Shutout

St. Cloud Hockey #3

by Mari Loyal

He’s the golden retriever hockey captain who was once my best friend, turned perfect stranger, and now he’s come crashing back into my life.



OLIVIA



I’m not huge into the party scene, especially after what happened last year at the Bolt House where the hockey jocks live. I’d rather stay home reading a book or cooking up a new recipe to the tune of some hard rock. But now my friends convince me to go to a party and what could go wrong, right?

Of course, we get there and find my boyfriend cheating on me with a random girl. And even worse, the one who confronts my now ex is none other than Brooklyn, Bolt House resident, hockey captain… and my former best friend.

Yep, the same one I had a major crush on basically all my life.



BROOKLYN



I haven’t seen Olivia since she basically shut me out of her life a year ago. Yeah, I was a jerk and deserve it, but does it make me even more of a jerk if I’m happy to see her break up with her boyfriend?

Maybe this is my chance to get back in her good graces, and what better opportunity than fulfilling the promise we made freshman year of signing up for a Spanish elective together.

But just as I’m starting to think I’m better suited for the role of Olivia’s boyfriend rather than her friend, I get a huge offer that could kickstart my hockey career with a bang.

And I really don’t want to choose between hockey and her again.



Are we playing the only game we can both win by shutout or are we about to lose each other forever?



Shutout is a dual POV, closed door hockey college romance with mild language, and heat without spice. It’s the third and last book in the St. Cloud Hockey trilogy, set three years after book two, and can also be read as a standalone.





College hockey romance.Golden retriever x black cat.Best friends to strangers to lovers.She falls first but he falls harder.Forced proximity.No 3rd act breakup.Closed door romance.

Genres: Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Romance, Second Chance

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2024

Reviews

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Mari Loyal for the joy to be part of this ARC team 🩵

Omg, I can’t believe I finished the St Cloud Hockey trilogy!!

This series is the definition of feel good, wholesome stories, with a whole lot of sass, positive health representation and lovable characters all around.

I love how the author always includes a Venezuelan main character, as well as a comforting happy ending. Her books are truly cheerful and charming.

Olivia Rodriguez (not like the singer 😉) quickly became my favourite sibling. This slow burn romance brings new life to the classic friends to lovers.
(Or should it be childhood best friends, to strangers, to friends to lovers? Both are in love, and everyone can see it but them? Sort of a second chance trope too? Either way, we love to see it)

I feel like this book was much more romance driven than the previous ones. There was room to develop more of their individual interest, specially on Olivia’s end. Since I’m not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope, I’d be okay with half the hopeless pining and trying to escape the friendzone for the sake of character building.

Forever a fan of how Mari Loyal made me love hockey romances, and I’ll be happy to see what she writes next 🫶🏻

[Clean readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.7 ✨

Genre: NA Romance

Clean level: 🫧🫧🫧

I’m sad to see this series end, but I’m excited to see where this author takes us next.

Been best friends since their 5, 13 years later one sided crush, hurtful words over heard and now Brooklyn and Olivia can’t stand each other. Scratch that Olivia can’t stand Brooklyn. Brooklyn wants his best friend back and would do anything even if it means taking up her challenge and Kissing her. Now he might want more than a friendship.

This everything a New adult romance is. Between the struggles of trying to find yourself as an adult, understanding your emotions, and trying to decide if this person who you really feel safe with. Also may I add this book never takes it farther than a heated Kiss and I highly appreciate this as I do not prefer it going for more than that and Most NA books do. Not this series and trust me the couple doesn’t loose their chemistry, heat, or emotional connection because they don’t.

I enjoyed how as Brooklyn and Olivia try to regain their friendship they understand that their younger self wasn’t as smart or emotionally stable as they thought. Which at 18 who really does. They own up to their mistakes, and understand that they are still growing. It makes the characters feel more real and easy for the reader to get lost in the book. Their romance was so sweet, I couldn’t! It was just too good! Brooklyn’s flirting was whoa… I love how they also had their playfulness from their friendship it just turned a bit more flirty. And Mari definitely knows how to write a kiss!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a best friend-to enemies-to lovers, with heated kisses and siblings who will defend their sister at any cost.

