Becka Mack is a new to me author, so I didn't know what to expect. But hockey dudes? Gimme.

I enjoyed Jaxon and Riley (though, I am a bit over the man ho / inexperienced slash virginal woman. Not just with this book and author, but in general. Been over it since FSOG really lol)

I did enjoy that he stops his ho-ish ways right away. I did enjoy that there was more to Jaxon than just the hockey player, and I liked his back ground story with his best friend etc.

Lennon I liked for the most part, there were a couple of little things that irked me, but that is going to be a me problem.

I have not read the books about the other players, so I did miss some of the nuances, but I liked them enough to go back and read their books in the future

Big thanks to NetGalley for the early copy!

I didn’t think it was possible to like a character more than Carter in this series but Jaxon comes pretty close. Normally insecurity drives me insane but in Jaxon it was endearing. Also, huge shout out to Mittens, the real star of this book.

This book probably could’ve been 100 pages shorter and the story not changed much but the banter and found family aspect of the characters is so good that it never felt like it dragged. The best of this series so far I think.

This might just be my new favourite in The Playing for Keeps series. I didn’t think that anyone would be able to knock Garrett out of the number one spot but along came Jaxon Riley, Cat Daddy.

Lennon and Jaxon’s story moves from one night stand, to frenemies, to roommates to lovers and I absolutely loved the progression of their relationship. They compliment each other in every way, him a broody but deep down very sensitive man and her head strong woman learning to accept the romantic love she deserves.

What I wasn’t expecting from this book were the tears. So many emotional moments dealing with grief, feeling unvalued, unlovable and replaceable and Becka writes about it in a way that had me reaching for the tissues.

One of my favourite things about this series is the group chats and the dynamic of the boys on the team. Their banter and jokes are, as always, amazing but their ability to flip and be sincere always gets me right in the feels. I don’t think I’d feel right if I didn’t bring up Mittens, the little ginger sidekick who was a chapter stealer for sure.

This book had me laughing out loud, swooning and crying. Becka Mack really knows how to write a book and I can’t wait for Emmett and Cara’s story.

This is Book 4 of the Playing for Keeps Series!

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

Fall with Me is a steamy, captivating romance that will have you hooked from the first page to the last. This standalone novel in the Vancouver Vipers series combines witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt moments, making it an absolute must-read.

Jaxon Riley is a man of simple pleasures: roughing it up on the ice, charming women post-game, and being the ultimate cat dad. Relationships? Not his forte. Enter Lennon Hayes, a woman on what should have been her honeymoon but is now a solo vacation, trying to mend her broken heart. When their worlds collide at a resort bar, sparks fly, leading to an unforgettable one-night stand.

Lennon’s plan to start fresh in a new city takes an unexpected turn when she lands a job as the Vancouver Vipers’ new photographer. Little does she know, the scowling defenseman across the room is none other than her one-night stand, Jaxon. With neither of them looking for anything serious, their professional and personal lives begin to intertwine in unexpected ways.

Mack’s storytelling is brilliant, blending humor and heat seamlessly. Jaxon and Lennon’s journey from adversaries to lovers is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with delightful banter, undeniable attraction, and moments that tug at your heartstrings. Jaxon’s tough exterior hides a caring, loyal man, and Lennon’s resilience and wit make her a heroine to root for.

Fall with Me is a perfect blend of sports romance and emotional depth. It’s not just about the intense chemistry between Jaxon and Lennon but also about their growth as individuals and together. This book will make you laugh, swoon, and fall in love with the characters and their story.

Whether you’re a fan of hockey romances or just love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, Fall with Me delivers on all fronts. Becka Mack has crafted a tale that is as heartwarming as it is steamy, leaving you eagerly turning the pages. Don’t miss out on this electrifying read!

This is the first time in a while that I have cried while reading a book.

I honestly could have finished this in a day, but there were a couple of times that I had to put it down just so I could process. I wasn't expecting it to be so emotional.

It was also adorable but not quite as spicy as I was expecting. Jaxon had so much character development. I’m so glad it wasn't an “I can fix him”; he fixed him so he could be happy. He also deserved her the whole time, and I think that made me love it even more.

I'm a gift girlie; they are my love language, and Jaxon has raised my standards.

I really enjoyed this book and went through it so quickly. I was all in my feels and love the found family trope that continues in this series. The banter is top tier and these books always have me giggling.
Look, I’ll be honest, there were some flaws in this book (like tulips being gifted in a household with cats? Tulips are toxic!! And also the transition between scenes). But I overlooked it because I just love this series so much.

Thank you NetGalley for this pre-published version. I would have given this 3 stars but the ‘c’ word threw me out of the story. Geez, I hate that word. There is nothing wrong with this story, it just didn’t grab me. Other readers might enjoy this but it just isn’t for me.

Fall with Me by Becka Mack 🌌🍯🌷
(ARC spoiler free review)

“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

What to expect:
🍯 Roomies with Benefits
🐈 Cat Daddyyyyy
🌷 Reformed Playboy
🌌 Forced Proximity
🤝🏼 FOUND FAMILY!!!
🌶️ So much spice, king of 69 😽

Becka Mack literally NEVER misses. Gosh I freaking loved this book. I had missed these characters soooo much and my god it was so nice being back in their world.

Jaxon the king of 69 is perfection. I had been obsessed and anticipating Jaxon’s book (Jason 😝) from the start and he didn’t disappoint. Learning his story really hurt and it was hard seeing Jaxon hurting.

Along came Lennon the beautiful strong woman that she is thank god she left her ex “PIECE OF MOTHERFUCKING SHIT” because 🤢 From the start I just loved her, she knew what she wanted and she gave shit back to Jaxon, exactly what he craved.

The chemistry between these two was 😮‍💨 The spice was immaculate and this is definitely Becka’s spiciest book to date, Becka served as alwayssss 😌

As always the found family was so strong in this and I seriously love all these characters so so much. I CANNOT wait for Cara and Emmett’s book!! 🥺

In conclusion I laughed, I cried but above all I was so damn happy reading this book. Jaxon is definitely the number 1 spot. This man deserves the world and it was so nice seeing him find his person 😭 Anyways I love this gang and Becka served. I would highly recommend this series and cannot wait to read about them again 😻

Thankyou so much to @netgalley and @simonschusterau for the ARC 🫶🏼

💜 Fall With Me by Becka Mack 💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️

Jaxon Riley Is exceptional at three things: starting fights on the ice, picking up women post-game, and going home to fulfill his role as the world’s best cat daddy.

This book had me in a chokehold, I still haven’t recovered. Becka Mack has absolutely outdone herself yet again 🥹 I am still in utter disbelief that Jaxon has become my no.1 Playing for Keeps man 🫢

I can’t explain how invested I am in the world & characters Becka has created, she is truly the queen of writing hockey romances & found family. Thank you so much for giving us our lil PFK family 🥹🫶

This book is perfection, but if you need more convincing:
- NHL Player x Team Photographer
- Roomies with Benefits
- Cat Daddy
- Found Family
- Witty Banter
- Frenemies to Lovers
- Man obsessed
- Written by Becka Mack!?

Fall With Me releases 31/07, don’t forget to preorder your copy!! ✨🐱🍯🌷💜

Thank you so much for giving me the honour of reading an arc of Fall With Me 💜💜

Cat daddy Jaxon with all his abandonment issues in full force and sarcastic smutty book loving photograph Lennon as his match.

I adored this book, it started really slow for me but picked up around the 60% mark. I could not get enough of these two.

And the Britney bitches assemble was a delight to see. Love the bromance element.

I have really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception.

It happened again. I think every book in this series is my favourite, and then she goes and writes another one.

It wasn’t long into this book before I learnt enough about the main characters to really get excited about what they could be for each other.

The way these two fully embrace each others past, present and just who they are as a person and then just show up for each other, is *chefs kiss.

And once again Becka Mack has given us the most extra and often OTT characters, but then filled them with flaws and raw emotions in a way that brings them back down to earth, usually in the most entertaining way.

Much like the rest of this series, this is another sweet example of what someone can believe of themselves when the environment and people around them support it and god I love that.

And I will always be here for a FMC that has found her sense of self and has no interest is being anyone else, and an MC who champions her for it.

There was literally no hope for either of them when it came to the other. And for me, that is what a romance book should be.

Highlights:
✨ Jaxon learning he is worthy of love
✨ Lennon owning who she is and what she’s worth
✨ Mittens gets a cat mum with his cat dad
✨ The epiloque that had be sobbing
✨ The stars
✨ The group chats
✨ The found family that gets bigger and stronger as it grows with each book

The biggest of thank yous to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster Australia for this eARC 🫶

Fall With Me is #4 in the Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack and is out 30th July.

