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Her ex needs a reality check. . .

In the blink of an eye, I charm Maisy's kids and arm wrestle her lying POS ex-husband to straighten up and fly right.

What kind of guy asks the mother of his children to quit high school and work multiple jobs so she can cater to his lazy ass? She had dreams, and he stomped all over them.

Meanwhile, every single dream I ever had blossomed. Hall-of-fame career in the NHL. Check. Friends and family. Check check. A woman who held my heart in the palm of her hand. Triple check.

But my world came crashing down the day I lost my first love along with our unborn baby. I closed up my heart and surrounded it with an Impenetrable wall of ice. And for years, no one got through. Until the day I read a Facebook Market ad that changes everything. She needs me. Her kids need me. And once again, I have a mission in life. There is someone to save.

One look. One touch. One kiss. That's all it takes to melt the frost clutching my soul. And now I see my future within her eyes.

*CONTAINS MATURE THEMES.*



RUNNING TIME ⇒ 6hrs. and 34mins.

©2019 Colleen Charles (P)2020 Tantor

Audio CD

First published June 10, 2019

450 people are currently reading
376 people want to read

About the author

Colleen Charles

151 books1,185 followers
After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

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5 stars
359 (45%)
4 stars
243 (31%)
3 stars
145 (18%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Sunny (Kindles & Wine Book Blog).
642 reviews13 followers
January 22, 2022
Definitely my favorite Minnesota Caribou book to date as Milo and Maisy were both really special characters. I have really enjoyed Milo in earlier books and he did not let me down. I loved how a fluke circumstance allowed him to find love again. Enter Maisy and her three young children. She has it tough. She is overworked and struggling to make ends meet. She is protecting her heart and those of her kids when Milo storms into her life unwanted.

As it turns out, he wouldn't go away and because of his persistence, their relationship grew and he won the hearts of the entire family.

We can't have a MN Caribou novel without some irritating secondary characters, but they brought just the right amount of angst and felt more realistic in Checked.

I loved it, everything about it. I hope Colleen Charles keeps the momentum of the series going in exactly this direction!

What else I loved was the narration. Mia Madison and Aiden Snow both did a beautiful job of bringing Milo, Maisy and the entire set of characters to life!

Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
483 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2019
What do you do when you're 7 years old and your mom is completely exhausted from working 2 jobs so you and your siblings have a roof over your head and food on the table, all because your good for nothing, drunk & loser dad won't pay child support or help out? Why you put an ad on Facebook looking for a new Dad! And that's exactly what 7-year-old Preston did! When retired hockey great Milo sees the ad, something about the ad and the stick figure drawing attached to it calls out to him...little did he know he would fall head over heels for the stick figure Momma and her 3 three little ones! Maisy is a bit horrified when she finds out what her son did and can't believe that this random stranger named Milo wants to help them out! Afraid to trust any man again, Maisy not only refuses Milo help but also denies her attraction to him. Great read to see how Milo tries to win this hard working momma over and at the same time try to deal with his own problems and heartbreak!
2,361 reviews12 followers
November 17, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the three novel collection the Minnesota Caribou Digital Boxed Set 1-3 by Colleen Charles and this review was given freely.
This is not your usual sports related steamy collection as each Hockey player is injured and towards the end of his Caribou playing career. This steamy collection contains plain language and focuses more on broken family relationships and becoming stronger and happier when finding their significant other.

4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Benched in the Minnesota Caribou Digital Boxed Set 1-3 by Colleen Charles and this review was given freely.
An emotioned packed complexed novel with a darker side comprised of slander, rape and cheating which features two self-entitled and vindictive " trust fund babies" along with Adam's brother Mark who try to turn the town against Adam and Julia as well as ruin their careers. Returning home to the farm after a knee injury threatens to end his Minnesota Caribou hockey career,Adam Spencer feels betrayed when he finds his brother Mark in a compromising position with his fiancee Heather in their newly renovated home resulting in an accident and adam's reunion with his high school's friend's little sister, Julia Wales.

4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Played in the Minnesota Caribou Digital Boxed Set 1-3 by Colleen Charles and this review was given freely.
An ironic billionaire and virgin story of love and morals. When divorce leaves him penniless and his daughter requiring experimental chemotherapy, fromer Caribou hockey player Reed Matheson must rely on his best friend Milo,the childhood friend he humiliated and alienated in high school, Harper Payne, and an escort service to pay the bills.

