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Care Package
Ryan is a deployed tactical soldier, living in tactical gear, sandstorms, and self-imposed isolation. Jackson is the NHL's golden boy player, wearing a million-dollar smile and a mask he never takes off.
When Jackson signs up for a military outreach pen-pal program, they begin trading letters across the globe. Soon, their letters become a sanctuary for raw honesty, sharp wit, and a building tension that burns hot enough to melt the ice and light up the desert. But what happens when the soldier finally comes home?
When Jackson signs up for a military outreach pen-pal program, they begin trading letters across the globe. Soon, their letters become a sanctuary for raw honesty, sharp wit, and a building tension that burns hot enough to melt the ice and light up the desert. But what happens when the soldier finally comes home?
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 8, 2026
tengo bronca porque le tenía mucha fé a este libro, me llamó muchísimo la atención la sinópsis y empezó siendo re prometedor. pero mientras más iba avanzando el libro, más se sentía como si estuviese leyendo un borrador más que un libro revisado y corregido
hablando de la escritura, sentí que hubieron muchísimos errores de continuidad entre capítulos y repeticiones innecesarias. había cosas que estaban escritas y narradas que de un capítulo para el otro parecía que la autora se olvidó por completo
la relación de los protagonistas no me la terminé de creer. creo que pudo haber sido abordada muchísimo mejor con un poquito más de ganas. no me molesta el instalove como tal, pero no me podes decir que ya prácticamente se aman después de haber intercambiado CINCO CARTAS me parece un montón. y me decepciona una banda porque de verdad esperaba verlos enamorarse y desarrollando su relación mientras se conocían a través de cartas, pero la autora se apuró demasiado
los últimos capítulos ya era repetir más de lo mismo a cada rato, ya terminando el libro confieso que me salte bastantes párrafos porque me ABURRÍA
SPOILER !!
la parte que estuvo mejor tratada a mi parecer, fue el fallecimiento de Brody. ese capítulo y los que siguieron con el duelo de Ryan por su mejor amigo me hicieron llorar, pero justamente creo que esto se logró porque SÍ sentí la conexión entre Ryan y Brody. a pesar de ser una amistad que se forma antes de que empiece el libro, sus interacciones te hacían tenerle cariño a la dinámica de mejores amigos que tenían los dos. algo que no creo que la autora haya logrado con la pareja principal
igualmente no creo que el libro haya sido un desastre. la idea era buena, nomás me parece que le faltó pulir muchas cosas antes de que lo publiquen (y un beta reader o un editor bueno, si es que este libro tuvo alguno)
otra vez, me creería si me dicen que esto es un borrador más que el libro terminado
1,5 🌟
hablando de la escritura, sentí que hubieron muchísimos errores de continuidad entre capítulos y repeticiones innecesarias. había cosas que estaban escritas y narradas que de un capítulo para el otro parecía que la autora se olvidó por completo
la relación de los protagonistas no me la terminé de creer. creo que pudo haber sido abordada muchísimo mejor con un poquito más de ganas. no me molesta el instalove como tal, pero no me podes decir que ya prácticamente se aman después de haber intercambiado CINCO CARTAS me parece un montón. y me decepciona una banda porque de verdad esperaba verlos enamorarse y desarrollando su relación mientras se conocían a través de cartas, pero la autora se apuró demasiado
los últimos capítulos ya era repetir más de lo mismo a cada rato, ya terminando el libro confieso que me salte bastantes párrafos porque me ABURRÍA
SPOILER !!
la parte que estuvo mejor tratada a mi parecer, fue el fallecimiento de Brody. ese capítulo y los que siguieron con el duelo de Ryan por su mejor amigo me hicieron llorar, pero justamente creo que esto se logró porque SÍ sentí la conexión entre Ryan y Brody. a pesar de ser una amistad que se forma antes de que empiece el libro, sus interacciones te hacían tenerle cariño a la dinámica de mejores amigos que tenían los dos. algo que no creo que la autora haya logrado con la pareja principal
igualmente no creo que el libro haya sido un desastre. la idea era buena, nomás me parece que le faltó pulir muchas cosas antes de que lo publiquen (y un beta reader o un editor bueno, si es que este libro tuvo alguno)
otra vez, me creería si me dicen que esto es un borrador más que el libro terminado
1,5 🌟
July 22, 2026
Ryan is a soldier deployed overseas on active duty, Jackson is an NHL golden boy. Both men navigating through the noise of life with masks firmly in place wishing they could find a a quite place to just be themselves. Thousands of miles separate them but a connection is made through the exchange of letters.
A connection that had me smiling, chuckling, tears of heartache (I sobbed) and tears of joy. A slow burn love story that demonstrates family isn’t always blood, it’s the people who show up to hold your hand when you need it the most and choose to stand by you.
Care package is beautifully written and heartfelt.
