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Harrison University #1

Taking the Shot

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Jasmine Turner hates boyfriends. She learned the hard way that a relationship is the last thing she wants. As a Harrison University chemistry student, she’s focused on her goals—take the GRE, go to grad school, and save the world through pharmacology. The male undergraduate population is there for fun when she needs a break from her tight schedule, but nothing more than that. Dating a jock is absolutely not on her to-do list, even if she does like flirting with cute cowboy Cooper Edwards.

A star Harrison Griffins hockey player, Cooper Edwards doesn’t believe in love. After his parents’ messy divorce back in Texas, he vows to avoid everything that resembles a serious relationship. The little lie he tells his momma about having a girlfriend doesn’t count. She lives a thousand miles away and will never know it’s not true. But when his mom shows up at his door to meet the mystery woman, he convinces Jasmine to pretend to be his girlfriend.

It’s fine, right? Neither one of them wants a relationship. But when things turn real during Valentine's Day dates and Marvel movie marathons, they have to decide… is it worth it to take a shot at love?

Taking the Shot is a New Adult contemporary romance novel of 80,000 words. A stand alone novel in a developing series, it’s comparable to The Deal by Elle Kennedy. It’s dual POV, alternating between the hockey player hero and the STEM heroine.

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Published June 8, 2023

18 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

A.D. Lynn

3 books24 followers

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5 stars
39 (37%)
4 stars
34 (33%)
3 stars
25 (24%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Patri.
416 reviews50 followers
July 23, 2023
El argumento tenía buena pinta, pero le falta chicha 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Emily Gray.
Author 10 books146 followers
August 24, 2023
Definitely worth the read!

I grabbed this book to preview as a read for my 15-year-old daughter. Let me say.... It sucked me in! This book, while it is fade-to-black, is not missing one single thing from the story. The tension, the banter, the laughs, and ALL the feels are incredible! I flew through the story - on edge, heart thumping, panicked over the moment I knew was coming when Jasmine and Cooper would tear their hearts out, only to be rewarded with the sweetest, swoon-worthy ending. I can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
814 reviews23 followers
June 5, 2023
I loved this book and maybe a little obsessed! A hockey-playing sexy cowboy with an accent who is sweet, caring, and protective and a strong, independent, empowered STEM girl who loves Marvel movies, colorful combat boots, and quirky shirts. Look at that cover!!

Jasmine is a chemistry student focused on her goals, she is not looking for a boyfriend or to date. Cooper is a star hockey player, and sexy cowboy from Texas who doesn’t believe in love but ends up telling his mom a little lie, that he has a girlfriend. After running into each other twice at two different bars they end up going back to Cooper’s apartment, where Cooper’s momma is waiting and mistakes Jasmine for his “girlfriend”.

This is such a believable storyline and the storytelling was masterful. I felt like I was living the story with the characters. I felt like I was walking around campus, getting a coffee at Starbucks, and attending a hockey game. The details were vivid and crisp and I was totally immersed in the world.

I honestly have no words to describe how much I loved this one. From the plot to the characters, dates, movie marathons, friends, and hockey games I loved it all. It had banter, humor, and the perfect amount of tension without unnecessary drama. I could anticipate what was going to happen and even had my guess how they would come back together in the end and I enjoyed every minute of it. This is a closed-door romance, the characters have plenty of chemistry with no on-page spice but it still felt steamy.

Written in first person, dual POV. This is the first book in what is going to be an amazing series. I am HOOKED and can not wait for Hunter’s book.
Profile Image for Daria Kushner.
299 reviews
June 29, 2023
I am a huge fan of hockey romance that’s no secret! I am also a fan of college romance - so the combination of those 2 tropes plus fake dating on top - I am gone! 🫠

I have really enjoyed reading Cooper and Jasmine’s story! It gave me so many familiar vibes : something in between The love hypothesis and The Deal without explicit scenes. Don’t get me wrong the story is hot, and guys have enough action - if you know what I mean 😇😂, but it happens behind the closed door for us.