4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Checked in the Minnesota Caribou Digital Boxed Set 1-3 by Colleen Charles and this review was given freely.
An steamy modern Cinderella and an attraction at first sight novel with a retired billionaire hockey player and a struggling single mother. While a good story on its own, the beginning was a little disappointing because I was expecting this to be Milo and Tania's happy ever after with their own children but, the book begins with a retired and injured Milo mourning the death of a pregnant Tania. Milo's heart opens to love when a little boy contacts him through social media and after his body responds to his first sight of the Kwik Stop's cashier, the divorced mother of three Maisy.
1,527 reviews
June 22, 2019
Colleen Charles never disappoints and in Checked, she delivers a story of second chances, the kind you give yourself in order to get it right. Maisy Watts and Milo Adamski are two people who have had love but had their hearts shattered when it didn't last. For Maisy, she married right out of high school, had a family, but her husband became uncaring, abusive and was unfaithful. Even though she divorced him, it left her believing that no man could ever want her or love her again. Milo Adamski is the best defenseman that the Minnesota Caribou have ever had. He's headed to the hall of fame and is still famous in the town of Duluth, but his heart was ripped out of his chest the night his wife and unborn child were killed. All that's left is an empty hole that he doesn't think will ever be filled again. Maisy's 7-year-old son, Preston, is so worried about his mom and how tired she is when she comes home after working 2 jobs that he puts an ad in Facebook's Marketplace "Need dad fer good kids." Milo is so surprised and concerned that he writes back, asking for details. He needs to talk to Preston's mom and get to the bottom of his story. When they meet, there is an electric current that surprises Milo because he never thought he'd feel anything again. Maisy is immediately suspicious and embarrassed when she finds out what Preston did for her. In my eyes, Preston is the hero of this story because he opened the door and gave Maisy and Milo the chance to walk toward another chance at love. Maisy has built such strong walls around her that Milo has to really work to make her believe that he does have feelings for her. Checked is a wonderfully written and deeply moving story of opening your heart and finding love one more time.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews73 followers
July 20, 2019
At first I was going to dismiss this book because the opening couple of chapters seemed unrealistic....at first. Then as you see Milo's thought process and start to realize his position in life, it becomes feasible.

Then we see this really REALLY strong woman who raises three little kids in a trailer park by working two tough jobs.
How could she possibly appeal to a retired NHL player?? She has to be quite run down with her work, work hours, and stress of her lively children.

Again, pay attention to Milo's upbringing (which could of been a bit more developed).
He's second generation Polish of hardworking close family. He appreciates Maisy's family commitment and strong work. Author allows a gentle introduction to him helping without alpha while he gently woos her by being good with her children.

This is my first book by this author and not my last.

This character sure had the nastiest ex husband and worst mother ever!! They just added to the shit life but h was so strong despite them.

I believe there are millions of single mothers with similar lifestyles and I hope they get theirs too.
55 reviews
June 12, 2019
Milo and Maisy are my new favorite M & M's!! I love the way that they compliment, yet complete each other. They are my favorite couple and show just how second chances come when you least expect them AND where you least expect them to happen! We have all felt down on our luck at one point in time, as if nothing was going our way, and it was one thing after another. Or, maybe you lost someone very close to you, and you just weren't sure if you would ever love someone again. Milo and Maisy are proof that both sides of the coin can happen again. They both have been through hell and back, and still found someone to love them and make them whole again! And it all started with a stick drawing and an ad on Facebook Marketplace by Maisy's son to bring this new family together! Another great book by Colleen Charles! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would!
295 reviews
March 12, 2022
Milo and Maisy - struggling independent single mom FMC, ex hockey player who gives everything he has

Maisy works 2 jobs for her kids to get what they need, maybe not everything they need but the necessities to get by. Her ex husband is a dead beat who doesn’t pay his court ordered child support, hence the 2 jobs. Milo, who we met in book 2, was with Tania for years and they wanted to start a family until one day she gets in an accident and milo finds out he not only lost his longtime girlfriend but also their unborn child 😭

