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The Winger and the Wife
Professional hockey player Jason Chalmers lost his childhood best friend in high school. When his friend's little sister—who he hasn't seen in years—delivers his food while he's home visiting his parents, he's surprised and happy to see her.
When her car breaks down in the driveway, he knows he finally has his chance to fulfill his promise to his friend to look out for her.
When he finds out she's struggling to pay her bills and needs health insurance?
He decides he's going to marry her.
When her car breaks down in the driveway, he knows he finally has his chance to fulfill his promise to his friend to look out for her.
When he finds out she's struggling to pay her bills and needs health insurance?
He decides he's going to marry her.
- GenresSports
ebook
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Jerica MacMillan
55 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is just a sweet hallmark-ish movie. If you are wanting a feel-good story with no real drama, third act breakups, this is a great read for that. If you want super spicy, lots of drama, twists/turns, this isn't the book for you.
Hailey and Jason's story while routed in some bonded trauma as children, is a sweet one. Jason, while a hockey superstar, is a guy with a big heart. When he encounters his childhood best friend's sister in a tough moment, he can't help but step up and help her. He did make a promise to his best friend and feels like he has failed him. Hailey is just trying to survive while making a living doing what she loves, being a musician. When she falls on tough times, she takes up a job delivering food. She never thought that she would run into Jason, let alone while delivering him food. To then top it off, her car won't start. Which means she isn't going to be able to work for the extra money she needs for rent. She breaks down but Jason is standing by. He steps up and comes up with a crazy plan to help her get her feet under her. The problem, she needs to move to Seattle and possibly marry him. When she realizes that her parents are not going to be able to depend on her parents to understand/help, she has no choice to take the leap with Jason. What started as a temporary plan to help her out, turns into him not wanting her to leave. Can he show her that he wants it to be real and forever when she clearly doubts his intentions. She thinks he is doing it out of guilt, not because he sees her as someone special.
Hailey and Jason's story while routed in some bonded trauma as children, is a sweet one. Jason, while a hockey superstar, is a guy with a big heart. When he encounters his childhood best friend's sister in a tough moment, he can't help but step up and help her. He did make a promise to his best friend and feels like he has failed him. Hailey is just trying to survive while making a living doing what she loves, being a musician. When she falls on tough times, she takes up a job delivering food. She never thought that she would run into Jason, let alone while delivering him food. To then top it off, her car won't start. Which means she isn't going to be able to work for the extra money she needs for rent. She breaks down but Jason is standing by. He steps up and comes up with a crazy plan to help her get her feet under her. The problem, she needs to move to Seattle and possibly marry him. When she realizes that her parents are not going to be able to depend on her parents to understand/help, she has no choice to take the leap with Jason. What started as a temporary plan to help her out, turns into him not wanting her to leave. Can he show her that he wants it to be real and forever when she clearly doubts his intentions. She thinks he is doing it out of guilt, not because he sees her as someone special.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am sharing my honest review.
It came as no surprise how much I loved this story, and revisiting the couples from the Seattle Emeralds series was an absolute treat.
Jason Chalmers, a professional hockey player, left home to pursue his career shortly after the loss of his childhood best friend. During a visit to his parents, he unexpectedly reconnects with someone he hasn’t thought about in years—Hailey, his late best friend’s younger sister, whom he once promised to look after. Now struggling to make ends meet, Hailey is doing her best to follow her passion for music, despite her parents withdrawing after their son’s death and showing little support for her dream of playing the violin.
Determined to help, Jason offers the only solution he can think of: he asks her to move in with him in Seattle—and proposes marriage. But what starts as a practical arrangement quickly becomes something more, as an undeniable attraction grows between them. For Hailey, it’s the rekindling of a longtime crush, and for both of them, it may be a second chance at something real.
It came as no surprise how much I loved this story, and revisiting the couples from the Seattle Emeralds series was an absolute treat.
Jason Chalmers, a professional hockey player, left home to pursue his career shortly after the loss of his childhood best friend. During a visit to his parents, he unexpectedly reconnects with someone he hasn’t thought about in years—Hailey, his late best friend’s younger sister, whom he once promised to look after. Now struggling to make ends meet, Hailey is doing her best to follow her passion for music, despite her parents withdrawing after their son’s death and showing little support for her dream of playing the violin.
