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Cherry Tree Harbor #5
Slap Shot Surprise
In my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash.
Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.
Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?
But wait, there’s more.
When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again. My luck holds out for less than twenty-four hours, when I realize he’s a groomsman at the wedding I’m attending.
We end up having a drink and a good laugh about my panicked confessions, and when he invites me up to his room for some no-strings-attached fun, I say yes. After all, a headboard rattling one-night stand with a guy who knows how to put the puck in deep isn’t something a bookworm like me ever thought she’d experience.
Neither are those two little pink lines.
Now what’s crashing are all the plans Joe Lupo and I had for our lives–separately.
After all, we’re totally wrong for each other. He’s commitment-phobic and completely focused on his career. And I want to plant roots in my small town–with someone who chooses me.
Love? It’s out of the question.
Until Joe Lupo lines up his shot and aims straight for my heart.
Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.
Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?
But wait, there’s more.
When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again. My luck holds out for less than twenty-four hours, when I realize he’s a groomsman at the wedding I’m attending.
We end up having a drink and a good laugh about my panicked confessions, and when he invites me up to his room for some no-strings-attached fun, I say yes. After all, a headboard rattling one-night stand with a guy who knows how to put the puck in deep isn’t something a bookworm like me ever thought she’d experience.
Neither are those two little pink lines.
Now what’s crashing are all the plans Joe Lupo and I had for our lives–separately.
After all, we’re totally wrong for each other. He’s commitment-phobic and completely focused on his career. And I want to plant roots in my small town–with someone who chooses me.
Love? It’s out of the question.
Until Joe Lupo lines up his shot and aims straight for my heart.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
1983 people are currently reading
23849 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Harlow
72 books20.5k followersUSA Today bestselling author of sweet and sexy romance. Lover of cocktails, high heels, and history with the naughty bits left in. Michigan girl. INTJ. Always seeking ginspiration...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,903 reviews
October 6, 2024
mabel girl I’m gonna hold your hand while I say this… this man hates you
Currently reading
September 18, 2024✮ ✮ 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 ✮ ✮
𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘 is the fifth standalone book in my Cherry Tree Harbor series and releases in Kindle Unlimited on October 1st! Joe's got his dad's smile and his mom's eyes and all that Lupo charm. After one night with him, Mabel Buckley's life will never be the same...
It's so fun and hot and sweet, I cannot wait for you to gobble up this story!
🏒 Professional hockey player
🍼 Accidental pregnancy
🏒 Opposites attract
🍼 Chance encounter
🏒 Long distance love
🍼 He loves taking care of her
🏒 Mile high meet cute
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗹𝗮𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆! 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!
✦ Kindle Unlimited/Amazon → https://harlow.pub/SlapShotSurprise-a...
✦ Discreet Paperback → https://geni.us/slapshotsurprise
🎧 Audio → https://harlow.pub/SlapShotSurprise-a...
𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘 is the fifth standalone book in my Cherry Tree Harbor series and releases in Kindle Unlimited on October 1st! Joe's got his dad's smile and his mom's eyes and all that Lupo charm. After one night with him, Mabel Buckley's life will never be the same...
It's so fun and hot and sweet, I cannot wait for you to gobble up this story!
🏒 Professional hockey player
🍼 Accidental pregnancy
🏒 Opposites attract
🍼 Chance encounter
🏒 Long distance love
🍼 He loves taking care of her
🏒 Mile high meet cute
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗹𝗮𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆! 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!
✦ Kindle Unlimited/Amazon → https://harlow.pub/SlapShotSurprise-a...
✦ Discreet Paperback → https://geni.us/slapshotsurprise
🎧 Audio → https://harlow.pub/SlapShotSurprise-a...
unsafe-not-to-be-read
October 5, 2024self note + update: gonna skip this one because kailynn was kind enough to give me spoilers. mmc doesn't deserve the fmc and doesn't seem like he's fully onboard with the pregnancy, compares the h to his ex-gf too which frankly, is terrible. gimme a man that's obsessed with the heroine and the baby and not this smh :(
pre-read review: Accidental pregnancy??? SIGN ME TF UP BIATCH🥰💳
pre-read review: Accidental pregnancy??? SIGN ME TF UP BIATCH🥰💳
October 30, 2024
This book was a slow burn of pain and a reminder to all women to pick carefully when choosing to make a family.
Joe is the worst mc I've read in a while. I think I might actually hate him as a person. And it makes me sad that Melanie wrote this mess because frankly, she's better than this.
Edit to add: I finished this book to the end and hated this MC so much that I refused to sign up for the extended epilogue. I don't care because I refuse to believe this couple stayed together. I'm hoping our FMC grew a pair, recognized her worth, and found a better man than that Joe McSelfish sandwich. Ugh, stupid loser.
Joe is the worst mc I've read in a while. I think I might actually hate him as a person. And it makes me sad that Melanie wrote this mess because frankly, she's better than this.
Edit to add: I finished this book to the end and hated this MC so much that I refused to sign up for the extended epilogue. I don't care because I refuse to believe this couple stayed together. I'm hoping our FMC grew a pair, recognized her worth, and found a better man than that Joe McSelfish sandwich. Ugh, stupid loser.
