Playing It Forward: a small town sports romance

by D.E. Haggerty

The pregnancy was unexpected. The quarterback who arrived with prenatal vitamins, snacks, and a plan was even more unexpected.

I should have kept my hands – and mouth – off Nolan Allen.

But the star quarterback's blue eyes, cocky grin, and broad shoulders were impossible to resist. One reckless encounter left me with a positive pregnancy test and questioning everything I thought I wanted.

Most men would panic. Nolan starts researching prenatal vitamins.

Suddenly he's attending every doctor's appointment, taking notes like he's studying for the biggest game of his life, and bringing me more snacks than a football team possibly could eat in a season.

But I've spent my entire life watching people leave. No matter how much I want to believe in Nolan, I can't shake the fear that one day he'll do the same.

Too bad the stubborn quarterback refuses to stay on the sidelines.

Playing It Forward is a spicy small-town sports romance featuring surprise pregnancy, football chaos, meddling teammates, a fiercely independent heroine, and a caretaker quarterback who has already decided they're a family.

Training camp brings all the Steel City Seals to Smuggler’s Hideaway at once, which means overlapping timelines, familiar faces, and football-player chaos. Read in any order.

Genres: Surprise Pregnancy, Sports

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

About the author

D.E. Haggerty writes funny, heartfelt small-town romances filled with quirky communities, lovable chaos, and unforgettable happily-ever-afters. Her books give readers a joyful escape into charming towns they never want to leave. Originally from the United States, she now lives in the Netherlands with her husband and far too many book ideas.

Join her newsletter and get a FREE small town romantic comedy ➡️ https://dehaggerty.com/subscribe/

Reviews

[D.E.]

Terri doesn’t have time for this…

And by this she means quarterbacks and their games. It’s the height of wedding season at the Hideaway Haven Resort, and she has at least five bridezillas blowing up her phone. Besides, the boss laid down the law. No fooling around with the Steel City Seals.

Oops!

Nolan Allen was entirely too tempting. Especially those strong arms when they lifted her up and pressed her against the door in the supply closet. Yes, supply closet. We all make mistakes.

But Terri didn’t expect her mistake to end with a positive pregnancy test.

Nolan immediately springs into action. He’s all about prenatal vitamins and making sure Terri has everything she needs.

But what if what she needs is a man who’s going to stay and not leave Smuggler’s Hideaway in two months?

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one, they are super cute together ❤️
This is one of my favourite series, I could live on Smugglers Cove.
The side characters are always hilarious
The books though touch on serious topics, are always fun and uplifting
The Perfect read after a chaotic day
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Steel City Seals fun in Smugglers Hideaway with the main romance in this outing being between Nolan, the team’s quarterback and Terri, event coordinator at the resort.
As an employee of the resort, she’s under instructions from management that the players are off limits, the chemistry between her and Nolan is undeniable, and in a weak moment she gives in to his relentless pursuit and ends up pregnant as a result.
What follows is pure #boyfriendgoals as this former playboy pulls out all the stops to convince Terri that he’s here to stay and wants not just the baby but her in his life permanently.
“Water. I’m sick to death of ginger ale.”
“I’ll buy you some lemon lime soda.”
I sigh. “You don’t have to buy me anything. I’m perfectly capable of buying my own drinks.”
“I know you are. I also know you’re growing our baby. I can’t help you with that. But I can make sure you’re taken care of.”
I melt. Of course, I do. To the rest of the world, he’s a big, bad football player. To me, he’s a fluffy teddy bear.”
Swoon…
Very enjoyable, light hearted fun.

[Emily-Rose Brlevich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to return to Smugglers for the next story.
This story featured quarterback Nolan and Events Coordinator Terri.
I loved the banter between not only them but the side characters too. I would have loved to hear more about the months between. I am excited to read what comes next fro. D. E. Haggerty.

[JessRReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest book in the Steel City Seals series, Playing it Forward, features the team Quarterback, Nolan, and the events Coordinator for the resort, Terri. Without giving too much away, I will say that this story did not go the route of similar books with this trope. Typically, the unexpected reveal of a surprise pregnancy gets a little more pushback on the father’s part. Here, Nolan, is eager to help Terri through each stage of her pregnancy, even though he has major goals and commitments to his team. There is never a question of where his priorities lay and that is very refreshing.

