Zone Entry

Camrose U #1

by Maia Kinley

My new teammate and roommate is the perfect golden boy with a fake smile that pisses me off. So why do I want to kiss him?

Caleb
My new teammate pisses me off. Everyone else is falling over themselves when Golden Boy flashes a fake smile. Me? I just want to wipe it off his face.
Off the ice, there’s no escaping Nick Sandoval’s dimples and plastic grin—because he’s my new roommate.
And on the ice? We need to get our act together, or else our final year of college hockey’s going to waste.
I can’t ignore him, and I won’t put up with that bullshit front he puts up for everyone.
Especially when I push his buttons just right and get a glimpse at something no one else has seen—the real Nick Sandoval.
He’s passionate, snarky… and hot as sin.

Nick
I’m in control on and off the ice. I don’t cause trouble and I don’t draw attention.
Until now.
Because Caleb Jennings is determined to make my ice-cold control shatter. He’s antagonistic, impossible to ignore, and has made it his personal mission to wind me up.
My game’s a mess when we’re on the ice together. When I get back to my room, I can’t escape because he’s there as well.
Caleb turns me into a person I don’t recognize. A version that fights back. A version that wants things I really, really shouldn’t.
And one of those things I want… is him.

Zone Entry is an M/M dislike-to-love romance, perfect for readers who like the tension between roommates, hockey teammates, and hormonal college men.

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, College

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2025

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really cute and I did enjoy the relationship between Nick and Caleb, there was just a lot about the writing that bothered me so I couldn't rate this any higher.

The whole book is basically telling with no showing, so much so that a lot of it felt like a detached clinical reporting on the events of the character's life... It made it really difficult to feel emotionally attached to either character because they were both so wooden and we don't really get to experience how they're feeling or how things are affecting them, we just get told that 'this is what happened, this is how I feel, this is what I'm doing now'. Very strange writing style and it kept throwing me out of the story.

Also the character of Nick was very strange. He considers himself a mistake and a burden to everyone in the world and is so passive in his own life that I couldn't understand why that would convince me to care about what happened to him. Because we don't experience his emotions and he's about as communicative and emotive as a robot, I found myself questioning why on earth people put up with his entire lack of interest in everything. We're told he's the star hockey player on his college team but we see nothing to back this up - it's just stated numerous times, but he seems to have no passion for anything in his life at all until right at the end of the book and even then it's everyone else expressing their enthusiasm and making sure things happen for him... I just found it hard to like him or care about him.

I liked Caleb more, but again everything is told. How did his sister's illness make him feel? How did he feel when Nick wouldn't communicate? We get briefly told that he's upset, or he's frustrated, but we don't see the behaviour to match it or get any kind of internal monolgue describing how he feels....

The side character's were interesting enough but it felt like there was a lot of set up for future stories whenever the side characters were mentioned and then all of a sudden we get told that Rhys is super organised, Maddox is super competitive, Schultz apparently cares nothing for being told no... I do think there's a lot of potential with the characters and their stories but I think this author's style of writing just doesn't work for me because I do need to feel emotionally connected to at least one character for me to truly care about what happens.

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

Show me the real you, golden boy.

TROPES:
🏒 Hockey players
🏒 College setting
🏒 Dislike to love
🏒 Teammates & roommates
🏒 Queer awakening

A very cute sports romance. The nice boy and his prickly teammate. Loved how Caleb always riled up Nick.

“Caleb, I’ll let you do anything to me.”

Not only cute, but also spicy. Caleb and Nicky had a great dynamic, loved the teasing and the locker room naughty times.

“You need to stop looking at me like that, Nicky,” I say. “Like how?” Like you’d kiss me again if I asked.

For how much I enjoy these simple cliché college romances, it was just that. Not exactly special or different from many others I’ve read, but still a nice time and these two made me happy (even if I already forgot most of it, but we’ll chuck that up to my squirrel brain).
The rating is more for the vibes than anything, and because I’m more like Nick than I thought.

“Goddamn it, Caleb,” he hisses. “You drive me insane.” “You love it.”

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Cheating (not MCs)
- Mentions of parental death
- Anxiety
- Chronic illness (not MCs)
- Vers MCs
- Frotting
- Locker room shower 🔥
- Edging

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect example that having (too) many good ideas isn’t necessarily a good idea when writing a book.

