Checked Into Love

Evergreen Cove #2

by Brooklyn Hart

He's all in. She's all walls.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie has been in love with librarian Rachel Horn since the moment he walked into her library with too many flowers and zero chill. She's brilliant, beautiful, and thinks he's a chaos tornado in hockey skates—which, fair. But when she agrees to coffee, Mac knows he's found his forever.

Rachel has been burned before. Publicly humiliated by an ex who called her "too boring" for his exciting life. So when the Eagles' most enthusiastic player pursues her with grand gestures and genuine heart, she wants to believe it's real. But men like Mac don't stay with women like her. Do they?

Just as Rachel starts to trust in their future, a ghost from her past arrives in Evergreen Derek Matthews, the hotshot sports PT who mentored her ex and convinced him to dump her. Derek's in town to destroy the Eagles' beloved physical therapist Ellie Hansen's reputation—and he's more than willing to use Rachel's insecurities against her to do it.

Mac will fight for Rachel. But can Rachel fight for herself?

A small-town hockey romance opposites attract, he falls first, forced proximity, a cinnamon roll hero who's all in from day one, a heroine learning she's always been enough, meddling teammates, and a villain readers will love to hate.

🌶️ Spice Medium-Hot

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2026

Reviews

[Ellen Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So pleased to receive an advanced copy of this book.

This book takes us back to Evergreen Cove and home of the Eagles hockey team, but this story is about Mac and Rachel. Although this can be read as a standalone it was pleasing to have all the characters from the first book.

From start to finish this book had me invested in the storyline, which had a great plot, love all the characters and the friendships that form around this hockey team and Evergreen Cove. Mac being another super cute hockey player!

Really enjoy the style of writing from this author, this book did not disappoint, really excited to return to Evergreen Cove in the future for the next instalment.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked Into Love is such an adorable, feel-good read. This small-town hockey romance gave me all the warm, cozy vibes. It’s Book 2 in the Evergreen Cove series, but I read it as a standalone and had no issues jumping straight in.

Mac is hands-down one of the most lovable book boyfriends you could ask for. He radiates golden retriever energy — sweet, supportive, and impossible not to fall for. Rachel comes into the story carrying a lot of emotional baggage, heartbreak from her ex, and deep-rooted trauma, which made her journey feel very real and relatable.

What I really loved was how this book showed the work that goes into a relationship. Mac and Rachel experience genuine ups and downs and actively choose to communicate and put effort into making things work. It’s a refreshing reminder that love isn’t always rainbows and sunshine — sometimes it’s hard, messy, and requires patience — but it’s worth it when the feelings are real.

This was an easy, heart-warming read that left me smiling, and I really enjoyed my time in Evergreen Cove. A lovely romance from Brooklyn Hart.

About the book:

⭐️ He Falls First (and hardest!)
⭐️ Opposites Attract
⭐️ Small-Town Hockey Romance
⭐️ Trauma Healing
⭐️ Hero Who Reads Romance Novels to Understand Her
⭐️ Grand Gestures (she makes it!)
⭐️ “I’m Not Leaving” Energy
⭐️ Dual POV
⭐️ Slow Burn (1–2 explicit scenes)
⭐️ Interconnected Standalone (Book 2, can be read as a standalone)

Spice Rating: 🌶️

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re craving a feel-good small-town hockey romance that warms your heart faster than a post-ice coffee date, Checked Into Love hits the sweet spot. This second entry in the Evergreen Cove series shines just as brightly as its cozy setting, and the story of Mac and Rachel is utterly charming — and utterly addictive.
Mac — aka Ryan “Mac” MacKenzie — is what you get when golden retriever energy graduates with honors: sweet, supportive, and absolutely committed from the moment he swoops into Rachel’s life with too many flowers and zero chill. Rachel, a librarian with emotional baggage from past heartbreak, feels real in every one of her insecurities, and watching her slowly lower those walls as Mac patiently proves his heart was the best part of this story.
What I loved most is how this romance doesn’t gloss over the effort it takes to build trust. Mac doesn’t bulldoze into Rachel’s life — he shows up, listens, learns, and earns every step of her affection. The ups and downs feel genuine, and the way the author threads in friendships and team camaraderie around the Eagles hockey crew added extra warmth to every scene. It left me smiling plenty.
If I’m honest, I wanted just a touch more internal moments from Rachel early on — just a few pages more of her falling for Mac would’ve made certain beats feel extra irresistible. But that’s more me wanting extra scoops of happiness than a real flaw.
Brooklyn Hart’s writing is breezy, heartfelt, and perfect for this kind of slow-burn, opposites-attract romance. The dialogue is warm, the tension sweetly paced, and the setting comes alive like a metaphorical fleece blanket you don’t want to fold up.
In short: Checked Into Love is a cozy, affectionate hockey romance that’ll leave you grinning. Loyal fans of small-town charm and swoon-worthy characters will adore this one — and even as a standalone, it’s a delightful stop in Evergreen Cove worth revisiting again.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book in that loud, messy, zero-chill way that Ryan “Mac” MacKenzie loves Rachel Horn.

Mac is a golden retriever in hockey skates. Loud love. Big gestures. All in from page one. This man walks into a library with too many flowers and even more feelings and never once considers toning it down. And honestly? Bless him. He is the blueprint for “he falls first” and stays falling.

Rachel wrecked me. Quiet, brilliant, bookish, carrying scars from a past relationship that told her she was “too boring” which is one of the most insidious lies a person can hear. Watching her try to believe that someone like Mac could want her, really want her, hurt in the best way. Her growth arc is tender and earned and deeply satisfying.

The small town hockey vibes are immaculate. Meddling teammates? Perfect. Forced proximity? Yes please. A hero who never wavers, never plays games, never makes her beg? Inject it straight into my veins. Mac fights for Rachel loudly and proudly, but what made this book shine was Rachel learning to fight for herself. That confidence bloom was everything.

And let’s talk about the villain. Derek Matthews can trip on a Lego forever. Smug, manipulative, insecurity-feeding trash who exists purely to be loathed. Brooklyn Hart did an excellent job making me want to hiss every time he appeared.

The romance is swoony, the spice is medium-hot and perfectly placed, and the emotional payoff hits just right. Soft moments, big feelings, protective hockey man energy, and a heroine discovering she’s always been enough exactly as she is.

I finished this with a stupid smile on my face and zero regrets. Checked Into Love is comfort romance with teeth, heart, and heat. If you love cinnamon roll heroes, opposites attract, and men who choose their woman every single time, this one is a must-read. 🏒📚💖

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a soft 4 star until 90%, then dropped to a hard 3 due to the events in the closing chapters...
Take it as you will, some might see it differently to me, but this is my personal opinion....

Ryan “Mac” and Rachel

Tropes:
* Small town
* Sports romance
* He falls first
* Forced proximity
* Cinnamon roll MMC
* Found family
* Instalove vibes

Rachel has been hurt before, and when you find out what happened, you want to give her a big hug.
However, Mac seems to be the ultimate golden retriever/cinnamon roll who won’t give up.

This tried to be a cute/sweet story. It did have a little (a lot) angst, a nasty villain, and an FMC reluctant to give it a go due to trust issues.

Jamie actually really annoyed me in the beginning, so it was hard for me to warm up to him.
Derek’s manipulations were obvious, and it frustrated me wth how gullible some of the characters were.
I did enjoy the town hall meeting. Emotional, and packed a punch, everyone needs the Henderson’s in their corner!

I didn’t like the events at 90%. There were too many occasions of control. For a cinnamon roll hero, Mac has a disturbing tendency to want to control Rachel’s actions, and it didn’t leave me with a nice feeling. To actually punish her in a way because she needed to do something for herself, and have everyone validate his actions because she violated a boundary?

That grand gesture pissed me off. It came from the wrong person.

GTFOH….

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked Into Love was my first Brooklyn Hart book and I loved it. And I loved Mac and Rachel's story so much . Checked Into Love was such an emotional read . Both Mac and Rachel were hurt before but despite their fears they gave each other a chance. And their unhealed traumas reappeared when they are most vulnerable. And that caused some trouble between them but urged them to do what's needed to better themselves. And in times of trouble Rachel realized that this time she's not alone and there's a lot of people taking her interest in mind . I loved it how the whole team geared up to defend one of their own. Rachel was hurt and guarded her heart and put a wall between her and Mac . She had to learn to trust and ask for help and support. Mac was fighting alone for both of them and just needs a break. When he messed up he apologized. He just wanted to be included and to be part of Rachel's decisions . It was so good when Rachel decided to take care of herself and do the work to actually heal . But most importantly they accepted that they'll mess up but they'll work together to fix it . And I was so pleased when they dealt with the person that came to destroy them and Rachel got closure. That move in mission was so fun . And I definitely loved that last few chapters. And now I can't wait for Sophie and Jamie's story .

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Patricia Monica Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Rachel 🥰

❤️‍🔥My review❤️‍🔥

Ryan Mac Mackenzie is a hockey player for The Evergreen Cove Eagles , a minor league in ECHL. For the last few months, he goes to the library. Not to read but to see Rachel Morrison. She’s working there. She’s been in Evergreen for the last 6 months. She was beautiful. Like, stop-your-heart, forget-your-name beautiful. Everybody knows he got feelings for her but he doesn’t want to mess that up. Scare to death to be humiliated if she says no for them to go on a date. One day, Mac, with a gigantic flowers bouquet, he finally asked her. And she says yes!!! But Rachel has a past with hockey players. She doesn’t want to have her heart broken again…Will her past come back, share her secret and destroy any chance at love?

Second books in the Evergreen small town hockey romance series. If you read the first book, you know Mac was infatuated with Rachel. And I was so excited for them to finally get their HEA!!! Mac is the sweetest man ever and Rachel really deserves a second chance at love. Their chemistry is amazing!!! I love reading Brooklyn Hart stories because it’s real people, with real emotions , who deals with real past mistakes and tries to redeem themselves. It’s a beautiful love story and was so inspiring because at the end, love conquer all!!! I can’t wait to read Jamie and Sophie story next, because this one will be so special!!!
5⭐️

[Mona M · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review


This was a cute small town hockey romance, I would like to go back and read Cole and Ellie’s story and read the next one when it comes out

Unfortunately for me it was a little harder to read because the chapters were long but that’s the style and works for a lot of people. I felt that the relationship between Mac and Rachel with more chapters could’ve had more build up for the relationship it felt like a lot of context and plot was missing from their connection for example not giving him a chance and then doing a complete 180 very quickly

it felt like insta love which isn’t my favourite. It had only been two months timelines wise in the book so it felt like we were moving so fast in those two months. Nonetheless it was a cute book and I’m invested in the next book for when it comes out (even though I didn’t like Jamie in the beginning)

Spice level: 0.5🌶️


Happy reading! - Mona

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC

[Kelsey Mostrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very clunky read for me and I skimmed the last 25% of the book.

The main characters didn't have much relationship building beyond continually circling back to they can't trust each other and the one of them walking away or leaving every time they had trust issues, only to be madly in love immediately after like it didn't happen and continue the cycle over and over throughout the book.

I felt like there was a lot of context missing between each of the bouts of trust issues, because if all their relationship was is continually having one of them do something to break the trust of the other, I don't see how they possibly could have been ready to trust each other enough to move in together after less than 2 months.

Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie is in love with new librarian Rachel Horn. Rachel agreeds to go on a date with Ryan,but she's not sure if that's a good idea,as her ex was also a hockey player, and he broke her heart and humiliated her in public.Mac is actually vey different,and soon Rachel start to trust him,but a dark past comes back to Rachel life threatening her new found happiness.

Will Rachel and Mac fight for their love?

It was cute,he falls first sport romance.Mac was very sweet and understanding,even when at times he behaved like a teen first time in love.Rachel was likable MFC,and together they make a cute couple.I liked this book,and the ending keep me satisfied.Now I want to know how Sophie and Jesse will resolve their complicated feelings.

Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

To be honest, I have never heard of Brooklyn Hart til this book came out on booksiren. Funny thing is I love hockey, live in Iowa (close to Wisconsin where Brooklyn is from), and love to read.

Mac plays on the home hockey team, Rachel is the new librarian in this small town. Mac can't seem to stay away from the library or Rachel. He is falling for her. Rachel's hiding from a past and won't let anyone in, even Mac after their first date. Derek and Brad are part of her past and when one of them come back around her chaos happens to the small town. Can Mac and Rachel work past this chaos or will it only harm them?

[Ella Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
Im so grateful to have received an ARC copy of this book! We are taken back to Evergreen Cove to follow Rachel and Macs journey. This was a really sweet read and I loved the characters so much (apart from Derek!) There was moments that i was reading and seriously couldn't put the book down. I had moments where I could feel my heart racing (especially in town hall) and moments where everything just clicked. I think both of the characters were written so well. There was no massive dilemma in their relationship, a few ups and downs, but everything fell into its place perfectly. This was such an amazing read and 100% deserves all 5 ⭐️

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cozy read with strong Hallmark-movie vibes. The characters were genuinely cute and easy to root for, making this an enjoyable installment in the Evergreen Cove series.

Mac completely stole the show for me — he is the definition of an adorable, golden-retriever-energy book boyfriend. He’s kind, patient, and supportive, which made him incredibly easy to love. Rachel, on the other hand, is more guarded and damaged, and I appreciated that her journey toward trusting and dating Mac took time rather than feeling rushed. Their relationship felt gentle and sincere, and together they made a very cute couple.

While the story didn’t fully stand out enough to push it into 4-star territory for me, it was still a pleasant and heartwarming read. Overall, this was a solid 3-star book that will appeal to readers who enjoy romances, small-town settings, and lovable characters.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hockey romance after a failed hockey romance makes Rachel a little unsure, although there's no reason to doubt Mac. Between determination and actions, Rachel finally surrenders to Mac's love. But doubts and her past keep creating cracks in Rachel's belief in their relationship.
This is a very angst filled book that goes back to a year before the present story. So many trust issues, lies, and half truths in her past make this relationship a hard won victory. Interesting characters, supportive friends and team members, and willingness to work together makes it an interesting story.

[Karen Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I'd love to squash Derek Matthews he's a brilliantly written bully.

It was great to see Cole and Ellie again, still dealing with the bad Doctor.

Rachel and Mac are perfect together, his ‘golden retriever’ personality is perfect to counteract her trust issues.

The Town Hall scene is just perfect and everyone needs a Mrs and Mr Henderson in their corner.

Both Mac and Rachel had their blips that deserved a second chance. And finally the grand gesture at the ice rink was chef’s kiss.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Evergreen Cove Series. The MMC and FMC are opposites: MMC tends towards grand gestures, while FMC is quiet, reserved, and scared to move forward after a humiliating breakup—a sweet story of second chances, trust, personal growth, and moving forward. This is a nice, feel-good read.

[wasuretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so curious and looking forward to read Mac's story and glad to be back in Evergreen Cove!
I thought it would be lean to be rom/com because of Mac's personality but it was more serious.
Mrs. Henderson was the best!
The fluff, steamy and angst were on point!

Curious about Jamie 👀

[Amber Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story, although it was a little slow for me. The characters were cute and charming. I loved the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure to read this book as an ARC reader.

What I loved about this book was the vulnerability of the main characters. The story captured me from the beginning.

I also liked the fact that the story continued, where book 1 stopped.

I can't wait until book 3.

Tamara #bookstamreads

[Tammy Carlsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta reading this currently, review coming soon!

[Aerin Susinko · Rating 2 out of 5]

All and all it was a cute story. The main characters were never on the same page for the majority of the book which was kind of hard to read. The conflicts in this were anticlimactic.

[Alyssa Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow up book. The characters are endearing, the story is the right mix of angst and hope. All the characters are back from the first book in the series. ❤️

[Dan Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heart-warming, cute read, just what I needed!

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting. It was a fun read and I would recommend it to people who like this genre. You won’t regret it.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as an early read. The concept was cute - Librarian x Hockey player - it’s what caught my attention to this book.

I loved the found family vibes and how much of a golden retriever Mac was.

I had some difficulties with some of the inconsistencies throughout the book and some of the characterization of characters from book 1-2.

I also think this book needs trigger warnings for sexual assault (off page). This part of the story felt rushed and out of place. I think more care needed to be done with this.

I think a lot of people who love a golden retriever male love interest, insta love, and a fast track relationship.