The character developments for both Nolan and Terri were extensive, but believable. They each have issues that are relatable, however you can clearly see the struggles that they each have and continue to endure.

Another thing I find refreshing is the actual football knowledge that was required for this series. You can tell that Ms. Haggerty takes her work very seriously and is committed to providing the best experience for her readers. With that in mind, while it is part of a series, you won’t feel like you are missing critical information if you start reading with this book. The characters from the first 2 are referenced, but none of the details from the other books are leaked through. This series runs concurrently, meaning each of the other books is happening at the same time, so while we do read references to characters and events, the events of those books haven’t happened yet. This is great for new readers since you can pick up anywhere.

I really love that the island is a family and how welcoming they are to these players. While gossip is as hot a commodity as privacy, it is nice to see the islanders embrace the team. The theme of family is prevalent in each of Ms. Haggerty’s books, but it doesn’t feel like it is being forced on you. Throughout this book, we can feel the dedication both characters have to their families and how trials and tribulations have affected them. The antics of everyone made me laugh, while Terri’s struggles were silently (because she’s not a sharer) but beautifully constructed.

I would (and do!) recommend reading all of books from Ms. Haggerty’s catalog, either starting with this one, or any of the series. You won’t be disappointed.

[Smutty Professor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like D.E. Haggerty and absolutely love the world she created in Smuggler’s Hideaway, so I’m always excited to see this crazy little island again through the Steel City Seals. It still has the mermaids, moonshine, Sammy the seal, nosy locals who know everything, and all the ridiculousness I remember, but this bunch of football players makes it even more fun. In Playing it Forward, Terri spent most of her life taking care of herself and the people she loves, so finding herself unexpectedly pregnant with Nolan, quarterback for the Steel City Seals, throws her completely off her game. Nolan is immediately all in, but getting Terri to believe he actually plans to stay is a whole other story.

Nolan finds out Terri is pregnant and immediately goes into full caretaker mode and shows up for every appointment. It’s completely over the top, but also really sweet because Terri is so used to being the person who takes care of everyone else. I loved that she eventually let someone take care of her without losing her independence. And I understood why Terri fought him so hard. She’s spent so much of her life expecting people to leave that trusting Nolan means making herself vulnerable in a way she really doesn’t know how to do. Nolan could tell her a million times that he was staying, but she needed him to actually show her, and I loved that he eventually understood the assignment.

I also really liked Nolan’s character arc with football. So much of his identity is wrapped up in being a quarterback, and he has to figure out what he wants his life to look like when the future he always imagined starts changing. This was funny, spicy, sweet, and full of the Smuggler’s Hideaway chaos I love. I loved how these two people who are so used to doing everything themselves figured out that maybe they don’t have to anymore. Another easy 5 star read by Haggerty!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the “Steel City Seals” Football series, and a spinoff of the Smugglers Hideaway series.

- Book 1: “On Her Team”
- Book 2: “The Game We Played”
- Book 3: “Playing It Forward”
- Book 4: “Lowering His Guard” - not due out until 10/2026

The books all run in the same timeline and have some overlap.
There are cameos from other characters in the Smugglers Hideaway series including Sammy the seal.

Nolan is an NFL quarterback who is struggling to come back after a shoulder injury last season. Terri is a small-town Events Coordinator at the luxury resort he is staying at for preseason training camp. He is interested at first sight when he sees Terri at a bar. Nolan asks Terri out and she turns him down but they end up having a one night stand. Nolan wants more but Terri is afraid to give him a chance due to abandonment issues and it being against her work rules to date guests. She finds out she is pregnant and he is excited and is there every step of the way. They end up dating and getting their happily ever after.

*************************
❤️WHAT TO EXPECT🏈
*************************
- One night stand / surprise pregnancy
- A protective hero who is so excited about unexpectedly becoming a dad
- Commitment-phobe heroine
-Steamy 🔥
- Humor
- Some drama
- HEA
- No cheating or OW/OM drama

***********************
⚠️Trigger warning ⚠️
***********************
Talk of heroine’s mother’s miscarriage and OD suicide off page.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Steel City Seals: Nolan and Terri

Okay, I really loved Nolan and Terri’s story.

