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mollyreadsandcrafts 's review for:

One-Touch Pass by J.J. Mulder
4.25

We've met Marcos before as Max's best friend in Save the Game. Marcos has a huge heart and is highly empathetic, which means he takes on a lot of responsibility and blame that's not always his, especially with the Max situation. He is struggling with his anxiety and increasingly debilitating touch aversion when Nate blows into his life like a perfect sunshiney summer day. While at first he's in denial that someone like Nate could want him or that he's even ready for a relationship, Marcos soon realizes he can't ignore his attraction to Nate. He decides to prioritize his mental health so he can really be there for his friends and have the love he's always dreamed of. He goes on a journey of self love and finds himself happier than ever for it. 

Nate is so determined, endearing, and just a genuinely happy guy. Nate sees Marcos and knows that's it, that's what he wants, and he goes for it. He gladly falls head over heels for Marcos while working on being the perfect partner for him. He constantly shows up for him while letting him know in small ways that he listens and respects his boundaries. While a bit of a slow burner, when Marcos finally accepts his feelings he does everything he can to be apart of Nate's world. They have such a strong emotional connection first and foremost that they built slowly and steadily, making it easy to for both of them to open up and fall in love.

My biggest issue is that we never see Marcos tell Nate why he's become so much more touch averse recently - aka that Max situation. That was such a formative part of his story and his character and I wish we got to experience that conversation. I also wish we knew what happened with Marcos's therapy. I would've loved him to keep it up, or discuss with his parents about the severity of his issues and why he needed it. 

I love J.J. Mulder's stories, but there's always one or two important plot points that kind of get dropped off as the story goes on. I'd love to see her characters have those hard conversations that deepen their relationships, rather than just the glance over the issues, and have a strong ending. If these were addressed, these books would be easy five star reads for me which is why it bums me out. 

As always, I really enjoyed the story. A hockey player/cowboy? Hurt/comfort and grumpy/sunshine? The book was made for me. I'm secretly hoping for a cowboy/small town romance after the hockey series finishes up, their ranch seems like the perfect setting for more stories to be told! Plus - we need all the Nate, Marcos, and Tuna content. It's always great to see all the other characters, especially Max and Luke living out there happily ever after. I'm excited about the next story and getting to revisit everyone again! 

Read if you like:
• grumpy/sunshine
• hockey playing cowboy  
• hurt/comfort 

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