Jasmine is super goal oriented chemistry student who has a bright future in Pharma industry. She works hard to achieve her dream and at the same time have to deal with her horrible ex. Cooper is star hockey player, but he isn’t only a jock - he has some brain to his muscle 😍 Also based on his southern upbringing by a single mom - the boy is the quintessence of golden retriever boyfriend 🫠

I loved this book for tropes, for meddling family, for easy and sweet vibe! It is a great college sport romance 🤩

This is my honest opinion in exchange for ARC
33 reviews
June 24, 2023
Live Reactions While Reading 😂🥰🥳💕🎉

I’m reading this right now.
They just met

and

he’s
a freaking
cowboy!

Who came to the weird bar with his team instead of going where he preferred. Of course, he lost the coin toss 🎉 I always love that guy but he’s usually a side character. I’m excited to get to know home.


I ADORE that you’re writing this particular guy as the main dude 🥰

Ooh 😯 now I’m interested to see if she’s also typically a side character 🤔
Gotta go find out!

OF COURSE there’s hurt/comfort 🥳 so wonderful

The tension is delicious 🥵
and
I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything even though the scenes are far from ❌plisit

(If I ever publish anything, I want to emulate your approach so my mom could also read it 😂)

I really don’t want this to end. You started the next story, right? Need any betas? I’m fabulous at SPaG 😘

Loving that I’m learning about hockey through a story. That’s legit the only reason I know anything about pretty much any wars and/or most historical events 🤷🏼‍♀️

OMG! I’m tearing up at all the love and support and ppl cheering for them.

I’m all wrapped up in the happy bubble that is the world you created. 🥰
Thanks so much for writing and sharing 🥳💕
Profile Image for Tricia Morrison.
Author 4 books23 followers
July 6, 2023
Y’ALL. If you want a good, clean, ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUSLY CUTE fake dating hockey romance then I SWEAR THIS IS THE ONE. I loved EVERY single page of this one, and honestly want to get a hard copy of it just to have. It was ADORABLE. And nothing was on page, it was entertaining. Cooper and Jasmine were relatable and so well done.

Four stars because there could have been a little more depth, and in the beginning some of the the Southernisms were a bit overused. But my WORD was this good.
1 review2 followers
June 9, 2023
Taking the Shot is such a fun read! I love the unlikely connection between the characters who accidentally get to know one another as a ruse to date to get the pressure off from their friends and family. The storyline has a playful, witty tone and each detail adds to the character development and brings the story alive. As I was reading I felt like I was right there with the characters, and I wanted the story to continue. I am so excited for the next book!!!
16 reviews
May 3, 2024
I recently read Taking the Shot -- it was a book filled with fun characters, steam, but was a light-hearted read. Being a Purdue grad, it was fun to read a book based off of my alma mater. Highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a college hockey romance book.
Profile Image for Kara.
234 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2023
A delightful romance full of witty banter and slow burn tension. The writing flows incredibly well and I felt immediately immersed in the world of Jasmine and Cooper. Both main characters were likeable and unique but not without issues. They developed and grew as individuals throughout the book as their previous notions of the world were challenged. The relationships in the story - romantic, platonic, and familial - were all relatable and interesting, and it was great seeing how they all played into each of the main characters' lives.

The story had just the right amount of drama and angst and was never too over the top. It was closed door but with great build of up tension on the page. Also, I am not a sports fan, but I found that the hockey portions of the book were completely readable. Jasmine is also not into sports or hockey and is somewhat reluctantly learning about hockey as the book progresses.

If you're looking for a reading experience that is easy to fall into and will provide an escape into an unexpected budding romance, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Katie.
22 reviews
October 21, 2023
Cute little read perfect for a day at the beach. Comfy, cozy like a Hallmark movie.
Profile Image for Jackie Bruce.
6 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
It's an incredibly fun romp! The characters were easy to like, and the dialogue snapped. Found myself invested right away, which is hard for me with books with characters this young (I'm a bit past college age). Additionally, I really appreciated that the FMC was NOT a damsel in distress and instead was a smart, driven, ambitious young woman. Huzzah!! I know this is the author's first book, and I am very excited to see what's next!
Profile Image for Chrisi.
251 reviews10 followers
June 16, 2023
Jasmine and Cooper got me blushing, giggling, kicking my feet and twirling my hair
Profile Image for Nicole Gerkin.
17 reviews
June 14, 2023
Such a fresh, happy read. The characters were well thought out and believable. The dialogue and witty banter between the main characters made you feel like you were a fly on the wall during their budding fake romance.
Profile Image for Ruth.
3 reviews
July 6, 2023
First hockey romance for me! I enjoyed this immensely. It was a quick read, perfect for a summer day. I’m a Purdue grad and it was wonderful to see the similarities to the place I called home! Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Keri.
376 reviews36 followers
June 13, 2023
Whelp. Sex scene in the first paragraph. Probably a very well written book! I just don't read spice 🌶️
Profile Image for Scarlet.
351 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2023
Loved this!
"Move over ice cream, because 'Taking the Shot' just became my new guilty pleasure! This book is like a perfect chemistry experiment—mixing sizzling romance with hilarious hijinks. Jasmine Turner, the ultimate relationship skeptic, meets Cooper Edwards, the commitment-phobic hockey hottie. It's like putting a match and a firecracker in the same room and watching the sparks fly!

Jasmine, the queen of multitasking, can calculate molecular equations while also expertly dodging Cupid's arrows. Cooper, on the other hand, believes in two things: hockey and avoiding heartache like it's a slapshot heading straight for his face. But when Cooper's mom crashes the pretend-girlfriend party, things take an uproarious turn. It's like a rom-com collided with a sitcom, and I couldn't stop giggling!

As these two polar opposites navigate their fake relationship, their interactions are like a verbal game of ping-pong, and the banter is so snappy you'll feel like you're courtside at Wimbledon. From their Valentine's Day escapades to the Marvel movie marathons (because who needs love when you have superheroes?), every moment is a hilarious rollercoaster of emotions.

And oh, the dual points of view! It's like getting a backstage pass to the inner workings of both their minds. You'll be laughing one second and swooning the next, faster than you can say 'chemistry experiment gone wonderfully wrong.'

So, grab your lab coats and hockey sticks, because 'Taking the Shot' is a laugh-out-loud ride that proves even the most stubborn hearts can thaw in the most unexpected ways. It's a romance with a dash of scientific magic and a sprinkle of cowboy charm that'll have you cheering for love even if you're usually the 'I came for the snacks' type at a sports event. This book is the perfect equation: humor + heart = a guaranteed good time!"
Profile Image for Dan  Mellark.
86 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2024
Tenía todo el potencial para ser una hermosa historia de dos personas que no creen en el amor hasta que se conocen, pero lamentablemente falló.

Personajes principales un poco planos (sorprendente teniendo en cuenta que Jasmine, la protagonista, es científica, nerd y fan de la ciencia ficción, y él, Cooper, es un texano jugador de hockey y estudiante de agricultura), un desarrollo de trama sin chispa, una escritura bastante regular y resolución de conflictos apresurado.

Para haber comenzado con una escena de sexo, el resto del libro resulta soso. Ojo, que no es obligatorio, ni mucho menos, que un libro de romance tenga este tipo de escenas en él, pero no me des algo al inicio (ni momentos de tensión sexual a lo largo del libro), si al final no vas a culminarlo.

Los personajes secundarios existen nada más para que los protagonistas se den cuenta de que se aman y ya. Las amigas de Jasmine, Staci y Delaney, parecen más roommates que mejores amigas; apenas si aparecen al principio, después medio desaparecen y regresan al final. Lo mismo pasa con Hunter (el prota del siguiente libro), que es el mejor amigo de Cooper, y sus compañeros de equipo. Y ni hablar del ex de Jasmine. Se supone que es el villano y apenas si hace acto de presencia para molestar a Jasmine. Pésima construcción de personaje. Era para que creara mayor conflicto y fuese de lo peor, pero solo me produjo aburrimiento.

