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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I can't stand it when people try to sell me new wine in old wineskins.
It's not worth my time reading again about stuff that has already happened in other books of the series, only from a different POV.
It's not worth my time reading again about stuff that has already happened in other books of the series, only from a different POV.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This may be my favorite of the SCU series! While we had met both of our MCs earlier in the series in various ways, I loved the pairing of anxiety ridden grumpy Marcos with literal sunshine incarnate Nate.
This book also incorporates some of the prior characters we have met (hello Atlas and Henri!) but also introduces us to new ones (i need a Mickey book ASAP i would die for him). I also thought it balanced hockey, baseball, AND farming/ranching really well since trying to do all of those things could be a LOT if handled poorly.
The book also features PTSD and touch aversion rep, and i think handles them with care. i always love it when a character goes to therapy!
This book also incorporates some of the prior characters we have met (hello Atlas and Henri!) but also introduces us to new ones (i need a Mickey book ASAP i would die for him). I also thought it balanced hockey, baseball, AND farming/ranching really well since trying to do all of those things could be a LOT if handled poorly.
The book also features PTSD and touch aversion rep, and i think handles them with care. i always love it when a character goes to therapy!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One Touch Pass - J.J. Mulder
5โพ๏ธ/5โจ๐
- College romance
- Touch aversion
- One sided insta-love
- Hurt/comfort
- Hockey, baseball and horses
* SPOILERS *
๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐๐ข๐ต๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ข๐ด ๐ข ๐ญ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ช๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ต๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ข ๐ฉ๐ช๐ญ๐ญ. ๐ ๐ต๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ค๐ข๐ต๐ค๐ฉ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ด๐ฆ๐ญ๐ง, ๐ฃ๐ถ๐ต ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ถ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐บ ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ท๐ช๐ต๐บ ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ฏ.
๐๐ต ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐บ๐ด๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐บ ๐ฑ๐ข๐ช๐ฏ๐ด ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ต ๐ฉ๐ช๐ฎ ๐จ๐ฐ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ด๐ช๐ต ๐ฃ๐ข๐ค๐ฌ ๐ข๐จ๐ข๐ช๐ฏ. ๐๐ญ๐ญ ๐ ๐ธ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต ๐ช๐ด ๐ต๐ฐ ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฉ๐ช๐ฎ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ต ๐จ๐ฐ. ๐๐ฐ ๐ฌ๐ช๐ด๐ด ๐ฉ๐ช๐ฎ ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ญ ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ญ๐ถ๐ฏ๐จ๐ด ๐ฃ๐ถ๐ณ๐ฏ, ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ ๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏ ๐ต๐ข๐ด๐ต๐ฆ ๐ช๐ด ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ค๐ฐ๐ด. ๐ ๐ธ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฏ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ, ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ง๐ข๐ค๐ฆ ๐ง๐ช๐ณ๐ด๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ ๐ธ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ถ๐ฑ.
I havenโt read all of JJโs books but Iโve read this entire series and I feel like each and every one of these books gets better and better. This is by far my favorite!
I was literally fan girling these two the whole time, like I was giddy and smiling and kicking my feet because this was so cute. Very low angst and just so darn sweet with these two.
I loved that we got to see more of Max and Marcosโs relationship. I am so glad that Marcos finally got to talk to Max about how he was feeling to what had happened to Max. I love Luke. Heโs so fun. The whole baking scene had me dying with laughter because whatever they made was not banana bread!
I loved how patient Nate was with Marcos. There was a huge mental health in this book and I love how we got to see Marcos grow as a person and to his own journey of his own recovery. Even though what happened to Max was terrible, Marcos went through his own personal hell that night and I loved how well written JJ wrote his trauma.
The whole touch aversion was so well written. Iโve never read a book like this and it had me drawn in from the moment we meet Marcos. I also loved how Nate knew when not to touch Marcos.
The surprise date was super cute. I loved how Max gave him ideas in what he liked.
And oh man, when we get the many chapters of ranch life with Nate and Marcos, I was a goner. The horse names were so ridiculous. Shrimp? Tuna? I was dead! When we find out that Tuna was Marcosโs surprise, I wanted to cry because that right there was so sweet!
The way that the spice scenes are written out in each book of this series is so beautiful, but this one was really full of love and intimacy and I love how they had to really trust one another to really go down that path.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
๐คFalling in love with Nate was a little like stumbling while walking down a hill. I tried to catch myself, but eventually gravity won.๐ค
I have said it many times, JJ can do no wrong, and this book is just further proof of that fact.
I have been dying for Marcosโ story since first meeting him, and I canโt imagine a more perfect match for him than Nate.
That boy fell hard and fast, and he never looked back. His patience and care towards Marcos was everything that he deserved, even if he didnโt believe it himself. His attempts to woo Marcos made my heart so happy, as did the fact that Marcos had no hope of resisting him.
The dynamic between Nate and Max/Luke was incredible- I would read 100 more books just about their little friend crew.
I really enjoyed the change up of the setting too- seeing the characters outside of the typical university life made this one hit a bit different. Also- it must be mentioned that the horses were all top tier side characters!
I can guarantee I will be reading this one many more times!
I have said it many times, JJ can do no wrong, and this book is just further proof of that fact.
I have been dying for Marcosโ story since first meeting him, and I canโt imagine a more perfect match for him than Nate.
That boy fell hard and fast, and he never looked back. His patience and care towards Marcos was everything that he deserved, even if he didnโt believe it himself. His attempts to woo Marcos made my heart so happy, as did the fact that Marcos had no hope of resisting him.
The dynamic between Nate and Max/Luke was incredible- I would read 100 more books just about their little friend crew.
I really enjoyed the change up of the setting too- seeing the characters outside of the typical university life made this one hit a bit different. Also- it must be mentioned that the horses were all top tier side characters!
I can guarantee I will be reading this one many more times!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved this story, this is my favorite book by this author now.
It can be read as a standalone but to really experience everything going on in Marcos' mind is better to at least read book 2 in the series.
It can be read as a standalone but to really experience everything going on in Marcos' mind is better to at least read book 2 in the series.
There's a bit of hurt/comfort, a lot empathy, and two characters that are very different but feel deeply for their friends and each other.
One of my favorite parts is how each of them think the other guy is the best and prettiest person they've met, it's adorable. I also liked how even though Marcos' friendship with Max (book 2) is codependent, Nate isn't bothered by it, he understands it and is supportive.
I think this book is spicier than the other books in the series, even with Marcos having issues with physical touch. I loved the way Nate handled this and how both characters communicated while trying to figure out how to work around it.
This story is sweet, funny, and with some unexpected things that made the story feel like we get a bit of everything we could possibly want to see these characters experience.
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
JJ always manages to weave in the heavy topics among the mostly lighthearted vibes. And this is no exception. I was excited for Marcos' story since we met him as a crucial part of Max' story, and to see the happenings from his perspective and how he was impacted without being the victim was done so well! It's certainly not an easy topic, but JJ handles it with great care and empathy. Everything resulting from this trauma also was described really well - I really appreciated the take on touch aversion (and how that influences a relationship) and especially the therapy rep. I always find it refreshing if a romance with mental illness rep doesn't take that path with the new love being healing, because that's unfortunately not possible (and absolutely not healthy), and JJ really does that well.
I would have wished for a bit of a different pacing and less time at SCU and more time on that gorgeous farm, the vibes just were on point (maybe a cowboy series would be something in JJ's future?๐ค). But that made up my (overall rather minor) struggle with the book, because it felt lengthy overall and the best parts that kept my attention over a longer period of time all happened in the last like 30%. I know I'm in a bit of a reading slump right now, but it still took me way too long to finish, because I wasn't super invested - even tho I really wanted the HEA for the characters.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, mostly lighthearted with tougher topics being discussed with great care.
I would have wished for a bit of a different pacing and less time at SCU and more time on that gorgeous farm, the vibes just were on point (maybe a cowboy series would be something in JJ's future?๐ค). But that made up my (overall rather minor) struggle with the book, because it felt lengthy overall and the best parts that kept my attention over a longer period of time all happened in the last like 30%. I know I'm in a bit of a reading slump right now, but it still took me way too long to finish, because I wasn't super invested - even tho I really wanted the HEA for the characters.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, mostly lighthearted with tougher topics being discussed with great care.
Nate โข Marcos
โฆ.
โTe veo al amanecer.โ
โฆ.
What can I say. I love this whole series. From book one I am part of this world and love each and every character - with their stories behind them.
Nate and Marcos are no exception. While reading the tropes or blurb you would think this is something you probably read before but trust me JJ as an author brings that โit factorโ something of their own every single time. The touch aversion touched upon so delicately, the open communication between the two characters, a beautiful awakening and so much pure intimacy. Hurt comfort on its highest level. Honesty, understanding and patience.
If you like your books healing souls and hearts. Let this one heal you too.
Maxโs and Marcoโs friendship โพ๏ธ.
โฆ.
โSeventeen minutes.โ // โMaybe youโre my better option.โ // โPeople donโt get what they want by playing games or not saying things they want to sayโฆโ // โFinally.โ // โGod, who does something like that?โ // โI am feral for Marcos.โ // โI want to hold him close, and maybe feed him some soup.โ // โYouโre mine now.โ // โHe wants you to stay, too. It was all part of the plan.โ // โDescansa, amor.โ โฆ
โฆ.
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
โฆ.
โฆ.
โTe veo al amanecer.โ
โฆ.
What can I say. I love this whole series. From book one I am part of this world and love each and every character - with their stories behind them.
Nate and Marcos are no exception. While reading the tropes or blurb you would think this is something you probably read before but trust me JJ as an author brings that โit factorโ something of their own every single time. The touch aversion touched upon so delicately, the open communication between the two characters, a beautiful awakening and so much pure intimacy. Hurt comfort on its highest level. Honesty, understanding and patience.
If you like your books healing souls and hearts. Let this one heal you too.
Maxโs and Marcoโs friendship โพ๏ธ.
โฆ.
โSeventeen minutes.โ // โMaybe youโre my better option.โ // โPeople donโt get what they want by playing games or not saying things they want to sayโฆโ // โFinally.โ // โGod, who does something like that?โ // โI am feral for Marcos.โ // โI want to hold him close, and maybe feed him some soup.โ // โYouโre mine now.โ // โHe wants you to stay, too. It was all part of the plan.โ // โDescansa, amor.โ โฆ
โฆ.
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
โฆ.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to the author for my gifted e-review copy. My opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Book 4 in the SCU Hockey universe, this is Nate and Marcos story.
Read this for:
- hockey/baseball
- horses
- cowboy/city boy
- insta love that turns into slow burn
- touch aversion
- bi-awakening
My thoughts: I got hooked on JJโs hockey universe last year and have literally read her entire back list and arc read her last 5 books. The characters are so sweet and tender even when faced with difficult times. Nate is a cowboy who has been playing hockey but he knows heโs not going to go pro and I love that aspect of JJโs books. So many student athletes end up doing lots of other things than playing what ever sport they play at a pro level. But a chance meeting with Marcos at a party changes some things in Nateโs world, Marcos with his quiet ways and his aversion to touch. I would love to wrap both of them up in big hugs. I love that they give each other a soft place to land.
Highly recommend, if you want to read this series, I suggest that you follow the suggested reading order:
Shots On Net - book 1
Save The Game - book 2
On The Edge - book 3
One-Touch Pass - this one
Or if you want the full experience with reading the connected series Offsides as well:
Changing The Game (Offsides 1)
Square To The Puck (Offsides 2)
Between The Pipes (Offsides 3)
Shots On Net (SCU 1)
Save The Game (SCU 2)
From Coast To Coast (Offsides 4)
On The Edge (SCU 3)
One-Touch Pass (SCU 4)
Synopsis: Book 4 in the SCU Hockey universe, this is Nate and Marcos story.
Read this for:
- hockey/baseball
- horses
- cowboy/city boy
- insta love that turns into slow burn
- touch aversion
- bi-awakening
My thoughts: I got hooked on JJโs hockey universe last year and have literally read her entire back list and arc read her last 5 books. The characters are so sweet and tender even when faced with difficult times. Nate is a cowboy who has been playing hockey but he knows heโs not going to go pro and I love that aspect of JJโs books. So many student athletes end up doing lots of other things than playing what ever sport they play at a pro level. But a chance meeting with Marcos at a party changes some things in Nateโs world, Marcos with his quiet ways and his aversion to touch. I would love to wrap both of them up in big hugs. I love that they give each other a soft place to land.
Highly recommend, if you want to read this series, I suggest that you follow the suggested reading order:
Shots On Net - book 1
Save The Game - book 2
On The Edge - book 3
One-Touch Pass - this one
Or if you want the full experience with reading the connected series Offsides as well:
Changing The Game (Offsides 1)
Square To The Puck (Offsides 2)
Between The Pipes (Offsides 3)
Shots On Net (SCU 1)
Save The Game (SCU 2)
From Coast To Coast (Offsides 4)
On The Edge (SCU 3)
One-Touch Pass (SCU 4)
One-Touch Pass is the fourth book in JJ Mulderโs SCU Hockey series. You can read this on its own, but to understand some of what Marcos has been through, I recommend at least reading Max and Lukeโs book, book 2, Save The Game. Thatโs one of my favorites in the series, so I was looking forward to this book to learn more about Marcos.
Nate is a hockey player for SCU and sees Marcos at a party one night. His attraction was instant and surprising to Nate, but it didnโt hinder him from acting on it. It was nice to see him go with the flow on this, which was on par for his character.
Marcos is an SCU baseball player and roommates with Max, another SCU hockey player. He has a strong aversion to touch that has been exacerbated by recent events (re: book 2) and is often labeled a grouch. Insert golden retriever Nate, who sees beneath the coping mechanisms put it in place by Marcos. I love that Nate doesnโt try to โfixโ Marcos, just places himself into Marcosโ life in the most comfortable way possible.
These two were so, so precious. Marcos went through something traumatic, and even though he was not the main victim, the event itself left a lasting impression on him. I wish we got to learn more about his healing journey, but I think that by allowing Nate into his life, he also allowed himself to start to move on.
I thought I was going to not like this as much as I actually did, the main reason being the time jumping. There is a note at the beginning that explains how this book takes place during the time that book 3 was taking place. If not done well, this makes me feel like Iโm reading the same book all over again which is a huge turn off for me. This book did NOT do that. Nate and Marcosโ initial meeting happened way earlier than I thought it did, but we donโt see any repeated scenes from the other books.
While their relationship began as insta-lust, I love that we still got that slow burn emotional development. They took a step back and became friends, and by doing so, enabled themselves to develop feelings for one another. I loved that Nate followed Marcosโ lead for what he was comfortable with, and it was so touching to see Marcos open up more and more. The scenes on the ranch were some of my favorite. I think the interactions with the animals (Tuna!) and the installation of hard work/routine really helped Marcos on his healing journey. This is probably up there with Save The Game for me as one of my favorites in the SCU Hockey series.
๐ One-Touch Pass, book four in the SCU Hockey series by J.J. Mulder is available July 2nd.
Please read content warnings should you require them.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.