One night. Two lines. A play neither of us saw coming.
The itinerary for girls’ weekend in Las Vegas was simple. Gamble. Get drunk. Wear a little black dress that screamed “newly single and ready to make bad decisions.”
That bad—yet oh so very good decision—came when Maddox Gallagher walked into the bar.
In my defense, it was hard to resist the younger football player. Between the dimple in his cheek and the way he held me when we danced, I was a goner. Add in the fact that he was celebrating a championship trophy and I was toasting to no longer being married, we were a match made in one-night-of-fun heaven.
But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
Whoever said that was a liar.
Because tell me why my one-night stand is now walking into my bakery, bound and determined to turn our one night into something more.
And why did I bring home a souvenir that won’t get here for nine months and also not have a return policy?
This isn’t how the new chapter of my life was supposed to start. I wanted to be my own person. Own the bakery I’ve always dreamed of. Travel. Date and see what the world had to offer. Not fight off feelings for the football player who’s turning my world upside down and painting a nursery in the process, wondering if he’s really my forever.
Because he, and this baby, might’ve been unplanned, but I’m now wondering if this is exactly what the itinerary was supposed to be all along.
(ARC Read)
Unplanned Play completely swept me away in the best kind of unexpected, heartwarming, and emotional way. What starts as a girls’ weekend in Vegas filled with bad decisions and zero expectations quickly turns into something so much deeper, and I loved every second of watching it unfold.
“Number #35 on the roster. Number one in our hearts. Love, Gabrielle and Tiny Tot.”
Gabi is newly divorced, finally reclaiming her independence, and determined to focus on herself, her bakery, and the life she’s ready to rebuild. A younger football player and an unexpected pregnancy were definitely not part of her plan. But when Maddox Gallagher walks into that karaoke bar celebrating his championship win, the chemistry between them is instant, and impossible to ignore. Their one-night connection feels effortless and meaningful, but when Gabi slips away the next morning, neither of them expects fate to bring them back together in Nashville.
And Maddox… wow. He is the definition of a cinnamon roll, golden retriever, bear claw hero in his case, all wrapped into one. From the very beginning, he’s all in, completely and wholeheartedly. There’s no second guessing. There’s something incredibly refreshing about a hero who knows what he wants and never plays games. He doesn’t push Gabi beyond her comfort zone, but he never hides how he feels either. Instead, he shows up. Patiently. Consistently. Sweetly. Whether he’s offering friendship, supporting her bakery, or quietly waiting for her walls to come down, Maddox proves over and over again that he’s there for the long haul.
“I’m going to pick you up. I’m going to plan dates. I’m going to open your car door when you get out tonight. I’m going to hold your hand and make sure I walk closest to the street. And never, I mean never, will I make you drive anywhere again. Not because I don’t think you can. But because how I see it? I’m the luckiest guy in the world that I get to be with you. Which means I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that you’re treated exactly the way you deserve. Which is like the queen you are.”
Gabi’s journey is just as compelling. After losing herself in a marriage that slowly stripped away her identity, she’s determined not to repeat those mistakes. She’s independent, cautious, and focused on rebuilding her life on her own terms. I loved how Chelle Sloan balanced her strength with vulnerability. Gabi doesn’t fall instantly. She takes her time, and Maddox respects every step of that process. Their relationship grows from friendship to something deeper, making their connection feel authentic, earned, and incredibly satisfying.
“You thriving after your divorce? Your ex having to acknowledge it? Now that’s what I call sweet revenge.”
And let’s talk about the spice because Maddox and Gabi are seriously hot together. The tension between them simmers from the very beginning, and it only gets stronger as their connection deepens. Maddox brings this confident, quietly dominant energy that pairs perfectly with Gabi’s growing confidence and willingness to let herself want again. Their chemistry isn’t just physical. It’s layered with longing, flirtation, and that electric pull that makes every touch feel meaningful. The way he looks at her, the patience he shows, and the undeniable attraction between them makes the spicy moments feel earned, intimate, and incredibly swoony. When the heat kicks in, it’s not just hot — it’s emotional, tender, and filled with the kind of connection that makes you feel everything right along with them.
I can’t get another word out because before I tell him rule number one, I’m on my back and he’s pushing my legs apart, bringing my sweatpants down soon after. “You think of your rules. I’ll be down here celebrating.”
The accidental pregnancy trope is handled beautifully here, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the romance. Instead of forcing them together, it strengthens their bond and highlights their growth, both individually and as a couple. Maddox stepping up, painting a nursery, and embracing the unexpected future? Absolutely melted me.
“When I told you that I was all in, I meant it. And I’m not just talking about financially or making sure that I installed the car seat correctly. I saw a future with you from the moment you walked up on stage with me.”
And the side characters? I’m already invested. The Poker Club, the best friends, and especially Phyllis and Kitty brought so much humor and warmth to the story. The setup for future books in the Nashville Players series has me so excited, especially with all the chemistry and banter sprinkled throughout.
Unplanned Play is filled with heart, humor, growth, and a love story that feels both unexpected and perfectly meant to be. Maddox and Gabi may have been unplanned, but their journey together feels exactly right. If you love reverse age gap, accidental pregnancy, golden retriever heroes, and characters finding themselves while falling in love, this is absolutely a must-read.
This series is off to such a strong start, and I already can’t wait for the next Nashville Players book.
Release Date: March 26th, 2026
Thank you to Chelle Sloan and The Smuthood INC. for the ARC read!