Plot Summary
Masks and White Carnations
At a teammate's wedding, PR exec Zoe Carlson and hockey star Chase Walton are the loudest, funniest pair in the room—always deflecting with jokes, always hiding their pain. Zoe, still grieving her grandmother's death, is haunted by the white carnations decorating the venue, a symbol of pure love and loss. Chase, the team's notorious playboy and PR disaster, is drawn to Zoe's spark and her ability to see through his bravado. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both wear masks: Zoe's is competence and humor, Chase's is chaos and charm. Beneath the surface, they're both aching for something real, but neither is ready to admit it. The night is a swirl of longing glances, sharp banter, and the ache of wanting to be seen for who they truly are.
The Dancefloor Dare
Chase dares Zoe onto the dancefloor, and what starts as a joke becomes a moment of raw vulnerability. In the slow, romantic swirl of the wedding, their bodies fit together too well, and the banter slips into something heavier. Chase is surprised by how right it feels to hold Zoe, and Zoe is unsettled by how much she wants to let go. The world narrows to just the two of them, and for a heartbeat, the masks slip. But as soon as the song ends, Zoe flees to the bar, and Chase follows, unable to let her go. Their friends notice the tension, but neither is ready to name it. The dance is a turning point—one that neither can forget, no matter how hard they try to laugh it off.
Photo Booth Confessions
A tipsy, chaotic photo booth session turns into a game of dares and accidental intimacy. Zoe, always the instigator, suggests a "joke" kiss for the camera. But when their lips meet, it's anything but funny. The kiss is electric, hungry, and years in the making. They lose themselves in each other, forgetting the world outside the curtain. When the session ends, they're breathless and shaken, both pretending it was nothing. But the truth is written all over their faces. The photos become a secret—proof of a moment when pretending gave way to something real. It's the first crack in their armor, and neither can stop thinking about what it means.
Crossing the Line
The tension boils over. After the wedding, fueled by alcohol and adrenaline, Zoe and Chase end up in his hotel room. What starts as a joke—one more round of banter—turns into a night of raw, desperate sex. For the first time, they let themselves be messy, vulnerable, and real. In the aftermath, tangled in sheets and each other, the truth is undeniable: this isn't just a hookup. But morning brings panic. Zoe, terrified of risking her career and her heart, insists it was a mistake. Chase, who's never wanted anything more, is left aching. They agree to pretend it never happened, but the line between them is forever changed.
More Than a One-Night Stand
Back in the real world, Zoe and Chase try to return to normal, but everything is different. Their friends notice the shift, and the team's locker room becomes a minefield of inside jokes and knowing glances. Zoe buries herself in work, but Chase keeps showing up—at her office, in her texts, in every corner of her life. The sex was supposed to get it out of their systems, but it only made things worse. Both are haunted by what they shared, and the masks they wear start to crack. The question isn't if they'll give in again, but when—and what it will cost them.
The Morning After Rules
Zoe wakes up in Chase's bed, wrapped in warmth and regret. She panics, insisting they can never speak of it again. Chase tries to play it cool, but the hurt is obvious. They set strict rules: no more touching, no more flirting, no more crossing lines. But the rules are impossible to keep. Every glance, every accidental brush of skin, is electric. Zoe is terrified of losing her job and her carefully constructed life. Chase is terrified of losing her. The morning after is a mess of longing, fear, and the desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, they can find a way to have both.
Locker Room Chaos
The team is a family—loud, chaotic, and always in each other's business. As rumors swirl about Zoe and Chase, their friends become both obstacles and allies. Charlie, Zoe's best friend, sees through her defenses and pushes her to admit what she feels. Jake, Chase's teammate, warns him not to mess things up. The locker room is a place of banter and brotherhood, but also of secrets and silent support. The group's meddling forces Zoe and Chase to confront what's happening between them, even as they try to keep it hidden. The chaos is both a comfort and a catalyst, pushing them closer to the truth.
