A review by jamieb_19
Shots on Net by J.J. Mulder

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I’m trying to tell him that I thought about him the entire game, and felt like a better player because of it. It’s different, winning for someone other than yourself. I want him to know a lot of things that I’m incapable of putting into words.

This series is one I see everyone talking about, but it was just sitting on my TBR, and I’m so glad I finally started it! This book was delightful. I fell in love with Carter and Zeke from the first chapter, they were the perfect grumpy/sunshine, jock/nerd, opposites attract pair. I loved the slow burn and swooned like crazy as these two developed a friendship that turned to dating. They were just the sweetest together. Zeke was a little ball of sunshine, and Carter, who always put on a grumpy facade, was thoroughly charmed by him right away.

“I really like you, Carter Morgan. I like you more than I’ve ever liked anybody before.”

Carter pulled at my heartstrings; he came off as grumpy and aloof, but it was mostly a defense mechanism because he wasn’t shown much kindness in his life. Seeing how starved for affection he was and how he eagerly ate up any small kindness or affection that Zeke showed him was heartwarming. I melted every time Carter showed his vulnerable side to Zeke. These two really had the best relationship. On paper, it would look like they should never work, but they were perfect for one another.

I also appreciated and enjoyed the demisexual rep. Zeke was very up front about it, and Carter was so patient and wonderful with him as they gradually formed the emotional connection Zeke needed to develop a sexual attraction. As a result, this book was a very slow burn, but it was more than worth it, and I loved how everything played out. Their weekly friend dates were so much fun and so cute. The overall pacing was perfect and felt authentic for these characters!

There are a lot of things I could survive losing, but Zeke Cassidy isn’t one of them.