Scoring Chance

Ballad University #2

by T.D. Lua

MarinaIf I hear the name Chiral Hall again, it will be too soon. He is the one person at Ballad U that I can’t stand and it’s just my luck that my besties are dating his.Just when I think things can’t get worse, I get suckered into tutoring him for the rest of the semester. Most would buckle under the pressure I’m constantly under but I’ve recently found a good stress reliever. When I started my Main Fan’s account it was just a way to pay for my education, I wasn’t expecting him.ChiralI feel like I’m a pretty decent guy so I don’t understand why Marina avoids me like you would the locker room full of hockey players after a grueling practice. No matter her reasons, I plan to break down her walls in any way possible because of that feeling in my gut.The feeling that is telling me once she lets you in, it’s game over and I’m okay with that. Marina is the type of girl that you would move hell and earth for just for a genuine smile and to see the sparkle in her eyes that at times is shadowed with sadness from her past. It may not be right but when I find her Main Fans account, I can’t pass up the chance to connect with her on a different level.When everything is on the line? You have to take that scoring chance.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Found Family

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2023

Reviews

[vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was better than book 1 but she got on my nerves about how she acted when she found out that chiral was the guy she was talking to online. Yes, he should have been honest about that but she acted like it was worse than her not telling her bf that she sold nudes online. I understand why she sold them because she needed to pay for college but she still should have told chiral about it when they became a couple, good thing he already knew. I feel like it was to easy to forgive his mother for leaving him when he was young even though she had tried to make up for it for years. Still, she left him a note with his nanny telling him she was leaving both him and his dad because she deserved to be happy too but chiral had just gotten diagnosed and she still fucken left him behind?? His dad worked a lot and that was an issue for her so she decides to leave her kid behind knowing his dad works a lot?? Chiral needed his mother but she left him behind. His dad was a better parent than she ever was. Also, I wasn’t a fan of lilah in this book, she was just annoying.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

I really liked this. Chiral and Marina are really cute. Chiral was absolutely obsessed with her and I loved it. She really didn't want to fall for him but he just kept showing up for her. I kind of enjoyed that it took place at the same time as the first book, it was fun to see them fall in love from an outsider pov.

I received an arc from the author.

[Nichole Winsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book has quite a few typos but it seems to have been better edited after that point. The storyline is great, characters are likeable, overall it's a good, quick read.

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little universe Tori has created! A found family is my absolute favorite! Their whole friend group is so sweet and they’re so supportive of each other! I loved having a little sneak peak into the future and seeing everyone stil happy and thriving!! And Marina and Chiral were so SWEET. I LOVE a good enemies to lovers so much. And they were SO GOOD. And a little hidden relationship and sneaking around?? It was so good.

I loved how much time Chiral and Marina spent together before they really go together. It was playful and fun, and they were able to have really real conversations, and they had best kind of banter. Marina spent so much time convincing herself she was so annoyed with Chiral, and there’s no way she could ever like him. But of course with all the time they spent together they realized how important they had become to each other!! Because once they gave in…they both fell SO HARD. And even though they liked being in their little bubble it was clear how much they wanted to shout from the rooftops that they were together!

There was a bunch of time spent on Nix and Lilah! Which is exciting, I’m very excited about their story! I hope we get to see Lilah and Chiral’s friendship a little more!

The ending felt a little rushed, it felt a little too action packed in an odd way.

Thank you so much to TD Lua for this ARC I exchange for an honest review and for being part of her ARC team. I am so so grateful!

[Cinder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skimmed

Rating: 1/5 ⭐
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Standalone
Age: New Adult
Safety: 🟡 (mostly safe)

Spice: 1/5 🔥 Open door / Closed Door
Romance: 2/5 ❤️
Plot: 2/5 📖
Writing: 1/5 📝
Characters: 2/5 👥
Cover: 3/5 📓

Tropes / Featuring:
🎓 Academic setting
❤️🔥⚔️ Hate to Love
🏒 Sports Romance


✔️ I liked the premise

❌ It was badly written and boring.


Would I read more by this author? ❌

Would I recommend? ❌

TW / CW: death, car accident, trauma

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

"Marina Spencer, I swear on everything I love in this life and the next, you are never going to know pain like this again, not if I have anything to do with it."

'Scoring Chance is the second book in T.D's 'Ballard University' series. It follows Chiral Hall, the golden retriever hockey player, and Marina Spencer, who is slightly closed off and strongly dislikes Chiral. But sharing mutual friends forces them to spend time together, especially when Marina offers to tutor Chiral'

Ahhh I loved this book! It was super cute, and even though it was a short read, it was long enough to not feel rushed.

Chiral is just the most adorable person and he deserves to be appreciated. The way he kept buying Mar her favourite drink and bringing them to class, even when she didn't like him. And when it went out of season, he tried to recreate it at home for her!
Very much had tears in my eyes when he kept speaking to her parents multiple times throughout the book, like "Thank you for letting me love her". And don't even get me started on "I bought the seat for your dad, princess"!!! This man needs to be protected at all costs.

Marina was a great headstrong character and even though life wasn't fair to her, she still stuck up for herself and didn't allow people to walk over her. She is 100% a girl boss, and did what she needed to do to get herself through college.

Should Chiral have told her earlier that he knew about what she does for work? Yes But he's also a sweet boy so he gets away with it!

The ADHD representation was refreshing to see and even though Chiral tried to hide it from Marina at first, he did eventually tell her and allow her to help him. And Mar even looked up ways to help him study better!

I was so happy to see Lottie & Liam again!

Marina's ex was a douche and I didn't particularly warm up to Chiral's mum either, even after she explained herself.

This book includes:
-Hockey Romance
-Golden Retriever Hockey Player
-Enemies(ish) to Lovers
-ADHD Representation
-Loss of loved ones

[lyn ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ 4/5 & 3/5 spice

“I know I’ve never been the relationship kind of guy, but for Mar I’ll be whatever she needs me to be. I will do whatever I can to keep her happy and screaming my name in bed.”

I seriously love a good slow burn, enemies to lovers, and a found family book. It took me a little while to get used to the timeline, but I adored every moment of it.

Marina is an independent girl boss, who does cam work to financially get her through college. I love that Mar didn’t let her best friends pressure her into dating Chi, but let her feelings develop naturally and have the relationship go at their own pace.

Chiral is a reformed playboy hockey player. He is super protective of the ones he love and gives off the golden retriever vibes. I love seeing the ADHD rep for Chi’s character and seeing how he isn’t afraid to talk about his struggle with it. He reached out to Mar and asked her for help to tutor him and mentioned his ADHD problem, in which Mar was supportive and willing to help him succeed. Chi was such a swoony guy willing to do anything to make his girl happy.

I adore this couple so much. They both had a lot going on in their life, but were there for one another. It made me so happy to see how close both Chi and Mar were with their best friends and how they were all supportive of each other. I love seeing how Mar found a loving family who accepted her with open arms. The scenes where Mar and Chi talked to her parents for advice and their blessings made me tear up, it was such a sweet and heartwarming moment.

I felt that the ending was a bit rushed, but it was a great read. I’m excited for the next book in this series.

Tropes:
❥ Hockey romance
❥ Guy falls first
❥ Anonymous text
❥ Tutor x player
❥ Slow burn
❥ Secret relationship
❥ Enemies to lovers
❥ Forced proximity
❥ ADHD rep
❥ Opposites attract
❥ Found family

[Kimberly Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

give me the banter in this book all day long 🥵🤩

Marina Spenser is solely responsible for herself and her tuition, sorority dues, and everything else she needs. So she anonymously sells some risky photos of herself on a Main Fans page. Marina has a good life going on, although both of her besties are dating the hotshot hockey players. And they love to bring along the third part to their trio Chiral Hall. He is the bane to her existence and they love to hate each other. Until one day when Chiral sits down next to Marina in biology and shares that he needs helped bring tutored. Little do they realize this hate to love can turn around rather quickly. And to avoid the pressure from their friends they decide to keep things hidden. But that’s not the only thing hidden. My Chiral likes to be anonymous also and dabble in some spicy picture buying. Can they come clean not only each other but their friends as well? Without a catastrophic meltdown? Buckle up because the banter is fast and delicious 🥵


📚 College Hockey Romance
📚 Enemies to Lovers
📚 Hidden Relationship
📚 Spicy Banter 🥵
📚 Dual POV

I’m so excited we finally got Marina and Chiral’s story!! I love that it played along Chase & Lottie’s timeline also. TD does such a good job pulling you into the story!! I’m so ready for the suspense vibes we are getting in Lilah & Nix’s story ♥️

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great story!

The second instalment of the Ballard U series focus on our cinnajock, Chiral Hall, as he falls head over heels.

These two didn’t start off on the right foot but I loved how confident Chiral gets in his pursuit once he sets his sights on Marina Spencer.

Chiral needs help with his studies and is convinced that Marina can help him so they start with tutoring lessons. As they spend time together we get to see them form a friendship and Marina realizes that her first assessment of Chiral was wrong.

I love how we get these glimpses into both of them in ‘Freezing the Puck’ but there is so much more to these characters. We find out about both their struggles and how that affects the relationships around them.

“You’re looking at me like I’m your last meal, Princess.”

“Just might be.”

The banter was everything, their exploration of certain things in the bedroom was so sexy and their tender moments had me asking for more. I honestly could not get enough of these two.

This story had everything that I look for in my reads. Such a perfect follow up to book 1 and now I’ll be chomping at the bit waiting for book 3 after that ending

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.D. Lua's "Scoring Chance" wonderfully skates into the field of hockey romance with a swoon-worthy banter! The novel is the second installment in the 'Ballard University' series and continues the lovable story of Chiral Hall, a golden retriever hockey player, and Marina Spencer, whose guarded demeanor obscures her inner vulnerabilities!
.
Tutoring sessions turn into battles where intellect meets desire, as Chiral and Marina begin on an exploration of intellectual enlightenment and emotional growth. Lua carefully handles the fluctuating waters of their blossoming connection, peeling back each layer to expose the sensitive details beneath the surface!
.
The novel's thematic deepness is made stronger by its exploration of ADHD representation, an issue rarely covered in contemporary romantic literature. Lua uses Chiral's journey of self-discovery and acceptance to highlight the need of understanding and compassion, overcoming prejudices and cultivating a stronger sense of sensitivity and acceptance.
.
Chiral and Marina's relationship is sizzling and sparking, their conversation filled with tangible tension and unabashed desire. This book satisfies every fantasy of a classic hockey romance! Throughout the entire book, the beloved banter between lovers was flawlessly executed!

[Patricia Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically, a 3.75.

This is a real steamy hockey story (too steamy to be reading in a doctor's waiting room!) It's book 2 in a series with book 3 (Breakaway) being my next read. Freezing the Puck is the first book in the series.

The stories follow 3 college hockey players who are best friends, and the 3 women (also best friends) they are each smitten with. I like the "he falls first" trope. This indie author has written a good story, well-written, and leaving nothing to the imagination.

The conflict/misunderstanding that threatens to end the relationship of Chiral and Marina, which happens in all romance stories, comes at the very end of the book so we don't have to wait long for it to get resolved. There is, however, a cliffhanger that will make you want to read the next book.

These are easy reads with short chapters and not overly lengthy stories. If you are going to read them you need to read them in order. Book 1 is Liam and Charlotte's story. Book 3 is Nix and Li's (Phoenix and Lilah) story. There are more stories to come in this Ballad University hockey romance books.

[Regan Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If protecting you and dealing with your popsicle fingers is a consequence, then find me some tights, because I’ll be your Superman any day, Marina.”
•
Book: Scoring Chance (Ballad U book 2)
Author: TD Lua
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
•
Since the day they met, Chiral and Marina have been at each others throats. Chiral loves antagonizing Mar and Mar thinks Chi is the most annoying man on earth. They see one other enough considering their friends are already coupled up with each other. So becoming lab partners was the opposite of what they needed this semester. As time goes on and their study sessions heat up, each of them realize there's a fine line between love and hate. And they are definitely crossing that line.
•
We all love the banter in enemies to lovers books, no doubt. And this book has some of the best! I was laughing out loud more than once while reading about these two! And while the banter was top tier, this book also delivered on both heat and sweet! I absolutely adored the relationship these two formed. Chiral is the perfect ratio of dirty talking alpha and soft golden retriever boy. He was so in tune to what Maria needs both emotionally, and physically, if ya know what I mean! And Maria is such a girls girl! She is strong, loves her friends, and isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. She definitely grows so much over this read and you really are so proud of her by the end.
Over all, I completely enjoyed this book! The friend group that these books follow has a tiny piece of my heart and I cannot wait to read Nix & Li!

If you like:
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-banter
-kínk
-golden retriever MMC

TW🚫: parental death, depiction of car accident
Regan💛

This review was written by members of the Sporty Spice Book Club (sporty.spice.book.club on both Instagram and TikTok).

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3🔥

Another one I couldn’t put down.
I wasn’t sure where the timeline for this one was going to fall after reading book one but I was so happy with how it was written.

This takes place almost alongside book 1, maybe about halfway through. Marina and Chiral are basically frenemies because all their best friends are dating so they’re forced to spend time together. Marina doesn’t know why chiral gets under her skin so much and chiral doesn’t know why she seems to hate him. They end up in a science class together which Marina excels in and chiral asks for some tutoring and she agrees. At first they keep it a secret, the tutoring as well as their progressing relationship. They don’t want to feel the pressure from their friends to make something work when they’re just not sure.

This was honestly super cute and heartfelt. They’re both so supportive of the other and wanted the best no matter what that was. No third act break up🙌🏼

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good

Not a bad hockey romance but holy moly if this author could please cool it with their characters having similar names and all the freakin nicknames, that would be amazing!! I was having such a hard time keeping up with the story because I couldn’t keep track of everyone’s names!! I will say that the storyline itself was really good! I loved Chiral and Marina although I felt like they both needed to communicate better and more and quite honestly a lot of things were glossed over for the sake of just being done with it, it seemed…I didn’t read the first book so I felt a little lost sometimes but that could also be because there were so many characters and so many names to keep track of!!

[nikkyireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐷𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡. 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡, 𝑀𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒’𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒.”

Okay, I did not expect to cry that much. I love that this is under 300 pages, but it didn't feel rushed. This is book 2 of a series and would be enjoyed more if you read book 1, but it can be read as a standalone. I really liked that this followed the same timeline as book 1, so we got to see another set of POVs during that timeline. I'm really intrigued about Lilah's story and will definitely be picking that up!

🖤 Favorite moments: The extra seat at the Knights game, the ice cream shop, "Thank you for letting me love her." 🥹🥹🥹🥹

✨️ Golden Retriever MMC
✨️ Sports Romance - Hockey
✨️ College Romance
✨️ He Falls First
✨️ Opposites Attract
✨️ Enemies to Lovers
✨️ Secret Dating
✨️ ADHD Rep
✨️ Dual POV

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina lost her parents at a young age, and now she is in school to become a nurse, fulfilling her mother’s dreams. Her best friends are both dating hockey players, but she initially can’t stand the third guy in the group, Chiral. Once they are paired up in class and she starts tutoring him, she begins to see a different side of him though. And for his part, Chiral is instantly drawn to Mar, and he works hard to show her that he’s not the person she writes him off to be.

Both characters have some heaviness in their pasts, but they work through it together. Chiral shows Marina that she is deserving of a happy ending, and Marina helps heal the relationship between Chiral and his mom, who he feels abandoned him as a kid. I really enjoyed the friend dynamic between the 3 guys and their girls. And then the way this one ends… I will definitely be reading Breakaway soon!

[Emily Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!!! I loved this book so much! From the friends to lovers dynamic to the vulnerable parts, this book was fantastic! As someone who is Latina, I loved seeing some representation in this book. Marina being Latina was really special to me, especially because there isn’t a lot of BIPOC representation in hockey romances. Her character overall was so real in every way. She is such a badass! Chiral is the cinnamon roll I didn’t know I needed! I love how he remembers her coffee order (it really is the best, especially when her coffee order is soooo good). Ugh! I just couldn’t get enough of this book! Definitely recommend and I am definitely going back for a reread! 🧡

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always underestimate how emotional a hockey romance can be.


Mar and Chiral really got me loving their story because it wasn’t easy, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. there was many rainy days between the two, whether it was together or seperately.

Mar has such a big heart, especially for the things she has gone through. Having a tuition to pay also isn’t easy.. so sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do to make some moola.

Chiral, the typical playboy hockey player who’s been lusting over Mar for awhile but she has always given him the cold shoulder until he needs a tutor.


Their story is one of a kind and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it!!

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get the opportunity to read this ARC since my first ever ARC was the first book in this series! Scoring Chance follows Marina and Chiral as they fall in love. He falls first and so hard, I love how sweet but spicy he is! Plus he has ADHD and I related so so much to him. I struggled in college because of ADHD and I loved seeing him over come that. Marina’s story broke my heart for her but Chiral definitely put it back together! She is such strong female character! She fought hard to get where she is and you see how amazing she is throughout the entire book! I highly recommend reading this book and the first one, Freezing the Puck also by TD Lua! She did an amazing job!!

[Nyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definition of enemies to lovers with a little bit of lust.

When I read the first book I never thought the dinamic between marina n chiral would be this good, they fought all the time so when I first read this, my expectation isnt that high. But they actually work?? I'm suprised tbh.
I'm happy that could get the family she deserved, and chiral can restore his relationship with his mother. One thing I'm gonna complain is, WHAT KIND OF EPILOGUE IS THAT???? I thought we would get a proposal epilogue but we got that?! I understand its to building the next book because we focus so much on mariana n chiral in this but still😭 why do you have to do that to my fav couple

[Marie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to friends to lovers

Another beautiful read by TD Lua, enemies to friends to lovers, the build up to the romance between Chiral and Marina was stunning, it built up an epic sexual chemistry between them and when it exploded, it went off!! Typical playboy meets someone who knocks him off his feet then puts himself on a sex ban until he manages to convince 'his one' to give him a try. Highly recommended and now I'm sat waiting impatiently for book 3 of this fantastic series.

[kilee roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m in love with mar and chiral!!! the banter and chemistry between them had me feral! i was giggling and kicking my feet the whole book!!

the spice… 😮‍💨🥵 babyyyyy, i was sweating!!

marina’s confidence throughout the book had me screaming “girl power” and fist pumping!! the way chiral was legit in love and obsessed with mar from the beginning.. ugh. the SWEETEST man!!

they were so good for each other, the love between them was so freaking sweet!

i can’t wait for li and nix’s book! i just know it’s gonna be full of angst!!

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering I gave the first book 2 stars (for me that means I really didn’t like the plot or the writing style)

This book was a solid 3 for me, I enjoyed the pace of the book and that the complication wasn’t too hectic, didn’t drag on and helped round out the book.

But the ending setting up for the next book I’m keen!!

Marina and Chiral ( I actually don’t understand how you pronounce it) are a cute classic rich boy meets ordinary girl with a side of hate and lust + hockey which is a delicious combination.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mar and Chiral are really cute and I love them. I enjoyed how has a cute relationship of getting to get to know one another first , marina and chiral they hate one another at first , and I love a good enemies to lovers ! Slow burn and secret identity mixed together , this was a cute book love there relationships together,

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

so sweet and spicy!

This is a super cute frenemies to lovers hockey romance!
Chiral and Marina were the perfect mix of banter, tension, chemistry, swoony, and possessive. It made for such an easy read you can finish in one sitting.

The way the book sets up for future storylines is so fun!!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love this series. the friendship and all and book 1 is cute sweet little angsty but heres book 2 got my feeling all over the place. but im so happy for marina. she deserves every happiness 🥺 cant wait for book 3!!!

[nhilynn ☻ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ugh I liked this one way more than the first one and it did make me weep a little

my only strong note is that the third act “breakup” wasn’t really anything ?? like there was barely any conflict / communication about their issue and it kinda bothered me

but I loved both characters so much ugh

[Jessi Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this story!

My heart breaks for everything both MCs have been through but I love their individual characters and how they get through the obstacles that they face! I also love the found family aspect of the book. Will definitely be reading Breakaway asap

[Melanie Cummins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 again fam. The spice was better but honestly it took forever for these two to get together and there was still so many plot holes 🫣

[Jessica]

DNF at 53%