Content:
* Descriptive Kisses
* Slight fouls language ( No f-bombs )
* Sibling love
* Talk of rough relationship with a parent.

I received this book as ARC in exchange for an HONEST review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not persuaded in any way.

[Debajodelamesa.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ ARC Review ✨️
Sweet, sweet, sweet!! Mari Loyal is finishing this trilogy with a beautiful, sexy and adorable story!!!
I can't believe this is the last book on this series. Each one of them have a very characteristic plot within the same universe, with hockey as the main story driver.
This book brings us Olivia and Brooklyn, a black cat with a golden retriever love story that had me giggling and swooning all the time!!
I really enjoyed Olivia's character development, so unapologetic and freeing. It felt so good to see her transformation, and I'm sure that it will serve as an inspiration for others ♡
As for dear Brooklyn... he is the reason why I truly believe that you should always marry your best friend, I did!! 🥰
If you want to read an original feel-good hockey series, complete, and with a nice steamy touch, this is the one!!

***

Hermoso, hermoso, hermoso!! Mari Loyal está terminando esta trilogía con una historia hermosa, sexy y adorable!!!
No puedo creer que este sea el último libro de esta serie, cada uno de ellos tiene una trama muy característica dentro del mismo universo, con el hockey como el tema principal de la historia.
Este libro nos trae a Olivia y Brooklyn, un gato negro y a un golden retriever con una historia de amor de que me hizo reír y suspirar todo el tiempo!!
Realmente disfruté el desarrollo del personaje de Olivia, genuina y liberadora, se sintió tan bien ver su transformación y estoy segura de que servirá como inspiración para muchas personas ♡
En cuanto al querido Brooklyn... él es la razón por la que realmente creo que siempre debes casarte con tu mejor amigo, ¡yo lo hice! 🥰
Si quieres leer una serie de hockey original, completa, que te haga sentir bien y con un pequeño toque de sensualidad, esta es la indicada!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
🔥 1/5

[Larissa (That Baker That Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Liv and Brooklyn were childhood friends, until they fight in college. But one day, Liv’s got her heart broken, and they get closer again. Will they be friends again, or something more?

Includes:
✨Best Friends to Strangers to More
✨Black Cat/Golden retriever
✨ Protective MMC
✨College Romance
✨Hockey Player
✨Takes care when Sick
✨Mutual Pining

🌶️Heat Level:
Close Door
Innuendo
Some Cursing
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥🔥

My Opinion:
It is very hard to get me excited for a Friends to Lovers story, but Mari’s writing got me hooked from the beginning. The story is so engaging and the tension is *chef’s kiss*, that makes a great way to end a series. Liv and Brooklyn are the perfect match and makes us wanting more and more. I completely love a golden retriever hero and Brooklyn is so clueless that makes him even cuter, and the way he’s head over hills by liv and how he cares about her, made my heart melt. Olivia is feisty and caring, making the banter is top tier. Let’s not forget how HOT this story is. I believe this one has a little more innuendo than the first two, and every time they are together we feel the tension and their chemistry is explosive. I absolutely love this series, and I can’t wait for more books from Mari.

For the close door readers: This is a close door romance, with implied intimacy, hot tension, descriptive kisses and lots of physical touches, but there’s nothing explicit in it. The author made a content warning in the beginning, so please check it out to see if you are comfortable reading it.

TW:Allergic reaction on page, Drinking, Parental Neglect, Cheating (Not between main characters).

*I received a free review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.*

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ✨

| I received ARC copy, I’m giving my honest review. |

What an adorable friends to strangers to friends to lovers! Oh my heart. I throughly enjoyed Shutout , Mari Loyal always delivers wonderful and genuine characters. I wanted to protect Liv from what happens early on, although to be fair, she's perfectly good at taking care of herself.

Oh my goodness, this story is the perfect book for the St. Cloud Hockey series. I love seeing the previous characters in the background. Also, seeing how the college's program changes from year to year (consequences: good or bad).

THE ROMANCE. Oh my goodness, I wanted Brooklyn and Liv to admit sooooo badly to each other. Definitely a slow burn / mutual pining. If anyone loves this back and forth, I'd 110% recommend this novel! Brooke, he got my heart. He has golden retriever puppy vibes: affectionate, protective, and flirty.

I will always recommend Mari Loyal! I love her books! I'm hoping to purchase the entire set and also I'm excited for her Christmas romance that will be coming out this year! ✨

Tags:
🐈‍⬛ friends to strangers to friends to lovers
🐈‍⬛ mutual pining
🐈‍⬛ hockey romance / college
🐈‍⬛ closed door romance
🐈‍⬛ steamy kisses
🐈‍⬛ moderate use of cuss words
🐈‍⬛ cheated on ex-boyfriend
🐈‍⬛ underage drinking
🐈‍⬛ male lead experiences neglect from parents

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia and Brooklyn have been best friends since they were 5 years old. Up until about a year ago, when Brooklyn acted like a jerk and they stopped hanging out. When Olivia finds her boyfriend cheating on her Brooklyn sees an opportunity to rekindle their friendship.

This book is set 3 years after the second book in the series, "Overtime", and can be read as a standalone. Olivia is the little sister of Aran, hockey goalie and protagonist of the former book. Unlike her siblings Olivia doesn't play hockey - she doesn't even like the sport. But Brooklyn is the star of the Thunder Bolts hockey team, and when they were best friends Olivia went to games for his sake. On the ice he's feared, but otherwise Brooklyn's a golden retriever; very cuddly and always seeking attention. I instantly fell for both characters and loved how they interacted with each other. The story evoked a lot of feelings and when I had finished I just wanted more!

Read "Shutout" if you enjoy:
• college hockey romance
• dual POV
• best friends to strangers to lovers
• she falls first but he falls harder
• no third act breakup
• heat but no spice

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review *

[Hannah May · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute!!! I have also never repeated to a male character before and damn Brooklyns blimbo moments were definitely relatable. I am so sad to think that this series is over but damn it ended good. I love me some friends to lovers and this one was done so well! I can’t wait to read another book from this author

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gahhhh, I’ll never be over this series! Will update with full review but brookie has my whole heart! And Shutout could not be more perfect of a title for these two!! 🥲

[Princessofbookishkingdoms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really adored the book! It was cute, cozy and very well written!

Shut Out is the perfect best Friends to Strangers to Lovers Story and I really liked how they became Part of the life of each other again. The Charakter development was again very nice. It was so nice to read how Olivia found herself again and got back her spark.
It was again a really fun read and I just love Mari Loyals writing style 🩵

Shut Out is the third book of the St. Cloud Hockey Series and can be read as a standalone.

🐈‍⬛ best Friends to strangers to lovers
🏒 Hockey Romance
🐈‍⬛ golden Retriever mmc x Black cat fmc
🏒 closed door
🐈‍⬛ dual pov
🏒 Heat but no spice

I got this book as an EArc, thank you very much Mari Loyal 🩵

[MaKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for sending me an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own :)*

Shutout is the third book in the St. Cloud Hockey series, and is a closed door hockey romance following Brooklyn and Olivia.
Olivia has always had feelings for her (ex) best friend, which ultimately led to the downfall of their friendship. Her feelings for Brooklyn were something she kept under lock and key. However, when Brooklyn unknowingly broke her heart a year and a half ago, she decided to cut ties with him. Now that he has been tossed back into her life (thanks, fate), she can no longer avoid him. He is making it extremely difficult to shove away all those feelings she has for him - the ones that made her lose him in the first place.
Brooklyn has always loved Olivia, but realized that that love was far from platonic after their fallout; the torturous year and a half they spent in radio silence was enough for him to know he doesn’t want to live without her any more, and he will do anything to earn a place back in her life. Now that it seems fate has given him a second chance, he must decide how far he is willing to go to win back Olivia as a friend - then convince her that, maybe, they were always meant to be something more.

WHAT A PHENOMENAL BOOK.
I absolutely adored this book. I would’ve finished it in one sitting if I hadn’t been so busy lol!
The writing style was great, and the characters and story felt so so real. I really loved the story as a whole. It was paced well, and kept me hooked.
The character dynamic was my favorite! Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes - but only if it’s done right. This? Perfection. I LOVED the way this trope was written. The dual POV helped us really get to know the characters in a way that was crucial to the story.

Speaking of characters, Brooklyn was the best. I love a good golden retriever MMC, and he was an absolute sweetheart. His flirty personality played really well into the story, and made me laugh several times. The email scene was my favorite!
Olivia was so complex and I really liked that. She was definitely the “black cat” in the duo. I never knew what she was going to say, but I could count on it being snarky, sassy, or (on occasion) surprisingly sweet lol!
The banter and tension between the two of them had me speechless. It was so good!!

I have nothing but good to say about this book. Honestly, I’d say it’s in the top 5 hockey romances I’ve ever read (I read a ton of hockey romance lol!) and a new comfort read for me. The vibes were good with this one, and I cannot wait to reread!

Content Warnings -
Occasional Swearing
Closed Door
Very Descriptive Kisses only
Sexual References / Innuendos

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

🫠 Shutout is the third book in the St. Cloud Hockey series, and it’s based on a closed door hockey romance following Brooklyn and Olivia who were best friends turned enemies turned .. well I won’t spoil. You gotta read the book. Y’know?

I’m not big on second chances but I like when something happens and then it brings back the person that was so dear to you, back into your life. It makes you feel like that was supposed to happen all along

The way they both felt the exact same thing but didn’t do anything about it because they were scared it will affect their friendship shows just how much they care about each other

Also the girl friendships was so nice to read about. I’m all in for girls supporting girls. Being a girl’s girl myself, made me so happy to see these friendships grow

Brookie not being able to stay away from her was so frustrating because he knew he had to because that’s how she wanted to deal with the situation but he just wanted to be attached to her hip. There’s just something so utterly a man wanting a girl so bad that he just goes all in to show her he cares

I loved the inside jokes they both shared. The fun they both have when they’re around each other. They’re both so funny, their banter is hilarious. The way they’re both at each other’s sides when they need it.. or even when they don’t. The support, the TLC .. it was just so freaking cute

I also really liked that we got to see the characters from the previous books in more than one occasion. The families making an appearance in this book was nice too. I like how Brook and his dad worked on their relationship and talked things through. I also really liked how Liv’s family is very supportive and it’s easy for her to talk to them and share her thoughts and just be able to go home and cry to her mom.. and eat her food and get her laundry done😂

I think out of the 3 books from this series this is my least favorite. I liked the other two a lot more. But I gave it five stars anyway just because I felt like so much happened, it’s not like it was a bland book. It was very enjoyable and of course the writing was exceptional

Even though this book wasn’t my absolute favorite, I’m absolutely sure that if Mario writes anything at this point, I’m going to enjoy it💙

[rachೃ⁀➷ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been COUNTING DOWN the days for this one!!! From the moment I dove into the first book, I was completely enchanted by this author and the way that she writes romance. Each book in this series has had me in a chokehold, and now, finally, I’ve devoured Olivia’s story, and oh, it was so worth every second of the wait! Mari Loyal has wrapped up this series with a heart-melting bang. As a sucker for friends-to-lovers tropes, this book hit all the right notes. Watching Brooklyn and Olivia rediscover their bond, embrace their feelings, and navigate their emotional journeys was a pure joy. The character development was nothing short of brilliant, seeing Olivia and Brooklyn learn to love themselves and each other while mending old wounds, made my heart totally melt. I can’t believe the St. Cloud Hockey series is over. What am I going to do now? I guess I’ll just sit here, eagerly awaiting whatever incredible story this author decides to bless us with next.

Olivia’s never been a party girl. After a rough experience at the Bolt House last year, she’d rather stay in with a book or some rock music. But when her friends drag her to a party, she walks in to find her boyfriend cheating on her, and the one to confront him? None other than Brooklyn, the Bolt House resident, hockey captain and her former best friend, whom she’s had a crush on forever.

Brooklyn hasn’t seen Olivia since she cut him out of her life a year ago. He knows he was a jerk, and he totally deserves it, but does it make him even more of a jerk that he’s secretly thrilled to see her break up with her boyfriend? Here’s his chance to make things right and maybe rekindle their friendship, starting with that Spanish elective they promised to take together back in freshman year. Just as Brooklyn begins to feel like he might be better suited as Olivia’s boyfriend rather than just her friend, he gets a massive opportunity to launch his hockey career.

Now, Brooklyn faces a heart-wrenching choice: follow his hockey dreams or fight for a second chance with Olivia.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Check out 'Shutout’ if you’re a fan of:
ʚ♡ɞ Friends to Strangers to Lovers
ʚ♡ɞ College Hockey Romance
ʚ♡ɞ Closed Door
ʚ♡ɞ Golden Retriever (MMC) x Black Cat (FMC)
ʚ♡ɞ Nicknames
ʚ♡ɞ She falls first but he falls harder

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shutout by Mari Loyal is the third and final book in the St. Cloud Hockey trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone. This book takes place 3 years after Overtime. Shutout follows the youngest Rodriguez sibling, Olivia, and her (ex) best friend, Brooklyn Tatum. This book starts with Brooklyn captain of the men's hockey team, and him and Olivia practically strangers. A year before Olivia shut Brooklyn out of her life after hearing a conversation about her, Brooklyn was having with the captain of the hockey team. In the present day, Olivia's friends talk her into going to a party at Bolt House where all the hockey jocks live. At the party, Brooklyn confronts Olivia's boyfriend since he is making out with someone who is not Olivia, and Olivia walks up at that moment. Brooklyn hopes it will help him get in Olivia's good graces. I absolutely adored this book and the characters. Brooklyn is absolutely perfect as the cinnamon roll golden retriever type, and Olivia is the perfect grumpy black cat type. I am sad to leave the Rodriguez siblings, but I am excited to see what comes next from Mari!

🏒 College Hockey Romance
🐈‍⬛️ Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC
🏒 She Falls First, but He Falls Harder
🐈‍⬛️ Cute Nicknames
🏒 Best Friends to Strangers to Lovers
🐈‍⬛️ No 3rd Act Breakup
🏒 Closed Door Romance
🐈‍⬛️ Dual POV

“Well, well, well,” Brooke says, loud enough that we can hear him through the glass and over the noise. “If it isn’t my best friend. Did you come to watch me?” I recover enough to spit out, “Former best friend. And no, I was dragged under duress.” “Sure.” The word drips with sarcasm and his smirk deepens. “But it’s okay, I’ll make it worth your while.” He winks before skating away. Winks. At. Me.

“Liv. If we do this, we’ll cross a line there’s no coming back from.” I’m sure he can feel the rapid pulse at the base of my throat against the heel of his hand, or how hard I swallow. His breathing is already fast, as if he’d been running to this moment. “If I kiss you right now, it won’t be as a stranger. It sure as hell won’t be as a friend either.”

“You know I had girlfriends, but I never felt one percent of what I feel for you for any of them. I may have been slow and clueless, but I’m feral over you, Liv. We’re talking raccoon in a trashcan at the back of a McDonald’s type of feral.”

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Longstoryshort.96 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Closed door

Our FMC Olivia is very likeable and relateable! She has a lot of allergy's and intolerances and I know many people can relate to that. I loved her grumpiness. She truly was the grumpy black cat and I did love it! Her insecurities were also relatable especially after being cheated on. I was excited to read her story after read the other books in the series and she was worth the wait!

Brooklyn the MMC was literally a big ooey gooey soft golden retriever, especially for Olivia. He may be a tough hockey player but with her you wouldn't know it. That man would do anything for Olivia no matter or when. He knows her better than anyone else and that show throughout the book. He is also relatable because he's living his dad's shadow as a professional hockey player and just trying to get his father to awknowledge him as his son. He has a lot of walls built up from that and is closed off to everyone, except Olivia. I just really loved Brooklyn.

I rated this a 3.5 (4 on Goodreads) because for me most of the book seemed to be a miscommunication trope and this was the slooooowest burn I have ever read and personally I just didn't love that. I will say the the main characters and side characters were great and well written. The book is well written. I loved the wit and banter. I still highly recommend this series! This is the last book of the series and I am sad to see them go! Also, I love the dedication.

Shut Out releases 8/22! If haven't read the other two now is your day to start to be all caught up for this one. If you have read the other two be prepared to run and get this one!

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shutout," the final book in Mari Loyal's series, brings the story full circle, focusing on the youngest sister, Olivia, and her childhood best friend-turned-"enemy," Brooklyn. Readers get a glimpse of their younger dynamic in the previous two installments, but "Shutout" allows us to witness their relationship as adults, exploring the complexities of lost friendships and second chances. Loyal masterfully weaves together their history and present circumstances, creating a compelling narrative.

The book is filled with genuinely funny moments, particularly as Brooklyn tries his best to atone for his past behavior and win back Olivia's friendship. His efforts are both humorous and heartwarming.

The forced proximity trope is expertly used to reignite their connection, creating plenty of opportunities for sparks to fly and giving readers all the feels. Loyal's writing shines in these moments, capturing the emotional nuances of their evolving relationship.

As with the previous books, "Shutout" remains a closed-door romance with no explicit sexual content, though it does contain some mild language (including words like sh*t) and some mild innuendo. This makes it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy sweet, witty banter, playful interactions, and the satisfying combination of forced proximity and second-chance romance.

It's a delightful conclusion to the series, offering a heartwarming and entertaining story that will leave readers satisfied. 🥰

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mari Loyal has done it again! I am obsessed with all her books and Shutout was no exception! I was hooked the whole time I was reading and finished it within 24 hours with a smile on my face the whole time.

Friends to lovers is my favorite trope, and I loved the extra layer of them starting out as ex best friends and then strangers and then friends again to lovers.

Like always, the MMC Brooklyn was super swoony. His determination to win Olivia back was so sweet and the mutual pining added so much delicious tension. Olivia's struggles with food allergies and Brooklyn's family issues added so much depth to their character arcs.

What's unique about Mari Loyal's books is they are closed door, but still have heat, innuendo, occasional swearing, and implied off the page spicy times. They are perfect for readers of all spice levels who are looking for a break from explicit scenes or maybe just want something they can read in a public place without it being awkward 🤣

Read if you like:

• College hockey romance.
• Golden retriever x black cat.
• Best friends to strangers to lovers.
• She falls first but he falls harder.
• Forced proximity.
• No 3rd act breakup.
• Closed door romance.

Thank you Mari for the opportunity to read and review early! I am going to miss the world of St. Cloud hockey, but excited to see what comes next!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shutout is the third and final book in the St. Cloud Hockey series. I had not personally read the previous books in the series (yet) and found that it read just fine as a standalone.

This was such a fun read. Olivia and Brooklyn had been childhood best friends who'd had a falling out a year and half before the story begins. When they're thrown back together, their friendship is reignited... and even more than friendship seems to be sparking between them too. I absolutely adored these characters. Brooklyn is such a sweet MMC... I'm not sure if I've ever seen a character live up to that 'golden retriever' vibe quite so well as he did, and I absolutely adored it. He was affectionate and fun and hard not to love. Olivia balanced him out well with her sassiness. I couldn't get enough of the chemistry between the two of them... so very flirty and fun. And those kisses? Oh my goodness! If you love hockey romance, this is definitely one you'll want to check out.

Shutout is a closed-door romance. While nothing beyond some fairly descriptive kisses happens on page, there is implied intimacy off pages and heavier innuendo/mentions of sex. It does also have a good amount of language throughout as well. As such, it might not be for all readers.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Bookish Rambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I didn't think this series could get better.

Olivia and Brooklyn are best friends that had a major falling out during their first year in college and it only takes a choice by one of them to completely turn things around. It was fun to watch it all play out. There is just something about falling in love with your best friend that hits differently and it was displayed beautifully in this book.

Olivia and I would be best friends I think. Her personality is one I hope we all have in the friends around us.

I really enjoyed Olivia's use of Spanish phrases throughout the book (all three books have it, I just though it was more prevalent in this one), it added some cool flavor to her character; truly there are just somethings that cannot be correctly translated without loosing their real meaning.

Brooklyn was truly the definition of a golden retriever, down to his gold hair. He was loyal, sweet, hard working, and he noticed the little things.

I can't believe this is the end. Again. I want more time in the St. Cloud Hockey Book Series and I hope Mari Loyal continues to write more books set here.

Mari Loyal is now an Auto-buy physical copy author for me.

5 hockey stickers 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

*Note: This book is closed door, there are some physical descriptions, and there is also some language.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Like its predecessors, this book was such a sweet and loving story. Liv and Brooke are friends... best friends that had a fall out a few months ago, and now we're in to see them go back to being friends and perhaps... a lit bit more?
I love friends to lovers trope. It's lately one of my favorites, and this one didn't disappoint. I liked how there they were for each other and how even separated they still care for the other one.
I love since book one, the Rodriguez family dynamic, and this book cemented my love for the whole family unit.
I love the callbacks and the glimpses of how the other couples are doing.
I wish we could explore more about the friendship dynamics with Liv group of friends (also with Brooklyn's!) because they felt a bit like found family too (especially with Brooke), also I wish we had more time to see his relationship with his dad and his brother, I felt that was a little underdeveloped BUT overall I like the story as a whole and although it sucks its over, I can't wait to read more of Mari's books!

Thank you to the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 3 and the final book in the St. Cloud Hockey Series but can be read as a standalone. Shutout is told through Olivia and Brooklyn's pov and is an excellent friends to lovers hockey romance.

CW: drinking and neglect
Language: cursing, including biblical words
Spice: innuendo, steamy thoughts and makeouts, and implied intimacy

I love stories where characters rekindle their friendship after something caused them to stop being a part of the other's life for a while and Olivia and Brooklyn's story joins that list. Though they had not spoken for some time, neither stopped caring about the other -no matter how Olivia tried- so it was easy for them to fall back into the relationship they had before. Brooklyn is the definition of a golden retriever character and, just like Olivia, readers will be charmed by his sweet and silly ways. Meanwhile, Olivia was sassy and put up a tough front - though it was difficult for her to say no to Brooklyn. Their chemistry was fun and sizzling and readers will enjoy the build up to them admitting their feelings, as well as how they are as a couple. Aside from the romance, I loved the friendships they had - and wouldn't mind spinoff series - and seeing Olivias' siblings. It was a great conclusion to the series and I look forward to whatever the author will write.

[drusilla duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best friend-to-lovers books I've ever read. This book follows Olivia and Brooklyn who have been childhood best friends, yet after a mishap become strangers. Meeting at a party a year later, they soon rekindle their friendship and find it blooming into something more. I adored Olivia and Brooklyn, their personalities were interesting and balanced well with each other. I liked that Brooklyn was portrayed as a golden retriever type as I haven't read much like that. He had me giggling and kicking my feet with his interactions. Normally when I read a friend-to-lovers, I get annoyed when characters don't confess their feelings since they think they are not reciprocated, yet I liked that it didn't feel annoying and the pacing worked so well. If you want a book where friends-to-strangers-to-lovers is done well. This book is perfect. The writing was easy to get into, and the plot had me hooked. This is the first book from the series I have read so I can't wait to read the others.

Thank you to the author for giving me a free copy in return for an honest review.

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to end the series. It is a perfectly done Best Friends-to-Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers trope. This book is Closed-Door with plenty of heat at level 3 kissing, innuendo, and touching with mild language. Shutout is also a Dual POV, college-age, golden retriever hockey player, super smart black cat, childhood best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, She fell first, but He falls harder, lots of fun nicknames with NO third-act breakup. Brooklyn was an emotionally neglected child of divorce who worked hard to get his father's attention, and Olivia is from an amazing Venezuelan family who cared for him as their own until Brooklyn & Olivia had their falling out. It's always fun to watch as a character figures out, "It was always you," I especially love it when a character stands up and defends the other. I can't wait to see what Mari does next!

[ErinLikesReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh! The way this book gets into your brain and doesn’t let go!!

Ok, so we have these childhood bffs that we saw in books 1 and 2, and now they are in college and they hate each other!? I was flabbergasted. How. HOW!?

I loved watching this blonde giant win Olivia’s trust again, and then heart entire heart. 🥰 And Olivia already being head over feet for this guy, I just love it. I love seeing her reclaim her identity, and become fully herself. And that ending??! He really came through. I just love them.

If you want a closed door, but still VERY melty romcom with college age kids doing college kid things— do yourself a favor and check out this amazing book immediately!! (And the rest of the series too, honestly).

[rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shutout is the third book in the St. Cloud series and follows the third Rodriguez sibling, Olivia.

Olivia and Brooklyn have been best friends since they were kids, but for the last year and a half they haven’t spoken a word. Olivia was ready to tell Brooklyn how she felt, only to overhear a conversation that crushes her heart.

When Brooklyn catches Olivia’s boyfriend cheating on her, he steps in and begs for Olivia to talk to him again. The two rekindle their friendship and Olivia realizes the feelings she’s had for Brooklyn never really went away.

Read if you like:
• golden retriever boyfriend / black cat girlfriend
• hockey romance
• best friends to lovers
• mutual pining
• dual pov romance

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute read, despite not being my usual cup of tea. I generally avoid hockey romances, but decided to give this one a try.

I like the friends-to-lovers trope. The romance in this book was a really good slow burn. The only reason this isn't a 5 star from me is that some of the dialogue and word choices give me the ick (Brook referring to his hands as paws? ugh). But other than that, I really liked the book. The pacing was great, the side characters were great, it was just the right length with no unnecessary filler chapters. Definitely worth the read.


Thanks to the author / HiddenGems for the ARC.

[Amilia Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

*feral screaming* Y'all this book. This book!! The first two in this series were so good! I've loved them so much. BUT OLIVIA AND BROOKLYN!!! This was absolutely the crowning jewel of this series and I don't think I could love it more!! Olivia is the epitome of a black cat girl, and I loved the way we get to know her via her interests. I so loved the way that she took her allergies and used them to create her path for her future! And the way she came back around to Brooklyn and accepted her feelings for him is so sweet! And Brooklyn!! The perfect golden retriever boy with the protective streak for his girl! I loved his drive and ambition for his hockey career, while also making sure he is looking out for his bestie. He is truly swoony, and everything you could want in a college hockey boy! And the side characters, once again, were incredible! I loved this story and I'm so thankful to be able to be a small part of this series' journey! Mari Loyal is such a fun author, and I can't wait to see what's next for her! 4.75 stars; Closed Door

Tropes:
- Friends to Strangers to Lovers
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- Forced Proximity
- Protective MMC
- Closed Door
- Sweet Nicknames

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a cute little romance book for a rainy day. Olivia totally had my personality because I too would rather do homework than be at a party. (Ex-ish) friends to lovers is a cute trope and the realistic drama of family and relationships add to the story. I also like the implications of spice without it being present. Sometimes it’s just too much. Good book overall and would recommend it for the romance girlies out there.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Darla Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good college hockey romance with some comedy. This does have a bit of language in it and some innuendos. So if that isn’t quite your thing I’d pass on it. There are no F words tho but there are some that might be deemed strong cuss words in here. This was a friends to strangers to friends to lovers haha and the story line was very well written and I enjoyed reading it.


I received an ARC for my honest review

[Zoey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Mari, for the arc of Shutout, out now!

Shutout is book 3 in the St. Cloud Hockey series. Book 1 follows the eldest sister, book 2 the middle brother, and this one was about the youngest sister.

This was a cute read!
If you like:
- College hockey romance
- Golden retriever x black cat
- Best friends to strangers to lovers
- She falls first but he falls harder
- Forced proximity
- No 3rd act breakup
- Closed door romance
Then this is for you!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She does not want to go out to party as she is more interested in doing her own thing. She is persuaded to go where she finds her boyfriend cheating on her. Her old best friend told her but he hopes to get back into her good books. How will it go this time? Can he make amends? See how it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review