A review by jennyreads_2022
Hot Shot: An Orlando Storm Novel by Marissa James

lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was great for a debut novel. There was a lot of world building, but it wasn’t obvious, it was written into the story well. It was so much more than a hockey romance, both Madison and Hunter came with baggage and some mystery. There were some emotional themes addressed and I liked the way those played out. 

Hunter fell hard and fast for Madison. He was all in from the moment he met her, but it took Madison some time to catch up to Hunter’s feelings. I loved that Hunter, an NHL player, felt so insecure in his job. It showed a side of playing professional sports that’s not addressed very often. Hunter’s insecurities ran deep and definitely played a role in his relationship with Madison. 

There was a surprising amount of tension surrounding Madison and Hunter. There were secrets she was keeping, but also relationships forming that would affect those secrets. I loved that Madison and Hunter were both in the middle of building relationships with people they thought abandoned them, it gave them a common bond. 

This was a great strangers to friends to lovers. I liked that Madison and Hunter started out as friends and developed such a strong relationship. There was a good cast of secondary characters and I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Orlando Storm.