Milo comes upon a post on Facebook by a kid who is asking for a new dad with a strange picture. He messaged the kid and gets their address to go meet with him. Upon arrival at the trailer, he finds out Preston B isn’t home and neither is his mother, who Milo would like to speak with over the matter. The babysitter tells him she is at work at the gas station so he makes his way there only to see her busting her ass and taking no shit.
46 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2021
Like the banter but……

I am starting to think this author has an issue with extra weight . The last two books talk about “fat “ people, wide girth, and thinking a beautiful person was only noticed when she lost weight. It is quite disgusting when I read it more as I continue the books. Also, the lack of a good epilogue is annoying. This book is based on poor Milo’s loss. However, we don’t get to see him getting his wish of a baby of his own. A simple wedding is all. I’d like to see more of Harper and reed as well. We didn’t find out they had a child until later in this book.

I really wanted to love this book, but the pattern I’m seeing with this author makes me not want to read another book of hers again.
2,894 reviews30 followers
April 17, 2023
Milo, the male lead, has a true heart for the needy and, when he finds an ad on the internet, he’s drawn to help the young boy who wrote it. On meeting Maisy, the boy’s mother and the female lead, he’s even more invested. But Maisy has spent years being independent and she doesn’t trust anything Milo has to offer, after being let down by others continually.

This story is dual POV, well written, and a contemporary, sports adjacent romance. I empathised with Maisy’s concerns and totally understood why she was so distrustful. I enjoyed her children and the genuine impact on the relationship development they had. I enjoyed Milo’s persistence and his determination to see good things for Maisy. I appreciated the ending.
720 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2019
EXCELLENT STORY!!!!

This was a wonderful story. I loved Milo... He was an amazingly loving, giving, kind and sweet person. I loved that the moment he saw Maisy his life direction was changed!!! I was so happy for all of them! If you are looking for a perfect story that touches your heart and puts a smile on your face this is one of those winners! Maisy had a hard life but she was so strong and determined..... Her children were adorable and there were many funny moments in the book as well as some very moving incidents that made you root for all of them. I know this is a book I will read again and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
June 12, 2019
I thought that this was a simply wonderful read. Milo and Maisy's romance was sweet and steamy. The storyline was both cute and heartwarming. The emotions run deep in this entertaining read and it was very easy to get swept up into this book. I loved the chemistry between Maisy and Milo. Maisy's children were beyond adorable and will melt your heart. A great book that will give you all the feels. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
107 reviews
June 13, 2019
Milo and Maisey’s story touched my heart. Maisey’s struggles were depicted perfectly! I love the dynamics in this one. Her children, her ex, her 2 jobs and struggling to make ends meet but most of all her distrust that comes from her own upbringing as well as her experience with her ex. I can relate to her. Milo is exactly what she needs, and he is definitely a hero to dream about. This is a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,626 reviews9 followers
June 15, 2019
OMG! I loved this story! Such a heartwarming romance! It grabbed me from the start and I couldn’t put it down!
Milo and Maisy were a perfect match! Brayden was adorable! The characters were loveable and relatable! Maisy has had struggles in her past as well as her ex but Milo is just what she needs. There is some drama due to Milos ex but it works out in the end. Checked was a beautiful love story that I loved! I recommend Checked to everyone!
27 reviews
June 18, 2019
For the Hat Trick...

Milo and Maisy's story is so relatable parts of it could have been based on my life. Their beginning is so unique you just have to keep reading to see where it goes. I laughed so often I ended up reading parts out loud to my curious family. I guarantee it will be on my daughter's kindle if I look! Those kids could be my own, Colleen captured their crazy so perfectly! This is one series I recommend to everyone!
Profile Image for Melissa Swafford.
743 reviews
June 19, 2019
Milo was featured in the last book as his friend found love. Now he gets his chance with Maisy when her 7 year old posts an ad asking for a dad for his overworked mom. He just intended to let her know what her son was up to on the internet, but it just took one look. Milo and Maisy were terrific together. I liked how the book showed the daughter's reluctance to let go of her dad until she sees his true colors.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,036 reviews
August 8, 2019
Another great story with a hockey backdrop. This one is about Milo and Maisy. Milo a retired hockey player current hockey camp coach and Maisy a waitress/store clerk mother of three. What do you do when you answer a FB market place ad that states your mother works two jobs and is always exhausted. Will you be my dad. Well you find about mom so you can advise her. The rest is history. Great characters, great chemistry, so caring and complimentary to each other.
80 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2021
Milo Adamsky is the ultimate nice guy hero!!!

I fell for Milo in a previous novel and was devastated to find out his beloved Tania had died prior to "his" story being told. Still, he proved to be an amazing hero and it was great to see good guys do finish first. I can't wait to read the next one...with a hero named Max Monroe (which just happens to be the pen name of a favorite romantic comedy author duo).
Profile Image for Brooke Clanton.
800 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2021
A second chance at love

Such an interesting way to start a relationship! Gotta love Preston's gumption putting and ad on Marketplace looking for someone to step in as a dad! It didn't surprise me at all when Milo steps up and answers the ad... let the fun begin as Maisey tries to avoid a new relationship while battling the attitude of one stubborn little girl, the hero worshipping little boy and her toddler that melts everyone's heart!
Profile Image for Berta.
712 reviews
June 20, 2023
I was intrigued by Milo and looked forward to him getting a happy ever after. I was not sure about Maisy as his hea but it turned out just fine.
I almost stopped reading and got pulled out of the story about halfway through. A certain scene where Milo acted way over the top and like a big alpha jerk. I continued on of course, and was able to enjoy the rest.
This series isn't super great, but the books are quick reads and has kept me invested and I will want to continue with it.
116 reviews
June 12, 2019
I absolutely loved Checked! Retired hockey player, struggling single mom, precocious children and chemistry out the wazoo - it all adds up to a fantastic book! I loved reading it from the first page to the last and had a hard time putting it down! Not only do I recommend Checked but also the first two books in the Caribou series: Benched and Played!
148 reviews
July 16, 2019
Hope restored,joy returned and a future

Makes this a tale of a knight who finds his Angel in a Kwik trip.A great Cinderella story ,A man who finds a love after tragedy, and gives a woman hope for a better life.. It Is a heart warming love story with hot hockey star finding a family t o love.
469 reviews2 followers
Currently reading
January 16, 2021
Milo and Maisy

My heart ached for Milo but then Preston made his post on marketplace and things changed dramatically. Those kids are awesome and its hard not to fall in love with them all! Milo has always been so caring and supportive and this life is what the deserves as does Daisy. Thanks for another great one!
1,164 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2022
Milo & Maisy

Didn't enjoy this one too much. I thought Preston was adorable but the girl, Jaden, needed a complete attitude adjustment as well as a lesson in manners. Maisy annoyed me and her mother and ex husband were completely gross. I did love Milo, I thought he was the full package.
Profile Image for Kesha Prince.
27 reviews
January 8, 2024
This book was really good, I love that there was not the trope of something terrible happening and them being done for a short time before getting together in the end. They were strangers to friends to lovers, which is exactly how I love a book to go.

On top of the trope being great, the audible narrators were great and not cringe at all.
Profile Image for Emma Graham.
254 reviews
June 19, 2019
Checked

As always Colleen delivers a book the I couldn't put down. Love the ups and down. The romance. As always there is a villain and God I want to scream and punch them. Loved the story from start to finish
14 reviews
June 21, 2019
Heart warming


This story got me from the first page. . Milo is a retired hockey player and Maisy, she’s a single mom working two jobs with a dead beat ex. Her kids Preston, Jaden, and Ryder were the cutest little characters! Milo and Maisy were a terrific match. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a great story with some heat and love.
Profile Image for Karen Szabo.
211 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2019
Unique and Interesting Story

I don't think I've ever read a story about falling in love with a mother of three kids. Colleen does a wonderful job of creating an entertaining and heart warming story of second chance love. You will enjoy reading this book!
855 reviews
August 3, 2019
You never know

Incredible story of being at the bottom in self esteem and loss of a love one ,that brings a pair from different backgrounds together starting with a drawing and a child call for help! Beautiful told ,3rd in the series highly recommend! Thanks for the read💖💖
381 reviews
April 23, 2020
Stick figure date

I loved reading about this very interesting way to get a date. A child sends a request online for someone to dat his mom using a stick figure as his mom. When a retired hockey player sees it and responds, it sets in motion a love at first sight romance.
1,070 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
Great read

Loved Milo and Maisy’s story. Two people from different strokes meet due to a Facebook marketplace add placed by a 7 year old. Loved their story and their happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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