Checked Into Love

Evergreen Cove #2

by Brooklyn Hart

He's all in. She's all walls.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie has been in love with librarian Rachel Horn since the moment he walked into her library with too many flowers and zero chill. She's brilliant, beautiful, and thinks he's a chaos tornado in hockey skates—which, fair. But when she agrees to coffee, Mac knows he's found his forever.

Rachel has been burned before. Publicly humiliated by an ex who called her "too boring" for his exciting life. So when the Eagles' most enthusiastic player pursues her with grand gestures and genuine heart, she wants to believe it's real. But men like Mac don't stay with women like her. Do they?

Just as Rachel starts to trust in their future, a ghost from her past arrives in Evergreen Derek Matthews, the hotshot sports PT who mentored her ex and convinced him to dump her. Derek's in town to destroy the Eagles' beloved physical therapist Ellie Hansen's reputation—and he's more than willing to use Rachel's insecurities against her to do it.

Mac will fight for Rachel. But can Rachel fight for herself?

A small-town hockey romance opposites attract, he falls first, forced proximity, a cinnamon roll hero who's all in from day one, a heroine learning she's always been enough, meddling teammates, and a villain readers will love to hate.

🌶️ Spice Medium-Hot

Genres: Romance, Hockey

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2026

Reviews

[Ellen Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So pleased to receive an advanced copy of this book.

This book takes us back to Evergreen Cove and home of the Eagles hockey team, but this story is about Mac and Rachel. Although this can be read as a standalone it was pleasing to have all the characters from the first book.

From start to finish this book had me invested in the storyline, which had a great plot, love all the characters and the friendships that form around this hockey team and Evergreen Cove. Mac being another super cute hockey player!

Really enjoy the style of writing from this author, this book did not disappoint, really excited to return to Evergreen Cove in the future for the next instalment.

[Patricia Monica Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Rachel 🥰

❤️‍🔥My review❤️‍🔥

Ryan Mac Mackenzie is a hockey player for The Evergreen Cove Eagles , a minor league in ECHL. For the last few months, he goes to the library. Not to read but to see Rachel Morrison. She’s working there. She’s been in Evergreen for the last 6 months. She was beautiful. Like, stop-your-heart, forget-your-name beautiful. Everybody knows he got feelings for her but he doesn’t want to mess that up. Scare to death to be humiliated if she says no for them to go on a date. One day, Mac, with a gigantic flowers bouquet, he finally asked her. And she says yes!!! But Rachel has a past with hockey players. She doesn’t want to have her heart broken again…Will her past come back, share her secret and destroy any chance at love?

Second books in the Evergreen small town hockey romance series. If you read the first book, you know Mac was infatuated with Rachel. And I was so excited for them to finally get their HEA!!! Mac is the sweetest man ever and Rachel really deserves a second chance at love. Their chemistry is amazing!!! I love reading Brooklyn Hart stories because it’s real people, with real emotions , who deals with real past mistakes and tries to redeem themselves. It’s a beautiful love story and was so inspiring because at the end, love conquer all!!! I can’t wait to read Jamie and Sophie story next, because this one will be so special!!!
5⭐️

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked Into Love is such an adorable, feel-good read. This small-town hockey romance gave me all the warm, cozy vibes. It’s Book 2 in the Evergreen Cove series, but I read it as a standalone and had no issues jumping straight in.

Mac is hands-down one of the most lovable book boyfriends you could ask for. He radiates golden retriever energy — sweet, supportive, and impossible not to fall for. Rachel comes into the story carrying a lot of emotional baggage, heartbreak from her ex, and deep-rooted trauma, which made her journey feel very real and relatable.

What I really loved was how this book showed the work that goes into a relationship. Mac and Rachel experience genuine ups and downs and actively choose to communicate and put effort into making things work. It’s a refreshing reminder that love isn’t always rainbows and sunshine — sometimes it’s hard, messy, and requires patience — but it’s worth it when the feelings are real.

This was an easy, heart-warming read that left me smiling, and I really enjoyed my time in Evergreen Cove. A lovely romance from Brooklyn Hart.

About the book:

⭐️ He Falls First (and hardest!)
⭐️ Opposites Attract
⭐️ Small-Town Hockey Romance
⭐️ Trauma Healing
⭐️ Hero Who Reads Romance Novels to Understand Her
⭐️ Grand Gestures (she makes it!)
⭐️ “I’m Not Leaving” Energy
⭐️ Dual POV
⭐️ Slow Burn (1–2 explicit scenes)
⭐️ Interconnected Standalone (Book 2, can be read as a standalone)

Spice Rating: 🌶️

[Elizabeth Cromer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Rachel and Mac as a couple. Once they figure out their issues they work.
Derrick Mathews shows up again and proves that he really is a misogynistic piece of garbage, if there is a hockey God he will get run over by a Zamboni.
I have a feeling that Rachel's ex- fiance Brad may not be as horrible as we originally believe, is there a possibility of redemption in a future book?
I recommend this book, I enjoyed Offside for Christmas, and I am looking forward to finding out what happens with Sophie and Jamie in the next book.

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

You are going to love this story. You have Mac, the hockey player that is happy playing for the hometown team. Then you have Rachel, the quiet librarian who has trust issues. He will fight for her every day.
Can't wait to read Jamie's book. I hope it is next

[Elaine Crookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this small town romance it is book 2 in the series. I haven’t read book one but it didn’t spoil this book at all. Mac is a dream guy, when he falls it’s hard and complete. Rachel has a past she needs to get over.
The characters are great, the friendships between the hockey guys is amazing.
I will go and find book one now to see how it all started and wait for the next in the series.

[Amee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading at 46%. First half was a bit slow, but it was the Instalove which isn’t my preference.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked Into Love was my first Brooklyn Hart book and I loved it. And I loved Mac and Rachel's story so much . Checked Into Love was such an emotional read . Both Mac and Rachel were hurt before but despite their fears they gave each other a chance. And their unhealed traumas reappeared when they are most vulnerable. And that caused some trouble between them but urged them to do what's needed to better themselves. And in times of trouble Rachel realized that this time she's not alone and there's a lot of people taking her interest in mind . I loved it how the whole team geared up to defend one of their own. Rachel was hurt and guarded her heart and put a wall between her and Mac . She had to learn to trust and ask for help and support. Mac was fighting alone for both of them and just needs a break. When he messed up he apologized. He just wanted to be included and to be part of Rachel's decisions . It was so good when Rachel decided to take care of herself and do the work to actually heal . But most importantly they accepted that they'll mess up but they'll work together to fix it . And I was so pleased when they dealt with the person that came to destroy them and Rachel got closure. That move in mission was so fun . And I definitely loved that last few chapters. And now I can't wait for Sophie and Jamie's story .

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Rhianon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me whiplash. Rachel gives Mac a chance. Then she backs out and throws out hurtful words. Then she suddenly wants another chance. Everyone's happy. Then Mac steps back.

As the story progresses, we learn about some of Rachel's trauma. Her reactions are valid, but still confusing. While I would never tell someone with her kind of trauma how to react, feel, etc it didn't always seem realistic.

The story left me frustrated more than anything and I was glad when it finally ended.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book in that loud, messy, zero-chill way that Ryan “Mac” MacKenzie loves Rachel Horn.

Mac is a golden retriever in hockey skates. Loud love. Big gestures. All in from page one. This man walks into a library with too many flowers and even more feelings and never once considers toning it down. And honestly? Bless him. He is the blueprint for “he falls first” and stays falling.

Rachel wrecked me. Quiet, brilliant, bookish, carrying scars from a past relationship that told her she was “too boring” which is one of the most insidious lies a person can hear. Watching her try to believe that someone like Mac could want her, really want her, hurt in the best way. Her growth arc is tender and earned and deeply satisfying.

The small town hockey vibes are immaculate. Meddling teammates? Perfect. Forced proximity? Yes please. A hero who never wavers, never plays games, never makes her beg? Inject it straight into my veins. Mac fights for Rachel loudly and proudly, but what made this book shine was Rachel learning to fight for herself. That confidence bloom was everything.

And let’s talk about the villain. Derek Matthews can trip on a Lego forever. Smug, manipulative, insecurity-feeding trash who exists purely to be loathed. Brooklyn Hart did an excellent job making me want to hiss every time he appeared.

