BookishRaquel's Reviews > Fake Shot

5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️ | 5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Hockey Romance
- Brother's Best Friend
- Age Gap
- Fake Engagement
- Reformed Playboy
- Forced Proximity
- Virgin FMC
- No Third Act Breakup
- Slow Burn

Fake Shot is the second book in the Boston Rebels series and tells the story of Colt and Jules. Colt and Jules were introduced in Center Ice (book one). However, this book can be read as a standalone. In Center Ice, it is clear that something is going on with Colt and Jules. Now we know they have a history that started in Vegas years ago. Jules has always had a crush on Colt, but he only saw her as his best friend's little sister. When circumstances lead to Colt moving in with Jules, he realizes she is not a kid anymore. What happens next? A fake engagement, of course! As they spend more time together, they stop pretending, and things become more real than ever imagined.

I loved Colt and Jules together! They have amazing chemistry and are exactly what each other needs. From the outside looking in, Colt is a playboy star hockey player who doesn't do relationships, but as we peel back his layers, we see there is more to him than the facade he allows the world to see. Jules is a strong female entrepreneur who works in a male-dominated industry. I love that the story highlighted her struggles with this and her efforts to create more space for other women to enter the field. I loved that Colt helped break down the walls Jules built up due to her past and showed her he was a man she could trust with her heart. This is definitely a slow burn, but it's worth it. Colt and Jules learn to be vulnerable with each other, and the evolution of their relationship is beautiful to witness.

Fake Shot is a great second book in this series. It is the perfect hockey romance, with heat and swoon-worthy moments. I'm excited to see what is planned for book three.

Narration:
Stella Bloom and Connor Crais did a phenomenal job narrating this story. They are incredible storytellers and the perfect voices for Jules and Colt. Stella and Connor really brought the characters to life, truly capturing all of the emotions and pulling me into the story. I read an early copy of this book back in June, and listening to this audiobook made me fall in love with the characters even more.

Thanks to Julia Connors and Wordsmith Publicity for the eARC and ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.