PR Crisis and Fake Dating
When an old sex tape of Chase leaks, the team's management scrambles to control the narrative. The solution? A fake relationship with Zoe, the one woman who can handle his chaos and sell the story. For the sake of their careers, they agree to pretend to date. But the line between fake and real blurs quickly. Public appearances, staged dates, and forced proximity make it impossible to ignore their feelings. The world sees a perfect couple, but behind closed doors, the tension is unbearable. The fake dating scheme is supposed to save them, but it might just destroy them instead.
Terms of Engagement
The fake relationship comes with rules—no touching unless necessary, no kissing unless for the cameras, and an ironclad contract to protect Zoe's job. But Chase refuses to let her take all the risk, demanding equal protection. Their negotiation is both hilarious and heartbreaking, as they try to keep things professional while wanting nothing more than to break every rule. The contract becomes a symbol of everything they're afraid to say out loud. As they navigate the charade, the realest moments are the ones when the cameras aren't rolling—when Chase fights for Zoe's safety, and Zoe lets herself be held, just for a moment.
Lines Blur, Hearts Crack
The fake dating game spirals out of control. Every staged kiss feels too real, every public appearance is a test of willpower. The world is watching, and the pressure mounts. But behind the scenes, Zoe is being stalked—creepy messages, a sense of being watched, and a growing fear she can't shake. Chase becomes her protector, moving her into his condo and refusing to let her face it alone. The danger brings them closer, but also exposes every vulnerability. The line between fake and real disappears, and both are forced to admit what they've been hiding: they're in love, and it terrifies them.
The Stalker in the Shadows
The stalker's messages escalate, and Zoe's sense of safety unravels. She tries to handle it alone, but Chase refuses to let her. When the stalker is revealed to be someone close—a trusted security guard—the betrayal cuts deep. Zoe is drugged and nearly abducted, but her quick thinking and Chase's desperate search save her. The trauma leaves scars, and both are forced to confront what it means to be vulnerable, to need each other, and to trust that love can survive even the darkest moments. The rescue is both a breaking and a healing, a moment that changes everything.
Safety in His Arms
In the aftermath, Zoe struggles to reclaim her sense of self. She's bruised, scared, and unsure if she can ever be the woman Chase fell for. But Chase is relentless in his care—bringing her coffee, sending flowers, showing up in every small way. He never pushes, never demands, just waits for her to come back to him. Their friends rally around them, offering support and laughter and the reminder that family is chosen. Slowly, Zoe lets herself be loved, piece by piece. She learns that she doesn't have to be perfect to be worthy, and that real love is messy, patient, and fierce.
Festival of Reckoning
A music festival becomes the backdrop for a turning point. Surrounded by chaos and color, Zoe and Chase finally let themselves be seen—by each other, and by the world. The festival is a riot of joy and freedom, a place where they can be wild and unguarded. In a tent, under the stars, they make love like it's the only thing that matters. It's not about pretending anymore. It's about choosing each other, again and again, no matter how scared they are. The festival is a celebration and a reckoning—a moment when they stop running and start living.
When Pretend Turns Real
The aftermath of the festival is a new beginning. Chase gets a tattoo—a white carnation, inked close to his heart, a permanent reminder of Zoe and the love he never wants to lose. They come clean to their friends and their teams, admitting that the fake relationship was always real. There are no more masks, no more pretending. They fight, they make up, they love each other fiercely. The world sees a perfect couple, but only they know how hard they fought to get here. Every scar, every bruise, every broken piece is part of their story.
The Unraveling
Even after the danger passes, the trauma lingers. Zoe pulls away, afraid she's too broken to be loved. Chase aches for her, but refuses to let her go. They both struggle with guilt—Zoe for needing help, Chase for not being able to protect her from everything. Their friends step in, reminding them that love isn't about being perfect, but about showing up, again and again. Slowly, Zoe lets herself be seen, lets herself be held. Chase learns that he can't fix everything, but he can be there, steady and sure, until she's ready to come back.