Determined to help, Jason offers the only solution he can think of: he asks her to move in with him in Seattle—and proposes marriage. But what starts as a practical arrangement quickly becomes something more, as an undeniable attraction grows between them. For Hailey, it’s the rekindling of a longtime crush, and for both of them, it may be a second chance at something real.
May 12, 2026
Rcvd an ARC from the author.
We meet violinist by day, food deliverer by night, Hailey, who delivers food to a posh address only to come face to face with Jason, her brothers bff. Jason can't believe his eyes. He promised Hunter he would look out for her but he's been lax in his duties. Lil Hailey grew up. Hailey csnt believe her eyes...Jason is hot with a capital H and she is embarrassed to be delivering him food. When her car dies in front of his house, Jason jumps in to help her. This is his chance to finally be there for her. Hailey doesn't know what to do with all the attention she is getting from Jason. It's like her childhood crush all over again. But with money issues and being able to manage Jason comes up with a plan...move to Seattle and marry him. This way she will be provided for and taken care of. Hailey is hesitant but its not like she can count on her parents. They checked out when she was a kid after her brother died. Hailey reluctantly agrees and now Jason has to find a way to keep her.
We meet violinist by day, food deliverer by night, Hailey, who delivers food to a posh address only to come face to face with Jason, her brothers bff. Jason can't believe his eyes. He promised Hunter he would look out for her but he's been lax in his duties. Lil Hailey grew up. Hailey csnt believe her eyes...Jason is hot with a capital H and she is embarrassed to be delivering him food. When her car dies in front of his house, Jason jumps in to help her. This is his chance to finally be there for her. Hailey doesn't know what to do with all the attention she is getting from Jason. It's like her childhood crush all over again. But with money issues and being able to manage Jason comes up with a plan...move to Seattle and marry him. This way she will be provided for and taken care of. Hailey is hesitant but its not like she can count on her parents. They checked out when she was a kid after her brother died. Hailey reluctantly agrees and now Jason has to find a way to keep her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Hunter dies young he leaves behind his sister Hailey and best friend Jason. They each learn to deal with the loss in their own way.
Jason leaves town to pursue his hockey career and Hailey leaves to pursue a music career. His career takes off but hers doesn't.
After many years apart they meet again and he finds out how hard she has it and decides to step in and help her out.
Can two people who share the same loss learn to lean on each other and help each other deal with the pain they are still holding onto? Can friendship grow into something more?
This was a great story about loss and how different people deal with it. The characters are well written and their lives are shown in a way that we can connect to. Hailey's life and how she deals with her parents is so relatable. Sometimes a great loss changes a family and not in a good way.
A great addition to the Seattle Emeralds Hockey series.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
Jason leaves town to pursue his hockey career and Hailey leaves to pursue a music career. His career takes off but hers doesn't.
After many years apart they meet again and he finds out how hard she has it and decides to step in and help her out.
Can two people who share the same loss learn to lean on each other and help each other deal with the pain they are still holding onto? Can friendship grow into something more?
This was a great story about loss and how different people deal with it. The characters are well written and their lives are shown in a way that we can connect to. Hailey's life and how she deals with her parents is so relatable. Sometimes a great loss changes a family and not in a good way.
A great addition to the Seattle Emeralds Hockey series.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
May 8, 2026
The Winger and the Wife
By Jerica MacMillan
Main Characters: Jason and Hailey
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
Jason lost his best friend, Hunter, while they were still in high school. He promised to watch over Hailey after Hunter passed away. But life happens, and he went on to be a professional hockey player, and he failed in his promise. When he reconnects with Hailey at 25, and she is struggling, he decides he needs to do something about her situation. Hailey’s parents more or less shut down when Hunter died, and therefore, Hailey never received the care she should have had from her parents. Jason wants her to move to Seattle, and she could stay with him until she gets on her feet. This was a sweet, slow-burning story. I always enjoy Jerica’s stories.