3.5⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Full disclosure, I haven't read the earlier books in this series, but it was recommended by a friend and when I saw one of the MCs had a cat, I was sold! Speaking of the cat, Mittens, he really was the star of the story. I loved all the outfits he rocked, and his morning antics were very funny. In terms of the human main characters, Jaxon and Lennon, I thought they had great chemistry, and I also loved how they supported each other. Jaxon showed his love through thoughtful gifts and actions, and Lennon by having his back and supporting him, and communicating her care for him. The supporting cast of characters, Jaxon's team mates and found family, were so fun to read about (and I will definitely be reading the earlier books!) They had hilarious banter, and I loved how outwardly they cared for each other and Jaxon.

The only criticisms I had were very minor. I personally didn't like the first few chapters when Jaxon was only really shown as an arrogant a**hole, but I think this is probably becuse I didn't have the context of the previous books. I did think it was too long, as it felt like the momentum of the plot got a bit lost in the middle. It became a sort of roomates with benefits situation, and it felt like there was a lot of spice for the sake of it without moving the book forward or creating any tension.

Overall, I really loved this and definitely will be going back and reading the rest of this series!

I literally don’t even know where to start. There’s still 5 months left of the year but this book just absolutely FLEW to my top 5 reads of 2024.
I’m obsessed, the book in itself was so well written and I am absolutely living for every single character (except for Ryne).
The banter throughout the entire book was second to none and had me giggling my little heart out, and Jaxon & Mitts? COME ON, that man and his cat have my heart!! The family dynamic throughout the whole story is so darn sweet, the way they all love Jason unconditionally and try so hard to make him see he is worth more than all the money in the world to them and when he finally comes to his senses and believes them is absolutely heart melting.
I adored this book so so much!

♾️/10 ⭐️
Absolutely beautiful. Sorry Carter and Adam but Jaxon has taken your no.1 spot by a landslide. Becka Mack has done it again this book was absolutely incredible and touching. I could really relate to this book especially Jaxon and his feelings of insecurity within friendships and I haven’t read a book like this that handle the topic extremely sensitive and beautifully. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book since I didn’t connect with Jaxon in different books but seeing him in this light changed everything. I’m extremely excited to read about Emmett and Cara I just know it’s going to be a emotionally rough book but know that Becka Mack will handle it with the upmost care like all her books.

All hail the queen of amazing banter, spicy hockey romance, and the sweetest and most hilarious side characters. Becka Mack has done it again.
Fall with me is the fourth installment of the Playing for Keeps series, and Jaxon and Lennon were just everything!

The banter is, as always, brilliant. I laughed so much during this story. But also the emotion, the growth of both main characters, and the past trauma had me hooked the whole way through.

Featuring lots of appearances from our faves from the previous stories (especially Carter Beckett, not that I'm playing faves) and seeing how this gorgeous found family continues to grow was just perfection.

💜 Runaway Bride
💜One-night stand
💜Frenemies to lovers
💜Reformed playboy
💜Cat Daddy
💜Found family

Becka Mack’s talent is undeniable—each book she writes surpasses the last. Adam Lockwood stole my heart in Unravel Me, and while I was eager to dive into Jaxon and Mitten's story, I doubted it could match book three. How wrong I was! This book had me grinning until my cheeks hurt and laughing out loud repeatedly. The passionate moments made me want to grab my husband for some spontaneous fun, and it also made me sob my heart out.

This story took me on a profound emotional journey. It was beautifully authentic and incredibly moving to watch Jaxon realize his worth. He discovers that he is loved, wanted, someone’s first choice, and a cherished member of the Vancouver Vipers.

Cara, Olivia, Rosie, and Jennie wholeheartedly embrace Lennon in their circle and accept her with open arms. Their genuine warmth and inclusive spirit not only demonstrates the depth of their friendships but also underlines the importance of a chosen family. Lennon, initially a newcomer, finds herself quickly woven into the fabric of their tight-knit group, where each member’s quirks and strengths complement one another. This welcoming gesture not only solidifies their bond but also reflects their shared values of empathy and support, making their family dynamic and resilient.

Becka Mack’s ability to craft such deeply relatable and authentic characters is unparalleled. In Jaxon and Lennon’s story, she delves into themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and the power of unconditional love. Jaxon’s journey to understanding his value is incredibly poignant. He transitions from a place of self-doubt to one of confidence and acceptance, recognizing that he is not only loved but also indispensable to those around him. This transformation is portrayed with such sensitivity and depth that it’s impossible not to be moved.

