romantasy_caitlin 's review for:

Shutout by Avery Keelan

4.0

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Shutout is a delightful, hockey romance that completely delivers on the forced proximity and brother’s teammate tropes. Avery Keelan crafts an utterly addictive story around Seraphina (Sera) and Tyler, two characters who initially believe their anonymous one-night stand was a mistake to forget, only to find fate—and a new roommate situation—has other plans. What immediately earns this book its stars is the chemistry and the fantastic character dynamic. Sera, the sunshine heroine dealing with ADHD, and Tyler, the broody, tattooed goalie carrying immense anxiety and pressure, are perfect foils. Their relationship development felt organic, moving naturally from palpable tension to a deep, protective partners. I especially appreciated the inclusion of neurodivergent representation, handled with care and depth, which added a wonderful layer of realism to Sera’s character arc. If you love a spicy, character-driven story featuring a goalie with a secret soft spot and a heroine who shines despite her challenges, this is a must-read. It’s a definite winner with an earned happily ever after.