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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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:
No
TLDR: Marcos and Nate. Just.... such sweet, gentle, and caring MCs who deserve the world! The book hug I didn't know I needed while the world...*waves hands at everything*
Marcos. *sighs* Tortured by the events of Save the Game Marcos is struggling with anxiety, trying to control situations and keep people safe, and his low key touch aversion from childhood is now high key. When he meets Nate at a party and somehow feels 'safe' just for a few moments? How could he resist the chance for affection, even when he knows it could only be a one off.
Nate does things big! He cares big, he plays big, he goes bravely into the unknown. (I both love this for him and am insanely jealous!) But for all Nate's 'bigness' he appreciates the small things. He pays attention to people -- reading when they're uncomfortable or need support. He knows the value in a slower pace of living and community care from his ranch upbringing. When he realizes he might be bisexual? And that Marcos might be "the one"? He doesn't panic (okay! maybe a little...) but he takes time to think about it. To appreciate where he's at. And most importantly, to appreciate where Marcos is at... and does his darnedest to meet him there.
Nate does lovebomb Marcos a little, with texts and thoughtful gestures, because that is his love language! Not cause he's a creep.
Also, getting to see Max/Luke!? Adore. And to meet Micky (Nate's bff) more and see their friendship? Also too cute for words!
OTP is book 4 in the SCU hockey series, and while you could read it standalone I heavily suggest you read Save The Game first as the timelines overlap and effects some main plot points of OTP.
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
Marcos. *sighs* Tortured by the events of Save the Game Marcos is struggling with anxiety, trying to control situations and keep people safe, and his low key touch aversion from childhood is now high key. When he meets Nate at a party and somehow feels 'safe' just for a few moments? How could he resist the chance for affection, even when he knows it could only be a one off.
Nate does things big! He cares big, he plays big, he goes bravely into the unknown. (I both love this for him and am insanely jealous!) But for all Nate's 'bigness' he appreciates the small things. He pays attention to people -- reading when they're uncomfortable or need support. He knows the value in a slower pace of living and community care from his ranch upbringing. When he realizes he might be bisexual? And that Marcos might be "the one"? He doesn't panic (okay! maybe a little...) but he takes time to think about it. To appreciate where he's at. And most importantly, to appreciate where Marcos is at... and does his darnedest to meet him there.
Nate does lovebomb Marcos a little, with texts and thoughtful gestures, because that is his love language! Not cause he's a creep.
Also, getting to see Max/Luke!? Adore. And to meet Micky (Nate's bff) more and see their friendship? Also too cute for words!
OTP is book 4 in the SCU hockey series, and while you could read it standalone I heavily suggest you read Save The Game first as the timelines overlap and effects some main plot points of OTP.
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
What a delight!
I've been waiting for Marcos' novel since the very first time he was introduced in Max's story. He seemed like such a fascinating character, and I'm glad to say "One-Touch Pass" did not disappoint. I adored being in Marcos' head: he's a sweet, little grump, and he deserves every good thing. His mental health struggles, the way he still carried so much guilt for Max's assault, made my heart break, though. Ugh! His and Max's friendship was one of my favourite things of this novel.
And Nate! God, I think I might have found my new fav J.J. Mulder character. Nate is A DELIGHT; he's obsessed with Marcos immediately, and I loved how head-over-heels he was with him. He's also so kind and so sunny and just, the best.
I loved their romance too! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, squealing and screeching and kicking my feet at every single one of their interactions.
If I had ONE complaint, it would be that I felt like there should have been a bit more time spent on Marcos' mental health struggles and PTSD. For example, he never explains to Nate what happened. He doesn't talk about his touch aversion much either, and Nate's so great about and he accepts everything from Marcos, no questions asked, BUT: I feel like Marcos should have told him at one point, especially considering that Nate's hurt at the end. I was expecting a blow-up, and that never happened. Also; Marcos just stopped going to therapy? I feel like that bit wasn't explained much, either.
However, apart from those small issues, I adored this novel. I've got a good feeling about the MC for the next novel, and I'm excited.
That epilogue was PRETTY GREAT TOO <3
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
I've been waiting for Marcos' novel since the very first time he was introduced in Max's story. He seemed like such a fascinating character, and I'm glad to say "One-Touch Pass" did not disappoint. I adored being in Marcos' head: he's a sweet, little grump, and he deserves every good thing. His mental health struggles, the way he still carried so much guilt for Max's assault, made my heart break, though. Ugh! His and Max's friendship was one of my favourite things of this novel.
And Nate! God, I think I might have found my new fav J.J. Mulder character. Nate is A DELIGHT; he's obsessed with Marcos immediately, and I loved how head-over-heels he was with him. He's also so kind and so sunny and just, the best.
I loved their romance too! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, squealing and screeching and kicking my feet at every single one of their interactions.
If I had ONE complaint, it would be that I felt like there should have been a bit more time spent on Marcos' mental health struggles and PTSD.
However, apart from those small issues, I adored this novel. I've got a good feeling about the MC for the next novel, and I'm excited.
That epilogue was PRETTY GREAT TOO <3
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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:
No
ARC from J.J.'s Patreon
I really liked Marcos and Nate, but the ending felt a little rushed(?)
I really liked Marcos and Nate, but the ending felt a little rushed(?)
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
No
Ugh, why is every single book in this series so ridiculously cute?!
Seriously, Nate completely stole my heart back in book 3, so I was counting down the seconds until I could dive into his story and the author absolutely delivered! The dynamic between Nate and Marcos is so natural, even as Marcos wrestles with his inner demons. I was a little nervous that Nate might have to compromise too much of himself for Marcos' sake, but the story took such a thoughtful, beautiful turn that eased all my worries.
I loved seeing familiar faces pop back in, especially getting more insight into Micky (please let that mean he’s getting his own book?? Pretty please?).
What stood out in this installment was how central friendship felt, more so than in the previous books. The bond Nate and Marcos have with their friends felt real, not just an excuse to give earlier main characters a quick cameo. Their support, the dialogue, it all felt meaningful and essential to the story, not just background noise.
And the timeline? So well done. Watching everyone grow, heal, stumble, and open themselves up to love,especially from this new perspective, was just chef’s kiss.
I’m already dreading saying goodbye in the next book. So many of these characters have carved out a permanent little home in my heart.
Tropes:
hockey player x baseball player
college
opposites attract
touch aversed mmc
golden retriever mmc
bi awakening
spice: 🌶️🌶️
Seriously, Nate completely stole my heart back in book 3, so I was counting down the seconds until I could dive into his story and the author absolutely delivered! The dynamic between Nate and Marcos is so natural, even as Marcos wrestles with his inner demons. I was a little nervous that Nate might have to compromise too much of himself for Marcos' sake, but the story took such a thoughtful, beautiful turn that eased all my worries.
I loved seeing familiar faces pop back in, especially getting more insight into Micky (please let that mean he’s getting his own book?? Pretty please?).
What stood out in this installment was how central friendship felt, more so than in the previous books. The bond Nate and Marcos have with their friends felt real, not just an excuse to give earlier main characters a quick cameo. Their support, the dialogue, it all felt meaningful and essential to the story, not just background noise.
And the timeline? So well done. Watching everyone grow, heal, stumble, and open themselves up to love,especially from this new perspective, was just chef’s kiss.
I’m already dreading saying goodbye in the next book. So many of these characters have carved out a permanent little home in my heart.
Tropes:
hockey player x baseball player
college
opposites attract
touch aversed mmc
golden retriever mmc
bi awakening
spice: 🌶️🌶️
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
Read this book in one day. Absolutely adored both main characters. I really enjoyed the growth of Marcos. Definitely will be on my list of books I will happily over and over.
emotional
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
🐴 Book 4 in an amazing series
🏒 Double, 1st person POV
⚾️ Bi rep
🐴 Touch aversion
🏒 Lovable side characters
⚾️ College setting —> Montana Ranch
🐴 Tuna
🏒 Hockey & Baseball
⚾️ Fishing & Camping
🐴 Spanish speaking MC
I’d like to thank JJ Mulder & her team for the digital ARC of One-Touch Pass! This was my first ever ARC and it was so special to me.
I love this author, this series, and these characters so much. I can’t even adequately explain how much these characters mean to me.
One-Touch pass was so amazing. An absolute 5⭐️ read. When I wasn’t reading this book I was thinking about it and when it ended I was so sad. This book could have been so much longer and I wouldn’t have complained lol.
I love Marcos & Nate. They’re both so sweet and not only to each other but to their friends. I loved seeing Atlas, Vas, Luke, & Max again and I enjoyed meeting Micky. I loved the relationships between them all and I just have never met a character in these books that I didn’t love.
Marcos had some serious struggles and I loved how Nate and their friends helped him through it.
I loved the setting as well. I love a sports romance, especially a college setting. I just think they’re so fun. But I also loved the bits at the ranch! This is making me think I need more cowboy romances in my life? (JJ Mulder maybe you could work on that? 🤣) I loved little Tuna and all of the fun horse names. I loved imagining the beautiful Montana scenery.
This book was so good & funny and just a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend it if you love college sports romances, queer romance, or cowboy romance. I think there’s a little something in here for everyone.
I also highly recommend the entire SCU series as well as the Offsides series.