The romance is swoony, the spice is medium-hot and perfectly placed, and the emotional payoff hits just right. Soft moments, big feelings, protective hockey man energy, and a heroine discovering she’s always been enough exactly as she is.

I finished this with a stupid smile on my face and zero regrets. Checked Into Love is comfort romance with teeth, heart, and heat. If you love cinnamon roll heroes, opposites attract, and men who choose their woman every single time, this one is a must-read. 🏒📚💖

[Hannah Elphick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series
🌶️🌶️
Great character and story development
Would definitely recommend

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

To be honest, I have never heard of Brooklyn Hart til this book came out on booksiren. Funny thing is I love hockey, live in Iowa (close to Wisconsin where Brooklyn is from), and love to read.

Mac plays on the home hockey team, Rachel is the new librarian in this small town. Mac can't seem to stay away from the library or Rachel. He is falling for her. Rachel's hiding from a past and won't let anyone in, even Mac after their first date. Derek and Brad are part of her past and when one of them come back around her chaos happens to the small town. Can Mac and Rachel work past this chaos or will it only harm them?

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
Im so grateful to have received an ARC copy of this book! We are taken back to Evergreen Cove to follow Rachel and Macs journey. This was a really sweet read and I loved the characters so much (apart from Derek!) There was moments that i was reading and seriously couldn't put the book down. I had moments where I could feel my heart racing (especially in town hall) and moments where everything just clicked. I think both of the characters were written so well. There was no massive dilemma in their relationship, a few ups and downs, but everything fell into its place perfectly. This was such an amazing read and 100% deserves all 5 ⭐️

[Linda P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Mac & Rachel. I loved Mac from book 1 & eagerly awaited his book. I wasn’t disappointed. A very realistic portrayal of a relationship that had to work through some difficult circumstances and found a way to come out the other side.
I give the book 4.5. There were minor issues regarding character names, gender, & time frames for events. I recommend this book highly. Can’t wait for book 3.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own and freely given.

[Hailey Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was soooo good:) I really enjoyed being back in this little small town in Vermont with this wholesome group of friends. This interconnected stand alone series has for sure become a comfort series for me. Brooklyn Hart’s writing is so easy to get lost in! (I read this in one sitting😌) If you need a new hockey romance series to obsess over, Brooklyn Hart has you covered!!! This book releases on February 10th so save the date:)

[Leean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a romance book where the mmc character falls in love instantly and proves that a relationship is worth everything breaking down the fmc walls and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved both the main characters and their connection and the journey they went through. I highly recommend this book as it is a five star read and I absolutely loved reading it.

[Aerin Susinko · Rating 2 out of 5]

All and all it was a cute story. The main characters were never on the same page for the majority of the book which was kind of hard to read. The conflicts in this were anticlimactic.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via BookSirens. This in no way impacted on my view.

Seeing how his best friend has been changed by the better in love, Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie is ready to take a leap and tell the beautiful librarian Rachel Horn that he likes her and would like to date her. Rachel's only been in the town for a few months, but he's drawn to her like never before. Mac knows he'll have to work hard, but he didn't expect that Rachel's past would leave her so scarred. For Rachel, Evergreen Cove has been a welcome escape from the whispers and pitying looks she received when her former fiancée publicly dumped her. She has been quite happy in the friendships she's made so far, and as much as she is scared to allow someone into her heart again, she wants to trust Mac. But then someone from her past makes a return, and threatens to ruin her happiness right as it's starting.

When we saw glimpses of Rachel and Mac's budding romance in Offside for Christmas, I knew their story would be a fun one. I will say, the book took some twists and turns which I wasn't quite expecting, being slightly darker and dramatic than the previous book had been. I liked both the main characters, and for the most part, they had a really great romance. However, there were some times when I got a bit annoyed with the actions of the pair, and though it was somewhat understandable that they were so guarded, it was a little repetitive how Rachel's past kept getting in their way. I definitely liked the continuing plot line from the previous book, and seeing the way that the whole community, but especially Mac, Rachel, Cole, Ellie, Sophie, and Jamie, worked together to win. Sophie and Jamie's story will be fun, especially with a fake dating trope - I'll definitely keep my eye out for that book.

[Justise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fell in love with Mac instantly. His nervousness was super charming. I enjoyed his interactions with his friends and the town as they hyped him up. It was sort of an interesting role reversal for the MMC to be the shy and nervous one, especially in a sports romance. Overall, I thought it was endearing.

I received this book as an ARC from Book Sirens. I love reading stories that have bookish themes and I really love sports romance. This one falls flat for me with the 3rd person perspective. I did not love that neither character could commit to their feelings for one another. It wasn't bad, but it left me feeling annoyed as a reader. Mac was all in with Rachel, but not enough to trust her. Then he low-key punished her for his own fears. And if I remember right she was pretty open from the start.

Literal days after I finished the book, I received an email indicating there had been major plot changes to the book based on reader feedback. I cannot commit to re-reading this entire novel just to tell you if the changes made a difference for me.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we are back in Evergreen Cove for round 2. Still cozy vibes, but this time the stakes were much higher which worked better for me. At times I was giddy for their relationship, but at other times I was put off, especially with all the talk of boundaries and then the haphazard violations of those drawn lines. The FMC's trauma was heart wrenching, but then the repetitive nature of her trying to overcome that pain got a little annoying, even though I simultaneously felt that IRL the process would have been MUCH messier. The big feelings and push and pull gave me whiplash and left me feeling too uncomfortable to grant 5*, but I enjoyed my time in the Evergreen Cove community and I plan on reading the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure to read this book as an ARC reader.

What I loved about this book was the vulnerability of the main characters. The story captured me from the beginning.

I also liked the fact that the story continued, where book 1 stopped.

I can't wait until book 3.

Tamara #bookstamreads

[Justina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at… 91%. I tried, I really tried.

When I started this book I immediately thought it’s so lovely and warm, the characters seemed adorable and I got really excited. Especially because of Mac, the MMC - his clumsiness and earnestness when he asked out our FMC Rachel was so cute and innocent, he immediately won me over.

The writing style had me hooked, but at times this book felt like author’s first novel that hasn’t been edited professionally. There were some inconsistencies, like Rachel mentioning that Mac has seen her with morning breath when he hasn’t, Rachel not mentioning a word about her ex being a hockey player to Mac and somehow Mac knew about it etc. The most visible mistake was Mac casually calling Rachel „the woman he loves” in front of her (for the first time using the word „love” with her and Rachel doesn’t react to it at all, which was weird) and then a few chapters after that there’s this whole thing about them telling each other they’re in love with one another FOR THE FIRST TIME. Well… nope, it wasn’t the first time, oops.

But the worst, the unforgivable thing about this book was the FMC. I HATED her. I almost never hate the FMCs, especially with traumatic experiences in their pasts. But Rachel.. Rachel was, unfortunately, one of the worst characters I’ve read in years.

Rachel was hurt and humiliated by her ex fiancée, so she became reserved and was unsure if she’s ready for dating, especially dating someone like Mac, with his enthusiasm, big feelings and him just going straight for what he wants. And it’s fine, it makes sense, I get it, Rachel was scared and had some trauma to work through, who better to do that with than Mac, who was absolutely head over heels for her, a true golden retriever, consistent, kind, considerate king. What was not fine was making him feel bad about himself repeatedly, while trying to mask it as her boundaries. It’s not her not being ready, it’s her being cruel about it, making it his fault, making him feel shitty about himself, about who he is.

Rachel was inconsistent and unfair, saying that he cannot be this intense and he needs to slow down, while also criticizing him for trying to change himself to make her comfortable. I wanted to ask her - so which is it Rachel? Do you want him to be who he is (and make him feel bad about it) or do you want him to change for you (and make him feel bad about that, too)? Because currently you’re doing both, which is double shitty. And he’s been nothing but kind with you. He’s too much for you? Sure, makes sense, just leave him be, leave that poor man alone. But does she do it? NO! Of course she doesn’t.

After she broke it off, asked him for space and told him not to text her, she… missed his texts and attention, obviously. Suddenly he wasn’t too much and his intensity wasn’t so unbearable. At this point I had no patience for Rachel, which kind of sucked, because she’s the main character. Then of course she went to his game and fell in love with his intensity because he played like a beast, so she immediately wanted him back! Girl…….

And so Rachel continues on her path, being an absolutely shitty FMC. They get back together and to avoid talking about a traumatic event from her past, Rachel decides to push Mac into having s*x with her for the first time. Never mind that last time they met she panicked in the middle of pretty intimate moment, but now, with eyes full of unshed tears because of a traumatic memory of her past, she frantically jumps Mac in an attempt to have s*x. Mac, the king of patient and considerate golden retrievers, wants to check in with her first, because she’s clearly not fine, but she says that he should stop talking, because she only wants to feel now :D GIRL you literally panicked last time when his fingers were in you, and you had to stop, so clearly now when you’re trying to frantically jump his bones with tears in your eyes he should shush with all those silly questions and not wonder if you’re okay, he should just shut up and have s*x with you for the first time. WHAT A GREAT IDEA.

At that point it was one horrible thing after another. The forced drama of Rachel actively hating Derek for being an abuser, a liar and a manipulator while simultaneously believing the things he said and not blocking his number? I understand she’s been through sh*t and she has things to work on, but jesus effing christ, her decisions are selfish, idiotic, hurtful, inconsiderate and just infuriating. Watching her make bad call after a bad call was exhausting. Rachel should be alone, stay in therapy and work on herself. Mac should go find someone who has more than one working brain cell and respects him as a person. Derek can go f*ck himself and jump off a cliff.

And then an absolute shot to the heart, the character assassination of Mac, who suddenly lost his mind and believed Derek over Rachel, which went against everything Mac was supposed to be, was portrayed to be. Uhhh! It’s not that he made a mistake, everybody makes mistakes, he made an unforgivable one, he hit her exactly where it hurts the most, in the bullseye of her trauma.

I finally gave up at 91% after Rachel went to meet with Brad. I just cannot keep reading this, cannot do it to myself. This book had such a wonderful start…

Thank you to the author for the e-ARC copy.

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went through three distinct phases as I read this book: blissful amusement at the main characters' experience during their courtship, heart-pounding anxiety when their relationship was being tested by fear and doubt, and finally welcome relief when they finally made it through the emotional storm that dared break them apart.

It's been a long while since I've read a book where the MMC was actually all nervous and flustered when asking out the FMC for a first date. Mac had been so adorable fumbling with his words during that pivotal moment when he finally had the courage to ask Rachel out for a coffee date. I loved how he confided in his closest friends for advice and how said friends did not hesitate to cheer him on. It was adorable.

Then, when fears and doubts about themselves and their relationship started creeping in, I'd become anxious anticipating how this part of the plot would unfold. Would Mac and Rachel succumb to their fears? Will they allow the villain to steadily poison their minds against each other? Who will break who's heart? That suspense definitely kept me glued to the book until my questions were finally addressed.

Finally, when the conflict between Mac and Rachel was resolved and the problem brought about by the villain was effectively dealt with, I was pleasantly satisfied with how it all turned out. It was like finally being able to breathe more easily after a period of breathless worry.

I enjoyed all the characters in this book because each played their roles well. Their personalities all stood out, yet despite their differences they all supported one another like family. The romance between Mac and Rachel was beautifully told, and to me their relationship made it clear how trust was indispensable in a relationship, which in turn is only made possible by open and honest communication.

I can't wait to read the other book in this series, and I look forward to all the books that are yet to come as I can wait to see how the other characters find their own HEAs.

I'm a grateful recipient of a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re craving a feel-good small-town hockey romance that warms your heart faster than a post-ice coffee date, Checked Into Love hits the sweet spot. This second entry in the Evergreen Cove series shines just as brightly as its cozy setting, and the story of Mac and Rachel is utterly charming — and utterly addictive.
Mac — aka Ryan “Mac” MacKenzie — is what you get when golden retriever energy graduates with honors: sweet, supportive, and absolutely committed from the moment he swoops into Rachel’s life with too many flowers and zero chill. Rachel, a librarian with emotional baggage from past heartbreak, feels real in every one of her insecurities, and watching her slowly lower those walls as Mac patiently proves his heart was the best part of this story.
What I loved most is how this romance doesn’t gloss over the effort it takes to build trust. Mac doesn’t bulldoze into Rachel’s life — he shows up, listens, learns, and earns every step of her affection. The ups and downs feel genuine, and the way the author threads in friendships and team camaraderie around the Eagles hockey crew added extra warmth to every scene. It left me smiling plenty.
If I’m honest, I wanted just a touch more internal moments from Rachel early on — just a few pages more of her falling for Mac would’ve made certain beats feel extra irresistible. But that’s more me wanting extra scoops of happiness than a real flaw.
Brooklyn Hart’s writing is breezy, heartfelt, and perfect for this kind of slow-burn, opposites-attract romance. The dialogue is warm, the tension sweetly paced, and the setting comes alive like a metaphorical fleece blanket you don’t want to fold up.
In short: Checked Into Love is a cozy, affectionate hockey romance that’ll leave you grinning. Loyal fans of small-town charm and swoon-worthy characters will adore this one — and even as a standalone, it’s a delightful stop in Evergreen Cove worth revisiting again.

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC- I recieved an advanced copy of this book for review

⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5
🌶🌶2
Trigger Warings - Past SA
Trauma Healing
Touch Her and Die vibes
Second-Act and Third-Act Breakup
Small Town
HEA
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, setting and over-all plot design. The family dynamic with the Eagles team, and the friendships inside the small town. The beginning when they first started "dating" held so much detail like their trip to the bookstore and her spreadsheet of books to explain her personality... favorite part! Over all the plot and store, 4 stars.
There was a lot of back and forth with emotions in this book. I just felt there was some plot holes and some missed editing that made it feel a little twisted and confusing at times; like random important plot points just thrown in conveniently like they had been known all along. These inaccuracies or additions were a little distracting and confusing to the main plot and made the story faulter a bit and lose that "realness" most contemporary romances hold. Other little inaccuracies like cat names and genders, timeline inside the story (ie days v weeks v months for the same event in question), or tiny details like at one point Rachel was sleeping on the couch with Mac at his appartment and Puck the cat already left them many paragraphs ago, but when she sat up she supposidly disturbed two cats? Minor things that didnt really take away from the plot just needs just editing and tweaking. So in that aspect 3 stars
I still really enjoyed Mac and Rachel's story and I'm really glad I got a chance tk read this ARC (and I got so into it I finished it all in one snowy day). So overall, I give it 3.5 and look forward to reading the other books in Evergreen Cove series.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sports romance started out with a lot of promise. The male main character is a total cinnamon roll for most of the book—kind, supportive, and genuinely sweet—which made him very easy to like at first. Unfortunately, toward the end, his behavior shifts into something much more controlling, and that change wasn’t handled in a way that felt organic or well explored. Instead of being addressed critically, it’s more or less brushed aside, which left a bad aftertaste.
The female main character carries clear emotional trauma, but she never really seems to understand what she wants. She’s constantly going back and forth—emotionally in, emotionally out—and while that could have been an interesting portrayal of someone struggling, here it just felt confusing and underdeveloped. I personally couldn’t connect with her at all, because her decisions often felt inconsistent without enough insight into her inner world.
What really bothered me, though, was the amount of manipulation going on, especially from side characters. The manipulation is extremely obvious to the reader, yet none of the characters seem to notice or question it. That made large parts of the plot feel frustrating and, frankly, a bit unbelievable. When manipulation is this blatant, it either needs to be confronted—or written more subtly.
Overall, this is an okay book with a solid premise, but the execution is lacking. With clearer character development, less confusing emotional back-and-forth, and a more critical handling of manipulation and control, it could have been a much stronger story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a soft 4 star until 90%, then dropped to a hard 3 due to the events in the closing chapters...
Take it as you will, some might see it differently to me, but this is my personal opinion....

Ryan “Mac” and Rachel

Tropes:
* Small town
* Sports romance
* He falls first
* Forced proximity
* Cinnamon roll MMC
* Found family
* Instalove vibes

Rachel has been hurt before, and when you find out what happened, you want to give her a big hug.
However, Mac seems to be the ultimate golden retriever/cinnamon roll who won’t give up.

This tried to be a cute/sweet story. It did have a little (a lot) angst, a nasty villain, and an FMC reluctant to give it a go due to trust issues.

Jamie actually really annoyed me in the beginning, so it was hard for me to warm up to him.
Derek’s manipulations were obvious, and it frustrated me wth how gullible some of the characters were.
I did enjoy the town hall meeting. Emotional, and packed a punch, everyone needs the Henderson’s in their corner!

I didn’t like the events at 90%. There were too many occasions of control. For a cinnamon roll hero, Mac has a disturbing tendency to want to control Rachel’s actions, and it didn’t leave me with a nice feeling. To actually punish her in a way because she needed to do something for herself, and have everyone validate his actions because she violated a boundary?

That grand gesture pissed me off. It came from the wrong person.

GTFOH….

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, I was looking forward to Mac's story, and OMG did it deliver!!
I am not going to go deep into the plot of the book, because you really need to read this book, but I have to say that I love the way trauma was dealt with in this book. Rachel has been a victim of abandonment which have led her to see herself as less (I truly identified with this, and it touch me deeply, as I saw myself reflected in her in many ways). Trust is something that has been robbed from her, so she cannot identify when it is truly given to her. Now Mac, my heart went out to him; he wants just to love her, but in his desperation to show her his feelings he goes OTT on her, and she automatically puts up walls. THere is no doubt that he felt first, and hard, and in a way is sweet, but once you read about her past, you will understand that there is a lot of trauma and damaged that has been inflicted by the people that loved her and promised to put her first. She has been put through humiliation, assault, objetification, denial, and she has dealt with it in silence. So when unconditional love comes barrelling down she does her best not to get rolled over.

Did I love the book? you bet I did.. Did I love their love? yes I did... Will I recommended? 100 percent.

Yes, parts of it are so far fetched, but the way she feels, the way he sees her, their connection, and her fears are so beautifully explained in a soft and light way. I LOVED IT!

[De Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really sweet story. It is full of awkward and endearing moments. Mac is adorable and so very sweet - a complete cinnamon roll, golden retriever. He’s entirely head over heels for Rachel. She was so guarded due to past relationship trauma. But when he got up the nerve to pursue her in the open, extremely awkwardly but cutely, she says yes. It was so adorable seeing the way they interact with each other and the connection bloom. Their chemistry was insane. It felt so real. But this book doesn’t just depict the good parts. It shows that relationships worth having take work and effort. Mac and Rachel have to put in the time and actually talk to each other for the relationship to work. It’s messy, it’s weird, and it’s hard at times - but it’s worth it for someone you have a genuine connection with and real feelings for. Fear and doubt play a big part in the downs of their relationship. And they made me just as anxious as Mac and Rachel. But when the problems were finally addressed I think we all breathed a collective sigh of relief. It’s so sweet to watch these two grow and change with and for each other. And the friends in this book are the absolute best. They did not hesitate to support and help, cheering them on and encouraging them. All in all it’s a sweet story of a real relationship.

[Kristie-Lee Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked Into Love by Brooklyn Hart

This was such an adorable, feel-good read. This small-town hockey romance delivered all the cozy vibes and left me smiling long after I finished. It’s Book 2 in the Evergreen Cove series, but it works perfectly as a standalone—I had no trouble jumping right in.

Mac is pure golden retriever energy: sweet, supportive, and incredibly easy to fall for. Rachel comes into the story carrying heartbreak, emotional baggage, and deep-rooted trauma, which made her character feel very real and relatable. Her journey felt authentic, and I appreciated how thoughtfully her struggles were handled.

What stood out most to me was how realistic the relationship felt. Mac and Rachel experience genuine ups and downs, and they actively choose to communicate and put in the work. It’s a refreshing reminder that love isn’t always effortless—sometimes it’s messy and requires patience—but when it’s real, it’s worth it.

Overall, this was an easy, heart-warming read, and I truly enjoyed spending time in Evergreen Cove. A lovely romance from Brooklyn Hart.

Tropes & vibes:
He falls first
Small-town hockey romance
Trauma healing
Hero reads romance novels to understand her
Grand gestures
“I’m not leaving” energy
Dual POV