June 27, 2025
Read this if you like a pushover FMC and a truly pathetic, worthless MMC
October 7, 2024
I want to love this book so bad, but it's hard to be invested when the couple is separated for more than half of the book🤷♀️ I read this over a month ago, and at that time, I was torn about this and decided that 2.5⭐️ is where I stand. I have huge issues with this book, but it’s not enough to make me hate it.
✅I did enjoy the first half of the book, their meet-cute was definitely the highlight and sadly, the only good part of this book. I like Mabel and her independence, I just wished she was more assertive and put her foot down regarding Joe’s involvement. I love the cameos from her brothers and their spouses! I miss them, but even they can smell Joe’s bullshit from far away😂
❌Now, here’s my issue, and that’s mainly from Joe the MMC⤵️
- He was in denial when he heard he was gonna be a daddy. For me, the only way a surprise preggo can work is when the MMC is 100% onboard 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, and Joe didn't react the best way, not that bad, but I'm still not a fan.
- Again and again, he chose Hockey over Mabel, after a few times, I just felt sorry for Mabel and the baby.
- He wants Mabel, but only when it’s convenient? Definitely not for the responsibility, cause the way I see it, Mabel 𝗜𝗦 alone in her early pregnancy, the poor girl just takes it without complaining, SMH
- I can’t see how this MMC is swoon-worthy, he let his woman drive 𝗕𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙 for hours while pregnant to support him on his hockey game. When he can’t even spare his time to come help her to set up the nursery for 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬. Are you for real?!
- They are separated for almost half of the book or more, I don’t even know. Most of their interactions are via text, where I can find their chemistry I don’t even know anymore at this point.
This is such a shame because I did enjoy all the previous books in this series. I hope the next series will be better.
𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒-𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟, 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛
✅I did enjoy the first half of the book, their meet-cute was definitely the highlight and sadly, the only good part of this book. I like Mabel and her independence, I just wished she was more assertive and put her foot down regarding Joe’s involvement. I love the cameos from her brothers and their spouses! I miss them, but even they can smell Joe’s bullshit from far away😂
❌Now, here’s my issue, and that’s mainly from Joe the MMC⤵️
- He was in denial when he heard he was gonna be a daddy. For me, the only way a surprise preggo can work is when the MMC is 100% onboard 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, and Joe didn't react the best way, not that bad, but I'm still not a fan.
- Again and again, he chose Hockey over Mabel, after a few times, I just felt sorry for Mabel and the baby.
- He wants Mabel, but only when it’s convenient? Definitely not for the responsibility, cause the way I see it, Mabel 𝗜𝗦 alone in her early pregnancy, the poor girl just takes it without complaining, SMH
- I can’t see how this MMC is swoon-worthy, he let his woman drive 𝗕𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙 for hours while pregnant to support him on his hockey game. When he can’t even spare his time to come help her to set up the nursery for 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗬. Are you for real?!
- They are separated for almost half of the book or more, I don’t even know. Most of their interactions are via text, where I can find their chemistry I don’t even know anymore at this point.
This is such a shame because I did enjoy all the previous books in this series. I hope the next series will be better.
𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒-𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟, 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2024
Gah, my heart needed this book! I’ve been gobbling up spooky season books so much that I’d forgotten the simple pleasure from reading a Melanie Harlow romance. I loved it!!!!! Of course, that’s easy to do. Lots of my favorite tropes were stuffed into this sweet little book; small town, hockey, accidental pregnancy. Sigh :)
When Joe and Mabel meet, it’s not exactly love at first sight. In fact, she thinks they’re gonna die and he just thinks she’s adorable. A little gut-spilling session later and they part on weird but amicable terms. And then Mabel sees Joe later that weekend at a wedding, and they both decide to give into their attraction. One night of steamy fun, what’s to lose? More like what’s to gain? A BABY. Dun-dun-dunnnnn.
Joe is scared shitless, having previously only wanted to focus on his precious hockey career. However, his family set a great example for him, and he’s determined to be a good dad. Mabel is excited, but she is wary of one thing. Falling in love with her baby daddy. He’s made it clear that hockey is his everything, and she won’t settle for being less than. But they’re just so perfect together! Anyway, this was easy breezy fun, loved it!
When Joe and Mabel meet, it’s not exactly love at first sight. In fact, she thinks they’re gonna die and he just thinks she’s adorable. A little gut-spilling session later and they part on weird but amicable terms. And then Mabel sees Joe later that weekend at a wedding, and they both decide to give into their attraction. One night of steamy fun, what’s to lose? More like what’s to gain? A BABY. Dun-dun-dunnnnn.
Joe is scared shitless, having previously only wanted to focus on his precious hockey career. However, his family set a great example for him, and he’s determined to be a good dad. Mabel is excited, but she is wary of one thing. Falling in love with her baby daddy. He’s made it clear that hockey is his everything, and she won’t settle for being less than. But they’re just so perfect together! Anyway, this was easy breezy fun, loved it!