Breaking and Healing
The healing is slow, but real. Zoe learns to ask for help, to let herself be loved even when she feels unworthy. Chase learns to be patient, to love her through the quiet and the chaos. They rebuild, piece by piece, until the laughter comes back, until the spark returns. The world keeps spinning, but in their little corner, they find peace. They make new memories—inside jokes, lazy mornings, stolen kisses. The scars don't disappear, but they become part of the story, proof that they survived. Love, they learn, is not about never breaking, but about always coming back together.
The Roar and the Rescue
When the stalker makes one last attempt, Zoe is ready. She fights back, refusing to be a victim. Chase arrives in time, a roar of fury and love, and together they end it. The rescue is messy and raw, but it's also a promise: they will always fight for each other. In the aftermath, surrounded by friends and family, they choose each other again. There are no more secrets, no more masks. Just two people, messy and real and wildly in love, ready to face whatever comes next—together.
Every Piece, Every Version
In the end, Zoe and Chase are still themselves—loud, chaotic, and beautifully imperfect. They get their happy ending, not because everything is fixed, but because they choose each other, every day. Their love is not about perfection, but about showing up, holding space, and loving every version of each other—scars, laughter, and all. Surrounded by their found family, they celebrate not just survival, but joy. The story ends with a promise: to keep making the play, to keep choosing love, no matter how messy it gets.
Analysis
Make The Play is a romance that refuses to settle for surface-level flirtation, instead digging deep into what it means to be loved in all your messiness. At its core, it's a story about masks—how we use humor, competence, and bravado to hide our pain, and how real intimacy begins when those masks come off. Through Zoe and Chase, the novel explores the tension between vulnerability and self-protection, showing that true love is not about perfection, but about choosing each other, scars and all. The fake dating trope is used not just for laughs, but as a lens to examine the ways we perform for the world and for ourselves. The trauma subplot is handled with care, emphasizing the importance of community, therapy, and self-compassion in healing. The found family dynamic reinforces the message that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. Ultimately, Make The Play is a celebration of messy, real, unconditional love—the kind that sees every version of you and stays, not in spite of the chaos, but because of it. The lesson is clear: you don't have to shine to be held, and every piece of you deserves to be loved.
Review Summary
Make The Play is a highly-praised hockey romance novel featuring Chase and Zoe's fake dating journey. Readers adore the witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and Chase's unwavering devotion to Zoe. The book is commended for its well-developed characters, emotional depth, and steamy scenes. Many reviewers highlight the found family aspect and the enjoyable supporting cast. While some critics felt the stalker subplot was unnecessary, the majority of readers found the story engaging, funny, and heart-warming, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
People Also Read
Characters
Zoe Carlson
Zoe is the glue of her friend group, the PR genius who keeps the Colorado Storm's chaos in check. Outwardly, she's sharp, witty, and unflappable, always ready with a joke or a plan. But beneath the surface, she's grieving her grandmother, haunted by loss, and terrified of being vulnerable. She's built her life around competence and control, afraid that letting anyone see her mess will mean losing everything. Her relationship with Chase is both a comfort and a challenge—he sees through her masks, pushes her to be real, and loves her not in spite of her flaws, but because of them. Over the course of the story, Zoe learns to let herself be loved, to ask for help, and to believe that she's worthy even when she's not shining. Her journey is one of breaking and healing, of learning that real love is messy, patient, and fierce.
Chase Walton
Chase is the Colorado Storm's star defenseman and resident PR disaster—a charming, reckless playboy with a reputation for trouble. But his bravado is a shield, hiding deep wounds and a desperate need to be chosen for who he really is. Haunted by guilt over his brother's lost hockey career and his own inability to fix everything, Chase uses humor and chaos to keep people at arm's length. With Zoe, he finds someone who sees through the act, who challenges him and makes him want to be better. His love for her is all-consuming, patient, and unwavering. He fights for her safety, her happiness, and her right to be messy. Chase's journey is about learning to be steady, to love without needing to fix, and to believe that he's worthy of being loved in return.
Charlie Andrews
Charlie is Zoe's ride-or-die, the friend who knows her better than anyone. A survivor of her own trauma, Charlie is fiercely protective, nurturing, and wise. She's the first to see through Zoe's defenses and the last to let her run away from what she feels. Charlie's relationship with Jake is a model of unconditional love—messy, real, and full of second chances. As Zoe's confidante, Charlie offers both tough love and gentle support, reminding her that she doesn't have to shine to be held. She's the voice of reason and the heart of the group, always ready to step in when things fall apart.
Jake Brooks
Jake is Charlie's partner and a Storm teammate, known for his loyalty and quiet strength. He's the kind of man who shows up—no questions, no conditions. Jake is fiercely protective of his family and friends, especially Zoe, whom he treats like a sister. He's the first to call Chase out when he's being reckless and the first to offer a shoulder when things get hard. Jake's love for Charlie is unwavering, and his journey is about learning to trust, to forgive, and to build a new life after loss.
Logan Miller ("Pookie")
Logan is the team's rookie defenseman, known for his relentless banter and chaos. He's the little brother of the group, always stirring the pot but deeply loyal. Logan's crush on Lulu is a running joke, but beneath the surface, he's more sensitive than he lets on. He provides levity in tense moments and is often the first to call out the obvious, even when no one wants to hear it. Logan's journey is about growing up, finding his place, and learning that love can be both fun and serious.
Lulu (Tallulah Parnell)
Lulu is Eli's sister and a force of nature—free-spirited, sharp, and impossible to ignore. She's the chaos to Logan's order, the spark that keeps the group on their toes. Lulu is both a troublemaker and a caretaker, always ready to stir up drama or offer a shoulder. Her flirtation with Logan is both a game and a genuine connection, hinting at deeper feelings beneath the surface. Lulu's journey is about letting herself be seen, about believing she's worthy of love, and about finding joy in the mess.
Eli
Eli is the Storm's captain and Lulu's protective older brother. He's steady, responsible, and sometimes a little too serious. Eli's journey is about learning to let go, to trust his sister and his teammates, and to believe that love doesn't have to be perfect to be real. He's a grounding force in the group, always ready to step in when things get out of hand.
Tamara
Tamara is Eli's partner and a calming presence in the group. She's wise, patient, and unafraid to call people out when they're being ridiculous. Tamara is the friend who listens more than she speaks, but when she does, everyone pays attention. Her relationship with Eli is a model of partnership and mutual respect.
Reid Hutchison
Reid is the team's veteran goalie, known for his stoicism and dry wit. He's the dad of the group, always watching, always judging, but secretly caring deeply. Reid's journey is about letting people in, about finding family in unexpected places, and about learning that vulnerability is not weakness.
Nate (Antagonist)
Nate is the trusted security guard who becomes Zoe's stalker. His obsession is rooted in entitlement and resentment, believing he knows what's best for Chase and that Zoe is a threat. Nate's actions escalate from creepy messages to physical danger, forcing Zoe and Chase to confront the reality of being vulnerable in a world that doesn't always feel safe. Nate is a reminder that danger often comes from those closest to us, and that healing requires both courage and community.
Plot Devices
Fake Dating and Forced Proximity
The central device is the fake dating trope, used to control a PR crisis but quickly spiraling into something real. Forced proximity—through work, living arrangements, and public appearances—forces Zoe and Chase to confront their feelings and their fears. The line between pretend and reality blurs, making every touch, every glance, a test of willpower. The device is used to explore themes of vulnerability, trust, and the masks we wear to protect ourselves.
Dual POV and Alternating Narration
The story alternates between Zoe and Chase's perspectives, allowing readers to see the truth behind their actions and words. This structure deepens the emotional impact, showing how each character's fears and desires mirror the other's. It also allows for dramatic irony—readers know what each is hiding, even when the characters themselves don't.
Symbolism of Carnations
Carnations are a recurring symbol—white for pure love, pink for admiration, orange for fascination. They represent Zoe's grief, her longing for something lasting, and Chase's attempts to show his love in ways she can accept. The tattoo Chase gets is the ultimate symbol: love made permanent, hidden under the skin, always close to the heart.
Trauma and Healing
The story doesn't shy away from trauma—grief, stalking, assault, and the aftermath of violence. Healing is messy and nonlinear, requiring both time and community. The narrative uses these plot points not for shock, but to explore what it means to be loved not in spite of the mess, but because of it. The rescue scene is both a climax and a turning point, forcing both characters to confront what they're willing to risk for each other.
Found Family and Group Dynamics
The group of friends and teammates is both a source of chaos and a safety net. Their banter, meddling, and unconditional support provide levity and grounding. The found family dynamic is a key device, showing that love is not just romantic, but communal. The group's acceptance and humor help Zoe and Chase find their way back to each other.
Narrative Structure and Foreshadowing
The story is structured around the idea of masks—what we show the world, and what we hide. Early scenes foreshadow the cracks that will eventually break open, and the narrative arc is one of stripping away pretense to reveal something real. The use of recurring motifs (flowers, jokes, callbacks to earlier banter) ties the story together and gives emotional payoff to the final confessions.
FAQ
What’s Make The Play by Hailey Rodger about?
- Romantic sports drama: The novel follows Zoe Carlson, a PR executive, and Chase Walton, a star hockey defenseman, as they enter a fake dating arrangement to manage a PR crisis, only for real feelings to develop.
- Themes of vulnerability and healing: Both protagonists grapple with emotional trauma, grief, and the masks they wear, exploring how love can be both chaotic and healing.
- Setting and community: The story is set during the NHL off-season and training camp with the Colorado Storm hockey team, providing a vibrant backdrop of sports culture and camaraderie.
- Blending humor and depth: The narrative balances flirty banter, steamy romance, and emotional complexity, making it both entertaining and heartfelt.
Why should I read Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- Fresh take on sports romance: The book focuses on the off-season and training camp, offering unique insights into the lives of athletes beyond just game scenes.
- Emotional authenticity: Characters deal with real issues like anxiety, trauma, and grief, providing a nuanced and relatable romance.
- Engaging character dynamics: The witty banter and chemistry between Zoe and Chase keep the story lively, while the supporting cast adds depth and humor.
- Balance of light and heavy: The novel skillfully mixes humor, spice, and serious emotional stakes, appealing to readers who want both entertainment and substance.
Who are the main characters in Make The Play by Hailey Rodger and what are their dynamics?
- Zoe Carlson: A confident, witty PR executive who manages the Colorado Storm’s public image while hiding her own vulnerabilities and past trauma.
- Chase Walton: A talented but chaotic hockey player known for his impulsiveness and charm, masking deep emotional wounds and a protective nature.
- Their relationship: What starts as a fake dating arrangement for PR purposes evolves into genuine love, marked by playful banter, passionate intimacy, and mutual healing.
- Supporting cast: Friends and teammates like Jake, Charlie, Lulu, and Logan enrich the story, providing humor, support, and additional layers to the main romance.
What are the key themes and takeaways from Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- Masks and authenticity: The story explores how people use humor and confidence to hide pain, and the courage it takes to let those masks fall.
- Healing through love: Both Zoe and Chase find healing and acceptance in each other, learning that love can embrace even the messiest parts of themselves.
- Community and support: The importance of friends, teammates, and found family is highlighted as essential to overcoming trauma and building resilience.
- Balancing public and private selves: The novel examines the tension between managing public image and embracing private vulnerability, especially in the world of professional sports.
How does the fake dating arrangement work in Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- PR crisis catalyst: The fake dating begins as a strategy to manage a leaked sex tape scandal involving Chase, with Zoe reluctantly agreeing as the team’s PR executive.
- Clear boundaries: Zoe sets strict rules—no public touching unless she initiates, no kissing, and the arrangement is temporary—creating both tension and comedic moments.
- Blurring lines: As they spend more time together, their interactions become increasingly genuine, with real affection and vulnerability emerging.
- Emotional evolution: The arrangement forces both characters to confront their feelings and the masks they wear, leading to passionate and transformative moments.
How does Make The Play by Hailey Rodger address trauma and recovery?