Le pongo 3 estrellas, porque en realidad la lectura fue bastante fluida y me gustó la relación entre Jasmine y Cooper. Ambos sienten atracción por el otro al instante y cómo comienzan a desarrollar sentimientos por el otro fue bonito de leer. Además, se nota el respeto que siente mutuamente por el otro. Cooper la admira totalmente y cree firmemente de lo que es capaz. Además, sus momentos de coqueteo y de fingir andar, fueron muy dulces. Como dije al inicio, A.D. Lynn tenía todo el potencial para crear algo memorable, pero siento que lo dejo a medias.

Entiendo que es el primero libro publicado de la autora, pero no sé si leería el siguiente libro de la serie.
Profile Image for HeadCanonHeadCase.
1,257 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2025
To get his mother off his back, Cooper tells an innocent white lie: that he has a girlfriend. What his mom doesn't know won't hurt her, right? But then when his mom surprises him by showing up at his dorm just before his birthday, Cooper pulls Jasmine, the girl he brought home for night, into a fake dating scheme to save face. It's only supposed to be for a week, but it stretches on and on as new reasons to keep the ruse alive pop up one after the other. Can two people who have sworn off relationships avoid real feelings?

Read if you like:
-Fake Dating
-Hot Cowboys who also play Hockey
-Women in STEM
-Nerds in Love
-Banter

If you've ever wondered what might happen if an Ali Hazelwood-type FMC fell for a hockey player who could have easily stepped out of the pages of an Elsie Silver book, you're in luck! Might I present for your reading pleasure, Taking the Shot. All the nerdy goodness of an Ali Hazelwood-style book with the hockey romance you crave, and a side of cowboy cuteness!

I adore Jasmine. She's smart, funny, and so comfortable in her own skin. A nerd after my own heart. And Cooper was just adorable. From his relationship with his mom, to all his crazy sayings, he made me smile throughout the book. Their chemistry was undeniable and the banter was delicious. I love that A.D. Lynn kept finding ways to keep them together in a way that felt natural. They were trying to end their relationship but kept it going so long that they started dating for real without even noticing it.

This is a series people are sleeping on, and I can't wait for more readers to find it!
6 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2023
“Taking the Shot” is the cutest romance novel of this year, seriously. How can you not love these characters? Jasmine, a strong, opinionated, STEM young woman who has overcome a toxic relationship with her narcissistic ex-boyfriend. She’s sworn off any kind of long-term relationship because, duh, douchebags can do that to a woman, right?
And Cooper is a star hockey player who witnessed too much of his mother’s pain during and after his parents’ divorce. He’s also jaded and unwilling to put his heart out there.
But then they meet. And if not for fate’s interference in the face of Cooper’s mother, and his and Jasmine’s forced fake dating, who knows if their relationship would have bloomed. This story gives you a lot of joyful, funny and romantic moments between J and C’s gradual development from strangers to friends to lovers Aaand that scorching hot chemistry between them…Whoof. That definitely calls for an immediate reread. Luckily, I’m really happy to know that “Taking the Shot” is just the first book in this hockey series. Can’t wait to see more!
2 reviews
June 8, 2023
I received this book in exchange for an honest review!

If you like fake dating, you’ll love this book. It’s a super sweet college hockey book, and both main characters are really fleshed out and both lovable in their own way. The writer was really good with attention to detail, so the story really comes alive on the page. I especially loved the climax and resolution, and the way she flipped the romantic gesture trope a little. Overall, I would definitely recommend adding this cute, light read to your TBR list.
5 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2024
What a delightful read. I didn't know that hockey romance was a thing until I picked up this book. The fake dating trope has a fun spin. Two true equals, who've lost belief in love only to accidentally find it with each other. If they can just get over themselves and admit it. Charming and romantic. Plenty of sizzle with no spice. A closed door, leave it to your imagination type romance. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for megan.
645 reviews11 followers
September 25, 2025
dnf

the mmc needed to sever the umbilical cord years ago ew
Profile Image for Bonnie.
18 reviews
May 23, 2023

I loved this book! A college sport romance at its best. Smart girl and sporty guy in a fake dating trope. I had many laugh out loud moments. Fun and steamy and a great big gesture. I look forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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