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4.5

šŸ”„Hockey 
šŸ’RomCom 
šŸ”„Fake Dating 
šŸ’He Falls First 
šŸ”„Banter 

Star: ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø.5 

Sara Ney delivers a delightful, laugh-out-loud rom-com with Hit Me With Your Best Shot, a standalone hockey romance that brings the perfect mix of sass, spice, and swoon-worthy moments. With witty banter, an unexpected meet-cute, and a refreshingly fun take on the sports romance genre, this book is a must-read for fans of opposites-attract stories. 

The story kicks off with a classic sports fan moment—Austin Adams, a die-hard hockey lover, loudly criticising Gio Montagalo, the struggling goalie of The Houston Baddies, at a sports bar. What she doesn’t realise is that Gio’s twin sister is sitting right beside her, taking notes. Soon enough, Gio himself slides into Austin’s DMs, daring her to roast him publicly with a sign at his next game. 

What starts as a lighthearted challenge quickly turns into a superstitious game-day ritual, as the Baddies suddenly start winning whenever Austin shows up. But while the sports banter and public roasting are fun, the real magic happens off the ice—where Gio, the cocky yet endearing athlete, proves he’s more than just a flashy goaltender. With him pursuing Austin in the most charming ways (including attempting to win over her dog, also named Gio), their chemistry sizzles in a way that’s impossible to ignore. 

The book maintains a fast-paced, engaging rhythm, balancing hilarious moments with swoony romance. Sara Ney’s signature humour is on full display, making this one of those reads that keeps you grinning the whole way through. 

Austin is an absolute firecracker. She’s passionate, unapologetically opinionated, and just the right amount of nerdy. Her inner monologue is hilarious, making her a refreshingly relatable heroine who stands her ground while also being adorably awkward when faced with Gio’s flirtation. 

Gio, on the other hand, is a dream hockey hero—confident, playful, and ridiculously persistent in the best way. Unlike many alpha-male sports romance leads, he isn’t broody or emotionally closed-off. Instead, he’s genuinely funny, willing to laugh at himself, and fully invested in wooing Austin with his charm and determination. The fact that he keeps showing up, determined to turn their public roasting dynamic into something deeper, makes their romance all the more fun and heartwarming. 

Their chemistry is electric. From their first online interactions to their in-person encounters, Sara Ney crafts a dynamic where the push-pull tension never feels forced. There’s plenty of teasing, but also tender moments where Gio proves he’s genuinely into Austin beyond just superstition. And yes—the spice level? Deliciously high. 

Hit Me With Your Best Shot plays with several beloved romance tropes, including enemies-to-lovers (sort of), forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine energy (with the hero being the sunshine), and the superstitious sports romance trope of a "lucky charm." The addition of Austin’s sassy dog, who immediately hates Gio, adds an extra layer of comedic relief. 

Beyond the humour and romance, the book also touches on themes of self-doubt, personal growth, and learning to embrace opportunities when they arise—whether in love or in life. 

If you’re a fan of quick-witted banter, steamy romance, and a touch of sports superstition, Hit Me With Your Best Shot is a total win. Sara Ney masterfully blends hilarious moments with swoon-worthy romance, creating a story that’s impossible to put down. Whether you love sports romances or just need a lighthearted, feel-good read, this one is a highly recommended pick.