- Zoe’s experience: The book portrays Zoe’s struggle with stalking, harassment, and assault, showing the impact on her sense of safety and trust.
- Chase’s backstory: Chase deals with guilt from a childhood accident involving his brother, which shapes his protective instincts and emotional struggles.
- Healing journey: Both characters find support and healing not only in each other but also through their friends, family, and the hockey community.
- Realistic portrayal: Recovery is depicted as a non-linear process, with setbacks and breakthroughs, emphasizing patience, understanding, and the power of showing up for someone.
What role does hockey and the Colorado Storm team play in Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- Vibrant setting: The Colorado Storm hockey team provides the backdrop, grounding the romance in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
- Character development: Chase’s identity as a hockey player is central to his personality, with his performance on the ice reflecting his emotional state.
- Community and camaraderie: The team and their families form a supportive network, adding humor, chaos, and warmth to the story.
- Sports culture and PR: The novel explores the pressures of media scrutiny, image management, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives.
What are the main triggers and content warnings in Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- Sensitive topics: The book contains references to stalking, harassment, non-consensual drugging, and a brief non-sexual physical assault (not graphically described).
- Emotional themes: Anxiety, emotional trauma, grief, family loss (including parental death during childbirth), and strained parent-child relationships are depicted.
- Explicit content: Strong language and explicit sexual scenes are present, integral to the authentic portrayal of adult relationships.
- Respectful handling: Heavy themes are approached with care, and readers are encouraged to prioritize their mental health and read at their own pace.
How is romance and intimacy portrayed in Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- Slow burn development: The romance unfolds gradually, with moments of tension, denial, and eventual surrender to genuine feelings.
- Chemistry and banter: Zoe and Chase’s interactions are marked by playful teasing, sharp banter, and palpable chemistry.
- Realistic challenges: The relationship faces obstacles like public scrutiny, career pressures, and personal trauma, making their love story feel authentic and relatable.
- Meaningful gestures: Grand romantic acts, such as flowers with coded meanings and tattoos, are balanced with quiet moments of support and tenderness.
What are the key symbols and motifs in Make The Play by Hailey Rodger?
- Carnations and flowers: Flowers, especially carnations, symbolize emotions like joy, rejection, and pure love, with Chase’s tattoo of a white carnation representing his feelings for Zoe.
- Jersey with “Carlson” taped on: Chase taping Zoe’s last name over his own on his hockey jersey signifies pride, belonging, and the merging of their lives.
- Elevator footage: The elevator incident and its footage symbolize vulnerability, invasion of privacy, and the struggle for control, becoming a pivotal plot point.
- Masks: The recurring motif of masks highlights the characters’ efforts to protect themselves emotionally and the significance of letting those masks fall.
How does Make The Play by Hailey Rodger explore the balance between public image and private life?
- Fake dating for optics: The initial arrangement is designed to manage public perception and media narratives, creating tension between authenticity and performance.
- PR challenges: Zoe’s role as a PR executive showcases the difficulties of controlling narratives, especially when personal crises become public.
- Desire for privacy: The story addresses the emotional toll of maintaining facades and the impact of social media and fan culture.
- Embracing authenticity: As their relationship deepens, Zoe and Chase choose honesty and vulnerability, deciding to be “messy, real and fucking in love” despite the risks.
What are the best quotes from Make The Play by Hailey Rodger and what do they mean?
- “Let me love you, sweetheart.” Reflects Chase’s patient, unconditional love and his desire to be Zoe’s safe place, encapsulating the theme of healing through love.
- “You’re not broken, baby.” A reassurance from Chase to Zoe, challenging her fears and highlighting the motif of strength in vulnerability.
- “You’re my ice.” A metaphor for Zoe’s grounding effect on Chase, symbolizing stability, home, and belonging.
- “We make the play.” The title phrase, representing taking risks in love and life, and choosing vulnerability and commitment despite uncertainty.
- “You don’t have to shine to be held.” From the author’s note, this quote emphasizes worthiness and being loved in all states, not just when appearing perfect or strong.
