A review by jjfey
Defensive Zone by Jodi Oliver

emotional funny 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? No

5.0

Idiots in love and intense pining 
ARC review: Defensive Zone by Jodi Oliver 
 
If you look up "idiots in love" in the dictionary, there should honestly be a photo of Zach and Carter. I absolutely adored these two idiots! The book had me in tears from the prologue, so I knew it was going to be an emotional ride. I’m a sucker for books that make me feel all the things, and this one nailed it. 
 
Best friends-to-lovers is my favourite trope, and this story delivered it with a deliciously intense helping of pining. Zach’s been pining for Carter since he was 10, so it’s next-level longing here. And, as it turns out, Carter’s been pining too - just without the self-awareness. Watching these two tiptoe around each other was so perfectly frustrating! 
 
I loved all the Star Wars references, they made my geeky, little heart very happy. 
 
I yelled at Carter several times about how his thoughts were not platonic, that glorious idiot! 
 
 
Favourite moments: Zach & Carter's first kiss was one of my favourite first-kiss scenes ever, just perfect. That heartbreaking moment when Zach left Denver early - I felt their pain. When Carter sleepily called Zach "baby" for the first time, I melted. 
 
The struggles Zach went through in this story were so real to me. Seeing him have to pull out of the Toronto game upset me so much. The representation of his challenges felt so genuine, and it was heart-wrenching. 
 
And finally, the epilogue. Yes, it made me cry (no surprise there), but it was such a beautiful way to wrap up this story. 
 
What to expect: 
Idiots in love 
Best friends-to-lovers 
Hockey 
A little football 
Pining x 2 (so much pining!) 
Star Wars references 
Cute bestie traditions 
Cameos from the Thunder crew 
Chicago Thunder book 3