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The Slapshot and the Single Mom
He wants me to help rehab his reputation. In exchange, I get to go on fabulous dates wherever I want. What could go wrong?
As a single mom with a ten-year-old, I don’t go out much. Making sure my kid is okay has been my top priority since the divorce a few years ago.
Enter Jack Bouchard …
He has a reputation as a party guy, and that’s come back to bite him. After a hit piece was published blaming him for his team’s loss and ending their bid for the Stanley Cup, his party days are on hold.
But he’s not one to sit at home and twiddle his thumbs …
After we run into each other at a bar, we end up on an impromptu date night.
The only thing is, I have no idea why this hot hockey star—who’s six years younger than me—would want to deal with me and all my baggage—a kid, a deadbeat ex, and a high stress job.
So he makes a proposal—we go out once a week just as friends. Let the press and public draw their own conclusions about our relationship, but him being seen with the same woman for the entire summer will make him look more stable and giving him more credibility, which will hopefully salvage his sponsorships. In return, I get to choose what we do, and he foots the bill, even offering to pay for childcare for me.
I agree, because what do I have to lose in that friendly fake dating arrangement?
Eventually I find the answer, though—my heart.
As a single mom with a ten-year-old, I don’t go out much. Making sure my kid is okay has been my top priority since the divorce a few years ago.
Enter Jack Bouchard …
He has a reputation as a party guy, and that’s come back to bite him. After a hit piece was published blaming him for his team’s loss and ending their bid for the Stanley Cup, his party days are on hold.
But he’s not one to sit at home and twiddle his thumbs …
After we run into each other at a bar, we end up on an impromptu date night.
The only thing is, I have no idea why this hot hockey star—who’s six years younger than me—would want to deal with me and all my baggage—a kid, a deadbeat ex, and a high stress job.
So he makes a proposal—we go out once a week just as friends. Let the press and public draw their own conclusions about our relationship, but him being seen with the same woman for the entire summer will make him look more stable and giving him more credibility, which will hopefully salvage his sponsorships. In return, I get to choose what we do, and he foots the bill, even offering to pay for childcare for me.
I agree, because what do I have to lose in that friendly fake dating arrangement?
Eventually I find the answer, though—my heart.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
68 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Jerica MacMillan
54 books541 followersJerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!
You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!
You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 12, 2025
Do you want a feel-good, girl power, make-you-pump-your-fist read? This one is for you, then! Jerica MacMillan does a masterful job of making this a great story that you will read more than once.
The Slapshot and the Single Mom is the second book in Jerica's Seattle Emeralds Hockey series and it is definitely a keeper! Jack is your typical athlete, but he sees something in Maggie immediately. He wonders why he strikes out with her, but a meeting soon after changes everything. Maggie's jerk of a boss has tried to mess up Jack's reputation and image during contract negotiations, and Maggie feels sort of responsible. When they meet for drinks, they both know something is there, but Maggie is a single mom and just can't do a relationship. But then her ex starts giving her problems and Jack has a solution. He suggests friends for the off season to help him be seen with someone stable and to keep her ex on his toes.
As they do "friend things", feelings grow and it gets clear that there is more to this relationship than mutual benefit. But forces are working against Maggie, and she just can't risk so much. Jack won't take no for an answer, because even though he has no experience with relationships, he knows Maggie is different and his end game.
Jerica MacMillan delivers a funny, heart-felt story that shows that women can be strong and their guys can step up for them whenever needed. I loved this story and can't wait for more in the series! 10/10 Highly Recommend!
The Slapshot and the Single Mom is the second book in Jerica's Seattle Emeralds Hockey series and it is definitely a keeper! Jack is your typical athlete, but he sees something in Maggie immediately. He wonders why he strikes out with her, but a meeting soon after changes everything. Maggie's jerk of a boss has tried to mess up Jack's reputation and image during contract negotiations, and Maggie feels sort of responsible. When they meet for drinks, they both know something is there, but Maggie is a single mom and just can't do a relationship. But then her ex starts giving her problems and Jack has a solution. He suggests friends for the off season to help him be seen with someone stable and to keep her ex on his toes.
As they do "friend things", feelings grow and it gets clear that there is more to this relationship than mutual benefit. But forces are working against Maggie, and she just can't risk so much. Jack won't take no for an answer, because even though he has no experience with relationships, he knows Maggie is different and his end game.
Jerica MacMillan delivers a funny, heart-felt story that shows that women can be strong and their guys can step up for them whenever needed. I loved this story and can't wait for more in the series! 10/10 Highly Recommend!
October 19, 2025
Oh wow these two will melt your heart!!!
Jack plays for the NHL, so when asked to do an interview before the playoffs he heads to the studio for it. Only after his team losses does the interview air but with content that looks like Jack is a party animal and is at fault for his team losing the playoffs. This affects Jack so much. He takes the advice from his agent to lay low, but it's the off season and Jack is bored. Maggie, single mom works for the studio that did the interview is hot broken for him and agrees on a lunch date. Jack has had a thing for Maggie since he first saw her but she shot him down. Her focus is only on her son. But after running into each other one night, Jack has a proposal, be seen with him doing anything she wants. It's a win-win. Jack gets out and is seen with the same girl making his reputation look good and Maggie gets to enjoy things she never gets to do. I loved everything about these two! Jack has never ever had a long term relationship and is the most thoughtful guy. Maggie has never been treated this way and is so unsure it's for real. It was so much fun watching these two develop into a loving, lasting relationship! I just couldn't get enough and am hoping to get more from these hockey players!!!
Jack plays for the NHL, so when asked to do an interview before the playoffs he heads to the studio for it. Only after his team losses does the interview air but with content that looks like Jack is a party animal and is at fault for his team losing the playoffs. This affects Jack so much. He takes the advice from his agent to lay low, but it's the off season and Jack is bored. Maggie, single mom works for the studio that did the interview is hot broken for him and agrees on a lunch date. Jack has had a thing for Maggie since he first saw her but she shot him down. Her focus is only on her son. But after running into each other one night, Jack has a proposal, be seen with him doing anything she wants. It's a win-win. Jack gets out and is seen with the same girl making his reputation look good and Maggie gets to enjoy things she never gets to do. I loved everything about these two! Jack has never ever had a long term relationship and is the most thoughtful guy. Maggie has never been treated this way and is so unsure it's for real. It was so much fun watching these two develop into a loving, lasting relationship! I just couldn't get enough and am hoping to get more from these hockey players!!!
September 27, 2025
Jack may not be in a relationship and he may have a reputation but he would never put his team or their chance of the Stanley Cup at risk. Which is the exact thing his interview ends up… rewind to the beautiful social media manager he met at the studio - and seems
To be the woman that answers the phone when he calls to have a few words with the guy that ruining his imagine. When Maggie has the opportunity to meet up with Jack, she takes the chance. Her boss is not a good person and even though he won’t take an interview for an assistant and keeps treating her like she is despite that she’s the social media manager, she doesn’t have many options. She is a single mom and her ex had her banned from most shows. When Jack proposes they fake date for his image - what does she have to loose. Jack wants to do whatever he can to make Maggie happy - he is interested in her and knows that if he comes on too strong she may run. Her ex husband has done so much damage she doesn’t think she deserves to be happy and Jack is going to show her otherwise. But can she deal with her boss, her ex, custody mediation and a boyfriend?
To be the woman that answers the phone when he calls to have a few words with the guy that ruining his imagine. When Maggie has the opportunity to meet up with Jack, she takes the chance. Her boss is not a good person and even though he won’t take an interview for an assistant and keeps treating her like she is despite that she’s the social media manager, she doesn’t have many options. She is a single mom and her ex had her banned from most shows. When Jack proposes they fake date for his image - what does she have to loose. Jack wants to do whatever he can to make Maggie happy - he is interested in her and knows that if he comes on too strong she may run. Her ex husband has done so much damage she doesn’t think she deserves to be happy and Jack is going to show her otherwise. But can she deal with her boss, her ex, custody mediation and a boyfriend?
September 21, 2025
Maggie is a divorced mom of a 10 year old boy. Her ex is a deadbeat, making her life harder while breaking his son's heart. Her boss is a real douche who doesn't respect her or anyone else. Her boss interviews a hockey player, Jack, and edits the interview to make him look just terrible. Maggie feels bad about it and when Jack calls to give her boss a piece of his mind, she offers to buy him a drink as an apology. She's not even sure exactly why she did it, but they're meeting left a lasting impression. They meet up again a few weeks later by chance and Jack wants to do anything to make her smile. They agree to fake date to rebuild his reputation after that interview and so she can get a break and do something for herself. It doesn't take long for them to connect and for it to no longer be fake. Jack is pretty perfect for someone who has never been in a relationship. It's the story perfect? No. It's it enjoyable and swoon worthy? Yes. Do I want scenes with Maggie and the players wags? absolutely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
If you love hockey romances, you will love to read this one! It has a hockey player desperate to fix his reputation and a single mom who’s just trying to hold everything together.
We meet Maggie, who’s ex-husband can’t be bothered to spend time with their son and she has a boss who’s a complete jerk. And then there is Jack, a Hockey player with a reputation for partying too much, who finds himself portrait as the reason his team lost in the playoffs.
Maggie embodies what so many single moms face every day: Putting her child first, compromising constantly, and dismissing her own needs. There is so much growth in their story. Maggie starts to stand up for herself and stop giving in, including her ex, while Jack discovers that making Maggie happy is what makes him happy.
What I loved most in this book was their chemistry and how their connection grew. It felt natural and their relationship went from being friends to being something more.
If you love hockey romances, you will love to read this one! It has a hockey player desperate to fix his reputation and a single mom who’s just trying to hold everything together.
We meet Maggie, who’s ex-husband can’t be bothered to spend time with their son and she has a boss who’s a complete jerk. And then there is Jack, a Hockey player with a reputation for partying too much, who finds himself portrait as the reason his team lost in the playoffs.
Maggie embodies what so many single moms face every day: Putting her child first, compromising constantly, and dismissing her own needs. There is so much growth in their story. Maggie starts to stand up for herself and stop giving in, including her ex, while Jack discovers that making Maggie happy is what makes him happy.
What I loved most in this book was their chemistry and how their connection grew. It felt natural and their relationship went from being friends to being something more.
October 13, 2025
Maggie is a single mom, divorced from the guy whose sports podcast she helped to make successful. Her reward - an unreliable co-parent and being blackballed in the industry. The only job she can get is as a social media manager for Brock, another jerk trying to grow his podcast. She meets Jack when he comes on the show and Brock makes it look like Jack’s partying caused his team to lose the Stanley Cup playoffs. Jack knows that is not true and so does his team but now his sponsors and charitable partners are wavering. He asks Maggie to spend time with him to rehab his image, and he is shocked when she says yes. What starts as a friendship grows into more but can it survive her terrible boss’s and ex-husband’s interference?
I have not read the first book in this series - it works fine as a stand alone. I like how Maggie and Jack truly do build a friendship before they get involved - their relationship seems like a natural outcome of all the time they spend together. I especially love how he plans things he knows she will like.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I have not read the first book in this series - it works fine as a stand alone. I like how Maggie and Jack truly do build a friendship before they get involved - their relationship seems like a natural outcome of all the time they spend together. I especially love how he plans things he knows she will like.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book
October 7, 2025
I loved Maggie and Jack in this story.
Maggie is a struggling single mother when Jack the hockey star meets her. When his reputation is on the line he has to lay low for the summer. Enter Maggie. Maggie rarely does anything but work and take care of her son but when Jack offers her a deal to help them both out she can't refuse. Going out as friends doing normal things like dinners, arts and ball games will help give him a better reputation and will give her a chance to experience things she couldn't afford herself.
It was great seeing how both characters changed and developed over time. Maggie realizes she has to take care of herself and Jack sees you can have fun without drinking and partying. This shows how a real relationship should be, with each side bringing out the good in the other.
This was a great read and I look forward to reading more.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
Maggie is a struggling single mother when Jack the hockey star meets her. When his reputation is on the line he has to lay low for the summer. Enter Maggie. Maggie rarely does anything but work and take care of her son but when Jack offers her a deal to help them both out she can't refuse. Going out as friends doing normal things like dinners, arts and ball games will help give him a better reputation and will give her a chance to experience things she couldn't afford herself.
It was great seeing how both characters changed and developed over time. Maggie realizes she has to take care of herself and Jack sees you can have fun without drinking and partying. This shows how a real relationship should be, with each side bringing out the good in the other.
This was a great read and I look forward to reading more.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
October 3, 2025
The Slapshot and the Single Mom
By Jerica MacMillan
Main Characters: Maggie and Jack
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Maggie is a singoe mother of a 10 year old boy. Jack is hockey player with a party hardy rep. He is looking for someone to help repair his rep so he can keep his sponsors. I really enjoyed the slow mo of these two going from a platonic relationship to more. I get tired of reading of couples hopping into bed as soon as they meet. J.M. slowly builds this love affair. I am looking forward to her next book.
By Jerica MacMillan
Main Characters: Maggie and Jack
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Maggie is a singoe mother of a 10 year old boy. Jack is hockey player with a party hardy rep. He is looking for someone to help repair his rep so he can keep his sponsors. I really enjoyed the slow mo of these two going from a platonic relationship to more. I get tired of reading of couples hopping into bed as soon as they meet. J.M. slowly builds this love affair. I am looking forward to her next book.
October 12, 2025
Absolutely loved reading this friends to lovers read.
Maggie is a single mom who has a terrible ex and a boss that isn't any better but she needs her job.
When her boss puts out a scathing interview with Jack, a professional hockey player, blaming him for their big loss Maggie has to deal with the fall out.
Meeting for a drink Jack asks Maggie to go out on dates, as friends, to get his reputation back on track.
They soon become close and they are perfect together but he doesn't do relationships so could they get their hea.
A must read with a brilliant ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Maggie is a single mom who has a terrible ex and a boss that isn't any better but she needs her job.
When her boss puts out a scathing interview with Jack, a professional hockey player, blaming him for their big loss Maggie has to deal with the fall out.
Meeting for a drink Jack asks Maggie to go out on dates, as friends, to get his reputation back on track.
They soon become close and they are perfect together but he doesn't do relationships so could they get their hea.
A must read with a brilliant ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Maggie deserves all that Jack gave her, and after learning about her story, I was super glad it worked out for them. The main characters were extremely likeable, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. They have their ups and downs, but realize they’re meant for each other, even when circumstances seem impossible. They’re willing to put in the work and fight for what they want. I love how it started out as something mutually beneficial between friends and grew from there. What a cool way to meet the person you’re meant to be with!
Overall, one of my favourite books I’ve read lately. Can’t wait for the next one!
Overall, one of my favourite books I’ve read lately. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 2, 2025
What a fantastic book! I loved Maggie and Jack’s story! Maggie is a single mother of a 10 year old son with a deadbeat dad. Jack plays in the NHL. When Maggie’s boss interviews Jack and turns it into a damaging story, Maggie feels as. She agrees to fake date him to help his reputation. What starts out fake turns into so much more. Jack is going to prove she’s worth everything. This story grabbed me from the first page. I couldn’t put it down! I loved it! Jerica wrote an amazing romance in The Slapshot and the Single Mom!
October 3, 2025
Maggie and Jack’s story is a MUST READ! From the moment I picked up this book I was hooked. Maggie and Jack agree to fake date! There is so much chemistry between these two and the more time they spend together the more that chemistry grows. I absolutely loved their story. Watching their relationship grow from fake to real was incredible. I could not get enough of these two. Highly recommend you pick up this book today. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
I have so much love for this story and the world that was able to just pull me right in. First, Maggie is great. She's a single mom, dealing with her ex, and a boss that you just want to tell off. I loved her strength, fight, and everything about her. Now we have Jack, hockey is his life, but his heart... SWOON. I loved how their friendship grew, the natural progression as they spent time together, and how much he cared. The flow of the story was perfect and kept me right there with them from start to finish. It's a must on any TBR.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 7, 2025
Another great story by MacMillan! You can't help but relate and love the hero and heroine, Jack and Maggie. Jack isn't into relationships, and Maggie was burned by her ex so the development of their relationship is a definite slower burn. You will see appearances of various characters that appeared past books, and you're introduced to Maggie's son, Liam, as well as appearances by Maggie's ex and her sleezy boss. You can't help but cheer as the story progresses and watching the story unfold. I hope there is more books set in this world!
November 26, 2025
A phenomenal story so well written! Enjoy!!!
Yes, I said phenomenal! I read it through in one long evening! Great characters, well developed storyline, excellent dialogue, and an exceptional relationship between Maggie and Jack. Every divorced woman will relate to Maggie's stresses as a woman, an employee, a mother and a breadwinner. A truly well written book and a delightful romance!
Yes, I said phenomenal! I read it through in one long evening! Great characters, well developed storyline, excellent dialogue, and an exceptional relationship between Maggie and Jack. Every divorced woman will relate to Maggie's stresses as a woman, an employee, a mother and a breadwinner. A truly well written book and a delightful romance!
September 21, 2025
Another great book by Jerica! I loved the relationship between Maggie and Jack. The care in being a single mom, and balancing work in a relationship was done very well. Seeing things from Jack’s perspective as it related to hockey and a relationship was also well defined. Thoroughly enjoyed reading.
September 26, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. I LOVED it. It was a quicker read but loved how it showed that not all divorces are simple and easy on the kiddos and a snip of what they go through emotionally, as well as what single moms do too. Jack and Maggie were so relatable and I absolutely loved their story. It just really hit home for me and Jerica did amazing with this story!
October 2, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. These two may be one of my favorite couples. The fake dating trope is at the top of my list and was very well written out in this story. I enjoyed “watching” these two go from fake to very real as if it was happening right in front of me. This author has become one of my “will always read the new book” authors
October 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book by Jerica MacMillan. It's a really great example of the friends to lovers trope which I love to read because that feels most like real-life to me. It was so much fun to watch their relationship grow and change throughout the book and it makes me so happy for Maggie (and Jack) to get their Happily Ever After. I would highly recommend this book!
October 16, 2025
Slow burn beauty
I really enjoyed this. It’s an easy read full of realistic characters, friendships and growth. Maggie and Jack have an instant attraction, their relationship evolves sweetly and naturally. Little Liam is a cute whirlwind of chatter and sweetness. I loved how Jack fell first and was so supportive of Maggie and how she gained confidence from his attention.
There’s glimpses of characters from book one which I always enjoy. This has humour, drama, a pinch of angst, witty banter, great characters, sweetness, swoons, spice, healing and so much heart.
I really enjoyed this. It’s an easy read full of realistic characters, friendships and growth. Maggie and Jack have an instant attraction, their relationship evolves sweetly and naturally. Little Liam is a cute whirlwind of chatter and sweetness. I loved how Jack fell first and was so supportive of Maggie and how she gained confidence from his attention.
There’s glimpses of characters from book one which I always enjoy. This has humour, drama, a pinch of angst, witty banter, great characters, sweetness, swoons, spice, healing and so much heart.
September 28, 2025
From flirty to funny to heartwarming to tempting, Macmillan puts emotions on notice. Jack and Maggie turn the soul inside out. Through the surprises of life and the heartache of love, The Slap Shot and The Single Mom is an endearing work of art that dares to show it's vulnerable side.
November 5, 2025
3.5⭐️ 1.5🌶️
“I thank my lucky stars everyday that you agreed to give me a chance.”
Jack is absolutely adorable. He knows what and who he wants and goes for it. Maggie is a hard working single mom with past relationship trauma. Together they’re the cutest couple.
“I thank my lucky stars everyday that you agreed to give me a chance.”
Jack is absolutely adorable. He knows what and who he wants and goes for it. Maggie is a hard working single mom with past relationship trauma. Together they’re the cutest couple.
October 19, 2025
this is a hockey book about a typical hockey Playboy he's trying to clean these image up and goes for a straight girl with the sun and how they yada yada fall in love and so I give it a three-star
September 28, 2025
Jack and Maggie are just the best match. Maggie is a single mom who has everything you can think of working against her. Jack is a superstar with the world watching his every move. When Maggie's boss tricks Jack and tries to ruin his reputation it's Maggie who ends up trying to pick up the pieces. I enjoyed watching them quickly blossom from acquaintances to friends to so much more. This book had the perfect amount of slow burn, chemistry, denial of feelings, and happiness.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews