears to my eyes.
Even though the story and circumstances are different than my own, the emotions felt so real and familiar. It was tender, healing, and beautiful.
This might be my favorite book in the Seattle Mavericks series - not only for how personal it felt, but for how much I genuinely love these characters. I didn’t want it to end, but I’m so glad I got to see their happily ever after.
🌶 Spice Level: 2/5
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, squealing, and crying. A Game Plan for Love seriously had me deep in my feels.
I couldn't put it down - okay, I did a few times, but only because I had to, not because I wanted to!
I’ve loved Declan since his first appearance in the series, and I was so excited to finally see him get his own love story. And wow, it did not disappoint.
This story will hit especially hard if you love:
•Single mom rep
•Sports romance
•Workplace romance
•Pro-therapy MMC (!!)
•Found family
•Dual POV
•Open-door spice
On a personal note, this book touched me in such a deep and unexpected way. My mom was a single mom until I was around five, and seeing Nora ask Addie (and later, Declan) the same kinds of questions I once asked my parents, it hit hard. It brought actual tears to my eyes.
Even though the story and circumstances are different than my own, the emotions felt so real and familiar. It was tender, healing, and beautiful.
This might be my favorite book in the Seattle Mavericks series - not only for how personal it felt, but for how much I genuinely love these characters. I didn’t want it to end, but I’m so glad I got to see their happily ever after.
May 15, 2025
This is the fourth book in a series but could definitely be read as a stand alone if that’s what you want to do. Declan is the definition of a golden retriever boyfriend. It was so nice to have a MMC that was so in tune with himself emotionally at the start of the book. I love how sweet he is when he learns of Addie’s daughter. The author does a phenomenal job with character building, and as the reader we know exactly who these characters are as people pretty early on. This makes it really easy to fall in love with the main characters. The relationship between Addie and her parents added the perfect amount of drama to the story and it was really nice to see Declan and Addie’s relationship develop because of it. Single parent is one of my favorite tropes, because it always makes the story feel so much more real. Almost like it grounds it and separates it from other romance book that feel unrealistic. This story was so well paced, nothing felt too fast or too slow. Loved the trip they took at the end! Thank you to Nicole Cubba for letting me ARC read this book. I can’t wait to go back and read the other couple’s stories.
May 17, 2025
There are no words to describe the amazing emotional ride I just went on. This is my second book I’ve read by Nicole Cubba and it has made me want to read books 1 and 2 of the Mavericks series. And anything else she writes.
Declan has a heart of gold, on and off the football field. He childhood was not easy. Growing up in foster care and group homes, he never knew what love within a family actually was. He made football his life, devoting all his time to advancing his career.
Addie’s childhood was a bit different. Dreams were on the horizon, until a test turns positive and all those dreams start unraveling. Addie’s parents inevitably cut her off leaving Addie and Nora alone.
When Declan and Addie find themselves separately at the same restaurant, he is determined to rescue her from a crappy first date. The zing that Declan has always wanted has finally appeared. Addie and Declan’s relationship warmed my heart from the get go. I was so emotional reading this story, all in a good way. 19% in and I was a blubbering mess.
If you need a great heart-warming read, of found family, and the sweetest girl named Nora- than you must read this!
Declan has a heart of gold, on and off the football field. He childhood was not easy. Growing up in foster care and group homes, he never knew what love within a family actually was. He made football his life, devoting all his time to advancing his career.
Addie’s childhood was a bit different. Dreams were on the horizon, until a test turns positive and all those dreams start unraveling. Addie’s parents inevitably cut her off leaving Addie and Nora alone.
When Declan and Addie find themselves separately at the same restaurant, he is determined to rescue her from a crappy first date. The zing that Declan has always wanted has finally appeared. Addie and Declan’s relationship warmed my heart from the get go. I was so emotional reading this story, all in a good way. 19% in and I was a blubbering mess.
If you need a great heart-warming read, of found family, and the sweetest girl named Nora- than you must read this!
May 19, 2025
3.5 stars!
This story was very cute and super quick to get through. I adored Declan in the other books and was so excited to see him get his story. I loved the found family aspect after Declan losing the one and only parental figure in his life and feeling a little lost after all of his friends found their happily ever afters. This story managed to bring two people together that were both a little lost and I loved that!
I loved Declan and Addie! I loved how they weren’t complete strangers and Declan saving her from a disaster date was very cute!! I also loved how welcoming Declan’s friends were with Addie and Nora. The friend group is so wholesome!!
I think my only issue with the story was how unrealistic the timeline was for the story especially with the single mom trope. I just felt it moved way too fast for me.
If you're looking for a quick, wholesome read, this one's for you!
Really sad to see this series end but excited to see what Nicole has planned next!
Thank you Nicole for the eARC <3
This story was very cute and super quick to get through. I adored Declan in the other books and was so excited to see him get his story. I loved the found family aspect after Declan losing the one and only parental figure in his life and feeling a little lost after all of his friends found their happily ever afters. This story managed to bring two people together that were both a little lost and I loved that!
I loved Declan and Addie! I loved how they weren’t complete strangers and Declan saving her from a disaster date was very cute!! I also loved how welcoming Declan’s friends were with Addie and Nora. The friend group is so wholesome!!
I think my only issue with the story was how unrealistic the timeline was for the story especially with the single mom trope. I just felt it moved way too fast for me.
If you're looking for a quick, wholesome read, this one's for you!
Really sad to see this series end but excited to see what Nicole has planned next!
Thank you Nicole for the eARC <3
May 13, 2025
Now this is Declan's story and I am so happy to be reading it because I fell in love with him in the last book and just a few chapters in was amazing the way Declan feels and how Addie notices immediately gosh🥰. When Nora, Addie's daughter is introduced the way Declan immediately loves her It's so sweet because thinking of how Declan grow up and how he wants a family It's just so sweet the way he just takes to Nora like she was his own 🥹 The way Declan and Addie's love grows is so beautiful the author has written their story so well and I honestly wanted to cry in every chapter, 😢 like when Declan was sad, or when Declan and Nora were having such a cute interaction, or when Addie was imagining their life together. I got so emotional it's all so beautiful 🥹🥹 I've never read the other Seattle Maverick books I did read fumbled into love and that's where I fell in love with Declan and I wanted to see him happy I'm so glad he's getting his happily ever after with his zing 💜💜
May 29, 2025
What to expect:
🏈dual pov
🏈workplace romance
🏈found family
🏈single mom
🏈pro-therapy athlete
This is Declan and Addie’s story and the fourth book in the series. Declan is a football player and Addie is a nutritionist for the team. Declan is so perfect for their little family. He was kind, caring, and helpful. Both Addie and Declan were able to help each other and rely on one another, but it took some time for him to want to receive help, which is understandable from learning about his past!
I loved the found family element to this and seeing how past characters from previous books interact with one another. Their friend group is truly amazing and I loved the group chats 😂 Although it is an end to a series, I am happy to go back and soon read the books I have missed 🤍
Quotes:
* Declan: Good things come to those who wait. And kissing you might just be the highlight of my life.
* But if I had to do it all over again—make every mistake, go on every bad first date, spend lonely nights questioning my life—to find Addie and Nora, I would do it in an instant.
Thank you to Nicole for the opportunity to read this arc!
🏈dual pov
🏈workplace romance
🏈found family
🏈single mom
🏈pro-therapy athlete
This is Declan and Addie’s story and the fourth book in the series. Declan is a football player and Addie is a nutritionist for the team. Declan is so perfect for their little family. He was kind, caring, and helpful. Both Addie and Declan were able to help each other and rely on one another, but it took some time for him to want to receive help, which is understandable from learning about his past!
I loved the found family element to this and seeing how past characters from previous books interact with one another. Their friend group is truly amazing and I loved the group chats 😂 Although it is an end to a series, I am happy to go back and soon read the books I have missed 🤍
Quotes:
* Declan: Good things come to those who wait. And kissing you might just be the highlight of my life.
* But if I had to do it all over again—make every mistake, go on every bad first date, spend lonely nights questioning my life—to find Addie and Nora, I would do it in an instant.
Thank you to Nicole for the opportunity to read this arc!
June 2, 2025
Nicole Cubba's latest book a game plan for love, has left me breathless, and I am eager to explore more of her works.
Declan, with his heart of gold, is a remarkable character, whose difficult childhood in foster care and group homes could not extinguish his spirit. He channeled his energy into football, becoming devoted to his craft. Addie's story, however, took a dramatic turn when a positive test result upended her dreams, leading to abandonment by her parents.
The serendipitous meeting between Declan and Addie at a restaurant, where he saves her from a terrible date, sets the stage for a beautiful relationship that captivated me from the start. Their story elicited strong emotions, throughout the book I was completely absorbed.
For a touching tale of found family, with a special focus on the endearing Nora, this book comes highly recommended.
Thank you Nicole Cubba for the eARC read I hope I am able to read more of your work soon or as another ARC reader.
Declan, with his heart of gold, is a remarkable character, whose difficult childhood in foster care and group homes could not extinguish his spirit. He channeled his energy into football, becoming devoted to his craft. Addie's story, however, took a dramatic turn when a positive test result upended her dreams, leading to abandonment by her parents.
The serendipitous meeting between Declan and Addie at a restaurant, where he saves her from a terrible date, sets the stage for a beautiful relationship that captivated me from the start. Their story elicited strong emotions, throughout the book I was completely absorbed.
For a touching tale of found family, with a special focus on the endearing Nora, this book comes highly recommended.
Thank you Nicole Cubba for the eARC read I hope I am able to read more of your work soon or as another ARC reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews