Faking the Shot

Northwest Ice #4

by Carolyn Miller

Lights, camera... action?
Ainsley Beckett might be television's sweetheart, star of a dozen romantic movies and known the world over for her sweet-as-pie schoolmarm on hit historical TV show As The Heart Draws. But while she's always found love on-screen, her private life is less of a happily-ever-after. A string of one-date only and showmances has convinced her that finding true love is impossible, as no ordinary guy dares look at her, and the celebrity world is full of fakes. And then there are those fans who love her a bit too much...
Zac Parotti is used to fame and its flip side, like women throwing themselves at him, but he's finding his feet as a new Christian, and wants to do things God's way now. Yet even this power forward is intimidated by the combined forces of his mom and grandma, who have decided it's time for him to settle down -- preferably with someone like their favorite character from their favorite show.
When a chance encounter at a Vancouver party brings these two together they decide a fake relationship might prove the best way to stop the media speculation and fan--and family--pressure. Until fake feelings turn into something deeper. For one of them, at least...
Faking the Shot is a fake-dating Christian romance and the fourth book in the Northwest Ice Christian hockey romance series. It can be read as a standalone, and is perfect for fans of banter-laden romance with hope, heart and humor.

Genres: Contemporary, Christian Fiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.

Reviews

[Carolyn Miller]

Hello! I hope you enjoy reading Faking the Shot, a fake relationship Christian hockey romance that gets a little grittier than some. Ainsley Beckett might be a sweet actress known for her role on Western historical As The Heart Draws, but life is a little more complicated than things may first appear.
She’s got secrets and trust issues galore, so when a handsome hockey hunk who just so happens to know how to deal with fame as well as being a new believer comes along, what’s a good girl going to do but concoct a plan that may well spell trouble for the both of them.
This story delves into some pretty real issues, and I wrote it as a kind of redemption story for a friend of mine whose brother’s rejection from the church resulted in her walking away from God.
How do we really love our neighbor? How do we extend grace to those who don’t appreciate it?
The heart of this story stems from the question: what would Jesus do?
I know this story won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (stay tuned for my next hockey book, Plays by the Book, complete with ninja librarian) but I hope those who enjoy faith filled fiction can appreciate the core of love and grace among the grit.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in Him can have eternal life.
John 3.16 is as true today as it was 2000 years ago.
I hope you enjoy.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking the Shot is book four in the Northwest Ice series and has connections to many of the author’s other books and characters, yet it can be enjoyed as a stand alone read, as well.

Zac and Ainsley’s journey was not an easy one. I was so impressed with the way Zac was trying to grow more in his relationship with God. He had friends who kept him accountable, he began reading the Bible daily, he started to realize that he needed to be open about his faith even when he felt uncomfortable, and he changed many of his worldly habits.

Ainsley was a woman with many layers. On the surface, her fans thought she was simply sweet and much like her character on the television show she acted in. Yet, Ainsley carried a lot of grief, many hurts, and a distrust toward men and relationships. She had good reason for all of these things, however, her fear of being hurt by the men in her life made for a difficult situation as she and Zac presented themselves as a dating couple to the world. This fake relationship began to feel real and as Zac did all he could to be there for Ainsley, she allowed her fears and worries to control her instead.

Ainsley had a difficult emotional and spiritual journey in this novel and her issues impacted Zac, as well. I thought that the author handled the many moral issues that arose in the story in a biblical and thoughtful manner.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What do you get when you combine a popular Hallmark romance actress who loves Jesus and has the reputation to prove it, a star hockey player who’s a new believer and figuring out what that means in his daily life, and a plan to rescue themselves from the hassles of fame with a fake dating relationship? Well, for starters, you get a delightfully swoony read with delicious tension and some yummy ‘not so fake after all’ kisses. But author Carolyn Miller takes Faking the Shot beyond just a cute story (which it is!) and also gives us some deeper faith layers to unpack that challenge us to live – and love – like Jesus. Because, you see, there’s much more to Ainsley and Zac than first meets the eye, and delving beneath the surface of their stories really touched my heart.

Let’s focus on the shallow first… i.e. the swooniliciousness that is their romantic chemistry. I loved Ainsley and Zac together, from their ‘be still my heart’ meet cute to their ‘where’s my fan’ kisses and their whole sweet friendship in between. I love the way they really saw each other, the way they supported each other, and honestly they just made me smile. They fit so well together, and it’s refreshing to watch them interact with respect, wit, and yes that chemistry.

The title applies, of course, to their fake dating relationship, but it also points to those deeper layers I mentioned, and the more I read the more I came to appreciate the author’s choice in naming Faking the Shot. Both Zac and Ainsley must find the balance between their public personas (with a certain image to maintain) and their authentic selves as people of faith, and even though I can’t relate to the unique challenges that come with fame, I nevertheless found lived-out truth here that is applicable – and convicting – to me as well. Because while Miller creates very plausible scenarios that would affect a popular ‘good girl’ actress and a ‘baby Christian’ hockey star on their journey to love others like Jesus does, she gives them the form of people we are likely to meet along our way too. People who also need to be loved as though we remember that we can’t expect them to act like Jesus when they don’t even know Him. I’m SO GLAD that Miller tackles these kind of ‘real life’ topics, introduces these types of ‘real life’ characters, and wraps them all up in the grace AND truth of God.

Bottom Line: Faking the Shot by Carolyn Miller is sweet, swoony, and packed with spiritual depth that feels organic to the characters and their story. The steady pace kept me turning the pages, the inside look at being a TV actress or a hockey star was easy to imagine, and the ‘fake dating’ romance gave me all the heart eyes. I also enjoyed getting to know both Ainsley and Zac, as well as catching up with fave characters from some of Miller’s other contemporary romance series set in the same universe. But more than any of the above elements I just mentioned, I loved Faking the Shot for its authentic call to love as Jesus loved, even – especially – those the Church tends to deem unlovable.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does real love look like? Not only does this book bring 1 Corinthians 13 to life within a Christian relationship, it explores what love means for a Christian when sacrifice, endurance, and faith in God are involved. I love that the title perfectly encapsulates the dilemma that both Zac and Ainsley are working through in that “faking it” can come more naturally to us than in being honest where it matters. Whether the shot is in hockey or in films, both characters need to grow deeply in their walks with God and learn to become the people that He has made them to be, not who they think they should be.

This is a book that carries much weight and depth, making it feel even more authentic. It moves beyond the saccharine and sanitized and instead takes an honest look at what people experience in a fallen world. Not everything is neatly tied up and there are real consequences to sin, which makes it meaningful when the characters have to cling to Jesus, the hope of this world. If you are looking for realistic Christian fiction that tackles complex social issues and characters grappling with God, Faking the Shot shows that life may not be tidy, but God can be trusted to bring good from evil and to walk alongside His children.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Shelene Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me invested. I immediately felt connected to the characters. It has the fuzzy happy feel good love story as well as the gritty, on edge, examine your own self kind of love. It had me messaging my husband, pouring out my heart and love to him. Putting him above my own selfishness and humbling my own heart.
I think Carolyn Miller is gifted in how she writes. From the first time I read one of her books, I felt like I was reading a modern day Christian Jane Austen. This book definitely proved that to me again.
Zac Parotti has fame, winning personality, winning games and is by far one of the most gifted hockey players of his time. But all of that hasn’t given him purpose in his life. He’s still felt empty. But after his friend Chris leads him to Christ, though he is on fire for God with purpose, he still struggles with how that interprets into his everyday life. How does he treat a woman? How does he treat his teammates? How will he tell his family and teammates about his decision to be a Christian? How does he learn to be a genuine friend and show genuine love without the selfishness, envy, pride and self absorption?
Ainsley is all smiles and the beloved good girl actress. Her fans adore and look up to her. She’s been molded into an image by her agent. But under it all, she’s come from a hard background. She’s been hurt and used. She has seen almost nothing but men abusing or being untrustworthy. She won’t let her heart go easily. She’s been in too many fake relationships just to make her look good and now she must enter another fake relationship to salvage it all. But faking the smiles, the strength, and the energy is getting to be a habit. When hurts from her past come back at her, she’s put in the refiner’s fire. She’s been praying for God’s leading but now His leading seems pretty painful. How is she going to make it out of the pain?
While this story is a love story, it is also about growing in God’s will for you. It’s about accepting that God has the best for you even when it takes pain to get there. It’s about not being in a religion but rather a relationship with Christ. And showing God’s love to those that have been hurt whether by relationships, or by the church. It gets into the grittiness where we tend to get a little nervous. It’s convicting and makes me want to go out and love on my neighbor.
This book is definitely a 5 out of 5 stars. Best book I’ve read this year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Mistmorgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every so often a girl just needs to read a clean wholesome romance with a hockey hunk! Enjoyed.

[R.j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple of things to start: if you want a light story that never touches on deeper things, don’t pick up this book. There are topics in this book that are not for everyone. I found the way this author dealt with them was tasteful. Actually this book was one of the deepest and most spiritually uplifting one in the series. At least to where I am right now. This was beautiful.

As usual, the author does a fabulous job with the characters and settings. And the hockey was great!

I 100% can’t wait for the next one! A hockey book in Minnesota?! I’m there!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, inspiring book! Felt like a hallmark movie with a fake relationship with the possibility of a real, deeper, faith-filled relationship.
But in addition, also has some real depth about life, the difficulties and struggles to honor God while in the film industry, fear and nervousness about messing up, and loving those who are lost and hurting.
This book is more real than the other ones, but so is life! Loved the grittiness of the book, dealing with all the hard things in life, with God in the middle of it all.
Loved the growth in God with several of the characters, especially Zac and Ainsley. Growth and learning that God can take away fear, and teach us how to reflect Him and love others how we are called to. Learning and knowing that God can heal the past and make an amazing future if we trust Him.
This may be my favorite book of the Northwest Ice series so far, most definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year! Looking forward to the next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments expressed are my own.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Miller has an excellent way of writing stories grounded in God’s Truth while dealing with real world issues that we all encounter in today’s climate. Ms. Miller’s latest release Faking the Shot is the fourth book in Ms. Miller’s Northwest Ice Series. Faking the Shot tells the story of Zac, a hockey player who has won the Stanley Cup and recently became a Christian, who is learning to live out his Faith and Ainsley, who is a movie star and a Fellow Believer, who is also trying to live out her Faith, while trying to meet and live up to everyone’s expectations, including having a fake boyfriend. After a chance meeting, and an Instagram message sent by someone with the best of the intentions, Ainsley and Zac agree to a fake dating arrangement to help both of their careers. The fakeness of their arrangement quicky turns into the most real relationship either has ever had, but as the truths and secrets of both of their lives comes to the surface, it may cause Ainsley and Zac’s fake relationship to end before a real one can truly begin.

I love, love, love that Carolyn Miller does not shy away from tackling topics that Christian Fiction sometimes tries to avoid like the plague or brush under the rug, like they don’t exist, but hits them head on, handling them with the Love and Grace of Jesus! Faking the Shot covers a gambit of real life issues from loving family members who live lifestyles different than God designed to helping and Ministering to those who turn to unsavory ways to make a living. Meeting Ainsley and Zac was a real treat! I appreciated the things that Ainsley and Zac dealt with and what they were learning along the way. I love how the Message of how Love is an action that is selfless is woven all through out the book with tangible examples of it sprinkled through out. I enjoyed seeing Zac’s growth especially in the book, because by the end of the book, I believe Zac grew in the Lord by leaps and bounds to the point that He wasn’t afraid to tell Ainsley hard truths at times and point her (and eventually others) back to God, His Word and His Timing. I also love how Ms. Miller incorporates characters from her other books into Faking the Shot. I love the hockey world and it’s counterparts that Ms. Miller has created. I also love the views that Ainsley (and others) voice about the movies she makes, because I feel the same way about those types of movies and channels in real life. If you are looking for a fun escape that deals with the real stuff of life that honors God, then I highly recommend Faking the Shot by Carolyn Miller!

Have you read Faking the Shot? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Carolyn Miller for giving me a copy of Faking the Shot to review, letting me be on the ARC Team, and helping me gather the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Ellianna Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Miller has done it again! I absolutely loved reading this book and I won’t give away any spoilers but it did make me cry near the end. I love how Carolyn Miller talks about tough subjects but goes about it in a unique and encouraging way. I am already looking forward to her next book!

[Judie Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree!

Others have said this is the best book they've ever read. I agree.
At least. It's ONE of the best. After all, Carolyn had now written ten hockey books, five Muskoka books (with another on the way), and twelve historical romances.
Carolyn seems to bring all her characters to life perfectly and this one deals with subjects close to my own heart and does it with compassion and realism. She doesn't pull her punches.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The moment of greatest pressure is just before the breakthrough.”

I’ve always enjoyed books with sports, faith, and romance. Carolyn Miller’s contemporary novels about Canadian hockey players have been super fun and this book is no exception.
There are plenty of sensitive and serious topics addressed in this particular book. The author does an excellent job of approaching these areas with care and hope. But there are also great moments of banter and dialogue, as well as tender romance and deeply moving faith.
I loved Zac and his commitment to following Jesus. His vulnerability, loyalty, and pure heart made him an excellent hero. I didn’t fully understand why he went along with Ainsley’s scheme and what made Ainsley attempt a fake relationship but really enjoyed watching their friendship and love bloom. Ainsley was a layered character and it took time to know her well but her journey was a rewarding one. Catching up with Chris, Luc, Ryan, and others was icing on the cake.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with convicting message, this is the perfect book for you. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking the Shot is a realistic story that captures the brokenness of people and shines the Light of Christ. Two unlikely people, Ainsley and Zac, find themselves faking a relationship for various reasons. Ainsley is a point where she only wants to date a believer and needs to ditch her flavor of the month reputation. Zac is a brand-new believer trying to live right and make good decisions. They are readily drawn to one another and have a genuine chemistry that makes their time together feel natural. While this is a feel-good romance with lots of sweet moments, know that there are some gritty topics as well. All of it is handled with good taste and grace though and reminds Christians to love, unconditionally, and be mindful of how judgementalism can harm others and our message.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking the Shot is my new favourite book from Carolyn Miller! It is filled with hope, deeper struggles, realistic characters, and the highs and lows of a hockey player and an actress! (And their friends)!

We met Ainsley in A Cameo for a Cowgirl and are introduced to Zac in Pointe, Shoots, and Scores, and after meeting at a fundraiser, sparks and news headlines fly!

Faking the Shot discusses several heavier topics, with a particular emphasis on domestic violence, which Carolyn handles exceptionally. This depth doesn't overwhelm the storytelling, though, as there are several more light-hearted moments to balance it out. Above all else, Faking the Shot is a wonderful story, and I would highly recommend it!!

I received an ARC from the author, but this doesn't impact my thoughts or opinions on this book.

[Kaye Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly couldn’t put this one down! Read in one sitting, and finished at 3:45am
When Ainsley, the well known star of a hit historical tv show, and Zac, the equally well known hockey player meet at a party, they decide that a fake relationship could help take the pressure off the unwanted attention they were both experiencing.
Neither of them expected that fake feelings could become real. Zac, as a new Christian, is unsure of where these feelings could, or even should take him, and Ainsley had family issues that added to the complexity of constant media and fan pressure.
The development of their relationship and their individual growth in their Christian faith as well as family issues that Ainsley especially was experiencing make this a wonderful read that had me totally absorbed.
I really appreciated the loving way the author allowed Ainsley to work through her doubts and Zac to grow in his faith and patiently wait for Ainsley to recognise the validity of their relationship.
I thoroughly recommend this book as one of, or possibly the best, of Carolyn’s hockey series books !

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Miller's series has done it yet again - dug deep when you didn't have a clue it was going to and yet, you are so glad it did. There are some topics in our world that are hard to discuss in a candid way so we often avoid them, just as the series that the main character, Ainsley, was starring in on TV did. They kept it sweet and romantic, with the ladies getting their heroic rescues. But life isn't like that, as Ainsley knows all too well. And this story from the Northwest Ice series dug into some of those messy parts of life that Christians often skim around. From dating (without the intent to find out if the person is right for marriage) to abuse to homosexuality, this story hits the nitty gritty parts of life and takes a look at one way to consider handling them with love and action. Zac is the hockey player in this story and he is a new Christian. He is faced with a proposition that will test everything he's got in staying faithful to Christ. It truly is so much of what a new Christian must deal with - how to change who you are, a full 180 from your past life, and how to maintain that when the public and others around you don't know, or maybe don't truly believe, you are trying to be different. Which brings up the question of what others see - if you are a Christian, do they see a new you? If not, what do I need to change?

Carolyn Miller has handled difficult, often ignored topics with grit and grace, seeking to respond as Jesus would. Christianity plays an even more forward role in this story and it is beautiful. A challenge is presented through the simple reading of this story - which of the characters do I act like in each of the tough situations and do I need to change?

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This next book in the Northwest Ice hockey series was fantastic, in a realistic and unexpected way that did not shy away from some of the more difficult and touchy subjects facing society today. I was so grateful that the issues of fake relationships, the faults of social media, domestic violence, “adult” entertainment facilities, and the treatment of LGBTQ people were not sugar-coated and were treated with biblical wisdom and respect. It’s so easy for people to judge others, especially when they do not have all of the information about a person or situation and get much of their so-called information from gossip or social media. I easily sympathized with Zac and Ainsley as they fought through heartbreaking, difficult circumstances. I was encouraged and challenged by the truths revealed throughout the story, and I found myself highlighting many meaningful quotes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational, truth-telling fiction with an edge, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Jimnlori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking the Shot by Carolyn Miller is the fourth book in the Northwest Ice series and a definite must read if you love inspirational contemporary sports romances.
Ainsley Beckett believes she has come up with the perfect plan to boost her image and keep not only her agent off her back, but the press also by asking hockey player Zac Parotti to be her fake boyfriend. However, the more time they spend with each other, becoming friends and growing in their faith the more they realize their feelings are deepening. Ainsley is fighting her feelings for Zac and Zac's heart is slowly being broken but he is willing to wait for Ainsley to realize that he is here for her no matter what.
I absolutely enjoyed Ainsley and Zac's love story. This story is perfect to read during the holidays or any time of the year if you love holiday books all year long. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley is a well-known actress. Zac is a hockey star and a new Christian. They meet when Zac rescues Ainsley from a bad fall. In order to promote a better public image, they agree to “fake-date.” This creates problems for them both. Let’s see how God can take this mistake and create something for His glory.

This is an interesting Christian romance with wonderful characters and great Christian elements including reliance on the Holy Spirit and prayer. The gospel is well-presented, and a sensitive issue was handled delicately and scripturally.

Quotes:
“We never know what God has in store for those who are willing to trust Him.”
“…you’re a Christian, you’ve got the Holy Spirit inside you who is thee to help you when you feel weak.”
“Praying for others instead of worrying herself had long been a useful remedy to dealing with her fears.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking the Shot by Carolyn Miller is book number four in her Northwest Ice series, but is a stand alone novel.. Ainsley Beckett is well known for her role as a very good school teacher on a western historical show. She is all sweetness and also known as someone who does not date anyone more than once or twice. Zac Parotti is the star of the Vancouver team who led them to a Stanley Cup. Zac is a new believer and is intrigued when he meets Ainsely at a fundraiser. Ainseley wonders if fake dating would help them both, but real feelings may get in the way.

I found myself deeply drawn to this story. Ainsley and Zac’s friendship and relationship were so engaging .I enjoyed the journey of getting to know them as the author uncovered the layers in each of their lives. The story had great romance and the fake dating was realistically done. It was fun to visit with past characters from the others books in the series. I appreciated the deeper topics discussed in the story, and how well they were handled by author. This story shares topics that are often overlooked.

It is always a pleasure to visit the world of hockey with Carolyn Miller. The story had engaging characters, great romance, and well written hard hitting topics. I highly recommend Faking the Shot by Carolyn Miller.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.















TW: Abuse, domestic abuse;

[Jaharpoolgmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not just another hockey love troupe.
It's about the daily challenges we all face in our lives about faith, love and mercy toward others.
The two main characters both face struggles with family, friends and life but they turn to their faith to help them answer and face their trouble.
So many times we all want to just bury them. Turn away from them. Escape! But in reality, it is only prolonging the inevitable of it resurfacing.
Watch these two people proceed with courage. And hopefully make you think longer about your life.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is another great book by Carolyn Miller! At first I didn't like the fake relationship, but it grew on me to the point that I didn't want to put the book down. Even though this is book 4 in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. If you like Christian, contemporary romance, I recommend this book.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fake dating relationship might happen often for movie stars. And maybe for hockey players too. I love Carolyn's books! A sweet story of learning to be real and authentic!