October 2, 2024
☹️DNF 57%
I miss Melanie Harlow’s older books so much. At least we got to see Nick and Coco in this.
Joe and Mabel had zero chemistry and absolutely no emotion between them whatsoever. If she hadn’t gotten pregnant, I don’t think they would have given each other a second thought.
Once she tells him she’s pregnant—I was expecting “something”. But still, no emotion, no angst, no nothing. She even tells her friend Ari that she wouldn’t care if Joe dated someone. He’s not much better. He only cares about hockey. Weeks go by and they don’t even think about each other. Their first interaction was cute, but they became so bland and boring 😬. By 57%, I decided that I didn’t care anymore.
Melanie’s books used to be so good. I own all of her older series in paperback and kindle. Her stories used to be filled with tension, chemistry, and well written angst. There was none of that in this book.
I miss Melanie Harlow’s older books so much. At least we got to see Nick and Coco in this.
Joe and Mabel had zero chemistry and absolutely no emotion between them whatsoever. If she hadn’t gotten pregnant, I don’t think they would have given each other a second thought.
Once she tells him she’s pregnant—I was expecting “something”. But still, no emotion, no angst, no nothing. She even tells her friend Ari that she wouldn’t care if Joe dated someone. He’s not much better. He only cares about hockey. Weeks go by and they don’t even think about each other. Their first interaction was cute, but they became so bland and boring 😬. By 57%, I decided that I didn’t care anymore.
Melanie’s books used to be so good. I own all of her older series in paperback and kindle. Her stories used to be filled with tension, chemistry, and well written angst. There was none of that in this book.
October 27, 2024
My god I read this because I wanted to see what the rave is about and color me surprised when it’s about about a man named average asshole Joe who got pathetic doormat Mabel pregnant. And his reaction?? Fucking crucify me I hate this man! He DID NOT SACRIFICE ANYTHING. All the heavy lifting was done by Mabel. The pregnant Mabel!!
Like??? What happened to book boyfriends who’s so different from real life men? Joe’s reaction can rival that of worthless atrocious real life men who left their baby mamas because they think that women should have the sole responsibility for protection. Mabel moved heaven and earth to be with Joe and Joe’s true love, his hockey career.
It’s bad enough I don’t like surprise pregnancy but couple it with idiotic dumb characters?? Dear future me, don’t pick up a book because you keep seeing it’s reel in instagram.
Like??? What happened to book boyfriends who’s so different from real life men? Joe’s reaction can rival that of worthless atrocious real life men who left their baby mamas because they think that women should have the sole responsibility for protection. Mabel moved heaven and earth to be with Joe and Joe’s true love, his hockey career.
It’s bad enough I don’t like surprise pregnancy but couple it with idiotic dumb characters?? Dear future me, don’t pick up a book because you keep seeing it’s reel in instagram.
October 3, 2024
loved this one so much! joe & mabel meet on an airplane and hit off right away, and when their paths cross again at a wedding that weekend, they decide to make the most of their one night together…. enter: surprise pregnancy, oops!
both characters are a little older and more established in their careers and lives, so i enjoyed seeing how they navigated the unexpected. and there’s something so fun about tension between characters when they already KNOW they have a good time together hehe
I was soo excited when i saw that joe lupo would be the MC in this book. forked has always been one of my most favorite melanie harlow books, and it was such a treat to get another book with one of the lupo boys. joe was every bit as charming and caring as his parents. i loved seeing that world merged with mabel’s family and the cherry tree harbor world. this book was such a gem from start to finish!
both characters are a little older and more established in their careers and lives, so i enjoyed seeing how they navigated the unexpected. and there’s something so fun about tension between characters when they already KNOW they have a good time together hehe
I was soo excited when i saw that joe lupo would be the MC in this book. forked has always been one of my most favorite melanie harlow books, and it was such a treat to get another book with one of the lupo boys. joe was every bit as charming and caring as his parents. i loved seeing that world merged with mabel’s family and the cherry tree harbor world. this book was such a gem from start to finish!
October 2, 2024
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Mabel Buckley lives in Northern Michigan where she works as a museum curator at the Cherry Tree Harbor Historical Society. She was raised by a single dad, and has four older brothers. They are all very close, and she loves her life in a small town. When she suddenly finds herself in a scary situation her entire life flashes before her eyes. Her flight was delayed, and between the storms and the turbulence her fear of flying only intensifies. This could be the only reason she’d spill her guts to a hot stranger. She’s embarrassed and is glad she won’t have to see him again. When their paths cross less than twenty four hours later, she can’t believe her luck. The gorgeous man from her flight is a groomsman at the wedding she’s attending. As they visit she forgets all about the personal things she blurted out, and enjoys his company. Some flirting soon leads to an unforgettable one night stand. Then two pink lines change her whole world.
Joe Lupo plays professional hockey in Chicago for the NHL. His main priority has always been hockey. It’s the only love of his life and he’s too focused on his career to be in a relationship. Then a chance encounter with a special woman turns his life upside down when the unexpected complicates everything. Lines are blurred as real feelings develop, and a beautiful connection grows. Will their journey include a happily ever after?
Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5) by Melanie Harlow is a small town, opposites attract, accidental pregnancy, sports romance about family, friendship, love and self discovery. In this fabulous series crossover the Buckley’s and Lupo’s collide, and we get a heartwarming story full of humor, emotion and amazing chemistry. I really loved this story and adore this series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47S2DGG?...
(ARC provided by author)
Mabel Buckley lives in Northern Michigan where she works as a museum curator at the Cherry Tree Harbor Historical Society. She was raised by a single dad, and has four older brothers. They are all very close, and she loves her life in a small town. When she suddenly finds herself in a scary situation her entire life flashes before her eyes. Her flight was delayed, and between the storms and the turbulence her fear of flying only intensifies. This could be the only reason she’d spill her guts to a hot stranger. She’s embarrassed and is glad she won’t have to see him again. When their paths cross less than twenty four hours later, she can’t believe her luck. The gorgeous man from her flight is a groomsman at the wedding she’s attending. As they visit she forgets all about the personal things she blurted out, and enjoys his company. Some flirting soon leads to an unforgettable one night stand. Then two pink lines change her whole world.
Joe Lupo plays professional hockey in Chicago for the NHL. His main priority has always been hockey. It’s the only love of his life and he’s too focused on his career to be in a relationship. Then a chance encounter with a special woman turns his life upside down when the unexpected complicates everything. Lines are blurred as real feelings develop, and a beautiful connection grows. Will their journey include a happily ever after?
Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5) by Melanie Harlow is a small town, opposites attract, accidental pregnancy, sports romance about family, friendship, love and self discovery. In this fabulous series crossover the Buckley’s and Lupo’s collide, and we get a heartwarming story full of humor, emotion and amazing chemistry. I really loved this story and adore this series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D47S2DGG?...
September 25, 2024
4.5/5⭐️ SWOONY MAN ALERT! 🚨‼️ I absolutely loved this and it was the perfect way to end our time in cherry tree harbor 🩵📖✨ the hilarious meet cute, the relatable fmc, the thoughtful (but flawed) mmc with a heart of gold. all in all, I couldn’t this down!
thanks mel for sending me an advanced copy!!
thanks mel for sending me an advanced copy!!
September 30, 2024
I am so glad this book exists. I know Melanie was unsure what to write about Mabel when she finished Small Town Swoon. I get that. I don't want authors to force a story, but I am SO happy that she felt inspired by the love for Mabel. We would have missed out on a beautiful story!
I also feel like this was the culmination of many generations of her small town romances. Going all the way back to the 1st Joe Lupo and his less than legal endeavors. Haha! It was so fun to see all those tidbits pop up. Plus the fact that this was an Accidental Pregnancy and I was over the moon.
They were so sweet together and watching them grow closer was beautiful. This is a lovely, heart-warming story and it felt like home. I'm so glad Melanie gave Joe and Mabel their HEA and rounded out the series like this.
4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
I also feel like this was the culmination of many generations of her small town romances. Going all the way back to the 1st Joe Lupo and his less than legal endeavors. Haha! It was so fun to see all those tidbits pop up. Plus the fact that this was an Accidental Pregnancy and I was over the moon.
They were so sweet together and watching them grow closer was beautiful. This is a lovely, heart-warming story and it felt like home. I'm so glad Melanie gave Joe and Mabel their HEA and rounded out the series like this.
4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
September 15, 2025
Slap Shot Surprise is cheesy. A good time cheesy. Miss Harlow focusing on the cheest romantic and not so much on the plot. No major drama/ plot.
Easy and entertaining read.
4 stars
Easy and entertaining read.
4 stars
November 19, 2024
Diminishing returns on this series. Wow poor Mabel stuck with Joe!
Joe seemed self-centred quick to splash cash to solve his issues and make it look like he cared when he just didn’t seem too.
Mabel just gave up everything her job, home, family and friends. Even naming her kid after Joe’s dad!! What about your single father that brought you up! I just can’t believe she wouldn’t grow to resent her life. Literally nothing was about her or for her in this book other than material items.
This book was a bit of a disappointment no real chemistry between the two characters and I have zero belief they would stay together.
Joe seemed self-centred quick to splash cash to solve his issues and make it look like he cared when he just didn’t seem too.
Mabel just gave up everything her job, home, family and friends. Even naming her kid after Joe’s dad!! What about your single father that brought you up! I just can’t believe she wouldn’t grow to resent her life. Literally nothing was about her or for her in this book other than material items.
This book was a bit of a disappointment no real chemistry between the two characters and I have zero belief they would stay together.
October 1, 2024
This book started off strong with great humor, an unforgettable one night stand, and then an accidental pregnancy 👀 I could put this book down. It was a fast read and the characters were wonderful!
I really enjoyed Mabel and Joe's relationship. They took Co-Parenting to a whole new level. Mabel is so level headed and patient. Joe is strong willed and caring. I really liked seeing how he treated Mabel throughout the book. When Ari gave him a good talking too I really liked how Joe handled it.
Overall a really good romance.
Thank you Melanie for the gifted arc.
I really enjoyed Mabel and Joe's relationship. They took Co-Parenting to a whole new level. Mabel is so level headed and patient. Joe is strong willed and caring. I really liked seeing how he treated Mabel throughout the book. When Ari gave him a good talking too I really liked how Joe handled it.
Overall a really good romance.
Thank you Melanie for the gifted arc.
September 9, 2024
Slap Shot Surprise: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Melanie Harlow (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5)
Tropes:
– Small town romance
– Sports romance (Hockey)
– Accidental pregnancy
When hockey star Joe Lupo's one night stand leads to a lifelong commitment, he's not sure he's in for the long haul... until all of a sudden, he can't imagine his life without her.
GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!! This was the cutest, most enjoyable read all year. I am so serious when I say Mabel and Joe pulled me out of the biggest slump I have ever been in and I already want to re-read them. They are so precious. Everything about their story was cute and sweet and cheesy and adorable... I was grinning from ear to ear at every single one of these pages.
Mabel is the absolute sweetest angel the world has ever seen. She is so kind and considerate and thoughtful, with such a big heart that cares about truly everybody so much. And Joe, my goodness... for a guy who says he's bad at relationships, he was a 10/10 boyfriend. I mean, he was the king of acts of service. He did everything right. He read books, he surprised her with gifts, he made sure she was taken care of, he always told her he cared and made sure she knew how he always had her back. I was just... infatuated with their love.
Truly, these two were the epitome of perfect. I just enjoyed reading about their story and watching them figure out this crazy life together! They were so supportive of one another–like, yes, Joe did everything he could to be there for Mabel and the baby but Mabel was right there with him! She learned hockey, watched every game, wore his jersey, showed up when it mattered... TOO CUTE.
NECESSARY SIDE BAR: Let it be known that I am Nick Lupo's (Forked) biggest fan, okay? That man is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE men, and my absolute favorite Melanie Harlow man by a long shot. Like, it's not even close. So when Melanie announced that this book was going to be a Lupo man? I FLIPPED. It delivered in every single way. Every single time this man came up, I was SALIVATING. The ways they honored him and the mentions of his and Coco's story and the way he's still SO OBSESSED WITH HER... God, if I don't have a love like theirs, I don't want it.
There will never be a day that I do not consider Melanie Harlow books to be HOME. Slap Shot Surprise was undoubtedly the best book of this series; it felt like a hug from Coco–warm, comforting, and just the right amount of spice. This one's going down in the Melanie Hall of Fame, y'all. A comfort re-read forever, no doubt about it.
_
WE'RE GETTING ANOTHER LUPO MAN LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOO and if you haven't read his dad, you need to go read Forked RIGHT THE FUCK NOW
Melanie Harlow (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5)
Tropes:
– Small town romance
– Sports romance (Hockey)
– Accidental pregnancy
When hockey star Joe Lupo's one night stand leads to a lifelong commitment, he's not sure he's in for the long haul... until all of a sudden, he can't imagine his life without her.
GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!! This was the cutest, most enjoyable read all year. I am so serious when I say Mabel and Joe pulled me out of the biggest slump I have ever been in and I already want to re-read them. They are so precious. Everything about their story was cute and sweet and cheesy and adorable... I was grinning from ear to ear at every single one of these pages.
Mabel is the absolute sweetest angel the world has ever seen. She is so kind and considerate and thoughtful, with such a big heart that cares about truly everybody so much. And Joe, my goodness... for a guy who says he's bad at relationships, he was a 10/10 boyfriend. I mean, he was the king of acts of service. He did everything right. He read books, he surprised her with gifts, he made sure she was taken care of, he always told her he cared and made sure she knew how he always had her back. I was just... infatuated with their love.
Truly, these two were the epitome of perfect. I just enjoyed reading about their story and watching them figure out this crazy life together! They were so supportive of one another–like, yes, Joe did everything he could to be there for Mabel and the baby but Mabel was right there with him! She learned hockey, watched every game, wore his jersey, showed up when it mattered... TOO CUTE.
NECESSARY SIDE BAR: Let it be known that I am Nick Lupo's (Forked) biggest fan, okay? That man is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE men, and my absolute favorite Melanie Harlow man by a long shot. Like, it's not even close. So when Melanie announced that this book was going to be a Lupo man? I FLIPPED. It delivered in every single way. Every single time this man came up, I was SALIVATING. The ways they honored him and the mentions of his and Coco's story and the way he's still SO OBSESSED WITH HER... God, if I don't have a love like theirs, I don't want it.
There will never be a day that I do not consider Melanie Harlow books to be HOME. Slap Shot Surprise was undoubtedly the best book of this series; it felt like a hug from Coco–warm, comforting, and just the right amount of spice. This one's going down in the Melanie Hall of Fame, y'all. A comfort re-read forever, no doubt about it.
_
WE'RE GETTING ANOTHER LUPO MAN LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOO and if you haven't read his dad, you need to go read Forked RIGHT THE FUCK NOW
September 30, 2024
💥ARC REVIEW💥
• 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱/𝗝𝗼𝗰𝗸
• 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲
• 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲
• 𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀*𝘅*𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘀
• 𝗦𝗵𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹
• 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆
• 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
• 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁
The 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 of this book completely won me over! I knew the second I read it I was going to love this book!
*𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁*
Mabel the shy nerdy girl unloading her personal confessions on Joe nervously because she thinks she's about to die in a plane crash! And then there's Joe, the broody sexy Hockey player 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 and reassuring this stranger he's never met before completely amused by everything she just unloaded on him! Wondering if he could check one thing off her list! 😉
Yeap. I was sold. And right there I fell in love with both of these characters! Mabel is this adorable nerdy woman who gets nervous hiccups. And Joe is a possessive and broody Hockey player. What's not to love??
I loved watching their relationship grow! So many happy coincidences!
One of my favorite accidental pregnancy tropes is when they have an explosive one night stand. And slowly their relationship builds because they both are equally invested in the pregnancy. All while mutually pining for each other! This book checks all those boxes! The angst was HIGH! And I devoured it. The beautiful way he took care of her not wanting to overstep any boundaries! Joe was a heck of a MMC. This man had no problem showing genuine interest in the things she loved, researching each stage of her pregnancy, and making sure Mabel had everything she needed. And this man was a GIVER in every way! 😉 No wonder Mabel couldn't help falling for him!!
Melanie Harlow had me cracking up with every Hockey s*x*al innuendo! That was HILARIOUS! And so clever!
I feel like I should also mention, as someone who LOVES an accidental pregnancy trope, the pregnancy in this book happens 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘!! 🙌 Major bonus points in my book!
Okay. I'm done giving away mini-spoilers. But if you love an accidental pregnancy trope with lots of angst this book is for you!!!
October 8, 2024
Slap Shot Surprise was an opposites attract, hockey romance that was heartwarming and swept me away. With an accidental pregnancy, this steamy adult romance kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. I absolutely loved how this series wrapped up and that Mabel got a beautiful ending! This is a must read if you love sports romance, spicy books, and happily ever afters.
I had already fallen for Mabel in the previous books about her brothers. She was kindhearted, thoughtful, logical, and so easy to click with. Her meet cute with hockey player Joe Lupo was memorable and hilarious! After confessing her deepest, darkest secrets…. since she thought the plane was going to crash, she hoped to never see him again. But a chance run in at a wedding led to the steamiest one-night stand. And Mabel became pregnant with his baby.
Joe was charming and sensual without even trying. Even though this wasn’t the future he planned, I loved that he was kind, caring, and oh so thoughtful to Mabel. While it took him a while to work through his thoughts and life, I was cheering him on every step of the way. So, when he would show up or do considerate things for Mabel, I was swooning!
As Joe and Mabel took the adult approach of being friends, so they would have a healthy relationship raising their child, it felt so real and natural. They were both trying so hard to be respectful of each other’s dreams. And as someone who is not a fan of the pregnancy trope, this book completely made me change my tune! I loved how it added an additional layer of emotions. I found myself with tears in my eyes multiple times!
But as time proceeded, it was hard to not cross lines. And not become deeper emotionally attached to each other. From text conversations to other events that I’m keeping my lips zipped about, I loved every moment they were together. The chemistry between them was intense. And the steam in his book was done beautifully! It was scorching hot!
Slap Shot Surprise was an adult romance that was fun, steamy and ended with the most fabulous happily ever after! I loved, loved, loved that we got to catch up with the other siblings and their spouses from the previous books! And that Mabel had her bestie Ari by her side every step of the way. To see little surprises, like who was pregnant eeps. It made me so happy! So, I can’t recommend this series enough. I have loved each book and can’t recommend starting back with Runaway Love enough!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
I’d never imagined it was possible to feel so close to another human being, let alone a stranger.
If the stars behind my eyes had been real, I might have made a wish.
I had already fallen for Mabel in the previous books about her brothers. She was kindhearted, thoughtful, logical, and so easy to click with. Her meet cute with hockey player Joe Lupo was memorable and hilarious! After confessing her deepest, darkest secrets…. since she thought the plane was going to crash, she hoped to never see him again. But a chance run in at a wedding led to the steamiest one-night stand. And Mabel became pregnant with his baby.
He kissed each inner thigh. “From the moment I saw you by the window, all I could think about was getting your legs over my shoulders and fucking you with my tongue.”
Joe was charming and sensual without even trying. Even though this wasn’t the future he planned, I loved that he was kind, caring, and oh so thoughtful to Mabel. While it took him a while to work through his thoughts and life, I was cheering him on every step of the way. So, when he would show up or do considerate things for Mabel, I was swooning!
He dropped his chin to his chest, rubbing the back of his neck. “Mabel, I know we didn’t ask for this. But I just want to say that if I have to go through this with someone, I’m glad it’s with you—if that makes sense.”
As Joe and Mabel took the adult approach of being friends, so they would have a healthy relationship raising their child, it felt so real and natural. They were both trying so hard to be respectful of each other’s dreams. And as someone who is not a fan of the pregnancy trope, this book completely made me change my tune! I loved how it added an additional layer of emotions. I found myself with tears in my eyes multiple times!
She smiled, and I had that urge again to pull her close. Bury my face in her hair and breathe her in. Lay my cheek on her stomach and listen. Put my lips on her skin.
Reimagine my future.
But as time proceeded, it was hard to not cross lines. And not become deeper emotionally attached to each other. From text conversations to other events that I’m keeping my lips zipped about, I loved every moment they were together. The chemistry between them was intense. And the steam in his book was done beautifully! It was scorching hot!
“What?” I asked, as if she’d accused me of something.
Meow.
“I’m just emotional.”
Meow.
“I don’t really love him. Not like that.”
Meow.
“I’m not allowed to love him like that, Cleo.” I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. “Don’t let me.”
Slap Shot Surprise was an adult romance that was fun, steamy and ended with the most fabulous happily ever after! I loved, loved, loved that we got to catch up with the other siblings and their spouses from the previous books! And that Mabel had her bestie Ari by her side every step of the way. To see little surprises, like who was pregnant eeps. It made me so happy! So, I can’t recommend this series enough. I have loved each book and can’t recommend starting back with Runaway Love enough!
It was time to take the shot.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
October 5, 2024
4+⭐️ This was just what I needed. Sweet, easy fluff. No heavy lifting. Just a nice story from beginning to end, with a bit of cheesing. Fun meet cute, likable couple, easy to root for. Surprise pregnancy and green flags galore. Found myself wanting to get home so I could read more. Delightful way to close out the series.
October 2, 2024
2⭐️
I usually LOVE Melanie’s book, but this was the first book that I find no chemistry between the MCs 😐
I usually LOVE Melanie’s book, but this was the first book that I find no chemistry between the MCs 😐
October 15, 2024
1.5 | This was a very realistic response to an unexpected pregnancy, but I don’t want realistic, I want a man going absolutely feral for his baby and baby mama.
Side note: His name is Giuseppe, he goes by Joe, his parents call him Joey, he knows how to make spaghetti, and his grandma was a bootlegger. Clearly he was Italian, so what is this caucasian ass men doing on the cover?!?
Side note: His name is Giuseppe, he goes by Joe, his parents call him Joey, he knows how to make spaghetti, and his grandma was a bootlegger. Clearly he was Italian, so what is this caucasian ass men doing on the cover?!?
October 4, 2024
Alright this one was so rough. Almost a DNF. So many cringe phrases. The “puck in the net.” The nervous hiccups. The constant awkward conversations. The miscommunication tropes. Bleh. Also Joe kinda fucking sucked.
February 18, 2025
It was okay.
It was a 3.5 ish star read.
It wasn’t what it came off as on the TikTok I watched about it, but it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read this year.
I liked both the main characters and I like the small town family. My biggest dislike was the time line. The plot was good but it seriously dragged on with the friendship so then it was like 1-1000000 when they finally decided to be more than friends. Tbh it should have happened about the 50% mark.
Also loved that there was no 3rd act break up, those drive me nuts.
It was a 3.5 ish star read.
It wasn’t what it came off as on the TikTok I watched about it, but it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read this year.
I liked both the main characters and I like the small town family. My biggest dislike was the time line. The plot was good but it seriously dragged on with the friendship so then it was like 1-1000000 when they finally decided to be more than friends. Tbh it should have happened about the 50% mark.
Also loved that there was no 3rd act break up, those drive me nuts.
September 6, 2024
-ARC REVIEW-
5 ⭐️♾️
Where to begin, first thank you Melanie Harlow and team for allowing me another opportunity for an ARC in the Cherry Tree Harbor Series 🍒
Slap Shot Surprise is sadly the last book in the series & it is ending with Mabel’s story! WOW! The saying “save the best for last” is very true for this book! This final book made me swoon, laugh, cry, the angst, the vulnerability from both main characters, seeing their family & friends being so warm & accepting definitely makes the entire story come together in the best ways!
Mabel is the little sister, youngest of the 5 in the Buckley crew and with 4 older brothers it’s definitely a tall task to find a man who meets her needs as well as be in good company with her brothers!
She’s intelligent, driven, hard working, and loves anything to do with finding treasures in the dirt ( she’s an archeologist )
She’s quirky in the best ways, when nervous she gets uncontrollable hiccups, she overly talks when in crisis mode, and she’s the type of person who thinks and puts others before herself! That’s why when a little bad plane turbulence causes her to spit out personal, embarrassing stuff she hasn’t done in her life the very hot, attractive guy holding her hand staring at her trying to calm her down is no other than Pro NHL star Joel Lupo!
Joe Lupo being from a large, loving, foodie & business oriented Italian family the Lupo’s he’s the odd man out being a professional hockey player, career driven, only knows the game and doesn’t want anything to get in his way of winning the Stanley Cup! He’s insanely talented on the ice, charming and easy on the eyes!
It’s as if fate played a roll in bringing Mable and Joe back together at a mutual friends wedding where sparks flew, liquidate courage sipped and a night where Joe checked off one of Mabel’s things she’s hasn’t done in her life, it’s where Joe unwittingly created Mabel’s bucket list and his new priority was to give her exactly what was won that list (and maybe more)!
Surprise, a baby, after the hottest one night stand Mabel ever experienced she was now seeing double pink lines, surely Joe was great in bed but to “land a puck” was a different story!
Throughout the story you see Mabel & Joe navigate barely knowing one another & barely knowing what it will take to bring a baby into this world! These two go on the most important journey in their lives yet! Joe’s care giving is over the top for Mabel and their baby boy, his urge to be there for them always & still have a hockey career is beginning to be a bigger factor for Joe than he once thought, Mabel trying to not catch feelings has to learn that this arrangement is more about them being parents together than her falling in love with Joe! Can these two navigate becoming parents without being a couple or do they realize they are meant to be by a simple kick of life they created!
Read Slap Shot Surprise this October 1st dive into the Cherry Tree Harbor world and swoon over these characters, you won’t be disappointed!
5 ⭐️♾️
Where to begin, first thank you Melanie Harlow and team for allowing me another opportunity for an ARC in the Cherry Tree Harbor Series 🍒
Slap Shot Surprise is sadly the last book in the series & it is ending with Mabel’s story! WOW! The saying “save the best for last” is very true for this book! This final book made me swoon, laugh, cry, the angst, the vulnerability from both main characters, seeing their family & friends being so warm & accepting definitely makes the entire story come together in the best ways!
Mabel is the little sister, youngest of the 5 in the Buckley crew and with 4 older brothers it’s definitely a tall task to find a man who meets her needs as well as be in good company with her brothers!
She’s intelligent, driven, hard working, and loves anything to do with finding treasures in the dirt ( she’s an archeologist )
She’s quirky in the best ways, when nervous she gets uncontrollable hiccups, she overly talks when in crisis mode, and she’s the type of person who thinks and puts others before herself! That’s why when a little bad plane turbulence causes her to spit out personal, embarrassing stuff she hasn’t done in her life the very hot, attractive guy holding her hand staring at her trying to calm her down is no other than Pro NHL star Joel Lupo!
Joe Lupo being from a large, loving, foodie & business oriented Italian family the Lupo’s he’s the odd man out being a professional hockey player, career driven, only knows the game and doesn’t want anything to get in his way of winning the Stanley Cup! He’s insanely talented on the ice, charming and easy on the eyes!
It’s as if fate played a roll in bringing Mable and Joe back together at a mutual friends wedding where sparks flew, liquidate courage sipped and a night where Joe checked off one of Mabel’s things she’s hasn’t done in her life, it’s where Joe unwittingly created Mabel’s bucket list and his new priority was to give her exactly what was won that list (and maybe more)!
Surprise, a baby, after the hottest one night stand Mabel ever experienced she was now seeing double pink lines, surely Joe was great in bed but to “land a puck” was a different story!
Throughout the story you see Mabel & Joe navigate barely knowing one another & barely knowing what it will take to bring a baby into this world! These two go on the most important journey in their lives yet! Joe’s care giving is over the top for Mabel and their baby boy, his urge to be there for them always & still have a hockey career is beginning to be a bigger factor for Joe than he once thought, Mabel trying to not catch feelings has to learn that this arrangement is more about them being parents together than her falling in love with Joe! Can these two navigate becoming parents without being a couple or do they realize they are meant to be by a simple kick of life they created!
Read Slap Shot Surprise this October 1st dive into the Cherry Tree Harbor world and swoon over these characters, you won’t be disappointed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
Love often takes its time but is always worth the wait.
Absolutely adored Mabel and Joe’s story. If you love ONS reads that lead to pregnancy, then you will LOVE this book. I love that Mabel and Joe just have a connection from the start. He is so drawn to her, so while yes they end up with circumstances that thrust them together that chemistry draw was there from the start. This was just a feel good read to me. Two people figuring out life and love.
Absolutely adored Mabel and Joe’s story. If you love ONS reads that lead to pregnancy, then you will LOVE this book. I love that Mabel and Joe just have a connection from the start. He is so drawn to her, so while yes they end up with circumstances that thrust them together that chemistry draw was there from the start. This was just a feel good read to me. Two people figuring out life and love.
October 2, 2024
usually don’t enjoy surprise pregnancy so the fact that this was so fun has me shook sksksks. regardless of a thing or two which I felt was missing, this book was actually a good one!
October 8, 2024
Honestly, I ate this book UP!!! I’m a SUCKER for the pregnancy trope, especially when we get to follow along with the pregnancy (blame it on my baby fever) and I loved this so much! 🩷
October 12, 2024
2,5⭐️
i wasn’t a big fan of the writing … and it was kinda boring tbh 😭 but the ending was adorable
i wasn’t a big fan of the writing … and it was kinda boring tbh 😭 but the ending was adorable
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