Tailgates & First Dates (Sweet Version)

The Locals #3

by Haley Rhoades

Small-town girl Savannah works hard for the life she desires in Athens. Though her friends often attempt to distract her, she keeps her nose to the grindstone to earn the money and create the life she wants. Her childhood wasn’t easy. Sharing difficult times at home is something only her friend Madison can relate to. They’ve been each other’s rocks for many years. They focus on creating the life they’ve only dreamed of. But all-work-and-no-play isn’t fun. With their focus on work they’ve neglected the dating scene. Savannah lives in the real world—she doesn’t believe in love at first sight and sweeping you off your feet. With Madison’s constant prodding she considers taking a chance. Will it pay off or end at one date? Will she ever find happiness outside of work?

Genres: Romance

344 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2021

About the author

Be sure to follow Haley on BookBub for the latest on sales https://buff.ly/3wdDaKH

Haley Rhoades’s writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek.
A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse’s career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long.
Haley’s under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family, to friends, to sports teams.
Haley’s guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher.
Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Des Moines area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers.
Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website…she would love to connect with her readers.

Reviews

[Mary Mccormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest review

Emotional roller coaster on so many levels. Hidden secrets were a little less crazy then I expected, but LOVED reading more of Miss Liberty.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Story & Narration🎧An Emotional Ride!

Tailgates & First Dates
The Locals, Book 3
By: Haley Rhoades
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost

Madison and Hamilton’s story continues in Haley Rhoades’ “The Locals” series, and the story picks up soon after the second book ended and I loved the direction she took her characters, though there were some difficulties and challenges to get through, ones that ultimately bring them together again. Madison finally shares her secret with Hamilton and his mother, and to no surprise, both took it very well, because both are amazing people with hearts of gold. Tragedy brings them together, but they are finally where they belong, together with both their careers taking off, his in professional baseball and she as an author. They added some new locals into the mix with their move, and everything is falling into place for them as a family. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out, with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some surprising twists and turns, and a wonderful romance. I am looking forward to what comes next for them, and for their friends and family. Haley Rhoades, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Allie Martina’s and Gideon Frost’s fabulous performance continues and Haley Rhoades could not have chosen a better cast to bring her characters to life. I love how they took each role and owned it, and were a natural in each role, sounding believable and just as I imagine the characters to sound. They showcased their characters’ personality and demeanor perfectly, Martina as Madison and Frost as Hamilton absolute perfection, and they were just as amazing in the roles of the secondary/side characters, including voicing young Liberty. These two are entertaining storytellers and their performance knocks this story out of the park. Thanks for another wonderful listen.

[Shanna Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧Audiobook review🎧
Dual POV
Narrated by Allie Martina and Gideon Frost

These two have truly done an incredible job on this sweet series. I have enjoyed following Madison and Hamilton's story from the very beginning. From their realization, they were more than friends to them being pulled apart at the worst possible time for both of them to them coming together and forming an adorable family!

This book is the 3rd book in the series and it follows them navigating feelings for each other and then Hamilton finding out about sweet Liberty! The way that he fell instantly in love with Liberty and took on the role as her father had me MELTING for this man. His constant reminder to Madison that she was no longer doing this alone had me falling more and more in love with him! I feel like the author could have caused such a conflict with this particular situation, but she didn't. Which I also feel like is very true of Hamilton and Madison's characters. They both love each other so much and understand that nothing they would ever do would be malicious and understood that they only wanted the best for each other! Personally I loved the way Haley handled it!

Once again Allie and Gideon NAILED this performance! We got to see alot more of Hamilton's character in this book! Which meant alot more Gideon! 😍 I could never complain about that! Gideon did such a great job on Hamilton's character. Allie has been the sweetest Madison! This book really brought out so many emotions when it came to Madison's character and Allie did a wonderful job nailing each one!!

I can't wait to read the next book!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tailgates & First Dates
The Locals, Book 3
By: Haley Rhoades
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost

Finally! I couldn't wait to hear more of Madison and Hamilton's story. Yes, these books need to be read in order to get the full effect, and I have been waiting for this one. While I knew Maddie's secret had to come out sometime, the timing was just crazy. Haley Rhoades takes Maddie on an emotional roller coaster bringing her back to her hometown. With Memphis seeing her first, and then Hamilton, the secret is out, and now life can finally begin. And while it is happy for a minute, real life never stays that way. Together, these two are a force, dealing with friends, parenthood, grief and love. With the ensemble of great characters, bringing in some new ones, I was feeling like part of the group. It's comfortable and fun. I love Libby! She is a joy, and each scene just made me smile. This is a great listen and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Allie Martina and Gideon Frost continue their fabulous narration of this story. Martina is so good as Maddie. She continues to let her grow as a person with her voice. Each stage of her life, it's easy to hear the emotions she is going through. Frost is Hamilton, the understanding, successful ball player and his voice is so soothing. He brings the feels and the love through. I love these two and their performance is fantastic.

[Audio book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

💔 Buckle up for an emotional whirlwind! Tailgates & First Dates takes Madison’s journey to new heights, packed with drama, heartbreak, and moments that will have you gripping your seat.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:
• Non-Stop Plot Twists: From tragedy to triumph, Madison’s life is a rollercoaster, and every twist keeps you hooked.
• High-Stakes Emotion: Balancing grief, motherhood, and her ambitions, Madison’s resilience shines. Meanwhile, Hamilton's return brings the kind of swoon-worthy moments that make second-chance romances unforgettable.
• Unforgettable Journey: Madison and Hamilton’s paths collide in a way that leaves you desperate for the final book in the series.

Haley Rhoades delivers a gripping continuation with emotional depth and a storyline you can’t put down. If there’s one downside, it’s that book four isn’t available as an audiobook yet—because after this installment, you’ll be dying to finish Madison and Hamilton’s story. 🚗⚾💖

Thank you to High Gravity Productions for the ALC access that made this review possible!

4 ⭐ 1 🌶️ 4 🎧

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment in The Locals series, a small town, sports romance. The story continues where the second book left off. Madison and Hamilton’s story is beautifully written, emotional, entertaining, and engaging. There is a lot going on in this installment, and secrets are revealed. I love to have news from all the friends! Allie Martina and Gideon Frost did a great job bringing these characters, and this story to life. Now, I am looking forward to listening to Tailgates & Twist of Fates, the final book in the series. #HighGravityProductions

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third installment steps up the movement a bit and included sad news and a trip home filled with secrets and drama. The writing is mediocre and overall needed some additional proofreading. This group of books are short and easy to read. The choices and results aren't always easy to swallow -- takes a bit of stretching the imagination to accept.

Anyhoo, I'm onto the last installment hoping for a happy ending for this large cast of characters.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s all coming together. So many secrets kept become secrets revealed. There are some you never saw coming! There is a lot of heartache in this one but right alongside that heartache is healing and love. The more time I spend with Hamilton and Madison the more I enjoy them. The whole gang from Athen, MO is settling down.

[Roxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an emotional roller coaster, but I’m here for it. There is so much going on from beginning to end with the entire cast of characters. The story is put together very well. There is more of the MMCs point of view than there has been in previous books. The narrators did a fabulous job. This series is a definite reread.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart - FINALLY the truth is out and Hamilton's reaction was what dreams are made of. But what happens when their lives combine made for a romantic and emotional storyline. This book was outstanding and I cannot wait for the finale.

[Becci Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. It was hard for me to get through the second book to be honest. But I am so glad that I did. I have enjoyed Hamilton and Madison's story with their daughter Libby. Definitely a cute romcom.

[Linda Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness some secrets were revealed and even though hearts were broken, it turned out ok

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamilton is absolute boyfriend goals now that Madison's secret is out! Hamilton and Madison have gone through so much, and I enjoyed them working through things together. Plus, Tailgates & First Dates brought their whole friend group full circle while also adding in Hamilton's teammates. The audiobook is, again, outstanding. Narrated by Allie Martina and Gideon Frost, Tailgates & First Dates is absolutely worth the listen.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full audio review coming very soon

[Rebecca Peak · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Review:

This was an amazing listen. Allie Martina and Gideon Frost again hit the book out of the park. I loved listening to Madison and Hamilton as they grow as a couple as they navigate their changes to their family. Watching Madison as she tries to heal and cope from all the struggles with her mother and the loss of loved ones. Hamilton as he is there for Madison as she faces the challenges. Hamilton has become the sweetest kindest man, and I absolutely love this series.

[Haley Rhoades]

Quick Read. Small town vs big city life.
Series of 4 books

I'm offering 3 giveaways on Goodreads to celebrate the approaching release of my next book. Check 2 of them out on the Goodreads Giveaway tab and one listed below.



This stand-alone is the second in the 7 Deadly Sins Series.
The first book, Bend Don't Break, 7 Deadly Sins: Envy is currently in a Goodreads Giveaway. Enter today.

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