A review by pucking_reading
Flip Shot: Lincoln U-Ice Hockey by MJ Fields

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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I have been rooting for Theo and Riley since Long Shot (book #1 in the Lincoln U series.) It was nice to finally see them get their moment. 

 

Theo is a hockey player for LU and has had a crush on Riley since they first met. Obsessed with his car and making it to the NHL to help support his mom and siblings, he is pressed to find that the girl he has feelings for has moved on once he gets back from summer break.  

 

Riley is a gymnast who is grappling with the fact that her gymnastics career will soon be over when she graduates in two years. She has had a crush on Theo since meeting him her freshman year through her sorority big sis Ellie (fmc in book #1.)  She is fierce and not afraid to stand up for herself or those around her. 

 

Flip Shot is pretty low spice and super super slow burn. The majority of the book the MC’s are angry at each other for not communicating and Riley tries to become a football girlie instead of a hockey one. It was cute to see Riley losing her v-card to Theo and the way they were able to be comfortable enough in each other's presence to laugh and joke afterwards without it being awkward.   

 

I loved that both MCs were POC and that bits of their culture and experience being first generation children of immigrants was shown. I also loved that once again MJ had disability representation in her books with the addition of deaf characters and ASL.  

 

Seeing cameos of some of the characters from previous books was the best, they really added comic relief and a fun sense of where are they now plots that I loved. Dean no matter what the plot will always add a laugh. 

 

Compared to the rest of the series, Flip Shot, felt very rushed and like so many plot lines were started but not followed through with or were just forgotten about. I also feel like the author put too many political undertones into this book after there were not any in the previous books in the series, which I found off putting. Theo comes off as kind of a jerk after being so sweet in all the other stories and seemed very out of character. This unfortunately knocked it down a bit in stars for me personally. 

 

I am anxiously looking forward to reading the final book about Dean and his situationship this winter! 

 

Thank you MJ and Wordsmith for the opportunity to receive an ARC Flip Shot. The entire review and ratings are my own opinion. 

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✸ friends to lovers  

✸ hockey player x gymnast  

✸ second chance  

✸ virgin fmc