Fake the Shot

SLC Sting #2

by Olivia Lynd

Fine, maybe Kayden Bouchard does have a secret side—a side softer than the gooiest cinnamon roll. But he's still an arrogant hockey star with an ego even bigger than his highlight reel. Exactly the type of person I can't stand

That's why agreeing to be his fake girlfriend is a terrible decision.

But we're both desperate.

Moving to Salt Lake City is supposed to be my fresh start. A chance to escape my overbearing dad’s shadow and finally build my veterinary career—and my life—on my own terms.

Kayden needs to convince the team's new owners that he's not the playboy they think he is. If he can't, they won't re-sign him.

His brilliant idea? A fake relationship.

Guess who happens to be right there when this idea pops into his head?

Guess who doesn't just say no and walk away?

At least there's no chance I'll ever fall for him. Right?

Fake the Shot is a fake relationship, dislike-to-lovers hockey romance filled with banter and with no third-act breakup. While this is a standalone novel, it takes place after the events in Home Ice, so there are spoilers! Note: this book features a transgender heroine, but her identity as a trans woman is not a central part of the plot.

Genres: Romance, Queer, Sports Romance, Hockey

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2024

About the author

Olivia Lynd writes spicy, sarcastic sports romances with transgender heroines who always get their happy ending.

She grew up loving sports and always dreamed of writing romances. Finally, she decided to combine the two. When she’s not writing, or stressing about her writing, or freaking out because she really needs to be writing, she’s probably reading, hiking, or watching a hockey or baseball game.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake The Shot is a fake dating but it's always been you story. Emory and Kayden have always been attracted to each other but they play it off as dislike since their best friends got together. When Kayden needs to make the team owners see he has cleaned up his reputation, he asks Emory to be his fake girlfriend that leads to his saying they are engaged. Sparks fly and soon lines are blurred. Can they make it a real relationship?
As always, it's full of fun and banter. It is also about being your true self and finding others that live and believe in you, even when you can't believe in yourself.
We also get to catch up with Brant and Lily.

[Melissa Wilks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc for BookSirens

Tropes include Hockey romance, fake relationship., it's always been you.

Fake the Shot Content warnings.
Sexually explicit content
Off-page death of an animal (the heroine is a veterinarian, and this is told in an emotional flashback to her workday.)
Flashbacks to growing up with a severely depressed parent
Book 2 in the SLC Sting series.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was one of my best reads for 2024.
Kayden and Emory have such a funny relationship but they are good together

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayden & Emory: Book 2 of SLC Sting: Fake dating/ dislike to lovers/ hockey romance: Interconnected standalone. Trans woman is the heroine, but her identity is not part of the plot. Olivia Lynd did a great jobs with Kayden and Emory’s story. Loved the banter and the lovable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mackenzie (mackenziespocket) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was fun - better than the first one i think

REP: trans woman main character, fat main character, trans women side characters

[Toni Sellars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake the Shot is a fun and fiery sports romance that hooked me with its humor, sizzling chemistry, and vibrant characters. Olivia Lynd’s writing offers a blend of playful banter, heartfelt moments, and a touch of steam that keeps the pages turning.

What truly stood out for me was the representation in this story, with Emory, a trans woman, as the strong, independent heroine. Her journey felt authentic, and I appreciated the way her identity was respectfully woven into the narrative. Kayden, the cocky hockey star with a hidden depth, complements her perfectly, and their dynamic is full of laugh-out-loud moments and genuine vulnerability.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

While I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the undeniable sparks between Emory and Kayden, I found some areas that held the story back from a full 5-star experience. The pacing felt uneven, with some scenes rushing through pivotal moments while others lingered longer than needed. I also would’ve loved deeper emotional development between the characters to heighten the impact of their connection.

That said, Fake the Shot still delivers an enjoyable read. The hockey backdrop adds an exciting energy, and Lynd’s accessible writing style makes it easy to get lost in the story. Fans of sports romance, fake relationships, and diverse representation will find plenty to love here.

If you’re looking for a playful yet meaningful romance with great representation, Fake the Shot is well worth your time.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Steamy, bold, and fun)

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning story by Olivia Lynd! Fake the Shot is the second book in her Salt Lake City Sting Series and i could not put it down! Olivia is a talented writer that gives her readers heart felt stories with characters you'd love to have as a friend!

Emory is a trained vet working as a tech at her father's practice in Boulder, Colorado. Eager to make a change, she moves to Salt Lake where her best friend, Lily lives. As she begins her new life, she is pulled into a fake dating relationship with Lily's fiancé's best friend Kayden. Emory hates athletes and their egos and the sarcastic witty banter between the two of them made me laugh out loud!

Olivia brought to life loveable characters who face difficult situations realistically. Her supporting characters are as appealing as Emory and Kayden, and she weaves the supporting characters seamlessly in their lives. Lily, Brant and Chloe from the first book are strong presences in the story and add to the concept that one can choose their family. Kayden and Emory struggle with past hurts, inner struggles of self-worth and denial of feelings. Kayden is a dream boyfriend with a depth he hides from the sports world and Emory has body issues that makes it hard for her to believe that someone is truly attracted to her.

I love the Salt Lake City Sting Series, and the world Olivia has given readers with complicated, authentic people facing life with strength with the support of their family and friends. Can't wait to read her next book!

I received an advance readers copy and am leaving this review voluntarily based solely on my personal reading experience.

[A.J. Ven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it’s in the blurb, but I appreciated that Emory wasn’t defined just by her sexuality. She was fleshed out really well. We know her aspirations since she was a little girl, and her goals drive her to make the decisions she makes throughout the book. She was very consistent, which I love the most about a character. She was a little too self-deprecating at times, but the ML typically came in to reassure her right away. This did annoy me a bit because I would struggle to maintain a friendship like that.

ML made me crack up a couple of times. He was one of those book boyfriends who makes you wonder where you’re going to find one like him. His comments against sexism made my eyes roll a few times, but he was a perfect gentleman, so I can’t fault him.

Now, to my favorite part of the book: the side characters!! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the side characters were hollering, and that’s why they were so memorable. I could not stop laughing, from the reporters to the salesman to the assistant. I enjoyed this book; it was a good, lighthearted, easy read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happen to like cute and dorky.
I discovered my love of sport romances a few years, but hockey players take the cake and Kayden, puck boy, is a delight.
He is more than a jock but doesn't let anyone outside his found family see the amazing man inside.
Emory's past has given her a perspective of a jock is just something pretty to look at until she meets the Sting players.
I wish I had a friend reading along as I read, will be passing this series along to my bookclub. I loved the banter and nickname war with word of the day vocabulary dropped into this story.
Looking forward to the next book, maybe a little Sammy and Samara.

First person, dial POV💏
No third act break up
Fake Realationship
Pro hockey player MMC 🏒, veterinarian FMC 👩‍⚕️
Obsessed Cinnamon Roll
Found family
Banter 🤣
Spice 🔥
HEA 🩵🩷🤍

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renee Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayden is determined to protect Emory from the man he's convinced himself he is - a cheater, just like his father. He'll even break his own heart to do it. After Seth, Emory refuses to believe that any man will honestly love her, so she doesn't even give them the chance. Will agreeing to be Kayden's fake fiancée be the worst mistake of her life, or will it put them both exactly where they need to be? Their story has the perfect amount of angst, banter, and will they-won't they chemistry. If they can each stop living in the fears of their past, maybe they can get out of the way of their future.

Olivia has, once again, created a cast of memorable, relatable, and loveable characters. I can't wait to read Sammy and Samara's story!

[Kailey Potash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!!! Olivia definitely sunk another shit in the net with this book!!!

Kayden and Emory are so so cute together and I’ve been waiting to see what would happen between them since the first book.

This book was definitely an emotional roller coaster but I loved every second of the ride there were a few points in the book that will make you wanna grab the both of them and slap some since into them but it definitely all works out in the end for them. Plus it’s so nice to hear about how things are going for Brant, Lily & Chloe♥️♥️

13/10 highly recommend you read this book for yourself I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I did 🤍

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding shot!
I was amazed by the first book of Olivia Lynd - Home Ice, and I was so happy to get this Book 2 of SLC Sting. And wasn't disappointed. First, it was meeting known characters again. Second, this new story was amazing - so funny, so humorous, full of emotions, inner struggles and conflicts, so spicy.
Emory and Kayden are characters that are so easy to fall in love with. Loved their story, interactions, banter, so intense, so strong.
When start reading it is impossible to put it down - you are so into it.
Give me more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs. Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this author's first book, Home Ice, by complete chance. I adored that book and was very excited for Emory's story as she was such a big part of the story line in book 1.

Kayden was the most adorable golden retriever who knew he wanted Emory from the very beginning. I loved that Emory made him work for it, but not in a malicious way.

Emory had a lot of baggage and a wall around her heart a mile high. But Kayden never gave up and watching him dismantle her defenses brick by brick with his steadiness was really lovely to see. The authenticity of their relationship completely engrossed me in their story.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ,hate it’s all the same right? She’s saying no and nodding yes , that sort of thing ? Well it’s even more complicated than that. You see Emory and Kayden avoid each other like the plague. They have to because their best friend’s are together, an item . He’s a cocky playboy hockey star who needs to convince the team’s new owners he’s not the playboy they think he is. He has an idea , to ask for a fake girlfriend to play the part of his one true heart… the rest is a brilliant enemy to lovers romance dance with fun interactions too. Splendid! Love the story ,so will you. It is well written and portrays hockey well too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheri Lexiyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, witty & touching

This book started off as a fun “fake dating” story with sarcastic, witty banter but slowly grew into a touching love story between two people figuring out how to trust and show up for each other in every way. I loved watching Kayden and Emory’s relationship evolve amidst their career hurdles and complex family dynamics. The supporting characters and funny references to movie lines added a nostalgic touch.
The 🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice was fun too. I enjoyed this read.

[Showarst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ❤️

One of my most surprising reads from last year was Olivia Lynd’s Home Ice. I loved the characters and the storyline. So when I saw that book 2 was getting ready to be released, I knew that I would have to read it. Fake the Shot was everything that I was looking for. Emory and Kayden were the perfect enemies-to-lovers. Kayden has been enamored with Emory for over a year. However, she wants nothing to do with him. When his team begins to question if he is a good fit for them due to his playboy ways, he begs Emory to be his fake girlfriend. Emory agrees and the two begin to get closer. Kayden has hidden who he really is, but opens up easily to Emory. I loved that there was more to Kayden than met the eye. The way that he was obsessed with Emory was everything. Emory had walls so high that I wondered if she would let Kayden in. These two were freaking amazing together and I loved them so much. I cannot wait for Samara and Sammy’s story (I assume they are next due to clues near the end). I will gladly read it.

I received an ARC from BookSirens for my honest review

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fun and entertaining story with delightful sarcastic banter. I love Emory and Kayden with all their insecurities, their instant chemistry is palpable. It is a no-brainer to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lovely hockey romance with a lot of humour and an adorable book boyfriend.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake the Shot is a good, and enjoyable hockey boy obsessed curvy girl fake relationship romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, lovable, great banter, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bigbootyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER AMAZING ROMANCE FROM OLIVIA LYND. Just as good as the previous one. Plot situations wise, i prefer the first BUT chemistry, romance, smut, banter??? This takes the cake. I LOVE EMORY AND KAYDEN SO MUCH.

The author writes so well btw. Really really well. Applause.

Also all the main characters of the series just feel like a family you wish you had.

[Tara Cavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of 2025 🥰 This book was so good! I absolutely love Emory and Kayden!! The banter, the way their relationship develops, the emotions it was everything! I loved that she was a described as a bigger girl as you don’t see that too often. I also may be bias but I loved that I finally read a book that had a character with my name! I was so into this book and couldn’t stop reading because I was routing for them to finally see that they were meant to be. I love a good hockey romance book ❤️ The family dynamic of the team and how they support their teammates is almost as heartwarming as the blossoming relationship. Definitely a must read this year!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

Really loving this series and I'm hoping that it continues! Loved both of these characters, actually all of the characters!

[Gena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't get past the 1st chapter - not my kind of read. I deleted it from my Kindle but now I wish I had returned it for a refund.

[Janet Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Emory stood by Kayden when the bad news story came out. Other books would have had her running out on him (not believing Kayden's love for her), but she didn't.

Great story.

[Kat McDevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next one! Hurry up!!!

[szreads]

I need Samara and Sammy next pls

[Annette Megaughin-Helder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emory is a trans woman who is fed up of being treated like a nurse rather than the extremely capable vet she is by her veterinarian dad. She wants to be taken seriously. She hasn’t studied veterinary medicine and worked her curvy butt off for nothing. So she moves to Salt Lake City where her bestie Lily lives with her hockey player fiancé.

Unfortunately it’s also where his team mate Kayden lives, and Emory hates Kayden. Never mind they had an amazing night together, he is just impossibly cocky.

When he suggests for her to be his fake girlfriend so he can boost his reputation she says no at first. But wouldn’t it be great to piss her dad off even more by saying yes?

Of course they get back together for real. And then something happens to drive them apart, only for them to overcome it. It was quite predictable that way.

But the book is well written, spicy, and the characters are funny and likeable. And I loved the sarcastic jeweller!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emory is a veterinarian working for her dad who does not let her do much in his clinic. She decides to move to Salt Lake City where her best friend Lily, lives. She had a one-night stand with Kayden. Kayden has a reputation with the ladies and now the new owner of the hockey team stresses family values. Kayden and Emory make a pact that she will be his pretend girlfriend until his contract is renewed or their friends get married. The insecurities both Emory and Kayden have were interesting as they helped each other overcome them. The comradery of the hockey team was refreshing, and the extra volunteer activities Kayden does paints a different picture of him. Great characters. I enjoyed the banter between Emory and Kayden and the way her parents embraced him.

[Erica Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW this book takes you on a ride! you fall in love with the characters & really feel like you’re in SLC with them! emory is so lovable i spent the entire book rooting for her happy ending! i didn’t read the first book in the series but im going to now!

[Sasha K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a good book I do wish that they gave a little more back story of Emory and what she went through. The ending was super sweet how she went from hating kayden to loving him and getting in to hockey for him.

[book lover 2025 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book I love hockey at the moment and this is the first time I have read a book which had a trans woman. I loved the comedy of it which was the best part of it