Hitting the Goal Line by Jocelyne Soto

“Hitting the Goal Line” is an emotional read full of friendship, love, and most of all hope.

I like the friends to lovers trope, but childhood friends to lovers is usually a little harder sell for me. Jocelyne Soto sold me on this one between Sophia and Blake in a big way. The story follows their friendship from the time they meet at five years old until present day when they are in their early twenties.

It is clear that Blake and Sophia are in love with each other early on, but neither one of them wants to ruin their friendship. I was frustrated with them for the missed opportunities when they didn’t share their feelings, but it honestly makes sense when you think about their ages when the instances occur. Most people aren’t that self aware in their late teens and early twenties.

Sophia starts dating someone to help her move past her feelings, but things go horribly wrong. Blake shows up when she needs him and it is the catalyst for them to finally admit their feelings for each other. This part of the book is heavy and I had to put it down a couple of times, but it is worth every heart wrenching moment. The author handles this situation with care. Please check the content warnings for this book. They are listed at the beginning of the book.

There is a secondary plot involving Blake’s relationships with his brother and father that I think is also really well done. The characters in this book are complex and feel very real.

I enjoyed getting to know the other players on the Dark Knights team and am excited to go back and read the previous two books in this series.

Book Stats:

Rating: 4/5

Series: Chicago Dark Knights (Book 3)

Type of Series: Interconnected Standalones

Tropes: Hockey Romance, Childhood Best Friends, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Tension

POV: 1st Person Dual

POP: 19%

Third Act Breakup: No

Release Date: January 5, 2024

Availability: Kindle Unlimited

*This author is a client of Bookcase Media

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