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SCU Hockey #1
Shots on Net
Carter Morgan III hates everything about South Carolina University except for one thing: hockey. As the starting netminder for the team, he lives for those moments when he can step onto the ice and between the pipes. Unfortunately, his time at school and on the team is slowly coming to an end; although he’d love nothing more than to pursue a career in the NHL, he knows better than to get his hopes up.
Zeke Cassidy needs a place to live. When he answers an advertisement for a roommate, he’s not sure what he is expecting except that it isn’t Carter Morgan III. Carter is unfriendly, aloof, and they have nothing in common; even so, the pair hit it off immediately and become friends.
Carter knows Zeke isn’t interested in being anything beyond friends and roommates. Unfortunately, knowing this doesn’t stop him from hoping for more, no matter how much he tries to convince himself it’s impossible.
Zeke Cassidy needs a place to live. When he answers an advertisement for a roommate, he’s not sure what he is expecting except that it isn’t Carter Morgan III. Carter is unfriendly, aloof, and they have nothing in common; even so, the pair hit it off immediately and become friends.
Carter knows Zeke isn’t interested in being anything beyond friends and roommates. Unfortunately, knowing this doesn’t stop him from hoping for more, no matter how much he tries to convince himself it’s impossible.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2024
803 people are currently reading
5396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 945 reviews
May 6, 2025
I can’t remember the last time I felt so much joy reading a book.
Shots on Net is a slow burn, jock-nerd mm romance (the best tropes) with characters to cherish and so many warm scenes to fill you with happiness. I loved reading this one and I’m smiling just thinking about all the books I’m about to binge read by this author.
Zeke desperately needs a place to live. He’s done with specifications, it doesn’t matter if his new roommate seems someone able to break kneecaps for the mafia. Carter Morgan III can’t be more different than him, but somehow they hit off quickly and became friends. Because friendship is all Zeke feels for him, right?
The slow burn was so good in this book. I was craving every single contact between them. When they held hands for the first time? I almost died. I loved that Carter was the first to fall, but it was still something that took some time to happen. I suffered so much with this character, the constant pinning for Zeke, the angst of trying to ask for a date…
The drama surrounding their first date made me cry. I was a bit sensitive this week, but I didn’t cry with any other book. This made me sob. Seeing how much it meant for Carter finally having a friend to hang out with broke my heart. Carter is a quiet, broody character who is almost always scowling, but he’s not grumpy: he’s such a sweetheart on the inside. The way he took care of Zeke from the moment they met, how he appreciated Zeke’s grandma (was scared of her, even), how he wished he had a loving family who put his drawings on the walls… Everything was a hit on my heart.
Don’t get me wrong, I also loved Zeke. He was a sunshine, I adored hearing him talk and getting excited about everything. He was also taking good care of Carter, never taking him for granted and helping him at every chance he got. The fact that he read out loud Carter’s mandatory English books because Carter struggled with reading was so touching. Some of the best scenes of this book are just them doing ‘normal’ things around each other and, in Carter’s case, praying that Zeke didn’t move so their shoulders/arms/legs kept touching.
If you are someone who enjoys seeing two characters fall in love slowly through the book, seeing them build a routine around each other and find joy in the small moments in life, you are going to adore this romance. I don’t see the need of adding traumatic pasts or violence or drama in romance books, so I adore books like this one where the author keeps you entertained with the slow burn between them.
I have to admit it was a bit unrealistic that Carter couldn’t find a roommate to share his amazing house with and the drama surrounding his rich parents. I get that people were afraid of Carter, but it’s hard for me imagining how not even his teammates tried to talk to him. You only need a conversation to realize he’s very kind despite his ever present scowl. Also, about his family, it was very refreshing seeing rich, neglecting, awful parents that weren’t homophobes. Sometimes I feel authors like to add all the negative traits in a family, when there is no need: someone can be a bad parent and not be sexist (for example), they don’t always go hand in hand.
I also didn’t love that we didn’t have an epilogue but, since the reviews were all complaining about the abrupt ending, I was prepared for the worst. The main problems were resolved, it’s just that there wasn’t the typical epilogue at the end. I don’t understand authors who skip that section, it’s literally the easiest part of the book: no plot, just cheesy scenes. You don’t even have to go ‘ten years after’ (in fact, in college romances a lot of readers hate that), but a year later maybe, to see them still happy and closer to the goals they had.
Overall, Shots on Net is a book I loved reading and will definitely be rereading. It’s one of those comfort books that fills your day with happiness. I would highly recommend it if you like nerd-jock romances, strangers to friends to lovers, loads of pining, slow burn, demisexual rep and domestic scenes like cooking together or helping each other with homework. It’s lighthearted but so beautiful and fun to read that I can’t help but hate that it doesn’t have a higher rating (I'm pretty sure it’s, in part, because we romance readers get very angry when there isn’t an epilogue 😂😂).
Also, the author seems lovely. I appreciated that she acknowledged the illustrator writing her name next to hers in GR. I checked the author’s insta and it’s adorable. But enough fangirling, I’m going to go read the second book in the series! (I need to know what’s happening to Max, introverts who hate parties should stick together).
Thank you Iz and Brooke for convincing me to give this author a try with your beautiful reviews!💛
↬ SCU Hockey
1. Shots on Net: 4.25 stars
2. Save the Game: 3.5 stars
3. On the Edge: 3.75 stars
Shots on Net is a slow burn, jock-nerd mm romance (the best tropes) with characters to cherish and so many warm scenes to fill you with happiness. I loved reading this one and I’m smiling just thinking about all the books I’m about to binge read by this author.
Zeke desperately needs a place to live. He’s done with specifications, it doesn’t matter if his new roommate seems someone able to break kneecaps for the mafia. Carter Morgan III can’t be more different than him, but somehow they hit off quickly and became friends. Because friendship is all Zeke feels for him, right?
The slow burn was so good in this book. I was craving every single contact between them. When they held hands for the first time? I almost died. I loved that Carter was the first to fall, but it was still something that took some time to happen. I suffered so much with this character, the constant pinning for Zeke, the angst of trying to ask for a date…
The drama surrounding their first date made me cry. I was a bit sensitive this week, but I didn’t cry with any other book. This made me sob. Seeing how much it meant for Carter finally having a friend to hang out with broke my heart. Carter is a quiet, broody character who is almost always scowling, but he’s not grumpy: he’s such a sweetheart on the inside. The way he took care of Zeke from the moment they met, how he appreciated Zeke’s grandma (was scared of her, even), how he wished he had a loving family who put his drawings on the walls… Everything was a hit on my heart.
Don’t get me wrong, I also loved Zeke. He was a sunshine, I adored hearing him talk and getting excited about everything. He was also taking good care of Carter, never taking him for granted and helping him at every chance he got. The fact that he read out loud Carter’s mandatory English books because Carter struggled with reading was so touching. Some of the best scenes of this book are just them doing ‘normal’ things around each other and, in Carter’s case, praying that Zeke didn’t move so their shoulders/arms/legs kept touching.
If you are someone who enjoys seeing two characters fall in love slowly through the book, seeing them build a routine around each other and find joy in the small moments in life, you are going to adore this romance. I don’t see the need of adding traumatic pasts or violence or drama in romance books, so I adore books like this one where the author keeps you entertained with the slow burn between them.
I have to admit it was a bit unrealistic that Carter couldn’t find a roommate to share his amazing house with and the drama surrounding his rich parents. I get that people were afraid of Carter, but it’s hard for me imagining how not even his teammates tried to talk to him. You only need a conversation to realize he’s very kind despite his ever present scowl. Also, about his family, it was very refreshing seeing rich, neglecting, awful parents that weren’t homophobes. Sometimes I feel authors like to add all the negative traits in a family, when there is no need: someone can be a bad parent and not be sexist (for example), they don’t always go hand in hand.
I also didn’t love that we didn’t have an epilogue but, since the reviews were all complaining about the abrupt ending, I was prepared for the worst. The main problems were resolved, it’s just that there wasn’t the typical epilogue at the end. I don’t understand authors who skip that section, it’s literally the easiest part of the book: no plot, just cheesy scenes. You don’t even have to go ‘ten years after’ (in fact, in college romances a lot of readers hate that), but a year later maybe, to see them still happy and closer to the goals they had.
Overall, Shots on Net is a book I loved reading and will definitely be rereading. It’s one of those comfort books that fills your day with happiness. I would highly recommend it if you like nerd-jock romances, strangers to friends to lovers, loads of pining, slow burn, demisexual rep and domestic scenes like cooking together or helping each other with homework. It’s lighthearted but so beautiful and fun to read that I can’t help but hate that it doesn’t have a higher rating (I'm pretty sure it’s, in part, because we romance readers get very angry when there isn’t an epilogue 😂😂).
Also, the author seems lovely. I appreciated that she acknowledged the illustrator writing her name next to hers in GR. I checked the author’s insta and it’s adorable. But enough fangirling, I’m going to go read the second book in the series! (I need to know what’s happening to Max, introverts who hate parties should stick together).
Thank you Iz and Brooke for convincing me to give this author a try with your beautiful reviews!💛
↬ SCU Hockey
1. Shots on Net: 4.25 stars
2. Save the Game: 3.5 stars
3. On the Edge: 3.75 stars
May 26, 2024
Definitely my favourite book by this author but I hate the way they end their books so much.
I loved Carter and Zeke together. Not quite grumpy/sunshine, not quite hurt/comfort but somewhere in the middle. Their dates were all really cute and it made my heart hurt when Zeke was clueless at the party he took Carter too.
Also really liked how Carter is making new friends (Vas, Max), and the appearances from Tony and Nico.
What I didn't like though was how the book ends on such a cliffhanger, right in the middle of Carter telling Zeke something. Are we going to see what he wanted to say? Kind of ruined the book for me a little because we wait the ENTIRE book for Carter to feel comfortable with talking about how he feels about anything, and then he gets cut off mid emotional speech by the notification of an incoming phone call! His dad does that enough to him, why does the author have to do it too?? I get that it's to convey the exciting next part of their life, but could he not have finished what he was declaring to Zeke first?? Literally the only BIG emotional content from Carter in the book and it gets cut off. Not a fan.
I loved Carter and Zeke together. Not quite grumpy/sunshine, not quite hurt/comfort but somewhere in the middle. Their dates were all really cute and it made my heart hurt when Zeke was clueless at the party he took Carter too.
Also really liked how Carter is making new friends (Vas, Max), and the appearances from Tony and Nico.
What I didn't like though was how the book ends on such a cliffhanger, right in the middle of Carter telling Zeke something. Are we going to see what he wanted to say? Kind of ruined the book for me a little because we wait the ENTIRE book for Carter to feel comfortable with talking about how he feels about anything, and then he gets cut off mid emotional speech by the notification of an incoming phone call! His dad does that enough to him, why does the author have to do it too?? I get that it's to convey the exciting next part of their life, but could he not have finished what he was declaring to Zeke first?? Literally the only BIG emotional content from Carter in the book and it gets cut off. Not a fan.
November 4, 2024
5 stars, if not for the ending that felt a bit… idk. Out of sorts, and not well done.
I know I’m basically repeating what the others who read it already wrote, but: wft was this ending? It all went SO WELL for around 90%: a swoonworthy grumpy jock/sunshiny nerd romance, with lots of banter, characters who TALKED to each other, no unnecessary drama, but still so enjoyable that I struggled putting it down.
It’s the story of Zeke, who’s looking for a place to stay while studying. And Carter, who’s looking for a roommate (no idea why though, because he doesn’t need the money and doesn’t seem like the most sociable guy anyway).
But who cares. They end up living together, and (openly bi) hockey player Carter starts having feelings for (demi and not really interested in relationships) Zeke.
It’s so very cute, and I absolutely loved watching them falling in love.
And then the ending happened. While I didn’t mind the setup for the next book (my guess is ofc Max), Zeke and Carter’s story just… ends at a weird point. A shame really, because it didn’t leave me happy and smiling like a thought it would.
Also, a small thing that bugged me throughout the entire book: the way Vas, Carter’s German hockey mate, speaks English. My first language is German, and I can assure you: even in the rare case that you find a young German who’s not fluent in English, it makes no sense that they would phrase sentences like Vas. If anything, he “sounded” more like a Russian would speak - having someone proof-read stuff like that would be helpful. But I’m nitpicking, I’m aware that not many of you would notice that 😅
So. Back to the book. German accent aside, I’m a bit disappointed that I need to rate it with 4 stars - I would have loved to give it 5.
I know I’m basically repeating what the others who read it already wrote, but: wft was this ending? It all went SO WELL for around 90%: a swoonworthy grumpy jock/sunshiny nerd romance, with lots of banter, characters who TALKED to each other, no unnecessary drama, but still so enjoyable that I struggled putting it down.
It’s the story of Zeke, who’s looking for a place to stay while studying. And Carter, who’s looking for a roommate (no idea why though, because he doesn’t need the money and doesn’t seem like the most sociable guy anyway).
But who cares. They end up living together, and (openly bi) hockey player Carter starts having feelings for (demi and not really interested in relationships) Zeke.
It’s so very cute, and I absolutely loved watching them falling in love.
And then the ending happened. While I didn’t mind the setup for the next book (my guess is ofc Max), Zeke and Carter’s story just… ends at a weird point. A shame really, because it didn’t leave me happy and smiling like a thought it would.
Also, a small thing that bugged me throughout the entire book: the way Vas, Carter’s German hockey mate, speaks English. My first language is German, and I can assure you: even in the rare case that you find a young German who’s not fluent in English, it makes no sense that they would phrase sentences like Vas. If anything, he “sounded” more like a Russian would speak - having someone proof-read stuff like that would be helpful. But I’m nitpicking, I’m aware that not many of you would notice that 😅
So. Back to the book. German accent aside, I’m a bit disappointed that I need to rate it with 4 stars - I would have loved to give it 5.
November 28, 2024
3.5 rounded up
This was so sweet
And so wholesome
I very much liked the demi rep here. The relationship ran very smoothly and we actually got to see them be friends before they slept together, further cementing Zeke's demi sexuality. Also, Carter being a fumbling bumbling idiot and asking for a date was so stinking cute.
I also LOVED how they progressed to sleeping together. How it wasn't all wam bam thank you ma'am with anal.
So realistic and SO CUTE.
Did I mention this book was cute 😭🤣
This was so sweet
And so wholesome
I very much liked the demi rep here. The relationship ran very smoothly and we actually got to see them be friends before they slept together, further cementing Zeke's demi sexuality. Also, Carter being a fumbling bumbling idiot and asking for a date was so stinking cute.
I also LOVED how they progressed to sleeping together. How it wasn't all wam bam thank you ma'am with anal.
So realistic and SO CUTE.
Did I mention this book was cute 😭🤣
September 4, 2024
3.75**** stars
Aw, I adored nerdy Zeke and his perma-scowling Hockey goalie.
I already had a soft spot for Carter after meeting him in Between the Pipes and I was excited to get his story. Although I must admit that I hoped for more explanation regarding his attitude.
Overall this is a pretty feel-good romance with low-angst, sweet dates and a love that grows slowly. (not really my personal cuppa)
Let’s see what’s up with their new friend Max in the next one. Zeke was more than concerned about him.
*************
SCU Hockey Series
Book 1 - Shots on Net - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - Save the Game - tbr
Book 3 - tbd
Aw, I adored nerdy Zeke and his perma-scowling Hockey goalie.
I already had a soft spot for Carter after meeting him in Between the Pipes and I was excited to get his story. Although I must admit that I hoped for more explanation regarding his attitude.
The man standing in front of me, whom I assume is Carter Morgan III, looks like the kind of person who would rob Carter Morgan III at gunpoint.
␥
I follow him, and make a mental note to check his name against police reports. Those look like the kind of biceps they make in prison.
␥
“One-night stands are all I’m good for, Zeke. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but people don’t particularly like me.”
I’m not sure if this is true. People avoid him because he radiates unfriendliness, not because they don’t like him. It’s probably more accurate to say people are intimidated by him. If anyone made an effort to know him, they’d see that he’s actually selfless, kind, and has a sharp sense of humor.
Overall this is a pretty feel-good romance with low-angst, sweet dates and a love that grows slowly. (not really my personal cuppa)
Let’s see what’s up with their new friend Max in the next one. Zeke was more than concerned about him.
*************
SCU Hockey Series
Book 1 - Shots on Net - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - Save the Game - tbr
Book 3 - tbd
January 26, 2025
This is the sweetest slow burn, oh my goodness!
Like sure, there's that ONE time when they're still just friends and one MC has a painful sexual encounter with another guy and the other MC finds out and they have a delightful mutually awkward conversation on anal fissures.
But after that? The most ooey gooey sweetness.
Slow burn by force because Zeke is demi, and Carter totally falls for him first, almost gives himself an ulcer trying to hide it, then finally listens to a teammate and asks him out on a date.
And Zeke says yes!🎉🥳🎈
Except Zeke has no idea it's a date, even though Carter specifically says it's a date, dresses up to the nines and makes a reservation for a fancy restaurant.
Cue the most awkward date/not date where Zeke suggests they instead go to a friend's party.
Whew. The dramaaaaa. Carter all butthurt but hiding it, Zeke wondering what he's done wrong, eventually figuring out it was meant to be a date date, spiraling over fucking things up, Carter doing the whole stiff upper lip thing and Zeke FINALLY opening up to him.
Guys, what follows is legit the slowest burn where they take aaaaaages to even kiss. Carter determined to never push, Zeke slowly getting to the point where he's ready to kiss but now doesn't know how to bring it up.
And they talk SO MUCH. About everything. And Carter isn't even a talker!!! It's so wholesome!
This is exactly what I needed. Knowing the sex will come but getting a SHIT ton of emotional connection first? Yes. I would inject it into my veins if I could.
It's like reading YA without reading YA. This is what I've been wanting.
The most hilarious bit is teensy weensy Zeke leading ginormous tatted Carter around by the balls(sweetly) in every little situation.
Like please go turn off the lights even though we're both already naked in bed and Zeke was the last to get in because he's 'very very small and it's very very cold and he's very very naked' 😂
The cutest!!!
They're also deeply unserious. In the middle of a heated argument with Carter's dad about him pursuing a hockey career and not following the path laid out for him re: family business, Carter takes a break to tell his dad(about Zeke) 'I need him.'
Like okay, baby, we get it, but focus on the fight first, mmkay? Your dad's saying he's not going to pay your tuition if you do this.
It's so rare that I read a book and love both MCs equally. No settling going on here, these two deserve each other in the best way.
Like sure, there's that ONE time when they're still just friends and one MC has a painful sexual encounter with another guy and the other MC finds out and they have a delightful mutually awkward conversation on anal fissures.
But after that? The most ooey gooey sweetness.
Slow burn by force because Zeke is demi, and Carter totally falls for him first, almost gives himself an ulcer trying to hide it, then finally listens to a teammate and asks him out on a date.
And Zeke says yes!🎉🥳🎈
Except Zeke has no idea it's a date, even though Carter specifically says it's a date, dresses up to the nines and makes a reservation for a fancy restaurant.
Cue the most awkward date/not date where Zeke suggests they instead go to a friend's party.
Whew. The dramaaaaa. Carter all butthurt but hiding it, Zeke wondering what he's done wrong, eventually figuring out it was meant to be a date date, spiraling over fucking things up, Carter doing the whole stiff upper lip thing and Zeke FINALLY opening up to him.
Guys, what follows is legit the slowest burn where they take aaaaaages to even kiss. Carter determined to never push, Zeke slowly getting to the point where he's ready to kiss but now doesn't know how to bring it up.
And they talk SO MUCH. About everything. And Carter isn't even a talker!!! It's so wholesome!
This is exactly what I needed. Knowing the sex will come but getting a SHIT ton of emotional connection first? Yes. I would inject it into my veins if I could.
It's like reading YA without reading YA. This is what I've been wanting.
The most hilarious bit is teensy weensy Zeke leading ginormous tatted Carter around by the balls(sweetly) in every little situation.
Like please go turn off the lights even though we're both already naked in bed and Zeke was the last to get in because he's 'very very small and it's very very cold and he's very very naked' 😂
The cutest!!!
They're also deeply unserious. In the middle of a heated argument with Carter's dad about him pursuing a hockey career and not following the path laid out for him re: family business, Carter takes a break to tell his dad(about Zeke) 'I need him.'
Like okay, baby, we get it, but focus on the fight first, mmkay? Your dad's saying he's not going to pay your tuition if you do this.
It's so rare that I read a book and love both MCs equally. No settling going on here, these two deserve each other in the best way.
June 29, 2025
Rating: 4.25
Late to the party but I'm here! I finally get why everyone's loving JJ Mulder's hockey books because this one was great!
I"m a sucker for the hot jock silently pining for the nerdier guy and thinking he's out of the nerd's league, and Shots on Net delivered so well on that!
Zeke's a sweetheart and Carter's kind of dick (at least that's how he often comes across if you dont know him) and I loved them together. I really liked their slow build from strangers to roomies to friends to lovers, and I loved the ace rep. I also adored how much fun they had in bed and how that was so different to what I usually read.
Can't wait for the rest of the series!
Late to the party but I'm here! I finally get why everyone's loving JJ Mulder's hockey books because this one was great!
I"m a sucker for the hot jock silently pining for the nerdier guy and thinking he's out of the nerd's league, and Shots on Net delivered so well on that!
Zeke's a sweetheart and Carter's kind of dick (at least that's how he often comes across if you dont know him) and I loved them together. I really liked their slow build from strangers to roomies to friends to lovers, and I loved the ace rep. I also adored how much fun they had in bed and how that was so different to what I usually read.
Can't wait for the rest of the series!
June 6, 2025
“I like you. Everything about you. I’m not sure when I gave you the impression that I didn’t like the way you look, but I’m sorry if I did..."
Please give a round of applause to open and direct communication 👏👏👏
BR with Bella <3
Please give a round of applause to open and direct communication 👏👏👏
BR with Bella <3
May 30, 2024
This book was incredibly cute and sweet. I absolutely loved Zeke and Carter's relationship; their dynamic was heartwarming and engaging. The character development throughout the story was very enjoyable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
However, I did find myself wishing for a happier and more conclusive ending. Despite this, overall it was good.
However, I did find myself wishing for a happier and more conclusive ending. Despite this, overall it was good.
August 12, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Yes to all of these tropes.
Zeke and Carter were so different, but they felt so right for each other.
I loved the slow build up from cute and unlikely friendship to a sweet and loving romance. I love when grumps like Carter are just mushy teddy bears for their person. How they melt for their sunshine. How all their prickliness and rough edges don’t bother their person.
His actions spoke so much louder than his words, all the little things he’d do for Zeke even when they’d just met. And seeing him fall first was even better, especially ‘cause Zeke was completely oblivious.
Shots On Net was just cute and romantic, a great combo of some great tropes that really work together, a feel-good love story with lots of happy feelings.
Now I really need Max’s story, because he’s giving broken boy vibes and I can’t wait to see his HEA.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Roommates
- Jock vs nerd
- Opposites attract
- Hockey player MC
- Demi MC
- Size difference
- Grumpy/sunshine
- MC w/ tattoos
- Smaller top bigger bottom
It’s so easy for Zeke to be happy. I wonder if, by proximity alone, some of that irreverent joy will rub off onto me.
Yes to all of these tropes.
Zeke and Carter were so different, but they felt so right for each other.
I loved the slow build up from cute and unlikely friendship to a sweet and loving romance. I love when grumps like Carter are just mushy teddy bears for their person. How they melt for their sunshine. How all their prickliness and rough edges don’t bother their person.
His actions spoke so much louder than his words, all the little things he’d do for Zeke even when they’d just met. And seeing him fall first was even better, especially ‘cause Zeke was completely oblivious.
Shots On Net was just cute and romantic, a great combo of some great tropes that really work together, a feel-good love story with lots of happy feelings.
Now I really need Max’s story, because he’s giving broken boy vibes and I can’t wait to see his HEA.
There are a lot of things I could survive losing, but Zeke Cassidy isn’t one of them.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Roommates
- Jock vs nerd
- Opposites attract
- Hockey player MC
- Demi MC
- Size difference
- Grumpy/sunshine
- MC w/ tattoos
- Smaller top bigger bottom
November 13, 2024
cute, fun, enjoyable to the max!!! love me some opposites attract, plus the cutest friends-to-lovers??? such a win. great lighthearted fun, free of any noticeable angst or third act breakup!
September 30, 2024
4⭐️
This was such a cozy and cute read. Love both Carter and Zeke. Love it all really.
Sometimes you just need a feel good, low angst easy read.
This was such a cozy and cute read. Love both Carter and Zeke. Love it all really.
Sometimes you just need a feel good, low angst easy read.
September 1, 2024
I was in desperate need of a cute hockey romance with a little steam after being so book hungover after the ‘Breakaway’ series by E.L. Massey. And ‘Shots on Net’ just hit the spot!
I’m a sucker for a well done jock/nerd trope, especially in combination with a deliciously slooow slow burn and a grumpy/sunshine couple. And this was all that and more, yay 👏
I loved loved loved how the big scowling loner super goalie fell first and HARD and was completely soft and helplessly gone when it came to Zeke.
Do you know what I’m also a sucker for? CONSENT TALK and RESPECTING BOUNDARIES, BABY. There’s nothing more sexy and/or wholesome than open and honest conversation when it comes to sex and relationships (with friends or your potential sex partner), feel free to convince me otherwise 🔥
While I’m at it: I feel like this book was a pretty good demi representation, where it took the MC a considerable amount of time to actually feel sexually attracted to his love interest. I’ve read plenty of other books with characters on the ace spectrum, where that’s not the case and the MCs start pining or actually hooking up pretty fast after meeting their ‘one’.
That all being said, I have one big complaint though: what the fuck was this ending?! The story was wrapped up so abruptly?! I was so confused that I checked if my kindle file was somehow corrupted. It was indeed not. Then I thought, well okay, their story surely will continue in the next instalment of the series, but apparently that’s also not the case?! What happened here? Did the author just suddenly ran out of things to say or to conclude? It sure felt like it. I’m baffled. So yeah, that was a little disappointing. Other than that though, I thoroughly enjoyed this! 3,75-4⭐️
I’m a sucker for a well done jock/nerd trope, especially in combination with a deliciously slooow slow burn and a grumpy/sunshine couple. And this was all that and more, yay 👏
I loved loved loved how the big scowling loner super goalie fell first and HARD and was completely soft and helplessly gone when it came to Zeke.
Do you know what I’m also a sucker for? CONSENT TALK and RESPECTING BOUNDARIES, BABY. There’s nothing more sexy and/or wholesome than open and honest conversation when it comes to sex and relationships (with friends or your potential sex partner), feel free to convince me otherwise 🔥
While I’m at it: I feel like this book was a pretty good demi representation, where it took the MC a considerable amount of time to actually feel sexually attracted to his love interest. I’ve read plenty of other books with characters on the ace spectrum, where that’s not the case and the MCs start pining or actually hooking up pretty fast after meeting their ‘one’.
That all being said, I have one big complaint though: what the fuck was this ending?! The story was wrapped up so abruptly?! I was so confused that I checked if my kindle file was somehow corrupted. It was indeed not. Then I thought, well okay, their story surely will continue in the next instalment of the series, but apparently that’s also not the case?! What happened here? Did the author just suddenly ran out of things to say or to conclude? It sure felt like it. I’m baffled. So yeah, that was a little disappointing. Other than that though, I thoroughly enjoyed this! 3,75-4⭐️
December 5, 2024
‘I don’t really want to meet his friend and pretend to be nice. I want to eat, shower, and listen to Zeke talk about nerdy shit—preferably in that order’
This was refreshing and cute and funny with the banter between these two but also how they kinda took care of each-other. But I’m not going to lie to y’all when I read chapter 8 I was so thrown off with Carter obviously going through an awkward hookup with someone else that wasn’t the other MC it kinda through me for a loop for a while by the end I kinda believed it? I don’t know 🤷♂️I’ll definitely read more by this author!
Shoutout to my sweet Gina being my buddy reader 💜🤙
This was refreshing and cute and funny with the banter between these two but also how they kinda took care of each-other. But I’m not going to lie to y’all when I read chapter 8 I was so thrown off with Carter obviously going through an awkward hookup with someone else that wasn’t the other MC it kinda through me for a loop for a while by the end I kinda believed it? I don’t know 🤷♂️I’ll definitely read more by this author!
Shoutout to my sweet Gina being my buddy reader 💜🤙
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
set in a dystopia where everyone has blue eyes for some reason
set in a dystopia where everyone has blue eyes for some reason
July 23, 2025
This was such a nice book, I do believe that to enjoy it better you should read the Offsides series first, since that’s where Carter first appears as well as Anthony and Coach McKenzie so it gives more context to the story.
Carter is the grumpiest of grumpiest goalies, he is just so angry with life and his circumstances, his only outlet is hockey and even that is going to end soon according to “the plan”.
For reasons related to plot, Zeke is looking to rent a room and Carter has a whole house just for himself, so they end up being roommates who eventually become friends and go on friend-dates all the time, even acting as if they are in a relationship with each other.
This is a super slow burn romance but it’s so sweet that the tiny moments make it worth it. It ends with an ambiguous HFN but I hope we get to see more of Carter and Zeke in the rest of the books in the series.
Carter is the grumpiest of grumpiest goalies, he is just so angry with life and his circumstances, his only outlet is hockey and even that is going to end soon according to “the plan”.
For reasons related to plot, Zeke is looking to rent a room and Carter has a whole house just for himself, so they end up being roommates who eventually become friends and go on friend-dates all the time, even acting as if they are in a relationship with each other.
This is a super slow burn romance but it’s so sweet that the tiny moments make it worth it. It ends with an ambiguous HFN but I hope we get to see more of Carter and Zeke in the rest of the books in the series.
July 18, 2025
A quick, fun read! There were things I felt should've been fleshed out more and a lot of potentially angsty situations that were resolved a bit too quickly and unrealistically ... but I mainly came here for a cute grumpy/sunshine romance and I got it, so I'm happy!
September 8, 2024
Short and sweet.
May I interest you in:
⛸️ MM sports romance
⛸️ jock and nerd
⛸️ roommates
⛸️ dual POV
⛸️ moderate steam 🧖🏿🧖🏿🧖🏿
⛸️ bi/demi
May I interest you in:
⛸️ MM sports romance
⛸️ jock and nerd
⛸️ roommates
⛸️ dual POV
⛸️ moderate steam 🧖🏿🧖🏿🧖🏿
⛸️ bi/demi
June 4, 2024
Liked the first half and then the rest were just… fucking boring.
August 27, 2024
Zeke & Carter
Rating: 4.2 ⭐
- College Romance
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Roommates
- Demi MC / Bi MC
- Slow Burn
- Nerd/Jock
- Opposites Attract
- Hockey Goalie
- Mental Health Themes
This book was cute and they were so sweet together. I loved watching their relationship grow from roommates to friends to lovers. Zeke brought a lightness and sunshine to Carter's life that he didn't even know he truly needed. The development for the characters and their families was beautiful to read about. This is not overly spicy but it doesn't feel like it missing or necessary for the story. There are plenty of intimate moments with no need for spice between the couple.
My gripe with this is that the ending stops in the middle of conversation and that's just not okay. It's an unnecessary cliffhanger, because the next book is about a different couple and it's not like this couple has another book coming.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mild exhibitionism
- Themes of parental rejection and abandonment
- Mentions of parental deaths (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page)
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No, but Carter does sleep with hookups before they get together (one scene on-page)
Ages: 20 & 21
Rating: 4.2 ⭐
- College Romance
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Roommates
- Demi MC / Bi MC
- Slow Burn
- Nerd/Jock
- Opposites Attract
- Hockey Goalie
- Mental Health Themes
This book was cute and they were so sweet together. I loved watching their relationship grow from roommates to friends to lovers. Zeke brought a lightness and sunshine to Carter's life that he didn't even know he truly needed. The development for the characters and their families was beautiful to read about. This is not overly spicy but it doesn't feel like it missing or necessary for the story. There are plenty of intimate moments with no need for spice between the couple.
"The smile that graces his face when he steps back into the hallway and sees me waiting nearly sends me into cardiac arrest. My Carter, my smile. Mine, mine, mine. I smile back and step forward to hug him again."
My gripe with this is that the ending stops in the middle of conversation and that's just not okay. It's an unnecessary cliffhanger, because the next book is about a different couple and it's not like this couple has another book coming.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mild exhibitionism
- Themes of parental rejection and abandonment
- Mentions of parental deaths (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page)
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No, but Carter does sleep with hookups before they get together (one scene on-page)
Ages: 20 & 21
September 15, 2024
4.5🌟
Adorable, i was hooked! A tad disappointing that the ending felt a bit unsatisfying and there was no epilogue. But still lovely 💜
Adorable, i was hooked! A tad disappointing that the ending felt a bit unsatisfying and there was no epilogue. But still lovely 💜
August 29, 2024
This was such a fun read! I had a great time.
I'm usually very picky with my contemporary romances, but one with hockey and college-aged MCs seem to be my jam.
This was my first J.J. Mulder romance, and I admit I started this because I wanted to read book two (I loved the blurb of that one, and angsty contemporaries always seems to work for me better than the non-angsty variety!), but colour me surprised when not only did I inhale it, in just over 24 hours, but I also loved it to freaking bits? I feel like I need to do a deep dive into the author's blacklist.
I adored both protagonists soooo much, especially Carter. He was hilarious: snarky and grumpy and angry, but also surprisingly sweet and insecure and ughhhhh, my favourite type of character. Zeke was pretty great too, and I adored the demi rep! I'm in no way an expert, but I found it so freaking lovely.
I also LOVED their dynamic, and I adored their banter and the slow-burn build-up to their relationship (@slow-burn fans, you don't want to miss this!!!!). I also loved that their relationship was both light-hearted and sweet and romantic, but also very much grounded in friendship as well as a very solid emotional connection. You can take slow-burn as a trope out of my cold, dead hands: IT'S THE BEST, I DON'T MAKE THE RULES!
I loved the side characters, especially Vas and I'm already so damn curious about Max too. I can already tell he's going to break my heart. Tony and the Coach were pretty great as well: I'm guessing there's a story about them somewhere? I need to look them up.
This book is surprisingly chunky, but it didn't feel like it: it flowed like a dreaaaam. I admit the last part of the book wasn't my favourite (that dreaded urge to skim *grr), but all in all, I enjoyed the hell out of it.
TWs/CWs: parent death (past), child neglect, one instance of homophobia.
I'm usually very picky with my contemporary romances, but one with hockey and college-aged MCs seem to be my jam.
This was my first J.J. Mulder romance, and I admit I started this because I wanted to read book two (I loved the blurb of that one, and angsty contemporaries always seems to work for me better than the non-angsty variety!), but colour me surprised when not only did I inhale it, in just over 24 hours, but I also loved it to freaking bits? I feel like I need to do a deep dive into the author's blacklist.
I adored both protagonists soooo much, especially Carter. He was hilarious: snarky and grumpy and angry, but also surprisingly sweet and insecure and ughhhhh, my favourite type of character. Zeke was pretty great too, and I adored the demi rep! I'm in no way an expert, but I found it so freaking lovely.
I also LOVED their dynamic, and I adored their banter and the slow-burn build-up to their relationship (@slow-burn fans, you don't want to miss this!!!!). I also loved that their relationship was both light-hearted and sweet and romantic, but also very much grounded in friendship as well as a very solid emotional connection. You can take slow-burn as a trope out of my cold, dead hands: IT'S THE BEST, I DON'T MAKE THE RULES!
I loved the side characters, especially Vas and I'm already so damn curious about Max too. I can already tell he's going to break my heart. Tony and the Coach were pretty great as well: I'm guessing there's a story about them somewhere? I need to look them up.
This book is surprisingly chunky, but it didn't feel like it: it flowed like a dreaaaam. I admit the last part of the book wasn't my favourite (that dreaded urge to skim *grr), but all in all, I enjoyed the hell out of it.
TWs/CWs: parent death (past), child neglect, one instance of homophobia.
September 23, 2024
4.5 stars.
"This time, when I laugh, I curl upward to kiss him. I have no idea how I was able to survive so long without Zeke Cassidy; I think if he ever left me, I’d die."
This book was such a delight to read.
I don't think I stopped smiling once while reading this.
Zeke is the kind of character that makes you feel happy just by begin near him.
Carter surprised me,I did not think that he will be so shy and soft.
Even his family surprised me in the end.
Their relationship was just pure fluff,even before they got together.
I don't think I have ever read such a loving,respectful and caring relationship.
Their sex scenes were intense but in a soft way.
They both handled each other with so much care.
I loved how Carter respected Zeke and waited for him to feel ready.
The only complaint I have is that it ended too abruptly,it left me feeling lost since I was not expecting it to end there.
"This time, when I laugh, I curl upward to kiss him. I have no idea how I was able to survive so long without Zeke Cassidy; I think if he ever left me, I’d die."
This book was such a delight to read.
I don't think I stopped smiling once while reading this.
Zeke is the kind of character that makes you feel happy just by begin near him.
Carter surprised me,I did not think that he will be so shy and soft.
Even his family surprised me in the end.
Their relationship was just pure fluff,even before they got together.
I don't think I have ever read such a loving,respectful and caring relationship.
Their sex scenes were intense but in a soft way.
They both handled each other with so much care.
I loved how Carter respected Zeke and waited for him to feel ready.
The only complaint I have is that it ended too abruptly,it left me feeling lost since I was not expecting it to end there.
March 2, 2025
I'm not normally a fan of friends-to-lovers, but this was adorable. I was worried about the supposed cliffhanger at the end of the story but didn't find one. An epilogue a few years in the future would've been nice, but I thought all the important stuff was wrapped up. Perhaps I'm reading an edited version? Anyway, I loved Zeke's enthusiasm and his insistence on maintaining open communication with Carter. This was a lot better than I expected it to be. 4.5 stars
December 5, 2024
if the slanted face emoji was a real life person, it would be me after this ending. i mean...wtf? I wanted to, i really really wanted to like this book and i did at the beginning but then it got boring and then the ending happened and it was just awful
July 18, 2025
This book is as very cute, however. I feel the writing is very amateur. I still enjoyed it, but I was hoping for more.
June 26, 2025
Shots on Net is easily my most unexpected five-star read of the year. It’s low on plot, high on vibes, and I devoured every second of it. I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in, but Zeke Cassidy was not what I imagined and I loved him for it. His wide-eyed innocence and sunshine-in-human-form energy brought me so much joy, I got emotional just watching how he saw the world. Paired with Carter, I was completely hooked on how they navigated each other to find love. Both characters are deeply relatable and so lovable I couldn’t wait to see where their story went.
Consider me officially a JJ Mulder fan.
Consider me officially a JJ Mulder fan.
March 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐
This series has been on my TBR since last year and with the new book coming out soon I felt like this was the right time to start.
First of all: I am a sucker for a good demi rep. It was well executed but could use some more depth to really understand how Zeke's feelings towards Carter changed.
The ending could do with a couple more pages where the important things get explained. Maybe it was just me wanting to know more about their future, but it felt like something was missing.
The rest of their story was very cute and sweet. There is not much spice but that's not a must for me to enjoy reading it. It's a perfect low angst story, a nice breather after all the angst I've read these last couple of weeks.
Tropes:
Nerd x Jock
Roommates to lovers
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Demi rep
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This series has been on my TBR since last year and with the new book coming out soon I felt like this was the right time to start.
First of all: I am a sucker for a good demi rep. It was well executed but could use some more depth to really understand how Zeke's feelings towards Carter changed.
The ending could do with a couple more pages where the important things get explained. Maybe it was just me wanting to know more about their future, but it felt like something was missing.
The rest of their story was very cute and sweet. There is not much spice but that's not a must for me to enjoy reading it. It's a perfect low angst story, a nice breather after all the angst I've read these last couple of weeks.
Tropes:
Nerd x Jock
Roommates to lovers
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Demi rep
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
July 23, 2025
4 ⭐ I have only read two books by this author so far, and one of the things I absolutely love about the books is the way the relationship between the MCs is portrayed. It’s so soft and tender, and progresses very slowly and the author does a good job of writing it. I think it’s like you are standing by and watching two people slowly fall in love in real time.
The only complaint I have is the way the book ends. Like, It felt so abrupt. I think that’s the only time I felt kind of dissatisfied with the book.
The only complaint I have is the way the book ends. Like, It felt so abrupt. I think that’s the only time I felt kind of dissatisfied with the book.
August 27, 2024
New favorite book, just like that. The story of Carter and Zeke made me sigh, not only because of how beautiful they were, but also because of the COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THEM, they got to know each other little by little, and despite their differences, they understood each other in such a way that it seemed like they were meant for each other. Zeke was the calm that Carter needed, and Carter was everything Zeke needed too. More than a relationship, they formed a beautiful bond that always put a smile on my face. This story was refreshingly and so drama free, just two people getting to know and love each other (plus, there's hockey, and we love that). For me, that's the best part of it all.
I absolutely adore this author's writing style, and she has definitely become a comfort author for me.
📌 I received an e-copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
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Nuevo libro favorito, así de sencillo. La historia de Carter y Zeke me hizo suspirar y no solo por lo bonito que fueron, si no en cómo tenían COMUNICACIÓN ENTRE ELLOS, como se fueron conociendo poco a poco y por más que eran diferentes ellos se entendieron de tal manera que parecen haber nacidos el uno para el otro, Zeke fue la calma que Carter necesitaba y Carter fue todo lo que Zeke necesitaba también, más que una relación formaron una unión tan bonita que solo tenia una sonrisa en mi cara por ellos, esta historia fue tan libre de drama, solo dos personas conociéndose y amándose (además, tenemos hockey y amamos eso) y eso para mi es lo mejor de todo esto.
Me encanta mucho la forma de escribir de esta autora y sin duda se vuelve una autora comfort para mi.
I absolutely adore this author's writing style, and she has definitely become a comfort author for me.
📌 I received an e-copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
---
Nuevo libro favorito, así de sencillo. La historia de Carter y Zeke me hizo suspirar y no solo por lo bonito que fueron, si no en cómo tenían COMUNICACIÓN ENTRE ELLOS, como se fueron conociendo poco a poco y por más que eran diferentes ellos se entendieron de tal manera que parecen haber nacidos el uno para el otro, Zeke fue la calma que Carter necesitaba y Carter fue todo lo que Zeke necesitaba también, más que una relación formaron una unión tan bonita que solo tenia una sonrisa en mi cara por ellos, esta historia fue tan libre de drama, solo dos personas conociéndose y amándose (además, tenemos hockey y amamos eso) y eso para mi es lo mejor de todo esto.
Me encanta mucho la forma de escribir de esta autora y sin duda se vuelve una autora comfort para mi.
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