By Jerica MacMillan
Main Characters: Jason and Hailey
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
Jason lost his best friend, Hunter, while they were still in high school. He promised to watch over Hailey after Hunter passed away. But life happens, and he went on to be a professional hockey player, and he failed in his promise. When he reconnects with Hailey at 25, and she is struggling, he decides he needs to do something about her situation. Hailey’s parents more or less shut down when Hunter died, and therefore, Hailey never received the care she should have had from her parents. Jason wants her to move to Seattle, and she could stay with him until she gets on her feet. This was a sweet, slow-burning story. I always enjoy Jerica’s stories.
May 19, 2026
I just love Jerica's books and these new hockey books have me hooked!
Jason, a professional hockey player, was best friends with Hailey's brother and when he got sick he asked Jason to promise to watch after her after his passing. He did try to stay in touch but not so much the last few years, until she's at his parent's door with his food delivery. Hailey is barely making ends meet when her car dies in their driveway. From this moment on he's stepping up big time to fulfill his best friend's ask. When he comes up with his plan of marrying her to help, she can't say no. Her parents have basically checked out after her brother's passing. The plan is so she can get on her feet. Before you know it temporary isn't feeling that way. Oh how I love this couple - their chemistry and banter was perfect ! I loved watching their love grow so much!!!
Jason, a professional hockey player, was best friends with Hailey's brother and when he got sick he asked Jason to promise to watch after her after his passing. He did try to stay in touch but not so much the last few years, until she's at his parent's door with his food delivery. Hailey is barely making ends meet when her car dies in their driveway. From this moment on he's stepping up big time to fulfill his best friend's ask. When he comes up with his plan of marrying her to help, she can't say no. Her parents have basically checked out after her brother's passing. The plan is so she can get on her feet. Before you know it temporary isn't feeling that way. Oh how I love this couple - their chemistry and banter was perfect ! I loved watching their love grow so much!!!
Review of advance copy
Hailey and Jason's story is emotional, but satisfying. Hailey has enough emotional baggage for everyone. Her brother passed away and she ends up neglected by her parents. Jason was her brother's best friend and was deeply effected by his death. He promised he would look after Hailey and a chance meeting has him realizing that he dropped the ball on that promise. They enter into a marriage of convenience, but we all know how that goes. There's miscommunication, but it's solved rather quickly with actual communication. Hailey's parents suck and I kinda wish we got an answer if she cuts them off or tells them off. I'm honestly surprised we didn't get their reception as the ending. I would have loved an epilogue. Solid addition to the Emerald family
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Jason Chalmers lost his childhood best friend while still in high school and then went on to be a professional hockey player, playing in Seattle.
While home visiting his parents he runs into Hunter's little sister Hailey who's now 25 when she delivers food to his house. But when her car won't start he ends up helping her out. After spending some time together and hearing how much she is struggling and has no help from her parents he is shocked and makes a suggestion that she move to Seattle where he is and let's get married too.
4 stars
This was a sweet story of Hailey learning to trust someone to be there for her and help her without wanting something for it and that it was ok to talk about her brother even though he's passed.
It's a slow burn but so worth it.
While home visiting his parents he runs into Hunter's little sister Hailey who's now 25 when she delivers food to his house. But when her car won't start he ends up helping her out. After spending some time together and hearing how much she is struggling and has no help from her parents he is shocked and makes a suggestion that she move to Seattle where he is and let's get married too.
4 stars
This was a sweet story of Hailey learning to trust someone to be there for her and help her without wanting something for it and that it was ok to talk about her brother even though he's passed.
It's a slow burn but so worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book opens with a very creative and fascinating meet/cute when Hailey shows up at Jason's doorstep with his food delivery (nothing like a good surprise!). Jason is playing professional hockey, and Hailey is trying to make it as a violinist. This leads (quite convincingly, I thought) to Hailey agreeing to move to Seattle with Jason and marry him, for economic reasons. There is a lot of negotiation and discussion—this book could be subtitled "Lessons in Communication". Ms. MacMillan does an outstanding job recording their emotional journey and making it make sense. I am a violist myself, and I loved the way Ms. MacMillan wrote about Hailey's musical world, both from hers and Jason's (a non-musician's) point of view. Watching their relationship develop after their wedding was delightful and believable. This book includes a great found family of teammates and their partners who support the fake wedding planning and chime in with encouragement throughout the story. I thought this was a charming slow burn romance with just the right amount of angst and spice.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
May 25, 2026
Absolutely loved reading this book.