Sounds confusing? Let me just list the tropes covered in this book, in no particular order:

Rivals to lovers
Grumpy/sunshine
Death of a parent (off page)
Sibling with a grave sickness (not mentioned what it is though)
Prank wars
Hockey
Close proximity
Only one bed
An almost-breakup at 80%
Bi awakening
Cheating of an ex-partner
“Good boy”

Honestly, I’m not even sure if I covered everything 😂 The problem was: while every single one of these topics is interesting, they’re all only mentioned and “told about”, but none of them explored in depth.

None.

So much wasted potential, it really made me sad.

On the other hand: it was well narrated, and kept me entertained while listening, even if I won’t remember much of it by the end of the week. Low on angst, no homophobia AT ALL, and with funny quips if you’re in the mood for it.

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zone Entry is a highly entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance featuring roommates and teammates Nick and Caleb. They are complete opposites in personality, yet both are extremely talented hockey players. I loved the banter between these two and the hilarious hijinks that Caleb puts long-suffering Nick through. Their rivalry is highly entertaining as both reluctantly endure each other's annoyances, but overall, they are just as enamored with one another.

Zone Entry is a fantastic story that I couldn’t get enough of. Both Caleb and Nick slowly reveal their true selves. Still, when their feelings finally surface, they are completely devoted and supportive of each other, making their relationship strong and moving as it develops sincerely and earnestly.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Show me the real you, golden boy”

if you guys want to stay up all night smiling, I recommend reading this.

[Romysaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

“I’m happy you came along and messed everything up.”

I stayed up till 7 am because of this book.

This is one of the fluffiest books I've read in my entire life, warm, cute and had the perfect amount of smut. Among with characters growth, and also real relationship development.

Finally a MM romance not bullied on just lust and sexual attraction.

Then my baby Nick. I am him and his is me. Like literally, I related to him so much. The people pleaser who is mistaken for an impersonal. I loved Calleb he was the perfect match for him, pushed him out of the comfort zone but also softly while respecting his boundaries.

I ate the book up
It is my first read by the author but she's very talented. And write mature characters, with a real human side.

Can't wait for Killian and Maddox's book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I loved this!

This was such a great hockey romance!! I loved the characters and how the plot progressed. Just wished it was a little longer and didn’t skip over some things.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ☆

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: hurt/comfort, Rivals to lovers, roommates, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: cheating ex, past bullying, trauma of being the product of an affair, anxiety, very ill sister, financial struggles, past death of parent, absentee father
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Yes, Nick's girlfriend cheated on him at the beginning of the book. And then he dumped her. Nick's the product of an affair between his mom and his married dad, so the dad cheated.
Other person drama: at 24%, before Nick and Caleb got together, but after they already had feelings for each other, Caleb was trying to get over what he was feeling for Nick and he hooked up with a guy. Nick walked in and interrupted them on bed with pants open, handsy.

3.25 stars

Nick and Caleb are in their last year of college. They both play college hockey and they are star players. They used to play on competing teams, but Caleb transferred to Nick's college this year because his sister is ill and he wants to be close by.

Nick is a golden retriever, a popular jock who's always smiling, who is well liked. He's always identified as straight, he's from a wealthy family, but his home life is not perfect. He's the product of an affair, he was raised by his mother until she died and he was kind of reluctantly taken in by his father and his father's wife. He feels like a burden and he always tries to not rock the boat. His girlfriend of a year cheated on him and he dumped her at the start of the book. He's a bit of a doormat and he knows it, he can't stand up for himself because he's conditioned to try to make as little of a ripple on others as possible. He doesn't want to go pro with hockey even though it's his dream because he thinks it will disappoint his father not to join the family company after college.

Caleb is snarky, a little defensive, gives off an a****** vibe because he wants to come off that way. He is gay and he has experienced homophobia himself and through his friends. His family is pretty poor. His dad abandoned to the family when his sister got sick, and his mother works hard to cover the sisters medical bills. Caleb tries to help out. Caleb has already been drafted to an NHL team and he has a place after college.

Caleb gets assigned to be Nick's roommate. At first they clashed and annoyed each other, but Nick has been fascinated by Caleb and Caleb is realizing that Nick is actually genuinely the good guy that he appears to be and he can't help but like him. Over a few months of rooming together, they become friends and realize they have a sexual chemistry together. They start hooking up but they think it has to stay casual, exclusive but casual lol. That doesn't last, they both start catching feels.

This was an okay read. It was sweet and low angst. Caleb and Nick were very affectionate with each other and that was nice. I know they are college boys and jocks at that, but the book suffered a little with them being emotionally dumb college boys. They didn't communicate well. Nick was a frustrating character to watch, because he couldn't adult, he couldn't stand up for himself, he couldn't even realize there was a compromise option where he could pursue hockey and then later join his father's company. It's hard to consider Nick book boyfriend goals when he was behaving the way he did like a little boy who was hurt and damaged, which he was in the past. Caleb being genuinely shocked and exclaiming oh we're dating?! At the 79% mark was just disappointing. Immature, they should have been further along by then. And I didn't like that Nick only decided to pursue the NHL after the 90% mark and things wrapped up so easily for him on that.


Some notable moments:

"“Anyway,” I point out. “That means you need to quit showing up in our room with no warning. You were almost about to walk into a porno earlier, you know?” “Caleb!” Nick hisses. Rhys shudders. “God. Fine. Never again.” “Why are you like this?” Nick levels a stare at me."

Schultz's obsession with Maddox is kind of cute. I hope in his book he's not as much of a man w**** as Caleb says though because it would kill the sweetness of his obsession if he's continued sleeping around specifically while crushing on Maddox. "“Fine,” Maddox says. “If you win, I’ll tutor you once. If I win, you stop staring at me all the time.” “You actually recognize me?” “Clearly. Your staring’s distracting, and I’d like you to stop.” “He recognizes me!” Schultz turns to us, his face all lit up. “You… you heard everything else he said, right?” Rhys asks with disbelief, and Schultz ignores him and pumps a fist in the air."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[Sjoukje · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sweet and cute and has just enough drama to make it worth a few hours.
There’s some hockey but not that much. And I think the route to their NHL-team was way too smooth, to feel even slightly realistic.
And I think it would have benefited everyone if Nick had had some therapy in his childhood. Caleb probably too but he was ok.

What annoyed me a bit too is that we already know the outcome of the next two books. (Maddox and Schulz, and Rhys and Isaac…) We could have done without those way too obvious spoilers.

No other real complaints. Just an easy quick read with not much stress.

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars 3/5 spice

This book had me hooked from the beginning, I ended up reading it in a day. I love it when the grumpy character has a squishy soft inside that only his inner circle is privy to. Caleb came across as an antagonistic guy but he actually really cared about the things and people most important to him. He did however have a temper which got in the way of being reasonable at times but that calmed once he found patience and peace through Nick.

Nick was a sweetheart who just saw himself as a burden towards others which led him to be this apologetic, non reactive guy. That absolutely annoyed Caleb in the beginning who did everything he could to get under his skin and a reaction. Caleb well and truly messed up Nick’s life but in the best way possible. Nick finally got what he always wanted and was in a better place mentally and with his family.

I absolutely adored the other characters who are obviously going to get their own books in the series and I can’t wait to read them since I’m already so invested.

If you love an enemies to friends to lovers between teammates/roommates, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

- Enemies to friends to lovers
- Hockey teammates
- Roommates
- College students
- Bi-awakening
- Grumpy X sunshine

[NitaBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers

Nick the nice guy. He is so passive and non confrontational that when he gets cheated on by his gf right in front of his face, he just ghosts her.

Caleb is a transfer student. His Uncle is the coach of the college ice hockey team Nick plays on.

They become room mates . They’ve played against each other before so there’s some animosity- mostly from Caleb.

Caleb thinks Nick is fabulously dull and fake and a doormat.

“ I shake my head, strangely invested in proving my point. “It’s all fake politeness, along with that fake smile of his. It’s seriously giving murderer vibes.”

Once you learn nicks back story, it’s more understandable why he’s a doormat and can’t say what he really thinks and feels to his cheating ex girlfriend and to his dad.

Nick comes back to the dorm misunderstanding Caleb and accidentally effectively cockblocking him and coming across homophobic. He’s actually jealous and lonely but of course he can’t get his words out . Boy is emotionally damaged.

Tequila and nick don’t mix well but it helps him to make up and make a move on Caleb . Not that Nick remembers that part.

We have a 1 bed trope situation happening. A lot of misunderstandings, miscommunication that comes across as hot and cold. But finally they kiss.

“Caleb kisses with the same intensity he handles life with—confident, aggressive, and he doesn’t hold back. I don’t know what the hell came over me, and I’m never going to figure it out now because I don’t think I’m going to survive this.”

They fight. They makeup. They fight . They makeup. Nick is possessive and jealous when it comes to Caleb.

“Baby,” I say, and he sucks in a breath. “You’re closed off, can’t speak up for yourself, and you put up this weird perfect image that annoys the hell out of me.” “Please continue,” he says dryly, smiling. “But I like you. A lot. I like how you work hard and you play hard, and how dopey you get when you’re genuinely happy.” I pause. “And I like how you fuck me real nice.” He groans. “Caleb!”

They work out eventually they’ve been dating and boyfriends for a while now. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Nick doesn’t get a personality change but manages, with Caleb and his dad gently pushing him, to tell his dad his real career aspirations and go for it.

It ends with Nick and Caleb are in love , and playing together in the NHL.

My thoughts …. I did get frustrated with the constant misunderstandings but I was still cheering for them to be together. I wish there had been a scene with Nick and his dad and step mum, I think he needed to know that they don’t think of him as a mistake .

What I liked was that there were no homophobic arseholes on the hockey teams and that the stepmums portrayal wasn’t of an evil caricature. Honestly , if she had been a bitch , I kinda get it. Honestly I wished that whole backstory had been more delved into because it really made Nick into the person he is.

Also why was Caleb’s sister pretending to hate on Nick?

Book 2 is Killian AKA Schultz and Maddox.

[Nick Vallina (MisterGhostReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the grumpy Caleb Jennings transfers to Camrose U and joins the hockey team, Nick Sandoval is not please. Nor is he pleased that his coach (and Caleb's uncle) asks him to kinda show Caleb around.

The pair also happen to be roommates.

Neither likes the other....until they do.

This was pretty sweet and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series. Definitely recommend if you like biawakening college idiots.

[Mewa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queerowi hokeiści era trwa i bawię się w niej znakomicie. Tutaj dla przykładu naprawdę podobała mi się relacja Caleba i Nicky'ego, choć tylko ona faktycznie się w powieści liczyła. Hm. Na pewno polubiłam bohaterów na tyle, że będę zerkać, czy wyszły już kolejne tomy.

[Kim Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️!

This is such a perfect read if you are looking for a cozy college romance with hockey elements, meaningful conversations and great friendships 💫

Nick and Caleb are very different from each other. Both of them love hockey and, like life sometimes is, things for both of them change when they are forced to spend way more time than before together.

This book definitely teaches you that sometimes looking at someone more than once, or having a real conversation with them, may change your view of them fast.

The friendships in this one are strong, and does not everybody need that in their life?

So excited to read part 2 now 🥰

[Flora.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
5⭐

This is honestly one of my favorite ARCs I've gotten so far!
I read it in just a few hours—house chores? Never heard of them! 😅

I absolutely loved Nick and Caleb. I was gone for Caleb right away. 🔥💙

"Has Sandoval been helping you around campus?"
"No?"
"I offered," I speak up. "But he said I have the vibes of a serial killer."

"Note to self: Next time I want Caleb to shut up, all I need to do is grip his throat."

"You're so fücking irritating," Caleb hisses between kisses. "I don't know if I want to knock you out or fück you."

"I snort. How can I not call him a good boy when he acts like a puppy preening for compliments?"

"Thank you," he says.
"Thanking me again?" I huff a laugh. "For what this time... sèx?"
"No," he says, also laughing. "Thank you again for coming back. I didn't know I needed you until I saw you."

Their relationship didn't start well, to say the least. They faced each other a few times on the ice, and Caleb hated everything about Nick. But due to personal circumstances, Caleb decided to transfer to another college. And guess what? Bummer—Caleb is Nick's new roommate. 🤭🤭🤭

This story was fast-paced, cute, and funny. I was hooked from the start and just couldn't put the Kindle down.
Plus, I absolutely adored the side characters! I'll definitely have to buy the paperback. 💙

Highly recommend!
Can't wait for the next book in the series! 🥰

🏒 Hockey players
🐶 Grumpy x sunshine
🏒 Forced proximity/one bed
🐶 Bi awakening
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🐶 College

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Zone Entry" by Maia Kinley is a captivating and steamy M/M romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Caleb Jennings and Nick Sandoval, college hockey teammates and roommates, start off on the wrong foot. Caleb is drawn to Nick's fake smile and perfect facade, but he's determined to uncover the real person beneath. As they clash on and off the ice, their tension builds, and their dislike slowly turns into a fiery attraction.

Kinley's writing masterfully captures the intensity of college hockey, the passion of rival teammates, and the vulnerability of two men navigating their feelings. The characters are complex, relatable, and authentic, making it easy to become invested in their story.

This book is a must-read for fans of:

- M/M romance
- Dislike-to-love tropes
- Sports-themed stories (hockey!)
- College settings and new adult themes

Be prepared for a passionate and emotional ride that will leave you cheering for Caleb and Nick's love to take the win!

[Tare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 3.5 Stars rounded up

This was a cute college hockey romance. Caleb transfers to Camrose University and their hockey team. He has been kind of an antagonistic jerk on the ice previously and rolls in scowling and ready to absolutely not make friends.

He also is now roommates with Nick. There is some push and pull and snarky comments at first but then they form a cute little truce and Nick starts thinking maybe he is not so straight after all. I appreciate how their physical relationship goes slowly - they don’t rush into anything and they take it at a pace Nick is comfortable with.

There is no crazy plotline and it’s quite low angst so you can kind of assume where it goes from there.

I did really like the little friend group and I am intrigued to see who gets stories next.

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Maia Kinley, I really enjoyed this college romance. The way these two young men start off in such an intense dislike situation only to end up so good for each other was a joy to read. Low angst, smooth bi awakening for darling Nick. And the whirlwind that is Caleb finding the love of his life and teammate. I loved it and cannot wait for Maddox and Killian's book.

[Laura Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Zone Entry is book one in the Camrose U series. This dislike to love MM hockey romance story is about Caleb and Nick.

Caleb transfers to Camrose U and becomes roommates and hockey teammates with Nick. Caleb is a bit prickly and Nick is the classic nice guy. They might not get along when they first meet, but we see things change the more time they spend together. Caleb is gay and Nick discovers he may not be as straight as he thought. They get to know who each other really are, and we see how things go from casual to so much more.

There was some miscommunication but overall this story was pretty low angst. I have to say I wasn’t a big fan of Nick’s character. From his backstory I get why he was a doormat, but it just seemed a bit much, especially after we meet his dad and see how supportive he was of Nick. It was great to see Caleb help push Nick when he needed it most. Overall, this was a cute college romance story.

[Aricka Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a hard time deciding how I feel about


RTC

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened/read two super similar college hockey romances simultaneously and both added to how much I liked either.
This bi awakening and enemy to lovers romance just hit me sweet spot.
I liked how they fell in lust and made the relationship work later on.
This story is super low on angst and the whole hockey team, coach, parents and friends are totally supportive, but I guess I'm a softie right now and I really liked how everything turned out.
I need to know what happens with Maddox and Schultz!!! Next book where are you????🏒❤️

[sunnoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the opportunity to beta read this wonderful story and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it!

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by this author and overall it went well.

It did start to get a bit slow at times for me, as not much was happening plot wise and while I liked Nick and Caleb together, they weren't amazing enough to keep me terribly interested in those slower parts of this.

But - otherwise, I thought these two were cute and sweet together. Caleb is a bit more prickly at first, but that doesn't last long, because Nick is a sweetie pie and he tears through Caleb's armor soon enough.

Can't say much about the plot because there's not much one, but I'm always one who will still enjoy a book overall even if the plot is weak and the characters are strong, or at least somewhat, and for the most part these two were able to keep my attention.

Even while Nick was a sweetie pie, I did like to see the few moments when they were having sex where he let go and gave into his desire, as Nick is very sweet but also self-sacrificing to a fault, never putting himself first because he believes he has to make up for any selfishness or hints of it with others, which stems from his home situation and being a product of a one-night-stand where his father cheated with his mother.

Caleb was really good for bringing Nick out of his shell a bit and starting to want things for himself again, and not being afraid to take those things for himself. Caleb himself has had his own troubles in life, and Nick lets him soften a bit and bring down some of his walls to be vulnerable with his kindness and openness.

They really were a perfect match together.

So overall, this was enjoyable a worth a read, it just could have been a bit more exciting plot wise. It spent, at times, more time setting up future couples than dealing with the plot of this book, because there wasn't a big plot to begin with in this one.

So yeah, definite room for improvement, but overall a solid book and I will be tuning into this author in the future.

Until then!

[Bethany Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I may have put Zone Entry on my TBR specifically for the narrators (Please can Iggy Toma and Javi Wilder read me all college romance forever and ever amen), but I absolutely fell head over heels in *love* with the characters.

Caleb and Nick start off as reluctant roommates and kind of enemies-ish to friends to lovers. They were so adorable with their feelings and I loved being in each character’s POV. Self discovery in college is so important and them being honest with each other about what they want and who they want to be had me melting. Also.. when they finally kissed for real (not a drunken kiss) I melted. They were so hot for each other. That shower scene will live in my brain for a while cause hot damn. Their constant teasing and Nick’s breathy “Caleb” and their first time and honestly I just CANNOT. Also pushing each other to be better??? 😭😭😭

This was just so fricken CUTE but also sexy and fun and funny, with great banter and friendships and the best vibes. I had a blast reading this book and found any excuse to listen to it. I cannot WAIT to read more of these boys. Speaking of… my obsession with hockey romances right now is unmatched, and this hit the spot. So much so that I immediately bought book 2 (even though the audio isn’t out yet) cause I NEED Killian and Maddox’s story. And don’t get me started on the need for Rhy’s story (if he doesn’t get with Isaac I S2G).

The characters grew. The story felt real and romantic and silly and fun and also had a lot of depth especially with Nick and Caleb’s families. I loved it. Fully recommend.

[riley ☠︎︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars✨

I don’t know! I started this and then dnf’d at 9%. I decided to skim just to see if it would get any better and kinda got hooked? The writing is what made me dnf in the first place. It feels very beginner level on wattpad? But Nick seemed like such a cutie of a character I skimmed for him and I guess this was okay. Tbh, I would die for Nicky

DNF @ 9%
The writing is very beginner wattpad level and I just can’t do it

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I enjoyed this book. It was funny, cute, and very low in drama. The usual enemies-to-lovers, college set-up. Caleb moves in with Nick and takes an instant disliking to him. Nick, however, remains kind and thoughtful until Caleb sees the real man behind the smile he detests so much.

This book made me laugh a few times. Caleb was cheeky, and his constantly rubbing people up the wrong way, whilst being endearingly funny, was entertaining. Nick felt a little more robotic. I can understand how he may have felt like an outsider when he went to live with his dad, but from what we do learn, his parents have never made him feel like that. It’s all in his head. This would be justified if it was explored more, but he tells Caleb why, and that’s it. Discussion over.

I did feel like the writing was a little stilted. It was almost like the author has a list of tropes they wanted to use, and at times it read like a list. Enemies-to-lovers. Potential bad parents. Illness. Homophobia. They were never developed far but were given just enough time to make them mesh. But it felt like we were being told and not brought into the story. -You’ll feel this way because that’s how Caleb or Nick feels.

I enjoyed it; it was fun, but I think the writing style could be a little bit more fluid for me.


——
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.

[ReadingRed125 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read book 2 before this one but I am loving all of these characters and can’t wait for the next one. :)

[Lionelle Pmuls (That's Slump Backwards & It's What I Do) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ⭐

ARC Read: 17/03/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, Maia Kinley and GRR for this gift. 🥰

What to expect from this book? 🤔🙃

🫶 MM Adult College Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
👉 Hockey Teammates
👉 One Sided Dislike
👌 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
👉 Forced Proximity
🏠 Roommates To Lovers
🛏️ There Was Only One Bed
🛏️ Sneaking Around
👉 Slow-Burnish
🧁 Sweets As A Peace Offering
🙌 Lots Of Banter
👉 Cute & Teasing Nicknames
👉 Queer Awakening
👉 First Times
👌 I'll teach you
👉 Edging
👉 Needy Whimpering Mess
🤭 Light “Good Boy”
😳 Steamy Locker Scene
👉 Possessiveness & Jealousy
🥰 Supportive Teammates & Best-Friends
👉 Fresh Out Of A Breakup (SC Cheated On The MC)

Series: Camrose U #1
Cover: 5/5
Format: Ebook ARC
Story: 4/5

Cute, very enjoyable book. Fun story. 🥰
Can’t wait for more Camrose University books!

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒Q🏒u🏒o🏒t🏒e🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

”Nick: Trash talking on the ice isn’t entirely new, if you could even call it that—he was basically making a list of nicknames that mocked me, but I doubt being called hottie could even be called an insult.

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

Genre/Trope:Adult/MM Romance/LGTBQIA Plus/Love MM/ARC

Trigger Warnings: Cheating (SC cheated on the MC), Mentions of parental death, Anxiety, Chronic illness (side character).

Plot: 5/5
POV: 2

Main Characters:
5/5 – Nicholas Sandoval, nickname: Nick, Nicky, Pretty Boy, Golden boy, Campus Hottie, Prom king, Fake-Ass Golden Boy, Boy Next-Door, 20s, cis-man, he/him
5/5 - Caleb Jennings, 20s, cis-man, he/him

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒Q🏒u🏒o🏒t🏒e🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

”Caleb: He seems more confident now that we’ve made out a few times. His long fingers wrap around the base of my head, and he holds me firmly against him, and when I pull away, he chases after my lips and whines. God, I’m going to grow a complex about how this guy makes me feel so wanted.”

🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒

Side Characters: 5/5

I love all the side characters!
Rhys, Maddox and Shultz are incredible friends. Need their books ASAP.
Caleb’s sister Penny was a riot!

Humor: Medium High Focus
Angst: Low Focus
Steam Level: 3.5/5
Romance: High Focus
Cheating? Not bt the MCs
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN? HEA
Favorite character? Nick
Would I read more of this author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes

Enjoyment: 5/5
This is my 1st book Maia Kinley.

Camrose U Series:
1. Zone Entry - 4,0 stars
🤞 Next Books Maddox & Schultz or Rhys & Issac 🤞

!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!

Hope this review was helpful.

Click Here:
To See My StoryGraph Review
To See My Bookbub Review
To See All My Reviews On Goodreads
To See All My Socials

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reserved star athlete discovers love from a teammate who turns his world upside down.

In this first book of a series, Nick Sandoval is a good student and star athlete on his college's hockey team, but secretly feels out of place with his father and stepmother. It is clear to him that he is a product of an unwanted pregnancy. His desire to repay his father for taking him in after his mother died leads him to choose working for his father over pursuing a hockey career. That's because he believes he owes this to his dad because of his help to Nick.

Nick's hockey world is disrupted when Caleb Jennings transfers to Camrose University. A trash talker on the ice, Caleb is a seducer off of it. He is frustrated that he can't get Nick to respond to his banter on the ice and in the locker room. Caleb's uncle, the college team coach, pairs him with Nick, hoping they'll excel together on the ice.

I did receive an ARC of this book, but this review was not influenced by that or by anyone and is my personal opinion of this great book.

Nick is someone who keeps everything inside; he doesn't share important things with his dad or reveal information to others. He just holds it all in. His smile frustrates Caleb, who believes Nick is doing it to provoke him. Caleb makes it his mission to uncover the truth behind Nick's composed exterior, realizing that Nick is a man of values and passion.

Maia Kenley weaves a rich narrative filled with college friends and family, including Caleb's ailing sister, who occasionally requires hospitalization at a facility supported by Nick's family. Ultimately, Maia Kenley delivers an emotional and powerful happy ending.

Caleb becomes the one who speaks for Nick, but in a way that encourages Nick to reveal what he truly wants and his genuine passions, rather than feeling that he owes his dad for his rescue.

This book is a joy to read. It is filled with character details that enhance our understanding of their self-worth and willingness to help others, as well as scenes that meaningfully contribute to character development.

In some MM romance novels with alternating first-person chapters, the dialogue can feel stilted and uncomfortable to read; however, Mia Kenley maintains enough focus on their story that the book flows seamlessly as these two young men grow into great individuals.

I received an ARC of this book, but this review was not influenced by that or by anyone else, and it reflects my personal opinion of this great book.