Just breathe, my soldier, I’ve got you.
I see you
Holding the line…. ❤️🍪🦆(Trust me it makes sense when you read it)
A connection that had me smiling, chuckling, tears of heartache (I sobbed) and tears of joy. A slow burn love story that demonstrates family isn’t always blood, it’s the people who show up to hold your hand when you need it the most and choose to stand by you.
Care package is beautifully written and heartfelt.
Just breathe, my soldier, I’ve got you.
I see you
Holding the line…. ❤️🍪🦆(Trust me it makes sense when you read it)
July 23, 2026
The first half of this book had me in a chokehold. I loved getting to know Jackson and Splash and seeing their connection form through their letters. But the second half seemed like a rushed cluster of thoughts that didnt quite go together. Everything felt really jumbled and frantic with quite a bit of grammar mistakes, almost like the book was written by two different people. I wish the second half had been as strong as the first.
July 31, 2026
Too American
July 6, 2026
Wow just wow this book !!! Broke me in soo many ways .. if you love a book which hooks you and makes you not want to put it down u need to read this book!!! I have felt every emotion with this book!! It’s a must read!!!
July 31, 2026
There is just something so special about a story where two people fall for each other through letters, and Care Package delivered everything I wanted and more. The slow build of Ryan and Jackson's relationship felt so natural, and I found myself smiling every time they exchanged another letter.
Ryan is a deployed tactical soldier who has become used to keeping everyone at arm's length, while Jackson is the NHL's golden boy who spends his life hiding behind a perfect smile. On the surface, they couldn't be more different, but through their letters they were able to be completely honest with each other in a way they couldn't with anyone else.
The letters were easily my favourite part of the book. They were funny, heartfelt, emotional, and full of so much vulnerability that it was impossible not to become invested in their relationship. Watching strangers become friends, then slowly become something more, was beautifully written.
I also loved the way J. Clark handled the heavier themes throughout the story. Ryan's experiences while deployed and Jackson's struggles away from the spotlight added so much depth to their characters, making their connection feel even more meaningful.
The romance was full of longing, emotional tension, and so many sweet moments that had me completely hooked. By the time Ryan came home, I was desperate to see these two finally get the happy ending they both deserved.
If you love M/M romance, military romance, hockey romance, pen pals, slow burn, emotional character development, and plenty of heartwarming moments, I can't recommend this one enough.
Ryan and Jackson completely stole my heart, and Care Package is one of those books that reminds you just how powerful simple words on a page can be. 🖤
Ryan is a deployed tactical soldier who has become used to keeping everyone at arm's length, while Jackson is the NHL's golden boy who spends his life hiding behind a perfect smile. On the surface, they couldn't be more different, but through their letters they were able to be completely honest with each other in a way they couldn't with anyone else.
The letters were easily my favourite part of the book. They were funny, heartfelt, emotional, and full of so much vulnerability that it was impossible not to become invested in their relationship. Watching strangers become friends, then slowly become something more, was beautifully written.
I also loved the way J. Clark handled the heavier themes throughout the story. Ryan's experiences while deployed and Jackson's struggles away from the spotlight added so much depth to their characters, making their connection feel even more meaningful.
The romance was full of longing, emotional tension, and so many sweet moments that had me completely hooked. By the time Ryan came home, I was desperate to see these two finally get the happy ending they both deserved.
If you love M/M romance, military romance, hockey romance, pen pals, slow burn, emotional character development, and plenty of heartwarming moments, I can't recommend this one enough.
Ryan and Jackson completely stole my heart, and Care Package is one of those books that reminds you just how powerful simple words on a page can be. 🖤
July 25, 2026
Good
2.5 rounding up?
I was really not sure how to rate this one. Did I like it? Yes, I read it all in just one evening.
Did I like the concept of the story? Yes.
Did I like the writing style? Yes and no. I loved the letters. I enjoyed the super short chapters. I think that is why I read it so fast. Parts of this though seemed a bit chaotic. Mostly the second half. Things seemed to jump around where I didn’t understand the timeline on how much time has passed. One chapter they are somewhere and the next they are somewhere else with no idea how that happened or how much time passed.
There were also long paragraphs where both Alex and Ryan would be talking and sometimes it was hard to know who was saying what.
I did really like Ryan (Splash) and Alex. I thought this was a great idea for a storyline for a book. I love the pen pal trope. I didn’t even mind that there was hardly any steam. I just think the second part could have had better flow. Less all over the place.
2.5 rounding up?
I was really not sure how to rate this one. Did I like it? Yes, I read it all in just one evening.
Did I like the concept of the story? Yes.
Did I like the writing style? Yes and no. I loved the letters. I enjoyed the super short chapters. I think that is why I read it so fast. Parts of this though seemed a bit chaotic. Mostly the second half. Things seemed to jump around where I didn’t understand the timeline on how much time has passed. One chapter they are somewhere and the next they are somewhere else with no idea how that happened or how much time passed.
There were also long paragraphs where both Alex and Ryan would be talking and sometimes it was hard to know who was saying what.
I did really like Ryan (Splash) and Alex. I thought this was a great idea for a storyline for a book. I love the pen pal trope. I didn’t even mind that there was hardly any steam. I just think the second part could have had better flow. Less all over the place.
August 6, 2026
DNF 20%
Ça va devenir ma DA.
Chapitres trop courts, lettres trop impersonnelles et pourtant, Jackson qui fait son coming out tout en ajoutant « dommage si tu n’es pas un soldat sexy » alors que eh, tu ne sais pas à qui tu parles, comment il pourrait réagir : surtout un militaire aka les mecs quand même assez fiers de leur masculinité. Attention je ne dis pas que ce n’est pas viril que d’assumer sa sexualité, mais souvent (sans vouloir faire de généralité) ils ne sont pas hypeeeer connus pour être open sur le fait de se faire draguer / de subir le flirt de quelqu’un ouvertement gay. Et si j’aime cette ouverture d’esprit, ça m’a paru un peu hors propos. Ça a manqué de développement, tout était trop survolé et peu approfondi. Aucune émotion en dehors de ces quelques échanges de lettres et en dehors on ne s’attache pas du tout aux personnages, à leur vie, à leurs amis. Des chapitres de 1min qui ne parlent de rien. Je n’ai pas eu envie de continuer, car ce n’était pas tel que je me m’étais imaginé dans la construction
Ça va devenir ma DA.
Chapitres trop courts, lettres trop impersonnelles et pourtant, Jackson qui fait son coming out tout en ajoutant « dommage si tu n’es pas un soldat sexy » alors que eh, tu ne sais pas à qui tu parles, comment il pourrait réagir : surtout un militaire aka les mecs quand même assez fiers de leur masculinité. Attention je ne dis pas que ce n’est pas viril que d’assumer sa sexualité, mais souvent (sans vouloir faire de généralité) ils ne sont pas hypeeeer connus pour être open sur le fait de se faire draguer / de subir le flirt de quelqu’un ouvertement gay. Et si j’aime cette ouverture d’esprit, ça m’a paru un peu hors propos. Ça a manqué de développement, tout était trop survolé et peu approfondi. Aucune émotion en dehors de ces quelques échanges de lettres et en dehors on ne s’attache pas du tout aux personnages, à leur vie, à leurs amis. Des chapitres de 1min qui ne parlent de rien. Je n’ai pas eu envie de continuer, car ce n’était pas tel que je me m’étais imaginé dans la construction
July 25, 2026
Emotional debut with a lot of heart
Care Package is a heartfelt debut that really shines in its portrayal of military deployment, trauma, and the difficult transition home. The short chapters keep the story moving, and the emotional connection between the leads is sincere and affecting, with several moments that genuinely brought me to tears. While I felt some of the metaphors became a little repetitive and the writing could have benefited from another editing pass and more depth in places, the core of the story is compelling and clearly written with care. Tropes: hockey team / found family, military romance, pen pal, emotional hurt comfort. Content note: descriptions of military trauma, PTSD, and a death in combat. It’s a promising start from a new author, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series because this cast of characters has hooked me in.
Care Package is a heartfelt debut that really shines in its portrayal of military deployment, trauma, and the difficult transition home. The short chapters keep the story moving, and the emotional connection between the leads is sincere and affecting, with several moments that genuinely brought me to tears. While I felt some of the metaphors became a little repetitive and the writing could have benefited from another editing pass and more depth in places, the core of the story is compelling and clearly written with care. Tropes: hockey team / found family, military romance, pen pal, emotional hurt comfort. Content note: descriptions of military trauma, PTSD, and a death in combat. It’s a promising start from a new author, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series because this cast of characters has hooked me in.
August 1, 2026
Honestly, I LOVED THIS BOOK from start to finish. It's been a while since I've read an MM military romance that had this much substance. The story felt so real and showed what soldiers go through and how difficult it is to transition from military life to civilian life. It definitely isn't easy.
The letters they exchanged and the way they poured their hearts out and took a chance on each other were so beautiful. Honestly, this is what I think true love is. Once your soul connects with someone, what they look like physically doesn't matter. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they were both sexy as hell. 😂
Overall, I can't wait for the next book in the series. Hopefully, it's another military romance because there honestly aren't enough MM military books out there. I always enjoy them, and the forbidden aspect just makes the story even more intense and exciting.
The letters they exchanged and the way they poured their hearts out and took a chance on each other were so beautiful. Honestly, this is what I think true love is. Once your soul connects with someone, what they look like physically doesn't matter. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they were both sexy as hell. 😂
Overall, I can't wait for the next book in the series. Hopefully, it's another military romance because there honestly aren't enough MM military books out there. I always enjoy them, and the forbidden aspect just makes the story even more intense and exciting.
August 2, 2026
Great debut novel
I love pen pal or texting books. This did that so well in the letter chapters. The relationship grew and wasnt an instant love/lust book. Pov was duel 1st person which I love. The emotions I teared up...twice which does t happen often. Now what could have been better in my opinion...the spice was low and I wouldn't say open door but not quite closed door spice either maybe a 1.5 🌶. The problems came at the 2nd half of the book. They started having rough transitions like they'd be at the arena in the box talking and in a rough situation on Ryan's ptsd then all of a sudden new chapter at home with no transition. It was slightly hard to follow. Would I have read this book knowing that yes I would have still read it. It was still a 4.5 star read and I look forward to watching this author grow and reading more from them.
I love pen pal or texting books. This did that so well in the letter chapters. The relationship grew and wasnt an instant love/lust book. Pov was duel 1st person which I love. The emotions I teared up...twice which does t happen often. Now what could have been better in my opinion...the spice was low and I wouldn't say open door but not quite closed door spice either maybe a 1.5 🌶. The problems came at the 2nd half of the book. They started having rough transitions like they'd be at the arena in the box talking and in a rough situation on Ryan's ptsd then all of a sudden new chapter at home with no transition. It was slightly hard to follow. Would I have read this book knowing that yes I would have still read it. It was still a 4.5 star read and I look forward to watching this author grow and reading more from them.
August 2, 2026
OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I literally read it in one sitting, I could put it down. I just read a couple of books I was looking for for months, and they were kind of disappointing, so this was so refreshing.
The pen pal plot was so interesting and different, I was looking forward to those letter as much as Jackson was 🥲
And the ending? It was just perfection, my boys deserve everything that is good in the world.
I said it once and I’ll say it again, indie authors are AWESOME! Please give this a try.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
The pen pal plot was so interesting and different, I was looking forward to those letter as much as Jackson was 🥲
And the ending? It was just perfection, my boys deserve everything that is good in the world.
I said it once and I’ll say it again, indie authors are AWESOME! Please give this a try.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
August 7, 2026
Damn it! It was going so well! I was enjoying it! The slow burn of sorts, the emotion written on the pages of those letters! The development of Jackson and Ryan’s love story! THE COOKIES! I shed tears, I swooned!
Then BAM! They meet. They live happily ever after. The end!
That’s exactly what the last 40% of this book felt like, it felt rushed, it legit felt like I was reading 2 separate books! The conclusion felt like a race to the finish line, like, where’s my medal?!?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good book, the first half is a solid 4⭐️ but the second half just completely lost me.
Then BAM! They meet. They live happily ever after. The end!
That’s exactly what the last 40% of this book felt like, it felt rushed, it legit felt like I was reading 2 separate books! The conclusion felt like a race to the finish line, like, where’s my medal?!?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good book, the first half is a solid 4⭐️ but the second half just completely lost me.
July 30, 2026
This was, at the same time, too fast and too slow of a read. Not sure how I feel about it fully yet but this had the potential to be a perfect book, it was just executed less than even tho tears were flowing a lot
July 31, 2026
Shame
I had high hopes for this one but it didn’t quite meet my expectations unfortunately. It felt rushed, a bit all over the place and didn’t take time to delve into anything with any depth. The bare are there for a great story but it needs a lot more filling out
I had high hopes for this one but it didn’t quite meet my expectations unfortunately. It felt rushed, a bit all over the place and didn’t take time to delve into anything with any depth. The bare are there for a great story but it needs a lot more filling out
August 7, 2026
I gave up pretty fast because it felt like it was partly written by AI. By that I mean that from the first couple of chapters each characters knows things about the other one that he ain’t supposed to or it’s not acknowledged as is. And it’s confusing.
July 25, 2026
Loved the first half especially the letters.
August 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ first half was super good, second half was kind of a mess... the author needs to run through it again and edit it a little bit, probably.
August 3, 2026
really enjoyed at first but then it just got repetitive and boring.
also i refuse to believe a grown soldier and hockey player talk like that?
also i refuse to believe a grown soldier and hockey player talk like that?
August 4, 2026
super quick read! i enjoyed this a lot, and it was super sweet & tender
August 6, 2026
loved the 1st half but the second half was too rushed
August 7, 2026
i could not vibe with this, i just kept checking grammar mistakes, and the writing style was difficult for me to get engrossed in the story
August 8, 2026
Amazing
This is a book that takes you along for the ride ! You find yourself reading as fast as you can because you feel apart of the story. The depth of true emotions is amazing👍
This is a book that takes you along for the ride ! You find yourself reading as fast as you can because you feel apart of the story. The depth of true emotions is amazing👍
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews