Hello book lovers and happy Monday! I hope you’re starting the week off in the best way possible ✨ And what better way to kick it off than with a new review? 👀
✔️college sport romance
✔️former teammate’s sister
✔️she’s sworn off love
✔️he falls first
This one was such a fun read! Laura and Lucas’s story was cute, and I was so eager to watch them fall in love.
What is it about?
Lauren “Chip” Bellinger—Laur—and her hockey star brother, Nick, were inseparable until a devastating tragedy changes everything. She loses not only herself but her love for hockey.
Nine months later, Laur receives an amazing opportunity to join the marketing and PR program at West Michigan University supporting their stellar hockey team—the Wyverns. Except she never applied.
Despite her hesitancy to dive back into normal life, Laur decides to accept.
Her eyes instantly lock with Lucas Donato’s, the new captain of the Wyverns, but Laur has zero interest in getting involved with anyone romantically. Ever.
Lucas is dead set on bringing the team to the Frozen Four this year, while also hoping to make an early impression on NHL scouts. He can’t lose sight of his one shot at his first season as captain.
Despite their best efforts, Laur and Lucas find themselves constantly together. Sparks fly between them. Laur refuses to let her heart dictate her decisions while Lucas tries his best to push his feelings aside.
But the universe has other plans for Lucas and Laur this hockey season.
Does Lucas let the sparks between him and Laur turn into an ice melting flame?
Can Laur keep her promise to herself to swear off love and avoid falling for the captain?
Will Lucas bring the team to victory?
Find out in One Shot. (Goodreads)
Laur’s growth was wholesome and beautiful. I loved seeing her rediscover herself while being surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her. I wasn’t her biggest fan at the beginning — she came across as judgmental, inconsistent, and a bit of a pick-me girl. But as the story unfolded, she grew on me. Lucas, on the other hand, was steady and reliable from the start. Sure, he had a few questionable comments, but overall, it’s impossible not to love him.
The found family aspect was so endearing, and I loved how close-knit they all were. I’m excited to keep seeing them in the upcoming books.
What surprised me was that Laur and Lucas’s story will actually continue! I thought the next books would focus on other characters, but I’m glad we’ll get to follow their journey a bit longer.
But there were some things that didn’t work well for me. I was expecting a slow burn… but this was definitely not it. While they don’t have intimate scenes until later, their instant — and I mean instant — attraction/lust left little room for that delicious build-up I love. That was a bit disappointing. I also felt the ending dragged slightly, with too much focus on hockey details that didn’t add much to the main storyline.
Overall, though, it was a lovely, fun read — and that sneak peek into book two really hooked me. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC. This is my true and honest opinion.
love, Lin