Nolan is the ultimate cinnamon-roll golden retriever quarterback. The man finds out Terri is pregnant and immediately goes into caretaker mode… I mean… taking over everything and that oversupply of crackers? Totally OTT, but funny. He falls hard and fast, and I absolutely loved watching him decide that they were a family and he was going to make sure Terri knew it too.

Terri was great too. She’s fiercely independent, but underneath that is someone who’s terrified of being left behind. I really enjoyed watching her slowly learn to trust Nolan and believe that he wasn’t going anywhere. It’s pretty standard in a D. E Haggerty novel, with a pseudo break-up that you see coming a mile away, but the interactions with the other characters made me laugh.

And of course, you can’t have a small-town romance without everyone knowing everyone’s business! The gossip and meddling were hilarious, and I loved the found-family feel. Plus, another visit from Sammy the Seal!

There was plenty of spice, football chaos, sweetness, and some lovely emotional moments. Nolan was definitely the star of the show for me, though.

A fantastic addition to the Steel City Seals series and an easy 4.75 stars from me!

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

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Steel City Seals series is an unexpected look at a surprise pregnancy trope. Noah Allen, Seals quarterback, is a true cinnamon roll with heart wrapped in an elite athlete's body and a cocky attitude. His antics made me laugh as he jumps into situations with both feet. Terri is a fiercely independent event coordinator at the resort that is housing a few early arriving football players. The owner, Hudson, has threatened with staff with losing their jobs if they try to flirt, date or engage in any type of related activity with an NFL player. Terri takes the warning to heart and avoids any kind of extended conversation at work or at any other place on the island. Nolan feels attraction as soon as he meets her, but she shuts him down. He sees a challenge without understanding her reluctance and the chase is on!
Nolan and Terri's story is filled with sweetness and frustration along spice. They both have insecurities created by childhood experiences and are facing individual life altering choices. Terri is supported by her father and friends while Nolan has his teammates and coach ready to guide him and stand by his side. If they destroy the brick walls holding them back, they will realize their hearts' desires and create a new future.
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my personal reading experience.

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s interesting how the see Steel City Seals books are all happening at the same time. If you’ve read others in the series you can pick out a few of the shared events but each of these book can definitely stand on their own. This one is from Nolan’s side. He has his sites set on Terri. The event planner at the resort the team is staying at during the pre season training. Players are supposed to be off limits but one little taste in a closet doesn’t count. Right? But that one encounter results in a little mermaid and now Nolan must figure out how to get an independent woman that is determined to stick to the boss’s rule of no contact to let him show her he’s here for the long haul. Not just a summer fling. Can Terri set aside years of feeling like everyone she loves leaving and believe Nolan when he says he wants a future with her? He’s already showing up for the appointments and morning sickness and does seem to be losing any steam. Maybe she can start seeing a future for she and their little mermaid. But it’s going to take more than Nolan’s promises to convince her to give it a shot. I really enjoyed Nolan and Terri’s story. I love all the characters in Smugglers Hideaway. Can’t wait for the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to Smuggler’s Hideaway through D. E. Haggerty's books is a bit like taking a holiday at the same place every year. There are regulars (not all of them human!), then new characters to meet and get to know and finally lots of laughter.

This time Nolan, the quarterback from the Steel City Seals meets Terri the events coordinator for Hideaway Haven Resort where the Seals are staying.

Nolan is instantly smitten when he sees Terri for the first time.

"I catch a hint of chestnut hair. A woman wearing a tiny black bikini is lounging on a chaise while chatting with the woman next to her. It’s Terri. Her creamy skin, I know, feels soft as silk is on display."

While Terri is not so keen, although she's not completely immune.

"He has bright blue eyes, the color of the ocean. Considering I live on an island, I’m a sucker for anything ocean colored. He’s clean shaven allowing me a glimpse of the dimple on his left cheek."

The surprise pregnancy means that Nolan decides to be a different father than his dad and that Terri is terrified that she will become like her mother.

How they develop and grow leads to a lot of hilarity especially as the main characters tend to act atypically. It's always a pleasure to look in on this island from time to time. This series is especially charming as all of the football players seem to be finding their loves within the same time period.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving a completely honest review.

[rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Steel City Seals series is one not to miss. This series just keeps getting better and better. The banter, the setting, and all the characters involved make it pure reader pleasure.

This story belongs to Terri and Nolan, the team's quarterback. These two share an instant steamy connection that results in an unplanned pregnancy, and Nolan is determined to be involved every step of the way. He sets his course early on, making sure Terri knows she's not facing any of it alone.

Terri carries wounds from her childhood that she has to overcome, while Nolan has hurts of his own that have made him focused and determined to succeed. You can't help but fall in love with him and root for them the whole way, hoping they can make it work.

I loved their story and the team's contribution through their advice, antics, and simply being who they are. I also love how the author continues to weave in characters from previous books while setting up others for stories of their own.

If you want a series filled with humor, fun, the challenges of making a relationship work, a unique setting, and amazing characters, both human and animal, then don't miss this one.

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

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Afternoon Spent in Smuggler's Hideaway-So Fun!

This is one of the Steel City Seal's books (they are written in parallel so can be read in any order) set in Smuggler's Hideaway- with all of the mermaid and pirate shenanigans (and even Sammy the seal). In this book Nolan (the team's QB) meets Terri (the resort's social planner) and despite an instant attraction between them, she fears for her job if she acts on it although he is persistent in pursuing her. However, one weak (albeit protected) moment in a supply closet leads to permanent consequences and all bets are off. Both of them have baggage, but in this case Nolan goes all in from the start- determined to be the best father ever, while Terri is much more cautious. Despite the serious undertones brought by their pasts the book is often funny and filled with their banter, his O-Line chats as well as the hysterical demands of her brides, and town antics. It is a fast read, hard to put down, and I read it in one afternoon - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[SleeplessBookExplorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! ❤️ This is my second book from this series, and I wasn't expecting it to take place at the same time as the previous book I read. I actually loved that!

I already knew some of the players, so it was fun recognizing familiar characters and getting to see more of them. I love when a series overlaps like this because it makes the world feel connected, and I enjoyed being back in the small-town setting.

Nolan was such a great MMC! I loved how protective he was of Terri and how he stepped up when things didn't go according to plan. The pregnancy may have been unexpected, but I loved seeing him show up for her and take things seriously.

One of my favorite things about their story was that they both had big dreams, and even when life threw them something unexpected, they didn't just give those dreams up. I loved that they could work toward building a family while still holding onto the things that mattered to them individually.

Overall, this was such a fun read! I loved the small town, the familiar characters, the romance, and getting to experience another story in this series. Definitely looking forward to reading more! ❤️

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Nolan and Terri are going to steal your heart in the third book in The Steel City Seals series.

Nolan is the team's quarterback, he is sweet, commited to the team, and with a tough childhood; football has given him a family, a purpose, and a life. However that all changes when he arrives to the island resort and meets Terri, the event coordinator. She is so independent, self assured, and a bit damaged from her past. A no fraternization policy is what keeps her away from Nolan, but their attraction wins and leads them to a passionate night that results in her pregnancy. And here is where the story starts.

The football player finally gets a chance to have a family of his own -non football related- and he is ready to take on the commitment fully. Be ready to see how far this guy will go to make his reality secure. But both of them have a lot of damage and walls to break through before they can finally embrace the reality of love and family

Another great read in this series!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise, the characters, the banter and the overall story. This was a fast paced, big time superstar quarterback falls for local island girl, surprise pregnancy book. Nolan has all the golden retriever qualities with a healthy dash of protective alpha male while Terri is more reserved and used to taking care of herself. Neither can pass up the attraction they feel for each other so there is some spice while they work out getting to know each other and how a baby will fit into their lives. I appreciate that the author settled misconceptions between the FMC and MMC quickly and didn't let them drag on forever.

I would have given this a higher rating if there hadn't been so many pirate puns. It was a cute addition to the story due to the setting being Smuggler’s Hideaway but there were just so many. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the books in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often the Smugglers Hideaway stories are almost too over the top. This one was JUST RIGHT! Terri is a smuggler (lots of emotions, flexible regarding “rules”) but has very strong values and an outstanding work ethic as the event planner at the resort - which is crazy and stressful but fulfilling. I loved Nolan - yes, he’s the cocky quarterback of the Steel City Seals who are there for training camp BUT he’s also the sweetest, most caring guy who probably fell in love at first sight and doesn’t let Terri’s fears scare him off. All her fears - Will the pregnancy be okay? Will she be a good mother? Will Nolan stay? - are reasonable, normal fears and Nolan (and the whole gossipy population AND his goofy, found family of teammates) help her work through them. It’s a really sweet story - lots of laughs and a few happy tears. One of my new favorites!

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

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story
Set in the hometown of Smugglers Cove this is book 3 of the Steel City Seals series which follows star quarterback Nolan as he prepares to become a father.
After fooling around in the supply closet with Terri, the event coordinator at the Resort he finds out she is pregnant, steps up and goes all out looking after her.
Terri, fiercely independent with trust issues is unsure of how to feel as most people end up leaving her.
Nolan is only on the Cove for a short amount of time so she’s unsure of what he’s offering.
This is a fun story, there’s lots of banter, it’s steamy at times, with great friendships, a gorgeous footballer who falls first and a woman that needs to let down her guards to have the happy ever after she deserves.
Such a great story with wonderful characters.
Thank you D. E. Haggerty and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this gifted copy, of which all opinions are my own.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest in the Smugglers Hideaway series and again it is , in my opinion, absolutely brilliant. Terri, who works at the Hideaway Haven Resort, is instantly attracted to Nolan Allen who is quarterback for the Steel City Seals. However her boss Hudson has forbidden any of his staff from getting involved with any of the players. Nolan is convinced that he can win her over and eventually they end up having an encounter that leaves them with more than they bargained for!!

These books are filled with independent women, gorgeous men and a wonderful community. I also really like how familiar characters are threaded through and how easy it is to work out how everyone is connected if you haven’t read any of the previous books. As always Dena manages to sensitively address serious issues along with the humour and spice.

This made me laugh out loud at some points and swoon at others but overall made me smile. A great book to get lost in and I love escaping to Smugglers Hideaway!!

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing It Forward by D.E. Haggerty is another fantastic addition to the Smuggler’s Hideaway series. I loved Terri and Nolan, especially the way their relationship develops after an unexpected pregnancy. Nolan’s reaction was such a refreshing change—rather than panic or run, he shows up with prenatal vitamins, snacks, and a plan! His dedication to Terri and their future was absolutely swoon-worthy.
I also loved the wonderful island community, the humor, and the way familiar characters are woven into the story without making it difficult for new readers to jump in. Haggerty balances serious issues with warmth, humor, and plenty of chemistry, while the football details add another layer of authenticity.
Overall, a sweet, spicy, feel-good sports romance with a caring hero, a strong heroine, and a community I never get tired of visiting. 4.5 stars!

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we know by now, the Steel City Seals aren't great at keeping their distance from the women who live in Smuggler’s Hideaway!

Terri is the event planner at Hudson's resort and tried to stick to the "no fraternization with the team" rule. Unfortunately, Nolan, and his confident, quarterback energy is her kryptonite and winds up unexpectedly pregnant.

Nolan is thrilled when he finds out, and throws his whole heart into showing up for Terri.
Green flags all over the place!!
He has some issues to reconcile before he can make things permanent, but nothing is going to keep him from experiencing everything.

I love the banter between the characters and their community that supports. It's easy to connect with them and enjoy their interactions, and I always feel like I am standing right next to them!! Love that!
The timelines of this series run parallel to each other, so you truly can start anywhere (with minor spoilers).

I recommend this author and this series. Once done here, visit her catalog for more unforgettable characters.

My ARC was provided by the author (thank you! ) and my thoughts are my own.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. I impatiently wait for Dena’s books. I don’t know how she cranks out so many, but I’m always beyond ready for the next one. This is book three in the series. All three books take place around the same time so there are spoilers in this book for the previous two. There are also characters from her Smugglers Hideaway series as well. Nolan is the NFL quarterback for the Steel City Seals who are staying in Smugglers Hideaway for preseason practice. Terri works at the resort they are staying at. Her boss has already said the players are off limits. But Nolan doesn’t know this as he pursues Terri. But how long will she be able to resist him and those bright blue eyes? You’ll have to read to find out! I read this book in one sitting. He falls first is quickly becoming my favorite trope and Dena is the queen of writing that trope!

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Smuggler’s Hideaway, you never disappoint! Playing It Forward was the third book in Dena’s The Steel City Seals and can be read as a stand-alone. It was super sweet with a side of spice!

Terri knew she should have stayed away from Nolan but a positive pregnancy test proved it was too late for that. So when he started taking notes and coming with her to appointments would she be able to trust him? He was only supposed to be on the island for the summer and she was used to people leaving. Would he be able to prove her wrong or just be another statistic?

These two were so cute together!! It was so sweet watching Nolan be 100% involved with everything baby! He definitely was ready to step up and and be everything Terri could need and more! This series has been so much fun, can’t wait to see it continue!!

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book so far in the Steel City Seals series. I have really enjoyed reading this series so far. I love football and I love this amazingly fun loving Island and everyone on it, so I knew this series would be awesome!! I gotta say Nolan was a surprise to me. He won my heart from the moment he learned he was going to be a daddy. Terri didn't stand a chance!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Every pregnant woman needs a man just like Nolan by her side thru her pregnancy. One of my favorite moments was when Terri's brothers show up to "straighten things out" lol, but this book is full of favorite moments in my opinion. You are really going to enjoy this book!!

[Teon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The players of the Steel City Seals football team meet the feisty ladies of Smuggler’s Hideway when training camp brings them to the island. Nolan, the quarterback, doesn’t understand how it happened but he gets shot down when he asks Terri for a date. Terri is the event coordinator at the resort the players are staying at and her boss has a strict “no fraternization” policy for employees w/ the players. In a moment of weakness, the pair has a one night stand, and by “stand” it is meant literally as it occurred in a supply closet. Their story is told w/ lots of witty banter and shannigans. The other members of the Seals add a healthy dose of comedy to this romcom. As always, D.E. Haggerty has written another reason for my KU subscription to be money well spent.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad that D. E. Haggerty is continuing to set stories in Smuggler’s Hideaway. This mermaid and smugglers obsessed town is such a fun setting full of small town charm and unique quirks. Add in a football team staying at the local resort for summer training while the owner bans employees from dating the guests and you have the perfect conflict as Terri and Nolan are instantly attracted to each other.

Both Terri and Nolan have extensive (believable) backstories and family issues that play out as their relationship blossoms despite Terri's best efforts. D. E. Haggerty weaves humor throughout the story along with real emotion and connection.

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

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quarterback Nolan hooks up with Terri, event planner at the resort where his Steel City Seals team is staying during their training camp. This results in a pregnancy which Terri needs to keep quiet as her boss has forbidden any staff getting involved with any of the players. However, Nolan is determined he is going to be a part of his child's life and Terri's too if she will let him. But Terri is very wary as she knows Nolan will be leaving after the summer. Nolan is playing with a shoulder injury though and eventually realises his playing career is over. An opportunity to work as a coach means that he can stay in Smugglers Hideaway and persuade Terri that they can have a future together.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. I enjoyed Nolan and Terri’s romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. Nolan melted my heart from the very beginning. These two are fun to spend time with. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I especially love the teammates and how they are a family. Smuggler’s Cove is the perfect small town with interesting characters and lore. I love coming back to this world with each book. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. I loved the Smuggler’s Hideaway series (definite must read if you haven't already) and this Seal City Seals series which happens on Smuggler's Hideway is the perfect escape for me!

Nolan and Terri's story is sweet, spicy, funny, emotional and all round feel good. While the emotion, 'trauma' and pain of abandonment comes through in the story, the found family bond and support from the meddling town folks and his team adds a layer of levity and warmth, giving depth and relatability to the story. The epilogue was so perfectly sweet and swoony, it had me tearing up and smiling. I'm already impatiently waiting for the next book!

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Playing It Forward” by D.E. Haggerty

-Nolan and Terri’s story is a funny, sweet, and spicy romance filled with wonderful banter, football chaos, and the familiar craziness of Smuggler’s Hideaway. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I love Nolan’s immediate devotion and caretaker mode, while Terri’s journey toward trusting someone to stay felt relatable and believable. The gossiping islanders, teammates, mermaids, Sammy the seal, and found-family atmosphere adds plenty of laughs and heart.
Although I would have loved more of the time between certain events, this was a fantastic addition to the Steel City Seals series.