Jason is a professional hockey player but when he gets a food delivery from his latest best friends little sister he knows that he has failed her. He knows that he has to do everything he can to put things right.
Hailey can't believe that she is seeing Jason again after so long. When he offers for her to move in with him and have a marriage of convenience to help her she doesn't accept straight away but soon has nowhere else to turn.
They are perfect together but soon feelings change but will they give into them and accept their future or struggle to stay together.
A must read with brilliant characters and a perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Jason is a professional hockey player but when he gets a food delivery from his latest best friends little sister he knows that he has failed her. He knows that he has to do everything he can to put things right.
Hailey can't believe that she is seeing Jason again after so long. When he offers for her to move in with him and have a marriage of convenience to help her she doesn't accept straight away but soon has nowhere else to turn.
They are perfect together but soon feelings change but will they give into them and accept their future or struggle to stay together.
A must read with brilliant characters and a perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is the definition of a slow-burn. Although Jason and Hailey grew up together and he was her brother's best friend, their romantic relationship was slow to build. The pace of the book was initially a little slow, but once it really got going, watching the two of them fall in love was sweet. Hailey carried with her scars from her life after the death of her beloved brother, and Jason was perfect to help her heal those scars. I enjoyed their chemistry, cheering when they finally made it. I had a good time, and I am sure I will read this again. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
I’ve loved every book from this author, so when I saw she had a new release, I knew I just had to read it. This is book 3 in the Seattle Emeralds Hockey series, and it’s finally Jason Chalmers’ turn, so get ready.
When Jason sees Hailey again, he remembers his best friend. She was his little sister, but after Hailey’s brother died, Jason slowly drifted out of her life. After her brother’s death, Hailey’s parents emotionally abandoned her, and she’s been struggling on her own ever since. She loves playing her violin and managed to go to college without her parents’ help, but she’s been scraping by, working odd jobs just to make ends meet.
Jason feels guilty when she tells him his story and he wants to help her. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings starts to shift, especially since Hailey had a crush on him. Jason, however, can be so oblivious, which leads to some miscommunication between them.
Overall, I really loved their story. I loved that Jason helped Hailey heal from her past, and he fully supported her when she was setting boundaries with her parents.
I’ve loved every book from this author, so when I saw she had a new release, I knew I just had to read it. This is book 3 in the Seattle Emeralds Hockey series, and it’s finally Jason Chalmers’ turn, so get ready.
When Jason sees Hailey again, he remembers his best friend. She was his little sister, but after Hailey’s brother died, Jason slowly drifted out of her life. After her brother’s death, Hailey’s parents emotionally abandoned her, and she’s been struggling on her own ever since. She loves playing her violin and managed to go to college without her parents’ help, but she’s been scraping by, working odd jobs just to make ends meet.
Jason feels guilty when she tells him his story and he wants to help her. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings starts to shift, especially since Hailey had a crush on him. Jason, however, can be so oblivious, which leads to some miscommunication between them.
Overall, I really loved their story. I loved that Jason helped Hailey heal from her past, and he fully supported her when she was setting boundaries with her parents.
May 7, 2026
What started out as a marriage of convenience turned into so much more! I loved Jason and Hailey’s story! Jason promised his best friend Hunter, before he died, to protect his little sister Hailey. After running into her years later, he realized he failed her. He came up with a plan to help her. A marriage of convenience. Spending so much time together their feelings grow. Jason doesn’t want their relationship to end. Will he be able to show her how much he cares about her and make their relationship permanent! I love the Seattle Emeralds Hockey series! The Winger and the Wife is a fantastic addition!
May 12, 2026
More than keeping a promise
This was a beautiful journey of reconnection, communication and kept promises.
Jason made a deathbed promise to his best friend to look after his little sister, Hailey. But life happened and an unexpected reunion years later makes him realise he’s not kept his word.
The solution: a marriage of convenience; which Hailey finally agrees to.
This is a slow burn and their growing feelings as they get to know each other better was beautiful to read.
The characters and storyline are realistic and relatable. The emotion and growth are believable and easy to read.
The sweetness, great communication, steam and found family completes this wonderful journey.
This was a beautiful journey of reconnection, communication and kept promises.
Jason made a deathbed promise to his best friend to look after his little sister, Hailey. But life happened and an unexpected reunion years later makes him realise he’s not kept his word.
The solution: a marriage of convenience; which Hailey finally agrees to.
This is a slow burn and their growing feelings as they get to know each other better was beautiful to read.
The characters and storyline are realistic and relatable. The emotion and growth are believable and easy to read.
The sweetness, great communication, steam and found family completes this wonderful journey.
May 7, 2026
Hailey’s story broke my heart, she lost her brother, her parents became neglectful in their own grief and Jason, her brother’s best friend, moved away after school to pursue his own dreams.
Jason is back visiting his parents when he runs into Hailey who is delivering food. He promised her brother he would look after her and when he hears about her struggles, he comes up with the solution of them getting married and her moving in with him.
The slow burn between them is perfect and the way their relationship blossoms is beautiful.
Jason is back visiting his parents when he runs into Hailey who is delivering food. He promised her brother he would look after her and when he hears about her struggles, he comes up with the solution of them getting married and her moving in with him.
The slow burn between them is perfect and the way their relationship blossoms is beautiful.
May 8, 2026
I promise…
Jason made a deathbed promise to his best friend. Watch out for Hailey, his younger sister. Years later, Hailey is a delivery food driver, struggling musician and her clunker just broke down in his drive way.
Jason notices Hailey, like she grew up hot and this golden retriever hockey star is determined to marry Hailey when he finds out exactly how broke she is.
Two hot young people in a marriage of convenience? Yeah, they catch feels, even with the bittersweet history between them.
Recommend
Jason made a deathbed promise to his best friend. Watch out for Hailey, his younger sister. Years later, Hailey is a delivery food driver, struggling musician and her clunker just broke down in his drive way.
Jason notices Hailey, like she grew up hot and this golden retriever hockey star is determined to marry Hailey when he finds out exactly how broke she is.
Two hot young people in a marriage of convenience? Yeah, they catch feels, even with the bittersweet history between them.
Recommend
May 13, 2026
I love a good marriage of convenience especially when they have a past! They haven’t seen each other in years and all of the sudden they’re getting married?! It always makes for such an exciting story and this was definitely one of them!
This book does a really nice job of showing how different people go through such a big loss. Hailey and Jason had very different experiences that eventually led them back to each other. While it took Hailey a while to let Jason in, he didn’t give up and honestly he was going to be in her life for the rest of it in some way or another.
🏒Marriage of convenience
🎻Hockey romance
🏒He falls first
🎻Brother’s best friend/best friend’s little sister
🏒Found Family
This book does a really nice job of showing how different people go through such a big loss. Hailey and Jason had very different experiences that eventually led them back to each other. While it took Hailey a while to let Jason in, he didn’t give up and honestly he was going to be in her life for the rest of it in some way or another.
🏒Marriage of convenience
🎻Hockey romance
🏒He falls first
🎻Brother’s best friend/best friend’s little sister
🏒Found Family
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one is for anyone that likes a sports romance with a little bit of spice, the perfect amount of conflict. You can't help but enjoy Jason and Hailey and the appearances from some characters from past books. The conflict gave both main characters things that they have to overcome to find their happily ever after, and it makes the ending so much sweeter. I hope the author revisits this world in the future.
May 9, 2026
This is a fantastic story. I received it as an ARC. Lots of feels.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brother’s best friend with a slight twist. Jason promised his best friend he would look after his sister after he passes away…..after years have passed has a chance run-in with Hailey and quickly realizes how he has failed to keep his promise. In an attempt to make up for these shortcomings he suggests a marriage of convenience. Hailey eventually agrees, but the situation rapidly evolves into more. A delicious slow burn 🔥
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews