What do you think?
Rate this book
His Only Shot
Dante would be there for her even if it meant missing his basketball game and getting fined.
He'd always been there for her.
Even after Ranae married her high school sweetheart — Dante called every year to wish her a happy birthday.
When she answered the phone crying, he was willing to drop everything to ensure she was okay.
After all, they had been best friends since childhood.
When he learns the reason for her tears, it could change their lives forever.
His Only Shot is a friends to lovers sports romance.
He'd always been there for her.
Even after Ranae married her high school sweetheart — Dante called every year to wish her a happy birthday.
When she answered the phone crying, he was willing to drop everything to ensure she was okay.
After all, they had been best friends since childhood.
When he learns the reason for her tears, it could change their lives forever.
His Only Shot is a friends to lovers sports romance.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2023
176 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
J. Nichole
64 books199 followersJ. Nichole is an African American Romance author who lives in the Northern Virginia area with her real-life muse, her husband, and her outer body heartbeats, her daughter & son. When she's not battling the hustle and bustle of the DMV, she's enjoying both sketchy and fancy restaurants with her husband, and experiencing life as a child again with her kids.
Find her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok: by_jnichole on all the things!
Find her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok: by_jnichole on all the things!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 21, 2023
A great sports love story
I always like a good sports story with a little love in the mix. Best friends turned lovers is always a hit with me, and this story delivered a three pointer, with nothing but net.
I always like a good sports story with a little love in the mix. Best friends turned lovers is always a hit with me, and this story delivered a three pointer, with nothing but net.
May 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Trope: Black Love, childhood friends to lover, sports, road trip,
Enjoyment: 4.5 ⭐
Hero: 4😍
Heroine: 4😍
Character development: 4 ⭐
Emotional: 3.5 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐
Romance: 4 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3.65 ⭐
Intrigue: 3 ⭐
Action: 0
Violence: 0
Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐
World Building: 4 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
Trope: Black Love, childhood friends to lover, sports, road trip,
Enjoyment: 4.5 ⭐
Hero: 4😍
Heroine: 4😍
Character development: 4 ⭐
Emotional: 3.5 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐
Romance: 4 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3.65 ⭐
Intrigue: 3 ⭐
Action: 0
Violence: 0
Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐
World Building: 4 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
April 23, 2023
Friends to Forever
DJ and Ranae have been best friends forever. They are both at crossroads in their lives. Ranae’s marriage of 10 years is ending and DJ seems to have lost his love for basketball. They embark on a cross country road trip together. On the trip, they realize that their connection transcends friendship. They finally realize that they are meant to be together. I really loved this story. I loved how DJ came through for Ranae when she needed him most, how he respected the boundaries even though he hated it, how he always made sure she was okay. I loved the banter of their family and friends who knew they were destined to be together but they let them figure it out. 4.5 stars
DJ and Ranae have been best friends forever. They are both at crossroads in their lives. Ranae’s marriage of 10 years is ending and DJ seems to have lost his love for basketball. They embark on a cross country road trip together. On the trip, they realize that their connection transcends friendship. They finally realize that they are meant to be together. I really loved this story. I loved how DJ came through for Ranae when she needed him most, how he respected the boundaries even though he hated it, how he always made sure she was okay. I loved the banter of their family and friends who knew they were destined to be together but they let them figure it out. 4.5 stars
April 25, 2023
Struck by love!
I loved this book and this couple. This author does a great job at writing slow burn novels and getting all the feels from the main characters. This friends to lovers romance did not disappoint. Dante and Renae had a connection that exceeded them only speaking twice a year and once they hooked back up, it was like no time had passed between them and they were able to give each other what they needed. This entire series was so good and I highly recommend if you’re not opposed to a slow burn and love a good sports romance.
I loved this book and this couple. This author does a great job at writing slow burn novels and getting all the feels from the main characters. This friends to lovers romance did not disappoint. Dante and Renae had a connection that exceeded them only speaking twice a year and once they hooked back up, it was like no time had passed between them and they were able to give each other what they needed. This entire series was so good and I highly recommend if you’re not opposed to a slow burn and love a good sports romance.
August 15, 2023
Boring
The story dragged so bad, nothing happens between them until around 65 percent. The first time they had sex was cringe. It was like virgins. Two very grown ppl skirting around their friendship who are supposedly inlove with each other. Nae annoyed me so much with wanting two rooms during their trip. Like grow up. You grown, if you want something go for it. All it took was communication between these two friends. But skip this. It’s boring and it drags, a lot of nothingness the whole book. I only finished because this would have been my third DNF for the day.
The story dragged so bad, nothing happens between them until around 65 percent. The first time they had sex was cringe. It was like virgins. Two very grown ppl skirting around their friendship who are supposedly inlove with each other. Nae annoyed me so much with wanting two rooms during their trip. Like grow up. You grown, if you want something go for it. All it took was communication between these two friends. But skip this. It’s boring and it drags, a lot of nothingness the whole book. I only finished because this would have been my third DNF for the day.
June 28, 2023
Talk about Clueless
I will be glad when Noble gets bit by the love-bug! 😉
Unpopular opinion here but regardless of what competitiveness lead her ex to pursue her , she married her. They were married for a decade, AND NO ONE in her life liked him or was rooting for them?
But everyone was rooting for the "bestie" she only spoke to by phone 2x a year and followed on tv 🤦🏾♀️!
No wonder they didn't make it.
I will be glad when Noble gets bit by the love-bug! 😉
Unpopular opinion here but regardless of what competitiveness lead her ex to pursue her , she married her. They were married for a decade, AND NO ONE in her life liked him or was rooting for them?
But everyone was rooting for the "bestie" she only spoke to by phone 2x a year and followed on tv 🤦🏾♀️!
No wonder they didn't make it.
April 22, 2023
Ranae and Dante
I glad they figure it out on the road trip. I saw intense moments through the entire trip were I thought this is the moment that one of them makes a move. Nae’s ex-husband was right about the spark he saw between her and DJ, but friendship set the foundation for a strong relationship in the long haul.
I glad they figure it out on the road trip. I saw intense moments through the entire trip were I thought this is the moment that one of them makes a move. Nae’s ex-husband was right about the spark he saw between her and DJ, but friendship set the foundation for a strong relationship in the long haul.
April 25, 2023
As I expected not a disappointment. Read the entire book without stopping. Love this author and her writing style. As a sports fan I was totally elated at the ending. Dante was an awesome best friend. I was shocked as to how Renae’s ex husband admitted his fault(s). Good for him loosing out.
Happy Reading
Happy Reading
April 24, 2023
Wonderful read 🙂
I enjoyed this book. It definitely made me laugh out loud at times. I felt so bad for Ranae. I was grateful that she had her two best friends, Brooklyn and Dante, aka DJ. I'm happy that they finally saw what everyone else saw for them. Everything happens for a reason. I really like DJ and Ranae together. This is a wonderful series. Enjoy it very much.
I enjoyed this book. It definitely made me laugh out loud at times. I felt so bad for Ranae. I was grateful that she had her two best friends, Brooklyn and Dante, aka DJ. I'm happy that they finally saw what everyone else saw for them. Everything happens for a reason. I really like DJ and Ranae together. This is a wonderful series. Enjoy it very much.
April 27, 2023
Vickie J
DJ was Nae's friend for years but never thought that love.... true love would bloom for them but Xander knew that he didn't have her full heat and let her go ... with so much disrespect he should have just left cheated on Nae but DJ was there to pick up the pieces to make her whole again. I love friends to lovers books.
DJ was Nae's friend for years but never thought that love.... true love would bloom for them but Xander knew that he didn't have her full heat and let her go ... with so much disrespect he should have just left cheated on Nae but DJ was there to pick up the pieces to make her whole again. I love friends to lovers books.
April 30, 2023
Loved it!
Besties Ranae and Dante, DJ Jones, were friends since grade school! Never did they anticipate a divorce, road trip would lead to a HEA, but it did! I loved them together and was so happy they finally figured it out! I hope to see more from this series or at least a spin off, it was great!
Besties Ranae and Dante, DJ Jones, were friends since grade school! Never did they anticipate a divorce, road trip would lead to a HEA, but it did! I loved them together and was so happy they finally figured it out! I hope to see more from this series or at least a spin off, it was great!
September 3, 2023
I love a friends to lovers story but I think this one drug out too long.
I just didn’t feel the connection between DJ and Nae. It’s weird that they even consider each other best friends when they only spoke for minutes twice a year for each other’s bdays and new little to nothing about each other’s lives.
It wa shard to push through and finish. 2.5 but rounding up
I just didn’t feel the connection between DJ and Nae. It’s weird that they even consider each other best friends when they only spoke for minutes twice a year for each other’s bdays and new little to nothing about each other’s lives.
It wa shard to push through and finish. 2.5 but rounding up
March 2, 2024
Friends to lovers
Dante & Ranae! What I loved, was how both their hearts opened to the possibility of loving each other. This is a story well written, about two people living life, then discovering a deep love. I liked the dialogue, the side characters, the shared experiences. I liked the conflict resolution with the ex. This story made since from beginning to end.
Dante & Ranae! What I loved, was how both their hearts opened to the possibility of loving each other. This is a story well written, about two people living life, then discovering a deep love. I liked the dialogue, the side characters, the shared experiences. I liked the conflict resolution with the ex. This story made since from beginning to end.
March 29, 2024
Friends to Lovers to Forever
Friendship in a relationship is beautiful. To find a friend in a lover is a good thing. Nae had me on edge going back and forth with her heart instead of allowing it to lead her in the right direction. What a beautiful ending to the LA Stars series. Read it, you'll enjoy it. Purchase the series, you won't be disappointed.
Friendship in a relationship is beautiful. To find a friend in a lover is a good thing. Nae had me on edge going back and forth with her heart instead of allowing it to lead her in the right direction. What a beautiful ending to the LA Stars series. Read it, you'll enjoy it. Purchase the series, you won't be disappointed.
September 4, 2025
Well done
The perfect friends to lover story. The fact that Nae and Dante were childhood friends and remained beasties for so long made their realization that there was more between them even better. I loved the road trip that brought one clarity with laughs and spicy romance. Great book! While this was a great way to end the series, I'm hoping for more from this team.
The perfect friends to lover story. The fact that Nae and Dante were childhood friends and remained beasties for so long made their realization that there was more between them even better. I loved the road trip that brought one clarity with laughs and spicy romance. Great book! While this was a great way to end the series, I'm hoping for more from this team.
April 29, 2023
Great read
Love the friendship
Love the chemistry
Looking forward to more books from this author
Intimate seems need a little more time in the books
Too short and infrequent compared to other books
Loved how nae found her passion with business
Love the friendship
Love the chemistry
Looking forward to more books from this author
Intimate seems need a little more time in the books
Too short and infrequent compared to other books
Loved how nae found her passion with business
May 1, 2023
Cute story
Another great book in the series. This was a great couple and their progression from friends to lovers was authentic. I hope a story about Noble is next. Excited to see what's next.
Another great book in the series. This was a great couple and their progression from friends to lovers was authentic. I hope a story about Noble is next. Excited to see what's next.
May 8, 2023
His Only Shot 🏀💘
This was really good. The dynamic between Nae and her ex was explained in a way that the divorce while sad makes perfect sense. I love how the besties became more. I felt like I was with them in the road trip!
This was really good. The dynamic between Nae and her ex was explained in a way that the divorce while sad makes perfect sense. I love how the besties became more. I felt like I was with them in the road trip!
May 11, 2023
🥰 Best friend love 💙🩵
Everybody saw that DJ and Ranae were meant to be except them🤦🏾♀️ A little space and opportunity provided the perfect fate for two people who were meant to be! I love best friend love because no one can love you better than your best friend!
Everybody saw that DJ and Ranae were meant to be except them🤦🏾♀️ A little space and opportunity provided the perfect fate for two people who were meant to be! I love best friend love because no one can love you better than your best friend!
May 21, 2023
🫶🏾
Very good read. DJ and Nae were best friends since kids. She married her high school sweetheart and he went to the NBA. They spoke twice a year, on their birthdays. She got divorced and he took her on a road trip. The rest is history. They got their HEA.
Very good read. DJ and Nae were best friends since kids. She married her high school sweetheart and he went to the NBA. They spoke twice a year, on their birthdays. She got divorced and he took her on a road trip. The rest is history. They got their HEA.
May 24, 2023
Good story!
Dante and Nate were meant for each other, not sure why it took so long for them to realize it. That’s what I don’t understand with friends to lovers tropes, but it was a good story nonetheless. Loved the series!!!
Dante and Nate were meant for each other, not sure why it took so long for them to realize it. That’s what I don’t understand with friends to lovers tropes, but it was a good story nonetheless. Loved the series!!!
June 12, 2023
Good, just my last favorite
The time it took for these 2 to see the light that everybody else saw was 165 or so pages in. Even then I still didn't feel the overwhelming romantic connection between them.
The time it took for these 2 to see the light that everybody else saw was 165 or so pages in. Even then I still didn't feel the overwhelming romantic connection between them.
June 30, 2023
DJ and Nae
DJ and Nae were best friends! When he calls her on her birthday and hears her crying he immediately runs to Denver to be by her side! Taking a road trip during the summer made them realize their feelings for each other are more than friends! A great read!
DJ and Nae were best friends! When he calls her on her birthday and hears her crying he immediately runs to Denver to be by her side! Taking a road trip during the summer made them realize their feelings for each other are more than friends! A great read!
July 14, 2023
Great read!
I enjoyed reading this friends to lovers story. It was a bit long but still good enough to hold my attention. It had a few bumps in the road which made it not become sappy.
I always enjoy reading J Nichole
I enjoyed reading this friends to lovers story. It was a bit long but still good enough to hold my attention. It had a few bumps in the road which made it not become sappy.
I always enjoy reading J Nichole
August 11, 2023
His only shot
Omg this book had me on a roller-coaster, I didn't know if Nae and DJ were going to make it I was afraid she was going to let her ex scoop her up again. I am so glad it worked of for the both of them.
Omg this book had me on a roller-coaster, I didn't know if Nae and DJ were going to make it I was afraid she was going to let her ex scoop her up again. I am so glad it worked of for the both of them.
April 6, 2025
Besties to lovers. An enjoyable romance and adventure. Dante and Ranae have been best friends since childhood but everyone could see them being together except for themselves. All it took was an epic road trip to open their eyes. Loved this one!
April 22, 2023
Love and Basketball
Love takes a slow route sometimes. Nae and DJ have always been in love. They took a long time, but it was well worth it. PLease give me love and more love.
Love takes a slow route sometimes. Nae and DJ have always been in love. They took a long time, but it was well worth it. PLease give me love and more love.
April 22, 2023
Nice fast read
This story moved along nicely without a bit of drama. Nice families and friends. Very cute love story. Would I recommend this book…yes!
This story moved along nicely without a bit of drama. Nice families and friends. Very cute love story. Would I recommend this book…yes!
April 22, 2023
Glad that two best friends DJ and Nae finally realized that they were in love with each other for over twenty years and belonged with one another and got their happy ending!!
April 24, 2023
Mothet's know best
Almost everyone knew that DJ and Ranae were meant for each year. Distractions kept them from realizing they had a love of a lifetime.
Almost everyone knew that DJ and Ranae were meant for each year. Distractions kept them from realizing they had a love of a lifetime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews