Fake shot

Fake Shot by Julia Connors is a contemporary hockey romance that blends humor, heart, and emotional depth. Centered on a star goalie and his best friend’s younger sibling, the story kicks off when a spontaneous public moment spirals into a viral sensation—one that leaves Colt and Jules pretending to be engaged. What begins as a harmless ruse quickly escalates when they’re forced to live together to maintain appearances. As the lines between fake and real blur, both characters must confront vulnerability, anxiety, and the very real possibility of falling in love.

Characters – 7/10

The novel follows Colt and Jules, two well‑drawn leads whose chemistry drives the story.
Colt is the Boston Rebels’ bad‑boy goalie—charismatic, talented, and firmly in the “love ’em and leave ’em” camp. Beneath the confident exterior, however, there’s more depth than his reputation suggests.

Jules is his perfect counterbalance: a no‑nonsense, capable co‑owner of an all‑women construction company. She’s independent, grounded, and refreshingly practical. Adding tension to their relationship is the fact that she’s also the younger sister of Colt’s best friend, which raises the emotional stakes and makes their dynamic even more compelling.

Atmosphere – 7/10

Connors does an excellent job pulling the reader into Colt and Jules’ world. The atmosphere feels warm and immersive—you genuinely feel like part of the Rebels’ extended family. As the second book in the Boston Rebels series and a continuation of Center Ice, the story benefits from an already established world, adding depth and familiarity without alienating newer readers.

Writing – 7/10

The writing flows smoothly and is easy to settle into. The pacing feels natural, and the dialogue is engaging. The adult scenes are handled well—never overdone, but purposeful and additive to the story rather than distracting from it. Connors also succeeds in making readers care about not just the main couple, but the broader cast as well.

Plot – 8/10

The fake relationship/fake engagement trope was a fresh experience for me, and it’s executed seamlessly here. The premise is engaging from the start, and Connors fully commits to it, allowing the story to unfold organically. The balance between romance, humor, and emotional growth keeps the plot moving and satisfying.

Intrigue – 8/10

This book held my attention from beginning to end. It quickly became a page‑turner, driven by the desire to see how the fake engagement would unravel—and whether Colt and Jules would survive the emotional fallout. The characters are easy to invest in, which makes every twist feel meaningful.

Logic – 7/10

Aside from the inherent suspension of disbelief required for a fake engagement storyline, the plot follows a logical and coherent progression. Scenes are easy to visualize, and character motivations generally make sense within the framework of the story.

Enjoyment – 8/10

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept my interest throughout and had me reading far later into the night than planned. Once I picked it up, it was genuinely hard to put down.

Final Verdict 7.42/ 4⭐️

This was my second foray into the hockey romance genre, and being the second book in the Boston Rebels series was a definite plus. I was already immersed in the world, which made it even easier to connect with the story. Fake Shot has solidified my desire to continue with the Rebels series. The characters are likable, the world feels welcoming, and the romance delivers exactly what it promises. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging, and slightly indulgent guilty pleasure, this book fits the bill perfectly.