Lennon’s character is equally compelling. Her path to finding her voice after years of being silenced is inspiring. Her patience and unwavering support for Jaxon underscores the strength of her character. She stands by him without pushing, allowing him to come to terms with his feelings at his own pace. Their relationship is a testament to the idea that true love is not about fixing someone but rather about supporting and accepting them as they are.

The emotional depth of this book is matched by its lighter moments. The humor is spot-on, providing much-needed relief amidst the heavier themes. Mittens and his photoshoots and Ireland's birthday party had me howling. No one can throw a birthday party like Carter Beckett!

In conclusion, Becka Mack has once again delivered a masterpiece with this book. It is a beautifully crafted story that explores profound themes with sensitivity and authenticity. Jaxon and Lennon’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and self-acceptance. This book is not just a romance; it’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be truly seen, valued, and loved. Mack’s storytelling prowess and deep understanding of human emotions make this a standout read that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.

Fall With Me is book 4 in the Playing For Keeps series and was a highly anticipated read for me 👀

The set up for Jaxon’s book at the end of Unravel Me was EVERYTHING and this book came through with the Mittens content 🥹 I never knew I needed a cat obsessed MMC until this book.

This is FOUND FAMILY. The banter between this group is top tier. The love they have for one another is top tier but what I loved the most about this story is that it was BOTH our FMC & MMC who found their family 🥹

I read this book with a goofy grin on my face for most of the time… but then we hit just over the half way mark and I felt like it started dragging out a little bit. The pop culture in this was also just a tad too overdone for me. I personally am not a fan of all the bookish references and swifty comments.

The chemistry between Jaxon & Lennon was amazing, the character growth was amazing, THE HOCKEY 👏🏼 and can we talk about how SWEET Jaxon is!!!!

Also shout out to Carter Beckett and all his cheesiness 🤣 I swear his character got more entertaining as these books went on and he did not disappoint in this one!

Fall With Me releases July 31st
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Where do I even begin with this book? Fall with Me is the fourth book in the 'Playing for Keeps' series and is just an absolutely beautiful book. It will have you giggling to yourself, heat your cheeks with the sex scenes and also have you tearing up. You will be honestly feeling all the feels with this one.

Jaxon the MMC is a wonderfully written character, and quite honestly the man of every womans dreams. His journey from 'reformed playboy' to loved up cat daddy is a great read.

Lennon is sassy, keeps you on your toes and excitedly fun - and her journey is also great to read. Stepping up into her power and demanding what she deserves. Something we as women should be doing.

I have the other books in this series - which I cannot wait to now go and read!

3.5 stars ✨

The fourth book in the Playing for Keep series and I loved getting to read Jaxon’s story!

Loved Jaxon’s thoughtfulness, the groups banter, the updates on the other couples stories, the way that loss and grief and the impact that has had on his life was portrayed. I also loved the cat dad premise, but overall, the journey to him finding himself worthy was the stand out.

What I didn’t enjoy was how drawn out the ex story was- it just got so unrealistic as the book continued. The sex scenes do also go on a bit, so one you might not enjoy if you don’t like smut.

Overall, loved this book & looking forward to reading more Becca Mack in the future.

♾️/5. An absolute masterpiece. Jaxon is mine, and I will fight anyone who tries to claim him as theirs.

This book had me feeling all the feelings and I can’t stop thinking about it. I was laughing 1% in to the story, and on almost every page. Then I was also crying at how touching and down right beautiful Jaxon and Lennon’s story was.

Jaxon is in the top tier of book boyfriends. The way that he cared for Lennon in such small but meaningful ways was the most beautiful thing. He feels so deeply, but was also so wary of being hurt or hurting others. Lennon matched Jaxon perfectly. She was able to understand him better than anyone else and showed him that he is loved and he is cared for. This book is a genuine masterpiece.


Things in Fall With Me that made me smile:
- Cat daddy vibes
- Lennon’s guide to coffee
- Tidbits
- Magic Mike
- Pink tulips
- Hair maintenance
- Silk sheets
- Unhinged cat parents
- Dragon dildos
- Brielle
- Carter (just everything about him)



Favourite Quotes:

“Lennon is mine in the morning.”

“I’d choose you annoying me over a quiet head every day, Jaxon.”

“But I don’t want to fall alone. I want her to fall with me.”

“The best thing I’ve ever gifted to myself is, by far, the way I feel with you in my arms.”

“Thank you for falling with me. I don’t think I could’ve survived falling alone.”

“Kissing Lennon is like that first sip of coffee on a cold winter morning.”

“You’re not my line, Lennon. You, honey? You’re my after.”